by Faye Sonja
Eve’s shoulders dropped. “Eighty-five percent.”
Ben’s eyes widened dramatically. “Truly?”
Eve’s lips began to lift into a smile. “That’s right, Mr. Manning.”
Ben smiled, then made some other calculations until he came up with Mr. Wright’s share, allowing him to see just how much money he’d be losing if Haines Press not only did away with fiction, but only made money on the non-fiction writings. “So, Mr. Wright, though we’d all suffer a great loss of money, I’m sure that Bess will find that we did the right thing.”
Mr. Wright shifted in his head. “Well, Bess counts on that money for her monthly shopping trips.”
Ben’s eyes drooped. “Sad to hear, but in the name of thought provocation, your wife will have to settle on wearing last year’s fashions.”
Mr. Wright’s eyes widened and grabbed the table for dear life. “Bess would be livid.”
Ben waved him off. “She’d get over it. I’m sure.”
Mr. Wright shook his head. “You’ve made your point, sir.” He gave another vicious look to Eve and thought she’d set him up. Robert didn’t like that look.
Ben brightened. “Have I?”
“That’s what I said,” came Mr. Wright.
Ben smiled. “Very good.” He rubbed his hands together and then turned to the rest of the group. “Now, Eve Haines has been running this company for the last six months, and whether you men like it or not, Eve is here to stay.”
Everyone started to speak at once. Ben raised his hands. “But what were you men looking for when you invested in Haines Press?”
No one said anything, but Mr. Howard eventually spoke. “Money.”
Ben pointed at him. “I knew I could count on you to know.”
Mr. Howard tilted his head.
Ben continued. “Money is why you invested in Adam Haines, and because of that investment, Haines Press is the monument that it is today.” He took a step back and began to pace as he spoke. “Haines Press may have started out small, but today it draws the hearts and minds of literary lovers from all over the world. This town may be named after Eve’s grandfather, but it is the wild and chilling stories of life in the great west that brings people to this town. This, I know to be another benefit in itself. So now, not only do you all make a profit from the books and papers that Haines Press publishes, but you also make money from the people that come to his town because of the existence of Haines Press.” Ben stopped behind Eve’s chair. “This woman is the living promise of what this town offers. Without her, Haines Press would lose its authenticity and its heart. You gentlemen do not see the jewel that she is, sitting right here in front of you. You do not understand the power she holds. For she is Haines Press.”
Mr. Howard spoke then. “What are you saying, boy?”
Ben raised a brow and then turned to Robert. Robert shook his head. Ben, always the gambler. This had the potential to go bad. Very bad. But, Ben was good at this. Besides being his brother, Ben had other uses. Robert turned to Eve. “Eve, how many of your writers would pack up today and leave if you if you simply asked them to?”
Eve’s eyes grew wide. She opened her mouth a few times, but then closed it. She visibly swallowed. “All of them.”
There was silence. Robert turned from Eve to look at the other men. They all shared a look of fear and anger. They were scared and didn’t know what their next move would be, but it was all a bluff. Eve would never take the writers because more than the money, she wanted the Haines Press name; her father’s legacy. But did the investors know Eve well enough to know this? Robert had only met her yesterday and he knew; though he had been writing her for a few months before he came out west. Robert looked into all their eyes and saw the fight begin to drain from their faces; though they threw a few more dirty looks Eve’s way. Robert had had the last of those looks and it must have shown on his face, but they were now looking between him and Eve, and even Ben. Yes, they probably knew what Eve would do. They probably knew that left up to her, she’d never give up the ‘Haines’ name, but they didn’t know Robert and Benjamin Manning, and that was one pair they would not test.
Ben straightened and smiled. “Yes, if Eve decided to leave, she’d have to leave everything that Haines Press ever published, but she couldn’t always make more.” Ben shrugged.
Robert stood, bringing up a very shocked Eve with him. He still held her hand. He turned to everyone. “I know that you men have a problem with a woman running the company and that you want her to take a step back. You have enough power to make such a request, however, you will all respect my wife for the lady that she is. Disrespect her again and the next time we meet, we might be having a very different discussion.” He turned and headed for the door. He paused when he got there and turned to Mr. Howard. “Oh, and it’s not boy and girl. It’s Mr. and Mrs. Manning to you.” Then he left with the only person smiling being Mr. Lowe.
* * *
8
Chapter EIGHT
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“ Whether I am or have ever been married
is no longer any of your concern.”
That night, while Princess Evelyn slept, a pack of wolves snuck into their cave. The young prince said, “I will slay these wolves and protect the princess.” And he did.
Eve saw Lewis and Clark to bed and then braced herself for the encounter to come. She walked down the stairway, down the long hall, past the kitchen, and found Robert in her father’s study. He was sitting behind her father’s desk in her father’s chair. A book was in his hand. It was a Princess Evelyn book. The fire blazed on the right of him, casting a large shadow across the book-lined walls. The room was warm, but when Robert looked at her, she shivered.
He began to stand, but Eve lifted a hand. “No, you don’t have to move.”
