The Billionaire's Revenge (The Blank Check Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winter

  Jordan pulled her close and said, “You are doing everything you can. If anyone can figure this out, Sal and Connor can.”

  She pulled back. “Connor? I don’t remember mentioning his name. Did Sal talk to you about this?” Gianna wasn’t happy and got up off the couch. “I told him not to. This was between him and Mary-Lou,” she snapped. “Maybe I shouldn’t have called him after all.”

  Jordan got up and grabbed her hand. “Gianna, look at me.” When she did he added, “Sal told me because this isn’t just about Mary-Lou.”

  “Of course not. It’s also about the piece of crap that set her up,” she said angrily. “I swear if I find out who did it, they are going to be sorry they were ever born.”

  “So far, that would be me,” he said.

  She almost hurled. You? There was no way she’d heard correctly. “Jordan, you couldn’t…I mean you wouldn’t…” Her head was spinning. “Tell me you didn’t.”

  “I didn’t Gianna. But someone is working fucking hard to make it look like I did. Sal and Connor are trying to find out why and who.”

  “Why didn’t he tell us that when he met with me and Mary-Lou earlier this morning?” Gianna asked.

  “The fewer people who know right now, the better,” Jordan said.

  “Not for Mary-Lou. She was arrested and had to spend the night in jail. How is hiding this from the police helping?” she said, totally overwhelmed with it all.

  “We can call them. Connor can give them the proof he has so far, but that won’t tell them who did it. It’ll only show my name.”

  Gianna loved Mary-Lou and would do anything to help her, but she also loved Jordan and she couldn’t do that to him either. I do. I love you Jordan. What a time to figure that out.

  She walked over and sat back on the couch. “So whoever is doing this is out to hurt you? But why use Mary-Lou to do it? As far as I know, you hardly know her.”

  Jordan sat down beside her and said, “I don’t think this is about me or Mary-Lou.”

  Well that made no sense at all. She asked, “Then who?”

  “You,” he said softly.

  “Me!” Her heart raced. “Me?” She flew off the couch again pacing the room. Her mind tried to process it all but it all seemed too much. Then she stopped and looked Jordan in the eyes. “Marvin,” she growled. He didn’t seem shocked by her assumption. “But you already knew that didn’t you?”

  “It’s my hunch, but nothing so far has traced back to him.”

  She wasn’t one who scared easily. Right now she was petrified. Before this she felt as though she could handle Marvin on her own. Heck, she’d told Jordan that on several occasions. Now this was bigger than anything she ever could’ve imagined. Gianna still didn’t understand why Marvin would do any of this.

  Her eyes burned as she fought back the tears. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  Jordan walked over to her pulled her into his arms. As the tears flowed down her cheeks, he said, “It’s Marvin who’s going to be sorry. You did nothing wrong.”

  She felt so safe standing there. The rest of the world didn’t exist. It was just the two of them. But that wasn’t reality. Tomorrow she had to go into the office and do her job. She wasn’t just working this hard for herself any longer. There were her employees who needed her to keep it all together. If she broke down, if she let Marvin win, then they all lost along with her. I didn’t work this hard to move past it all, only for it to break me now.

  When her tears had dried up, she lifted her head and said, “Jordan, what am I supposed to do?”

  “Exactly what you have been doing. You worry about your business and let me worry about Marvin.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t do that. Look at what has happened already. He’s trying to get you arrested. What if he…” Gianna couldn’t bring herself to even voice the words, what if he tried to hurt Jordan physically too?

  “He’s not going to do anything. Marvin’s not even in New York,” he explained.

  “But look what he’s done from a distance,” she reminded him.

  “That’s what Sal and Connor are for. And just so you know, it’s not just the two of them. So if you find yourself feeling like someone’s watching you, they probably are. But in a good way,” he added.

  “Jordan, why are you doing all this for me?” she asked.

  He cupped her face and said, “Because I love you.”

