A moment later, Gavins thoughts were interrupted again as the group of men rose from their seats, each sporting a satisfactory smile. Gavin stood and regarded Colton with amusement. He was looking at Gavin with a smug grin. Gavin knew that was his way of letting him know hed landed the account without his help, and Gavin was pretty damn sure Colton was going to word vomit his displeasure with him once they all left. Gavin could give a flying fuck.

Sounds like a game plan, Colton, said Mr. Gray-Haired Executive as he shook Coltons hand. Well get the contracts sent over by the end of the business day tomorrow.

Colton flashed his winning smile. Excellent. We look forward to making this come together for you. You went with the right choice.

Lets just hope your brother here is getting laid while youre putting the campaign together, the man said dryly, leaning in to shake Gavins hand. Again, the room burst into laughter. Again, Gavin didnt. I have a few connections in the city if you need some help in that department. They dont come cheap, but they sure as hell are worth every penny.

Gavin accepted his hand, his grip tighter than normal considering he didnt like the assholes comment. It didnt matter. Gavin knew how to handle his type without being too offensive. Or not. Again, he didnt give a fuck. Gavins mouth slid into a sly grin. Im sure they are, and I appreciate the offer, but Ive never had to pay for services like that. They usually come willingly to me. But hey, you do what you have to do. The mans smile fizzled, a tight frown replacing it, but Gavin didnt give him a chance to speak.

We look forward to receiving those contracts, Mr. Rosendale, Gavin said, walking to the office door. He held it open for the group of polished wealth staring at him. My brothers correct. You went with the right choice. Blake Industries is about to rock the shit out of your campaign. Were going to keep you all very wealthy. Dry martinis and expensive call girls galore.

The frown creasing the mans forehead eased as his mouth crooked upward into a slow, smartass smile. I have the utmost faith you and your brother will do right by us, Mr. Blake. But just so you know, kid, I dont do dry martinis. I prefer Scotch. A Dalmore 1962 Single Highland Malt Scotch to be exact.

Excellent choice, Gavin said, unbuttoning his $22,000 blue Ermenegildo Zegna suit. He knew the guy was being a dick, trying to push a $58,000 bottle of scotch in his face. Gavin smiled with every intention of being a dick right back. Ill have our secretary send you two cases so youre properly stocked. Sound good?

The man hesitated a moment, his eyes sharpening. Sounds very good. Well see you again come March. Without another word, he nodded in Coltons direction and walked out of the office, his crew of equally arrogant bastards behind him.

Gavin strode across the office and chuckled when he heard Colton slam the door.

What the fuck was that all about? Colton bit out. Its not enough you were in a daze during the meeting, but you almost kill the damn contract in typical Gavin fashion.

Gavin turned, his eyes narrowed. What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

Do I need to spell it out for you, little man?

Yeah. Maybe you do, Gavin replied dryly. Crossing his arms, he perched on the edge of the table, awaiting his brothers response.

Head tilted, Colton shoved his hands in his pockets. Seriously, we worked on that bid for months. Where the fuck were you?

His sentences were clipped, and Gavin could tell Colton was losing his patience. Though he was having a shitty day, guilt spilled through Gavin. Damn. Colton was correct. Theyd worked endless hours to gain the account. To hell with himself; his brother had spent night after night away from Melanie and his kids, making sure everything was on point for the meeting.

Gavins face softened. Im sorry, all right?

Colton sighed, his tone calmer. Whats going on with you, man? I could tell something was bothering you when you came in this morning.

Gavin glanced at his watch. He had a limited amount of time to explain whatd happened. Bringing his attention back to Colton, he felt his blood surge through his body. Dillon hit Emily the morning of their wedding.

Coltons mouth dropped open. What?

Yeah. He fucking hit her, and he showed up at her job yesterday. Standing, Gavin plowed his hands through his hair as he thought about the conversation he and Emily had after making love last night. Shed further tilted his world on its axis when shed explained that Dillon went to her school. Though Gavin wanted to make her quit her job that second, he couldnt. Teaching meant too much to her and she loved her students. But it was all good. Without Emilys knowledge, Gavin had already placed a call this morning, making sure she would be followed everywhere. A little cash and an old buddy whod just finished a seven-year bid upstate would hang in Dillons shadow for the rest of his fucking life. Did you know he hit her?

Coltons eyes went wide. Jesus Christ, Gavin. Why the fuck would you assume I knew about it? No, I didnt know.

I assumed you did because apparently Trevor knew and didnt tell me. Gavin stalked across the office to retrieve his keys as his head hammered through round two of last nights conversation. He tried to shake off the mess of emotions thatd also taken up residence in his mind. Though Emily insisted Trevor made her promise to tell him if they got back together, it didnt sit right with Gavin. Hed seen Trevor the day she moved into his penthouse. As a matter of fact, the fucker acted as if life was just dandy. Little did Gavin know his life was about to become more complicated than ever.