Pride & Pleasure (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 1) by Rhonda Lee Carver Read Free Book Online Page A

gritted her teeth, “But I didn’t ask for yours,” she huffed.
    “You didn’t? I’m paying you to play for my friends, so that gives me the right.”
    “Mr. Knight, apparently you’re under the false understanding that money can buy you anything. I’m afraid you’re wrong.”
    He nodded. “Thank you for making me aware of my limitations.” He cocked his head to the side. “If it makes you feel any better, I said I wasn’t a fan of yours, but I didn’t say that I didn’t like your talent. In fact, for such a young woman you certainly had the musical fan base by the bal—” He caught himself. “by the horns.”
    “I could say the same. For a man as young as you, you’re certainly taking the business world by storm.”
    He paused and several expressions fluttered across his smooth shaven face. “There’s a difference, Miss Pine. You chose the cello out of love. The family business was chosen for me out of obligation.” He pushed off the desk and took several steps away from her.
    “We all have choices.”
    His eyes flared. “Is that so?”
    “Some people would call this lifestyle lucky. To live in a mansion on a secluded estate, with the means to do as one pleases. I think you’re the envy of half the world.”
    “Oh, the cages of responsibility.” He chuckled, but it was harsh sounding. “Surely you understand the cage I’m referring to, Miss Pine. Or maybe you don’t.”
    “What do you mean?”
    He fixed her with his gaze. “I don’t have the luxury of just walking away, dropping my obligation.”
    “I do believe you have an opinion about everything.”
    “Only when it matters.”
    “I can’t begin to see how my career matters outside of this weekend.”
    “And so you’ve come all the way here from the city. To fatten your bank account.”
    She sniffed. “That’s presumptuous.”
    “Or fact? It’s not to play. After all, you’ve turned down numerous invitations to play.”
    She blinked. How much research had he actually done? “I think I’ve heard enough.” She stood.  “I believe I’ve made a mistake by coming here.”
    He took a step toward her. “That won’t be necessary.”
    “Oh, I think it will be. Yes, Mr. Knight, I do need the money, but that doesn’t give you the right to insult me.”
    “Again, forgive my lack of social propriety.” He pushed the button on his phone, still watching her. “Max, please show Miss Pine to her room and make sure she has everything she needs.”
    She was taken back by his lack of courtesy. “Mr. Knight, what if I haven’t changed my mind. I really think you’re wanting someone different than me.”
    One eyebrow raised. His eyes lit up. “Come now. No need to act brash. I promise by dinner I’ll have my proper host face on. Besides, I’ve had the cook prepare a delicious meal for us.”
    He sat down, lowered his head to an open folder on his desk as if clueing her in on the fact that he was done with her.
    The door opened and Max appeared. “Ma’am, this way.”
    Not sure whether to flip Victor Knight the bird or be happy that she could get away from him before she said a few words that she’d never said to anyone, she stood there for the longest time, but he continued to ignore her.
    “Ma’am?” Max repeated.
    Turning on her heel, she stomped from the office and Max closed the door behind her. “Is he always this way?” she asked.
    “In what way, Miss Pine?”
    “Insufferable.”
    The man hid his smile behind his hand. Clearing his throat, he finally said, “I’m afraid he can be a little coarse at times.”
    “A little? What are you measuring with? The Eiffel Tower?” Complaining about Max’s boss wasn’t appropriate, but she needed to vent.
    “He’ll unwind. Just give him some time.”
    “I don’t think I have twenty years to spare,” she rolled her eyes.
    “Miss Pine, I think you’ll find your room to your liking. Mr. Knight has asked that you stay in the east wing suite. Rumor says that Marilyn