Ruthless

by Marlie May

  He tapped my arm. “You know I owe it all to Brianne. She could organize this conference in her sleep.”

  “She’s wonderful.” I sipped my champagne. “Thanks for the room upgrade, by the way.”

  “You’re welcome.” He braced my forearms with his hands and beamed down at me. “You know how much I appreciate your efforts.”

  “Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to my presentation.”

  “And I’m looking forward to hearing you speak.” He tossed a quick look over his shoulder, toward the enormous stone fireplace centered on one wall with two-story windows flanking the sides. “I realize you just arrived, but Janice Bennington is here. Brianne somehow worked miracles and talked her into dropping in by helicopter from Boston this morning. Since you’ve been so successful with her in the past, I’ll leave her to you.”

  In other words, could you go talk with her now? I chuckled. “I’ll do my best.”

  “This must be one of the friends you added last minute?” Peter asked, slanting his attention at Eli.

  “Yes.” I slid my hand around Eli’s waist and introduced them, and they shook hands.

  “I hope you enjoy the event.” Peter lifted his arm and called out, “Cordelia!” He added to me, “Gotta fly. Schmoozing awaits.”

  “See you later,” I said as he hurried away.

  Time to start my own version of schmoozing. I needed to do my part to ensure the financial success of the Foundation.

  After another fortifying sip of champagne, I tucked my arm through Eli’s. “My first opportunity to shine is standing with her husband beside the fake, unlit fireplace. The infamous Janice Bennington.”

  “The older woman using the server’s platter as a dinner dish?”

  “Jax would approve, I imagine. Her husband, Thurston, is beside her, but she’s the powerhouse in their relationship.” We started in that direction and I lowered my voice. “Old money. Big money. Part of the one-percent.” In my mind, I rubbed my hands together. In reality, I leaned into Eli’s side, enjoying sharing this moment with him. “Just watch me in action.”

  Eli’s palm tickled down my back to the bottom of my spine. “I don’t believe I’ll be able to take my eyes off you for one second.”

  The feeling was mutual.

  “Janice,” I said warmly as I approached.

  “Doctor Crawford!” The slender woman turned briefly to the stout man at her side. “You remember Doctor Crawford—Mia—don’t you, Thurston? She stopped by our home a few months ago, before she left for her mission in Mexico. It was wonderful to see her.”

  Thurston dipped his head. “Nice to see you again, Doctor Crawford. Enjoying the summer weather?”

  “Yes. It’s been humid but the AC makes it bearable,” I said. “But who could be upset with a little humidity in this gorgeous location?” I swept my hand toward one of the tall windows that framed a stunning view of the ski area behind the resort.

  “It’s not the Hamptons,” Thurston said. “But it has its own quaint charm.”

  “I can’t wait to hear your presentation,” Janice said to me. “I’m beyond thankful I’ve able to make a difference, even if only for a few poor souls. I’m sure you plan to highlight my contribution?”

  “The mission would’ve been impossible without your support. We—the Foundation and I, that is—are grateful for your kind generosity. As are the women served by your ongoing donations.”

  Beaming, Janice turned to Thurston. “I was recently telling my husband that I’d like to double my—”

  “Lemon Tahini Crostini?” A tall server thrust a tray between us. His gaze drifted to me. “The head of the Foundation specifically asked me to make sure you sampled them before anyone else.”

  Janice’s ring-bejeweled fingers darted out, and she snatched one up and popped it into her mouth. Closing her eyes, she wiggled and sighed as she chewed. Her throat worked with her heavy swallow.

  “Ma’am?” the server said pointedly while tipping the tray toward me. His gaze drifted around the room as if he was scoping out who to tempt next. “Would you like a Crostini?”

  Why not? If I didn’t eat something, the champagne would go right to my head. “Thanks.” I lifted the tidbit and popped it into my mouth. A burst of lemon was followed by—

  “I adore smoked salmon, don’t you?” Janice snatched up two more of the treats.

  Salmon? Fish!

