Aspen
I finished typing up some files and scanned the office floor.
I hadn’t seen Liam today.
Probably a good thing. Pressing my palms flat to the desk, I tried to find some calm. I knew I was doing my job, what needed to be done, but dammit, it wasn’t easy knowing he hated my guts right now.
My hands stung, reminding me of my scrapes. Wincing, I eased up. I’d slathered them with antiseptic cream this morning and put some bandages on. They were already looking better.
Erica walked past my desk. She looked tired, and when she caught my eye, she gave me a small smile. I’d called her this morning to tell her things were heating up. That we were getting closer to bringing Jake home.
“Penn.” Abigail appeared at my desk. “You’re needed for an off-site gig at the Woolworth Building.”
I rose. “Sure.”
“Take notes, and keep the boss on track. I’m supposed to go, but I had a vaccination yesterday and I feel like death warmed over.”
She looked pale and clammy. “Sorry, hope you feel better. So just Lisa going?”
“No, not Lisa, Mr. Kensington.”
I froze. “Oh, well—”
“You’re on first-name basis with him, and you’re a hero after yesterday.” Abigail winked.
I smiled weakly. “Okay.”
“Five minutes. He’ll meet you downstairs.”
Great. I gathered my stuff. I had my Glock tucked safely inside my bag.
I took the elevator down. Light poured into the lobby and my heels clicked on the marble tiles. I saw Liam by the door. He wore a gray suit today that fit him well and my belly clenched. The sunlight glinted off his hair.
I straightened, just as he turned. His face hardened, his eyes turning icy.
And I felt it like a burn.
“Where’s Abigail?” he demanded.
“She can’t make it.”
He looked away, his jaw working. “I don’t have time to arrange for someone else. Let’s go.” He strode out to the sleek, black Aston Martin waiting at the curb.
He opened the passenger door for me and I slid into the sports car. God, the seats were buttery, black leather and it smelled expensive.
Liam circled the car and got in the driver’s seat. The engine purred and we zoomed off.
The atmosphere in the car was Arctic.
This was not going to be a pleasant outing.
“How long have you been a criminal?” he clipped.
“Your father’s the criminal.”
“My father’s a first-class asshole. I’ve always known that.”
I heard the bitterness in his voice and I stayed silent.
“Tell me what you fucking want,” Liam growled.
“When the time’s right.” I still hadn’t heard from Doyle.
“I just want to know,” Liam said. “The lives of my family are on the line. My step-siblings are young, innocent.”
I crossed my legs. I had to remember Jake. Erica. Their child.
Liam growled. “You don’t know what your group wants, do you?”
I stared ahead through the windshield.
“You’re just a lackey, waiting for orders.”
I dragged in a breath, hating the acid dripping from his voice. “Everything will happen when it needs to.”
“You’re a cold one. Got ice in those veins, Penn?”
He jerked the wheel and we flew down a side street. I pressed a hand to the door.
“Just another heartless, cunning bitch.”
I closed my eyes.
“And a liar. I hate liars most of all. Most people are full of shit, but I’m usually good at spotting them.”
“Stop it,” I whispered.
He glanced at me. “Don’t like hearing the truth?”
“You have no idea of the truth, or what Nexus is capable of.” Crap, I heard the emotion in my voice.
Silence filled the car.
“Nexus?”
Shit, I should have kept my mouth shut.
“Are you in trouble?” Liam asked. “Are they forcing you to do this?”
God. I looked out the side window. Heaven help me if he started being nice to me. “Just drop it.”
“Penn—”
“We both know that isn’t truly my name.”
I met his gaze. The blue hit me like a laser beam.
“There are things I can’t discuss.” I shook my head. “You should just worry about yourself.”
His hands flexed on the wheel. Then he pulled into a parking space just down from the Woolworth Building.
“So, they are forcing you.”
“No.” Dammit. I got out of the car and started walking.
“Penn—” He grabbed my arm. “Talk to me. I can help you.”
God, he really was a good guy. “You need to help yourself.” I yanked away and strode down the sidewalk. I felt him bearing down behind me.
My burner phone beeped and I pulled it out.
My heart clenched. It was a message from Doyle.
I read the message, frowned, and typed. Why not money?
I’d assumed Doyle would ask Liam for an exorbitant amount of money.
I don’t want money. Get me what I want.
Stopping, I sucked in a breath and swiveled. I lifted my chin. “To make sure the photos stay secret, you need to sign a piece of property at Borden Street in the Bronx over to Nexus Corp.”
Liam stilled and cocked his head. “That property is key to the Borden Project.”
I swallowed. “That’s a requirement. Nexus doesn’t want money, only the property. If you don’t comply—”
Liam leaned closer. “How’s it feel to be a blackmailer?”
I made myself hold his gaze. “You don’t understand.”
“Oh, I understand perfectly. No fucking deal. I’ll find a way to shield my family, my father can cop the consequences.” He brushed past me and into the building.
I blew out a breath. No. Jake’s life and freedom depended on Nexus getting what they wanted from Liam.
Then I tapped into my phone.
He said no.
I started to slide the phone away. I had to see this through.
My phone beeped.
Then we’ll have to offer him more persuasion.
A prickle ran down my spine. What the hell did that mean?
Plan’s changed
Liam
Liam rose. “Thank you, David. Productive, as always.” He held out his hand.
The businessman shook Liam’s hand. “And you’re as wily as ever, Kensington. Somehow you always talk me out of more, and I’m always happy about it.”
Liam smiled. Beside them, Penn rose, collecting her things.
“And Ms. Channing,” David said with a smile. “You were efficient and competent, like all of Liam’s staff.”
“Thank you, Mr. Warner.” She glanced at Liam. “Mr. Kensington only hires the best.”
Liam hid his snort.
His anger was still bubbling under his skin, his mind ticking over. Why the hell did the blackmailers want that land in the Bronx?
It was an old warehouse, crumbling and ready for demolition.
Penn moved ahead of him and his gaze dropped down her athletic body and tight curves. His jaw clenched. He was angry at himself.