Taming Her Billionaire

“For what? For speaking the truth in my own home?” she replied bitterly.

Lucius rose from his chair beside Tahlia, and she watched in horror as Naomi did the same. Despite her best efforts to bridge the gap between the brothers, it was all in vain.

“We’re leaving,” Lucius stated, throwing his napkin onto the table.

“You don’t have to go.” Tahlia attempted to save the day.

Lucius patted her on the shoulder, preventing her from getting up. Then he bent down and whispered in her ear. “Good try, ole girl, but you’re going to have to do a lot better than this to get us to become a family. C’mon, Naomi.” He extended his hand to his fiancée and headed for the door.

Maximus stood as well, buttoning his suit jacket that looked sexy as hell on him, and strode confidently to the dining room door and met his brother at the exit.

“Lucius.” He inclined his head. “I’m sure we’ll be speaking soon.”

“No doubt,” Lucius replied. Seconds later he and Naomi were gone.

“Did you really have to be so gauche?” Maximus asked, turning to his mother after Lucius and his family had gone. It was only the three of them remaining.

“Quite frankly I did.” She stood. “You should be happy I was willing to get through salad, given everything that woman—” she pointed to the door Jocelyn Turner had just vacated “—did to me.”

“That you let them do to you,” Maximus corrected. “Don’t try to rewrite history.”

“I—I’m not going to talk about this right now,” Charlotte huffed. She reached for her wineglass and without another word took it along with her as she stormed out of the room.

“Was it something I said?” Tahlia asked when it was just her and Maximus alone in the dining room.

He let out a loud rumble of laughter that was so infectious Tahlia couldn’t resist and joined in on the fun. Soon, they were both howling, unable to control themselves. After several moments, the chuckles finally subsided and Maximus came beside her, pulling out the chair next to her that Lucius had vacated.

“That was a complete and utter disaster,” he stated unequivocally, leaning back in his chair and staring openly at her.

She nodded her agreement. “It was.”

“I applaud you for trying to calm the waters, but considering the circumstances, you must know that this is an untenable situation. We are never going to be a family.”

“Who says? There are all sorts of families.”

* * *

“You’re not really that naive are you?” Maximus inquired, peering at Tahlia. Where the hell had she come from anyway? He knew his father liked to frequent the art gallery. And now he knew she was the cause. And could he really blame his father? Tahlia Armstrong was a bombshell.

Had she, too, been carrying on an affair with his father right under their noses? Or at least under his mother’s since she’d known for years about his father’s affair with Jocelyn Turner. How could she stomach staying in the marriage knowing he was unfaithful?

Maximus would never have tolerated such a betrayal. When he married, if he married, his wife would be his and only his. He’d kill the man who dared look at her, let alone touch her. It was why he couldn’t understand how his mother allowed the adultery to continue for decades.

“I’m not naive,” Tahlia responded. “I just choose to be positive and was trying to make the best of the situation.”

“Very noble, but wasted on us,” Maximus replied, rising to his feet. “Can I walk you out?”

She blinked several times. Perhaps she thought they were still going to continue with dinner. Not tonight. He needed time to think and strategize his next move.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” she said.

Maximus pulled her chair out and followed Tahlia as they walked down the corridor. He purposely walked behind her so he could enjoy the view of her backside. His groin tightened as she swayed, and God help him, he wanted her.

Suddenly she stopped short and turned to him. “In the spirit of keeping the peace, I want to make it clear to you that nothing happened between your father and me.”

“And you expect me to believe that?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Yes, I do, because it’s the truth. When your father visited the gallery, all we did was sit and talk during his lunch hour. He was a father figure to me, Maximus. Nothing more.”

“What on earth would he have to discuss with you?” As soon as he said the words, he knew they sounded harsh. “Listen, I’m sorry, all right? But even you have to see where I’m coming from. A woman I’ve never met had a relationship with my father that not only did no one know about, but apparently he was more caring with you than he’d ever been with me.”

When they made it to the large oak door with a stained glass insert, he held it open for her, and she stepped outside. “I’m sorry. Truly sorry that Arthur wasn’t more open with you and that you didn’t get to know the man I knew. And th-thank you for dinner.” She smiled up at him with her big brown eyes, and Max felt his manhood swell. He’d only just met Tahlia, but she was having a profound effect on him.

