Cruel Masters

by Stone, Piper

  A shiver trickled down my spine. “How could I think that way about a man who kidnapped me? That’s insane.”

  “Perhaps, but I can tell by the look in your eyes how much you care about him, and you might not mind Dax and me,” Chase said as he grinned.

  “I don’t know. Maybe he’s too broken.”

  “I don’t think anyone is too broken to be cared about. Sometimes the most precious items are cracked or in pieces, but with a little TLC and some glue, the item came be made whole again. That usually takes time.”

  “I don’t think we have time and I’m not certain he would allow it.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” He took another step inside then turned once more. “But here’s the thing. I’ve known Sebastian since we were in high school. I think I know him better than anyone, including Dax. What I know without a doubt is that he’s falling in love with you. You are the glue he’s needed his entire life.”

  As Chase walked away, I couldn’t stop trembling. Was it possible to fall in love so quickly?

  A moment of peace washed over me, the answer both sickening as well as enlightening.

  Yes…

  Chapter 12

  Sebastian

  Business.

  I’d worked my entire life to ensure that I wouldn’t fall into the trap my father had. Both my father’s attorney and my aunt had prevented me from learning details of my father’s realm for years, forcing me to challenge both in court. What I’d learned had been eye opening, likely sealing my fate.

  My father had been in bed with some very bad people, the kind that refused to accept failure. When his business had begun to tank, it appeared my father had borrowed money to keep himself afloat, the interest alone crushing him. Sadly, there were only references made, no formal documentation as to the entity providing the cash. However, I had no doubt that his death had been a direct result of his inability to pay what was owed.

  He’d left no real legacy for his only child, merely ideas that he’d shared with me even at a young age, some plans, and a meager savings that he’d hidden and willed to me. Only his ideals were lofty, longing to purchase failing companies and rebuild them, every single job remaining intact. His death had been a stark reminder that my father had been far too soft.

  I’d promised myself that I would never fall into the muck of giving a damn about the companies or the people we did business with. After all, business was business, nothing personal.

  Smirking, I realized I’d succeeded in becoming the man my father had never wanted me to be.

  Cold.

  Heartless.

  My father’s death had turned me into the kind of man who refused to accept anything less than perfection. Purchasing part ownership in a hotel in a foreign country had been done on a whim, the opportunity presenting itself via email from a business associate. It had yet to provide any dividends, which had been a requirement of the contract in order to keep the hotel functioning instead of tearing it down and building the condominiums that I’d wanted. Poor management and a challenged economy were to blame. After the contract had been signed, Dax had convinced me to leave the hotel as it was for the five-year period but infusing capital with zero returns wasn’t in our best interest. From what I’d seen from recent advertisement pictures, not a penny we’d provided had been used in the required renovations. Now I regretted being convinced not to buy it outright. If we had, the condos would be fully functional.

  I’d also been tipped off that the bastards who ran our pristine hotel were using our funds for more personal means. I’d gathered enough intel to learn about the two owners’ lavish lifestyle. The rumor mill indicated various criminal activities had commenced at the property. I was more than just a little concerned another entity had shown interest in the hotel, much like had occurred with the Tredegar contract. In this case, the entity had attempted to buy out the fifty-one percent that we didn’t own.

  That wasn’t going to happen. That would only fuel the accusations that our company was nothing but a front for criminal activity, possibly enticing an international law enforcement agency. It was time to enforce the entire contract and take over as originally planned before someone became more determined to toss us in jail for whatever shit they could find.

  We would be unexpected as well as unwanted guests at the board meeting. The plan for initiating the final takeover had been scheduled for much later in the year. However, it had been the excuse I’d needed to get the hell out of town. Maybe I’d needed a break in the straight confines of our business operations.

  Or maybe I’d wanted to spend quality time with Kendra as well as securing her source of information. Either way, the previous night’s incident had been a stern reminder that this was still a foreign country, their laws entirely different that those in the United States. It was certainly easier for our enemies to perfect a coup of some kind if they desired.

  The hotel owners had no choice but to hand over the reins. They’d breached our contractual agreement egregiously.

  There was no doubt someone was determined to bring down Extreme. An early morning call to Marjorie had confirmed that Richard Tredegar had yet to deliver the contract. His time was running out.

  Or maybe it was our time.

  I’d also put out feelers to alternative sources, people I trusted to hunt down information regarding our company. There was always talk on the streets of Chicago, men pontificating about how they planned on taking us down. Rattle enough assholes and the rumors would fly. Whether or not the data presented was the truth or not was another story.

  “You’re certain you want to do this?” Dax asked as we stood outside the hotel, the meeting starting in five minutes. “Unless you’re prepared to make frequent trips or move here on a temporary basis, you won’t be able to control the demolition and construction of your dream project.”

