Page 13 of The Tower

“And since Lucent currently works exclusively with Bane on its marketing, it’s also a deviously underhanded way to force Bane to withdraw his services from Lucent. Leaving my family’s company in a lurch, your father as the winner, and Desmond Bane …”

He trails off as he deliberately rakes his gaze over me, slow and heated. “Well, I guess Desmond’s the biggest winner of all.”

He frowns as he strokes his chin, like a detective in a bad movie. “I’m not quite sure where that leaves you, Ms. Reed,” he finally says. “But at least you’re already dressed for the occasion.”

I try to move, but my body’s turned to stone.

“You really didn’t know,” Grimm says slowly, his eyes narrowing as he studies my reaction.

“Just go.” I have to force the words past the tightness in my throat.

He stays. “I take it this isn’t a happy day for the beautiful bride. White,” he adds, appraising the gown with the hint of a smirk. “So, is she a virginal bride?”

My face goes hot. “You can leave now, Mr. Grimm.”

“I’m perfectly comfortable here. But you? What will you do now, Princess?”

“Please. Just go.”

“You’re going to walk back in there and do what Daddy says,” he continues, ignoring my plea. “Because that’s what you’ve done your entire, pampered, little life.”

Anger flares hot and bright inside me. “You know nothing about my life.”

“Don’t I?” He steps closer, trapping me like wounded prey, the night sky now visible only over his broad shoulders. “I know that your father has kept you like a bird in a gilded cage for years. I know about your agoraphobia—so convenient for keeping you hidden away. I know about your medications. And I know that they make you dependent on him.”

My heart hammers against my ribs, so hard it makes me dizzy. “What? How⁠—”

“I make it my business to collect information. I pay well, and my people know that what they deliver had better be accurate.” He studies my face for a moment, and in that short span of time I want to bury him in a blizzard of horrible words and violent screams. But I can’t even conjure a squeak.

He leans in closer, and I feel the whisper of his breath as he says, “I know what I know, Ms. Reed.”

His nearness is disorienting—threatening and thrilling in equal measure. Part of me wants to shove him away. But some small, hidden part wants to step closer. To see what would happen if I surrendered to the magnetic pull drawing me toward this man.

“Sasha?” My father’s voice shatters the moment. He stands in the balcony doorway, his expression a mask of paternal concern that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Desmond’s been looking for you.”

I swallow, recognizing the steel beneath my father’s polite tone. “I was just getting some air.”

“With Mr. Grimm?” His gaze shifts to Grimm, who takes a step back, freeing up space for me to breathe.

“We were discussing business,” Grimm says smoothly. “Specifically, the remarkable similarities between Lucent’s current branding and Reed’s upcoming campaign.”

I frown—I’m not aware of any campaign other than our idiotic and saccharine Dreams campaign, and that’s nothing like Lucent’s historically excellent advertisements.

My father’s smile doesn’t falter, but his eyes harden. “Creative inspiration is the lifeblood of our industry, Mr. Grimm.”

“And theft is the lifeblood of fools,” Grimm replies, matching my father’s false civility.

The tension between them crackles like electricity, and I’m caught in the crossfire as pieces of a puzzle I can’t see take shape around me.

“Now, Sasha,” my father says, extending his hand to me. “The presentations are about to begin. Your presence is required.”

It’s not a request, and I dutifully take my father’s hand. As he leads me back inside, I glance over my shoulder. Grimm watches us, his expression unreadable, but his eyes burn with an intensity that follows me long after he’s out of sight.

Five

Betrayal

Father’s grip is unyielding as he leads me through the throng. “What the hell were you thinking?” His voice is low, intended only for me.