Mendacious by Beth Ashworth Read Free Book Online

because they don’t care. Weed out the rough ones now and keep those with true intentions close by.” I’m rambling, but I hope she takes my advice. I’ve got her best interests at heart, apart from fucking her employees. But she doesn’t need to know about that part.
    Alice smiles and nods her head. “I know you’ve got my back.”
    “Always,” I reply, drawing a rude snigger from the other end of the table. I cock my head to the side and narrow my eyes at Joanna. “Do you have a problem?”
    “N-No,” she says, her skin flushing a fierce reddish colour.
    I’m about to call her bluff when my phone vibrates in my pocket, effectively distracting me away from the Joanna drama I was about to cause.
    “Excuse me,” I apologise, fishing out my phone to find Sean’s name flashing across the screen. “This had better be important,” I bark, trying to come across pissed when I’m actually relieved of the interruption.
    “It is,” Sean says, his tone a tad snotty with me. “Benedict’s racing over to Libby’s as we speak to get her signature on the contract. We’ve received word that Oakley is preparing to make a move.”
    “Motherfucker!” My hand comes down hard against the dining table, the cutlery and glasses rattling in protest from the force of the vibrations.
    “Alex!” my mother snaps.
    I ignore her and get to my feet. My blood is turning thicker and hotter in my veins the longer I’m out of the loop on this deal. It’s driving me crazy. The idea of getting in my fucking car and driving over to Libby’s company to get that signature myself is looking real inviting. “You’d better hope Benedict pulls his finger out his arse and gets this sorted,” I growl. “I’m not losing another to fucking Oakley. And if I do, you can bet your arse it won’t only be Benedict’s head that’ll roll.”
    “Understood. I’ll follow it up now and I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
    I need to get to the office before I go nuts. I can’t trust that fucker Benedict with this.
    “I’m heading to the office now. Meet me there in thirty minutes,” I reply, disconnecting the call and stuffing my phone back into my pocket.
    “You aren’t leaving?”
    A deep sigh escapes my lips. “Mum—”
    “Alex, I invited Joanna to have dinner with us. You can’t just leave.” Her eyes are practically shooting daggers at me from across the room.
    Jesus, if looks could kill ...
    “I have a problem with a large deal I’m working on. I need to go to the office. I’m sorry to skip out on dinner, but this needs taking care of.” I shoot my mother a sad, apologetic smile before bending to kiss Alice on the cheek. “Keep your chin up kiddo. You know where I am if you need me.”
    My eyes drift toward Holli. I’m virtually burning a hole in the side of her head and I feel the distinct need to just touch her on the shoulder at least, but I don’t.
    Yeah, whatever … I’m a coward.
    Instead, I take the easy route and acknowledge both her and Joanna at the same time. “It was nice meeting you both,” I say, nodding my head as I pass through the dining room and out into the hall.
    “Where’s my kiss?” I hear my mother demand, the sound of her footsteps tailing me as I expected.
    Chuckling, I turn to face her and press a kiss against her cheek. “Cheers for dinner. I’ll see you later, mum.”
    “Well, it was nice to see you for a little bit anyway. Your Grandmother keeps asking for you whenever I visit. Have you got any time? You know she’d love to see you.”
    “Mmm ...” I murmur, at least acknowledging that I’ve heard her as I open the front door and head down the driveway. I should make more time, but I just don’t have it.
    ~
    Pulling out my security fob to the office twenty-five minutes or so later, I spot Sean waiting outside my door, his fingers busily typing on his phone.
    “Did you have a busy session tonight?” I ask, nodding at his jogging