Page 84 of Piece Of Me

“The nerve,” Malcom stumbled over his words, but Taz kept on.

“I know you think because Scarlet is a Bridgestone that she’s your meal ticket. A way to live the life you threw away because you’re weak. Because you like women and gambling. I know your father removed you from his will. That he scrubbed the internet of your existence because you’re a stain on his name. There’s no wife, but there was a fiancée, a rich woman from England, Rose Danver. Her family is in the equity business. She found out about Scarlett, and Noelle, and Tina. She broke things off and now you have nothing but this tiny thread that holds you to Scarlett. But the thread’s gone and you need money, so tell me how much. This offer is good for the next thirty seconds, so I suggest you accept it. I’ve got a legal document here. You will sign and then we’ll never have to see your sorry face again.”

“You can’t afford what I want.” Malcom pointed at Scarlett. “What her family will pay.”

“Last time.” Taz glared at him. “How much?”

Malcom seemed to be considering an answer and then with a shrug he smiled. “Five million pounds.”

“Done.”

Wait. What? Scarlett’s mouth fell open in shock.

“Taz, you can’t…it’s too much.” What the hell was going on? She felt like she’d just been punched in the gut.

Taz turned to her. “Let me do this.” His voice was earnest. “Let me help you cut the cancer from your life.” His voice thickened. “Then we can live ours.”

Before she had a chance to reply he called a number on his cell and then handed it to Malcom. “Give him your details. Let’s be clear. Once you sign these papers and accept these funds into your account, you have no claim on Hank. You will not contact Scarlett again, because if you do, I will personally make it my business to kick your ass all the way back to Ireland.” His face darkened and his voice lowered. “That’s if I let you leave the state of Montana.”

Taz Pullman was serious, his expression black. Malcom took the phone and gave a bunch of numbers to whomever was on the other end. While he was busy, Taz produced a document that was simple and to the point. She signed it and then took a step back, holding on to Hank so tight that he whimpered.

“Sorry,” she whispered shakily, kissing the top of his head.

Malcom signed it with a flourish and after Taz gave the okay, they waited for the transfer to go through. It was a large sum and took a bit of time, but Taz stayed close, his touch warm and reassuring.

Eventually Malcom checked his bank for the tenth time at least, and he slowly nodded his head, happy with what he saw.

“Okay, then,” he said, “not sure how you pulled that off, being a mere cowboy.”

“I’m Temple Holdings,” Taz retorted. “Remember that. Google it if you have to. You don’t want to tangle with me.”

Malcom’s eyes fell. “I’ll be off.”

“Not before I say something.” Scarlett handed her son to Taz and walked over to Malcom. His skin was still flushed a deep red, and a nervous tick had developed near his eye. “I hope you live the life you deserve, and I don’t doubt you will eventually. Maybe not next week or next year or even ten years from now. But you will. Your looks will fade and your charm along with it. And while I’m living a full, happy life you will be alone and probably broke. It’s called karma. And I imagine a lot of it is headed your way.”

Malcom had the decency to let her have the last word, but Taz didn’t. He cleared his throat and raised his chin.

“Just so you know I would have paid ten times the amount you asked for.”

Malcom’s mouth thinned, but when Taz took an aggressive step toward him, he quickly turned and left. The sound of the front door closing nearly brought Scarlett to tears.

“I don’t know what to say or how to feel about what just happened,” she whispered.

Taz moved to her side and wrapped one hand around the back of her neck, so she was forced to look up at him.

“He’s not a threat to Hank ever again.”

“He never wanted a connection with Hank. All he wanted was money.” Her voice broke from anger and hurt.

“Take your time and absorb it all.”

“I’ll have to pay you back somehow. I have money from my trust. It’s not nearly enough. Not even close but I…”

“I don’t want to talk about money.” He waited a few seconds. “Do you want to stay in the city for a few more days to clear your head?”

“No.” Scarlett reached for Hank. “I want to go home. Back to Montana. With you.”

Taz lowered his head and swept the lightest touch across her lips. “Okay then. The jet’s waiting.”

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