Chapter 8
It had been three weeks since my bout with pneumonia, and December had already settled in. I had learned a lot from Oliver during my time at Fox Asset Corporation—both about the company and about him personally. He valued my opinion, even leaving me some plans for the new buildings he was working on by the waterfront in Queens to review.
I was engrossed in the plans when I heard yelling coming from Oliver’s office. The last time I saw him, he was quietly typing away at his laptop. Curious, I pressed my ear against the wall we shared, catching bits and pieces of his conversation.
I only caught a minute before he stopped and cursed loudly. It sounded like Jonah was up to something. Intrigued and concerned, I headed to Oliver’s office and knocked softly on the door.
“What is it?” he snapped.
“It’s me,” I said gently.
“Come in.”
I opened the door to find Oliver sitting at his desk, his face bright red, chewing on the corner of his lip.
“What’s the matter?” I asked, closing the door behind me.
“Fucking Jonah. He got into some trouble on St. Croix,” he replied, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“I thought he didn’t have access to any transportation.”
“He stowed away on the transport boat that dropped off supplies. He’s been working well with the crew, and the foreman gave him a job to do on the roof of the crew house. Apparently, he sneaked away, jumped on the boat with a wallet full of money from one of his coworkers, got drunk, and started a fight with a police sergeant’s son at a local bar. The kid got a broken nose, and now they want to sue.”
I gasped. “Damn him. What was his excuse?”
“He said he was blowing off some steam, that I can’t expect him to be holed up on the island all the time.”
“Doesn’t he realize he’s exposing himself?” I asked, feeling a mix of frustration and worry.
“I don’t know what he’s thinking,” Oliver said, shaking his head.
“What’s your next move with him?”
“I paid off the sergeant’s son and he dropped the charges. The incident is now a misdemeanor. I told Jonah if I have to chain him to a freaking post, I will.”
“I’m sorry,” I said softly.
Oliver looked at me, his expression softening. “I want to take you to the island.”
“Where would we stay? You said it’s not nearly done.”
“We’d stay on St. Croix. After everything that’s been going on, we need a break.”
I nodded, the idea of getting away sounding incredibly appealing. “Okay. When do you want to go?”
“As soon as possible. We both need to clear our heads,” he said, standing up and walking around the desk to pull me into a tight embrace.
His warmth and the steady beat of his heart against my ear were soothing. “I’ll start packing,” I whispered, feeling a sense of anticipation and relief wash over me.
“I forgot to tell you; Ty wants to talk to me. He said they enhanced the video enough to make out features.”
Ty actually had called me a week ago, but I was stalling.
Oliver frowned. “Do you want to see if you can identify the man?”
“It was seventeen years ago. I don’t know if I’ll remember enough and if I do, I have no idea who this man was or is. He could’ve disappeared for all we know or be dead. I hope he’s dead. My father didn’t deserve what happened to him.”
“No, he didn’t. And neither did you. You were an innocent child thrust into that violence.”
“It fucked me up for almost a year. I lost an entire year of my life because of some stupid fender bender.”
“He doesn’t think you’re good enough for me,” I blurted.
Oliver frowned. “And who is good enough for you? Him?” he asked, his voice full of hostility.
I shrugged. “It’s not like that with us. He’s just protecting me.”
He ground his teeth. “You don’t need his protection. You have me and your family.”
“Ty has always been protective of me.”
“That was before you were engaged. You don’t need him now.”
I sighed with frustration. “He’s a friend. Please don’t say anything to him.”
“I don’t plan on it because that would create a wedge between you and him. I know how important your friends are to you.”
I changed the subject to avoid an argument. “Speaking of which, Finley and Sadie want to get together this upcoming weekend for lunch. Is that possible?”
“I think we can swing it. Where?”
I smirked. “Diamond Square?”
Oliver raked his fingers through his hair. “You know I hate going there.”
I snorted. “It’s your freaking hotel. Why would you hate it?”
“Because I don’t want my employees to think I’m spying. I have others to check on their work.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s either your hotels brunch or the SW.”
