Traction - Dani Rene Page 0,55

electricity zinging in the air around us sizzles with promise, with something even more intense than I’m expecting.

“You’re mine. I meant it when I said it.” His words are a salve, a balm to the usual worry that snakes its way through me, and I allow it to calm the tension. As much as I want to relax and enjoy our journey, there’s something that’s still bothering me, and even though I know I should bring it up, I don’t want to break the spell.

So, instead of mentioning it, I revel in the warmth of Kayden. Our food arrives, and even as we enjoy the meal and head back to his place for dessert, I know something is coming.

A storm.

A tornado.

Something is about to crash into our lives, and even though I’m not sure what it will be, I know it’s going to wreck the happiness we’ve found and leave destruction in its wake.

20

Kayden

Walking into Mercer Industries with the memory of Haelee on my mind and on my lips has me grinning even though I’m about to step into a board meeting I’ve been dreading.

I took her home after our lunch, but I can’t stop craving more of her. There is something about being her first, and it comes out every time we’re together, including fucking her again right after we ate our lunch. I knew she was mine the moment I laid my eyes on her, but it was when she clawed my back, when she wrapped her legs around my waist, and when she pulled me closer, wanting me to take the one thing she held dear that I knew I couldn’t, wouldn’t, deny her anything.

The sun is out today, and being in a fucking suit and tie has me uncomfortable. I’ve always hated dressing up. The noose around my neck is frustrating as I push open the door to the boardroom. All eight men sit around the large table, but what shocks me is that at the head of it is my mother.

There’s a look of disdain painted on her face as if it’s been etched in those lines and wrinkles she tries so hard to hide. But I see her. I’ve always seen the way she looks at me.

I never understood how a mother could be so unloving. There’s not a bone in her body that’s maternal in any way. I’m convinced she only had me because my father wanted an heir.

“Mother,” I greet her, then take in each man as they watch me settle at the opposite end of the table. “Gentlemen.” Once I’m seated, my mother rises and makes her way toward me. Something seems off, and I’m almost certain she’s about to deal a blow that’ll hit me right in the jaw.

I wouldn’t put it past her to steal something my father left to me. Yes, I wanted her help with this company because my focus was on racing. But to have her claim it fully, that’s not something I’m prepared for. She sets a folder on the shiny mahogany in front of me.

“I think you’ll find the board will agree with me. You’re no longer fit to run your father’s company. I’ve spoken with them, and we’ve agreed to buy you out.” Her words are cold, pure ice.

I pick up the folder and flip it open. A document with information about the company being handed over. The sale of my shares. It needs my signature. But then I flip it over and find an envelope, rip it open, and inside I find photos. A lot of fucking photos.

“What the fuck is this?” My teeth grit, my jaw clenching painfully as I flip through them, but I don’t need to see each one to know what the fuck my mother’s problem is.

“You’ve become a liability to everything your father believed in,” my mother says. “It’s time for you to hand over the reins. We’ll take over from here, and you’re welcome to go racing around with your … girl.”

Anger surges in my veins. Nothing could have prepared me for the fury that burns me from the inside out. I’ve always known my mother was a bitch, but this is nothing compared to what I thought she would do.

“I’ve already had a talk with her,” she informs me, and her words send ice-cold dread racing through my veins. “Depending on her choice, you’ll either leave with no company, or she’ll find it in her little heart to allow you to have the one thing