by Piper Stone
He turned his head, sucking in his breath. Even his stance was disturbing. His words hurt more than they should. The yin and yang of his statements was far too draining. I couldn’t handle playing more than one game at a time. I simply wasn’t wired that way.
“Okay. I’ll do what you ask.” I couldn’t tolerate any additional beratement. Fuck him. My stomach was already churning, my heart unable to stop thudding. There had to be more to his reaction than just being hounded by some reporter. Now wasn’t the time to push him.
I headed toward the bedroom, moving quickly into the bathroom, closing and locking the door. I needed time to think and process.
After splashing water in my face, I stood in front of the mirror, glaring at my own reflection. For a few minutes, he’d allowed me to see the man inside. Not the one he wanted everyone else to see, but the man who enjoyed the simpler things in life, including laughter. Then anxiety that he’d carried with him for years had taken over.
I wasn’t certain I’d ever see the soft and fuzzy man that Ashley insisted did exist.
The light rapping on the door actually produced a moan. I squelched it, shaking my head. “Just go. Okay?”
“Bristol. I really am sorry. Can we talk?”
“I don’t think we have anything to talk about right now. You made it clear what I can and can’t do. I intend on following your rules to the letter.”
When at least a full thirty seconds had passed, I actually thought he’d left. Then I heard a crashing sound and backed away from the door, expecting him to come smashing through at any minute.
A few minutes passed, the sound of grumbling continuing.
Then there was silence. The lack of noise was even worse.
I had no idea how long I remained behind the locked door. My reluctance to venture out had nothing to do with being afraid of the man. I knew in my gut he wasn’t going to hurt me, but I couldn’t handle his abrasiveness.
Or his damn sex appeal.
Finally, I’d had enough of hiding and opened the door, taking cautious steps outside. In his fit of anger, he’d smashed one of his suitcases against the closet door. The contents remained spilled onto the floor, a hole in the flimsy door. What in the hell was going on with him?
He’d already left. There were signs he’d taken a shower in another bathroom, his sweatpants hanging over a towel bar. For some crazy reason, I pulled them into my hands, holding them against my face. His sweat sent tingles dancing throughout my body. He was so masculine and so damn infuriating.
When I walked back into the kitchen, I was surprised that he’d brought in and washed the coffee cups. He’d also left me a note.
Forgive me.
The two simple words sent a sharp jab into my heart. Damn the man.
His ruggedness.
His sexiness.
His dominating tendencies.
Damn him.
If I wasn’t careful, I’d fall hard for Houston Powers.
New furniture.
There was something incredible about getting new furniture. Up to this point, I’d managed a few select purchases from Ikea, but I’d never had anything like the pieces that had begun to arrive. They were spectacular.
The second I’d started to pore over the contract, the doorbell had rung, delivery drivers standing by.
At least by noon, almost everything had arrived. I was shocked at how efficient the drivers were, and I’d even able to sweet talk a few of them to rearrange my original placement. Only one more delivery was expected. Then I could spend the rest if the afternoon going over the paperwork while sitting on a brand new deck chair.
Why that thought made me giddy was ridiculous, but at least I’d smiled the majority of the morning. As I folded several of the pieces of plastic that had covered some of the pieces, my thoughts shifted back to Houston’s bout of fury. Maybe his anger had been caused by nothing more than the photographer, but I had my doubts.
The sound of the doorbell dragged me out of my procedural thinking process. At least the last load had arrived. When I swung open the door, it was the second time I was shocked in one day.
My instinct kicked into overdrive. This was no social call.
“Chase. What are you doing here?”
He looked over my shoulder, an ugly smirk on his face.
“If you’re looking for Houston, he had some kind of meeting.” My gut told me not to share Houston’s itinerary with his brother.
“I’m not looking for Houston. I came to talk with you. Can I come in?”
The sudden polite tone in his voice initiated a red flag. “Of course. I apologize for the mess, but everything is arriving at once.”
Don’t do it. Don’t do it.
I ignored my inner voice, if for no other reason than a chance to gain more information.
He immediately walked out of the foyer and into the living room, turning in a full circle. The fact he remained quiet was just as disturbing as his terse appearance.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“This isn’t a social call.”
Here we go.
I cocked my head, realizing he was taking a mental picture of the entire room. I thought about the paperwork in plain view in the kitchen and grimaced. Chase had no idea what their father had offered to Houston. I would bet on it. “Okay, Chase. I actually have a lot of work to do so if you don’t mind, get to the point regarding your visit.”
“Do you like playing games?” he asked.
“I’m sorry? What are you talking about?”
With a huge knowing smile on his face, he turned to face me. “I know all about you, Bristol.”
The fact he’d taken the time to take a close look at my identity wasn’t surprising. Houston had said the first person to do so would be his brother. Maybe he was prepared to finish his earlier threat. Go ahead, big boy. I can take it. “Then you know that I don’t play games. Ever.”