“It wasn’t much of one, I’m afraid.”

“You tried.”

“Have a good night.” He watched her walk to her car and shut the door. Then he headed directly for the library. He usually loved the room because it was surrounded on three sides by bookshelves up to the crown molding at the ceiling. The furniture was upholstered in rich chocolate-brown leather to match the solid oak desk his father had once used. But Maximus didn’t care for any of that tonight and went straight for the wet bar. He poured himself a bourbon straight up. He walked over to the French doors across the room and opened them, staring out over the manicured great lawn. He sipped his drink and thought about his next move.

He hadn’t felt such a strong physical pull toward a female in a long time, if ever. Wanting Tahlia Armstrong was irrational and not advisable. He needed to figure out how he could control her and the situation. She now owned the two most important percent of shares at Knight Shipping because hers was the deciding vote, thanks to his father’s machinations. Had his father done this to spite him because Maximus had suggested taking Knight Shipping public when Arthur was adamantly opposed to it? Had he given Tahlia those shares to ensure it never happened? If so, she was no match for him. Expansion was inevitable, and the board now composed of Lucius and Tahlia would have to vote on it. Maximus would do whatever was necessary to ensure he was successful.

He’d seen the way she looked at him today. She wasn’t unaffected by him either. He’d noticed earlier that she stammered whenever he came within close proximity to her. Perhaps their mutual attraction could work to his advantage. Sexing her was an intriguing possibility.

Maximus heard a noise behind him and turned to find his mother standing in the doorway. “Care to pour me one of those?” she asked, inclining her head to the drink in his hand. The red wine she’d had earlier was nowhere to be seen.

“Sure.” He stepped back into the library and took care of making her a drink. Then he walked over to where she’d made herself comfortable on his father’s favorite easy chair and handed her the bourbon.

“Thank you.” He settled across from her in another chair, and they were both quiet for a long moment before she finally spoke. “I’m still in shock, Max. I can’t believe your father did this to us.”

“You mean to me,” he responded. “I’m the one he pushed and pushed to be the best at everything. I’m the one he said would run Knight Shipping one day, but instead, he gives half the company to my illegitimate brother? A son he couldn’t even acknowledge while he lived? A son who knows nothing about the shipping business? You have no idea what it feels like to be in my shoes, Mother.” Maximus threw back the remaining bourbon in his glass and then jumped up and went to the bar for another one.

Maybe, just maybe, he could drown out the hurt and betrayal he felt at a father who’d never loved Maximus as much as he’d loved him.

“I’m so sorry, Max,” his mother cried. “I thought I was doing what was best for you.”

He spun around on his heel. “By staying with a man who didn’t love you and pined for another woman? For what? So I could inherit the keys to the kingdom?” He chuckled wryly. “Well, you can see what good that did you. He screwed you over yet again.”

“He screwed us both, Max,” his mother responded tightly. “He’s given half your birthright over to that no-good playboy brother of yours.”

Maximus eyed her warily. “Be careful, Mother. Be very careful.”

“Why? Don’t tell me you’re feeling sentimental about a brother you never knew you had and who’s trying to take what’s rightfully yours.”

Maximus didn’t believe for a second that was the case. Lucius had been as shocked as he was by the bequest. He hadn’t known he was Arthur’s son until that moment in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, when his mother had railed at him. Maximus had seen the horror that had crossed his older brother’s face when the realization had sunk in that not only had his mother been carrying on an affair for decades with their father, but that he’d been the result of it. Lucius had been devastated.

Despite that, however, Maximus wasn’t about to let an interloper, an outsider, walk in and take what was his. He’d been groomed his entire life to run Knight Shipping, and no one, brother or no brother, or their sexy partner, Tahlia Armstrong, would get in his way. He would see to it.

“Of course I’m not sentimental, Mother,” Maximus responded. “But haven’t you heard the old phrase ‘you catch more flies with honey’? Don’t worry.”

Her brown eyes stared at him incredulously. “How can I not be worried when half your inheritance is being stolen?”

“We have to play it cool, Mother. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned in business, it’s that we mustn’t show our hand. I promise you, I’ll get what’s mine. I promise you. All in due time.”

“How?”

