Chapter 13
CAIN
Once we stepped inside, I glanced over at Sutton just before I gestured for her to walk ahead of me.
Manners were always something that had been drilled into me since I was a child, but there was definitely an underlying motive for my allowing her to go first. It gave me an opportunity to watch her ass in this gown.
I’d selected it specifically for how it would hug her curves while still keeping her elegant enough for my mother’s event.
The deep midnight-blue fabric against her skin made her look even more striking than she was in the pants suits she chose to wear.
It was taking every ounce of control not to act on every dirty thought flying through my head.
I imagined sliding my hands along her sides as I removed that dress, revealing every inch of her smooth skin.
I couldn’t help but imagine how this dress would look pooled around her feet.
The thought of Sutton naked and beneath me, her eyes widening as I took control, made my cock stiffen slightly.
I adjusted my stance to hide any visible evidence of how hard my dick was to keep that very big secret under wraps.
“Impressive turnout,” Sutton murmured beside me as her gaze swept across the room.
“My mother has a talent for extracting large donations from people who consider themselves untouchable,” I replied as I snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. I handed one to Sutton. “It’s one of her more useful skills.”
As if summoned by my words, I spotted my mother across the room, chatting with Stephen Taylor and his wife.
From here, I could see that Mrs. Taylor was fawning over my mother because Katherine Ashcroft commanded attention in a way not many could hold a candle to.
Her silver hair was swept into an elegant updo, giving ample shine to the diamonds hanging on her neck and ears.
I knew for a fact that they were understated by her standards, which meant they were merely worth several million instead of tens of millions.
“And there’s your mother,” Sutton said as she followed my gaze.
“In all her glory,” I confirmed. “Brace yourself.”
My mother’s eyes found mine across the crowded room, and I watched as her expression shifted from polite interest in whatever story she was being told to laser-focused attention on Sutton. She excused herself softly, something I’d seen her do many times before, and began making her way toward us.
“Cain,” she said when she reached us, offering her cheek for me to kiss. I obliged. “You’re late.”
“Fashionably so,” I replied. “Mother, this is Sutton Prescott, head of Prescott Vantage.”
My mother stared Sutton down, as if she was studying every inch of her. “Ms. Prescott. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Sutton replied, extending her hand. I suspected she was nervous, but there was no way to tell by looking at her.
“That would depend on your definition of ‘good,’” my mother said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she briefly took Sutton’s hand. “Cain rarely brings guests to these events. You must be… significant.”
I watched Sutton carefully, curious how she’d handle my mother’s not-so-subtle probe. I noticed that her shoulders jerked slightly but that was the only indication that she’d picked up on the fact that my mother was testing her.
“You’re too kind, Mrs. Ashcroft,” Sutton replied with a smile that matched my mother’s perfectly. “Cain has spoken highly of the foundation’s work. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support such a worthy cause.”
I watched my mother’s eyebrows lift slightly at Sutton’s response. She hadn’t expected such smooth deflection from someone she’d clearly intended to intimidate. It took everything in me not to smirk.
“Has he?” My mother’s gaze shifted to me. “That’s surprising. Cain rarely discusses the foundation’s work with… colleagues.”
The emphasis on that last word was subtle but unmistakable. My mother was fishing, trying to determine exactly what Sutton was to me outside of my recent acquisition of Prescott Vantage.
I caught Sutton’s eyes when they flicked toward me briefly before she turned her attention back to my mother.
“Mrs. Ashcroft, I’m still learning the complexities of what it’s like to be a part of Ashcroft Group.
He decided to invite me here tonight to introduce me to your foundation. I’m honored to be here.”
My mother’s eyes narrowed slightly at Sutton’s response. I could tell she was recalibrating her approach. “How thoughtful of him. Cain rarely does anything without having his reasons.” She turned her attention to me. “Cain, you’ve been avoiding me all week. I called your office three times.”
I kept my expression neutral to not give anything away. “I’ve been occupied with the Prescott Vantage acquisition.”
“Yes, I can see that,” she replied, as she tossed another glance Sutton’s way. “Ms. Prescott, I hope you’ll excuse us for a moment. There are some family matters I need to discuss with my son.”
