The Billionaire Renegade

by Catherine Mann

  Six

  Jack Steele had suffered the worst blows from life nearly twenty years ago when the plane had gone down with his wife and daughter on it. Today should have been the best day of his life with the return of his daughter from the dead. Instead, it was his second worst.

  The weight of that strained meeting, of Breanna’s accusatory expression, chilled him to his soul. His eyes closed tight against the pain, his head fell to rest in his hand. He’d been in a fog afterward, lasting through the entire hour afterward when Ward Benally had come in.

  Jack was struggling still.

  It had taken everything inside him to convince Jeannie she should still accompany Isabeau and Trystan to the ultrasound. But he’d known how important it was to her. Family was everything.

  Sinking lower, he pushed back in his rolling ergonomic leather chair, stopping inches away from the floor-to-ceiling recessed bookshelves that formed the wall behind him. Pivoting in the chair, he looked at a family photograph beneath one of the spotlights.

  From before. When his family—and heart—were whole. In the photograph, Brea slung an arm around Broderick. An innocent, toothy grin on her face.

  The picture seemed like pure fiction at this point. Jack’s normally steady resolve balked. Spinning the chair forward and around, he saw ghosts of Brea everywhere. Saw her as a baby crawling across the plush rug, Mary making sure she didn’t travel to the tile floor. Saw her at eight with her sleek silver book bag excitedly chattering about her science class.

  An avalanche of memories that seemed irreconcilable with his present life.

  What had happened to his daughter to make her turn her back on her family so soundly? She clearly remembered them all. How could all those years in a happy family mean nothing to her? The fear and rage radiating from her had been soul crushing.

  He couldn’t believe—or understand—how the child he and Mary had loved so deeply could have turned against him. The rest of the family had seemed to take comfort from the counselor present, but Jack had been too numb, too stunned to process anything that was said.

  A tap on his door sent him sitting up straight again, scrubbing a hand through his hair to shake off his mood. His younger brother, Conrad, appeared, a force to be reckoned with in his well-tailored black suit and slightly loosened red tie.

  Ever since Conrad was a kid, Jack had thought his brother moved like a jungle cat. Slow, determined strides. Predatory instinct in the boardroom. A silence that commanded respect. It was part of the reason they made a good team.

  Conrad tucked into the room with that familiar swagger. “I thought you were cutting back on office hours to spend more time with that beautiful new wife of yours.”

  Jack hadn’t expected to find love again after Mary died, and he certainly hadn’t expected to fall for the matriarch of a rival family. But Jeannie had stolen his heart. Completely. And he knew she was as torn up about the rumors surrounding her family’s involvement in the crash as he was. “I’m heading out soon.”

  “I would ask if you’re okay, but there’s no way anyone could be alright after what shook down today.”

  True enough. “Having Felicity present was a good idea.” Even if he hadn’t been in the right frame of mind to listen. “I’m just sorry that Breanna didn’t give us an opening to talk at all.”

  “Give it time. She’s here. That’s a start,” his brother said wisely.

  Jack pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes stinging with tears. “I know. I have my baby girl back. That’s what matters most. Knowing she’s alive...”

  Jack appreciated that Conrad gave him the space to regain control. His brother had always been intuitive that way, seeming to understand that an overt sign of comfort would only make things worse. This silent support, his brother’s way of being there and helping, had carried Jack through some of the most hellish times imaginable.

  “Thank you, brother. There’s no way I can repay you for all you’ve done for me over the years.”

  “You’d do the same for me,” Conrad said with a half smile.

  Jack liked to think so, but had he missed opportunities, being so wrapped up in his own life? “You look like you’re on your way out. I don’t want to keep you.”

  “I can stay awhile longer,” Conrad said, but didn’t sit.

  “I’m good. Really.” He eyed his brother. “Big plans?”

  Conrad looked to the windows on the west wall for a moment as if considering the question. He cocked his head back to Jack. “Dinner out with Felicity.”

  Surprise lit through him. “I thought she gave you the boot. Glad things have turned around.”

  Conrad shook his head dismissively. “Thanks, but I’m not here to talk about me. How are you doing? That was one helluva rough meeting earlier.”

  His brother had always been a good listener, but talking wouldn’t fix this. “I’m fine. Really. And you’re right that I should go home to my wife.”

  Conrad lingered, his bright blue eyes sharp and searching. “If you’re sure.”

  Jack closed his laptop for emphasis. “Absolutely. And thank you.”

  “Anytime,” Conrad said, backing toward the door, closing it behind him on the way out.

  Jack sagged back in his chair again, not ready to go home, in spite of what he’d said to his brother. Jeannie was the epitome of support, but he couldn’t miss the tension in her over rumors that her brother, Lyle, had somehow been involved in the crash. Jack loved her and trusted her implicitly. However, he couldn’t expect her to remain totally objective when it came to her siblings. It was best not to burden her.

  He would have to deal with this on his own. He just prayed he would get his daughter back without further damage to his family.

  * * *

  Her heart racing, Felicity swept on mascara.

