by freeing Ms. Toro, no matter the circumstances. You alienated your entire board of directors. You singlehandedly pushed away some of your most loyal investors because they asked questions, expressed concerns. If this deal goes through, it will be a miracle.”
I smiled and rose to my feet. “You can let Mr. Braxton know that Luis’ lovely daughter has agreed to be my wife. That will certainly go a long way in allowing his... understanding of the circumstances.”
Jefferson jerked back, pursing his lips. “You’re really going through with it?”
“Absolutely. As a matter of fact, you need to begin plans for a wedding. Ten days from today. We can have it in the gardens here. Of course, be certain to invite all the beautiful people of Colorado, including Mr. Braxton.” The implied threat wouldn’t be lost on a man of such high intelligence and regard as William Braxton.
“Why are you doing this?” he asked after a full minute had passed.
“You know why.”
“No,” he said quietly. “Alessandra is a wonderful young woman that you are treating like a conquest and nothing more. I can only imagine what horrors you’ve inflicted on her. She deserves to have an amazing life. Even you must know that.” He straightened to his full height, likely concerned I’d retaliate for his honesty.
Even me. The monster. The bastard child of the most prominent family in Ireland. I could hear such concern in his voice, even more so than normal. An angry tic appeared in the corner of my mouth, only this time, the raw emotion was directed at myself. “And I plan on giving her an incredible life.”
His eyes held nothing but contempt.
“My God. I feel sorry for you,” he muttered.
Swallowing, I leaned over my desk. “Don’t be, Jefferson. I am happy with the way things worked out and just think of it. If things go well, I will be out of your hair in two weeks. That is unless you’ve decided to take me up on my earlier offer.”
His mouth twisted and he looked away for several seconds. The bastard was as greedy as anyone I’d ever know. “I’m not certain yet but I see you’ve made your final decision.”
“There was really never any other choice. You can go ahead and book two plane tickets to Ireland the day after the wedding. I will be proud to show off my new wife to my... family.” I snickered under my breath, happy with my decisions.
He stood where he was, staring at me. Grading my behavior. Chastising me.
“Just. Do. It,” I hissed under my breath.
The tension was more significant than usual.
“Very well, Gabriel. I will ask, how are you going to run this portion of your empire while in Ireland?”
“I assure you that I have no intentions of allowing just anyone else to touch the success I’ve worked so hard to achieve. That’s why I need someone here I can trust implicitly. I’d thought I’d found that man.” Jefferson wasn’t foolish enough to attempt betrayal, even if I was a thousand miles away.
He hesitated then turned sharply, taking long strides toward the door.
I studied him as he walked away, a series of images and memories surfacing in my mind. “I assumed you talked with Liam?”
He stopped, his shoulders slumping. “I did. While he said it was urgent that you contact him, I relayed your message. He was understandably disappointed. I do hope you know what you’re doing. I also hope you can find some happiness. Even you deserve it.”
As he walked out, I leaned over my desk once again, dropping my head. Happiness. I’d pushed that thought away years before.
Then why did I suddenly crave it more than success or even revenge?
When I was certain he’d left the house, I threw my head back and roared.
Chapter Ten
Alessandra
Secrets. Lies.
Revenge.
I could easily tell that Gabriel’s world involved all three. His armor had cracked once again, allowing me to see a larger portion of his soul, one blackened by pain. Why? Did it have something to do with the horrific scar on his face? Were his family members dead or possibly criminals? Or was it that they just didn’t care about him?
My hand remained balled around the single piece of trash I’d found in the small can yet to be emptied by one of his many staff members. I’d counted six people, not including the bodyguard who’d accompanied me to my room, the lock firmly secured in place once again. I had the feeling there were more. While the house was huge, I