If I Only Knew(9)

“Well, yes because that’s not your job since they brought you to see me.” she crosses her arms over her ample chest.

I drop my leg and smirk at her. She doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by me being here or confused as to who I am. “You know who I am?”

“Yes, Callum spoke of his brother and how he wasn’t returning to his position.”

I stand, extending my hand. “Milo Huxley, and you are?”

“Danielle Bergen, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Logistics.”

Cheeky.

She places her hand in mine with a firm handshake. “Well, Danielle, I’ll be sure to tell my wanker of a brother he can relieve you of your duty.”

“Why don’t we call him together?” she suggests.

I like her boldness. A woman who is assertive in the board room is sexy as hell. What’s not hot is her ring. Married women are my hard limit. I’ve done that once and I’d rather not repeat my mistakes. Nothing says good morning like a man with a shotgun.

“Sure thing, sweetheart, let’s call Callum and get this mess sorted.”

He’s clearly going to pick his own flesh and blood over some American. Cal is pragmatic at best. Besides, our Mum will intervene. No one messes with her precious baby, not even my brother. Well, half-brother, but I don’t hold it against him that his father was a douche.

I let her lead the way, staring at her arse as she walks in front. Danielle is exactly the kind of woman I’m attracted to. Long legs, light brown hair, deep soulful eyes. I’m a dickhead, but not one that would take another man’s wife knowingly. If I was ever stupid enough to marry, I would kill the bastard who touched what was mine. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the view.

We walk in silence, but I can feel the tension rolling off of her.

“Have you been working in my job for long?” I ask as we make our way through the corridor.

She tries to mask her emotions, but fails miserably. “Long enough.”

“Really?” I smile letting her know I don’t believe the lie.

She stops. “Listen, I worked hard for this position and I’m not going to let you come in here and take it away from me. Just a fair warning. I don’t care who you are, this is my job.”

I like her. I admire a woman who will fight in business. It’s sexy as fuck.

“Noted.”

I extend my arm, inviting her to go ahead and knock on the door.

“Yes?” Callum’s voice calls through the door.

My brother has no idea I’m here. I figured it would be much more fun to spring it on him. We haven’t spoken since he tucked his cock between his legs and ran to America to marry his wife. I sadly missed their wedding while I was with . . . what’s her name? Sally? Samantha? No, Sandra. I was with Sandra in Italy, which I’m sure he’ll give me hell for. My mum already gave me an earful too.

The door opens and I wish I was filming this. His face is priceless.

“Hello, brother.” I grin as I step forward.

“What are you doing here, Milo?” he asks.

“Well, it seems you gave my job to this beautiful creature here, and I’ve come to save your arse.”

Callum is a shrewd businessman, no doubt, but he has no vision when it comes to property. The reason he did well with his investments in England was because of how I approached each acquisition. I saw what could be and ensured that it became that. No matter what he thinks of me personally, there’s no way he can deny that I was good at my job.

Until I lost my head and told him to fuck off.

“Save me?” he laughs. “Do I look like I’m struggling?”

His accent sure seems to be. “Well, I see you’re returning to your American roots.” I smirk, knowing it’ll piss him off.

He gets to his feet. “Would you excuse us, Danielle?”

She studies him for a moment and then her eyes meet mine. I wink, because I’m an arrogant man, and I catch the narrowing of her eyes.

“Of course. I’ll be in my office.”

Not for long sweetheart.

She leaves and the air in the room thickens. My brother and I have always had a tricky relationship. He’s nearly six years older than I am, and hated that Mum loved me more. Even if that wasn’t the case. My mother was harder on me, always comparing me to her precious Callum. Reminding me that I was the fuck-up son, even if looking at Callum was difficult for her at times.

Callum’s father was American and they met when she was on holiday in Florida. Their relationship was brief, but ended up with her pregnant. He sent a check monthly as payment for her pain.

My dad came around when Cal was no more than two, raised him like his own, and Callum took his name when they married.

But Callum has always hated me for being a real Huxley.

I’ve also done my part to further wedge the knife.

“So, you can fire her now or she can be my assistant if you’d rather,” I suggest, plopping on the couch in his office. “Either one is acceptable.”

“Can I now?”

“I’m sure she’s done a fine job, but let’s be honest . . . I’m your brother.”

“Yes,” Callum agrees as he comes around his desk. “You are. My selfish, irresponsible, worthless brother who continues to act like everyone in this world owes him something.”