He laughed, the sound pissing me off. The man was a know-it-all and I wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. “In some regards, you don’t. However, I think you’re one damn good actress. Or maybe not. Maybe that’s why you were fired from your prestigious job and on the first day I might add. Bravo.”
I glared at him, trying to keep from ripping the asshole a new one. “Do you have a point, Chase?”
“My point is that I’m well aware of your little affair you had with a married senator. I’m certain my brother wouldn’t want that to get out to the press.”
I was shocked that he’d learned, which meant he had some kind of connection to my old boss. What lengths did the man go through to find out information about me and more important, why? The rift between brothers must be much more significant than Houston had led me to believe.
And the statement he made was far too close to what had occurred that morning. The press. Had he been the one to send the reporter? That was a possibility and something I wouldn’t let on we were aware of. Unless the mysterious person had called him. “Houston is well aware of what happened in my position. That’s why he suggested we make a permanent move to his hometown.”
He laughed, as if the asshole could see right through my statement.
I stood my ground, folding my arms and making my glare even harsher. With his ability to gather private information, I was fearful he’d found out about Dark Overture.
“No, I think that’s why you grasped onto my brother. You knew that one day someone would find out and you could be ruined. What better way than to grab onto a real catch, a man who might have more money than you could ever dream of.”
While I was furious, forced to temper my anger, I was hopeful that the game he mentioned was one of greed, not the indecent invitation I’d received. “And what about tossing your fiancée to the wolves?”
The second I made the statement, his entire demeanor changed. I could see white-hot fury building to the point I expected him to lash out violently. A moment of fear swept through me.
He lifted his arm as if he w
as going to hit me then pointed a finger, his mouth twisting until his features made him appear like a monster. “Don’t. You. Ever. Mention. Her. Again.”
“Hmmm… What a shame. No grandchildren.” The words slipped past my mouth before I could stop them. I was playing with fire while a gasoline can stood between us.
Back down. Back down. Back down.
I wasn’t certain I could calm the situation.
His flash of rage remained. Then his face relaxed, his body no longer shaking.
“I assure you that I will find the right woman, but she won’t be a plastic Barbie doll searching for a new life.”
I had to give him credit for regrouping.
“You know, I don’t need to explain anything about my relationship with your brother, Chase. He and I are in the relationship. But how about this? If you’re so damn worried, then talk to him yourself. My guess is that your brother will laugh at you for acting like an idiot.” The flash in his eyes made me chuckle. “That’s right. You’re the brother that’s all talk and no action. You hide behind your wealth instead of trying to make yourself a better man. Then again, that’s likely impossible to do.”
I realized the instant I’d issued the words I’d made another huge mistake, but I hadn’t been able to help myself. With two strides, he stood only inches from me, still moving forward in an effort to shove me against the wall. I refused, smashing my hand against him.
He slowly looked down at my actions, exhaling in an exaggerated manner. “I suggest you learn to be very careful, Bristol. While my brother might be fooled by your actions, I know better than to think a woman of your… virtue could fall in love with a man like Houston.”
Now I’d reached my limit.
“How dare you.” I was even more pissed, prepared to cold cock the bastard. “He’s intelligent and funny, passionate and devoted. He’s exactly the kind of man I’ve hoped for.” The compliments had come so easily, which was confusing as hell.
“I’ll repeat my advice. Get out while you still can.”
“Is that a threat, Chase? Is that something you’d like me to tell your brother as well? I’m certain he’ll enjoy providing a reply of his own.”
He acted as if he was going to stroke the side of my face then pulled away. “Tell him anything you would like. That doesn’t change the message. Let’s see how long your relationship lasts when he’s penniless, forced to spend time behind bars.”
“What?” While I’d been warned about the entire family to some degree, this was something I couldn’t fathom. “What are you suggesting?”
“I’m not suggesting anything. I’m stating facts.” Chase shifted around me, stopping long enough to give me a long look, one billowing with desire. “However, if you’re good in bed, I might decide to keep my brother’s leftovers.”
I was appalled but there was no way I was going to allow the asshole to get under my skin. I stood where I was, giving him a sweet smile. “Nice offer, Chase, but nothing about you appeals to me. Nothing. Now that I’ve been close to you, I can no longer stand your stench. Get out.”
He took a deep breath before heading toward the door. It took everything I had not to race after the asshole. As another laugh pushed up from his throat, I managed to hold back a series of shivers.
But only until he closed the door.
I moved toward the couch then could swear the sun glinted off something metal. As I headed toward the back doors, I hesitated before walking outside, remembering Houston’s request. While I didn’t see anything, my gut told me there was someone lying in wait. I backed away, even angrier than before.
What in the hell had I gotten myself into?
Chapter 11
Houston
Retaliation.
I was the kind of man who thrived on the concept, although in my previous line of work, that had only entailed shutting down other traders before they had the opportunity to jump on a promising tip. Although I was ruthless in my gathering of new clients, ensuring they had intel on other more unscrupulous traders in the business.
