“Gage, darling. It’s so good to see you.” His mother enveloped him in a warm hug. Gage returned her affection, squeezing her small frame.
He pulled back and regarded her. She wore a simple shift-style dress and espadrilles, and looked youthful. The earlier years of hard menial labor couldn’t be seen in her smooth caramel complexion. Her dark brown eyes were warm and inviting, reminding him he had been away from home far too long.
“C’mon in.” She motioned him inside the five-bedroom palatial home he’d bought her a decade ago when his finances had begun booming. Gage had ensured that his mother could retire from a life where she worked late into the night cleaning other’s people houses and looking after their children.
“The place looks great.” Gage followed her into the sunroom where she had set a pitcher of sweet tea and her famous oatmeal-raisin cookies in the middle of the cocktail table. Gage snatched one from the platter and began munching away happily as they sat on the sofa.
“The interior decorator you hired had a great eye. Once I told her I wanted modern contemporary, she came up with this.” Grace motioned to the sleek white furniture and the room mostly done in creams and light beige with a few colored throw pillows here and there. “Now, let me pour you some sweet tea.”
“Good, you deserve it.” He accepted the glass when she handed it to him.
“Tell me what’s new. You must have something on the horizon. You wouldn’t leave your precious London otherwise.”
Gage shrugged, not meeting her eyes, and reached for another cookie. “Why don’t you tell me about your next trip?”
His mother eyed him suspiciously and Gage squirmed in his seat. “Don’t play with me, boy. Your mama can tell when you’re not being forthright. So spit it out.”
Gage sighed. He would have to tell her about Fallon, but he didn’t relish her response. “I ran into an old friend recently and we reconnected.”
“Really?” His mother poured herself a glass of tea. “Anyone I know?”
“Fallon Stewart.” Gage didn’t look up when he spoke. He didn’t need to because the silence permeating the room was deafening.
“The Stewart girl who caused me to lose my job of ten years without so much as a reference?” his mother responded. “What in hell’s name is going on, Gage? I thought you despised that family as much as I did.”
“I do but...”
“But what?” Her fierce gazed rested on his. “Explain yourself.”
Gage wasn’t sure how much of his plan he wanted to tell his mother, so he gave her a half-truth. “She’s turned into a beautiful young woman.”
“She’s deceitful. Had Fallon Stewart spoken up years ago, she would have saved us years of struggle.”
“She apologized and wants to move on.”
“And you’ve forgiven her?” his mother asked incredulously. “After you vowed vengeance? I can hardly believe that.”
“Believe it, because Fallon and I are getting married.”
“What?” Her eyes grew wide. “Over my dead body.”
“Mama, don’t be melodramatic.”
“I’m not. That girl is your Achilles’ heel, Gage. She always has been. I remember how she used to fawn over you and follow you around like a little puppy dog and you never put her straight. And now you’re turning the other cheek? Sounds to me like you’re thinking below the belt and not with your head.”
Gage reached across the sofa and grasped his mother’s hand in his. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you?” She gazed deep into his brown eyes. “Because I think the Stewarts will do nothing but destroy you. Mark my words. You’re playing with fire, Gage.”
“Trust me, Mama, I have the situation under control.” Or did he? Was he blinded by Fallon’s charms and headed for a fall?
“I don’t think so, but then again you’re a grown man and capable of making your own decisions.”
“I’m glad you recognize that because I will make them pay dearly for how you were treated. I promise you.” He would take sweet revenge on Fallon. In bed.
* * *
“Let me get this straight. After I told you the Stewarts’ company was in trouble, you thought it would be a good idea to confront Fallon?” Theo asked when he and Gage met up to play pool late Saturday afternoon.
“Yeah,” Gage responded. “I had to see for myself if she was still the spoiled, overindulged princess she once was.”
“Well, apparently not, because you asked her to marry you,” Theo said, taking a swallow of his beer. “Have you lost your mind?” He leaned over to feel Gage’s forehead.
“No. I haven’t,” Gage said. “Fallon’s not sixteen anymore, Theo.” He used the cue stick to get the green ball into the corner pocket. Then he eased the cue into position for the blue ball and aimed for the middle pocket. He missed and it was Theo’s turn. “She’s a grown woman.”
