“Why?” I asked, fidgeting with my skirt.
“I don't believe my son has the ability to love anyone more than himself. I don't think it's his fault entirely. It's the job of a parent to make sure a child knows how to love properly. His father and I didn't do our job properly. We were too focused on moving up in the world.” She shrugged. “I suppose one has to make certain sacrifices in life, though nurturing my children was never one I consciously made.” She chuckled. “He'll have to get used to me being around now.”
“Why's that?”
“My husband's will stipulated that I receive his share of the company stock five years after his death. The anniversary of his death was last month and control of the company reverted to me.” She lifted her glass, then drained it.
“But … I thought Jack owned the company.”
“He owns a majority of the stock, but until I'm gone, he won't fully inherit the business. He is, however, head of the board of directors and does receive a substantial amount of money from the company's revenue.” She nodded. “This quarter wasn't so good for Duncan Enterprises, so I thought I should step in and … help him along.”
“His focus has slipped a little since he began his campaign. I suppose he could use the help,” I remarked. “I'm sorry you and Jack don't get along.” There was uncomfortable silence between us, then it occurred to me … “I don't suppose you know that you have a grandchild.”
“A grandchild? Jack, a father? I'd only heard about you, I'm afraid. Why don't you tell me about him?” She leaned on her elbow, which was braced against the armrest of the couch.
“She,” I corrected happily. “Her name is Katherine Adele.”
“Very pretty.” She smiled. “My great-grandmother's name was Adele.”
“Oh really?” I chuckled. “What a coincidence.” Now the words came freely, as if I'd known Joanna for a long time. I talked about how even at a young age, Katherine was beginning to show her personality. I described her preferences and dislikes, her quirks.
“She sound just like Jack at that age.” She refilled her glass.
We heard people passing in the hall.
“I should go. I think the party is starting soon.” I set down my untouched drink.
“I'll join you. I know some of the guests.”
We hooked arms and strolled down the hall to the back of the house. On the back terrace, uniformed staff were manning tables and stands laid out with cocktails and food of all shapes and sizes. I sampled a few pastries and drank some quite bubbly champagne.
Joanna knew more than just some of the people in the assembly. She knew most of them. She introduced me to new supporters I hadn't previously known and taught me new things about those I'd briefly met in the past. By the time we'd walked the length of the garden, I had dirt on just about everyone there.
No one could say Joanna Duncan wasn't a shrewd, calculating woman. Jack had inherited that trait. He was there too, sulking at the far side of the garden. Once in a while, he faked a smile for constituents and talked briefly with them. But as soon as they'd walk away, he was sipping his wine and glaring.
Crossing in front of him, I saw Mr. Dowes, a campaign contributor I'd met at the museum opening. He apparently knew Joanna well and came up to greet us both. His bald head was shiny, and like many of the rich men in the crowd, he carried a few extra pounds.
“I've just had the most amazing macaroons!” he exclaimed. “You must come and have one.” He all but dragged us to a covered booth.
And there he was.
Drake.
My breath caught as we locked eyes. The heat between us was so intense that we both seemed frozen in the moment.
“What else have you got here?” Mr. Dowes said, wiggling his pudgy fingers at the platters. Drake was so fixated on me that he missed Dowes' question. “I see that you're mesmerized by our gorgeous host, here.”
Finally Drake snapped out of it. “No. I mean … yes. She's very beautiful.” He averted his gaze and pretended to straighten a tray. “We have some macaroons, fresh croissants, brownies and these are mini beef wellington.”
“Are those salted caramel cookies?” Joanna asked, reaching out and taking one. “I don't usually partake, but I don't think I can resist these.”
Drake smiled at me. “Yes, they are.”
I grinned and took one for myself.
“Your son did an excellent job with the decisions … ” Dowes' voice trailed off as he strolled away with Joanna in tow.
“I didn't know you were going to be here.” I used a napkin to wipe the crumbs from my fingers.
