by Melody Anne
“The staff said you don’t have any family or friends in the city. They said you recently moved here?” he interrupted, his expression never changing. “They’ve also informed me you will be unable to care for yourself for at least a few weeks once you’re released,” he finished, never breaking his stare. It was almost as if he was daring her to argue with him. She was in no way afraid to go head to head with the gorgeous billionaire.
Cassie thought back over her conversation with the nurse and how much she’d revealed about her circumstances. She should’ve known the staff would report all she said back to Max and his family. It wasn’t like she was the one footing the bill. She didn’t like to feel vulnerable and didn’t like him knowing she was anything less than a strong and independent woman.
“I’m perfectly fine on my own. I will leave here in a few days and I have a comfortable apartment, where I can take care of myself,” she said a bit huffily. She was cringing when she thought about climbing up and down the stairs to her apartment. They still hadn’t fixed the elevator. Of course, her place may not be a problem much longer since she didn’t have a job. It wasn’t like a barista position was hard to fill on a moment’s notice.
“You’re obviously not okay to take care of yourself. You don’t even know how to cross a street without getting hit by a car,” he said, some of his cool demeanor slipping. “For someone who is very lucky to still be alive you’re quite ungrateful.”
As Max finished speaking, Cassie felt her temper rising. He hit her with his car and then had the nerve to lecture her about being careless. She counted to ten in her head, realized it wasn’t enough, and kept counting. When she hit a hundred and still felt like tearing into him, she thought it would be better if she sat there and glared instead of speaking. Getting in a verbal battle with him wasn’t going to do either of them any good.
He stared at her, neither of them willing to back down. He thought he was in the right, and she knew she was. Finally, she was able to once again speak, though she knew her words would come out between clinched teeth.
“I don’t know where you come off thinking I should be grateful for you setting me up in this hospital, and I don’t know exactly what happened, but you hit me with your car, not the other way around. You don’t get to come in here and be a jerk!”
“I’m trying to do the right thing. You don’t have anyone to take care of you, so I want to make sure you get proper care. You don’t have to be so ungrateful about it,” he said, still sounding as if nothing could possibly penetrate his cool exterior.
“Well, I’m telling you that I don’t need taken care of…” she snapped. She wanted to add more when he rudely interrupted her again.
“You will not leave here by yourself, and that’s final!”
Cassie took a few minutes to compose her features, trying to get control of her temper. She could feel the headache starting to pound in her temples once again, and was frustrated with him for that, too. He seemed unhappy unless he was causing her some kind of distress.
“We aren’t getting anywhere. I think we should both cool off and then have this discussion when I’m feeling better.” She figured if she played the sick girl card he’d leave her alone and give her time to get her thoughts together.
Max didn’t say anything - he just stood up and walked from the room. Cassie didn’t know whether to feel happy or disappointed she’d gotten her way. She told herself she was glad he’d left, but she didn’t feel elated to have him gone. She blamed her erratic emotions to the knock on her head. That’s all it could be. She lay back against the pillow and closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.
“Okay, we haven’t started this out the way I wanted to. I’m sorry if I came across a bit strongly but I need to make sure you’re going to be okay,” she heard Max say. She opened her eyes, turned her head and found him standing in the doorway. He was leaning against the frame, his cocky expression in place, arms crossed, looking as if he was swallowing sour lemons while attempting an apology.
He spoke in a way that was meant to instill confidence in the other person, but she didn’t trust him further than she could throw him, and that wasn’t any distance at all. He’d placed her in a private room, took care of all the bills, made sure she was fed well, and now wanted to make sure she was taken care of when she left. He had an agenda. She knew she was vulnerable and he was no better than the big bad wolf but she couldn’t figure out his game plan.
As she laid there and they once again had a staring contest, it suddenly hit her. He was worried about getting sued. The mega-rich billionaire had plowed his car into her, causing a concussion, and a banged up body, and he was using his full arsenal of charm so she would be all happy to sign whatever papers he put before her.
She had zero desire to sue him. She didn’t know whose fault the accident was, but even if it had been his fault she could never go head to head with one of the Andersons. It just wouldn’t be worth it. She wasn’t that kind of girl, anyway. She despised ambulance chasing attorneys and people who made their fortunes from frivolous law suits. But, he didn’t know she felt that way. He didn’t know what kind of a girl she was. This entire accident could work to her advantage. She may just get her interview after-all. She would’ve thought of it much sooner if she hadn’t been loaded up with so many drugs.
“I’m sorry too, Max. I guess my head has just been hurting so badly and I really do need to get more rest,” she said in what she hoped was a pathetic voice. If she was going to play a power game with the man then she needed to pull out all the guns. Ah, it would feel good to take down this high-handed, arrogant guy. She could practically see her headlining articles in the newspaper now. Her dream was so close.
“I insist that you stay with my family until you’re fully functioning. Of course, I’ll pay all expenses,” he stated. She looked at him, trying to figure out the best way to proceed. She was going to get her interview.
