Given

by Stone, Piper

  “Randolph Sinclair? A judge,” I said in passing. I knew about the power of the sect, but I also realized that Christian’s hand was wrapped around the throats of many important people.

  Perhaps the sect had met its match.

  “As I’ve told you before, I use powerful people to help me get what I want. And I assure you, they are paid handsomely.”

  “And what do you want, Christian? You seem to want nothing to do with the sect but you’re gunning for power, even leading the Council. As you said, you have an absolute need to control everything around you. Tell me. Is this about money, gaining influence on other leaders of industry to become the richest man in the world?”

  He was turned away from me, his shoulders tense. As he tilted his head, the sadness on his face was haunting. “Even for a man like me, money isn’t everything. You should know that by now. Wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness, only fear wrapped around how to keep it. The only thing that matters is how I handle this.”

  “That’s not good enough.”

  Inhaling, he slammed his fist against the side of the plane. “You are mine, Stephanie. Make no mistake about that.” He finally shifted in my direction, making me yet another promise, only this one much more dangerous than the last. “Whoever is responsible for their attempt on your life will die by my hands.”

  * * *

  Christian

  Rage.

  There was no other word for what I felt. I’d grown used to betrayal in my life, accustomed to being unable to trust anyone. Including my own family. The pure lengths Matteo had gone to gave me a certain amount of doubt. There was one way to find out.

  I glanced into the rearview mirror, making certain neither vehicle had been followed. I was taking a significant risk at trusting anyone at this point, although in order to have my plan work, certain information was needed.

  And protection was required.

  If my plan wasn’t orchestrated carefully, Stephanie’s life would be in imminent danger. I no longer gave a shit about mine.

  I had no doubt I could trust the two men who’d been with me the longest, both Rex and Trevor providing details about what Matteo had called a possible raid at the corporate offices. As of today, there had been nothing confiscated or any additional law enforcement searching for evidence. What had really occurred? A single officer asking for my whereabouts. The difference in stories further fueled my anger.

  And my doubt.

  My soldiers had provided a change of clothes for both of us without drawing any undue attention as well as several weapons, and cash that would be needed.

  I pulled the car into the wooded area, pulling into the small parking lot. The only other vehicle belonged to a prominent investor, a man serving on my board of directors. He also had information that I required.

  “Why are we here?” Stephanie asked, gazing out the passenger window at the curbside picnic tables.

  “A secluded location. I have a short meeting. Stay in the car.” I checked the ammunition in the Glock Rex had provided, sliding it into the pocket of my suit jacket.

  She grabbed my arm, her fingers digging in. “Don’t get yourself killed.”

  Leaning over, I cupped her face and brushed my fingers across her delicate skin. Being able to spend time with her had been precious. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I hold all the cards.”

  Her smile was brief, the kiss on my lips gentle.

  And loving.

  I found him exactly where he’d been texted, only he had no idea I was the man responsible.

  “Hello, Dave,” I said quietly. Dave Weissman held a significant portion of stock in my company, the man responsible for me obtaining the largest real estate contracts in my portfolio. He was also directly connected to the Taglioni family, although almost no one knew of that association. Today, I would use his expertise on several levels.

  “Jesus H. Christ. Christian. I thought you were dead,” Dave said as he shook his head, moving immediately to hug and slap me on the back. We’ve grown close over the years, to where I’d even considered him a friend.

  “A purposeful story,” I answered as I scanned the perimeter, searching for any breach in our friendship.

  “You’re going to have to tell me the entire story at some point over a bottle of bourbon.” His smile seemed genuine. “Why the cloak and dagger?”

  “The stocks are falling. I need you first to make certain no one jumps ship. I have other... business to take care of but my rescue will be on the morning news.”

  “Yeah, I can do that. Your brother has been keeping his fingers in the dyke this morning. He’s a good man, very shaken. He’s already offered to step in as necessary and that has calmed some of the investors up to this point.”

  I wanted to be able to agree with him. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

  “What else do you need?”

  “I need you to get a word to Don Taglioni.”

  Dave’s eyes opened wide. “I can do that but why? You’ve wanted nothing to do with their cooperation in any manner.”

  “That may change. I need assurances that he’s not coming after my family or the corporation and if that occurs, we may do business.”

  “Okay. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Everyone’s seen the news, the bullshit the reporter has been saying. A crock of shit. I know you have no intention of sliding into their turf. From what I’ve heard, which is little, the Taglionis have no beef with you. As you might suspect, they know how to handle a difficult situation. And I’m certain they would value your... friendship.”

  “That’s all I can ask for, Dave. All any of us can ask for. I’ll be honest with you. There is a mole within my organization and I am going to determine who that is. I always get what I want.”

  “That’s disturbing news. I will take care of everything, so you don’t need to worry.” Dave held out his hand.

  The shake was firm as I made certain to keep the eye contact for a few seconds too long. I walked away, turning once again. “Oh, and um, one last request. Make certain my brother isn’t aware of our conversation or the fact I’m alive. For his protection, of course.” The surprise in the man’s eyes was telling.

