Adam's Fall Page 13

  I wished my love for Kathryn could lessen the revengeful urges I have toward my father, but nothing is going to make them go away.

  My father will pay. He hurt two beautiful young women, Kathryn and my mother. He drove them from this city, away from their lives.

  They are the only women who have held a place in my heart. One was lost, the other I’ve just found.

  Chapter 12

  The sun shines brightly into the room. The shadows of the night have disappeared, but the darkness of Kathryn’s confession still lingers with me. Nothing will make me forget the knowledge of what Thorpe did to her. Nothing. As each minute has passed by I’ve buried the anger inside, but the desire for revenge grows stronger, settling into my bones.

  Kathryn and I are still huddled together on her couch. She fell asleep as the soft pink sky turned blue. I refuse to move or speak and risk waking her.

  Sometime later, a sleepy Kathryn peeks up at me. Her eyes are swollen and red-rimmed from crying. My jaw clenches and releases as the reason for her sadness flashes through my brain again.

  “Good morning, beautiful.” My voice is raspy and dry from the scotch. Brushing a strand of hair from her face, Kathryn smiles. It reaches her eyes, genuine and full of emotion and a welcome change from a short time ago. “You seem happier this morning.”

  “I am.” She hugs me tight. Her touch is intimate and caring, with her arms around my bare chest, but not sexual. It’s more like a thank-you. “I’ve wanted to tell you about… him.” I can see the internal struggle in her eyes before she mentions last night’s topic. “Having you know is a weight off me, but I have a feeling it isn’t for you. I’ve had years to process and heal.”

  “You guessed right. While I’ve sat here holding you, I’ve wondered how I can hurt him for hurting you.”

  “Revenge?” She searches my eyes.

  “Yes, revenge for you and for my mother.” The thought of these two women being his victims serves to multiply my determination to make him pay. I want him broken, left with nothing.

  “I was young. Ollie was young. My father died when he confronted Thorpe.” She moves out of my lap and sits next to me on the couch, her eyes steady on mine. “My mother and I were a mess. Ollie would’ve had to testify against his own father on my behalf since he actually saw what happened. With Thorpe’s connections, any judge or jury wouldn’t be hard to pay off. No one would win except him. So I backed off and vowed to never think of the incident again.”

  “I’m so sorry, Kathryn.” I bring her hand to my mouth and kiss her knuckles. “You are such a strong woman. How can I stop the hate and desire for revenge?”

  “When I met Jean-Paul.” The late husband. I wonder what role he played in her healing. “He told me something that changed my life. He was a carefree man. The stereotypical skier type. Daring, looking to get the most out of every minute he was alive. Jean-Paul said that the human heart doesn’t have room for both hate and love. It’s one or the other.”

  “But surely he hated what Thorpe did?” I can’t imagine a man who loved Kathryn would blow off her attack so easily.

  “He hated what happened and probably hated Thorpe, too, but he didn’t dwell on it or want to get even. He told me love was the only way to heal from what happened. His favorite line was, ‘Hate is a disease, but love is its only cure.’ He was a pretty wise man.”

  I mumble, “I can’t think that way. I have to be honest.”

  “I had a few years of sorting through everything before I met Jean-Paul. Give it time, Adam. But his words are true.” She pulls one of her hands from mine and circles it over my chest before stopping in the center and pressing down. “This heart can’t be divided.”

  There is truth to what she’s saying. But I can’t let it go until Thorpe pays a hefty price. I want him humiliated, and then I’ll work on the love in my heart part.

  “Enough of this heavy stuff.” She moves forward to the edge of the couch. “How about some coffee?”

  I take a deep breath because I have more heavy stuff to tell her. “I need to talk to you about tonight.”

  “Tonight, as in the reception?” She sits back.

  “Yes.” I dread having to telling her this, but she must know. “Thorpe will be there tonight. I had no idea what happened to you, or I would’ve mentioned it before now. I thought you didn’t like him because he rejected Ollie for being gay.”

