Chapter 9
Jack's first impression was of a very nice
space. Clean lines, treated wood, and an excellent use of the space.
As he stood there waiting to be admitted-damn her nerve!-he noticed
families seated around tables, enjoying the muted sound of the game
running on several large screen televisions. In one corner on the
upper level, a couple was selecting tunes from a juke box. Several
men were seated at the counter, nursing a variety of drinks and
fussing over the game on the television in front of them.
He was led through a narrow passageway by
the willowy brunette. Apart from greeting him, she said nothing else,
until they got to an open doorway where a man bearing
a startling resemblance to the woman he was about to strangle stood
with his arms crossed on his chest and a combative expression on his
face.
"Mr. Hadley, I am Zach, Zuri's
brother," he said coolly, ready for battle.
Ready as well, Jack gave him a curt nod,
eyes swinging towards the woman who rose slowly from a very untidy
desk. Her hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head with several
thick curls trailing down her graceful neck. She was wearing an
oversized red and blue shirt, with the top buttons open. And she was
not wearing makeup.
And her gaze was openly hostile,
golden-brown eyes flashing.
"Mr. Hadley."
"I would like to speak to you alone."
His voice was curt, expression ominous.
"Not likely."
Jack flicked a glance towards the man who
was stationed in the doorway.
"There is no law against spending time
with your son."
His eyes glittered dangerously. So, that's
the way they wanted to play it? Then to hell with it. He was going to
have his damn say.
"You're encouraging my son to skip
school and there's a law against that."
"What?" She passed a hand over
her arm. "At that time of day, school was over."
"He had band practice. His grandmother
was called and when she discovered he wasn't home, she called me."
He had brushed past the immovable object that was her brother and
came into the room.
"Band practice?" Her tapered
brows shot up and amusement crinkled her eyes. "Whose idea was
that? Was he even asked if he wanted to be part of a band, or were
his rights violated? He has a voice, and he has rights. Something
that seems to have escaped you as a father."
"Zuri!"
Jack's eyes glittered coldly, and he felt
the familiar fury choking off his control.
"I am being honest-"
"Do you have children, Ms. Bennett?"
His voice was silky smooth, but she felt the fear slithering up and
down her spine. His face was harsh, mouth tight with suppressed
anger. He was wearing a shell pink shirt that was opened at the
throat, revealing the strong column of his throat. His hair was
slightly ruffled by the breeze but did nothing to soften the harsh
lines. And he exuded an unleashed power that was unmistakable. Her
brother was six feet tall, but the man standing in front of her desk
topped him by several inches.
"No." Forcing herself to remain
calm, she lifted her chin. "I don't have to be a parent to know
when a child is being ill-treated."
"Zuri!"
She cut her eyes to her brother before
swinging her gaze back to Jack. A shiver ran through her body at the
raw fury etched on his face.
"He told you that, did he?"
"He did not have to. Look, I like
Jason. He's a sweet kid and-"
"He comes from money." His mouth
twisted cynically. "He told me he bought you ice cream earlier.
What's next emeralds? Diamonds? A new car?"
"What?" She blinked at him in
shock. "How dare you!"
"I dare because you have developed an
unholy relationship with my fourteen-year-old son. What's the matter?
Can't find someone your own age?"
"You son of a bitch!"
Anticipating the move from her brother,
Zuri leapt between the two men as Zach charged forward, blood in his
eyes. Slapping a hand on her brother's chest, she turned to face
Jack. "I don't need your damn money. Your son was the one who
sought me out and I am not a monster with no heart. He wanted someone
to talk to, someone to be in his damn corner, but you're too frigging
busy building your empire and too hardheaded and wrapped up in
yourself to realize that that sweet child needs to be acknowledged,
that he's suffering from lack of attention. Now get the hell out of
my office."
For the first time in his life, he wanted
to strike a woman. He had always prided himself on being in complete
control. Nothing fazed him. His emotions were never near to the
surface. He had been taught to hold everything in and reveal nothing
by an expert. But standing here, with this little spitfire who seemed
to have the ability to reduce him to a mass of churning emotions, he
wanted to wrap his hands around her neck and squeeze.