  She yearned to hear those words. Her heart was ready for them. Through trembling lips she said, “I love you too Jordan. I just wish things could be…different. But I think you…you should go.”

  He tensed and said, “I’m not leaving you Gianna.”

  Marvin was a millionaire. He had a lot of access to things she couldn’t afford. Of course Jordan was also financially out of her league, and probably had a protection team watching him as well. This was too much. Unnecessary. Maybe if she’d gone and had dinner with Marvin, they could’ve talked this out. Maybe she could’ve made him understand that she wasn’t interested in him like that. Not interested in him in any way.

  “I know you want to be here. But if Sal and Connor are actually watching me, then I will be safe.”

  “You’re safe with me here too,” Jordan stated.

  She sighed. “What if Marvin is also watching me? I mean he might…he might go after you even more.” She couldn’t bare that.

  “Honey, I’ve known Marvin a long time. A lot longer than you have. He should know that I don’t back down. If in fact this is his doing, he knows I’m fucking coming after him.”

  “You don’t need to. Just call the police. Let them handle it,” she said. Someone had to put an end to it otherwise they’d always be looking over their shoulders.

  “We’ll talk about what sort of action takes place when we know for sure who we’re dealing with,” he said.

  And by action, he means revenge.

  She looked at him and said, “And they say a woman scorned is a dangerous thing. Obviously, they haven’t met you.”

  Jordan laughed. “Oh I don’t know about that. I say those beautiful blue eyes of yours almost turned black when you said his name.”

  Gianna grinned at him. “Okay, so maybe the saying isn’t totally inaccurate.”

  “And that’s why I’m always going to be on your good side,” he teased.

  She pulled him closer and said, “Are we still talking or can we go and finish this in…”

  “Bed?” he added. She nodded and Jordan scooped her up into his arms. “There’s a few things I have to say, but might be better if I show you.”

  “I’m definitely up for that conversation,” she replied as she kissed his neck and nibbled his earlobe. We can talk like this all night if you want.

  Jordan didn’t want to move. There was no place he’d rather be there lying there, holding Gianna. He could hear his phone vibrating on the nightstand, but it was out of his reach. Since Gianna was half laying on-top of him, there was no way he could move without waking her. No matter who it was, it couldn’t be as important as letting her sleep.

  She didn’t say anything, and didn’t have to. He could tell the stress from everything was taking a toll on her. She looked tired. Even though they made love last night, he pretended to fall asleep just so she would. It had worked too.

  He gently stroked her long blonde hair while she purred softly against his chest. Jordan had been able to sleep for a short time, but for the most part, he couldn’t stop thinking about Marvin.

  Jordan had told her the truth, something he wasn’t supposed to do. It was a risk because as of right now it was still all speculation. Would he feel bad if in fact this wasn’t Marvin’s doing after all? A little. The guy was still a piece of shit. He’s surprised Marvin’s behavior hadn’t gotten him in trouble with the law long ago. Connor was doing a lot of digging into Marvin’s life, and if there was anything, he was confident Connor would find it. Even if Jordan didn’t turn him in, he might be able to use it as leverage to get him to back th
e fuck off.

  Once again the sound of a phone vibrating filled the room. This time it wasn’t his. It was hers. He hated to do it, but he whispered, “Honey, your phone is ringing.”

  Gianna moaned and said, “I don’t want to open my eyes.”

  “You don’t have to. Sleep.”

  The phone stopped and she continued to snuggle up against him. Unfortunately, it started again. If he could’ve he’d have reached for it and shut it off. Gianna moaned and slowly pulled away from him, rolled over and grabbed her phone.

  “It’s my mother. Sorry,” she said.

  Gianna answered and said, “Hello Mom. How’s everything?”

  “That’s a ridiculous question at a time like this. How can I be good? Your father is…he’s fuming.”

  Jordan could hear her mother’s high-pitched voice even from where he laid. He sat up, reached out and touched Gianna’s shoulder so she knew he was here for her. She sat closer to him, as though she didn’t mind he was listening in.

