One week earlier
Darius set the papers down on his desk and sat back. He was perplexed… Intrigued but perplexed. When he’d received the phone call yesterday, he’d thought it was a joke. A father couldn’t truly be serious offering his child in exchange for money.
Though, as Darius went through the files on Alannah Miles, he was beginning to realize that Edwin Miles was more than serious. The man was willing to trade his daughter for cash.
Normally, Darius wouldn’t give the scum of a man the time of day. His time was too valuable to waste, and he didn’t make poor business decisions. However, he was curious... What was in it for Alannah? Was she going along with her father? How far was she willing to go?
He looked at her photograph, picking it up from his desk for at least the twentieth time. She was beautiful… well, she was gorgeous... Her long dark hair was pinned back in the photo, and her dark brown, almost black eyes, were mysterious as if she had secrets she was trying to hide from the world.
Her nose had the slightest bend to it as if it was broken at one time, but had healed nicely, giving her face an almost softer look. Her beauty was rounded off by her high cheekbones, and the oval shape of her face.
Darius hadn’t been intrigued in a long time over a woman, but Alannah Miles had his undivided attention. He’d placed a post a week ago, needing a new public relations representative.
It was placed in extremely select listings as he didn’t want, nor need, the general public to apply. He wanted only the best. The call from Edwin Miles hadn’t been the call he’d been expecting. With irritation, he lifted his phone and dialed the man’s direct line.
“Edwin Miles.”
“This is Darius King. I’ve thought about your offer, and I’ve decided to accept.”
Darius felt no need to offer anything else.
“That’s great, Darius. Why don’t you come by my house tomorrow and we can sign the papers,” Edwin replied, excitement rushing over the line.
He was even more disgusted.
“It’s Mr. King, and I have conditions,” Darius warned, to which there was a long pause on the other end of the line.
“What would those be?” the man finally asked, not responding to the scolding of the man being too familiar with his name.
“Is your daughter aware of our… deal?”
“I’ve told her that it’s time she gets a job. She’s had it too easy for too long. It’s time she stops living off of me and learns how to make it in the real world,” Edwin said, evading the question.
‘She is a spoiled heiress, then.’
Darius should just let it go and move on, but for some reason, he couldn’t. Well, he had a couple of reasons. One of which was the people Alannah Miles knew. And the second one… well, that one he still hadn’t figured out.
“Is she going to give me trouble?”
“Not at all, Mr. King. My daughter has been taught to behave since she was very little,” Edwin said with an evil laugh.
A shudder rippled down Darius’s spine. He wasn’t even in the room with Edwin, but the man oozed filth. People like him would eventually fail. His supposed family was just like Edwin Miles… full of greed and not afraid to walk on people to get what they wanted.
“Fine! I’ll meet you at your place, but not until next week. My attorney will have the paperwork ready.”
He hung up the phone without saying anything further. The less he talked to the slime ball, the more he’d be able to digest making a deal with the devil. Pushing those thoughts from his mind, Darius picked up the second stack of paperwork on his desk, this time a genuine smile popping out on his face.
It was time! Finally, he had what he needed to start his takeover of the men who’d killed his parents. It was long past time. Darius’s lips turned up in what would look like a smile to the rest of the world.
“Soon… Very soon, Mother…” he whispered. “This is another step…”
Darius was suddenly impatient to close the deal and get Alannah Miles. He thought about going after her, but he wasn’t an impulsive man, or at least with most people he wasn’t.
His lips softened as he thought of his one and only friend, Britany. His only impulsive act, ever, had been to offer to marry her. He would’ve, too, had she said yes. Luckily, Erik, the baby’s father, had come back into her life, and not only wanted to do the right thing, but Erik was deeply in love with Britany.
Darius didn’t believe in happily-ever-after love, but it was hard to deny that Britany and Erik were deeply in love. The way they looked at each other was almost disturbing.
