by Piper Stone
But when I did, my heart thumped more rapidly.
The powerful man stood with his hands in his pockets, his jacket open, his tie removed. Even though twilight was preparing to descend on the horizon, he still wore dark sunglasses, but there was no doubt he was staring at me. An aura of danger surrounded him as well as one of utter sensuality.
He didn’t move or acknowledge me in any way, but I could swear I was able to read his thoughts.
The man wanted to devour me.
As soon as I started to walk up the stairs, he disappeared into the house. Shadows and sadness surrounded the man. Even with all his dominating tendencies and power, there was a darkness furrowing inside of him that was threatening to eat him alive.
I took my time before going inside. He was nowhere to be seen, but I heard a sound coming from another part of the house. I found him standing with a glass in one hand, the other planted on the counter. He was staring at the bottle of scotch, unblinking, his entire body tense.
“You will not leave this house without my permission.” While his words were said quietly with almost no inflection, I sensed his anger increasing.
“That wasn’t part of the deal we made.”
“Well, it is now.” Snapping his head in my direction, his eyes pierced mine in such a commanding way that I was forced to suck in my breath.
“Has something happened?”
His jaw was clenched, his chest heaving. Then he chuckled and took a swig of his drink as he lifted his glass, swirling the liquid. “A remarkable selection.”
“A housewarming gift from your sister, along with all the boxes you see in the living room.” He was hiding something from me.
He snorted, still remaining in the same position. “That’s my sister for you. A true angel in a sea full of monsters.”
I could tell the conversation wasn’t going anywhere. “At some point we have to talk.”
“You didn’t acknowledge the new rule.”
Exasperated, I inched closer, deciding to refill my wine. “Then you need to tell me what’s going on.”
When he slammed his hand on the counter, I jumped, immediately inching away. He shook his head before raking his fingers through his hair. “Do. You. Understand?”
“Yes. I do. But why? At least tell me that.”
Houston took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs as he walked around me, heading toward the open door and standing in the entrance. I don’t know why I bothered to trail behind him, almost desperate to hear the answer, other than my nerves remaining on edge from the cigar smoke.
He took his time before answering. “There are certain entities determined to destroy my father’s corporation.”
“A corporation you don’t care about.” That much he’d already told me.
“Maybe so, but the thought of it being ripped apart piece by piece doesn’t sit well.”
“Are you so terrified I’ll divulge the terms of our contract that you’re going to treat me as nothing but a prisoner?”
“You’re not a prisoner, Bristol. You know without requiring a reminder what’s at stake. You have nothing in your life without the deal we made.”
I took a deep breath in order to curtail my anger. “It’s funny. Just when I think you might have a decent bone in your body, you remind me all over again that you’re nothing but a control freak.” I couldn’t stand the sight of him any longer. Huffing, I turned away, determined to get as much space between us as possible.
He grabbed my arm, jerking me against him, immediately lowering his head. The feel of his hot breath slicing across the nape of my neck was titillating, but all I wanted to do was get away from him.
“You don’t understand my world, Bristol. There is always someone prepared to take what belongs to our family and they will use any method necessary in order to do so, any weakness that comes to light.”
“Am I your weakness, Houston?” I was tingling all over, my nipples scraping against the lace of my bra. The thought of being aroused while he treated me like nothing but an object was disgusting.
As well as humiliating.
When he pressed his lips against my skin, I shuddered visibly, a single slight moan slipping past my lips. Electricity surged through me, his touch searing every nerve ending. And I hated myself for it.
“You are an unexpected delight, a creature of exquisite beauty and sensuality, but that changes nothing. You will do as I say.” He dragged his tongue down the length of my neck with a husky growl. I wasn’t certain if he was trying to scare me or usurp his authority.
But I jerked away, sloshing strings of wine over the edge of the glass.
“When you’re ready to talk to me about what the hell I’m supposed to do other than simply be your freaking arm candy, let me know. Otherwise, leave me the hell alone.”
Before I’d taken two steps, I heard another series of growls, but the tone was entirely different. They were ones of frustration and uncertainty.
“Perhaps you are my weakness, Bristol, what some would consider my kryptonite. Whatever the case, there are things happening that need attention, dangers that I hadn’t fully anticipated. While you’re little more than a delightful employee, I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Is that why you have someone watching me?”
The dead silence was the only thing that forced me to turn toward him. I’d obviously struck a nerve.
“What are you talking about?” His tone was demanding.
I instantly regretted having said anything. “I don’t know for certain, but I could swear someone was outside when Ashley and I returned home. When I was outside just now, I was positive that I caught a scent of a cigar.”
His nostrils flared and he immediately walked outside, staring down at the beach as if he’d be able to see anything in the deepening shadows. He seemed to sense my approach, twisting his head. “I don’t have anyone watching you. There is a level of trust that is implied with the contract.”
“Then who could it be?”
“That I don’t know, but I intend on finding out. I have some phone calls to make. After that, we’ll go to dinner.”
