Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)(94)

“Think on it,” he tells me, his voice gentle, as is his expression. “You have time. Zachary will be in the London office for the next four to six weeks. Perhaps you could have a decision within the next two weeks?”

“That sounds fine.” He smiles at me and I know the conversation is done.

“Perfect. Now. I know you just told me you’re talking to Zachary and I’m irritated by the way he treated you all of these years, but I still would like to give the worthless ass a quick going-away party. Will you help with that?”

Did my father just use the word ass in front of me? What in the world is happening to everyone? “Help as in coordinate it completely?” Dread threatens, but I push it aside. If we have a going-away party for Zachary, I know he’ll want me by his side the entire evening. And if Rose or Lily discovers this while at the party, seeing me playing the sweet stupid girl while he’s off doing whatever he wants, I’ll never hear the end of it.

“Yes, exactly,” he says with a contrite laugh. “Does that sound all right to you?”

“Sounds fine,” I say nervously. This will be my last official duty as Zachary’s supposed girlfriend, I swear. “You’re in a good mood.”

His smile softens, as do his eyes. He looks so happy … almost carefree. “That’s because I’ve met a woman.”

My breath freezes in my lungs. No way could he be referring to …

“So you’re seeing someone?”

“I am.” He nods.

“And is it serious?” I ask casually, clutching my shaking hands together in my lap.

“It’s turning that way.” His smile fades. “I hope you don’t think I was hiding her from you. It’s just that … I wanted to make sure of our feelings for each other before I introduced her as my girlfriend to you and your sisters.”

“I understand,” I lie. He was totally hiding her if he’s referring to Pilar.

Rose is going to flip. So will Lily. I’m ready to lose it right now, but I keep my cool.

“Good.” His smile returns, bigger this time. “She keeps me young. I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”

I wonder if he knows that Pilar has cheated on him—with my ex. I wonder if there have been others. I can’t help but wonder when was the last time Ryder and Pilar had sex.

I think I’m going to be sick to my stomach.

“Thank you, my dear.” He stands, and I do so as well. “I appreciate you coming by.” Slipping back into his formal ways. I see where I get it from.

“And I appreciate the offer you’ve made. You’ve given me a lot to consider.” More than I ever imagined, both about my professional life and his personal.

“Good.” He smiles with approval. “I can’t wait to hear your answer.”

I walk out of Father’s office in a daze, this one different from the sexual stupor Ryder put me in before. This time, I’m amazed and confused by Father’s offer and his subtle revelation. He wants to keep Zachary away from me. He has a girlfriend who keeps him young. He wants to give me an opportunity to prove that I’m capable of running Fleur Cosmetics someday.

If Father makes Pilar a more integral part of Fleur, I don’t know if I want to remain in New York after all.

His offer for me to work in London is looking more and more like a positive change.

A fresh start. And the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Ryder

I’m worried.

I sit at my desk and stare at the text Violet just sent me, wondering what she’s referring to. There are all sorts of things that should be worrying Violet.

And me.

We’ve snuck around for days. Pretending we don’t care about each other at work beyond that we’re business associates working on a project together. At night, I go to her place, where we talk. Eat. Have sex. Lots and lots of sex.

Plenty of talking, too. The woman’s mind fascinates me. She’s so smart, she’s done so much, seen so much in her life, and I can only hope to do and see as much as she has. I learn something from her every time we have a conversation. I learned plenty from Pilar, too, but this is different. Deeper.

I feel connected to Violet.

She seems as fascinated by me as I am with her. I don’t feel like I’m being used or have to throw up all my defenses in case she’s trying to trick me. What I share with Violet is as genuine as it gets.

Well. I still haven’t told her how this all started, plotting with Pilar. I’m too freaked out to confess. That admission could ruin everything.

And I’m not ready to take that risk yet.

My phone buzzes again and I focus on the most recent message from Violet.

I’m really stressed out.

About what?

Everything. What’s happening between me and you.

What’s happening with Zachary. And Pilar. And my father.

There’s a lineup that’s causing me nothing but grief.

What’s going on with your father?

Remember when I talked to him a few days ago? I never told you, but … he confessed that he’s in a relationship.

Shit. Why did she keep that from me?

Like I have any room to talk.

Did he say it was with Pilar?

No, there were no names mentioned, but I have a strong feeling he’s referring to her.