Mendacious (5 page)

My eyes drift toward Holli. I’m virtually burning a hole in the side of her head and I feel the distinct need to just touch her on the shoulder at least, but I don’t.

Yeah, whatever … I’m a coward.

Instead, I take the easy route and acknowledge both her and Joanna at the same time. “It was nice meeting you both,” I say, nodding my head as I pass through the dining room and out into the hall.

“Where’s my kiss?” I hear my mother demand, the sound of her footsteps tailing me as I expected.

Chuckling, I turn to face her and press a kiss against her cheek. “Cheers for dinner. I’ll see you later, mum.”

“Well, it was nice to see you for a little bit anyway. Your Grandmother keeps asking for you whenever I visit. Have you got any time? You know she’d love to see you.”

“Mmm ...” I murmur, at least acknowledging that I’ve heard her as I open the front door and head down the driveway. I should make more time, but I just don’t have it.

~

Pulling out my security fob to the office twenty-five minutes or so later, I spot Sean waiting outside my door, his fingers busily typing on his phone.

“Did you have a busy session tonight?” I ask, nodding at his jogging bottoms and T-shirt. They’re Sean’s statement gym clothes, just like my own basketball shorts.

For me and Sean, the gym was our time to let off steam. We usually liked to go together. It was just a chance for us to forget about work for an hour or so and just chat about whatever drama or shit was going on in life.

“Connor kicked my arse on the mat. Don’t ask me why I agreed to spar with him. I should have guessed a battering was on the cards. But how did dinner at your mum’s go? Any prospects invited again?”

Using my shoulder, I nudge open the door to my office and flick on the light. “That’s why you should avoid the mats at the gym,” I laugh, setting down my laptop on my desk and taking a seat.

Sean comes in behind and sits opposite. He’s still typing away on his phone, but looks up and snorts. “Nice. Way to avoid the question. So I take it mummy invited a future wife for you to vet?”

My eyes roll of their own accord. “Of course she did.”

“So, who was it tonight?”

“Susan’s daughter.”

Sean scoffs. “How many has that woman got for God’s sake?”

“This was the last. She wasn’t anything special. Actually, she was kind of annoying,” I reply, lifting the lid on my laptop. “I’m sure my mum will find someone else with plenty of daughters to reject.”

“Your mum’s persistent, I’ll give her that.”

He’s bloody right. My mum is like a dog with a bone when it comes to matchmaking. She’s not satisfied unless everyone—except her—is in a happy relationship.

It’s tiring.

Frustrating.

I’m starting to get annoyed with it.

“We’ve just been copied into an e-mail from Benedict.” Sean’s voice pulls me back from the thoughts in my head, reminding me of the reason why I’m sat at my desk on a Friday night. “He got it,” he cheers, slamming his hand on my desk and getting to his feet. “This is bloody fantastic, Alex!”

I move my cursor over the e-mail, a slow grin creeping over my lips as I take in Benedict’s words for myself.

“You seem happy?” Sean beams.

He’s right. I’m absolutely buzzing. The deal may have cost me more, but at least we closed it before the other bastard dipped his hands in.

I dial Benedict’s number and slip on my Bluetooth headset. Getting up from my desk, I make my way over to the window and heave a deep breath.

He did it.

The fucker pulled through at the right time.

“Alex?” Benedict answers after a couple of rings.

“Well, I’ve got to say that I’m impressed. You nailed it this time round. Good job.” I cross my arms over my chest and turn to face Sean. “We’re both in the office. Pop over and we’ll crack open a bottle of champagne.”

“Sounds good. Give me twenty minutes.” He snatches me up on my offer quickly, knowing this type of opportunity doesn’t happen often. I’m not one for dishing out praise, but I think Benedict deserves something for cracking this deal at least.

Pulling the headset from my ear, I throw it on the desk and rub my hands together. “So when do you reckon we can get in there?”

“If her signature is on that contract, you can go in whenever you damn well want. She’s agreed that we can have full control over the expansion. I’d say to get in there next week so you can start the groundwork,” Sean replies, his attention drawn back to his phone.

Monday?

It’s sooner than I thought.