He shook off thoughts of Britany. He couldn’t carry out his plans if he thought of his best friend. She’d kill him if she knew what he was up to. He’d never spoken of his past with anyone, not even her. But he’d made a promise to his mother, on her bedside. It was a promise he intended to keep no matter what.
*****
Present Day
Darius’s eyes followed Alannah as she sat at a small table, away from prying eyes. This was her sister's wedding reception and she looked quite tired. He had to admit she had a natural grace and beauty about her that could easily reel a man in. Darius wasn’t worried about getting too attached. He wasn’t interested in love. He’d been there, done that... no more...
She was just another piece of the puzzle to the grand design of his life, to the purpose he’d practically been made for. He could succeed without her, but… why should he? He liked what he saw, and with such an appealing package up for grabs, Darius figured, why not?
Alannah was almost meaningless… almost. She just happened to have a best friend who was a part of the family he was close to taking over. With her father so easily trading his daughter, who was he to refuse?
The meeting with her father hadn’t been pleasant. The man was the lowest kind of scum, but Darius figured he was doing Alannah a favor getting her out of there. Not that she seemed to be in a hurry, from everything he’d learned so far.
While watching Alannah Miles slowly walking away from the wedding party, Darius’s mind drifted as he thought about his conversation with Edwin Miles.
“Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. King,” Edwin said, obviously pleased at having Darius in his office.
The man was practically drooling as he waited for Darius to sign on the dotted line. Darius was silent as he towered over the guy. He wasn’t there to make friends with Edwin. He was there for a business transaction.
He had done his research. He knew Edwin was in deep enough trouble that he needed the deal they were making. Mr. Miles still had the rest of the world fooled, planning a huge, over-the-top wedding for his daughter, living large in his huge mansion, driving his luxurious car… but Darius knew Edwin was close to bankrupt. He’d made poor business choices, and had lost billions of dollars.
The man was practically a slithering idiot at the opportunity to do business with Darius’s corporation. Darius owned thousands of properties throughout the world, making only the finest of wines. He knew how to choose the land, pick the vines, and staff the property to make wine in which royalty was on stand-by for.
He seemed to have the Midas touch because every venture he invested in, every dollar he made, ended up tripling. He couldn’t seem to lose when it came to financials, but it was never enough. None of it was. Only retribution could soothe his troubled soul.
“To be honest… Edwin,” he stressed the name, letting the man know that even though Edwin couldn’t address Darius informally, Darius certainly would take the opportunity to do so to Edwin, “I wasn’t going to take you up on your offer, but then I did some research… It made me change my mind. I’m absolutely intrigued by why on earth you’d basically sell your own child.”
Darius left the words as a statement, seeing if Edwin would fill in the blanks.
“You placed an ad. I just happen to have a solution. I’m looking for investors, so it seemed a mutually beneficial deal. I’m a very private man, though, and the terms of our agreement are to stay between us… I hope,” Edwin replied, showing a bit of the backbone that had made him billions of dollars.
“I’m a private man myself, Edwin.”
Edwin gazed at him for a few silent moments. Darius could see the man was trying to decide if Darius was for real or not. Though Darius’s passion was his vineyards, he was well-known throughout the world as a smart investor. It was common knowledge that he never invested in a losing company.
Darius knew he’d most likely lose every dime of the money he sunk into Miles’ enterprises but it didn’t matter. This wasn’t about making money, it was about payback, and Darius didn’t care if he lost millions. It was unimportant to him.
“Fine... It looks like we’re both agreeable. Are you going to accept the offer?” Edwin finally asked, sitting back, trying to portray a man with confidence, who was slightly bored, but he wasn’t pulling it off.
“Well… I’m willing to invest ten million into your project.”
He paused, letting his words sink in.
“But only if your daughter is… willing to cooperate.”
Edwin waited for more. Darius said nothing else.
“How… willing?” Edwin finally asked, his eyebrow beading with sweat as he nervously waited for Darius’s reply.
It was obvious the man didn’t think his daughter was worth ten million dollars. In reality, he was most likely right. The only woman Darius knew was worthing that kind of money, even more, was already taken.
