Page 122 of Twisted Truth

I know she’s tried to mend the wounds with her family, but I don’t know how much success she’s had. She doesn’t speak about it. But clearly, for me, she’s willing to wield her family’s name like a weapon. Lucy’s loyalty will be her undoing one day, I swear it.

“I see,” Declan says. And that’s another confirmation for me. Declan’s clearly heard of them. “But I don’t really know what you’re doing in my office, demanding money from me. I’m not the one‘dating’Ella.”

“Believe me, I would be having this conversation with Asher if he was here, but he’s not. I leave today for Chicago, and this isn’t the type of conversation to have over the phone. Don’t you agree?”

“Your discretion is admirable,” Declan deadpans. “But again, I have nothing to do with this. I’ll be sure to bring yourconcernsto my brother when he returns.”

“I want confirmation when that happens.”

Declan rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you know how to reach Ella.”

“Ella is not always forthcoming on these matters. For instance, if she had told me she was short on money after Kyle the asshole stole from her,” she turns her head toward me and levels me with narrowed eyes, “I would havesent her money.” Now I roll my eyes. She glares again at Declan. “And if she had told me about this catastrophe of a proposition, I would have told her in no uncertain terms to say no.

“So, as much as I love Ella, I don’t really trust her to be honest with me like she should be. She’d probably tell me your family is great and nice and lovely and generous whether you give her the extra money she deserves or not. She’s too nice, and I don’t trust her judgment on this. So I want a fucking confirmation from you or Asher if that’s not too difficult of atask for you to perform. Or if it’s beyond your capabilities, I can leave my name and number with one of your administrative assistants, I’m sure they at least are competent at their jobs.”

Now Declan’s eyes narrow. “You’re a real ray of sunshine.”

“It’s not my job to be sunshine. My job is to get things done. Like you, I’m a COO. But unlike you, I keep operations enforced. Don’t think whispers of Greenspan’s difficulties haven’t reached many ears in the business world.”

“There’s nothing wrong with Greenspan’s operations,” Declan says, defensive.

“Oh? Just a string of bad luck, then.”

Declan opens his mouth to retort, but closes it. He takes a deep breath, studying Lucy like he’s sizing her up.

What the hell is that about? What is Greenspan?

Declan plants a faux friendly smile on his face. “I will speak to Asher as soon as he returns, and I will send you a confirmation, myself, as difficult as that will inevitably be for me. Leave your contact information with my competent administrative assistants. It’s been a pleasure, Ms. Morozov.”

Lucy stands with a satisfied smile on her face. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

She walks with a bit more jaunt to her step as she exits the office. I trail behind her, and then turn back to Declan once she’s out the door. “I’m so sorry about that.” I run my hand down my face. “Lucy can be tough, but she means well. She’s just very protective of those she loves.”

“Yes, well I would call you lucky for having someone fight for you, but that she-demon seems like she’s as much of a curse as she is a blessing.”

“She’s really not that bad. She’s just passionate.”

“I can hear you,” Lucy scolds from a few feet away. “This is exactly what I’m talking about! You shouldn’t be apologizing for demanding your worth, Ella. That’s why you need me here; you won’t do it yourself.”

Declan stands from his desk and walks toward me. He pushes the door shut, much to a hissing Lucy’s dismay.

“If you repeat what I’m about to say to her, we’re no longer friends,” Declan says, tilting his chin in mock seriousness.

I bite my lip to keep from smiling. “Okay.”

“Swear it.” He holds out his pinky finger.

I snort. “You want me to pinky promise?”

“Well, I can’t exactly ask for a blood oath now, can I?”

I reach forward and link my pinky with his.

“Okay,” he says, dropping our hands once we’ve made our super secure pinky promise pact. “The she-demon may have a point about the money.”

“Her name is Lucy.”

“Lucy sounds like the name of someone who is sweet.That thingis anything but sweet. Her name should be Lilith, let’s be clear on that.”