He stared at me pointedly. “Are you certain this is what you want?”
I lost my temper. “Stop questioning what I want. It’s my fucking business. I pay you to handle the legal aspects, not for your opinion on what I should or should not develop.”
He held up his hands. “I’m simply asking. You haven’t shared your plans, so I have no idea what you’re thinking.”
I pushed the folder toward him. “Once it’s finalized, I’ll tell you. Until then, tell them no deal. Ever.”
He slid the folder closer to him, running his finger along the seam. “You know two pieces of the land are still zoned for industrial. I know you planned to have them rezoned, but what if they don’t? What if they build industrial sites there? Will that impact your plans?”
I stood. “If that is the game they decide to play, I will fight it. I’m not going to be blackmailed into changing my mind. The zoned areas are small, and with everything I have going for me, I guarantee you, I will win that battle. They can fucking bring it on.” I studied him. “Whose side are you on, Greg?”
“You’re my client,” he replied promptly. “It’s my job to point these things out.” He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. “This is what you pay me for, Bentley. My expert advice. My advice that has gotten your company out of a bind a time or two, I would like to remind you.”
I wasn’t in the mood for his lectures.
“Yes, you did your job,” I snapped. “And got paid—well paid, in case you forgot that fact.”
We glared at each other, then he shrugged. “This entire project has been tempestuous at best. I thought you’d be glad to see it done, cut your losses, and move on. But it’s your choice.”
“Yes. It is. It’s my company. There will be no losses once I’m done, trust me. Reject the offer and tell them to move on—whoever the fuck they are. The land isn’t for sale.”
“I’ll do that.”
I picked up my coat. “Good. Let’s go, Aiden.”
Aiden said something to Greg, then met me at the elevator.
“That was quite the show,” he stated, as the doors shut. “I’ve never heard you snap at him like that before now.”
I rubbed my face roughly. “He annoyed me. I hate being questioned when I make a decision.”
“That was obvious.” He sighed heavily. “He is right though, Bent. They could try to throw up some roadblocks and delay what we want to do, just to be assholes. The delays and problems could cost us a lot, especially if you’re doing this on principle or for revenge. We could walk away and cut our losses now.”
We walked outside into the dreary day. I slipped on my coat, my mind wandering to Emmy. I hoped she was warm enough today—the past couple days had been cooler and the nights downright cold. The jacket I saw her wear this morning didn’t look thick enough for her, given the level of warmth she always needed. Maybe I should take her shopping for a new one, or surprise her with a gift. Maybe another visit to Cami was in order. She could help me pick out something suitable.
I brought my mind back to the problem at hand. “Maybe at first it was the principle or revenge, but Aiden, the more I think about this project, the more excited I am. I haven’t felt this way about a new development in a long time.”
He flashed me a grin. “I was hoping you’d say that. Maddox and I feel the same. It’s gonna be cool, I think. Worth the risk.”
I laughed and clapped him on the back. “At this point, there isn’t any risk. So, it’s full steam ahead.”
Frank pulled up to the curb, and we climbed into the car. Aiden stared out the window.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m still concerned.”
“About?”
“I think we still need to be vigilant with security. Until we make sure they’ve faded into the background.”
“Emmy was hoping it would be done. She hates it.”
“She said as much to Simon this morning. She was surprised to still see him there when she got to school.” He paused, thinking. “It’s a precaution I feel strongly about. Something in my gut is telling me to keep things as they are. I know she hates it, and you want to make her happy, but it’s only for a while longer.”
Aiden was often right with his gut instincts. If he felt that way, I needed to trust him.
“If that’s what you think. Just pull back as much as you can. I’ll talk to Emmy.”
He nodded, staring out the window. “I’ll think it over. I don’t want someone to approach and bother her.”
“Nor do I.”
“It’s easier when she’s at your place. I know she’s safe in the house.”
“Trust me; I’m trying to make it full-time. She’s—”
“Independent? Stubborn?” He finished for me.
“Both,” I agreed. “She needs to understand I don’t want to change her. I don’t want to take her independence away. She has to figure out that part.”
“Cami mentioned a couple of things about her upbringing. I get that.”
I arched my eyebrow. “Oh, did she? When did that happen?”
His gaze went back to the passing scenery. I was surprised to see the flush of color around his neck. “We were, ah, just talking.”
I laughed as Frank pulled up to the office.
“Talking. Right.”
He brushed past me, shaking his head. “Leave it alone.”
In the elevator, I met his suddenly vulnerable eyes. “It’s fruitless to resist, Aiden. Those girls are headstrong. She’s been interested since the day in the boutique. Before even.”
“I’m not in the market for what she is looking for.”
“You mean a relationship?”
“Yes.”
“Neither was I. Emmy proved me wrong.” I stopped him before he exited the elevator, my voice low and serious. “She’s a great girl. You like her; she likes you. I think she’d be good for you. Don’t cut yourself off again. What do you have to lose?”
“You know the answer to that.”