“I have a plan.”

Chapter 2

“You own Art Gallery Twenty-One?” Kaitlynn Armstrong, Tahlia’s sister, stared back openmouthed as they sat at Tahlia’s breakfast bar the next morning. Tahlia had stopped by Kaitlynn’s apartment to tell her about the dinner at the Knights’ estate and to share her amazing news and good fortune.

“Sure do,” Tahlia replied with a self-satisfied smile. “Arthur Knight transferred the title to me. So now that witch Bailey will be coming to me for approval.”

Tahlia was referring to her boss, Bailey Smith, who was into traditional art. Tahlia had been trying unsuccessfully to get her to branch out to show unconventional pieces. It was only when Arthur had liked a piece from an up-and-coming artist that Bailey had relented for a small showing. It was at that opening that Tahlia had first laid eyes on Maximus Knight.

She’d been setting out canapés when he’d walked into Art Gallery Twenty-One just as confident as he pleased in a designer suit, skinny tie and expensive loafers. He looked every bit the wealthy shipping magnate. From her vantage point, he’d looked serious and intent when he’d spoken to his father. Tahlia had watched him from afar, soaking in every bit of his aura, from the curly fro on his head that she would love to run her fingers through to the bushy eyebrows above sexy eyes to those sinful lips.

Unfortunately, Maximus Knight hadn’t stayed long at the gallery. She’d been pulled away to help a customer, and when she’d finally looked for him, he’d been gone. But now everything had changed. Arthur’s death had set her on a new path that Tahlia could only hope she could prove worthy of.

“I still can’t believe it,” Kaitlynn said. “Did you have any idea that Arthur Knight put you in his will?”

Tahlia shook her head. “None.”

“Have you told Mom yet?”

“No, not yet. She’s at work now,” Tahlia responded. Their mother, Sophia, was an RN at UCLA Medical Center and had just started her evening shift. And Tahlia couldn’t possibly tell her this news over the phone. This news had to be delivered in person.

Kaitlynn glanced down at her Apple watch. “Oh, yeah, right. I’d forgotten. She’ll just die when she hears the news.”

“Just like I did,” Tahlia responded. “It’s so surreal.”

“Why do you think Arthur did it?”

Tahlia shrugged. “All I can think of is that I was kind to him. Sometimes he’d come in on his lunch break to just stare at the paintings. He’d be so wistful that I’d come over and chat with him. I could tell something weighed on his mind heavily at times, but he never shared with me the full details.”

“So you had no idea he was carrying on an affair?”

“Of course not. But I did know he had another son whom he had treated unfairly. I suspect Arthur regretted his actions, which is why he’s taken such drastic actions now in his will.”

“But to make you the deciding vote?” Kaitlynn said. “That’s heady stuff. He clearly thought very highly of you, sis.”

“I feel honored,” Tahlia said, lightly touching her chest. “And scared out of my wits. I mean, Kaitlynn, I know nothing about the shipping business.”

“Perhaps Maximus will teach you.” She grinned with a wink. “I think you’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

Tahlia jumped up from her stool to cover the blush she could feel creeping up her cheeks. “Why would you say that?”

“C’mon,” Kaitlynn teased. “I’ve seen how you react whenever Maximus is mentioned in the news or on social media. You’ve got a crush on him,” she said in a singsongy tone.

“Do not,” Tahlia said, spinning around to face her.

“Preach to the choir because I’m not listening.” She covered her ears with her hands.

“Even if I did,” Tahlia responded with her hands on her hips, “I doubt Maximus would be interested in a peon like me.”

“I beg to differ. You’re in a position of power now, and Maximus will have no choice but to stand up and take notice of you.”

“Because of the shares I have?”

“You’re the deciding vote,” Kaitlynn responded. “He’ll want to keep you close. The question is how close will you let him get?”

Tahlia smiled at Kaitlynn’s teasing tone. She’d wanted Maximus to see her, but she would rather it was because he genuinely found her interesting, not because he thought she was a pawn he could use. But perhaps if they spent some time together he’d see her as something more than a vote in his favor. Only time would tell just what her relationship with Maximus would be.

* * *

“This is stunning news, Max,” his best friend, Griffin Cooper, stated when they met up on Sunday at the Los Angeles Country Club. Now seated in the main dining room, they were sharing breakfast over a cup of coffee. They’d forgone their weekly racquetball session to just sit and talk.