“Your husband's company hired us,” Drake pointed out.
“I'm glad they did.” I was grinning like an idiot now.
Just as things were warming up between us, I saw Chastity come into view. She was carrying a set of stacking trays in her hands. “Hm. I didn't mean that us meant her, too.”
Drake peered over his shoulder. “Yeah. I know you don't like her, but I had to bring her. She knows all the recipes by heart and is pretty good at delegating, so I can stay here.”
“I see.” I crossed my arms casually. “Well, I think I'll be going now.”
“Here's the man of the hour!” Dowes' voice came from behind me. “Mr. Duncan has to try one of those mini beef wellingtons you were talking about.”
Dowes came up beside us. Joanna had apparently excused herself and had been replaced by Jack. I'd never seen a more disappointed, annoyed, uncomfortable man than my husband at that moment.
“I'm sorry. I'm saving room for dinner,” Jack apologized.
“Nonsense! Have one!” Dowes insisted, loading some dainties onto a plate, and passing it to Jack, who received it, but didn't eat from it.
Chastity arrived at the stall and set the tray on a rack behind Drake. Immediately Jack's eyes were on her. She went about her work as though he weren't even there.
“Is everything alright, Mr. Duncan?” Dowes asked.
“I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm not very hungry.” He left the plate on the table and stormed off.
I was sorry for him. I assumed being around two people he didn't like was hard for him. I was displeased with Chastity being there as well. She seemed to have been injected suddenly into our lives, and there was very little to nothing I could do about it.
Chastity touched Drake's arm gently. “I'll go back for the rest of the wellingtons.”
“Thank you,” Drake answered. Dowes commanded much of his attention, asking questions about the macaroon flavors.
I eyeballed Chastity as she walked off. Maybe there was something I could do about it …
“Excuse me a moment,” I said to Joanna and her strolling partner.
I set off in a brisk walk. She neared the house and tucked in one of the service entrances. I managed to catch the door before it closed.
“Chastity.”
She turned slowly. “What can I do for you ma'am?”
I frowned. “I don't know what you've done to my husband, but whatever it was made him angry. I want you to leave him alone.”
She smiled unexpectedly. “You know, until now, I figured you to be kind of spineless. That's the way he describes you, anyway.” She sized me up. “He doesn't give you enough credit. It took a lot of courage for you to come in here and fight for him.”
I talked myself down from being enraged. “You're wrong. Courage is something you need to confront a fear. But I'm not afraid of you.”
“Oh, you're afraid, alright. You think I'm going to take him away from you.” She chuckled. “How long do you suppose Jack and I have been seeing each other? Weeks?” I didn't answer. “It's been months,” she explained.
I felt faint in the face of what she'd told me but was able to steady myself. “So you were the other woman. He told me there were two.”
“I suppose the other one was Julia.” She ticked her head to the side. “Poor thing never had a chance. It appears I'm the one that stuck.”
“Well stop sticking. Leave
him alone. He's a married man.” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“And you're a married woman.” She chuckled. “Tell me, what's your interest in Drake?”
I choked on my indignation. “I was ordered to be with him. Jack is my Master and I do as he tells me.”
“Was it just because you were ordered?” She reached out and set a hand on my shoulder. Her touch burned me like a brand. “I've seen the way you look at him,” she continued. “You're in love with him. Have you told him yet?”
My mouth fell open. “I … I'm not in love with D—Drake.”
She grinned. This was amusing to her. I wanted to strangle the little wench! “Jack's done quite a number on you hasn't he?” For a moment I thought I saw pity in her eyes. “I'm not good at relating my feelings. It's not in my nature. But I should tell you, I believe that we all come into each other's lives for a reason. There are deeper reasons why this is happening. There are things I know about you … things that you think are secret.”
My heart stopped. “Secret? I don't have any secrets,” I insisted.
