Indulge

by E. B. Walters

  Now Lex was confused. “Learn what?”

  “The responsibility that comes with being a member of your staff, sir. I showed him what I’ve always done since I started working for you. Every restaurant you visit, I always make sure I know the people handling your food. That way if anything goes wrong, I know exactly who to hold accountable. I talked to the chef this morning, and she has no idea how the venom got in the tea.”

  Lex was astonished. No, amazed. He wanted to thank the guy, but wasn’t exactly sure what to say. “Are you saying you’ve been doing this since you started working for me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “You didn’t need to know, sir.”

  Damn! He was one lucky bastard to have Douglas. “Remind me to give you a raise.”

  Douglas chuckled. “That won’t be necessary, sir. Was there anything else?”

  “No. Yes. Are you at the mansion?”

  “Almost there, sir. I will check in once everyone is safely behind the gates.”

  For a few minutes, Lex just sat on his bike and stared into space. Employees like Douglas were rare. No, Douglas was no longer an employee. He was family. Hopefully, Troy would one day be just like him.

  Lex started the bike and pulled out of the parking lot. He had one person he needed to talk to before his wedding tomorrow. He was closing a chapter in his life and he wanted everyone to know about it.

  ~*~

  “You do that?” Jillian whispered, so amazed by the conversation she’d overheard between Lex and Douglas.

  Douglas chuckled. “Yes, Ms. Jillian.”

  “My God, you are amazing. Lex is so lucky to have you. No, we are so lucky to have you.”

  “I’m just doing my duty, Ms. Jillian.”

  She imagined an old Douglas living with them, bouncing their kids on his knees. They’d probably call him Uncle Douglas or something. She’d make sure of that.

  Jillian waited as the massive wrought iron gates to the Fitzgerald mansion swung open. She couldn’t remember seeing the initials FF on the gate on her previous visits. But then again, she’d been too nervous.

  “Thanks for letting me drive,” she said, pulling up into the circular cobbled driveway.

  “Letting you, Ms. Jillian? I didn’t think I had a choice in the matter.”

  Jillian grinned. “Ha-ha, very funny. You always have a choice, Douglas.”

  “I’ll try to remember that next time.”

  He didn’t even crack a smile. She’d begged and promised not to give him a hard time guarding her or escorting her anywhere. She switched off the engine and turned to drop the key in his hand. “Are you spending the night here?”

  “Yes, as per Mr. Fitzgerald’s orders.”

  She frowned. What if Warwick got to Lex again? “I wish you were with him. Warwick is a sneaky bastard, and there’s no telling what he might do next.”

  Surprise flickered across Douglas’ face. “You know about Warwick?”

  “Oh yes. Do you think Lex will be okay tonight? The last bachelor party didn’t go so well.”

  He nodded. “The security system at the penthouse is impenetrable. And two of my guys are parked outside the building, with orders to stay with him if he leaves and to report any unusual activities.”

  After the conversation between Lex and Douglas, nothing Douglas did or said surprised her anymore. “You care about him, don’t you?”

  “He’s my responsibility, Ms. Jillian. You both are.”

  “But you care about him, too.”

  “Maybe not the same way you do, Ms. Jillian. You love him.”

  She grinned. “Am I that obvious?”

  “To anyone watching you together, yes. You were worried about him when he was talking to your father.”

  Jillian shrugged. She didn’t care if they knew. “My father can be very rude and stubborn, and we need his help when Hujimura gets here next week. Thanks for reminding me.” She pulled out her phone and speed-dialed her father’s number. It was picked up right away.

  “Jilly, my girl. What can I do for you?”

  “Have you made up your mind, Dad?”

  “About what?”

  “Helping us next week during Armed Forces Day. This is an important client, and we really need to have that private show.” There were mumbled words in the background as though her father was talking to someone. “If you can’t do it, that’s fine. I’ll do it with Hollywood stuntmen and women I’ve worked with over the years. They have no experience with circus stunts, but we can wing it.”

