Shattered (Book Two of the Beautifully Broken Series)

by Angela Stephens

  Heather merely gave him the finger as the elevator door slid shut. James sighed and looked apologetically at Sandra and Kathryn, who had now come out of the office.

  “I’m so sorry you had to witness that,” he said. “Honestly, this isn’t the Heather I used to know.”

  “Well, if you’ll excuse me,” Sandra said, glancing pointedly at Kathryn before pushing the elevator button, “I have some errands to run. I’ll be back in a little while.”

  James guided Kathryn back into her office and closed the door.

  “I hope what just happened hasn’t changed your opinion of me,” he said.

  “Of course not,” Kathryn said. “But to be honest, she’s changed so much.” At the back of her mind she hoped that James might make the decision himself to break it off with Heather without having to see the file. “I almost didn’t recognize her either.”

  “That’s an understatement,” James said, looking at Kathryn. “And whoever she’s become, I want nothing to do with it.”

  “That’s a pretty strong statement, James.”

  He approached and gathered Kathryn in his arms. “It had to be said. The more I think about it, the more I know it’s not working with Heather and me. I was too headstrong to pay much attention before and quite frankly I didn’t care, but since I’ve met you, my entire perspective has changed.”

  Kathryn felt an illicit thrill of hope as she melted into his embrace. Could she hope that it would work out between them and that Heather would become nothing but an unfortunate memory? Still, caution nagged her. Heather may have backed down this time, but if James made the break official there was no telling what she might do. She thought of the file in her desk. Now might be a good time.

  “I’m going to break off the engagement.”

  Kathryn froze, too afraid to even breathe. “What did you say?”

  James cupped her chin and raised her face. “You heard me. I’ve decided to call off the engagement. I don’t love Heather, I never did. I don’t even like her. We were just a couple of pawns used by our families, but that’s changed now.”

  Kathryn couldn’t help but smile. “Do you think your father would have a problem with it?”

  “Hell, no,” James said. “We’ve had a few conversations. In fact, Dad was the one who brought it up. He told me that he saw you with Heather in the lobby the other day and that things looked pretty tense between you.” He paused to look searchingly into Kathryn’s eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me about it?”

  Kathryn shifted uneasily, uncertain what Frank might have said about the incident. “I didn’t want to create a scene in the lobby,” she said, not quite able to meet his gaze. “I’m sure that’s not the publicity Manticorp media needs right now.”

  “I gathered that, but I think there’s more you’re not telling me.”

  “Look, James, your engagement is your business. If you and your father have already discussed Heather, maybe you should keep me out of it until you make a decision.”

  “You’re beautiful, Kathryn,” James said, “but you’re a lousy liar.”

  “What has your father said about Heather?” she asked, hoping to deflect James,” because he’s certainly never mentioned anything to me. Why should he?”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if you already know, but he’s had his doubts about Heather for a while now. Says he’s concerned about some of the things he’s noticed about her behavior.”

  ‘Well, as I said, I haven’t spoken to your father about Heather. It’s not my place.”

  “Not even if he did ask you?”

  Kathryn was suddenly very fed up of a scenario that seemed to replay like a song she could never silence from her mind.

  “How would I respond to his questions?” she responded sharply. “And why would he even bring it up as he knows I don’t really know Heather and he certainly doesn’t know about our relationship. Wouldn’t it be better if you simply told him the truth about your feelings? You’re not a child, James, and I shouldn’t have to be used as ammunition.”

  James smiled. “Finally,” he said. “There’s the Kat I love. I’ve been wondering where you’ve been hiding. You might be interested to know my father has also mentioned you.”

  “I already know this. He’s told me many times how much he values me as an employee—”

  “Not just as an employee. He’s mentioned that he feels you’re a valuable friend to me. He’s not blind, Kat, he can see the chemistry between us. Everyone can.”

  “Then that obviously includes Heather,” Kathryn said. She shook her head. “I’m tired of this James, I really am. I feel like I’m playing emotional ping pong.”