“We all have secrets, sweetheart.” She stroked my forehead and I wanted to shrink from the soft touch, but it was surprisingly soothing. “I can see that things haven't gone the way you wanted. You wanted a happy ending with Prince Charming. You thought Jack was that prince, but he turned out to be the Devil.” She nodded slowly. “You're too sweet for him. You're too obedient. You're a true princess, and you deserve your happy ending.”
I finally found the strength to break away and step back. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“You'll get everything you want. It's all a matter of time. You just have to wait, and watch, and not say anything. Don't interfere. If you stay out of this, I promise, you'll get your happy ending.”
“You're wrong,” I protested, incensed by her words. “You think you know everything, but you have no idea.” I scowled at her. “I'm happy. Jack's happy. He is my prince, and you can't steal him from him.”
She shook her head. “It's natural for you to feel this way, but you have to face the truth: he was never yours to begin with. He thinks he owns you, and he thinks he's not capable of being owned himself. He'll find out soon, but it'll be too late by then.” She finished her sentence with a sweet smile.
“Just leave him alone!” I shouted, turning on my heels and storming back out onto the lawn.
I felt a tear slide down my cheek.
He'll find out soon, but it'll be too late by then.
He'll find out soon …
High
That Night
(Jack)
I threw my jacket on the bed. Emily came in after me and flopped into a nearby chair. Neither of us spoke. We'd been exhausted by our guests. The garden party had gone off without a hitch. Well, almost.
I hadn't expected Chastity to be working the event. I was sure that after our falling out, she would have avoided seeing me.
Then again, she'd never given me the impression that she was one to run from confrontation. In fact, I was sure she'd taken a secret, twisted pleasure in seeing me squirm.
Could I have helped it?
Maybe it was time to admit that the woman had destroyed me.
Had I asked for less?
I shook my head at the comedy of it all. The indomitable Jack: disturbed by a mere woman.
At the thought of disturbing women, my mother came to mind. I was absolutely miserable she'd decided to put in an appearance. My hate for her had roots in my childhood, roots that made me sick to my core to think about.
As if on cue, Emily got up and mentioned in passing that my mother had asked to meet her for cocktails.
“I'd rather not discuss her,” I said flatly.
“She told me you didn't like her. What happened between you two? You didn't even tell her about Katherine.” Emily kicked off her shoes.
“It's not important. Just please don't bring her up around me.” I went over to the bar and poured myself a drink.
In my pocket, my phone vibrated.
“I'm going to take a shower,” Emily said, crossing behind me and going into the bathroom.
As soon as the door closed, I took my phone out.
Unknown: Meet me at the pool in 2 hrs.
Paralyzed by the message, I let the whiskey from my glass burn down my throat. Warily, I typed in a response.
Chastity?
Unknown: 2 hrs. By the pool.
There was no other word for my state except desperate.
Why not now?
Unknown: We're cleaning.
Make someone else clean. I have to see you now.
Unknown: 2 hrs. Dress casual.
My stomach did somersaults. Naturally, I was ecstatic—and aroused—by the thought of seeing her. The fact that she'd asked me to come made me believe she wanted to work things out. Maybe she was sorry for how she'd acted. At the very least, maybe she was intent on forgetting the whole thing had happened.
I didn't give a shit anymore, not about the kiss, or anything else. If she called, I would go running.
As soon as Emily had finished showering, I took my turn. I was hard as a rock the entire time, lost in thinking of what Chastity and I would be doing together. She'd told me to dress casual. Why? What did that little seductress have in store for me?
Emily went off to see my mother. I spent the next half hour lying in bed looking at the ceiling. I checked my phone for the hundredth time and finally couldn't take it anymore. I had to go out there, even if she wasn't there yet.
The most casual thing I'd brought with me were my golfing clothes. A pair of black tailored slacks and a white undershirt would have to do.
