Sweet Promise (Bend To My Will #12)
Author: Trent, Emily Jane
Date: 2016-03-16
Publisher: Camden Lee Press, LLC

Sweet Promise

Bend To My Will: Book 12

By

Emily Jane Trent

Table of Contents

Title Page

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 1

Jacob stared at the expansive mural covering the wall behind the bar in the King Cole lounge. His future seemed uncertain. Vivienne reached out to take his hand, distracting him from the Maxfield Parrish art nouveau masterpiece.

He was on his third drink, and was somewhat calmer. The issues had sharpened in his mind, allowing him to think more clearly. The displeasure of seeing Carl Hahn left a bad taste in his mouth. It marred his life, pulling the dark past into the present, like a nightmare that had become real.

The unexpected encounter had been a shock, but now Jacob was determined to get his wits around the situation. His childhood abuser had appeared on the streets of Manhattan and accosted Jacob when he was on his way to lunch. It didn’t make sense; something was off.

“Carl told me that Daniel Kenyon tipped him off on where to accidentally meet up with me,” Jacob said.

Vivienne listened intently.

“What I don’t understand is why Kenyon is going to such extremes to disrupt my life.”

Vivienne frowned. “It’s no secret that he considers you his enemy.”

“True.” Jacob twirled his empty glass. “There must be more to his motive than I know about.” He studied the polished wood surface of the table, not really seeing it.

“What could it be?”

“There’s something I’ve missed all along,” Jacob said. “I’m sure of it.”

The waiter came to escort them to a table in the dining room. Holding Vivienne’s hand, Jacob followed. Myriad thoughts swirled in his mind. Too much about the situation wasn’t clear, and it was unsettling.

Astor Court was a dining experience Jacob knew well. The grand chandeliers, the ornate murals, and all the shiny gold trim edging the walls spoke of European elegance. Yet the pleasurable atmosphere didn’t placate Jacob’s anxiety.

The greeter seated them in velvet chairs by an enormous flower arrangement perched high on a pedestal behind them. It gave a sense of privacy that was sorely lacking in Jacob’s life. Whatever personal life he’d had was about to be laid open to the public, in excruciating detail. But for a short while, he could sit with Vivienne, away from it all.

But that wouldn’t last.

Jacob had to get a grip; he couldn’t wallow in his upset. And he definitely couldn’t allow Carl Hahn to ruin his life, as the man had tried to do since his childhood. While Jacob went through the motions of dinner, his focus was elsewhere.

Vivienne sipped the tea that was served to her, and quiet ensued during the wait for dinner. But Jacob’s mind wasn’t silent at all. When the orders were brought to the table, he shoved the English peas and roasted chicken around his plate. For once, he didn’t have much of an appetite.

“What are you thinking?” Vivienne said.

Jacob scooped a forkful of risotto, examining it. “How did Daniel Kenyon know about my biological father?”

“That’s a very good question.”

“Did Sam Williamson tell him about the adoption?” Jacob said. “He was good friends with Vico, so he would have known.”

“From what you’ve told me, that doesn’t sound like Sam. What would his purpose be for sharing that with his stepson?”

“I can’t think of any,” Jacob said, taking a moment to gaze at Vivienne. He loved her, and he’d finally told her. Now his life was falling apart, and she might be dragged down with him. “Everything isn’t adding up.” He looked at Vivienne. “I’m sure that Kenyon is hiding something.”

That had to be it.

Vivienne wrinkled her brow. “What would he be hiding?”

“I don’t know.” Jacob put his fork down. “But I intend to find out.”

For the rest of the meal, Jacob made a futile attempt to focus on other things. He chatted with Vivienne and asked her about the shop. He didn’t want her taking on the burden of his issues, so deflected some attention from the alarming situation.

But Vivienne knew the magnitude of the situation. Jacob could tell by her demeanor, the look in her eyes. And he didn’t like it one bit that the demons of his past interfered with the oasis of joy that he’d found with her. Even more than that, he was angered that he’d been unable to keep the danger away from her. She was involved now, and he knew it.

After dinner, they went home and sat in front of the fireplace, holding hands. Jacob wanted to reassure Vivienne, tell her that he’d take care of everything. But he wasn’t clear about how. No matter what he had to deal with, Jacob didn’t want anything to happen to her. Yet he wasn’t clear on how to make sure of that.

*****

Jacob didn’t sleep much that night, and was up early the next morning for a hard jog. He needed to clear his head. And he had to regain control. Sweating and breathing hard, he came to a decision. As soon as he got back to the penthouse, he promptly showered and dressed.

Vivienne was in the kitchen tending to breakfast. “Do you want something?”

“No, I’ll grab food later.” Jacob wrapped his arms around her. “I’m going to handle this situation. I just want you to know that.”

Vivienne hugged him tight. “I know you will. I have confidence in you.”

Jacob wished he had the same confidence. But as fury rose inside him about the position he found himself in, his determination increased along with it. Those two slime bags weren’t going to get away with it, not while there was still breath in his body.

He kissed Vivienne goodbye and took the car to work, stopping for a triple espresso on the way. When he passed Meg, she took one look at his expression and, wisely, didn’t ask. In a span of hours, Jacob had gone from feeling vulnerable to being royally pissed.

Once at his desk, he stabbed the button on his phone. Walsh picked up, and Jacob said, “I’m coming down right now.”

Ignoring the work on his desk, Jacob went directly to the investigations department and sat across from Walsh. His investigator wore a sandy-colored sweater, his biceps filling out the sleeves. The winter garb was as close as he got to business attire.

Walsh leaned back in the chair. “What’s up?”

“It’s not good,” Jacob said, and proceeded to bring him up to speed, including Kenyon’s alleged connections to powerful media sources.

“So, out of the blue, Carl Hahn materializes?”

Jacob nodded. “Alone, he wouldn’t have the power to cause trouble.”

“Who would listen to a drunk?”

“Exactly,” Jacob said. “But this whole thing can’t be Carl’s idea. It’s Kenyon who went to the effort to find him.”

“I suppose that maligning your reputation could be Kenyon’s way of discrediting you, so the other importers won’t continue to support you.”

“You have a point.” Jacob shook his head. “But that can’t be all there is to it. That’s too easy. Sure, I’m a thorn in Kenyon’s side, especially now that I’ve set up the alliance. The online sales are good for the bottom line, and Williamson Imports is cut out of the action.”

“That must have ticked him off.”

“I’m sure of it.” Jacob furrowed his brow. “But that’s only the surface. It runs deeper.”

Walsh leaned forward with his forearms on the desk. “I agree.”

“It was no easy task to locate Carl Hahn. The man’s a derelict. Kenyon didn’t just look him up in the phone book.” Jacob rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re missing something. And it has to be significant.”

“We’ve been investigating Kenyon, and you’ve seen my reports.”

“I’ve read them with avid interest,” Jacob said. “And we’re on the right track. What we’ve found so far is good. I just need more. A lot more. And quickly.”

Walsh’s expression looked as determined as Jacob felt.

“I’m authorizing you to step up the investigation,” Jacob said. “You have an unlimited budget. I don’t care if it takes every dime I have, we will find out what these creeps are up to.”

His investigator nodded.

“And learn everything about Carl Hahn that you can,” Jacob said. “He’s not innocent, and I don’t believe that he’s only a pawn in Kenyon’s scheme. He’s a ruthless bastard, and I want to know all there is to know about him.”

Jacob looked directly at Walsh. “Do what’s required.”

His investigator had access to information, the type that Jacob needed. With his expert team, details that only an expert hacker could glean would be provided in forthcoming reports. It was best not to ask how Walsh found out the things that he did. And now, Jacob didn’t care. He just needed the goods on his enemies, and fast.

When Jacob stood to leave, Walsh was already banging away on his computer. He understood what was needed, so Jacob left him to it. Once back at his desk, he dropped into his chair. He had faith in his investigations team, but the question was whether they could uncover what he needed in time.

Jacob had to gain the upper hand before all hell broke loose. But he didn’t intend to sit around and wait. Walsh had already provided some very intriguing data about Daniel Kenyon. It had certain implications that Jacob hadn’t completely figured out, but he was highly motivated to do so. While his investigations team did their job, he would work on unraveling the puzzle.

The rest of the day, Jacob tended to business. He couldn’t allow the impending threat to knock him off course. Rinaldi Imports was stable, and he planned to keep it that way. But in any spare moments, he stewed about Kenyon, anxious to make sense of the man’s behavior, and to uncover the truth.

Chapter 2

When Jacob left for the office, Vivienne sat down to eat breakfast. She wished that she could assist in the fight against Daniel Kenyon and Carl Hahn. But the most she could do was support Jacob in his effort to overcome them. She knew even less than he did about the two men, and was at a loss about their motives.

Vivienne was aware that Kenyon seemed to attack Jacob with little cause. But she agreed that there had to be a compelling motive. The nature of Kenyon’s actions wasn’t mere whim, and went beyond a passing annoyance. Jacob was smart to look below the surface, as there had to be more of an explanation.

After all that Jacob had been through, Vivienne wished that he didn’t have to face such threats. Yet wishing didn’t make it so. The fact was he had a battle ahead. The prospect was distressing, but she had faith that Jacob would defend them against the onslaught.

Vivienne finished eating, then showered and dressed. On the walk to the shop, she thought about the coming weekend. It was Friday, but all the commotion had distracted them from making plans. She didn’t have to wonder about that for long.

After lunch, Jacob called to say he was taking her away for a couple of days. “A trip to the Poconos sounds good to me,” he said. Vivienne couldn’t argue, and looked forward to the getaway.

“I can’t do anything more about the situation until next week,” Jacob said. “So there’s no reason to sit around and wait.”

Vivienne hated waiting too, and knew Jacob well enough to realize he wanted to protect her. Getting out of the city put them out of reach, inaccessible to the enemy. She got home that afternoon before Jacob, and was already packed when he got home.

“Where did you make reservations?” Vivienne said.

Jacob wrapped her in his arms. “I booked a room at the Inn at Skytop. It will be a little more private, but we’ll still be close to the main lodge.”

“I like private,” Vivienne said, folding against Jacob when he gave her a lip-bruising kiss. He made her forget all about their troubles.

Jacob was packed in record time, and soon they were on their way. He’d hired a car service for the trip there and back. The two-hour drive went by quickly, and soon the resort was in view, rising majestically from the Poconos forest. It was already dark out, but Vivienne spotted the well-lit lodge on the picturesque mountaintop.

The Skytop had a peaceful charm, and the serene setting was calming. The lodge was built in Dutch Colonial style, and was a welcome retreat. It reminded Vivienne of the hotel in The Shining.

The inn looked like a European ski chalet, using the same mountain stone as the main lodge. It had exposed beam ceilings and rich woods, with the work of local artists displayed on the walls. The room had a fireplace and a balcony with a view of the lake, although Vivienne couldn’t see it at night.

Once their luggage was brought up and they got settled, Jacob and Vivienne dressed for dinner. In keeping with the classic elegance of the establishment, men were required to wear jackets. Vivienne dressed up too, enjoying the experience.

Windsor Dining Room offered gourmet cuisine, including seven choices of entrees each evening. Vivienne chose the sautéed fluke filet with pommes frites and bok choy. Jacob ordered the caraway- and cinnamon-rubbed pork loin with smashed potato and asparagus.

While they waited for the meals to arrive, they shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley. The wine went down well, and the cozy atmosphere was soothing. Vivienne looked at Jacob, admiring his sexiness. In his jacket and tie, he was a charmer.

“How’s your wine?” Jacob said.

Vivienne took another sip. “Mmm, very good.” He could have said anything and she’d have been enthralled. She could get lost in his blue eyes.

“I’m glad we could get out of the city for the weekend,” Jacob said. “It makes me feel better.” He took her hand. “I want you to know that I wish you weren’t involved in all of this.”

“I know that,” Vivienne said. “But I am involved, and it’s not your fault.” She smiled. “Whatever you have to face…I’m with you.”

Jacob kissed her palm, but didn’t say more. Neither of them wanted to dwell on the situation. For the next couple of days, the impending doom could wait. They were together, alone for the weekend, and planned to make the most of it.