  She pulled away from his embrace and sat at her desk. Tears blurred her eyes as she tried to focus on the media list.

  “Can we please focus on our work? It’s almost lunchtime and we’ve accomplished nothing. I promised your father I’d stop by to discuss this media list.”

  James approached her and put his arms around her shoulders. Frustrated and tired of resisting, she made no move to break free.

  “We’ll work on the list now and see my father together,” James said, twirling strands of her hair. “And yes, for now we’re going to focus only on the Gala, but one way or another, the situation with Heather is going to be resolved.”

  Chapter Eight

  The remaining days before the Gala passed in a chaotic swirl of meetings, visits, phone calls and late nights. Kathryn, James, Sandra and Frank had worked tirelessly to ensure the event would be the highlight of the year and the buzz in the media, on the street and at Manticorp was at fever pitch.

  Heather had not shown her face nor did James mention her so Kathryn listened to her instincts and kept the file locked in her drawer and focused and what would undoubtedly be one of the most important evenings of her life.

  Now, the evening had arrived and her anticipation was mounting as she walked around the beautifully appointed Treasury Ballroom. The gorgeous historical building had captivated Kathryn far beyond any other venue she and James had scouted in Portland. The grand marble staircase descending into the ballroom highlighted a turn-of-the-century bar, rich velvet curtains, checkered Italian-marble dance floor, and stained glass accents.

  Walking around staff, caterers and florists bustling to set up tables and the curtain-draped stage, Kathryn felt excitement infuse her. Various media were already setting up before the seven p.m. cocktail hour, to be followed by dinner at eight p.m. and the unveiling of “James Manticorp, CEO” at nine-thirty p.m. Details buzzed through Kathryn’s head, her eyes constantly darting from one area to another to ensure everything met her expectations.

  A jazz ensemble assembled beside the dance floor practiced their musical selections which Kathryn had personally suggested to keep the ambiance light yet elegant. Positioned discreetly around the ballroom, banners and marquees displaying stylish images of James mirrored the stage banner announcing “James Manticorp, CEO.”

  She glanced at her watch. Three p.m.. It would soon be time to head to the bridal lounge where she and Sandra would change into their evening wear. Kathryn glanced anxiously toward the entrance. Sandra should have been here by now with their evening wear. Reaching for her phone, she was about to call when Sandra breathlessly rushed in balancing two covered gowns and several bags of accessories, shoes and toiletries.

  Kathryn hurried toward her and relieved Sandra of some of her bags. “Come on, let’s drop this off at the bridal lounge,” she said. “Guests will probably start arriving after six, so I want to get ready no later than four. What took you so long? I was about to send out a search party. Did you hit traffic?”

  Sandra looked at Kathryn as though she had suggested something pornographic. “Have you been outside lately? The roadblocks are already up.”

  “We decided VIPs coming by limo will be directed to the back for security,” Kathryn said.

  There’ll also be some undercovers patrolling this evening, Frank wants screening for all guests in
case of crashers.”

  Sandra glanced pointedly at her. “Speaking of crashers, any updates on Heather?”

  Kathryn shook her head. “Not a peep, and James hasn’t mentioned anything either.”

  Sandra’s expression became serious. “I’m surprised Frank didn’t make a fuss about Heather not being included on the guest list.”

  “Her family’s on vacation,” Kathryn said. “That’s the only reason they weren’t on the list. As for Heather, I haven’t asked and I’m not about to, but I can only assume James had something to do with that decision.”

  “That’s a good thing,” Sandra said. “I take it you haven’t shown him the file?”

  “I’m hoping that won’t be necessary.”

  “Lets just see how tonight goes,” Sandra said skeptically.

  “Speaking of which, I need to make some calls to the caterer and then we’ll start getting ready. Can you do my hair? I had to cancel my salon appointment.”

  “Girl,” Sandra said, arranging their cosmetics on the dresser, “I’m going to make you look like the goddess you are.”

