Chapter 26
Twenty-Six
Nicholas
A fter I’d thoroughly tortured Maeve in the best way possible, I learned quite bit about Trina during our pillow talk. Apparently, Trina has always been attracted to the Goodman brothers. The only reason Maeve knows this is because for a brief moment in high school, they’d been somewhat friends. When Maeve was of no help getting them to notice Trina, she cut off all contact with her other than to be a raging bitch to her. Leo had been good friends with them but now it's more business. I’m sure that a relationship of any sort would end immediately if the brothers were to discover how Leo had used their baby cousin. There’s still some missing pieces, which means the best way to learn the truth is to go to the source.
The original plan was to wait until Maeve went to Texas. The new plan is I can’t wait, so I’m going to deal with Leo and Trina now. While Maeve is at work, I have one of my team members call Leo’s office to set up a lunch date between him and Tristan. The meeting is concerning delicate matters concerning KO. It’s urgent and has to be done in person. Next, I call the restaurant and purchase every seat so we’ll be alone.
Because, we are going to be discussing delicate matters.
Maeve Goodman is mine, and by being mine, I will do everything in my power to protect her.
The door opens, and I look up from my wine glass to find Leo standing at the threshold. I’d love nothing more than to break his neck or practice my punches with his face. But – we can’t have that. I still need him to get his succubus here.
He sees me and rushes over, almost tripping over himself. “I’m surprised to see you, Mr. Deschamps.”
I take a leisure sip from my wine glass and then gesture for him to sit. He looks around the empty restaurant before taking his seat. “Yes. Where’s your fiancée?”
“She’s at home. Or maybe shopping. Who knows?” He chuckles. His face turns serious as he leans forward. “Where’s your fiancée? Is that why you’re here? Are you meeting with Tristan to discuss his cousin?”
Maeve never should’ve been involved with this pathetic weasel. I bite down hard to stop myself from telling this piece of shit that unlike him, I don’t keep my relationships secret. I’ve already figured out that he wanted Maeve, but was too much of coward. If the relationship failed, he’d risk being on Tristan and Vincent’s bad side. They’re profitable clients and dangerous men. He foolishly assumed Maeve was the least threatening option. Leo is about to learn just how wrong he was.
“My fiancée is at work.”
“Ah. I heard she got a huge deal. No details on the client, but if it goes well, it’s going to take the company to a new level.”
I’m immediately curious. How does this fucker know? “Keeping tabs on my future bride?”
He chuckles and holds his hands up in mock defense. “Easy there. Trina works at the competing public relations company. You know how gossip and rumors fly. Plus, gotta keep an eye on your competition. Well, that’s what Trina always says.”
Click. Another piece of the puzzle falls into place. Cleric had said she wanted Maeve’s career destroyed. This all revolves around jealousy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Trina still views Maeve as competition for Leo, as well.
“If she’s not doing anything, go ahead and invite her to join us.”
He presses his lips together. “I don’t know. Can we talk man to man?”
This is going to be good. I stifle a groan and simply nod. “I know Trina has always had a thing for the Goodman brothers. If Tristan is here…you get what I’m saying?”
“But he’s married.”
“She doesn’t care. She told me point blank at the beginning of our relationship I was a means to get closer to them. If she thought she could steal him from Tori, she would.”
“Then why are you with her?”
“She’s hot. We’re not married, yet. I still have time to run. Most girls just want the ring anyways. It buys you at least another year or two.” He laughs. “Am I right? You and Maevy? I haven’t heard any dates – so you know.” I choose to nod again because if I speak, I can’t trust what I’ll say. “You know what? Trina will kill me if she finds out you’re here and I didn’t invite her. I’ll text her now.”
He's probably hoping to unload her off on me. No thanks. I sip my wine as I wait for him to finish texting. He grins at me as he sets his phone down. This guy further proves he’s a complete moron when he leans closer to me and pats my shoulder. “So Maevy, huh? Hey and you’re welcome.”
I am feeling murderous. Did he seriously just…no.
“I trained her well, right? Taught her everything she knows. She was a virgin and clueless. I think I was her first kiss, but hey, I’m sure you’ll be the last, am I right?”
“Oh, you’re right.” I can hear the edge of hysteria in my voice. I’m not going to be able to listen to another word from this man. I call out to the waiter and he quickly arrives to our table. I motion with my fingers for him to lean down so I can whisper in his ear that I need an apron and sharp knife.
