by Stone, Piper
* * *
I walked into the office before seven, prepared to work on the contracts, at least putting out some of the fires in preparation for the final deals. One way or the other, they were going to happen. I’d decided to come into work given Gio’s threat. I knew he was fishing. I could also catch a fleeting glimpse of my newest employee. Hiring someone off the street wasn’t my normal method of operation, but I hadn’t been able to resist. Knowing that I would see her again had kept me in good spirits. I’d give it a couple of days then request her attendance at dinner. Yes. She was young and could enjoy being mentored. Just not at the office. I grabbed a cup of coffee before heading down the hall.
Now that I was back at work, the looming contract put me back on edge. With Santori coming on board, there would need to be some changes made to his methods of operation, but that would come in time. While my employees certainly knew of my reputation, or I should say that of my family’s, I’d never crossed the line as far as use of harsh tactics. I’d never been backed into a corner, forcing the choice.
Something didn’t smell right. Santori had bowed to me too quickly, without a fight. Yes, Caleb certainly knew what he would face if he hadn’t signed on the dotted line, but I sensed there was another reason. No one was going to play me for a fool.
There was no need to fret over what Ms. Markum would or wouldn’t do at this point. She had no real understanding of her father’s business. Given a few days, she’d be overwhelmed by information, more than happy to get rid of the albatross at any dollar. I was prepared to go a few million dollars higher on the offer, but that would be it. I only hoped I wouldn’t have to resort to exceptional tactics. I would spend some time learning every nuance about her, finding out what made her tick. Putty in my hands.
“Mr. Bishop. I have some contracts that need your signature. They’re on your desk.”
“An eager beaver, Miss Molly,” I chortled.
She blushed and held the files closer to her chest, her pen tapping against the cardboard. “You know what they say.”
“Yes, I certainly do. Thank you very much. I also have an assignment for you.”
“You do?” Her face brightened yet her lower lip quivered.
“Yes. One of significant importance. There is a young woman who will be coming through those doors this morning. I’ve hired her to work as an administrator. I expect that you’ll do everything you can to make certain she’s given the tour and everything she needs to get started.”
“Okay. I mean, yes, sir. What is she going to be doing?”
I rubbed my jaw. “I have yet to figure that out, but I will. Just take care of her for me. You will do that, won’t you?”
“Yes, sir. Of course, sir.” Molly blinked several times. “I’m here to serve you in any manner I can.”
“Excellent.” My thoughts drifted, the dark desire lurking just under the skin. Kitty had awakened the man inside, the hunger I’d abated for far too long. There’d been no woman to satisfy my dark desires for over two years.
“What’s her name?” She pulled a pad from her stack of files, her pen in position.
“Kitty.”
“Kitty...”
“I have absolutely no idea.” I couldn’t stop laughing as I walked toward my office, allowing the single happy moment to filter into the back of my mind. How refreshing the thirty minutes spent with her had been. I noticed the signed contract from Santori positioned in the center of my desk. There were other contracts as well, specific land deals that had taken months before acquisition. At this moment, they didn’t matter. I only had eyes for the Santori paperwork. I turned the pages one by one, eyeing the signature as well as the man’s initials. I had a bad taste in my mouth that had been left from allowing the deal to be pushed in my face in the first place.
My attorney was a shark, a man hated almost as much as my father for his coldblooded work both in and out of the courtroom. He’d added needed verbiage to the contract as well as the addendums, but I hadn’t double checked the final draft. I never had before. Why was I concerned now? The same sixth sense that had kept me alive during three daring attempts on my life. I’d known there was a vibe surrounding the family, a hit ready to happen. This was no different.
My gut was telling me there was a planned takeover about to occur.
I spent the needed time adding my signature to the various contracts, returning phone calls and emails. There were days I was bored to fucking death over the drudgery. This was one of them.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Kitty just outside my door. A smile crossed my face. She looked much more professional than the night before. Dressed in a suit and heels, her long hair pulled into a conservative bun, she could have passed for an attorney or executive.
And still, my cock throbbed as lurid thoughts shifted into the back of my mind.
She was trailing behind Molly, listening intently to whatever she was being told. At least I’d managed a good deed for the week, possibly allowing for a few karma points that wouldn’t drag me into the depths of hell. One thing was certain. She and I would cross paths again and in a completely different manner.
* * *
Lola
I could see him, the man who’d lived in my fantasies for a few precious hours. The wet dream had been unexpected, leaving me soaking wet and hugging the pillow between my legs, visions of him thrusting his cock deep inside my pussy, his actions brutal. I absently rubbed a bead of perspiration from over my lip, trying to blink away the images. I’d even envisioned him taking me across his lap, spanking me like the bad little girl that I was. Jesus.
What in the hell am I doing? The little voice inside my head was riled, confused as to why I was here, in the very office of what I now considered a wretched human being. The shock of learning that Jagger Bishop had been the man responsible in some measure for my father’s death had been horrific, sending me into a tailspin. My father had made it to the hospital, dying shortly thereafter. The attending doctor could say very little, except my father’s heart had simply stopped. But I knew better. That’s when I’d gone searching for every scrap of information.
