Sugar and Sin Bundle

by Stacey Joy Netzel

  Alec shivered. He’d never meant to get her this upset. “Adele, I didn’t mean—”

  She interrupted him, dismissing his words with a wave of her hand. “Yes, you did. You think I still don’t have what it takes to run this place. And yes, I’ve been a fool, but no more. Let’s take care of our immediate problems. The Sandovals.”

  “We can go one of two ways. Tip the police. Though, if we do that, it’ll be in the papers. If we plan to go public in the near future, there will be no way to keep any of this stuff private. Our other option is to just shut down those clubs. Pay off the Sandovals if we can. Make it go away for now.” He shrugged. “Both options still mean we have to deal with Max. If you try and cover his ass, it will come back to bite yours.”

  “What’s your recommendation?”

  “Close the clubs. Leave Synthesis open to see how it performs. In regards to the Sandovals, I’m still deciding. Caleb is thinking of a way out of that one. As for the public filing, even if none of this goes to the press, you’re not ready. Your house is not in order. I say, give it another year while you clean house. You’ll need to run it by the board, of course, but it’s the safest bet. You can go public next year when your financials are clean.”

  Adele leaned against the glass framing. “I still need a voice and a VP of Operations. I simply cannot be everywhere all the time. I wish I could change your mind about coming back, but I know better. I’ve learned my lesson with Max.”

  He let out a small breath and said quietly, “I’m sorry.”

  Her voice, usually so foreboding, was gentle. “For what? At least I have one son I can count on.”

  “You’re sure you still want me to bring him back?”

  She gave a toss of her head as if she could shake off the melancholy. “Yes. He has to answer for what he’s done.” The breath she let out was weary. “I’m sorry, Alec. I didn’t want to burden you with all of this. You made yourself clear when you arrived and I was listening. I promise once he’s home, I won’t tie you here and try and guilt you into staying. This isn’t where you belong.”

  “Adele,” he started.

  She laughed. “Back to that, are we? I’m not trying to guilt you. It's the truth. I learned long ago that for you to be happy, you had to do your own thing. I respect it. “

  Chapter Eighteen

  With jangling nerves, Jaya started at her quarry. There he was. Brett James, sitting at Tamara’s rehearsal dinner, like part of the family. All Jaya had to do was talk to him and she could have her life back. Could prove that she wasn’t a failure. Be welcomed back into the fold.

  Except her feet where having a hard time making the trek and it wasn’t the fault of those gorgeous four-inchers. She was terrified.

  “What’s wrong, Jaya?” Alec’s breath on her ear gave her a start. She looked up at him and he gave her one of his usual winning smiles. “Isn’t that your boy over there?”

  She cleared her throat. “Yeah, that’s him.”

  He gave her a gentle nudge. “Then what are you waiting for? You’ve done all this work to get here.” His blue eyes trained on hers. She could read the confusion and worry in them.

  She couldn’t bear to see him caring about her, so she looked away. It’s not like she could tell him that while Brett James might be the guy she was looking for, she was a chicken shit. Everything she’d ever wanted was finally within her grasp, and she was loitering on the periphery. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

  Alec’s earlier words rang through her head over and over again. He’d asked her when she would start looking at her reality. But he'd been right. This life she was so desperate to get back was mostly a fantasy. A fantasy she thought she could live in.

  This was reality. She had one job lined up with Adele Westhorpe, but she had no others, and no one clamoring to hire her. She actually couldn’t get a job in this town, thanks to dear old dad and Derrick. So what choice did she have? She had to pull on her big girl panties. Chugging the rest of her champagne, she strode towards her mark with Alec in tow.

  Brett James was in classic Geek Chic. Never mind that it was a rehearsal dinner for a wedding and the attire was cocktail—he wore a Miss Packman T-shirt, with the only concessions to the evening festivities being his dark-wash jeans and his blazer. But from the patches on the tweed jacket, she could tell it was meant to be ironic. On his feet, no loafers for Mr. Tech. Instead, Vans.

  Yep, he was one of her people. If she'd gone with her father's pitch, Brett James wouldn't be standing here like he was part of the family. And she’d done that. She’d made it happen. So time to get her job back.

  Alec kissed her shoulder. She shivered in delight as she thought of what they’d done before coming to the rehearsal. “Good luck. I’m going to go keep your asshole ex busy so he doesn’t interrupt.”

  She squeezed his hand as he left and drew in a breath. Now or never. She took a step in the right direction, but as her father stepped in her path, she was forced to take two steps back.

  “I trust you're enjoying yourself, Jaya.”

  She rubbed at her nose with a knuckle. “Yeah, fine, Dad.” She attempted to peer around his tall frame. “If you'll just excuse me, I need to head to the ladies—”

  “Where is that date of yours? Tamara mentioned you were bringing him.”

  She stiffened. Since when did her father give a shit about her date? “I'm not sure. If you’ll just—”

  But her father didn't seem to be hearing anything she said. Instead he looked lost in his own train of thought. “If you'll want to continue seeing him, we'll need to have him vetted appropriately, of course. You still have your shares in Trudeaux to protect. Wouldn’t want you making the wrong choices. We have to find out what we can about Alec —”

  “Aren’t you the one who fired me?” She cut him off as her anger brimmed. “Why do you get a say in who I date?” The last thing she needed was a lecture tonight. Especially not a public one. Too bad those were Pierre’s specialties. She knew how to perform a preemptive strike.