  Sputtering, my free hand flailing, I spat the Crostini onto the floor then took a big gulp of my champagne. After swishing vigorously, I shot the liquid toward the fireplace. It hit the rough granite blocks on one side and splattered a woman dressed in a bright blue cocktail dress standing nearby. She squeaked and stumbled backward, her arms spiraling. Her champagne glass crashed to the floor, adding more spraying liquid to the mix.

  Janice reeled away from me, disgust cratering her face. “What are you…?”

  The server pivoted, nearly sending the Crostini tray spinning into the crowd like a sterling frisbee.

  “Mia?” Eli’s voice rose in alarm, and his arm tightened on my waist. “What’s wrong?”

  “Fish!” I moaned, swilling more champagne and spitting it toward the fireplace again. “I’m allergic to fish.” I lowered the empty glass onto the mantel and clenched my fists against my head. I couldn’t focus on anything except my breathing. My pulse. Both galloped too fast. Was I having a reaction already?

  “Fuck,” Eli shouted. He ripped away from me and bolted toward the server, who was racing for the door.

  Flinging himself forward, he tackled the man.

  They slammed onto the polished marble tiles.

  14

  Eli

  Wrenching the server over onto his back, I took a good look at him. Hadn’t seen the jerk before in my life.

  Unaware of Mia’s allergy, I’d watched in growing horror as she choked and grimaced, her face turning red. Someone had deliberately fed her something they knew might kill her, and I was going to crush the person responsible.

  With two fists, I hauled the guy up to chin level. His body shook and his feet—suspended above the floor—flailed.

  “You a friend of Russell’s?” I shouted. Around me, people dressed in fancy clothing cringed. A few took photos or made recordings I feared would be flashing across social media with the hour. Too many people thrived on scandal.

  The guy’s fading sputter and florid face made me realize he’d be turning blue and slumping unconscious soon. When Jax stormed up beside me, his expression grimmer than a pastor at a funeral, I shoved the guy into Jax’s waiting hands. “Hold him. Find out who sent him, who’s responsible. Don’t release him except to the police. I’ve got to go to…” I raced back to Mia who sat in a chair with Janice rubbing her shoulder and cooing for her to take deep breaths. The woman from the conference registration desk knelt by Mia’s other side. Her tag said, Brianne. She stood when I approached.

  My heart clawing its way up my throat, I slammed onto my knees in front of the woman I…Hell, yeah, I loved her. It would be easier to hold back the Mississippi River after a hurricane than my feelings for Mia. I took her hands. “You okay, honey? What can I do? Call a doctor?”

  “I’ll go find Peter,” Brianne said as she hurried away.

  “Call a doctor? Mia is a doctor,” Janice said sternly.

  “I don’t need anyone,” Mia choked out. She cupped her face in her hands. “I got rid of it in time.”

  “EpiPen. Do you need an EpiPen?” I asked, frantically looking around, hoping multiple pens would appear before my eyes.

  “I’m going to be all right,” she said. “I’ve only ever had a rash and…and some tightening in my throat…from seafood in the past. Pen’s in my purse.” Which sat on her lap. “Haven’t ever needed to use it.” When she lifted her face, her shimmering eyes met mine. “I carry it…in case the next reaction is serious.”

  This was serious enough to give me a heart attack. The thought of losing her sliced through my spine like razor w
ire.

  “Can I help?” someone asked from behind me. “I’m a doctor.”

  “I’m okay, Joe,” Mia said, glancing up at him. “Really.”

  “You sure?” He patted her shoulder and stooped down beside her. “Were you choking?”

  “Allergy.”

  “Benadryl? I’ve got some in my room.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll need it.”

  “Okay, then. Call me if I can be of any assistance.” At her nod, Joe rejoined the crowd.

  No rash I could see on Mia’s face, arms, or the part of her chest revealed above her dress. “How’s the throat? Any tightness or difficulty breathing?”

  “Normal.”

  “Mia, I’m incredibly sorry,” Janice said, her face pinching.

  Mia patted Janice’s hand that rested on her shoulder. “Not your fault. Once again, though, you’ve…saved someone’s life. My life.”