They ate at their leisure, and lingered to enjoy dessert. When they went back to the room the bed had been prepared, including a wrapped chocolate for each of them on the pillows. After listening to music in front of the fireplace, Vivienne snuggled into bed with Jacob’s arms around her, feeling very happy.

*****

The next morning, Vivienne stirred and opened her eyes. Jacob was still asleep, with his arm draped over the pillow. She took a moment to admire his muscled bicep and gaze at his tousled hair. She reached under the covers to run her palm over his warm skin and down his belly.

Jacob yawned and turned onto his back. Vivienne dragged her fingertips over his lean thighs, then fisted his morning erection. Without a word, Jacob pulled her on top of him and kissed her tenderly. Then he slid his heat along her sex, and shoved into her, slowly. It was delicious and erotic.

In the warmth of the bed, Jacob filled her, and Vivienne’s sex clenched. He grabbed a fistful of her hair and covered her mouth with his, kissing deeply. Straddling him, Vivienne pumped over his cock, while Jacob rocked his hips in a rhythmic motion. A rising crescendo of pleasure filled her body, and at the peak, Vivienne cried out as she exploded. Jacob pulsed inside her, climaxing at the same time.

Floating on a cloud of love and satisfaction, Vivienne sighed and rested her head on Jacob’s shoulder. He stroked her hair until she nearly fell asleep again. Lifting her head, she kissed Jacob’s soft lips, then reluctantly slipped out of bed.

When Vivienne got up, she looked out the window to see the lake. It had snowed overnight and the rooftops and lawns were white. Jacob stood behind her with his arms around her waist, nuzzling her hair. It was an amazing view, and sharing made it better.

After a breakfast of omelets and French toast in the café, they took a dip in the indoor pool. In warmer weather, they could have gone kayaking or played tennis. But the winter scene wasn’t so bad either. The snow-covered forest was beautiful, so they went skiing. Maybe the next day they’d go ice-skating. Later that afternoon, Vivienne saw some children gliding down a slope on a toboggan, and closer to the lodge, a group of guys loading into a truck, preparing for ice-fishing.

Before it got dark, they returned to the room for a nap, then showered and dressed for dinner. Jacob chose an upscale trattoria that wasn’t far from the lodge. Vivienne dressed up a bit, and wore a long string of pearls. A coat and tie weren’t required this time, so Jacob settled for a dress shirt under a charcoal blazer.

The fare was just as delicious as the night before. Vivienne couldn’t rave enough about the pasta sauce with crab, which she devoured, along with her share of a bottle of Chianti. But it wasn’t the food that had her attention.

Jacob’s eyes darkened, and his movements were sensual. The way he spoke to her and looked at her made Vivienne’s skin tingle. Her nipples were tight and her panties were wet. They couldn’t get back to the lodge soon enough to suit her.

When they entered the room, Jacob turned on the fireplace for warmth and light. Standing barefoot on the rug, he pulled her into his arms, and Vivienne sighed into his hot kiss. One garment at a time, he undressed her, and Vivienne returned the favor.

In the flickering firelight, wearing nothing but the long strand of pearls, Vivienne dropped to her knees. She grasped Jacob’s hips and leaned forward to run her tongue down his belly. He dug his fingertips in her hair to encourage her.

Vivienne lifted the strand of pearls and, inspired, draped them over Jacob’s cock. Gently, she wound them around his shaft, letting each tiny pearl scrape his sensitive skin. The string of pearls circling his gorgeous cock, twisting around it like a tantalizing toy, made her shudder with delight.

Vivienne proceeded to pull the pearls around his cock, teasing and taunting. Jacob’s breathing was heavy and pre-cum seeped from the top of his thick knob. She smeared it with her finger, then looped the pearls around the base of his cock and tightened them.

“Jesus…Vivienne.”

Jacob’s gasp excited her, and while stimulating him with the pearls, Vivienne took his knob in her mouth. He tasted musky and masculine, making her whimper. The tension from the pearls, coupled with the suction from her wet mouth, sent Jacob over the edge.

His masculine groan echoed against the walls as he exploded in her mouth. Vivienne sucked voraciously, drinking down his cum. And when Jacob sagged from his release, she unwound the delicate pearls.

Jacob pulled her up and carried her to the bed. He dropped her onto the soft mattress, then grasped her wrists to pin her hands above her head. Vivienne’s heart pounded, and she licked her lips.

The feel of his mouth on her nipples had her blood simmering. Vivienne softly panted between moans. Jacob held her arms above her head, while biting and tugging at her distended nipples. The sharp little pains pushed her close to the edge.

When Jacob released her, Vivienne slid off the bed and kneeled between his legs. With her palms on his thighs, she kissed all over his stomach and then along his growing erection. Jacob lifted her chin with two fingers and looked into her eyes. His steely gaze melted her. “I have something in mind for you,” he said.

Jacob went to his suitcase and retrieved a set of door-jam cuffs. Vivienne’s pulse raced. “Stand up,” he said, and she instantly complied.

At the bathroom, Jacob secured the apparatus to the top of the doorway frame. The two fur-lined cuffs dangled down for her to reach. He removed the string of pearls from her neck, making her skin tingle with need. Then he turned her to face toward the bathroom.

“Lift your arms, Vivienne.”

When she did so, Jacob secured her wrists into the cuffs. Her hands were over her head, and naked, she was completely vulnerable.

“Now, let’s see what I can find that will serve my purpose.” Jacob walked away, leaving her to wonder what he was looking for.

From a distance away, Vivienne heard him rustle through the drawers in the kitchen. Utensils clattered against one another, and her tension mounted. “Ah, this will work,” Jacob said. When he returned he showed her a long-handled wooden spoon, and there was no question about what he had in mind.

“Spread your legs, Vivienne, so your feet are pressed against the sides of the doorway.” She did so, feeling very exposed. With her arms secured above her head, Vivienne’s breasts arched out, and with her feet wide apart, her sex was open to Jacob.

“Bend over a little, and stick your butt out.”

Jacob’s command thrilled her, and she did as he asked. The wooden spoon touched her bare skin. “I’m going to like this,” Jacob said, “and I think you will too.”

The first whack was just to acclimate her to the feel, yet her arousal escalated. The next was a bit harder. Jacob proceeded to spank her bare ass with the wooden spoon, striking with varying strengths.

The sharp whap of the spoon stung, and each blow made her nipples harder, her clit tighter. Vivienne thought she might come if he kept it up. And he did. Jacob spanked her, clearly enjoying it, and she teetered on the precipice of orgasm.

Then Jacob changed the pace; he didn’t strike for a moment, and then he did. Vivienne couldn’t predict the blows. It stirred a delicious anxiety inside her, making the sexual stimulation greater. When he spanked her again, Vivienne trembled.

“That’s right, Vivienne. Let it go.”

So she did. To the whap, whap on her ass, Vivienne was swept into a tantalizing release. She stiffened and shuddered, letting the waves wash through her. Then she sighed, and Jacob stepped in front of her.

The spoon was no longer in his hand. Jacob took the liberty of looking at her, admiring her post-orgasmic glow. “You are beautiful,” he said. “Your skin is flushed, and your eyes glisten.” He reached out and pinched her nipples.

Jacob’s stern look stirred Vivienne’s arousal, despite the orgasm he’d just allowed. “I’m not finished with you,” he said, so close to her that his breath grazed her cheek.

Falling to his knees, Jacob put his palms on her vulva. Then he pressed his lips to her sex. Vivienne felt a twinge deep in her core. “Oh, God.” Jacob ignored her gasp and licked along her wet opening. Sensation shot through her like electric sparks.

Expertly, Jacob licked her pussy and swirled his tongue around her clit. It felt so damn good, and it wasn’t long before Vivienne longed for another release. When Jacob dipped two fingers inside her and sucked on her clit, she whined through her rapid panting.

But Jacob didn’t slow or stop. He sucked just right, intermittently swirling the tip of his tongue around her most sensitive area. “Jacob…I…” But that was as much as she said. With his hot mouth on her, and his hands firmly holding her by the hips, Jacob sucked vigorously until she came unglued.

Vivienne cried out and exploded into climax. Intense waves of pleasure consumed her, and Jacob’s hot mouth on her pussy was the center of her world. The feeling was ecstasy, and her climax was long. When she slumped, dangling from the cuffs, Jacob undid them and lifted her into his arms.

With her legs wrapped around Jacob’s waist and his forearms under her thighs to support her, Vivienne clung to him. His heat seared her skin, and she pushed up using his shoulders as leverage so he could slide his cock into her wet pussy.

Jacob groaned as he plunged deep, and Vivienne tightened her legs around his waist. He took two steps forward, so her back was against the wall, then he fucked her hard. The punishing strokes excited her, pushing Vivienne to a new plateau of arousal.

Vivienne threw her head back, and Jacob kissed her neck wildly, nipping at her skin. His loud panting drowned out hers, as he fucked her relentlessly. Her heels pressed against his firm ass as he took her, consuming her with desire.

A sheen of sweat on his brow and his cock hard as a rock, Jacob looked into her eyes. Through heavy breathing, he gasped, “I love you, baby.”

Vivienne loved him so much that she couldn’t speak, and could barely breathe. She whined, the shrill sound reverberating against the marble surfaces in the bathroom. Jacob fucked faster, their bodies merging as one.

Then Vivienne shattered in his arms, and he released inside her. The violent waves of orgasm shook her body, and she felt Jacob shudder against her. Together they gave in to the impossible pleasures, their hearts open, and their souls united.

When they calmed, Jacob carried her to the bed, where they collapsed against each other. Vivienne draped her arm across his chest, listening to the pound of his heart. “I love you,” she whispered. “So very much.” More than she could say. Vivienne was sure that Jacob knew, because the intimacy they shared conveyed the depth of emotion in a way that words could not.

Chapter 3

Late on Sunday, they returned to the city. The weekend away hadn’t been long enough to suit Jacob, but it was time to face whatever lay ahead. In bed that night, he tossed and turned, racking his brain for a solution that eluded him.

The next morning, he went for a long jog, but enlightenment didn’t occur then either. Jacob made it through the day at Rinaldi, but his frustration continued to mount. It wasn’t in his nature to be passive, so waiting for the investigation results had him on edge.

Jacob had lost patience, and was fed up with being a pawn in the game. He was pissed that his enemies interfered with his life and that Vivienne had to deal with it too. Not knowing what the hell was going on killed him.

He needed to take action, so he did.

On the way home in the car, Jacob decided on his next move and texted his investigator. I need Daniel Kenyon’s home address right away.

The reply with the address came in less than a minute. It was another piece of the puzzle. Jacob pondered how a man in Kenyon’s position could afford to live in that neighborhood. Sam Williamson was his stepfather, but not the kind of man to throw money away.

At the penthouse, Jacob shed his business attire and got comfortable. Vivienne arrived soon after, but he didn’t share his plan. It might alarm her, and there was no need for that. Afterward, if it went well, he could tell her all about it.

After another night of restless sleep, Jacob went for a jog. This time he made it quick, so he could leave the penthouse earlier than usual. He could have made an appointment with Kenyon, but that would have given the man an advantage. Then he would know Jacob was coming to see him, and prepare. This way Jacob could catch him off guard.

Very early in the morning would be best. Jacob would show up before he left for the day, at a time and place of his choosing. When Vivienne came out from the shower, he gave her a kiss. “I’m on my way.”

“This is so early,” Vivienne said, drying her hair with a towel. “What’s up?”

“I’ll explain later.” Jacob headed for the door, but before he went out Vivienne started to catch on.

“Where are you going, Jacob?” The furrow in her brow showed her concern.

“It will be fine, baby. There’s just something I need to do.” Then he left before she could ask more questions.

Jacob had texted Ian, so the driver was waiting with the car warmed up. They headed toward Kenyon’s residence. It was a short drive, less than thirty minutes, but Jacob was keyed up. He wanted to get there already, and hoped he hadn’t missed the window of opportunity.

Kenyon’s place was in SoHo, known for fancy shops and trendy coffee shops. It was also home to the most expensive residential real estate in New York City. Many of the apartments had been converted from nineteenth-century warehouses, giving the neighborhood a unique appeal.

