An I.O.U. from a Billionaire

by Olivia B. Dannon

  Joan following him reached for the phone.

  With a quick fade to the right and then hop to the left, he avoided her reach. “No problem, I mean after this morning I can see why you’re tying the knot.”

  Oh shit. No.

  Joan grabbed hold of Tatum’s elbow and pulled down hard trying to reach the phone in time to stop Tatum’s diarrhea of the mouth.

  “She got a little tangled in the sheets is all. Don’t worry though. I helped her get free.”

  “Tatum, shut up right now.” Joan growled as she dropped her weight, hanging from his arm. He didn’t fall but his face was turning red. “I’m taking you down, Tate.”

  “She has the most beautiful ass I’ve ever seen, and when I carried her back to the bed… well, you know how hard a man gets with a naked woman in his arms.”

  Joan dropped to the ground covering her face that was burning with heat.

  “Prove it? You don’t believe me? That’s okay I’ll give that sexy heart shaped mole on her left cheek a kiss for you, keep her warm until you show your ugly mug again.” Tatum handed the phone down to Joan.

  Cringing, Joan held the phone to her ear. “…way back and when I get there, I am going to fucking kill you.”

  “Me or Tatum?” Joan asked but the line was already dead.

  “He was so pissed.” Tatum took hold of her waist and boosted her back up onto her wobbly legs. “No thanks necessary. That was the angriest I think I’ve ever heard him.”

  Thanks?

  “Why would I thank you? He’s going to rip off both our heads and feed us to the crocodiles at his house in Columbia.”

  Tatum was still laughing and her statement only fueled the hilarity of it for him. He bent forward shaking with a red face and tears leaking from his eyes. “Stop, stop.” He gasped. “I can’t breathe.” He howled leaning on the wall.

  “This is not funny, you crazy pervert. Liam is going to think we had sex based on what you said.” Joan whacked him hard in the shoulder and stomped on his foot.

  “Ouch! Take it easy. He’s coming back isn’t he?”

  Joan fanned her face that had to be as red as Superman’s cape at this point. “Liam is insufferable when he’s angry. You got him breathing fire. Is this because I called you tater tot? Is that why you want to see me strangled?”

  Tatum took hold of her upper arms and spun her so she was backed up against the wall he’d been leaning on. “Liam is in love with you. When he gets back he’ll be mad at me.”

  And me.

  “Besides, if he wants to act like a prick you can always come find my room.”

  Joan reached up and twisted his ear. “What the hell, Tate? You’ve tried to buy me off, embarrass me out of here, and now you’re encouraging me to cheat?”

  “Hey, I’m saying Liam is lucky. If he’s stupid enough to push you out of his bed, come fall into mine.”

  Joan was ready to kick him in the shin but the wacky wiggle of his eyebrows had her laughing too hard to cause injury.

  “What’s so funny?” Cole asked sticking his head out into the hallway. “We can hear you laughing all the way on the other side of the dining room.”

  “We’re laughing at our impending doom.” Joan sighed as she straightened out her dress.

  “Doom?” Cole repeated looking over at Tatum.

  Tate held his elbow out to Joan, who took it gladly as her legs still felt rubbery. “Liam’s on his way back after I told him how sweet I think Joan’s naked ass is.”

  Joan elbowed Tatum. “You told Cole?”

  “I had to. He’s my brother.”

  “Oh man. Your ass is grass,” Cole said adding to Joan’s discomfort.

  Liam is going to feed me alive to his pool of piranhas that eccentric billionaires like he would have.

  “Joan, come tell us about your first kiss with Liam.” Fran called waving them back into the dining room.

  And suddenly the pool of piranhas doesn’t seem quite so bad.

  ***

  Liam shoved his mobile phone back into his pocket. “I don’t care if he is my brother, he’s going to be a fucking eunuch when I’m done with him.” Whirling around and slammed back into the moment Liam found Westley smiling like a damn Cheshire cat, Evelyn wide-eyed, and of course Mrs. Regan, the senior woman who was allowing them access to view the surveillance to the street.

  “Eunuch, huh? Something good ol’ Tate saw or did?” Westley asked.

