The Taming of Xander Sterne(57)

                Xander knew that. Knew that Samantha wasn’t the type of woman to ever deliberately insult or hurt anyone. She was sweet and kind, and had been infinitely patient and understanding from the onset, despite his bad-temperedness. She was also a wonderful mother to Daisy.

                Nor did he have a single regret about telling her about his own childhood; he knew that it had been necessary at the time. It had also, in some strange inexplicable way, continued to act as a balm to his own feelings about the past.

                He drew in a deep and ragged breath. ‘You’re obviously tense and worried about your ex, and I should probably have talked to you about this sooner.’ He sighed heavily. ‘I didn’t because...’ He paused, knowing it had been selfish of him to want to keep the status quo for as long as possible. ‘After making extensive enquiries about Malcolm Howard, I’ve decided to make my strike against him through his business,’ he revealed grimly. ‘In fact, I’ve already set those plans in motion. Don’t look so worried.’ He gave Samantha a reassuring smile. ‘By the time I’ve finished with him Howard will wish he had never so much as spoken to you again, let alone threatened you by using Daisy.’

                She gave a worried frown. ‘What are you going to do?’

                ‘What am I doing?’ Xander corrected grimly as he stood up, his erection having finally subsided. ‘Howard Electronics is shortly going to experience a severe problem with the loan they’re currently requesting from their bank, putting in jeopardy the plans Howard currently has for expansion into the Japanese market,’ he added with satisfaction.

                Xander had also cancelled Howard’s membership to the Midas nightclub the day after he and Samantha had spoken, a move guaranteed to ensure the other man knew exactly where his troubles were coming from. It shouldn’t take too long, once Howard discovered his membership to Midas had been discontinued, for the other man to make enquiries and realise Xander was also behind the difficulty with his bank loan. A deliberate move on Xander’s part, to ensure that he became Howard’s target, rather than Samantha or Daisy.

                ‘You can do that?’ Samantha eyed him doubtfully.

                Xander gave a grim smile of satisfaction. ‘I can when it turns out I have a financial interest in the bank Howard uses. At the moment he is running around like a headless chicken trying to secure a loan from another bank.’

                ‘And what happens when he stops running around in circles?’ She frowned.

                Xander grimaced. ‘My lawyer will have contacted him before then, strongly suggesting Howard comes to his office for a meeting. A meeting at which, in exchange for a guaranteed loan from me, with a low interest rate, he will sign a contract agreeing never to come near you or Daisy ever again. This needs to be settled once and for all, Samantha,’ he insisted huskily as he saw she still looked worried.

                ‘What if he still doesn’t agree?’

                ‘He will.’ Because if he didn’t Xander would feel no compunction whatsoever in breaking the other man completely.

                She gave a shake of her head. ‘I can’t let you do that.’

                ‘It’s already done, Samantha.’

                Sam could only stare at him. This was insane. Unbelievable. She had known Xander was extremely rich, but it seemed he was even more powerful than she could ever have imagined. And she had never dreamt that he would go to such lengths on her own and Daisy’s behalf.

                Xander took a step forward to look down at her searchingly. ‘I won’t let him hurt you, or Daisy, again, Samantha.’