All the way home, he thought about how he could fix it, what he could do differently. He was good at handling people. Usually. Of course, most of those people wanted something from him and he knew how to play that to his advantage.
Mary Alice didn’t want anything from him. And apparently, she wanted nothing to do with him. He needed to come to terms with that.
By the time he got home and parked his car in the garage, he sighed in relief when he saw Jesse’s car parked there already.
Yeah, it meant Jesse hadn’t gone out. But it also meant Max wouldn’t be alone tonight.
Christ, they really did need to spend less time together. Otherwise…
Otherwise, what?
They’d die alone in their renovated building with a hundred cats, with their hands around each other’s necks, strangling each other.
Idiot.
Absofuckinglutely.
Pushing through the door into the main building, he barely noticed the unfinished mudroom as he headed for the oversized kitchen neither of them had the time to use except to make coffee in the morning and throw a pizza in the oven at night.
Come to think of it, tonight was the first night in at least a week he’d been home before ten. If they weren’t at the office, they were at one of the clubs or restaurants, checking books, talking to staff, familiarizing themselves with the operations.
Through the kitchen, he walked through the unfinished room they planned to make into a dining room and into the room he’d chosen for his office. The bare walls only needed a couple coats of paint to be finished, but he hadn’t had time to even think about what color he should paint them.
And, honestly, he couldn’t have cared less. Jesse had jokingly suggested they get a decorator to finish the place when they were done with the renovations, but Max knew it’d never happen. Neither of them wanted anyone in their space, fucking around with their things.
Hell, they’d never actually had anyone in the house, other than a building inspector and a few men they trusted unconditionally. Max could count those on one hand.
So when he heard a female voice coming from the front of the building, he figured it was the TV. Until he realized he recognized the voice.
His heart skipped a beat, which just pissed him off.
What the fuck was she doing here?
He took several steps toward the voices before he stopped, took a breath. His brain stuttered and he sucked in another breath.
Had she changed her mind? How the hell had she found them? It wasn’t like she could look them up in the phone book or online. Had she asked Tristan or Adam?
No. He couldn’t believe she’d do that. If she had, either of those men would’ve been in his face, wanting to know why she’d been asking about them. So she’d had to put some effort into finding them.
As silently as he could, he approached the living room, stopping just outside.
“Are you sure I can’t get you something to drink? I texted Max, but he’s a boy scout when it comes to using his phone when he drives.”
“No, thank you. I’ll just wait until Max gets here.”
“And you’re sure you don’t want to tell me what’s going on?”
“I’d rather talk to both of you at the same time.”
She needed something. Of course. Why else would she be here?
And that was their opening.
Are you really going to leverage her need against her?
If it meant he could have her… Yeah, he was.
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth but he quickly swallowed it. She knew who he was, what he was.
He stepped into the doorway.
Max knew Jesse had realized he was there before he showed himself. The security system sent alerts to their phones if the doors or windows in the building opened. But Jesse deliberately shifted his gaze so Mary Alice knew he’d arrived.
She sat alone on the couch, her back stiff. Jesse sat across from her on one of the two huge recliners.
Her head turned and she bounced off the couch to her feet. Dressed in a long patterned skirt and a tight purple t-shirt, she looked young. Really fucking young. And completely out of place in their man cave, with the TV that took up most of a wall, the electronics and the Xbox and the pool table behind the couch, where he and Jesse spent a hell of a lot of their down time.
Lately, they’d barely had time to sleep much less play games. But now he couldn’t help but think about what games they could play with Mary Alice on that couch.
He made sure nothing of his thoughts showed. He didn’t want to scare her off. Not now when he had her exactly where he’d wanted her since the moment he’d met her.
“Hello, Mary Alice.”
She swallowed hard. “Hello, Max.”
“Is everything okay?”
She blinked. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
Her eyes narrowed, as if she wanted to get angry but didn’t want to piss him off.
Fuck that. He hated thinking she might be afraid of them.
“I’m not here for me.”
That made sense. “So why are you here?”
She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she seemed to be figuring out what to say. He had a hard time believing she hadn’t memorized her speech. Mary Alice didn’t seem like a woman who’d leave anything to chance. They had that in common. Or so he’d thought.
She faltered now. Which fascinated him. What could she possibly want that would make her this uncomfortable?
Her gaze skittered back and forth between him and Jesse before she took a deep breath.
“I need a favor.”
So he was right. Which both pissed him off and made his brain begin to churn. He waited for her to continue, but she took another deep breath and looked away.
“Mary Alice, just—”
“My friend’s in trouble and I need your help.”
He flashed a glance at Jesse, but he had his gaze pinned on Mary Alice.
“What kind of trouble?”
Her chin lifted. “The kind that comes from owing too much money to the wrong people.”
Ah. “And those wrong people are…”
She swallowed hard and flashed a glance at Jesse before looking back at Max. “The Antonoffs.”
