“Wh-What?” Lucy turned pale.
He shrugged. “You heard me. We were young and we didn’t have time to discuss any of the details of my financial arrangement before we tied the knot.”
“How much did you have to pay her to walk away from your fortune?”
“Not a penny.” With the admission, his stomach twisted. Irritation cascaded through him wave after wave. He couldn’t have paid her enough to stay after he’d angrily told her that he didn’t need her and she should pack. He’d been a spoiled brat who was too used to getting his way. And very stupid. In turn, he’d hurt her and he hated knowing how much of a bastard he’d been.
“You’re a lucky, son-of-a-gun. Any woman with a business sense would have drained at least one of your accounts.”
“Good thing not every woman has your reputable morals, Aunt Lucy.”
“I’m being serious.”
“Oh, I know you’re serious.”
Her brows scrunched. “That brings me to the most important reason why I’ve come here.” She sipped from her glass and strolled to the large window that overlooked the amazing view of downtown Atlanta. Her shoulders were squared as if what she was about to say was difficult. “I spoke with Mick Hannigan earlier.”
“I thought we were beyond you being the go-between? The ball’s in my court now.”
“I did too.” She tapped the glass with her long, pointed fingernail. “Believe it or not, I only called him to talk about an upcoming charity that could use his deep pockets, and he mentioned the merger simply out of the blue.”
“And…?” Declan prompted. There was a nagging feeling deep in his gut.
“It appears we have a competitor.”
“A competitor? Who else wants to take over Hannigan Sports? I’ve been dealing with Mick myself for the last three months, and every conversation I’ve had with him led me to believe that he has chosen Knight Corp’s offer.” Frustration slithered down his backbone. He’d invested hundreds of hours on the deal and Mick Hannigan who had plans of retiring in the next year. If Knight Corp took over the one hundred Hannigan locations, they would be shot into the spot of being the largest sporting equipment supplier in the country. No, the world. Declan had dreamed of this opportunity, worked hard for the chance. He couldn’t allow anything to screw this up. He strolled to the mini bar to pour another scotch. What started out as a beer night was slowly turning into a drunken stupor.
Lucy shrugged a thin shoulder, slipped off her jacket and laid it over the arm of the sofa. “It seems the competitor company is based out of Chicago—”
“Seriously? Dan Ginther wants in on the action? He can’t afford what Hannigan is asking.”
She clasped her hands together at her waist and new wrinkles appeared around her eyes. Her obvious concern bothered him. “Apparently, money isn’t a top priority for Mick. I told you that from the very beginning. He believes in strong family values.”
“He doesn’t have any kids.” He squeezed the crystal tumbler and felt his knuckles ache.
“That makes him even more determined to find a buyer that is.”
“Knight Corp is family owned.”
“Mick has another concern. He thinks you’re a bit dangerous when it comes to business. You’re young, not afraid to take risks, some that are questionable I might add. He doesn’t want his businesses to go under, even after the merge. He will still own a small share, remember.”
“What does my risk-taking personality have to do with family?”
“He thinks a more mature CEO, one maybe with a wife, is better grounded. It doesn’t help that every tabloid over the last five years has pinned you, and a few of your brothers, as playboys.”
He squinted. “When he gets here in two weeks I’ll prove to him that I’m the man to take over his company. I’ll show him how my plans mean great things for all of us. He’ll see.” He took a long gulp of his drink and it burnt all the way down into his stomach.
“That’s why he said he’ll leave any decision he makes until after he meets you and your wife.”
“Great. I can win him over—wait…what did you say?” Acid came up into his throat.
“Mick is anticipating meeting you and your wife personally.”
“How in the hell did he get the idea that I’m married?” No one except his assistant knew Declan had never gotten a divorce.
Placing her still full glass on the bar, she forced a fake smile to her lips. “Because I told him that you married recently—that you and your wife exchanged nuptials secretly because you wanted a private ceremony. Thankfully, he bought it.”
He set his glass down so he wouldn’t crush it in his palm. “I don’t know what possessed you to lie to him, but you fix this.”
Her hands dropped to her sides. “I did what needed to be done. That’s what we Knights do.”
“Tell him the truth. Once he is here and he sees how we run things, he’ll have no choice but to sign the company over. He’ll see that I’m the best decision, not Ginther who is a spineless twerp.”
“I’m not doing that. You’re being silly.”
“I’m being silly?” he growled. “What game are you playing, Lucy? He’ll know the truth when I fail to produce a wife.” He gritted his teeth. “Spouses don’t grow on trees for most of us,” he snarled.
“You producing a wife is easy compared to signing with Hannigan,” she shot back. “That’s going to be the hardest hurdle. He’ll meet you and a lovely little lady and he will see Knight Corp is the way to go.”
“Oh, really? This’ll be real interesting when I don’t have a wife to introduce him to because, well, wouldn’t you know there isn’t one.” At least one that wanted to see him again. He clenched his hands into fists. “So not only will I look immature and incompetent, but I’ll also be pegged as a liar.”
