Billionaire Beast (Billionaires - Book #12)

by Claire Adams

  She wasn’t fooling me. I knew who she’d been with and for how long, and as soon as his body turned cold, she’d leaned on Layne for comfort. He’d even been foolish enough to put her up in a new place, but according to him, his conscience had gotten the best of him, and he was on the mend with his wife. No matter to me. It would all change soon enough.

  I walked into the office with the usual greetings, a few hellos, but more heads turning away and feet changing direction, especially after my last outburst. I headed straight to my father’s office and went inside. Nothing had been touched except for the things Layne had taken, which to his credit, were necessary. No one had defaced Dad’s office by stripping away anything unnecessary.

  I glanced down at his chair and without remorse, planted my ass. He would have been proud to see me there — at least that’s what Layne had been trying to convince me of during all the past months of trying to lure me to pick up where he left off. He hadn’t seen it coming to this, I was sure of that, and he was equally shocked to see me sitting there an hour later when he finally came out of his office.

  I’d been on the computer looking over my finances and making plans to move forward when he passed by and did his double-take. I’d left the door open deliberately to intimidate anyone passing by. No one had bothered me up until then.

  “Aiden?” Layne strode in wearing a wrinkled suit and doing his best to look alert. A young lady, half Layne’s age, if a day, came walking out of his office behind him straightening her skirt.

  So that’s why he wasn’t seeing his secretary anymore. Knowing she’d left the building some time ago, I could imagine what was going on in Layne’s office for the past hour. “Still fucking around on the job I see.” The woman’s head turned so fast I thought she might get whiplash, but after I gave her a wink and a wave she turned and scuttled away.

  “Jesus, Aiden.” He glanced around to see if anyone else was listening, but that end of the office was dead, and now it was clear why. No one wanted to be within ten feet of what was going on behind closed doors, and it was yet another reason Layne was about to find himself on his own. “Stop giving me that holier-than-thou attitude.”

  “Don’t worry; I won’t ask how Mrs. Connor is doing. But maybe you should have your new assistant send her some flowers. You know, to show them both their place.” My face warmed with a sly grin, but the humor was lost on Layne.

  “To what do I owe your sudden interest in your father’s computer?” His smile was friendly, but his tone was laden with a heavy dose of fuck you.

  “I have to make plans for when this suit blows up in my face.” I didn’t trust him to pick up the pieces.

  He walked in and closed the door. “Well, it’s a good thing you’re here. I was about to call you.”

  “Good to know my personal fucking comes after your own.” I leaned back in my father’s chair and crossed my arms behind my head.

  “Very funny.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Not a denial.

  “So, what was so urgent you had to stop at one nut?” The remark earned me a glare as he took the chair across from me.

  “It’s time to get serious, Aiden. The Pattersons’ new evidence is a video recovered from Shawn’s cellphone that puts your father in the pilot’s seat when the crash occurred. It was recovered along with what was left of his body. Apparently, the phone was damaged, but still worked well enough to transfer the file. They hired an investigator since the black box evidence was… Well, it was unattainable.”

  “Why was it unattainable? It should be available for both sides-”

  The look on his face was proof enough that he’d had something to do with that. “You knew?”

  “I didn’t know there was going to be other evidence. I was trying to protect your family and ensure that there wouldn’t be any issues that could close us down.”

  “Dammit, Layne, you should have considered that could backfire.”

  “I didn’t withhold anything; I just asked to draw out the process for obtaining. I had no idea there was going to be a fucking cellphone video.”

  “What exactly does it have? I want to see it. See if you can keep your dick in your pants long enough to find that fucking tape.”

  “I’m already working on it.” He held up a hand as if it would make his argument stronger, but I sank back in my chair wondering what the fuck my father was doing flying that plane with passengers — with our family on board — and wondering if it were possible it was his arrogance that had killed my mother and sister.