  She still couldn’t believe she’d asked Conrad out after all her vows of swearing off relationships. But that tragic family reunion had tugged at her every last heartstring until she’d found herself reaching out to him now rather than later as she’d originally planned.

  Committed, she was going to look her best. She dug through the modest array of makeup in her teal bag. Lately, she’d simplified her daily routine to moisturizer and mascara for work. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d reached for fancier products or performed a more elaborate routine. Not since her divorce.

  That thought almost made her drop her makeup bag in the trash.

  Felicity picked up the simple pearl drop earrings. They were her favorite pair. She’d splurged when she’d graduated from her master’s program. They were among her most valued possessions, and she broke them out only for special occasions. Like nondate dates with a handsome man.

  Stomach fluttering, she pulled out the shimmery metallic powder and swept it onto her lids. She blinked, satisfied with the light glow. She added a brush of color along her cheekbones, then gave her lips a pop after applying the neutral color, surprised to find she was smiling.

  Surprised, and guilt-ridden as she reflected on the emotional turmoil of the day. She hoped the Steeles would accept her recommendation for a counselor. They were going to need all the help they could get to navigate this reunion to a peaceful resolution.

  But that was out of her control now. She should be focused on her dinner date. Although now that she thought about it, she wondered if it had been selfish to ask for tonight. His family might need him. She reached for her phone to call him and reschedule, or maybe she should cancel—

  The doorbell echoed through her apartment.

  Her stomach flipped like she was a teenager rather than a mature woman. Backing from the bathroom mirror, she snagged a long silver necklace and draped it over her head, the tassel falling to rest against her black sweater.

  She was halfway across the room before she realized she’d been almost running. So much so that she pra
ctically stumbled into the tall bookcase on the wall in the living room. Rocked the books on social inequity within the child care system that stood as stalwart companions in her tiny one-room apartment. Smoothing her sweater, she did her best to regain composure, her heels clacking on the wood floors as she moved away from the kitchen-living room toward the door.

  She wasn’t sure going on this date was wise. But ignoring the attraction hadn’t worked. She needed to face it, face him, head-on.

  Willing her breath to even out, she pulled open the door.

  Conrad stood in the hallway, a box of candy in hand. His gaze skimmed her up and down, lingering on her red leather boots before sliding back up to meet her eyes. “Has anyone told you lately how gorgeous you are?”

  His words shouldn’t have the power to send her heart into overdrive, but they did. The more time she spent with him, the more she desired him. Could the reality possibly live up to the expectation building inside her?

  Now there was a strange thought—hoping for bad sex so she could get over thinking about him.

  She’d given Conrad an opening by asking for this date, and she couldn’t deny she wanted to spend more time with him—wanted him—but she still needed to be careful. “Thank you for the compliment. Let me get my coat and we can be on our way.”

  He followed her inside. “You aren’t smiling at the compliment.”

  “I’m flattered, truly.” She pulled her overcoat from the hall closet.

  “But...”

  She needed to make sure he didn’t read too much into this evening out. Hugging her coat, she turned back to face him. “I want to be fair to you.”

  “How about you let me worry about myself. I’m a big boy.”

  “Yes, you are.” And just that fast, she realized she’d revealed how drawn she was to him in spite of everything she’d said. She couldn’t pretend tonight had been a simple dinner invitation. In fact, nothing had been simple since the first time she’d seen him two months ago when she’d given Tally a ride home from volunteering at the hospital.

  She couldn’t pull her gaze away from the allure of his clear blue eyes. He passed her the black foil box of candy, gold bow glinting in the bright hall light. Their fingers brushed, and the air crackled with awareness.

  She skimmed a finger along the intricate bow without taking the box. “I’m not sure what to make of this.”

  “Romance,” he said, his voice husky.

  “I thought you were romancing me with donations to the hospital.” Was that breathy tone hers?

  “At the celebrity auction? Yes, I was. Now, my part in the hospital program has taken on an official and professional angle. I can’t let my feelings for you interfere with the financial decisions I make.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes went wide.

  “That wasn’t what you were expecting to hear.”

  “Not at all,” she had to admit. “But it’s a good answer. An honorable one.”

  Inclining his head, he gestured to the box of candy. That wit shining in his blue eyes. Crackling and collapsing her senses until her focus was solely on him, the way his lips moved as they formed words.

  “Then you’ll accept the chocolates.”

  She laughed, clutching the box to her chest. “Try to pry them out of my hands.”

  He grinned back at her. “Tally told me you had a weakness for chocolate.”

  Felicity placed the candy on the half-moon table next to a succulent plant. “It’s no fair how you keep getting all the inside scoop. What’s your weakness?”

  His eyes flamed. “You.”

  Her breath hitched in her chest as his head dipped. His mouth slanted over hers, warm, firm. Tingles spread through her at the first touch. She clenched her fingers in his jacket, anchoring herself in the wash of sensation, the fine fabric of his lapels and the sweep of his tongue over hers. The deeper she sank into the kiss, the more he brought her body alive again, the more she realized she was right in thinking this connection couldn’t be ignored.