“Do you really want to know?” Darius mocked.
Darius was still standing, towering his six-foot-plus frame over the small man. He bent down, his knuckles grazing the desk. He knew intimidation was his best tactical maneuver.
“I can’t make any guarantees about her attitude, but I’ll make sure she works hard,” Edwin replied slightly, the perspiration starting to drip from his eyebrow.
“I wouldn’t be too concerned about her attitude. From everything I’ve learned about her, your daughter seems to be quite… accommodating,” Darius mocked.
He watched as Edwin blanched, but didn’t back down. The man was truly selling his daughter, even with Darius leaving the impression that he wanted her for nothing more than a sex slave.
Darius wanted to turn and walk from the room, dismissing the entire deal, but the more he sunk into this twisted family, the more he desired to know about Alannah Miles. But he’d have his answers soon enough.
His cold green eyes showed none of the emotions raging through him as he pulled the pen from his breast pocket. He signed the paper before looking into the greedy eyes of his newest investee. It was the first time he’d signed a deal that made him almost throw up.
Alannah awoke, stretching out her arms before daring to look at the clock next to her bed. With a quick glance, she saw it was only seven in the morning and she was a bit disappointed with herself. She knew she’d never be able to get back to sleep, but she’d so hoped she’d sleep until at least nine, maybe even ten. With frustration running through her, Alannah stumbled from the bed and dragged herself to the bathroom. The long, hot shower woke her in a refreshingly pleasant way, and she scrubbed the rest of the wedding stench from her body. ‘No more weddings… Not for me…’ she thought She took her time putting her hair up and applying make-up. She wanted to make her father wait on her for some r
“Sir, another letter has come in.” Darius turned, only half-listening to the man who’d just walked in, speaking to Edwin. Alannah was late. Darius watched as her father nervously looked toward the door, then the clock. Darius didn’t miss anything, and he could see the fury brewing in Edwin’s eyes. It seemed he didn’t like his daughter taking her sweet time getting there. He didn’t like waiting on the spoiled girl, either, but his irritation was pushed down as he watched Edwin grow more upset. Women were notoriously late, and Darius didn’t see a reason for the rage behind Edwin’s eyes. ‘Interesting…’ he thought.“What are you talking about?” Edwin snapped at his head of security.&nb
He watched the emotions flicker across Alannah’s expression. What was that he was seeing? Fear? Anxiety? Apprehension? All three of them and more? The girl was genuinely afraid of something… or someone? Was she afraid of him? Was she afraid of… her father? ‘Yes, that was it... Her father scared the life out of her just by saying those two words and by using that tone…’ Darius observed. The fear of her father was obvious, but there was more to her story. There was something just below the surface of all the other emotions. He almost laughed aloud at the thought. He was paying good money to find out more about Alannah Miles. Her father was basically selling her to him. Darius was starting to think he was the one who’d gotten the bargain
Darius observed as she glanced to the ground, placing a mask on her face before she looked back up to her father. His body hummed as he sat next to her, thinking of the possibilities of all the hours they’d work together. He felt a powerful attraction to Alannah that seemed to be growing by the minute. It had been a while since his last… arrangement with a woman. Darius knew better than to get involved with employees. However, Alannah Miles wasn’t going to work for him forever. What would be the harm if they had an affair? He’d still get what he ultimately wanted, and after all, they were both consenting adults…“Mr. King… I… Uhm… I don’t think I’m qualified for this job,” she said, bringing him back to their conversation.&nb
Alannah stood next to the stretch limo, unsure of how she should say goodbye to her father. She had to bottle the excitement she was feeling at escaping him. He’d probably strangle her on the spot if he knew the extent of her happiness. She was unsettled about Mr. King’s expectations, though, and couldn’t keep a bit of that from showing through her otherwise stony expression. Still, Alannah couldn’t push away the thought that she was finally getting away from her father. She hoped and prayed she’d never have to step foot inside his house again. “I’d like to speak to my daughter alone for a moment, Mr. King,” Edwin said as the three of them stood beside the sleek car. “Make it quick, Miles. I have an important stop to make before the jet takes off,” Darius said as he glanced at his watch. A
