The temptation of my brother-in-law

Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen

Malachi’s POV

I couldn’t focus.

Pa Wood was talking about expansion. About new territories. About opportunities in the eastern markets. Numbers and projections that usually held my full attention.

I didn’t hear a word of it.

All I could think about was Alicia. That moment in the hallway. How close I’d been to kissing her. How her breath had hitched. How her eyes had gone dark with want.

Then Cecilia had appeared and ruined everything.

"Malachi. Are you listening?"

I looked up. Pa Wood was staring at me. His expression unreadable.

"Yes. Eastern markets. I’m listening."

"Then what did I just say about the timeline?"

I had no idea. Hadn’t heard a single word about timelines.