Chapter 27
Christian
“What do you want?”
Kingston snorted even as I was walking away from him, a drink in my hand. And yes, it was eleven in the morning. So the fuck what?
I knew he’d follow. There was no point in denying him entrance. I’d been holed up in my office since dropping Penelope off at her house. Had any work been accomplished? Fuck, no.
“What in the hell is going on? You missed a meeting today. Jessica said you haven’t returned any of her phone calls.” Kingston’s tone was accusatory.
“I’m entitled to a damn day off.” I stood staring out the window. All I’d been able to think about was the look she’d given me. Not when I’d confirmed the eliminations, but with invading her privacy.
“Yeah, you are, except that’s not like you. What’s going on and don’t tell me nothing. You also don’t drink this early in the day.”
“Well, for one thing. Carrington Jacobs has decided to use blackmail on Penelope. She worked at a strip club at sixteen and he decided she will use me to find out the bid number for the Paris project or he’ll do everything to ruin her.”
He didn’t say anything at first, but I could hear his wheels turning.
“O-kay. There must be more than that. Yes, she was sixteen, but that was years ago. I take it she had a good reason.”
“To try and save her father from dying.”
“There’s more to the story.”
“Yeah,” I admitted. “And I’m not going to betray her. There’s more. The bastard doctored a photograph. Supposedly, I killed whoever the Duboises lost.”
“The patriarch and the man who purchased the Parisian hotel. And yes, he was murdered in a drive-by.”
As I blew out air, I turned around. My own brother was looking at me much the same way she had. “I didn’t kill the man. I do have some sense of scruples.”
“That’s a good thing because the French police are all over the crime.” He eyed me carefully. “That’s not why you’re so upset. I know you too well. What is wrong?”
“I lost her.”
“Penelope?” A slow grin crossed his face.
“Yes. She found out I planted a camera in her house. I was going to install a couple more but decided against doing so since things had changed between us. I was even going to remove the one I’d installed because I didn’t need it any longer.”
“I told you that your stupid games would eventually bite you. Did you tell her everything, every last sordid detail?”
“What I didn’t, she guessed. She is one amazing, astute woman.”
“Did you tell her where the camera was located?” He lifted his eyebrows, still amused at my expense.
“No.”
“Did she find it?”
I lifted the glass, laughing. “I don’t know. I refuse to invade her privacy more than I already have.”
“Wow. You finally garnered some honor,” Kingston said sarcastically.
“Shut the fuck up. I can’t lose her.”
“Well, I don’t know what you think you’re going to do. Did you tell her how you feel about her?”
“I showed her.”
Now he burst into laughter. “After all the romantic interludes you orchestrated, you have a lot to learn about women. She needs to be told. And said with meaning. You also need to grovel with an apology.”
“What makes you an expert?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “I enjoy getting to know women the old-fashioned way.”
“She’s so incredible. To hear the lengths Carrington went to secure a position that should have gone to her, including planting evidence so she’d look like a traitor, burns the hell out of me. George should learn what happened.”
“Speaking of George. How do you want to handle the bidding situation? It’s down to us and Covington.”
“I want to destroy them.”
“Including George?”
My brother had a point. “I don’t know. I have nothing to prove that Brandon talked with Carrington. Without that, it’s my disgruntled word against an employee George obviously has faith in. And even though the photograph she was shown is fake, it’ll definitely make the Duboises think twice.”
He nodded. “You’re right. We need to figure out something.”
My phone dinged and I was frustrated. I had it in my hand before I realized what the sound indicated. An incoming email to my personal account.
That very few people had. I glanced at my phone, pulling up the text.
“What is it?” Kingston took a step closer.
“An email from Penelope. Hold on.” Confusion was rare for me, but right now, that’s the way I felt. What had she sent to me? I headed toward my computer, pulling the email up so I could see it more clearly. There was an attachment. As soon as I opened it, I laughed. “That’s my girl.”
“What?” He moved around to the other side of my desk, peering over my shoulder. “Penelope sent you that?”
“She did.”
