Page 31 of Royal Bastard

My PA popped in with my lunch, and I barely gave her a grateful nod before going right back to work.

The calls were starting to grow less frequent in the afternoon. I caught some bites in between the calls, then tossed the remains of lunch into the trash can to my side behind the desk.

It was the usual, busy day. That was until my PA walked into my office, looking hesitant. I glanced up at her but finished the call I was on before giving her my full attention.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked, frowning. “Did you get a difficult client?”

She shook her head. “Um, not a client, sir. She says she’s your sister? She’s on another line for you.”

My sister…

Emily.

My frown deepened. What could she possibly want from me?

“She’s my half-sister,” I grumbled to myself.

My PA shifted her weight from foot to foot, looking at me with partially concealed anxiety.

I rarely ever took personal calls in the office. I’d chosen Jennifer in particular to be my assistant, because she knew little of my background, and didn’t look into it as long as it didn’t help her do her job. She knew I had at least one brother, but that was it.

Seriously, though, what could Emily possible want?

“Just let her know I’m too busy,” I said dismissively, waving at Jennifer. “Unless the calls have stopped coming?” I added, arching an eyebrow.

She winced. “Uh, no, actually, sir. There was a call that came in before hers; I promised you’d call back after you were done with your recent call. I just wanted to see if you’d be talking to your sister or not…”

“Tell her what I just told you,” I said, already looking away.

Whatever Emily had to say to me, it could certainly wait until office hours were over. She and I weren’t particularly close, and I couldn’t remember the last time she even called me. It probably wouldn’t be anything important.

But Jennifer wasn’t leaving to go patch through my next call, and I looked back up at her with a frown. She had her hands clasped in front of her, though her fingers kept twisting, and she shifted slightly from one foot to the other some more. I wondered if the heels she was wearing were starting to feel uncomfortable on her feet.

“Is there something else I can help you with?”

“It’s just that,” she started slowly. “I’m sorry sir, but she said it had something to do with your dad.”

My frown deepened even further. What could Dad possibly want from me? Even knowing it was about him, I still felt reluctant.

Right here was where I’d built my world. I’d all but thrown my past away because it was exactly what led me to where I was, in my new life in Asheville, North Carolina, where I could get away from it all. The place was perfect; no family in sight and I found my peace in the mountains I loved to hike. Where none of my dysfunctional family could butt in.

I still saw Dad on occasion because he’d gripe at me until I either met up with him or he’d show up at my office. The latter was something I didn’t want to happen, so I usually gave into his demands. Come to think of it; it had been a while since I’d received as much as a call from him.

I’d been happy that he was finally leaving me alone.

Dad and I just didn’t get along, no matter what the old man felt. He thought I was busy, but really I made whatever excuse kept me from going home. I hadn't been back for years, not since I left there for college.

I’d always wanted to leave after my mother died. She had pretty much been my world growing up because dad was always busy. Losing her had been a big blow, and what was worse was how quickly Dad found a woman to replace her. I was against him remarrying and he’d done it anyway. He gave all his affection to his new wife and the family she gave him, and I moved myself to the side, distancing myself before they had the chance to push me out.

My brothers were the only ones in the family I talked to with any regularity, and even then, they rarely wanted to talk to me because I’d made it clear I wanted out of the family’s clutches.

Now, here was my sister, calling me over something to do with my father. It was just strange enough to have me curious.

I refocused on my PA who was still squirming in front of me and sighed as I waved a hand at her.

“Patch her through.”

She looked visibly relieved as she left my office. A moment later, the phone at my desk rang. I took a deep breath to steel myself, before picking up the call.