The Fidelity World: Devious (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Solease M Barner

  As I turn on my computer, I hear footsteps outside my office. I look up to see Roslyn storming inside with the cute guy from reception in tow.

  “Silvy, this is Franklin McKenna, but he said I can call him Franky, because Franklin sounds old.”

  I glance over at him and he looks a little embarrassed. I look back at Roslyn, hoping she’ll explain, but she just stands there like a stump. I have no idea who this guy is.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. McKenna. What can I do for you?”

  “Oh no, Silvy. He’s not here to see you. Well, he is, kinda, but he isn’t, not really.

  “What on earth are you talking about, Roslyn?”

  “Franky is my assistant. He’ll be helping me, you know, working on charitable event things.” She beams from ear to ear and looks back over at him.

  “Roslyn, who hired him?”

  “I did, and before you start, he’s not really expensive. He believes in giving back, just like we do. Plus, he needs a job…and…and…I want to feel important, too.”

  Oh, dear god. This has been just the craziest week ever. Roslyn gives me that puppy dog look, knowing full well I can never say no to my best friend.

  “Fine, nice to meet you, Franky. I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into working with Roslyn. She can be a hellcat at times.”

  “You should talk, Silvy. I get all my craziness from you,” she mutters and turns back to him.

  “Franky, I have a space for you down the hall to the left. Go make yourself at home,” Roslyn says like a boss. Yes, I said it. It was just too good to pass up. Besides, how many times do you get the opportunity to use ‘like a boss’ legitimately in a sentence.

  Franky hastily leaves the room and Roslyn plops down in the chair.

  “Spill the beans, bitch. I know you went out with him,” Roslyn demands.

  How the hell did she find out? And more importantly how do I tell her I really like Jaxson, but I don’t know him.

  “First, tell me how you found out?” I ask. I definitely want to hear this.

  She smiles and rolls her eyes. “Well, I came by your place last night to tell you some ideas I had for the event. But when I saw you weren’t home, I called Simi and asked where you were so I could surprise you.” She gives a wicked grin and a not so subtle wink-wink.

  “Roslyn Ann Sinclair, you are one bad liar. I’m not telling you anything.”

  “Oh please, Silvy. Tell me.”

  “Nope, now let’s talk about the event,” I say with as much authority as I can muster

  She pouts and walks out to put Franky to work. Hopefully, that’s what she’s doing and they’re not down the hall making out… or something. I don’t even want to think about the ‘or something’. Nonetheless, I spend the rest of the morning trying to work, and trying not to think about Jaxson’s strange behavior this morning. And of course, looking forward to our lunch.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  JAXSON

  I should have ridden with Randal. Getting in the car with Silvia was fine, until I saw Demetri on the fucking plaque at the front of her building. I had to get out of there as fast as I could, before I did something stupid, like try to rip that fucking sign off the wall.

  I try to slow my breathing and clear my head. Unfortunately, the real problem is Silvia probably thinks I’m a real asshole, which is not untrue, but I need her to believe I’m her prince charming.

  I need to control my anger and I must keep a tight leash on my emotions, or this all will have been for nothing.

  I look over to the street and see Randal driving alongside me. I walk over and get into the car. By the time I arrive at my office, I feel a little better, but I still want to punch something, preferably a Demetri. Maybe I should go work out and jab a punching bag around for an hour or two, or ten.

  I step out of the elevator and see Nora sitting at her desk. I’d almost forgotten I’d asked her to come in today. The woman is a saint. I probably need to do something for her, maybe give her some time off and a big bonus. What can I say? I’m an asshole, expecting my employees to work on Sunday. I’m already going to hell, so what’s the worst that can happen?

  Nora tried to speak, but I just keep right on walking. Nora’s been my personal assistant for five years and is more than just a little familiar with my behavior. I’m sure she realizes something is wrong. I don’t feel like answering any questions, but I probably should apologize, to her and to Silvia.

