Page 23 of Pretend it’s Forever

“It’s not like your father had many, if any, women in the echelons of the company,” I pointed out.

“That is true. But he had slowly begun to hire people other than white men over time, probably because he couldn’t keep his hands on all facets of the business when James, Flynn, and I moved our way in.”

“You have people from all walks of life working here. People from different backgrounds who are all the best at what they do. It’s a good place.” I tried to make my business along the same lines. It wasn’t easy when some recruiters and other old school businessmen tried to take over, but I pushed them out. Old school was just another name for asshole bigot in my book, and I didn’t deal with them. I bought them out and made their businesses better.

Aston’s smile looked real and I was grateful for that. While I’d known Flynn longer as we shared secrets no one else needed to know, I’d slowly become friends with many of the Cages—Aston and James the closest. “We’re trying. I was glad when you broke off from your father’s business and started your own. We can build good economically and environmentally-sound businesses together and ensure that we annoy your father. I feel like it’s a win-win.”

My lips twitched. “It does sound like a win, doesn’t it? My father’s an asshole. He’s not a good person. And he’s going to do everything in his power to stop this partial merger, but I don’t care. He doesn’t have the wherewithal nor the standing in whatever society he thinks he needs to make it any higher than he is. He’s failing. The judges he used to bribe are dead or retired, and he hasn’t found enough new ones like I have.”

“As if you would bribe someone.”

“I would do all manner of things to protect my family, Aston. You know that more than anyone.”

The other man met my gaze and nodded. “That is true. I hear you’ve been spending a lot of time with my siblings.”

For a moment I thought he meant Sophia, but that wouldn’t make any sense. The only time they would’ve known we were in the same room or near each other would’ve been on the street with Flynn, at that family dinner where everyone had been there, and when I had found her the first time.

No, it wasn’t Sophia.

“Should I apologize for Flynn’s busted lip?”

“No, he probably deserved it. I’ve seen you fight, Carson. You’re not accidental in any of your moves, and you’re ensuring that my brothers are the same way. Meaning they’re doing something that they want to do, albeit safely. You might have to deal with my wife later on though.”

“What will I have to deal with?” Blakely asked as she walked into the room, her gorgeous blonde hair flowing past her shoulders, and wearing a similar gray pantsuit.

She looked like a million bucks, but I would never say anything like that. I was allowed to think that my friend’s wife was hot, I wasn’t allowed to act like an idiot. There was no need. Because there was only one woman on my mind these days, and that bothered me to no end.

“I’m teaching your brothers how to fight MMA style. And box, and kick ass. We’re having fun.”

Blakely gave a dramatic sigh. “Boys.”

“I think the word you’re looking for is men,” I teased.

“Stop hitting on my wife, Woods.”

“If I was hitting on your wife, you would know it.”

“Oh, that’s a good line,” Blakely teased. “Do you use that on all the women that stroll around you and swoon?”

“Maybe. The swooning gets tiresome though. Constantly having to catch them before they hit the ground. Nobody wants a concussion.”

She grinned, and Aston rolled his eyes dramatically.

“Read your contracts, and we’ll go over everything electronically before you head out. I hear you’re meeting Dorian later?” he asked. “Catching up with every Cage?”

Not the Cage that I wanted, I thought, but I didn’t say that out loud.

“He just opened that new club last week, and I haven’t been by. I’m too old for dance clubs with loud music and lights that blind you, but this one has whiskey, cigars, and a little bit of dancing.”

“It’s really nice.” Blakely leaned forward and organized the papers on the table better. “Dorian knows what he’s doing, and the place will do well, I think.”

“Considering you’re the one that helped with the business side of it, I know it’ll do well,” Aston said proudly.

I grinned up at Blakely. “Thank you for working on this deal by the way,” I said. “I know you have too many things on your plate, but I wanted the best.”

I wasn’t trying to suck up to her at all, not because she was friends with Sophia, or even Aston’s wife. She was a brilliant business manager who specialized in strengthening ties, and finding ways to keep people in their job, without bleeding the company dry. And while Isabella Cage was a forensic accountant who excelled at so many other things that were helpful, I knew I was in good hands with the Cages and always had been.

“My pleasure. I like a company that is honest. You don’t find that often these days. Have fun tonight, and maybe try not to break any of my brothers-in-laws’ noses. They’re kind of cute.”