“I didn’t realize you were having a party.” Alex seemed to have intentionally left that out.
“I don’t mean at the party. I mean back in Tabiq,” Brice snarled.
Gareth wasn’t intimidated by Brice the first time they met, and just because he was there with the entire Henderson clan, he still wasn’t. “I came to speak to Alex. Unless we need your permission, in which case I say, fuck you.”
Brice clenched his fist but didn’t swing. Gareth knew he wouldn’t. No matter how much he might resent that Gareth and Alex had gone behind his back, he wouldn’t do anything with all the kids around.
“This is far from over.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here, because you need my help.”
Brice laughed. “I think you’ve done enough already. I heard. The last time we spoke, we were going to make sure our names were never linked. Getting injured on Tabiq drew a hell of a lot of attention.”
“That has yet to be seen. But I was talking about Tony Cortes. Is it true? Is he out to snag New Hope?” Gareth asked.
“He can try. It won’t happen. We won’t let it. Alex said he told you everything about what had taken place here. We are not allowing any outside companies to come in and prey on these people again. Is that what you came to tell Alex? Because a quick phone call could’ve saved you a trip.”
“You’re awfully cocky for a man who hired his daughter,” Gareth snapped.
“We knew exactly who she was. As I said, everyone who enters Tabiq has a full background check. That includes you.”
Coming from anyone else, he’d think it was a bluff. Brice wasn’t that guy. Gareth wasn’t offended or shocked. After all, he’d done the same exact thing to each Henderson. Guess we’re both assholes.
“So you knew who she was and hired her anyway? I don’t get it. Why expose your business and Tabiq to a potential takeover?”
“Because she’s not that person. Brooke is exactly who she said she was.”
“A waitress? Her father’s a billionaire, and she waits tables. Why?” Gareth asked.
Brice looked at him, “That’s something you should ask her yourself.”
He planned on it. Once I know where the hell she is. “So what are we going to do about these rumors?”
“Nothing,” Brice replied.
Gareth arched a brow. “You don’t think people are going to start asking questions about what I was doing in Tabiq? And when they do, they are going to find out what a strong presence the Hendersons have here.”
“Gareth, we weren’t hiding. If so, it’d be hard to run a resort. The only thing we were hoping to keep private was . . . our relationship. Which you put at risk for getting out.”
Great. He had to hear it from Charles and Brice. Being told he fucked up was getting old. No one seemed to have a resolution to the problem. “So what do you suggest?”
“I gave you mine a year ago. It’s your turn to come up with one now,” Brice replied.
There was only one option as far as he was concerned. “Do business with Lawson Steel.”
“That’s not going to happen. It’ll put us under a lot of scrutiny.”
“Publicly. Full disclosure. You buy it, and we build it. Hell, Brice, it’s not like you’re going with someone who uses substandard material. Why would anyone question teaming up with the best?” It was now in Brice’s hands to decide. Gareth was taking a gamble, but he knew that was the best pitch. It also was a win for both families. Although, perhaps Gareth should’ve discussed that with his brothers first. Then again, it didn’t appear that Brice was doing any differently. Time was of the essence, and they could sort out all the details later.
“You’re not just the playboy everyone thinks you are, are you?” Brice asked.
“None of us are what we seem to be. So, do we have a deal or not?” Gareth asked.
“We do. Now, why don’t you come with me and let me introduce you to all your . . . business partners.”
None of them were willing to use the word cousin. As far as they were concerned, it didn’t exist in their vocabulary. That didn’t mean it wasn’t time to start acting more like family. That meant the next stop for Gareth was Panama. He needed to pay Tony Cortes a visit personally.
Like Rosslyn said, no one fucks with my family.