Secret Torment (Bend To My Will #9) (4 page)

Jacob was incredulous. The fool really thought that he mattered, that Jacob would even bother with him.

“Well, you can accuse all you want,” Daniel said. “You are guilty of worse things than me.
Much worse
. You dishonest son of a bitch.”

Blinded by his rage, Jacob saw red. The idiot had gone beyond being an annoying prick, and maligned Jacob’s character. He grabbed Daniel by the throat, tempted to squeeze the breath out of him.

With the creep gasping for air, Jacob hit the button to the elevator, and when the door opened, he threw Kenyon inside. The force was enough to cause him to bounce against the wall and slide to the floor of the car.

As Kenyon struggled for breath, clawing for the railing to get up, the doors started to close. Jacob shouted, “Get the fuck out of here, asshole, before I kill you.”

Breathing heavily, with adrenaline pumping through his veins, Jacob dug his hands through his hair. “Goddammit.” He was furious that the insignificant ass had gotten to him. The guy had managed to disrupt his talk, then, even worse, had the gall to attack his moral character.

Pacing in the elevator bay, Jacob began to calm down. His breathing steadied and his mind began to clear. No question that Daniel Kenyon had one oversized ego, and assumed he should be on top when he had done nothing to deserve it.

Daniel seemed to think he was immune to repercussions for anything he did, that his stepfather would save him. Looking through the lens of his unbalanced state of mind had caused him to misjudge reality.

His behavior was reprehensible, but one thing he had said nagged at Jacob. “
You are guilty of much worse things than me.
” What the hell had he meant? The weasel was prone to lying, so what did he have up his sleeve now? Or what did he know? The man had some source of intelligence, or, as Jacob had feared, there was a traitor inside Rinaldi Imports. There had to be, because someone was feeding information to Kenyon, or else he was bluffing. And Jacob didn’t know which.

Chapter 4

Every fall, Vivienne looked forward to the new Broadway season, and an opportunity to see the most anticipated shows. At one time, she’d aspired to be an actress, yet her enthusiasm had waned. Drama class had been stimulating, each role a new challenge.

Yet she didn’t have Lana’s motivation to be a star. As long as it was for fun, Vivienne had enjoyed it. But the endless auditions and competitive nature of the business wasn’t for her. Plus, she couldn’t sing or dance as well as her friend.

But that didn’t keep her from adoring theater, or from appreciating film, as both remained passions of hers. Along with a new season of Broadway shows came the New York City Film Festival. The two-week event played some of the crème de la crème, the latest and most critically acclaimed international films, that had been shown at festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.

Years before, the festival had outgrown its downtown location, now renamed Tribeca Cinema. Its reach expanded in New York, as well as internationally. In its mission to bring independent film to the widest possible audience, the festival hosted over a thousand screenings throughout Manhattan.

This year was even better, since Jacob attended with her. Over a period of a few days, they saw several of the films. Vivienne was especially taken with
She Monkeys
, a film that focused on the psychological power struggles between two teenage girls engaged in equestrian vaulting. The film had debuted at a Swedish festival, been released in France, and won many awards.

At the restaurant afterwards, Jacob agreed the film was outstanding. “But I have to say that
Carnage
was just as good. Roman Polanski did a good job with that one.”

“True,” Vivienne said. “I saw the play it was based on:
God of Carnage
. It won a Tony Award.” She smiled. “Although I must say Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet gave amazing performances in the movie.”

“I found it intriguing that the story starts with a civilized discussion, just two sets of parents discussing a brawl their sons had, but rapidly disintegrates into chaos.”

Vivienne took a taste of her beer. “Yes, there they are eating cake and drinking whiskey, when they start revealing their true feelings. It turns into a clash of egos.”

“And a war of the sexes.” Jacob munched on a French fry. “What’s that look you are giving me?”

Vivienne batted her eyelashes. “Hmm, war of the sexes. We know what that’s about.”

“Very funny.”

After the show, Jacob had brought her to JG Melon for a burger and beer. They didn’t always have to go to fancy places, which was good. Sometimes it was nice to go casual. Since the film had been in the afternoon, they stopped in for an early dinner.

The place had the menu painted on wooden boards, and was open daily from lunch until after midnight, serving their signature juicy hamburgers. It had a jovial, noisy atmosphere, but she saw many businessmen in suits grabbing a drink.

