“This is everything?” she asked, looking up from the list he’d detailed.
He’d barely spent an hour putting the list together, but it had taken him the better part of a week to decide if he was going to give it to her. Talk about handing over the last weapon to the enemy. Except Lexi wasn’t his enemy and she wouldn’t use the information as a weapon. Something he kept telling himself but wasn’t sure he believed.
“Impressive,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “Are you going to keep pacing or do you plan to sit somewhere?”
“I’ll be pacing for a while.”
She smiled. “Because you’re nervous.”
“You could hang me with that.”
She touched the paper. On it he’d listed everything he’d done to the Titan family. From the callable note he’d offered to her, to the false tip about Skye’s foundation being a front for money laundering. Some of the things on the list had come from facts he’d dug up—like Jed being involved in illegal arms shipments. But for every fact, there were dozens of rumors. Acts designed to hurt.
“I won’t take this to the police,” she said.
“I know.”
“Then why won’t you sit down?”
He shrugged. “Trust doesn’t come easy to me.”
She pulled out her own list of what had happened, then handed both to him. “You look them over,” she said. “By comparing them, we can figure out what Jed has done. I’m going to guess it’s a lot more than we think.”
“But you asked me to prepare the list,” he said, not sure what she was doing. “Don’t you want to keep it?”
“No. I wanted you to put it together, but it doesn’t matter who does the comparison. Obviously you’d be more comfortable if it was you.” She smiled. “I’m not out to get you, Garth. Not anymore.”
He moved toward her desk, then took a seat opposite. “Okay.”
Her smile widened. “You don’t sound convinced.”
“That’ll take a minute.”
“You’re such a guy.”
“That’s the rumor.” He leaned back in his seat. “We’re getting close. It’s just a matter of time until Jed is forced into a corner. There’s no going back.”
“What makes you think I want to?”
“I’m checking. I talked to Skye.”
Lexi’s smile faded. “She’s upset about what we’re doing.”
“So she said.” His conversation with his sister had been long and rambling, but a few key points had been painfully clear.
“Her relationship with Jed is different,” Lexi told him. “She lived at Glory’s Gate longer. She acted as his hostess for years. I think she believed that would protect her. Not that it was why she did it. Skye loves Jed. We all do. But for a long time, it seemed she had more to lose.”
Until Jed had turned on Skye, threatening to have her declared an unfit mother and thrown into a mental hospital. All because she wasn’t willing to do what he said.
“She wants Jed taken down,” Lexi continued. “But the idea of having to be a part of destroying him doesn’t make her happy.”
“She can back out.”
“She won’t. He nearly killed Izzy. Skye protects those she loves. She’s tougher than she looks.”
All the Titan sisters were, he thought. Tough and beautiful and strong. Not to mention stubborn. “Did she, ah, mention anything about the wedding?” he asked, trying to sound casual and not sure he succeeded.
“What do you mean?” Lexi’s blue eyes widened slightly.
“The ceremony.”
“It’s on Christmas Eve, at Mitch’s house. You’re coming, aren’t you?”
Garth narrowed his gaze. “You already know.”
The grin returned. “That Skye asked you to walk her down the aisle? She might have mentioned something.”
He swore softly, then pushed to his feet. “What was she thinking? I can’t do that. I’m not the right guy. There has to be someone else. A friend of the family. Someone.”
He’d been sure that nothing could ever surprise him again. He planned nearly every part of his life, worked hard, understood the risks and outcomes. Then Skye had called and asked him to walk her down the aisle. Like he was…was…like he was family.
“She wants you,” Lexi told him. “You’re her brother.”
Technically. “It can’t be me,” he said and started pacing again. When he got to the far end of the room, he noticed a damn bamboo plant in the corner. Was everything in this stupid place renewable?
“Did you hear what Izzy said?” Lexi asked. “She wants you in the family, Garth. Apparently you’re not objecting too much, since you’re here.”
“This is different.”
“It’s what the bride wants. Are you going to tell her no?”
He turned and glared at Lexi, but didn’t speak. Tell Skye no? Hardly. The last thing he wanted was to make her cry or something. But why did she have to ask? Walk her down the aisle. He’d never done anything like that.
“Do I have to say anything?” he asked.
Lexi’s mouth twitched, but this time she didn’t smile. “I believe the minister asks who gives the bride in marriage and you say ‘I do.’ It’s not a speech.”
“She’s old enough to walk herself,” he muttered.
“Maybe, but that’s not the point.”
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
“Ever gracious.”
“You think this is funny.”
“Yes, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. Oh, and consider this your invitation to Christmas at my house. Cruz and I are hosting. We start early with breakfast.” She hesitated. “Kathy would be welcome, too.”
Kathy at a Titan Christmas? There was irony.
“I’m not pushing,” Lexi added. “I don’t know if the crowd would frighten her or not. She’s met most of us.”
Now it was his turn to hesitate. “She usually goes to a special program Christmas morning. It’s through one of the churches.”
“Then maybe dinner? We’re one of those families who has a big meal around two.”
“That she could make.”
