Craving The Wrong Brother (Sloane and Knox) novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Julie laughs, but it’s more nervous than before. “That’s the point, right? I mean, it’s supposed to look real.”

I watch her carefully. I don’t even know how to answer that without giving myself away.

I see something flicker in her eyes-something unsure, maybe even vulnerable. But she brushes it off, returning her focus to the iPad, as if that will shield her from whatever tension is building between us.

“Let’s get back to the plan,” she says.

And so we dive back into the details, hammering out strategies and scenarios, but all the while, I’m watching her, realizing what I really want.

I want Julie.

I’m determined to get her.

I’m going to play along with her stupid plan-because one way or another, she’s going to end up mine.

I drop Julie off in front of Paragon Jewels, my eyes following her as she steps out of the car. She adjusts her blouse, throws a glance at the building, then back at me. Her smile makes me wonder if she can read my thoughts. God, I hope not. If she knew the whirlpool of ideas and-let’s be honest-desires swirling around in my head, she’d probably sprint up those stairs without a second look.

“Thanks for the ride,” she says. “It’s not every day a girl gets chauffeured by her fake boyfriend. Also, thank you for today. I really enjoyed myself.”

I smile, leaning against the driver’s seat, watching her. “I’m here to serve, princess. Perks of the job.”

“Yeah, well, don’t let it get to your head.”

“Too late for that.”

She gives a playful sigh before turning to face the glass doors of Paragon Jewels.

“Luke,” she calls over her shoulder, “don’t wait. You don’t have to.”

I nod. “I know. But I want to.”

Her eyes soften for just a second, and then she turns, walking inside the building.

For a moment, I don’t move. I just watch her figure disappear.

I lean back, waiting until I see her step into the elevator and out of sight.

Showtime.

I have a meeting with Ryan, and I don’t want Julie to know about it. She might get worried.

It’s not like I, myself, haven’t thought this meeting through. I have. Over and over again.

I push the car door open and stride into the building.

The lobby is too perfect, as usual. Gleaming floors, meticulously arranged flowers. But my eyes catch on the lady standing by the receptionist’s desk. A bit too eager.

Chapter 174

She steps forward the moment she spots me, flashing a smile so wide it almost hurts to look at. “Mr. Martinez, my name is Lucy,” she chirps. “Mr. O’Brien asked me to escort you to his office.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? Couldn’t trust me to figure out how an elevator works?”

Her smile doesn’t falter. “It’s just procedure,” she says. “Right this way.”

“She did?”

He nods. “That means you and I are more than just business partners now. We’re family.”

“I appreciate that, Ryan,” I say, trying not to let my annoyance show.

He smiles. “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.” He leans forward, eyes boring into mine. “Julie’s… important to

me.”

“I’m sure she is. She’s a special woman.”

Ryan doesn’t look comfortable. “Right,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “So, it’s true, then. You’re her friend?”

“I guess I am.”

“And there’s nothing more to it?”

I tilt my head, feigning ignorance. “Something like what?”

“I don’t know,” Ryan says, his voice growing more strained. “Maybe a little extra?”

I give him a blank look. “Extra how?”

He sighs. “You know what I mean.”

“Do I?”

Ryan’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t back down. “Mr. Lucas,” he says, his voice low, “are you fucking my wife?”