Before Sutton could respond, my mother had already taken my arm. “I’ll be back shortly,” I told her. “Mingle. Make connections. That’s why you’re here.”
My mother led me away toward a quieter corner of the room, her smile never faltering for the benefit of onlookers. I knew this routine well. The public face of Katherine Ashcroft was impeccable, regardless of whatever storm might be brewing beneath.
“Really, Cain?” she said once we were out of earshot. “Howard Prescott’s daughter? Is this another one of your games?”
I sipped my champagne. “It’s business, Mother. Nothing more.”
“Don’t insult my intelligence. I know you. You don’t personally escort women involved in your business acquisitions to charity galas.”
“She’s valuable,” I said simply. “Talented. Well-connected.”
“And beautiful,” my mother added dryly. “How convenient.”
I turned my attention back to her. “What exactly are you concerned about?”
“That you’re going to keep messing around and get burned.”
I kept my expression neutral, even as my mother’s words hit a nerve. She always knew where to swing for maximum impact.
“I’m not ‘messing around,’ as you put it,” I replied, keeping my voice low. “Sutton Prescott is a strategic asset.”
My mother raised an eyebrow. “And the dress? The presidential suite? Those are also strategic business decisions, I assume?”
I should have known she’d have eyes and ears everywhere. “How did you—”
“Please.” She waved her hand dismissively. “I make it my business to know what my son is doing.”
I glanced across the room to where Sutton stood, now engaged in conversation with someone I didn’t recognize, which raised my suspicions. Even from this distance, I could see she was holding her own beautifully.
“You’re staring,” my mother observed dryly.
I turned back to her. “Your concern is noted but unnecessary. I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you?” She sipped her champagne delicately. “I’m not too sure about that, hun. This one’s different.”
“You’ve known her for all of five minutes,” I tossed back.
“I don’t need more. She’s not intimidated by you.” She took another sip of champagne. “That makes her either very smart or very foolish. Either way—”
My mother’s words faded from my ears as I glanced at where Sutton stood once more and found her speaking with Bradley Sumpter.
It was very obvious that it wasn’t a pleasant conversation and given the last time they were in a room together and the way he seemed to be talking to her, the fucker hadn’t learned his lesson.
“Excuse me, Mother. I need to handle something.”
“Of course you do. We’ll finish this conversation later.”
I moved through the crowd with a singular purpose to the point where I barely acknowledged the greetings from people who tried to catch my attention.
My eyes were locked in on them and the only thought running through my mind was to get him away from her right the fuck now.
The sight of Bradley standing too close to Sutton, his body language aggressive and entitled, ignited something primal in me.
I’d warned him once about overstepping. Clearly, he hadn’t taken that warning seriously enough.
When I reached them, I caught the tail end of Bradley’s statement: “—just because Ashcroft has taken an interest in you doesn’t mean—”
“Bradley,” I said, my voice cutting through whatever bullshit he was spewing. “A word.”
His head snapped toward me, and I watched the color drain from his face. Good. At least he had enough sense to recognize when he was in danger, even if he didn’t know just how much he was in.
“Mr. Ashcroft, I was just—”
“Outside. Now.” I kept my tone even to not give a single thing away. It was the same voice I used when ordering executions in boardrooms—calm, measured, and absolutely final.
I turned to Sutton, whose expression remained impressively neutral despite the tension. “Excuse us for a moment.”
Her eyes met mine and I could see the questions swirling in them. But she kept them to herself. “Of course,” she said.
I placed my hand on Bradley’s shoulder, gripping just hard enough to make him wince.
I steered him through the crowd, nodding politely to acquaintances as we passed, maintaining the illusion that everything was fine when my blood was boiling under the surface.
My mother caught my eye as we moved toward the exit. I’d deal with her later.
The service corridor outside was dimly lit and empty—exactly what I needed. I released Bradley with enough force to make him stumble against the wall.
“What did I tell you about your interactions with Ms. Prescott?” I asked, straightening my cufflinks.
Bradley’s attempt at composure was pathetic. “Sir, I was simply explaining company protocol—”
“You were undermining her authority. Again.” I stepped closer, watching him press himself against the wall like a cornered animal. “What exactly did you say to her?”
He swallowed hard. “Nothing inappropriate. Just that she shouldn’t expect special treatment because of her… connection to you.”
