Grumpy Boss

“I agree,” Rees said. “I’m glad you were willing to meet with me regardless.”

“Yes, well. Giana and Cousin Linus told me the story, and I almost felt bad for you. Of course, you deserve it, but still.”

Rees’s smile was tight as he learned toward her. “And tell me, why would I deserve having my reputation smeared?”

“Just because you didn’t have an affair with Giana, doesn’t mean you haven’t made that same sort of mistake in the past.”

I looked between them and felt my heart racing. She looked partially angry, partially amused, and Rees seemed studiously neutral, like he was trying not to reveal how he felt. This whole time, I found it hard to believe that Rees was truly friends with an aristocratic biscuit magnate twenty years older than him, and yet seeing them together, I could almost understand it. She had that same, pissed-off affect, like she was frustrated that the world wasn’t as she wanted it to be. He looked around the same way: like he could almost change things, for the better, if only the fabric the universe would bend to his will.

They were a match made in heaven, or maybe in hell. Either way, it was a match, and I wanted to get far away from there.

“That’s also unfair,” he said. “But I understand you’re angry.”

“My family doesn’t like scandal,” she said, her words clipped and short. “Linus is a prominent politician. This little news story might have set his career back.”

“And you wouldn’t have some major investments in his career, would you?” Rees smirked at her softly. I gaped at him, shocked that he’d make such an insinuation, but Lady Fluke didn’t seem bothered.

“You know I do,” she said. “The Italian market’s been difficult, and I hope Linus can help soften them up for us a bit.”

“And here you are, giving me a lecture on ethics.”

“I don’t get caught,” she said, leaning toward him. “You think I care who you sleep with? You should know me better than that by now.”

Rees nodded slowly. “I do, and you should know me. I’d never get involved in scandal that might hurt you.”

“Yet here we are.” She took another sip of her tea. “Explain how.”

“Desmond,” I said. “I showed Linus the proof.”

“Yes, you did.” Her lips pursed. “I find it hard to believe.”

“He still holds a grudge, even after all these years.”

She tapped her fingers against the teacup. Her nails were pristine and simple, manicured, shaped, and covered in a clear coat. “Why are you here, Rees? You wouldn’t have hunted me down all the way out here if there weren’t a reason.”

“Making amends isn’t enough?” he asked, tilting his head to one side, and I thought he was pushing it a little hard. She already seemed in a bad mood, and we really did need something for her—I thought he’d be more apologetic.

And yet maybe that wasn’t the sort of person Lady Fluke was. She must’ve known, better than I did.

“Not for you,” she said. “Spit it out then. I have to be going soon. I’m sure Judith told you my schedule.”

“She’s a peach, that one,” Rees said, and leaned back in his chair, seeming casual for such a large moment. “I met a man named Alfie Mackie recently. He’s a bond trader, and he wants to invest in your company.”

Lady Fluke let out a slow sigh. “Rees,” she said. “You know I don’t have any American investors.”

“Not yet, you don’t,” he said, tapping a knuckle on the table. “Alfie’s the real deal and backed by a good shop. I know he’s a little distasteful, but it’s time for you to grow. Let him buy some bonds, just to get a foot in the door. I’ll send you his prospectus. I promise, it’s interesting.”

She studied him for a long moment as she finished her tea. I felt like the whole room was zoomed down to one tiny spot, one miniscule moment in time, and everyone was staring, hanging on Lady Fluke’s words. Of course, that wasn’t sure—the dining room continued on like nothing had happened, the sound of chatter and cutlery against plates making an easy white-noise soundtrack, but I was fully invested.

Slowly, Lady Fluke looked toward me. I blinked once, then twice, and felt as though I were stuck to my chair. “I want to talk to your assistant first,” she said.

Rees grunted in surprise and looked in my direction. “Are you sure?” he asked. “Millie knows some details, but—“

“Please,” Lady Fluke said.

Rees pushed back from the table and stood. “By all means then. I’ll be in the lobby if you need me.” And with that, he left me alone. I wanted to reach out and grab his wrist, tell him he could squeeze my ass one more time if he promised not to leave me along with Lady Fluke, but he was already gone, and I didn’t think that would help our situation at all.