“Why don’t we have something here? Ashley made certain we had everything we needed for the night.”
He said nothing at first then walked back inside, staring at the remaining boxes with disdain. “As you wish. Stay on the property. Do not go to the beach without my permission. Are we clear?”
“Yes.” He shot me an undistinguishable look before retreating to another part of the house.
Leaving me entirely alone.
What was really going on?
I shifted my attention to the rolling waters for a few additional seconds before deciding to ignore his arrogance. At least I could enjoy pretending we both gave a damn.
There was no reason for me to enjoy placing all the purchased items, including preparing a makeshift bed complete with positioning several candles, but I did. Over the course of almost two hours, I managed to wash and put away the dishes and break down the boxes as well. I hadn’t caught sight of him, although his booming voice had filtered down the hallway while I’d been in the bedroom.
When I was satisfied that at least we’d have a fairly comfortable bed for the night, I hung up a few pieces of clothing before changing. Whether or not he liked my selection of a tee shirt and shorts, I didn’t give a damn.
I almost laughed when I took the picnic basket to the pool, spreading out a blanket and several of the flameless candles nearby. They flickered as if dancing in the light breeze, adding the perfect touch to the shimmering lights of the pool. The beautiful day had turned into a gorgeous night, stars sparkling in the sky. I stood for a few minutes doing nothing but gazing at them. I used to wish upon stars as a wide-eyed kid who thought she could conquer the world. Now they held an entirely different meaning.
A faraway place where anything could happen.
I smirked at the thought, realizing I’d be forced to interrupt whatever business dea
lings Houston was engaging in. Maybe there was some irrational side of me that hungered to find a way to rip aside his defenses, for once seeing what made him tick. Would that make me like him any better? There was no telling, but at least it would provide some level of peace.
Maybe.
“You do realize our relationship isn’t about romance.” Houston issued a statement as if it was a mandate.
“Do you remember you said this didn’t have to be unpleasant or difficult?” I shivered as I turned to face him, surprised that he’d actually changed clothes, now wearing blue jeans and a polo. He looked less like a ruthless millionaire than before, his casual attire suiting him, highlighting his chiseled body.
Houston peered down at the blanket. “You’re right. We can enjoy ourselves.”
My God, the man was giving permission.
He stood over me, waiting until I’d eased onto the blanket, curling my legs under me before he did the same. As he yanked open the basket, I found it necessary to hold my breath. His bout of anger indicated whatever he’d learned at his meetings had driven him to the edge of his usual rational behavior.
The quiet settling between us was just as difficult as every other aspect of the time we’d spent together. I was shocked when he carefully opened the wine then began to place the various items in an artistic array on the blanket. He finally lifted his gaze, handing me a glass. When our fingers touched, there was such an erotic feel to the way he brushed his index finger across mine that I was momentarily stunned.
Then he issued a statement that pulled me into his darkness, allowing me a glimpse of what the deal was really about.
“There will be an attempt made on my father’s life. If the assassin is successful, that will leave me in charge of the company. That will also place my life as well as anyone in my world in danger, including you. If you are being watched, it’s because someone wants you out of my life. That’s never going to happen. No one takes what belongs to me. Ever.”
Chapter 9
Houston
Disbelief.
I could see Bristol’s utter disbelief at the statement I’d made. Her eyes flashed in the same way they’d done on the night we’d met, a mixture of anger and immediate dislike. I’d never been one to mince words and I certainly wasn’t going to start now. While certain women were prone to histrionics, she wasn’t one of them. That left the reality that she was being watched.
As to the full understanding of why, I had yet to ascertain. It was obvious my father had lured me here under false pretenses. He’d know that his threat of removing my inheritance altogether was the only thing that would pull me back into the fold.
Bristol stared at me wide-eyed, her mouth twisting. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m saying that my father has made his share of enemies over the years and it would appear that one or more of them want him dead, not just ruined.” I knew my words held a cold edge, as if I didn’t care, but during the course of the last few hours, I’d been forced to realize that I actually did give a damn. Maybe time spent away from the powerful man had given me an entirely different perspective. I was angry, even more so because after the dozen phone calls I’d made, I’d heard lots of angry voices, but I didn’t believe that any of his direct competitors could be capable of performing such a heinous act.
Including hiring someone to do the job.
“You say that as if it’s no big deal.”
“It’s a very big deal.”
She took a sip of her wine and to my surprise, her hand wasn’t shaking. She was as calm and collected as she’d acted the majority of the time. I had even more respect for her, although I was furious with myself that I’d brought her into the damning problem. If I’d known just how serious the situation truly was, I would never have put her life on hold or in jeopardy.
Maybe.
I looked away, shaking my head. I couldn’t get over the fact I’d turned more like my father than I would have ever believed. That pissed me off almost as much.
“Then what are you going to do about it? And don’t you dare tell me that you want your father killed over money.”
