Page 105 of Sinner

Or at least to my groin.

I’d been thinking with my dick instead of my brain and it could cost us.

It would seem the beautiful woman I’d been so taken with had held a hidden agenda close to her chest. Was all her innocence portrayed simply part of the game she’d played and done so with expertise? I’d almost gone on a rampage, demanding she talk to me. That would happen, but on my terms after I calmed down.

If that was possible.

However, if she was playing both sides, I would punish her. My cock twitched all over again.

She’d certainly played the game better than any opponent I’d ever met in my life. Only this was all about the real world.

Throughout the night, I’d vacillated from hungering for her even more than before and wanting to destroy her.

Longing to punish her with my belt.

My hand.

A tawse.

Then I’d fuck her in every hole, keeping her locked in a cage. Yes, that’s what I wanted. That’s what the twisted beast inside of me needed. But I couldn’t indulge in satisfying what I craved more than breathing air in order to survive.

At least not yet.

“The bigger news is the fact Sindom quietly merged with Merrick, the process already in motion prior to his untimely death,” Wilder stated as if we didn’t realize the other set of ugly ramifications. The three of us were doing our best to control the statements we made given both Christopher’s and Elizabeth’s presence. There were days that was difficult given our strong personalities. “With Sam Carter in control of both companies, if he’s a smart man, he’ll use Merrick’s assets while dropping any reference to Joel’s company. Sam will gain additional production sites, personnel, investment capital, and fresh minds.”

“But he doesn’t have the same technology we do,” Elizabeth reminded us.

“He might,” I threw out, mulling over the obvious employee treachery. I had a feeling whatever had been shared was just the beginning. “We’ve already had an obvious breach. What is there to say Merrick hadn’t paid someone extremely well to steal us blind?”

“Exactly,” Zach hissed. “He does have a point. A damn good one. We can’t rest on our laurels on this.”

Wilder looked at me and took a deep breath. “We’re still in a solid lockdown where we’ll remain as long as necessary.”

“I’m curious now that the shit hit the fan. How did we not learn of the acquisition?” I pressed for a second time. There was paperwork that needed to be filled out, filings at the courthouse. And in truth, most people couldn’t keep their mouths shut. Company employees always knew when significant changeswere about to be made and given levels of anxiety, they talked to someone.

A part of me hated the horrific thoughts about Christopher running through my head, but he was certainly antsier than normal. My glare toward the man was met by his narrowed eyes. He had to know I would be watching him.

“Evidently Joel told no one about the upcoming merger but his attorney. Sam did the same.” Wilder looked as stressed as the other board members felt. I was on a different plane this morning, not one I’d likely come down from easily.

When I developed a hunger for violence and blood, very little appeased me. Killing someone might calm the beast, but I wasn’t into simple random kills. Although… A snicker rose to the surface.

Dorn was another subject altogether. However, I knew ending his life immediately after the article’s release would likely drive law enforcement in our direction. It was apparent I’d underestimated the bastard.

“They planned together to try and ruin us, hoping when we learned about their game and that it could be a rip-off of ours, we’d spend all our time rallying up a defense in our attempt to boost sales for Dark Nights. Brilliant if you ask me, very cunning. And we were fucking stupid enough to think we sat so high on a mountain that no one could touch us.” I laughed after making the statement. We were truly arrogant bastards.

“The changes are already underway for version two,” Elizabeth mentioned and I had a sense she was asking if the new edition should be placed on the market since Jessica had been the one to recommend so many of the updates.

“Keep going with it, I say. We’re not stopping our business practices because of one asshole determined to destroy us for some unknown reason.” Wilder nodded as soon as I issued the words.

“I agree.” Zach shook his head. “What a fucking mess, but the business must continue. If our competitors believe we’re rattled, they’ll have a fucking field day.”

My younger brother was absolutely correct. Appearances were everything. Well, almost.

“It could be worse. Dorn is known for embellishing the truth. The buzz will die down and another story will take its place. We’ll take a hit, but we can weather the storm.” Wilder made the statement more for Christopher and Elizabeth’s benefit.

“What about legalities? Can we sue Mr. Franklin for libel?”

Zach’s question was already on the tip of my tongue.

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