Page 52 of Just Between Us

“Thank you ... for helping me piece it together.” I closed the file folder in my lap. “I guess I’ll tell JP he was right—it seems like a business venture that didn’t pan out and nothing more.”

Before I finished closing out the computer, Bug paused, her voice low. Her hand covered mine, and a shiver ran up my spine. “Some things only become clear when they’re looked at with a different light.”

I stared at her. My eyes bounced between hers as I tried to figure out what she was trying to tell me.

“Well!” A rich, booming voice filled the quiet basement. “They said I’d find you down here.”

We turned to see Russell King, dressed in a suit and tie, exiting the elevators. He swept into the room with a smooth smile accompanying an air of sophistication and pretension.

His crisp white shirt strained against the paunch of his midsection. His dark eyebrows were prominent and, to be honest, he reminded me of a crusty Mafia shrew I’d seen in a cartoon once. Only that character turned out to have a few redeeming qualities, and I was still searching for one in Russell King.

“Janine Windsor, is that you?” Russell said.

The woman across the table from me beamed at him and blushed. Russell moved to her, reaching for her hand. “You look lovely, as always. It’s been too long.”

Her lashes fluttered as he lifted her hand to his mouth. “Oh, thank you, Mr. King.”

The man a few seats down stood and outstretched his hand. “Mr. King. A pleasure, as always.”

Russell shook his hand. “Please, Eugene. Call me Russell. We’re old friends!” He slapped the man’s back.

Eugene blushed harder than Janine had, and I had to stifle an eye roll. Russell turned his focus to us.

“What are you doing here?” Bug asked.

Taken aback, he planted a hand on his chest. “Can’t I take time out of my day to see my favorite sister?”

A smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “I’m your only sister.”

“True, but still my favorite.” He winked at Bug. “I came to say hello to my newest employee.” Russell turned his attention to me. “While I’ve been away, it seems my son has been busy.” He offered his hand, and I stood to accept it.

I straightened my shoulders and fixed my skirt, but I didn’t miss the appreciative gleam in his eye while I adjusted. My stomach turned, but I swallowed it down and slipped into my professional facade. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” Bug turned to leave.

“Darling, tell my driver I will be up in a few minutes. We need to be getting back to work.”

No, please. No, thank you. Russell King was used to making a command and having everyone follow it.

My heart sank as I watched Bug nod and quietly ascend the stairs. I could feel his eyes on me, and I pulled my shoulders back, determined not to shrink under his assessment.

He sucked his teeth and lifted his chin. “My son claims we needed a business consultant. Can’t say that I agree, but here we are.” He glanced around, and I prayed the file folder was closed. “What brings you down to the archives?”

I swallowed. “If I’m going to be of value to King Equities, it’s my job to know as much about the company, and its competition, as possible.”

It wasmostlytrue.

I stared up at him, unwilling to break eye contact. His dark eyes held no warmth or kindness.

He stepped closer so only I could hear. His stale, hot breath hit me in the face. “Everything—and I do meaneverything—goes through me. Do you understand, young lady?”

My hands wanted to tremble, so I clenched them into fists. I painted on a courteous smile. “Of course. I understand, Mr. King.”

His soulless eyes raked down my front, assessing me one last time before he turned to leave without a goodbye.

Once he disappeared inside the elevator, I exhaled and quickly gathered my belongings, unable to shake the warning behind his dark stare.

I may not have known the exact reason JP had hired me, but I knew one thing for certain—those were the eyes of a very bad man.

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