  The seed planted.

  Onto phase two.

  Retaliation would be sweet.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Stephanie

  Bodyguards.

  That’s what Christian had called the same two men I’d seen at our wedding, the very ones positioned outside the judge’s home. They were nothing more than soldiers, men well trained to eliminate any threat. I’d grown to respect the man I’d once hated as well as his prowess, although the thought of living with constant threats and violence was difficult to process.

  One thing was for certain. My protection was the first priority in Christian’s mind. His next gave me chills.

  I’d overheard Christian’s conversation with Randolph after our arrival at the expansive beach house, an argument ensuing almost immediately on what my husband called a reminder of the man’s place. What I also learned was that the Council meeting was almost two hours later, yet he had other issues to take care of, including protecting his corporation.

  I’d been given a guest room, told to remain inside. While the entire Sinclair family had been gracious in opening up their home, this was the last place I wanted to be. At least they were out for the entire afternoon, giving me breathing room and time to think. I also needed my own answers and was determined to get them one way or the other.

  While Christian’s distrust of Matteo was increasing, my anger was off the charts.

  Nothing made any sense to me with one exception. My father held secrets that had plagued me my entire life. That was going to change.

  Christian was a careful man as well a consummate businessperson. During the remainder of the flight, he’d made certain I was aware of the change in his will, leaving me as sole beneficiary. In case of my death? Because we had produced no children, everything went to Matteo. The pie
ces were all falling together, the ugliness distressing. Christian had begun to ceremoniously rule out anyone who wouldn’t benefit from his demise, and thus possibly working with Matteo.

  Upon news of Christian’s ‘death,’ his corporation’s stocks had fallen dramatically, the potential losses crippling unless another stepped up to take Christian’s position. Given there were several influential business moguls on his firm’s board of directors, losing their CEO would be detrimental.

  Unless Matteo stepped in, providing leadership given such a difficult time. That’s exactly what had begun to occur. I felt extreme sadness, so many families living a life of lies and deceit, including my own. There were far too many questions that remained unanswered.

  Closure.

  Information.

  Retaliation.

  That’s what I was looking for and not necessarily in that order. I needed to develop a plan. I paced the floor, my nerves standing on end. Defying Christian wasn’t what I intended, but if I handled this right, perhaps I would obtain answers that would help.

  Dear God, I hoped so.

  Christian had left a weapon as well as the burner phone in case of an emergency with instructions not to call anyone else. I held it in my hand, moving toward the window, the front bedroom allowing me to see anyone coming or going. Then I made a call.

  “Yes, I need to speak with Gabe Dixon.” If the man wanted to continue his newfound celebrity, he was going to have to confide who was responsible for leaking information in the first place. I noticed a vehicle approaching, a truck of some kind. Jesus, I was shaking, terrified that my location had already been compromised.

  “I’m sorry? What did you say?” The words seemed to be ringing in my ears. “No, I’m no one important.” This just couldn’t be happening.

  Another horror. Another death. Dear God.

  After ending the call, I peered behind the blinds again. The single man easing out of the truck was immediately confronted by Rex. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. Without thinking, I grabbed the Beretta, moving quickly to the door and opening it just a crack. Everything was still quiet. I moved to the bottom of the stairs, the weapon in my hand, walking quickly toward one of the rear windows.

  Both Rex and Trevor had followed the worker to the pool, waiting as the blond-haired kid retrieved various items from an oversized bag. Now was my chance to get answers. Even if I had to call Frannie, I would find a way.

  I crept out the front door, racing toward the vehicle Rex had driven. No keys. Damn it. Eyeing the contractor’s truck, I took a chance. Yes! As silently as possible, I eased into the driver’s seat, starting the engine before closing the door and flooring the accelerator.

  I finally had the courage to glance into the rearview mirror a few minutes later.

  There was no big black SUV following me, no masked gunmen coming out of the side streets. I was on my own, praying I knew what the hell I was doing.

  * * *

  Christian

  The element of surprise.

  An interesting thought.

  I walked into the staunch country club, bypassing the hostess with a wave. She knew exactly who I was and seeing her expression of shock gave me a smile. To the world, I was dead and buried at sea. As I headed for the very private conference room, I took a moment before walking inside. I had potentially everything to lose, including my life, but if the Council really wanted to pick a fight with me, I was ready.

  When I pushed open the double doors, instead of the surprise I’d expected, the five men who sat at the table seemed relieved at my presence.

  “Christian,” my father said as he stood, his eyes gazing down the length of me. Even his face was ashen, the strong man brought to his knees.

  I heard several murmurs, only three with expressions of shock and awe.

  I made certain to lock eyes with every one of them, realizing that what I’d suspected had come to pass. Another betrayal. At least I was narrowing down the list of potential names, the orchestration almost perfect.

  Almost.

  “Father. I take it you’re not surprised to see me.” When he glanced at Carter Michaelson, I became curious. “You knew I wasn’t dead. How?”