  “Mrs. Regan, I apologize. Mr. Wainwright has a wedding coming up. I’m sure you understand how stressful these things can be.” Evelyn blushed.

  Liam struggled to find civilized words in the sea of rage and obscenities flooding his mind. “I am needed elsewhere. I’ll send the jet back for you, Evelyn.”

  She was too smart to say or give him an I told you so comeback of any kind. Evelyn nodded, her eyes still wide.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Regan, for allowing us into your home. I apologize—”

  “No apologies. If your brother is trying to steal your fiancée, I hope you will, as my grandson would say, hand him his ass in a hat.”

  Liam smiled at Mrs. Regan’s fire. She’d live to be two hundred with a fighting spirit like hers. “Yes, ma’am.” He nodded and stalked through the house and out the front door.

  “Wait, what are you going to do? Liam, you have to calm down.” Evelyn called after him with her heels clicking on the sidewalk like a typewriter she was running so fast.

  “Find out where Alise is holed up. I can take care of myself.” Liam got in the waiting car. “Call me when you have something.”

  Evelyn nodded like a bobble head. “I’ve never seen you this mad before, Liam.”

  “Don’t worry,” Westley said as he caught up to her side. “This is what Liam head over heels, crazy in love, looks like.”

  Liam flipped off Westley, who laughed as Liam proved his point. “Keep an eye on Evelyn. I don’t want her disappearing up here too.” Tapping the shoulder seat for the driver Liam ordered. “Take me back to my jet and be quick about it.”

  “Yes, sir.” The car lurched forward leaving Evelyn and Westley behind.

  She got tangled in the sheets? More like you fucking went in there and woke her up.

  “Fucking Tate.” Liam growled through clenched teeth.

  His words were playing in a loop in Liam’s mind.

  “She has the most beautiful ass I’ve ever seen, and when I carried her back to the bed… well, you know how hard a man gets with a naked woman in his arms. I’ll give that sexy heart shaped mole on her left cheek a kiss for you, keep her warm.

  “I’ll pay any fines or speeding tickets you incur. Hurry up.”

  Liam felt like he had the strength to tear the roof off the car and saving all his rage for Tatum was proving very difficult. He pulled his mobile phone back out and dialed Hansen.

  “Master Liam?”

  “I want you to…” beat the shit out of Tatum, “tell me what Tatum’s up to.”

  Hansen sniffed. “Up to? Nothing. He’s actually doing a fine job of entertaining Joan in your absence.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “You don’t sound yourself, Master Liam. You haven’t been acting yourself since this morning. Are you taking ill?”

  Liam crashed into the seat in front of him as the driver slammed the brakes causing Liam to drop the phone.

  “Sorry, Mr. Wainwright. Are you all right?” the driver asked.

  Liam peeled himself off the back of the leather seat. “Yes. Keep going.” Swiping the phone off the floor he saw the selfie taken by his phone as his face smashed into the seat. Of course, his phone sent it to Hansen at the same time because if it hadn’t, Liam might have believed himself lucky.

  Hansen was chuckling as Liam listened. “Did this just happen? You look like you’re doing fish lips. It’s very droll indeed.”

  “What do you mean entertaining Joan?”

  “Just that he’s staying close to her side, and the two seem to be smiling
and laughing quite nicely.”

  He squeezed his hand over his mouth to keep from saying anything he’d regret saying to Hansen. When Liam was sure he had control, he lowered his hand from his mouth, curling it into a fist as he set it on his knee. “Close to her side? Or putting his arm around her and touching her?”

  “Well I haven’t been staring at them the whole night, have I? My duties have shifted so as to make sure Cole has the support he needs. Am I to understand that Tatum is incapable of being responsible for himself now too?”

  “Hansen, just find a reason to get Tatum away from Joan. Keep them apart. Please.”

  “What do you care if Tatum and Joan laugh and flirt together? You’re not even here.”

  “Excuse the hell out of me for being late. Okay, Hansen?”

  Hansen let loose an exaggerated sigh. “I will endeavor to throw myself between the two at every turn, Master Liam.”

  The car stopped at the airport at last. Liam dug out his wallet and tossed too much money over the seat to the driver. “Thank you.” He ended the call.

