Read Online Claim (A Dangerous Man, #3) by Serena Grey - Free Book Online Page B

care that I’m married. I’m not really bothered. Carole and her antics are a thing of the past. She can’t do any harm.
    As the dinner progresses, I occupy myself with conversing with Leon Boise, a website entrepreneur who’s seated beside me, while listening with half an ear to the speeches, and to Sophie talking with Rick Cruzman, whose software company is the latest addition to Preston Corp.
    At least she’s not bored. I know I am.
    Everyone is clapping halfheartedly as another speech ends when I feel Sophie stiffen. I’m about to ask her what the problem is when I notice Carole and a companion I don’t recognize, take the empty seats at our table.
    I hear Leon Boise tell her how nice it is to see her. For me, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sophie looks dismayed. Her eyes skip from Carole to me, and I cannot even imagine what she’s thinking.
    Leon turns to me. “I had forgotten to congratulate you David,” he continues, “I read something about the attempted takeover,” his gaze goes back to Carole. “I hear David has you to thank for retaining his control on the board.”
    Carole looks like she would gladly tear Leon to pieces with her teeth, then she transfers her angry glare to me. “Yes,” She says, her voice like saccharine. “I sold him the shares of his company I got when my father died.” Her face is expressionless, except for her eyes, which are dripping with venom as she looks at me. She laughs humorlessly and turns back to Leon. “Which means David Preston will always control Preston Corp.”
    “As he should.” I say with a smile. I turn back to Sophie, noticing that she still looks uncomfortable. Carole and her barely hidden fangs would do that, I think. I place my hand over Sophie’s on the table. “Have you met my wife?” I say, looking at Carole.
    “No.” Carole’s voice is sweet, masking the rage in her eyes. “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure.”
    I make the introductions, not so much because I’m taking any pleasure from riling Carole, more because I want Sophie to see that Carole means nothing to me.
    Sophie’s expression is hesitant. “Nice to meet you.” She says politely.
    Carole chuckles. Her voice has an unmistakably mocking ring to it. “The pleasure is mine.”
    Thankfully, the last speech ends, and I lead Sophie out to dance.
    “What was that?” She asks as soon as we’re alone.
    “What was what?”
    “What just happened at our table, with that woman?” She frowns, looking up at me.
    I shrug. “Carole isn’t too happy with the price she got for her shares, that’s all.”
    Sophie gives me a curious look, “You didn’t pay her as much as she wanted?”
    “I couldn’t.” I say.
    A puzzled frown creases her features. “Then how did you get her to sell them to you?”
    “I have my ways.”
    “Wait,” Sophie’s frown deepens, “What did she want?”
    “She wanted me,” I shrug. “Either me or my destruction,” I spin her around as she stares at me, open-mouthed.
    “I don’t understand.” She says.
    This isn’t the time to explain all that, I decide, as I hand her over to Leon Boise, who’s cutting in. 
    I spent the next few minutes in conversation with other business people. Finally, I end up on the balcony, eager for some fresh air.
    The solitude is enjoyable. I breathe in the cool night air and enjoy the sight of the city all lit up in the night.
    “I didn’t take you for someone who’s attracted to children.” Carole’s voice cuts into my thoughts.
    I turn to find her standing beside me.
    “Did you marry the first person who smiled at you just to teach me a lesson?” she continues.
    “You think too much of yourself.” I say drily.
    “It’s you who thinks too little of me.” her voice is bitter. “It meant nothing to you that I was willing to stoop as low as blackmail just to be with you again. Did I always mean so little to you?”
    “Carole,” I say patiently, “Don’t act like we ever had a real