Page 39 of The Tower (Billionaire Brothers Grimm #1)
Twenty-Nine
Swordplay
“ W hy on earth would I stay in a hotel when I have this charming loft apartment?” As if I’d been part of this conversation all along, Maya turns to me and flashes a bright white smile. “I worked for him for years at RSC. Fucked him for a nifty chunk of that time, too.”
She looks straight at me, her dark eyes wide with false innocence. “He can be so trying, can’t he? But his skill between the sheets makes up for that sharp-edged personality. Have you noticed that, too, sweetie?”
I take a step forward, calling on every class in poise and decorum my father tossed me into. “It’s one of his more interesting qualities,” I say, then extend my hand. “You must be Maya. You have excellent taste in sweaters.”
Her eyes widen just a bit, and I want to take a victory lap. My father never let go of the leash, but he did let it run slack at parties and public appearances. To do otherwise would have required too many explanations, and my various conditions were a family secret.
Which means I’ve crossed swords with some very hoity-toity women over the years. I’m hardly a Samurai, but I can wield a sword if I need to. Especially if I don’t like the other woman. Right now, I’m not liking Maya at all.
“Maya.” Grimm’s voice is flat. “This isn’t a good time.”
Her dark eyes flick to me, then back to Grimm. “Looks like the rumors are true. You’re harboring Victor Reed’s runaway daughter. Or, rather, his abducted daughter, as that’s what he’s telling every reporter who’ll listen.”
“Why are you here?” Grimm asks, his voice carrying a warning.
She moves farther into the apartment, uninvited. “I live here, remember?”
“When you’re in the country. And right now, you’re supposed to be in London.”
She flashes that smile again. “And yet here I stand.” She moves into the living area and takes a seat, the tension between them thick with unspoken history. I feel suddenly, acutely out of place—an intruder in a drama that has been playing out since long before I arrived.
“What I’m curious about is why you brought her here of all places.”
“That’s not your concern. And you’re not staying here.”
She shrugs, then looks at me. “He’s so strong. So … dominant. Have you noticed that sweetie? The part I liked best was when he tied me up. There’s nothing quite so thrilling as being completely submissive to a man who can hurt you.”
“Out,” Grimm says, his voice full of cold, contained fury.
Her brows rise. “Kicking me out of my own home?”
“It’s not your home. Not anymore. And I assure you that if you don’t leave, you’ll regret it.” He tilts his head, his eyes locked on her. “Are we understanding each other?”
I can practically see the wheels spinning in her head, then she nods. “Of course, darling. I’d rather have room service and access to a spa, anyway. I just popped by so I could meet your new little toy.”
She turns her attention fully to me. “You’re such a sheltered little creature, so in case you didn’t read the subtext, our dear Liam is saying that he has information on me that I would prefer not be disseminated throughout town.
I leave, and he keeps my secrets tucked away.
I stay, and he makes sure that things I would prefer to remain private go public.
I believe the colloquial term is blackmail. And he’s so very, very good at it.”
“I’m familiar with the term,” I say, then flash my most camera-ready smile. “I’ve only known you for a few minutes, but it’s easy to believe he has a treasure trove of information you’d rather keep hidden.”
Her eyes widen, and she turns to Liam. “Well, look at that. Victor’s little doll has a backbone. Isn’t that intriguing?”
She returns her attention to me. “You don’t like me, and that’s just fine.
But you should listen to me. Liam Grimm trades in information.
Secrets he can use as currency. That, my innocent new friend, is something you should think about.
Because whatever secrets you have, Miss Reed, the odds are good he already knows them. ”
“Thank you for the warning,” I say in my most polished and polite voice.
“But just so we’re clear, Ms. Lane, while I admire your taste in sweaters, you and I aren’t friends.
” I offer her an overly-friendly smile that matches the one she’s been flashing.
“I’ll leave you two to wrap up,” I add, then turn my back on her, my heart pounding so hard she can probably hear it as I stride down the hall to the yellow room.
Only a few moments pass before there’s a light tap at the door. I stop pacing, frozen in place until Liam says, “Can we come in? Maya wants to grab a few of her things.”
I’m tempted to tell him that I’ll just dump all her stuff out the window, and she can grab it off the street.
But since that’s probably not the best plan, I open the door, trying hard not to glare as she heads to the closet.
She pulls a small suitcase from the back, opens it, then tosses in a few garments from the closet and the dresser.
The Neruda book she leaves behind. A little reminder for me as to whom he gave the erotic poetry.
“You’ve rearranged my things,” she says, looking over her shoulder at Grimm.
“I cleared some space for Sasha.”
Her brows rise. “How considerate.” She turns to me, her smile razor-sharp. “He never cleared space for me.”
“Well,” I say, “perhaps that’s because you had a dresser.”
Her eyes widen almost imperceptibly, and I catch the hint of a smile tugging at Grimm’s mouth. Maya, I think, is used to getting the last word.
“He’s going to find you,” she says. “Victor’s already hired private investigators to work alongside the police. It’s only a matter of time before he finds this place.”
“How do you know who he’s hired?” I ask.
“Darling, my business is information, and I’m good at my job.” She shoots a sideways look at Grimm. “I learned from the best.” She flashes a wide smile, as if we’ve just had a lovely afternoon tea.
“I’ll be off now,” she says, then turns to me. “He’s one hell of a good fuck, but don’t ever trust him. Remember, he’s both a bastard and a Grimm.”