“Then sleep with her,” Theo stated. “You don’t have to marry her. I mean, I know she’s hot and all.” He glanced over at Gage and laughed when his best friend gave him a jealous glare from across the pool table. “Hey, I have two eyes, I’m not blind. But since it’s clear you’re the possessive type, I’ll keep my opinions to myself.”
“You do that.”
“Answer me this. I get why she’s doing it. You’re offering her a ton of money to save her business and you two have a history, so I understand the attraction. But what do you get out of all this, because a bed partner seems like a flimsy excuse to tie yourself to another human being in holy matrimony.”
Gage reached for his beer on a nearby table. After telling his mother, Gage had been shaken. But on his way over to meet Theo, he’d had to remind himself of why he was doing this and his resolve strengthened. “I told you. Fallon will secure my place in society and while she’s so busy focused on the wedding, I’ll be secretly buying up stock of Stewart Technologies until I own a majority interest.”
Theo pointed at him. “I knew you had a trick up your sleeve, but this is pretty underhanded, even for you, Gage.”
“Don’t you think they deserve it?” Gage countered. “Henry Stewart threw us out on the street with just the clothes on our backs. We weren’t even allowed to get our meager belongings. And after working for them for years, they wouldn’t even give my mother a reference. All because she stuck up for me.” He slammed his hand against his chest. “Do you know how the guilt ate me up at causing my mother harm?”
“I know it wasn’t easy.”
“It was hell. We had to scrape by with the little savings we had. I blame the Stewarts. And I will feel triumph the day I can ruin them.”
“And Fallon. Even though she was a naïve young girl?”
“She was old enough to know better and she’s no young ingénue anymore. She’s well aware of what she’s agreed to.”
“She’s not the only one,” Theo responded. “I worry about you, Gage.”
“Don’t. I’ve been on a collision course with the Stewarts for sixteen years and the moment has finally come for me to get vengeance. And after telling my mama, I’m even more convinced I’m doing the right thing.”
“You told your mother?”
Gage nodded. “And she pretty much blew a gasket.”
“Can you blame her?”
“No. But I’m on track to get everything I ever wanted, including Fallon.”
This marriage was one of the best decisions he’d ever made and the unexpected bonus was the sizzling sex awaiting him once he finally made Fallon his. He wasn’t going to let up on the gas. Gage had to push forward until he took over the Stewarts’ empire. Only then would he feel like he had avenged his mother.
* * *
Fallon was happy to receive a lunch invitation from Ayden. She arrived before him on Monday afternoon and had several minutes to settle her nerves. Their meeting would be very different from the tense scenario a couple of months ago. Fallon would get to know Ayden on a personal level. She didn’t know why she was nervous at the prospect, but she was. She wanted this so bad and it had meant everything that Ayden extended the olive branch.
She noticed her big brother the moment he arrived. He was over six feet tall, bald with tawny skin, and impressively male in his tailored suit. He was impossible to miss. He waved when he saw her and stalked toward the table. His eyes creased into a smile and she was surprised when he leaned toward her and offered a hug. They were off to a good start.
“Sorry I’m late. A client meeting wrapped up later than I anticipated,” Ayden said as he sat across from her. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Thank you for the invite.” Fallon glanced over and found herself looking into the hazel-gray eyes they shared with their father.
“You’re welcome,” Ayden responded, unbuttoning his suit jacket and leaning back to regard her. “When I said I wanted a relationship, I meant it.”
Fallon nodded and smiled. “I know. So did I.”
“So, in the interest of family, I’d like to know how you’re really doing. Any luck on getting a financial bailout with any of the banks I referred you to?”
After he’d told Fallon he wanted to forge a sibling relationship, Ayden had sent her some leads. As owner of Stewart Investments, Ayden’s clients were quite wealthy and might be looking for an investment vehicle.
“No, I didn’t get any bites,” Fallon responded, reaching for her sparkling water.
His gaze bore into her. “What are you going to do then? You’re running out of time.”
“I’ve found a private investor.”
Ayden frowned. “Who would have that kind of cash?”
“Gage Campbell. You may have heard of him.”
“Yeah, I have. They call him the Wizard of Wall Street. But usually he’s making other people money, not investing his own.” He peered at her with a strange expression. “What gives?”
“Gage and I have a personal connection,” Fallon replied, forcing her eyes to meet her brother’s. “And...” She tried to find the right words but it was hard with Ayden staring at her so intently. She could lie. Spin it that they were old acquaintances. But Ayden wouldn’t believe it. And she didn’t want to start out their newfound relationship that way. She had to tell him the truth. “We’re getting married. And in exchange, Gage is giving me the money to bail out Stewart Technologies.” Fallon shot Ayden a glance, but his eyes were blazing with fury, which stunned her. She didn’t know Ayden cared.
