Blade sat on a sofa with Drake, meaning the mobster had got there earlier than agreed. The hard-assed thug stared him up and down. That scar across his handsome face did not reduce his appeal for the ladies. Since he’d acquired it, during a gang fight during his early days when he was lower down the ladder, the women couldn’t get enough of him. Hell, even some supernatural females hankered after the human. “Take a seat,” said Drake. “Thank you for agreeing to meet.”
“It wasn’t as if I had much choice, was it?”
The mobster nodded. “I thought it was better to sort this out face to face. So there are no misunderstandings.” He pulled his lips back, exposing his teeth. “First things first. I didn’t appreciate how you installed your big guys at the site. They’ve been warning my men away. How the hell do you get off treating me like that?”
As the demon frowned at this news, Shaun said, “It was nothing personal. I just needed time until I negotiated with you. They couldn’t start construction when we hadn’t decided what to do—”
“We had decided what we would do, before you went all loopy over that broad.” Drake’s mouth tightened. “I’ll let your shenanigans at the site go, but only this once. Your guys might be hard, but I’ve got more numbers.”
Shaun didn’t need reminding. It was on the tip of his tongue to mention he also had access to numerous bodies that included supernaturals, but that was the kind of threat that, once made, couldn’t be retracted. Such exchanges would achieve nothing. “Let’s get down to the real issue, Drake. Will’s told you what I want. So, what do you think?”
The mobster glanced between him and Blade. “Shaun. You know that if you back out of this deal now, it could have repercussions for your firm?”
“Only if we let it,” Shaun said, “If we can reach an agreement, there’s no need for anyone’s business to be affected.”
“I have people working above me.”
“If you speak to James, he’ll understand.” The mob boss trusted nobody more than Drake.
“I owe James, and I’m not going to talk him into any shit.” Drake’s eyes narrowed, enhancing their ice-blue shade. “He had enough faith in me to bring me into this line of work. I don’t give a damn about what anyone else thinks of the guy, but my loyalty lies with him.”
“Nobody doubts that,” Blade interjected, “But as far as the shop is concerned, Shaun has good reason to amend the original agreement.”
Drake smirked. “A woman? When the hell did you get so soft, Shaun?”
“I’m not going into my personal business here.”
“I don’t want to go into your personal business. Just wanting to ensure it doesn’t affect our arrangement.”
“If we could talk—”
“The deal’s already done.”
Shaun had expected negotiation, but he hadn’t thought Drake would resist like this. To think he had hoped the mobster would let him buy the loan outright. But Drake’s jaw was tense and those ice-blue eyes colder than usual, as if Shaun had caused him a personal offense. “How about this?” he offered, “I’ll find another suitable property and set up one hell of a lounge bar that you can use for your work.” Hell, he didn’t care if the mobsters took it over.
Drake shook his head. Fuck. “It’s not about the damn property. We can pick up a hundred such places. And let me tell you, Shaun, the guys who want to do business with us are a dime a dozen. James chose you, and you gave your word.” He turned to Blade. “Which is as good as any contract in our line of work?”
“It is,” said the demon. “But you can’t make an exception? As you yourself said, there are plenty of other properties—”
Drake sighed, loud. “Can’t you make your friend see sense? James has always been…traditional. It took me a long time to convince him and others above me to work with supernaturals. What the hell am I supposed to say to them?”
Blade nodded. “I understand your dilemma.” This was the reason Drake had pulled him in on the meeting. If anyone had worked hard to maintain a truce between supernaturals and powerful human agencies in Manhattan, it was Blade. The demon now leaned forward, his gaze flitting between the both of them. “Shaun. Nobody knows better than me how damn hard you’ve worked to get where you are. Do you want to reconsider this?”
Blade was one of the few who knew of Shaun’s struggle. While working for the demon, he’d learned to navigate the different criminal and professional elements in Manhattan. He’d handled the most dangerous jobs for Blade and saved the money he earned, eventually setting up his own company. The demon and he remained friends, and competition hadn’t caused a problem even when Shaun invested in a couple of lounge bars. It just wasn’t that way between them.
“I’m speaking to you as a friend,” said Blade. “Think about what you’ll lose.”
“I’ll tell you what you’ll lose,” Drake interjected, “Break your word in our world, and nobody will trust you again. And I mean, nobody. And James will never forget.”
Those days of struggle were behind him, and yes, it was unlikely that things would ever be that bad again, but they could be worse than they were now. Much worse. Was he willing to take the risk? He took a deep breath and glanced around the room, not wanting to think about the answer. There was no other fucking choice. He would have to explain the situation to Angie…but would she understand?
“Come on, Drake. Meet me halfway here. I’ll buy the property outright for a price that nobody else will. You won’t lose anything.”
“Put it this way. If you back out now, you can forget about dealing with me in future. And James won’t support you in any more ventures.”
Damn the thug. He knew how important they were for Shaun’s business, and yet, he couldn’t curse him because he was looking out for his own interests. And that was what Shaun should be doing. Why the hell was he thinking about throwing so much away for a human he was having casual sex with? Even as his beast resisted the idea of going back on his promise to her, another part of his mind took over. The part that resented the hold Angie had over him.