“SW. I prefer it.”
“And I prefer Diamond Square. I love the dessert table. They don’t have those little macrons I love at SW.”
Oliver rolled his eyes. “I get you a boatload of them if you want.”
“Diamond Square,” I insisted.
I knew if I kept pushing him, he would give in the way he usually did.
“You’re being difficult again,” he said.
“Good. What time?”
Oliver’s shoulders slightly sagged in defeat; I loved to win at our disagreements.
“I guess noon. You know this is going to cost you,” he said with a wicked grin.
I rolled my eyes. “I figured. Name your price.”
“I’ll have to think about it and get back to you in bed tonight.”
“Is that all you think about?”
“You know it’s not, but you are a good chunk of my focus.”
“So, you have Ryleigh brain?”
“Yes, I do. It’s not a bad brain to have. Are we working out tonight?”
I rubbed my leg. “My hamstrings are killing me. Brad worked me hard yesterday,” I whined.
Oliver laughed. “You slacked off all these months and now it’s time to pay the piper.”
“I could just say forget the workout.”
“Nope. You promise to get back to your regular workouts. I’m afraid I corrupted you all these months.”
“If this is corruption, I love it.”
Oliver checked the Vacheron Constantin watch I had given him a few months ago when we were in Los Angeles.
“I have a security briefing in a few minutes.”
“Do you want me to stay?” I asked.
“It’s boring. What do you think of the plans I gave you?”
“I’m making notes a la Oliver.”
“I’d like to see them when you’re done.”
His desk phone rang, and he excused himself. I let myself out of his office and headed to mine. I was getting just like him, using a pencil to write notes on paper. I went to the office in the penthouse a few days ago to get a pen and found stacks and small slips of paper with handwritten notes. I wondered how he kept track of everything.
Oliver
“What are the ramifications of Jonah’s fuck up?” I asked, clenching my fists.
“The report is buried and hasn’t been entered in the computer system,” Vlad said.
I was sitting at my desk, speaking with my head of security on the phone. I needed to find out the information he had about my brother.
“And have you been tracking the movements of Antonio Caruso?”
“Yes. We have evidence he was the one that ransacked Miss Stewart’s apartment. We have no idea what he was looking for.”
“Did he do it himself?”
Vlad let out a clipped laugh. “You expect him to do his own dirty work? We found a couple of his mugs who like to talk. They did the work.”
“And of her father’s murder?” I asked.
“The cop is close.”
I ground my teeth. “If he finds out it’s Caruso, Ryleigh’s life is even more in danger than it already is. I need you to keep your movements discreet. If Caruso finds out we’re onto him, he’ll come after Ryleigh even if he has to expose himself.”
“And what of Jonah?”
I tapped my nails on the desk. “Keep tabs on the travel of Caruso’s men. Jonah is a sitting duck on Fox Island if they find out he’s there. As much as he pisses me off, he’s still my brother. I have no choice but to protect him.”
“Suppose you didn’t?”
“If Caruso found out Jonah didn’t have any worth to me, he would kill him and continue to pursue Ryleigh. He wants what Jonah owes him, dead or alive.”
“We should have more information on his movements in a few days.”
“I want to take her to the island but only if it’s safe. When will you know? I’d like to make arrangements to visit before the Christmas holiday.”
“Caruso is heading to Brazil in the next week with his family. The IT staff hacked his system and found the information,” Vlad said.
“That doesn’t mean he isn’t having us watched. I need to be sure.”
“I’ll see to it.”
“Thank you. You have forty-eight hours.”
“Will do, sir.”
I hung up the phone and sighed loudly. I just hoped Jonah didn’t alert Caruso as to his whereabouts. It could set a whole nightmare into motion if it did. Walking around with this knowledge was torture for me and it was even worse because of the picture Ryleigh had of her father.
She didn’t know that Robert Stewart was dirty and the things he did behind the scenes in his business. When and if she found out, it would devastate her. I hoped that would never happen.