“Marriage?” His eyes widened in concern. “Why would you agree to such a thing? I will give you the money. You don’t have to marry this man.”
She shook her head. “It’s all right, Ayden. I’ve known Gage for years. We grew up together. And...”
“And what does he get out of this arrangement?” His eyes narrowed as he waited for her answer.
Fallon blushed and he caught it. “So you’re willing to pros—”
Her eyes flashed a gentle but firm warning. “Don’t you say it, Ayden, not unless you want this relationship to end before it’s begun.”
She heard his sharp intake of breath and his eyes were hooded when he spoke next. “You’re my sister, Fallon. A fact I’ve been trying to hide from a long time but not anymore. I’m responsible for you taking such drastic action. I made you feel like you had no other choice.”
Fallon leaned across the table and placed her hand over his large one. “Listen, I appreciated your offer. Ultimately it was my choice, Ayden. Not yours. You’re not responsible for my actions.”
“And you’re not responsible for Henry running the company into the ground, especially after he frivolously spent money on new inventions that never went to market,” Ayden responded hotly. “Yet you’re willing to sacrifice yourself.”
“Please respect my decision,” Fallon implored. “I need your support on this.”
Ayden sighed and sat back in his chair. “I’m worried for you.”
“Don’t be. I know Gage. He won’t hurt me.” Fallon certainly hoped that statement was true because she wasn’t only risking her pride. Gage had the power to hurt her more than any other man because of the long-ago buried feelings she had for him. She had to protect herself at all costs. She might be giving her body, but not her heart.
* * *
Fallon was exhausted. It had been an emotionally draining day. All she wanted was to go home and soak in a long, luxurious bath. So much had happened in the last couple of days. Dane and Ayden were both so concerned for her well-being she needed to regroup, to make sure she could handle what she’d signed up for.
Seeing Gage again and finding out the passion she’d once had for him hadn’t died but blossomed was disconcerting. Over a decade had passed. He should no longer cause her pulse to race, but he did. She was a bundle of tight emotions and lust. Whenever she was in his company she acted completely out of character, starting with the heated kiss at the restaurant then again in the limo after the opera.
Is that why she’d agreed to his marriage proposal? He was a rich and successful man with deep pockets that could help save her company, but was it more than that?
Her phone rang and she answered it from her car. “Fallon?”
“Gage. What can I do for you?”
“I’m here at Stewart Manor and thought you’d like to join me.”
“You’re at my house? Why?” Panic surged through Fallon. What was he doing there? They hadn’t even had time to get their story straight. And then it dawned on her: he couldn’t wait for the opportunity to rub it in her parents’ faces. He was marrying their daughter. It was a take that to her father. It would serve him right if she told Gage to go to hell, but then she would still be in the same predicament tomorrow.
She heard his chuckle from the other end. “I thought it would be obvious. I’m here to share the news of our impending marriage with your parents.”
Fallon sucked in a sharp breath. “You had no right to do that. I was going to tell them.”
“We are going to talk to them, so meet me here.” The call ended and Fallon glared at the display screen. Anger coursed through her and she let out several choice words. Who did he think he was, running roughshod over her? She had been planning to tell her parents in due time. What right did he have to force her hand like this?
Apparently, in his view, every right. He wanted to be able to rub the fact they were getting married in her family’s face. The maid’s prodigal son had returned and was there to save the day. This was all part of his retribution. She could only imagine what her mother’s response would be: sheer and utter embarrassment at having to kowtow to Gage Campbell.
She was wrong.
After parking her red Audi in the circular driveway, Fallon walked into the manor expecting to hear loud voices, but she found Gage and her parents lounging on the sofa as if they were fast friends instead of known enemies.
She caught Gage’s compelling stare the moment she entered the room. With his height and broad shoulders, he was beyond handsome. The words that came to mind were potent, vital and commanding. Fallon found herself mesmerized.
“Babe.” Gage rose and strode toward her, a barely leashed tension radiating off him. He leaned forward and brushed his lips across her temple before circling his arm around her waist. Fallon allowed herself to be ushered to the sofa where they sat side-by-side, thigh-to-thigh.
