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“Of course,” Lydia purred.
Jaxon wondered how Lydia would explain to Delcy the enormous sum of two million that would suddenly appear in Delcy's bank account. A gift from a dear friend?
He studied Lydia closely. Her coy smile and the gleam of greed in her eyes left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He said, “I wonder, does Delcy truly comprehend her position in the club? She certainly gives off the impression she doesn't.”
Lydia's smile froze, morphing into a look of outrage.
“Mr. Sterling, I can assure you Delcy is well aware of her position in the club. She signed the contract herself. I would never mislead a client. In fact, she's more than a client. She's my best friend.”
Jaxon held her gaze steadily. “Does she understand that my brother and I intend to become her sole patrons? That would mean suspending her engagements with other club members for the remainder of her contract. Has this been clearly explained to her?”
Lydia bristled, her polite veneer slipping. “Of course it has been explained to her,” she bit out. “Honestly, the presumptions you are making are quite insulting.” She took a deep breath, composing herself. “Delcy is fully on board. This arrangement will provide her with more financial security than she's ever known. The money will allow her to pay for an important surgery her grandfather desperately needs.”
Jaxon and Colton exchanged looks. This was the first they heard of Delcy's family situation or medical needs. A twinge of guilt pierced Jaxon that they hadn't learned more about Delcy's personal life. But he and Colton had been cautious, not wanting to pry or make her uncomfortable. They might have employed a detective for further insight, yet their respect for her confidentiality was too great to consider such a measure.
“We weren't aware of her grandfather's health issues,” Jaxon said carefully. “What surgery does he require?”
Lydia waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, it's his heart. He needs some complicated operation. Delcy has been fretting over the costs for months. Your patronage will cover it nicely.”
Though Lydia spoke casually, a hint of evasiveness in her tone gave Jaxon pause. He made a mental note to delicately ask Delcy for details.
Jaxon nodded slowly. “Very well. Please have Delcy sign documentation that she fully consents and understands the parameters of our patronage. We want no confusion.”
Lydia's eyes flashed with annoyance at the request, but she quickly smothered it with a saccharine smile.
“Of course, I'll have her sign a statement right away.” She stood gracefully, smoothing her dress. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I should go tend to the paperwork. I look forward to finalizing this profitable arrangement.”
With a parting smile and the click of heels, Lydia departed. Jaxon watched her disappear into the crowd, his eyes narrowed in contemplation. Something about her evasiveness left him uneasy. He turned to Colton.
“What do you make of all this?”
Colton looked thoughtful. “It's difficult to say. Though I want to take Lydia at her word, something feels... off. We should proceed with care where Delcy is concerned.”
Jaxon nodded in agreement. “I suggest we subtly inquire Delcy about her grandfather's condition.”
“Mm-hmm,” Colton agreed. “It's best we hear any important details directly from Delcy. I don't like relying solely on Lydia's account.” His jaw tightened.
A fierce protectiveness emanated from Colton, mirrored in Jaxon's own chest. Primal instinct compelled them to safeguard her interests.
* * *
The Sterling Enterprises office was a whirlwind of activity, the hum of high-stakes business dealings filling the air. But by three in the afternoon, Jaxon felt the walls closing in on him, a restlessness nipping at his heels. He needed an escape, a moment to breathe and clear his head.
“Mike,” he called out, “I'm stepping out for coffee.”
Mike looked up from his desk, cluttered with papers and two blinking monitors. “Sure thing, sir.”
Minutes later, he pushed open the door to Brewed Dreams, the familiar jingle of the bell above announcing his presence. The cozy ambiance of the café wrapped around him like a warm embrace, the scent of freshly ground coffee beans lacing through the air. It was a stark contrast to the sterile precision of his office, a welcome change.
Striding into the café, he approached the counter with easy confidence, exuding the aura of power and affluence that came naturally to him. His gaze swept the room, searching for the object of his desire.
“Hey there, Mr. Sterling! The usual?” Blair asked while wiping down the counter.
“Yes,” Jaxon said, glancing around the space. The absence of one particular omega was palpable. “Delcy?” He tried to sound casual but there was an undercurrent of disappointment in his voice that he couldn't quite mask.
Blair tilted her head, her expression softening with understanding.