  He brushed his mouth along hers a final time, lingering for another toe-curling moment before he backed away. “We should go before we’re late for our reservation.”

  * * *

  Conrad hadn’t expected dinner with Felicity to flow so effortlessly, from appetizers to desserts. The conversation had been easy, entertaining, distracting him from thoughts of his niece and fractured family for long stretches at a time. No doubt, Felicity was a brilliant and engaging woman.

  And she entranced the hell out of him.

  Conrad held out her coat for her while they waited for the valet to bring his SUV around. He draped the satin-lined dark wool over her shoulders, his fingers brushing along her neck. The light scent of flowers tempted him to indulge in touching her longer.

  As she swept her hair free from the collar, she looked over her shoulder at him, smiling. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”

  Was that a promise of more in her eyes? He was learning this woman was beyond predicting. He pushed the restaurant door open and followed her outside into the bitter cold under the awning. “Then let’s do it again.”

  “Why don’t we wait to see how this night together finishes?” The curve of her smile had his full undivided attention as their footfalls crunched into the snow-flecked sidewalk.

  Now he was certain that was a promise of more and that prospect stopped him in his tracks on the salted walkway.

  At his abrupt stop, she grabbed his arm fast. Her feet slipped on a slick patch of ice. He caught her, his arms clamping around her, hauling her against his chest. His heart hammered at how close she’d come to falling. Her hair teased his nose and he could have stood this way all night.

  If it weren’t for the fact they would freeze to death.

  He scanned for his SUV and found it in line behind three other idling vehicles, waiting. Without another thought, he scooped her into his arms and began walking to his red SUV.

  “You’re going to slip on the ice,” she gasped.

  “You already did that.” Conrad secured his hold, enjoying the sweet press of her hands gripping the lapels of his overcoat.

  “Yes, I did slip. And it hurt. Please put me down before the same happens to you,” she pleaded as they strode by a stretch limo. The passengers climbing inside whistled and called out to him and Felicity.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, alarmed and mad at himself for not checking her over right away.

  “Just twisted my ankle a little.” Her breath was warm against his neck. “I can walk, though.”

  “You’ll only risk more damage to your ankle. And I’m not going to fall.”

  “You sound confident.”

  “At least you didn’t call me arrogant,” he said with a half smile. “Although, you wouldn’t be wrong.”

  “Do all the Steele males act this way?” she asked as they stopped beside his vehicle.

  The valet stepped from behind the wheel, engine still running, and opened the passenger door.

  Conrad turned to the side and angled her into the leather bucket seat. “By ‘act this way,’ do you mean helping a wounded individual make her way back to the car safely?”

  Her laughter floated on the brisk breeze. “I can’t believe you managed to say that with a straight face.”

  He closed her door and settled behind the wheel, heater blasting. “I told you. I’m arrogant.”

  “And yes, I acknowledge that you’re charming, too.” Her eyes glistened with a lightheartedness that still knocked him on his ass.

  “Glad to hear my hard work’s paying off.” He wanted to stroke snow from her hair, to kiss her. But he needed to know. “How does your ankle feel? Do we need to go to the emergency room?”

  She unzipped her boot and flexed her foot a couple of times. “Only a little sore. It’s going to be fine.”

  He hauled his gaze of
f the slim line of her leg and onto the road as, finally, the cars began moving forward. “Glad to hear. I imagine you didn’t get much practice walking on ice in Texas.”

  “That would be an accurate guess. I thought I’d gotten better, though, having lived here for seven winters.” She looked at him sidelong.

  He steered the SUV onto the road, headlights streaming ahead, windshield wipers sweeping snow off the windshield. “How is it our paths have never crossed before you brought Tally home from the hospital when her car broke down last month?”

  Her fingertips tapped the glass lightly.

  “You and I don’t exactly run in the same social circles.” Her voice was dry.

  And hinted at more of those reservations on her part he’d hoped to have already overcome tonight.

  “That’s been entirely my loss,” he said, and meant it.

  She shifted in the seat, angling toward him. “You just don’t ever let up, do you?”

  “I’m only being honest.” He could feel himself losing precious ground with her.

  “Let’s just say I’m not an overly trusting person by nature.”

  A challenge? He accepted. “Then I’ll have to work on earning your trust.”

  She toyed with a lock of her hair, and he sensed an opportunity opening up between them again, especially with the way she leaned toward him.

  Her head tipped to the side. “How do you intend to do that?”

  “Let’s start now. Ask me anything,” he invited her. “And rely on those counselor skills of yours to determine if I’m being honest.”

  “Do you ever wish you’d left Alaska?”

  He wondered at her reason for asking. But he’d promised her the truth and he would deliver. “My family’s here. My business is here. I’m able to travel as much as I wish.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.” She warmed her hands in front of the heater vent.

  “Ah, you’re good at this.” He respected her intelligence, her devotion to her job, her quick wit...hell, so many things, other than the fact she had been so determined to push him away. Hopefully, that was changing. “The answer is no, I don’t wish I’d left. I’m happy here. It’s my home.”