The Contract

VIII

Kane and Lucas could hear the two sisters softly talking and sobbing. The wide array of emotions running through Kane's body surprised him. He made their predicament better. He was the solution to their problems. So, why were the Jaks sisters crying? Kane wanted Cameron to have an easy life. He would take care of Daphne until she found a husband. Jaks Publishing was the problem, and they knew it.

Kane stared at the deep mahoney door as Cameron's words about him breaking things apart and leaving people in ruins. She only wanted his money to save Jaks Publishing, but she tried to leave him when he told her what he intended to do with the company.

Cameron's outrage and hurt were plain to see on her face as she explained to him that he was a cold man. And that nurturing was something he knew nothing about and never would. Her reaction mirrored others when he broke apart, slumping businesses and people. He never cared about their situations. He loved the process of acquiring the company and then selling it off in pieces. He repeated the act that another company had done to his father. Kane waited years to grow his company before finding the man who had destroyed his father's small business. Once found, Kane and Brandon annihilated everything the man owned. Their father, Nigel Martoi, asked them to spare the man, but Kane and Brandon had seen and felt the pain the loss of his hobby had caused him.

The door unlocked, and Daphne slightly opened it. Kane and Lucas could see her somewhat red, glassy eyes. "What do you want?" She said with a soft but demanding voice.

Kane calmed the rampant emotions running through his body. "I wish to speak to my wife."

Daphne stared at the men at her door with anger. "Why,"

Kane had never been denied anything or questioned about his intentions. However, this was different. Daphne was the older sister looking out for Cameron, the younger sister. She would not tolerate any man who caused her sister grief or harm, no matter how much money he was worth.

Lucas watched his best friend draw a breath and explain his reasoning to Daphne. "Do you want to sacrifice yourself to Emory Versa? He will never allow you anything. I know he went to school with you and harassed you then. Your father told him he was not good enough to walk in your shadow when Emory ambushed him. The late Mr. Jaks was at a restaurant speaking with a client. Emory is wealthy and successful, but you don't like him, and neither does Cameron. The late Armand Jaks would never accept him as his son. But you would let him ruin you to save Jaks Publishing when you are worth much more to your father than his company. You are his firstborn. You are his favorite."

Daphne felt her eyes well with new tears as she stared at Kane, who looked and sounded almost human as he spoke. The Red Savage moved closer. "Let me talk to Cameron." His voice was softer than usual. Daphne slowly moved back, and the door widened. Kane walked inside, followed by Lucas. Daphne felt powerful fingers touch hers. She looked at Lucas as he took control of the door. She released the knob, and he closed the door.

Lucas watched her wipe her tears before looking at him. "It will be okay."

Kane found Cameron standing in the small study, staring out the window into the night. Her arms wrapped around her body to comfort herself. He stepped into the room and approached her. Kane stood beside her, looking out the window.

"Why didn't you bring West with you?" she asked.

Kane did not look at her as he spoke. "You will lose Daphne if she agrees to marry Emory. He will not let you two see each other."

"He will save Jaks Publishing." Her voice was shaky. Kane faced her. Tears marred her beautiful profile. He had only known his wife for a few hours and had already wounded her deeply. The mother of his child should not experience this hurt.