Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“Mr. Black…” Dan begins.
“Braden, please.”
Dan nods. “Braden, you seem to know this Garrett. I need to get in touch with him.”
“Not a problem,” I say. “If Garrett Ramirez gave Tessa ketamine, I will find out.”
“Thank you,” Carlotta says. “But what can we do now? The deed is done. I’m just thankful Tessa is all right.”
“We’re all thankful for that,” I agree, “but I will look into this. I’ve looked the other way far too long.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
If Peter Reardon and Garrett Ramirez thought they had a shot in hell at getting that architectural contract with my company, they were sorely mistaken. I excuse myself to make a call.
“Reardon and Company,” a voice says into my ear.
“Braden Black for Beau Reardon,” I say.
“Oh! Mr. Black. Yes. I know Mr. Reardon will be pleased that you’re calling. One moment, please.”
Pleased that I’m calling?
Yeah, I doubt that.
“Black,” Reardon says into the phone. “How’s the golf game?”
“I don’t play golf, Reardon. You know that.”
He laughs. “Yes, of course. What can I do for you?”
“You can call off that derelict son of yours and his pal Ramirez. I know what’s going on at your firm, and it’s going to stop.”
A slight pause. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I think you do. I’ve heard the rumors, Beau. It may interest you to know that there’s a young lady in the hospital who was poisoned by Garrett Ramirez. Poisoned and probably raped.”
“I assure you that—”
“Save it.” I scoff. “I’ve known how you get your lucrative contracts for some time. I chose to look the other way. But now you’re hurting women, you motherfucker. I’m bringing you down.”
“I’ll say it again. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Silence then.
The call dropped.
Or he hung up. Probably the latter.
Doesn’t matter. I’ll find the proof I need.
And in the meantime…
Those degenerates are going to be punished.
…
Skye doesn’t talk much on the way back to my place.
But once the elevator door closes—
“What did you mean back there when you said you’ve looked the other way far too long?”
I sigh. “Remember when I showed up at the MADD gala, and Peter Reardon stayed away from you after that?”
“How could I forget?”
“I didn’t want you with him because I wanted you, but that wasn’t the only reason.”
“Oh?”
“I’d already decided his father’s firm wasn’t going to get my contract, even though their bid came in the lowest.”
“Are they not good architects?”
“They’re excellent architects, actually. I just don’t like the way they do business.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“They’re not the most ethical people, and it begins at the top with Peter’s father, Beau Reardon.”
“Braden, Betsy is dating Peter now. And they got cuddly awfully quickly. You don’t think…?”
“It’s possible. I hear things in my circles that don’t become common knowledge. Beau Reardon sometimes uses unconventional methods to get what he wants.”
I can’t tell her more. Not without verifiable evidence, which I never had the need to obtain.
Until now, that is.
“I’ll take care of it,” I say succinctly.
“How?”
“Does it matter?”
“Well…yeah. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”
“I won’t get into any trouble. Don’t worry. But the Reardons and Garrett will wish they’d never crossed a friend of mine when I’m done with them. Now, let’s get you that warm bath I promised you.”
I lead Skye back to my bedroom. “Relax and undress. I’ll run that bath.”
I go into my bathroom and turn on the faucets to my jetted tub. When the water is at the right temperature—not too hot, but more than lukewarm—I plug the drain and add some lavender essential oil to the water as the tub fills and steam rises. I turn the jets onto low so they give the water the gentlest of swirls.
“Come in now,” I say to Skye.
She walks into the steamy bathroom, her nipples hard and her skin flushed.
I undress and help her into the tub. Then I enter and pull her against my chest.
She lets out a relaxed sigh.
Good. She needs this. Not just because of her worry for Tessa, but her body needs this soothing. Anal sex—especially the first time—takes its toll on the body. The fragrant water will help ease her soreness.
I move my hand slowly up and down her arm, just the whisper of a touch.
We bathe for about twenty minutes. When the water begins to cool, I kiss her neck. “Lean forward, baby.”
I step out of the tub, wrap a towel around my waist, and then grab another from the warmer and hold it out for Skye.
She steps out, looking beautiful with the water drops meandering over her wet body.
My cock reacts, but I’ll hold myself in check tonight.
Skye’s body needs a rest.
And her mind needs a rest as well.
I’ll hold her in my arms as she falls into slumber. I’ll massage her, soothe her, whisper to her that Tess is all right. That this isn’t her fault.