  “If I remember correctly, Dax, it’s technically your dream project. Besides, you know I always finish what I start. We agreed two weeks ago that we couldn’t allow their particular management to continue. The business can remain operational as it is until the Tredegar acquisition is complete and changes underway. If there is any illegal activity going on, we’re going to make certain the assholes never set foot on the property again. After that, the plan goes into motion.” I shifted my gaze toward Kendra. Even after the passion we’d shared the night before, there was no reason to trust her. I allowed my thoughts to linger as I watched her move to the side of the pool, removing her sandals and dipping her feet into the water. I’d actually fallen asleep beside her, waking with a jolt.

  The realization had hit me hard during the middle of the night. If the accusations regarding my father were true, there was a possibility that a revenge play was in motion. Was she performing the ultimate act of betrayal, actually working with another party? I growled just thinking about the ugliness, the fact I’d already let my guard down more than I should have. Trust or no trust, she didn’t deserve my wrath unless it was confirmed she was playing the ultimate game. I continued to hope she was telling me the truth. Damn, I wanted the woman, more so than made any sense. She was everything I desired.

  In truth, she was everything I needed.

  And the one person who could bring me to my knees.

  “I’ll be curious to see how you make that happen,” Dax retorted, breaking me out of my thoughts.

  He was angry this morning, more so than I was used to. I knew how much he’d hated leaving here two years ago, the single woman I’d ever seen him become close to breaking his heart. However, this was about business and nothing else. Emotions only got in the way.

  Huffing, I realized that’s exactly what was happening with Kendra. Jesus. I was breaking every single one of the rules I’d imposed on myself.

  “Stay with Kendra. Make a few calls and find out what Mr. Tredegar has been doing,” I directed.

  Chase huffed. “No contract yet?”

  “Not yet and the clock is ticking.” I shook my head. “Let’s get th
is over with. It’s time the French assholes learn that fucking with us isn’t in their best interest.”

  “Wait a minute. You need to tell both of us what you meant by a threat,” Chase said as he moved slightly in front of me. “What the hell was said and more important, why didn’t you say anything before?”

  Exhaling, I fisted my hand, still watching Kendra. “There was a note sent by a courier with no return address. It was simple and to the point. ‘Revenge is sweeter than I expected. Years in the making.’”

  There was no reaction for a few seconds then Dax whistled. “I assume you attempted to find out where the note came from.”

  “Of course I did. Jesus Christ. Whoever it was covered his or her tracks very well.” I bristled, giving him a hard look.

  “Years in the making,” Chase repeated. “That could mean anything, including coming from one of about two dozen enemies. Why do you think it has something to do with your father?”

  “Because of the fact that everyone who had anything to do with his murder investigation attempted to cover up what really happened. And… because I found some papers in my father’s old things suggesting that he was starting to lose his grip, being pressured in a way he couldn’t handle.”

  “That’s not much to go on,” Dax offered.

  “As if I didn’t know that,” I barked. “But my gut is never wrong. There is some ultimate plan already in motion to retrieve the money my father must have owed this entity.”

  “Why not just ask you for the money? For God’s sake, you probably have that much stored in petty cash.” Chase laughed, although I could see concern increasing in his eyes.

  The answer was maybe as farfetched as the story Kendra had given, but I was beginning to believe that our stories were connected somehow. “Because this has become a dangerous game of revenge and one this person enjoys. What has occurred over the last few months is likely only the beginning.”

  The words seemed to resonate with the others.

  “Then let’s lock up this business deal and get back to the States and deal with Richard Tredegar,” Chase suggested.

  “Agreed. Do not let Kendra out of your sight. Either she’s in danger or she’s working with the person responsible for our troubles.” I gave Dax a nod.

  “She is just as much a victim,” Dax snarled. “You’re just reacting with your anger and not your intelligence.”

  “And you’re far too trusting. Be careful where that leads you. I doubt you want to go through heartache again,” I snorted, although Dax was right. I had difficulty separating the two.

  “Bastard,” he said under his breath.

  So be it.

  Taking long strides, I walked into the building, the suite of offices located on the far end of the tenth floor.

  “Don’t take this out on Dax. He doesn’t deserve it,” Chase said quietly, likely fearful of angering me any further.

  “That’s not my intent.”

  “And how the hell would he know that? Don’t you think he’s still upset over what happened with that woman a couple years ago?”

  “Yeah? Well, he should have known better than to get involved with someone he didn’t know.”

  Chase laughed. “The pot calling the kettle black.”

  I resisted retorting, turning my anger into cold calculation.

  The elevator ride seemed to take longer than usual, my patience wearing thin. Chase followed closely behind and within seconds, we burst into the office.

  There was no receptionist or any other personnel at the front desk. There was also no noise as would be expected in a busy office of a glamorous hotel. My hackles were raised.

  Francois Bisset and Bernard Caron had been owners of the hotel, as well as three other more profitable establishments for years. They were known as astute businessmen, although the information regarding their criminal activity wasn’t surprising. They were also consummate partiers. St. Tropez was considered a hot market right now, allowing for the possibility of significant money to be made. Selling was likely in their best interest to continue funding their expensive needs.

