Free Salvage Her Heart by Shelly Pratt

are eating him alive, although there is entirely nothing he can do about the dried ink. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s tried many times to ease his guilty conscience by unburdening himself and spilling his guts to his daughter. The contract is quite clear, though. If he were to tell Evie about our little deal, then all of his assets would immediately be seized by my company. I’m sure as much as he’d like confession, hi s greedy nature will always outweigh any fatherly loyalties he may have felt at one time.
    The knock at my door breaks my train of thought.
    ‘Yes, come in!’
    I like it when my voice booms around my office. It’s authoritative and loud, enforcing that this is, after all, my domain. My secretary, Larissa, enters with Jonathan trailing behind. He always looks kind of pale at these little get-togethers we have. In his own home, he still seems to possess balls of some sort, and yet every time I summon him all of his courage escapes him. I’m pleased my office has such an effect on him.
    ‘Jonathan! So glad you could join me today.’ I offer my hand, which he shakes reluctantly. ‘Sit,’ I command, at the same time dismissing Larissa with another demand. ‘Coffee, Larissa, and bring an extra cup as Harry will be joining us shortly.’
    ‘Yes, Mr Stratford.’ Her voluptuous frame teeters off on a dangerously high pair of heels to fetch our refreshments. I take my seat behind the desk, knowing full well I only appear all the more intimidating to Jonathan. I assume it reminds him of being in the principal’s office. I’m guessing he must have been there once or twice in his earlier days. Despite his obvious nerves, he still summons the courage to ask questions.
    ‘What’s all this about then, Alex?’
    ‘I was hoping you could tell me.’
    ‘I beg your pardon?’
    ‘Well I’m very interested to know your opinion on something.’
    ‘And just what would that be?’
    ‘I want to know what’s up with Evie.’
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘Well, you’ve requested we visit you a lot lately, wouldn’t you say? Much more in recent times.’
    ‘That’s my right, you …’
    ‘Now, now, let’s not get testy. That could leave you in hot water. Since you’ve wanted to see your daughter so much lately, why don’t you tell me what you’ve observed of her.’
    His eyes drop to the expensive wool carpet on the office floor, hands wring in his lap while a distressed look comes over his face. He seems distant all of a sudden —like he’s just gone far away where nothing can hurt him anymore. The reality is, he’s still here, and this little problem—me—is not going anywhere.
    ‘It’s all your fault,’ he says.
    ‘My fault?’
    ‘Yes, you, you fucking bastard! Do you think I’m blind? That I can’t see the bruises you leave all over her skin? You’re an animal. I should have never let you anywhere near Evie—never!’
    ‘Tsk, tsk, Jonathan. Watch your temper in my presence. Perhaps that same temper is what has got Evie exactly what she deserves, hmm?’
    ‘Don’t you blame her for your shortcomings, you bastard!’ Tiny flecks of spit froth at the side of his mouth. He’s very angry—probably more so than when he first found out that he’d just made the biggest mistake of his life by signing his daughter over to me. I can see he needs a lesson in manners as well.
    He’s not expecting it when I lunge at him and grab him by the back of his neck, slamming his cheek hard against the oak desk. A whoosh of air leaves his chest, the impact clearly winding him. Poor manners must run in the family and, like Evie, I’m going to maintain a firm hand.
    ‘Shortcomings? That’s almost laughable, Jonathan. Actually, you hit the nail on the head. That is precisely what I wanted to ask you about—your shortcomings. Tell me, have you told Evie about your shortcomings? How daddy dearest sold her out all because he couldn’t live without the fancy cars and expensive port?’ Jonathan’s eyes