“Is there a point to this conversation or do you solely speak to hear the sound of your own voice?”
“I’m sure you’re aware of why I asked you to come here.” His malicious smile puts me on alert.
“You might have to explain yourself given how disappointing you find my intelligence to be.”
“Consider this a warning from father to son.”
“About?”
“Your grandfather might have provided you with an opportunity to usurp me, but that doesn’t mean you will be successful. I don’t plan on stepping down without a fight.”
“It’ll make my victory all the sweeter.”
He raises his glass of water. “Let the best Kane win.”
I tap mine to his. “He already did.”
* * *
“I need you to book a trip.” I stop at Iris’s desk. After spending the entire drive thinking over my father’s conversation, I came to one conclusion.
I need to commit to my role as a doting husband—honeymoon included.
Iris looks up from her desktop with a pinched expression. “To Tokyo?”
“No. Pick a place.Anyplace with running water and Wi-Fi.”
She looks around the room and under her desk.
“Searching for a hidden camera?”
The faintest smile crosses her lips. “Either that or a wiretap. Just to be clear, I have never nor will I ever take drugs. Whatever green substance you might find in my room is definitely Cal’s.”
“Funny,” I reply dryly.
“Do you ever laugh?” she asks.
“Only when I make people cry.”
Her face contorts as she slams a palm against her chest. “Cal is right. Youarea monster.”
“A monster who expects you to have a honeymoon chosen by the end of the business day.”
“A honeymoon? Wow!” She looks far too excited about the prospect for my comfort.
“Don’t get any ideas. This is strictly for appearances.”
“Appearances?” Her grin is snuffed out.
“I’m positive that my father will do everything in his power to delegitimize our marriage. It is up to us to make his attempt futile.”
Her lips purse. “By going on a honeymoon? How is that going to solve anything?”
“It proves I care enough about you to take my first vacation in over a decade.”
She laughs. “You must live such a sad life if you think sacrificing work for a honeymoon is a declaration of your affection.”
“Is it not?” Did she not hear a word of anything I just said? I don’t take vacations. Doing so should silence any doubts about our relationship.