Indecent Invitation: A Dark Romance

by Piper Stone

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about, son,” Gregory said.

  “Yes, I do, and I think I’m actually hitting my stride. Because of the fact you realized that I could never work with Chase, you threw another carrot to get me to stay with your more than generous offer of attaching myself to a company that’s bleeding money. However, you were very clever in adding the passage that I stay married for at least a year. Why? Did you really distrust me that much? Did you think I’d hire someone to play my wife just to get my hands on the money?”

  Bile formed in my mouth from issuing the lie. That’s all the Powers family was, it would seem. Liars.

  “Actually, I’m sad to say but yes, son. When Chase found out about Bristol’s termination and why, I allowed his suspicions to become mine. I’m sorry for that.”

  I took a deep breath, trying to hold in my anger. “Is there an ongoing investigation for wrongdoing?”

  Another hesitation was about all I would take.

  “Tell. Me.”

  “Yes, there is and has been for almost three months. The Feds can’t find anything because there isn’t any criminal activity going on.” Gregory seemed so smug, so certain of what he was telling me.

  “Then why the subterfuge?”

  My father drummed his fingers on the desk. “I had to make certain I had someone here I could count on.”

  “What about Chase? He’s been your lapdog for years.”

  “Chase is… Every concern I mentioned to you is entirely true. He’s not capable of running this company in my absence. Besides, since you haven’t been involved for years, the continuation of the company is possible under your helm. All of you can have a future together.”

  I looked from one man to the other. “You think they’re not only going to arrest you, but that the charge is going to stick. Right?”

  “There’s always that possibility,” my father half whispered. “I think the Feds are building a case that includes some damaging information from an insider.”

  “Are you trying to suggest that Chase is attempting to blackmail you, including sending enough evidence to the police to have them interested in filing charges?”

  “No, I don’t think Chase would stoop that low, but it’s obvious that the person who threatened me has some kind of real information.”

  I thought about what Riley had told me, as well as the information he was supposed to provide. Right now, I couldn’t trust anyone.

  Including my father.

  I wasn’t ready to divulge anything. “At least I know what I’m up against. I am getting married, Pops, but I couldn’t care less about the money in that trust. If you want to steal it from me, then do that. You’ll have that on your conscience for the rest of your life. However,” I said, stopping short and thinking about what I was about to say. “I do care about the company. Why? I have no fucking idea other than I’m aware that Riley is the sole reason you have an opportunity for a contract that could take the corporation into a lucrative future. You need that contract, just like you need to secure several others just to keep this damn corporation afloat. And there’s Ashley. She doesn’t deserve to have a black cloud hanging over her head for any reason. So, I’m going to play along, including attempting to help clear your name, but when this fiasco is over, our personal relationship is too. This time for good. Do you understand the terms of my deal?”

  I could tell my soliloquy hit my father hard. I also realized I honestly didn’t care. He’d played dirty for years. I wanted no part of that in my life.

  “That’s fine. You do what you need to do in your life. If you’re really happy and you love Bristol, then I’m ecstatic you found someone to share your life with.”

  “But you have no intentions on altering either the codicil with the trust fund or the contract. Do you?”

  “I advised your father that wouldn’t be in his best interest.”

  I stared at Gregory, bursting into laughter. All of this for grandchildren? What a crock of shit. “You know what? Whatever. I’ve yet to make my decision regarding taking over a portion of the company, Pops. As I told you yesterday, I’ll let you know when I do.”

  “Son. Can we talk about this?”

  “I don’t think there’s anything left to talk about. But I do have one question for you, and I want the truth.”

  “What?” my father asked, his tone full of exasperation.

  “Did you kill the two men you destroyed?”

  This time, he didn’t bother glancing in Gregory’s direction. He stood, no expression on his face. “No, I did not.”

  “Then where the hell are they?”

  He huffed, eyeing me carefully. “I don’t know and I don’t care. What I do know is that I’m not a murderer.”

  Uh-huh. I was beginning to think otherwise.

  I headed for the door, unable to stomach any more bullshit. Just before I walked out, I laughed before issuing a few final words. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re underestimating Chase. He just needed the same thing I did for all those years. Your blessing.”

  Bristol

  “I’m sorry you have to go through this.”

  The massive mirror allowed me to see Ashley’s concerned reflection. She stood directly behind me, her arms folded, constantly checking over her shoulder. So far, there hadn’t been any reporters tailing us. I think given the mood I was in, I’d not only break their cameras but their faces as well.

  “It’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  I shifted as the seamstress returned to the room. The dress was just as gorgeous as I’d remembered, but I felt even more like a fraud. If I had any common sense, I would have accepted the out, leaving the city and never looking back.

  There was only one reason why I didn’t.

  Love.

  There was no sense of denying it any longer nor could I explain why I could feel so strongly, but the final reality had occurred sometime over the man licking pizza sauce off my lips the night before. My heart continued to do pitter-patters as I glared at myself in the mirror.