How coincidental that Ryleigh’s former boyfriend ran up gambling debts with one of Caruso’s bookie operations. Maybe if they hadn’t dated, she wouldn’t be in danger. The stupid kid mentioned her as a possible source for funds to pay his debts.
He tipped them off when he joked about her nightmares and her very name piqued their interest, setting the wheels in motion. My brother didn’t help, ripping off thousands of dollars from Caruso’s high end goods vending machines. He wanted Jonah to pump Ryleigh for information unless he could pay the money back with three hundred percent interest. I would have gladly paid the debt if I believed Caruso would leave Ryleigh alone, but I knew the contrary.
I dealt with Antonio Caruso before, a mean, ruthless fucker. Robert Stewart had gotten into bed with the man and when the deal went bad, he paid the ultimate price. I knew what Caruso was capable of when his way of life was threatened.
Maybe if that stupid newspaper article hadn’t run about cold case files, it would have stayed buried. Tyler Barnes and a few of his fellow officers gave an interview. They each revealed what they were working on, and I guess Caruso was listening even after all these years. Little did Barnes know he put Ryleigh in danger.
Until that time, Caruso thought he got away with the murder of Robert Stewart. A drowning man will always look to take you down to save himself. It was the reason why I needed to keep Ryleigh surrounded by security. I refused to lose her.
I let Oliver alone to take his call. I finished up the day by making some final notes on the project in Queens. I might be a novice, but I noticed a few things that might be questioned. I hoped I was making Oliver proud with the work I was doing. Though I wouldn’t admit it out loud, I looked up to him and my heart would swell each time I thought about him. He showed up at my door a few minutes before five.
“Ready to go?”
“It’s before five. I don’t think my boss would like me leaving early.”
Oliver smirked. “Your boss can shove it. I want to take my fiancée home.”
I grinned at him as he came into my office and lifted my black wool coat from the closet by the bathroom. I stood and he helped me into it, giving me a hard kiss on the mouth.
“Did you get everything finished today?” he asked.
“Yes. I made notes on the plans. Just a few ideas you should consider.”
“I’ll look them over tomorrow.”
“I’m starving,” I admitted, my stomach growling in agreement.
“You didn’t eat much at lunch. Are you feeling all right?” Oliver's concern was evident.
“I just wasn’t hungry,” I replied, reaching up to smooth his sandy hair off his forehead. It was getting long, and he definitely needed a haircut. “You need a cut.”
“I know. I’ve been meaning to call the salon.”
“I could cut it for you,” I offered.
“You cut hair?” He raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Yes, why are you so surprised?” I asked.
“Because you never said anything before.”
There were still so many things we didn’t know about each other but we were learning.
“A girl can have some secrets. Would you like me to cut it for you tonight?”
“Exactly how much training do you have?” he asked, skepticism coloring his tone.
“I’m good, I promise. Ty’s mother taught me. She’s a stylist and has been for years. I got so good I did Matthew and Finley’s hair when I was in high school. You know how those two are with their appearance,” I said with pride.
“So, I won’t look like you put a bowl on my head?” He grinned, teasing me.
“Try me.”
“Oh, I definitely plan to try you when we get home,” he said, grabbing my hand and kissing the back of it before tucking it against him.
Oliver led me to the elevator, saying goodnight to a few executives on the way out. They all seemed shocked that he was leaving at 5 p.m. We had been working long hours, and this was one of the few days we left on time.
In the limo, Oliver pulled me onto his lap and hugged me tightly. Something felt off. He didn’t do what he usually did, which was to plant kisses on my throat and chest. He just held me in his arms, his grip firm yet tender.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, resting my head against his shoulder.
He sighed deeply. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Jonah?”
“Yeah, and everything else. It’s been overwhelming lately.”
I hugged him back, trying to offer some comfort. “We’ll get through it, Oliver. Together.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I know. I just need to remind myself of that sometimes.”
“Let’s get married,” he murmured.
“We are getting married.”
“Now.”
The word stole the breath from me. There was definitely something wrong but if I knew Oliver, he wouldn’t tell me.
