Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

V alerio

Fuck.

Fuck.

I'd wanted nothing more than to be able to enjoy the evening with my rival, a woman who'd brought out the sadist in me once again. Yet here I was furious with my father and determined to get to the bottom of what the man hadn't told me. Reporter or no reporter, I should have not only clued in but insisted he level with me.

We'd returned to the bungalow not long after our wicked tryst in the room. Her taste and the feeling surrounding my cock lingered, so much so I was having difficulty concentrating.

Selena had looked at me oddly when I'd told her I needed to make a couple of phone calls. But I'd noticed she'd headed into the kitchen, saying something about making snacks. I was beginning to think twice about the deal I still needed to propose. She didn't deserve to be shackled to my family.

First of all, there was no amount of money or promises that would convince her to accept something so… scandalous. Second, I had no intention of going through with my father's demands without some answers.

I'd left messages with my two brothers that we'd need to talk tomorrow. Now I was concentrating my time and my anger on the man who'd spawned me.

I stood outside, hoping the warm breeze would somehow curtail my rage, but so far, it wasn't working. When he answered, I sucked in my breath initially.

"You're going to fucking tell me the goddamn truth, Dad. I won't accept any less."

"And hello to you, son. I heard you were taking a recreational trip. I hope it's with the girl you intend on asking you to marry you. Perhaps the lovely Selena Michaels?"

"Marriage, Dad? You goaded me. You expected I'd play the fucking dutiful son."

"So, she is there with you. Excellent."

He wasn't getting this. To him, this was a game.

Where did I think I'd learned the art from? Damn it. I was pissed.

"Why in God's name would I consider asking anyone, let alone a sweet girl who has little to do with her father, to marry me when you're not telling me the real reason why. And don't you dare fuckin' tell me it's because I need to settle down or that I'm an embarrassment to this family. And do not use the reporter as the only excuse."

Marrying her could ruin me but could be the best decision I'd ever made. There was no in between.

I was on a roll tonight. But it was vital I learned as much of the truth as possible.

"Our stocks are already down, son. That is in direct correlation to that horrible article."

"That's not all of it. Threats? Difficulties prior to the article?"

My gut was screaming that, especially given Jameson's statement. Now two men had acted like they knew more about my father and our business than I did. I couldn't have it. Or as my brother would say, it was time to get my head out of my ass.

His sigh was an indication there was something much darker going on. "Fine. Yes. I don't know, son. I started receiving threats anonymously a couple months ago. At first, I blew them off, but they were alluding to things that happened when I was much younger."

"You're thinking Caldwell Michaels is behind this? You think this poisonous marriage will stop the man in his tracks."

"I honestly don't know for certain, but I've known the man a long time. And don't underestimate the power of an arranged marriage or any marriage for that matter."

"Even if the two required to get married want nothing to do with it?" I laughed, rubbing the scruff on my jaw. There wasn't enough alcohol to deal with this shit.

"It's called family loyalty."

I'd wondered just how long it would take before he'd play that card. "I understand loyalty, Pops. Sometimes, I wonder if you do. You're just telling me about these threats after two fucking months?"

"Do not agitate me, son. I've done everything in my life for you and your brothers. As I said, son. It's not something new. But the accusations that I stole money years ago from a client have me on edge."

He was rattled, much like the man I remembered but I'd be damned if there wasn't a slight hint of trepidation or fear. "The reporter?"

"He got wind of something but was smart enough not to accuse me, putting himself in hot water."

"Who the fuck accused you?"

"A stupid kid who must have heard it through the entertainment gossip," he said, partially laughing. "Don't worry. He's gone. But I have a feeling he contacted the reporter."

"Fuck. Did anything sordid like that happen then, Dad? I need to know."

"It didn't happen. I'm ruthless but not a stupid son of a bitch. It involved an actor not getting a part and he concocted a story. Hell, the guy is dead so I'm not sure why this came up out of the blue. I don't know what this asshole is trying to prove. But since I tossed him, I have a feeling this isn't over. With the shit from the article, and the concerns of hostile takeover since the firm has gotten not one but two overtures? Yes, I was determined to use any method that could stop the possible bloodshed."