  “Wing it?” her father barked. “The idiots will break your neck. Then I’ll be forced to bury them in unmarked graves. And what makes you think I’d let someone who is not a Finnegan inside my Globe?”

  Jillian sighed. Her threats were empty, but damn it, her father could be a total pain in the ass. His refusal to help was probably because he still thought Lex wasn’t the right man for her.

  “We need your help, Daddy, but I’m not going to force you to do it. Just like I’m not going to force you to like Lex or approve of our marriage. I chose him and that should be good enough for you.”

  Her father sighed. “It should, but no man would ever be good enough for you. He comes close. He’s stubborn and used to getting his way like most blue bloods, but there’s room for growth. You can fix him, Jilly.” Someone said something in the background. Sounded like his uncle. Then her father said, “He’d better be good to you, because I’ll be watching him. I’m coming to your wedding to give you away with a lighter heart than last week.”

  Relief coursed through Jillian. One down. “And the show next week?”

  “We’ll do the show.”

  “Could you please call Lex and tell him so he doesn’t worry? He might not show it, but this deal is very important to him. And please don’t tell him I called. I promised him I wouldn’t interfere.”

  Her father hooted with laughter. “And he believed you? I’m not envying that boy. You’re going to lead him to a merry dance.”

  “Dad…”

  “Jilly, my girl, we just left his office fifteen minutes ago. His people will draw the contracts and we’ll have them signed and neatly tied with a bow by the time you come back from your honeymoon.”

  Jillian threw her arm in the air. “Why didn’t you say so before?”

  “You didn’t give me a moment to respond. Always talking a mile a minute. He is right, you know. You shouldn’t be going behind his back and calling me. He can take care of himself.” The rebuke stung. Before she could think up a response, her father added, “Do you want to join us on stage next week?”

  “No, I’ll pass. Lex freaks out whenever I perform, and I don’t want to do that to him. Not on that day anyway. And Dad, it’s okay to go back to performing. My Globe of Steel days are over, so I won’t be sneaking behind your back to ride it.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned. My little girl has finally grown up.”

  Jillian rolled her eyes. “Bye, Daddy. See you tomorrow.” She turned off the phone and said, “Yes!” Then she glanced at Douglas. He’d been quiet and hadn’t left the car even though he could have. He grinned at her. “What?”

  “You are a good woman, Jillian Fitzgerald,” he said. It wasn’t just the way he said it that send heat to her cheeks, but the awe in his voice. “I think Lex chose well. You have his back even though he doesn’t know.”

  “So you don’t think it’s wrong to hide the mess with Warwick from him? I don’t want him worrying about it tomorrow or while we’re on our honeymoon. Tomorrow is special and should be memorable.”

  “What mess with Warwick?”

  “The drugs and pictures…” Her voice trailed off when she saw his expression. “Troy didn’t tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  The change that came over his face made her wonder if she should be confiding in him. “Have you spoken to Sloan or the others?”

  “No. No one told me anything about drugs and pictures. W
hen did this happen?”

  “The night you were at the hospital.”

  He went a little pale. “Tell me everything.”

  Someone lifted the curtain and peered at them, but no one came outside. Jillian was sure they were wondering what was keeping her and Douglas in the car. From the number of cars lining the driveway, the house was packed.

  She told him everything that had happened to Lex and at Eros with their dancers and what the doctor told them. “Dom has some cop friends investigating it, but I’d feel much better if you were involved, too.”

  Douglas nodded. “I understand why you chose not to tell Mr. Fitzgerald. He would have cancelled the wedding and sent you away until it was safe for you to return.”

  She’d always wondered whether Douglas knew why she’d agreed to marry Lex, and this answered it. He didn’t know about Hujimura. Lex couldn’t afford to send her away. “Do you think he’ll be angry when he learns that we didn’t tell him?”

  “Yes,” Douglas said without hesitation. “But he’ll understand once you explain. I do it all the time. Go inside, Ms. Jillian. I’ll bring in the suitcases when I’m done making a few calls. Then Troy and I will have a long talk,” he added in a hard voice. “It’s his duty to inform me of anything that happens to you and Mr. Fitzgerald as soon as it happens.”