  Kathryn closes her eyes slowly and dips her head. When she raises her eyes to mine again, she looks resolved. “I want to be with you, Adam. I do. He knows who you are, right?”

  “I believe he does, although we’ve never spoken besides a short hello. He doesn’t want anything to do with me because I’m a reminder of a mistake he made.”

  “I suppose we both are, aren’t we?” Kathryn sums up our stance in Thorpe’s life perfectly.

  “Yes we are. I wish it was something we didn’t have in common.” I caress her cheek and let my thumb run over her lips. When she leans into my hand, I relish her subtle sign of affection.

  “Me, too. But I don’t want to run from the past. I want to live in the present with you, so I’m going.”

  “And the future?”

  “I’m hopeful,” she replies in a singsong voice while rising to her feet, pulling me forward with her. “But for now, my future depends on coffee.”

  “Lead the way.” I trail behind her and tap that sweet little ass before she gets too far ahead of me. “Caffeinate me, woman.”

  She giggles and runs toward the kitchen with me hot on her trail.

  After downing a cup of coffee, we head back to her bedroom. I haven’t glanced at my phone since last night, and damn, it feels liberating. But I can’t push off work entirely.

  I rummage around in the duffle bag I brought with me. My office suite resembles a mini-apartment, and I stock it with a full wardrobe and essentials because I stay overnight frequently. Last week it was every fucking night.

  I have scores of emails that need attending. One after another, fires still smolder from all the bad press I’ve battled. Perceptions have improved, though, but need more work. I hope tonight’s reception highlighting Kings as a new Fortune 100 company will help lift any lingering worries about our strength.

  I fire off a text to Peters, telling him to meet me at my office before he heads to the meetings related to tonight’s event. He responds immediately with a yes.

  Today’s meeting with him will be personal and regarding one person: Xavier Alexander Thorpe. My teeth grind together at the thought of him.

  “Is everything okay?” Kathryn stands beside me and places her hand on my arm.

  “Just fine,” I respond quickly, not wanting her to pick up on my stress. “I’m meeting Peters in two hours.” I stash the phone back in my duffle and turn my attention back to her.

  “I’m curious about this Peters. Who exactly is he?”

  “I met him when I came to the city. We lived close to each other in Brooklyn and hung out at the same pub. It was way before I hit the big time.” I fondly remember my shitty studio apartment. The experience makes me appreciate where I am now. “I wasn’t taking much of a salary those first few years. We reinvested every dollar back into the company. Peters works as a gatherer of information. A much-needed profession since Wall Street covets information above all else. He started working for me about nine years ago. Now I’m his only client.”

  “Oh, so he doesn’t work directly for Kings.”

  I don’t want to tell her why he’s more a personal employee than a corporate one for me. I’m not sure she would understand the need to have help from an insider who knows this city and those who run it. Both legally and illegally.

  “He’s more of an independent contractor.”

  “Got it. He knows where the bodies are buried.” She teases me with a wink.

  “Something like that. Let’s hit the shower.” The subject of Peters fades away, thankfully.

  “Yes, my hair.” She weaves her hands through the w
ild strands. “It’s out of control.”

  “Nah, I love it.” I pull her close while grabbing her hair in my fists. A carefree giggle escapes Kathryn’s lips. I smile and kiss her mouth.

  “Stop!” She tries to wiggle out of my arms, but I hold her tighter, not willing to let her go just yet. “Morning breath.”

  “It wasn’t bad,” I say and lick my lips to examine her taste on them. “A mix of coffee and scotch.”

  “Well, at least we match.” She pulls her fingers through my hair, twirling the ends.

  “We do. So no more protests.” I place one arm behind her knees, and with my other one supporting her back, I cradle her in my arms.

  “What are you doing? Put me down.” She laughs and smacks me.

  “This.” I dip my head down to hers and kiss her hard. This time she joins me and our tongues meet. What a fucking awesome way to greet the day.

  I travel down her neck with my lips, and she welcomes my approach by dropping her head back. I walk toward her master bathroom and as I approach the shower, I lower her legs to the floor.

