Gareth ended up staying the night with the Hendersons before fueling his jet to finish this little business trip. He’d thought Brooke would be his next stop, but he needed to make sure her dear ole dad wasn’t going to be a problem.
Finding Tony in Panama wasn’t difficult at all. But driving up to his home wasn’t so easy. It was surrounded by a high wall and a massive gate. To get through, he needed to stop and speak with the armed guard. All of this should be an indication that coming alone was unwise. But he wasn’t about to turn around now. He gave the guard his name and waited to see if he’d be allowed inside.
Several minutes later the guard returned and opened the gates. “Proceed to the main building. You will be escorted from there.”
Was it a good or bad thing that Tony Cortes seemed to know who he was? I’m about to find out. Gareth did as instructed, mostly because he wanted to get out of there alive, after being searched by armed guards for any weapons. He wasn’t there to kill Cortes, just to set things straight. Of course, Cortes might not appreciate his visit.
Once inside the home, he was told to wait in a large elaborate marble library with statues of what Gareth assumed to be famous authors. Who knew? To Gareth, this place was gaudy. There was nothing there that reminded him in any way of sweet Brooke.
No wonder you’d rather wait tables. Beats the hell out of living in this prison.
He didn’t need to wait long before the door opened and Tony entered. Tony didn’t look fierce, but then again, Tony was known for having others do his dirty work. Gareth believed if you wanted something done, do it yourself. And that’s why he was there.
“I have to admit, I’m surprised to see you here, Mr. Lawson.”
“There are a few things I think you and I should discuss in person,” Gareth said.
“And what exactly would they be?” Tony asked.
“Let’s start with the Hendersons. It has been rumored you might be looking at some of their businesses.”
“I don’t make it a habit to discuss my business with strangers,” Tony said flatly.
“Don’t worry. I’m not here to discuss it. I’m here to tell you to keep your hands off anything Henderson or Lawson.”
Tony’s jaw clenched and he said, “You are a very foolish young man if you think you can come into my home and tell me what I can and can’t fucking do. Give me one fucking reason why I shouldn’t have my guards escort you off my property immediately?”
And dealt with. Yeah. I get it.“Because I’m in love with your daughter and have every intention of marrying her. You can either accept my terms, or I tell her exactly what a fucking piece of shit her father really is and what you really do for a living.” It wasn’t an empty threat. But he was gambling on how much Brooke meant to her father.
Tony stood, and Gareth swore he saw the veins in his neck pulsing. “I could very easily make it so my daughter never fucking sees or hears from you again; you do know that, don’t you?”
Gareth didn’t get up and forced himself to remain in control. “You could. But your daughter loves me, and I love her. If you don’t care about her happiness, do whatever you fucking want. But since you have allowed her to live her life as she chooses all these years, the life that makes her happy, I suspect she means everything to you.”
Tony glared at him long and hard. In a half growl he said, “I don’t like you, Lawson.”
“You don’t have to. This is all about one person. Brooke.”
Gareth could tell from the look in Tony’s eyes he’d called it right. The only way to get Tony’s respect was to show him he was willing to do whatever it took to not just make Brooke happy, but to keep her safe. That meant having balls big enough to stand up to Tony.
“She hasn’t told me of your upcoming nuptials. Why is that?” Tony inquired.
“Because I haven’t asked her. I figured it was best we come to an understanding first.”
Tony smirked. “You have a very unique way of asking for her hand in marriage.”
“I take that as a yes?” Gareth asked.
“As long as you understand, this is the last time you enter my home and try to muscle me.”
Great. He just got the blessing to be a member of yet another family filled with fucking secrets.
Brooke stood on the beach watching the sunrise. She couldn’t help but think about the last time she was in this exact spot. It had been the beginning of the best day of her life. Gareth had swept her off her feet for the most romantic getaway.
Gareth, a man of such wealth, really seemed to understand her. She didn’t want loud and flashy. If she did, she could have stayed living with her parents. Glitz and glam. A total turn off for her. She saw beauty in simplicity.
She thought by coming back to New Hope, she’d find peace. She was wrong. It actually was worse than any place she’d been. Everything reminded her of Gareth: the lobby, the halls, the beach. But Brooke had practically begged for her old job back. How could she go to Alex and tell him she made a mistake?
That was it. She had to suck it up and follow through. She owed it to them and also to herself. She wasn’t a quitter. Eventually the pain of being without Gareth would subside. She closed her eyes and released another heavy sigh. If I don’t die of a broken heart first.