Erik rolled his eyes and then looked over and noticed Alannah standing awkwardly next to the two of them.“Oh, hi there! Sorry, I didn’t see you… I’m Britany, Darius’s best friend, though you wouldn’t know it since the man never comes to see me anymore. The handsome man up there is my husband, Erik, and he’s holding our son, Matthew,” Britany said as she introduced herself and her family.“Very nice to meet you all… I am Alannah Miles… Uhm… I am Mr. King’s new employee,” Alannah said, stumbling over her words a little. Her nervousness could be felt by everyone in the room. Darius felt a bit of guilt over not explaining where they were going.“Mr. King? Ha! That’s so funny! Don’t worry about formalities here, Alannah. It’s a four-year-old
“I was wondering… What exactly am I supposed to be doing for you, Mr. King?” Alannah asked as they buckled their seatbelts and prepared for take-off. She wasn’t a fan of flying and hoped he’d at least speak to her, take her mind off the fact that soon they’d be flying over the ocean for the next twenty or so hours. She’d been in awe of his private jet, which had luxuriously soft carpet, a comfortable seating area, two bedrooms, a full-sized bathroom, and a kitchen. Her father had a company jet, but it paled in comparison to Darius’s. She felt like she’d stepped into a whole other world.“How about calling me Darius for a change?” he said looking at the airstrip.“I’ll try…” she said slowly. “So… Darius… What am I supposed to be doing for
Alannah looked at the outside of the tall building in front of her and felt her stomach drop. He was really there? A spa? Seriously?“What the hell am I doing here?” she whispered and shook her head. She should just turn around and go back to their hotel suite. She had no business being there. But she was tired of sitting in the interminable room, waiting for Darius to say something, to make her do something… to even acknowledge her presence. Every time she called Darius, it went immediately to voicemail, so Alannah was out of options. It was either this or… Well, she didn’t really have an ‘or’ in mind. She loved the suite, especially the deep tub in the bathroom, and twenty-four-hour room service. The room was stunning, beyond luxurious, and she’d
Alannah looked up into Darius’s intense face, his features so familiar, so stunningly handsome. He was wearing his tux, looking even better than she remembered. Her breath hitched as her body reacted. She felt herself wanting to fall into his arms and stay there for eternity. Without giving her a chance to refuse him, Darius pulled her into his arms and started moving in a slow circle, his hands positioned on her hips, his fingers caressing the sensitive dent of her back. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as his breath whispered across her face and he looked into her eyes, his own filled with intensity. The room faded away until it became just the two of them, the sound of the music guiding them along. When he started singing the words of the song while still loo
“I’m sorry, Mom, but you let me down. You lied to me my entire life, preventing me from having a family who loves me, and you almost cost me everything. You did cost me years… many years of happiness. You used your hands as punishment, you cut me down, and still, I loved you. I tried my best to honor you. What I’ve come to realize in the last three months, is that you didn’t deserve my honor or respect. I won’t come back here again. What you did to me was unforgivable. I hope you’ve found happiness wherever you are… I truly do, but I’m done with your burdens.” Darius stood over Charlotte King’s grave, a solitary flower in his hand. He’d come to say goodbye. For the last three months, he’d slowly gotten to know the men he’d vowed to harm, the cousins he’d thought were so evil.&
Cam choked on her final words as tears welled in her eyes. Darius was horrified. She told him the truth… Alannah was really in love with him… But she couldn’t be, because she never would’ve betrayed him if she was.“Where is she, Camryn?”“You don’t need to go there and upset her all over again. I swear if you hurt her again, Darius, you’ll have to deal with me!” Cam threatened. Darius looked at the petite girl before him, not standing more than a couple of inches over five feet, weighing less than half of him, and he realized she actually thought she could harm him. The thought was so absurd it made him smile, which was apparently the wrong move on his part. He jumped when the heel of her shoe slammed down on his foot.&ldqu