The warehouse-converted loft apartments attracted celebrities, and some of the older, larger structures had been turned into oversized penthouses. It was in one such penthouse that Kenyon resided. That fact was notable, as the place had to be expensive.

Jacob knew that some condos in historic buildings had sold for as much as twenty-eight million. And other developments had extravagant amenities, with prices to match. Even the less expensive places fetched close to three million. So the foremost question in Jacob’s mind was: Where did Kenyon get the money?

Ian waited with the car while Jacob went up. He’d asked Walsh to work some magic to get him inside, and apparently he had done so. The doorman was cordial, and found Jacob’s name in the computer as an authorized guest. He waved toward the elevator up to the penthouses.

“Shall I call Mr. Kenyon to let him know you’re on the way up?”

“No, don’t,” Jacob said, with a charming smile. “I think he’ll appreciate the surprise.”

At the residence, Jacob buzzed and waited for a response. It wasn’t long before he was observed through the peephole. The door opened, and Daniel Kenyon glared at him. The man just looked like an asshole, even before he spoke.

Daniel Kenyon had bushy, unruly brows, and close-set blue eyes. His mustache and beard were trimmed very short, but the hair was patchy, adding to his unattractiveness. His perpetual angry countenance was unfriendly, as was his sharp gaze. The man’s eyes reflected his vengeful nature; there was a perpetual glare in his expression.

Politeness wasn’t called for, so Jacob went inside without being asked, stepping past the man. “Good morning, Daniel.”

“It was until you showed up.”

“Ah, friendly as always.” Jacob studied the man, unable to hide his disdain. He wore a black polo shirt with black jeans, a choice of outfit that seemed apropos. He watched Daniel walk across the room, exuding arrogance with every step. Jacob looked out the oversized windows at the panoramic views of the tall buildings of Greenwich Village.

The open ceiling, a remnant of the former warehouse, was painted white, and one wall was red brick. The carpet over the parquet floor was expensive gray wool with a modern design, and matched the cream and gray sofas with abundant pillows. It struck Jacob that Kenyon didn’t belong here. He seemed so out of place in the refined setting.

Reaching the limit of the space, Daniel turned to face him, with the stunning view out the windows as a backdrop. It was just another way to flaunt his status, and the wealth he didn’t deserve. Jacob wondered what slimy scheme had delivered millions into the man’s bank account.

“I’d offer you something to drink, but I know this isn’t a social visit,” Kenyon said.

“You’re right about that.” Jacob stood in the middle of the room, comfortable with the opulence, but not with the attitude of the man who claimed to own it.

“I assume you’re here because Carl came to see you?”

Jacob sat on the plush sofa and crossed one ankle over the opposite thigh. He wasn’t going to be bullied, so he took his time answering. “It’s clear that you sent him.”

Kenyon’s self-assured attitude didn’t waver, which ticked Jacob off. “My question for you is why?”

“I should think you’d have figured that out by now,” Kenyon said. He shook his head, and the mocking gesture made Jacob’s blood boil. “Your father will make your secrets publicly known, unless you cooperate.”

Kenyon was using his own father against him. Jacob had known that, but hearing it from the man’s lips was worse. “You’re a piece of shit, you know that?”

“I’d watch what I say, Jacob. You’re pointing the finger at the wrong person.” Still bold, Kenyon moved closer. “You tried to kill your father, in case your memory fails you.”

“You are guilty of much worse things than I.” That had been what Daniel Kenyon had said at the association meeting. Now Jacob knew what he’d meant. “How did you even know about that?”

Kenyon’s evil chuckle grated Jacob’s nerves like nails on a chalkboard. “It wasn’t that hard to figure out, to put things together.” He paused. “Your sizable donations to child abuse causes intrigued me.”

Pacing the floor, Kenyon continued, “I tracked it down, and it wasn’t surprising that your interest in protecting children was sourced with your personal history of abuse.”

It was disgusting to hear details of his past recited by Kenyon.

“Not only did you try to murder your father, but you did so…repeatedly.” Kenyon smirked. “Then, to add insult to injury, you abandoned him when he was down. He’d lost his wife, been attacked by his own son, and you saw fit to leave him.”

Jacob was aghast. It wasn’t that his misdeeds had been flung in his face. Attempted murder was discreditable, no matter the circumstances. But the idea that Carl had reversed roles, taking on the place of victim instead of perpetrator, made him want to throw up.

“I left him?” Jacob said, incredulously. “Carl Hahn neglected and ultimately abandoned me, before I had reached the ripe age of eight.” His voice grew louder. “My father was drunk out of his mind, most of the time, and utterly irresponsible.”

“That’s how you tell it,” Kenyon said. “Of course Carl continued drinking. His dear wife Flora died, and his only son disowned him. He was thrust into poverty, where you’ve seen fit to leave him.”

“He blames me…for his condition?”

“Shouldn’t he?” Kenyon said. “From what he told me, you were an unruly boy, always making trouble.” He looked directly at Jacob. “From what I can see, not much has changed.”

Furious, Jacob stood up. “So let me see if I have this straight. You went to great lengths to find my derelict father, solely because you want him to discredit me? Or, just as unbelievable, that he’s back to claim the son that was unfairly taken from him?”

The venom that Kenyon had hidden behind carefully chosen words now spewed forth. “It’s not right that the son of a drunk should rise to such a high position in life!”

The accusation hung in the air between them.

Kenyon was shouting now. “You are the problem, Jacob. You are all that stands in my way. With you out of action, I will achieve the success I should have had all along!”

And there it was…the asshole’s motive.

“And you think I’ll just do whatever you ask?” Jacob said.

Kenyon’s face reddened with anger, and he pointed a finger at Jacob. “Oh you will, my friend. Or the people you care about will suffer, starting with Vivienne.”

Hearing her name said with such vengeance turned Jacob’s stomach. Why was it that the assholes in life used innocent women as leverage, or worse, abused those women whenever they had the urge?

Determination rose within Jacob like steel, fueled and strengthened by his rage. He stood in front of Kenyon, his eyes boring into the man. A flicker of doubt showed in the idiot’s expression. “You picked the wrong man to attack, Kenyon. You know my history. You know what I’m capable of. I suggest you consider that before you take this further.”

Jacob spun around and strode across the room. He yanked the door open and headed for the elevator. The button lit up, but the door didn’t open right away. He slammed his fist into the wall. “Fuck. Fuck.”

Once in the lobby, Jacob went straight to the exit, ignoring the doorman. Still fuming, he got in the back seat of the car. Ian pulled away from the curb, heading toward Rinaldi Imports, while Jacob thought about what had just taken place.

After a few minutes, Jacob’s heart stopped pounding in his ears, and his muscles relaxed. He took the opportunity to reconcile the facts. It made sense why Kenyon had continued to needle him, waiting to make his full-on attack.

Kenyon had deferred action until he had located Carl Hahn. After learning that Jacob had tried to kill him, Kenyon had teamed up, intending to use that information to motivate Jacob to do their bidding. That was why the man had held off until now.

One thing was more evident than before. Kenyon’s plot was more intricate than Jacob had once thought. It was clear that the man would take extreme measures to ruin the Rinaldis, and Jacob in particular.

Jacob was responsible for bringing this shame on his family. His past was back to haunt him, and rip apart the reputation of the Rinaldis, at any cost. It occurred to him that he should leave, turn the company over to Vico, and take all the trouble with him.

Yet Jacob was torn, and his heart was breaking. He loved Vivienne, and couldn’t conceive of leaving her. He was stuck in the middle of an impossible situation. If he did the honorable thing and disappeared, the woman he loved and his family would be left alone.

He knew the loss would devastate them, as it would him. For now, he wouldn’t suggest such an option. There was no reason to tell Vivienne he’d considered it, unless he was serious about pursuing that course. Jacob looked out the window, watching the city roll by. There had to be another way. He just had to find it.

Chapter 4

Not long after Jacob left that morning, Vivienne went to aerobics, where she met Lana. She hadn’t seen much of her recently. Between Lana’s regular job, her new role on Broadway, and, most of all, Trace, there wasn’t much spare time.

But aerobics was a must, so at least Vivienne could see her there. After a hard workout, they decided to grab some coffee before work. They’d discovered a new place a block over that made, as Lana put it, “the city’s preeminent version of cappuccino.”

“Where do you learn words like that?” Vivienne said.

Lana grinned. “Theater, of course.”

“Of course.”

They snagged a table, the only empty one. Lana went to the counter to order the cappuccinos while Vivienne saved their seats. The baristas at the shop used the perfect proportions of espresso to milk in relation to the cup depth. Or so she was told, when she asked why it was so darn good.

The barista had imparted that he let the steamed milk cool a bit before adding the espresso. “It makes a big difference,” he’d said. Vivienne didn’t know about that. Her job was to appreciate the result, which she most certainly did.

Lana made it through the ever-growing line up to the counter, and eventually brought back two steaming cappuccinos in porcelain cups. “This is worth waiting for.”

Vivienne slid hers in front of her. “It really is.”

After they took a minute to sip and enjoy, Vivienne asked, “So, how is it living with Trace?”

Lana grinned. “Idyllic.”

Vivienne laughed. “That bad, huh?”

“How about you?”

“Oh, it’s so much better living together, and not having to schlep back and forth between the penthouse and an apartment.”

Lana licked some foam from her lip. “You’re forgetting the best part.”

“No, I’m not. I think about that all the time,” Vivienne said. “Sleeping every night in Jacob’s bed. I mean, come on, what’s better than that?” She smiled. “I mean, besides sleeping in Trace’s bed?”

Lana laughed. “Exactly.” She took a sip of her drink. “And the production is going well. I’ve made it, Vivie. I just know I have. Being in a Broadway play is a springboard for me. My agent says so.”

“I know it is, and it’s so exciting.”

“So what else is new?” Lana looked at her expectantly.

“Well, we went to the Poconos.” Vivienne delayed ruining the cheery morning by telling her friend the reason for the getaway.

“Yes, you texted. That must have been nice.”

Vivienne rolled her shoulder. “It was.”

“You are awfully blasé about a trip to a romantic inn in the forest,” Lana said. “Now that you’re with Jacob, are you going to be disgustingly snooty?”

Vivienne giggled. “Not hardly.” She sighed. “It’s just that the reason we went away for the weekend wasn’t just to be romantic.”

“What other reason could there be?”

Holding her cup, Vivienne proceeded to share what had precipitated the getaway. “So can you believe that after all these years, Jacob’s real father shows up? And not to reunite or have a relationship with his son. No. Not Carl Hahn. He’s back to do more damage, as if he hadn’t done enough already.”

“The man is evil,” Lana said. “What kind of heartless bastard would do such a thing?”

“Yeah, Jacob’s biological father, that’s who.”

“So what’s he going to do about it, Vivie?”

“I wish I knew. Jacob took off early this morning, and I know he wasn’t going to work.” Vivienne looked at her friend for moral support. “It worries me. It’s nerve-racking to think of Kenyon using a private family story to destroy Jacob.”

“Can they even do that?” Lana said. “I don’t see how they can get away with it.”

Vivienne wrapped her hands around her warm cup. “Jacob says the implications will carry weight.” She paused. “I can see that. After all, look at the news, magazines, and social media. Stories can spread and go viral if they grab attention.”

“Yes, and that story sure would,” Lana said. “That’s why I don’t watch the news. I don’t know what to believe, so it’s just upsetting.”

“You’re right,” Vivienne said. “It’s all about controversy, not what’s really true.”

It was good to talk it over with Lana and gain perspective on the situation. Not that Vivienne had any better idea about how to assist Jacob. When they finished the cappuccinos, they dumped the empty cups at the counter and headed to work.

Out on the sidewalk, Lana gave her a hug. “Call me if I can do anything,” she said. “And let me know what happens.”

Vivienne hugged her back. “I will.”

Her friend started walking toward the restaurant for her early shift, and Vivienne turned to go to Vee’s. For the rest of the day, she hoped to hear from Jacob, but she didn’t. Twice her fingers hovered over the phone as she considered texting him.

But she decided not to. It would be better to talk about it over dinner, so she could see Jacob’s expression, and tell more about what was going on with him. At the end of the afternoon, she said goodbye to Michele and took the car home. Her assistant knew something was going on, as she knew her well, but Vivienne wasn’t comfortable telling her about the traumatic events just yet.

