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Her returning smile isn’t one of triumph, but rather full of understanding and shared sorrow, offering me a modicum of solace against the aching void within my chest.
“Oh, God,” she gasps only a second after unlocking my phone. Her hand covers her mouth as tears shimmer in her eyes. “There’s a message here… Your mom...”
“I already know,” I reply, my voice heavy with resignation. “She passed away last week.”
A strangled curse escapes her lips, laden with a mix of anger and grief. “Fuck. And now you’re... I’m so sorry, Olivia.”
I shrug, a gesture born out of helplessness. What else is there to do? I attempted to fight back in my own way, and it only led me to an underground cell.
She returns the phone to her pocket, stepping closer until our hands meet, her grip enveloping mine with warmth and determination. “We’re going to get you out of here. Together. I promise. Please trust me to help you.”
As I peer into her hazel eyes, that previous flicker of hope I had grows a little bigger. Against all odds, I find myself nodding. I can find a way to place my faith in this stranger. Her compassion can be the lifeline I need to survive this nightmare.
Somehow, I will claw my way out of this wretched place. The despair that threatened to consume me before won’t win.
Most importantly, Luca Monroe won’t break me.
7
LUCA
Being in this meeting is fucking hell. The board members—men and women that know nothing of my underground business or how I always get what I want—are up my ass about the Senator’s death. They know we have—or had—a close connection, but not because of anything more than the Senator looking for a generous donation to his next campaign that will now never happen.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and hold in my snarl. “I told you, I will handle this.”
“But how?” Steven demands. “Without that securities bill, the investments we’ve made for our clients are at risk. Millions of dollars could be lost, Luca. Do you not understand how important it is to make sure that doesn’t happen?”
My palm comes down harder on the table than I intend it to. “Considering I built this company and hand-chose every single one of you, I’m rather certain Iunderstandperfectly fine, Steven.” We lock stares and, as I expect, he looks down first. “As I said a dozen times already, I will fix this. The rest of you need to only concern yourselves with the acquisitions you pushed on the company that are currently failing.”
Monroe Investments not only does financial investing, but we also buy other companies silently, build them back, and profit on our success. Yet, when a few of the board members pushed for us to get involved with a shipping company, I didn’t realize how idiotic they truly were.
The whole thing has been a loss, thanks to the mule of an owner. And now, he’s one month away from losing everything, per the contract he signed when Monroe Investments handed him several million dollars to buy new trucks and boats with.
But it’s not all bad. At least if I have hands fully on the company, I can use it however I see fit, which may help other dealings the board members don’t need to know about.
Nobody else says anything and I take another glance at my phone, knowing I need to get the hell out of here before I actually stab someone.
I push away from the table and stand from my chair. “One last time for those not listening before.” I level my hardened gaze on each of the eight members. “The securities bill will pass. Just because I’m not here as much as you assume I should be doesn’t mean I’m not always working on other solutions to keep my company running as I know it’s capable of doing.”
I walk out of the room before anyone else can piss me off and head straight downstairs where Damon is waiting for me in the SUV.
He doesn’t ask how my day was or if I’m okay. He merely drives back to Monroe, and for that I’m thankful.
My phone vibrates with a new text.
Titan: You still haven’t sent proof of dealing with the problem.
Me: And I’m not going to until I know she’s no longer of use to me.
He should be wondering why she might be useful and if he’s smart, he’ll know that I’m not against using this woman against him. By his lack of response, I assume he’s figured that out on his own.
Within twenty minutes, we’re back at Roe compound, and Damon opens my door for me as I finish checking emails from the Vice President of Accounts over at Monroe. It’s another negative update on Sutton Transport. I’m not the least bit surprised.
As I get out of the vehicle, phone still in hand, I consider checking on Olivia from the video feed I have access to on my phone, but I decide better of it. She might be a temptation that I’m drawn to, but I still have control, and just maybe she’s also figured that out in the time I’ve been gone.
I don’t want to keep her in a cage, but I will if she insists on being insolent. Not only to assert my dominance but also to demonstrate to those who work here where my priorities lay. I trust them to remain loyal, but any inkling of doubt regarding my focus and determination could be detrimental.
Damon stays at the car and reopens the driver’s door. “I have somewhere to be unless you need me for anything.”
