Perfect Grump (Bad Chicago Bosses)

Abby laughs. “You’re boned, Reese. That’s father material, right there.”

I bite my tongue. “I told him he’d be a good dad, and he freaked out. He’s got the whole Jekyll and Hyde thing down pat.”

My phone vibrates against my leg. I pull it out of my pocket. Lucifer’s ears must’ve been burning with us talking about him.

Nick: The executive assistant told me you’re taking a long lunch today. Why?

“Hang on,” I say into the receiver. “He’s texting me now.”

Reese: None of ya business, Nosy.

Nick: You’re not at that apartment without me, are you?

Reese: Again, nosy.

Nick: Take Ward if you won’t have me. Or bill yourself a bodyguard on my card. I’m serious.

Reese: What? He’s lost his mind. If I don’t want you around, why would I want your married brother growling at me instead?

It’s a family thing that must skip generations, the Brandt boys’ uniquely hot-and-cold assholery.

Nick: I just want to make sure you and Millie are okay.

Reese: This isn’t your issue.

Nick: I’ll hire you a bodyguard. Not bluffing.

I try not to snort out loud, knowing he’d probably “hire” himself.

Reese: Wtf? You know you’re my boss, right? Not my big brother and def not my boyfriend. I’m with my sister. Her visits are timed. Later.

Nick: Sorry. Promise me you won’t go alone.

Yeah, I’m not promising anything. It’s not his business and I still have a smidge of diminishing pride intact.

I power my phone off.

“He’s texting you nonstop? Must be serious,” Abby says, flicking at her hair.

“Forget about Brandt. I need to know what happened.” I lean forward, assessing how she reacts.

Her jaw clenches and she stiffens. The smile that was there only seconds ago shrivels up and dies.

“We’ve been through this...I made a mistake. I’m sorry.”

“I need to know what mistakes you made, Abby. Like why you’re not talking to the attorney. He’s not cheap.”

She slumps forward, resting her face on her hand.

“I’m just...I’m sorry. How much is it costing?”

Crud. She’s going to harass me over this one too.

“Enough,” I snap. “I mean, it’s partly a company legal expense—personal crisis and all–but the man’s only as good as his info from you.”

“Hallelujah. My sister’s lover boy is so rich he’s buying me a lawyer man. At least something good came out of this, right? Besides waiting to wake up in Orange is the New Black, I mean...”

“For the last freaking time, he’s my boss. Nothing more. Also, you’re deflecting. Nick’s money is no good if you don’t talk to the attorney.”

Her face sinks, that sarcasm melting off. “I can’t.”

“Why?”

“I just can’t,” she says in that same haunted small voice before looking up at me again. “And is Millie safe with this nanny? Like if Will comes in and says he’s her dad...is she going to let him leave with her?”

“They won’t let Millie leave with anyone who isn’t me,” I say.

“Well, that’s heartening. But what’s Nick Brandt going to do? File a custody suit on your behalf? Barricade the office? I don’t think it’ll keep him from snatching her sooner or later.”

“He’s a Navy man—”

“Ohh, spicy. Explains why he’s so ripped.”

“Honestly, I don’t think he’d have to be a badass to take out Will Frisk. I could take out that miserable snake.”

“You’d be surprised,” she says, not a drop of humor in her tone.

I stare, blinking. “Listen. Do you want to be with Millie again?”

“You know I do. How could you even ask?”

“Then you’ve got to talk to Sutton—or at least talk to me.”

Again, those sad, hopeless eyes.

I’m losing hope she’ll say anything more before she whispers, “It’s not safe, Reese.”

My heart stops.

“Who hit you? Tell me.” I can work backward with just a name.

“What? Hit me?” She looks up.

“You had a medical exam the night you were arrested, Abby. They said there were bruises to your face and head. Are you going to pretend you hit yourself?”

“I—I don’t remember.”

Damn her. She may be my sister and scared for her life, but I’m ready to strangle this chick.

“Uh-huh. You get hit so often it wasn’t memorable?”

She doesn’t answer.

“You hit yourself?”

Still no answer.

“Jesus. Abby, I want to help you, but you’re making it ridiculously hard. The longer it takes you to speak up, the longer you’ll be away from Millie, and she’s started having nightmares. Do you want that?”

Her face sours, wrinkling with frustration.

“Is that why you came? To remind me how shitty of a mom I am?”

“I didn’t say that. I think you’re great, whatever happened to put you here. It’s a lot harder than I thought being a parent.”

She gives me a thin smile.

“Are you managing okay?” Before I can answer she says, “Well, I guess you are. You’ve got Nick’s nanny, and he’s carrying the kiddo around.”

“He even showed up for dinner with juice boxes and snacks.”

“Holy hell. If you don’t marry this guy, I will.”

“You’re not marrying anyone if you don’t get out of here, and apparently you don’t want out badly enough to talk.” I sigh.