Forty and Free: A Sweet Romance Series Bundle - Books 5 - 8

by Blake, Lillianna

  She’d come this far. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. James led her into the mansion. The entrance was as wide and deep as her entire apartment—actually it was larger. The sweeping staircase that led up to the second floor reminded her of something she’d seen in old movies. There was nothing about the place that didn’t scream opulence.

  “See this whole area?” James spun around slowly as he waved his hand along the expansive walls. “This is your canvas.”

  Her eyes widened. “What am I painting?”

  “That’s entirely up to you.”

  “What?”

  “Mr. Morgan would like you to paint whatever you are inspired to paint.”

  “What if he doesn’t like it? Is he going to sue me?”

  “Sue you for what?” James laughed. Then he coughed. “Sorry, no offense.”

  “I can’t just paint. I need to know what he wants.”

  “He wants a one-of-a-kind creation inspired by your imagination.”

  Cassie chewed on her lip and stared at the walls. Right away thoughts of what she might like to paint on them sprouted within her. But could she really risk painting a random mural without any guidance?

  Chapter 6

  Lucas checked his phone again. Cassie should have already arrived. James had promised he’d text when she did. So why hadn’t he?

  He glanced up at the group of men and women gathered around the table. He knew most of their names, but not much more than that. Whenever he worked through the details of a merger, he had to remain at a distance.

  In truth, he was at a distance with most everyone. That’s what was expected of him by most of his colleagues—the reputation that he had as someone rather hard, cold, and powerful. Any sign of weakness meant a deal could fall through, especially when working with people from other countries who might already be suspicious about an American businessman.

  “This is an issue for us.” A slender woman with long rich brown hair stood up from the table.

  Lucas recognized her from previous encounters.

  “There’s no possible way we can cut our manpower by forty percent. That’s nearly half the company.”

  One of Lucas’s associates looked across the table at her. “Your company can’t afford to support even twenty percent of its employees. I don’t think you have a say in how many get cut.”

  “That’s because your company decided to cut our profits—”

  “Enough.” Lucas cleared his throat and all attention shifted in his direction. “We’ve been at this for two days now. This issue is no longer going to be discussed. It’s forty percent, or you can walk away from the table now.”

  He locked eyes with her and ignored their enchanting light brown shade. His mind flickered back to the time they’d shared together.

  Everyone’s wrong about you, Lucas, you’re a good man. She’d nuzzled the slope of his neck and wrapped her arms around him. Now, she glared at him with such hatred that if she’d had the opportunity, she probably would have taken a swing at him.

  “Then I lose my entire company.”

  “Exactly.” He held her gaze. “So, let’s move on.”

  “Unbelievable.” She sat back down in her chair. “Why am I even here? This is basically a hostile takeover.”

  “It is not a hostile takeover.” His associate began to detail the differences between a merger and a hostile takeover.

  Lucas maintained a detached expression. He couldn’t give a hint that he might feel bad for her, or it would be used against him. A woman who briefly saw him as a god now saw him as a monster, and it wasn’t the first time.

  He glanced at his phone again just as a text from James came through.

  We have a problem.

  Lucas clutched the phone so hard that his fingertips turned white. The last thing he wanted to deal with was another problem. As the argument between two people at the table elevated, he stood up.

  “Let’s take a break. Ten minutes.”

  “We don’t have ten minutes Mr. Morgan.” The man beside him looked at him with wide, almost fearful eyes. “This deal needs to be signed today.”

  “Five minutes then.” He swept his gaze around the table. “Anyone have an issue with that?”

  If anyone did, no one spoke up.

  As Lucas started to step out of the conference room, a soft warm hand caught his elbow. He turned to look straight into those brown eyes.

  “How can you do this to me, Lucas?”

  “It’s just business, Marina.”

  “Business.” She sneered at him. “Is that what it was when we—”

  “Careful.” He narrowed his eyes. “I don’t like my personal business to be spread around.”

  “I suppose you’ll find a way to keep my mouth shut?”

  He took a breath and studied her. “You need to think very carefully about what we’re doing here, Marina. This merger is the only thing that will save your company. No one else is going to touch it. So you either play along, or you’re the one that loses.”

  “Right. Because Lucas Morgan always ends up on top.”

  He moved to speak again but the vibration of his phone alerted him to another text. He looked at her a moment longer then turned and walked out of the conference room.

  Instead of reading the text he dialed James’s number.

  “What is it?” Even to him, his tone was harsh.

  “She won’t paint anything without some idea of what you want. She’s worried you’re not going to like it.”

  Lucas’s heart, already pounding from his encounter with Marina, slammed even harder against his chest.

  “Tell her to do it or buy her a ticket back to New York, understand?”

  “Lucas, are you okay?”

  James only called him by his first name when he shifted from assistant to friend. Lucas closed his eyes for a moment.

  “I don’t have time for this, James, you know that. I put you in charge.”