  “There is no one here,” Chase said under his breath.

  I laughed softly as we headed for the closed door at the end of the hall. I had a feeling I knew why. After twisting the knob, I slammed my hand against the door, the hard thud as it hit the wall giving me another smile.

  “Gentlemen,” I said with clear disdain in my tone. The two men stood with smug looks on their faces.

  As if expecting our arrival.

  There were no other board members in sight.

  “We were waiting for you,” Francois said, a twinkle in his eye.

  I wasn’t going to bother asking how they knew we were in town. While we hadn’t attempted to keep the yacht private, they could have easily found out from a call or visit from a member of the Coast Guard.

  “Then you know why we’re here,” Chase stated gruffly.

  “We do.” Bernard pulled a file from the desk, taking his time moving around the corner and closer. “However, the outcome won’t be as you expected.”

  “And why is that?” I asked with a wide smile of my own.

  “Because,” Francois started, “we have found another buyer.”

  “Against the terms of the contract.” There was no hint of anger in Chase’s voice, but I knew how angry he’d already become, the realization of what we were facing obviously settling in.

  Bernard smiled as he closed the distance, placing the file in my hand. “Our attorneys were able to find a clause allowing the change. I assure you that everything is entirely legal.”

  A clause. The asshole meant a loophole. I wasn’t going to bother asking what that was. At this point it didn’t matter.

  “It would seem that doing business with you isn’t in our best interest,” Francois said then laughed.

  “I’m certain the new owner, who as you remember now holds fifty-one percent of the shares, will be more in line with men of your nature, just as dangerous and unscrupulous as your firm.” The way Bernard issued the words pissed me off more than the fact they’d broken the terms of the contract. Within seconds, I had my hand wrapped around Bernard’s throat, dragging then slamming him against the large glass window.

  He choked, smacking at my arms, the smaller man no match for my brawn. I dug my fingers in, enjoying the way his face immediately turned bright red.

  Francois gasped, immediately reaching into his desk drawer.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Chase said from behind me.

  I tipped my head, able to see an expression of terror on Francois’s face. “You have no idea just how dangerous we can be. I suggest you remember that in the days ahead.” I twisted my hand a few degrees, smiling as Bernard began to wheeze.

  “Just let him go,” Francois begged.

  I loathed a man who begged for anything, the sign of weakness disgusting.

  Sighing, I stared into Bernard’s eyes before lifting the file in my hand. “I guess all that’s left to say is we will see you in court. And I assure you, gentlemen, we never lose.” When I released my hold, Bernard slumped over, coughing and sputtering.

  “Who is this new owner?” Chase bothered to ask.

  Francois opened his mouth twice before managing to speak.

  “Do you really want to fuck with us?” I asked, keeping my voice cold and even.

  “I don’t know his name. It’s a company. You’ll find that on the paperwork. We only met with their attorney. That is the truth,” Francois sputtered.

  The truth. I was beginning to wonder if there was such a thing as the truth in this situation.

  Clawing the file, I realized my heart was pounding from the increased fury. This shit was getting out of hand.

  I turned around, surprised Chase had resorted to pulling his weapon. We headed for the door and I stopped long enough to enjoy the moment. “You have ten minutes to leave the building. If you’re still here at that time, I will have you arrested for trespass
ing.”

  Without waiting for a response, I headed down the hallway, furious that we’d been caught off guard. Whoever the game player was who’d negotiated the deal had been one step ahead the entire time. That was about to stop.

  “The asshole is going down,” I stated as we walked into the elevator.

  “What now?” Chase asked.

  “We follow through with what I told them. Whatever the plan of action, I have a feeling it’s about to come to a head. We’re leaving for the States this morning.” I didn’t give a shit about the hotel at this point. It was only a small fraction of whatever scheme of revenge was being rolled out.

  When we were off the elevator, I made the necessary call to Jean-Paul.

  “Mr. Randolph.” Jean-Paul seemed surprised.

  “We’re leaving as soon as you can get the damn helicopter on the pad. Have the plane ready.”

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Randolph. That can’t happen.”

  Hissing, I stormed out of the building. “And why is that?”

  “The plane is grounded at least through today, maybe longer.”

  I glared at Chase who narrowed his eyes. “Meaning what? Regular maintenance?”

  “I’m not certain at this point.” Jean-Paul seemed hesitant.

  “And why the hell aren’t you?”

  He sighed before answering. “It would appear the jet was tampered with. If I hadn’t noticed some leaking fluid, there’s a possibility the pilot would have lost control early into the next flight.”

  Jesus. Fucking. Christ. The stakes had just spiked into an entirely different territory.

  “Let me know exactly what you found and how this could have happened. I need to know the names of everyone who’s had access to the plane.”

  “Yes, sir. As soon as I make a final determination, I’ll give you a call. I’m sorry, Mr. Randolph.”