Redemption (The Vault Book 1)

by Kate Benson

  “We’ll be around the corner soon. It’ll help with the glare.”

  “I don’t mind it,” I admit, glancing over at him and swallowing the gasp that comes with seeing Adam Avery this close beneath the rays of the sun.

  “There’s nothing quite like it,” he agrees with a soft smile.

  “Have you ever met someone who complains about a sunset?” I ask, making him nod. “Don’t you kind of hate people like that?” I continue, making him nod once more as a smirk spreads over his lips. “God,” I whisper as I glance back out at the bay basking in oranges and reds. “Who can complain about a sunset?”

  “Savages,” he says simply, making me laugh louder than even I expect.

  “Well, I won’t argue with that,” I sigh, glancing back over at him, admiring the cut of his jaw before I clear my throat and begin to speak. “So, can you please tell me why you’ve asked me to come with you tonight?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, it’s obviously an important contract if it’s both something Richard was already working on and it requires an assistant,” I say, pulling a nod from him. “I’ve seen Richard close deals and although your approach has its differences, you seem to be cut from the same cloth. I guess if I’m being honest, I’m not really sure what you’re expecting of me or why you’ve asked me to come. I am your assistant for the evening. Isn’t that correct?”

  “Not exactly,” he admits.

  “Well, if not an assistant, then… I mean, it’s not a date…” I trail off awkwardly, my stomach churning with shame and embarrassment as I whip my head around to face him. “God, you don’t think this is a date, do you?”

  “No,” he smirks. “No, it’s definitely not that, either.”

  “I can’t imagine you’ve asked me along for no reason at all. If I’m not your assistant, then what do you expect me to add to the evening that wouldn’t have already been hashed out in previous negotiations with Richard?”

  “You’re very perceptive. I like that,” he nods. “What I expect of you is to be professional, be attentive and take good mental notes. The final papers may be drawn, but the fact that Richard has stepped down has offered a slight rift in the company’s appearance. Changing CEO’s mid-deal isn’t something that’s done often and for good reason. No one wants to make a deal with an unstable enterprise,” he explains, making me nod. “You’re there to help me obliterate those doubts, plain and simple.”

  “So you want me to smile and nod?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

  “I wouldn’t say that,” he shakes his head, his lips curling up slightly, revealing a dimple in his cheek I’d not noticed before, but instantly have the desire to run the tip of my tongue over. “Is that what you’d call it?”

  “Call it whatever you’d like, Mr. Avery. Whatever term you choose, if that’s what you’re looking for, I feel it’s my duty to inform you that you very well may have chosen the wrong assistant for this particular task,” I smirk, holding his gaze despite the crimson staining my cheeks at my own thoughts. “As you may have noticed during our previous interactions, I’m not exactly a ‘smile and nod’ kind of girl.”

  “I did notice,” he says, unable to keep from returning my gentle smirk.

  The chuckle leaving him is somewhat playful, showing me a side to him I hadn’t known to exist before tonight. The man I’d spoken with in his office is an asshole, but the guy with the playful smirk and the lickable dimple?

  I like this guy. I like him a lot.

  “So,” I shake my head clear. “Why have you chosen me for this particular task then?”

  “A few reasons,” he admits, eyes still locked on the road in front of us as he finds our exit and heads toward the hotel. “First of all, I couldn’t very well go alone and profess unity within the company following a massively publicized change in ranks. The man we’re meeting would see right through it. He’s established and his is a business that is both sought out and very hard to come by. His wait list is miles long and he’s only agreed to not pull out from negotiations due to my name, nothing more. He’s built a great rapport with my uncle and that’s been our saving grace, but it’s important that Avery Finance continues to be portrayed as a solid company with invested assets and employees. It’s tricky to convince someone that you have such qualities to offer when you arrive to a meeting appearing to be a one man show. That’s reason one,” he continues. “I did a little digging, found out more about his company and they’re the real deal. I could understand immediately why my uncle had been so eager to have his name on this contract like he had on so many others,” he confesses. “In my own business ventures, I’ve always done best with someone who knows the ins and outs of the company at my side. I’ve spent every waking minute since I arrived learning this company like the back of my hand in order to deliver what’s expected of me. Had the meeting we’re attending tonight gone as scheduled, I may have been able to pull it off on my own. However as I mentioned this morning, negotiations have been accelerated and the single department I’ve not yet had a chance to delve into just happens to be marketing and advertising. That’s reason two,” he continues, his words finally clicking into place. “Both my uncle and Mr. Mitchell, the man we’re meeting tonight, have assured me that in order to make this deal happen, Avery needs to come off as the same well-oiled machine it’s always been, Miss Baxter. I can do that with all the other aspects, but I needed help with one. Once I got your name, I pulled up your file and found your history with our company as well as notes from previous performance evaluations. Sabrina holds you in high regard and all things considered, you seem like a good fit,” he says, pulling into the line for valet before flashing me a quick smirk. “Besides, you ruined my favorite tie this morning and I like a challenge. Smile and nod kind of girl you may not be, but a little subordination goes a long way. With that fiery little temper of yours, I thought it might just do you some good.”