  “You’re right, I apologize. You can understand why she might be hesitant—”

  “No, I can’t, actually. I gave simple instructions, and I’m paying her well, so she should be able to do as I ask. That is what I can understand.”

  “Okay, I hear you. I’ll talk to her. Are you sure you want me to send her home if she doesn’t agree?”

  “James, just handle it.” Lucas looked over at the other people headed back into the conference room. “Wait, tell her to paint a mural in Emma’s room first. Nothing girly or pink—no princesses or fairies.”

  “That’s all you want me to tell her?”

  “James, if she can’t do it, just send her home. I’ve had enough of this.” He hung up the phone and took a long deep breath. As frustrated as he was, going back into the meeting was a bad idea. If there was one thing he wished money could buy, it was compliance, then at least he wouldn’t have so many battles.

  He forced himself to walk back into the conference room. The moment he sat back down in his chair he wished he hadn’t told James to send her home.

  He had the oddest suspicion that if this artist—this woman who, for whatever reason, was so intriguing to him—chose to go, he’d be letting the first thing that he’d actually wanted in many years walk right out of his life.

  Chapter 7

  Cassie stepped closer to James as she heard the voice that carried through the phone grow louder. The gruff tone and harsh words were enough to remind her that she was dealing with a powerful man.

  James winced and turned away from her as he continued the conversation. When he hung up, Cassie expected him to send her right back to the airport.

  “He’s requested another mural.”

  “What?” She furrowed a brow. “So he doesn’t want this one any more?”

  “No, he still wants this main one. He also wants one in another room in the house. You can work on that one first.”

  “Did he tell you what type of mural he wants?”

  “He wants you to use your instincts. Al
though, with this one, he did offer a little guidance. Follow me, please.”

  She glanced at the front door and briefly considered fleeing through it, but the thought disappeared. She could rise to a challenge. It was at least worth a try. She followed him up the wide stairway to the landing on the second floor, then down a few hallways until he paused outside a door. Beside the door was a keypad. He entered the code and opened the door.

  “What’s all the security for?”

  “If someone opens the door without entering the code it sends an alert to our security team.”

  “Is this room that important?”

  “The room? No.” He pushed the door open and she looked inside.

  It was filled with toys, a large canopy-style bed and several shelves filled with books and art supplies. Clearly the room was designed for a child.

  “This is Emma’s room, Mr. Morgan’s daughter.”

  “I didn’t know he had a daughter.” She stepped inside after James.

  “Most people don’t. He has to be careful with that information, because, as you may know, the wealthy are often targeted in kidnapping cases. Those that know only know because he has told them.”

  “Where is the little girl?”

  “She lives with her mother the majority of the time, but will come here for visits when Mr. Morgan has the time. He would like you to paint a mural for her in here. He only asked that it’s not too girly—no pink, no princesses.”

  “Oh.” She stared at the walls and smiled. “Well, that’s a little easier.”

  “Is it?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Children are easy to paint for. Their imaginations are unlimited.”

  “Well, just remember, nothing too frilly.”

  “I understand.” She nodded.

  “So, you’re going to stay?”

  “I’ll do my best. I can’t make any promises.” She looked back at the walls again.

  “Ms. Reed, my boss is willing to pay you a large sum, plus invite you into his home and accommodate you however you like. Do you think he would do all that if your work wasn’t worth it?”

  She glanced over at him. “I don’t know. You know him. I don’t. What do you think?”

  “I think you should paint, and I can assure you that whatever you come up with will be just fine with him.”

  “He didn’t sound just fine on the phone a few minutes ago.”

  “He lives a very stressful, busy life. Sometimes it spills over.” He shrugged. “I’ll show you to your wing.”

  “My wing.” She laughed. “That sounds so funny.”

  He smiled and directed her down another hall.

  She soon discovered that her wing consisted of several rooms—a bedroom, a living room, a small kitchen, a full and half bathroom, as well as a balcony with a beautiful view. There was even a small space set up as a library but with the large window, the lighting would be a perfect place for her to sketch or paint.

  Her heart filled with anticipation at the thought of painting in that space. This single wing in the massive house was more luxurious than any home she’d ever lived in.

  “This is amazing.” She shook her head and turned back to look at James. “I really don’t need all this space, you know.”

  “Just enjoy it.” He smiled. “I know what it’s like to live with very little. There’s nothing wrong with having a little good luck. However…” He paused and met her eyes. “I want you to consider that Mr. Morgan is a very important person, not just to society, but also to me personally. My only interest is in keeping him safe.”

  “And you think I could be a threat?”

  “I don’t know anything about you Ms. Reed. Yes, I do consider you a threat.”

  “Trust me, you have nothing to worry about. I may not have much, but I would never take anything from anyone else. Nor do I have any interest in harming your boss. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll just get to work.”

  “I can show you the main kitchen. The chef and all of the staff have strict instructions to provide you with anything you request.”

  “A chef?” She laughed.

