Ruthless Financier (Steel Series Book 3) Read online

  “Yeah,” I said.

  The ruthless businessman we’d spent hours preparing to wow had a completely different plan. And an agenda that wasn’t easily researched, but probably should have been.

  His desire for the destruction of his father for some sins in the past was intense. Parents could have that kind of effect. Not with me though. My own mother had issues coping with the world, but while I’d never be weak like her, I still loved her and hoped she loved me, wherever she was now. She hadn’t personally hurt me though so I’d not judge Jacob.

  Ajax cleaned up the visual aids I’d never pointed to as he said, “And he’s not buying our proposal?”

  “No.” I lowered my head and kept my voice low when I told Jasmine. “But I am accepting his offer.”

  She took a seat and placed her hand on her heart. “Seriously?”

  She voiced exactly what the rest of my family might say. She’d never marry for millions. I sat down like I’d explain it.

  “I’ll be starting my own company.”

  She still slumped in her chair like she disapproved, and I pivoted and said, “We’ll need new headquarters to set up shop, and I’ll need your help—both of you. If you’re interested in jumping ship and joining me, just say the word. I’ll start paying you right away.”

  She sat tall but she arched her eyebrow and said, “I don’t understand why you said yes to Mr. Ruthless. We both know his reputation. And you’re not poor and desperate. ”

  I tilted my head and stared into her green eyes. “What?”

  She curled her shoulders like she didn’t want Ajax to hear when she said, “In the books and movies I’ve read, the woman usually takes this kind of deal for money because she’s poor and desperate, like her kid is sick and she needs a miracle.”

  “No sick kids,” I said quickly.

  “And him knowing the sexual predator?”

  “He’s said repeatedly he just met the guy at that party. And he condemned him once he heard the charges, calling it sick. We both read that. That was one of the reasons I even took this meeting.”

  “That was for work only. This is more.”

  “I still believe him on that.” I’d never have my own company so fast and easy without his offer. I folded my hands on the table. “Well, it’s a business deal for me, and it catapults me at least fifteen years ahead on my life plan.”

  Ajax finished with the posters and put them near the door.

  “You have a life plan that long?” he asked. “I’m still figuring out what I want for dinner.”

  Most people thought about food too much. I’d written out a business proposal for myself as an assignment in college, and I continued to update the plans and schedules. I find if I write everything down in a checklist, I can get more done than if I just “go with the flow,” as my sister Nicole might recommend.

  Jasmine asked, “But what about love?”

  If I convinced Jasmine this was a good idea, I could tell my sisters and other cousins more easily. I said, “Look, I swore off love and romance long ago.”

  “You just hadn’t met the right guy. He’s out there, and if you marry the wrong guy, you’re complicating your life.”

  “No.” I curled my fingers together. I wish every woman in the world would stop believing that.

  “There is no such thing as Mr. Right,” I said. “That’s what women tell themselves so they can be choosy—which they should be. But either way, if I accept this deal, I don’t need to ask my sister and her new husband to invest in me. I owe no one favors.”

  “Except Mr. Ruthless. You’d owe him, a lot.”

  Point one for her. But we’d have a contract. Two to five years sped up my plan, and I could stop saving every dime I ever made to help me get there. I glanced at the door Jacob had left through as I said, “It’s not about love. We’d have a black and white contract with no complications. The money goes into my bank account and he has no part of my business.”

  “Except he’d be your husband and, in court, entitled to half.”

  “We’ll have lawyers. Relax,” I said, and stood up. “I don’t sign bad deals. And this could be the best one I’ve ever had.”

  “The best?” Jasmine jumped up to join me, but she shook her head and said, “There is no talking you out of this, is there?”

  My mother had called me pig-headed as a girl, but now it was my job to ensure that her shelters for battered women, and the second home for battered women with children, had the financial security to thrive in a long-term way. When she’d been a girl herself, she’d wished for a safe place her mother could go to when things got physical. So, as an adult, she’d created a place like that for others. And now it was my job to carry on her legacy.

  The money would help me ensure that the shelters she’d started would have the financing to be independent and true to their goal. And I’d get my own business. Jasmine could continue to work with me, and Ajax could learn the ropes faster under my tutelage.

  Fast-forwarding my life was the best choice for everyone. I shrugged and said, “No, there is not.”

  Jasmine squeezed my arm, and as I was about to walk away, she asked, “Well then, can we stay for the wedding?”

  “I’d like that.” I turned and hugged her. Working with my cousin, who’d lived with us for a short while and shared my room as a girl, was great.

  Other than my sisters, I had no female friends—or friends at all, if I was honest. There’d been no time. Jasmine was the closest, as we spent eight hours together, every day, just as we had as kids in the same classes. “Then let’s go dress shopping.”

  Ajax opened the door for us, but asked, “Can I be excused from that? I’ll go do something else.”

  I pressed my hand on his shoulder. I trusted both of them.

  “Yes, I need you to go find Frank, Jacob’s lawyer,” I said. “And as soon as the contract is ready, bring it to me.”

  He saluted me and said, “On it.”

  “Thanks,” I called after him.

