JACKSON

by Davis, Siobhan

  She can stay mad at me for eternity as long as she’s protected.

  I stayed up all night that night with Hunt coming up with a plan. We knew she’d never hear us out, so we emailed her full details of the plan, letting her know she could amend anything if she didn’t like it. I was only reasonably confident she’d reply, but I was happy to be proven wrong. Nessa is taking the elite threat seriously, and she agreed to never leave the penthouse without at least two items with tracking devices on her.

  We supplied her with a ton of the Techxet tracking chips for her personal use and for adding to her siblings’ cells. Xavier uploaded the tracking software app to her cell and her laptop, demonstrating how to access it and how to pull up the camera feeds for her penthouse.

  She asked us to install a high-tech security system at her mom’s house, and that was taken care of along with assigning bodyguards for her, her mom, and the twins. I’m using the company Dad recommended. They are made up of ex-mercenaries who are used to covert ops, and you would hardly know they are there.

  Nessa also agreed to the transformation of one of her bedrooms into a panic room. Xavier knew a guy who got it done within a few days, and now, she has a safe place to retreat to should anyone get past her security detail and the new alarm system we’ve installed.

  Also, on our list of priorities was checking if her name, not that bastard Montgomery’s name, was on the deeds. It was a huge relief to confirm it’s all hers along with the bank account and trust fund he established for her.

  Of course, Nessa won’t let me pay for a fucking thing. She’s insisting that all the invoices are sent to her for payment.

  There’s a certain poetic justice in the fact Montgomery’s money is now being used to protect his daughter from the very monsters he planned on handing her over to.

  I didn’t argue with her on anything. I understand she’s trying to reclaim her independence, and it’s important to her that she stands on her own two feet. She’s a lot stronger than she’s given herself credit for, and I respect her enormously, but I still lie awake at night, worrying about her living alone despite everything we have in place now.

  “Earth to Jackson.” Nessa clicks her fingers in my face, and I realize we’ve reached the basement parking lot.

  “Sorry.” I wait for her to exit the elevator first before following her. “I’m over here.” I gesture to where my sleek, black Maserati Quattroporte GTS awaits us. “How are Kayleigh and Hunter?” I ask as I unlock my car, opening the passenger door for her.

  Her face lights up, and a genuine smile crosses her face. “They’re doing good. We had a fun weekend.”

  I know, because I spent the weekend in New York too, but she isn’t aware. She has twenty-four-seven bodyguard protection, so it’s not necessary, but I can’t bear to let her out of my sight in case something happens.

  “I’m glad.” I help fold her skirt into the car before closing the door.

  “How many cars do you own?” she asks, admiring the plush leather interiors.

  “This, the BMW convertible, my SUV, and my Mustang,” I admit, reversing the car out of the parking space. “But Dad has over thirty cars I have access to as well. He’s been collecting them for years.”

  I steer the car out of the garage, and it’s an effort to drive slowly. “Did you give any more consideration to that Lexus I recommended?” I know Nessa loves her Evoque, but there are safer cars on the market that are bulletproof, fireproof, and virtually elite-proof, and I’d really prefer her to drive one of them. I was going to just buy her one and leave it outside her building, but the chances are high she’d return it, so I proposed she purchase one instead.

  “Do you really think it’s necessary?”

  I glance at her briefly as I head out of Rydeville. “Yes. I thought Abby explained about the elite?”

  Nessa looks out the window as the town whizzes by. “She did.”

  “Then, you understand the danger.” I deliberately soften my tone. I don’t want to freak her out, but she needs to be aware of the risk. Everything is on the table now, and I want her to be fully aware so she can make her own informed decisions.

  “Why do you think I agreed to let you escort me?” She swivels in her chair so she’s facing me.

  “Because I’m handsome as fuck and make the best arm candy,” I tease before adding, “And we already covered the fact I’m a persistent fucker.” I’m being lighthearted on purpose, hoping it will help her to relax. Her hands are clasped in an anxious knot in her lap, tremors shake her arms, and the slightly panicked look in her eyes is a dead giveaway. She’s nervous and with due cause.

