Page 59 of Deadly Secrets

“Everything and nothing,” I replied. “Have you been able to rest?” I decided to change the subject.

She moved closer to me, her scent a mixture of vanilla and fresh flowers. It was intoxicating.

“No,” she answered, shaking her head. “But I need to tell you something.”

I remained silent, waiting for her to say whatever she needed to say.

“Before the incident, I was on the phone with Peter. He is the COO at Cos Pharma. He called me to discuss giving the CEO position to one of the candidates with me.”

I wasn’t sure where she was going with this or why she was telling me, but the look on her face told me it was important. “Go on,” I encouraged her to continue.

She took a deep breath before she told me the last thing I expected. “Your father has made himself a candidate for the role. Were you aware of his intentions? I’m only asking because I need to know if our new friendship has anything to do with this.”

Wait, what?

“What do you mean? Do you truly think I knew about this? You’re unbelievable.”

I shifted, attempting to stand, but Sienna grabbed my arm and said, “Please stay. Talk to me.” I was usually the last person my dad would talk to about his business ventures or anything, but I couldn’t contain the hurt in my voice. I guessed that after all the cold treatment Sienna had been receiving from me for the past two months, I shouldn’t really take offense at her words of doubt. But I did.

“I didn’t know, Sienna. I swear.”

“I believe you,” she quickly responded.

“And what did you say to Peter?” My father was a great poker player, and I was sure this meant more to him than just a new business opportunity. I didn’t want to express my concerns to Sienna. I had no proof, but maybe her reappearance in my life wasn’t coincidental. Was he already in conversations with Cos Pharma during Thanksgiving? He probably was, and he’d kept his cards close to his chest this entire time.

“I told him that I needed some time to think about it, but I’ll have to give him a response soon,” she explained.

“Let me talk to him before you make any decisions. I’ll fly to New York this weekend and see if I can find out anything about his true intentions.” It was the least I could do. Cos Pharma was part of Sienna’s inheritance, and the last thing I wanted was for my father to fuck with her father’s legacy. Especially since there was a huge mystery about why he had left the company.

“Thank you, Ander.” Before I could say anything else, she kissed me.

It was just a sweet peck on my lips, but my entire body froze. Before I could even consider returning the kiss, she stood and headed to the bathroom. Sienna left me in her room with a boner and my mind running a hundred miles per hour.

* * *

Zayn came home an hour later and went ballistic when Sienna told him about the stalker. I could see murder in his eyes.

“I swear I’m gonna kill the fucker if they try to lay a hand on you again.” Zayn looked possessed, and I honestly thought he meant what he said.

“I’m looking into hiring private security, but I think I want to join a self-defense class,” Sienna blurted.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes. Every time I’ve faced this psycho, I’ve felt terrified and helpless. I don’t want to feel like this anymore. I want to know that if I ever come face-to-face with them again, I’ll be able to defend myself. Only if it means buying me a couple of seconds to run the fuck away and avoid being attacked.”

Zayn and I looked at each other, and the moment he broke eye contact with me, I knew what he was about to say.

“I’ll teach you.”

“What?” Sienna clearly looked surprised by Zayn’s offer.

“I’m a black/red belt in jujitsu. I can teach you the basics.”

I knew Zayn was a pro. I’d witnessed him in several tournaments where he’d consistently secured the first and second positions. If anyone could teach Sienna some self-defense moves, it would be him.

“I think it’s a great idea,” I added.

I could see Sienna pondering on the offer. She wasn’t aware of Zayn’s abilities on the mat, but he was a skilled motherfucker.

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