Hooker(69)

‘Rupert,’ I say when he picks up. ‘It’s Brock, can you talk?’

‘Of course. How’s Jade? After your text, she’s been on my mind.’

‘She’s doing great.’ I feel myself smiling as I talk about her. ‘She’s happy, Rupert. We both are.’

‘I’m pleased to hear that. She deserves happiness. She’s been through a lot.’

‘I know. I’ll do my best to make sure she gets it,’ I tell him, and I will. ‘Her happiness means everything to me.’ The line goes quiet. I hope he doesn’t think I’m not blowing smoke up his arse, because I’m not. I mean every word.

‘Have you heard any more from M?’ he asks, changing the subject.

‘No. That’s why I’m calling. I was wondering if anything had been mentioned at your end.’

‘All’s quiet here. She’s made me her personal gopher since Rocco can’t drive with his broken wrist.’ He chuckles. ‘You really did a number on him.’

‘He had a gun pointed at my head. That fucker deserved it and a lot more.’

‘No arguments here,’ he says. ‘I can’t stand that guy. I’m glad someone was able to bring him down a peg or two.’

‘If either of them set foot on my property again, I won’t be so kind. I won’t take any chances when it comes to Jade’s safety.’

‘Just be prepared for anything. She won’t let this one go, I know it.’

‘I’ll protect Jade with everything I have. She’s not going back there. Ever.’

‘I’m glad to hear that.’

‘Let me know if you hear anything, will you?’ At least I know I have him working on the inside. It’s something I guess.

‘Of course. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open. Tell Jade I said hello.’

‘I will, mate. She misses you. Once things settle down, will you come to the house and visit her?’

‘I’d like that,’ he says.



I begin to miss Jade the moment I walk into the office. I offered to bring her with me, but she declined. It was probably for the best. I know I wouldn’t have gotten much work done with her here. I left one of my best men at the house, he’s highly trained to handle any situation and under strict instructions not to let Jade out of his sight. She didn’t seem impressed about him being there, but there was no way I was leaving her alone.

‘Amy,’ I say into the intercom on the desk. ‘Can you get Natalie to come up to my office when she’s free?’

‘Yes, Mr Weston,’ she replies, clearing her throat. I chuckle to myself when I realise why. I’m a changed man and in time she’ll see that. Leaning back in my chair, I run my hands through my hair. Fuck me. I really am. Realisation of how much my life has changed in such a short time hits home. The love of a good woman can do wonders for a man’s philandering ways, I suppose.

I fucking hope she loves me. If not, then I pray she will in time. She feels something for me, I know that much. It was a huge step for me to even admit that to her, but I needed her to know I’m all in, because, by Christ, I am.

‘You wanted to see me?’ Natalie says when she enters my office. I can see that familiar glint in her eyes as she approaches the desk. When she licks her lips, I have to adjust the tie around my neck. I’m surprised I’m not the slightest bit tempted to go there again.

‘I didn’t call you up here for that,’ I say, clearing my throat. ‘I have a girlfriend.’

‘Then it’s true,’ she says in a disappointed tone.

‘What’s true?’

‘The talk around the office. They’re saying you’ve finally settled down.’

‘I haven’t exactly settled down,’ I say with a chuckle, ‘but yes, I’m in a committed relationship.’

‘Lucky girl,’ I hear her mumble under her breath as she takes the seat opposite me. But I’m the lucky one.

‘I need a favour,’ I ask, trying to change the subject. Things are getting awkward. ‘I want you to go over the accounts for the last ten years and see if you can find anything on a Melody Sinclair.’

‘Sure, I can do that.’ I watch as she jots the name down on a notepad. ‘When do you need the information by?’

‘As soon as you can get it.’ Before I even knew who she was the name sounded familiar. The fact that she’s associated with my father, I wouldn’t be surprised if she shows up on the books somewhere. My father’s a snake and I can practically guarantee he’s used the company’s funds to pay for his whores.