“Good. We’d love to have you both.” The smile returned. “And I’ll give you a sisterly warning. There are lots of presents under our tree. They’re not always fancy, but they are plentiful. Everything from socks to sticky notes to chocolates. Usually one or two special gifts. I’ve seen the wrapped pile in Cruz’s closet, so I happen to know I’m in for a spoiling. Both Nick and Mitch have called me for suggestions, so I know they’ll be overdoing it. I’m not saying you have to participate, but if you don’t want Dana to feel left out, you might want to get her something.”
Because he would be spending Christmas with Dana. She would be part of the Titan celebration. And they were together. Involved. Whatever the hell that meant.
Was it him, or was it getting hot in here? He resisted the urge to loosen his tie. Damn.
“There’s the face of a man looking to bolt,” Lexi said. “Want to tell me why?”
“I don’t make a big deal about Christmas,” he said. “I see Kathy and then I go away.”
“That sounds lonely.”
“I go to five-star resorts and stay in the best room in the hotel. There are plenty of parties and women.” It was his world—a world he liked very much.
“Still sounds lonely.”
It had been, not that he would admit that to her. But he’d accepted the feelings. Or rather he’d ignored them. Because being by himself meant being in control.
“I didn’t spend Christmas with Fawn when we were engaged.”
“Hmm, that’s pretty telling, but not relevant here. Don’t think you can escape us, Garth.” We’re your sisters. We’ll hunt you down and make you beg for mercy.”
It wasn’t just them, he thought. It was Dana. It was the image of them waking up together on Christmas morning. Of coffee in front of a tree and opening presents. He could get her something lacy and sexy in red velvet and lace. She would
hate it and mock him, but then she would put it on.
He imagined her in that and then he thought about her in diamonds and nothing else. He could see them together and that scared him more than his months of being tortured in the jungle.
“No,” he said, taking a step back.
“Men,” Lexi said with a sigh. “Take a deep breath. Everything will be fine. You’re worried because you’re falling in love with her and you’re not the kind of man who does that easily. It’s okay. She’s prickly, too. You can take it slow. It’s probably better if you do.”
She kept talking, but he wasn’t hearing anything else. He was stuck back on “you’re falling in love with her.”
The panic was as ready and immediate as the passion had been. Love? No way in hell. Not him, not ever.
“I don’t love her,” he said flatly.
Lexi looked more pitying than surprised. “It’s okay, Garth.”
“It’s not. If that’s what you all think, you’re wrong. I don’t love Dana. I don’t do love. Ever.”
He spoke with a certainty that left no room for doubt, Dana thought as she paused just outside Lexi’s office. She’d been in the area and had stopped by to have lunch with her friend. She’d been happy enough to risk sticks and twigs passing for bread and something vaguely slimy made into a sandwich. She’d wanted to talk about her newly discovered feelings for Garth and maybe, just maybe, have someone show her how to wear eye makeup. She’d been floating with hope and promise because she was in love for the first time in her life.
In love with a man who obviously wasn’t going to love her back.
GARTH WALKED INTO THE Titan World building. It was one of those great, old high-rises, with old-fashioned elevators and murals in the lobby.
His mother had brought him here when he’d been ten or eleven. She’d never said why. As they often drove to interesting buildings in the city, he hadn’t thought anything of it. Not until he’d found out that Jed Titan was his father.
He looked around at the grand old structure. Ever since Jed had kicked him out on his ass nearly twenty years before, he’d promised himself one day he would own every inch of this place. Now that the day was nearly here, he waited for the feeling of accomplishment and elation. Surprisingly, there was only a faint sense of disappointment—he’d thought Jed Titan would be a more worthy opponent.
He crossed to the guards and got a visitor pass, then made his way to the executive floor. Jed’s office was in the back. It would be the grandest, with the best view. The building was worth saving, Garth thought as he approached Jed’s assistant. It would survive even as the Titan empire crumpled around it.
He gave the woman his name, then added, “I don’t have an appointment, but he’ll see me.”
She looked doubtful, but picked up her phone. “There’s a Mr. Garth Duncan here to see you, sir.” She paused, then nodded. “Of course.” When she hung up, she pointed to the closed door. “Mr. Titan will see you now.”
The last time Garth had been in Jed’s office, Garth had been all of fourteen. He’d come to beg for his mother’s life. He hadn’t wanted to go to the old man, but there hadn’t been anyone else with enough money to save Kathy. He’d been young enough to assume that when someone asked for help, he got it. He’d never thought that Jed would tell him no.
Now, as he crossed the thick carpet to the man who was his father, he remembered being stunned when Jed had refused him. He’d tried explaining again, thinking that the other man simply hadn’t understood. He hadn’t made his case well enough. Then Jed had interrupted him, saying Kathy’s brain tumor wasn’t his problem and that if Garth didn’t leave, he would have security throw him out on the street. Jed made it clear he would have Garth arrested if he ever showed up again.
Time bent and blurred. For a second Garth wasn’t sure if this was the past or present, then decided it didn’t matter. The journey had been long and hard, but he had finally won.
“I’m glad you stopped by,” Jed said from his place behind his big desk. “I’m celebrating.” He pulled out a box of cigars and offered one.