  “Me?” Janice’s face suffused with color, and she pressed her fluttering hand to her chest.

  “If you hadn’t said salmon, I might’ve swallowed before realizing what I was eating.”

  “Oh.” Janice’s voice quivered and her fingers stroked her throat. “You’re right. I did save another life.” Her pale blue eyes lit up. “Where’s Thurston. Thurston!” Her arm thrust up into the air and she waved her hand to catch her husband’s attention. When he turned, she rushed in his direction. “We need to call our bank. It’s not too late to make that transfer to the Foundation.” Pausing mid-flight, she beamed back at Mia. “I’ll make the donation in your honor.”

  “Thank you,” Mia said, and to me in a low voice, “I’m willing to do just about anything to help the Foundation, but eating fish in exchange for a donation is pushing my limit.”

  I couldn’t hold back my chuckle, but it was filled with raw emotion. Standing, I swept her off her feet. “We’re going to our room.”

  She clutched her purse to her chest. “Hot to try that jacuzzi?”

  “Hell, yeah, but not until you’re fully healthy and able to participate.” I loved how close we teased to the truth, that we were thinking the same thing much of the time, guiding each other toward what I hoped would be something awesome. But right now, I could only focus on making sure she was all right.

  She linked her arms around my neck and snuggled into my throat. “I really can walk, you know.”

  “And I really need to hold you.” My gut clenched again at the realization of how horrifying this situation could have been. I could’ve lost her when I’d only just found her.

  Jax joined us, bringing me to a halt as I’d started weaving through clusters of staring people. Some still chatted and drank, but the majority watched us like spectators straining against the yellow tape at a murder scene, eager to see evidence of the crime.

  “You left the guy with the police?” I asked Jax. If so, they’d arrived quickly. Hotel security must’ve called them after I took the guy down to the floor.

  Jax’s lips tightened and he snarled. “Had to let him go.”

  “You’re kidding me.”

  “Security showed up when I was questioning him. The guy said he didn’t know about her allergy, that Peter told him to offer the tray to the lady standing by the fireplace. He thought that meant Mia. Security said it sounded like an honest mistake and not a crime. They didn’t want to involve the police.” Face filled with concern, he leaned around me. “You okay, Mia?”

  “Yes,” she said. “I’m feeling silly being held in Eli’s arms in the middle of a crowded ballroom, however.”

  I had no intention of putting her down. As long as I created a fortress around her with my body, she was safe.

  “The guy works for the caterer,” Jax told me quietly, scowling at a couple inching near, no doubt eager to obtain gossip. At his glare, they backed away. “I questioned the owner of the catering business, too. Said the server has been with her for only a short time but the references checked out.”

  Maybe there wasn’t anything nefarious about this, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling chewing its way up my backbone. I’d only be able to relax when I got Mia home and locked behind her doors.

  “So, he’s free after nearly killing Mia,” I said, disgust coloring my words.

  “Hey”—she waved her hand at us—“not dead here. Alive and very much kicking.”

  “The catering manager said the perp has a history of problems with law enforcement, though he’s kept out of trouble for eight months,” Jax added quietly.

  Perp. Jax had not named the server an innocent man, and I liked how he thought. Jax and I knew that until all the facts were revealed, you didn’t trust anyone other than those in the inner circle.

  The server had a history of legal problems, huh? More pieces to the puzzle, though lots of people made mistakes then straightened out their lives.

  “Eli?” Mia said, her voice lifting.

  “I want to question him myself,” I said, peering around but unable to find the man. “Track him down again and hold him. Cuff him if you have to. Detain him until I can return from taking Mia upstairs and securing the location.” Before I returned here, I’d rig a few things in our room that should keep trouble away. Wasn’t leaving her vulnerable.

  Jax grunted and started for the main entrance. “I’m on it, bro.”

  As I followed him at a slower pace, weaving around people who wouldn’t get out of the way fast enough, Mia tapped my arm. “Eli.”

  “Yeah, honey?”

  “I can’t leave. I’ve still got work to do. And I’m fine. I’m not having a reaction.”

  “I want you secure,” I growled out.

