“I’m curious to hear what you think you know about mybusiness.”
“Puh-lease,” she says and rolls her eyes. “I know more than just your calendar. I’m here all the time. I watch you when you work, I listen when you talk, and I know the type of people you work with. I’m not stupid. I know you are not a stockbroker. That fantasy went out the window a month after I started working for you.”
I’m not shocked. I’ve never hidden things from her, but I tried to be discreet. The less she knew, the better. “You do realize that if you do this and shit goes bad, you could end up in jail or, even worse, dead. Is that something you’re willing to risk?”
“Stop being the overprotective brother,” she whines. “It doesn’t suit you.”
“I’ll always be that, Coco. I’ve protected you this long, it’s not something I can just turn off.”
I’d do anything to protect her. She had such a shitty start in life that I’d do whatever to make her life better. I didn’t know any other life. I grew up in this world.
My father started to teach me computers before I was even in elementary school. By the time I hit junior high, I hacked into some of the biggest companies in the world with him by my side. I never had the choice like I’m giving Coco. No one tried to talk me out of it either. It was the family business that I was born into, but I put my own twist on things to make it easier for me to live with.
“I have no family, no boyfriend, no kids. Who would miss me if I’m gone?” She exhales, glancing toward the floor and pounding the back of her high heel against the floor. “I really have no reason not to do it.”
“You’re twenty-one and have your entire life still ahead of you. You have plenty of time for kids and a boyfriend. Don’t throw it all away for money. I was never given a choice, but I’m giving this to you because I love you like you’re my own sister.”
Her cheeks turn the brightest shade of pink. “While I appreciate that you care what happens to me, Nix, I just want to learn what to do in case something happens. Think of me as your apprentice. Teach me what you know and how to do it, and I’ll only get involved when you need me.”
I ponder her statement, and I know it’s not a good idea. Not for her anyway. But there’s part of me that knows she’s right. At any moment, the walls around me could come crashing down and everything I’ve worked so hard for would come to an abrupt end. I have no backup. No second-in-command to hand over my empire to.
I’m staring at her and she’s staring right back at me, unwavering in her statement while I agonize over my next words.
“Fine, but there are a few conditions.”
Her tiny frame starts to bounce in the chair, and she has the biggest smile on her face. “Oh my God, really? I don’t care what they are…I’ll do it. I’ll make you proud, Nix.”
My fingers dig into the bridge of my nose, and I already regret saying yes. “I’m not worried about being proud. I’m worried about keeping you alive and out of prison.”
“Orange isn’t really my color anyway.”
“Coco, be serious for a second.” My tone isn’t as playful as hers.
Her back straightens and she sobers. “Yes, sir.”
“We’re going to go slow and at my pace. You can’t rush these things. Some of the tasks I give you will seem mundane and unimportant, but each of them is vital. Understand?”
She nods and her lips twist as she bites the inside of her cheek.
“We’ll start on Monday.”
“That’s three days away,” she whines, but when I glare at her, she nods. “Fine.”
“Take the weekend to make sure this is what you really want, and if you still want to go forward with this, we’ll start fresh next week. And, Coco,” I say, letting my voice trail off.
“Yeah?”
“When you’re out this weekend, take a look at the world around you. Taste your favorite foods and think if you could live without them. Go to your favorite places and see if you could live without ever setting eyes on them again. Everything you love about life could be snatched away from you the minute you enter my world.”
“I’ll do it. Anything you tell me to do, Nix, I’ll do.”
“Now get out of here before I change my mind.” I lean back and stare at her from across the desk. “I left a list of things for you to do on the kitchen counter. If you could get them done for me today, I’d appreciate it.”
Her heeled boots click against the floor as she jogs around my desk to my side. “Thank you,” she says before leaning forward and kissing my cheek. “You’ve made me the happiest girl in the world.”
I look into her eyes and wonder if she realizes what she’s asking of me. “You can still change your mind.” Hopefully, a little perspective and three days will be enough to make her realize she does have plenty to lose.
“I won’t,” she says, backing away slowly and heading toward the door with a little spring in her step. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