  She opened one of the cabinets in the small kitchen, noticing the variety of food inside. “I’m sure whatever is in here will be fine. I’d rather just get started in Emma’s room. Although, I will need some supplies for the project.”

  “Everything you need should be in there.” James pointed to another door that she hadn’t opened.

  When she opened the door she discovered that it was a rather large room filled with every supply she could dream of needing. Not only did she have everything she might need for the murals, but there was also a variety of canvases and a small library of art-related books.

  “Wow.”

  “Yes. Mr. Morgan wanted to be sure that you would have everything that you might need. But if you do find there’s something more that you need, please don’t hesitate to contact me. There are maids available to handle your laundry and—” He paused and looked over his shoulder. “Where is Frank with the rest of your luggage?”

  “Oh, I don’t have anything else. Just this.”

  James gestured to the bedroom. “There’s a large walk-in closet. I’m sure it will accommodate your things.” He eyed the small bag she carried.

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll leave you to your work.” He nodded to her and stepped out of the room.

  Once she was alone, Cassie marveled over the size of the space once more. There was nothing about it that didn’t both enchant and intimidate her. “Just remember, Cassie, this is very temporary.” She laughed and flopped down on the deep fluffy couch and sighed. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it while it lasts.”

  Chapter 8

  Lucas paced back and forth throughout his hotel room. It could have qualified as exercise, as the room was quite expansive. He’d turned down several invitations to dinner for the sake of being alone. With the final deal signed, he should have been in the mood to celebrate. Instead all he was experiencing was regret.

  Exhausted, he sat down on the edge of the couch and placed his head in his hands. Every time he closed his eyes, Marina’s accusing stare played through his mind. There was nothing particularly special about her, but now she was just another woman who’d gone from declaring her undying affection for him to hating him.

  Maybe all of the anger and hurt feelings directed at him were adding up, to the point that he wondered if Marina was right. In business, he had to make hard decisions, and in love, he often made even crueler ones. But his life demanded these choices and there was no way to escape it. His wealth should have made him the happiest man on earth; instead he felt as if he carried the weight of the universe on his shoulders.

  James was right to be concerned about him. He’d been isolating himself more and more, filling his time only with work. The only exceptions were his visits with Emma.

  When he was with his daughter, she had all of him, but he knew that it wasn’t enough. Emma needed more than a few days a month. One day she would be old enough to read all of the magazines and see all of the awful things that people said about him. Would she believe them?

  He took a deep breath and ran his hands across his face. This was why he was never still for too long. He didn’t want to have time to think when all of his thoughts led him down a dark path. He grabbed the menu beside him for room service and picked up his phone to call for food.

  When his gaze traced over the last text he’d received from James, he was reminded of the harsh way he’d spoken to him. He frowned and dialed his number.

  “Good evening, Mr. Morgan, what can I do for you?”

  “I need to speak to my friend.”

  “Okay.” James laughed. “How are you?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Did the merger go through?”

  “Finally. Although it was not without some threats and foul language.”

  “I imagine that was difficult for you.”

  “I’m sorry for the
way I spoke to you earlier, James. I was in the middle of something.”

  “Never apologize to me. I know what you deal with. If you need to blow off some steam, I’m not going to hold it against you.”

  “Thanks. Did she stay?”

  “Yes, she’s in Emma’s room now—painting.”

  “Really?” He smiled at the thought. “What is she painting?”

  “I have no idea. She wouldn’t let me in.”

  “Hm.”

  “Yes. She certainly has some backbone to her.”

  “Good. Did the chef prepare her something?”

  “No, she refused. She’s just going to eat what we have in the guest kitchen. I don’t think she’s accustomed to luxury.”

  “Interesting. I would think someone in her position would take advantage of it. What do you think of her?”

  “I think she’s nice enough, but there’s something about her that seems a bit off.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not sure exactly. She reminds me of you.”

  “Thanks.” Lucas laughed, instantly relaxing. “Good to know that you think there’s something off about me.”

  “I don’t mean it that way, sir—”

  “Lucas.”

  “Lucas. I just mean—she seems detached—like she doesn’t have anyone in the world and that’s okay with her.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Exactly.”

  “There are a few more details I need to take care of with this merger, but to be honest I can’t wait to get home. I’m exhausted. Can you set up an appointment with the doctor for me? I think I must be coming down with something to be this tired.”

  James cleared his throat. “Of course I will. But you have been traveling nonstop for over two months now. Do you think that might have something to do with it?”

  “Okay, I’m done talking to my friend now.”

  “I see, Mr. Morgan. Anything you say.”

  “That’s better.” Lucas grinned and hung up the phone.

  He turned his attention back to the menu. The words blurred as he tried to read them.

  He knew that James was right. The truth was, he didn’t have to stay for the final details. He’d been traveling more than he needed to as a way of avoiding that gigantic empty space he called home. He hoped a bit of art would make it seem not so desolate to him. No matter what fine furnishings he filled it with, when he closed the door behind him, it was still empty.