I abhorred the tone of her voice, the accusation she tossed my way. “My father confided only a small portion of what he’s dealing with, and from what I can tell, not to my brother or my sister.”
“Why?”
“Beats the shit out of me.”
“You have two brothers. Why do you hate your stepbrother so much?”
I’d never been asked the question. “I don’t hate him, Bristol. I think it’s all about what we were taught as children.”
“Right. Blood is thicker than water. That’s why you’ll never get married to anyone you care about. You’re too terrified they’ll manage to take away your money. That’s one of the reasons you specifically requested an attorney, isn’t it? So I could check for all the loopholes in your trust fund paperwork and whatever contracts you might enter into. You’re so damn greedy that you don’t want any other human being to have the possibility of getting what you believe rightfully belongs to you.”
She almost had a shimmer of glee in her eyes. Huffing, I tamped back my natural retort, vicious words that wouldn’t have meant a damn thing. At minimum, she deserved the truth regarding the deal we’d made. “I did request an attorney and yes, I wanted to make certain there weren’t any loopholes, but it had more to do with the barbs thrown and the games my father enjoys playing, not the money.”
“You expect me to believe that.”
“I expect you to do the job I paid you to do.”
A smile crossed her face while she eased the wine onto the blanket and jerked up. “Enjoy dinner. After all, you’re nothing but a pig.”
I closed my eyes, sucking in my breath. “Don’t go.”
“Is that a fucking order?”
“That’s a request, Bristol. I’m sorry I sound like an asshole.”
“That’s because you are an asshole.”
A laugh bubbled to the surface. “You’re right. That’s all I’ve ever been and something I’ve taken pride in becoming. Would you please sit down, and I will rein in the nasty side of me? Okay?”
She hesitated for over a minute then walked back slowly, sitting down and keeping her hateful glare. “I’m not your enemy. I will try and help you, but you have to tell me the truth, at least whatever truth you’re aware of. If it makes you feel any better, remember that I signed a nondisclosure, and that includes any aspect of whatever I learn or that we talk about. If I would break that agreement, I could be sued as well as disbarred. Does that help you understand just how serious I take legal contracts?”
She could be all business, another aspect I admired. I held up my glass, cocking my head when she didn’t immediately retrieve hers. “Yes, Bristol, it does.”
Rolling her eyes, she allowed our glasses to touch then immediately pulled away. “Then talk. If your father’s life has really been threatened, then the police should be brought in. I know exactly what you’re going to say. The family can handle the problem, the all-powerful Powers family. What if you can’t? What if you get a call in the middle of the night informing you that your father was murdered? Are you going to give a damn?”
My thoughts drifted to the phone call over a month before. By all rights, I should tell her what had transpired.
But I didn’t.
“Yes, I will care,” I managed. I watched as she sipped her wine, her body finally relaxing to a degree. She would always be tense around me, but in truth, I didn’t blame her.
“Then act like it. Talk. Tell me about this trust fund at least.”
“The trust fund was created just after I was born and mostly from my mother’s money. Her parents were well off and left her with a significant inheritance. Same with Chase and Ashley. I don’t know the circumstances around if or what amount Riley was provided. After that, my father used his business acumen to parlay the funds, the amounts now worth as much as twenty times what has originally been i
ndicated.”
“That’s why your father feels he has control over the options.”
“Yes. When I left five years ago after a bitter argument, my father threatened me, but never said anything about the trust fund. Then I received notification from his attorney that the terms had changed.”
She laughed. “Including that you had to get married.”
“Yes. I balked at first, but from what the attorney I hired to look into it told me there was nothing I could do about it given my birth mother was dead.”
“So, you figured why not invest two million to gain more money?”
“Thirty-five million, or so I was told. I’ve yet to be given access to the fund itself, even to check the balance.”
“Wow. I always knew that everyone had a price. Thirty-five million is yours.”
The same old anger rushed into my system. “It’s not just about the money, Bristol. It’s also about the principle, believe it or not. My father can’t rule everyone around him.”
“Like you attempt to do.”
Now I couldn’t help but laugh. She’d seen right through me. “Maybe you’re right. I arrived prepared for a battle and because my curiosity had been piqued. Instead, my father begged for my help. He’s never asked a single soul on this planet for help.”
“Which means he takes the threat seriously.”
Sighing, I nodded. “Likely. He wants me to take over a significant portion of the corporation, with plans that I’ll eventually be made CEO of the entire organization.”
“Interesting. Doesn’t Chase believe he’s the heir apparent?”
“Absolutely,” I mused. The lady was more observant than I gave her credit for. “Chase has acted like I’m his enemy for years. When I moved away, I can’t imagine how glad he was to see me go. He’s followed in my father’s footsteps his entire life.”
“Did your father mention any terms of this new agreement?”
“I have a contract I’ve glanced over, but I want you to take a good look at it. In addition, he’s offered to void the new codicil with regard to the trust. It’s a win-win according to my father.”