  Her father rolled his eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic. You’ve really been in a snit for much too long.”

  She sniffed and pulled herself up. “I’m not is a snit. This isn’t a toy I want you to go and get from Tamara for me. Though, it’s not like you’d actually ever take anything from her.”

  He shifted to turn his back on her. “If you really must—”

  She grabbed his arm and turned him around, not particularly caring if anyone was watching them. She kept her voice low. “You started this line of conversation. Not me.” She moved in even closer to him, aware that many of the guests had turned to stare at them now.

  “I’m not in a snit. It’s not a snit when you expect your father to stand up for and defend you. It’s not a snit that I choose not to spend any time with you and or Tamara and Derrick. I find him to be a vile human being who lied to me, cheated on me, plotted to have me fired, and is now about to marry my sister. Instead of standing up for me and being my dad, you take sides then act like I’m being unreasonable. You fired me from a family business. How the hell am I supposed to feel?”

  Pierre brought himself to full height. “This is what I mean, Jaya. You’re too emotional. Instead of looking at leaving Trudeaux as an opportunity for new directions, you want to focus on me not taking your side.”

  Jaya could feel the vein above her eyebrow throbbing, just like his did when he was angry. She stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest. “No. The focus is on the lack of support from you. Not only did you choose a snake-in-the-grass over your own daughter, but you also blocked me from being able to get a job anywhere, deny it, and act like I’m being immature and spiteful.”

  “You defied a direct order when dealing with the client. That kind of offense is terminable. My actions were just. What would you have done if you were in my shoes? You defy me. You don’t listen. You think you know what’s best all the time. You don’t want to work for a team. You’ve always worked better on your own. When you d
on’t listen, you get cut from the team. And let me be clear, you are still part of Trudeaux. You have your percentage of the business and the trust fund your mother left you. Do not act like I left you high and dry with nowhere to go.”

  “Last I checked, my company shares are worthless for voting once Derrick and Tamara marry. I can’t ever affect a vote since you have nearly majority shares, and the two of them combined have more shares than I do. So, yeah, I was high and dry with no way to get a job. Though, no thanks to you, I have one now.” She shook her head. “Looks like I didn’t need you after all.” She turned to stalk off and then remembered what he’d said about Alec. “And about my date…” Pierre opened his mouth to speak again, but she held up a hand. “He’s been nothing but nice to me, supportive and kind and patient. Your VP Client Services backstabbed me and proposed to my sister and got me fired. And you have no strong words for him?”

  “Jaya, I'm merely pointing out that you’re keeping company with a man who is, in essence, a drifter. You’re not capable of seeing the bad in people, so I have to do it for you.”

  The flare of temper started to gather energy and she tried to put a muzzle on her murderous thoughts. “You're trying to protect me, are you?”

  “Exactly. Whatever you might think, I'm your father, and it's my job to look out for you.”

  “Then who's going to protect me from you?” She turned on her heel and strode through the hallway into a room full of prying eyes. Do not cry. Do not cry. In a hazy fog, all she could focus on was keeping her shoulders back and making her way to the exit on shaky legs. It wasn’t until she reached the door that she realized Alec had appeared at her side and held her by the waist.

  When they got outside, she wiggled out of his grasp. “Please don’t do that.”

  He frowned. “Do what? I—”

  “The whole comforting routine. We’ve done it before. And you’re good at it, but it’s not what I need right now. I know it’s not real and tonight, that just sucks.” She lowered herself on the steps of the Country Club and wrapped her arms around her knees. A migraine loomed behind her left eye socket.

  “Jaya.” He lowered himself next to her as he loosened his tie. He didn’t touch her as he continued. “Maybe right now you don’t believe it, but it is real. I do feel something for you, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m still leaving. I don’t mean to hurt you. Besides, I don’t think I’m the one you’re mad at right now.”

  Oh, great. Now the pity. She lifted her chin. “I’m a big girl. I knew this was temporary. It’s just when I feel like shit and my stupid father—he knows the buttons to push—well, at times like this I wish it was real. Even though I know better. Even though in a couple of days you’ll be gone.”

  He reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m sorry. But I know how this ends up if I stay. I resent you, you learn to hate me, and I have to go.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “If I have to face the truth of where my anger is directed, you have to face the truth of the lies you’re telling yourself. You’re choosing to leave. It’s within your power to change that decision.” She stood and smoothed out her dress. “I’m going to take a walk. I’ll meet you by the car.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Alec didn’t know what the hell he was doing here, on Jaya's porch, about to do his best Say Anything impression. It would only pique his frustration levels, and that was the last thing he needed. But here he was on her doorstep, trying to decide if he should knock or not. What he should have been doing was sitting at home working on Max’s return and responding to his latest job offer. Bane's Technology just emailed him with a plum of a job. It was right up his alley—Interim CEO for a two-month stint. In planning for their merger, they’d fired their old CEO and needed someone to drive the whole company towards the merger.