The tactic was odd. So out of the ordinary I needed to think about it. However, my father wasn't a stupid man. The possibility of a takeover was strong, especially if members of the board were ready to sell their shares. I didn't like this one bit.

However, he still wasn't telling me everything that was going on. "Talk, Pops. You sound tired."

"Yeah, I am, son. More than you know."

"What's going on with your health?"

"Nothing to worry about. I had an appointment last week. My heart has recovered well. I think I need a vacation. However, my health has nothing to do with the deal and you need to come across as being completely respectable. I need you to concentrate. I need you to have my back. It's possible I'll need you to stand up to the board with me."

Ah, shit. Things had gotten more out of hand than I'd believed.

I had a bad feeling my father's health had taken a turn for the worse. "I'll be right there if the bastards on the board try and do anything. However, I'm still deciding on whether to make Selena part of the deal, which is why I'm here on the island. However, I want every threat you received in writing in my email tonight. Can you do that?"

I didn't like his continued hesitation. "Yes, son, I will. I just want you happy and moving forward in your life."

Why did I have the distinct feeling he was preparing me for his eventual death?

As I ended the call, shoving the phone into my pocket, I felt her presence. Ah, fuck me. How much had she overheard?

"I'm not certain which should be more disconcerting. The fact you and your family have been threatened, something you neglected or purposely didn't tell me. Or that you've been thinking about making whatever deal your father concocted."

"I already told you I wanted to discuss something with you."

"I didn't think you were serious but it's obvious your corporation is in some kind of trouble." In her hands were two drinks, but it was the look on her face highlighted by the single outside light I'd turned on that should concern me. We'd become more connected during our scene. I'd not only enjoyed the time spent, but a part of me had also been awakened as if rising from the dead.

I hoped her overhearing my conversation hadn't destroyed what little trust had been formed. One way or another, I knew making the deal was in my family company's best interest. But I doubted she'd see it that way.

Or give a shit.

I walked toward her and for a few seconds, I was certain she was going to scamper away but to her credit, she held her ground.

"Nothing we can't handle, although given my father's past health issues, his involvement makes me nervous."

"That I can understand but I don't like being played, Valerio. I might seem na?ve to you but you'd be surprised how much I've gleaned from my father over all these years. You might as well spill the beans on all of it. Whatever this deal is and what you think is going on with my father. It's obvious to me you sought me out on false pretenses. Now, I realize I texted you but knowing your connections, you learned I was the owner of the cellphone and used my mistake to your good fortune. I don't like liars or game players, Mr. Royal. Not at all."

I took the drink from her hand, taking a sip before responding. This time when I grabbed the back of her neck, she gave me the kind of venomous look that could set the entire world on fire. But she didn't budge. She was one formidable little thing. "Oddly enough you forget you were the one who sought me out, not the other way around. Don't you try and lie to me, luscious cupcake. You are a masterful game player, Ms. Michaels. Perhaps more so than I am. If I had to guess, I'd say you were a champion chess player in your youth."

"Really? Is this how it's going to be?"

"Business can be ruthless." She was even more defiant and I believed her. Circumstances had brought us together. But karma was using it against us.

Or maybe for us.

That remained to be seen.

She laughed, the sound beautifully haughty. "Arrogant prick. As far as chess, wouldn't you like to know?"

"Actually, yes, I would. However, stop thinking I lied to you. I've done no such thing. Was I capable of finding out who you were via your number? Yes, but I was too intrigued by the words themselves. So, I played along. I found myself far too engaged in the secretive tryst to attempt to see if you were being deceptive. Did you ever stop to think how many women have attempted to get to me in the craziest ways?"

"Why, because you're the most eligible bachelor in the city?"

I lowered my head and she lifted hers. I did so adore toying with her. Speaking of toys. I had something special in mind for later.

As long as we hadn't killed each other by then.

The thought was sinfully delicious. And far too enticing.

I rubbed her neck until her breathing was heavy, her eyelids half closed before I dared to kiss her.

