He actually winks as he drops a light kiss on my lips, causing a shiver of delight to ripple through my body.
“Thank you.” He whispers and then smirks. “I could get used to gym sessions like that. You have been warned.”
“I do gym well.”
This time I wink, and his sudden smile pierces my heart. How can I help him? It’s obvious he’s suffering, and yet as his expression returns to the usual blank one, he leaves the room empty and cold.
CHAPTER 32
JOSEPH
My heart is like lead as I make the call I’ve been dreading. It’s my weekly one with my father where I’m expected to deliver a progress report.
“Joseph.”
His husky voice wafts through the airwaves, and I picture him sitting behind his walnut desk, one eye on the landscaped garden outside, a cigar resting in his other hand as he takes intermittent puffs, contemplating his next victim’s demise.
“Father. I’m pleased to report the plan has worked.”
“She is your wife; I saw the evidence all over the internet.”
He references Spencer’s photographs, and I add, “Only time will tell if the other part of the plan has worked.”
“Then keep on trying. Your brothers don’t appear unhappy to be doing the same.”
“And Morgan?”
Even her name sears my flesh, and he growls,“Nico informed me of your wish in that department. It’s a little premature, don’t you agree?”
“Not really.”
I heave a deep breath, hoping he doesn’t detect my anxiety. He wouldn’t appreciate it and always maintains that a cool demeanor wins many wars.
“She is more of a threat than a promise.”
I reference any information she can give us and add, “The keys are still missing. Have you any news on that?”
“No.”
I wonder why I don’t believe him.
“I met with Malik Karim.”
“I heard.”
“He told me the keys are useless without the locks they fit. He understands that we will only learn of their importance when the terms of the will have been met.”
“I’m working on that.”
I’m not surprised.
“What did he require in return?”
“An introduction to Tiffany’s grandfather. He wants an oil supply to run through his network. Walter has refused him a meeting, and he came to me for help with that.”
“That does surprise me.”
“Why?”
