Jennifer Probst - Heart of Steel

     “Leverage?” Logan tapped the pen absently against the edge of the desk. “What kind of leverage?”

     The older man grinned. “You’re a smart man. The moment she walked into your office you must have known she was my daughter, once worked for me, and that we haven’t spoken on an intimate level in years. You must also know how desperately I want her to marry the right man. Hell, I worry about her constantly. Ever since she started this crazy yoga business I hoped one day she’d come to her senses. She needs someone to show her she belongs in my company. But since she won’t talk to me, let alone run it, my second option is to give it to the man she marries and hope she takes her rightful place. I have a feeling the man could be you.”

     Logan’s expression never changed. The steady tap-tap-tap of the pen was the only sound in the room. He gazed at the older man across the desk as the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together. Alexander Santell had made his first mistake by assuming he knew all the details of Chandler’s past. His more deadly mistake, was assuming he could manipulate Logan as he did his former business executive—namely Michael Worthington. The thought of the man who was once Chandler’s fiancee turned Logan’s stomach and made his gut wrench.

     “What if I don’t want to marry her?” Logan asked.

     A glitter of triumph lit moss green eyes. “Oh, I think the idea appeals to you immensely. Besides getting my company, you’d get my daughter. From my detective’s report the other night, it seems the two of you are on more intimate terms.”

     Logan dropped his casual demeanor. He leaned over the desk, every muscle drawn with tension. His fist clenched over the pen he held and he lowered his voice to a silky pitch. “Listen to me and listen well, Santell. If you ever send another person to track me or your daughter, I’ll destroy you. If you know me half as well as you think you do, you’ll realize I don’t make threats. I make promises.”

     The older man smoked his cigar. Slowly, he nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Point taken. It seems you’re more involved than I originally thought. Another reason to think about my offer. I miss my little girl, and I worry about her. I think you’d be a very good match.”

     “As good as the last one?”

     Alexander waved the question away. “That was a mistake from the beginning. Worthington wasn’t strong enough for her, and I regret the episode. He ended up ruining my entire relationship with my daughter. I admit I made a mistake when the deal of a lifetime was dropped in my lap. I needed to get my daughter married fast. I thought Worthington would be perfect for her. It didn’t seem like a bad idea at the time, since Chandler started to stray. I figured a marriage would help her settle down and focus.” He shrugged massive shoulders in an innocent gesture. “It would have worked if Worthington had been the right man.” Alexander pointed his cigar at him. “But I have a gut instinct about you, Grant. I think beneath your cool exterior, you have real feelings for Chandler. And I know you’ll make my company profitable.”

     Santell stood up and stamped out his cigar in the ashtray. “The flock should be here in a few minutes to go over the details. If you agree, I’ll deliver on my promise when the ring is on her finger.”

     Logan caught the triumphant expression on the man’s face and knew Santell thought the game was over. As an experienced player, Santell had recognized his hunger, and offered to feed it. Logan smothered a groan and cursed himself for letting his emotions about Chandler show so clearly. He’d gain a lucrative contract that would put L&G Brokerage over the top. And he’d finally possess Chandler, body and soul.

     All he had to do was agree to the deal.

     The swirling emotions ripped at his gut as he gazed at her father. Logan knew if he accepted the proposal, Alexander Santell would control him. If Chandler ever found out their marriage was based on her father’s business deals, he’d lose his chance at gaining her heart.

     “And if I don’t agree?” Logan asked.

     Disappointment glimmered briefly in Santell’s eyes. He shrugged again. “Then you don’t get the contract. And, because of my displeasure I may have to encourage my suppliers and business associates to put a little pressure on you. The contract with Weatherall was superb, by the way, but nothing like what I can do for you.” He turned to go, then stopped at the door. “Oh, I also forgot to mention that Chandler is quite sensitive to any ruthless dealings in business. It would be a shame to have to tell her all the details of your past, wouldn’t it?”

     Logan chuckled. “I heard you like to play hardball. Again, I warn you not to involve her in your little games. You’ll regret it.”