“Look at me.”
He seemed so vulnerable that I worried he would tell me he had something terminal. He looked up at me and his expression looked so serious.
“I want you to be my wife. I can’t wait.”
I tugged his hair, weaving my fingers in the thick strands. “It’s only seven more months.”
“Seven months too long,” he said, tugging my collar down and pressing a kiss to my skin.
“You agreed to July,” I said.
He lifted his head and nuzzled my nose with his. “I’m impatient. I want you to be Mrs. Fox.”
“I practically am. We live together like we’re married.”
His breath feathered across my lips. “My attorneys want me to have a prenuptial drawn up.”
“I think it’s a good idea,” I said without hesitation.
He met my gaze. “I don’t.”
“I’m not with you for your money or what you can do for me. I’m marrying you because I love you. I have my own money,” I reasoned.
“I think you should let me invest it for you.”
My stepfather had invested my trust fund years ago, building a comfortable nest egg for me. I didn’t need to work if I chose not to, but I would rather save my money for something important or retirement, which ever came first.
"Anders does a fine job," I said, trying to keep my tone light.
"I've seen your portfolio. I think I can do better," Oliver countered.
"When did you see my portfolio?" I asked, surprise evident in my voice.
"A couple of months back. You left your statement on the counter. And you're right, Anders has done a fine job, but I can do better."
"Does it matter? That money is chump change compared to what my fiancé has," I pointed out.
"Yes, it is, but I'd feel better having it under my control," he insisted.
"No. Anders is my stepfather. How would it look if I took it out of his control?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.
"Like you're making an adult decision," he replied smoothly.
I untangled myself from his arms and slipped off his lap, staring out the window. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll leave it where it is.”
Oliver's frown deepened, his eyes growing dark with confusion.
"Ryleigh, what did I say wrong?" he asked, his tone softening.
"I don't want everything under your control. Is that so horrible?" I snapped, my annoyance flaring.
"No, but I want you to be secure," he explained, his voice gentle.
"Are you planning on going bankrupt?" I challenged.
"Well, no. It would take a lot for that to happen," he admitted.
"Then stop worrying about my money unless you plan to divorce me," I said sharply.
"That's not even a consideration," he replied, sounding hurt.
"Then let this go."
"I'm sorry," he murmured.
"Drop it," I snapped again. Oliver said nothing else, and I could hear him tapping on his phone. I was irritated, not just because he wanted to control my money, but because he thought he could do it better. Maybe he could, but I trusted Anders to take care of my funds.
My inheritance had grown to almost three million dollars since Anders had handled the investments for the last fourteen years. If I ever broke up with Oliver, I would have a comfortable nest egg for retirement.
“Ryleigh?”
I sighed and turned to look at Oliver. “What?”
His face was passive. “Don’t be angry at me. I only want what’s best for you.”
“I know you do but I sometimes feel you want to control everything.”
“That’s not true.”
I wrung my hands. “This goes along the lines of holding on too tightly. We should probably take a night off from each other.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” he growled.
“It means we should do things separately for a night. Matthew needs me to take care of Blackie on Friday. It would be easier if I stay there.”
“NO! Why do you need to stay at his place?” he asked angrily.
I let out a frustrated breath. “Because I need a break.”
“You can’t leave me.”
I threw my hands up. “Oh my God, Oliver, I’m not leaving you. We’re spending one night apart.”
“That’s how it starts.”
I was thankful when Vlad pulled up to the building. I quickly opened the door and slipped out onto the sidewalk before Oliver, moving toward the lobby before he exited. The elevator was open, having just let off a few of the residents and I stepped inside. Oliver was right behind me, and he punched in the code for the penthouse with such force I could see his finger turning white.
He said nothing to me, just stood there glowering as we ascended up. I had a feeling our evening would be awkward. He stepped out ahead of me and jammed his key in the lock, pushing the door open. When I came through, he pushed me to the wall, kicking the door closed.
“Oliver, please,” I pleaded.
