“This is what CSS wants, Beckett. They funded your project and you’ve only delivered half of what Christopher Street has paid for. Time to show us a good faith investment on the rest.”
Carl remains calm, but I don’t. I raise my voice to the roof. Calmness is a CSS tactic. Keep it civil, understated, and lethal. I, on the other hand, know how to work within CSS's pressure protocols.
“If this is what you want to discuss tomorrow, consider our meeting canceled. My final answer is no. Threats and coercion will not make me capitulate. You don’t think I have power and options? Don’t play with me, old man. I might be a doctor and I may have my ethics, but I’m not above finding a way to end your career or worse.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Carl continues. “I heard you just married a lovely wife and have a beautiful daughter. Congratulations.”
Mother fucker. If he gets anywhere near them.
“I did. Pity you never married. Family life makes the bitter much sweeter. But I run a tight ship here, including the bug that is recording this phone call. I know I can’t enter this conversation as evidence in a court of law, but I can use it for other things. The World Wide Web is a very big place with lots of interesting places to plant evidence whereneeded. So if I just heard you threaten my wife and child, I’ll make sure the www and more hear it too.”
“Not at all, Beckett. Your dad would be proud of your new family, that’s all I’m implying.” Smarmy condescending bastard.
“My dad was a womanizing pig who had several children he never met. There would have been no desire to meet a grandchild he told me not to have. Good evening, Carl. Best you get laid tonight, just in case it’s your last chance.” I hang up on him.
He won't dare call back. The pressure he is putting on me to create a weapon of mass destruction is disturbing. I have the Quattro. I could definitely reach out to them for advice, but they try to stay on the right side of the law. I don't like getting entangled in illegal activities. My father, on the other hand, was deep in the CSS trenches and often employed hitmen, thugs, and manipulators to get what he wanted and work his way through the ranks.
One of the reasons my father refused to consider a family was because they could be used against him. He only had me because I was an accident born into a legitimate family. The only one who can truly help me with this situation is my father's former bodyguard, Trevor Blaine, one of the most dangerous men in New York City.
Chapter Fourteen
Scarlett
I wake up to the sound of Beckett's angry voice. Everything is a little sore after having sex with him, but it feels good. Sex is the only thing Beckett and I have. He may not like me as a person, but he definitely enjoys what we have together physically. And the same sentiment is true for me.
I realize, since I’ve been startled awake, that I need a glass of water, so I get up to fix myself something to drink. When I walk across the plush carpet to get water, I hear part of Beckett’s phone call next door.
“I know I can’t enter this conversation as evidence in a court of law, but I can use it for other things. The World Wide Web is a very big place with lots of interesting places to plant evidence where needed. So if I just heard you threaten my wife and child, I’ll make sure the www and more hear it too.”
What the hell is he talking about? Who is threatening our lives? I know that Beckett is treacherous; he carries himself with the majestic air of a dangerous man. I don't think I would be at risk, though. I hate eavesdropping on him, but I also don't want to end up hurt. Or worse.
When Beckett comes out of his room I am standing in the corridor with my cup of water. “Is everything okay?” I ask as he passes.
“Fine.” He gives me a look like he knows I’ve been listening. “An old flame just read about us in a gossip rag online. She has no right to be angry, but I do. Why are you not in bed?”
“You were pretty loud and I needed water.”
“Never mind, just get in bed now, please, or I won’t have sex with you again until your T score is negative.”
“What?”
“Bone density. You’ll get used to being married to a doctor,” he dismisses as he walks away.
“I don’t know, it depends on how much I can learn in five years.”Saying it out loud feels sad, but I’d signed the papers. I’d agreed to it.
“I heard that,” he says from down the hallway, and then his footsteps return.
I am still standing there with my water. “Please don’t say anything shitty right now. I’m feeling kind of vulnerable and none of my people are here. I mean, Rayne is one of my people, but she can’t talk, or hug…”
He sighs and I think I might cry, then he walks over and with his big muscular arms pulls me into an embrace. “I’m your people,” he says gently, “and I can hug.”
For whatever reason—I blame hormones—this makes me cry. All he does is stroke my hair and help me into bed. As soon as I am securely in the spot where he wants me, he kisses my forehead and pulls the covers up.
“I’ll have Gloria give you something to help you sleep,” he says before he walks out.
That was it—a hug and barbiturates. Five seconds later Gloria comes in and administers the drugs I am reluctant to take because I am breastfeeding.
“Do you think it’s wise?”
