Page 130 of Checkmate
Marcus took a slow breath shifting in his seat. Keeping his cool was proving more difficult than he expected it to be. And Erica once loved this man? Or perhaps she still did. Who was he to know?
“Like I said, I’m here on Erica’s behalf,” he said, meeting his gaze before that thought could linger. Alex stared back at him, giving nothing away. “She would like to know why you haven’t signed the divorce papers yet.”
“Tell her to ask me herself.”
“She has asked you,” Marcus said. “Multiple times, if I recall.”
“None of your business.”
“You’re right, it’s not,” Marcus agreed. “But I think your clients would like to make it their business.”
Alex tensed in his seat, turning a dark gaze on Marcus. “What did you say?”
“Having a few teething issues with the London group, by any chance?”
“It was you, wasn’t it?” Alex’s voice was thunderous as his hand curled into a fist on top of the table. “Why would you do that? You already fucked with my marriage!”
“Please. You think I was going to let you fuck my wife without any retaliation? I spoke to the London group long before I ever wrote that letter to Erica.”
“You son-of-a-bitch,” Alex snarled.
“I resent that,” Marcus said. “My mother is certainly not a bitch.”
“Don’t get smart, fucker. What did you say?”
“None of your business,” Marcus said, using Alex’s own words against him. “But believe me, I said enough to explain why they’re suddenly nervous to work with you.”
Looking like he wanted to hit him, Alex silently seethed, his eyes darting around the cafe. After a moment, they settled back on Marcus, his breathing slightly heavier.
“So, you’re blackmailing me?”
“Blackmail is such a dirty word, Alex. I’m not blackmailing you.” Marcus thanked the waitress as she placed a fresh mug of coffee on the table. He took a sip and let Alex sweat for a moment. “All I’m doing is suggesting you make a start on those divorce papers, or your clients are going to learn a little more about your character.”
Alex scoffed, pushing the table away and spilling some of the coffee. “Oh, do your worst, dickhead. Those divorce papers are going to stay in my desk drawer where they’ve been since I got them.”
“That’s fair.” Marcus shrugged. “I’ll let Erica know.”
He stood up from the table, throwing down a couple of notes. With a small nod towards Alex, he left the coffee shop, leaving him with his thoughts. If he played this correctly. Alex would follow him in less time than it would take Marcus to reach his car.
“Hey, asshole!”
Right on cue.
He turned to face Alex, waiting for the impact he knew was coming. Bracing himself, he groaned as Alex’s fist made contact with his face, knocking him back on his ass. Trying to push himself to his feet, he stumbled as Alex laid into him, fists flying as Marcus couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s funny, prick?” Alex scoffed, grabbing Marcus’ collar and shaking him. Spittle flew into Marcus’ face as Alex breathed through his teeth.
“Oh. I just thought you were more shrewd of a businessman.” Marcus laughed again. “You should know to never play your ace so soon.”
“What do you—”
“Smile for the camera,” a new voice said. Marcus smirked darkly as Josh stepped out from an alleyway, pointing a camera at them, filming the entire interaction.
“I’d say your clients wouldn’t like seeing this side of you,” Josh said with a triumphant expression. “I told you I’d get you, fuckface. No one fucks with my sister and gets away with it.”
Alex released Marcus with a start, scrambling to his feet. “You set me up!”
“Guilty as charged.” Marcus raised his eyebrows. Pushing himself to his feet, he brushed off his clothes and prodded at the bruise already forming on his face. “I’ll tell Erica to expect those papers in the next couple of days. And if not… well, I think the London group will turn their backs on you for good this time, don’t you?” Laughing, Marcus turned away, heading to his car with Josh.