  Usually, I never have a drink before noon but I’m breaking my rule today. I walk over to my bar and pour a glass of scotch, then take it to my desk and sit down. I take a big swig and close my eyes, attempting to relax, and shut the world out, if only for a moment. I take a deep, calming breath and open my eyes, then call Nora into my office.

  “Please have a seat, Nora.” She looks at the empty glass on my desk and sits slowly in the chair.

  “Mr. Montgomery, is something wrong?”

  “Yes, Nora, something is wrong, but I should not have been rude to you. You help me run my office, hell, my whole business, and I couldn’t do any of this without you. I’m sorry about the way I acted and I intend to make it up to you. I promise.”

  “Mr. Montgomery, it’s okay, really. I’m not upset, but I can tell,” she hesitates and looks down at the glass and back at me, then continues, “that you’re not having a good morning. We all have those days. I hope you know, if there’s anything I can do to help, all you have to do is ask.” Nora is such a sweet and gentle soul. I would never hurt her intentionally, not for anything in the world. Somedays, I don’t know how she puts up with me.

  “Thank you, Nora. I may take you up on that offer, sooner rather than later. Now, if you will excuse me, there’s someone else who needs an apology from me.

  “I’m guessing you’re speaking of a woman?”

  “Yes, I am, but after my behavior this morning, she may never speak to me again.”

  “Well, may I suggest you send the lady a gift of apology? Do you know what she likes?”

  “I know everything about her.”

  Nora smiles but I feel a little weird, especially since she has no way of knowing exactly how I came by all my information about the lady in question. But even if she did, I know Nora would never judge me. Nora’s been married for twenty years, and her husband has gifts delivered to her here all the time. I guess he screws up a lot. But they’re still married, so he must know what he’s doing. I need to take her advice and send something to Silvia.

  “Well, when you’re ready, let me know and I’ll see what can be delivered on Sunday.”

  “Thank you, Nora.” She leaves the room and I get to work on the Martino case. A little while later, Nora buzzes me, letting me know the call I’ve been expecting has finally come through.

  I pick up the phone and growl into the receiver. “Montgomery here.”

  “Mr. Montgomery, Martino’s problem is currently sitting in front of me.” One of my trusted employees on the west coast is handling the matter for me.

  “Alive, right?” I know it sounds like a stupid question, but I have to ask. There have been a few mishaps in the past.

  “Yes, sir. He’s alive… for now.”

  “Put me on speaker.”

  After several seconds, my employee speaks again, “You’re on speaker, sir.”

  I take a deep breath, crack my neck, and become the fixer, the man who doesn’t always work within the confines of the law.

  “You have caused my client a lot of problems, which, in turn, is causing me problems. I’m only giving you one opportunity to change your story, and change it today, or all the things you hold dear will fade like smoke from the dying embers of a fire.”

  I can hear grunts and strangled cries, and a ripping sound, which I assume is tape being jerked away from his mouth.

  “I can’t change my story, I could go to jail if I do.”

  “If you help me, then maybe I can help you. But if you refuse, jail will be the least of your problems. Do you
understand?”

  I hear nothing but silence for several seconds, then a loud thump and groan. I think my guy just punched him. God, I hope he doesn’t kill him, not until after he changes his testimony.

  “Answer the fucking question, moron,” my guy bellows.

  “Yesss…I... I... wi…wi…will change my story today. I promise.”

  “For your sake, I hope you’re telling the truth, because if you’re not, next time this conversation will end quite differently.”

  I disconnect the call and sit back in my seat. One problem down, and one to go. Now, I need to decide what to do for Silvia to say I’m sorry. I know, officially, we just met yesterday, but I have an extensive list, covering everything she likes. I pull it up on my computer and make my decision, then call Nora and ask her to set it up to be delivered during lunch. Surely, she wouldn’t cancel without letting me know, but maybe I should send her a quick text to confirm our date. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I’m excited to see her again, in spite of the reasons.

