Page 12 of Lane

“You did, but it still leaves a hell of a profit for you.”

“Why would I do this if not to make money?”

“I’d like half of the shipment at cost and the other at the price you offered.”

Jordan’s jaw ticked. I’d seen it enough to know what was about to come out of his mouth wasn’t ideal. Leaving here without a deal wasn’t good for business. It was obvious Jack was a powerful man. So, I did the only thing I could think of.

Rounding the front of the couch, I kept my eyes on the painting, pretending I didn’t see where I was going. “It really isstunning. The attention to detail is—” And then I fake tripped right onto Jack’s lap.

“I’m so sorry,” I rushed to say, righting my limbs so I wasn’t completely sprawled out on top of him.

“Nonsense.” His arm circled my waist as he pulled me closer. “You fit just fine here. Do you come as part of the package? You’d certainly sweeten the deal. I wouldn’t mind paying the full price if I had you.”

I grinned and looped my arm around his neck. “Oh, that would be interesting... Daddy.” He sucked in a sharp breath. “But here’s the thing. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of my family. I’m an Everhart.”

Jack’s eyes widened, although he didn’t release me. “Are you now?”

“If you’ve heard what happened, you’ll know my father and brothers are dead. I’m the only remaining member. Another fun fact, I’m related by blood to one of Jordan’s partners. While the size of your plump dick against my ass is certainly promising, I couldn’t shack up with someone buying from my family. It wouldn’t be ethical. However, I assure you, these guns are where you’ll want to invest your money. You can’t get this kind of quality anywhere else for the same price. I should know. I have more training than probably all of you combined.” That was a bit far-fetched. Since being in East Dremest and free of a guard on my ass, I’d been going to the shooting range to hone my skills. I never knew when I’d need them.

“You keep surprising me.”

“It’s what happens when you’re underestimated. Not by Jordan, mind you. My family didn’t think I was worth a damn. Always have the upper hand, am I right?”

He shifted me on his lap, his dick now fully hard, and dear god, was he packing. I squirmed a little to give him a taste ofwhat he couldn’t have. “How about you agree to Jordan’s offer, and I’ll make sure to personally deliver them?”

“What else will you do for me?” He dragged his nose along my neck.

“I think you’ve already gotten enough from me.” I peeled myself away from him, stood, and walked to the other side of the room, next to Oleander, with my grin firmly in place. “Do we have a deal?”

Jack’s eyes went from me to Jordan. “We do.” Then he watched me again. “If you ever tire of being in the Altair organization, Lane Everhart, you’re more than welcome here.”

“Noted.”

Jordan stood and extended his hand to Jack. They shook.

I helped make that happen. I was pretty damn proud of myself until I was outside and Jordan told me to get into the car with him.

5

RAIDEN

“With me, Lane,” Jordan growled the moment the door closed behind us and we were outside. “You too, Raiden. You’ll keep me from killing him.”

“I’ll just…” Oleander thumbed over his shoulder toward the Navigator. Lane handed him a case, so Oleander had them both to store in the SUV.

“Mr. Everhart, so good of you to join us on our drive home,” Albert said. How that man maintained his cheery attitude driving Jordan around was anyone’s guess. Although, I enjoyed it when he riled Jordan up.

I slid into the front passenger seat as usual, my blood pumping in a mix of anger and jealousy. I couldn’t let it show. Lane wasn’t mine to yell at or stake a claim on. The scene with him on Jack’s lap solidified how much I wanted Lane though. And how much I didn’t want him sleeping with Jack or anyone else. Fuck, I was so messed up.

Once the doors were shut and Albert pulled out onto the street, I clenched my fists in my lap and waited for Jordan to unleash on Lane. At the end of the meeting, Jordan got what he wanted, but it wasn’t done under his control. The man waspower-hungry. Having Lane help, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Jordan.

“What in the holy fuck was that?” Jordan growled. “You not only landed on my buyer’s lap, but you called him Daddy. Jesus Christ, Lane! I don’t know what the fuck to do with you now. No one gave you the go-ahead to take over and handle the goddamn deal for me.”

“I went with my gut.” His voice shook slightly.

“That’s what you’re going with here? Not, I’m sorry, Jordan, for steamrolling into your negotiation and letting Jack eye fuck me for the rest of the room to see? Not, I wanted you to get the most from him?”

“I did though. That’s why I helped.”

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