Page 9 of Angels Are Falling

When Bella dragged Amelie to the cave for story time, Kai strolled back in his perfect black suit and white smile. He seemed relaxed after his time with the children, entirely ignorant of what the end of tonight meant for me. It meant we’d never see Kai Cavendish again or be a part of his world. There was no reason now that he had repaid my wife’s kindness.

Suddenly, it was crucial to forge a connection with him. I’d be lying if I said this was just about providing my family with luxury experiences. There was more to it. There was also my own desire to be at the center of this lifestyle. His lifestyle. One I could never be a part of once this dinner ended.

I rose from my seat to welcome him back to the table like he was royalty, which I supposed he was in my mind.

The server returned to the table to offer us a nightcap. I chose a cognac, while he opted for brandy. With Amelie tending to the kids, we were alone for the first time. Time was running out, and I needed to invest in his interests to be on his good side.

“You never got around to telling us about the third option. Your work in progress.”

“I’m glad you asked,” he said with a triumphant smirk as if all roads had led to this moment.

Why did it feel like he had set a trap, and I had walked into it?

“The third option is to acquire a wife and a family. That’s what I’m working on right now.”

I laughed but zipped my lips upon noticing his grave expression. A man like him didn’t say things unless he was stone-cold serious.

“I’m at the point in my life where coming home to an empty house is… well, empty. Seeing your family tonight, I realized what my home was missing.”

I frowned. “What do you mean by acquiring a family? Like falling in love, getting married, and starting one?”

“There are other reasons to get married besides love,” he replied vaguely.

His tone carried a weight that made me uncomfortable, but I was desperate to connect with this man. “Sure. People marry for lots of reasons. Are you referring to a business marriage?”

“More like a desire-based marriage. Take the two of us, for instance. We both have something the other desires.”

I stilled, the glass of cognac inches from my lips. “I beg your pardon?”

“I did some digging into your life. It seems you’re in a pretty big financial hole.”

My blood ran cold. “You had me investigated?”

“I had your whole family investigated,” he replied unapologetically. “Any good businessman would do their due diligence before diving into a venture. Wouldn’t you agree?”

My eyes narrowed. I had entered the lion’s den wholly unprepared. “What do I have that you could possibly want?”

“I told you. I realized what my home was missing after seeing your family.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Then let me be clear. I want your wife and kids.”

The glass in my hand dropped, but Kai caught it smoothly before it could shatter on the floor. The reflex told me he had predicted my reaction. Exactly how long had he been investigating me?

“Everything about tonight was premeditated, wasn’t it?” I surmised. “You intentionally came to Amelie’s work and bumped into me. You invited us to dinner because you knew we had no means to celebrate the twins’ birthday.”

He dropped the pretenses and disarmed me with his honesty. “Yes.”

Ice settled in my chest. “I think it’s time we call it a night.” I glanced at the cave entrance, hoping Amelie and the kids would emerge.

“Tell me, Stefan,” he said calmly, ignoring my indignation. “Between picking up and dropping off the kids at school, after-school programs, birthday parties, and sleepovers, when was the last time you had an evening to yourself or returned to a clean home?”

An image of toys scattered around the living room popped into my mind, distracting me from making a snippy comeback. He had vetted us and was manipulating me with things that hit home. Back in the day, I was a neat freak. Since taking over the guardianship of my brothers and sister, I hadn’t come home to a clean kitchen even once. Clutter left me with anxiety and despondency, but there was nothing I could do about it. Kids made messes, and that was my life.

“Imagine if you had a nanny and a housekeeper to take care of those things. It would change your life.”

My silence told him he had struck gold.