  “Mother, what happened?”

  “Gianna. Oh Gianna. I thought you had learned your lesson. You’re breaking your father’s heart,” she said.

  “Mother, I don’t know what you’re talking about. What did I do?” Gianna pleaded. Jordan hated seeing the torment Gianna was going through.

  “Your announcement of your engagement. You…you don’t even call us and tell us. You make us read it? I understand why. No way would your father or I have given our blessing.”

  Engagement? That was a game changer. He never saw that one coming.

  “Mother, I never sent anything out,” Gianna said and turned to look at Jordan. She shrugged as though apologizing to him, but there was no need. He knew this wasn’t her doing either. He mouthed, “I know”.

  Her mother said, “It has your picture and your name. Who would’ve done such a thing if it wasn’t you?”

  Gianna said in a calmer tone, “Mom, I don’t know. But I’m not engaged. I didn’t send anything out. Please, you have to believe me.”

  “Gianna, you’re telling me the truth, right? My heart couldn’t bear to find out you were lying.”

  “No Mom. I’m not lying. Can you please take a picture of the announcement and send it to me? I want to see it for myself,” Gianna asked.

  “I will. I’ll send it now. And then I’m going to go and update your father before he has a stroke. I love you Gianna.”

  “I love you to Mom.” She ended the call and almost instantly her phone buzzed. He watched as she opened her text message and then she screamed out, “No!” The phone dropped on her lap and Gianna started crying.

  Jordan had no idea what she just read. He had to know so he could help her. Picking up the phone he looked at the picture. It was of Gianna taken just a few days ago. And the announcement enraged him.

  Please join the blissful couple, Gianna Ionnetty and Marvin Granger, on their recent engagement. They have chosen to have a private ceremony for personal reasons.

  I’m going to fucking kill you Marvin.

  He put her phone down and pulled Gianna in his arms. There were no words that could make this better. Marvin was out do hurt her any way he could. And obviously he was damn good at it.

  Jordan wanted to update Sal, but his first concern was loving and supporting Gianna. He’d have plenty of time to deal with Marvin later.

  Honey, I wanted to protect you. I’m sorry I couldn’t.

  The reality of that hurt. Love wasn’t enough. If it had been, she wouldn’t be sobbing right now. But one thing Jordan did have was a family that stuck together. Marvin didn’t just make an enemy out of Jordan. He now had the entire Lawson family against him. And all it would take was one call, and he knew his cousins the Hendersons would be right by their side.

  You fucked with the wrong person Marvin. Gianna isn’t nineteen and alone any more. And when we’re done with you. You won’t even want to remember her name.

  13

  “He’s hiding somewhere, but he won’t be able to hide forever. Eventually either his money will run out, or he’ll give up on Gianna. Either way, we’ll be watching for him to resurface,” Sal said.

  “That’s not good enough. Until then, he seems to be winning,” Jordan said.

  “He’s lost on several counts. We were able to clear Mary-Lou’s and your name from any wrong-doing. And between Gianna and her parents, people have been notified the engagement was a prank pulled on her,” Connor said.

  “I know him. That’s not the end. There’s something else coming,” Jordan warned.

  “We are not sitting back doing nothing. We’ve actually expanded our net and are utilizing resources that prefer to remain anonymous. But as long as he knows we are out looking for him, I don’t think he’s going to make his next move,” Sal stated.

  “What are you suggesting we do?” Jordan asked.

  Connor said, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but we have to give him what he wants. Or at least make it seem so. Someone like him will not be able to resist the opportunity to be with her.”

  Jordan clenched his fist. The thought of Marvin getting anywhere near Gianna enraged him. “You have both fucking lost your minds if you think I will allow you to use Gianna as bait.”

  “Gianna already agreed. I understand where you’re coming from Jordan, but you have to see her point as well. She doesn’t want to spend another week, month, or year, wondering when Marvin will show up again. Although we respect your opinion, it is Gianna’s choice as to what she wants to do,” Sal stated.

