by Stone, Piper
“I’ve already told you, your damn attorney, your assistant, and half a dozen other people from your shoddy organization that I am not selling out to you. I don’t care what you plan on doing. The company is worth much more than the pittance you offered. You also can’t have the battlefield property. That’s precious to me.”
The battlefield property was the icing on the cake, a piece of land my father added to this particular contract. I couldn’t care less. “What I hope to do with the beautiful piece of land is vital to the city and people of Chicago. However, that’s not what I was hoping to talk to you about.” I held my grin as I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, walking him away from his oversized thugs.
“And what do you want to talk to me about?”
I was improvising of course, going along the lines of what Diana has suggested. By the end of my soliloquy, Caleb actually shook my hand. Not only would we be building the largest Casino in the state of Illinois, but I had his full backing on several other acquisitions and he would soon hold the title of vice president of Bishop Enterprises. Funny how life could turn on a dime.
There was one other holdout and this one wouldn’t be so easy; he couldn’t be handled by implied threats or throwing a bone about working together. Richard Markum was old school, growing up on the East Side, working his way through college working two jobs. He saved his money, finding a few investors and opened Markum and Associates when he was only twenty-five years old. Through the years, he’d acquired hundreds of pieces of property, turning some into destinations worth millions of dollars. Yeah, I’d learned everything about the man, including details about his family, his friends, and private information about his bank accounts and real estate holdings. His wife had been dead for almost four years and he had an estranged relationship with his daughter, who’d all but disappeared. The man was very much alone in his business decisions.
Through nothing more than hard work and tenacity, Richard had turned Markum and Associates into a thriving business employing over two hundred people in Chicago and the surrounding area. From everything I could tell, he was moral, ethical, and had refused on several occasions to bow down to anyone pushing his buttons.
Including my father.
I genuinely liked the guy and I only knew him on paper. I even admired him for his business ethics and his regard for his employees, but his luck had run out. He’d made a single mistake, albeit significant, and now I was able to capitalize on that in order to force him to sign a contract.
“I take it by the grin on your face that everything went well?” Diana asked as she handed me a glass of champagne, her eyes twinkling.
“Very. Your idea was brilliant. You might have a keen sense of business after all.” I scanned the room, searching for any sign of Richard. He’d confirmed his attendance and given he was an honorable man, I expected him to attend. There were no secrets. He knew the score and would come prepared for an answer. Breaking his balls could be in order, but I was more than prepared to do just that.
“And what about your next intended prey? What are you going to do with him, cut off his testicles and feed them to your hamster?”
I chuckled as I gave her a quick glance. She had her father’s brusque and uncaring demeanor, hence the concept of bitch. “My hope is that he’ll listen to reason.”
She laughed and swirled her glass. “You must be kidding me.”
As Richard walked into the room, entering with no fanfare and no one on his arm or by his side, I bristled, a cold chill shifting down my spine. The aging man certainly wasn’t formidable, but there was something about him that gave me pause. “I’ll be right back.” I headed in his direction, able to see the look of concern on his face, the way his skin seemed ashen, almost gray. “Richard. Good to see you here. I hope that you’re prepared to give me your final answer.”
Richard tilted his head, looking me dead in the eyes. In his, I could see such sadness, as if he’d given up on the world and his beliefs. “I’ve lived a long life, Jagger but I’m a lonely man. All I have is my business. There is no family that cares any longer, no grandchildren to bring me joy. Only my company. I worked hard to make certain I had a legacy and even though that no longer matters, I still have my pride. I won’t sign the contract. I simply can’t.”
The pain in the man’s eyes was telling as well as heartbreaking. For a few seconds, I didn’t want to be the ruthless fuck I’d turned into, but there was little recourse. “Richard, while I do understand and appreciate your conviction, I will have little choice but to destroy you given what I know. One call to the police and you will lose everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
I wasn’t surprised by his deadpan reaction. I was shocked when he began to shake, his entire body sagging. He looked at me, his eyes reaching through mine and straight into my very soul, and I knew then what I’d done could never be undone.
As he fell to the floor, I heard his last words and they were ones that would haunt me to my grave.
“I forgive you.”
Chapter Two
Lola
There are so many things I want in life. For many, it’s all about money, possessions. I couldn’t care less about billionaires, which is what every little girl seems to be craving, pumped up by romance novels that sling out words like ‘taming’ and ‘breaking.’ Of course, I’ve read my share of sizzling erotic books about dark and dangerous alpha men during lonely nights—red wine and a carton of ice cream my only solace. Passion. Love. Security. The three little words mean so much, yet there is no way I’ll ever achieve them. I’ve given up on finding the right man, as if there really is such a thing. There’s too much heartache in this world.
So, I work...
“Lola Chenelle. Is that really you? I can’t believe you are actually joining me for a glass of wine. And in the middle of the day! The Martians must have landed in downtown Boone.”
“Very funny.” I rolled my eyes as I slid into the seat, dropping the various shopping bags. “So, I took a day off for a change.” Granted, Emily was right. I hadn’t allowed as much as a day to myself in almost eighteen months. Just trying to get the business up and running had taken every red cent I had in the bank, let alone the two bank notes. And the time needed meant eighteen-hour days with two different employers and working on ideas for my little slice of the pie.