  Jaxson: I hope your day is going well and we’re still on for lunch. JM

  I wait a few seconds and nothing. She may be upset with me and not bother to reply. My cell buzzes loudly in my hand.

  Silvia: Yes, I will be at the museum around the corner from my office at the time we agreed.

  Jaxson: I can’t wait to see you! JM

  She doesn’t respond back this time. I know she’s thinking about my behavior this morning. I just hope my apology and gift makes up for it, or I’m fucked… or I won’t get fucked, depending on the way you look at it. I still want to punch myself for losing control, but I have much to do and not much time left.

  I work a little longer, then call Randal to bring the car. As I walk past Nora, she smiles and gives me a thumbs-up. I laugh and step into the elevator.

  ***

  When I arrive at the museum, I see Silvia sitting out front on one of the benches outside the museum. I make my way over and see that she already has our lunch.

  “Hello beautiful. I could hardly wait to look upon that lovely face again,” I say, sitting as closely to her as possible without pushing her off the edge of the seat.

  “Thank you. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you as well.” She digs into the bag and hands me a grilled chicken salad. I stare down at the wilted green leaves of lettuce and sparse pieces of chicken, wishing it could be a big juicy burger dripping with cheese, but good little boys don’t complain.

  “The chicken salad looks good,” I lie, hoping not to giveaway my hope for anything besides a salad. Don’t judge me. I work out really hard to keep my body in shape and still be able to eat what I like.

  “I had Simi pick them up for us. But before we go any further, I’d like to talk with you about something.”

  Shit! I knew she would have questions about my mini meltdown this morning. I know I should not have reacted, but that damn name brings up so many bad memories and so much hatred. Sometimes, all I can think about is how much my life has changed because of it. I know that may sound a little hypocritical, especially since I’m sitting next to Silvia and her last name is Demetri, but that’s all part of my plan. Although I must admit, I’m finding, more and more, that I actually forget her last name is Demetri.

  “I know what you’re going to say, love. This morning I was cold and rushed away, but it had nothing to do with you. I suddenly remembered a business deal that I received word on earlier was going terribly wrong. I got a little sidetracked. That’s all. It’s inexcusable, and I’m sorry for being cold to you. I hope you can forgive me and we can move forward.” Another lie. I’m so going to hell.

  She looks at me with such trust and smiles. “I wasn’t sure why you became so cold, Jaxson, but I didn’t like it. It made me feel uncomfortable. I’ve known cold men my entire life. Unfortunately, I know, all too well, what it can lead to and what can happen as a result. Please don’t let it happen again… because I really like you, Jaxson Montgomery.”

  “I like you too, Silvia, and I want you to give me a chance to prove that I’m worthy to be in your life.”

  She blushes and looks away, brushing a strand of hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. She looks back and I simply can’t resist. I lean in for a kiss and wait hesitantly within an inch of her mouth. She moves forward and presses her lips against mine. I feel like a dying man who has just been given a reprieve. I deepen the kiss, forgetting completely that we’re in public. So sweet… so kind… so giving… so lovely. I could kiss this woman for days on end.

  She pulls away suddenly and looks around, then says breathlessly, “Jax, you make me lose control.” I can’t believe it; she finally called me Jax.

  “You do the same to me, Silvia.”

  As we sit and eat, she tells me more about her foundation event for Lupus patients. Her eyes light up as she talks about her charities. I’ve never seen anyone so passionate about helping other people. It’s refreshing to know people like Silvia exist in this cold, cruel world. I notice she’s careful not to mention much about her family, but she does say she misses her mother and wishes she could have had more time with her.

  The more I listen to Silvia, the more I question my plan. I can’t stop myself from wondering if I’m doing the right thing. Then a memory flashes through my mind, an image of Sam’s body lying in the morgue, and my heart hardens again, my resolve renewed.

