Chapter 7 Leave That To Me
Jess
I walk into my office and sit down, scanning the room of my new office.
It was beautiful, this place. Had it cleaned after firing the managing director, too. Lots of tracks I had to clean. I looked around and around, admiring the fresh furniture and decor.
A suitable office for the new husband of Delilah Hart.
The wedding was beautiful. A beautiful ceremony for London's most popular CEO. A bright beautiful Delilah in her delicate little dress and veil was the perfect touch.
I had done it.
I had pulled it off. All of it. Every single part of my perfect little plan.
The partnership was coming along just fine. The announcement had entered the papers this morning, and lots of investors were seeking to invest in the partnership’s birth.
That was a good sign. The world was right behind us. Everything was falling beautifully into place.
A knock called me from my thoughts. I turned to the sound.
“Come in.” I announced, loud enough that they could hear me.
I knew who it was. I wasn't meant to see anyone now.
The only person who walked to my office unannounced like that was no other person but Grayson. Grayson Hart.
He strode in at that thought, walking briskly and stopping just before me. Nice suit, I thought, getting a better view of the crisp ensemble as he neared.
“Jess, where are we with the paperwork?” His voice was curt. He either wasn't in a very good mood, or wasn't here to talk about paperwork.
“The lawyers are on it. They've begun preparing the terms of contract for the partnership. They should be done very soon.” I said easily, sitting from the lounging position I'd previously taken.
“Good. When do we get it then?” He started, holding my eyes. “We're fast running out of time, you know.” His lips were pursed, the air tense.
This was not about paperwork.
“They haven't made a certain date very clear yet. It should be done by next week though. Paperwork like this shouldn't take very long.”
He sat down.
“I am sure you know who Aria Collins is? You must, considering she was your girlfriend much before you married my sister.”
“I don't know what you're talking about.” I paused for a little dramatic flare.
“Save it. I don't talk without doing my homework. Where is she now?” I stopped.
What had Aria done this time?
I could feel the bile pushing up my throat, heat coursing through my blood.
He'd met Aria.
Why the fuck couldn't this girl just stay away? Even after I warned her thoroughly to get out of my business.
I even offered her a nice little deal.
A smirk played across my lips. The wad cash. Aria's small, defeated face. The hesitation in her eyes.
“Fine, she was my ex of four years before I met Delilah.” I said, reiterating information I was sure he already knew. “I don't know where she is now, though.” I continued, knowing he probably also knew that too.
“Why'd you fire her?” He pestered on.
Why was he so interested? Did he like her, or something? Had she spoken to him too?
“I asked a question.” She had. That bitch.
“Well that's HR’s problem, I believe.”
“Not if you were the one who did the firing. Over text.” Shit.
He had done his homework. I was thoroughly fucked.
“Well, um-” I stuttered, rushing to put my words together. Aria. Fucking Aria. That lowlife had run me over. I couldn't let her fuck my plans up too.
“She had well overstayed her welcome. We'd noticed so many lapses, which I'd been containing during our relationships, and then I just couldn't take it anymore.” The words flowed easily.
“You got a new girlfriend.” He nodded, thrumming his fingers on my desk.
“That not what I sai-”
“Now you listen to me,” He stood up. “I don't take very kindly to people who mess with my stuff. You and I are partners now, so I have to give you the benefit of the doubt.
“But if I so much as get,” He was leaning over the desk now, inches from my face. “Even a little wind that anything, absolutely anything, happened to my sister or Aria,” he paused, sitting back down on his seat.
“If I were you, I wouldn't do anything stupid. Especially just before the partnership is finalized.” With that he got up, walking right of my office.
Aria. That bitch.
He knew I wouldn't hurt Delilah. I couldn't. That girl was my ticket to so much cash, I couldn't, even if I wanted to.
And damn did I want to. She was so boring.
The sex was bland. Nothing to write home about. Just fucking missionary and exaggerated moaning. Even her moaning was annoying.
Aria's moaning filled my mind. Her needy act. I leaned back, letting it consume me. Her whimpers. The way she called my name.
I could feel myself hardening with need. Fuck, I hated her.
I needed to get rid of her. Immediately.
I called Delilah.
“Baby.” I leaned back and smiled.
“Hi, babe. What's going on?” Her pitchy voice came through the receiver, wiping the smile clean off my face.
“Remember the talk we had about my ex? Aria?” This would be easy. Delilah detested Aria. It was one of the few sexy things about her. The very few.
“Ugh. What has he done this time? Delilah hated her guts. Her die hard attitude infuriated her.
She was the one person who didn't kiss her ass, partly because Aria didn't kiss anyone's ass, and the other part because, well, no one could satisfy her quite like I did.
“Well, she's making a scene at the office from her job being terminated. She's got Grayson's attention.”
“My brother?” Was she daft?
“Yes, your brother, Delilah. I say we take care of her. Permanently.” I said simply, waiting for her response.
“You've finally come around, eh? I'm glad.” She said almost immediately.
“The question now, is how?” I asked her, attention rapt.
“Leave that to me.”
I smiled.