  My stomach turned as Layne kept talking. Suddenly, he was all about his job. My dad had trusted the man, but I didn’t trust my father. As I thought of all the days Layne knew my father might be responsible for the crash and didn’t tell me, it pissed me off more.

  But I was more angry with myself. I’d let things go, left my responsibilities with Layne instead of dealing with them myself. The guy had done what he thought was best, the way my father would have done them.

  But that was the problem. I wasn’t my father. I took responsibility for my actions. Didn’t I?

  I thought of all the months I’d been out of it, angry at the world for taking away my family, so angry that I’d zoned out and let myself and my responsibilities go. I was as much to blame as Layne, if not more.

  That time was over. I was waking up to a mess, but at least I was awake. Mourning time was over. Grieving to the point of incapacitation was no longer an option, and with Lexa in my life, I had something to look forward to, even if everything else went to shit. Even if I lost Olde House in the process, I’d find my home with her.

  “We’ve got a week until the hearing. I’ll make sure you get the tape before then. I won’t let you walk in blind. And, I’ll see about the black box recording. You might be able to make out more from that than I could.

  “I really thought I was doing the right thing, Aiden. I know you think I’m an asshole, but I’m the closest thing to family you’ve had in a while. That isn’t lost on me. I’ve tried to do my best for the both of us because I knew you were going through hell.” I couldn’t argue with him. He had kept things together when I hadn’t.

  “I know. I’m sorry I put you in that position. It won’t happen again. But tell me, is there anything else I should know. Anything else you’ve done to protect the firm?” I believed him when he shook his head. “Then let me know when it’s in. I’m going to hang around another hour or two. I guess it’s time I get a job.”

  “Your father would be glad to hear that.” He stood and reached across my desk to put a hand on my shoulder when I huffed. “All he ever wanted was for you to follow in his footsteps.”

  “No offense, but I couldn’t give a shit right now about what he wanted. The only two people who matter now are my mother and sister. I’ll make them proud.” Layne nodded his head and then without another word, left the room.

  I glanced at the family pictures my dad had across the room on the table near the window and caught a glimpse of my mother and Ally at Ally’s graduation. There was another of Ally and me as children playing on the beach, with our father buried up to his neck in the sand. My mother had taken the picture, and I remembered the sun had been so warm. If I closed my eyes, I could still feel the breeze across my face.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Lexa

  Work had been hectic, but I managed to keep my head in the game. Considering I was on thin ice with Dr. Rob, it was a good thing. He hadn’t mentioned going out again since Aiden’s call, and I was still kicking myself for the response I’d given him and Aiden’s reaction.

  I’d only been on break for five minutes when the next emergency came in, and since we were short-handed, I had to go back to work. This was after already missing break once before, but patients don’t wait to see if you’re all done with your power bar before having a problem.

  So far, I’d dealt with a fishhook removal, two severed limbs, and a man that had been jolted with enough electricity to cook one of his fingers
. I’d had the usual patients, the type we get every day, too — men passing kidney stones and women in premature labor, or the panicked mother bringing her baby in for a simple cough. There had been three heart attacks and many bumps and bruises, and finally, when it was time to catch a moment, more trouble walked through the door.

  “Flowers for a special lady.” It was Aiden. He’d found me on my way from the break room carrying a bright bouquet of roses. My heart sank. I didn’t know whether to run into his arms or run the other way.

  “Aiden, you shouldn’t have.” I glanced around to see one of my coworkers and her next patient smiling and giving nods of approval. I pulled him to an unused triage room and left the door open. “I’m sorry I haven’t had a moment to call.”

  “Yeah, I see it’s been crazy here. The front lobby is packed. But I’ve been missing you. I wanted to come give you these, let you know I’ve been thinking about you, and ask if you want to come by tonight.”

  “I have dinner at my parents’ house tonight.” I thought I’d explained that already, but with my brain in a fog these days there was no telling.

  “Oh, that’s right. How about I take the three of you to dinner? We could go to Soto’s. I’d like to meet them, unless you think it’s too soon for that.” He was the sweetest thing, and it broke my heart.