Robert hesitated before regaining his seat. Eve walked further into the room and stopped in front of the desk. Robert put his book down on the wooden desk, making sure to face it down, as to keep his page. He drew his brows together. “What’s the matter?”
Eve shook her head. She sighed, “Why did you do what you did today?”
Robert sat very still. “Do what?”
Eve blinked a few times and ran a hand through her hair. “The whole, ‘how many writers would leave with me’ thing?”
Robert leaned back in the chair. “To send home a point.”
“And what was that point?”
“That you are Haines Press and without you, it’s nothing but a name.”
Eve shook her head. “But I want the name, Robert. But now that they’re scared, what if they decide to join together and kick me out of the company?”
“Was that not their plan before you married?”
Eve took one of the chairs that was in front of the desk. “You’re right.”
Robert nodded. “And I know how much you want the name, so we would never abandon the name ‘Haines Press’.”
Eve’s hands flew up. “So, then what was that all about?”
Robert sighed. “We needed to get a feel of the room and see who we’re working with.”
“And what did you see?”
“A bunch of men who are driven by money.”
Eve leaned on one of her arms. “So, what does that do for you?”
“For us.”
Eve lifted a brow. “Us?”
Robert nodded. “You may not have official control of the company, Eve, but you are very important to its inner workings.”
Eve sighed. “I want to control it.”
“I know.” Robert stood and came to kneel before her feet. He took her hands in his. “I promise you that I will not do anything that you completely detest.”
Eve took her hands back. “Sorry, but I don’t trust you enough to believe you.”
“What would make you believe me?”
“I don’t know right now.”
“Alright.”
Eve narrowed her eyes.
Robert laughed. “What did I do now?”
“I want to change the topic and you give in.”
“I’m easy.”
Eve laughed. “That’s doubtful, Mr. Manning.”
“Robert.”
“Robert.”
“C.C. Reed, huh?”
Eve went still. “You know, don’t you?”
Robert smiled. “I’m surprised Joe Dawson doesn’t.”
Eve smiled. “Before you came along, there were only two people who knew.”
“Clara is a phenomenal writer. How does she keep her secret?”
“I keep it for her.”
“Then you’re a phenomenal friend.” Robert took her hand back.
Eve rolled her eyes. “Flattery won’t work on me, Robert.”
Robert’s dark eyes stared up into hers. “Alright, what will?”
Eve laughed. “I don’t know.”
“I want you to like me, Eve.”
Eve paused. Robert continued. “Why do you hate the young, Mr. Perch?”
Eve felt that familiar heat spreading through her again. “Because he’s weak and he hides behind me.”
Robert narrowed his eyes. His grip on her hand tightened. “What do you mean?”
Eve tried for a calming breath. “Mr. Perch is having a hard time running his father’s business, so he believes, that since I am a woman, I would have trouble running the publishing company.”
“And that angers you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Eve shook her head and tried to find the words to express herself. “Instead of being judged by my work, I get judged on my gender. I couldn’t possible know what I’m doing, especially if there is a man who’s more clueless than I am.”
Robert kept his eyes steady on Eve. “I’m sorry, Eve.”
Eve shook her head as she stood. “Don’t apologize. You’re no better than they are.”
Robert stood as well. He touched her arms; lightly. “You can’t mean that.”
Eve felt as though her body would burst into flames. “Yes, I do!”
Robert’s grip tightened on her arms. He looked into her eyes. “Do you honestly believe that?”
Eve closed her eyes, and pulled herself away from looking into Robert’s face. She went still as she processed his question. He spoke before she could come up with anything. “I thought you were amazing today.”
Eve opened her eyes and stared at the man holding her once more. “How? I didn’t say anything.”
“Exactly.”
Eve narrowed her eyes. “You mean I stayed in my place like a good woman should?”
Robert shook his head. He smiled. “No, I mean you controlled yourself in the face of adversity. Even I couldn’t bare hold onto my own restraints.” Robert loosened his grip on Eve; giving her the opportunity to step back, but she didn’t. His large hands, now loose, began to gently brush against the bare skin of her arms in a soothing up and down movement.
Eve relaxed in his grip. “Why’d you say the things you said earlier today?”
Robert whispered. His face softened. “What did I say?”
Eve swallowed and looked up into his arms. “The stuff about respecting me or else.”
Robert shook his head. His eyes darkened; as if they could. “No, I was very serious and made myself very clear.” His dark eyes remained gentle, but his face seemed to become set.
Eve’s voice came out breathy. “What will you do if they disrespected me again?”
Robert leaned forward, and held his lips just above hers. “Make them regret it.”
And then Robert was kissing her. Eve sank into his arms, and braced her hands on the tops of his strong shoulders as Robert took advantage of her soft lips. They felt like everything Robert had thought they would. Home.
His hands moved up to Eve’s face. His fingers laced themselves in her hair. The strands were like strong silk and the free threads moved loosely around his hands; the benefit of her shorter hair style. He loved it. She felt so warm in his hands. A sigh left Eve’s lips just as she took a step back. Robert reached for her again, but Eve held up her hand; giving him the signal for ‘no’. He stopped.
