One White Lie: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book One by Jeannette Winters Page B

the most powerful companies around. He felt guilty for the way he’d broken things off, but he would feel worse if she had spent the last three years sitting around waiting for him.
    The thought that she was with another man pissed him off, but it was better than her being alone. He had had lovers since her as well, but they’d only provided a release for his sexual tension, nothing more. Lena had never been that person to him. Not then and not now. Hell, I don’t know what you are to me now, but you’ve got me tied in knots.
    There was only one problem. He’d heard her on the phone. Her voice, when she’d said those three words, had been spoken in truth. She loved that guy. But we’d had sex on Friday. Only a complete asshole would ignore that and pursue her anyway. Getting up from the table, he threw money down to cover his tab and walked out. Good thing I’m an asshole.

Chapter Twelve

    H is call with Bennett last night wasn’t what he’d hoped to hear. Asher had spoken as though he had everything under control. How that was possible after only a week with a country on the verge of a revolution was beyond him. It looked more likely that their plan B of setting up in New Hampshire was going to be their best option. This isn’t what I would want in my backyard if something goes wrong at the plant.
    The plant wasn’t his only concern at this moment. Bennett mentioned the threat made against Asher and him. Normally he wouldn’t give a damn. But he hinted the threat could impact people around them. “Slim chance for domestic retaliation,” was how he’d put it. Brice wasn’t exactly sure what this rebel group was willing to do in order to gain support, but he didn’t want to find out. The only world news I want B&H to make is for positive investment opportunities.
    He didn’t like the idea of having anyone watching him, but it looked like it was time to make exceptions to his rules. He increased security around the building as well as his personal property. Also gave his brothers the heads-up. Like him, they were used to watching their backs all the time, mostly because their father was always waiting for his moment to break them. Dean, as usual, wouldn’t take what he said seriously. He only laughed and said, “No problem. I’ll hire myself a hot sexy security guard, and we won’t leave my bedroom until this all blows over.”
    Zoey wasn’t someone he could call to deliver this message. She was much more fragile than she was ever going to admit. No, it required taking her to lunch and breaking it to her gently. This would in turn mean getting yelled at for his careless behavior. It wasn’t the first time, and it sure won’t be the last.
    Before meeting with Zoey, there was one more person he needed to have a conversation with. He was sure she would think this was some ploy to come between her and Rex, but that wasn’t the case. He didn’t need to make up a threat. He was enough threat himself when it came to them.
    Hitting the intercom button he said, “Lena, come into my office.”
    She entered, carrying her notepad. “Do you need something?”
    I need you. “Sit. There is something we need to discuss.”
    Lena looked at him, hesitating to come closer. He didn’t blame her. The last time she’d approached his desk had been explosive to say the least.
    “This is business.” Brice wanted to ease her mind. She was going to have enough to deal with, and if he was going to get her to see the actual issue at hand, she needed to trust him. And that’s not going to be easy.
    Lena took the chair opposite him. “What is it you wish to discuss with me?”
    “I know you only have a week left of this assignment. You have filled Nancy’s shoes surprisingly better than expected.”
    Smiling, Lena replied, “I am glad I had the opportunity. If it’s not too much to ask, I was hoping you might consider writing me a letter of recommendation for future work.”
    He hadn’t really thought about her