Colton debriefed her.
“Hmm. Three years ago you took Francesco public,” Marjorie said. “Same time Montgomery sent over a mole. Since no one knew what Crockett had been working on, he couldn’t have planted Dobb for that reason. Was Montgomery interested in the competition or in you, Colton?”
“Sherlock Holmes, here,” Chad said. “I’ll keep digging.”
“Did our crack wealth manager whip your finances into shape?” Marjorie asked.
When Colton looked at Brigit, his gaze turned smoldering hot. “Yeah, I’ve been whipped and then some. Dez contacted your legal team to solidify the loan details. Losing Francesco is not an option.”
Marjorie huffed. “No, it’s damn not.”
Colton hung up.
“Sorry for the bad news,” Chad said, then barreled out.
“Crockett’s innovation must be a big deal,” Brigit pivoted toward Colton. Maybe with the heightened stakes, he’d tell her.
“Everything we’ve been working on has been compromised.” Colton raked his hand through his hair. “I’m so furious I could—”
“Head to your club?” She sauntered close. “Toss on a mask?”
His heated gaze floated down her body, then slowly back up until their eyes met. “Take me with you,” she whispered.
“Colton? Where are you?” called a woman from his office. A statuesque beauty sashayed through Brigit’s doorway. Her side-swept carob brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. The young woman had a movie star smile sitting behind dark lipstick on full lips. Her finely tailored cream suit screamed couture.
Colton looked surprised. “What are you doing here?”
The woman glided into the room. “What kind of a greeting is that?”
“Brigit Farnay, Alexandra Reed,” said Colton.
“Colton speaks highly of you.” Alexandra’s voice was lyrical, the words rolling from her supple lips.
“Alexandra and I have known each other—”
“Forever,” Alexandra said, and the two smiled at each other.
They’re finishing each other’s sentences.
“Colt, I need you. It’s important.” Alexandra looked at Brigit. “Sorry.” Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Colton’s arm and tugged him out of her office.
Good thing I don’t care about him because I don’t stand a chance against that woman.Brigit plunked into her desk chair, closed her eyes and rubbed her throbbing temples.Tucker saw right through my bullshit and this Montgomery guy is getting on my nerves.
Unable to distract herself with an online investment article, she left her office.I need a drink.Before she’d realized what she’d done, she’d barged into a very private conversation. Colton and Alexandra sat huddled on the sofa. He caressed her back while she gazed at him with teary eyes. His whisper-quiet voice and tender touch confirmed the intimacy of their relationship.
Her chest tightened as she walked toward the kitchen. Clearly, Alexandra Reed was special.Girlfriend?Kink partner?Rounding the corner, she bumped into Vanessa waiting for the elevator. “Hey, you’ll mow someone over if you’re not careful,” Vanessa blurted. “What’s the rush?”
“I didn’t see you,” Brigit mumbled.
“Oh, I know.” A sly smile spread over Vanessa’s face. “You’ve met the apple of Colton’s eye. Those two have a longstanding andcozyrelationship.” Vanessa stepped into the elevator and spun toward Brigit. “Seeing Alexandra is proof positive, isn’t it? Can’t say I didn’t warn you, honey.” The elevator doors closed and Vanessa descended to the basement.
“Down to hell you go,” Brigit mumbled under her breath. But Vanessa’s words stung.
33
THE GALA
Even though Brigit hadbeen wrangled into attending the Mitus Conglomerate benefit, she couldn’t help but admire her dashing client as he drove through heavy afternoon traffic into D.C. Looking damn sexy in his fancy tuxedo duds, Colton’s dark facial stubble and styled hair confirmed her undeniable attraction.My God, he cleans up well.