  Except he’d been hospitalized that evening, Jillian wanted to remind him. Shaking her head, she got out of the car. Douglas was still seated and was busy searching for something on his phone. The fact that he hadn’t hurried around to open her car door indicated just how furious he was. He looked it, too.

  “Douglas.” He looked up. “Go easy on Troy. You were in the hospital, and he’s been amazingly supportive.”

  He pushed open the door and came around to her side. “I can’t do that, Ms. Jillian. Not telling me what happened shows a level of incompetence and lack of judgment I don’t expect from him.”

  “Okay, Douglas. We are talking about my assistant here, not the new recruit at the CIA. He forgot to tell you this once. And to be honest, Troy answers to me, not you or Lex. And look at me.” She lifted her arms and smiled, hoping to placate him, but Douglas’ expression didn’t change. “I’m not mad. He was amazing that night. Those bastards beat him up, but he managed to free himself and got the upper hand. He gets major kudos for that. He’s the best assistant I’ve ever had, and I don’t want you to scold him or scare him.” Troy was the only assistant she’d ever had, but that little fact wouldn’t help her case. “So I’m asking again. No, I’m begging you to please go easy on him.”

  A weird expression crossed Douglas’ face, but all he said was, “Yes, ma’am.” Then he turned and went to gather her suitcases.

  The door opened before they reached it, and Jillian was enveloped in Estelle Fitzgerald’s expensive scents. “I was ready to send a search party,” she said.

  “Sorry about that,” Jillian mumbled, feeling a little guilty. “I had to talk to my father.”

  “It’s no problem. Faith and the girls are upstairs with your bridesmaids. She did an amazing job. She still refuses to show us your dress.” Estelle glanced over her shoulder at Douglas. “There you are, Douglas. Thank you. Take them to Lex’s quarters.” Estelle escorted Jillian toward the living room. “Your grandmother is down here with Vivian and me. She insists on talking to you.”

  “My grandmother?” Please, say yes.

  “No, Vivian.”

  Jillian blew out air. She didn’t want to talk to that wretched woman, but she pasted a smile on her face as they entered the spacious living room. Her grandmother was seated across from Vivian Fitzgerald, both of them with a glass of wine in their hand.

  “There you are, my dear,” her grandmother said.

  Jillian dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Nice scarf, Grandma.”

  She touched the silky piece of clothing around her neck and smiled. Jillian had given it to her. “Thank you. You have good taste. We can’t wait to see your wedding gown.”

  “As soon as I get upstairs.” She closed the distance between her and Vivian. Reluctantly. “Ms. Vivian.”

  “Hello, dear. Come with me, please,” Vivian added, standing and reaching for Jillian’s arm.

  Jillian allowed Vivian to escort her out of the room. Not sure where they were going, she kept quiet, but her heart beat a steady staccato. She didn’t want a showdown with this woman. If she handed her a prenup, she would sign it just to get this over with.

  “Let’s use the waiting room,” Vivian said.

  They passed the pillars in the broad hallway until they reached the paneled room at the corner where another hallway led to Estelle’s quarters. Jillian looked around, expecting to see a piece of paper by the vase of flowers on a side table.

  “Sit, please,” Vivian said and waved to a chair, taking the one across from it. Jillian sat, hating that she was nervous. “You know, Alexander is my favorite nephew.”

  What’s not to like? The man was the total package. Not that his aunt would know. Not sure how to respond, Jillian just smiled.

  “We thought he’d never settle down,” Vivian said slowly as though reflecting on the past. “He seemed content being a bachelor, running around with his friends, moving from one woman to another. Then Estelle called with the news that he was bringing home a fiancée. Naturally, I assumed it was that British woman he’d been seeing on and off. She is the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company. So when I met you, you can imagine my surprise. You are nothing like her, or the women Lex had dated before.” She studied Jillian. “Naturally, I found myself comparing you to Jocelyn.”

  And found Jillian lacking. Pearl-wearing Jocelyn was a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company while she, with her bikes and stunts, was the CEO of a priceless company—herself. Jillian grinned at her thoughts.

