#Chapter 15: Forming a Partnership

Kent nods. "That makes sense. But why not ask Marcus for help? He's even more powerful than I am, and the help he can give would be above board." "Marcus is Charles's family now," I say with a shrug. "He can't truly help me, and I can't truly trust him." "You could seduce him," Kent says. "Create a rift within the family." "Absolutely not," I say automatically. "That's not who I am." Kent looks skeptical. "Or is there maybe another reason?" I look at him in surprise. "Come on, Nicole. I saw the way you looked at him at the wedding reception," Kent says. "You have feelings for him. I just don't think you realize that yet." Annoyance and self-consciousness crackle through my veins, and I scowl at Kent. "That is none of your business," I snap in a whisper. "If you're going to poke into my private life like that, you can forget about being partners. It'll never work." "All right, all right!" Kent raises his hands in a defensive position. "I'm sorry." I take a