“You’re right. She is quite… resourceful.”
I leaned back, thinking about how to handle it. “You know what? I have an idea that’s totally removed from everything I’ve ever done before.”
“For the company or because you want her back?”
“Both reasons, but mostly, for once I want to do the right thing. She deserves a chance at obtaining everything she wants in life. Even if it doesn’t include me.”
I had promised her everything. And if there was one thing about me anyone could count on it was that I always kept my promises.
“I’m glad to hear it, brother. Maybe you can finally face all the demons you’ve held in keeping so many secrets.”
“What secrets are you talking about?”
“You honestly believe I didn’t know our father continued to work with the syndicate? You must think me stupid.”
The look he offered allowed me a smile. “I wanted to protect you.”
“And I appreciate you being the big brother. Now, why don’t you finally accept you’re not some superhero. Except maybe to the woman you’ve fallen in love with. And don’t bother denying it. It’s written all over your face.”
He had me chuckling. “You’re right.”
“Yeah, as always. Now, what are you going to do?” Kingston asked.
“I’m going to make a phone call and soon I’m going to make a business proposition.”
* * *
Penelope
The day had been worthless.
I’d been too unsettled to do anything. I’d almost picked up the phone several times, but had maintained my resolve, a promise made to myself.
One thing I had done was send both Jasmine and Chantal a note of warning about the game. Maybe they already knew. It was entirely possible they didn’t mind.
Then again, did I?
Oh, my mind was muddled.
Mostly because I hadn’t heard from Christian.
Every time I closed my eyes, I could see his face and the way he’d looked at me.
Yes, the man was completely possessive by nature, but I’d enjoyed the feeling.
Very much so. I’d learned a lot about myself, including that I obviously had a screw or two missing, but the missing him part almost overrode everything else.
Yet I was angry, sad, and uncertain how I should feel. I was also being ridiculous, but I was finished being sorry for myself. That’s why I’d opened a fresh bottle of wine and turned on some music.
Somehow, I needed to soothe the ache or I’d fall prey to an emotion I didn’t need to feel.
With the wineglass in hand, I headed for the living room. It was lovely outside, very warm. Maybe I’d head out to the deck and enjoy the sunset.
You know what you’ll do. You’ll think about Christian and the ride on the motorcycle.
Grimacing, I even threw up my middle finger to my inner self. I wasn’t about to allow that to happen.
Before I made it to the back door, I heard a knock on the front. Stopping short, my nerves were instantly on edge. Anyone could be standing outside.
Carrington. The bastard.
Marlee. Because she’d called and I hadn’t returned her call.
Christian. Right. As if that was going to happen. He hadn’t even acknowledged what I’d sent. Obviously, I didn’t matter to him.
What if it was another courier with a glorious invitation? No, I doubted that as well. Well, the last thing I was going to do was hide inside my own house. Carrington could kiss my ass. I took long strides, throwing open the door.
And you bet I was shocked as hell. “Mr. Covington.”
He offered a kind smile. “Penelope. Please call me George. We worked together for far too long for you to continue calling me by such a formal name.”
“Okay. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you if you have the time.”
I hated that every muscle had tensed, but here we were. There was too much anger between us. “Not to be rude, but I don’t know what we have to discuss.”
“Please. Just allow me a few minutes of your time. I promise you that you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
After a few seconds, I stood back, opening the door further. “Please come in.”
He did, wiping his hands on his trousers. As soon as I closed the door, I realized I still had the wine in my hand. His grin and nod toward the glass was unexpected.
“Do you mind if I have one of those? It’s not often an old man is reduced to being a small insect and rightfully so.”
Now he had me intrigued. “Of course.” He followed me, remaining silent as I poured him a glass. “Would you like to go outside on the deck?”
“That would be lovely.”
Once we were settled in two chairs, although I was sitting on the edge, he leaned forward. “First of all, I need to give you a sincere apology.”
“I’m sorry?”
“Yes, I should never have doubted you.”
“O-kay. What happened?”