  “Did I say something funny?” Vivian asked, her voice sharp.

  “I was comparing the British woman to me.”

  “And?”

  “I’m winning.”

  Vivian frowned. “How do you figure that?”

  “I got the man. She got bupkes.”

  Something flickered in her eyes—amusement or annoyance, Jillian couldn’t tell. “You seem like such a nice girl, Jillian.” That sounded so condescending Jillian almost rolled her eyes. “You’re hardworking and grounded,” Vivian continued. “You are not like most Hollywood people, acting crazy for publicity. I had a chance to meet your father. He might be eccentric, but he is a good man. And your grandmother dotes on you.” She leaned forward, her expression serious. “I love my nephew, so when I say this, I’m doing it from the goodness of my heart. Alexander will bring you nothing but heartache.”

  Jillian’s jaw dropped. Who the hell tells a bride-to-be something like that? Someone who was mean, petty, and judgmental.

  “Is this about the prenup? I’ll sign it once you ad my stipulations.”

  “Lex already made it clear there is no need for a prenup. I’m looking out for you, Jillian. You are young with a whole life ahead of you.” She reached out to touch her arm, but Jillian moved away from her. “My nephew is not the right man for you.”

  “Listen, Ms. Fitzgerald,” Jillian said. “You’ve made it very clear that you don’t think I’m good enough for Lex. I get it. But Lex chose me. Not Jocelyn or other suitable women out there. Me. My father approves of our marriage and so does his mother. And that’s all we need. Tomorrow, we are getting married.”

  Vivian’s gray eyes flashed with annoyance. “I’m trying to help you, you impossible girl. My nephew leads a double life, and the men he considers his friends have questionable morals and lifestyles. You do not have what it takes to reel him in and away from that life.”

  Okay. It was official. She loathed this woman. No wonder her father had told Vivian to shut up. Every time she opened her mouth, Jillian wanted to knock out her teeth.

  Smiling, Jillian stood. “It’s been nice having this conversation with you, Ms. Fitzgerald. I’ll see you around.” Jillia
n turned, changed her mind, and whipped around. “I was going to do the right thing and just walk away, but I can’t. You are the most insufferable and judgmental person I’ve ever met. I know Lex’s friends. I’ve talked to them, gone to them for help, and watched them agonize over things people like you ignore all the time. They are good men. They might have lifestyles you think are below your standards and you may consider their womanizing ways immoral, but they are loyal and honest, which is more than I can say about you. You claim you love Lex, but you have no respect for him. You question his choices in a wife and friends. Friends who’ve stood by him over the years. Friends he can count on anytime and anywhere. And now, you’re trying to ruin our wedding. His wedding. Have you stopped to think about his feelings? How he will react when he hears about this conversation?” Vivian blinked, her face turning pale. “What did you think I’d do after this little chat? Walk away from him? I know Lex. I know his strengths and I know his weaknesses, and yes, he is not perfect. But from where I’m sitting, he is the perfect man for me.”

  Jillian whipped around and walked away. Just before she reached the doorway, she turned and caught a smug look on Vivian’s face. What was she so smug about? Could this be a test of some kind? Was the woman playing mind games to prove something? In Jillian’s book, that was worse than if Vivian had told her outright that she hated her.

  “I’m marrying your nephew tomorrow, Ms. Fitzgerald, and no one is going to stop me or ruin it for me. Not some rapist in San Quentin and definitely not you. So stay the hell out of my way.”

  This time, Jillian did not look back.

  CHAPTER 15

  Lex parked his bike outside the Montage and whistled as he headed for the entrance. The conversation with Douglas had bolstered his spirits. If anyone could fix this Warwick mess, it was Douglas. Lex knew Cade and Rod’s security people were working on this, too, but Douglas could dance circles around their combined teams. Dom was a former CIA agent and tended to depend on the law enforcement to deal with security breaches. Sloan and Rake were self-contained units and didn’t trust anyone, while Lucien and Aiden had teams of private investigators on speed dial. Still, none of their people could get results fast like Douglas.