Page 72 of Takeover-
Sam cleared his throat. “No, not at all.”
Malik waved that away. “I’m more interested in William Vandershoot.”
William. The equilibrium he’d lost when William had threatened Michael snapped back into place. Sam leaned forward. “How much do you know about the financial dealings of Four Rivers’ last CEO, Taylor?”
“Only what the report said.” He tented his fingers. “You know more?”
Oh, did he know more. “I’m not sure how William is connected to this, but my instinct tells me he very well might be.”
“Do tell.”
Sam did. All the details he remembered. The discussions with the board around the shady dealings of the last CEO, what he could recall of William’s reactions to the discovery. William’s stunt of trying to shorten the test cycle and his reaction to Sam’s fighting against that. All of what Fabian had told him about the potential Ponzi scheme. He spilled everything he suspected about William—and how he’d planned to verify Fabian’s information.
“And if this becomes a legal investigation?”
“I’m more than willing to help.” He pressed a hand against the table to prevent himself from curling it into a fist. “I don’t appreciate being blackmailed.” He hated how this all had come out. God only knew what Michael thought.
“Nor do I like being manipulated,” Malik said. “The recent audit didn’t turn up any odd dealings with William and Four Rivers, but if he’s involved in other endeavors…”
“He may need a place to duck and cover.”
“Or a new source of income.”
That hadn’t occurred to Sam. Perhaps William had burned through cash? It only took a few venture capital deals going south to take out a pile of money, but the Four Rivers buyout should be pretty large. “I’ll find out what I can.”
“Good.” Malik rose. Sam stood and followed him to the door.
Malik paused. “I will be having lunch with William on my own. I suspect there’s a more important conversation you should attend to.”
Sam stared at Malik.
The other man chuckled and held out his hand. “I saw the look on your face when we walked up. Some expressions are universal, Sam.”
Sam shook Malik’s hand and spoke around the gratitude lodged in his throat. “Thank you.”
“You’re giving up quite a bit for Mr. Sebastian.”
“No,” Sam said. “No, I’m not.”
Malik’s smile was small, but warm. “Good man.”
* * *
Michael sat at the bar,stared at his glass of water, and contemplated the twists and turns that had brought him to this place. Starting Four Rivers with Rasheed and Susan, then having them walk away—so maybe they hadn’t screwed him over. All the years he’d thrown himself into the work—poured his heart into the company that wasn’t his anymore. And then a chance vacation.
Had he not stayed in that particular hotel in Curaçao, not spent his last night in the bar, he’d not have met Sam… not the way he had. They would have met at Four Rivers. Would there have been sparks then? Would they have fucked in the gym shower? Probably not.
Or maybe they would have. There was no denying the instant attraction he’d—they’d—felt. Certainly once he had gotten to known Sam, Michael’s desire had only increased—especially the way Sam loved the pain and release Michael gave him. They could have ended up in the same situation.
He’d kept his job and Four Rivers. Even held on to the promise of promotion that would put him back where he belonged. And he still had Sam. God, at least he hoped he still had him. He loved that intensity, the frenetic energy in Sam that Michael could tame with a touch and the promise of pain and pleasure, but it came with Sam’s ability to turn on a dime and rationalize away his own feelings. Michael loved Sam anyway. Every ounce of his body wanted to be with Sam, to share his life, to learn more and more about him. Maybe they would last, maybe they wouldn’t, but damn it, they needed to try.
“Hey.” Sam’s voice, soft in his ear, startled Michael out of his thoughts. Sam slid up to the bar, but didn’t sit.
There was that nervous energy again. “Don’t you have lunch with Dr. Malik and William?” He’d seen the latter in the lobby, looking smug. William had stared while Michael had crossed to the bar. William was also a large part of the reason Michael sat with his back to that area.
“Malik told me to spend my time with you.”
What? Michael swiveled in his seat to get a better look at Sam. “Are you serious?” Dr. Malik had seemed unaffected by the news of their relationship, but it was quite a different thing to actively support it.
