“Half a million.”
“Three million.”
“This isn’t a negotiation. You take the offer or you leave here with nothing.”
“No deal.”
“Then this conversation is over.” I turn my attention to my laptop. “You can go.”
“Okay,” he relents, greed getting the best of him.
He leans over and provides his signature for the required sections while I fill out the check. “There, all done.” He throws the pen down. “Are you and Cin getting married?”
“We are. She’s pregnant.”
He eagerly grabs the check I hold out to him. “I got the better end of the deal. I’m now legally rid of him, and I have the funds to save my company.”
“I pity you if you believe that.”
“The probability of you not being the father of that baby is great. It’s you who needs pitying,” he says, leaving the office.
I truly dislike the asshole, but I can’t blame him for his bitterness. Not when it’s been my constant companion for all these years. That girl has wrecked us both. She cast a spell, and it remains strong to this very day. Still, he’s a weak man for abandoning his son because of his hate for her. I could never do that. I check my cell phone when I receive a notification.
Logan: You have an important email.
After enduring Sebastian and Mason’s shenanigans all day, I’m exhausted. The boys are a handful separately, but together they make an unstoppable force. Their energy is contagious, but I can only handle so much of it. Mom took over the reins, allowing me to shower and head to bed early. My cell phone chimes as I snuggle under the comforter.
Art: Be at the penthouse in an hour.
Me: Why?
Ten minutes later, still no reply, so I shoot off another text.
Me: ???
The message remains unanswered. Apprehension slithers through my veins, leaving me cold. It doesn’t bode well that he wants to meet there. Something must’ve happened while he was away. Next, I try calling, but each call is sent straight to voicemail. I get out of bed, steeling myself for my visit to the devil’s lair.
Identical to my first visit, the elevator doors slide open revealing a dark interior. Will he pounce on me the moment I exit my coveted sanctuary?
“Art?” I lean out of the elevator, surveying the area. “Where are you?”
I tentatively step one foot out, then the other. Nothing. But experience has taught me never to let my guard down when it comes to Art.
I move forward. “This isn’t funny.”
The unknown has my imagination running wild. I wish he would appear and put me out of my damn misery already.
“Stop fucking around, Art!” I click the light switch, but it doesn’t work. Inspecting further, I notice the light bulb is missing. Goose bumps prickle my cool skin. I go into the kitchen, looking for anything I can use for protection. I settle on the coffee pot before walking up the stairs, ready to strike if need be. Prepared for a life-and-death battle, I enter the bedroom, but the crazy man is nowhere in sight. At least the bright moon shining in through the window provides some visibility. Something on the bed catches my eye.
Oh my God.
Beside a thick rope are photos of Adrian and me on the day we had lunch together. We mirror a happy couple enjoying a nice day. This is bad.
“When the cat is away, the mice will play.” His low menacing voice sends chills to my core.
I swing around, facing an angry, naked Art. Though I’m scared shitless, I can appreciate his magnificence. “You had me followed.”
“I knew you couldn’t be trusted.”
