Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 61290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“I won’t make it worse,” he vows. “I’m going to deal with it in a way that keeps you where I want you. Here. With me. Do you trust me?”
No.
Not at all.
It’s asking one monster to fight another one.
“You will,” he says when I don’t answer. “In time, you will.”
I honestly hope I can.
13
Winston
Tuesday goes smoother than Monday, but that’s because I put off some serious ‘don’t fuck with me’ vibes. Nate’s been out all day at a meeting, and Perry has taken to following around one of our other associates, Max.
My mind is not anywhere close to my current projects.
It’s on her.
That motherfucker bit Ash. I suspect he did more, and she’s divulged that he’s threatened her. I’m going to kick his scrawny teenage ass.
Or better yet . . .
I’ll tell his mommy.
Ash said Dr. Mannford was approving of her association with me. Of course she would be. The Constantines own this city, even if her piss-ant son doesn’t realize that.
He will soon.
I shoot an email to Deborah, who’s been walking on eggshells today, and immediately receive my answer. Dr. Mannford’s phone number. I dial the number of her office and wait for someone to pick up.
“Dr. Mannford’s,” a voice greets. “How can I help you?”
“I need to speak with Dr. Mannford, please.”
“Sorry, sir, but she’s in surgeries all day. Can I take a number and have her call you back?”
“No, it’s an emergency.”
“I apologize, but I can’t interrupt her.”
“Tell her Winston Constantine is calling, and it’s urgent regarding her children.”
“Oh . . . okay. Hold please.”
I listen to the elevator music for a bit, and then someone answers, breathless.
“Mr. Constantine? Dr. Mannford speaking.”
“Ahh, Dr. Mannford,” I say, my voice cordial. “Did I interrupt your work?”
“I’m between surgeries,” she assures me. “I have time to spare for you. Cindy said there was a matter involving my children? Did . . . Did Ash do something?”
Leaning back in my chair, I swivel around to stare out the window. “No, Dr. Mannford—”
“Please, call me Manda,” she interrupts.
I pause, allowing her to feel my irritation at having been interrupted. “This is in regard to your son, Manda.”
“Which one?”
“Does it matter?”
“I don’t understand . . .”
“But you will.” I let out an annoyed sigh. “One of your sons doesn’t like that your stepdaughter is working for me. He’s let it be known.”
She gasps. “Oh, Mr. Constantine, I assure you there’s a misunderstand—”
“Winston,” I interrupt, giving her a taste of her own medicine. “And I am positive there is no misunderstanding.”
“Okay,” she says slowly. “I apologize for my son’s behavior.”
“It can be rectified.”
“Then let’s do what needs to be done.”
“Have a talk with your boy. Make him understand that Ash is a valuable employee to me. I’ll require her by my side at many functions. She’s to take care of my home during the day in my absence. I may even need her to handle some projects here at the office. I’m paying her well, because she deserves compensation for her efforts.” I pause for a long moment. “Let it be clear that I’ve never employed someone to assist me in various areas of my life. It means Ash is an asset to my company and to me.”
“And we’re so proud of her,” she assures me. “The girl is bright and clever and quite beautiful, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Quite.”
“Her father is an economic analyst. She always gushes about one day being just like him. You snagged a good one,” she rushes out. “I know she won’t let you down.” She chuckles. “But I must warn you, Winston, she’s quite a charmer. You might fall in love with a sweetheart like her.”
I roll my eyes at this woman trying to sell off her stepdaughter like a head of cattle. “Thanks for the warning.”
“I’ll have a talk with all three of my sons,” she assures me. “They’re very protective over our girl. Ash is the daughter I never knew I wanted.”
“I can see why. And I hope you can see how embarrassing it would be for me to show up at a function with the beautiful girl at my side only to have her marred by bruises,” I growl, letting her feel the sting of my words. “Bruises given by teeth are quite nasty. Imagine how the tabloids would react.”
She gasps. “Oh, Winston, I am so sorry.”
“Make sure it doesn’t happen again,” I grind out. “I’ve destroyed careers, ended dynasties, and drowned companies for far, far less. Ash is an asset, and when my assets are threatened, I eliminate threats.”
“Listen,” she placates. “They’re mischievous boys who are used to playing lacrosse and behaving roughly. None of them are used to having a girl around. I’ll discuss with them how they need to be gentle with her. I can assure you it won’t happen again.”
“Good, because if it does, I won’t react well. It will really, really piss me off, Manda.”