A Merger by Marriage (Las Vegas Nights 2)

“Yes?” he snapped.

There was a momentary pause before a man spoke. “JT? This is Logan Wolfe.”

The security expert’s connection to the Fontaine family immediately roused JT’s suspicion. “What can I do for you, Logan?”

“I was wondering if we could meet. I have something to talk to you about and it shouldn’t be done over the phone.”

“If this is about Violet, you can forget it. We’re done. End of story.”

Another short but significant pause followed JT’s declaration.

“Actually, this is about your father.”

“I don’t know what he’s up to but he can go to hell. I’m done with him. I’m done with Stone Properties. I’m done with everything.” Aware that he was working himself into a rant, JT sucked in a breath to steady his emotions. “Sorry,” he muttered more calmly. “It’s been a bad twenty-four hours.”

“I get it,” Logan said, sympathy in his voice. “I was there. And I have to tell you that the way you’re feeling right now is not worth taking out on a terrific woman like Violet.”

The unsolicited advice was a sucker punch to his gut. “You have no idea what I’m going through.”

“Trust me, I do,” Logan said, and the words were so heartfelt that JT believed him. “Scarlett and I almost didn’t make it because I overreacted to something that happened. I would have been the sorriest son-of-a-bitch on the planet if she hadn’t forgiven me for taking it out on her.”

JT’s anger faded, leaving a sick feeling in his gut. “It’s too late. We’re over.”

“Do you really believe that or is it just fear talking?”

JT had no answer.

After a moment, Logan said, “I know you and your dad have issues, but he is your father. Do you want to meet with me and hear what I have to say?”

“No. I don’t owe him anything.”

“Have it your way. Take care, JT.” And then he hung up, leaving JT wondering if he was really as done with everything as he thought.

Eleven

The black town car her grandfather had sent to meet her at LaGuardia Airport stopped in front of the building that held Fontaine Resorts and Hotels’ corporate headquarters in New York. Without waiting for the driver to open her door, Violet slipped from the back of the vehicle and crossed the sidewalk to the entrance.

Her heart was racing as she passed through security and ascended the elevator to the executive offices on the twentieth floor. She’d been here several times in the last five years, but those had been social visits with her grandfather. Most of her meetings with Fontaine’s top executives happened in Las Vegas via video conference.

“You can go right in, Ms. Fontaine,” her grandfather’s assistant told her. “He’s expecting you.”

“Hello, Grandfather.” By the time Violet crossed the enormous executive office, her grandfather had circled the desk. She walked straight into his arms and hugged him tight.

“My dear Violet.” He squeezed back and released her. “You sounded upset on the phone. What’s happened?”

“I’ve done so many things wrong I don’t know where to begin.”

“Start anywhere. I’ll try to keep up.” He drew her to the leather couch occupying one side of his office and surveyed her face for a long moment before calling to his assistant. “Jean, can you get Violet a cup of tea?” He settled her on the sofa as if she was a fine piece of porcelain and added, “Something soothing.”

Three minutes later Violet cradled a china cup of herbal tea and let the warmth seep into her skin. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I’m afraid I’m a bit of a mess these days.”

“Why don’t you tell me what happened.”

“As you know, I married JT Stone so that I could vote the shares of stock Tiberius left to me.” Violet could tell her grandfather was making an effort not to offer his opinion on her rash action. “It started out as a business deal.”

“And then you fell in love.”

Violet nodded. “He’s very guarded and has a hard time trusting because of the way his fa