“We all have to lie in business, Declan. It’s the way of the land.”
“I knew I should have prevented you from being a part of this project.”
“That’s not fair. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have gotten a foot in the door. It was my connection with Mick that got us this far. Trust me, if I didn’t come up with this little white lie Knight Corp would be out of luck. We need this merger. This will take the company to an entirely different level.” Her eyes lit up and he swore he saw dollar signs for irises.
“You mean you stand to gain money from this merge.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.” She brought her chin up proudly.
“Come on, Lucy, what will you do with all of the money? You can’t take it to the grave with you.”
“Do you think your father gave me a share of this company because I’d weaken in the time of need? He knew I’d do anything to push this company further, just as he would have if he was still here. Now you tell me, Declan, what are you willing to do to secure Knight Corps place where it belongs? I’ve done my part, now will you?” She cut him a severing glare. “Knight Sporting Goods is your baby. None of your brothers control the company. None of them understand the guts and glory.”
He blinked. “Maybe you can pass along a special place in this fantasy world of yours where a man can pick up a pretend spouse because it appears you’re a pro on the subject.” He knew once the words were out that they were harsh and unneeded. He could be an ass, but he had never said he was proud of himself. A familiar heaviness weighed on him, remembering how his father could knock a person’s feet out from under them with his cutting words. Declan shoved the emotion down and watched her expression change.
More wrinkles appeared around her cold, surprised gaze. “I see that this is too much of a travesty for you.” She took her jacket from the couch and hung it over the crook of her arm. “I’ll call Mick and explain that I was mistaken. The marriage never happened because there was a falling out. I guess Mick was right. There’s concern if you truly have what it takes to lead this company forward.”
He gritted his teeth. He wanted this merger. Wanted it more than he nee
ded his next breath. The money didn’t matter, at least not for him. One thing his aunt did have right was that the company was his baby. He wanted to prove to himself, as well as to everyone else, that his father had made the right decision in making Declan CEO of the company. “Don’t make the call.” He caught her before she stepped through the doors.
An expression of triumph slid over her features. She thought she’d won and maybe she had on a smaller scale. “Don’t look so glum.” She came back and tapped him lightly on the cheek. “You can gather yourself a wife in no time. All those pretty ladies who swarm around you. I’m sure one wouldn’t mind becoming Mrs. Declan Knight.”
“This is pretend, remember? You’re insane if you think I’d truly marry someone for a business deal. Marriage isn’t a revolving door to me,” he murmured. Her eyes widened. “I’ll take care of my side of things, but understand, from this point on don’t you ever speak for me, and never, ever drag me into your manipulative games.” He did his best to keep his voice calm.
A long second passed. “You’ll thank me in the end. Then I’ll accept your apology. In the meantime, find a wife, pretend or not.” She left him alone, her shoes clacking until fading away. Thunder sounded in the distance. He stepped over to the window, looking out into the sea of mystical, twinkling lights. A lightning bolt slashed the purplish sky and momentarily made him see spots. It could also be his high blood pressure causing problems with his vision. His aunt seemed to always reach in and twist his innards with her clawed clutch.
Declan went to the caramel leather couch and sat down, his eyes automatically going to the sealed envelope on the table. His name was scrawled across the front in Angelina’s neat penmanship. He picked it up and stared at it for the longest time. The glass doors slid open. “Lucy, I’m warning you. I’ve had enough of the bullshit for one evening,” he snapped.
“Sir?”
Declan brought up his chin, finding his assistant standing in the doorway. “Sorry, Todd. You just missed Lucy.”
“Oh, darn. That really saddens me.” The seasoned gentleman stepped into the great room, straightening his suit jacket and pretending to pluck off a piece of lint.
“I don’t know how you missed her really. When I say she just left, you two should have passed as she was heading downstairs.”
“I have a radar that picks up on the slithering of her scales. The clanking of those hideous shoes helps. I dashed behind an artificial plant in the hallway. I knew it would come in handy one day.”
“Smart man.”
“The last thing I wanted this evening is to hear your aunt’s commentary on why men should dye their hair.” He sniffed. “I happen to like my silver hair. Indeed, just the other day, a lovely woman complimented it. So, I take it you two didn’t have an enjoyable visit? Surprised, I am.”
“Have a seat, Todd. This could take a while.”
He took the slim chair on the other side of the table.
Declan eyed the other man. Todd had worked for Theobald Knight for over twenty years. He started as a mail boy, working his way up until his innovative ideas and organizational skills stood out to Theobald, who saw the man’s worth and hired him as an assistant. When Theobald died, and Declan took over as CEO, he kept Todd on. After all these years, he was more of a friend than an employee, although he kept up appearances and continued to call Declan, and his brothers, in formal greeting.
“If I may be as bold as to make a suggestion, maybe you should open the letter and read it.” He pointed to the envelope Declan still held. “Miss Angelina has been gone for a bit now and I’m sure she didn’t write the letter for you to keep it like an artifact at the Smithsonian.”
