“Thanks for the invite, Alex. Is Mrs. Davis cooking?”

Madison approached me from behind with impeccable timing.

“Why do you ask, Ben?”

Her hand rested on her hip, awaiting my response.

“Alex’s cooking is always a gamble. I was only determining my odds of survival.”

My brother chuckled, low and throaty. I bit back a smile.

“So, Alex, when are you going to put a ring on this woman?”

“Ask Madison. She’s the one holding out. I’ve asked at least a dozen times.”

All eyes landed on her.

“All in good time,” she replied, rearranging freshly cut flowers from their garden. Then she placed the glass vase in the middle of the dining room table.

“Have a seat, everyone. I’ll help Mrs. Davis serve.”

Madison disappeared into the kitchen as Alex opened a bottle of wine.

Michelle had joined us for dinner.

“Mrs. Perry, how are you?” I tentatively asked. Her loss still new, and very raw.

“Day by day, Ben.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

I’d never experienced the kind of loss related to death, the kind that left me in utter despair. Certainly not with my father. Sympathetic to her loss, I only had one loss to compare it to, and it hurt like a bitch.

I enjoyed the meal and conversation, yet a slice of envy speared through me watching my brother in love. And the love that was returned with such potency. I was happy for him, but that didn’t make it any easier to witness.

The ladies cleaned up in the kitchen, allowing time for us to talk as we moved to the great room.

“Something stronger?” Alex offered.

“No, thanks.”

“I have everything you need to exhume Father’s remains,” he said, holding out a manila folder. “It’s all in there. As the executor, you can proceed with the disentombment.”

“You work fast.”

“I understand the urgency, but I only hope you’re prepared for the outcome.” He sat across from me, scotch in hand. “I have my concerns, and I’m worried about you.”

If I’m being honest, it worried me, too. Either possibility left me feeling on edge. One simple test deciding my future was a bit daunting.

“Ben, are you ready to accept your fate? Are you prepared for the outcome if it’s not what you anticipate?”

“Fuck if I know. I’ve lived a numb life for ten years, if she is our sister, I have no choice but to accept it, now do I?”

I watched as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass, as if contemplating his next words.

“You’re right,” he finally says. “I only hope you can live with it and move on. Maybe even find some happiness.”

“You sound so sure that it’s going to come back a positive match,” I grit out, a note of irritation in my voice. Then a familiar tug on my heart tightened. I knew better than anyone the risk I was taking. The uncertainties and doubt were weighing heavily on me. Alex didn’t need to add to the mix.

“No, I’m only looking at it from all angles.”

“That’s right, you are a fucking lawyer.”

He drained the last drop from his glass. “Famous last words.”

“Thanks for everything, but I have an early day tomorrow, I should be going.”

He walked me out, shook my hand, and brought me in for the man-hug goodbye.

He held it a beat longer than expected.

I understood his concerns, because I had my own. At times, I felt as if I was swimming in a sea of sharks. This was definitely one of those times.

Reaching my office before my staff arrived was out of the ordinary for me. The eeriness caused an unsettling surge as I walked through the dim light toward my office. Once in, I switched on the overhead lights and sat at my desk, then I began my day, opening the file that held so much power.

Reading line by line, word by word I realized that if I wanted answers sooner than later, I’d be forced to line some pockets. Fuck, I sounded just like my father. My chest became even more constricted at the thought.

Of course, that didn’t stop me; it only drove me harder. And at eight o’clock sharp, I made the call, putting the pieces in motion. My first step was to schedule the exhuming of my father’s body. The soonest it could be done was the day after tomorrow.

Next, was transportation to the lab, where the DNA would be extracted. Once they completed that task, his remains would be taken back to the cemetery, and buried once again.

What kind of son did that make me, ripping my father’s corpse from the grave for my own selfish reasons, only to prove him wrong and dishonor his last wishes? There wasn’t a shred of guilt to be found in me. He had trained me well.

There was a knock on my door, and Janet slipped in.

“Good morning, sir. Have you been here long?”

I wasn’t surprised that I’d upset her morning routine. I rarely arrived earlier than my assistant.

“Not long.”