  Liam shot out of the car and leaped up the stairs into his jet. He signaled the pilot to go to LA in a hurry. Still too angry to speak, he lowered himself stiffly into the reclining chair as the fasten seatbelt sign came on. Liam fought the image of Tatum carrying Joan to his bed.

  He knew about the birthmark on her ass. Tatum had to be telling the truth about seeing her naked, but Liam refused to believe that Joan would simply give in to Tatum’s carnal desires. She was a woman of class and principal.

  This confirmation of what he knew to be true about Joan, vanquished the mountain-sized beast of fear that had been dominating his every action since Tatum got on the phone. Now Liam was left with the anger aimed at Tatum, the need to protect Joan, and the desire to be buried inside her again.

  There was no way he was going to rest on the flight but he could at least freshen up. A quick shower and clean shave gave him back his much needed control, at least while he’d been holding the shaving razor to his face.

  He took out his black suit and tie, selecting the maroon red shirt to wear beneath his jacket. Liam was lacing up his shoes as the plane touched down.

  Liam didn’t bother to finish tying his shoes, leaving the left shoe undone as he snatched up his phone, keys, and wallet. Giving the crew directions to return for Evelyn, he rushed to the nearest exit. The car he’d called for was waiting to take him to the helicopter hanger.

  As Liam stepped off the last stair a second car pulled up behind the first. This one held Detective Jones, who parked just right to block Liam from getting into the first car and leaving.

  “Detective Jones, didn’t think I’d see you again so soon. Is there something I can help you with?”

  “Yes,” the detective said as he gauged Liam. “You’re in a hurry?”

  Liam nodded. “As a matter of fact, I am. My parents are throwing my fiancée and me an engagement party. I am in a terrible hurry as I’m already an hour late.”

  “I can drive you. We can talk.”

  “What if I fly us there in one of my helicopters and we talk on the way?”

  The detective frowned. “I think not. Maybe we’ll talk here? Unless you’d prefer the station?”

  “You know what, you drive and I’ll answer questions.”

  “You surprise me. I thought you meant to avoid me.” The detective tapped his fingers over his knuckles. “Please get in. I’ll drive.”

  Liam dismissed the transportation he’d arranged and took the passenger seat in the detective’s car.

  “You flew to Arizona after our conversation this morning.” Detective Jones stated as he drove. “Tying up loose ends?”

  “Looking for Alise, as I told you this morning. I have a few friends in Scottsdale. We were getting permission to view the residence security footage.”

  Detective Jones shrugged. “That is possible. You may also have been erasing damning footage concerning Alise and yourself.”

  The thirty-minute ride to his parent’s home continued in the same manner. Detective Jones trying to trip him up and Liam did his best not to lose his temper.

  The only consolation Liam got was that by the time he stepped out of the detective’s car, Detective Jones seemed as frustrated as Liam. “Thank you for the ride, Detective.”

  “It appears you are in fact late for a party.” Detective Jones mused. “Must be nice to be going to a party at every turn. Though if you’ll pardon my saying so, you don’t seem happy to be here for your engagement dinner.”

  Liam could see into the ballroom where he was standing. Fran was gesturing and talking, probably comparing the ballroom here to the one in his mother’s home. Tatum was standing back from Joan with his eyes on her ass and that far away look on his face.

  “I am actually very happy to be back.”

  “Looks like you have a rival,” the detective said following Liam’s gaze. “Your brother?”

  A nod in answer was all he could manage.

  “You’re going to kick his ass, I hope.”

  Liam laughed from the surprise of the statement. “If you weren’t such a pain in the ass, and on duty, I’d answer that question.”

  “Good answer.” Jones got back into his car. “I’ll leave you to it then.” He backed out as Liam jogged up the stairs.

  Hansen opened the door as he approached. “You’re supposed to be reigning in Tatum, aren’t you?”

  “I have reigned him in, as you say.” Hansen closed the door after Liam. “I’m glad to see you cleaned up. Joan is the picture of a lady. I hope you’ll honor her by playing the part of a gentleman.”