  “I’m scared,” she admits in a whisper. “What if they find out what we did to Montgomery?”

  Without overthinking it, I pull over to the side of the road and kill the engine. “You mean what I did, Nessa.” I take her trembling hands in mine, relieved when she doesn’t push me away. “We don’t know who he was in contact with. It’s been over three weeks since he died, so I’m guessing someone probably suspects. For now, you stick to the story we concocted. You only recently discovered your biological father, and you look forward to meeting him in the future. You’re honored to represent him in elite matters.”

  “They’ll really believe that?” Her voice quakes.

  “They’re all pretentious assholes playing parts. If they don’t believe it, they’ll never let it show. Remember what Abby and Hunt discussed. You don’t leave my side tonight. When you need to use the restroom, I’ll escort you. If I’m called away, you stick with Anderson, Drew, Rick, or Charlie.” Charlie is back in the fold now, and he’s in the know about everything that’s happened.

  She nods, blowing air out her mouth. “Okay. I can do this.” Steely determination glints in her eyes.

  “I’m so proud of you.”

  Her eyes narrow in suspicion, and I hate that she doubts everything that comes out of my mouth.

  “It’s the truth. You’re so incredibly strong and brave.” I haven’t forgotten the words I overheard on the boat that day. I know there’s more she hasn’t told me, but I haven’t asked because she hasn’t been speaking to me. We’ve spoken more tonight than we have in the past three weeks.

  She stares at me, like she wishes she could delve into my skull and verify it herself. “That’s debatable,” she finally says, shrugging.

  I open my mouth to protest, but she cuts me off.

  “We should get moving. I don’t want to be late, and Abby and Shandra are almost there.”

  Ignoring the tightness in my chest and the painful lump in my throat, I nod, starting the engine, and hightail it out of there.

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  Vanessa

  “THIS IS MY brother-in-law Rick,” Abby says, introducing me to the tall good-looking guy with dark hair and blue eyes who could pass for Kaiden’s doppelgänger. He’s seated on her left at the table while Kaiden is on her right. Jackson and I are seated across from them, but my date is currently at the bar getting drinks.

  Abby and Drew’s mom is seated at the table next to us with some older guests. Abby explained earlier this week that her mom’s best friend, Sylvia, was married to Montgomery and both women suffered at his hands. She suggested I meet her, but I’m not sure I’m up to that yet.

  Everything I’ve learned from Abby, Shandra, and Sawyer this week has been a bit overwhelming. Now, I understand the grave threat the elite poses and the precarious situation I’m in, it’s easier to let go of my anger at their betrayal. Of course, my greatest anger has been reserved for Jackson, because his betrayal cuts the deepest, but as the weeks go by and his persistence to prove he cares shows no sign of wavering, I’m finding it harder and harder not to let it go.

  Underneath all the hurt, anger, and pain, there is love, and I’ll have to confront it some time.

  “This is Rebecca,” Rick says, sliding his arm around the stunning redhead seated beside him, his words dragging me out of my inner monologue.

  Rebecca
smiles, nodding at me. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You too.” I have no idea who she is, and I’m fairly certain Abby never mentioned her, so I don’t know if she’s his girlfriend, an acquaintance, or just his date for the night.

  “I remember you from West Lorian,” Rick says, gracing me with a wide smile.

  “Well that can’t be good,” I joke, swiping my clammy palms down the front of my dress. Rick was a few years ahead of us in school, so that means he was there when I almost got expelled during freshman year and had to repeat. Between that and the shit he must’ve heard about me from his brother and his friends over the years, I can only imagine the impression he has of me.

  He chuckles good-humoredly. “I form my own opinions. And any woman who has tamed the legendary Jackson Lauder has got to be someone special.”

  “Thanks for that, dude,” Jackson says, coming up alongside me. “Love you too.”

  Jackson hands me a Coke before sitting down on my left. I notice he’s not drinking either. In fact, as I glance around our table, I see no one is drinking, and that’s telling.

