Thomas shook his head. “I would deny it and you would look like a petty second son.”
So Thomas had known. Christ, the dark, twisted history of this family. Harrison wanted nothing more to do with them. Rising, he straightened his cuffs. “See you in an hour, brother.” Turning, he started for the door.
“Harrison, listen,” Thomas called from behind him. “I am begging you. Not for myself, but for my family. My wife and children, who will have nowhere to go if you carry this out.”
Harrison stopped and glared over his shoulder at his brother. “You have your stock dividends. Your wife has relatives. Be resourceful, man. Or do what I did when I went to Paris: get a job.”
“You’re a bastard, Harrison,” Thomas spat hastily. “You are just as devious and hard-hearted as our father. We’re from the same stock, you and I. So do not presume to act like you’re better than me.”
“Wrong. I am nothing like the rest of you.” He gestured to the interior of the office. “I’d pack up, were I you. Once I take over today, I’ll have you arrested if you step a foot inside this building again.”
Preston opened the door and the two of them walked out. Harrison nodded at Thomas’s secretary. “Mr. Archer has a board meeting in an hour. See that he’s all packed up by then, if you please.” The secretary said nothing, merely stared up at him with wide eyes.
When Harrison and Preston were alone in the elevator, Preston said, “I’ve never seen your brother so scared.” He chuckled. “‘Get a job.’ I thought his head was going to pop off when you said that.”
Harrison was not yet in a laughing mood. His muscles were clenched tight, rage coursing through his system. The thought of anyone hurting Maddie or distracting her before this tournament made him want to tear down the city, brick by brick. No matter what else happened, he could not let the Archers destroy her chances of winning in Philadelphia. He’d never forgive himself if something happened.
Looking at Preston, he said, “I want the names of the men you mentioned, the ones who guard for hire.”
Preston sobered. “You think she’s in that much danger?”
“I won’t risk it. He has nothing to lose now. It makes him dangerous.”
“It certainly can’t hurt, as long as Maddie agrees to being shadowed.”
Harrison frowned. “I don’t want her to know. I convinced her the flowers were a mistake this morning. The tournament is too close and she shouldn’t be worried about her safety. She needs to focus on winning.”
The elevator opened onto the bottom floor and they started for the exit. “Harrison, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. After everything you’ve hidden from her, are you sure you want to do this?”
His temples throbbing, Harrison contemplated Preston’s words. Not telling her might make her angry later, but there was a good chance she’d never know. And informing her of a threat might prevent her from performing well at the tournament.
No, he wouldn’t tell her. He would keep her safe throughout the tournament, then reassess the need for security. More than likely, it wouldn’t be necessary.
“Just give me the names. I’ll hire them to stay out of her sight until after the tournament is over.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
A knock sounded on Maddie’s bedroom door. She’d just finished packing for her journey to Philadelphia tonight and her body buzzed with anticipation and nerves. She’d likely spend the rest of the afternoon prowling around the house and avoiding thoughts of tennis.
It was not an easy thing, considering this was the most important tournament to which she’d ever been invited. Every top female player would be there, all vying for the championship.
Dragging in a deep breath, she called, “Come in.”
Her husband appeared, a giant box in his arms. “Hello, wife. Have you finished packing?”
“Yes, just now. What’s that?”
“A gift. To bring you luck, I hope.” He placed the box on the bed and kissed her cheek. “Go on. Open it up.”
Lips curving into a small smile, she reached for the card affixed to the top of the box. The logo of her favorite sporting goods company was embossed on the front. Harrison’s handwriting filled the back.
My Dearest Maddie,
Win or lose, I couldn’t be prouder of you.
See you in Philadelphia.
All my love,
Harrison
The sentiment sent warmth cascading through her body, a rush of longing and affection that only Harrison could elicit in her. He hadn’t spoken of love, however, not until now. Did he love her? The past few nights had been utter bliss, and she wished he was coming with her to Philadelphia tonight instead of waiting a few days.
Shaking off her musings, she tugged at the strings on the box and opened it. Inside was a new lawn tennis racket, four balls and a pair of white tennis shoes. Like her existing shoes, these were completely flat with a rubber sole.
“I wasn’t sure what you needed, so I bought a bit of everything,” her husband said.
Turning, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed up against him, soaking in his strength and fortitude. “Thank you, Harrison. This was very sweet of you.”
He kissed her softly, a gentle but thorough meeting of their mouths, almost as if he were trying to reassure her or imprint her lips with his. She needed the distraction, the mind-numbing desire that swamped her every time he pulled her close. The kiss settled and relaxed her, and she felt herself leaning heavily against him after a few minutes.
When they pulled apart, he stared down at her, his expression soft. “There. Between that kiss and waking up with you this morning, that should hold me over until I see you in a few days.”
She bit her lip. He had awoken her with his mouth between her legs, and she found her release twice before he finally crawled over her body and entered her. “I’ll still miss you.”
“I wish I could go now, but the takeover . . .”
He’d been consumed by Archer Industries since replacing his brother as president. And she understood his desire to achieve, perhaps better than most. Harrison wanted to prove to the world that he was capable, not the layabout second son as his family had claimed. “I know. You’ll be there for the games, and that’s all that matters.”
“I wouldn’t miss them,” he said, and swept a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’ll be the proudest man there, cheering you on from the gallery.”
“I might lose. It depends on the seeding and who I play in the first round.”
“Sweetheart, losing is for people who never try. You’ve made it this far, which is remarkable in itself, and I know you’ll play your heart out.”
She exhaled the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
“Good.” He kissed her nose and let her go. “I need to go downtown, so cable when you’re safe at the hotel.”
“I will.” He’d already instructed her to do this today. Twice.
“And do not leave Vallie’s side at the club.”
Again, she’d already promised this. “I won’t. You don’t need to worry so much, Harrison. These events are completely safe.”