  Kathryn impulsively hugged Sandra and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Thanks for being here,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  ***

  Bathed beneath the shimmering glow of chandeliers and twinkling fairy lights, the packed ballroom buzzed with conversation, laughter and music. Attentive serving staff skillfully navigated with trays of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in hand. The guests read from a “Who’s Who” of money and celebrity and more than one famous face could be seen rubbing elbows with politicians, business moguls and sports legends. The response to the Gala had been overwhelming and media was everywhere chronicling the biggest and most important event to hit Portland in years.

  Resplendent in her gorgeous gown, her bejeweled hair swept up in cascading ringlets, Kathryn drifted through the crowd like Cinderella surveying her domain. Occasionally she cast a glance at Sandra, shining like a living sunbeam as she coordinated with various staff members to ensure the transition between dinner and the upcoming unveiling went smoothly. Lakisha, also radiant in a jaw-dropping sapphire gown, also assisted.

  So far, the evening had been a complete success, but Kathryn still could not completely let her guard down about Heather possibly crashing the Gala. Security had been strict, and so far there had been no sign of her, but Kathryn remained vigilant and each time she caught a glimpse of blonde hair, she felt a thrill of anxiety.

  Admiring glances and whispers followed her, but Kathryn had eyes only for James chatting with a group of bigshot environmental lobbyists. Pausing to sip a glass of champagne, she allowed her eyes to feast on James looking like an Adonis in one of Rolf’s sharply contemporary tuxedos. Sporting the shadow of a beard which was part of his new, “cutting edge” CEO image, his hair just long enough to allow some curl, Kathryn felt a shiver of arousal. He was without doubt the most handsome man she had ever seen, outshining even some of the celebrities present.

  Kathryn discreetly watched some of the other women ogling James. An actress here, an anchorwoman there. James was attracting female admirers like a bear to honey and, not surprisingly, had caught the eye of a few men as well. She smiled. It was true. Some people either had that particular charisma that attracted people, and some did not.

  Almost as though sensing her thoughts, James glanced up from his conversation and stared directly at Kathryn. Caught up with the hordes demanding his attention, he had been swarmed the moment he and his father had entered the ballroom. He had not had an opportunity to see her, but he definitely saw her now. His lips turned up in a smile, and the emotion conveyed by his gaze unmistakable.

  Kathryn felt her heart flutter. Noticing the direction of his gaze, some of the men turned toward her. James extended his hand.

  “Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet Kathryn Denton, one of the most remarkable women I’ve ever met.”

  Mustering as much poise as she could, Kathryn joined the group. James made introductions and each greeted her with praise and admiration. “Gentlemen, it’s such a pleasure to meet you,” she said with a dazzling smile. “Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope we have an opportunity to talk later.” She turned to James. “You flatter me, James. I also have to give credit to an amazing support team. There are many important players at Manticorp Media.”

  George Barron, a distinguished older man with a distinct Southern drawl, raised Kathryn’s hand to his lips and kissed it.

  “My dear,” he said charmingly, “you’re too beautiful and far too modest. James has spoken of almost nothing but you and now I can clearly see why. Next time you’re in Charleston I insist you stop by. Apart from myself, I know many people who would be very interested in your services.”

  Kathryn felt suffused by pride. “I’d be honored, Mr. Barron.”

  “Please, call me George.”

  She was about to respond when the lights briefly dimmed, indicating that the unveiling was about to begin.

  “If you’d excuse us, Gentlemen,” Kathryn said, “we’ve reached the moment everyone’s been waiting for!“

  “Gentlemen,” James said, promptly taking Kathryn’s arm and guiding her toward the stage draped by a beautifully designed curtain displaying a stylized Manticorp Media logo intertwined with various images of James in full, profile, color and black and white.

  James squeezed her hand as they rushed onto the stage. “You don’t know how proud I am to have you by my side tonight,” he said. “And you look like a princess from a fairy tale or something from one of my wet dreams. I still haven’t decided yet.”

  Kathryn laughed, and instantly any tension she had earlier felt vanished. “Hurry,” she said, glancing at a tuxedoed Neil anxiously pointing to his watch. “Curtain goes up in one minute.”