But the combination cozy bistro and book shop was all mine. Bottega’s Bistro and Books had a catchy ring, at least in my opinion.
“I’m so glad. How’s everything going? Wait, before you tell me. Take a look at that hottie over there. Isn’t he something special?” Emily leaned further over the table, licking her lips as she gazed at the other side of the café.
“Be careful, girl, you’re drooling.” However, the guy was sexy as hell and wore a pair of tight blue jeans like no one else I’d seen in Boone. Well, there had been a few I could have snacked on, rough-hewn men with washboard abs and sensual eyes. I’m not entirely certainly why I moved to Boone, North Carolina over three years before. I remember one tequila-filled night, a map in front of my hand and anger in my heart. Then I’d sold everything I owned and left less than a week later.
“Sugar, hold your tongue ‘cause that’s our waiter.”
I adored Emily Granger and had literally almost run her over on the street the first day I was in town. The various curvy roads, and the lack of knowing where I was or what I was doing, I blamed for the near tragedy. After a few choice curse words on her part, she’d realized I was crying and offered a kick in the pants and a tall liquor. We’d been fast friends ever since. “Great. I’m leaving now.”
She grabbed my hand as the tall buff blond sauntered to our table, his dancing blue eyes the color of the Aegean Sea. All I could think about was rolling in the white sandy beach, water lapping over our heated bodies as we kissed passionately, our tongues entwining. I could feel the heat rising on my face, dampness between my legs. I hadn’t even kissed a man in so long, I was uncertain if I would freak o
ut if it ever occurred again.
“Ladies. Welcome to Tulips on this beautiful summer afternoon. Can I start you off with some iced tea?” he asked, glancing from one to the other of us.
His eyes seemed to settle on my chest, or maybe the bright fuchsia shirt I’d selected, feeling a little bit jazzed this morning. Maybe the clingy attire wasn’t the best choice, but given the slight bulge in between his muscular legs, I was a bit giddy. Even the slight county bumpkin twang was just about the most delicious accent I’d heard. Okay, so I could ride the man like a wild stallion. I wasn’t necessarily proud of myself, but what the hell.
This was a ridiculous reaction given the fact I was almost twenty-seven years old.
“Wine. Lots of wine,” I blurted out, catching Emily’s gleeful look.
“That we can do. What kind would you like?” He inched closer to the table, pursing his kissable lips.
“Merlot.” I don’t even remember which bottle I selected, but after he left, making certain we were well aware that his name was Lance, I exhaled, feeling every ounce of tension release.
“I have a feeling you’re going to have a sinful afternoon. A little wine, maybe some cheese. A big plate of hard cock.”
“Oh!” My squeal managed to draw far too much attention, including Lance’s grinning face turned toward us. I squirmed in the chair, my pussy clenching.
Laughing, she shook her head. “About time. You deserve a little TLC and relaxation. When’s the big grand opening?”
“We’re open but I am planning a big party next Friday. A band, food, drinks, the whole works. I even found a couple of writers from around here who will be in attendance.” I heard the sound of my cell phone for the third time that day and I didn’t have to bother to look to know who was calling.
My father.
He must have heard through one of his friends or perhaps gave enough of a shit to look at the store’s website. I really didn’t care. I’d left Chicago for college and after only two weeks back at his house, I left again. This time for good. I’d landed in Virginia, working for a real asshole for almost two years before throwing in the towel, almost returning home. The tequila had given me strength to find my dreams. Now, I hungered for a sinful fantasy, not being forced to deal with my father in any capacity.
“Do you need to get that?” Emily asked, giving me an evil eye.
“No. I don’t.” There was a gruffness to my tone, which didn’t surprise me. Why did the man think he could interfere with my life? I wasn’t going to forgive him any time soon, if ever. There wasn’t enough room in my heart for that bullshit.
“Well, okay then. You need some wine. Lots of wine.” She pushed the glass further in my direction.
“I’m sorry. Just my dad and I don’t want to talk about him.”
“I didn’t even know you had a family. You act like you were hatched from an ancient bird.” Emily fluttered her wings, laughing as she kept just out of my reach.
“You’re quite the comedian today. I have a family. Well, sort of.” As Lance approached, this time swaggering across the floor, showing sexy dance moves to the music, I allowed my concentration to settle on the fine-looking man. The beach scene was still in my mind, blue skies and our naked bodies lying together, limbs entwined, sand between our toes. If only a single fantasy could come true.
“Here you are, ladies. I took the liberty of bringing you some fresh fruit and cheese as well. I can tell you are celebrating life.” He winked as he uncorked the bottle, allowing me to have the first taste. When he leaned over to pour, I inhaled his intoxicating cologne and there was no doubt I moaned. Out. Loud.
Shit.
Even Emily could barely contain her reaction.
“Perfect. Luscious and ripe,” I said, regrouping. Until I noticed his face, the leer replacing his happy expression. This time, I wanted to crawl under the table. I had no poker face, no destiny to run major corporations. I said what I felt, and every emotion was right there like a massive black stain on whatever I was wearing. I was that girl, too sweet for her own damn good.