  Ashley walked away, shaking her head, neither one of us wanting to air the dirty laundry in front of the woman helping me.

  “I think we have everything. There wasn’t much that had to be altered.” The seamstress smiled as she finished unbuttoning the dress. “Just be careful taking it off. I’ll have your dress ready for you in a couple days.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate you pushing this up on the schedule.”

  “Anything for the Powers family. They are like superstars around here.”

  Even Ashley turned around, her face contorted as if prepared for a fight. “What does that mean?”

  The woman seemed confused. “Just that with all the money your father has provided for various businesses, including this one, as well as several charities, I think he’s an incredible human being.” She glanced in my direction. “I mean, I know he doesn’t like to advertise how much help he’s given to people, but since my sister is the owner, I know that she wouldn’t have been able to keep her doors open without his help.”

  “You mean a loan at a high rate of interest,” Ashley snarked.

  “No, a gift. He gave my sister over forty thousand dollars.”

  “What?” Ashley laughed. “You’re kidding me.”

  “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” Her face paling, she blinked several times.

  “No,” Ashley breathed. “Not at all. Thank you for telling us.”

  The lovely lady smiled although there was confusion in her eyes. After she left the room, Ashley and I looked at each other.

  “That’s different,” I said.

  “That’s amazing.” Ashley half laughed. “Maybe there is some good in my father after all.”

  Why would a man who gave freely to others extort from anyone? None of this was making any sense. “I’m going to change.”

  “Then I suggest we get the hell out of here.”

  I finally smiled for the first t
ime that morning. “Agreed.”

  I couldn’t get my thoughts off Houston as I placed the dress on the hanger. Was I being foolish? Likely. But I’d made a deal and I knew the man I was marrying actually needed my help.

  As I walked out into the shop, I could see Ashley frowning. “What’s wrong?”

  “I have a very bad feeling.”

  “You and me both.”

  “I know it’s only noon, but I could use a Bloody Mary. You game?” She grinned as she turned in my direction.

  “Why not? I agree with you. Things are going to get dark and ugly.”

  “But,” she said as she walked closer, “we have to think about a wedding cake. I know the perfect baker.”

  “I would guess you know the perfect everything.”

  Ashley rolled her eyes. “Except for men.”

  She had no idea how much I felt the same way.

  The second we made it to the corner of the street, it was as if locusts appeared from the shadows, swarming over us, tossing questions from several directions.

  “How does it feel marrying into the Powers family?”

  “Are you aware of the unscrupulous dealings within Powers Enterprises?”

  “Is your fiancé a part of the investigation?”

  “Jesus Christ,” Ashley huffed. “This is getting out of hand.”

  I was shocked at the level of force used, the reporters pushing so close I had difficulty breathing. “We need to get the hell out of here.”

  “Yeah, we do. I think I know how to get us out of this.” She tugged me toward the bridal shop, stopping short before returning inside.

  I followed her gaze as she pulled away from me, taking a few steps, shoving her hand in front of one of the cameras. Through the crowd of people, I was able to catch a glimpse of a woman who didn’t appear to be with the group of reporters. While she was still taking pictures, she was dressed far too casually.

  “Bridgett. What the hell?” Ashley huffed. Then she shook her head, backing away and yanking me into the store.

  “What was that?”

  “Just something to piss me off. Come on.” Ashley guided me to the back door, opening it slowly and darting her head into the sunlight. “We’re clear. Just follow me.”

  Crowding close to the backs of the various stores, we crept along then she darted toward another street, bounding into a coffee shop.

  We both backed further into the establishment and away from the massive window fronting the street. Even from where we stood, I could see the reporters hounding the owner of the bridal shop as she attempted to get them to leave.

  “That was insane,” Ashley snarled.

  “Who was that woman?”

  She hesitated before answering. “I’m not certain, but it looked a hell of a lot like Bridgett.”

  I thought about the name. “As in Chase’s ex-fiancée?”

  “The very one.”

  “Why did they break up?”

  Laughing, she glanced in my direction. “Do you honestly think Chase and I have regular conversations? He lives in his big house with his fancy toys and doesn’t give me the time of day. If I had to guess, I’d say she challenged the fact he wasn’t spending enough time with her.”

  “Then she’d be angry.”

  “My guess is she’s probably grateful she didn’t fall into marrying into our fucked-up family.” Gasping, she gripped my arm. “I’m sorry. That was totally inappropriate.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” I said as I watched the reporters beginning to disperse. Every nagging feeling I’d had earlier was heightened. “I love your brother; however, I’m no wallflower. I won’t stand for bullshit.”

  “God, I knew I’d like you. We’re going to order a coffee and wait this out. Then you’re going to take me home. I don’t think we should finish our shopping trip with the assholes trying to follow us.”

  “Take you home? What does that mean?”