     Santell nodded. “Thank you for listening to my proposal.”

     “It was enlightening. Did you ever stop to think about what Chandler might want?” Logan ground out. “Or does that even matter to you?”

     Santell laughed. “Her welfare is what is most important. I’ve been taking care of her since she was a little girl, and I know what’s best. She may not realize it, but this will make her happy.”

     “You’re a real son of a bitch, Santell.”

     Logan heard the older man’s laughter as he walked out of the office. Swivelling back around in his chair, he stared blindly out the window and watched the hazy colors of sunset settle over the smog infested city. He raked his fingers through his hair and cursed under his breath. Things were becoming more and more complicated ever since Chandler Santell walked into his life.

     What the hell was he going to do?

     He groaned and replayed the confrontation. He’d learned a few interesting things about his adversary. First, in his own twisted way he loved his daughter. Second, the prime motivation driving him was the fear he was getting older and had no one to leave his legacy to. Evidently, he’d been taught that bullying the people he loved was a good way to control them, but that had ended up pushing everyone away.

     Including Chandler.

     Logan considered his options. A few years ago there would have been no doubt as to his actions. A contract with Santell’s finance company would put him at the top for a very long time. He would have achieved everything he set out to do—make his mark on the world. But now, there was Chandler to consider, and her reaction if she knew her father was trying to buy her another husband, who happened to be another corporate executive.

     Logan had a pretty good idea her reaction would not be favorable. To either him or her father.

     A sudden thought danced before his mind, and he paused before the window. Her father wanted to marry her off to a businessman, and he was the perfect target. But Alexander Santell was a smart man. He’d have a back-up plan to cover his gamble.

     Richard Thorne.

     Logan muttered an oath under his breath as the final piece fell into place. That was the reason his attorney was interested in Chandler. He’d bet his entire company Thorne had been approached with a nice fat carrot. Marry the daughter and gain the company. Prove yourself and get a prize. The old man was playing both of them at once, and whoever came out on top would win.

     He shook his head with disgust. Now Chandler was in the middle of a war she knew nothing about. Somehow, there had to be a way to get everything. Without hurting Chandler.

     Logan rose from his chair and buzzed his secretary to bring in a pot of strong coffee. It was going to be a long night. And he didn’t want to even think about Chandler meeting Harry for their dinner appointment this evening.

     He wondered how a simple yoga teacher could wreak such havoc in his once logical, orderly life.

     “Why did you want me to change the reservation time?” Harry asked as Chandler dove into her pasta primavera with her normal gusto.

     “I’m trying to teach someone a valuable lesson.” She closed her eyes in delight as the first mouthful passed her lips. Crunchy broccoli drizzled with olive oil and parmesan cheese.

     Was there anything more perfect than al dente pasta with fresh vegetables? “One hour later is perfect. It’s for someone who, you’ll agree, deserves a good lesson.”

     Harry put down the fork and stared at her. “Okay, what’s going on? You don’t sound like yourself. You always say accept a person the way he or she is. Don’t punish someone or have false expectations. Has something changed?”

     She sighed. “Thanks a lot, Harry. There’s nothing worse than hearing your own words come back to haunt you. Especially when it’s from one of your students.”

     “You know I hate it when you call me a student,” he grumbled. “I’m your friend and equal, remember? Are you ever going to get over the fact you were two years ahead of me throughout school?”

     “Sorry.” She laughed. “Sometimes I forget you decided to quit my yoga classes.”

     Harry glowered at her. “That’s because you were constantly on my case giving me lectures on nutrition, on stress, on exercise. During class you always embarrassed me by correcting my postures in front of the other students. I had to quit. Class was damaging our friendship.”

     She fought back a giggle and took a sip of wine. “I apologize. I was concerned with your well being. I guess I was so used to tutoring you in school that I got carried away when you joined the Yoga And Arts Center. Lord knows, I shouldn’t lecture on nutrition. My love of food always makes me put my foot in my mouth when I preach about a healthy diet.”