Page 19 of Her Reclusive Beast

The plates have only just been set on the table when there’s a firm knock on the door.

10

With a muttered swearword, Max reverses his descent onto his chair and stands straight again. He’s still muttering as he strides through the kitchen and down the hall towards the front door. I linger for only half a second, too bemused at the interruption to immediately follow on his heels. But I quickly make up for lost time.

I arrive in the entry just in time to see Javier stepping over the threshold. The man is wearing a scarf, for fuck’s sake. And not the kind meant to keep your neck warm. This confection is lemon yellow and if my window-shopping eyes are correct, it’s cashmere.

Javier purses his lips as he studies me. It’s not exactly a disapproving expression, more like he’d pick me out of the crowd first to go get a head to toe makeover. He shakes it off though and flicks his elegant wrist towards Max. “Am I in time for dinner? I’m famished.”

Max rolls his eyes and then shrugs. “I guess. Come on.”

Javier politely gestures for me to go in front of him, except I wish he hadn’t. I’d like the opportunity to study him without being observed back.

“I thought we were having a call at eight,” Max grumbles again as he fetches another plate from the cupboard.

“And miss the chance to see your beautiful face?” Javier smirks as he settles into a chair, still wearing that annoying scarf.

“You probably want to stay the night too?”

The other man shrugs lightly. “It’s either that or listen to me complain for the next five years about the quality of sheets at the Lantern Inn. Which would you prefer?”

Max shudders. “Fine. You can have the room Jenna was using.”

Javier’s green eyes light with amusement. “And where is the lovely Jenna sleeping?”

The scowl on Max’s face would make any gargoyle proud. “Where Jenna sleeps in none of your business.”

“Have it your way. But it will make what I’m about to share that much easier if she’s already sleeping with you.”

A small squeak escapes me. Javier swings his gaze to me. “You have been causing quite a fuss, lovely Jenna.”

I can feel the blood drain from my face. “What do you mean?”

“Your delightful colleague has stirred up quite a hornet’s nest. She’s claiming you went behind her back to seduce our boy Max here in order to deprive Rudnam Publishing of not only his future books but also the cachet of having his brand associated with theirs.”

“What? Why would I do that? She’s the one that sent me here!”

“And when they call Max to the stand and ask him if he was expecting you?” he inquires mildly.

“But… but…” My words peter out.

Max shakes his head. “If I’m being questioned, then surely I get the chance to say how Diana did the same thing a few years ago.”

Javier shakes his head. “Maybe, but even a half-good attorney will spin that, so it looks like that’s how Jenna got the idea. Much of this is Diana being proactive to cover her own, shall we say, less than ethical standards. By attacking now, anything reflecting on her poor behavior looks like made up retribution.”

Max frowns, and his pale eyes are filled with concern. I swallow hard. “Then what do we do?”

“Not we, my dear. You two. You need to get married. The sooner the better. Like this weekend.”

Max coughs while I gasp. “How does that help? I don’t want Max being dragged into a lawsuit with me.”

A very small smile teases Max’s lips. “Are you trying to protect me, little Jenna?” He scoots his chair back and in seconds, I’m curled up against his chest. He seems to like me here. “Now then, Javier, explain please.”

Javier brushes his fingers through his perfect blond hair. “It does two things, really. A spouse can’t be forced to testify in court and it dispels the seduction for financial gain or strategizing story and makes it about love instead, which everyone prefers. And that’s where you were headed for anyway, yes?”

Max jerks his chin and sighs. “I had another path towards that destination, however. Are you sure this is absolutely necessary?”

Javier shakes his head. “Necessary? No. You can spend some of your fortune on attorneys. Make Jenna be crucified on the stand, no doubt including questions regarding the intimate nature of your relationship and generally be pilloried by the press.”

---