Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 133213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
“I want to assure you you’ve said nothing to betray your family,” Huisman continued. “Mere months ago I approached Mr. Taggart about a problem I found myself in. I consider him an intelligent and wise man. Please feel free to talk to him about the symposium and contact me. I can assure your safety and comfort. If your worried, I’m more than willing to make arrangements with him.”
Ian’s jaw tightened, but his eyes remained on Aidan. He gave him the slightest nod.
“I don’t know. I worry I won’t be able to concentrate, and the last thing I want to do is drag everyone down.”
He was going to praise his friend so much. Aidan was playing this perfectly.
“I scarcely think you could drag us down,” Huisman reassured him. “I’ve read this paper of yours twice now. Dr. O’Donnell…”
“Aidan. Please. Call me Aidan.”
A soft chuckle came across the line. “I do think we’ll get along, Aidan. I like a man who isn’t so arrogant he must go by all his titles. I, too, prefer to simply be called by name. You must call me Manny. All my friends do, and I think we could be friends, you and I.”
He was the fucking devil trying to make a deal. But lucky for him, Aidan couldn’t be fooled.
“Well, Manny, I’m afraid I also don’t want to bring my trouble to your doorstep,” Aidan replied.
“Is it your trouble?”
This guy wasn’t taking no for an answer. Tris went back to the white board.
Tell him you have to take care of Carys. Tell him no, and be firm about it.
Aidan read the note. “No real idea. I’m afraid I get left out of the meetings. You have to understand, I’m not a part of that world. Neither is my father. We’re close to the Taggarts, but we don’t have ties to the intelligence stuff. Not even my fiancée, who is a Taggart. Her father’s a chef, so this is not something we’re used to.”
“Then bring her to Montreal,” Huisman offered. “You sound like you could use some time away, Aidan. I have several guesthouses around the property. I’m happy to offer you one of the bigger ones. Perhaps one large enough you could bring a bodyguard. Or a companion, so your fiancée isn’t lonely. Come to my home and surround yourself with some of the best minds in our business. I include you in this. I truly believe you have extraordinary potential. Come to Montreal and think about the future.”
Tristan huffed, trying to get Aidan’s attention. It was past time to hang up on this motherfucker. He would find another way in. Maybe through one of the other doctors Huisman invited.
“All right,” Aidan said.
Tristan gasped and started to say something, but Cooper had a big arm around his neck, his hand covering his mouth.
“Don’t you dare,” Cooper whispered. “His choice, Tris.”
Now he knew why Ian brought Coop down. Bitterness welled. Carys and Aidan were his. Fucking his.
“But I need a couple of days. Carys and I were going to spend them in the city, but given our situation, I think we’ll come in later in the week.” Aidan sounded like this was all normal. Like he wasn’t fucking up the whole world. Like he hadn’t put their love in danger.
Tris thought seriously about breaking Coop’s hold. Oh, he had an inch and some muscle on him, but Tris could fight dirty. Tris could twist out and kick the fucker in the balls, and then they would see whose choice it was.
“Well, I will look forward to it, and I’m serious about talking to Mr. Taggart if you think it would help make everyone comfortable.” Huisman sounded pleased with himself.
Because they’d given him everything he wanted.
“I should get back to my fiancée,” Aidan said. “But I appreciate you calling, Dr…Manny. I think this might be exactly what I need.”
“I’m glad I could help. See you soon.”
There was something ominous about the words, but Tristan doubted anyone else would hear it. Cooper’s arm came from around his neck, and Tris fought the urge to clock him. Ian was watching him now as Aidan hung up his phone. Watching and likely hoping for a reason to try to sideline him.
It wasn’t going to happen.
Aidan turned to Ian. “Do you think he bought it?”
“Bought it?” Ian asked. “I think you just made a choice.”
“Yeah, I know,” Aidan agreed, “but did I come across as reluctant? Because I was going for reluctant. I thought I shouldn’t sound too sure after what happened today. He knew about what happened today, right? That’s why you wanted me to be honest with him. Because he already knew. Because he’s the one who sent them. Why would he send them?”
“Isn’t that the million-dollar question,” Ian mused. “Tris, you going to freak out on me?”
“Would it help?” Tris asked, bitterness welling.