I’d read the information several times, going over the financials for Markum and Associates with a fine-tooth comb. The detailed emails, veiled threats given the verbiage, had left me with more questions than answers. My father had collected every email, every piece of correspondence, keeping them safely locked and away from his office, maybe knowing that I’d come in some way to the rescue.
Other than the few minutes the night I’d arrived in Chicago, I hadn’t grieved properly for my father, even though the guilt was killing me. My father had suffered alone, without my help or even a kind word. Anger had quieted the sadness and now I was going to end this game that was being played. There were certain aspects that I couldn’t understand, like a puzzle with missing pieces.
What I did know is that Jagger had held something over my father’s head. Had to be. That could be the only reason that my father would ever consider selling to the son of a monster. Unfortunately, my father had only alluded to some arrangement with Bishop Enterprises. I didn’t need the various sets of documents provided to know that the firm was a basic front of operation for the Calduchi family—as if anyone would honestly believe they’d gone legit in any of their businesses. I was no fool and neither was my father.
So, what in the hell was going on?
The research had allowed me to formulate a picture of Jagger in my mind. With the help of the internet, I’d learned more. Jagger acted above the law, but there were no signs that he was anything but a professional in the real estate development world. However, again, my gut told me otherwise. He was also a man of habits and with a few questions, it had been easy enough to find his usual club, his favorite restaurant, and even the only location where he seemed to vacation. He certainly had no fears of being taken out by another crime syndicate, or he just had balls the size of cantaloupes.
My conniving plan had come togethe
r quickly after that. I had no way of knowing whether Jagger would show at Razzle’s, but I had to start somewhere. Thank God my luck had been running high. To see him at the bar, the way his eyes swept over me as if he was ready to feast had created reactions that I hadn’t anticipated. Lust. Unbridled lust. I’d actually hungered for a man who could make a single phone call and erase my existence.
I’d expected a larger than life asshole with a security detail. What I’d met was a quiet and unassuming man with excellent tastes in wine. I brushed my fingers across my lips, trying to concentrate on what Molly was telling me. I’d envisioned him kissing me at the end of the night, even attempting to lure me into his bed. He’d done neither, simply wishing me luck on this new venture. Even the way he’d looked in well-worn and very tight jeans had created the series of fantasies long into the evening. He was sexy, muscular in all the right places with shaggy dark hair and the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. God, I must be losing my mind.
This time, a bead of perspiration trickled down the side of my face, threatening to give away my nerves. I was a wreck, my heart racing, my pulse skipping beats.
I was terrified that he’d figure out who I was, even though there were no recent pictures in my father’s office. There was no way of knowing whether Jagger had ever told about my existence. Fortunately, I’d had the forethought of using a fake name, at least to a point, just in case he’d been given information by my father’s asshole attorney. At this point, all bets were off. I was in the lion’s den, ready to glean whatever Jagger had on my father.
Then the contract will be null and void. The bastard actually thought he could get away with offering such a low dollar amount. I figured only a couple days then I’d have what I needed. I could only hope that placing my trust in Mr. Rutherford wouldn’t backfire. There was a distinct chance the two men were working together. The why’s at this moment didn’t necessarily matter. I was on a mission and determined to complete it.
In a very short period of time.
“That’s the basic tour of the office,” Molly said quietly.
I liked the girl, although she was far too young to be working with such a piranha. “This is just beautiful. I’m certain you love working here.”
“I do. I’ve been here since graduating from high school. Mr. Bishop is wonderful to work for.”
I just bet he is. “That’s fabulous and I’m excited to meet him.”
“You’ll love him. He’s kind and considerate,” Molly said then sighed. “He cares about his employees.”
And the girl was in love with him. Fantastic. “What can I do that will help you?”
“Well, there’s always filing. That will certainly allow you to get to know the clients and how we work with them.”
She was far too bright and cheerful. “That sounds perfect. I’m happy to do that.”
“Excellent. Let’s get you started.”
As we walked down the hall, I tipped my head. I could see Jagger standing in the doorway to his office, his eyes pinned on me. I swallowed the lump in my throat as goosebumps popped along my neck and arms. He was even better looking in a two-thousand-dollar suit. The man was dark and dangerous. It was an ugly fact I was forced to remind myself of.
He was the enemy and I would crucify him.
Unfortunately, he was headed in our direction, a concentrated expression on his face. I had to act surprised or I’d give myself away. Placing my hand over my mouth, I shook my head several times.
“What’s wrong?” Molly asked.
“That’s the boss?” I feigned shock, blinking several times as I whispered.
“That’s Mr. Bishop. Yes. Why? You look like you’re going to throw up.”
I kept the act as Jagger closed the distance. “You’re... I mean, you are...”
He cocked his head, a single eyebrow lifting. “I guess I should apologize for last night. I didn’t think you’d appreciate the guy you pushed aside offering you a job.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m embarrassed.” I want to scratch your fucking eyes out. I laughed nervously, catching a glimpse of jealousy on Molly’s face.
