Read Online Moon Bound by Stephanie Julian - Free Book Online

searching for a replacement for his former aide. He would have preferred a man, but she’d served her purpose well, so far.
    “I need to talk to Charles. Tell him I’ll call him this afternoon around four. And find me a sharpshooter.”
    * * *
    Steven’s eyes opened and he stared at a familiar ceiling he hadn’t seen in years.
    Memories flooded in, all starring Bella. Some from years ago, some from last night. Some he wasn’t sure he wanted to remember. Others he knew he’d never forget.
    He let his mind linger on the latter because she wasn’t here. The bed beside him was cold.
    Turning his head, he found a piece of paper on the next pillow.
    I’ve gone to Cole. I’m sorry I took advantage. Have a good life. All my love.
    Tension tightened his muscles until he thought he’d snap. He took a deep breath, trying to get it to release its stranglehold on him.
    She was gone.
    He sat up, threw off the sheets and headed for the bathroom down the hall.
    Good. This was good. Exactly the result he’d wanted when he’d decided to fly up here. She would be safe with Cole.
    She’d left without saying goodbye.
    The paper-cup holder on sink flew across the room and smashed into the wall. He didn’t know if he’d hit it with his hand or if his power had gotten away from him.
    Damn it . He would not be pissed off about this. He should be relieved. It kept them from saying things they might regret later, things they’d kept to themselves for years.
    Yeah, maybe if he kept telling himself that, he’d believe it someday.
    Looking into the mirror, he saw tears in his eyes.
    * * *
    Steven couldn’t get a seat on a plane to Tampa until three in the afternoon but he was back in Florida before six.
    He hailed a taxi to Case and Jones’ sleek new building on East Kennedy Boulevard and took the elevator to the ninth floor, not surprised to find the glass doors to the office locked. It was Friday. Everyone was gone by five if not before.
    Good thing he had his keys because the night guard wasn’t at the front desk. Probably on rounds.
    Transferring to the private elevator for Case and Jones employees on the ninth floor, he hit the button for the tenth.
    When the door opened without a sound, he heard voices coming from Charles’ office at the end of the hall.
    Bella’s accusations replayed in his head. He didn’t— No, he couldn’t believe Charles had had anything to do with Bella’s attempted kidnapping.
    He’d managed not to think about anything since leaving the house this morning. Not Cole or Bella or his own…problems.
    Still, that kernel of doubt had been planted.
    He walked down the hall, not making a sound. He hadn’t forgotten everything his dad had taught him. The voices became clearer as he drew closer. Charles and Tiffani—talking. And then another voice, on the speaker phone.
    He began to make out words, sentences.
    Ice crept into his veins when their words started to make sense.
    “Until now, Steven hasn’t suspected. It’s time to bring him up to speed.”
    He stopped several feet from the half-open door, breath catching in his chest.
    “We’ll make sure he’s turned in a few days,” Charles added. “The boy is stubborn but I’m sure Tiffani will be able to handle him. Power like his, even though he’s submerged it, won’t be buried forever.”
    “We need to step this up.” The voice on the speaker. “I need him now.”
    No, no, no.
    Steven’s blood froze, as if it’d crystallized in his veins. This wasn’t happening.
    “Once the heirs are gone,” Tiffani’s tone held a sneer, “Steven will be mine.”
    “No, he’ll be mine,” said the unknown speaker. “I need him here within the week. Once I know he’s on board then we’ll discuss options, Tiffani. Until then, remember your job.”
    The unknown speaker hung up so loudly, Steven heard it even though the blood had drained from his head, making him dizzy. He feared he might actually pass out.
    Using his right hand, he grabbed his left