Conned by Jessica Wilde Read Free Book Online Page A

argued.
    "You don't get attached, Con." He didn't have to
say what we both were thinking.
    And now isn't the time to start.
    No matter how much I wanted differently, I couldn't get
close to Emily. Especially not when doing so could be detrimental to my career
and her life. I had to separate myself completely and go with my gut. She was
off limits.
    Off. Limits .
    "How's it feel, man?" I heard Luke ask slowly.
    "What?"
    He sighed, "Listen, I don't know this girl, but I know you .
You're probably thinking how absolutely ludicrous the whole thing is. You like
her already and there's something about her that you just can't stop yourself
from wanting to dive into. You're telling yourself how this kind of shit
doesn't happen in real life. I've got news for you, though. It does happen and
the harder you fight it, the more it fights you back."
    I listened intently and knew with certainty that everything
he was saying he truly believed. "Is that how it was with Ash?"
    He sighed again, but I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Every God damned day."
    "Not helping, man."
    "Maybe not," he said casually, "but it helps
to know that if it is anywhere close to how it was with Ash, and I'm talking
about years ago, it won't go away. Women have that kind of power and don't even
realize it. Isabelle had that over Liam, Ash has it over me, and one day you
and Gus are going to experience it firsthand. When it happens, I'll be laughing
in the background because payback's a bitch, but it won't matter to you.
Nothing will."
    Well, shit.
    "I don't even know her, Luke."
    "When's the trial?"
    "Few months."
    "That's time enough to get to know her and you are
going to get to know her whether you want to or not because you'll have to
spend every day with her. Just remember that you have a job to do. Your career
is on the line, so be careful."
    "Then I guess I know what I gotta do."
    "Let me guess," he said wryly, "be an asshole
to keep her away."
    Not what I wanted. "Exactly."
    "Three month's worth. Good luck with that."
    The sound of Gus and Dad coming inside the house sent a wave
of panic through my chest. If Gus found out about this, I would have to shoot
him in the leg to stop the teasing. That or he would dig and dig until I
finally admitted that this girl had knocked me on my ass.
    "You repeat any of this, Luke, and I swear to
God…"
    "Noted."
    "I'm hanging up now. This whole conversation is making
me feel…"
    "Exactly. The 'other f-word'," he chuckled.
    "Later."
    I ended the call before he could say anything, but I knew he wouldn't say anything. The conversation was over. My decision was made,
no matter how stupid that decision was and no matter how much I knew I wouldn't be able to do it. It made me feel better to have a plan, at least. This was my
job. I couldn't put that on the line because this girl made me feel something
different when I barely knew her. I don't have the time or the patience for it.
    The door opened and Gus smirked when he saw me sitting at
the desk. "Emily's in the kitchen," he said with his infamous eyebrow
wiggle that turned into triumph when I shot out of my chair too quickly.
"Excited much?"
    "Shut the fuck up," I growled and punched him in
the shoulder as I pushed passed him.
    I had to do my job. So, she was the most beautiful woman I'd
ever met and the most intriguing. So what? Do. Your. Job.
    When I walked into the kitchen, Dad was sitting there with
her at the island and telling her about his upcoming trip to Ireland and from
the look on her face, she was fascinated by it. I felt a pang of jealousy that
Dad could talk to her so easily, that he didn't have the problem I had. He
could get to know her without worrying about liking her too much or having it
interfere with his priorities. Gus could make her laugh and make her feel
comfortable while I tried to ignore his intentional flirting. Ash could relate
with her and be a friend already. I wasn't like that and I hadn't ever needed
to be.
    But I wanted it.
    Wanted it