Page 97 of Brazen Obsession

Colin shakes his head. “No, my son is not to be involved in this business. If I hear of anyone trying to work their way into his accounting firm with anything but legit businesses, heads will roll.”

Alexander narrows his eyes on me. But I don’t give him anything. None of us are a weak spot, but he’s never fought me, so he doesn’t realize I’m not just a pretty face with a gym body. If he wants me to be afraid of him, he’s got the wrong man. None of us will back down.

“I’ll make the offer more palatable, but first you need to know what you’ve done that offends me.” Colin leans forward again. “Natasha and Tom are not to be harmed. They’re my family, and if any harm comes to my family, that person or group will be dealt with swiftly. I’ll give you a pass this time since you didn’t know how important Tom is to me.”

Alexander visibly pales. “My apologies.”

Colin nods. “As for an accountant and other resources you may need going forward, I’m willing to mentor you and let everyone know your business is under our protection as well.”

Alexander straightens and looks confused.

Colin chuckles at the man. “I love my family. The men here today and Sara and Tom are my family. As much as I’d love to destroy your organization for what you’ve done, it will work better if we come to terms. I can’t have some upstart thinking they can take over and believing going after Natasha and my family is the only way to succeed. I need you to be a force that no one will unseat.”

“I would be honored, Mr. Lawson.” There’s just the right amount of humbleness in his tone.

Colin grins. “Of course you would be. I’m not known for making deals. I would like to see you settle down with a wife, sooner rather than later. I like to protect my interests. But I will expect to meet her and vet her prior to marriage.”

“Of course.” Alexander dips his head to Colin. “Are we finished then?”

Colin arches an eyebrow. “Unless you have business that can be openly discussed in front of civilians, then yes, we’re finished for today. Mason will give you the information you need and the schedule for our meetings. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

Alexander stands, and when Noelle begins to stand with him, he puts his hand on her shoulder. “You’re free to return to your job.”

She nods and remains seated as he leaves with his men.

Colin gestures to one of his men, who walks over to Noelle. “If you’ll come with me.”

She glances at Drew, who nods. She stands and follows Colin’s man out of the dining room, shutting the door behind them.

Colin takes a breath. “That went better than expected.”

“What were you expecting?” I ask, curious.

His eyes practically sparkle when he looks my way. “A little back-and-forth would have been nice. I could have offered him more. He definitely needs more training. The girl was sloppy work. Amateur really.”

“Thank you,” Wyatt says.

“Yes, thank you. I don’t know how my father ever thought I could marry him.” Natasha shudders.

“Sometimes businessmen think of the business first and not the people in our lives. Your father probably thought Alexander would be able to protect you in ways a guy like Tom would never even imagine.”

Natasha nods thoughtfully.

“We’ll need to draw up papers signing away your rights to your family’s business.” Colin rubs his jaw. “I’ll hold it over Alexander’s head until I need something from him.”

“What will you hold over my head?” Finn says softly.

Colin deflates and turns to his son. “Nothing, Finn. Nothing at all. I would love if you’d consider coming for a meal occasionally, but that’s up to you and your family.”

“We’d be honored,” I say, because after what he’s done, we’re free. Without any further bloodshed. I was reluctant to involve him, but his sincerity in wanting a relationship with Finn is either the most believable act ever or true. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.

“Good. And I know it’s early, but eventually, when the time is right, I’d love to be part of my grandchildren’s lives. I expect you four will provide me with plenty.” Colin grins.

Roger snorts a laugh.

The future is ours now.

Chapter 33