  Neither of us is wearing many clothes. Kathryn has her robe, and I’ve got on jeans. “Undress for me, beautiful.” I am starving to see her bare flesh again. I crave this woman’s touch and body.

  “Ditto.”

  With her clothes discarded on the floor, I can’t keep my hands at my side, and I cup her firm breasts. Her nipples are already hard and firm and become even more so as I caress them. She steps closer to me and wraps her arms around my waist, making our connection stronger.

  “Get in the shower.” She raises her brow at my demand. “Now.” I lift my brow back at her, and she gets my drift. She smiles and follows my orders like an obedient student. But the real Kathryn peeps out behind the fire in her eyes.

  “Yes, sir,” she quips with a short giggle. Her words remind me of our last encounter in the shower. After her tears, I love seeing her playful like this. I push the thoughts of Thorpe’s attack away as soon as it comes to mind. That fucker won’t ruin this moment for us. He’s stolen enough already.

  “Showers bring out your submissive side, and I totally approve.”

  “Do you like bossing me around?” She looks over her shoulder at me while turning the showerheads on full force.

  “Well, I am used to telling people what to do. But honestly, I’d rather share the moment with you versus control it.” I have no idea where that came from. Usually I control everything about my interactions with women.

  Interactions would be the key word here, not relationships. What Kathryn and I have goes far beyond a mere interaction. When I analyze my treatment of women prior to Kathryn, I can’t deny it was based on complete selfishness. A twinge of guilt grabs me and twists.

  “I’m not sure what you’ve done to me, beautiful, but things have changed for me.” This isn’t an easy confession.

  “You’ve let yourself feel.” She looks me directly in the eye. No wavering. But can such a simple act really bring that type of head-spinning change? Perhaps it’s true. I had controlled my feelings with a tight fist, and once they were set free, my icy heart thawed. Her passion drew me to her like a moth to a flame, and I can’t pull away.

  She eases herself under the spray of warm water, and I’m in awe as it streams down the length of her body.

  “You know, you’re a wise and beautiful woman.” I let my hands wander over her body, mirroring the water’s flow. “And I’m one lucky bastard to be here with you.”

  “Yes, you are.” She points her finger into my chest.

  “Rather confident in yourself, huh?” I toss her attitude right back at her, and she coyly nods. “Well you should be. I’ve never met another woman like you.”

  “Just remember that when one of your backseat warmers shows up somewhere.”

  “Ouch! That hurts.” I place my hand on my chest.

  “Good.”

  “You know you’re special to me. Let me show you.” I grin.

  She opens her eyes a little wider while she looks up at me. That small change reveals so much to me. Trust and anticipation.

  Placing my hands at her waist, I gently push her back against the tiled wall. I slide my hands down her body as I kneel before her.

  With one of my hands anchoring her hip and the other behind her knee, I have one simple command. “Your leg over my shoulder, beautiful.”

  She complies and I worship.

  Chapter 13

  I open the door to Sant Ambroeus and follow Kathryn inside the restaurant. I won’t be joining her for breakfast but want to make sure she made it here safely. During the short drive over, I prepared myself for meeting Maurice again. Our first interaction left me labeled a womanizer, and I was warned I better not use or hurt Kathryn. He also mentioned that my cards were marked. This time the circumstances are different, I hope.

  “Ms. Kathryn.” I hear the voice of Maurice before I see him.

  “Good morning, Maurice,” Kathryn responds in cheerful greeting.

  He sees me as he comes up to Kathryn and kisses her cheek. His bright smile fades as he glares at me over her shoulder. They part, and I take a deep breath before extending my hand because I feel like I’m here to convince a “father” that I’m not so bad after all.

  “Maurice,” I say and stick out my hand. He looks me up and down before taking my hand. I squeeze his fist in return, trying to show him that my confidence isn’t in question. The same confidence that has helped me win many a deal in boardrooms and over business lunches in restaurants like this. Let’s see how it works on him.