At the penthouse, the cook made veal parmesan with asparagus and new potatoes. It smelled heavenly, and was ready before Jacob got home. When he arrived, Vivienne hugged him, then he went upstairs to change into comfortable clothes.

The cook served the meal in the dining room, and they started with a glass of Chianti. The aromas from the kitchen didn’t seem to entice Jacob, and Vivienne could tell he was distracted. As they sipped their wine, she watched him, wondering if she should ask.

She didn’t need to, as Jacob began telling her about going to meet with Kenyon. His anger over the encounter was obvious, and she couldn’t blame him. Vivienne was just as furious over the man’s audacity. But there was something else she saw in Jacob’s eyes, and it scared her.

The internal conflict he wrestled with wasn’t entirely clear to her, yet she had no doubt that it was there. Vivienne couldn’t define it, although she knew what was happening was a turning point for Jacob. She felt his emotional pain, but was helpless to wrest him free from the conflict.

So many times Jacob had told her that she should leave him, that she’d be better off without him. The darkness he’d lived with for so long haunted him, and he’d been adamant about not allowing it to engulf her. Since his vow of love, he hadn’t brought it up. Vivienne shared his life now, and leaving wasn’t a part of that.

Yet, looking at Jacob and witnessing his current torment, an old fear reared its head. He’d told her what Kenyon had said, then how he’d responded. But he hadn’t offered a solution. Jacob hadn’t mentioned removing her from the scene, or protecting her by keeping her away from him.

Surely that solution wasn’t an option. Vivienne’s heart skipped a beat. He wouldn’t tell her that she shouldn’t be around him with such threats imminent. Jacob wouldn’t do that now…would he?

*****

For the rest of the evening, Jacob acted as normal as he could. He’d told Vivienne about the conversation with Kenyon. His heart ached over the impending threat, and that she was involved. But he withheld mentioning that he’d considering removing himself from the scene, knowing she’d be devastated.

He’d told Vivienne only what he’d had to, keeping quiet about his internal struggle. Then they’d had dinner together, and enjoyed the evening. But Jacob knew that neither of them had been able to put aside anxiety about the storm ahead.

The next morning, Jacob did the usual. After his jog, he showered, ate, and went to work. But the day wasn’t usual, and his life wasn’t routine. As he had kissed Vivienne goodbye, desperation edged closer.

Jacob loved her, and no price was too great to ensure her happiness. But even if Jacob made the ultimate sacrifice by acquiescing to his enemies’ demands, it wouldn’t work. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he knew that Vivienne would be as heartbroken as he would, and that such hurt would not heal.

Frustrated, Jacob got out of the car and went up to his office. Meg greeted him with a scrutinizing look. She didn’t miss his dour expression, and her frown conveyed her concern. But Jacob didn’t offer any explanation.

He continued to his desk, and sat down to plan the destruction of his enemies. Yet he was unsure where or how to attack, and was still running blind. Before he had any flashes of insight, his phone rang. “Personal call for you,” Meg said.

Jacob stabbed at the button. “Hello.”

“I see you’re taking my calls,” Carl said.

“Not for long,” Jacob said, “unless you have something to say worth listening to.”

“I can’t say much for your manners.”

“You were my early role model, Carl. Considering that, I think I turned out better than could be expected.” Jacob was close to hanging up. “You should have stayed buried in your rat hole, Father. Now…what do you want?”

“I’m glad you asked.” Carl slurred his words, but only slightly. It was still early in the day. “Vico was in the wrong, you know. He took advantage of me during a low point in my life, and saw fit to take my son away. Don’t think I won’t speak out about that.”

“It’s a little late,” Jacob said. “I’d say that you lack credibility.”

“Not entirely, Jacob. And I will drive that point home. Vico is not the innocent man in all of this. He managed to take my son when I was unable to prevent it.”

“You’re disgusting me,” Jacob said. “You didn’t want me, nor do you consider me a son. You’ve never cared about me. So what is this all about?”

“You’re very wealthy, Jacob. How can you not be concerned about how your father is doing?”

It was all about the money. Jacob should have seen that. Carl Hahn had found out that his son had made something of his life, and wanted to cash in. When Kenyon had told him that Jacob was running Rinaldi Imports, the sleazebag had hoped for a windfall.

“So the whole you-took-my-son cry is a ruse,” Jacob said. “This is blackmail. You want money.”

“You don’t seem to understand, Jacob. I will claim that my son was illegally taken, that it was immoral, in order to put Vico in a bad light,” Carl said, in his raspy tone. “And I’ll tell the world everything that you’d prefer to keep private.”

Jacob figured as much.

“And when I do, Daniel Kenyon will see that I’m rewarded,” Carl said. “I deserve more than I’ve gotten, and he’s assured me that he will make good.”

Jacob sighed.

“So you see, I win either way,” Carl said. “Either you pay me to keep quiet, which I will if your offer is good enough, or Daniel pays me to talk, and I’ll reveal everything.

“He’s asked for my help to put you in your place, and I’m willing to do that,” Carl said. “He’s promised me a tidy sum to put you back where you belong.”

“And where is that, Carl? In the gutter with you?”

“My life won’t be like that anymore,” Carl said. “I’ve struggled, I admit. But now, I win either way. You pay me, or Daniel will. It’s your choice.”

Jacob was furious. “You’ve misestimated the situation, Carl. And you’ve misjudged me.” He gripped the phone. “I don’t think that’s how this is going to play out.”

After slamming the phone back into its cradle, Jacob stared at it, disbelieving that Carl had so boldly demanded money. But then the man was always an aggressive asshole, conceited and concerned only with his own animal urges.

Jacob was tired of being jacked around, and sick to death of idiots who thought to bully him. Carl Hahn, a man who didn’t deserve the title father, in even the broadest definition, had threatened all that Jacob loved, everything he cared about.

It was just like when he’d been a child, and Carl’s evil had closed his heart to love before he’d had a chance to become a man. At last, Jacob had love; he had Vivienne in his life. Yet it all might be ripped away because of Carl’s greed and Kenyon’s vindictiveness.

Chapter 5

Being in love meant every night was special. Vivienne didn’t have to wait for weekends to share Jacob’s company. Midweek was just as good as any other night. When Jacob came home that day, she could tell that he was upset. “Carl called at the office today,” he said.

Vivienne raised her brows. “He called you at your office?”

“Yes, and in a nutshell, he’s on the take.”

Vivienne took his hand. “What do you mean exactly?”

“Carl is in it for the money, pure and simple. He had the gall to ask me to make him an offer…as if I’d pay the bastard, for any reason.”

Jacob sat down and pulled her onto his lap. “But I’m fed up with the whole damn thing.” He touched her cheek. “I’m alone with you, and I just want to cherish every minute.”

Vivienne was moved by the sentiment. He made it sound like their time together was limited, but certainly she'd just imagined that. They had a long, wonderful future, and would be together this evening plus many more.

“So what do you want to do tonight?” Vivienne said, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Jacob pulled her down for a kiss, conveying his need. His tongue lashed along hers, and he breathed into her, consuming her with desire. Then he said, in a throaty voice, “I just want to be with you.”

Vivienne ran her fingers through his hair and tugged.

“I thought we could spend a quiet evening here. We can share some wine, listen to music, and after…”

Jacob didn’t have to say the rest; Vivienne’s skin was already tingling. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do,” she said. “And the cook left dinner for us. I wasn’t sure if we were going out or not, so I told her to leave it just in case.”

They went into the wine room, and after looking over the bottles in the racks, Jacob selected a 2005 Vieux Château Certan. He opened it and got two glasses, then Vivienne followed him to the music room.

Jacob poured the wine. “This is a Bordeaux blend, and I expect it to be quite good.”

Vivienne swirled her wine, looking at the purple color. “It smells like plums.” She sipped it, letting the smooth, velvety wine slide over her tongue. “Mmm, delicious.”

Jacob took one sip, then another. “Yes, rich and complex…pure magic,” he said.

The music started and Vivienne recognized “Rolling in the Deep,” one of her favorites. Jacob turned it up, and she closed her eyes to listen to Adele sing about the emotions of a scorned lover. When Jacob sat next to her, she pressed close.

Sipping the exquisite wine and listening to romantic songs, Vivienne found solace in Jacob’s company. She blocked out the world, lost in love. Jacob rubbed his toes along her ankle and feathered his fingertips over her thigh.

Jacob’s slow, sensual touching made Vivienne feel deeply desired. His touches were deliberate and unrushed, which excited her. Each sensation built on the last, stirring her arousal and stoking the fire inside her into a steady boil.

When Jacob placed his hand around her throat, a possessive gesture, Vivienne’s clit tensed. He stared deeply into her eyes, his look melting her. Warmth spread through her body, and she squeezed his thigh. When Jacob spoke in a commanding tone, his manner was slow and deliberate. “Go to the playroom and get ready for me.”

Vivienne stood and walked to the door, letting her feet sink into the thick carpet. Every nerve ending was alive, and every touch magnified. She went upstairs, filled with delicious anticipation, and looking forward to Jacob joining her.

The playroom was dark, so she slid the dimmer switch up. The beloved space was welcoming, and a reminder of many erotic scenes. Vivienne walked across the polished wood floor, gazing at the implements hanging from the wall.

She ran her fingertips along the padded leather of a bench, remembering what Jacob had done with her there. He had a way of tapping into her darkest desires, knowing her sexual triggers, and pushing her boundaries. No two sessions had been the same; each one was thrilling in its own way.

Vivienne admired the mural on the wall and the lovely furniture that made the space so inviting. She’d shared so much there with Jacob. And being in love with each other made it all that much better. She sighed, thinking of the untold pleasure yet to come.

Vivienne slipped off her clothes and hung them up. Her bra scraped against her hard nipples, and lowering her panties made her aware of how wet she was. When she was naked, she took her position on the rug with her hands on her thighs. With her eyes cast down, she waited, longing to submit in yet a new way, to show Jacob how much she loved him.

When the door opened, Vivienne felt his presence, and her pulse raced. She focused her gaze downward, lest she violate the rules. Jacob stood over her with his bare feet nearly touching her skin. She wanted to feel his warmth, to touch his skin, but she held back.

Jacob reached down with both hands and helped her up. Vivienne noticed that he had already undressed, and caught a glimpse of his gorgeous cock. “You may not look at me or speak,” he said. Her skin tingled, as he led her to the bed in the back of the room.

“Get on your stomach, Vivienne.” The gruffness of his tone sent a delicious chill through her body.

She climbed onto the satin sheets, feeling their coolness against her skin. Jacob brushed her hair aside and wrapped a silk scarf around her neck. Then he took the long end of the scarf and tied it to the headboard. The feeling of being a sexual prisoner put her into a submissive state of mind.

Jacob touched the back of her thigh. “Spread your legs.” She did so, and he proceeded to secure each ankle to a bedpost. Then he traced her body with his fingertips, starting at her neck and working down her spine. When his hand cupped her sex, Vivienne closed her eyes in pleasure.

“I’m going to challenge you, Vivienne. You are not to climax until I allow it. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

Jacob dragged an implement along her arms and down her legs. She recognized the feel of the crop. The rubber tongue teased her skin, warning her of what was coming. Gently at first, Jacob began to sting her skin with the implement.

The bite of the tongue felt decadently good, and Vivienne craved more. With practiced strokes, Jacob excited her skin with the sting of the crop until she verged on orgasm. Then he stopped. He held an object in front of her eyes, and she recognized a vibrator he’d used with her before.

Vivienne felt the object slide past her outer lips and into her pussy. She involuntarily clamped down on it, then Jacob turned it on at a slow speed. The vibrations quickly penetrated, urging her arousal higher. It was difficult to resist the urge to come, but she wanted to please Jacob.

With easy movements, Jacob manipulated the vibrator, and just as Vivienne teetered on the edge, he withdrew it. The sudden cessation made her gasp, but the absence was immediately replaced with the touch of the crop.

This time Jacob spanked her ass, striking harder on the fleshy parts. With each blow, Vivienne imagined the red splotches on her skin as a result of Jacob’s dominance. Her nipples were like tiny pebbles against the sheets, and her sex was on fire for release.