  It also terrified me. He couldn’t meet my parents. That would happen soon enough.

  “It’s not the best time for that. My mother doesn’t even know I’m dating someone, much less in a relationship.” It wasn’t a lie, and it seemed to bother him, so I felt the need to explain. “I’ve been so busy I haven’t talked to them, but I planned on telling them tonight.” Another truth — but not exactly the whole truth. This was getting awkward.

  “It’s okay. Could you come by after?”

  “I’ll call you, but fair warning, I’m already beat.” He reached out and stroked my arm, his hand taking mine. He pulled it to his lips and kissed it.

  “You could sleep in my bed. You’ve already told me how comfortable it is, and I know you sleep well in it.” He searched my eyes, and I wanted so badly to promise I’d be there, but I left it on a maybe.

  “I’ll call you. Thanks for the flowers.” I saw his head spin around as a deep voice sounded down the hall. It was Dr. Rob coming out of the ER, and he rounded the corner so fast, he didn’t see either of us.

  “Is that him?” Aiden glared down the hall.

  “Aiden.” I gave him a warning glare, and he shrugged.

  “I only wondered what he looked like. It’s not like I’m going to break his hands or anything, I’m only keeping an eye on the competition.” He smirked and then leaned in and pressed his mouth to mine. He tasted of mint candy, and I pulled away, wondering what a mess I was.

  “He’s not competition.” I released a long breath, and he brushed his hand across my cheek.

  “I’m only kidding. Call me. I’m going to head out to the office for a bit.”

  “You’re going into the office again?” I wondered if there was more news in the case, if my parents had done something else.

  “Yeah, I’m getting back in practice. I’ll be taking over my father’s office, so I hope you don’t mind trading your doctor in for a lawyer.” I let out a sigh, and he chuckled. “I’m only kidding.”

  I gave him a nudge and then a kiss goodbye. As he walked away, I hoped it wasn’t the last one. It was always that way with him, never knowing if the other shoe would fall and things would be over before I’d see him again.

  I got off work a half hour late, but I wanted to prove to Dr. Rob that I was back on my game. I’d helped him stitch up a poor kid who’d gotten his leg caught on a fence. The gash had been awfully close to ruining the kid’s chances of ever being a father, so he’d gotten lucky, despite the twenty stitches.

  I drove to my parents’ house and wished Bre would come back. Who could blame her for not wanting to? After the little blow up, she hadn’t been back for dinner and my mother hadn’t even so much as asked about her.

  I went into the house with little welcome and found both Mom and Dad already sitting at the table despite my call that I’d be late.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting.” I lowered myself into my chair and unfolded the napkin to place it in my lap as Dad swallowed a bite of food.

  “Work must be picking up.” My mother had never grasped the concept of how busy my job was. I sometimes wondered if she even understood that it never really slowed down in an emergency room. I imaged she thought I was walking room to room taking temperatures and pumping blood pressure cuffs wearing a red and white striped dress with a little apron and hat.

  “Yeah, it was very busy today.” I wouldn’t gross her out with the details of blood and needles, especially since we were having lasagna. I scooped a hearty serving on my plate and took a slice of garlic bread and bit it. The bread was still warm, and the butter was smooth against my tongue.

  “You’ll be sure to take off Monday for court,” Mother reminded. “It’s very important, so before you try to argue, I need you to realize that.”

  My father’s fork clanked against his plate. “Dear, we talked about keeping the conversation civil at the dinner table. This should be a neutral ground to share our lives and our opinions with healthy discussion. If Alexandra has something to say, the least we could do is listen if we want the same respect.”

  I wondered if he’d be so agreeable when it came to my being with Aiden Walker. He hadn’t ever been too keen on Mother’s pushing me to date, but if he knew about Aiden, his opinion would be the only one that would matter.