  He took the paperwork and boards with him, so the room was bare now. Jasmine stayed at my side as we headed to the elevator.

  “Do you need me to call your sisters and let them know?” she asked.

  The elevator came fast and we jumped in, still alone. I shook my head. “They’d try to talk me out of it. They don’t always like my ambition. Better to let me call them after.”

  “You won’t miss family being here?”

  If I wasn’t so focused, maybe. They’d been there for my graduation, but that was the last time. “You’re family,” I said. “I’ll be happy with you here.”

  She brightened as we left the elevator and headed into the lobby.

  “I’m always here to help,” she said. Using an app on her phone, she soon directed us outside and toward Neiman Marcus.

  We walked in silence for a few minutes but then she asked, “Now, what kind of dress are we looking for?”

  “Something I can walk in.”

  The moment we entered the store I saw white dresses everywhere. I pinched my nose as we passed the traditional styles. “I hate long trains. And besides, the dress is just for pictures, so something that photographs well.”

  I also shook my head at the simple white suits. I motioned with my hands around my waist. “Honestly, a fit and flare would be best for me.”

  Mermaid explosion at the bottom was other people’s style—though I’d bet even money that my youngest sister, Olivia, the teacher, would choose that kind of dress.

  Jasmine went through one rack and I disapproved of everything she held up while she said, “I agree.” I moved on to the next row, but then she held out a white satin dress and asked, “How about this one?”

  Maybe. It was better than anything else I’d seen. I took it and sailed past the salesclerk as I said, “I’ll try it on.”

  For a moment, I wondered what Jacob might look like if I walked toward him in this dress. I even imagined him lighting up like he approved of me.

&n
bsp; The image was so clear in my mind. But I shook it off fast. I was a fool. I blinked the fantasy away and tightened the dress the best I could.

  It had laces so I’d need help, but this was good enough.

  As I stopped, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and paused.

  I was pretty. This wasn’t how I’d ever imagined myself—in a wedding dress.

  Yet I blinked and there I was, in living color, about to marry Jacob Donovan. It was crazy to think this vision of myself was possible, but I guess I should enjoy this moment. I’d never have another wedding.

  I walked outside and twirled.

  Jasmine whistled and said, “Damn, girl. You look breathtaking.”

  “Thanks. Guess this is it.” I twirled again, like we were still in school, dressing for some stupid dance. I was done browsing. This was the dress. No time to shop around and second-guess.

  I charged it as he requested and took the dress “as is” since there was no time for a fitting.

  Today, I married.

  The thought hit me hard, but I shoved it out of my mind.

  Jasmine reached for my bags to carry them. As we headed out of the store, Ajax ran toward us at breakneck speed, his sneakers squeaking, as he shouted, “I have the contract!”

  He was panting as he handed a manila envelope to me. I pointed him to the nearby café to get himself a water on the business account. He was still breathing heavily when he left.

  I scanned the area. The hotel lobby had plenty of small places to sit and I needed to read fast. I waved the envelope and said, “Let me read this on my own. Can you put the dress in my room?”

  “Sure,” Jasmine said.

  I went toward a seat, but added, “Go and join Ajax first. Get yourself a coffee on me while I read this.”

  “No problem.” She backed away, still holding the bags.

  My back was to the wall as I sat in a plush gold and white chair. Some knock-off da Vinci painting stared at me as I read the contract.

  The terms matched what we’d discussed. I initialed and signed as I went, but the last page caught my eye with the title, Sex addendum.

  I skimmed the standard legalese, but a few key elements demanded my attention.

  Though this is not legally binding, my client, Mr. Jacob Donovan, expects willing sexual intercourse at will … Well, that sent a shockwave through me. I blinked and read more. If Ms. Indigo refuses, her reasons must be legitimate … That lacked definition. I chuckled and continued. And frequent refusals can constitute a separation of bed and board … That sounded super old-fashioned. I shrugged and read more. Consequences of divorce from either an affair or refusal of the bedroom act, twenty-five million will be fully returned to Mr. Jacob Donovan immediately.

  There it was. In simple black and white. That’s what I’d traded. I’d get my business if I signed the contract and waited out the marriage.

  My heart raced like it wanted to tell me something, but I ignored it and signed.

  Done.

  I stuffed the papers in the envelope and closed my eyes. If I hired my own lawyer, I had a feeling half of this wouldn’t be legal. But I needed the clarity, and this was fine. If that kiss of Jacob’s was any indication, maybe I’d find out if the whispers about good sex were true—as well as get the money.

  I had a feeling Jacob would be different.

  Goosebumps grew on my body, everywhere, and my breathing quickened while I remembered that soul-searing kiss.

  No other guy had ever made me forget myself for even a moment.

  I jumped up, like the chair was on fire, and decided to get on with my day. I had plans. I spotted Ajax standing by himself with a cup of coffee and I walked over and handed him the signed paperwork.

  I said, “Ajax, please return this contract to his lawyers and find out where the wedding is to be so I can dress.”

  “On my way,” he said. He gulped the rest of his drink and passed me a paper.

  Good. I headed to my room as he bolted past me.

