Crown of Lies

Oh God, Dad.

He’d be elated.

And then he’d be crushed when I called it off.

“Ah, yes. My son, Greg, mentioned something about an incident last night,” Steve said. “I thought he was exaggerating.” The disappointment in his tone crushed me like a little girl.

“I figured he’d mention it.” Penn’s voice dropped to deadly seriousness. “I’m aware your son has feelings for my wife-to-be, sir, and I only have respect and regret that he didn’t deserve her affection. But rest assured, if he gets in my way, I won’t tolerate it.”

“What does that mean?” Steve snapped.

“It means Elle belongs to you in business. But she belongs to me in everything else.” His tone lowered possessively. “We’re together now, and no one will interfere. In fact, I’m here to collect her. It’s time for her to come home. We have lots of things to do tonight.”

Even behind the door, the sexual innuendos reeked with promise.

Steve cleared his throat, no doubt wondering when I had the time to hook up with a complete stranger and why Greg wasn’t the one taking me home. “I see.”

My tummy clenched at how forlorn he sounded.

I liked to think it was purely for wanting me to be happy and believing his son was the right candidate for the job, but some part believed he had ulterior motives. He’d been nothing but loyal to this company, my father, and me, but running a business for so long that wasn’t yours must take a toll. Possession was a fundamental human flaw.

“You must excuse me; I’m late for our date.” Penn chuckled. “As you know, Elle is strict on time-lines.”

Fleur’s voice piped up. “I’m afraid, Mr. Everett, Ms. Charlston has said she’s busy for the next four years, and you’ll have to make an appointment.”

“What?” His tone snapped through the door.

A nervous giggle percolated in my chest. Why did I want to piss him off? I’d pay for it later, no doubt.

Shit, this was a bad idea.

“Why is Ms. Charlston telling you to make an appointment when you’re telling me you’re her fiancé?” Steve asked suspiciously.

“No disrespect, sir, but it’s none of your business.”

Steve replied, “I think you’ll find it is. Elle means a great deal to her father and me. She’s really stepped into his shoes and taken the company to even greater heights. She’s far too successful for her own good, and that means pariahs are out there who see her as an easy target to her vast empire.”

Damn you, Steve.

Everyone made it sound as if I were some elusive unicorn to be hunted and snared. I wasn’t special or unique. I was bland and boring. A workaholic imprisoned since birth.

“I’m not one of those pariahs, believe me,” Penn muttered. “However, I can’t say the same for your son.”

Oh, my God. Did he truly just say that?

“Excuse me?” Steve blurted. “My son and Elle are extremely close. It’s only a matter of time before they progress from friends to something more. Whatever you think you have with her is at best a silly fling and at worst a future heartbreak. But mark my words, Greg will be there to pick up the pieces and make sure Elle is happy and protected. I don’t for a second believe in this marriage bullshit.”

I hated the optimism in his voice along with the vaguely concealed threat for Penn to back away. That somehow Steve, even though he’d watched me turn from child to woman, still believed he controlled me enough to decide who I should share my body and life with.

I’m surrounded by manipulators.

“That will never happen,” Penn snapped. “After the interesting conversations I’ve had with Ms. Charlston, I can safely say she isn’t remotely interested in your son.”

Oh, no. Please someone stop him.

“In fact, she distinctly said she didn’t want to have a thing to do with him. She wants me. And she has me. Just like I have her. We’re engaged.”

Steve mumbled something I couldn’t hear.

Penn said, “That may be, but perhaps Ms. Charlston should be given the space to decide who she wants in her bed. Currently, that’s me, asshole.”

Okay, that’s it.

Wrenching my door open, I barreled into the waiting room. The soft furnishings and potted trees couldn’t distract me from my blistering anger toward the two men.

“Once again, I’m shocked stupid.” I clamped both hands on my hips. “Steve, I expected better of you.”

Steve had the decency to look down with his face flushed. “Sorry, Elle. I wasn’t saying that you and Greg were together but trying to protect your right to decide.”

“No, you weren’t. You were trying to keep Belle Elle in the family. You and Dad are everything to me, and that’s why I won’t hold a grudge, but if you try to push me together with Greg again, I’ll refuse to speak to you. Do you understand?”

“But Greg really likes you.”

“Don’t care. Not interested.”

Wow, the relief in finally speaking the truth and not worrying about other people’s feelings was immense.

“Hello again, Elle. Does this mean you’re available for our second date now and not in four years’ time?” Penn planted his feet and smirked. “After all, you just admitted you’re more interested in me than anyone else.”

I turned burning blue eyes on him. “I’m only interested in watching you fall off one of our buildings, Mr. Everett.”