Now she pressed her hand against my chest, caressing, not pushing. She tasted of merlot and fresh fruit, strawberries and mangos. I found those the most extraordinary tastes of all. I swept my tongue inside, holding her captive for a few precious seconds before easing back.

"Your prowess won't get you out of this, Mr. Royal. Now, since it's fairly late yet we haven't eaten, I took the liberty of cutting some fruits and cheeses for us. You're coming inside where we are going to sit down and talk like adults. I won't accept anything less."

This time, she did push me away, giving me a heated and very savage look. I couldn't wait to see her in a pair of nipple clamps.

My mouth salivated from the thought.

"Yes, ma'am. And here I thought you were a feisty cupcake baker and nothing more."

"Then you would be wrong. I do have a rather ruthless father. Just like you." She backed away, pointing at me before heading inside.

My God. My cock was raging hard.

Laughing, I took a deep breath of the ocean air before heading inside. I was in for another surprise. She'd prepared a feast. Her artistry was remarkable, so much so I was floored for a few seconds.

She didn't wait for me, yanking out her chair and lowering into it. After placing her wine on the table, she jerked a cloth napkin into her lap before bothering to lift her head while plucking a cherry from a platter. "Are you planning on going on a hunger strike?"

I did so enjoy our banter, but I had to admit her surrender earlier had been spectacular. I wanted more of it. I moved closer, taking the seat on the other side of the table, being just as dramatic as she'd been when tossing the napkin into my lap. I selected warm brie covered in some jam she'd found, placing the wedge and several crackers on a cocktail plate.

She took the liberty of plopping a strawberry beside it, grinning as if winning a point. "Fruit is good for you. Take a bite."

I did and had to admit my stomach growled almost instantly. Meanwhile, she popped a grape into her mouth with flair before adding a couple of raspberries to her glass of wine. Everything she did was with flair.

Tonight, I knew it was on purpose but that didn't take anything away from the salacious act.

She was the perfect submissive in every way.

"Delicious. Just like you," I told her, scooping up even more of the incredible cheese.

"Compliments won't get you out of telling me what is really going on. So, spill it or you'll wear the rest of the jam."

She was giving me far too many sinful ideas. "Yes, my father has evidently been receiving threats for a couple of months. I had to force that out of him just now."

"Any idea who?"

"None."

"But you think it's from my father?"

I took a deep breath. "At first, yes. But as your father has likely told you, our respective companies didn't get where they were without enemies or threats."

"True, but my father has been receiving them as well. It's rattled him. No, he didn't confide in me but so much. As with everything else, I'm required to pry the information."

That was surprising. "Interesting. I wonder if it's from a smaller firm. Any idea what kind of threats?"

She chewed on another strawberry as she shook her head. "My father must be like yours, keeping as much to himself as possible."

"Yes, which is what gave my father a heart attack and he almost died. Stress will do that to you."

Her eyes opened wide. "I'm sorry. That must have been rough."

"Yeah, but it gave him a new outlook on life. I think that was good."

"Mmmm… So, this deal you're talking about. You want us to go into business together. Don't you?"

I had to give the woman credit. She was thinking outside the box. "If it was, what would you think about it?"

She mulled the thought as she twisted her wineglass. "I don't know what to think, Valerio. In truth, my father even threatened me that if I didn't return to work with him, I could kiss my chances at getting my own bakery goodbye in the city. That shocked me."

"I'll bet. Don't worry. My father issued an ultimatum of his own and one I laughed at. At least at first."

"They're both nervous."

"They are. It's unusual for my father."

"Mine too. I'll need to give it some thought but I doubt I could convince my father to get into bed with an enemy."

I took a few seconds to grab a strawberry, easing it toward her luscious mouth. "Open for me, cupcake."

She smirked at first then obeyed. Goddamn it. Even the way she took a bite was sexy as hell. This woman… While she was chewing, I took the opportunity to drop the entire bombshell. I might as well get it all out in the open.

"I'm not just talking about making an alliance in business, my sweet and delectable cupcake. I'm also talking about something more… permanent."

"What's that?" she said with her mouth still partially full but there was intrigue in her eyes.

I folded my arms, leaning as far across the table as possible. "You're going to marry me."