“Nothing to be embarrassed about. I am tough with all my employees. You do your job and we’ll get along just fine. Isn’t that right, Molly?” Jagger asked.
Today he was all business.
“Yes, sir. Very much so, sir.” Molly seemed to be standing taller.
He glanced from one to the other. “I’ll be watching you, Ms....”
“Chenelle. Kitty Chenelle.” Thank God, half my credit cards carried my mother’s maiden name. I’d changed a few in a fit of anger, even using the name in Boone. At least if anyone checked, the last name was real, the first could be a nickname. The electricity was the same as the night before, crackling, forcing my heart and pulse to race. Damn it. I was furious with my body betraying me. Even my nipples were hard, pushing against the thin lace of my bra.
“Ms. Chenelle. Very glad to have you on board.” He turned what limited attention he was going to give us to Molly. “Molly, the contracts are ready for expedition. If you’ll take care of that for me.”
“I’m on it, sir. You can count on me.”
“As I always do. Have a good day, ladies.” Jagger walked away, a swagger in his step.
Gone was the debonair man who’d purchased a four-hundred-dollar glass of wine. In his place was exactly what I would have expected.
An asshole.
The morning passed without incident, the early afternoon much the same. I’d grown weary of filing and in truth, found nothing to corroborate my notion. Everything with Bishop Enterprises seemed on the up and up. Blowing loose hair from my eyes, I shifted from foot to foot, my legs killing me from wearing the heels for this long and standing on a vinyl tile floor. Up to this point, there’d been someone in the combination filing room and kitchenette the entire time. Now, I was very much alone.
With ease I found the ‘M’ file cabinet and pulled open the drawer, finding a file on my father’s company within seconds. I certainly couldn’t steal the information, but I could take a few pictures with my phone. Acting as nonchalant as possible, I pulled out the half inch thick file, first flipping through the various pages. Everything was standard precursory information, all wrapped around the concept of purchasing my father’s firm. I snapped a photo of what I thought might be of a pertinent nature and was ready to slide the file back into the drawer when a single piece of paper floated out of the side and onto the floor.
Hunkering down, the email gave me a series of shivers. I’d read something similar in my father’s things, but this was from Jagger to another party. There was no way my father was involved with some extortion attempt. None. My father was the most righteous man I knew. It suddenly hit me that he was gone and that I’d never see him again. I fought tears as they formed, blinking several times. What did you get in the middle of, Daddy? Nothing made any sense. I knew there had to be a logical explanation.
Hearing footsteps, I did the only thing I could do. I shoved the paper inside my blouse, cursing under my breath. Some sleuth I was. My best guess was that if I had any hopes of finding real evidence, it would be in Jagger’s office.
I stood and glanced at the clock. Almost five. Did everyone leave on time or were there shifts? There was only one way to find out. I waited a few extra minutes then went to find Molly.
“Almost quitting time,” Molly said as she shut down her computer.
“Ladies. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jagger walked by us, only the briefest of acknowledgement before he headed for the all glass double doors, a set of keys in his hand.
I breathed a sigh of relief. At least I might have a window of opportunity to search his office. Maybe.
Molly sighed, sagging visibly. “How did the filing go?”
“I have one more stack to do.”
“You did great and you can finish in the morning.” She grabbed her purse. “Mr. Bishop seems to like you.”
“How can you tell?”
&
nbsp; “I always know.”
The girl was more than just jealous. “Molly. I’m the kind of person who likes to complete a project. Is there any way that I can hang around and finish up what I was doing?”
She shrugged and walked away from her desk. “Everyone will be out of here by five-thirty, but the door will lock behind you. I don’t see any issues.”
“Fantastic. Thank you for all your help.” I kept the smile plastered until she walked out, then moved to find a location to hide until everyone left. I waited until almost six-thirty before venturing out of the supply room. The email played in my mind as I listened for any tell-tale signs of employees. Hearing nothing, I walked the hallway, peering into the various offices. Everyone was gone.
I looked over my shoulder at least three times on my way to Jagger’s office. The door was locked. “Damn it.” There was nothing fancy about the locking system and I was known for being able to pick a lock or two in my time. All I needed was a single paperclip. Finding one easily, I spread open the wire, inserting and allowing my fingers to do the magic. Within two minutes, I heard a single click. I still had my touch.
After closing the door behind me, I surveyed his office. For a man of no doubt exorbitant wealth, he was simple in his needs, but the sense of power infiltrated every nook and cranny. Inhaling, the scent of his cologne lingered, a musky, exotic fragrance that was all male. I needed to find what I was looking for and get the hell out. There would be no way I could manage the charade for several days at a time. I wasn’t that good of an actress.
I immediately went to his desk, sitting down and opening his drawers, riffling through his various papers and files. There was nothing to indicate some secret agenda, no hidden contracts that I could find. There had to be something, especially given the email. “Think.” A hidden compartment. The desk was too easy. A safe, maybe? I checked behind every picture. There wasn’t a safe of any kind or a hidden cubbyhole for that matter. The credenza also held nothing of importance that I could see.