  Adam

  I can’t deny the tingle burrowing low, the combination between amusement at her surprise and arousal at the way her full lips part at my suggestion making my cock ache.

  Fuck, if she only knew the half of it…

  I step out of the car, handing my keys over to the valet and making my way to her side. Her door is already open, but she remains in her seat, glancing up at me from beneath her thick lashes as I come to a stop beside her.

  “Isabella,” I say low, extending my hand.

  She ignores my hand, instead turning and using the back of the seat as leverage to push herself onto her feet.

  “Thank you,” she smiles courteously toward the valet attendant, pulling a nod from him and putting a slight smirk on my lips as she walks past me without another glance.

  “Have I offended you in some way?” I ask innocently, already knowing the answer as I lead her toward the entrance, nodding toward the doorman in appreciation as we step through.

  “I don’t do well with anyone thinking that just because I’m a woman, they can tell me what to do or how to act,” she says bluntly. “I’m not some mindless trophy who can be bought with a fancy dinner and a pretty dress, with or without the ruse of a work function.”

  Her words make my feet slow and without a second thought, I reach for her elbow and turn her to face me.

  “You think I brought you here for that? That I’ve expected your compliance based simply off the fact that you’re a woman?” I ask, pulling a nod from her. “Were you even listening to me?”

  “Of course I was,” she balks. “Bravo, by the way. I’ve got to hand it to you. You’re better than I thought,” she shakes her head. “You almost had me convinced I was actually coming to help you with my knowledge of the company and the work I’ve put in, but I think that last little comment you let slip out said it all, don’t you?”

  Her words have me biting my tongue as a laugh of frustration slips through my lips.

  “Unbelievable,” I shake my head.

  “Yeah, it really is,” she huffs, ready to sto
rm off, but I don’t let her.

  “Stop,” I order, honestly a little surprised when her feet come to a stop although I have no intention of letting this go. “I’m only going to say this once to you, so make sure you listen because I want this to be very clear,” I begin, taking the single step that separates us and standing close enough that my front brushes against her back as I speak low over her shoulder. This conversation is one that should probably be had privately, but something inside me won’t let it wait until later. “First of all, I understand that you don’t know much about who you’re working for and I’ll take responsibility for that. I’ve been busy, but make no mistake here. I have no need or desire for a fucking trophy. And you know something? If I did, I’m pretty sure I could get one that wouldn’t argue with me at every turn,” I insist, my low tone slipping out in a growl that has her breathing heavier against my chest. “As for those orders I’ve been barking at you, it’s not because you’re a woman, it’s because I’m your boss. When I give you a task, I expect you to do it to the absolute best of your abilities, because that’s how employment goes, especially when you work for me. I know the details of how I came to become the head of this company have been completely misconstrued, but let me assure you that I don’t believe in handouts and I am not here by accident. Regardless of what you may or may not have heard, I have earned my place, I will be respected and if you want to continue working for me, you will do as I ask and that has nothing to do with the fact that you’re a woman,” I warn, the same blunt edge in my tone as hers had held only a moment ago. “Trust me, Miss Baxter. If I ever tell you what to do based off the way you look in that dress, I won’t be talking to you as your employer and you can bet your ass you’ll know the difference.”

  Chapter Six

  Isabella

  As the last of his words leave his lips, my gaze finds his and my breathing falters for more reasons than one.

  I’m not sure I’ve ever been put on my ass like that before.

  I guess a piece of me should be a little offended, but I’m not. If I’m being honest, as the maître de shows us to our private dining area and Adam’s hand gently grazes my lower back, I’m more turned on than anything else.

  Not only did I not expect him to call me out, men usually don’t, his words make me thoughtful about the kind of man he actually is.

  He’s kept himself so separated from the rest of us since his arrival, he’s become something of an enigma. The media frenzy that followed his arrival and his isolated behavior only made him come off as less human. However for the first time since he became my boss, I’m starting to see glimpses of all the things he’s been trying so hard to keep hidden.

  He’s still trying his best to keep pieces of himself private, this much is obvious, but I’ve always been pretty good at reading people and I thought Adam Avery would be no exception. However, the more time I spend with him, the more I can see his façade slipping away, revealing his hidden self. With every piece, I’m surprised to say I feel like I’ve known him substantially longer than possible.

  I remain quiet as he pulls my chair out for me and takes a seat beside me, nervously checking his watch before his eyes fall on the entrance. I settle in quietly, thinking of what I want to say knowing soon the chance to say it will be gone. I’m working through that when his voice breaks my thoughts, pulling my eyes to where he’s speaking to the waiter I hadn’t heard approach.

  “A Glenfiddich neat and a Colgin merlot for the lady,” he says before glancing down at me, eyebrow arched in silent sarcasm. “If that’s acceptable?”

  “Yes,” I nod quietly, fighting the eye roll as I wait for the waiter to ramble through the evenings specials before finally leaving. “Thank you.”

