Page 25 of Jordan

His mother had a way of inspiring fear and anxiety and of course hatred. He wondered if she knew it, or if she even cared. He had a feeling it was the latter.

"What is it?"

"People are talking."

His thick brows lifted in amusement as he wandered further into the room. The office was elegant and tidy, the furnishings expensive and mirroring her superb and excellent taste. Her desk, a glossy cherry wood red was large and somehow suited her. Files were stacked neatly to the left. A crystal paperweight in the shape of a swan held some papers down. A fax machine was in one corner of the room and the steel gray cabinets were placed to the side of the desk.

Neither he nor his sisters had ever been allowed to come and sit on the tan leather sofa in the corner. They had never been allowed to come in and disturb their mother while she was working. That was absolutely forbidden.

"You're going to have to be more specific."

He saw when her eyes chilled.

"You cannot mean to be going through with this—arrangement."

His lips curved slightly. "You cannot even say it, can you? It's called a wedding and yes, I am absolutely going forward with it. I was hoping you would get in touch with Julesa and offer to help with the arrangements. But that would have been expecting too much."

"She's marrying you for your money."

"Why mother, are you saying that's my only charm?"

He saw the anger flash in her eyes before it was contained and had to admire her for the control.

"You're going to regret this. I am never going to accept someone like her in the family."

His expression chilled and she found herself bracing back against the chair as he advanced. "Listen to me and listen to me carefully." He did not raise his voice, but it was steel cold andsent shivers along her spine. "Julesa is going to be my wife and if you do or say anything to disrespect her, you will lose me and any grandchildren that come from us. You decide right now, if that's the way you want to play it."

Easing back, he stood there looking at her and saw the struggle to gather herself.

"Nothing to say? All right then, I'll leave you to whatever it is you were doing." Without waiting for her response, he strode out and slammed the doors behind him.

It took a minute for her to gather her composure and tamp down the terrible rage that was boiling inside her chest. How dare he threaten her! How dare he bring down this awful scandal on their heads. And that girl—that wretched girl, who was she to waltz into town and think she can just up and marry her only son? Pushing away from the desk, she rose slowly and felt her breasts fluttering and her heart racing. He had never spoken to her like that. It was all her fault. She would never be welcomed in this family and if it takes the rest of her life, she was going to see to it that she regrets ever daring to reach so far.

Harry—that useless good for nothing husband of hers—was doing nothing about it, so it was entirely up to her as usual. Taking a deep breath, she went to pour herself a cup of coffee and brought it back to her desk. She would find something to use against the girl. Everyone has secrets or a weakness and she was going to find one.

*****

Joani watched as he sipped the wine she had poured. Her day had been a nightmare. She had been unable to eavesdrop on the conversation her employer had with her son, but she had an idea what it had been about. His upcoming marriage to Julesa Simpson.

Good for her, Joani thought viciously. She could take the abuse from the bitch, all the while gloating at her inability to control her son's choice. Joani knew that the woman had handpicked that milky white Sally with her fluttering lashes and stupid expression, someone else who would fall in line with whatever she desired. Like the husbands, she had chosen for her girls.

It was refreshing to know that Jordan had stepped completely over the line.

"Your wife was on a tear today." She mentioned it casually, even though she knew the woman was off limits. Well screw that.

Harry turned his head to stare at her. He had not wanted to go home because of the worries that he knew would be there. Jacquline had called to complain about his lack of action in trying to stop the marriage.

"Pardon?"

Joani hated when he went upper crust and superior with her, as if he was trying to remind her of her position. Well, screw that too. He was lying butt naked in her bed and had just called out her name in the throes of his climax. She had the right to speak her damn mind.

Taking the wine from him, she sipped and handed it back. "Seems she had an argument with your son about the wedding."

His eyes turned to flint as he continued to look at her. "That's family business and none of yours."

Her own eyes flashed and even though her heart was pounding like a jack hammer, she was determined to continue.

"I know I am here for one thing only, for you to sink your dick in and get your satisfaction. But I happen to have opinions and am entitled to them."

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