Jacob bit into his thick burger. “This is worth the wait.” He chewed, then stuffed in another bite.

Vivienne bit into hers. “Yum, this is delicious. I see why this place attracts a crowd.”

Jacob grabbed a couple of his fries. “Yep, it is quite a draw. I’ve seen actors, sports figures, even politicians in here.”

Vivienne was surprised he hadn’t brought her before. “We’ll have to come back.” She dipped a fry in ketchup. “The food is good.”

A few minutes later, with his burger half eaten, Jacob took a breather to sip his beer.

“You seem to be very busy at work lately,” Vivienne said. “You don’t text very often, or find time for dinners out during the week.”

“Yes, I’ve been swamped, but I’m getting a handle on it,” Jacob said. “And there’s something brewing that I’m not comfortable with.”

“What’s that?” Vivienne felt better knowing about his stresses at work. It was another way that Jacob no longer shut her out. He had begun to trust her with things that were important to him.

“I blew up last week at an association meeting.” Jacob proceeded to tell her about Daniel Kenyon, a name she hadn’t heard before. He briefly told her about their history together, but mainly focused on the recent trouble the man had created.

“I can’t believe he made such a scene.”

“Oh, yeah, I can.” Jacob shook his head. “He is an annoyance, but I fear he might take it further. I tell you, the guy really ticked me off.”

Vivienne could see that, as when Jacob recounted the tale the veins in his neck bulged. She could just imagine him grabbing the guy by the throat and tossing him into the elevator. Jacob had warned her that he had a temper, but she hadn’t experienced it personally.

“Do you think he will knock it off, now that you have put him in his place?”

“No, I’m sure he
won’t
.” Jacob picked up the other half of his burger. “He has it in his head that I’m his enemy. Well, if I wasn’t before, he has certainly made one out of me.”

“It seems strange that he thought you were out to get him.”

“To us, it’s strange,” Jacob said, “but it makes sense in Kenyon’s twisted mind.”

“Did you ever really do anything to him?”

“Not that I’m aware of, but he has a whole laundry list of what he imagines I’ve done.” Jacob took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. “It doesn’t matter, though. What I’m concerned about is what he has planned, because I know it’s not over.”

Vivienne pushed her plate aside with some of her burger and fries left. “I’m stuffed.”

Jacob glanced at his empty dish, then eyed the food remaining on her plate. “You want the rest?”

He pulled her leftovers in front of him. “This is too good to waste.”

Vivienne got pleasure out of watching him eat. “I’m glad you’re getting enough food,” she said, with a coy smile. “Because you’ll need your energy later.”

Jacob’s blue eyes smoldered. “I’m planning on it.” Under the table he rubbed his foot against hers.

“On another subject, I have a trip to Argentina coming up, and I’d like for you to come with me.”

“Where in Argentina?” Vivienne said, stalling for time.

She was aware that Jacob traveled frequently and was determined to go along, whenever she could. Yet she was busy at Vee’s, and with her online venture, too. It wasn’t that easy to get away. But she wasn’t about to refuse; she’d just have to work it out.

“We’ll go to Mendoza—it’s the place for Malbec, and one of the largest wine-producing areas in Latin America. And this is a good time of year to go, because it’s spring. Their seasons are the opposite of ours.”

Vivienne’s misgivings were replaced with excitement for visiting Argentina. “It sounds irresistible.” She smiled. “I’ll make some arrangements so I can go with you.” Now that she’d committed to go, Vivienne was already looking forward to it.

*****

The following weekend, Jacob took Vivienne to a fundraiser. After setting up the legal fund for battered women, he’d arranged an event to raise money for the cause. He had some good connections, and was confident he could accumulate a sizeable sum over time. The charity was officially titled Women Fighting Back.

Meg had assisted with planning the event, and as always, she had done a great job. Plus, as she’d told Jacob, it was a cause she could get behind. The get-together was held during the day in Palm Court at the Plaza. It was planned as an afternoon tea, another of Meg’s good ideas.

“
You want to get the women involved,
” Meg had said. “
It’s a cause they will support, and you know plenty of women in business.
”

She had been correct, and the invitation for afternoon tea went over well. Not only were the women he invited pleased to attend, but his male business associates took the opportunity to include their wives or female counterparts.

Too often events or fundraisers were open-bar cocktail parties, and while they served their purpose, such had been overdone. It was usually a crowd of businessmen talking shop, “
with the women bored to tears, yet doing their best to be sociable
,” as Meg had enlightened him.

