Page 128 of Watching Her

I lifted the glass, laughing. “I don’t know. I refuse to invade her privacy more than I already have.”

“Wow. You finally garnered some honor,” Kingston said sarcastically.

“Shut the fuck up. I can’t lose her.”

“Well, I don’t know what you think you’re going to do. Did you tell her how you feel about her?”

“I showed her.”

Now he burst into laughter. “After all the romantic interludes you orchestrated, you have a lot to learn about women. She needs to be told. And said with meaning. You also need to grovel with an apology.”

“What makes you an expert?”

He lifted his eyebrows. “I enjoy getting to know women the old-fashioned way.”

“She’s so incredible. To hear the lengths Carrington went to secure a position that should have gone to her, including planting evidence so she’d look like a traitor, burns the hell out of me. George should learn what happened.”

“Speaking of George. How do you want to handle the bidding situation? It’s down to us and Covington.”

“I want to destroy them.”

“Including George?”

My brother had a point. “I don’t know. I have nothing to prove that Brandon talked with Carrington. Without that, it’s my disgruntled word against an employee George obviously has faith in. And even though the photograph she was shown is fake, it’ll definitely make the Duboises think twice.”

He nodded. “You’re right. We need to figure out something.”

My phone dinged and I was frustrated. I had it in my hand before I realized what the sound indicated. An incoming email to my personal account.

That very few people had. I glanced at my phone, pulling up the text.

“What is it?” Kingston took a step closer.

“An email from Penelope. Hold on.” Confusion was rare for me, but right now, that’s the way I felt. What had she sent to me? I headed toward my computer, pulling the email up so I could see it more clearly. There was an attachment. As soon as I opened it, I laughed. “That’s my girl.”

“What?” He moved around to the other side of my desk, peering over my shoulder. “Penelope sent you that?”

“She did.”

“You’re right. She is quite… resourceful.”

I leaned back, thinking about how to handle it. “You know what? I have an idea that’s totally removed from everything I’ve ever done before.”

“For the company or because you want her back?”

“Both reasons, but mostly, for once I want to do the right thing. She deserves a chance at obtaining everything she wants in life. Even if it doesn’t include me.”

I had promised her everything. And if there was one thing about me anyone could count on it was that I always kept my promises.

“I’m glad to hear it, brother. Maybe you can finally face all the demons you’ve held in keeping so many secrets.”

“What secrets are you talking about?”

“You honestly believe I didn’t know our father continued to work with the syndicate? You must think me stupid.”

The look he offered allowed me a smile. “I wanted to protect you.”

“And I appreciate you being the big brother. Now, why don’t you finally accept you’re not some superhero. Except maybe to the woman you’ve fallen in love with. And don’t bother denying it. It’s written all over your face.”