“When are you going to whip out the papers for me to sign?” she asked, coming straight to the point. Her direct approach took him off guard and he stared at her for a moment in shock. He wasn’t used to women coming right out and stating the facts. She thought her time with him was going to be enjoyable. He could use a strong woman to knock him down a peg or two from that throne he’d placed himself on.
“Well, since you brought it up, my attorney has drafted some papers he’d like for you to sign. You’ll be compensated for all medical expenses and receive a generous settlement. It’s really a win-win situation for both of us,” he told her, quickly regaining his composure, and adding his trademark grin.
“I’d like to take a look at these papers,” she said. He quickly handed them over and she took her time reading through the thick document. She had to give Max credit because he sat there, tapping his foot impatiently, while she perused the document. He didn’t try to rush her. She couldn’t keep the surprised look from her eyes when she took in the six figure sum he was offering as a settlement. Who knew getting hit by a car could be so profitable? Heck, why work hard when you could just jump in front of a high-priced sports car? she thought sarcastically. She set the papers down and looked up where he stared back at her.
“Do you have a problem with the figures?” he finally asked when she remained silent.
“Now that you’ve asked, yes, I do have a problem. I’m not after your money, Mr. Anderson.” She waited a few moments before she continued, after he raised his brows. “There is something I want from you, though,” she finished with a wicked smile of her own.
She watched as the light dawned on his face. First, he looked surprised, then his eyes narrowed as he realized she was attempting to blackmail him. She supposed that had never happened to him before. He blanked his expression after only a few seconds.
“What would that be?” he demanded, though he knew.
“Oh, I don’t think we need to play games. We both know I want an exclusive interview. I’ve upped my original proposal, though, since fate has seemed to thr
ow me a free one,” she said, not even trying to hide the glee in her expression.
“What is that supposed to mean?” he practically spit at her. She had never felt as powerful as she did in that moment. It was quite euphoric, she decided.
“Well, originally I just wanted a few hours of your time, but seeing as how we’ve already gotten so acquainted, I was thinking I want to trail you for a month. I need to recover from my injuries, and as you’ve so repeatedly pointed out, I can’t be on my own, so it’s a perfect time to spend a month in the life of Max Anderson,” she said. She could practically see the steam rising from his head at her request. She figured, why not?
“You seriously expect me to let you follow me like a puppy dog for a month?” he barked. He glowered at her like she’d lost her mind. She may just have.
“Yep.”
“That won’t happen,” he said with steel in his voice. She never broke eye contact. She knew the first rule to journalism was to never let them see you sweat. She wasn’t going to blow her first shot at a real career. She had him in a corner and she wasn’t letting him escape, no matter how much her knees wanted to shake.
“I think so, because I won’t settle for anything less.”
“You have some real nerve!” he shouted as he jumped from the chair and started pacing the room. “Fine, I’ll double the settlement, but no to the interview!”
“I don’t want the settlement. I only want the interview,” she repeated stubbornly. He turned and glared at her. She could see the murderous expression in his eyes.
“I’ve checked into your situation and you really can’t afford to turn down my offer,” he said smugly. She was proud of being able to keep her composure, at least on the outside. On the inside she was seething. How dare he snoop through her personal life!
She refused to bicker with him any further. She only wanted one thing from him and she would get it, one way or the other. It wasn’t like she was pleased with being hit by his car.
“How’s our patient, today?” she heard a voice say from the door and looked up to see two elderly men walk into the room. She was thinking they had really good timing because she didn’t know how much further she could push Max before he strode to her bed and rung her already sore neck.
“I’m good,” she said, then realized who they were. It was Joseph and George Anderson. They were the heads of different divisions of the all-powerful Anderson Corporations. She didn’t know why they’d want to visit her. She was happy they were there, though. She didn’t think Max would attack her in front of an audience.
“That’s great to hear,” George said as he walked over to her bed. “I’m George Anderson and this is my brother, Joseph. You’ve apparently met my son, Max. We were so upset to hear about the accident and wanted to make sure the hospital was treating you right.”
“They’ve been wonderful to me,” she said, unable to not instantly like the kind man before her. Max seemed nothing at all like his father.
“Good, good. I’m happy to see Max is taking care of you,” he added and sent a wink to Joseph, who didn’t try to hide his laugh. She looked back and forth between the two gentlemen and couldn’t figure out what they were going on about.
“Max and I were just discussing a business proposition,” she said. Maybe they’d help her. They seemed kind enough, and she’d seen many articles written up on both of them. They knew the power of a good news article.
“It’s private,” Max growled.
“What business proposition?” Joseph asked at the same time.
“Well…” she drawled. “I’ve been trying to get an interview with Max for a while now, but he’s been so busy he hasn’t yet returned my phone calls, so this accident could turn out to be a positive event, after all,” she said with an innocent smile directed at both Joseph and George. She didn’t dare look at Max, who she was sure was steaming at that point.
“I think that’s the least he could do, considering the circumstances,” George immediately jumped in, which made her smile turn immediately brighter.