I crossed the lawn under the cover of darkness. I'd forgotten just how beautiful the grounds were at night. There wasn't any civilization for miles, so there were no city lights to drown out the moonlight. I reached the pool. Its mirror-like surface reflected the black night sky, providing a perfect reservoir of twinkling starlight.
The pool house was a modest, two-story building. The lower floor had showers, gender-specific steam-rooms, and a private massage parlor. The second floor had three bedrooms and a game room. I was sure the building hadn't been used for years, even though it was kept in pristine condition.
Beside the pool was a hot tub. It looked inviting, despite the fact that the jets weren't on. If Chastity was up for it, I'd convince her to skinny dip with me. My cock jumped at the idea of seeing her body dripping wet and flushed from the heat of the tub.
As that thought occurred to me, she appeared across the lawn. She was still wearing her chef's jacket, though it was unbuttoned now. Underneath she wore a simple white tank top. Even in work clothes she looked attractive. It took everything I had not to meet her halfway.
“You're early,” she said as she came near.
Without giving her a second to say another word, I snatched her close to me and crushed my lips to hers. She responded warmly, though not with as much heat as I would have preferred.
I broke the kiss. “I'm sorry.”
“It's alright.” She cupped my cheek and I thought my heart would explode out of my chest.
I splayed my hands over her back, tucked my nose into her neck, and inhaled the familiar scents of flour, sugar and vanilla.
“Happy to see me, hm?” She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a gentle squeeze.
I suddenly felt as though I'd acted irrationally and unlike myself, so I let go of her.
“Let's go into the house,” I suggested.
“Why don't we sit out here?” She nodded toward the outdoor furniture, a few weather-proof couches with a fire pit in the middle.
“Sure.” I followed her lead and we sat close on the couch.
A few meteors streaked the sky. “Shooting stars,” she murmured. “Did you make a wish?”
“No. You?”
She leaned into my side. “I have everything I want.”
I put my arm around her. “Are you sure you wouldn't
rather go inside?”
She laughed, and I felt her hand brush slightly over the bulge in my pants. “Eager aren't you?”
I tensed and let out a shuddered breath. “Can you blame me?”
“I guess not.” She ran her hand over my t-shirt. “Was this the most casual thing you had?”
“Yeah. Why did you want me to dress casual anyway?”
“I brought us a treat.” She sat up and reached into her pocket, pulling out a small baggy.
“What's that?” I asked.
She raised an eyebrow at me. “Weed.”
I pursed my lips. “Oh.”
"Don't tell me you've never gotten high." She smiled and opened the baggy.
"I'm afraid I've been too busy running a fortune-500 company and running for office." I watched her roll a joint. I'd never seen it done before and was in awe of how fast she did it. She popped it between her lips. "Marijuana is pretty carcinogenic, you know."
She lit the joint and allowed the flame to catch before inhaling deep. She held the smoke, and a moment later, parted her gorgeous lips to allow the folds of smoke to float out. She leaned back. "Anything you smoke is carcinogenic." Her eyes slid open. "The way I see it, I'm going to die one day. I'd rather the reason be a decision I consciously made"
"I've never thought about it that way," I said, watching her take another long drag and hold it in. I'd never thought smoking was sexy, but when it was her ... well, anything she did seemed sexy.
"Why don't you stop staring at me and take a hit?" She held out the joint.
I eyed it with apprehension.
"Afraid?" she asked.
"I'm not sure I'm willing to give up control."
She chuckled. "Shouldn't you be used to losing control around me?"
I smirked. "You're going to get it for that."
She narrowed her eyes mischievously. "I hope so."
I wet my lips and took it from her, then mimicked her drag. A few seconds passed before I was coughing and sputtering. She laughed at me and took it back before I could drop it.
“It tastes awful!” I exclaimed between coughing fits.
“Keep going. It gets better.” She held it up for me and I frowned at it.
“Come on, don't wuss out,” she said with a grin.
Traded for Love Page 27