I’d taken pride in the fact I’d squelched more than a few careers along the way.
This was entirely different.
I remained furious that some asshole would invade my space, taking photographs in a reckless pursuit of fame and fortune. Whether Chase was behind the egregious move or not, I was determined to find out. An ugly thought shifted into my mind.
Could my brother have the nerve to try to have our father assassinated? My initial answer was disturbing but one I could believe.
However, I would follow through with my predisposed plans. I’d spent the better part of the morning touring facilities that I’d never had any interest in before. Two of them had been purchased in a tactical maneuver by my father only a couple of years before. He’d enjoyed every moment of dismantling the upper echelon of management, destroying careers as well as lives along the way.
While it would appear the companies were thriving, the moment I’d stepped foot into the organization, the tension was so thick, I’d been able to smell it in the air. Everyone was afraid of anyone with the last name of Powers.
Management had been less than forthcoming, providing me with a set of financials that I would bet didn’t give the entire picture.
Given they were under Chase’s supervision, I knew they had reason to fear for their jobs, perhaps even their lives.
The fact two CEOs had disappeared shortly after bitter takeovers remained in the back of my mind. The news had been sensational several months ago, but as with all aspects of scandal, with no news feeding the piranhas, the focus had been dropped. After reading every article I could find, one thing was certain, at least in my mind.
Their vanishing act had been unexpected to everyone who knew them. While there’d been vast speculation that they’d taken the millions of dollars they’d received and moved to a tropical island or another glorious destination, I didn’t buy the bullshit for a single second.
And why?
Because the two men had done everything in their power to thwart my father’s takeover, including accusing him of blackmail and extortion. I had to wonder if either my father or Chase had paid off the most vocal reporters in an effort to squelch the stories.
Then I hadn’t heard about a single additional report or any wind of another volley of accusations. Until the oddities of a month before, I hadn’t given the corporation much thought.
There was no sign of Chase, but I had no doubt my unexpected visit would be reported to him. I remained in the rental car, studying the smaller building housing some of the essential components used for the defense system chips included in the military contracts. What surprised me was that Riley had been placed in charge of this single operation. Was my father testing the man’s resolve or loyalty? It seemed odd that my father would place that much faith in a son he’d never given a shit about.
Everything I’d seen and heard seemed off for my father’s typical handling of business.
I exited the vehicle, studying the sleek glass building for a few seconds before heading for the entrance. The security was even tighter than the other buildings I’d visited, forcing me to remain outside until a representative not only approved my entrance but escorted me inside. As I waited, my thoughts turned to Bristol, including the night we’d shared.
There was no way I could say I was a good man on any level. In fact, her use of the term ‘bastard’ was entirely appropriate. Her continued rebellious attitude didn’t surprise me. What did was her determination to break through some shell she was convinced kept me a prisoner in my own world.
She was a spitfire of seduction, her ability to drive me to almost losing all control keeping my cock twitching from the visions that refused to leave my mind. Wanting her was easy.
Keeping her was something else entirely.
Bristol was right in that we were two different people. That made me crave her even more.
“Houston.”
The sound of Riley
’s voice actually made me smile. As I turned to face him, removing my sunglasses, I could see a certain level of anxiety in his eyes. “I’m sorry to come unannounced.”
He chuckled as he walked closer, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I knew you’d drop by, no doubt directed by your father.”
“My decision given I’ve been away for so long.”
The look of amusement remained on his face. “I don’t buy it. You have no interest in this shit. Why are you really here?”
After taking a deep breath, I decided it was time to find out what he knew. If he crossed me, he would suffer the consequences. “To find out what the hell is really going on.”
“And you trust me to tell you?”
I inched closer, thinking about my answer. “You know how I feel about Chase. From what you said the other night, you feel the same way.”
Riley took his time answering, studying my eyes as if searching for my soul. “Chase doesn’t give a shit about the employees of any of the companies. He’ll do whatever it takes to increase profits.”
“That much I already figured out, Riley. Don’t bullshit me. I know every trick, every opportunity. Our father has been threatened, which is something I think you’re already aware of. Call it a gut feeling. Now, do you want to provide me with your perspective or am I wasting my time?”
Inhaling, he glanced from one side of the parking lot to another. “Walk with me.” He didn’t wait for me to respond, moving away from the parking lot and toward what appeared to be a small path leading into a sanctuary of trees. He seemed tense, remaining quiet until we were a solid hundred yards away from the facility.
“Look, I wasn’t made aware you were returning until the day before you arrived.”
“Okay. And?” I was already growing impatient.
“And while I’d not privy to certain company information, I’ve certainly heard the rumors from employees as well as colleagues. I have a group of friends that I keep in touch with, the kind of people involved in similar businesses, all of them in the know. They’ve provided a wealth of information that William refused to share.”
