Page 67 of The Bargain

“Call him!” I ordered, pointing at the screen that showed the security post by the front door.

“Right away, sir.” He pressed his earpiece. “3278 - 3278. You’ve let in an unsub tonight.” He turned toward me, his face flushed. “Name?”

“Helle…” I trailed off, looking at her.

She was now bright red with indignation. “You don't even know my name?”

I snorted. “It was never your name I was after.”

Her previous glare turned murderous as she turned toward the security guard. “Larsen, Helle Larsen.”

The guard reported the information and sighed after a few seconds. I knew I was not going to like what he was about to tell me.

“Miss Larsen is on the list, sir.” The relief was evident in his voice.

Impossible! I grabbed the clipboard on the desk and skimmed the list, but yes, as the guard had said, her name was on the list. ‘Helle Larsen.’

“How?” I asked her with incredulity.

“Maybe you wanted me here before you went crazy and decided to bang your dead brother’s leftovers,” she spat, victory shining in her blue eyes.

I wanted to strangle the woman. “I never wanted you for more than sex, Helle whatever-your-name-is” I sighed, turning toward the guard. “Have security escort her off the premises. I’m done with her.”

“You will regret it, Dean Beaumont. Mark my words, you’ll pay for this.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “Areyou-” I pointed at her chest - “threateningme?” I pointed at myself.

She stood straighter, pursing her lips.

I shook my head. “You’re not equipped to play in the big league, Helle. You’re insignificant. Barely a bug with a gold-plated pussy. Leave now and neverevertalk to me or anyone close to me again or I swear, your modeling career will be dead within a week. Don’t forget that Beaumont Enterprises owns a lot of diversified companies, including the main fashion magazines. Walk away while you still have a career.”

If looks could kill, I would be dead right now. She passed me stiffly and I knew her self-preservation was enough to ensure I'd never see her again.

I walked into the corridor and took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before returning to the party to see how much damage Helle had caused.

“She’s not here anymore.”

I turned around to see Lea with her jacket on, ready to leave.

“Going home so soon?”

She laughed. “I’ve got a wife waiting for me and I've been here long enough to show my allegiance to the Beaumont name.”

“Where is she?”

Lea jerked her head toward the stairs. “In Timmy’s room, I presume. The kid’s her anchor."

I nodded looking at the ballroom again.

“Those people don’t need you, Deano. You’ve done your part. The faces of your company can handle it all now.” She pointed to the stairs. “But she needs you. She is more fragile than you think; she is so much more than you know. Go upstairs, Deano, and fix the damages.”

“You’re saying that as if I care.”

She buttoned her jacket with a small smile on her lips. “You’re way past caring, Deano. Way,waypast.” She came toward me and kissed my cheek. “Have a good night,” she added before twirling around and leaving me dumbfounded in the great hall.

I rolled my eyes, but instead of going into the ballroom as etiquette dictated, I went upstairs to the dimly lit nursery.

She was there, bouncing Timothy on her chest as she hummed a soft tune.

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