Page 54 of The Unravelings

“I’d keep my eyes peeled on Amanda and her father. They’ve been circling like sharks since your engagement was solidified.” JJ clicks his computer a few times, reading over something, and then flicks his serious gaze to me. My lips pop open. “And no, the contract is ironclad.”

And I snap my lips shut. Well, that answers that. I’m fucking stuck, and she’s all too eager to sink her claws into me. Since Olivia left, she’s been trying to worm her way into my heart. Hell, even before then. In high school, Amanda was a thorn in my side, constantly trying to pull one over on Olivia, pushing her around and throwing punches.

If only Olivia had let us intervene on her behalf. Maybe her life wouldn’t have been even more hellish with Amanda’s snake eyes around.

Now, I’m stuck with a woman who wants to shack up, have little heirs, and run an empire I have no interest in. My dreams of leaving Greenwood behind are still in place. Only they’re skewed a little in a different direction by events that Franco undoubtedly set in motion. Amanda is the last girl I ever wanted to marry, but Franco literally twisted my arm and shoved me in their direction.

“It’s for the good of the family,” Franco spits, throwing an arm around her. “You will marry her, and you will produce heirs, so we have a chance at bigger and better things. She’s the key, Son. And you’re the goddamn lock that’s going to keep her in place.”

He leaves no room for discussion. The deal is set in stone and has been since the second my father and hers started scheming long before I entered Greenwood University.

I grit my teeth, holding my aching arm at my side, acting like he didn’t assault me two seconds ago for speaking my mind.

“And when exactly is the wedding?” I ask, trying to take the hostility out of my voice, but I doubt it worked, considering Franco’s fiery gaze snaps to me again with the threat of further violence.

“Next year. After you boys graduate, you’ll happily walk down the aisle and solidify everything I’ve been working for.” Right. For the better of this family. “And then, we’ll find some lucky matches for your brothers, as well. Every little heir I can put on a throne will work in my favor.” A sadistic grin I’ve seen many times before stretches across his face. He doesn’t elaborate on suitable matches for JJ and Mack, but I know he has people in mind. “Now, you’ll give her this. It was your mother’s, God rest her soul.” For one brief second, he looks toward the ceiling of his office and pauses with a grief-stricken look.

But then it vanishes, and he pulls out a gigantic diamond ring and hands it to me. The weight of the ring rests in my palm, feeling heavy and burning my skin.

“I suggest a swift proposal. Something nice. Now, I have more business to attend to.” He waves me on without letting me ask any more questions.

So this will be my life from now on. Amanda and me playing husband and wife and showing the world our happy-go-lucky smiles.

She may get this ring, but she’ll never have my fucking heart.

I swipe a hand down my face, more disappointment spearing through me. My only wish was for JJ to find a get-out-of-jail-free card and rescue me from this fucking deal.

Whatever.

I’ll fucking make it through like I always do.

“So do all the wannabe recruits check out?” I ask, leaning against the counter and watching JJ’s facial expressions very closely.

He doesn’t twitch when his eyes flick to me. “All ten seem legit. Background checks don’t turn up anything suspicious.” He doesn’t blink an eye. “None are associated with any of our competitors. One’s father is a CEO. One’s mother is a media conglomerate owner.” JJ raises a brow, and Mack whistles.

“Imagine the chaos that could fucking create.” Mack makes a face, knowing exactly what that kind of ally could potentially mean.

JJ nods. “Yes, it appears she’s got her fingers into several forms of media. Local and national TV networks and newspapers.” His lips thin.

“How wonderful. Franco could shack up with her and control the narrative on every-fucking-thing. Even globally.” Mack rolls his eyes. “We shouldn’t let him in. Break his legs or something. Whoever he is.”

I snort. Like that would ever happen. Franco has the final say on everyone we attempt to recruit. Always has and always will.

“He’s your teammate,” JJ grumbles unhappily, shifting in his seat.

Mack raises a brow. “Which one?” he asks through a mouthful of grapes.

“Greyson Hodges.”

“He’s a tool. Nextttt!” Mack calls out loudly.

“You know how this goes. We’ve done it every year since we got here, and I’m sure we’ll be forced to oversee this shit for years to come.” I fold my arms.

“Yeah. Yeah.” Mack waves a hand. “Fine. Let the tool in. Just know he’s a fuckhead.”

“Aren’t they all?” JJ mutters, shaking his head.

“I guess.” A smile crosses Mack’s face, and he practically lights up. “It’s more people to torture… Especially that asshole.” Mack trails off when a thunderous expression passes over my face and quickly disappears. “I mean… More people to have fun with. What games shall we play this year? Dig your own grave? Gladiator Games?” He wiggles his brows. “Paintball, again? It’s always good to see how accurately our potential recruits can shoot.” His grin darkens. “Let’s hold the invitation in the tunnels again.” His hands rub together like he’s planning something nefarious.