Chapter 18 #2
Vanessa’s sigh was heavy. She obviously had something on her mind.
I could also feel the tension from where I stood a few feet away.
This was a very difficult time in her life.
I gave her credit for keeping a cool head.
Even my brother Carson had enjoyed nights spent high on cocaine or crack, unable to function for shit the next day.
Yet after he’d wrecked two vehicles and my father had been forced to bail him out of jail, Carson was still considered a golden boy.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Do you ever get tired of simply snapping your fingers and making everything happen the way you demand?”
For some reason, the question unnerved me. “The truthful answer is no. Money wields power.”
“The bending of wills. I know how it works. I need to talk with Donovan today. I hope that won’t bother you. He’s not very keen on strangers with attitude.”
“At some point, you’ll need to tell him about our impending marriage.”
“Why bother? If he stays for the entire eighteen months, he won’t need to know a damn thing about our fake marriage and splashy divorce. Will he?”
This time, Vanessa was prepared to end the conversation on her terms. This was like a tennis match with no one set to win.
“If you need help with Donovan, let me know. You have my number.”
She jerked to a stop as if I’d hit her. I could instantly tell by the hard swing of her body that I’d struck a nerve. I never said I had the capacity for compassion. Quite the contrary.
Her head barely tipped over her shoulder, only half her beautiful face exposed, but I could feel the contempt sweltering inside in the sweat beading off the back of my neck. The word formidable wasn’t strong enough. She was a lioness, not a wildcat.
“My family is my business. Not yours. I can handle Donovan.”
“Fair enough. I won’t interfere. I’ll leave you the details about tomorrow’s proceedings on your email. I’ll be heading to the office. When I return, we need to talk about Friday.”
“Of course we do. Dress code? I assume they’re in the instructions you left me. Daddy.”
My fucking God, I wanted nothing more than to bend her over the back of the couch, fucking her until she screamed out my name.
“Whatever you think is appropriate for dinner on the water. You’re perfectly capable of knowing what to wear. You have my credit card for any purchases. I also left keys for my Mercedes on the kitchen table. Feel free to use it.”
I’d be damned if she didn’t just roll her eyes.
With her arms still folded, she stuck out her long leg, her actions just begging to be fucked. “Something else you should know about me.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“I never beg.”
“I never beg.”
The words and her wicked smile were almost all I could think about.
Almost.
Releasing the information on my planned engagement was another.
Kowtowing to my father.
For some reason, Vanessa’s words lingered in the forefront of my mind as I walked into the office.
While she hadn’t shoved it in my face, she certainly had ensured I knew she’d left her father’s regime so she wouldn’t be forced to live under his thumb.
I’d never thought of the empire I’d helped create or the lifestyle I’d been afforded to live meant I was bowing down to anyone.
Now I couldn’t get the thought from my mind.
However, I’d called the meeting with my father. It wouldn’t be long before the rumor mill started and I certainly wanted to be the person to tell him about my upcoming nuptials before some rag newspaper did.
As I started to walk by my father’s assistant, she jerked to her feet.
Backtracking, I returned to her desk. “What’s wrong, Heather?” The woman was fidgeting. While I certainly knew she preferred when Pops phoned in or emailed whatever terse order that crossed his mind, she had a look that reminded me of the fear of God on her face.
“It’s nothing,” she said.
“I am expected.”
“I know. It’s just…”
“Spit it out, Heather.”
She darted a glance toward the door. “Carson is in with Mr. Elliot.”
I laughed. That usually meant my brother was close to running out of money. While years younger, he’d yet to indulge in participating in the job he was given at the company.
Which suited me just fine.
“I’ll handle it, Heather. Why don’t you go get a cup of coffee.” As I moved to the closed door, I was certain I overheard her admitting she’d prefer a glass of wine. Perhaps my father and Vanessa’s were exactly alike.
I’d taken a brief glance at Jonathan Blair’s background. His father had started the company, much like my grandfather had. He’d worked his way up through grit and determination but hadn’t really achieved success until he’d married a beauty queen from a well-to-do family.
How ironic.