  My stomach was actually full of butterflies. Maybe Jacob had backed out. Maybe this was all some bet like I’d initially guessed. Or maybe it was real and I was about to be a real goddamn bride.

  I walked on air, as if I believed in fairy tales or nonsense like that right now. My sister Stephanie and her habit of watching romance movies twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

  must have snuck into my skull despite my complaining.

  I read the note Jasmine had sent me and nodded. She’d gone to the room with the bags, intended to write a schedule for me, and said she’d find me and supervise everything in an hour, as she needed a nice dress too.

  The hotel was big and I was in a bubble of my own as I made my way to my room.

  I let myself in and saw the schedule she’d drawn up.

  Jasmine was amazing. She must have walked and talked to get this done. I could see she’d set everything up. Hair. Makeup. Dressers who could work fast with the dress. Everyone was to come to my room. I checked the dress, which hung in my closet.

  Soon I’d be Mrs. Jacob Donovan.

  My hair stood on its ends and I closed the closet when I heard a knock at the door. I assumed it was my employee, confirming that he’d delivered the contract. I checked that my business suit was still in order as I opened the door and said, “Ajax.”

  My eyes widened in surprise. “Jacob. I didn’t expect to see you until tonight.”

  He had his hands in his pockets. I motioned for him to come inside, and he followed me into my room while he said, “Frank told me you signed.”

  “I did,” I said and closed the door. Then I scanned my room to ensure the closet door was closed—which it was.

  Damn. Apparently, I also had that superstition about wedded bliss and not seeing the dress before the ceremony engrained in me. I straightened. I’d not let sentiment suddenly matter when it never did before.

  My knees melted a little, though. His brown eyes were deep, and the pupils so black it was like he could hide his emotion without blinking. He asked, “Can I ask one question before we get ready?”

  Question. I squared my shoulders. That wasn’t in the addendum, but I nodded and pointed to the minibar to offer him something as I said, “Sure.”

  He took some water but didn’t drink. We went to sit at the small dining room table that overlooked the Vegas strip and bright lights. Once I was settled beside him, he said, “Don’t take this the wrong way. I’m in agreement with the contract and you that this marriage isn’t for love or romance.”

  My mind raced. I had guessed that, since it was his plan in the first place and he’d never once said “love” to me. I gave a curt nod. “Good. The contract’s pretty clear-cut that way.”

  Butterflies burst out in my stomach and I wondered what being with him would be like. I already knew how my toes curls from what a kiss could do to me.

  “My father will try to get to you in some way to prove this is a sham.”

  “Okay. You’re paying me well. I’m not going to let anything get to me.”

  “He finds people’s weaknesses to get what he wants.”

  “That’s your business reputation.”

  “I learned from him what I need to do to stop him.”

  He then took my hand and sparks rushed in my veins as he stared at me like he could see right through me. “But what do you have against love and romance?”

  Wow. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but nothing prepared me for his question. I had spent too many hours in shelters to believe in romance. My own dad treated us well. He taught me the value of a dollar and of my family. But I knew that my life was a rarity. Right now, one of my cousins, Mary, was hiding in one of my shelters from her shot at love.

  Mr. Ruthless wasn’t going to have that power over me.

  My veins pulsed. I’d avoided answering him for too long. I placed my hand on the table as I tried to find my words. “I … why are you?”

  He bobbled his head like he’d let go his opinion
freely. “I’m not. Not exactly.”

  “I read the contract.” I crossed my legs under the table to keep myself in check. “You were clear.”

  “Once I ensure my father is done, I can slow down.” He scooted closer, like he thought I was dessert. “I want to one day marry, for real, and have children and settle into a ‘boring’ life. I can’t do it yet, but it’s on the agenda.”

  Maybe he wasn’t Mr. Ruthless in real life. It was possible he was on a mission, but where did destruction end and trust begin? He’d not get my heart on the line.

  “The cheating clause was clear,” I said, “and there’s a caveat that says you lose money if it’s you.”

  He sipped his water and I stared at his Adam’s apple as goosebumps grew all over me. “I won’t cheat on you.”

  None of this made sense to me. I blinked. “Why are you so sure?”

  He traced his finger through the circle of condensation his bottle had left on the desk and said, “Because I will not create gossip about myself. It’s why the sex addendum was there. I won’t do anything to lose my investors or my reputation.”

  Of course. This all had to do with his goals and rebuilding his reputation. Being a married man who let women into his hotel room might cause him business issues. I let that reality-check chill the desire in me as I said, “I’ll run the PR for us so no one even blinks at our marital life—except to say ‘boring’ and ‘happy.’”

  He scoffed like I’d said something funny. Then he leaned closer and asked, “And you? Why are you against romance? Five years can be a long time to wait for someone.”

  “There is no one.”

  “That doesn’t answer the question, though.”

  Lust was just that. And physical reactions were just adrenaline rushes that confused our brains. But unlike most people, I understood that a man who protects his family and never hurts them was a rare jewel. And I had no time or inclination to search for one. I ignored how my body was all awake right now, near him, as I just said, “Because … look, my parents were in love.”

  His eyes widened. “That’s usually a sign that you’ll want the same thing in your life.”