Yet she was a long way from being granted the pleasures dangled before her. When Jacob had spanked her to his satisfaction, he turned on the vibrator again. He edged it over her upper thighs and along her wet slit, without dipping inside.

The sensation radiated through her, engulfing her with the urge to let go. But she didn’t. Jacob put the vibrator on a faster speed, driving her crazy. He kept it moving around her most sensitive area, seeming to purposely avoid her clit.

When Vivienne was close to screaming out, the vibrator stopped. Jacob dragged the tongue of the crop along her spine, making her moan. “You are doing very well,” he said. “But I’m not nearly done. You’ll have to continue to behave.”

Vivienne hoped that she could, but Jacob relentlessly stimulated her, alternating between the crop and the vibrator. Just when she was about to shatter, he withdrew. Each time her arousal escalated to a higher plateau, and it made her dizzy, even lightheaded. The more he taunted her with the implements of torture, the greater her feeling of submission.

Jacob stung her thighs with the crop, and Vivienne floated on a cloud of sensation. She would have done anything for him, and wanted to. The more severe his treatment of her, the better she liked it, a new discovery for her.

Once again, Jacob teased her with the vibrator. With it on the slower speed, he slid it underneath her and moved it over her vulva, pressing in the right spot to vibrate her tight clit. Vivienne panted rapidly, dissipating the intensity as best she could.

Vivienne wondered if she had the strength to hold back, but then thought of the pride she’d have in doing so. It was a thought she clung to, when she most feared that she’d disobey. That was what she didn’t want to do. Jacob had control of the scene, and he hadn’t given her permission to come.

Yet when he stung her skin with the crop again, Vivienne was swamped with doubt. The sting felt so good, and she enjoyed the bite of pain. She enjoyed it too much, and wanted more. Jacob served her, stinging her more each time, and striking different patches of skin to further excite her.

Vivienne trembled uncontrollably, but she didn’t climax. She knew that coming without permission would lead to a hard spanking, far exceeding any pain that she experienced now. As Jacob whipped her with the crop, her sexual tension built to a higher and higher level.

The sting of the crop ceased, and Vivienne hovered in a euphoric state. Jacob’s voice was an anchor in a turbulent sea of emotion. “You’ll have to ask,” he said. “Before I allow you to come, you must ask me for permission.”

Vivienne wasn’t sure that she could speak. Her lips were dry and her tongue felt thick. She writhed against the mattress. “Please, sir…may I come?”

“You asked so sweetly, Vivienne.” She hung in the balance, praying he would give her what she craved. “I’m considering it.”

Vivienne’s heart sank, and she wasn’t certain she could endure further delay. Her entire body was electrified and the world, even Jacob’s voice, seemed far away. “I rather like it when you beg, Vivienne.”

That gave her hope. Jacob dragged the vibrator along her wet opening, and she cried out. “Please, sir. I beg you…I beg you for permission to come.”

Jacob plunged the vibrator inside her, and Vivienne whimpered. “You have my permission. I want you to come…now.”

The room shattered like brilliant glitter, and for a flash Vivienne was blind. Her muscles tensed and her sex was on fire. Then her clit stiffened, aching beyond endurance, as the vibrations flowed through her. Vivienne came apart, crying out as the waves of orgasm crashed through her body.

On and on, the pleasure swept through her, and Vivienne gave in to the strength of her release. The pain had been worth it, resulting in a mind-blowing orgasm ending in a powerful crescendo. With her heart racing, Vivienne panted, until at last she slumped against the sheets.

Jacob untied her, and Vivienne turned over to look into his sexy blue eyes. His chiseled form reminded her of Adonis, and she reached out to fist his thick shaft. “Put it in your mouth, Vivienne.” And she willingly complied.

With her lips over his knob, she sucked voraciously, wanting him as she hadn’t dreamed possible. Her delayed gratification had been as difficult for Jacob as for her. Vivienne was certain of that, as she fisted his rock-hard cock and licked the pre-cum dripping down the sides.

“Suck me, Vivienne. Take away my pain.”

Jacob shoved his cock deeper into her mouth, and Vivienne felt as though he was a part of her. She relished his salty flavor, and breathed in his male scent. Cupping his balls in one hand, she massaged them roughly, while she fisted his shaft with the other.

Vivienne sucked harder, urging Jacob to come in her mouth. He groaned in a loud voice, a sound so virile it made heat surge inside her, and then he exploded. “Yes…harder,” he gasped, as his cum poured down her throat.

When he was drained, Vivienne continued to suck, only gentler. She didn’t want to separate, and didn’t want to let him go. Jacob pulled out and bent down to kiss her deeply. She stroked her tongue along his and delved into his hot mouth.

When Jacob pulled back, he kissed her neck and over her breasts. “You please me, baby.” Vivienne beamed with pride and ran her palm over Jacob’s muscled back. The intimacy between them was special, known only to them. It was a bond that couldn’t be broken.

Jacob turned onto his back and pulled Vivienne on top of him. She felt his heat against her belly, and rubbed against his growing arousal. Jacob grabbed a fistful of her hair to pull her to him. His lip-bruising kiss made her toes curl, and she pressed harder against him.

Vivienne was warm all over, and her body hummed with pleasure. Yet she was not fully satisfied, and craved Jacob so much, she wasn’t sure that she could be. She straddled him, and Jacob shoved his cock up into her.

His deep groan turned her on, and Vivienne leaned back, pressing her palms to the mattress. Leveraged so, she slid over Jacob’s cock, stroking him rhythmically. He swelled inside her, and Vivienne gripped his heat with her strong inner muscles.

“God…Vivienne.”

His beautiful blue eyes glazed over, and Vivienne sped her motions. Jacob’s ragged breathing and the guttural sounds he made in his throat sent her to the edge. He looked at her, the emotion he felt never more evident in his gaze. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, Jacob,” she cried out as she shattered.

Vivienne fell into a sweet orgasm, as Jacob rocked up into her, then exploded. Together they spiraled into erotic ecstasy, so much in love, giving all to each other, as the only way to express it. “I love you,” Jacob said. And Vivienne collapsed against him, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

It seemed like a dream when Jacob carried her to the bathtub. He filled it with warm water and poured in bath oil, then lowered her into the fragrant water. Gently, he massaged her body under the warm water, his strong hands sliding over her skin. Jacob’s care touched her deeply, and Vivienne sighed as she relaxed under his loving touch.

After washing them both, Jacob lifted her out of the water and dried her off. Then he guided her to the bedroom, where they slid under the covers. Wrapped in Jacob’s warm embrace, Vivienne lay like that for what seemed like hours. He loved her and took care of her. Jacob made her feel special, as if she was the most desired woman in the world. And maybe she was.

Chapter 6

After the bath, Vivienne fell asleep in Jacob’s arms. He cuddled her, burying his face in her hair. Holding her close, he welcomed her warmth and adored her feminine feel. Earlier in the evening, she had submitted to him, deeper and in a new way.

Jacob wanted only to love and protect her. The playroom provided a way to take Vivienne away from all the stress and pressure; all she had to do was to relinquish control. During the scenes, she had experienced an altered state of consciousness, and Jacob had cared for her afterward.

On another occasion, Vivienne had talked about the feeling and Jacob had listened intently. She had described it as being totally released from stress, and present in the moment. “There was a ripple through my body…it was like a drug,” she’d said.

The tinge of pain, the agony of delayed gratification, and the duress of strenuous positions contributed to the bliss of the experience. Play was tactile and sensual, yet for that period Vivienne was not responsible; she had only to obey Jacob’s commands. It freed her from any concerns, allowing her sexual freedom.

The interludes were equally freeing for Jacob, if in a different way. He dominated and maintained control. Doing so was power; it was a high that couldn’t be fully described. The heady experience was addictive, a path for Jacob to lose himself.

In scenes such as he’d just played out, during the peak of activity Jacob’s focus was clear, his perceptions sharp. It was a state of mindfulness, with incredible strength, taking him away from life’s pressures. The period of deep concentration provided a potent release.

During play, Jacob observed Vivienne’s physical reactions, aligning with how the scene was progressing, and knowing how to guide it. Beginning with the slow, sensual touching, and getting lost in Vivienne’s lovely green eyes, he’d led them to ever-greater intensity.

Jacob’s manner was deliberate, his goal to give Vivienne pleasure, even if the path was laced with pain. He remembered how Vivienne looked when Jacob had pushed the sexual tension so high that she was about to completely lose control.

It was his duty to push Vivienne as far as she was able to go, but to be aware of her limits. Jacob had urged her arousal higher, until it was so intense that multiple orgasms were hers. In the months that they’d been together, Jacob had shown her how to let go, and to grant him the power to take her to higher planes of pleasure.

Vivienne was willing; she trusted him. And that was the highest high of all. When he successfully gave her unending pleasure, he felt closer to her and more emotionally attached than in any other moments.

Vivienne endured the precious agony in order to please him, and give him the treasured gift of her submission. It was at the point when she was utterly overwhelmed sexually that he wanted her most. And in coming together, satisfying Vivienne’s deepest needs, both of them developed a deep craving for more of the same.

There had been a time in his life when Jacob hadn’t been able to envision being with just one woman. He had dominated others before meeting Vivienne. But now, having shared true intimacy with her, Jacob wanted no other woman.

What they meant to each other, inside the playroom as well as out, was everything he desired. The honor of loving Vivienne was even more than he’d hoped for, or could have envisioned.

*****

The next morning, Jacob slid out of bed to go for his jog, earlier than usual. His anticipation of the day’s events made him restless, and he couldn’t sleep any longer. After dressing in his sweats, he quietly exited the penthouse and headed out on his usual route.

He increased his pace, breathing hard. Punishing his body helped to clear his mind. His thoughts were of Vivienne and the joy of being with her. But for how long? Jacob couldn’t allow her to be dragged through a scandal, one that her parents would read about, and one that would reflect badly on her.

Vivienne had chosen to be with him, but she could so easily be admonished for that choice. He’d even done that. So often Jacob had told her that he was bad for her, and now the media just might support that notion. He didn’t want her to read her name in the paper, associated with his in a negative light.

When his reputation was dragged through the mud, Vivienne should be as far away as possible. The truth didn’t matter as much as what people wanted to believe. Rumors and falsehoods spread rapidly, and were often embellished.

The reality of Jacob’s past was horrifying enough. But handed over to the media it would be a hot story, one he might not recognize after it was retold with speculation added. When it was over, Jacob wouldn’t even know himself, so couldn’t expect any mercy from the public.

There was a simple answer. Jacob could disappear and take the story with him. Once he resigned and left the scene, the news would quickly fade. There was no thrill in attacking a man who was no longer there to hear the accusations.

But Jacob was torn. He couldn’t abandon his family, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing Vivienne. It was a reality that if he did go away, the controversy would go with him. But the cost of such an action would be to give up all the love he had known.

The price was too steep, and it struck Jacob with blinding clarity just what his enemies threatened to take from him. He pounded the path, rounding a corner, running so hard that his lungs ached for oxygen. The realization touched on deep emotion, and rage exploded inside Jacob, with a power not previously known to him.

All that he cared about was in jeopardy. Jacob was backed into a corner. But the looming loss of those he loved, the thought of harm or dishonor blackening their lives, shattered the numbness that had imprisoned him for way too long.

Jacob felt such amazing love for Vivienne that losing her would surely rip him apart. He loved her, more each day, and he’d be damned if some assholes were going to destroy that love. It was Vivienne, with her pure heart and caring soul, who had saved Jacob from a fate of darkness.

It was in that fleeting second that Jacob knew the answer. He would fight for love, harder than he’d ever fought for anything. And he would win. He had to win. Leaving was what he would have done before, how he had dealt with life in the past, but no longer.

Love had shown him that the darkness didn’t have to win, that it wasn’t stronger. Jacob would battle his inner demons and best his enemies. Rage exploded inside him, and he didn’t attempt to repress it. Unleashed, it was now directed toward those who deserved to suffer the consequences.

There was just one thing he had to do first.

*****

By the time Jacob had gotten back and showered, Vivienne was up and dressed. He found her having coffee on the terrace. “I slept late,” she said with a smile. “I’ll skip breakfast and get something later.”

