CHAPTER TWENTY

KNOX

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You know why.

I’m not sure she does, and I’m torn between wanting to tell her and hoping like fuck she doesn’t work it out.

I think I’m falling for Payton Mills.

Not falling into bed, although that too. But I like her. Not just her gorgeous body and those luscious tits, but I like her.

I like her smile, which lights up a room.

I like the way she bites her lip when she’s nervous around me.

I like how passionate she is about my brand.

I even like how my brothers reacted to her, despite wanting to threaten them with their lives if they touch her.

Yet the rules of this game have not changed.

Atlas inviting Payton to his party this weekend is a problem. I cannot like or want this woman.

I cannot have her.

If Ward gets even an inkling—which I think he might already have—that I have touched her—which I haven’t – then my opportunity to step into the role I was born for will be taken from me.

Here’s the clincher. I have to attend this damn party, or I’ll receive the Shit Brother of the Year Award.

It’s Atlas’ birthday.

A little gem he forgot to mention to Payton.

I press his name on the phone and it rings. He leaves it until the last second to answer.

“Atlas Montgomery, how can I help you?”

I snort.

“How about not inviting the sexiest woman in the Montgomery organization to your fucking birthday?”

“Ooops, sorry,” he says, not sounding sorry at all.

I shake my head.

“She is sexy, though,” Atlas says. “Levis told me, but I didn’t believe him.”

Jesus Fucking Christ.

“Do not talk to Levis, or anyone, about how hot Payton is,” I growl.

“Why?”

“Because.”

“That’s a terrible answer.” Atlas laughs. “Let me help you out, big brother. The answer is because you like her.”

I shake my head.

“Of course I like her. You saw her body.” I open the fridge door and pull out my meal for the evening, which has been prepared by my private chef. I lift the foil and peer in at the roast chicken and vegetables, and my stomach grumbles.

Turning on the oven, as per the instructions on the top, I turn it to the designated temperature and slide it in.

“Yes, I did, and like I say, she’s smoking hot.”

Now I regret saying that. I don’t want my brothers looking at Payton’s body.

“Jin is pissed that I gave you the swimsuit, by the way,” Atlas says. “If I get fired, you’re to blame.”

I snort.

As if he could get fired. Although, if he continues to be an annoying brother and I become CEO I will threaten him every single day just for fun.

I won’t, but the idea amuses me.

“I’ll get you a little apartment in the burbs and send you a birthday card every year.” I smirk to myself as I pour a glass of red wine.

“So you like her, huh?”

“No.”

“Liar,” Atlas says.

“Why did you invite her to your party?” I ask, sipping my glass of Petrus, the fine Bordeau merlot.

“God, I’m getting whiplash from this conversation.” Atlas bangs around his own kitchen and I lower the volume. “But in answer, because she probably has some nice friends and I like meeting new people.”

This time, I laugh out loud. “Bullshit.”

“Well, don’t ask when you know the answer. Watching you squirm all night, knowing you cannot touch her, is the best birthday present I could get.”

Shaking my head, I hover my finger over the end button and say, “Goodbye, Atlas.”

I hang up.

Why couldn’t I have been an only child?