  Jordan knew that. It was a conversation he and Gianna had several times. That didn’t mean he liked that being the only option. There were so many things that could go wrong. Granted, Marvin did have the advantage early on because they did not know what he was capable of, but that did not make him any less dangerous now.

  “Gianna might be willing to risk her life, but I’m not. There has to be another way,” Jordan said firmly.

  Connor looked him directly in the eyes, and said, “I have one other option.”

  “Why the hell didn’t you lead with that?” Jordan snarled.

  Connor responded, “I don’t think you’ll like what I have to say.”

  “I haven’t liked anything you’ve said so far,” Jordan snapped. “Why start worrying what I think now? So what is this brilliant idea you have?”

  “I think you should marry Gianna,” Connor said in a serious tone.

  Every time he thought he knew what they were going to say, they fucking blew his mind with something different. “I do not see how that would help. If anything I believe Marvin will flip out.”

  “We agree. Marvin will not sit back and take that lightly. But it will take the focus off of Gianna. Unfortunately, that will put the target on your back,” Sal stated.

  Jordan could take care of himself. “I am not going to pretend to marry Gianna just so we can stop Marvin.” He could only imagine how much that would hurt her. She loved and trusted him. Neither was something he wanted to risk losing.

  “I never said for you to pretend,” Sal stated.

  “So you want Gianna and I to actually get married and you’ll be doing what in the process? Standing around with guns ready to blow his fucking head off if he tries anything? Because I can’t picture that as Gianna’s dream wedding,” he said. When he married her, and he planned to some day, it wasn’t going to have anything to do with Marvin forcing his hand. It was going to be because she was his love and his life.

  Connor said, “He’ll make a move. Until then, we wait.” He got up and headed for the door but turned back and said, “I’m glad you shot down my last idea.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  “Because it tells me I’m working for the right side. You really love her. And that is something I have no problem fighting for.”

  When Connor was gone Sal added, “Jordan, I know you want this resolved quickly, but sometimes things take time. At least if you want them done right.”

  “I know. Gia
nna and I really appreciate everything you guys are doing. It’s just that I’m not use to feeling so…out of control.” Useless was more like it. This situation was like a kick in the balls and every time he thought about the price Gianna could pay, it dropped him to his knees. Jordan wasn’t used to relying on anyone for help. It also wasn’t something he did well. He was a stubborn Lawson man. But this wasn’t a time to let his pride stand in the way.

  “There’s no reason why you two can’t take a trip or do something fun. Get your mind off this for now. Let us do the worrying for you,” Sal suggested.

  “Fun? I don’t even think Gianna is sleeping at night. I mean really sleeping. She closes her eyes and drifts off, but she wakes in a dead sweat, and I see the fear in her eyes. It’d be one thing if we knew where he was. But he’s MIA. I know we can’t go on gut feelings, but mine says he’s a lot closer than any of us realize,” Jordan stated.

  Sal nodded. “That’s a possibility. That’s why both you and Gianna are being guarded, 24/7.”

  He’d like to tell Sal it wasn’t necessary, but unfortunately Jordan couldn’t be everywhere. Gianna refused to stay at home. Each day she went into work, he felt a tension in him until he laid eyes on her again, and knew she was okay. One thing they all agreed on was this had to come to an end.

  His cell phone rang and it was Gianna. “Is everything okay?” he asked. He knew he shouldn’t start every conversation with that same question, but they were both running in panic mode.

  “Yes. I…I wanted to talk to you about something. I don’t know if you’re going to like it. But I have an idea. One that I think might work.”

  When she said she didn’t think he’d like it, it actually meant he wasn’t going to. Gianna had come up with a few outrageous ideas, things that Connor and Sal hadn’t thought of. But still not something he thought they should do.

  “I’m just about to leave Sal’s office now. Do you want me to come over?” he asked.