“Forget I mentioned anything, Drake.” He would not fuck up everything he had earned, not for a woman. “We go ahead as we originally agreed.”
The approval on Blade’s face brought Shaun no joy.
Drake’s lips stretched, but the expression wasn’t quite a smile. “I’ll oversee the development myself and get the guys in to start the re-construction in two weeks.” He stood and shook Shaun’s hand. “I’m looking forward to a productive partnership.”
He left the room and without his overpowering presence, the area felt empty.
“You’ve made the right decision,” mentioned Blade. “I know the shit you’ve been through. Someone like Drake…if you stay on the right side of him, he’ll give his fucking life for you. But cross him and he’ll never forget it—and he’ll make sure others won’t, either.” If it was the right decision, why did Shaun feel like crap? “It’s a shame you even went there. For a woman.”
The demon was right. He’d made a big damn mistake by letting his emotions take precedence over his bloody mind. What a shit idea that was. He stood, having had enough of being here. “I’ll head out now.”
“Stay for a drink?”
“No, I’ll get going. Things to sort out.”
“Hope it goes all right with your woman.”
How did the demon know she was the first person he’d contact?
In the corridor, he called Angie. The quicker he got this over with, the better.
“Hey, Shaun. How’s your day been?” Her voice was loud and full of excitement, making him regret what he was to tell her.
“Great. How are you?” he asked, stalling.
“Super awesome. I spoke to the bank again.” Damn it. He should have got in there first and told her. “A few more background checks and then the loan will clear.”
“Listen, Angie—”
“I’ve been online, looking at antiques.” She hadn’t purchased anything, had she? �
��By the time the money comes through, I want the shop ready to go…Shaun, isn’t it exciting? My dream’s coming true, thanks to you.”
“I’m busy at the moment. I’ll call you soon.”
He hung up the phone and then slammed his fist against the wall. She needed to know the truth—that the shop she loved was to be converted into a bar that would be open for mob business. In fact, it was the first thing he would do the next time he saw her.
Why the hell did he dread that more than he had the meeting with the mobster?
THANK GOD FOR FRIDAY EVENINGS.
As Angie placed outstanding reports in a neat pile ready for Monday, she was keen to get down to the weekend. She said goodbye to the secretaries who remained and then made for the bus stop. She was seeing Shaun tonight—the perfect way to kick-start her two days of freedom. He was still at his office as he had urgent business to wind up, but he planned to leave at 8 and then they’d meet for dinner at Dragon. She couldn’t wait to show him her research on antique pieces and ask his opinion. After spending her lunchtimes online looking at exclusive items, she’d shortlisted several dealers. But the more she looked, the more confusing it got. There were a few themes that had captured her imagination, though, and she couldn’t wait for that loan to clear, so she could get the shop together.
How about visiting the place before heading home? Seeing it might inspire her. The loans manager at the bank had assured her that at this stage the loan was certain, which meant that after she made the payment to regain ownership of the shop, there would be money left over to splash out on real nice antiques and visit some auctions…
She took a seat near the front of the bus, staring out of the window and smiling at random passers-by who didn’t glance at her. It was only two months ago that she was involved in a legal dispute and heart-broken over her separation from Bill. But now…she felt her cheeks flush. Shaun had awakened a side of her that she never knew existed. His animal magnetism seemed to have rubbed off on her and whereas sex used to be endured, it was now something she couldn’t wait for. But it wasn’t only that. He might not be human, but when she was with the shifter, it felt right. Did it make such a difference that they were from different species?
There went her mind again, wandering down a route where it had no business going. Different species or not, Shaun had made it clear he only wanted one thing from her. And what about his involvement with the mob? Those guys had put her father through hell when he was alive and dragged her through a legal dispute that nearly sent her over the edge. She shifted her thoughts toward the shop. At least that was one part of her life that was going right. After months of worry, she could plan for her future. As her stop drew closer, she closed her eyes and allowed a daydream to take over. One in which she was in the shop—surrounded by the antique pieces she’d been tempted to click on and buy during her lunchtime perusal of online dealers. And as she rearranged a few items, putting that blue vase in a position where the sunlight bathed it, Shaun entered the shop…
She opened her eyes, a smile on her face. The shifter was intent on taking over more than her body. She got off the bus and as she walked up the street, that warm glow was still inside her. Excitement bubbled as she passed an upmarket clothing boutique that, like the bars and restaurants in the neighborhood, seemed to have appeared overnight. The area had undergone a transformation, but with a few tweaks, including more modern forms of marketing and dealership, there was room for an antique business here. She’d kept her promise to dad. She had the shop—their shop—back…
What the fuck?
She stood before the shop, blinking. For a few moments, she was unable to make out the notice. Why was it blurred? She wiped her eyes and tears came away on her hand. Gone was the notice announcing that the shop was closed due to a legal dispute. But in its place was a new one—one that didn’t just cause pain to shoot through her heart but tore a piece out and twisted it. Construction would begin at the premises in two weeks. In less time than it would take for her to arrange the loan repayment, her parents’ memories were to be ripped apart. But it was the company name above the announcement that made her choke. Taylor Property Developers. Her legs gave way and she leaned against the shop window, taking deep breaths as she rested her forehead on it.