Jacob sat next to her. “I’ve been thinking.”

Vivienne furrowed her brow. “About the threats?”

“Yes, and before all hell breaks loose, there’s something I have to do.” Jacob kissed her fingertips. “I’m not going to let them win, baby. But it will get messy.”

Vivienne squeezed his hand.

“I’m going to see Vico today. He needs to know about all of this,” Jacob said. “My family will be in the limelight, and it’s not fair for me to allow that without Vico’s support.”

“So you’re going to talk to him about it?”

“Yes, I’ll go by this afternoon. I sent him a text, so I’m sure he will be at home.” Jacob stood up. “I have to get going now…but I’ll call you later.”

When Jacob leaned close to Vivienne, his lips touching hers, she pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. She tasted so good, and smelled even better. Jacob loved her so much. When he pulled back, he ran his fingertips along her jaw.

“It’s going to be okay,” Jacob said. “These assholes picked the wrong guy to fuck around with.”

Vivienne grinned at him. “I like the sound of that.”

*****

By mid-afternoon, unable to wait any longer, Jacob took the car to the Rinaldi home. The upscale residence was where he’d grown up. But to him, it didn’t signify wealth or status, only the warmth of family. That was something Jacob hadn’t known until Vico rescued him from an untenable future.

Vico answered the door dressed in slacks and a sweater. He greeted his son with a hug. “Come in, Jacob. We have the place to ourselves. Sophia is out, shopping with friends.”

Jacob went inside, feeling good in the familiar surroundings. He took a seat in the living room and accepted his father’s offer of a drink. After pouring a whiskey for each of them, Vico sat in his favorite chair by the fireplace.

Vico stayed in shape by running daily like Jacob did. He looked younger than his years, still a charmer with the women. He had sandy blond hair, casually groomed. “When you texted, it sounded important.”

Looking into his father’s crystal-blue eyes, Jacob wanted to tell him everything. His father had cared about him before anyone else had, and Jacob was grateful for that goodness. It pained him to tell Vico that by accepting him into the family, he had unknowingly embraced disaster.

“It doesn’t seem fair, Vico, that after all you’ve done for me…everything that my family means to me…that I have to bring bad news.”

“If it’s bad news, then we’ll face it together.” Vico took a gulp of whiskey and leaned back in his chair, as if ready for anything.

“When is the last time you saw Carl Hahn?”

Vico’s eyes widened. “Not since you were a boy. I haven’t laid eyes on him, nor have I spoken to him since the day I took you home from that state facility.” He sighed. “I told him then that I would make sure he couldn’t hurt you anymore.”

Jacob gripped the arm of the chair. “Well, he’s back. And he intends only harm.”

Vico shook his head. “What now?”

Jacob proceeded to tell his father about the recent events, including the implications made about his adoption. He’d already informed him of Daniel Kenyon’s vendetta against him, and now he explained how that strain of evil had seen fit to connect with Carl.

“It’s unbelievable,” Vico said. “To locate a bum like Carl takes extraordinary effort. A man, without a stable career or residence, isn’t easy to find. And all this time, he didn’t attempt to find you, when he could have.”

“Carl didn’t want to find me. He only does now because he hopes it will be profitable,” Jacob said. “He has dollar signs in his eyes. That’s what this is about.”

“The man will drink himself to death if you give him money.” Vico raked a hand through his hair. “Not that I’d mourn over the loss of that heartless bastard.”

Jacob drank the last of his whiskey and looked into his father’s eyes. “I could go away, Vico…to Europe or some other continent. I could disappear, and of all this heartache would go with me.” He took a deep breath. “You provided safety and protection when I needed it most.”

Vico just listened.

“You are my true father, Vico…the only father in my heart. You will always be the only father to me, not Carl. And I cannot let my family’s reputation be ruined after all of your kindness and love.”

Jacob gathered his strength. “You could find another, equally capable man to run the company. I should leave before I bring shame to you.”

Vico considered his son’s words, then leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “No, Jacob, don’t do that. It would break your mother Sophia’s heart, and your real mother’s as well. Flora still watches over you, and I promised her that I’d look out for you.”

As he listened, it felt as though an iron fist squeezed Jacob’s heart.

“You are my son, Jacob. I depend on you,” Vico said. “I don’t want anyone else running the company.”

His father continued, “Family sticks together. You are a Rinaldi, and you have our support.”

“I’m relieved to hear you say that, Father.” Jacob, unburdened now, shared more. “And I have Vivienne in my life now, too. I don’t know how I’d go on without her. She’s a part of me.”

Vico smiled. “I understand. That’s how I feel about Sophia.”

“I can’t part with Vivienne…not now,” Jacob said. “But I won’t allow her to be used as leverage against me. I’m going to battle, and I’m going to beat those assholes at their own game…before they create irreparable damage.”

Vico looked directly at him. “We’re behind you, son. I know you’ll do what’s right.”

Jacob stood and gave his father a hug. He was grateful, and felt blessed to have such a father. Maybe good didn’t always win, but this time Jacob was going to do everything in his power to see that it did. Vico’s love and generosity would be rewarded.

On the way home, Jacob rested his head against the back seat. He was in a position similar to when he was just a young boy. Once again, he was being bullied. It was happening all over again. It always went back to Carl, a man who made his way through life by abusing others.

The brute targeted those he considered weaker, but Jacob was no longer weak. Life wasn’t going to repeat itself and leave lasting scars. This time Carl’s abuse would be his undoing; Jacob would see to that.

Chapter 7

That evening, Vivienne met Jacob at a bar in Midtown for an after-work drink. It was a cocktail lounge behind a nondescript door near the entrance to a Japanese restaurant. The interior was as exotic as the cocktails. A wall-sized mural of angels, painted in a Renaissance style, was above the bar. A row of lights spotlighted the artwork and illuminated the bottles of spirits on glass shelves below, making them look like crystal sculptures.

Jacob had just come from seeing Vico, so she couldn’t wait to talk to him. He had a booth by the window, and had started drinking without her. When Jacob spotted her, he smiled and held up his hand. Vivienne went over and slid onto the leather seat across from him. His expression didn’t give anything away.

“I can’t wait to hear,” Vivienne said. “You talked to Vico?”

Jacob nodded, then flagged the waiter. “What do you want to drink?”

“I think I’ll vary from my usual, and try one of the rum-based drinks they’re known for.” Vivienne perused the menu, and when the waiter came by she ordered a Japanese-inspired cocktail made with two kinds of rum, sherry, and matcha powder.

The bar was humming, but Vivienne wasn’t in a party mood. She wanted to know what had happened with Vico, since his support meant so much to Jacob. “So tell me…how did it go?”

“Probably just as you expected,” Jacob said. “My father isn’t one to cower, especially not from the likes of Carl Hahn. He stood up to him years ago, so he isn’t going to back down now. He’s behind me all the way.”

“I thought he would be,” Vivienne said. “But it’s a relief to hear you say so.”

The waiter brought her cocktail, and Vivienne tasted it. “This is really good…potent too. You may have to carry me out of here.”

Jacob laughed. “That would be my pleasure.”

Vivienne raised her brows. “So what now?”

Jacob twirled his glass on the shiny table. “It occurred to me that information about my adoption wouldn’t have been easy to obtain.”

Vivienne continued to sip her drink, intrigued.

“Let’s say Kenyon noticed that I supported organizations that assisted abused children,” Jacob said. “It was no secret that I made large donations at the fundraisers, and even the amounts wouldn’t have been difficult to find out.”

“That’s true.”

“His conjecture that I donated because of personal experiences was an obvious connection to make. But…how did Kenyon know about Carl?”

Vivienne pondered that. “Interesting,” she said. “How could he have known?”

“That’s the thing. Vico didn’t speak about the adoption. He accepted me as his own son, as if I’d been born a Rinaldi,” Jacob said. “Plus, it all happened so long ago. It puzzles me that Kenyon pursued the story now.”

“I see what you mean.”

“The information about my abusive situation and subsequent adoption wasn’t spoken about. The details were known only to a few,” Jacob said, and took a gulp of his bourbon. “And that tells me something.”

“What’s that?”

Jacob glanced at his empty glass, then back at Vivienne. “I’ve thought this for a while, but now I’m even more convinced. Kenyon has an inside source.” He paused. “But…who is it?”

That question went unanswered as the waiter came by to offer another drink. Jacob accepted, but Vivienne continued to nurse her first cocktail. “Did his stepfather know?”

“I’ve considered that.” Jacob frowned. “I suppose that Sam could have told him about the adoption. He was friends with Vico then. But that doesn’t explain Kenyon deciding to bring Carl into all of this. Friends or not, I doubt that Vico shared such a private family story. He wouldn’t have revealed details about the incidents involving Carl.

“And Kenyon’s attack centers around the attempted murder charges.” Jacob hesitated. “Vico didn’t tell anyone about that, except Sophia. Not even my brothers know.”

“So who told Daniel Kenyon? How did he know about it?”

“That’s what I need to find out,” Jacob said. “And when I do, it’s bound to lead me to more answers about this mess.”

Vivienne could see the story unraveling. There were unresolved questions, but there had to be answers. She had faith that Jacob would find out the truth, because he wouldn’t give up until he did. “Kenyon can’t hide anymore,” she said. “He started this by targeting you. His lies and underhanded dealings will come to light. I’m sure of it.”

*****

The next morning, Jacob decided to call Sam Williamson. There was one way to find out if he was the source of his stepson’s information, and that was to ask. The receptionist knew Jacob, and put his call through.

“Hi, Sam.”

“Jacob…I’m sorry about what’s happening.”

“So Daniel told you about his intentions? You know his plans?”

“I know he’s made contact with Carl Hahn, your natural father,” Sam said. “And they are making allegations.”

“Were you the one who told Daniel that I’d been adopted?”

“No, Jacob, I didn’t. Vico and I were friends, still are friends. There’s no way I would violate a trust. I didn’t even tell my wife about that. I mean…why would I?”

“Well, if you didn’t,” Jacob said, “then who did?”

“I don’t know, Jacob. I wish I did.” Sam paused. “I can’t stop Daniel from this vendetta. I’d fire him, and risk my wife’s disapproval. But the damage has been done. He knows about your past, and he will use it against you, no matter what I do.”

Jacob raked his hand through his hair.

“I have no love for my stepson,” Sam said. “I want you to know that I don’t condone what he’s doing. And he knows that, so I’m sure he hasn’t told me everything.”

“Yeah, probably not.”

Jacob hadn’t learned much, but he knew that Kenyon wouldn’t get support from his stepfather. But there was someone helping him. And Jacob wouldn’t quit until he discovered who the traitor was.

*****

Walsh had kept Jacob informed throughout the investigation. Every day, sometimes twice daily, the reports came in. Often, there wasn’t much new, but sometimes there was. Little by little, the pieces began to fall into place.

Jacob was obsessed with getting justice. It went beyond defending his reputation; the audacity of the crooks that sought to blight his family’s good name and had no respect for Vivienne fueled his commitment to stop them.

Some very enlightening information had been uncovered about Carl Hahn, evidence that Jacob could use. And he would. Then a clearer picture of Kenyon’s activities began to form. The last few reports from Walsh had provided a lot of insight.

There was just one more thing that Jacob had to figure out. He hired an independent accountant to assist in deciphering the data. It was important to work with a reputable firm that had no connection to Rinaldi Imports. The reason for that became starkly clear to Jacob, and he wondered that he hadn’t seen it before.

Right then, Jacob wasn’t sure whom to trust, so he’d consulted with Walsh. His newly hired CPA firm was checked out before an appointment with the senior accountant was set. On the afternoon of the meeting, Jacob arrived early. He was anxious to find out if what he suspected could be substantiated.

Jay Lawton was in his mid-fifties, and entered the conference room wearing a conservative business suit. His graying hair and glasses gave him a mature appearance, plus his solid reputation in his career field boosted Jacob’s confidence.

The introductions were made, and the men were immediately on a first-name basis. There was no need for excessive formality. The nature of the discussion was likely to be unpleasant enough. Over coffee, the accountant went over what he’d learned. “The last few days, I’ve reviewed all the documents you sent to me,” he said, and pushed his glasses up.

