Mended (Connections, #3)(81)

“You’re not why he killed himself. He wouldn’t have wasted a single breath on you.” I’m seething. I shoot across the office and slam his head down on the desk. I’m shaking so much it’s making me dizzy. I inhale, then exhale and let go.

He stands up straight and removes his handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow. He levels his gaze at me. “How about we discuss whatever it is you so urgently had to call me away from my father’s funeral for before I call Johnny in to escort you downstairs.” He cocks his head and holds back a smile.

Shaking in my anger, I fist my hands at my sides. “I’m here for a trade.”

“A trade. Really?”

I hold the paper in the air. “Ivy for this.”

His eyes darken as realization dawns on him. “I didn’t play you for the type to put love before business. I have to say I’m surprised. But it’s not going to be that easy. There is so much I want from her before I can let her go.”

Stepping forward, I stand directly in front of him. Eye to eye. I’m buried in hatred, anger, frustration—wanting so much to wrap my hands around his neck and strangle him. But I have what he wants and I’m pretty sure he wants it more than anything else. I casually walk around his desk and take a seat in one of the two chairs in front of it.

“Maybe you’re more like me than my brother. Willing to make a deal,” he says with a grin.

“We are nothing alike. Nothing!”

His eyes gleam and he sits in his desk chair, tenting his fingers. “You start. Tell me what you think you can offer me for that beautiful wife of mine.”

Vibrating with disgust as the words roll off his tongue, I take a deep breath, knowing I have to keep myself under control. I put my poker face on.

He squeezes the arms of his expensive leather chair and with a clenched jaw asks, “Why are you here?”

I cock my head and suppress a bitter smile. “To tell you it’s in your best interest to file annulment papers as soon as your shaky fingers can call your attorney.”

His bottom lip trembles. “Why would I want to do that?”

No longer able to hold my smile back, I tell him, “Because for every minute that passes once I leave your office today that you don’t, you might not like the results.”

“Don’t play games with me, boy.”

“Oh, see, here’s where you’re wrong. I’m not a boy and I’m not playing any kind of game. I’m dead serious. I will sell one share of stock to the public for a dollar for every passing minute you don’t pick up that phone. You figure it out—you’re smart. In about a week, half of Sheep Industries will be worthless. Oh, and when you call your attorney, tell him to terminate your contract with Ivy, effective immediately.” I’m quiet for the next few seconds as he sits there with an incredulous expression on his face. Then I look him straight in the eye and add, “And when our business is settled you can do what you want with the company. I’ll stay silent. But hear this: if you ever threaten my family again I’ll make it my life’s mission to ensure you don’t have a company left to run.” Once I’ve said all I came to say, I get up and walk out the door—never looking back, never wanting to see his face again.





CHAPTER 19


Dig

One Month Later

There are no degrees or certificates hanging on the walls in the hallway of the Amazing Grace recording studio. Rather, only one wall gleams with gold and platinum records from Tyler Records and Amazing Grace, and that makes me smile. I want Ivy’s up there one day. Jack and River have combined the recording aspect of their companies and now Amazing Grace handles production and Tyler Records takes care of distribution. It’s clean and easy and gives Jack a little more free time.

I owed Jack a huge apology for the way I acted the night I found out about Dylan. Jack, in his typical fashion, blew it off as a small blip on the radar and graciously accepted my apology. I took that opportunity to talk to him about the guys, and he said that with the merger of the two companies there were a number of positions that needed to be filled. I wasn’t sure how they’d react or if they’d want to work there—but they did. Garrett and Nix both decided to join River. It’s been great to see the childhood friends who almost launched a band to stardom now helping other bands achieve their dream—pretty awesome if you think about it.

Finishing a call, I tuck my phone in my pocket. I know I have a huge grin on my face as I enter the control room. Ivy’s eyes are closed at the microphone and everyone is silent. Leif is on the keyboard accompanying her. He is staying on with her. I’m not sure he will forever, but he seems happy—for now. Pressing the intercom, I say, “Move your music forward, Ivy. Don’t overthink it.” She peeks over at me and smiles that genuine smile that I love, and I add, “So we can get out of here.” The ease with which we have fallen into sync with each other isn’t hard to believe. We get each other and we get along—we did before and we do now. It’s just that easy.

“I don’t want to jinx it.”

“Baby, no chance of that.” I wink at her.

She’s wearing a tight red blouse that buttons up the middle. It makes her tits look all the more perfect. She’s also wearing a pair of jeans that when she turns around to cue the band, make her ass look amazing. Shifting on my feet, I think, Fuck, when am I going to get this under control?