  She asks a few questions about me, and I answer as best I can, without giving too much away. I tell her a bit about my company, but only about the legal aspect of my business. I also tell her my hobbies and some of favorite things to do. As it turns out, we have a lot in common and enjoy a lot of the same things - music, art, theatre, and traveling, just to name a few. A gentleman approaches and asks Silvia if she is Miss Demetri? My gift has arrived.

  “Yes, I’m Silvia Demetri.: The people around us stop talking as the delivery man hands her two dozen yellow lilies and a card. She reads the note and turns to look at me with tears in her eyes.

  “Jax, what’s this about?”

  “It’s my apology for being such a dick this morning,” I reply. I hand the delivery man a hefty tip and he walks away.

  Silvia looks like she’s about to cry. Her bottom lip trembles as one lone tear trails down her cheek, but she still smiles as she leans forward to smell her flowers. The lilies are lovely, but not as beautiful as Silvia Demetri.

  “Silvia, I’m sorry, baby, for being an asshole earlier. I know most men give roses, but I think lilies are so much prettier, and perfect, just like you.”

  “They’re exquisite, Jaxson, and my favorite flower. I’m not sure how you could have known, but this means the world to me. You’re forgiven.”

  “You look so beautiful right now, enjoying your flowers.”

  She touches them with awe, then looks at me with a strange expression on her face.

  “What’s the matter, baby? Is something wrong?”

  “If I take these back to the office, my best friend Roslyn, who is also my assistant, is going to know I’m seeing you, and then she’ll want to know everything about you.

  “Well, I don’t mind, if you don’t. You can tell her about me if you like, or I can just come to your office and introduce myself.”

  “Oh, god no, Jaxson. She would suck you into her world, and that’s something you may not want. Roslyn is… different.”

  This stunning creature, so innocent and trusting, always worried about everyone but herself.

  “I can’t be a secret, baby.” I chuckle as I take her hand in mine.

  “I know! I’ll talk with her when I get back to the office. I’ll have to explain these beautiful lilies anyway because I’m certainly not leaving them here.”

  Silvia calls Simi to come get her flowers. She doesn’t want to risk them wilting and instructs him to keep them cool in the car. Seeing that giant man walk back to the car, carefully holding two dozen lilies, is a sight to behold. I try not to laugh, but I just can’t help it.
Silvia shushes me and asks me not to laugh since it might hurt his feelings. Damn, now I know how David killed Goliath. He sent Silvia to handle it for him.

  We finish our salads and talk a little more. I find myself, more and more, captivated by this lovely woman. I’m still starving, but I’d never tell Silvia. I’ll just get Randal to stop for more food on the way back to the office.

  As we walk to her car, holding hands, our fingers laced tightly together, I think of how comfortable we’ve become with each other in only two short days. I’m surprised by my feelings, but I find I actually enjoy her company and want to spend more time with Silvia. Sadly, life can be disappointing, and we don’t always get what we want.

  We kiss goodbye and return to our jobs and our lives, away from our false bubble of happiness. If only things could be different… if only.

  CHAPTER SIX

  SILVIA

  I walk into the office with Simi in tow, him holding the large bouquet of lilies as if they’re a bomb that could explode any minute. Roslyn is sitting out front talking to Franky.

  “You go out for lunch and come back with yellow lilies. Who the hell are you and what have you done with my best friend?” I take the flowers from Simi and head down the hall, Roslyn following closely behind me.

  “It’s not a big deal.” I walk over to the vase currently holding a dozen drooping roses and throw them in the trash, then drop my lilies inside.

  “It most certainly is a big deal, Silvy.”

  “They need fresh water,” I say to Roslyn, ignoring her comment.

  “FRANKY!” she yells. I frown and cringe. God, her voice is loud.

  “Roslyn, please don’t yell and use your inside voice. I could have gotten the water myself, or you could have done it since I’m paying you to be my assistant.”

  “Yes, and Franky’s mine!”

  When Franky knocks on the door, she yells again for him to come in. God, I wish she would tone it down, just a little.