Asking for Trouble(26)
Hayden had discovered something about herself tonight. At first, she thought she’d merely been missing control. And she certainly had. Taking the reins had put air in her lungs. Purpose in her belly. However, she’d been just as turned-on when Brent flipped her onto her back and dominated her. She suspected because, in her mind, she knew that with Brent, she always retained some level of control. Top or bottom, he listened to her. Wanted to give her what she needed.
The man she’d always assumed took the title for biggest self-centered asshole in the universe was actually a perceptive, unselfish lover. What a kick in the ass. In the past, she’d been treated to polite, non-sweaty sex. No wonder she’d found it overrated. Not anymore. Now she knew how amazing it could be. Yet the thought of being so uninhibited with anyone besides Brent felt…wrong. He’d made her feel safe and desirable. He’d lost his control, too, in the process. She didn’t think it would be very easy to find that with someone else.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she moved to close the window, then jumped when she heard footsteps in the living room. Her heart leaped before she could stop or analyze her reaction. Had he come back? She went to her bedroom door and pushed it open.
“Mother?” She yanked her robe tighter. “What are you doing here? It’s almost midnight.”
She set her purse down, cast a look into the bedroom behind Hayden. “I needed to speak with you and it couldn’t wait until morning.” A sigh whistled past her lips. “Obviously you couldn’t wait either. I met your date sneaking out like a thief in the night.”
Hayden pushed her hair over her shoulder, wincing at the thought of Brent running into her mother. Had they exchanged words? She didn’t even want to know. “I’m a big girl, Mother. I don’t have to account for my every move to you.” She dropped down on the couch. “What did you need to talk to me about?”
Her mother picked a piece of lint off her jacket. “I just thought you should be aware of how your actions tonight might have indirectly sent this family into bankruptcy.”
Heart pounding in her ears, Hayden shot to her feet. “Excuse me?”
Mother replaced daughter on the couch. “I certainly hope he was worth it.”
She took a deep breath, attempting to calm her racing pulse. “Please, stop being dramatic for one second and explain what you said. Bankruptcy?”
“Gladly.” She gestured for Hayden to take a seat across from her. Feeling numb, Hayden obeyed without protest. “Dear, I haven’t been pushing Stuart on you because of his sparkling personality. Believe it or not, there is a method to my madness.” She sighed heavily. “Your father wouldn’t like me telling you this. He thinks he can fix it without anyone’s help, but I know better. The company has had three bad quarters in a row. We’re losing investors and clients by the day. Barely treading water. We’ve managed to keep it quiet, but your father can only call in so many favors.”
“Oh my God.” Hayden’s hand flew to her throat. Her first thought was for her poor father, having to shoulder the entire burden on his own, keeping a brave face throughout. “What does Stuart have to do with any of this?”
“Stuart, for all his…quirks, is very successful at what he does. His hedge fund is growing by the day, but not fast enough for his liking. He needs the big-time investors. Connections. And that’s where your father comes in.” She leaned forward. “Unlike Stuart, we’re old money, dear. We can introduce him into an invaluable world. And in exchange, he would pay off the hefty loan your father has coming due. If we default on that loan…” She patted her hair. “Let’s just say none of us will be living the lifestyle to which we’ve become accustomed.”
Hayden’s brain scrambled to keep up. She didn’t like where this revelation was heading. Not at all. So she delayed the inevitable. “That’s great news, right? If Stuart is going to pay off the loan, what’s the problem?”
Her mother took her hand. “Stuart thought he could use your father’s connections for free, dear. And you know your father, he’s too kind. He’d help Stuart without a thought for himself. Or us.” She sat a little straighter. “I finally managed to convince your father that influence doesn’t come without a price. Unfortunately, Stuart is looking for a guarantee on his investment.”
Dread curled through her body at the direction this conversation had taken. She’d never thought her father belonged in the cutthroat business world. He’d managed to survive this long running a company he’d inherited, but how much longer could he keep it up? If their family lost everything, he would be crushed. “Mother, please just say it.”