Garth shook his head. “Why?”
“Did you see the closing price of the stock? Titan World is up nearly fifteen percent.”
“You’re buying shares, I’m buying shares,” Garth said. “The stock market likes it when shares are in demand.”
Jed picked up a cigar and sniffed it appreciatively. “You gave me a good run, son. I’ll give you that. You’re a slick player and a worthy opponent. With a little more seasoning, you might have had a chance.”
“You think you’re winning?” Garth asked, amused.
“Sure. Even with the recent jump in prices, the rumors have caused the price to drop enough that I’m buying up double and triple the amount of shares I could have picked up three weeks ago. In a couple of days I’ll own enough to drive you out. You shouldn’t have offered me the loan. But I suppose you couldn’t help yourself. It took you full circle. You started by offering Lexi money and you end it by offering it to me.”
Garth took a seat. “But here’s the part that confuses me,” he said. “You’ve spent more than I’ve loaned you.”
“You’re not the only one interested in helping me, Garth. I still have friends. With a loan from a few of them, I have the cash I need to buy back Glory’s Gate. So call the note any time you want. I’m covered.”
Garth pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and passed it over to Jed. “Would these be the friends and the amounts? I’m asking because I know they’ve all promised you money, but they haven’t given it to you yet. And I’m thinking they’re not going to. I do business with every one of them. Once they got word of your illegal dealings, they weren’t so anxious to be associated with you. Still, they were willing to do me a favor by pretending they were. Those loans you’re depending on? They’re not coming, Jed. And tomorrow, when the Securities and Exchange Commission expects you to make good on your stock purchases, you’re going to have a problem.”
Jed’s face went white. He sprang to his feet, knocking over the box of cigars. “You goddamn sonofabitch,” he yelled. “What the hell have you done?”
“Won,” Garth said simply. He put another piece of paper on the table. “I’m calling the note on Glory’s Gate. You have seventy-two hours to come up with the cash or the entire property is mine.”
“Fucking bastard.” Jed’s face twisted with rage. “I’ll kill you. I swear, I’ll kill you.”
“Hard to do from prison,” Garth said as he stood. “You should have paid for her surgery, Jed. The money wouldn’t have mattered that much to you, but it would have saved her. I would have watched your back for the rest of my life.”
“You think I care about that? You were some kid. You didn’t matter to me.”
“I do now,” he said and then he left.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
DANA DROVE FROM LEXI’S office to her own empty apartment. It was the only place she could think to go where no one would bother to look for her. It was a place to be alone. A thousand thoughts swirled through her brain, but the only one that mattered was that the pain wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be.
She’d thought she wouldn’t be able to breathe, that her entire body would ache, that she would want to cry but couldn’t. There was almost nothing. As if every part of her was numb. Maybe it was.
She walked into her apartment and checked each of the rooms. Everything was as it should be, if a little colder. She’d turned down the heat before moving in with Garth. Now she checked the small bathroom and the kitchen, all the windows, then ran out of things to do. Standing alone in the middle of her kitchen, she accepted the truth. Life was nothing, if not consistent. Lead with your heart and you’ll get hit over and over again.
Later, she would go back to the condo and see Garth. She would pretend that nothing was wrong and he would let her. Or maybe he wouldn’t know the difference. He didn’t know what she’d heard. He didn’t know that she loved hi
m. She’d spent her whole life protecting herself only to fall for someone who would never love her back. Talk about irony. Jed would be delighted.
Dana leaned against the counter and kept her breathing steady. If she focused on her breathing, she wouldn’t feel the growing emptiness in her heart. She wouldn’t notice the hollow place in her chest or the ache in her soul. If she worried about standing and not collapsing or screaming, she would be too busy to admit how much she’d lost.
It wasn’t like with her father, she told herself. That was something. Garth would never hurt her on purpose. He didn’t know she’d been standing there to hear his damning words. He’d been good to her, someone she could trust with just about everything but her heart. What made it so hard was how long it would take to heal.
She told herself that eventually she would appreciate that at least she’d put herself out there. She’d given it her all. That hadn’t been enough, but at least she hadn’t held back. She’d gone kicking and screaming into the relationship, but eventually she’d made it. She’d fallen in love with Garth and lived to talk about it.
She’d also learned a lot. She’d learned that love wasn’t easy or fair. That she didn’t get to pick who would be the one. Garth was an amazing man. She was grateful for the time they’d spent together and would enjoy whatever was left. And then she would leave.
She wasn’t the type to make a scene, or worse, beg. He didn’t know what she’d heard and she wouldn’t tell him. As far as he was concerned, nothing had changed. They’d established the rules together—she’d been the one to break them.
Oh, but it hurt. The sense of loss devastated her. Hopes and dreams she hadn’t known she had crowded around her, making her ache for what could have been. For Garth and the life they could have had together.
Her eyes burned and it took a second for her to figure out what that meant. Tears. Foolish tears.
“I’ll save them for later,” she said aloud. For when it was really over. Then she would cry and eventually tell her friends what had happened. She would figure out a way to move on with her life. She would heal and be better for the experience.
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