She had made a good point, and although Jacob wouldn’t have thought of it, the tea was something different. The idea was amazingly popular, and the event’s attendance was good. With Vivienne on his arm, he walked into the dining room.

“What is that scent you’re wearing today?” Jacob said. “You smell absolutely edible.”

Vivienne wore a mint-green sweater with a matching flared skirt and beige heels. She looked stunning, as she always did to Jacob, but not overdone. “I’m wearing one of my new scents,” she said. “Actually, that last time we strolled through the park I had an idea. After playing around with it a bit, this is what I came up with.”

“I seem to recall it was one of your perfumes that lured me in the first place.” Jacob was smitten with her all over again.

“Mmm, yes, back then I think I was fond of wearing the one that smells like jasmine.”

Jacob was dressed for the occasion, relieved that high tea didn’t call for a jacket and tie. Especially for the afternoon, he’d been told trousers with a collared shirt were acceptable. Meg seemed to know a lot about etiquette and attire, so she’d filled him in.

“
It’s a perfect excuse for the ladies to get dressed up, though
.” Meg had been right about that, as, looking around, Jacob saw very festively dressed women. They weren’t in the black cocktail dresses he saw so often, but instead wore all manner of dresses or skirts in lovely colors.

Vivienne took in the scene. “Well, Jacob, you’re a hit with the ladies.”

He took her hand and headed toward someone he knew. “I try to be.”

While they chatted and made friends, small sandwiches and fruit tarts were served, with a choice of teas. The male attendees seemed to be having just as much fun as the women. Classical music played in the background and waiters whisked by delivering treats or retrieving empty plates.

Scones were served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and fruit jams. Tiered plates of cakes, petit fours, and éclairs adorned each white-linen-covered table. While the guests nibbled on the treats and sipped tea, they talked and laughed.

“What a great idea this was,” Vivienne said, leaning toward Jacob.

“I’ll tell Meg you said so.”

At the appropriate point, Jacob went to the podium at the front of the group. He highlighted his plans for the new women’s fund, but he didn’t belabor the points. The invitations had made it clear what the purpose of the event was, and the name of the charity spoke for itself.

The guests lingered over the last of the food, accepting refills of tea. Jacob received many personal thanks for a delightful event, and the donations that followed confirmed that it was a success. More than anything, he was pleased to see such support for a good cause.

Since it was still early when the guests left, Jacob suggested going for a cocktail. The tea had been acceptable, as good as tea gets, but he preferred something stronger. Since they were already at the Plaza, they went to the Champagne Bar in the lobby and sat in a couple of cushy chairs along the perimeter.

The tall windows offered a pleasant view of Fifth Avenue and Pulitzer Fountain. Jacob ordered champagne and caviar for them. “I need something that’s not sweet.”

Vivienne giggled. “You have to admit, it was a great event.”

“It was,” Jacob said. “I need to make a note to pay more attention to the women. They are very responsive.”

Vivienne laughed. “I’ll just bet they are.”

The champagne was poured, and for a few minutes they relaxed, enjoying the atmosphere of the elegant lobby bar. Jacob had something he wanted to talk to Vivienne about, and after the waiter refilled their glasses, he brought it up.

“I’m concerned that traveling more often is stressful for you,” Jacob said.

Vivienne sipped her champagne. “I can deal with it.”

“You said it throws off your hormones, and that’s a sign that it’s affecting you.”

Vivienne rolled her shoulder. “I’ll get used to it.”

Jacob had a feeling this wasn’t going to be as easy as he’d hoped. “Well, I don’t want you pressured with business concerns when we travel. We’re going to Mendoza soon, and it would be easier on you if you didn’t have a business to run.”

Her frown wasn’t a good sign. “But I do have a business to run. I don’t know what you’re suggesting.”

“Let me put it this way,” Jacob said. “I often buy other companies. If one looks like a good investment, I consider it, even if it’s not in the wine industry. I have quite a few holdings outside of Rinaldi Imports.”

For a moment Vivienne was quiet, but he knew she was trying to figure out where he was going with this. “So…you want to buy my company?” Her shock was evident.

“That didn’t come out right.” Jacob leaned forward. “Buying businesses is a good way to diversify. But in this case, the company would still be yours.”

“How so?”

“I will capitalize Vee’s Scents, because I have faith in you and your creative ability with scents.”