  “I hope I wasn’t overstepping,” Adam says, clearly fighting his own annoyance. “I’d hate to…”

  “I shouldn’t have made assumptions,” I blurt, cutting him off before letting my eyes drift to his. “I’ve been treated like the ditzy show pony since college and I didn’t bust my ass through grad school for that, y’know?” I continue, watching him nod in understanding, his eyes softer now. “And I don’t know you well enough to assume you’d treat me any differently. I don’t actually know you at all, so it was wrong for me to…”

  “Its fine,” he offers, shaking his head as he takes his chance to cut me off this time. “I get it. I was raised by a very beautiful and strong-minded woman. I tend to be a little more understanding than you might believe.”

  “For what it’s worth, I do believe you,” I nod, thanking the waiter for the wine as he sets it in front of me. The air is thick with tension, something I’ve always hated. I clear my throat and shake my awkward nerves away before I face Adam once more. “So, is there anything I should know ahead of time?”

  “I’m assuming you read the file I had sent to you?” he asks, sipping from his drink before relaxing against the seat just slightly.

  “Yes,” I lie clumsily, pulling a long sigh from his chest.

  “You’re lying.”

  “Not entirely,” I admit, pulling my phone from my clutch. “I read some, but not all. I was late getting in and…”

  “No excuse,” he shakes his head, raking his hand over his face. “Besides, it’s too late now. He’s here.”

  “Dammit!” I slip, pulling a groan from his lips as they morph into a professional smile, taking in the striking man walking toward our table.

  Drake Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Construction. I don’t know jack shit about construction and even I’ve heard of this guy. Not just because of his striking good looks, but because ever since he’d expanded to our area, he’s scored some of the biggest contracts and investors this side of the Gulf. From what I’ve heard, he isn’t doing too shabby on the other side of it, either.

  He’s the text book definition of tall, dark and handsome, his indigo eyes popping all the way across the room as his full lips spread wide in greeting. His strong build and confident stride only adds to his perfection and as he makes his way toward us, his charisma floods the space and I swear I stifle a whimper.

  Jesus Christ, I’d give my eye teeth to see this motherfucker naked, I think. He’s easily the hottest man I’ve ever seen up close, save for the one standing next to me.

  My cheeks flare wildly at the thought as I risk a glance to my right.

  “Adam, what do I do?”

  “Well, if I’m being frank, you’ve really left us no other options, Miss Baxter. Nothing left to do now but smile and nod,” he sighs, arching his eyebrow. “And if you’ve decided you’re bold enough to start calling me Adam, I’d prefer you wait to do so until after they’ve left.”

  Shit.

  My heart sinks in my chest.

  “I’m sorry,” I manage, making him shake his head, although his eyes stay locked forward.

  “You’ll be fine,” he whispers. “Despite the impression I may have unintentionally given you before, you wouldn’t be sitting at this table if you weren’t more than capable of getting through this dinner.”

  He stands to greet our guest and a surge of pride blossoms inside my chest. There’s something else there with it.

  I can’t identify it now, there’s a chance I may never be able to, but something in the thought of disappointing Adam Avery that suddenly makes my insides twinge with regret. If you’d told me as recently as this morning that I’d feel this way under the circumstances, I’d have called you a liar. Tonight though, I can’t deny the emotion coursing through me.

  What a difference a day makes.

  “Mr. Mitchell,” Adam says, extending his hand. Adam wears a wide and genuine smile as he accepts his grip, giving him a strong shake across our table. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Thank you for seeing us.”

  “Of course,” Drake smiles graciously in return, his Southern drawl sending my insides back into overdrive. “Richard is a valued client and a good friend,” he continues genuinely and I decide that I like him already. “This is my
business partner for the Florida branch, Brad Bennett.”

  “Nice to meet you both,” Adam says politely, gesturing toward me. “This is Isabella Baxter. She’s one of the best in our advertising department. As you know, I’m still acclimating to parts of this new venture, so I’ve asked her to be here tonight to help fill in a few of the gaps and answer whatever questions you might have regarding those aspects,” he introduces me as he extends his hand to help me stand, gripping me gently at the elbow. “Isabella, this is Drake Mitchell and his associate, Brad Bennett. They’re with Mitchell Construction and will hopefully be spearheading our next endeavor.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Baxter,” Drake smiles with a subtle nod, his ice blue eyes peering into my soul, making me giddy with his charm and insanely good looks. “I appreciate you taking the time to join us this evening.”

  “Thank you. The pleasure is all mine,” I manage, unable to stifle the girlish giggle that has his full lips quirking up on either side.

  “Brad,” he gestures, pulling my attention to the equally handsome man to his left. “Isabella.”

  “Hello, Isabella,” Brad smiles, doing nothing to ease my awkwardness.

  His features are lighter, but nothing to sneeze at. Jesus Christ. What are these boys drinking? I think as he takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, the shade of crimson filling my cheeks pulling a low growl from my right making me swallow hard.

  “I think that’ll do it for introductions,” Adam grates out as evenly as he can, pulling my chair out for me and arching his eyebrow. Immediately, I sit.

  What the hell is that about? Is he jealous?

  I wonder, but vanquish the thought almost instantly. Even if both of these men weren’t married, to insanely beautiful women if the society pages are anything to judge by, that wouldn’t matter.