  “I’m not a bank vault,” she grumbled. “Hauling me to the room and locking me inside behind whatever you can come up with on the fly will accomplish nothing. If someone wants me, they’ll find a way to get me. You’ll be down here while I’ll be up there facing…whatever. Meanwhile, I’ve got to make my presentation. If I stay here, you can keep an eye on me.” The last came out placating, making me realize how bossy I was sounding. Not how I wanted to behave.

  Peter strode over and stopped in front of us, essentially blocking the exit. He swiped his dark hair back and straightened his suit jacket then brushed off the shoulders as if he’d just crawled through an obstacle course.

  And I was the one who’d played tackle football with the staff.

  “Mia.” He patted her arm. “I’m truly sorry. I had no idea about the fish allergy.”

  If he was sorry, why wasn’t he looking her in the eye? I shoved aside my niggling suspicion because it was groundless. Peter had worked at the Foundation for years. In fact, Flint had introduced Mia to Peter, who’d arranged all her medical missions. Hell, Flint’s former fiancée had worked for one of the Foundation board members as a nanny. The Foundation—and Peter—couldn’t be involved in whatever was going on with Mia.

  “I’m partly to blame,” she said with a shake of her head. A few of her soft curls had escaped her arrangement. They slid along my shoulder. “I always ask before eating anything but I’ve been scattered lately. I should’ve verified there was no fish before stuffing one into my mouth.”

  She must be hungry. We hadn’t had anything to eat since breakfast and my belly was gnawing a hole through my spine.

  “You friendly with Mia’s ex?” burst out of me, directed at Peter, who flinched as if I’d stabbed him with a sword.

  “Eli, please. Stop,” Mia said. Acceptance filled her eyes, telling me she understood why I was determined to question everyone. But the twitch of her lips indicated she wasn’t cool with my public examination of her friend.

  Stiffening, Peter raked his gaze down my frame. “I assume you’re referring to Mia’s former partner, Russell?” He released a curt nod. “I do know him. Of him, anyway. Mia spoke about him a few times when they were still together.”

  I doubted she told him the horror stories she’d shared with me.

  Mia tapped my arm. “Put me down, Eli. I mean it
.”

  People around us stared, whispered, took pictures.

  I’d bare everything inside me to protect Mia, but I didn’t want to cause her embarrassment. Her face looked…normal. Flushed cheeks but that could be explained away by her recent distress. Her voice came out like it always had, not scratchy or hoarse, which might’ve indicated a looming reaction. She said she’d gotten rid of the fish in time.

  Muttering about my worry for her, I lowered her gently onto her feet. Thankfully, she remained steady, though she clung to my hand. If even her pinky finger trembled, we were out of here.

  She was right, I could keep a better eye on her here. We’d stay, but Jax and I would be even more hyper-vigilant than we’d been already.

  “Thank you.” She kissed my cheek, whispering by my ear, “You’re the best. I don’t know how I could’ve handled this if I’d been alone.”

  I took her hand and squeezed it, telling my inner defender to stand down. For now. Frustration burned through me like battery acid on my skin. Not with her but with this untenable situation. I hated Mia being out in the open like this. Each person who came up to her could be the one after her, and I wouldn’t see it until it was too late.

  “My presentation is in fifteen minutes,” Mia said. Her upper teeth pressed down on her lower lip. “I need to get set up or I won’t be ready.”

  “I assume it’s all on a thumb drive?” Peter asked.

  “Yes.” Mia lifted her purse.

  “Brianne made sure everything was ready. This will be seamless,” Peter said. “All you need to do is go up to the podium, insert your drive in the computer, and you’re free to begin. Your presentation will be displayed on the screen while you speak and you can scroll through your slides with the remote.

  “You’ve eaten nothing since breakfast,” I said. “Can we get you something before you speak?”

  “That might be a good idea,” she said.

  “I’ll handle this,” Peter said. He lifted his arm to signal a server who rushed over, tray in hand.

  The crowd around us drifted off like dust on a tailwind now that the drama was over. Most chattered in hushed whispers or went up to the bar for drinks.