“Are you nervous about seeing her again?” Sean’s eyes lift and study me closely. “You seem jittery all of a sudden.”

The back of my neck feels clammy and I realise I’m tapping my foot, but immediately I switch off any emotions I’m feeling. I don’t show signs of weakness. Ever. I need to stay rock solid, despite the nausea swirling in the pit of my stomach.

Libby.

Damn.

Libby.

Shit.

Libby.

Fuck.

I’m going to see my ex-wife after almost seven years. I have a million questions plaguing my already overwhelmed mind. What does she look like? Is she still the same? How will she react when she sees me?

The world feels like it’s about to drop out of my arse, but I’m holding onto the welcome knowledge that I’ve got the upper hand in all this. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s signed up for business suicide with this deal.

And I’m smug as fuck.

Monday is when the plan commences and Libby learns exactly who the
new
Alex Lewis is, and I’m going to enjoy every fucking minute of it. I’m sure she’ll be kicking herself when she sees me, and maybe even more when she realises what I have in store for her.

Benedict’s waffling away in the car, and I’m doing everything in my power to ignore him. I probably should’ve listened to Kelly and taken a driver. At least now I’d be preparing myself and not having to listen to my solicitor’s boring drivel.

“How far are the offices?” I interrupt Benedict when I feel my head slump back against the leather headrest. He’s literally boring me to fucking tears right now.

“We’re almost there,” he explains. “But anyway …”

Blah. Blah. Blah.

I’m about ready to punch him as we pull into a small compound and Benedict navigates his Mercedes into an empty space. He kills the ignition, but I’m already out and getting my suit jacket off the hanger on the backseat.

“A bit keen, hey?” He nods at me straightening my tie.

“Professionalism,” I murmur, moving to tighten my cufflinks. “First impressions are always important.”

And today is definitely not an exception. I’ve even gone for my lucky, dark red tie to match my suit. It was my grandfather’s and it always makes me feel in charge and in control when I’m wearing it. Doing the old man proud, I am.

Benedict puts on his jacket and stands next to me. “Well, this is the main office,” he says, stating the obvious as he waves at the tall, glass skyscraper. “Libby’s company is on the twelfth and thirteenth floor.”

I swallow sharply and walk toward the building. “Let’s go.” I don’t let on that I’m suffocating within the confines of my suit, but I am. Inside I’m a nervous wreck, and I feel the bile stirring in my stomach. But I have to focus. I have to.

“We’re early. We are not supposed to be here till four. Want to run through anything before we go in?”

“No,” I say checking my watch. “We are only fifteen minutes early, and I always say it is better to be early than late.” I walk through the automatic sliding doors and over to the reception desk. “Alex Lewis and Benedict Carlisle to meet Ms. Elizabeth—” I trail off, realising I don’t have a fucking clue what last name she’s using.

The company was registered under her maiden name on the documentation I saw, but I don’t know if she’s using that or if she’s maybe married again since? I’m thinking so hard I’m about to give myself an aneurysm. The thought that Libby could have moved on and found someone else hadn’t even crossed my mind, but now it is and I’m not sure what impact this could have on the plan.

“We are from A L Investments and here to meet Ms. Elizabeth Lewis,” Benedict smoothly replies for me. “She should be expecting us.”

Lewis?
Wait ... what did he just say?

“Okay, here are your visitor passes. You need to take the lift on the left, which will take you up to the twelfth floor. I’ll let the reception upstairs know you’re here.” The receptionist smiles and pushes two lanyards across desk. I nod and place it around my neck, still completely at a loss for words.

She kept her married name.

Elizabeth Lewis
.

“Alex,” Benedict hisses. He pulls me into one of the two glass lifts. “Are you alright?” he asks, hitting number twelve on the panel.

I blow out a sharp breath. I’m so fucking relieved. Libby hasn’t changed her marital name in seven years. She may have moved on, but she definitely hasn’t married again.

Leaning back against the glass wall, I feel my usual courage and control slither into my veins, recharging and snapping me back into my customary persona. “Get the fuck off me,” I bark, batting Benedict’s hands away. He startles and I straighten my suit, fixing him with a glare. “I was surprised, that’s all. Don’t take it the wrong way.”