Eve’s hands went to her lips. “Why’d you kiss me?”
Robert blinked a few times. “You’re my wife.”
Eve shook her head, but said nothing. Her eyes darted around the room, touching everything but Robert’s eyes.
Robert narrowed his eyes. “Eve, you’ve been married before. Was it not like this? Even in the early years?”
Eve’s eyes met his. They were wide. And then there was pain. Robert couldn’t help but touch her then. “Eve, I’m sorry.” He drew her to himself, she fought a little, but the moment they were pressed together, she stopped fighting. Instead, she sank into the embrace. Robert rubbed her back. “You don’t have to answer that.”
Eve shook her head and pulled back to look up at him. Robert had expected to see pain, but instead, he saw… nothing. It reminded him of the look she’d given him in the park just yesterday. That same look she’d given as she’d spoken of a life lacking of ‘ease’. There was no pain, no sorrow, no anger. It was passionless. The flames from the fireplace made the gold in her hazel eyes stand out in the dark. “It was like this in the beginning.”
Robert went still. “What happened?”
Eve looked away; thinking. Her eyes came back to meet Robert’s. “Nothing.”
Robert frowned. “What do you mean?”
Eve shrugged before becoming almost boneless again in his arms. “One day he loved me and the next he didn’t.”
Robert shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
Eve gave a small laugh that had nothing to do with humor. “Then maybe it’s me.”
Robert looked down at the woman who stood before him; taking all of her in. She spoke of her painful past, but where were the tears? Where was the anger? “How could you be so calm about all of this?”
Eve shrugged. She grinned. “Maybe it’s the flowers.”
Robert laughed, because he couldn’t help but do it. It was such a serious conversation, but Eve managed to make light of it. He shook his head. “Don’t you hate him?”
Eve shook her head. “No. Hating him would take too much energy.” She sighed. “I’ve got two boys to raise. No time for resentment.”
Robert shook his head. “But you hate Mr. Perch.”
Eve lifted a brow. “Mr. Perch is in my way.”
“Am I not in your way?”
Eve frowned. “Yes, you are.”
“But you don’t hate me.”
“I’m trying to.”
Robert leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. “Don’t.”
Eve sighed. “I should.” She leaned up, bringing her lips to meet his. Robert returned the kiss with as much passion as he felt. Eve sighed and pushed him back again. Robert opened his eyes to find hers fluttering open again. She gave him a sad smile. “I need to hate you.”
Robert’s arms went all the way around her, bring her in as much as he could. “Why?”
Eve’s face was back to her emotionless mask. “Because one day you’ll hurt me.”
Robert shook his head. “Why would I do that?”
Eve shrugged. “Because you’re a man.”
Robert’s brows flew up. “Why, Mrs. Manning? I believe you are being prejudice.”
Eve laid her head against Robert’s chest. “With good reason.”
Robert sighed. He stepped back and took Eve’s hand. He led her around the office desk and retook the chair he’d been in before she came to the office. He brought Eve down to sit on his lap. Robert wrapped his arms around her. She sat there stiff for a moment, but then relaxed. Robert sighed once her beautiful eyes met his. “How about this? You be fair towards me and I’ll be fair towards you?”
Eve frowned. “What’s that mean?”
“It means, that
you not be prejudiced against me and I’ll treat you as if you were a man.”
Eve frowned even more. Robert laughed. “I mean, I will treat you as a woman. I will treat you as my equal.”
Eve narrowed her eyes, but then slowly, her face bloomed brightly before his eyes. She was like an angel. She turned her head away for a moment before facing him again. “Deal.”
Robert nodded. “Let us then seal it with a kiss.”
Eve leaned forward, but paused; still meeting his eyes. “You hurt me and I’ll skin you like a rabbit.”
Robert’s eyes widened, but he was still smiling. “Oh, Mrs. Manning, I do believe we will have so much fun together.”
Eve smiled again, right before laying a big one on him.
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9
Chapter NINE
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“ Whether I am or have ever been married
is no longer any of your concern.”
The next day, the young prince and Princess Evelyn finally reached the princess’s city. The young prince was so frustrated. He’d never told the princess about the scorpions, or the fish, or the pack of wolves. He’d never told the Princess how brave he’d been, but when he was presented to the King, Princess Evelyn smiled and said, “Father, I slew a dragon, a crab, a lion, and a bandit. But, while I slept, the young prince slew a field of scorpions, a group of eels, and a pack of wolves and deserves an award.”
Two months later, Eve rushed in through the front doors of Haines Press, later than she’d been in the last few months. She hadn’t been this late since she’d taken charge of the company. She made a quick sweep of the room to find Robert already at a drawing board with Benjamin. Florence was standing with them as well. She put on a smile and said good morning to most of the people she passed, but didn’t stop until she reached the small group. Benjamin had an impatient look on his face. Florence matched it. Eve turned to Robert; the enemy.