Figuring the only way toreallyget to know what was going on behind closed doors was to get up close and personal to the man himself, I found myself hacking into the exclusive, members-only golf club database where my dad and I regularly attended, and creating a personalized invite for Alec to visit for a free day to experience what the club had to offer.
From a distance, I watched him play a round, schmoozing groups of golfers while handing out business cards. When he’d finally finished, he headed to the bar, flirting with the waitress as he ordered his drink.
That was my cue.
As he started walking away from the bar, wine glass in hand, I headed toward him, brushing my shoulder against his as I passed.
“Shit, sorry, man. I was in a world of my own,”I said, hiding my snigger at the scowl on his face.“Oh, hey. Don’t I know you?”
“I don’t think so,”he replied, eyeballing me like I was a bit of shit on his shoes.
“Yeah, I do. You’re…”I clicked my fingers, pretending to think it over.“You’re Alec, right? Kiera Carter’s fiancé?”
His gaze narrowed on me.“That’s right.”
Again, I smothered the smirk twitching on my lips from the hint of accusation in his tone. Instead, I held my hand out to him.“I’m Jackson. James Carter’s business partner. We were only talking about you a few days ago; he gave me your details ‘cos I’m looking for an investment advisor.”
The suspicion drained from his face in a heartbeat, replaced with an arrogant grin as he shook my hand.“Jackson, of course. James has mentioned you before. I’d be happy to help you with your investments.”
Dropping my hand, he pulled a business card from his back pocket and handed it over. It would go in the trash as soon as his back was turned;evenif I was looking for investment advice, he’d be the last person I’d seek help from.
He might have talked the talk, but it was all bullshit. I knew from the background checks I’d been doing on himthathe had recently lost the company a hell of a lot of money.
“Great. I was actually looking to get moving on things as soon as possible. Apparently, interest rates are currently at an all-time high, so I want to cash in onthatwhile I can.”
Alec’s eyes lit up like Christmas had come early. If he knew anything about me, it was likelythatJames and I earned significant money fromSmarttech, and no doubt dollar signs were rolling in his head.
“Of course. Why don’t you swing by my office tomorrow?”
I released a fake sigh of disappointment.“Damn, I can’t. I fly out for a business meeting early tomorrow morning. It’s all good. I’ll try to arrange an appointment when I come back.”
Patting his shoulder as if I were saying my goodbyes, I took a step away. He immediately blocked my path, panic etched onto his face.“Wait. Why don’t we take a seat now and go over some numbers?”
“I’ve got another meeting shortly,”I replied, checking my watch.“But, I’m free tonight. Hey, maybe I could swing by your place. It would be good to see Kiera, too. I haven’t seen her in such a long time.”
Without the slightest clue as to my true intent, a beaming smile pulled at his lips.“Thatworks. In fact, why don’t you join us for dinner?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to put you out.”
He snorted.“It’s not putting me out at all. I’m not the one who makes dinner. That’s what a woman is for, among other things. Am I right?”
My jaw clenched, but before he could notice, I schooled my features. Why the thought of him treating Kiera as nothing but a slave to take care of his needs rattled me so much, I didn’t know.
After all, wasn’tthatwhat I was doing to her?
“Yeah, you’re right,”I replied, pushing the words past gritted teeth, needing to get the fuck away from Alec before I pummeled my fist into his arrogant smirk.“So, what time do you want me?”
“Shall we say 7 pm?”he replied, checking his watch.
“Sounds great. And hey, can you not tell Kiera it’s me coming? I’d love to surprise her.”
Rapping my knuckles against the front door, I waited with anticipation racing through me. I couldn’t wait to see Kiera’s face after spending the entire afternoon imagining the horror on her face when I strolled inside.
The door was pulled open, but it wasn’t Alec who answered. Kiera appeared, and my breath hitched. She’d piled her hair into a messy bun with several strands hanging free around her face. Her gorgeous body—one I was desperate to explore again—was wrapped in a tight-fitted black dress showcasing her curves and the swell of her tits.
Fuck, I needed to sink my cock in her cunt again.
At seeing me standing at the door, the color drained from her face, but instead of amusement coursing through me at the panic on her face, concern hit me like a wrecking ball.