  Carter cleared his throat, rising to a standing position. “Stephanie came to see me a little while ago.”

  “What did you say?” I sucked in my breath, trying to control both my anger and my anxiety. Why would be do this?

  “Before you say anything, I’m glad she did. I finally told her some truths that she deserved to know years ago.” Carter moved around the table, a conciliatory look on his face.

  “What truths, Michaelson? The fact that you sold her in an arranged marriage for money? Or perhaps you had the balls to tell her what kind of illness she had all those damn years ago or the fact that she was almost killed in an assassination attempt. Which truths are you talking about?” I kept my voice low as I walked closer.

  Carter swallowed, appearing even more frail than I’d remembered him. “You don’t understand.”

  “Then why don’t you enlighten me? What game are you playing with the lives of your children?”

  “We had no choice.” The voice of the dying man was husky, years of smoking stripping away both the volume and distinct baritone I’d remembered as a child. Thomas Barrows was shaking as he attempted to stand, forced to grab onto the edge of the table. “Stephanie would have died if we hadn’t given in.”

  Died? What in the hell was he talking about?

  “Why? Who is behind this charade? Father McGivney?” I demanded, pounding my fist on the table. I snapped my head in my father’s direction, snarling, “Did you make the switch in Stephanie’s Box, Father, making certain my brother was in on this? Did you promise him the world if he eliminated the one man who was determined to break through the Sacred Sect’s veil of indecency?”

  “Matteo?” my father asked in a hushed tone. “He had nothing to do with this. He has no idea that he was originally chosen.”

  “Unless he overheard our conversation before I left on my honeymoon. He is in love with Stephanie. Did you know that? Did you know they were intimate years ago? Did you know that he called her prior to the wedding, telling her that she belonged to him?” I could tell by the looks on their faces they had no realization of the earlier event. “My brother is a part of this somehow.”

  “There is no way,” my father insisted.

  “Then why was he chosen over me?” I thought about my own question. “Because of the bad blood shared between the Capodanno and the Michaelson families. As firstborn, I would ascend to a seat. You had no intention of allowing me to marry, of possibly usurping your power. That day I saw my name in a box along with another little girl’s, do you remember how incensed you were, Father, how angry Father McGivney was? When Crosby’s second daughter was sent away, you believed that was your out. You did know how much I cared about Stephanie. You were terrified that she might actually fall in love with me. That’s why I was treated like an outcast after I saved her life.”

  Another look was shared between them. I knew I was right. Another method of keeping their wealth and influence. They’d had no idea how much they’d fueled the fire all those years ago.

  “Yes, Christian. You are right, but not about everything. We made a decision years ago, one that we all thought was in the best interest of our sect. We must maintain our balance of power. Besides, your name had already been selected by the time your brother was born, but we hoped that by arranging a marriage between the two enemy families, peace would be brought to the table. However, we didn’t make the recent switch,” Frank Neves insisted. “When Stephanie opened the Box, Matteo’s name was still supposed to be inside.”

  “But he wasn’t allowed to ascend to the throne.” I closed my eyes, laughing softly. “Unless I didn’t marry within the sect or if I was dead.”

  “You can’t possibly believe that we would have a hand in attempting to assassinate you!” Bobby Torres exclaimed.

 
; “That is ridiculous,” Carter stated emphatically. “My daughter is the love of my life.”

  “Once again, Carter, why didn’t you tell her the truth about her illness?” I snapped, another round of anger furrowing into my system.

  Carter eased back into his seat, placing his head into his hands.

  “Why!” I smashed my palm against the table once again.

  When Carter lifted his head, I could see tears in his eyes. “My time on this Council is finished when I am gone. I have no son to take my place. But my hope was that my daughter would be selected as wife of another Council member.”

  “So the family would retain at least a portion of the power,” I added.

  “Yes,” he said, wiping his eyes. “When Stephanie was diagnosed with cancer, her little body was riddled with it, including her ovaries.”

  I began to shake, my adrenaline flowing. “And. What?”

  “She can’t have children. We did everything we could. You know what that means. My family could be banished, our wealth stripped away.” Carter looked at every one of the Council members.

  “Secrets and lies,” I hissed. “She deserved to know.”

  “Yes, and I told her only an hour ago.” Carter dropped his head once again, sobbing.

  I had no idea what to say.

  “Well, while I’m sorry about the circumstances, you were a bastard for not telling her.” I wasn’t ready to pull any punches.

  “And do you want to know why I hated you even after you saved her that day on the beach?” Carter continued.

  “Why?”

  “Because you gave up your seat on the boat ride. She begged you to be able to go against our orders and you allowed her.”

  I recoiled, memories rushing to my brain, that very day playing out in my head. “I...” I hadn’t remembered that at all. “I’m so sorry.”

  Tension remained in the room, the news startling for everyone.

  “I think we need to calm down and try and figure out who attempted to have you killed,” Thomas managed.

  “He’s right,” Frank said.