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“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He raised a brow. “How are you and Roth?”
“Good.” When his eyes narrowed, she tacked on, “Great.”
“I heard you interrupted a meeting and nearly had sex in front of everyone.”
Her mouth dropped. “We didn’t! He just kissed me.” She slapped the arm of the chair. “Those guys are such gossips!”
He chuckled. “Honestly, I was happy to hear the tale, exaggerated though it may be. Sounds like a man who’s infatuated with his wife. As he should be. I also hear he’s adjusted his schedule to allow for more personal time.”
She stiffened. “You’re keeping tabs?”
“Of course,” he said as if that were a given.
“You promised you would back off!”
“No, I didn’t.” When she gawked at him, he flicked his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’m being smart about it, Min. Don’t worry.”
“Lyle!”
“I’m the least of his problems. He’s making some aggressive moves against Maximus’s partners that has everyone on edge. I don’t know if he’s suicidal or a genius, but word’s out that he has a blacklist. Believe me, I’m not the only one watching him like a hawk. We’re friendly now, but I’d be a fool not to watch my back.”
She slumped in her seat. “I just want you all to get along. Is that too much to ask? I don’t want to have to choose between him or family again.”
“We’re trying, cara.”
She let out a shuddering breath. “I just saw Ariana.”
“How did that go?”
Her eyes filled with tears. He took the seat beside her and put his arm around her. She leaned into him and let him stroke her hair and murmur reassurances in Italian.
“I can talk to her.”
“Don’t bother.” She swiped at a stray tear. “It’s mine and Roth’s first Christmas together. Maybe it’s best we spend it alone.”
In between meetings, she’d been acquiring gifts for friends and family but most especially Roth, since he’d expressed an interest in them this time around. On a whim, she’d bought something extravagant. One of her friends from Whartons knew someone in the business and had taken care of it so there was no paper trail for Roth to find out on his own. The gift was a wee bit overboard, but she was determined to make up for the lackluster ones she’d given in the past. It was sappy and romantic, and it would benefit both of them in the long run. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction.
“You shouldn’t let Ariana stop you from coming to Christmas,” Lyle said, drawing her attention back to the original shitty topic.
“I thought things would be different now that Dad’s gone, but it’s the same. History keeps repeating itself over and over.” She sniffled and accepted the tissue he offered. “You don’t agree with Ariana that he’d harm the kids, and you’re doing business with him... That means you trust him to some extent.”
His eyes moved over her face before he said, “I trust him with my money, but not with you. He’s the man you do business with but don’t want in your family. He’s unpredictable, uncompromising, and ruthless.”
She lifted her chin. “He compromises with me.”
“Then you may be the only person on the planet he’ll cede to.” His expression hardened into grim lines. “He’s playing a dangerous game with people you shouldn’t fuck with. He’s willing to take on the world. I hope you don’t get hurt in the process.”
“He’ll protect me.”
“I hope so.” He glanced at his watch. “I have a call in five minutes.”
“Then I should leave you to it.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. I really needed to talk to someone after seeing Ari, and Roth wasn’t here, so...”
“I’m second-best now? I’m offended,” he said flatly, but his eyes were warm and teasing.
“Thanks for letting me know all of New York is watching my every move.”
He got to his feet and gave her another tight hug, which she returned with equal fervor. “I’m proud of you for taking charge of your inheritance. Colette and Ariana have always underestimated you. I never have. Although I still think you should consult Roth, Colette did some research on the companies you chose, and according to her, it seems like you’re on the right track.” He pulled back, revealing a broad smile. “She thought Roth was guiding you though, so she might change her mind when she finds out you made the decision on your own.”
