Page 10 of Any Means Necessary

The thought of how she criticized my license photo makes my lips twitch with amusement. She’s a grown woman who’s easily distracted by sparkly objects and drinks like a college student, but something in my gut tells me there’s more to Lexie than the shiny exterior she flounces around with.

“So what’s this new problem that got you back into the city?” Liam changes the subject, leaning forward to rest his arms on his thighs. I sit back in my chair and smooth my hand over my beard.

“I don’t know yet, Senator Harris was tight-lipped on the phone and insisted we meet in person. He’ll be here in an hour, I’ll have more information then.”

“Do you want me to stick around for the meeting? Or am I just here for you to look at my pretty face for a while—though I have to say, you’re no longer lacking in that department with your girl out there.” Liam and I don’t have a lot of things in common, our personalities are almost in complete opposition of each other. His habit of blurting out exactly what he’s thinking and wearing his emotions on his face like an accessory goes against my every instinct for discretion and practiced control.

He’s always found pleasure in women with more to their figure than skin and bones, one of the few things we have in common. I’m not surprised Lexie’s caught his eye, even if it’s not something he plans to act on. He knows I won’t allow it anyway. Letting Liam manwhore with people who work for me in any capacity has always been off limits, Lexie’s no exception.

“Your face doesn’t even compete,” I say, reaching into my desk drawer for the large manilla envelope. “I need you to take these contracts to Ash Walton’s residence, it’s a brownstone on 5th Ave. He’s waiting there with his security. Have him sign both copies, then deliver the one in the red file directly to Jeffrey Lindstein at the Black-Morre club uptown.”

“Ash Walton, as in the hedge fund manager? Signing a confidential contract with Lindstein, the President of American Capital Bank? Talk about juicy gossip.”

“You’re lucky you’re better at keeping your mouth closed than keeping it in your pants, Caldwell.” I deadpan, earning a grin even as he feigns a wounded expression.

“Ouch, slut shaming is hurtful.” He stands, raking a hand through his tousled hair vainly before taking the contracts. Jokes aside, I know I can trust Liam with even the most confidential information. He’s an ass about it, but he’s been nothing but loyal. Not to mention he’s the best wheelman in the country, which comes in handy in my line of work.

Opening the envelope, he thumbs through the files to familiarize himself with the contents. There’s no need to double check what I give him, he knows that, but he does anyway. It’s one of the reasons I hired him in the first place.

Following him out of my office, we step out right as Lexie is ending a phone call over at the kitchen island. The room smells faintly like nail polish, and I can see her toenails are now pink as she swings her feet absently from her perch on the stool.

“Bye, babe,” Lexie says, hanging up the phone as Liam and I walk out of my office. She turns to catch me staring, my gaze remaining steady on her as I observe and consider.

“You’re dating someone?” I ask. If she’s in a relationship, that might affect my business. Liam strolls over to the coffeemaker and helps himself to a cup, chugging it black like a frat boy at a kegger.

“Oh, no I’m single,” she replies, tucking a tendril of blonde hair behind her ear. “I was talking to my best friend, Mia.”

“You call your friend babe?” My tone is skeptical with an edge of challenge.

“What, you don’t use terms of endearment with your friends?” she asks, her brows raising with a teasing smile. Liam turns to face us, leaning against the counter as he waits for the caffeine to counter the hangover he’s fighting.

“No,” I reply flatly. Liam’s shit-eating grin spells trouble.

“Of course we do,” Liam jumps in. “Right, bestie?”

My glare is withering.

“Fuck off.” My growl only makes his grin grow.

“You have such a way with words.” Seeing the urge to shoot him cross my mind, Liam holds up his hands in surrender. “As much as I’d love to stick around for this brotherly bonding, I’m leaving while I can still walk out on my own.”

“Good idea,” I state, watching him pick the envelope of contracts from the counter.

“It was nice meeting you, Lexie. Don’t let grumpy Cal here run you off.” He shoots her a wink that makes my trigger finger twitch. Lexie’s laugh is light and easy, a cheerful response that seems to be her natural reaction to most things.

“I’m not run off that easily,” she assures him, turning her dazzling smile on me. Her attention radiates warmth and light, and I like being caught in those rays.

Liam downs one last gulp of coffee before taking a few steps backward toward the front door.

“Alright, I’m gone. These papers aren’t going to sign themselves.” He lifts his hand to salute me with the envelope, flashing Lexie his best playboy smile, before turning to leave. The sound of the front door closing announces his exit, making Lexie turn to look at me. The look on her expressive face is a mix of curiosity and humor—like we’re in on a private joke together.

“What’s that look for?” I should be irritated that she’s practically laughing at me, but I’m tempted to smile with her instead.

“Oh, nothing,” she teases. “You just have interesting friends, that’s all.”

“If you’re hoping to get Liam’s number, the answer’s no,” I inform her. “I don’t let the people who work for me get involved with each other.”

“Why not?” she seems genuinely curious, but her question doesn’t confirm or deny my suspicions.

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