“Coffee, then?”

“That would be great. Thank you, Janet.”

Once alone, I dialed the lab. This would prove to be the most challenging. I decided to ask for whoever was in charge. The laboratory director surprisingly answered his phone.

I purposely mislead him, starting the conversation concerning a financial donation to the specific studies he was involved in. I was quickly informed that there was a department who handled this—certainly not the director himself. He sounded a bit perturbed.

“I’m not involved in any research donations, Mr. Stone.”

I decided to shift gears. “Dr. Richmond, I’m requesting a DNA test to verify paternity. It needs to be expedited quickly. Your lab has been listed as one of the top five in the country.”

“Indeed, I’m aware of our ranking.”

“What can be done to ensure a speedy result? Anything, Dr. Richmond. Just name it.”

And that’s how my father would had done it. A check would be deposited into an offshore account, and I would have my answer approximately forty-eight hours after the sample reached their facility. I also sent the original samples of Jordan and myself that I had secretly tucked away in a local lab in town.

I leaned back in my chair as Janet set my coffee on my desk.

“Thank you.”

Now there was nothing more I could do; it was all in their hands.

I was late for Jordan’s meeting, so I slipped in quietly, eager to hear what she had to say. Stealing glances, I could see her face clearly as she acknowledged my presence. I watched in secret admiration as she held the interest of each department head in the palm of her hands.

She paced gracefully as she spoke, her cunning eyes focused, guiding the staff through her presentation. She also slipped in a warm smile, words of encouragement, and praise for their hard work and dedication. It was no wonder people gravitated to her.

“Furthermore, take a few moments to share the accomplishments with your staff, and let them know we all value their hard work, as well.”

I experienced a familiar urge, linked to years of denying myself. Her intellect was a turn-on, her ability to rule a boardroom electrifying. She didn’t even realize the power she held.

“That’s it for today. Thank you all.”

Once the meeting adjourned, I approached.

“Are we still on for the charity event?”

She continued to walk as we spoke. “Of course. It’s tonight.”

“I’ll pick you up.”

She instantly halted and turned to me. Her gaze lifted to mine in question.

“We usually just meet there.”

“I’ll pick you up tonight.”

“If you insist.”

The driver pulled to a stop and the limo idled at the curb. Before I could reach her front door, she was walking out, I quickly rounded the back of the limo and opened her door.

“You look beautiful, Jordan.”

I was glad to see her, and she returned the smile. Then I followed in behind her.

Her gown white, strapless and flowing. Her hair was down in waves, the auburn tresses moving playfully over her bare shoulders. Her eyes were highlighted by a liner, causing her amber eyes to stand out. The gold flecks were prevalent in the dim glow of the limo. My gaze traveled over to her exposed cleavage, a sight rarely displayed.

I’m pulled from my unspoken captivation when her voice lures me back to the present.

“You look quite dapper, Ben.”

Something warm and tender stirred in me, but I was afraid to name it just yet. It would be foolish to let myself believe in a future with her, certainly not until the truth was exposed. I knew it would be safer to do just that, but I’d played it safe for far too long, and her playfulness was inviting.

“It just so happens that I was going for dapper.”

“Overly confident, are you?”

If she only knew, that was the furthest from the truth. We reached the club and the driver let her out first. I eagerly followed. I was finally bestowed with the entire package as I admired her impeccable look from head to toe.

The floor-length white satin strapless dress was simple and minimalist, yet it hugged every curve. Her graceful movement flowed confidently as she looked over her shoulder for me. Our gaze locked, and she smiled.

“Drink?”

“Yes, of course.”

I order two glasses of champagne.

“Shall we make the rounds?” I asked.

“Lead the way, Miyagi.”

Reaching for her glass of champagne, she clinked my glass as we both broke into smiles. Her arm rested in the nook of my elbow.

Besides being smart and innovated, her captivating poise knew no bounds. She knew her way around a deal, and I personally witnessed her close a deal with simple exchange of a handshake, and a glass of bourbon. Always followed by a profitable outcome. I admired her for that, and stepped back, allowing her to take the lead.