They stood there glaring at each other and
he became sickeningly aware that it was not anger alone that was
warring inside his body. Lust was bucking for superiority, and it
angered him even more.
Swallowing the thick lump in his throat, he
mentally shook his head to clear it and took considerable effort to
uncurl his fingers.
"Stay away from my son."
"Go to hell."
He started forward and just stopped short
of grabbing her.
"I am warning you for the last time.
Stay the hell away from my son." With a furious look that swept
over them both, he turned and left the room.
"Oh God," she whispered, taking
the three steps that had her sitting on the edge of her desk. "I
thought I was going to jump in and play referee." She lifted her
head and felt a jolt at the murderous look on her brother's face.
"Zach-"
"Shut the hell up!" he blazed.
"Do you know what the hell you're doing?" He started
pacing, his movements jerky. "Taking on a frigging billionaire.
Do you happen to have a damn death wish?" He whirled to face her
and the fury on his face had her shrinking back. "I warned you,
didn't I? I specifically said to leave that kid alone. But have you
listened to me? Oh no! Because you always have to have your own way.
Now you're caught in the middle of a family drama. And got me
involved." He wanted to shake
some sense into her. She had mouthed off to the man and he had seen
the furious look that had been contained with difficulty. "You
will not see him again, is that clear?"
Her chin lifted. "I am not a child to
be ordered about."
"Then stop acting like one, dammit!"
"Stop shouting at me."
He stopped in front of her and planted his
fists on his hips. "That man you alienated can buy this place
and level it to the ground. I have worked too hard to allow that to
happen."
"What are you saying?" she
demanded. "That I should apologize?"
"You would never lower yourself to do
something like that." Suddenly the fight went out of him. "Stay
away from the kid, Zuri. I mean it."
She wrapped her hands around her waist
defensively and felt the weariness invading her body. She might have
said some things that were out of line. But oh, the man had angered
her. How dare he imply that she had an ulterior motive for
befriending his son.
The nerve of him.
Easing off the desk, she was about to go
and grab a bottle of water when Jazmine came in.
"Are you here to beat me over the head
too?"
"No." Jazmine came in and closed
the door with a snap. "I am here to talk some sense into that
stubborn head of yours." She watched as her friend went to sit
behind the desk. "As much as I admire your incredible guts for
facing down a man like Jack Hadley, your brother is right. He could
do some serious damage to you and Zach. And he's right. His son is
none of your business. You accused the man of abuse." Blowing
out a breath, Jazmine rested a hip on the edge of the desk. "I
could hear the argument from where I was around the counter. Others
could as well. And when he came storming out, he almost mowed down
two men who were standing in his way. He was vibrating with temper.
You pissed him off royally, Zoo, and there might be consequences, for
Jason as well."
Rolling the bottle of water on her
forehead, she closed her eyes.
"I never considered that. Oh God! He's
going to send that boy to boarding school." She leaned back in
her chair and sighed heavily. "He's suffering, Jaz. He told me
that they were mean to him because he does not fit into their
fricking mold. He does not fit into the crowd-apparently it's
accepted to come from a home where parents are divorced
or of the same sex. Jason is not in any of those categories. So, he
suffers because of it. God, when did we become such a society?"
she wondered.
"The rich are different. They behave
differently and have a dissimilar mindset." Jazmine sighed. "I
know what you're doing, honey. You see that boy as your son and
cannot figure out why his mother could have left him."
"Can you?" Zuri challenged. "How
can a mother who went through nine flipping months of carrying a
child inside her decide to go her separate way? I can see it when a
man up and leaves his home and responsibilities, because, hey! He did
not have to go through the pains and rigors of motherhood. I have
never had a child, but I would rather die than leave my child
behind." She shook her head. "I guess I am going to have to
swallow my damn pride and apologize to that aggravating man. If only
for Jason's sake."
"I am afraid that's what you're going
to have to do." Jazmine paused and contemplated the wisdom of
telling her about she and Zach. But it was not the right time. There
was too much going on. Biting back a troubled sigh, she rose. Patting
her friend's hand, she left the room, with Zuri staring out the
window.
