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Gregory’s smile stretched wider, not reassuring me in the slightest. “I champion living a life on your terms, not society’s expectations. If you want to bend over a desk, that should be your choice. And you’re not just an employee, you’re one of my dearest friends.”

I groaned. “Friends don’t set friends up with assholes.”

“Even if they’re everything they’d never admit they always wanted?”

“He’s not a good guy, Gregory.”

“No, but he could be good to you.”

That suggestion shouldn’t make my chest flutter. Shouldn’t make the voice in my brain saying what if grow even louder. A sick feeling spread in my stomach as I contemplated where Gregory might’ve got his insight.

“Know him well enough to judge that, do you?” The sharpness in my voice shouldn’t have been there. It gave away too much.

Gregory huffed. “Down, boy. I don’t know him like that. We have a mutual acquaintance. Someone I trust who gave me a little insight into what makes him tick. We just think the two of you might be a better fit than you think.”

Gregory was trying to look innocent, but I wasn’t buying it. I’d known him too long. He loved manipulating the people around him, and he was disturbingly talented at it. If he weren’t so well-meaning with it, I would’ve abandoned our friendship long ago, but he only used his powers for good.

“So, someone’s trying to set up Alexei as well? Do they know I’m not going to give him an heir?” Bitterness was slipping into my voice despite my best efforts. Gregory knew my infertility was a sore spot, given how many relationships had imploded because of it.

“His sister has kids. He doesn’t need an heir. He needs someone who sees more than money and power.”

“Oh, is the poor little billionaire lonely?” I felt like an asshole as soon as I said it.

“You both are, Ryder, and you of all people should understand what it’s like when people can’t see past something you can’t change to the person underneath.”

“No one’s making him keep the money. He could give it away.”

Gregory pinched the bridge of his nose like I was being obtuse. “Just think about it? For me?”

“Think about what?”

“Whether he could give you what you’ve always wanted.”

“He’s not offering anything more than his knot and a pay check, Gregory. Just like all the rest.”

“He’s nothing like all the rest, and you know it. I just want you happy, Ryder.”

“And you really think Alexei is the way to make that happen? I don’t think that man even knows what an emotion is.”

“I bet you could teach him.”

“Nuh-uh. I know what you’re doing, G. I’m not falling for it. Don’t make him a challenge.”

“A deal then. If Alexei doesn’t say or do something to show he’s capable of caring about you in the next week, I’ll assign him someone else and give you first pick of my top jobs.”

“And if he does?”

“Then you give him a chance.”

“The only chance he’s asking for is a chance at my ass.”

“Every relationship’s got to start somewhere.”

I rolled my eyes again. This was ridiculous. “How is this even a deal? I could just quit.” Why was I even entertaining Gregory’s ridiculous suggestion?

“Didn’t pick you for a quitter, Ryder.”

“Fuck you, G.”