“I poured my soul to him and he just… left. He abandoned me after I told him I loved him…” Alannah said, her voice quiet, her body almost numb. “After everything that happened to me, I thought loving Darius was a gift, the most beautiful experience of my life. Why does it hurt so bad? Why I can’t shake this sadness away? Why do people choose to do this over and over again? I don’t understand how they can bare it…” She hadn’t seen Darius in two weeks. The first week she’d cried so much she thought she might die of a broken heart. Her face was all puffy and her eyes were red. Finally, the tears had stopped and a deep sense of numbness had set in, thankfully. She didn’t smile, didn’t cry, she just sort of existed.“Oh, sweetie… I promise it will get better, Lanah… I know this answer sucks, but just give it some time. H
Darius’s eyes scanned the crowd for the twentieth time in twenty minutes. He hadn’t seen Alannah since she’d been looking over the auction items, and he was getting ready to seek her out. He knew he didn’t have to be with her twenty-four-seven, but he was concerned her father may have snuck back in. He didn’t trust Edwin Miles… not one single iota. There was strong security present, but still, Darius felt better having her in his sights. Darius excused himself from the conversation, then turned around only to find Paul and Martin Jackson approaching him. Years of pure, unadulterated hatred brewed instantly to life as he eyed the men walking so casually toward him. His heart started to pound pretty hard. He too
He was beyond stunning… Darius was absolutely mouthwatering in his tux which fit him to perfection. She couldn’t take her eyes off the man as he stopped and chatted with various people at the fundraiser. As she gazed at him, Alannah knew she was in love… hopelessly, infectiously in love with him. She could tell Darius was starting to feel the same way about her. Alannah didn’t know how it had happened, but she’d been living with him for about a month, ever since that first night in his home. He’d changed. He hadn’t brought up his vendetta against the Jacksons. Alannah found the man she’d met who’d been seeking revenge, and the man making love to her every night were two completely different people. For the past month, Darius had put Alannah to wo
“What do you want to know?” Darius finally asked as he sat next to her and grabbed a cracker and a slice of cheese.“Everything.”“That’s a little vague, Alannah.”“You’re avoiding the subject, Darius. You expect me to turn on my best friend, the only person who’s always been good to me, and you’re not willing to give me any details. I hate to tell you this, but you must not have any friends if you think I’d do that,” Alannah countered, refusing to break their eye contact. Instead of anger, he gave a sheepish smile. The almost unguarded expression on his face sent her heart into overdrive. Wow, he was stunning when he didn’t look so angry.“Actually, I do have one friend… My best friend since… well, since I was a kid. Brit is my best friend and she’d have my hide if she knew anything ab
‘You are such a slut… I was always right about you, Alannah. You’re just like mother.’ She was on the ground… And the pain was excruciating… She was feeling the life leaving her body… she was feeling so drained.‘You allow this man to screw you… and to dispose of you like the trash you are,’ her father continued and kicked her in the gut a couple of times.‘Stop… Father… stop…’ she whispered and tried to push him away so that she could pull herself up from the dirty, bloody ground. ‘I love him… I love Darius… And he’s going to come for me… You’ll see…’‘He took what you gave him and he moved on! He’s never wanted to keep you in his life. You are a filthy whore and he has no use from you anymore. Neither
Darius pulled back as he tried to regain control over his body. He was frustrated. He’d just told her everything of his past, something he’d never shared. He was angry at his mother, his relatives…He told her about the pain he’d gone through. He didn’t know any other way to reign in the pain other than by taking control. He had to get control, needed it more than he needed the air in his lungs. He had to push away the vulnerability. As Darius pushed Alannah, he noticed the flush to her skin, that her eyes were dilated. She wanted him and he had to take her, had to push away the past. As he focused on desire, he was able to push the ill feelings away, forget about the Jacksons and his revenge. Everything in him pushed him to move forward, claim her as his own and ease the pain inside.