  “Well, the hearing is happening, no matter her opinion.” Mother’s voice was sharp as she had a death grip on her fork. “Especially now that Mr. Walker has requested the recording. I’d like to see his smug face when sees his father in that pilot’s seat. No black box is going to dispute our evidence.”

  “Video?” My parents exchanged a glance.

  “Our investigator found a video file in Shawn’s phone. Mr. Walker was bragging about his piloting experience and talked the pilot into letting him take over.” My heart thrummed wildly in my chest. All I could focus on was the fact that there was a video of my brother’s final moments. My next thought was how the proof could ruin Aiden.

  “So you’re absolutely sure it was Mr. Walker’s fault?” They were going to win this case. I sank back in my chair and let the bite of lasagna fall from my fork. I’d suddenly lost my appetite. “And, Aiden hasn’t seen this video yet?”

  My father shook his head. “No, I’m sure it will come as a shock.” He seemed almost sympathetic, but continued eating.

  “Since we’re talking calmly about all of this, I’d like to pose a question to you. Have you thought for a minute, knowing that I disagree, what it’s been like for that man? I still think this is wrong. He didn’t do anything.”

  “Again, darling, we’re not suing him. We’re suing the estate. Would it be any better if there were no heirs? If this man wasn’t around to see what his father’s irresponsibility had caused?”

  “He’d be ashamed of his father. I’m sure of it. But why should we compromise his future?” My mother’s laughter chimed across the table.

  “Oh, Alexandra. We’re merely putting a dent in his wealth. The man is worth far more than we’re asking. Besides, he has the rest of his life to make it back. His father’s estate is probably earning that much in interest alone over a five-year period.”

  I didn’t think it was as easy as all that. Aiden had gone back to work, sure, but there was more going on that had him stressing. He was worried about losing his home.

  “What if the tables were turned? What if I was left with nothing but your estate and someone came along trying to take even a small part of it? Say it was all your fault, too; how would you like that?”

  My father pushed himself back from the table and sat as if contemplating leaving, but he stayed put, glaring at my mother as if I’d posed the question to only her. I had
a feeling they’d had this conversation before.

  “That’s not the situation we’re in.” My father’s voice was a surprise as I’d expected to hear from my mother instead.

  The silence drew out, and I couldn’t help but think that I was fighting a losing battle. Neither were going to budge. But I didn’t have to be around to witness it. Besides, if there was a way to get out of being at the courthouse, then Aiden wouldn’t have to see me there. He wouldn’t learn that I was a traitor as well as a liar.

  “I’m not going to be there.” I pushed my plate aside; the barely eaten food had already begun to go cold and the small portion I’d eaten threatened to vacate the premises.

  “Excuse me?” My mother’s tone was sharp enough to cut glass, and a growl of frustration bubbled from my father’s throat.

  “You have to be there, Lexa. If you’re needed, it could delay the entire process. You will be there if I have to have a judge order it. So, I’d advise you to reconsider.” Dad’s hard eyes were penetrating as they held me in my seat. I couldn’t move, I was so angry.

  “If my opinion is asked, I’m going to speak it. And just so we’re clear on how things are going to go down, if you do this, if you drag that poor man to court over that accident, the accident that took his entire family, then you can consider yourself childless.”

  My mother’s hand clutched her neck, and my father’s angry stare went blank. “You don’t mean that. Your father and I are all you have now that Shawn’s gone. Think carefully of your words. If they were designed to hurt, then congratulations. You know damned well how hard it was to lose Shawn.”

  “Yes, and I can imagine Aiden Walker has had to deal with that grief times three.” I pushed back my chair, and it dragged across the tile making an unpleasant noise as I stood. “So if you keep this up, you can mourn me, too. I’d rather have no parents at all, than parents I’m ashamed of.”

  As I walked out, I turned around and gave them one last thought to chew on. “When you’re counting your money — the money you destroyed another person’s life to have — look around. Shawn will still be dead, and no amount of money is going to bring him back.”