“I’m glad you appreciate, especially the finer things in life. I can see you are a woman who savors all things delicious, perhaps even a little wicked.” His words were whispered, overtly sexual in the overtones. “I’ll leave you two alone to enjoy, but remember, I am here for any of your needs.”
Only after he walked away did I allow my very long breath to escape. I also grabbed my napkin, fanning my overheated face. At least I had the good decency to wait, instead of making a bigger fool out of myself.
“Hot damn is all I can say. I need to take some pointers from you. The last boyfriend I had was more like Jethro, and I don’t mean Tull, if you know what I mean.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m so glad we’re doing this.”
“Then raise your glass, sugar. Let’s toast to hot men and getting laid.”
“Emily!”
“What? You want him as much as I do.”
I was thankful there were only a few people in the small café or we would have been tossed out. After taking a sip of wine, I wanted nothing more than to stop thinking about my father. Truth was, I missed him terribly, but there was no turning back the clock, no time machine that would allow everything to change. “What’s happening in your life?”
“Me? Nothing so glorious. The new job is going okay, although there are some real putzes in the place, but I keep them in line.”
“That’s good.” I don’t know why I still blamed him for my mother’s death. He had nothing to do with the car accident. I think I just wanted to blame him for everything given what I’d learned one fateful afternoon. A shiver slithered down the back of my legs.
“I have this thing for one of my coworkers though,” Emily continued.
I don’t even remember what I was looking for, but finding the damning contract, the glaring information indicating that he’d sold his soul to the devil had stripped away everything. I no longer thought of my daddy as a superhero, able to leap tall buildings. I simply saw him as a weak man, capable of selling out to the highest bidder.
To a monster.
“And he’s green and has two horns, which come in extra handy during intercourse.”
“That’s really nice,” I half whispered then realized what she’d said. “What?”
Emily pouted, pulling a face. “No one listens to me. Spill it. What’s up with this family I never heard about? Come on.”
“Nothing that I care about telling.”
“You’ve heard every sad story of mine. If your dad keeps calling you, there has to be an important reason.”
I took a solid gulp of wine before I found the courage to answer. “He just wants me to come back and take over the business.”
“That’s not the worst thing I’ve ever heard. I thought you were going to tell me he’s a mass murderer or something.”
I could feel myself shrinking back.
“Uh-oh. I landed in some shit there, huh?” Emily asked, trying her best to pull me out of my fog.
“He’s a good guy. He just got mixed up with some really bad people back home. I learned to hate him for it.”
“What kind of people are we talking about?” She toyed with her wine, running her finger around the rim as Lance walked by.
Emily was a girl to adore, so carefree and everything about her was lighthearted, at least until you crossed her. I waited until Mr. Hottie left and she’d taken a sip of her wine before trying to answer as nonchalantly as possible. “The mafia.” The wine landed all over my shirt and on my white jeans.
“Oh, shit!”
We were both laughing by that point and I could almost envision Lance trying to clean the substance with his big, muscular hands, a soft towel, and...
The ringing of my phone interrupted the increased lust. This time, I yanked it out of my purse, glaring at the screen before hitting ‘no’ to refuse acceptance.
“Here. Take these napkins. I’m so sorry.”
&nb
sp; “Don’t worry. It’s not a party without someone spilling something.” I turned over the phone but honestly, I was concerned. I was going to have to face whatever Daddy needed me to hear or he’d nag me to death. There was no point in pushing off the inevitable. I could be very nice, hear him out then remind him for the tenth time that I had a life.
One without him.
“Are you worried, I mean about your safety?” Emily’s eyes opened wide. She’d never spent much time away from the area and the people here were friendly, caring and the majority of folks didn’t even lock their doors at night. The entire state was a far cry from where I’d grown up, behind locked doors and steel bars. My father had been terrified his entire life.
And I learned why the hard way.
“What, because of what I told you?”
She nodded several times, her eyes brimming with concern. “Think about it. I’ve heard they are brutal, killing everyone.”
“Chicago isn’t the OK Corral, and I wasn’t ever on their radar. I just don’t like the people my father associated with.” With every second of thinking about him, my mind was driven to the wonderful memories he’d created when I was growing up. Every day was special, even though he worked long hours. He’d make certain he picked up some goofy toy or a single rose for my mother. At least in the early days. We laughed all the time and my mother and I were so happy, even when he wasn’t around.
Then everything had changed. Everything.
“Talk to him. Maybe he just wants to send his love and congratulations on the new business.”
My phone made another sound, a text and I hissed under my breath. He was desperately trying to get to me. As I turned over the phone I was able to read a portion of the message. No. This couldn’t be. My hands were shaking as I slid my finger across the screen, maneuvering to the text.
“Is everything okay?” Emily asked.
I was forced to blink several times before I understood what I’d read and what I would now be required to do. “No. I have to go.” I was numb as I reached for my purse, unable to think clearly. What I knew at that very moment was that the rest of my life would never be the same. “I need you to do me a favor.”