Indebted - Piper Stone Page 0,28

off the debt my father had created tenfold.

But I’d remained in the States, following his verbal regulations.

Rules.

Often it was necessary to explain them in a more extreme manner, allowing for zero misunderstanding. This was one of those times.

Why was I lying to myself? My father had never wanted to see me again, the rest of my family standing behind him. They must have been surprised when the will had been read.

Time to pay Stephen a visit.

The office building was less grandiose than the one holding Masters Enterprises, the area just on the outskirts of town also far less expensive. Luis Toro had been a wise man during his lifetime, the selections he made calculated in order to keep expenses low while providing a good life for Alessandra.

But this particular choice hadn’t been one of Luis’ best. Perhaps I’d made a mistake in allowing Stephen Cantor the opportunity to handle a single aspect of my business. Unfortunately, there’d been little time to act. If Alessandra had been sent to prison, even my influences would have proven almost impossible.

As expected, given the late afternoon hour, the majority of employees had already left the office. However, I knew Stephen’s habits, had made certain I built enough information about his life prior into entering into the business transaction with me.

His car remained in the parking lot.

There was no receptionist, no one to hinder my progression as I walked casually toward Stephen’s office. I held no animosity inside, the rage I’d felt earlier already subsiding. I was here to provide a single warning, as well as a reminder about the very rules I’d laid out prior to striking a six-figure check for his services.

I wasn’t surprised to see him on the phone as I walked into his office, the stench of cigars permeating the aging carpet. While he had the only decent view in the building, the patch of unkempt landscape highlighted the fact Luis had selected a bottom feeder as his counsel.

He immediately stiffened when I walked in, likely noticing my reflection in the dirty glass. I closed the door behind me before walking closer. I certainly didn’t need any prying eyes.

“I’ll have to call you back,” Stephen said, immediately lowering his cell phone. He took a deep breath before turning around, the practiced smile the very one he often used in the courtroom. I could see the uncertainty in his eyes. “Gabriel. What a surprise.”

I studied the room, taking a deep breath before walking toward the expansive bar he’d created for himself. I said nothing as I prepared a single drink, admiring both the beautiful crystal glass as well as the expensive liquor. When I turned around, I unfastened my suit jacket, allowing him to see a glimpse of the shoulder holster.

He seemed frustrated, even angry that I’d bothered him. “What can I do for you?” he asked, his tone laced with disdain.

I took a sip of scotch, marveling in the smoothness as it slid down the back of my throat. “Were the terms of our agreement acceptable?”

I could see a hint of arrogance crossing his face, which surprised me.

“Yes, of course. Why?”

“I thought I’d check, given certain situations that have arisen,” I said, half under my breath.

Stephen shifted his gaze to the various files on his desk, tidying up as I watched him. “Not sure what you mean, and I hate to push you, Gabe, but I have an actual date tonight.”

A date. The words seemed to hang in the air.

“You are aware of what an NDA means, right?” I laughed softly and on purpose. “Well, of course you are. It means that every single term is required to remain undisclosed to anyone. Including spouses, parents, children. Hell, even a golfing buddy or a two-bit hooker found on the street corner.” I watched as his face fell. The blonde he’d been with only four nights before certainly hadn’t been his wife. While the girl was considered high dollar, coming from a reputable establishment, it was obvious Stephen got my point.

His throat clenched.

Both hands shaking.

And he was suddenly as white as a ghost.

“Absolutely. NDAs are sacred. Everything you and I discussed is private. I promise you that,” he managed, gazing up and down the length of me.

I walked closer, my eyes never leaving his as I continued to enjoy the drink. I always believed I was a good judge of character, although that had been challenged more than once in my life. He was scared, not only of my current actions but of