  “Mr. Kingsley.” Maurice eyes me over the spectacles perched low on his nose. “I see you survived your little lovers’ shootout, as the papers say. The other guy wasn’t so lucky.”

  “Maurice, please,” Kathryn whispers sharply. “He saved my life. And please don’t believe what you read about Adam.”

  Maurice steps back and appraises me with his arms crossed over his chest. “You saved her?”

  “Yes.” I wrap my arm around Kathryn and pull her toward me. I kiss the top of her head so Maurice can understand the depth of my affection. Kathryn gazes into my eyes as I pull away. No one can confuse the intimacy we share with just one kiss. Not even Maurice. I want to him to know that my feelings for her are genuine. “But I think it may end up being the other way around in the end.”

  Maurice looks between us and chuckles. “Yes, I believe you’re right. But remember our conversation from before.”

  I tap my finger to my temple. “I won’t forget.” How could I? He pretty much threatened me with bodily harm if I hurt Kathryn.

  “Adam has behaved, Maurice.” She squeezes his arm in reassurance. “But I appreciate your concern for me.”

  “We enjoyed dinner last night.” The meal he sent us was nothing short of delicious even if I was afraid he poisoned the food. “But I’m afraid I can’t stay for breakfast with Kathryn. I have a meeting in a few minutes, and my driver is waiting for me outside.”

  “What a shame.” I’m surprised at Maurice’s lack of sarcasm. Perhaps I’m winning him over after all. “Here. Please take a muffin, and I’ll have my Sofia pour you a coffee. Cream and sugar?”

  “Thanks so much. Just cream.” Maurice grabs a muffin out of the counter display and hands it to me. His wife Sophia stands a few feet away from us, and I watch him pantomime pouring coffee into a cup after he turns to face her. She nods and scurries away.

  After removing my hand from around Kathryn’s back, I reach into my pocket and pull out my money clip. I remove a hundred and hand it to Maurice. He looks at me with a questioning eye. “It will cover Kathryn’s meal and my breakfast.”

  “Adam, you didn’t have to do that, but thanks.” I know she could buy the entire restaurant breakfast, but I want to pay for her. I’m old school in believing that providing for her needs should be my responsibility.

  “Yes, he does,” Maurice answers with a stern voice. “A man must take care of his lady, right?”


  “Exactly,” I reply. “I plan on doing just that.” If she only knew what I’m going to plan when I meet with Peters in a few minutes. The end of Xavier Thorpe’s reign as king of this city. He tried to harm Kathryn and in my eyes, killed her father. I’m sure there are countless other lives he’s left in tatters, and it’s a sin that he’s not paid for his crimes. Instead he’s been allowed to walk free to continue fucking up other people’s lives. It’s just another way to take care of her and one that would win Maurice’s approval.

  Sofia brings a cup of coffee to go and shoves it into my hands. “Here, I have other customers to serve.” It may take some time to win her over.

  “Thanks for the coffee, Sofia.” I give her my signature smile—the one that often stunned women’s panties off. She snorts and walks back into the kitchen.

  Kathryn hides her smile behind her hand while Maurice looks after his wife proudly.

  “I must attend to my customers, please excuse me.” Maurice nods at me.

  I hold up my coffee. “Thank you again.”

  I turn toward Kathryn. “I really need to get going. Eddie is waiting for me.” When she pushes out her bottom lip, I pull her to my side and whisper in her ear. “Sorry, beautiful.”

  “I understand.” She nestles into me, and I hate that I have to leave. “What time tonight? For the reception?”

  “The cocktail starts at seven.” I stare straight into her eyes before asking her a question. “Are you sure you’re okay with going tonight? Thorpe will be there front and center. He’ll be in his element.”

  “I want to be by your side tonight. We can’t avoid him forever, and I sure as hell don’t want him controlling our lives.” But then she adds with a smirk. “Just make sure we don’t sit at his table.”

  Her humor and stubbornness make me smile in return. “I agree. And no worries about seating. I requested a table some distance from him. I’ll be at your apartment at six thirty.”