“It’s very rare in my industry when a powerful man can admit his tactics are ruthless.
It’s even more unusual when he makes an offer that isn’t to his benefit.
In doing so, I was reminded of the reason I started Covington.
For the people. I can tell you that you have been sorely missed.
They appreciated your professionalism while still managing to care about every one of them. ”
“George, you’re going to need to forgive me, but I don’t know what you’re trying to say.
Who is this man you’re talking about? Please tell me it’s not Carrington because honestly, he isn’t who you think he is.
I know you care about him and I realize you can’t trust me, but please don’t leave your company to him when you retire. Please.”
He smiled. “You always looked out for me. You were like a daughter to me and I allowed a con artist to make me believe you weren’t everything you said and what I witnessed you to be.
You are an amazing woman and I am so sorry I believed the worst. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. ”
“George. I’m still confused. What changed your mind?”
“I had a call from Christian Tempest. We met and had a long discussion. And as such, I have a proposition for you that I hope you’ll be interested in.”
I sat back, uncertain how to react or what to think. “Alright. I’m listening.”
* * *
Christian
For the first time in my life, I felt as if a decision I’d made had been entirely for someone else. Not with increasing my business or with adding to the bottom line but doing something that was unselfish.
Who knew I actually had it within me. I would be happy except for one thing.
I’d yet to hear from Penelope. Granted, I had no idea how George had handled the information I’d provided.
He’d been in shock, although I could tell what I’d shared hadn’t been much of a surprise.
He’d simply needed a push or perhaps someone offering an alternative.
I’d almost berated him for believing something so egregious, but I’d sensed how much hearing the news and being provided with proof had bothered him.
Did I blame her for not wanting to talk to me? Of course not. She had every reason to never want to hear from me again. I’d accept her decision, even if it would kill me to do so.
However, in believing I’d done the right thing, I felt almost vindicated for at least a few of my crimes.
I’d allowed George to run with the situation, hoping and anticipating his decision. But the ball was in his court. I couldn’t and wouldn’t force my business proposition on him any more than I’d do with Penelope.
But a guy could wish for a certain outcome.
It was late, after one in the morning and I was still in my home office. If I bothered to try to get some sleep, all I’d do would be to think about her.
Dream about her.
Hungering for her.
Longing to possess her.
There I went again, allowing my predatory self to crawl from his lair.
I’d decided to call this a new beginning, even making a promise to myself that I wouldn’t use violence any longer to solve issues. Turning a new page. All because I didn’t want her to think the worst of me.
Wasn’t that a kick in the ass.
I took a swig of my scotch, longing to see her face if only for one last time. I had no idea if she’d found the camera. At least I was happy I’d refused to place others. Maybe my days of being a stalker were truly over.
However…
The itch and need for her continued. I wanted one last look. If I knew her, she was still up toiling away behind her computer. I’d eliminated the surveillance program from my phone, but it was still installed on my laptop.
One last look.
That was it.
No more stalking.
I debated for a few seconds before pulling up the program. Then I filled my lungs with air before I clicked on it. Well, wouldn’t you know it. The room was dark. She’d gone to bed.
Just my luck.
My laugh was both full of anger and some crazy sense of feeling as if not being able to see her was just punishment. I didn’t deserve any better.
I was about to click off the program and uninstall it when movement caught my eye. I leaned forward, trying to decipher what I was seeing.
Whoever was in Penelope’s office had a much larger frame than hers. With every muscle in my body tensing, I moved to the program itself, enhancing the lighting. Whoever it was had his hand inside her desk.
A knowing settled in. The bastard was searching for the information I’d been sent. I would bet on it. When he dared lift his head toward my camera, a deep growl left my throat.
Carrington.
The fucking son of a bitch. I was ready to call her when he picked something up off the edge of the desk. What the hell? The steel blade was easy to catch even in the dim lighting.
Seconds later as he moved away from the camera, I realized he still had the knife in his hand.
There was no other choice than to handle the situation myself.
While I’d made a promise, sadly, I didn’t think it was one I could keep.