Outmatched

Rhys had been avoiding Fairchild for the last few weeks and so far, the billionaire had not made any moves toward killing my career. There had been some coverage about him in the news lately that he was under possible investigation for tax evasion. Rumor had it, there was more to it than just that. The word “fraud” was being tossed around. My hope was that Fairchild would stay too preoccupied by his troubles to bother us.

However, I was still sick with worry about it and attempted to hide that concern from Rhys. He had enough on his plate. Somehow, he knew anyway, assuring me every now and then that me losing my job was the last thing he’d allow to happen.

But Fairchild using Rhys and making him feel worthless was the last thing I’d allow to happen either.

It was messy.

Complicated.

And waiting for that ax to fall was not fun.

My headspace was full as I rode my bike into the underground parking beneath the office that morning. It was so full, it took me a second to feel the prickle of unease on my neck. I locked my bike to the rack and straightened, unnerved by the sensation of being watched.

Turning, I scanned the space. My heart turned over in my chest.

Franklin Fairchild.

He stood near a black sedan, a driver visible inside the car.

Heart pounding, I could do nothing but wait as he slowly walked toward me. Sweat gathered under my arms as I forced myself to meet his cold gaze.

I shivered at the look in his eyes, and I knew he was here to do more threatening.

Just like that, I went from afraid to majorly pissed off.

I was worried about Rhys. My insides churned not only with that concern but with the fact that this man held my career in his tiny hands. I was sick and tired of being out of control of my own goddamn destiny.

I did not need to be approached by this giant bully only to take more of his intimidation.

The thought of what he could still do to me, Dean, and Rhys no longer frightened me. It enraged me. As Fairchild walked closer, I pulled my phone out of my purse and quickly brought up the app I wanted.

By the time Fairchild drew to a stop, my attention was off my phone, my gaze locked to his.

“A bit late to call for help.” Fairchild smirked.

My spine stiffened. “And why would I need help, Mr. Fairchild?”

His grin widened but it never reached his eyes. They remained unsettlingly emotionless. “Perhaps because you realize what a tenuous position you’re in.”

Gut roiling, I pushed through the sensation. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“Showing a little spunk might feel good but it is not advised.”

Eyes narrowed, I curled my lip into a sneer I was kind of proud of. “Is getting your way really this important? I mean, it seems ridiculous the lengths you’re going to for one boxing match.”

“Here’s a lesson in business, Parker: the first person you allow to get one over on you is the beginning of your downfall.”

Oh my God. This man was a megalomaniac for sure. “You know what I think? I think you’re a spoiled misogynist who is right now ten seconds from throwing his pacifier out of his stroller because he didn’t get his way. Rhys will never cave in to your blackmail, and you know it.”

Fairchild took a step closer. “I’d be very careful what you say to me.”

“Oh? Why?”

He stared like he felt sorry for me. “Rhys will fight for me, and he’ll make me a lot of money doing so.”

“And if he won’t?” I pushed.

“Then not only will I make sure he loses his shithole gym, I’ll blacklist his brother from every industry on the East Coast. And as for you, Rhys’s precious little girlfriend whom I’m sure he’ll bore of fucking within the month, I’ll start making my way through your family. You might not care about your career, but you do care about your family. The Browns’ finances are tied up in some investments that are in my power to shit all over. Convince Rhys to fight, Parker, or I’ll come after your family too.”

His threats, so casual, no menace, just throwing them out there like we were discussing the weather, made me sick to my stomach. But thankfully, I remembered Rhys talking about his time in the ring. How boxing was all about learning how to anticipate your opponent’s next move. I’d been around Fairchild long enough to know the man was so sure of his own invincibility, he said whatever the hell he liked, certain there would be no consequences. And I’d just used that against him.

I held up the phone I’d kept in my hand between us and clicked stop, save, and then emailed the recording to myself.