Page 36 of Twisted Knight

“Your brother isn’t acting in your best interest.”

“You say that like I should be surprised.”

“If you’re not then me stating the obvious shouldn’t alarm you.”

“Ah. So that’s what this is.” I draw in a frustrated breath as all the pieces of this conversation fall into place. “This is where you attempt to divide and conquer. Ask me to join you so you can make a show that I’ve turned against Rhett. Or Chad. Try to pit us against each other to make this acquisition easier for you. I may not be Rhett’s biggest fan, but I assure you I’m even less of one when it comes to you.”

“And just like that you’re willing to side with him knowing you might be part of the collateral damage?” Holden gives a measured nod. “After all these grand speeches and defiant comebacks, I was expecting a bit more of a backbone.”

“Nice try, Holden,” I say, my shoulders squaring and my anger simmering. “I don’t give a shit what you think about me.”

“Don’t be mistaken,” he says, his eyes steeled against mine. “I’m not asking you to work with me because I want you to. I prefer to work alone. But you made a solid point earlier—you know the ins and outs of this business. I may very well be an asshole, as you so kindly pointed out…”

I glare at him.

“But I’m worth about four hundred million dollars.” He lifts his brows in emphasis. “I didn’t get here by making poor business decisions, and you, Sunshine, are a business decision.”

I have no idea how to take that. It’s a compliment and a jab at the same time. My head dizzies from his words, the double-edged opportunity he’s offering, his cologne, and the smirk he casts casually across the room.

I need to get out of here.

“Are we done?” I ask.

“Your hostility is blinding you in more ways than one. It’s a detriment; don’t let it be your downfall.”

And with that, Holden Knight sits back down behind his desk and focuses on paperwork, effectively dismissing me.

I stare at him for a beat more before stalking down the hallway, maybe stomping my feet a little harder than I should.

I’m angry. Livid. Furious. At him for asking me. At him for thinking he can put a wedge between my brother and me to use to his advantage.

And at myself for even considering it.

ELEVEN

Holden

Goose bumps on her bare skin.

A hitch in her breath.

The pulse skating in her neck.

Dare I say I admire Rowan Rothschild slightly? There’s a grit to her that I didn’t expect. That doesn’t negate who she is. How she grew up. The things she did or the last name she so proudly wants to represent in owning this business.

Rowan Rothschild played her cards in my office the other day, and she didn’t even know it. She’s going to say yes to me. She’s going to partner up with me to screw over Rhett.

I grin.

And I’m going to fuck her in the process.

A woman with a strong backbone and unapologetic defiance like hers? There’s no denying that it’s a definite turn-on.

I’m rarely challenged by anyone, let alone an intelligent, stunning woman. To say she’s added an element of unknown to this whole venture is an understatement.

To say I need to keep myself in check and not get distracted, even more so.

Make no mistake, she’ll say yes, and I’ll have her twisted in the sheets beneath me in no time. I can’t say I won’t enjoy it.