“Give it a chance. You deserve to be happy.”
“No, I don’t deserve anything of the sort.” With those words, he hurried past me.
I watched his retreating figure with sadness. He did deserve it. I wasn’t sure how I could make him see it, yet I knew I had to try.
* * *
I arrived home late, and Andrew met me at the elevator.
“Sir.”
“Andrew—how was your day?”
“Excellent. Miss Harris is upstairs.”
“Buried in her books, I imagine?”
“Since she arrived home. She refused dinner, but I have made a tray of sandwiches, and there is a thermos of coffee on the counter.”
“You are amazing.”
He tilted his head in acknowledgment of my words. “Have a good evening, sir.”
“You, as well.”
I hurried upstairs, changed, then jogged to the kitchen and grabbed the sandwiches, coffee, remembering to grab a mug.
I paused at the entrance of the sunroom. Emmy sat quietly, a pile of books scattered around her. She was concentrating so hard that she didn’t even hear me approach.
“Can you take a break?”
Startled, she glanced up from her notes, her eyes bleary with fatigue. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.”
“My test is tomorrow.”
I held up the plate I was carrying. “Just something to eat, Freddy. I made the sandwiches myself. Twenty minutes and you’ll feel better.”
With a sigh, she stood, and I took her hand, tugging her to the sofa.
“You’ve been working too hard.”
She lifted one shoulder, dismissing my concern. She took one of the sandwiches from the plate, studying it. I chuckled at her skeptical expression. “Okay, Andrew made them. I took the plastic wrap off, though.”
“They looked far too delicious to be yours.”
I kicked up my feet on the coffee table and smirked. She was right.
“As
for working too hard, you’re one to talk, Rigid. You’ve hardly been home.”
I held back my grin hearing her refer to the house as “home.” I hadn’t had to convince her to stay for another few days since a hole in the roof caused some flooding in her apartment, and Al was slow to get it fixed. The rain had stopped, and I knew she’d probably leave after the weekend, but I enjoyed having her home. It had been something she couldn’t accuse me of orchestrating since even she admitted my control didn’t reach “that far.”
“How are the plans coming?” She looked at me over her sandwich.
I poured some coffee into the mug and handed it to her. “Great. Everyone’s on board, and the architect has already impressed me. Maddox had met him a few months ago and liked his work. His ideas are almost as brilliant as yours.”
“Right,” she scoffed. “Brilliant.”
“It’s your idea. In fact, Maddox and Aiden want to make you part of the planning team—like an intern. Keep you in the loop. What do you think?”
“What would it entail? I’m so busy at school.”
“Not much—especially right now. A few meetings. A couple of dinners. It’ll be a while until it’s all completed. I’d like you there with us when it opens.” I hesitated. “It’s a paid position.”
“Oh, nice try.”
“Honest, Emmy. Talk to Maddox. It was his idea. He wants to make sure you get some credit.”
“I didn’t do it to get credit. I did it to help you.”
Leaning over, I stroked her soft cheek. “I know. And you did. Just talk to him, okay? I promise I’ll stay out of it.”
She rolled her eyes, mumbling about miracles having to happen, then tried to cover up a yawn.
“You’re exhausted. Why is this test stressing you out so much? You know your stuff.”
“It’s worth a big part of my final grade. It’s an entire business plan and proposal I’ll be graded on. I have to present it to a panel and answer questions, plus there’s a written test. I always tense up before tests. I freeze and have trouble remembering the answers. I do so much better when I’m given a project to do.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. I’m meeting another classmate early tomorrow, and she is going to quiz me. She did hers last week, so she knows some of the things they are looking for and might ask me. Then I’ll meet Cami for coffee, and the presentation is at eleven, then the test.”
“After, you can come home and have a nap.”
“No. I can go to Al’s and get more scones done.”
I pursed my lips in vexation. “If you took on this project with BAM, you wouldn’t have to work at Al’s.”
“It’s part of my rent.”
“The rent here is very reasonable. Free, in fact.”
“Bentley—”
I held up my hands with a grin. “Think about it. I want you here, Emmy. I want to know you’ll be here when I get home. That I get to sleep beside you every night.” I indicated the room around us. “It feels like home when you’re here. When you’re not, it’s just . . . space.”
Her cheeks pinked. “Really?”
“Yes. Think how much easier life would be for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Frank would drive you to school and bring you home. You wouldn’t have to bake so early in the mornings. You could work with Maddox on the project, which would be an excellent learning experience, concentrate on school, not have to worry about bills . . .” My voice trailed off at the frown on her face.
“If I decide to live with you, it won’t be because of money.”
“I know that. I was simply pointing out some good facts.”
“I would have to pay my way.” She lifted her chin. “Otherwise the discussion is closed.”
I knew arguing with her was a waste of time. She was stubborn and proud, and scared to depend on anyone. I wanted her to depend on me, though. I wanted to prove to her she could depend on me and I wouldn’t let her down.