Of course.
He swallowed back a grimace. “And what makes you think I have any sway with the Antonoffs?”
Her chin lifted. “Because I know they took over the illegal parts of the Oleksy organization.”
That wasn’t common knowledge though he wasn’t surprised she knew. She worked for Mickey’s nephew, after all.
“That doesn’t explain why you think I can help you with this problem.”
“Because I don’t know anyone else who might be able to. Except you.”
The hope in her eyes made him want to be her damn hero. But he saw an opening and, even though he knew that made him a Class A prick, he wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity she’d handed him.
He caught Jesse’s gaze for a few brief seconds over her shoulder. His best friend knew him well, knew exactly what he was going to do.
Jesse didn’t like it. But he didn’t tell him not to.
“Tell me everything and I’ll tell you what I can do.”
Taking a deep breath, she laid it all out. Names, dates, amounts. What she didn’t give him was why. As if she could keep this a strictly business transaction.
Not gonna happen, sweetheart.
But he’d let her keep her illusions for a few more minutes. She needed something only he could give her. And he wanted her so he’d take her any way he could get her. He’d worry about more later.
“Is there a reason he was gambling or is he an addict?”
Her head cocked to the side, all that pretty copper hair falling over one shoulder. He wanted to see it spread out on his bed, wrapped around his hand, trailing over his chest. His cock twitched but he throttled back his response.
T
his will work. Just don’t get ahead of yourself.
“He’s getting married in a few weeks to my best friend. He was hoping to win the money to take her on a honeymoon.”
Her movie companion from the other night. He recalled her face but couldn’t remember her name.
“And she asked you to get involved?”
She shook her head. “She came to me to vent and I told her I may be able to help but I didn’t tell her who I was asking for help. I didn’t want to get her hopes up because I wasn’t sure you’d want to help, much less be able to do anything.”
Now, that was a challenge if he’d ever heard one.
His lips twitched, wanted to curve in a smile, but he kept his expression neutral. “And what is it you think I can do?”
Her nerves showed as she brushed her hair over shoulders, straightening her back. He watched her every move. Couldn’t help himself.
“Ask the Antonoffs to back off and give Danny time to pay them. It won’t be much at first but they’ll get their money. I give you my word.”
“You’re willing to put yourself on the line for your friends?”
She blinked. Something about that question made her nervous. Not that he blamed her. The Antonoffs had a reputation for ruthlessness, and he and Jesse knew it wasn’t just a reputation. They backed up their threats with action. And while they weren’t known for deadly solutions to money problems, they were known for creative methods of getting blood from stones.
“Yes, I’m willing to help, in any way they need.”
Which was a problem, because he wasn’t willing to let her become a tool for the Antonoffs.
Shit.
Behind her, he saw Jesse close his eyes for a brief second and shake his head, frustration in the tight lines of his mouth.
Max knew if he thought about the situation a little more, he could come up with a solution other than the one he had in mind. One that didn’t require her to give in to his demands.
But he wanted her. And this was how he’d get what he wanted.
He sat on the chair across from the couch, projecting a calm he didn’t quite feel. “How far are you actually willing to go? I might have a solution to your friend’s problem, but it’ll require a sacrifice from you.”
She held his gaze and he found himself locked onto her eyes. He had the all-consuming urge to grab her and lay her out on the couch. Shove up that slim skirt and put his hands on her skin. He’d stroke his fingers along the outside of her thighs until he reached her hips. Then he’d flatten his hands and move them to the inside of her thighs, where he’d push them open—
“I guess it depends on how much you ask from me.”
She held his gaze, her chin tilted up at a slight angle that made him want to smile. He didn’t. Didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.
Now he looked at Jesse, who held his gaze steady, no opposition visible in his expression.
When he looked back at Mary Alice, her cheeks were flushed. He wondered if they’d be that same color when he finally got her spread out between him and Jesse.
As if she’d read his mind, that flush deepened. But she didn’t drop his gaze.
Mary Alice had come here tonight knowing the answer to the question Max hadn’t asked yet.
All afternoon, she’d wavered back and forth, going over the pros and cons, all while knowing exactly what she was going to do if Max offered her a solution for her friends.
She had a few stipulations of her own, but if this played out like she thought it would, she already knew her answer to his proposition.
Now she waited for him to say it, holding her breath while trying not to show how worried she was.
What if he doesn’t take the bait? What are you going to do if he tells you he can’t help?
Then she’d have to find another way. Like offer herself on a platter.
Are you crazy?
Maybe a little.
Because she’d regretted turning him down since the moment the words had left her lips.
She’d cursed herself for being scared, for being unwilling to take what she wanted for herself.
But now she had an excuse. And she was taking it.
If she’d read Max right.
Finally, he took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair.
“I need a companion for certain events, dinners, and cocktail parties. Someone with an unimpeachable reputation.”
