Page 211 of Under Her Skin

‘Camilla?’ Max’s voice was gentle. ‘Do you think he abused her? Sexually?Physically?’

Camilla burst into tears. ‘I should have protected her… I should have…’ She was sobbing now and Max put his arms around her to comforther.

Driving awayfrom the house a short time later, Max’s heart was thumping unpleasantly against his ribs and he felt guilty about invading Jess’ privacy. But Julien Gachet was a sick and twisted fuck that she’d been forced to live with and who was still trying to control her. Max was betting that once Theo Storm – international billionaire came along – Jules had panicked at the thought of losing Jess to someone who could help her gain freedom from him. He smirked humorlessly. Jules was exactly the kind of misogynistic asshole who would think Jess would find ‘someone better’ just for the money. Max may not have known her long but he knew for sure that Jess loved Theo despite his greatwealth.

Max decidedhe would try and warn Julien Gachet off. If he’d learned anything growing up a fat gay Jewish kid, was that bullies were ultimately the worst kind of coward. Theo’s wealth and influence far outstripped this little piece of humancrap.

I owe you, Theo, Max thought,this one’s on me. He pressed his hands-free on the dash. His assistantanswered.

‘Jenny? I need you to arrange ameeting.’

They atebreakfast in a comfortable silence, Theo lacing his fingers with hers as they sat at a little table on the deck outside. The ocean crashed sedately onto the white sand a few feet away and Jess sat back, shaking her head slightly andsmiling.

‘What?’ Theo grinned at herexpression.

She turned to him, her eyes shining. ‘This week has been heaven. Actual heaven. You know something? I never wanted money, it wasn’t something that we ever had before Mom married my stepfather. She didn’t marry him for it, she fell in love and it actually took him three attempts to get her to say yes. She was worried we’d get too attached to the good life, that it would make me lazy and unambitious as far as my education went. It didn’t, of course, she’d raised me right and despite our new wealth, we didn’t do over-the-top stuff. I mean we got to travel and I’m so grateful for that but today, here with you, I can see how having money can give you little peeks at what the good life could be. Of course, if we came here too often, it would ruin it.’ She glanced back at Theo and grinned. ‘Sorry, I’m rambling. What I meant to say was thank you. Without you, it would meannothing.’

Theo was movedbeyond words so he leaned over and kissed her. ‘Want to go for a cheesy romantic walk on thebeach?’

‘Hell yes, Ido.’

Theo laughed and stood, offering her his hand. ‘Come onthen.’

They walked for miles along the bright white sand, Jess taking in the wild beauty of the hills that rose in the center of the island, seeing tiny houses dotted occasionally amidst the palmtrees.

‘Is there a townhere?’

Theo nodded. ‘A small one but it’s pretty lively. They have a great little music venue of you feel like dancing…again.’

She laughed and hugged him. ‘Always…in fact…’ She grinned wickedly and skip away from hisreach.

Theo gave her a bemused smile. ‘What?’

She kissed him. ‘Take me dancing tonight and you’llsee…’

Jules Gachet waitedat the restaurant of Theo Storm’s new boutique hotel, feeling edgy and irritated. Camilla had given him the message quickly then made herself scarce without explaining who had called andwhy.

But it piqued his interest. ‘Your presence has been requested for lunch at the Stormfront Seattle Private Restaurant at 1pm, Thursday. I look forward to meeting you. Maximillian Zeigler, Vice President, The Stormfront Corporation.’ For a second he’d been confused until he remembered it was that bastard’s company, the one who was screwing his Jessica. Still, it was free lunch and he’d listen to whatever empty threats Storm’s muscle made and then ignore them. He’d punish Jessica for the threats when she returned from wherever she’d gone with that asshole. Maybe his goon he was meeting would tell himwhere.

Max Zeigler was impeccably dressedin a suit that was tailored to fit his slightly rotund body. His face was soft, doughy but there was no mistaking the steel in his dark gray eyes. He shook Jules’ hand very briefly then gestured for him tosit.

Jules smirked, picking up the glass of Lagavulin he’d ordered and draining it. ‘So, how I can I help you, Mr.Zeigler.’

Max’s smile was chilly. ‘Mr. Gachet, I’m not one to mince my words so here it is. You will end each and every claim you think you have to Jessica Wood. You will not contact her at any time in the future. You will continue to honor the commitments you have made to Jessica’s chosenprojects.’

Jules was almost speechless thenhe burst out laughing. ‘Did that actually just happen? Or is this some elaborate joke? What possible business is my relationship with Jessica Wood of yours? I mean, apart from the fact your boss is screwing her. What on earth makes you think you can tell me what todo?’

Max leaned forward and the anger in his face made Jules rock back a little. Max cleared his throat. ‘Because, Mr. Gachet, if you don’t then I will have no option than to ask the police to investigate you. You, Mr. Gachet, are an abuser, a manipulator and I’m pretty certain you’re a pedophile. You have repeatedly assaulted Jessica over God knows how many years. I believe it began when Jessica was twelve years old? Statutory rape would give you twenty-five to life. Attempted murder – sorry, I mean repeated attempted murder, man, you would never see the outside worldagain.’

Jules stared at the man in front of him, barely believing what was happening. That fucking bitch. He gritted histeeth.

‘Whatever Jessica has told you…’

‘She has told me nothing. Mr. Storm asked me to have you investigated after the last time you tried to killJess.’

‘’Jess’ now is it? You screwing that whoretoo?’

Max went dangerously quiet and Jules noticed his fingers tapping the table. For once in his life, Jules was actually scared. ‘Fine,’ he said, standing. ‘You get your way. She’s pretty much all used up now anyways,’ he added spitefully and was gratified to see Max’s expression ofdisgust.