She turned, straightened her spine, and walked with purposeful strides, but not before throwing one last glance over her shoulder. “Basic manners are free.”
Her pulse quickened as she stomped across the road, muttering under her breath, “Entitled dick…”
As if pulled by a magnet, she couldn’t resist one more look just as Jamie turned his head, his gaze hunting hers.
A jolt of heat shot through her, unexpected and irritating, leaving her body tingling and warm against her will.
Her chest tightened, and a flush spread up her neck, warming her cheeks.
“Rich wanker.” She stormed toward the coffee shop door. “Just another cocky guy to remind me why I don’t need a man.”
3
Jamie
Jamie strode into the hotel lobby, his tanned skin darkened by a storm of frustration.
His head turned to Rebecca, who hurried behind, clutching his father’s hand like she was trying to control a mischievous schoolboy.
“Take him upstairs and don’t leave him alone,” he commanded.
Rebecca’s lashes fluttered, guilt tightening her pretty features.
“Sorry, Jamie,” she murmured, her voice soft.
He reached out, gripping her free wrist. “Look, love, it’s not your fault. I get he’s a handful. I’m thinking of putting a fucking tracking device on him. This can’t keep happening.”
Her head dropped; her voice almost a whisper. “I was only away for a few minutes, Jamie.”
George pulled his hand free from Rebecca’s grip,resting his palms on his hips with the exaggerated posture of a grumpy old man.
“Stop talking about me like I’m not here, Rebecca!” He scowled, the disapproval rolling off him like a thunderclap.
Jamie exhaled, the pressure of the situation making his breath come out in a rush.
“Order me a drink, Dad. I’ll join you after I finish. I had to leave my business meeting to track you down.”
George’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Where the hell is that boy? I told him to meet us here.”
Jamie gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes, looking up at the twinkling chandelier above. “He’s in Italy, Dad. Then he’s going to New York. Okay? Just go upstairs with Becks.”
He watched Rebecca usher his father toward the elevator, the rush of the busy lobby fading as his heart thumped against his ribs.
His father had become a liability, and with the money the McGrath family had now, there was no reason for fuck-ups.
He’d protect his family, whatever the cost.
Rebecca was the perfect live-in help—attentive, sweet, and, despite her looks, strictly off-limits. She was worth the wages he paid her, which meant that was an ass he would never tap.
As the elevator doors slid shut, Jamie released a slow breath. Knowing his father was safe and out of harm’s way brought him relief.
Now he had to pull his shit together and return to his meeting to live up to his legendary, ruthless reputation.
His older brother Marcus had made them rich beyond their wildest dreams. With their expanded bank accounts came an endless stream of needy, greedy motherfuckers.
Assholes who begged, borrowed, and stole to feed their insatiable appetites.
Jamie didn’t trust a single soul in this world anymore.
