“This is incredible,” Connor says when we walk inside. He immediately goes over to the floor to ceiling windows, his jaw damn near hitting the floor. “I’ve never seen a view like this,” he murmurs. “Place must’ve cost a fortune.”
“Yeah, it’s prime real estate in this section of the city.” I lean against the marble kitchen counter. “Just follow the security protocols and don't leave without checking in with us first. The best way to keep you safe is for us to knowwhere you are at all times.”
Connor nods, a wide smile spreading across his face. “Of course. I can't thank you enough for this.”
Tierney stands by the windows with her arms crossed, one eyebrow lifted and suspicion written all over her face. She knows there's an angle here. She just hasn't figured out what it is yet.
But she’s gonna try. That wife of mine is stubborn as hell. She won’t stop until she’s got my balls in her fist, ready to squeeze.
“We should let you get settled,” she says, turning to Connor with a bright, warm smile and for a second, I can’t drag my eyes away. Shit, she’s fucking stunning when she smiles for real. “I'll check on you later.”
We say our goodbyes and leave the apartment. By some miracle, Tierney manages to stay quiet until we're in the elevator when I know the words were on her tongue, ready to lance.
“Why are you really doing this??” she asks.
I shrug. “I’m a man of my word..”
“Bullshit.” Her eyes narrow, spitting blue sparks. “You’re a man who doesn’t do anything without expecting something in return.”
The elevator doors slide open and she stalks into the penthouse ahead of me.
“Maybe what I expect is for you to stop looking at me like I'm the enemy,” I say.
She spins around, hair whipping over her shoulder. "You are the enemy, asshole. You’re trying to control every aspect of my life, and Connor is an example of that..”
I shake my head. “You really are delusional, princess. First off, let’s get something straight right now. Yourfather is the one who forced you on my family, not the other way around. And second, how exactly am I using Connor by putting him up rent free a few floors below you?”
Her nostrils flare and she clenches her teeth. “It’s your weak attempt to make me grateful. By doing something nice so I'll let my guard down.”
I move toward her slowly, like approaching a wild animal, which she most definitely is. But she doesn’t bolt. She stands there, waiting, watching me. “And is it working?”
“No.”
“Liar.” I'm close enough now to see the pulse jumping in her throat. “You were happy at the airport then again when we were downstairs. Really, genuinely happy for the first time since I've known you.”
“Because I was with Connor, not because of anything you did.” She slants me a look. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
I point a finger at myself. “I'm the one who brought him here so you’d be close to him.”
She doesn’t need to know the real reason why he’s here. If I can win a round, I’m sure as hell gonna take it.
“Please.” She rolls her eyes. “He’s close because you have an agenda. I’m not naïve.”
“Maybe.” I reach out and graze my thumb against her cheek. Heat flares in her gaze. She stiffens, no doubt trying like hell not to lean into it. Oh, it is gonna be amazing when she finally cracks. “Or maybe I’m trying to be a good husband for my argumentative wife..”
Before she can respond, my phone buzzes with a text from Kingston.
We need to talk. Now.
“I have to go,” I tell her, stepping back. “I’ll be back later.”
“How will I ever survive without your wit and charm?” Her eyebrows fly up in mock excitement. “Thank goodness you’re leaving me here to choke on your sickening cologne cloud while you’re away?” She clutches her heart. “How am I the luckiest girl in the world?”
I snicker. “I think we’re tied for luckiest in the world, princess.”
She flips me off and I pull the door closed behind me, unable to bite back the smile.
The drive to Kingston's office gives me time to prepare for what's coming. He’s gonna be all over my ass about that damn USB but he doesn’t realize that putting a crack in her armor is like melting a glacier with a goddamn hair dryer. He's been patient about the Tierney situation, but patience isn't one of his stronger qualities.
