Page 10 of Unbalanced

“It was strategic. A calculated risk. You need to swing for the fences if you want to get anywhere in this world.”

“Malcolm…it’s called theft, and I won’t be part of it.”

I move to stand, and he grabs my arm. I glare at his fingers as my rage rises to the point of dangerous.

“Alden, if this round closes, everything gets covered. Everyone is paid back. Clean. No issues, and I’ll never ask you for anything ever again.”

“I don’t care.”

“You should.”

I freeze. “Why?”

“Because if you don’t, then people will examine the documents.”

A cold shiver races down my spine.

“What documents?”

He hesitates. “A legal review.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you telling me that you forged my signature?”

“No, I just enhanced applications and may have used your letterhead.”

I’m going to kill him.

“You’re out of your mind.” Placing my hand on the table, I get in his face. “I should be calling the FBI. In fact, I may do that as soon as I step outside, just to make sure that you can’t ask me for any more favors because you’ll be too busy being someone’s bitch in prison.”

He swallows hard.

“Please, Alden…don’t do that.” His fear reeks like sour cologne. “I’m sorry. I had to do it. I’m trying to survive here, and I never thought it would come to this. Please, I’m asking as family. Do this for me just this once. You can see the building for yourself. I’ll show you all the paperwork, rights, and patents. You just…just sign off that you vetted the structure to keep it above board. I need you.”

“Why didn’t you just use more of my company letterhead?”

He shifts uncomfortably.

“Because it needs to be hand-signed.”

“Ah, I see, and signing my name is just a step too far. You do realize I can lose my license and go to prison for this? You’ve put me, my company, and all the employees who work there at risk. Do you even care?”

Malcolm says nothing because there is nothing to say. I stand up. Fucking family. They are worse than enemies.

“I’ll meet you Friday at the location. Text me the address and bring everything. I do mean everything, Malcolm. If you ever pull something like this again…well, let’s just say you won’t live long enough to apologize.”

I march toward the front of the restaurant while visions of Malcolm screaming as I kill him dance before my eyes.

Daniel, the valet, runs to get my car when I appear. I tip him a hundred before speeding off into the night. If I don’t decompress…Malcolm really will die.

CHAPTER THREE

ALDEN

I finally managed to get to sleep after a workout and a hot shower that ended with my dick in my hand. This is where having a steady girlfriend could help, but I’m not the settling-down type.

Before my long drive, I need caffeine, and this is my favorite coffee shop in the whole city.

The bell jingles as I open the door to Café Bean There. I step inside and almost groan aloud as the dark, rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills my senses. This place blends the city’s chic downtown sophistication with a warm neighborhood charm.