Page 101 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

Frazier Shaw walked in, completely ignoring Saskia who had a deer in headlights look on her face. What the fuck did he want?

“Sir, you have to make an appointment with Miss Daniels.”

I put my hand up.

“It’s okay, Saskia. Mr Shaw is the firm’s solicitor.”

She stopped in her tracks and looked at me with a confused expression. I’d talk to her about it later. She’d only started this morning and Clara was still showing her the ropes.

“Can you make tea for Mr Shaw, Mr Williams and myself, please?”

She straightened, clearing her expression.

“Yes, of course, Miss Daniels.”

She walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. John had got up from the sofa, eying Frazier with a neutral expression.

“You need a better secretary,” Frazier said as he walked over to my desk and sat down in one of the chairs in front of it.

“It’s her first day and she is right. You do need to start making appointments. I have a very busy schedule today.”

He gave me a smile.

“Of course, my apologies.”

Except he looked anything but sorry. I hated this man. I clenched my fists under the desk, trying to remain calm. I was not expecting him to turn up today. As far as I was aware, there was no trouble with the paperwork from Friday. He had no real reason to be here.

“What can I do for you?”

His eyes flicked over to John, who was still standing, watching both of us carefully.

“I would prefer this conversation to be between the two of us. I’m sure John won’t mind stepping out for a moment.”

I didn’t want to be alone with Frazier, but I couldn’t exactly say no. I nodded at him before turning to John.

“We won’t be long.”

“As you wish, Miss Daniels.”

I hoped he’d tell Aiden about this development because I couldn’t exactly text him right now. He wouldn’t be happy, but what else could I do? John nodded at me and walked out, shutting the door behind him. I turned back to Frazier.

“When is Ed starting?” he asked.

“Today.”

“Good. Good.”

He looked around my room for a moment before settling his dark eyes back on me. The skin on the back of my neck prickled.

“Before your father passed, we spoke a lot about you. Whilst I’m aware you and my son have your differences, I do believe it would be in your best interests to reconsider joining our families together. It was your father’s wish.”

I bit the side of my cheek, digging my nails into my palms. His eyes told me he knew very well Tristan had tried to assault me on Friday. Nausea coiled in my stomach. Why the fuck did it keep coming back to this? First my father, then Aiden and now Frazier. All wanting me to get shackled to a man who lacked any sort of morals or boundaries.

“As I told my father, if I am ever to get married, it would be on my terms and my choice.” I sat back in my chair. “I do wonder why you are so concerned about me not having a husband. I don’t recall my personal life being anyone’s business but my own.”

His eyes narrowed. What the hell did he expect me to say? I wasn’t backing down on this point. The only person I’d ever consider getting married to was Aiden. The thought of him and what I’d said last night came rushing back. There was no doubt in my mind. He was definitely freaked out by it and I really hadn’t meant to insinuate I wanted him to ask me to marry him. It was far too soon. We had so much to do before we were in the clear and could publicly acknowledge we were in a relationship.

As much as I wanted to take his last name so I could shed my Daniels identity, I would never pressurise him. I knew how hard it was for him to be in a relationship in the first place. How much he’d had to overcome since the day we met. My complicated man was healing his old wounds in the way he knew how. I couldn’t add to that on top of all the other things we were up against.

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