“Are you all right, miss?”
Through the haze, she made out a young man, his brow furrowed. She gave him a weak smile. “I’m fine, thank you. Honest.”
As he walked by, tears stung her eyes.
Had Shaun never intended to give her the shop? But why the hell would he lie to her?
I don’t want you to see me out of gratitude. Whether we meet again, I’ll give you the time to organize that loan. I want you to know that.
A thought entered her mind, so horrible that nausea gripped her stomach, rising to her throat. He had agreed to return the shop so he could fuck her?
No, there was no way he would do that…but what other explanation was there? He had wanted her, and this situation stood between them. How the fuck could she have been so stupid, to believe that a man like him would have a sudden change of heart and hand a property over? And she was even more stupid for starting to hope she meant anything more to him than good sex.
SHAUN GLANCED AT HIS WATCH, impatient. Only 7.30? In half an hour, he’d be out of here and with Angie. When they spoke this morning, she mentioned cooking for him at her place and staying there. It wasn’t the first time she’d brought the subject up or talked about going to the theater or somewhere other than Eclipse, but the club was safe territory. He didn’t need her getting confused about what this meant.
He couldn’t wait to see her—a good meal and a chat with her was all it took to dissolve the stresses of the day—but tonight, there was another reason behind his impatience. She needed to know about what had gone down with the mob. He felt like crap for going back on his word, but it was her business or his. And he’d never been the kind to make a shit deal. He only hoped she would understand. He sighed, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes for a second. Why the fuck was he so concerned about what she thought?
I don’t want to lose her.
His eyes shot open. Bullshit. He pushed away the idiotic thought that had hit him in a moment of weakness. Being with Angie was fun and the sex…well, he’d gone from being a male who lost interest in a female after fucking her once to not being able to get enough of the human. But whatever this was, it would wear off.
And the quicker the better, as far as he was concerned…
The door to his office opened and Angie burst in. The blond receptionist was close behind. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Taylor. I tried to stop her—”
“Leave!” he told her. He barely registered the woman leaving and shutting the door behind her, pressure beating a trail around his head at the sight of Angie, her red cheeks and swollen eyes making his beast howl. A protective urge rose inside him, making him want to envelope her and keep her safe from whatever had hurt her.
What the hell had happened?
When he stepped around the desk to approach her, she pressed back against the door. “Don’t come near me, Shaun.”
“Angie. Are you all right?”
“You lied, you bastard!”
What the fuck? “Sit down and take a breath. What’s happened?”
“You told me you’d give me my shop back.”
“Your shop?” He returned to behind his desk, putting space between them so he could think straight. She was not supposed to find out like this. He’d wanted to talk her through his reasons for backing out of his promise. Before he could, she’d found out elsewhere that she was not getting that business back, but how? He racked his brains but could not think of anyone who might have told her. It made no sense. “How did you find out?”
Her lips trembled, making him want to step around the desk again and reach out for her, but that look she gave him made him hesitate. “I went to the shop today, because like a stupid idiot, I’ve been choosing products. Only
to see a damn construction notice. You’re bringing the place down in two weeks.” He flinched from her anger. “Even after you knew what it meant to me. After you promised me you wouldn’t.”
The worst fucking way for her to find out. He should have told her as soon as he made the decision. “Angie. Listen to me—”
“You knew the bank loan is getting sorted—and what’s the next thing you do? Destroy my dream. You know what that place means to me, don’t you?” Yes he did, which was why it had been so difficult to tell her he’d aligned with the mob boss’s wishes. “My parents’ memories will be gone!”
The construction wasn’t supposed to start yet, but trust Drake to make a bloody point by putting the notice up. And now Shaun’s wolf clamored for release as he stared at her grief-stricken face, her eyes brimming with pain. He had reduced her to this to save his own ass?
“Angie. I was going to speak to you.”
“When? After you’d got a few more fucks out of me?”
He gripped the table, his claws protruding. How the hell could she say that to him? Did she think so little of him? “I would never treat you like that.” Part of him had feared losing her, but it wasn’t just about the sex…he didn’t register her following words because of the thumping sensation inside his mind.
Wasn’t just about the sex?
“…treated me like shit. How else was it? You lied, leading me on.” She moved forward and slammed her hand on the desk. “What the hell, Shaun? I didn’t realize you were so desperate to get laid that you’d stoop to this level.”
There she went again, accusing him of making that promise just to get her into bed. He wouldn’t have given a damn if those words came from any other female, but he needed her to understand. “You’ve got it wrong. This is a huge mistake.”
“The only mistake I made was getting involved with an asshole like you.”
He tried to focus and think of a damn solution to all this shit, but his head was clouded. “Shop or no shop, we both wanted each other.” He leaned over the desk, staring into her damp eyes. “It’s what we both still want.”
Marked By The Alpha (Blood Moon Book 1) Page 9