Impressed with her skill and professionalism, I watched every move she made. I observed her as she revealed her true nature, establishing rapports with future business prospects. In the end, she walked away with several impressive leads.

She had a way of drawing attention, whether it was wanted or not.

My face a mask of professionalism, as I endured being close to her, even when I knew our future lay in the hands of only a few chromosomes.

“That was a well-thought out idea back there, Jordan. You came prepared, I’m impressed.” Unbeknownst to her, she was unable to turn off her hidden charms. “And, in case you haven’t noticed so were they.”

Her smile widened and a laugh slipped from her lips. “You noticed.”

“I noticed.” I tilted my head toward the dance floor, where couples were flowing around us.

“Dance?”

“Love to.”

We reached the middle of the floor. I pulled her in gently, her body relaxed in my arms as her floral scent engulfed me. Something settled in her eyes. It was a sadness I wanted to figure out and fix. I wanted to read her mind, but I was left with only speculation.

I fought the urge to touch her beyond the dance hold. I tried to focus on this very moment. But, it wasn’t long before those familiar feelings began drumming in my heart rushing in causing me to break eye contact, she tempted me even if she didn’t intend to.

 “I think you’re leading, or trying to,” I teased.

“Then, by all means, take control.”

Warmth spread through me. The feel of her body in close proximity was intoxicating, a rare opportunity to touch her. The always present underlying attraction between us, a festering pull just beneath the surface. We had denied it, but it was still there. I was going insane, the notion of her and a happier life just out of my reach.

“I’m starving,” she whispers. “If they don’t serve dinner soon, I’m on my way to Mickey-D’s.”

“Heaven forbid. Let’s find our table.”

Once seated, we captured the waiter and ask when dinner would be served.

“Soon, sir. Approximately ten minutes, fifteen tops.”

“I have time for the ladies’ room, please excuse me.”

A soon as she stood, I watched the men around her as she walked through the crowd. She drew interest, totally unaware of her effect. Her phone lit up as it sat on the table. It was on vibrate, but I clearly saw the name on the screen: Steel.

I didn’t want to imagine them together, yet the scenario played out in my mind in piece by piece.

That night would be etched in my mind forever. Jordan in Steel’s arms. He’d been her savior when her life was in jeopardy. And after his heroic rescue, she wanted him. I could see it, feel it. Their connection was electric. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. Not now, not so close to knowing the truth.

I was suddenly filled with so much frustration. Steel and Jordan. What was the nature of their relationship? Jordan was much to innocent for a man like that. Steel was dark, dangerous and had a hard edge the closer you looked. Was that what she found appealing? The bad boy?

Jealously shot through me as rage ran cold in my veins. The reality hit me like a punch in the gut. She could fuck anyone she wanted; she wasn’t mine. Realizing that cracked my heart in two.

She returned shortly, checked her phone, and saw the missed call, but didn’t respond. She didn’t mention my prolonged silence. I knew I had no right to be jealous, and that was putting it mildly. I’d been known to take interest in other women temporarily, to take the edge off. My ability to fuck and then leave them unscathed had nothing to do with them, but everything to do with me. I didn’t want any attachments, because my heart was elsewhere.

We didn’t speak during dinner, and I was curious as to why. I knew my reasons, of course but what were hers? We drank our coffee as the party was dying down. The familiar numbness had started to take hold inside me. I didn’t want to be there, hidden, closed off. Not after the taste of freedom. It was much too sweet to go back now, just the thought of it, left me cold. Nevertheless, I would swallow these feelings, until word came. These next few days would be pure hell.

“I’m ready when you are,” she said.

“Let’s go then.”

Under the pretense, everything was just fine, but the ride home was not. I glanced across the back seat at her several times, keenly aware of her growing distance.

The dark fascination I had for this beautiful woman was a disturbing mix of frustration and desire. The silence lingered thick in the air as images of her and another name tasted of poison in my veins. But she was elsewhere, as she stared out the passenger window.

“What is it?”

I knew not to ask, but I couldn’t help myself.

“Nothing.”

And it occurred to me that I might have lost her already. I desperately needed the DNA results, but the bigger problem was moving in, Steel Archer.