  James looked at her. “You really are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said.

  The lights dimmed briefly once again, and James took his position at a podium positioned among larger images of those displayed on the curtain. Kathryn, her heart racing from excitement, retreating from view as the music reached a dramatic crescendo. Frank’s voice rose from the speakers, ushering hushed silence.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, it’s my great pleasure to introduce to you the next generation of Manticorp Media that will forge a brave new legacy into the twenty-first century and beyond. Tonight, we welcome James Manticorp, CEO!”

  Thunderous applause and cheers erupted as the curtain rose. Camera flashes exploded from every corner, and the media jostled to get first position on James. Smiling, his presence radiated such power and confidence that Kathryn felt momentarily overwhelmed and hastily wiped away tears.

  With a beaming smile, James waited for the applause to die down. “Well, if this becomes a habit I might have to change my title to Chief Egotistical Officer.”

  Laughter and clapping resonated, launching James into a brief, but moving speech about his aspirations and goals for Manticorp, and there was nary a dry eye in the audience when James invited Frank to the stage. Father and son hugged, and Kathryn could only watch with a touch of envy at how much their relationship had not only healed, but how this transformation had changed them into different and more compassionate people. She was so absorbed in her thoughts she almost didn’t hear her own name broadcast.

  “And now I’d like to introduce the woman that made all this possible, Manticorp Media’s own media dynamo, Kathryn Denton!”

  A shellshocked Kathryn walked toward the podium, the blaze of a spotlight obscuring her view of the wildly applauding audience. After Frank hugged her, James clasped both her hand and his father’s hand and raised all in a victory salute. Amidst a sea of cameras and flashing lights, Kathryn felt like a movie star and certainly looked it in her gorgeous gown.

  Kathryn smiled and moved toward the microphone. “There are pivotal moments in everyone’s life,” she said, her voice carrying clearly and firmly
. “They start off as dreams and through hard work and dedication, become reality.” She turned to smile emotionally at Frank and James. “And tonight, my dream has become a reality.”

  The ensuing applause and shouts of congratulations drowned out the possibility of further words, so Frank simply grabbed the microphone and shouted, “Everyone to the dance floor!”

  Lively jazz music fired up the atmosphere. Voices called for Frank, ushering him from the stage. In the meantime, James turned to Kathryn and took her hand.

  “I’d be honored to have the first dance,” he said. “In fact, I’d be honored to have every other dance in my life with you.”

  Mindful that people were watching, Kathryn struggled to keep her emotions in check. “I’d be delighted,” she said, blinking away tears hovering in her eyes.

  Escorting Kathryn as though she was a princess, James led her to the beautiful dance floor. Though they were literally mobbed as they approached, James was persistent and skillfully guided her into a dance. They flowed sensuously together, their movements so in tune it was as though they were the same body. Ignoring the looks and comments buzzing around them, they swirled until James danced her off the floor and wordlessly escorted her up the grand staircase.

  “Where are we going?” Kathryn breathlessly asked, her face flushed from excitement and arousal. She glanced around to see if anyone might be watching, never glimpsing a face watching from a distance.

  James remained silent until they approached the bridal lounge and slipped inside. As soon as he locked the door, he pulled Kathryn into an embrace and began passionately kissing her. Too surprised to resist, she hungrily met his lips, their hands fumbling impatiently to strip each other. Kathryn briefly thought of her rumpled gown carelessly tossed to the floor and her now disheveled hair, but the desire raging through every cell of her being banished any other thoughts or concerns.

  Panting with desire, their mouths and tongues explored each other, the taste and feel of James hot flesh like a narcotic to Kathryn. James’ rigid cock beckoned to her, and she dropped to her knees to swallow him and almost immediately tasted his pre-cum. Moaning with pleasure, James forced himself to withdraw from her scorching mouth before he came and guided her toward the nearby couch. Tumbling onto it together, and without preamble, he roughly spread her thighs and impaled her with his cock before pinning her wrists to the cushion.