Chapter 15
Jackson
Rarely would I admit that James was right, but in the case of Alec Walker, I had to accept that my best friend was spot on the money. Alec was a prick.
At least, that was the opinion I’d formed as he paraded and preened around the golf course, acting like he was the dog’s bollocks.
For the last two days, I hadn’t been able to get Kiera out of my mind. The moment when she came all over my face played like a broken record in my head. The more I thought of her, the more my curiosity about the man she was engaged to grew.
Figuring the only way to really get to know what was going on behind closed doors was to get up close and personal to the man himself, I found myself hacking into the exclusive, members-only golf club database where my dad and I regularly attended, and creating a personalized invite for Alec to visit for a free day to experience what the club had to offer.
From a distance, I watched him play a round, schmoozing groups of golfers while handing out business cards. When he’d finally finished, he headed to the bar, flirting with the waitress as he ordered his drink.
That was my cue.
As he started walking away from the bar, wine glass in hand, I headed toward him, brushing my shoulder against his as I passed.
“Shit, sorry, man. I was in a world of my own,” I said, hiding my snigger at the scowl on his face. “Oh, hey. Don’t I know you?”
“I don’t think so,” he replied, eyeballing me like I was a bit of shit on his shoes.
“Yeah, I do. You’re…” I clicked my fingers, pretending to think it over. “You’re Alec, right? Kiera Carter’s fiancé?”
His gaze narrowed on me. “That’s right.”
Again, I smothered the smirk twitching on my lips from the hint of accusation in his tone. Instead, I held my hand out to him. “I’m Jackson. James Carter’s business partner. We were only talking about you a few days ago; he gave me your details ‘cos I’m looking for an investment advisor.”
The suspicion drained from his face in a heartbeat, replaced with an arrogant grin as he shook my hand. “Jackson, of course. James has mentioned you before. I’d be happy to help you with your investments.”
Dropping my hand, he pulled a business card from his back pocket and handed it over. It would go in the trash as soon as his back was turned; even if I was looking for investment advice, he’d be the last person I’d seek help from.
He might have talked the talk, but it was all bullshit. I knew from the background checks I’d been doing on him that he had recently lost the company a hell of a lot of money.
“Great. I was actually looking to get moving on things as soon as possible. Apparently, interest rates are currently at an all-time high, so I want to cash in on that while I can.”
Alec’s eyes lit up like Christmas had come early. If he knew anything about me, it was likely that James and I earned significant money from Smarttech, and no doubt dollar signs were rolling in his head.
“Of course. Why don’t you swing by my office tomorrow?”
I released a fake sigh of disappointment. “Damn, I can’t. I fly out for a business meeting early tomorrow morning. It’s all good. I’ll try to arrange an appointment when I come back.”
Patting his shoulder as if I were saying my goodbyes, I took a step away. He immediately blocked my path, panic etched onto his face. “Wait. Why don’t we take a seat now and go over some numbers?”
“I’ve got another meeting shortly,” I replied, checking my watch. “But, I’m free tonight. Hey, maybe I could swing by your place. It would be good to see Kiera, too. I haven’t seen her in such a long time.”
Without the slightest clue as to my true intent, a beaming smile pulled at his lips. “That works. In fact, why don’t you join us for dinner?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to put you out.”
He snorted. “It’s not putting me out at all. I’m not the one who makes dinner. That’s what a woman is for, among other things. Am I right?”
My jaw clenched, but before he could notice, I schooled my features. Why the thought of him treating Kiera as nothing but a slave to take care of his needs rattled me so much, I didn’t know.
After all, wasn’t that what I was doing to her?
“Yeah, you’re right,” I replied, pushing the words past gritted teeth, needing to get the fuck away from Alec before I pummeled my fist into his arrogant smirk. “So, what time do you want me?”
“Shall we say 7 pm?” he replied, checking his watch.
“Sounds great. And hey, can you not tell Kiera it’s me coming? I’d love to surprise her.”
Rapping my knuckles against the front door, I waited with anticipation racing through me. I couldn’t wait to see Kiera’s face after spending the entire afternoon imagining the horror on her face when I strolled inside.
The door was pulled open, but it wasn’t Alec who answered.
Kiera appeared, and my breath hitched. She’d piled her hair into a messy bun with several strands hanging free around her face.
Her gorgeous body—one I was desperate to explore again—was wrapped in a tight-fitted black dress showcasing her curves and the swell of her tits.
Fuck, I needed to sink my cock in her cunt again.
At seeing me standing at the door, the color drained from her face, but instead of amusement coursing through me at the panic on her face, concern hit me like a wrecking ball.
“Jackson, you can’t be here,” she hissed, stepping outside and pulling the door closed behind her.
My answer should have been, 'Surprise, I’m your guest for the evening.’ Instead, I reached out to cup her cheek, unable to stop staring at the hint of a bruise on her cheekbone. She’d tried to hide it with the makeup she’d coated on her face, but not enough to cover it completely.
“Did he do that to you?” I growled, a streak of possession powering through me.
The memory of the time I’d witnessed Alec on the camera slamming his fist into the wall after Kiera refused him sex flashed to the front of my mind. If he’d laid a finger on her, I’d fucking kill the son-of-a-bitch.
Kiera pulled out of my grip. “No, I fell over. You have to go.”
Shoving my chest, she attempted to push me, but failed to move my solid frame even an inch. “Tell me the truth, Kiki.”
“I am. I fell over. Now, please, can you go? Alec has a client coming for dinner tonight, and-”
“I’m the client. Surprise,” I deadpanned.
If it were possible, the color drained further from her face, and still, the amusement I’d been expecting at her horror was nowhere to be seen. If anything, guilt had taken its place.
Had me demanding she didn’t spread her legs for Alec resulted in him hitting her? Christ, she used to witness domestic abuse between her parents when she was a kid. It fucked her up, and she’d often cry in my arms about how she couldn’t bear to see her mom in pain.
The two of us glared at each other, and as my gaze darted back to the bruise, the strangest sensation flowed through me like a tsunami. I wanted to pull her into my arms, claim her mouth, and demand that she and Billie were coming home with me.
I wanted to tell her that no one would ever hurt her again. I wanted to tell her that she’d never have to worry about a man causing her pain, and that I wouldn’t ever allow anyone to lay a finger on my woman.
But she wasn’t my woman.
Nor would she ever be.