Chapter Eight
Shelby
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Hamilton." The urge to curtsy under the imposing stare from Dirk's father was hard to resist. Not that I'd ever attempted one before.
"Glad to see she's easy on the eyes, son, after you ruined the merger with Governor Jenkins. I spent half the morning on the phone, trying to get him to take Rafe instead, but as you know, he's not in line to inherit the business." Dirk stiffened as I did my best not to wilt. The bark of laughter from the blond man standing in the corner mixing a drink drew the ire of Winston Sr. away from us. "I'd suggest piping down over there, Rafe. You're one indiscretion away from being disowned. I can't even give your sorry ass away."
I'd like to point out that I told you so.
I didn't even bother to address the smug voice. I couldn't afford to have this turn out worse than it already was.
Surprisingly, Rafe didn't offer any words of rebuttal, but he did tip his head at me with a wink and a wry grin before he sauntered over to a leather wingback chair to take a seat. He was stockier than either Dirk or their father, but just as tall. He must have taken after their mother with his dark navy eyes, caramel-colored hair, and boyishly charming features. From his appearance alone, I could almost imagine him playing college football had he not been in a blazer and slacks, sans tie.
Dirk was almost a younger carbon copy of his father, with slightly softer features that put him in the devastatingly handsome category instead of austere and somewhat sinister. Both had the lighter blue irises, although Winston Sr.'s were faintly bloodshot. That, and the silver-handled cane he had propped against the desk he lorded behind, hinted that the man wasn't well. But I wasn't sure I could be bothered to care since he was a dick.
Finally, Dirk found his voice. "Father, Shelby is going to be my wife. I've made my choice," he started out firmly but even-toned. "Governor Jenkins' daughter wasn't suitable; she has a penchant for wandering." The knowing glance father and son shared left me confused, but out of my peripheral, Rafe froze with his drink tilted halfway to his lips.
Winston Sr. went the opposite way though, coloring up until I thought he might stroke out, before he laced his fingers together over the blotter on his desk and articulately responded to the insinuation of Dirk's revelation. "Very well then, see to it that she doesn't disgrace the family. And get the firm to draw up whatever is needed." Switching his attention to me, he spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. Not that I'd been brave enough to give him one at the time. "You'll sign it all after reviewing it, or you'll be out on your ass, am I understood?"
I nodded stiffly, thinking that would be enough, but when Dirk squeezed my hip, I vocalized my agreement. "Yes, sir, Mr. Hamilton." It seemed to appease both parties as he dismissed me.
"Rafe, take your soon-to-be sister and point out the main areas as well as those that are private and should remain so." Without bothering to wait for an answer, one he didn't get as I'm sure Rafe wasn't about to disobey the order, he turned back to Dirk. "We have matters to settle, and first will be who is assigned to your new fiancée."
Unable to bear even accidentally hearing more, I scurried for the door as dignified as possible the instant Dirk released his grip on me. Rafe only managed to get to the door to open it first because he was closer to it.
As soon as it clicked shut behind me, I let out a frustrated sigh and hugged my arms around myself with my head bowed and eyes tightly shut. It wasn't like I was getting comfort from anywhere else.
"Shelby? You okay over there?" Fuck, I hope he isn't a narc. Popping my eyes back open, I stared at him warily and nodded. "You sure you don't want to run while you can? We're not the softest bunch." His tone was friendly yet sardonic, and I couldn't figure out if he was a playboy with a leash, or flat out playing me.
Look! The boy has sense. Unlike some people I know.
I'm the only person you know, and you're decidedly unhelpful.
"Well," he continued at my silence, "come on, little sis. If you're staying, let's show you where the dungeon and the no-no zones are." Sticking out an elbow with a cocky grin I couldn't help but return, he waggled his brows as he asked, "Shall we?"
Taking the proffered arm, I followed him up and down hallways while he pointed out rooms that I'd never remember. Some of them had actual names. Like the south sunroom, okay, so that was easy enough, but one like the Marigold Room? I swore there was a whole floor named after flowers.
It was as we were in a glass-walled conservatory filled with plants and wrought iron furniture with cushions on the seats, that I saw him crossing the lawn. He was coming from what I thought to be an extension for the security personnel, if I recalled Rafe's directions correctly.
"Carter?" I whispered. But despite the trickling water effect that softly filtered through the room, Rafe heard me.
"You've met Carter already?" Rafe tipped his head, waiting for my answer.
"I, um, sort of." I shrugged, not sure how to elaborate on that.
Oh, you're in for it now, girly. I couldn't have predicted this! Oh how the worm has turned.
This is not happening!
Yeah, sweetcheeks, it is.
* * *
Three Years Ago
Mama was gonna kill me. She had warned me what would happen in the big city, and now I was gonna have to figure out how to get home without a cent. The other girls at the diner had talked me into taking a weekend trip to Savannah, and some jackass just stole my purse, right off my shoulder. The fairgrounds were dark and loud, with shrieking children and ride-goers alike, teenagers running to and fro. Everyone was excited for the beginning of summer with lazy days and no school, but it was the perfect place for a fly-by mugging.
I sniffled, the scents of cotton candy and fried dough permeating the air making my belly growl. I'd been standing in the long line waiting to fill up on the fried food when a skinny teen came out of nowhere, and now I was screwed. Dejected, and without even a phone to call one of the girls, I tried to remember how far away the hotel was. We'd only had a short taxi ride, so surely it was within walking distance. I'd let the girls know what happened when I got back to our room.