Page 6 of Loving Justice

If her affair with Kent was made public, Sam would disown her. She wouldn’t have to get married because he’d never include her in his will, no matter what changes she made. Since his heart attack, his life had been fragile. Especially lately, he seemed more tired and distant. She loved and admired him, and knowing she and her mischievous sisters had contributed to his every silver hair and wrinkle since they were brought into the world upset her.

She’d much rather marry than have her secret exposed.

She hated feeling uncomfortable and out of control. Though she wanted to get married and find her partner, her life was chaotic. How could she ask a man to marry her just to please her father?

Which was a big reason she needed to take out the trash.

She blinked back the grittiness in her eyes.

Kent needed to go away.

He showed her what he wanted to see, and just like any paint job, the true color eventually bled through.

If he could use her past against her, she could use a few morsels of juicy truths about him that she’d kept to herself.

Kent Downs wasn’t the only one who could play dirty.

Chapter Two

Justice considered leaving multiple times, but she was trapped once the wrought-iron gate shut behind her on Kent’s property. She was sure he knew she had arrived.

Taking the circular paved drive, she parked between his tricked-out toys, a Dodge truck, and a shiny, candy-apple red Mercedes. The man couldn’t decide what he wanted to be—either a rhinestone cowboy or a fancy-pants businessman with the world at his feet.

With one last breath of bravery, she climbed out of her car and walked up the cobblestone path, giving herself a pep talk.You can do this. You can do this. You’ve got this.

Tribe, Kent’s bodyguard, opened the door, causing Justice’s stomach to roll. She found it difficult to tolerate the tall, imposing man almost as much as she found it challenging to endure Kent. Tribe could be intimidating and discourteous, always staring at her with his beady eyes. Even now, he studied her with a demeanor of pleasure. However, she was resolute in not allowing him or Kent to coerce her.

“I’m here to see him,” she said calmly.

“Do you have an appointment?” Tribe said with a smirk that she ached to slap off his face.

“Step aside.” She angled her chin.

“Leave the premises—”

“It’s okay, Tribe. Let’s not create a scene. Let the lady inside,” came Kent’s voice from behind the hulking man.

“Yes, sir.” With a tight jaw, Tribe stepped aside, his green eyes burrowing a hole into Justice.

Kent Downs wasn’t an ugly man. He didn’t have horns sticking out of his head to let everyone know he was the devil incarnate. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and always wore fashionable clothes. His hair was neat and cut into an Elvis style. His pensive eyes were on her, and once upon a time, she might have felt something, but now she wanted to vomit. He smiled, engaging those deep dimples. He showed off an even row of sparkling white teeth made starker against his olive complexion. “Are my eyes deceiving me?”

With a sigh of agitation, she stepped into the foyer and faced him. “We need to talk.”

“I had a feeling you’d show up.” He jutted his chin toward the great room. “Let’s have a seat.”

Kent’s desire for sophistication and elegance was evident in every corner of the spacious room, built as a conversation starter.

The high ceiling, intricate molding, and grand chandelier made everything seem rich and stately. The long tear-drop crystals hanging from the light reflected the sunlight, causing a rainbow of color to feather the walls.

Exquisite artwork hung on every wall. He’d added a Warhol and a Matisse. One thing she couldn’t deny, the man had good tastes.

He stopped to pour a bourbon from a decanter, then sat down, patting the cushion beside his hip. “Come, sweetheart. Have a seat.”

With her knees slightly weakened by his egotistical energy, she made her way across the polished flooring, yet instead of sitting next to him, she chose the plush, oversized chair upholstered in rich velvet fabric. She’d often sat there reading a book from his extensive library. He also collected first editions.

If he were disappointed that she didn’t sit next to him, he wouldn’t show it. He was a man who held his emotions close to his vest.

“Tribe, leave us,” Kent said to the lurking bodyguard.

---