Page 37 of Jack

Jack flicked a glance towards the man whowas stationed in the doorway.

"There is no law against spending timewith your son."

His eyes glittered dangerously. So, that'sthe way they wanted to play it? Then to hell with it. He was going tohave his damn say.

"You're encouraging my son to skipschool and there's a law against that."

"What?" She passed a hand overher arm. "At that time of day, school was over."

"He had band practice. His grandmotherwas called and when she discovered he wasn't home, she called me."He had brushed past the immovable object that was her brother andcame into the room.

"Band practice?" Her taperedbrows shot up and amusement crinkled her eyes. "Whose idea wasthat? Was he even asked if he wanted to be part of a band, or werehis rights violated? He has a voice, and he has rights. Somethingthat seems to have escaped you as a father."

"Zuri!"

Jack's eyes glittered coldly, and he feltthe familiar fury choking off his control.

"I am being honest-"

"Do you have children, Ms. Bennett?"His voice was silky smooth, but she felt the fear slithering up anddown her spine. His face was harsh, mouth tight with suppressedanger. He was wearing a shell pink shirt that was opened at thethroat, revealing the strong column of his throat. His hair wasslightly ruffled by the breeze but did nothing to soften the harshlines. And he exuded an unleashed power that was unmistakable. Herbrother was six feet tall, but the man standing in front of her desktopped him by several inches.

"No." Forcing herself to remaincalm, she lifted her chin. "I don't have to be a parent to knowwhen a child is being ill-treated."

"Zuri!"

She cut her eyes to her brother beforeswinging her gaze back to Jack. A shiver ran through her body at theraw fury etched on his face.

"He told you that, did he?"

"He did not have to. Look, I likeJason. He's a sweet kid and-"

"He comes from money." His mouthtwisted cynically. "He told me he bought you ice cream earlier.What's next emeralds? Diamonds? A new car?"

"What?" She blinked at him inshock. "How dare you!"

"I dare because you have developed anunholy relationship with my fourteen-year-old son. What's the matter?Can't find someone your own age?"

"You son of a bitch!"

Anticipating the move from her brother,Zuri leapt between the two men as Zach charged forward, blood in hiseyes. Slapping a hand on her brother's chest, she turned to faceJack. "I don't need your damn money. Your son was the one whosought me out and I am not a monster with no heart. He wanted someoneto talk to, someone to be in his damn corner, but you're too friggingbusy building your empire and too hardheaded and wrapped up inyourself to realize that that sweet child needs to be acknowledged,that he's suffering from lack of attention. Now get the hell out ofmy office."

For the first time in his life, he wantedto strike a woman. He had always prided himself on being in completecontrol. Nothing fazed him. His emotions were never near to thesurface. He had been taught to hold everything in and reveal nothingby an expert. But standing here, with this little spitfire who seemedto have the ability to reduce him to a mass of churning emotions, hewanted to wrap his hands around her neck and squeeze.

They stood there glaring at each other andhe became sickeningly aware that it was not anger alone that waswarring inside his body. Lust was bucking for superiority, and itangered him even more.

Swallowing the thick lump in his throat, hementally shook his head to clear it and took considerable effort touncurl his fingers.

"Stay away from my son."

"Go to hell."

He started forward and just stopped shortof grabbing her.

"I am warning you for the last time.Stay the hell away from my son." With a furious look that sweptover them both, he turned and left the room.

"Oh God," she whispered, takingthe three steps that had her sitting on the edge of her desk. "Ithought I was going to jump in and play referee." She lifted herhead and felt a jolt at the murderous look on her brother's face.

"Zach-"

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