Chapter 11: Unexpected Ally

CHASE

I spotted Jackson Smith across the room and began making my way over to him.

Just hours ago, we had finalized a deal that had taken nearly two months to complete.

Jackson and I had known each other for a few years, and he was one of the few people I could tolerate conversing with for more than five minutes.

He had briefly worked with my father before me. However, his unusual business ventures and keen insight into positive investments caught my interest only after I took over Winters Security.

Jackson funded numerous charities, alongside other smaller businesses, and he specialized in saving failing ventures and turning them into gleaming successes.

Currently, Jackson’s face was a mask of irritation, which was out of character for him. He was usually the epitome of calm, especially at events like these. Too late, I noticed that he was engaged in deep conversation on his phone.

He caught my eye and waved me over before I could make my retreat.

I overheard a snippet of his conversation as I approached him.

“I’ll have a car waiting for you when you arrive. I have to go, son. Call me when you land,” he said, ending the call. His scowl softened as he turned to face me.

“Jackson, good to see you,” I said in greeting, extending my hand.

He took it in a firm grip. “Chase Winters, we have our own little celebration tonight, don’t we?” He raised his champagne glass to me and took a sip.

“You seemed a bit upset,” I said, hinting at his earlier conversation.

He sighed, rolling his eyes in an uncharacteristic show of exasperation. “That was my son. Forever expecting a free cash handout whenever he calls.”

“After all of our recent dealings, I’m surprised I haven’t met him by now,” I added.

Despite our close relationship, I had never met Jackson’s family. He always came to events like these alone. From what I gathered, he was widowed, and his son was around my age.

I had to admit that I was a little curious. But Jackson preferred to keep his personal life private. Until now, he had maintained a clear separation between business and family. It was something I could appreciate.

“He’s been studying abroad for the last four years. He wants to take over the business when I retire, but there are a few provisions he needs in order for me to even consider that notion,” Jackson said casually.

“So, is he just visiting? Or will I finally be able to meet my potential future business associate?” I asked with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

“He’s back for good. He’ll be my shadow until I decide that my old age has finally caught up with me—and until he’s matured.” He mumbled the last part.

Just as Jackson finished his sentence, his phone began to ring as if on cue.

He pulled it out, his features showing irritation as he turned to me. “I need to take this. Please excuse me.”

I wondered if that was his son again.

“Hey, Chase,” said a familiar voice as a strong hand connected with my shoulder.

My cousin, Ben, came into view, carrying two tumblers of dark liquid. He held one toward me.

“Hey, didn’t expect to see you here,” I said.

“I had a feeling you might need saving, so I thought I’d show up.” He gave me a knowing wink. “That and my sister asked me to tag along. Her latest catch didn’t last quite as long as she expected.” He laughed.

“Lucas told you, didn’t he?” I released a sharp breath.

“Joanna wasn’t exactly a popular choice. She has a pretty face and a juicy set of jugs, but she’s as fake as the plastic injected into her face. But enough about her. I hear you brought a date. Where is she?” he asked, scanning the room briefly with curious eyes.

“Over by the bar.” I glanced at the spot where I had asked her to wait and, lo and behold, saw her sandwiched between the last two women I could ever picture sharing a moment of civility.

Ben saw them, too, a slow, amused smile gracing his lips.

“Shit. I think my date needs saving,” I groaned.

“Now, this’ll be entertaining,” he mused, finishing his drink and slipping the empty glass toward a moving waiter.

KIANA

A group of gossiping girls waltzed past, obscuring my view of the man. I felt a choking fear begin to rise. I didn’t want to have a panic attack. Not here. Not now!

~Stop overthinking it, Kiana! It can’t be him.~

I took deep breaths, reigning in my anxiety.

I snuck another look, only I couldn’t quite make out his features. Something about him was still pricking my fight-or-flight instincts.

~If only I could get a clear view of his face…~

“Lookie what we have here. Chase abandoned you already, has he?” The same woman from earlier—Joanna, I believe—interrupted whatever chance I had at stealing a proper glance at the man.

“Huh?” I replied, paying minimal attention to her.

I moved to the side for another glance, but it was too late. The man was nowhere to be seen.

I huffed in annoyance, my irritation spiking as Joanna sidestepped into my line of sight once more.

It must have been my anxiety making me see things. There’s no way he would be here, and what were the chances of him being at this specific event? Little to none, that’s what.

“Don’t ignore me!” Joanna’s lips turned downward into a petty snarl, her hands on her hips as she jutted her leg out dramatically to the side.

Before I could reply, a slender woman appeared at my side.

Her long light-brown hair, streaked with honey and caramel highlights, complemented a rich blue gown that could make even the most daring envious.

I didn’t recognize this woman, but oddly enough, I felt comforted by her presence.

“Jog on, Jo. You know your expiration date has passed. My cousin finally recognized the low standards he had stooped to for you, and he’s already made corrections.” Her full lips moved with such grace, yet even I fell speechless at her remarks.

“You kiss your mother with that mouth,” Joanna scoffed, an awkward blush heating her cheeks.

“My mother gave me this mouth. You kiss your daddy with yours? Because I sure as hell know he wouldn’t want to know where it’s been,” she remarked, smiling confidently.

Joanna, at a loss for words, stormed away in a huff.

The woman next to me chuckled, her laugh soft and contagious. She hooked her arm around mine as she said, “Good riddance. I’m Crystal, by the way. Chase’s cousin.”

“I’m Kiana. Thank you for…” I pointed to the spot where Joanna had stood.

“Oh, that annoying thing? She couldn’t catch a fly with an open mouth in the jungle with all the poison that spews from her tongue.”

“Crystal, what did you say?” a man’s amused voice asked.

I felt Chase’s warm, now-familiar presence behind me, but that voice didn’t belong to him.

“Nothing,” Crystal answered innocently. “Thanks for the introductions, Chase,” she scolded.

I turned around, and, as suspected, Chase was standing behind me.

“Play nice, Crystal. I’m still in business with her father, and I’d rather not have to deal with that hassle if it can be avoided.” Chase narrowed his gaze in warning.

The man next to him stepped forward. He was almost as tall as Chase. He also resembled the woman next to me, sharing her sharp features. Anyone could see that he was handsome. He had deep-brown eyes, light-brown hair, and soft stubble along a square jaw.

“Lovely to meet you. I’m Ben, Chase’s cousin and this one’s brother.” The man took my hand in his, leaning forward to plant a chaste kiss against my knuckles. He had a charming smile that could weaken the knees of even the most reserved women.

Both siblings were stunning, and being surrounded by these three incredibly attractive people left me feeling somewhat intimidated.

“I have a good feeling about this one,” Crystal said, proudly gesturing toward me.

My cheeks instantly heated at her comment.

“Leave her alone,” Chase warned, swooping in.

He gently pulled me away from Crystal, removing her arm from mine before slipping his hand behind me and around my waist. A warm tingle rushed through me at his feather-light touch. I bit my lip a bit harder than I meant to, trying to keep my body from squirming.

~What is wrong with me?!~

Crystal’s lips turned upward as though she had anticipated his next move. “Fine. But I’m kidnapping Kiana for a shopping date this weekend…” She looked directly my way. “Unless you have other plans?”

“Um… I’m not sure.” I looked at Chase. I was technically supposed to be at his beck and call on the weekends.

Chase seemed to hesitate before answering for me. “Fine. I can give her up for a day. Just be nice,” he said, lifting a finger in caution.

“Of course.” Crystal sent a devilish smile my way.

I chuckled awkwardly.

What had Chase just gotten me into?