“I have my own ideas about what it all means,” Jacob said, “but I’m not an accountant. I need your expertise. And I can’t take this to my usual firm.”

“Yes, I can see why,” Jay said. “May I ask…how did you obtain this information?”

Jacob shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.” He wasn’t about to tell the accountant how valuable Walsh was, or about the techniques he used. “Let’s just say that I have good resources.”

Jay shuffled some papers. “Well, considering the issues at hand, I suggest we keep this private. I don’t like to malign another accounting firm, but you must know that the company you’ve been using for Rinaldi Imports has shared information…just as you thought.”

Jacob nodded. “Yes, you’ve just confirmed what I figured out…I’ve found the traitor who sold me out.”

“And in regards to the other set of books,” Jay said, “I’d like to go over my conclusions in detail. It’s smart that you brought this to me. Not every accountant would have the expertise to see what went on here. But let me show you.”

The meeting lasted for a couple of hours. Jacob wanted to hear every last detail. Once he understood the scheme, he thanked Jay for his clever audit and left. Back at his office, he proceeded to come up with a plan. He went down to investigations to go over it with Walsh, and make sure he hadn’t missed anything. It was vital that the strategy was effective, and the result deadly.

Jacob proceeded to secretly make the arrangements. Days later, when he placed the call to Kenyon, he made a point to disguise his confidence. For a while longer, he would play the role of victim. “Daniel.”

“I thought I’d hear from you, Jacob. And you’ve nearly run out of time. I’m not a patient man, you know.”

Nor am I. “Yes, well, I’ve had a lot to consider.”

“That’s fair enough.”

Kenyon’s consistent arrogance was one of his most obvious personality traits. Jacob enjoyed listening to him, and couldn’t wait to see the haughty smirk wiped off his face.

“If we’re going to do this, I want to meet with you and Carl Hahn at the same time. Can you arrange that?”

“Of course,” Kenyon said. “We can meet at my office.”

“I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Jacob said. “I suggest my attorney’s office. After all, there is a sizable amount of money involved here.”

Kenyon hesitated for a moment, and Jacob could sense the wheels turning in his mind. Of course, he knew Carl had admitted that he was being paid to speak out about the injustices of the past. It had to be for a sizeable sum, or it wouldn’t have been enough motivation for Carl. If he could sober up long enough to collect.

“Okay, that’s agreeable. When?”

“I don’t see any reason to put this off,” Jacob said. “How about tomorrow morning at nine.”

“We’ll be there,” Kenyon said, and hung up.

Jacob could just imagine the exhilaration that Kenyon felt. He anticipated an announcement about Jacob’s resignation from Rinaldi, and would gladly pay Carl for his assistance in achieving that aim. He would give up the idea of a scathing attack on Jacob’s reputation as soon as he had what he wanted.

Jacob leaned back in his chair and smiled. He looked forward to how this was going to play out…if all went well.

*****

That night, Jacob came home with a smile on his face. Vivienne was glad to see it, since recently he’d been so worried. “Is something up?”

“Can’t I smile when I see the woman I love?”

Vivienne put her arms around his neck. “Yes, of course you can.” She kissed him. “But you have to tell me why you’re grinning like that, because I know it’s not the look of love.”

Jacob opened a bottle of wine, and they sat on the sofa to talk. “I figured it out,” he said. “First of all, our own accountant betrayed us.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I’m sure of it. It’s disheartening, but it’s better to know than be in the dark,” Jacob said. “I’m encouraged that it wasn’t a Rinaldi employee who turned traitor. But even so, our company has used this firm ever since Vico ran the company.”

“Why would he turn against you?”

“He was paid to turn over information,” Jacob said. “That’s how Kenyon got hot on my trail.”

“What did the accountant tell him?”

“When Vico saved me from the state facility, it wasn’t without cost. He hired an attorney who handled juvenile cases, and paid for my defense. Even without going to juvenile court, there were papers to file and legal matters to handle.”

Vivienne took another drink of wine. This was getting interesting. “And?”

“All those financial records were with the CPA firm. I provided all the records to an independent firm recently. I had gone over a lot of it on my own, but more was uncovered by the new accountant.”

“Like what?”

“In the files, there was mention of the attempted murder,” Jacob said. “That makes sense, because the attorney had been retained to take care of that issue. And to assist with the proceedings for my legal adoption.”

Jacob looked at her. “It was all there. Everything. And Kenyon bought off my accountant to get those private financial records. I’m sure he didn’t know he was going to hit the jackpot…even Carl Hahn’s name was there.”

“That explains it,” Vivienne said. “Then all he had to do was find Carl.”

“Yes, and I know how he did that.” Jacob proceeded to fill her in. He told her all about how Kenyon had done his dirty work. But even more than that, he relayed what Carl had been up to all these years. And, most surprising, what Kenyon’s real motive was.

“Oh my God. I can’t believe it.”

Jacob leaned back, looking very satisfied with himself. “And that’s not the best part,” he said. “I have a meeting set for tomorrow with both of them…at my attorney’s office.”

Vivienne grinned. “I wish I could listen in on that conversation.”

Jacob laughed. “It’s going to be a good one. I guarantee it.”

Chapter 8

The next morning, Jacob went for his jog, feeling more positive about the future than he had in a while. He covered his usual route in good time, and returned to shower. Dressed in an expensive suit and silk tie, he went to the kitchen to find Vivienne. “You look very dashing and sophisticated,” she said.

“I’m off to my attorney’s office, so I might as well look the part,” Jacob said, then kissed her goodbye.

Vivienne pulled him down for another kiss. “Call me as soon as it’s over.”

Jacob’s birthday wish came to mind. He wasn’t the frivolous sort, nor did he cling to superstition. But when he’d blown out the candles that day, he’d wished for a way out…what he wanted more than anything. He’d wished that he’d find his way through the darkness, so he could be with Vivienne.

*****

Jacob was the first to arrive at his attorney’s office. The receptionist greeted him cordially, then escorted him to the conference room. His attorney, Vaughn Sanger, came in for some last-minute coordination.

“Are we ready to go?” Jacob said.

“Yes, I arranged it all,” Vaughn said. He stayed for a few minutes and went over the plan one last time. Then he patted Jacob on the back. “I’ll be in my office. Just buzz if you need me to come in.”

“I will,” Jacob said.

When Vaughn left, the room seemed unusually quiet. It was soundproofed, and the double-paned windows restricted noise from the city below. Jacob went to the window to look out. This was the day that he’d waited for; now it was here.

Jacob would soon have his enemies in one room, facing him. No more secrets or clandestine operations. All would be revealed, and the situation would take on a new blush. He was surprisingly calm, considering the magnitude of what he intended to do.

It wasn’t long before the door opened. The receptionist ushered the two men inside, and offered coffee, but they declined. She gave Jacob a smile and a nod, then closed the door behind her. He looked at his enemies, giving them a final assessment.

“Good morning, gentlemen. Please take a seat.”

Carl Hahn wore a navy-blue tie and white shirt, with a suit that didn’t quite fit him. It hung in the wrong places and the shoulders were too big. Jacob guessed it had been loaned to him, as he hadn’t seen him wear business attire before.

Carl had taken time to groom his hair for this moment of glory, and looked better than the other time Jacob had seen him. But his blue eyes looked flat, and his posture sagged. It appeared that he hadn’t had that first drink of the day; there was no alcohol to give him the appearance of life.

When Carl took a seat at the far end of the oval table, Daniel Kenyon pulled out a chair some distance from him. There was no love between them, despite their mutual purpose. Jacob inwardly mocked Kenyon for his audacity, yet kept his demeanor calm and controlled.

Kenyon wore a designer suit, a metallic gray material with a snobbish sheen to it. He wore a red tie that was ostentatious and meant to be a symbol of power. It was laughable, really, and Jacob enjoyed watching him in his final hurrah.

The man’s dark hair was short-cropped, but stylish. His beard was precisely trimmed and his nails manicured. He was a man who considered himself important, even if no one else did. His narrowly set eyes held a look of contempt, and his stiff body language showed his disdain.

The two men were an unlikely pair, one a street bum, and the other a pampered stepson of a well-respected importer. Yet each possessed unbelievable conceit, unrelated to their status in life. It was as if they’d been born with a superior attitude that failure hadn’t altered, nor did logic or reason affect it.

Convinced that they were better, that any other person didn’t merit their care or concern, each man had lived life with solely his interests in mind. Jacob cringed to think of the harm that had been done as a result of their utter disregard for others. Neither man had any sense of friendship or loyalty, or any respect for family.

Kenyon leaned back in the chair and clasped his hands together. The smug look on his face was irritating. “You’re a smart man, Jacob. I knew you’d come around. I’d like to get this over with quickly, if we can.”

Jacob sat at the opposite end of the table and stared at the other two men. “I’m all for that.”

Carl shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable in the conference room atmosphere, and out of his league. But the hatred in his eyes didn’t waver. He poured a glass of water and left it sitting on the table in front of him, probably wishing it was vodka.

Kenyon leaned forward on his elbows.

Jacob sat up, his shoulders straight. “Do you have something you want to say?”

“You know what we want,” Kenyon said. “I expect your resignation from Rinaldi to be submitted today, and I’d like a copy of it. It would be best if you moved out of the country.” He paused, seeming to gloat, or maybe he just liked the sound of his own voice.

“And I suggest that you take Vivienne Lake with you,” Carl said in a raspy voice. “You seem overly attached to her, and I’m sure you don’t want any harm to come to her.”

Hearing Vivienne’s name mentioned in a derogatory way sent a shot of adrenaline through Jacob’s veins. Just for a second, he nearly lost his cool. Carl was the last man that should speak of attachment, being a man who had no clue about it.

Jacob spoke sharply, his voice booming out in the small room. “You won’t mention her name again.” He glared at Carl. “Harming is your specialty. But you won’t have the opportunity…not anymore.”

“You’re making the right decision,” Kenyon said, diverting the attention back to him. “I would hate to see your family endure the onslaught of bad press.” His sympathetic words were inconsistent with his vile tone.

Jacob allowed them to gloat a little longer, rather enjoying watching them make fools of themselves. They acted like they’d won, and it was satisfying to know that their false confidence was about to be shattered. When Kenyon seemed to grow impatient, Jacob had had enough.

“You are right. I have made the right decision.” Jacob stood up. “Only I won’t be resigning from Rinaldi.”

The look on Kenyon’s face changed; he appeared puzzled. Carl didn’t react at first, a bit out of it, as if his senses were dulled.

“I figured it out, Kenyon. I know how you gained information.” Jacob shook his head. “Tsk, tsk, buying off my accountant. Whatever you paid him, it wasn’t enough. He won’t work again, not in this city.”

Kenyon acted insulted. “It doesn’t matter. You’re still screwed.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Jacob said. He paced a few steps. “Actually, you should be more concerned about your welfare.”

“I have no idea what you mean,” Kenyon said.

“Oh, don’t you?” Jacob stood quietly for a moment, letting the man squirm. “For a while, I couldn’t understand why it was so important to you to get me out of the way.”

Kenyon’s eyes widened, but he remained silent.

“Over the years, I’ve spoken out against you…when you’ve suggested programs that weren’t in everyone’s best interests,” Jacob said. “And I’m sure you had no doubt that I would find out how you amassed all the money you have.”

“Do you have a point here, Jacob?” The barb had no bite to it. Kenyon’s haughtiness began to crumble.

“You know where I’m going with this, don’t you?” Jacob stared at Kenyon.

Carl spoke up. “I don’t. I thought we were here to settle this matter. What the hell are you doing, Jacob?”

“Shut up, Carl. I have the floor. And I’m not done,” Jacob said. He returned his focus to Kenyon, who seemed to shrink in the chair.

“You’re a greedy asshole, Kenyon, and you’ve been stealing from your stepfather.” The statement was like a slap in the face. Jacob watched the man falter.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Jacob chuckled. “Nice try, but weak. You’ve been embezzling from Williamson Imports, using various entities to hide the transactions. And you’ve been stashing the money offshore.”

“You’re crazy!”

“And in your demented mind, you assumed if I vanished that you’d get away with it. Only that’s not going to happen. I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere.” Jacob crossed his arms.

