Fucking hell.
I knew scraping the bottom of the barrel would be difficult and humbling, but I had no idea it would be so tiring.
I’m tempted to solve this problem like I do most others, but I know my usual methods won’t work.
Not where the Harrisons are concerned.
Now that they finally have a seat at the big table, Jennifer and Jeremiah’s father, Jason Harrison, wants to milk it for what it’s worth. I want to shut this down, but I know I’d take advantage, too, if I were finally getting my moment in the sun.
Bastard knows we don’t have a choice but to let him flex his muscles.
I grunt and motion to Jennifer to continue.
“First of all,” she says, “we want to thank you for taking Jeremiah under your wing. We know how invaluable your time is.”
I mutter something and continue to stare at her.
“For this alliance to flourish, we feel like I should also be brought into the fold,” Jennifer continues. “Our family feels like learning the ins and outs of the club would be beneficial.”
I set my drink down. “You want to shadow someone at the club?”
It isn’t like Jennifer to want to be involved in the darker aspects of the business, but I have a feeling that where her father is concerned, she doesn’t have much of a choice.
Like me, she’s gritting her teeth and doing what needs to be done.
I can’t blame her for it.
Jennifer won’t meet my gaze. “Yes.”
I raise an eyebrow. “To what end?”
They’ve already got shares in every major Payne business, including the club, so I don’t understand their angle.
Not knowing their endgame doesn’t sit well with me.
Jennifer frowns. “Our father is still curious about how you do things.”
I push my chair back and stand. “Bullshit. Jason already has a seat at the table. I don’t get why he wants you on the inside, too.”
“Mason—”
“I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing here, but I don’t like liars.”
A flash of irritation crosses Jennifer’s face. “It’s not a game, Mason. This is a serious offer.”
I fold my arms over my chest and study her. “I’ve already given you everything I can.”
“I know.”
“If I find out this is some kind of game…”
“It’s not.”
I want to take her at her word, especially given our history, but with everything on the line, I need to tread carefully.
There’s been too much instability, and too many betrayals that have left me reeling.
I can’t afford to give Jennifer Harrison too much benefit of the doubt, no matter how much I want to.