He pressed his body against me and latched his mouth onto mine. It didn’t take long for me to give in, and I kissed him back, nipping his lip with my teeth. The sexual tension between us was palpable and he pushed off my coat, then his own and reached up my dress to grasp my panties.
They were delicate lace and gave way as he tore them from my body. In seconds I was up against the wall, my legs wrapped around him and his penis thrusting hard inside me.
“I can’t lose you,” he whispered as he desperately fucked me.
“You’re not losing me.”
He slowed and came to a stop, carrying me to the couch while he was still inside me. He dropped down and held me tightly, rocking me in his arms. I silently came a few seconds before he grunted and spilled his seed into me.
“It feels that way,” he panted.
I loosened his tie and kissed his neck. “It’s just one night. Spend some time with your friends.”
He continued to rock me. “One night feels like forever when we’re apart.”
“Is it the apart or the circumstance of the apart?” I asked.
I knew what Oliver was doing. He was claiming me, trying to put any doubts in my mind that I had about our relationship. But I didn’t have doubts. I knew I wanted to marry and spend the rest of my life with him. That wouldn’t change no matter how many arguments we had.
“Both,” he said quietly.
I met his eyes with my own. “Why are you so insecure about me spending time away from you?”
“I’m not insecure. I worry,” Oliver admitted.
My brow furrowed. “About what? I have security. Brenda can stay with me.”
“Why don’t you bring Blackie over here?” he suggested.
I raised my eyebrows. “I didn’t think you would want a dog in the penthouse.”
“I love dogs,” he said.
“Would you consider getting one?” I asked.
“Maybe after we’re married.”
“I’ll hold you to that. I need a shower. Do you want to come in with me?”
“How about a bath?”
I chuckled. “Baths with you are trouble.”
“No more than showers are,” he said with a grin.
“Oh my, this was delicious,” I said as I finished off my bowl of spaghetti. After we showered, Oliver made spaghetti while I put together a salad and made some garlic bread.
“I’m glad you liked it.”
I patted my full belly. “You can cook for me anytime.”
“Let’s clean up and relax.”
“I’d like another glass of wine. This was good,” I said gesturing to the bottle of merlot Oliver opened.
He poured me another glass and I got up to take my bowl and his to the sink. We worked together and within ten minutes, we were relaxing on the couch with glasses of wine. I had my back propped against the arm of the couch while Oliver massaged my feet.
“Your feet are sexy,” he said.
“That’s what you think are sexy?”
“The whole package is sexy but your feet are too. I like this polish,” he said as he rubbed the nail of my right big toe. I had applied two coats of black cherry polish a couple of days ago.
“I like it too.”
“You know I can have the salon come here to give you a private manicure and pedicure.”
“I usually do it myself. I only go to the salon once in a while.”
He slid his hand up my leg, stopping at the hem of my short pink satin robe.
I yawned. “I’m tired.”
“Are you sure? I bet if I used my tongue, you would find some energy.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve decided that you’re worse than a teenage boy. I have to call Matthew and let him know I’m taking Blackie here tomorrow. I want to make sure it’s all right with him.”
He smiled. “You decided to stay?”
I snorted. “You act like I’m leaving for good. It was one night.”
“But I love having you with me.”
I pressed a hard kiss to his lips then stood up to call my brother. I went to our bedroom and hit Matthew’s contact information.
“What’s up?” my brother said as he answered.
“I want to bring Blackie here,” I said, pressing the phone to my ear as I paced around the bedroom.
My brother’s voice crackled through the line after a moment's hesitation. “Why? You usually stay at my place when you take care of him.”
I took a deep breath, glancing out the sliders to the patio. “I wasn’t living with Oliver the last time I took care of Blackie.”
“Maybe my girlfriend can take care of him,” he suggested, his tone casual.
“Girlfriend?” I echoed, stopping in my tracks. “You’re dating someone?”
“Yeah, for a couple of weeks now. She’s awesome.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Does this awesome woman have a name?”
“Tova. She’s a business consultant. I met her at the coffee shop near my apartment.”