  “Is it safe to drink?” I whisper, gulping as I look around the opulent ballroom.

  Circular tables are beautifully laid out underneath glistening chandeliers, dotted spaciously around the large room. A long bar runs the length of the room on one side while doors to the hallway and bathrooms are on the other side. The rear of the room is enclosed, and a raised dais faces us at the top of the space. The room buzzes with loud chatter and vibrant laughter, and anyone poking their head in would assume this is a normal high-society event.

  We know better.

  Jackson rests his arm along the back of my chair, leaning in to my ear. “If this was an elite event being held at one of their locations, I’d say you’re right to be suspicious, but the Boston Merrion Hotel is one of the most prestigious hotels in town, and this is the first of six formal elite balls being held in different states over the next two months, so they’ll be on their best behavior.” His eyes soften. “Your drink is safe, but if you want me to taste it first, I will.”

  I shake my head. “It’s fine. I’m overreacting.” I pin him with a shaky smile. Truth is, I’m scared shitless. It would be easier if I knew the man or men Montgomery was communicating with so I’d know what to expect.

  “He might not even be here,” Jackson whispers, instinctively knowing what I’m apprehensive about. But I don’t believe for one second that he isn’t worried about the same thing. “We’ve no clue how the invitation process worked. We were expecting a lot more than two hundred guests to be in attendance tonight.”

  My eyes roam the crowd again as I sip my Coke. At the top of the room, the large stage has been set up with a screen and a podium for the after-dinner speeches and presentation.

  I’ve already been introduced to William Hamilton and his wife because he made the rounds when everyone first piled into the room. I followed the others’ cue, acting polite and friendly, even laughing at his stupid attempt at humor, while my heart was careening around my chest like crazy.

  “Are you doing okay?” Shandra whispers in my other ear. She’s seated on my right-hand side, beside Drew.

  “I’m okay. How about you?” I deliberately eye Drew. Shandra believes he only invited her because you don’t turn up to these things without a date, but I think there’s more to it. She’s told me a little of what’s been going on between them, and it sounds like he has feelings for her but he’s trying to avoid confronting them.

  She shrugs, but I see the hurt in her eyes. “He’s barely talking to me, and he hardly even looked at me when he came to collect me. Abby and I did most of the talking in the car on the way here.”

  “Men are dicks,” I say, probably a little too loud. Jackson’s head whips around, and he frowns. He’s currently stretching across the empty chair, talking to Kaiden.

  “There you are!” Abby says, looking up and over our shoulders. “I was beginning to worry.” Her brows knit together in confusion as she glances around. Shandra and I swivel in our chairs, watching as a knockout guy with piercing green eyes reaches our table. “Where is Demi?” Abby asks, and I deduce this is the infamous Charlie I’ve heard about.

  “She’s not coming,” Charlie says, claiming the empty seat beside Drew.

  “What do you mean she’s not coming?” Abby narrows her eyes on Charlie, and all conversation mutes around the table.

  “If you must know, we broke up,” he mutters, avoiding eye contact.

  “What!” Abby shrieks, glaring at Charlie.

  Abby and Drew discovered Demi was a distant cousin a few weeks ago, and Abby really likes her. Only a few days ago, Abby was talking about setting up a girls’ night out with the four of us.

  “Wow,” Jackson says in my ear. “Seems I don’t own the monopoly on epic fuck-ups.”

  “It would appear so.” I take a tentative sip of my Coke as waiters and waitresses move around the room, delivering our appetizers.

  We talk among ourselves as the various courses are served. I manage to force some food down, which is a miracle because my stomach is still tied into knots. This part isn’t bad, but I know it’s later, when the dinner and the presentation are over and the party really gets going, that I need to watch myself.

  After dessert has been cleared away, the presentation begins, and everyone gives the new president, William Hamilton, their full attention as he explains about the restructuring of the organization and the work of the reorganizing committee.

  “Every voice counts, and we want to hear from you,” he says, his loud, confident voice projecting around the room.

  Jackson coughs. “Bullshit.”

