Sins of My Father (Black Brothers #1) by Lisa Cardiff

“It’s convenient. I split my time between New York and D.C. I don’t the like maintenance that comes with owning a home, and the residences have a concierge, a maintenance service, and a valet.”
    “Well, aren’t you special?” She scoffed, but her lips twitched with what I hoped was laughter and not disdain. “And I thought my two-bedroom townhome was impressive.”
    “I assure you, it was.”
    She elbowed the side of my ribcage. “You didn’t see anything except the front door.”
    “And the kitchen,” I reminded her. “But I wouldn’t mind seeing a little more in the future.” As I said the words, I realized the truth in that statement. I wanted to see more of Langley—her house, her friends, and everything that was important to her, which was dangerous. I needed to stop spinning fantasies about this woman, because the spark burning between us wouldn’t mean anything when reality came knocking at our door, and it would happen sooner rather than later. Then, we’d be enemies for life. And being enemies with benefits wasn’t a place I wanted to go with Langley, no matter the overwhelming attraction. After all, attraction faded and dulled with time no matter how hot it sizzled in the beginning. I hoped the shelf life on my fascination with Langley wasn’t any different.
    Simply put, I wanted to destroy the life she’d known for the last decade, dismantling it either brick by brick or with a bomb. It didn’t matter to me as long as it ended with his complete disgrace and the loss of everything he held dear in his life. Langley wouldn’t roll over and let me ruin her life and her family without a word. Our roles were scripted years ago, and nothing could alter it.
    In spite of her gentle smiles, perfect curves, and toned to perfection legs, I had to keep everything in perspective. Ultimately, she was a spoiled rich girl with a famous actor, albeit deceased, for a dad, a social climbing bitch for a mother, and morally bankrupt stepdad. Her sweet demeanor and million dollar smile were a façade to get what she wanted.
    To most women, I was nothing more than a healthy financial statement. Carefully crafted words wouldn’t disguise the money signs twinkling in their jaded eyes. I couldn’t let myself believe Langley was any different.
    “I’d like that too,” she said, leaning into me.
    Off balance from my moody train of thought, it took me a moment to register her comment.
    “Good.” Forcing a smile on my face, I reached for the door handle when the car stopped next to the curb in front of the Ritz. “We’re here.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
     
    Langley
     
    With the pricey address, I shouldn’t have been surprised when I stepped into Archer’s condo. The word condo didn’t adequately describe the sleek elegance sprawling out in front of me. Muted whites, grays, silver, and accents of gold created a soothing palate. I expected dark, masculine colors that announced his bachelor status.
    “This isn’t what I expected.” I dropped my purse on the glass table in the entry, complete with a white potted orchid.
    “It’s not?” he chuckled.
    I rubbed my hands on the sides of my skirt as I absorbed every expertly coordinated detail. “No. It’s beautiful, but it doesn’t look lived in or personal.”
    “I know. I hired an interior designer friend, and I think she decorated as though she planned to move in someday. It’s a little too feminine and sterile for my taste.”
    I sucked in a breath. His comment said more than I wanted to know about any of his previous entanglements. How pathetic. Jealousy slithered down my spine like the serpent tempting Eve with the forbidden fruit. I didn’t have a right or reason to be jealous. We’d gone on a few dates that ended with a couple of kisses, hardly commitment material. My feelings weren’t rational, but acknowledging that didn’t make the unpleasant feeling in my gut any less real.
    He tried to make eye contact. I