“Fallon, darling.” Nora was perched in a chair opposite her father while she and Gage sat on the sofa between them. “Why is this the first we’re hearing that you’ve been seeing Grace’s son?”
Fallon was vexed. The innocuous question made it seem as if Nora and Gage’s mother were old friends rather than boss and employee with a bad history. She didn’t get a chance to respond, though, because Gage was quick to answer.
“We were keeping it private, Mrs. Stewart. We re-connected some months ago.” He turned to Fallon at his side. His eyes, fringed with long black lashes, held hers for several seconds before he faced her parents again. “We didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, until we were sure of where the relationship was heading.”
“But Fallon never keeps anything from me.” Her father glanced in her direction.
Fallon attempted a half-hearted smile. “I’m sorry, Daddy.”
Gage reached for her hand, which she’d kept firmly in her lap, and laced his fingers through hers. “Don’t apologize, Fallon. We wanted privacy. Besides, it doesn’t matter now. We’re in love and we want to get married as soon as possible.”
Nora gasped. “Why the rush? You aren’t pregnant, Fallon, are you? I mean, what would everyone think?”
The horror in her mother’s voice over the idea that she would get knocked up by Gage of all people was clear to everyone and Fallon felt Gage stiffen at her side. She patted his leg and answered. “Of course not, Mother. We see no reason to wait. We’re both very eager to tie the knot.”
“Perhaps it would be best if you had a long engagement.” Henry eyed them both. “It would give us time to get to know Gage again.”
Gage looked at her father. “Oh, I’m sure you know me quite well, Mr. Stewart, considering I grew up in this household and you took me under your wing.”
Fallon’s stomach plummeted and her father bristled.
Her mother spoke first. “That may be so, Mr. Campbell, but—”
“Gage,” he interrupted. “I mean, I am going to be your son-in-law, after all.”
Fallon watched her mother plaster on a fake smile. “Gage, it’s clear you’ve done quite well for yourself...” she began. Fallon knew her mother had noticed his Tom Ford shoes, Rolex watch and tailored designer suit, but did she have to be so obvious? “But we really know nothing about you.”
Gage leaned back against the sofa, one arm draped casually behind Fallon. “Well, after my departure from Stewart Manor, I went on to graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in finance and economics.”
“You were always a whiz with numbers,” her father said.
Gage continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “After college, I went to work on Wall Street, then in London and Hong Kong, where I made a number of substantial investments that have put me in the position I’m in today.”
“And where is that exactly?” Her mother pursed her lips. “As you can see—” she swept her arms across the room “—Fallon has grown up in a certain lifestyle and we wouldn’t want her to do without.”
Gage’s eyes narrowed as he sat forward. “As my wife, Fallon would want for nothing. Money is no object for our wedding.”
Her mother’s finely arched eyebrow rose. “No object, did you say?”
“That’s right.”
“Well then, Henry.” She turned to her husband. “Seems like our daughter has landed quite the whale. Having Gage here—” she inclined her head in his direction “—should most assuredly fix the company’s dire straits.”
“Mother, please.”
“It’s all right, Fallon.” Gage patted her thigh. “I’m aware of the company’s financial problems.”
“And will you be assisting in that effort?” Henry responded. “Or is this all a ploy to get back at me? Do you even love my daughter? Because I’m finding it very hard to believe, after all these years, you’re willing to let bygones be bygones.”
Fallon could tell Gage was seething with rage. He slowly stood. “The time for me justifying myself to you, Mr. Stewart, is long since over. I suspect it’s you who should be thanking me for even considering jumping onto this sinking ship.” He buttoned his suit jacket. “Fallon?” He glanced down at her. She had no choice but to stand, as well. “If you’ll excuse us.”
“Wait just a second, Campbell.” Her father jumped up. “I’d like to talk to my daughter alone.”
“So you can talk her out of marrying me?” Gage asked with eagle-eyed precision. “I don’t think so. Fallon is coming home with me.”
Fallon looked at her father and then back at her fiancé. She could feel the hostility emanating from both men and realized she was caught in the middle again. If she went with her father, he would surely ask questions she wouldn’t want to provide him the answers to. She had to go with Gage because she needed to lay a few ground rules on how this engagement and marriage were going to work. Gage couldn’t have everything his own way. He would have to give.
She nodded her acceptance and Gage placed his hand at the small of her back and ushered her out of the room.