“And your scheme backfired. By launching your attack against me, all you succeeded in doing was getting my attention. It made me highly motivated to discover the impetus for your actions.”

Kenyon was speechless.

“You sought to label me as a killer, and thus disarm me.” Jacob took a couple of steps closer. “It was a desperate solution from a desperate man.”

“Jacob…please…we can discuss this.”

Carl watched as if trying to follow what was going on.

“I’ve turned the evidence over to the authorities,” Jacob said. “You’ve embezzled millions, which is a felony. That means you’re facing up to twenty-five years in prison.”

Jacob watched Kenyon fade before his eyes. “And you compounded the direness of your fate by committing illegal acts repeatedly. From what my attorney tells me, what might have been only one count of grand larceny may turn out to be multiple crimes.

“Your scams involved government agencies and tax evasion,” Jacob said. “So the Feds are keen on prosecuting.”

Kenyon looked down at the table. “I want to contact an attorney.”

“If you can afford one,” Jacob said. “The only funds you have are stolen, and your stepfather assures me that he has no intention of paying for your defense.” He took a breath. “Your fate may be in the hands of the public defender.”

The intercom buzzed, and the receptionist’s voice filled the room. “There are two federal officers here to see Daniel Kenyon.”

“He’s on his way out,” Jacob said.

Kenyon stood up and straightened his jacket. He looked at Jacob with a defeated expression, then walked slowly toward the exit. He didn’t say another word. When he disappeared and the door clicked shut behind him, Jacob turned his attention to Carl.

Under his ill-fitted suit, Carl still appeared physically strong, a reminder of his brutality. “What the hell just happened?”

Jacob sat down. Two chairs separated them, but he was close enough to smell the man’s cheap cologne. He looked at Carl, who glared back at him, then snarled, “Do you wish you’d succeeded when you tried to kill me?”

“I used to lie in bed at night,” Jacob said, “and pray for your death.”

Carl just sat there, like the soulless bastard he was.

“You should have had the sense to fear me, Carl.” After a beat, Jacob continued, “Certainly, I’ve given you enough reason to.” He paused. “Now you’re about to learn too late not to mess with me.”

“Is that any way to speak to your father?”

“You don’t know what the word father means,” Jacob said. “You were responsible for Flora’s death. You killed her, and always tried to blame me.”

Jacob leaned forward. “I can’t bring my mother back,” he said. “But all these years it’s tortured me with guilt, the knowledge that I didn’t do anything to make you pay…that you got away with it.”

Carl smirked. “That was a long time ago. It’s over.”

“Your biggest mistake, Carl, is that you continued to abuse women. It’s been a lifelong pattern.”

“And who’s going to stop me?”

Jacob pounded his fist on the table. “I am, Carl.” Suddenly, the man seemed to have no more to say.

“I know the names of many of the women you’ve hurt,” Jacob said. “There were complaints filed. That’s how Kenyon found you, wasn’t it?”

Carl blinked.

“Sarah Miller, a victim of one of your more recent brutalities, filed a complaint. I’ve spoken to her, and she knew the dive where you’d been staying. Kenyon ran a background check on you, discovered the complaint, and went to see her. She told Kenyon where to find you, didn’t she?”

“So what?”

“You’re such a piece of work, Carl. You pick on helpless women. I know the pattern. You manage to charm them, get things started, then the narcissistic cycle begins. In a drunken rage, you abuse them, even kill them.”

“It’s their own damn fault,” Carl said. “They don’t listen…just like you.”

“So far there have been no convictions on your record, and do you know why that is?”

Carl snarled, “No, tell me, smart-ass.”

“Because the women were afraid to fight you, feared for their lives, or they just plain didn’t have the money to pay for a defense.”

“That’s just too bad,” Carl said. “It’s my life. I think this discussion is over. You messed up my only chance at having anything, just like you always do. With Daniel gone, there’s nothing for me here.”

Carl started to stand up, but Jacob leaned over and put a hand on his shoulder. “The only place you’re going is jail.”

“You can’t do that.”

Jacob didn’t falter. “Under New York law, a conviction for a felony assault carries a five- to twenty-five-year prison sentence.”

Jacob proceeded to recite the definition he’d memorized. “A felony assault occurs when the perpetrator willfully, or with intent to cause serious bodily injury or death, strikes another person, or places that person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.”

“You have no evidence.”

“But each of the women you abused does have evidence,” Jacob said. “Each one has a case against you. We can start with Sarah, who you almost strangled to death with a cord. Then there is the woman you struck in the head with an iron in the throes of a drunken rage. Or let’s take the woman you threw out the window from a second-story apartment, who can’t walk anymore.”

Carl was seething.

“Shall I go on?” Jacob got right in his face. “And now, each of those women is no longer alone, defenseless against you. A civil case would be useless, since you have no money to compensate them. But assault is a criminal matter, and the cases have been brought to the court’s attention.”

Carl stood up to leave. “I should have killed you when you were a boy.” He spun and headed for the door, but it opened before he could get there.

A uniformed officer stepped forward. “Carl Hahn…you are under arrest for the felony assault of Sarah Miller.” And he proceeded to read his rights and make the arrest.

Carl was shuffled out of the room in handcuffs, and when the door snapped shut, Jacob expelled a breath. As a child, he’d had no way to fight back against the abuser who had taken his mother. Jacob had finally stopped the evil and made sure that the monster couldn’t hurt any other women. It was a soul-cleansing feeling.

Chapter 9

It was finally over. Jacob had broken through the darkness and defeated the evil that had stolen his heart at a vulnerable age. When he told Vivienne about it, he said, “I’ll never forget Flora…but now she can rest in peace.”

Not long after, Jacob took Vivienne back to France. She had some business in Paris with Alfred, but their stay was mostly for pleasure. The first couple of days, she attended to meetings with perfume suppliers, and coordinated details with her business partner.

She’d told Alfred about the recent events, and he was happy for her. “I had a feeling that Jacob was the man for you.”

Vivienne smiled. “You were so right,” she said. “And what about you? Am I going to meet the woman of your dreams?”

Alfred beamed. “We will have to get together while you’re still in France. I know you’ll adore Margot, just as I do.”

It was wonderful to see Alfred in love. He was a good person, and deserved happiness.

“Paris has been rewarding in many ways. Most of all because I’ve fallen for a Frenchwoman,” Alfred said.

“So you’ll be staying in Paris for a while?”

“For several weeks,” Alfred said. “Then we’ll see.”

Vivienne gave him a hug and wished him well. “I’ll look forward to hearing everything when you return to New York. And let’s have dinner soon. I really want to meet Margot.”

*****

The weather in Paris had improved since their last visit. After months of cold, dark days, the warming temperatures offered a gentle thaw to the city. Jacob and Vivienne explored some of the beautiful parks and gardens, soaking up any available sun or warmth on a café terrace.

They spent time strolling around a couple of the city’s charming neighborhoods. There was even a parade at Place du Chatelet, and they joined the spectators to watch the vibrant procession. Vivienne was still passionate about the theater, and Jacob managed to get front-row seats to a show.

Arm in arm, they toured Paris, the city brimming with life. One morning they admired Monet’s artwork at the Musée d’Orsay, and in the afternoon they climbed Montmartre to enjoy a picnic on a small green patch of lawn opposite the vineyards. But few things were as romantic as the restaurants with their authentic French cuisine and cozy atmospheres. On more than one evening, Jacob shared a second bottle of wine with Vivienne, and they talked endlessly.

One such place was Chez L’Ami Jean, a restaurant bursting with patrons talking animatedly, gesturing and laughing. It was a little like a play, with servers delivering bowls of delectable items to the tables, buzzing with conversation. The chef stood at the edge of the kitchen clapping sternly at the waiters, who weren’t ferrying the food quickly enough.

Jacob and Vivienne arrived and their reservation was scratched off a thick book before they were led to their table. They sat back with a glass of house red, while the kitchen prepared their meals. Vivienne’s veal with mushrooms and scallions was spectacular, as was Jacob’s slow-cooked beef with carrots. Dessert was riz au lait, a French rice pudding, topped with luscious caramel and nuts. It was heavenly.

*****

After the wonderful days in Paris, they drove to the villa in Provence. Vivienne took in the sight of the bright flowers across the fields and the colorful blooms on the fruit trees. Jacob held her hand, his expression filled with joy.

During this special time together, Jacob had shared many confidences, as had Vivienne. As they opened up to each other, each moment drew them closer, and she cherished the intimacy. Yet when she looked into Jacob’s blue eyes, it seemed as though he still held a secret close to his heart.

Vivienne thought it was the happiness that welled inside him, as if he’d been gifted a key to the future, one that made him glow from within. She basked in his love, content to see him free of shadows and filled with hope.

Vivienne looked forward to the days in the French countryside, followed by the nights alone in the villa. She loved Jacob so much, and in touch with her deepest desires, her true sexual nature, she wanted to please him.

As they rounded a curve, the villa came into view. The stone structure rose on the top of the hill, and it felt like home. When they arrived, Jacob put his arm around her to lead her up the path, but instead of going inside he took her out to the terrace.

It was nearly dusk, and the blue sky was painted with wispy clouds, backlit in orange and gold. Vivienne looked in amazement at the stairs to the garden. There were hundreds of red candles in crystal glasses displayed on the stone steps, their delicate flames flickering in the early evening light.

Jacob guided her to the edge of the terrace, and they gazed at the lovely candles that he’d had lit before their arrival. “Jacob, they’re so beautiful.”

When his lips touched hers, Vivienne melted against him, and he wrapped his arms around her. It was a moment she’d always remember. Her heart swelled with love. As he released her, there was a motion in the sky. Vivienne looked up to see a small plane flying low across the darkening blue sky.

Then, as if my magic, thousands of flowers cascaded from the plane. As it slowly glided over the terrace, red roses covered the stone walkways and the gardens below. Vivienne gazed in awe at the blanket of fragrant flowers. It was such a romantic gesture that it brought tears to her eyes.

As she turned to face him, Jacob took her hands in his. He was so handsome in the dimming light, and so impossibly sexy. “When we were last at this villa, we’d only just met,” he said.

“That seems so long ago.”

Jacob’s blue eyes filled with emotion. “I asked you something then…do you remember?”

“You asked me to agree to be your submissive,” Vivienne said.

Jacob kissed her fingertips. “I asked you the wrong question,” he said, and Vivienne’s heart skipped a beat.

“I thought I wanted you to share my playroom, hoping you could satisfy me.”

Vivienne held her breath.

“And you did, Vivienne. But that wasn’t what I truly wanted,” Jacob said. “I just didn’t know it then.”

In the stillness of the evening, Vivienne heard the soft chirp of a sparrow. She wanted to ask what Jacob really wanted, but was unable to find her voice.

“I want to share my life with you, Vivienne.” Still holding her hand, Jacob got down on one knee, there at the top of the stairs. “Please marry me. I want you to be my wife.”

Tears filled Vivienne’s eyes, and her throat locked up so that she couldn’t speak.

“I want to be with you…always,” Jacob said. He withdrew a ring from his pocket, the diamonds glittering in the candlelight on the steps. He held it up so she could see. “I promise the best future I’m capable of giving you.”

Jacob’s sweet promise was a dream come true.

“Marry me, Vivienne.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she brushed them away. “Yes…yes,” she said through the tears. “I’ll marry you.”

Jacob slid the ring on her finger and wrapped his arms around her. When his lips touched hers, Vivienne trembled with joy. He dug his hand into her hair and pressed deeper into the kiss. Then Jacob released her and looked into her eyes. “I love you, baby…so much.”

If you enjoyed Jacob’s romance, you’ll want to read the other Rinaldi Romances. Each of his brothers, and his younger sister, has a love story of their own. You can see them all here: RINALDI ROMANCES

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Sweet Promise by Emily Jane Trent ©2016 All Rights Reserved

Published By Camden Lee Press

Cover Art by Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design - www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk

Emily Jane Trent writes steamy romances about characters you’ll get to know and love. The sex scenes are hot, and the romance even hotter! If you are a fan of stories with a heroine that’s got spunk and a hunk of a hero that you’d like to take home with you, these stories are what you’re looking for.