That…wasn’t what she’d been expecting. She faltered, her lips parting as her brain spun. She’d thought he’d demand a date. She’d wanted him to demand she go out with him. She’d planned to add her own caveat.
Now what?
Her gaze narrowed. “You want to be seen with me because I’m not associated with your…” criminal “…former life.”
The corners of his mouth quirked into a faint smirk. “Are you so sure it’s former?”
No, she wasn’t. And even though she knew she should have nothing to do with either of them, here she was.
Because whenever she thought about Max and Jesse, heat swept through her like a flash fire. Like it was now.
Her body must’ve betrayed her because the look in his eyes built into an inferno. Her stomach clenched and her lungs stuttered. She literally ached with desire. She had to stop herself from clenching her thighs together. Never in her life had she been so turned on.
Dangerous territory.
She continued to hold Max’s gaze, determined not to falter. “No, I’m not sure.”
“Max.”
Jesse’s rough voice stoked the raging heat and she looked over her shoulder at him. His expression held a warning. But not for her. Jesse stared at Max.
Max’s attention stayed on her. “Then why are you here?”
“Because I need you to help my friends.”
Liar. He sees right through you.
“And you’re willing to do anything for them.”
Was he waiting for her to back down? “Yes.”
He held her gaze for several long seconds before he deliberately looked at Jesse and held his gaze for several long seconds before he focused back on her.
“I may be able to help.”
She tried not to cry in relief. “And your terms?”
Max’s lips curved in a hard smile and her heart pounded against her ribs.
Jesus, I sincerely hope you haven’t screwed yourself six ways to Sunday.
“We have several upcoming events where we’ll need a companion. Some are private. Some are public. There could be press. There’ll probably be gossip. Adam and Tristan will find out. Your family, your friends. They’re going to tell you you’re making a mistake. They’re going to tell you you’re ruining your life. That you’re putting yourself in danger. But if you agree to the deal, there’s no backing out. You’ll have to see it through for six months.”
The flat demand in his voice made the hackles on her neck stand up. He didn’t scare her… At least, that’s what she told herself.
And if she was lying… Well, maybe she kind of liked it.
She also liked the fact that he’d used “we.”
“We have…” “We need…”
Not “I.”
Am I really going to go through with this?
She took a quick breath. “Are you saying I’d be dating both of you?”
If she’d surprised him, he didn’t show it.
Behind her, she heard Jesse shift, felt the air move around her, and knew he’d stood. She could feel him at her back, not close enough to touch but close enough for her body to crave his touch.
“Max.” Jesse’s voice, hard and clipped. “We need to talk. Now.”
Max didn’t release her gaze. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“Max.” Jesse didn’t raise his voice but she heard the command in it.
Max ignored him. “How much do you want to help your friends, Mary Alice?”
“God damn it, Max.” Jesse’s voice sounded strangled. “Stop—”
&n
bsp; “My answer is yes.”
Chapter Six
Jesse’s hands curled into fists, ready to take a swing at Max.
But the bastard kept pushing Mary Alice. He knew how much Max wanted her but this wasn’t the way. Not under pressure. Not afraid for her friends and willing to do anything to help them. The girl was too damn soft-hearted and Max would exploit that weakness to get what he wanted.
And that didn’t sit well with Jesse. Especially since Max insisted on dragging him into it. No way did he want to be responsible for causing her any more distress. Forcing himself to loosen his fists, he gave Mary Alice a wide berth as he stalked toward Max, stopping in front of him and forcing him to look at him.
Jesse saw fierce triumph in Max’s eyes and Jesse’s jaw tightened so much, he could barely get the words out.
“In the other room. Now.”
“Jesse.”
He ignored her, didn’t want to see the fear on her face. That’d just make him want to punch Max harder.
“God damn it, Max. Move.”
Max held his gaze. “I believe she wants to talk to you.”
“You’re being a prick.”
Max’s eyebrows rose. “I believe I’m helping her with a problem. How is that being a prick?”
From behind, he heard her huff out a sigh. “Jesse, if you want out of this arrangement, that’s fine. Just don’t presume to understand what I want without talking to me.”
Something in her tone made him turn.
Her expression held no fear, pretty green eyes steady as they held his. But Jesse read body language like a goddamn professional profiler and he knew she wasn’t as okay with this as she was trying to front.
“Fine. You want me to talk to you? Then answer my question. Do you honestly understand what he’s asking for? What he wants?”
Her gaze never wavered. “Yes.”
“And you’re willing to be seen in public with the two of us, knowing everyone—your friends, your family, everyone—will think you’re sleeping with both of us?”
“I don’t believe that was part of the deal.”
He took a step closer, noting that she didn’t move an inch. If she was scared, she hid it well.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s part of the deal. People will talk. They’ll gossip. They’ll tell other people. Are you really willing to play the whore for friends?”
Kobo Indecent Arrangment Part I Page 5