Trina finally arrives. She comes prancing into the restaurant. I’ve cleaned Leo up and informed him not to say a word or even open his mouth.
“Mr. Deschamps,” she purrs. I stand and allow her to kiss my cheek and hug me what’s longer than acceptable.
“Trina,” I playfully scold. “Call me Nicholas.”
I pull her chair out and help her sit. “Of course, Nicholas.”
“I have a confession to make.”
Her eyes widen with amusement. “And what would that be?”
“Tristan didn’t call this meeting. It was all me. Because I wanted to see you again.”
She’s too vain to realize how much danger she’s in. Her fiancé is sitting there being awkwardly quiet and staring with fear in his eyes, but she’s clueless. It’s because she doesn’t care. Her only focus is that I’m sitting here giving her my attention. The man who is better looking, more powerful, and who belongs to Maeve.
“Can I tell you another secret?”
“I’d love for you to.”
“Maeve doesn’t know I’m here.”
She playfully gasps and lightly slaps my hand that’s resting on the table. “Aren’t you the sneaky one. I won’t tell her.” Trina licks her lips and her voice becomes husky. “You know, I was wanting to reach out to Maeve. We’re working at competing companies, but we don’t have to be. She should come work on my team. We could all be a team.” Her fingers curl around my hand.
“You know, I wish she would quit.”
“If she worked with me, she wouldn’t have to work so much.” I bet she wouldn’t. This woman is a snake. I don’t speak to encourage her to continue. “Maeve and I went to school together. Actually, we all did. Leo, here, was in the grade between us and her cousins. They were seniors when we were freshman.”
“Were you friends with my fiancée?” I struggle to hide the disgust in my voice with her still touching me.
“Sort of. We ran in different circles, but still always ended up in friendly competition. Class president. Valedictorian. Prom queen. Homecoming queen. For Maeve to have been such a good girl, she was still very popular and well-liked. I think having the Goodman brothers as your protective cousins helped.”
I don’t miss the resentment in her voice. I already know why Maeve was popular. Her beauty and kindness.
“Has that friendly competition carried on?”
She snickers. I don’t need her to answer; I already know. Just in time, the waiter comes out with a tray and on it are three platters.
“Lunch is here. I hope you two don’t mind that I took the liberty of ordering for us.”
Leo nods, but I can see the sweat gathering at his temples. Trina just beams at me. “Thank you. I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”
Me too, Trina.
First plate goes to me, a dry-aged ribeye. My favorite. The second plate goes to Leo, a nice bowl of soup. The final dish is placed in front of Trina.
She gags. “Wh-what is this?”
“You don’t look well? Lookin’ a little pale. Leo? Doesn’t she look pale?”
Her voice rises an octave. “What is this?”
“It’s a tongue.”
Trina shakes her head. “Like cow tongue? No. I don’t. I can’t.”
“More like pig tongue.”
“No. I can’t eat that. I’m sorry.”
I place a firm hand on her shoulder. “Relax. I’m joking. It’s not a pig in the sense you’re thinking. It’s Leo’s tongue.” Trina’s mouth drops open. “Leo, do what Trina’s doing. Open wide and show her.”
Leo looks on the verge of tears as he slowly shakes his head with his lips pressed firmly together.
“Now don’t be shy. You certainly weren’t earlier.” Trina tries to stand, but I hold her firmly in place. “I hate to tell you this, but he was speaking about my fiancée in such a disrespectful manner.”
Tears stream down Trina’s face. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please let me go.”
“Trina,” I soothe. “I’m going to let you go…after you eat that tongue. Actually. You know what? It’s not fair that you should eat his tongue for what he’s done.”
“Y-yes. I agree.”
“He should eat his words.” I carefully study Trina. So quick to turn on him. She nods vigorously as tears continue to fall.
“Give him the plate. But help him out. Cut it up and feed it to him.”
I look down at my steak. I can’t eat this here. She’s going to make him eat his tongue, that’s just gross.
Leo opens his mouth and Trina releases a blood curdling scream at the sight. Nope. I can’t eat in this environment. I snap my fingers and two of my men appear. “I’m going to take this to go and eat somewhere else. Make sure these two do what they’re supposed to.”
I take my plate to the back to get boxed up. When I return, I’m in an apron and have a knife. My men quickly grab Trina. “You didn’t think you were getting away with threatening my fiancée that easily, did you?” She screams and I quickly cut her tongue out. “Plus, I’m a gentleman, Trina. I wouldn’t let you leave here without lunch.”