I walked in without knocking as my father usually did when he required my presence. As soon as I burst in, the sight of my brother was more annoying than normal. The smirk on his face reminded me of the way Vanessa had glared at me.
As if she knew something I didn’t.
Carson was lounging in the chair opposite my father’s massive desk, leaning back with his leg extended, his arms locked behind his head. At least today he’d had the decency to wear a suit. A rarity.
Pops glanced at his watch as if I was either early or late while I closed the door.
“Right on time, Dad. Something I value in every employee.” My dig to remind him he’d given up the helm certainly wasn’t lost on my brother, yet he kept the smile. I’ll be damned if his eyes weren’t twinkling.
What the hell was going on?
“I was in the middle of discussing business with your brother, but since you’re here,” Dad said in his usual annoyed, open-ended, and very sarcastic comment.
I moved to the other chair, unfastening my jacket before sitting down. Ignoring Carson was in my best interest. “Since Elliot Enterprises is under my command, whatever discussions you’re having with Carson I should be included in.”
Pops finally swung around in his chair. “Very well. I’ve asked Carson to take his position within the company more seriously. It’s obvious you need the help and your brother is highly qualified. Years of college can’t be wasted on parties.”
I almost retorted by asking if his qualifications were in binge drinking and nightly social activities but refrained. “From what I’ve seen, Carson is far too busy with extracurricular activities.”
“No longer, brother,” Carson piped in. “I’m ready to buckle down and earn my paycheck.”
The timing was suspect. “You have me curious. What do you think you’re going to be doing?” His title as COO had meant nothing. He’d spent more time on the golf course than in the office during the past three years. Or strung out on whatever party favor he’d secured.
“He’ll be assisting you with the overseas market.
I was very pleased albeit surprised when your brother came to me with some interesting facts and figures as well as ideas on ensuring our overseas clients are eager to sign on with us.
” Dad did enjoy dropping a bomb. Since I’d been the one to nurture the various relationships overseas, building them through time, trust, and three overseas visits, my annoyance was likely showing.
I bit back every nasty word that came to the forefront of my mind.
Carson was up to something. There was no doubt. I gave him a look of admiration just for fun, even adding a nod of fake approval. “Interesting.”
“I think you’ll like my ideas,” he offered.
It would seem I’d be juggling two different but equally difficult games.
And it was barely nine-thirty in the morning.
I sat back, resting my elbows on the arms of the chair and steepling my fingers. It was easy to see they’d been chatting for more than a few minutes by the paperwork I noticed on my father’s desk.
Including the contract for the Barchella Hotel Group.
It was obvious Carson was eager to pick a fight or to simply sit back and watch me fume. I wasn’t interested. “Then you can handle the marketing aspect as I’ve already found a highly qualified person to provide me with everything I need for the contracts to be signed.”
I’d been vague enough my father took the bait, immediately narrowing his eyes and leaning over his desk.
“You’ve hired someone to work for you,” he commented.
“In a manner of speaking, although I’m certain she would correct you in that we’re working together. Two peas in a pod. I’m getting married and with her background, credentials, and lineage, she’ll make a perfect partner.”
In crime, I wanted to add, but why spoil all the fun I was about to have. With that, I stood, immediately heading for the door.
“You? Getting married?” my brother choked out. “It must be some floozy you’ve slept with more than once. No offense, of course, but your taste in women leaves much to be desired.”
Carson knew how to dig out old wounds, a pastime he’d grown very fond of.
I shook my head, merely throwing him a look while wearing a sly smile.
“What’s her name?” my father asked. Was there a hint of a smile on his face?
Why not go ahead and spread the joy? “Vanessa Blair.”
Neither my brother nor my father made any connections.
“Her father is Jonathan Blair of Blair Development. Since I have it from reputable sources Mr. Blair is actively pursuing Barchella, my guess is her services will be… invaluable. Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I’d like to spend some time with my fiancée.
She has valuable input for the meeting on Friday. ”
It wasn’t often that I caught my father off guard and I had to admit it felt damn good.
As I headed out of the office earlier than expected, I half laughed. I’d just elevated my lovely wife to be an active business partner.
I could only imagine her surprise.