*****
"What the hell are you doing down
here?"
Jason jumped up from the chair, his body
vibrating. He had never seen his father so angry. Usually, he had
this cold controlled look about him that usually sent icy chills up
and down his spine. Now, his hair was disheveled as if he had spent
some time raking it through with his fingers and his gray eyes were
flashing like storm clouds.
"I asked him to join me for a snack."
Millicent was staring at her son curiously. He looked like he was
about to erupt into a million pieces.
"Do you know what I want to do with
you?" Jack's hand fisted at his side as he glared at the
cowering boy. All the way over, he had tried his best to bring his
temper under control. And thought he had. But now, he could feel the
rage going through his body. Several times, he had been tempted to
turn the car around and confront her, but that would have been a
mistake.
"Dad, I-"
"Shut up! Shut the hell up and
listen."
"Jack-"
He whirled to face his mother. "No,"
he shook his head. "Just no. Stay out of it. This is between me
and my son. Got it? If you don't want to hear what I have to say to
him, then go to your room." Fighting for control, he turned back
to Jason. "Did you tell her you were being abused?"
"Jason!"
He looked at his grandmother, sliding his
gaze back to the man vibrating before him. "I told her that I
was being mocked at school." Lifting his chin, he braved himself
to speak up. "I told her that because my mother left and did not
want me, I am being made fun of. She told me that she lost her mom
while she was being born and that she had to face something like that
while she was in school too." He sucked in a breath. "She
understands me. I talk to her because she listens and tries to help
me." He blinked back the tears. "And I am not going to stop
seeing her."
Jack fought down the pity and the guilt.
"What did you say?"
"She's my friend and I know you don't
understand, but I like her a lot."
"You mean you have a crush on her."
Jason blushed furiously.
"I like her," he repeated.
"Go to your room."
"Dad-"
"Now."
With a pleading look at his grandmother, he
fled, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.
Millicent watched as he walked over to the
sideboard and untwisted the crystal top off the decanter.
"Aren't you going to lecture me on my
responsibilities?" he asked sardonically as he turned with the
glass in his hand.
"I think you already know." She
folded her hands in her lap and gazed at him with steady eyes. "I
have never seen you like this before."
"Like what?" Tossing back the
drink, he wished it would burn the anger and lust out of him. Yes, he
had to acknowledge it to himself. He was hot for her. Underneath the
anger, he had wanted to rip off her clothes and drive himself into
her until she was whimpering. And while the anger was slipping away
like so much smoke, the lust stubbornly remained.
"So angry. You never-" Her voice
trailed off and she wished she had kept her mouth shut.
"Go on."
"Nothing." She pressed her lips
together. "What are you going to do with him?"
"I haven't decided yet." His
mouth twisted bitterly. "Ms. Bennett accused me of shoving
activities down his throat." His eyes flickered over his
mother's face. "All the extra-curricular activities he's
involved in, is it voluntary?"
Millicent hid her surprise quickly.
"He's trying to impress you."
"Is he?" Lifting the glass, he
watched the overhead lights turning the liquid into gold, the exact
shade of her eyes. Biting off a curse, he went to put the glass away.
"I'm going to bed. We will discuss
this in the morning or over dinner."
"Will you be home in time to eat with
us?" The question was casually asked, but he knew the answer was
important. Quickly shifting through his schedule mentally, he decided
to skip the meal he had planned on having with Belinda. It was time
to sort things out with Jason.
"Yes. Goodnight mother."
Her breath sighed out as she stared at the
open doorway, a thoughtful expression on her face.
*****
"You're being too hard on her."
Jazmine made the comment tentatively. What was supposed to be a night
of celebration for them was turning into something else. She was
finally moved into her apartment. The place was still empty, because
she and Zuri planned on hitting up some antique stores later in the
week. But she had a bed and kitchen stuff so she could make a meal.
Tonight was the first night they were alone
together. She had been terrified of Zuri discovering her naked in her
brother's bed. But her friend was caught up in her own situation and
had been oblivious of what was happening around her.