  “Questionnaires will be sent out next week, and we value your input.” Hamilton clears his throat, drinking from his glass of water before he continues. “New blood is vital to the development and growth of our community, so particular emphasis is being given on developing our young people through invigorated new initiation programs. The first group program will be held in January at our new private facility in Virginia. Male descendants of founding families who are next in line for ascension to full membership will be invited in this round, and for the first time ever, we will be including eligible female descendants to join our ranks.”

  Hushed conversation sweeps the room.

  “What the actual fuck?” Kaiden hisses, a muscle clenching in his jaw.

  Abby looks over at me. “Does this mean what I think it means? That Nessa and I will be expected to participate?”

  “Over my dead fucking body,” Jackson snaps. “That will not be happening.”

  “Agreed.” Kaiden and Jackson share a knowing look.

  “They can’t force you to attend,” Drew says, looking at his sister. “I’m the descendant on the Manning side.”

  “He was vague on the details,” Abby says. “I’m married to a descendant and from a founding family myself. I bet he makes up some bullshit to get me to initiation. He’s determined to make us pay.” I don’t know how she can look and sound so calm as she says this.

  “What happens at initiation?” I whisper to Jackson.

  He takes my hand under the table. “Nothing good, but you won’t have to deal with it. I promise.”

  I want to believe him, but after everything I now know about the elite, I know that’s a promise he isn’t qualified to make.

  “Dance with me?” Jackson asks a short while later after the presentation and speeches have concluded.

  I’ve been in a bit of a daze since the whole initiation program was mentioned, and I didn’t even realize the stage had been cleared to make way for a jazz band.

  “Babe.” Jackson’s hands land on my shoulders, squeezing gently. “You up for it?”

  “I’m not your babe,” I mumble, but it lacks bite. I’m struggling to hold on to my hatred, especially when he seduces me with his legendary charm, and Jackson knows it.

  “I apologize. Baby.”

  I roll my eyes, letting him
pull my chair back and help me out of my seat. “You’re incorrigible.”

  He pins me with a blinding smile that knocks the air from my lungs. “But you still love me.”

  I fold my arms and glare at him. There is no way I’m confirming he is still the owner of my heart.

  He chuckles, taking my hand and slowly reeling me into his chest. “It’s okay. You want to make me suffer, and I deserve it. I can grovel some more, but you should know by now that I’m going nowhere.” A naughty glint flashes in his eye. “I will be your faithful puppy, nipping at your heels, craving your affection, waiting for the day you give in.”

  I roll my eyes again. He’s ridiculous.

  His expression softens, and he gazes at me adoringly. “I love you, Nessa. I love you more than I ever thought possible. There are no words in the English language to describe how much you mean to me.”

  “Please put him out of his misery,” Drew says, poking his head in between us. “I can’t take much more of his pathetic pining.”

  “Back off, Manning,” Jackson grits out. “You’re hardly in any position to throw shade. I fucked things up with one woman. You’ve managed to do it with two.” Jackson’s smug grin is going to earn him a punch in the face if he doesn’t shut up. “Dat’s true skill. Take the crown. You can have it.”

  “Oh my God.” I grab Jackson’s arm, pulling him away from the table before Drew knocks him flat on his ass. “Do you have a death wish? Or you love acting like you’re five?”

  “He started it.” He pouts.

  I shake my head in exasperation. “I rest my case.” I walk off.

  “Babe.” He wraps his arms around me from behind.

  “Jackson!” I shove his arms away, turning to glare at him.

  “I’m sorry. I just miss you, and it makes me snarkier and needier than usual.” He pins me with these puppy-dog eyes, and my resolve is faltering fast.

  I hold out my hand. “You promised me a dance. Let’s see if you’ve got any moves.”

  Jackson has all the moves, and it’s even more impressive considering we’re dancing to a traditional jazz number. I am putty in his hands, letting him spin me and duck me and twirl me around. “Where did you learn to dance like this?” I rasp when the music alters, slowing down, and he pulls me into his arms.