  “I have no intention of embarrassing Joan.” Liam turned to enter the ballroom.

  “There you are,” his father said, catching him there in the hall outside of the ballroom. “How are things with Crenshaw coming? You found Alise, didn’t you?”

  Liam shook his head. “Evelyn told you she’s missing?”

  “No. Evelyn is tight-lipped about your affairs. You’ve trained her well. Crenshaw told me she hasn’t responded to him in days. Her accounts have gone untouched.”

  Tatum put his arm around Joan curling his hand around her waist.

  Fucking bastard.

  When Joan’s hand reached behind and ran up Tatum’s arm, Liam felt the world tilt, his stomach seized and lungs froze.

  Was that what she was trying to tell me with the guilty noose message? She slept with Tatum?

  He took a step back involuntarily.

  “Liam?” his father said his name, but it sounded far away.

  Joan’s fingers reached the underside of Tatum’s bicep and pinched – hard. Tatum’s hand flew away from her waist and up in the air as he tried to escape the pain of her pinching fingers on the sensitive skin of his underarm.

  In that moment, the world ceased its tilt and the air that filled his lungs was sweeter.

  “Liam? Son, are you….”

  “I’m looking for Alise. Evelyn is in Arizona as we speak. We’ll find her.”

  His father exhaled. “Good. I never wanted a drink as bad as I have these past few days. If I’d known you were going to be getting Crenshaw in such a wad, I would have closed my deal earlier.”

  Hansen joined them outside the ballroom. “I believe your fiancée is still waiting for you, Liam.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” Liam smiled.

  “You need to make sure you appease Crenshaw,” his father said grabbing Liam’s arm. “It’s important.”

  Liam’s jaw tightened.

  What the hell have you gotten yourself tied into with Crenshaw, Dad?

  The grip his father had on his arm was tight and the strained look on his father’s face worrisome.

  Is he drinking again? He’s been sober for seven years.

  “You’re not drinking again are you, Dad?”

  Terrance laughed. “No, of course not. Do you think Hansen or Fran would allow me a drop of anything harder than apple juice?” He releas
ed Liam’s arm. “Hansen is right, as usual. Go to Joan. She’s been fighting Tatum off all night.”

  Sonofabitch.

  Liam strode past Cole into the ballroom. “Liam, don’t be pissed, he’s just jealous,” Cole said following Liam back into the ballroom. “Don’t let him get to you.”

  Oh don’t worry. I’m going to get to him.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  “Liam’s back,” Tatum said as he put his arm around her waist.

  Fran was still explaining her ideas about the wedding oblivious to whether or not anyone was listening.

  “Why are you trying so hard to anger him?” she asked glaring at the apple juice Hansen started serving her after her second glass of champagne.

  He’s going to take out his anger on me. That’s how guys are when they feel threatened. Tatum’s just pouring gasoline on his temper for his own entertainment.

  “Because he needs a wakeup call. I’m helping him.”

  “This is how you help? Getting him angry with me?”

  Tatum nodded at his mother when she looked back at them. This gave her the impression they were listening and she started in on lighting.

  “He needs to realize he could lose you before he actually does. Trust me. I would know.”

  “Just because you made that mistake doesn’t mean Liam will. Who are you to be teaching him lessons anyway? Don’t you think life does a pretty good job of teaching the lesson of loss on its own?”

  Tatum shook his head. “Not to the wealthy.”

  “Liam lost his mom.”

  “And so he doesn’t allow himself to feel close to women now. You’re different, I can tell, and he needs to open up. By enjoying flirting with you, I am prying open those doors for you.”

  “And if you’re wrong?”

  Tatum smirked. “If I’m wrong, then you and I can take a roll in the hay afterward, and I’ll make it up to you so good you’ll forget Liam’s name.”

  “Arrogance must be a prerequisite to being a Wainwright man. I’m not playing this game. Remove your hand.”

  “Why? Are you starting to like it?”

  All right, you asked for it, Tate.

  Joan reached back, her hand up his arm as she smiled back at him. “I don’t make a habit of playing games with the hearts of others, and I don’t roll in the hay with random men.” She found the spot beneath his arm she knew would hurt and pinched with a twist.