“Is she worthy?” I teased, recalling our old family joke.
He laughed, a sound that warmed my heart. “More than worthy. Have you spoken to Finley lately?”
I sighed, twirling a strand of hair around my finger. “No. Every time I call, he’s busy. Sadie told me he’s working on a big project for Jordan Grayson. We’re having lunch with them on Saturday at Diamond Square.”
“He’s asking her tomorrow. They’re going out to dinner.”
I gasped, my eyes widening. He never said a word to me about thinking of proposing to my best friend. I was a little annoyed he didn’t include me in picking out the ring.
“I had no idea it was that serious.”
“They make me sick with their lovey-dovey crap,” he said with a mock groan.
I laughed, shaking my head. “Maybe you should try it for yourself.”
“I’m not sure if I’m ready for that kind of commitment,” he admitted. “I’m only twenty-six. I still think you’re too young to get married.”
“I’ll be almost twenty-four when I marry.”
“I don’t want to get married until I’m at least thirty.”
“Does Tova know that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow even though he couldn’t see me.
“I’m playing the field,” he said. “I doubt this will turn into anything serious. She’s busy, I’m busy.”
“That’s usually when it hits you out of nowhere. Bam, you’re in love.”
He was quiet for a moment, then changed the subject. “Is Fox treating you well?”
“He is,” I replied softly, a smile tugging at my lips as I thought about Oliver. “He really is.”
“Any nightmares lately?”
I wouldn’t admit to Matthew that the nightmares were still coming. When we were kids, his room was next to mine and he would climb into bed with me when I had one. His presence calmed me, and I slept through the night knowing my brother was there to save me.
"No, I’m good," I said, trying to wrap up the call.
"Glad to hear it. I’ll talk to you later. I promised I’d call Tova," my brother replied, his voice light and happy.
"Oh, you promised?" I teased, imagining his face flushing slightly on the other end of the line.
"Okay, I’m hanging up now," he said with a chuckle.
After we disconnected, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I shook them off and went to find Oliver. I found him in his office, hunched over his desk, scribbling notes with a pencil.
I watched him for a moment, fascinated by his concentration, before I spoke up. “All the technology you have, and you use a pencil and paper?”
He jumped slightly, then smiled without looking up. “I like it better. It helps me get my thoughts down more clearly.”
I watched as he folded the paper and tucked it into his desk. “Matthew is having his girlfriend take care of Blackie,” I said, leaning against the doorframe.
“Since when does he have a girlfriend?” Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Two weeks ago. He said he’s not interested in getting tied down. Oh, and Finley is asking Sadie to marry him tomorrow night.”
“Really?” Oliver’s eyes widened in surprise.
“He better hurry because now that I know, I can’t keep this from her,” I said with a laugh.
“You’d better, or Finley will have a fit.”
“He never even told me! I could’ve helped him pick out a ring. Sadie’s been my best friend for five years,” I ranted.
“Maybe he was afraid you’d spill the beans.”
“I can keep a secret, especially one as big as this. I guess I’ll see the ring when we go out to lunch on Saturday.”
“I asked for a private room,” Oliver said, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
“Why? I want to enjoy the buffet,” I protested.
“We can still enjoy the buffet, but we’ll be sitting in a private room.”
“I want to sit with everyone else,” I insisted, crossing my arms.
“Stop being difficult. The room is very comfortable, and we’ll have our own private wait staff for drinks. I want to order a bottle of champagne for your brother and Sadie. Maybe we should get them a cake to celebrate.”
“That would be nice. I’m sure they’d appreciate the sentiment.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Oliver said, his voice gentle.
“Sadie’s favorite color is green,” I added.
“For the cake?”
“Yes, and she loves chocolate.”
“Okay, green and chocolate. Got it,” he said, scribbling the notes on a scrap of paper.
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Thanks, Oliver. You’re the best.”
And he was. Not only did he take my feelings into account but those around me. He was accommodating and sweet. I never thought I would find someone like him or that someone like him even existed.