Who am I kidding? I completely froze down there. The word hypocrite springs to mind as the lift coasts to a stop and opens on the twelfth floor.

“First impressions,” I remind Benedict again as an efficiently dressed young woman waits to greet us from the lift.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Carlisle,” she says to Benedict as we stride toward her. “Will you please follow me to the boardroom.”

When we walk past, she nods politely at two very pretty girls sitting at a long white reception desk. They catch my eye, but so do the giant metallic silver letters hanging on the sterile white looking wall behind them.

SB? Sexy Bum?

I grin and follow behind the sound of high heels clacking against the neutral stone flooring. Taking in my surroundings, I find myself thinking that everything just seems so clinical and modern. The place reminds me of my own immaculately designed offices, but without the personal touches.

We walk along a winding hallway, the walls filled with elegant lingerie and swimwear sketches, until we reach a set of frosted glass doors.

The young woman knocks on the glass and opens the door for us. “Elizabeth will be joining you shortly,” she smiles, beckoning us inside.

I keep my expression passive as I enter, despite the sudden assault of inquisitive eyes from around the large glass table stretching the length of the room. Virtually every white leather seat has been taken, apart from three near to the front.

At least people appreciate punctuality for meetings.

“Benedict, it’s good to see you again.” A man stands from the table and makes his way toward us. He shakes Benedict’s hand and waits to be introduced.

“You too, Daniel.” Benedict grins and turns to me. “Please meet our CEO of A L Investments, Mr. Alex Lewis.”

“Please, call me Alex,” I say, warmly shaking his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Daniel Thomas, director of sales and marketing here at SB.” He then gestures at the group of people still eyeing us suspiciously. I’m guessing these people have superior titles in the business, which is why they all look nervous and a little threatened right now. “I’ll take you on a tour of the office later. I’m sure you’re interested to meet everyone.”

I’m nodding just as the boardroom door opens behind me and a familiar voice flutters through the air. I hear footsteps echo across the floor, stopping directly behind me.

“Sorry if I’m late, but I didn’t think we were due to start for another five minutes?” I keep my attention focused on Daniel with my back to Libby. “Benedict,” she calls, the tone of her voice filled with happiness and warmth.

A spike of adrenaline hits my veins at the right moment, and I know it’s now or never that I make this big reveal.

“Elizabeth, let me introduce you to our CEO.”

Keeping my cool, I turn on the spot and watch as her eyes meet mine. The instant recognition flashes across her face like she’s just seen a ghost.

Cue the smug looking CEO in three seconds ...
Boom!

I’m struggling to keep the smirk off my lips when I offer her my hand. “Hello, Elizabeth,” I murmur, “I’m Alex Lewis.”

She falters slightly, so I take the opportunity to cast my eyes over her, and it’s not what I’m expecting. The years have been extremely kind; maybe too kind. It seems Libby has blossomed into an absolute stunner.

She’s gone from blonde to brunette. I’m not sure what I think about the darker hair, but it certainly complements those aquamarine irises. Her complexion is still as flawless as it always was; that porcelain looking skin has haunted me even in my bloody dreams.

“L-Lewis?” she stammers, reaching to grasp my hand. I’ve taken her completely off guard. She doesn’t have a clue what to do right now. “From A L Investments?” she asks, her voice wavering.

“I’m the very man,” I smile, shaking her hand. “I’m
the
Alex Lewis from Alex Lewis Investments. It’s nice to see you, Elizabeth.” A subtle wink is enough for her to break the contact between us. “I know you’re already familiar with my solicitor, Benedict Carlisle, but I’m pleased to finally meet you in person. I look forward to working with you.”

Lies.

If only she knew what a bastard I plan on being.

Libby’s staring at me completely dumbstruck. Is she surprised that I’m here? Most probably. I’m sure that little mind of hers is churning all the possible ways she can pull out of this deal. Shame the get out clause costs more than the investment we’re putting in. Now, if I had an evil laugh, this would be the perfect opportunity to unleash it. The games are about to begin and she has no fucking clue. I’ve held onto this grudge for too long, and it’s about time I had a chance to repay my ex-wife for her kindness seven years ago.

