The Taming of Xander Sterne(68)

                Xander drew in a sharp breath at the total trust in Samantha’s voice. ‘We’ll talk to Howard in my study,’ he stated decisively before picking up the receiver and calling down to Reception, instructing them to send Howard up before ending the call and turning back to Samantha. ‘Would you like to go and wait for us in my study, and I’ll go and meet Howard at the lift?’

                ‘You really don’t have to do this, Xander.’

                ‘Yes, I most certainly do,’ he bit out tensely. ‘I’m responsible for him being here, and I have absolutely no intention of leaving you to speak with him alone.’

                ‘But—’

                ‘Please go to my study,’ he repeated gently before turning to make his way out into the hallway, deliberately leaving his stick propped against the breakfast bar. The last thing he wanted was to appear physically weak in front of Malcolm Howard.

                To that end Xander was leaning casually against the wall outside the lift when the doors opened to reveal his unexpected, and equally unwanted, guest.

                His eyes glittered with challenge as Howard stepped out into the corridor. Xander disliked him on sight.

                For so many reasons.

                For having once mattered to Samantha.

                For having been married to her and not appreciating her as the jewel that she was.

                For being Daisy’s father.

                Most of all, for having made both of their lives a misery.

                The feeling of dislike was obviously mutual as the older man’s face flushed with anger as he looked at Xander. ‘Are you aware of the humiliation you caused me last night when I arrived at the club with my date, only to be told that the almighty Xander Sterne had personally cancelled my membership?’

                Xander’s top lip curled back with distaste. Howard believed his ex-wife and daughter were currently living with Xander in his apartment, and yet all that was bothering the guy at this moment was his cancelled membership to one of his clubs?

                Xander’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. Only Samantha’s continued faith in him, her complete belief that he wasn’t a violent man like his father, held him in check.

                ‘You no longer met the criteria of membership to the Midas nightclub,’ he dismissed harshly, at the same time cursing himself for having acted so impulsively by cancelling the other man’s membership when he did, prematurely alerting Howard to his plans.

                It had been a stupid reaction on Xander’s part, even petty, and was the reason for Howard’s unwanted presence this morning.

                But just the thought of going to Midas one evening, of seeing this man enjoying himself in his club, a man capable of blackmailing his ex-wife into going to bed with him, had just been too much for Xander to contemplate. He wasn’t sure even Samantha’s faith in him would have been enough to prevent him from reacting under those circumstances.

                ‘And what criteria would that be?’ the other man challenged. ‘No man is allowed to be a member of the Midas nightclub if you are currently sleeping with his ex-wife? If so, then I’m surprised there are any men left in London to fill your club!’

                Xander counted to ten in his head. And then counted another ten. And another. And another.

                He was determined, he would not let Samantha down, and let his temper get the better of him.