Page 107 of Watching Her

Just before I tossed the phone onto the table in front of me, it rang. I’d expected Kingston’s call long before.

“You heard about Bill.”

He snorted. “I did, but that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Alright. Let me guess. The meeting with the Dubois family in Paris has been pushed back yet again.”

“No, there’s a tentative new day of early next week. This is personal.”

“Alright.”

“Did Penelope tell you she was in the running for the vice president of Covington?”

I sat up in my seat. “She conveniently forgot to mention that.”

“Yeah, well, that’s likely because she used blackmail to try and get the job, including sleeping with another candidate.”

My blood ran cold. “Carrington Jacobs.”

“Exactly. While there is an obvious lockdown on exactly what happened, she didn’t lie about being fired. Whatever trick she pulled led to her being blackballed in the industry.”

I wasn’t entirely certain how to take the news. “Were she and Carrington an item or just having sex?” I didn’t need to know anything about Carrington to realize he was beneath her. Scum.

A fucking asshole and he’d touched my woman.

Before a growl left my throat, I cinched my eyes shut while trying to remind that thick head of mine that until recently, I hadn’t laid claim to her. But the allegations didn’t seem like her.

“There are no pictures anywhere. My sources tell me the situation was a huge shock to everyone who worked with her. But you know how looks can be deceiving.”

“What about Carrington?”

My brother huffed, even coughing. “Oh, he’s no prize. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find any connection to Southshore Limited or to Brandon. Whoever Brandon met with, he did so completely off the radar. However, I can tell you he’s been on a spending spree.”

“Let me guess, all cash purchases.”

“No, he wasn’t stupid enough to do that. He’s mortgaged to the hilt. A new house. A hundred-thousand-dollar car. A new boat even.”

“Wow. It sounds like his promotion went to his head.”

“Yes, very much so, which means he has everything to lose, brother.” Kingston laughed. “You know desperate men do desperate things. Your picture is out there with Penelope. He’ll think the worst.”

Just like I had for a split second.

“Yes, Carrington is planning something and will ensure he uses anything to get what he wants. Find out how Francois Dubois’ relative died.” When Kingston said nothing, I knew he was in disagreement. “What? Just say it.”

“I know what you’re going to say, Chris, but it’s entirely possible you care too much about this woman. Do I think Covington is up to something? You bet I do. They stand poised to finally arrive on the hospitality scene if they are successful in being awarded the contract with the Duboises.”

“What are you insinuating?” I fisted my injured hand, ignoring the pain since I was blanketed with rage. “And be careful how you tread.”

“No, I will not. We brought Tempest to another level. We did. As in you and I. You might be CEO and, in your mind, a mafia enforcer like our father, but you’re not going to toss everything aside for a woman you decided to play with like you did in college. Now you’re leveraging the company as well.”

Now I was quiet, contemplating what he’d told me while the anger festered inside.

“Wait a minute. You really do like this woman. Don’t you?” His tone had changed, becoming more shocked than usual.

“I enjoy her company. Nothing more.”

“Why don’t you finally cut the bullshit. For once. You forget I’m your brother.”