Declan lowered his gaze to the item of interest. The envelope was the color of sandstone and the edges were wrinkled from where he’d handled it many times with the intention of opening it and reading. “You might just be right.”
“She was a wonderful woman, sir. We all lost her and we all feel the void, I assure you. I certainly miss her smile and her cheerful attitude. And those magnificent eclairs she would bring me every time she visited.”
“Yeah, me too.” He balanced the envelope on his thigh. “When you were a kid, did you ever go trick or treating?”
Todd’s gaze widened, then narrowed and he smoothed his thin mustache. “Yes, I did.”
“This letter is like getting your favorite candy dropped into your bucket. My favorite as a kid were the chocolatey peanut butter cups that melt in your mouth. I’d stare at the package longingly, salivating just imagining myself eating the treat, wanting nothing more than to tear open the paper as if it were a present on Christmas morning and eat the entire thing in one sinful bite, yet, knowing once I did, the enjoyment would only last temporarily. The candy would be gone and all I would have left would be an empty, crumpled package, and an aching stomach. Like this letter.” Declan lifted the envelope and held it up. “Once I open it, I’ll have nothing left. Anyway, what could she say on paper that she couldn’t say in person? And why did she keep her illness a secret from everyone but Victor?” He dropped the envelope onto the glass table. Declan rubbed the area between his brows hoping to prevent the headache from intensifying.
“I can’t answer that, sir, except to say that she loved you and your brothers very much. It’s possible she didn’t tell you because she didn’t want you to worry. The first time she became ill, you didn’t eat or sleep for a week.”
Declan blew out a long breath through his tight lips, pushed up from the couch and stood. “There are no obvious answers in life.” He strolled across to look out the window again. Past ten P.M., the weather was cruddy, but that didn’t keep the city indoors. The headlights of vehicles passing on the busy street looked blurred and contorted through the wet window. The tall buildings were abstract images, much like his emotions. “When Angelina visited, she would stand here for hours watching, mesmerized by the lights.”
“Yes, I remember.”
“Her favorite time was at daybreak though, when the start of the day winked at you. She referred to it as, “the sunrise’s seduction’.” He too loved that time of day most. The brightest of rays went with his sister the day she passed.
Angelina had been diagnosed with breast cancer several years before, the same disease that had taken their mother too early. Doctors had said she was in remission, but then they found that it had come back and had spread. She’d made the decision not to seek treatment to prolong her life. He could still remember the day he’d received the call from Victor telling him that their sister was gone. At the time, Declan had been in the warm, seductive bed of his most recent muse. He had hung up his cell, not saying a word to the blonde French model as he numbly slid out of the wrinkled sheets, dressed, and left. He’d grabbed the first plane to Virginia where his brothers had already gathered to say farewell to Angelina, a true force of nature with a kind heart. During the reading of her will, they were each given a letter that she had written.
Declan had tucked his away, came home and buried himself in his work.
Loosening his tie, he tugged the silk free from his collar. He’d lost his jacket a few hours ago.
Now he had bigger issues to handle.
“Lucy brought wonderful news with her. Apparently, Hannigan is unsure about Knight Corp taking over his company. He thinks I’m a playboy and that makes me lethal.” He watched Todd through the reflection of the window. “He has family values and is considering handing over his empire to a married man.”
“You don’t think Hannigan will allow such an insignificant factor to influence one of the biggest decisions of his life, do you?”
Shrugging, Declan left the window and took his seat on the couch. “Hannigan isn’t a man who is led by money and he isn’t in any hurry, even though he’s retiring soon. I’ve looked through everything, turned over every rock, and I thought I had this.”
“What did your aunt do to make things worse?”
“She told Hannigan that I’m a newlywed. Co
ngratulate me, Todd. I’m a married man.”
The silver-haired man laughed. “That’s ridiculous. The story would be front page news on every local newspaper, just as it had been when you married before.”
“Oh, apparently not when we kept it private to keep from turning the event into a circus.”
“When he visits at the end of the month, you can tell him the truth. He’ll see that you’re a smart man and this merge will benefit him not only in dollars, but in emotional prosperity. I haven’t seen a business man yet who can outsmart you.”
Declan dropped his hands. “I can’t tell him that Lucy lied. That’ll only take away from the focus here—merging our companies.”
“Then who is the lucky lady? She will be the envy of every single, even married, woman in Atlanta.” Todd chuckled.
“My bed has been pretty empty for a while, my friend.” Hell, he knew his lonely nights had been by choice. He could have easily picked up his phone and made a call that would have a beautiful, luscious woman warming his bed, but the idea didn’t settle well in his gut these days. The only thing he could concentrate on was business and more business. “Let’s just say, I have no one beating down my door any longer.”
“Oh, so the French model finally decided to give up?”
Declan shrugged. “She was a sweet person who deserved to find true love.”
“How did that work between you two anyway? She didn’t speak English, and you could only speak a few words of her language.”
“I guess I knew just the right words.” Declan laughed, but it fizzled. There was nothing humorous about his plight, the merger deal, or his relationship status.
His Weekend Wife (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 2) Page 2