Daniel interrupts us and breaks Libby’s stunned stare. “Let’s sit down.” He moves back to his seat and points at three empty chairs at the head of the table. “Elizabeth, Alex and Benedict,” he says, motioning with his hand.

This should be fun.

Clearing my throat, I step to one side and wave her forward. I wait for her to strut dangerously close by before murmuring loud enough for just the two of us to hear. “After you,
Libby
.”

She sucks in a sharp breath, but keeps moving to her seat. Following closely behind, I settle into the surprisingly comfy leather chair beside her, my eyes unmoving as she places her notepad on the table and starts to smooth out her clothes.

I’ve affected her—it’s that fucking obvious and I love it. It may even be easier than I thought to get under her skin ... or under her clothes.

Although, it would be a waste to take off the stuff she’s got on because it’s pretty bloody hot. The black shirt dress and belt look really good on her. It’s short and fitted, so there’s nothing not to like. At least her style has changed since we were married. Her baggy jogging bottoms and hooded jumpers are nowhere in sight. She’s finally showing off that body. I’m not going to complain if she keeps wearing these short dresses and fuck-me shoes when we meet. Because of course, I
really
need more images of my ex-wife adding to my visual wankbank.

Stop thinking.

Must stop thinking.

It’s not even been ten minutes and I’m already horny and hard as hell.

“Right, gentlemen,” Daniel starts as Benedict takes a seat to my left. “I was going to tell you about the company before we show you our proposed ideas for the expansion. Is that alright?”

I’m nodding, but I’m confused why this douchebag is leading the meeting and not Libby. The fact they have proposals for
my
expansion is already enough for me to think about. Whatever they’ve come up with is a waste of time. I’m not using it. It’s my way or not at all.

My
plan.

My
proposals.

My
decisions.

I can already tell this Daniel bloke is going to give me problems, but I’m happy to tell him he’s met his match. I don’t stand for bullshit from anyone.

“Shall we take you round?” Daniel asks once he’s finished, and I’m ironically about to keel over the table from boredom.

His presentation was shit, so naturally I jump at the opportunity to escape. “Of course,” I reply, pushing back and standing.

I catch Libby fidgeting on my right and chuckle under my breath. About halfway through the presentation, I spotted her starting to lose interest as well, her old habits slowly appearing. Thirty minutes was always her max. If something went on for longer then she’d just zone out. It’s nice to see she hasn’t changed I decide while she rolls her pen around on the table with the palm of her hand.

“Daniel, it’s quite late,” she eventually murmurs, looking up at the clock on the far wall. “I bet most of them have left for the night. And I’m sure Mr. Lewis has other places to be.”

“It’s Alex,” I mutter, pulling some fluff from my jacket.

“I’m sorry,
Mr. Lewis
, did you say something?” Libby replies, straightening her back. I sense the venom dripping from her words. She’s biting back discreetly in a way that won’t draw attention from the others. She’s being sneaky, but I like the game she’s trying to play.

“Yes, I did. I was just thinking about getting some dinner and I wondered if anyone wanted to join me?” I ask the table and turn to Libby.

Her eyes narrow and she shoots me with a dagger fuelled glare. A chorus of acknowledgements erupt from around the table, startling her back to the reality of where she is. She needs to be careful if she wants to stay under the radar. I’m sure the rest of her office would have a field day if they knew the history between us.

“Elizabeth, are you joining us?” I ask again, my tone sharper than it was before. Ignorance isn’t ever appreciated and she knows this.

Her eyes close briefly at the sound of my voice, and I’d bet twenty quid she’s reciting the exact same sentence over in her head; the one that I’d drummed into her for long enough after my mum had done the same to me.

Libby swallows and opens her now fiery filled eyes. “That would be nice, Mr. Lewis,” she forces with a sickly sweet voice. “Do you mind if I speak to you in my office before we leave?” She gets up and gathers her things from the table.

I had a feeling this was going to come to a head at some point, but I hadn’t expected it so soon. The only benefit to hashing this out now is that we aren’t going to let it fester for too long. The sooner we get it out the way, the sooner I can start implementing the plan.

“Lead the way,” I murmur coolly.

~