Page 15 of In Love and Revenge

‘Is he?’ I grimace at the name of one of the board members at my father’s old company. I’m not sure my father had much to do with members of the board. But any name connected with that company sends a shiver down my spine.

‘Maybe Dominic knows about this woman?’ Dove suggests.

‘You think he might be able to help me?’ My chest lifts as hope surges through it like electricity. I’ve been trying for months and barely got anywhere.

‘It’s worth a try. I can ask Rafe to ask Dominic for you?’

The thought of Rafael being involved makes the red wine churn in my gut.

No way that arsehole would help us.

‘No, thank you. I can do it.’

‘Okay,’ she replies easily, unaware of how deeply etched into my bones my hatred towards her brother is.

I drum my fingers around my wine glass, my mind racing at a million miles per hour.

I detest Rafael Fairfax.

But if there’s a sliver of possibility that he could get me access to information that could help my father, then ... But that would mean actually talking to him. And I don’t mean the odd insult and scathing look I like to toss his way.

I’d have to be– I shudder–civil.

My father’s voice fills my head. ‘You catch more flies with honey.’ That’s what he used to say before life knocked him down with the force of a sledgehammer to the temple.

‘Itisworth a try,’ I agree, already running scenarios in my head of how I can get what I need from Rafael with as little interaction as possible. Maybe I can even hide who the information is for ...

Dove lifts the wine bottle and motions to my glass. I smile gratefully as she decants a generous top-up.

I’m going to need it if I have to think up ways to approach Rafael Fairfax. Especially after I called him a dick, then insinuated that he has a small one.

I take a large gulp of wine, determination running through my bloodstream alongside the alcohol heating it.

I’ve never been afraid of a challenge. And I’m already doing some questionable things in order to find out whatever I can to help my father.

I’m not about to stop now.

Chapter 5

Rafael

‘Mr Fairfax? You have a visitor.’

‘Send him through, AJ,’ I tell him.

I hover my thumb over my screen, preparing to stop the video.

She’s modelling gym wear today. Snug-fitting workout leggings and cropped tops showing off a snatched little waist. She does some little wiggles to demonstrate the outfit’s built-in support.

I lick my lips.

My momentary pause to drink her in one final time before I stop the video is enough for Dominic to stride into my office, a wide grin stretching over his face as Aurora’s voice echoes from the speakers.

‘What are you watching?’ he asks, his eyes zeroing in on the screen as he approaches my desk.

‘Nothing,’ I say, turning my phone off and face down on the desk.

He arches a brow, pushing his hands into the pockets of his pinstripe suit trousers.