Page 80 of Temporary Vows
“I am. It’s actually perfect. You wanted me with a respectable woman who could make me look good. She can do both. She’s a high school teacher. When people dig, they’ll find a woman from my past. A girl I grew up with.” I worked it out earlier and came up with the perfect narrative. “We can tell people we’ve been seeing each other on and off for years but never made it official because of tension between our families. The thing with Grace pushed me back to Elodie, and I decided to stop wasting time and lock it down with an impromptu wedding.”
Dad’s face brightens, surprisingly. “That would definitely work and smooth things over.”
“It would.”
“Fine. I like it.”
Hearing his approval lifts the weight from my shoulders in a way I don’t like. It shows just how much power he has over me. “Glad to hear it.”
“I do. But remember the three-month trial.” He lifts his chin and fixes me with a head-on stare. “If anything happens duringthat time, that’s it, Dorian. I won’t give you any more chances. If I do, it will look like I’m favoring my son over the best interest of the company. So, the COO position will go to Parker.”
I dip my head, but I loathe the ultimatum. “Don’t worry about that.”
He narrows his gaze and looks me over. “And Grace? I hope she’s out of the picture.”
“She is.”
“Great. Looks like we’re back on the same page then.” He gives me a curt nod. “Any other news on the mole?”
“Not yet. My people are still looking into it.” I trust Salvatore to do a thorough job, but the fact that he hasn’t pinned this person down yet suggests they’ve covered their tracks well enough that not even a mob boss can find them. They’ll be found, though. One way or another. I won’t rest until it’s done.
“Keep me updated.”
“Sure.” I nod again. “See you later.”
“See you. And I suppose congratulations are in order.” He extends a hand to shake mine.
I give him a firm handshake then head out.
He watches me as I go. I know he’s not entirely certain of my plan, but at least I met his major demand.Marriage.
Marriage for a guy like me is like entering foreign territory in an alternate dimension. But I’ll make it work.
I make my way to my office, but my steps slow when I notice the door is ajar. Someone is waiting for me inside—a death sentence in the making. Not even my brothers go in there without my permission.
Elodie was the exception the other night. My secretary did the right thing by putting her there.
Since I know Elodie is at the house, whoever’s in there is just asking for trouble.
Parker.It has to be him.
But when I walk inside, I see I’m wrong.
It’s not Parker.
It’s Jack.
Chapter 18
Dorian
Jack stands by the window, his back to me, his hands in his pockets.
Just like the old days, he’s clad in full black from head to toe.
He turns to face me, and when we look at each other, it’s almost as if nothing has changed. But it has. So much has changed, we’re not the same people anymore.
I close the door behind me. The click is sharp in the quiet.
