Page 31 of Twisted Lies 4
My shoulders slumped. Her store was my biggest account.
“I’m two million in, Lily. My collection is almost complete. That’s months of work. Do you understand me? Set up a meeting with the financial planners,” I snapped.
“I’m sorry, Sin. My hands are tied. Give me a couple days to figure this out.”
I stood there in shock after our call ended.
How in the world could my life have turned from rosy to shitty in a matter of hours?
I could feel Core’s heated stare scorching through my clothes. I gathered my strength and turned around, feeling the noose tightening. It was time to make a deal with the devil. But before I did, I just had one question.
I lifted my chin. “How do you know Tabitha?”
He gave me a hard smile.
My eyes widened. “Oh, I see. You’re one of her many fuck buddies.” My voice was tight with accusation.
He straightened to his full, intimidating height. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? I’ve known Tabitha for years in various…capacities. That’s why she came to me when you had financing issues. She knew I was in the market for another lucrative investment.” He pulled out a cigar. “I did some extensive investigation of you and your company, and you are very talented.” He lit his cigar. “But obviously, you’re very naïve when it comes to business.”
I tightened my fists.
I am going to fucking cunt-punch Tabitha when I find her.
“So you know where she is?” I hissed.
His lips twitched into a mockery of a smile. “Don’t know, and I don’t care. But when you find her, give her my regards.” He paused, looking at me coolly. “Sinthia, you’re tougher than I thought. I like that.” He took a puff of the cigar. “I’ve come to a decision.” He blew a ring of smoke before placing the cigar in the ashtray.
“What decision?” I barked. “You already made a decision when you gave me the two million dollars. Now you’re making another decision?” I sneered.
“I will make it really simple for you.” He crossed his arms and widened his stance. “I’ve invested two million into your business, and I intend on getting it back plus a hefty profit. I will retain full control of your company.”
I nearly choked on my own breath. “This is bullshit! This is my business,” I protested.
His eyes were ice-cold and distant when he continued, “Kevin, my accountant, will take care of all financial matters, including providing the money to continue your line. In addition, I will make some calls to my contacts to see if we can get your retailers back on board.”
I licked my lips. His eyes fell to my mouth.
“And all of this is coming at what price?” My back stiffened and my eyes narrowed. “I will not use my company as a front for illegal business dealings.”
His gray eyes narrowed. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
I closed my eyes tightly to block the sight of his hateful presence. “I worked too fucking hard to have my business and my name tied to anything illegal.” I forced myself to look at him again.
He stalked over to me, his gaze blatantly ogling my body. “What a beautiful hypocrite. There was no thought about where the money was coming from when you took it. Now you’re looking at me like I’m the fucking scum of the earth?”
He regarded me silently. It irritated me that he could unnerve me with just one look.
“I’m just calling it like I see it, Mr. McKay. I will not use my business for anything illegal.”
He scowled. “Many years ago, I might have used you for that…and more. But now I’m a legitimate businessman.”
My stomach twisted into knots. I was between a rock and a hard place, and legally, there was nothing I could do.
“What else do you want, McKay?” I asked.
I licked my bottom lip anxiously at the strange surges of energy rolling off him in waves.
His eyes roamed from my face to my body and then back again. “Oh, darling, I can’t begin to tell you all the things I want from you. They would send your gorgeous ass running from this room. But the question is, what do you want, Ms. Michaels?”
