Page 39 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 4

Episode 98

The Nail in the Coffin

NAOMI

Memphis held the car door open for me as I exited the taxi. I looked up at the skyscraper that I despised with every ounce of my being. Shaw International, the building, was as ostentatious and unwelcoming as my father himself. It stood sixty stories into the sky, shimmering glass sticking out from the earth like a titanium blade. It was my father’s pride and joy. To own something so monumental in the city that never sleeps was the highlight of his career. To a man like Abraham Shaw, it meant freedom, glory, and power.

At one time, I was also impressed. Until I realized how my father’s company had become the albatross around my neck and future. He believed it was my birthright. That I owed him my fealty and a lifelong service to the cause. Instead, his cause wasn’t just or meant to change the world for the better; it was selfish, driven by greed. He saw himself as a king. This eyesore, his castle. His office was the entire penthouse floor. Designed so he could lord over what he saw as his kingdom and the people of New York simply peons beneath him.

I hated it, and at the moment, I hated him, for what he’d done to the Taylors.

This would not stand.

I gripped Memphis’ hand tightly, looked him in the eyes and nodded succinctly before I let go and strutted forwardlike I owned the place. He followed dutifully behind me, understanding this was my mission. He demanded to be here for support but that was as far as I’d allow. This was my battle. My kin purposely hurt and threatened the livelihood of people I cared deeply for.

Again, this would not stand.

Memphis rushed ahead and held the door for me. I didn’t even stop to thank him; instead, kept up the ruse, pretending I was in complete control. I did, however, wink at him as I passed by, enjoying his corresponding smirk and head shake.

I didn’t stop at the reception desk either, lifting my hand and chopping at the air. “Notify my father I am here,” I barked with conviction. “Memphis, this way,” I ushered him right past security who didn’t move from their station. Everyone here knew exactly who I was and wouldn’t dare stop me for fear of getting fired by my father. After this visit, he would probably terminate my all-access pass, but I didn’t plan on ever stepping foot back in this building again if I could avoid it.

“But you don’t have an appointment,” the receptionist cried out as we made our way to the elevator.

“He’s my father; I don’t need one. Please notify his secretary I’m on my way up,” I bit out and then entered the elevator without so much as a glance back.

The doors closed, and Memphis instantly started laughing. “Damn baby, I can’t wait to get you home. That take no prisoners, take charge attitude has me feelin’ some type of way.” His voice was low, mimicking that sexy timbre he often used in the bedroom.

I chuckled and then cleared my throat. “Stop it! I’m all business right now. I don’t need to be imagining you naked while I’m in boss mode.”

He lifted his hands. “As long as you know I am all the fuck in on you having your wicked way with me. Just please, keep theheels on. They are sexy as fuck.” His gaze traveled down my body taking in my fierce business attire as though he was envisioning removing each item from me…with his teeth. I’d dressed to play the part. Black silk blouse. Black leather pencil skirt, and matching heels. My hair was parted down the middle and slicked back into a low ponytail. The ponytail hair extension skimmed my ass, giving me the boost I needed to feel fierce and ready for battle. The only color I wore came from the red soles on my sky-high stilettos he clearly fancied.

“Just sayin’ if you need to boss someone around after this…I am your man.”

“Noted.” I smirked and then watched the numbers. We were about to hit the top floor. The elevator doors opened. “Show time,” I whispered and exited, my father’s secretary, Desiree, waiting.

“Hello Ms. Shaw. Mr. Shaw is on an important call and asks that you wait until he’s finished.” She gestured to the seating area near her desk.

“Thank you, Desiree, but I’m not waiting,” I clipped, leaving her in my dust as I stormed down the hall, Memphis bringing up the rear. When I got to the double doors for my father’s office, I swung them both open with a flourish, loving the fact that they slammed against the wall on either side as I entered.

“I’m going to have to call you back. My daughter is here unexpectedly,” my father said before slamming the receiver down. He stood, automatically buttoning his suit jacket, ever the gentleman. But he wasn’t a gentleman. It was all for show, and he played the part well. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.

“What is the meaning of this?” I parroted back. “You’re outta your mind, old man. Isn’t my attention what you were hoping for with the stunt you pulled?”

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his ass on the front of his desk, attempting to prove with his pose and stature that he had the high ground when he absolutely did not.

“I don’t know what you mean. Speak clearly, daughter. Have you forgotten your Ivy League training and vast vocabulary, or has slumming it in Georgia already rotted your brain?”

“Say what now?” Memphis barked and started to move in front of me to give my father a piece of his mind.

I extended my arm to stop him from passing. His nostrils flared as he ground his teeth. “I’ll just be over there,” he grated, gesturing to the seating area. He was clearly angered by the cheap shot, but also understood this was my battle, not his.

“Be careful, Father. Whatever it is you want is hanging by a thread, along with my fury. So let’s speak in a manner with which you are familiar. A business negotiation, if you will.”

He dipped his head, waiting for me to speak. It was a business move he taught me. Let your opponent hang themselves by putting all their cards on the table first.

“What will it take for you to sell me the Taylor property?”

His eyes lit up with excitement, the thrill of the kill already at his fingertips.

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