"I apologize," he muttered,
stopping his pacing long enough to throw her a smile. "She's
exasperating."
"I am betting she thinks the same of
you."
Flashing her a look, he found himself
grinning. "Probably." With a weary sigh, he came to sit on
the edge of the bed. "I should have left this back at the bar."
"I don't mind." She reached for
his hand, admiring the strong and callused fingers and wide palm.
"You needed an outlet."
"And I can think of better ways than
imagining myself murdering my sister." He linked his fingers
with hers. He shook his head, and a reluctant smile teased his lips.
"Christ! You should have seen the way she lit into that son of a
bitch. For one awful moment, I thought he was going to do some damage
to her."
Jazmine stared at him thoughtfully. "She
got under his skin."
"She made him mad."
Jazmine shook her head. "It was more
than that."
"What do you mean?"
"I have seen only a glimpse of him
when he was leaving, but that man looked like he was about to erupt
like a volcano. I have heard rumors about him. He's referred to as
the ice king."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"It means, darling, that nothing gets
under his skin, and no one makes him lose control. But your sister
has done just that." A smile touched her lips. "It will be
interesting to see what happens next."
Zach stared at her frowningly, not liking
where the conversation was going. "It was anger. The man was
boiling with it, and I can't say I blame him. I wanted to strangle
her myself."
"They rub each other the wrong way. I
saw it that time at the gallery. And I also noticed that he could not
take his eyes off her."
"That's ridiculous!"
Lifting their joined hands, she kissed his
knuckles and gave him an amused look. "She's your sister, but
she also happens to be an incredibly beautiful woman. And Jack Hadley
is a man."
"Who's out of her league."
"Now, who's being ridiculous?"
she chided. "I'm looking forward to what happens next."
*****
His suite was spartan. And was probably the
plainest in the manor. He preferred it that way, because he did not
spend a lot of time at home. He barely considered the place home and
that was deliberate. When he was growing up, it had been a prison. An
elegant and sophisticated one, but a prison, nonetheless. His suite
back when he was growing up had been lavishly decorated, the blue and
gold décor echoing in the other rooms. Two bedrooms, a
playroom/study room, a game room, bathroom and a movie room. It had
been every boy's dream and his own personal nightmare.
Because he had been alone. Not just alone,
but isolated and unloved. His father had only stepped foot inside to
lecture and mete out punishments. His hand had been heavy, his tongue
sharper than laser.
Dragging off his clothes, he blamed the
encounter with that blasted woman for bringing on the pain of those
bitter memories. She had shaken him to the core. And bruised his
emotions. Shoving his fingers through the already disheveled hair, he
marched into the stark white bathroom and into the shower. He would
try and get some work done before turning in for the night. And damn
if he was not going to get some sleep. He had to. His schedule was
full to overflowing. He had meetings and might have to take a quick
trip to New York to take a firsthand look at the shopping mall in
Manhattan. It was a crumbling mess, but he had seen the potential,
and his interest was piqued. Dipping his head beneath the wave of
water from several jets, he closed his eyes and cursed bitterly when
the first thing that popped up in front of him was the way she had
looked, standing up to him. Even though he had wanted to wrap his
hands around her pretty little neck, he had felt admiration coursing
through him.
No one had ever had the guts or the courage
to stand up to him that way and she had done so, not once, but
several times. A reluctant smile touched his lips. Turning off the
shower, he reached for a towel to wrap around his narrow waist.
Normally, when he wanted a woman, he simply
had to make his intention known. Having a long-term relationship had
never interested him in the least. As distasteful as the situation
had been with Jason's mother, she had actually done him a favor, by
providing an heir. He was never getting married and had vowed that
since he was a young man in his twenties. He had seen what misery
accompanies that kind of union and was staying away. Yes, there were
instances where people enter into that kind of thing and appear to be
happy, but he had history on his side. His father had been a lousy
parent and an even worse husband.
He had no intention of inflicting that kind
of grief on anyone. Pulling on a robe over his nakedness, he headed
to the office and booted up his laptop, determined to push her from
his mind, even if it took force to do it.