“I think it’s none of your business,” Max snapped. “Cassie needs her rest so you should both leave.”
“Of course you need your rest, dear,” Joseph said, and immediately took her hand in his.
“If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to call,” George added, while taking her other hand. They left the room and she reluctantly looked back at Max. She knew the battle was far from over, but she’d never been so determined to get what she wanted.
“I’m not a man you want to try and blackmail,” Max told her with an uncanny calm that sent a shiver of fear down her spine. If she wasn’t so scared of being out on the streets she may have backed down. He was incredibly intimidating.
“I’m not scared,” she said, though it was an obvious lie.
“Have you never heard the saying to be careful what you wish for?” he purred. His new demeanor worried her but she could feel she was starting to win the battle. She couldn’t back down now.
“I know what I’m getting into, and I’m not afraid to chase what I want,” she said with emphasis.
“You want your interview? Fine, you’ll get it. I’ll have my attorney draw up new paperwork. There will be certain things that will be off limits. If you break any of the rules of the contract, I will sink you so far you’ll never be able to dig yourself out of the hole. Do you understand?” he asked, his tone betraying his words. His voice was scarily calm, while his words were terrifying.
She couldn’t imagine sitting in a board meeting with him. His entire attitude shouted power, beyond anything she could imagine. She really may have taken on more than she could handle, but she knew the journalism world was a tuff nut to crack, and she’d deal with harder cases than him. She could handle it.
“I know you hate interviews, and having your privacy invaded. I’ll be tactful in what I write, but I’ll also be truthful. If you’re trying to hide unethical business practices, I will figure it out, and I won’t lie,” she said with her shoulders squared. It took everything in her not to shake.
He looked deeply into her eyes - she knew to see if he could intimidate her. Suddenly, his mouth flashed up in what looked like a genuine smile. She looked at him in stunned silence. She didn’t understand why he’d be smiling when she’d so obviously won. She was beginning to worry she may not have really won anything after all.
“You’re very brave from your hospital bed. We’ll see how well you do when you’re not quite so frail and using that unfair advantage at your disposal,” he said with the same smile in place. She didn’t back down.
“I don’t break easily.”
“We’ll see. I always get what I want, too, Ms. McIntyre,” he said, reverting to her last name.
“What do you want?” she asked, though she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer to that question.
“That will have to be a surprise,” he promised. It wasn’t a threat, or a question, it was a statement of intent.
This was a bad, bad idea. She was too stubborn to back down, but she was getting a really bad feeling about the entire situation. She’d get her interview, but at what cost? If she were a smarter woman, she’d sign his papers, take the money and run.
As if he could read her thoughts, he took said papers, and ripped them in half. She almost gasped at the finality of it. She hoped her fear wasn’t showing. If he felt he had the upper hand she wouldn’t stand a chance at going head-to-head with him.
“I’ll be back in a few days with the proper paperwork. Then, it looks like we’ll be inseparable for a month,” he said before turning away. She wanted to call him back and tell him it had all been a mistake. She knew she should forget about the whole thing, but she couldn’t seem to get the words past her throat. She’d go through with it, and she’d write up the best article ever written on any of the Andersons. She tossed and turned the entire night and knew the next couple of days were going to be stressful. Every sound would have her head
turning, waiting for Max to walk back through the door.
Max walked out of the room, proud that he’d managed to keep his composure intact at the end. He’d let her see his anger for a short time, and he wanted to throttle his uncle and father, but overall he’d done well.
He certainly had to give her credit for bravery. She truly believed she’d won a battle of sorts with him. If he hadn’t wanted to allow the interview, then she wouldn’t have gotten him to back down. He’d been completely against it at first, but the more she spoke, the more he realized he wanted to spend time with her. She was stirring something in him, and he needed some time with her to figure out exactly what that was.
His attorney would draw up an iron-clad contract so she wouldn’t be able to speak about anything he didn’t wish her to talk about, so he wasn’t worried about the actual article she wanted to do. He wanted to see those determined eyes darken with passion while she writhed underneath him in pleasure. He’d take pleasure in making her burn for him, and he’d do it with the utmost satisfaction. He hadn’t looked forward to something so much in years. He couldn’t wait to start seducing Cassie McIntyre.
He would find out every secret Cassie worked so hard to hide, and he’d satisfy them both at the same time. Max found himself whistling as he made his way down the hospital corridors.
Chapter Three
Cassie stepped out of the car Joseph insisted she take to the offices. She’d refused to stay with Max, telling him there was no way she was going to stay at his place. He’d shrugged as if it didn’t matter to him one way or the other, so she’d been set up in Joseph Anderson’s guest cottage. She was being well taken care of and felt a thousand times better. She’d been there for two weeks.
It was her first official day to start trailing Max and she could barely contain her excitement. She’d gone over his contract with a fine tooth comb and she could live with the guidelines he’d set for her. He absolutely wanted nothing personal about his family in the article but she was surprised he hadn’t put up too many restrictions for her. She was going to be able to write a book about the man by the time she was finished.