“The house is paid for, and all the bills are done through my company.” I fibbed a little. “Perhaps we could do an exchange. Like you have with Al.”
“You want four dozen scones a day?”
I chuckled. “No, but I love your cooking and baking. It would give Andrew a break, as well. I’ve been thinking I needed to get him some help.”
She pursed her lips. I lifted her hand to my mouth.
“Emmy, I don’t want to take away your independence. I’m not going to stop you living your life. I only want to share it with you. Have you be part of mine. I admit, having you live with me would ease my mind. I want to take care of you. I’ve never felt that with another person. We can work out all the details, so we’re both happy, but what I really want is to know you want it too.”
She sighed, looking distraught.
“What are you thinking?”
“What if–what if my brother comes looking for me?”
Suddenly, I understood why she stayed in that tiny apartment. She was hoping one day he would come back and find her in the same place he had left her. That she would be important enough to him for him to return. Even after he walked away, she still held hope.
“Al will know where you went.” I brushed my finger down her cheek. “If you want, Emmy, I can have Aiden get someone to look for your brother.”
Her eyes widened. “You could?”
“If you want. You know, he could find you other ways aside from your address. You’re on Facebook, Instagram—”
“I know. I don’t think he’s looking,” she admitted. “That’s what hurts the most.”
“Then stop living your life waiting for someone who walked away from you to come back. I’m right here, and I want you. I want you with me every day. I hate it when you leave.”
Tears spilled from her eyes, and I pulled her into my arms. I lay back on the sofa, letting her rest against my chest, her head tucked under my chin. “You’ve changed me, Emmy. I want your light and to see your beautiful face all the time. Please let me have it. Promise me you’ll think about it.”
She drew in a deep shuddering breath, but I felt her nod. I couldn’t help the broad smile that stretched across my face.
“We’ll talk and make some plans once this test is over, deal?”
“Deal.”
Bentley
I glanced around the boardroom. I needed to pay attention to what was happening, except my mind was elsewhere. Greg’s surly, judgmental mood, Emmy’s stress over her presentation and test, her promise to consider living with me, and Aiden’s insistence on security still being in place, all distracted me.
There wasn’t much I could do about Greg. I had no idea why he was questioning my decisions so intensely. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t taken risks before, and it shouldn’t matter to him. I paid him regardless if I made or lost money. Aiden’s gut feeling was simply that—a feeling. I was certain he had been worried about the project for so long, he was jumping at shadows. They won the land battle, but thanks to Emmy’s brilliant idea, I won the war. It was done. Over. We could move on to other things.
I planned to talk to Aiden once it all calmed down. He and Cami were great together, and he deserved a shot at happiness. In fact, I thought Maddox did as well, and he and Dee seemed well suited for each other, but I would pick my fights one at a time. Emmy would be okay after today was over. I knew Cami would have given her a pep talk this morning, and I would make sure to pamper her tonight. In the meantime, though, I could send her a funny text. She taught me how to use the emoji things so I would add them in. She loved those.
I reached for my phone just as Aiden lifted his to his ear. He listened for a moment, his face impassive, but the look he shot me made me instantly tense up. He stood, heading to the door, talking low, indicating Maddox should follow him. When he pulled open the door, Sandy stood there, holding a brown grocery bag. She looked upset, and my anxiety increased. My laptop pinged, and I glanced over, freezing as I looked at the small windo
w that had appeared on the screen. The image was grainy and dark, but there was a girl in the frame, sitting on the floor of a dingy room.
A girl who looked exactly like Emmy.
Everything happened in slow motion.
I blinked, and the image on my screen disappeared.
Aiden clapped his hands. “Give us the room.” His tone left no room for argument.
Sandy dropped the bag on the table. Aiden gripped my shoulder.
The boardroom door shut.
I looked up. “What the fuck did I just see?”
Aiden placed his phone on the table and pressed a button. A disjointed voice came on the line. “We have the girl. You want her back, wait for instructions at home. Involve the police, and she’s dead.”
I was on my feet without thought. “Is this a joke? Some sort of sick prank?”
Maddox opened the bag and dumped out the contents. Emmy’s rucksack, the bane of my existence, fell onto the table.
“She never goes anywhere without that.” I heard my voice say.
Aiden’s hand felt heavy on my shoulder. “I know.”
“She’s at school,” I insisted, as if by saying so it would make it true. “Frank drove her to school early this morning.”
“She never made it.”
Fear swamped me. “What?”
Maddox leaned forward. “Frank was found at the garage where the car is stored, knocked unconscious. Her bodyguard, Simon, got a text saying they would be late arriving at the school, but they never showed. He got worried, and started checking into the situation. The car was abandoned in an alley not far from the house. There were signs of a struggle.” He sucked in a deep breath. “Some blood was on the seat. Whoever took Emmy must have picked her up.”
“How much blood?” I needed to know.
“Not a lot, but there was some sort of altercation. Her messenger bag was in the back seat, and the contents dumped out.”
Vested Interest Box Set Books 1-3 Page 17