“You’re telling me,” Maximus replied. “I knew my father was a cunning liar, but I never in my wildest dreams imagined he would cut me out of what’s rightfully mine.”

“You’ve worked your butt off for Knight Shipping,” Griffin concurred. “It’s not fair.”

“No, it isn’t.” Maximus seethed in his seat. He’d been awake for nearly half the night mulling the situation over, remembering everything he’d ever done to win his father’s favor. The countless times he’d made sure to excel in school, to be the best in sports, to get into Harvard Business School, and still it was never quite enough. His father always pushed and pushed him. And for what? So in the end he could share running Knight Shipping with Lucius? And Tahlia Armstrong? Where in the heck had she come from?

“Why do you think he did it?”

“At first, I was so sucker punched, I couldn’t think of a single reason why. And then it came to me.”

“What came to you? Don’t leave me in suspense.”

“Tahlia may think my father’s motives were altruistic in giving her those shares. And maybe they were.” Maximus’s lips twisted in a cynical smile. “But I suspect the old man wanted to ensure that I never took Knight Shipping public.”

Griffin’s expression grew still, and he became serious. “Do you really think he went that far?”

Maximus shrugged.

“What are you going to do?” Griffin inquired. “Contest it? I would imagine your father made the will iron-clad.” Griffin was an attorney at a well-known law firm in Los Angeles.

Maximus nodded. “Robert said as much.”

“So? Do you think Lucius will sign over his shares?”

“It’s doubtful,” Maximus responded. Despite the fact that Lucius hadn’t asked for or even wanted the inheritance, Maximus doubted he’d walk away from it. His older brother struck him as the proud type. He’d keep the shares, just to show Maximus that he could and to prove to himself that he could run it. He’d done his research, and Lucius hadn’t become a corporate raider by chance. Lucius had obtained an MBA before investing in his first business venture, an up-and-coming technology firm. The gamble paid off, and he’d made his first million before he was thirty.

Unlike Maximus, who’d been groomed since he was young that one day he’d take over the company Arthur had started with his mother Charlotte’s help. Oh, yes, Maximus had learned years ago that his father had married into money and had used her family’s money to start Knight Shipping. No doubt, that was why he’d stayed married to her because he didn’t want to lose his empire. Yet, he continued his affair with Jocelyn Turner, the woman he’d truly loved.

It burned in Maximus’s craw.

“Max?” Griffin interrupted his thoughts. “What are you thinking? I can see your mind spinning a mile a minute. Are you thinking about the overseas deal and how you’re going to salvage it?”

Knight Shipping had been offered lucrative contracts to transport electrical machinery and luxury vehicles, but they needed capital to expand, especially if Knight Shipping wanted to compete with the other cargo and shipping companies in the Port of Los Angeles marketplace.

“I am thinking about it. But there’s no getting around Lucius,” Maximus responded, “at least for the moment. I’ll have to choose a different route.”

Griffin studied him, trying to read his next move. “The girl?”

“Bingo.” Maximus smiled devilishly.

“How?”

“Get her on my side. Convince her to see things my way.”

“And how do you plan to do that?” Griffin inquired, sipping his coffee.

Maximus shrugged. “It’s quite easy. Seduce her.”

Griffin choked on his beverage. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Tahlia Armstrong likes me,” Maximus replied. “I sensed it yesterday when she stayed behind for dinner.”

“Your mother dined with the woman who’d been carrying on an affair with her husband for years?” Griffin was aghast.

“Trust me, it didn’t last long. But it was Tahlia’s idea. From what I gather, my father intended her to be the peacekeeper between Lucius and me. Last night was her first attempt, which although a bust gave me just the ammunition I need to get out of this quagmire my father has left us in. I mean really, Griff, he gave both of us forty-nine percent? What was he thinking?”

“He wasn’t. He felt guilty for keeping Lucius in the dark about his true identity. This was his way of making amends.”

“At my expense,” Max said hotly. “He could have given Lucius money, baubles, anything—even a smaller percentage of the company. Why did he have to give him an equal share in Knight Shipping? He knew how much the company meant to me. The only thing I can think of is he did this to spite me, get back at me in some way because I was never the son he really wanted.”