My hand shot out before I could even process the movement, gripping his throat and pinning him to the wall. I leaned in close enough to smell the fear radiating from him.
“What connection would that be, Bradley?” I asked softly.
“I… I just meant professionally,” he choked out.
“That wasn’t what you implied,” I said, maintaining my grip on his throat. “Choose your next words carefully.”
“I apologize,” he gasped, clawing weakly at my hand. “I misspoke.”
I studied him for a moment, noting how quickly his arrogance had dissolved into groveling. Fucking typical. Men like Bradley were all the same. Bold when they thought themselves protected, cowards when faced with real power.
“You seem to have difficulty understanding your position, Bradley,” I said, relaxing my grip just enough to allow him to breathe more easily. “Let me clarify it for you. You are expendable. Ms. Prescott is not.”
“Yes, sir,” he whispered.
“What exactly did you say to her?” I asked again.
“That women like her only advance through certain… methods. That her position was more about who she was sleeping with than her abilities.”
I released him and took a step back. The rage inside me had crystallized into something cold and focused. Bradley mistook my withdrawal for mercy and visibly relaxed.
“I see,” I said quietly. “And what did she say in response?”
“She told me to fuck off,” he said with a nervous laugh. “She’s got quite the mouth on her.”
“Walk with me, Bradley.”
He hesitated. “Sir, I have people waiting for me inside—”
“They’ll wait,” I cut him off. “Come.”
I led him further down the corridor, away from the gala. The sounds of music and conversation faded behind us as we moved toward a service exit. Bradley followed like a man being led to his death which wasn’t far from the truth.
“You’ve been with Ashcroft Group for how long now?” I asked in an attempt to keep things light.
“Four years, sir.” His voice had regained some confidence. “And I’ve always delivered results.”
“Results,” I repeated. “Yes. You have delivered… something.”
We reached the service exit that led to an alley. I pushed the door open and held it open because I have manners.
“I don’t understand why we’re out here, sir.”
“Privacy,” I replied simply. “For what needs to be said next.”
“Sir, whatever I said to Ms. Prescott—” he began.
“You insulted her intelligence and her professional accomplishments,” I interrupted. “You implied she achieved her position through sexual favors rather than merit.”
Bradley’s face shifted as if I slapped him but settled into a nervous smile. “It was just talk, sir. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“You didn’t mean anything by it,” I repeated, testing the phrase on my tongue. I removed my jacket and carefully folded it, placing it on a nearby garbage can. “Is that what you call it?”
“Everyone knows why she’s suddenly so important to you,” he said, emboldened by what he perceived as my calm demeanor. “I mean, have you seen her? I’d have her hang on my arm too if—”
I didn’t let him finish that thought. My fist connected with his stomach and I smirked as he doubled over. As he gasped for air, I grabbed his hair and yanked his head back up.
“Everyone knows,” I said softly. “Tell me, Bradley, what exactly does everyone know?”
“Nothing,” he wheezed. “I was out of line. It won’t happen again.”
“You’re right about that.” I moved closer as I withdrew one of my knives. Bradley’s eyes widened as he registered what was happening.
“Fuck,” he whispered, pressing himself harder against the wall. “You can’t be serious. Over a woman?”
I tilted my head slightly, studying him. I loved watching his panic rise. “Yes, over a ‘woman.’”
“I’ve been nothing but loyal,” he pleaded. “Whatever she told you—”
“Don’t care.”
“Everyone will know it was you,” he said.
His voice shook and it sent a thrill down my spine. I couldn’t fight my grin. “No, they won’t.”
With a fluid motion, I drove the knife into his abdomen, just below his ribcage. His eyes widened in shock and pain as I pressed closer, almost embracing him as I twisted the blade slightly.
“This is for disrespecting her,” I whispered. I withdrew the blade and immediately stabbed again, this time into his liver.
Bradley’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air.
No scream came. It was as if the shock had robbed him of his voice.
His hands clutched weakly at my shirt as his legs began to give way beneath him.
I stepped back, letting him slide down the wall, careful to avoid the blood that would soon pool around him.
I heard the door to the alley open behind me and turned to see Sutton standing there. For a moment, we just stared at each other and I watched her eyes widen with horror as she took in the scene before her.