  “I think you need some wheels not only to finish your wedding planning but to find a little solace of your own. If I had to guess, I’d say we’re all in for one hell of a ride.”

  Another bad feeling formed in the pit of my stomach, my throat tightening. Ashley was right. This was only the beginning, the nightmare about to get much worse.

  Houston

  I found Riley’s house easily enough, although I was surprised at the modest structure he’d chosen. It would seem my stepbrother was completely down to earth, far removed from the glorious lifestyle my father as well as Chase enjoyed living.

  When he opened the door, I could tell he was just as pensive as before, his mouth pinched as he darted his eyes back and forth across my face.

  “I’m going to assume you weren’t followed,” he said as he opened the door wider.

  “Not to my knowledge, although it’s become painfully obvious that since the moment that I set foot in the damned city that I’ve been followed.”

  “You knew it was bound to happen. Anything having to do with the Powers Empire is big news around here.”

  He closed the door behind me, heading for another part of the house. As he guided me into the kitchen, I was struck by just how normal everything appeared. I’d lived in a sparkling new condo in Atlanta for only six months, yet I hadn’t cooked a single meal. The furniture I’d purchased was stylish, even posh by some standards, but I’d spent little time in any other room than the bedroom.

  Then I’d left it without looking back, uncertain of whether I’d end up selling the place or not. At this point, the thought of returning to the austere environment wasn’t any more enjoyable than staying in San Diego.

  “Nice place,” I said absently.

  He snorted. “Right. I’m certain you’re used to living in a mansion. The place suits me. I brought what you asked for. Keep in mind that I wasn’t allowed into your father and Chase’s secret society, but I’m pretty certain I know the identity of the two individuals your father crushed. What I can’t find is anything regarding their disappearance.” He pointed toward the two fairly thick files on his kitchen table.

  I moved closer, shifting through them quickly, shocked as hell as some of the information he’d provided. Not only were there details regarding the takeovers of the two companies, there was also highly detailed personal information on the two former owners. “These aren’t typical records you’d secure on the internet. Did Pops have all this backup on Wallace Harlow and Broderick Young?”

  Riley remained stoic for a few seconds then grinned. “I told you I have friends, including a good buddy who knows his way around every secure computer system in the business.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re one resourceful man. I’ll give you credit.”

  He sat down at the table, yanking one of the files closer. “You have to be in this damn family. I’ll take Mr. Young. You take Harlow. Maybe we can find something your father doesn’t want us to know.”

  At this point, I could only hope so.

  We remained quiet as we searched the documentation, but Chase and his visit to see Bristol continued to piss me off. “Do you know anything about Chase?”

  Sighing, he lifted his head. “What kind of things? It’s obvious he and I aren’t buddies and we don’t run in the same circle.”

  “But given you work for the company, you’ve had to deal with him in business as well as some family gatherings. Right?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. He’s not that forthcoming, but as you’ve witnessed, he also can’t keep his anger in check.” Riley narrowed his eyes. “Did something happen?”

  “He paid a visit to Bristol at our new home. From what I heard, he threatened her.”

  “He’s an asshole, but I don’t need to tell you that.”

  “Chase is a dangerous man. Don’t ever think otherwise, Riley.” For a few seconds, we shared a look. “I’m sorry about never getting to know you better.”

  While the statement seemed to surprise him, he shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, Houston. We live in diff
erent worlds.”

  “Maybe I don’t want to live in a glass house any longer.”

  Smirking, he shrugged. “Then don’t. Follow your heart. That’s the best thing you can do for yourself as well as your lovely fiancée.”

  His words were more profound than he had any idea of. I continued to look through Wallace Harlow’s complete work history, including how he’d brought the small company into the forefront almost ten years before. Then a series of risky decisions had placed his company in harm’s way, allowing my father to purchase the company for one fifth of what I would guess it was worth. No wonder the man had been pissed.

  “What happened with Chase’s fiancée? Did that change him in some way?”

  Riley exhaled, leaning back in his chair. “I didn’t honestly know Bridgett Quinlan very well. She seemed nice. From what I could tell, your father thought highly of her. She did good work for the company, at least that’s what I was told, but she’d only been working there for a few months.”

  “Wait a minute. She worked for the company?”

  “Yeah, which is what made the entire situation sticky. I don’t know the details, but she worked directly for your father for a short period of time. When Chase dumped her, I heard he also fired her.”

  A cold chill shifted down my spine. “Bridgett Quinlan.” I repeated the name as I frantically flipped through several pages, half laughing when I found the one that I was looking for. “Fuck.”

  “What is it?” He eased off his seat, moving over the table.

  “Harlow’s daughter is named Bridgett.”

  “The name isn’t that odd.”

  “Yeah, but look at the name in parentheses next to her last name.”

  He peered over my shoulder. “Quinlan. Wait a minute. That’s far too coincidental.”

  “Exactly.” I slammed the file shut, rising to my feet.