Griffin frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it obvious? He wanted Jocelyn. He wanted their son, Lucius, but he could never have them because he was bound to my mother because her money was used to build his company.”

“C’mon, Maximus. That sounds twisted. I’m sure that’s not it.”

“Isn’t it?” Maximus had never truly felt loved by his father. Arthur had been happy to see him go away to boarding school and college. And when he’d come home, Maximus would be so happy to see him and eager to show his father the reports of how well he’d done, but Arthur could never be bothered. He was always working. For what? A company he told Max would be his, only to give half of it away to Lucius, the son he really wanted?

“Max, bro.” Griffin grabbed his shoulder from across the table. “Don’t. Don’t do this to yourself. Don’t second-guess everything that ever happened between you and your father. It’ll drive you crazy.”

“No crazier than learning my entire life was built on a lie,” Maximus stated harshly, shrugging Griffin’s hand away. “Finding out my father married my mother for her money and only stayed with her because of it. He never loved her or me. We were both just a means to an end.”

“Max...”

Maximus rose to his feet and buttoned his suit jacket. “Anyway, thanks for hearing out me, Griff. I guess I just needed to get some things off my chest.”

Griffin stood, as well. “Of course. Anytime you need an ear, I’m here to listen.”

Maximus turned to leave, but Griffin stopped him.

“What about Tahlia Armstrong? Were you serious about your intentions toward her?”

Maximus hesitated in his footsteps. No, he wasn’t sure this was the right move. He didn’t relish hurting anyone, least of all an unsuspecting, sweet and beautiful woman like Tahlia Armstrong, but his hands were tied. “It’s the only way.”

* * *

Tahlia stood outside Art Gallery Twenty-One in the Arts District on Monday morning and looked up at the white stucco two-story building. She still couldn’t believe she owned it, lock, stock and barrel. Arthur Knight had purchased the art gallery on her behalf and bequeathed it to her in his will.

A smile formed on Tahlia’s full lips. He’d done this for her. When all she’d ever done was listen to the older gentleman when he came to look at artwork. She’d had no idea that small act of kindness would lend itself to Arthur being so generous.

“How long are you going to stand outside?” asked Faith Richardson, a petite blonde with a luscious mane of hair that Tahlia would kill for. Faith was one of the main reasons she’d stayed at the gallery. In addition to sharing a love of art, they were also friends as well as coworkers. Of course, she wouldn’t be a coworker for too much longer once Tahlia shared her news.

Tahlia couldn’t wait for the opportunity to tell Bailey Smith who was boss now.

“Oh, I’m coming in,” Tahlia said as Faith swung open the double glass doors into the gallery.

Every time she did, Tahlia loved how wide, open and airy the gallery was. With its white walls, covered with paintings and other works of art, it was her dream come true to exhibit at a place like this. She’d never imagined that one day she’d own it.

“There you are,” Bailey Smith, Tahlia’s boss, stated as they arrived. “You’re late.”

The slender brunette was wearing a scowl as Tahlia and Faith approached her, though Tahlia had to admit she was looking ever the fashionista in a navy pantsuit and cream silk top and was no doubt wearing designer heels. Meanwhile, Tahlia was her usual self in a twisted-drape pencil skirt and an off-the-shoulder sweater with a slew of dangling necklaces.

Bailey flashed a disapproving look at her ensemble before starting in on her. “How many times must I remind you about promptness, Tahlia?”

Tahlia sighed. “I’ve lost count.” It was only a few minutes after 9:00 a.m., and there were no patrons in the gallery. Most didn’t arrive until just before noon. She didn’t understand why Bailey insisted on riding her. It wasn’t like she didn’t stay late when needed.

“Then I would think you’d remember to be on time,” Bailey reminded, “but that’s inconsequential. I’ve just been told that our new owner will be arriving to this morning’s staff meeting. Come, the attorney is here.”

She ushered them toward the back of the house where Bailey’s office, Tahlia and Faith’s even smaller office and the small kitchenette were housed.

When she arrived, Tahlia found Robert Kellogg, Arthur’s attorney, already seated. She smiled and he returned it with one of his own. Only the two of them knew what she was privy to but would soon be revealed to the group.