  So what was his problem? For starters, he didn’t like Jaya factoring in his decision. Second, it was killing him that he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since the other night at the rehearsal. Worse than that, she hadn’t called. The way she’d looked so vulnerable had nearly broken his heart. And he only had two more days before the board of directors would call the authorities and Max would officially be a wanted man. Alec actually had shit to do if he was going to keep it all afloat.

  But instead of focusing on what was important, he was here, on her doorstep. Maybe she was right about him. He’d always told Mimi he couldn’t be tied down, but the truth was he’d never tried to stay. He'd obeyed Mimi’s rules and stuck around until he went to college, but the moment he had no obligations, he’d been off. Maybe he was just running away like Max did. Maybe he was no different.

  He shook his head. No. He was different, he told himself. He never hurt anybody. Except Mimi. Except Jaya.

  As he paced a raw patch in Jaya's welcome mat, he had a good idea about what was niggling at his brain. He'd known Jaya for less than two weeks and he was already sprung like a school kid with his first crush. He'd been unable to get any of his work done. He'd sat in for Max on the Board of Director’s meeting, but fat lot of good that did. They wanted to speak to Max. And good for Adele. She hadn’t protected his brother. She’d been clear and concise about Max’s culpability. But now he only had another two days to find his brother, or there would be police involvement.

  He ran his hands through his hair. What was wrong with him? He couldn’t focus on his family or on his future prospects. He should have already replied to the Bane’s Technology job. It was a no-brainer. The money was great—kind of obscene, actually. And it would give him freedom for at least another six months if he wanted to make the trek through Africa happen.

  Only problem was, it was in Boston. Three thousand freaking miles away from Jaya. His brain had already pushed his emotional centers toward rationality, worked all the rational scenarios. He'd only known Jaya for a couple of weeks. It was supposed to be all about sex. Exceptionally hot sex that he would consider cutting his own arm off to have again, but it wasn’t like he was in love with her. She and her damn lists. So stubborn. None of those arguments mattered, because here he was, acting like a moron. Pacing. And pissed off at himself for needing her.

  Damn it. Make up your mind, man. He either needed to knock or get the fuck out of here because the neighbors probably thought he was stalkerazzi.

  He lifted his hand to knock but didn’t manage it before she opened the door. As soon as she saw him, her eyes widened and his name came out in a soft breath. It was all he could do to keep his inward groan silent, but something inside him roared. He wanted her. And it wasn’t just the sex. Though he knew he'd die if he didn't feel her against him again. But he just needed her. He wanted someone to talk to, to laugh with. Fuck. He sounded like a sap.

  It took him several moments to realize she was speaking. “Alec. Earth to Alec. What are you doing here? I thought you were working today?” She waved a hand in front of his face. In her other hand she held a bag of cans. Probably headed for the recycling bin down the hall. He tried to speak, but no words came forth. After all what could he say? Instead, he moved.

  Grabbing her hand he pulled her back through her door. She had on a white sundress with butterflies and simple white canvas slip-on shoes. She tried tugging her hand free, but he held fast.

  “Alec, what the hell are you doing?”

  He didn’t answer her and ignored the litter of cans in her foyer, tugging her through her living room to the balcony. Could he tell her how he felt?

  Jaya wiggled and squirmed in his grasp. “Alec, you can’t just show up and not say anything and then drag me around. You don’t have to do the Conan the Barbarian routine. Or at least if we’re going to play Conan, let me get the right outfit for this adventure.”

  Shit. She was right. He was acting like a total ass. He also tried not to picture her in some scrap of rawhide leather, pretending to be Conan’s conquest. Granted, this was more of the real him than he ever showed.

  Pausing, he drew in a deep breath, u
naccustomed to giving apologies.

  “I’m sorry about the other night. You were right. I am choosing to leave. But I’m telling you the truth when I tell you that you make me think about staying.”

  She winced. “I’m sorry about that. I was totally raw from my conversation with Dad. Here’s the thing. We had an arrangement. You should want to stay because of you, not because of me.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. He did like direct women. “It’s more than that. I—” Shit, what was he doing? Apologizing for who he was? “I…” His voice trailed off. He tried again. I’m afraid of how much I need you. “We have two days. I—” He couldn’t finish the thought.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  Alec shook his head and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, I’m good. I just needed to see you. And say I’m sorry.” If that wasn’t the understatement of the century. “And I’m sorry for barging in like this.”

  She held her arms out to the sides. “You’re seeing me.”

  Damn, she really wasn’t giving him any rope. Well, here I go then. “I missed you. And I’ve been pretty useless the last couple of days. No one’s offered to make me a list to get my life in order in over forty-eight hours. I’ve been missing it.”

  She grinned. “I do make an excellent project plan. Especially now that I have my software.”

  Just the mere mention of the software reminded him of how they’d retrieved it. His cock bulged behind his jeans. Clearing his throat, he spoke. “Do you trust me?”

  Her eyes narrowed instantly. “Define ‘trust.’”

  And there it was. The underlying reason why being anywhere near her was a challenge. “Do you trust me to not do anything to hurt you?”