Along Came a Demon (Shadow Demons 1): A Bones MC Romance

“So nice of you to invite us to your lovely home.”

Sharon Maddison was every bit as elegant and regal as Merrily remembered. Hiding inside that classy lady, however, was a waspish, judgmental woman who couldn’t see past her own self-importance.

“Daniel has told me about the merger of your two companies. I’m so happy you worked things out.”

Alex took Sharon’s hand when she extended it in greeting. Merrily wanted to scratch the woman’s eyes out for no other reason than she touched what Merrily considered hers. “Bitch,” she muttered. Giovanni snorted before coughing to cover his indiscretion. She blushed. “Sorry.”

“No apology necessary. I think the same thing myself from time to time.”

Giovanni had the whole room rigged with cameras and sound. Alex had an earpiece so he could hear when Giovanni gave instructions or warnings. Merrily was learning how they worked and was helping from time to time, but mainly she was waiting her turn to enter the room. Her snarkiness came mostly from a healthy dose of nerves.

“You, uh –” he cleared his throat “– like Alex. Yes?”

Merrily closed her eyes, mortification stealing over her. “Yeah. I guess you could say that.”

“I only ask because I think he’s kinda serious about you.” Giovanni looked uncomfortable, his fair skin pink with his own embarrassment. “Alex hasn’t ever been serious about a woman, but he likes you. And Rose.”

Her heart pounded. As encouraging as this was, Giovanni didn’t know Alex’s mind. Or his heart. “He probably has White Knight Syndrome. Once Rose and I are safe and all the dragons slain, the novelty will wear off.”

“You keep telling yourself that, girl.”

“Please have a seat.” Alex had finished greeting Dan Maddison, Sharon, and Danny and was getting to the “settle in” part meant to put them at ease before they got down to business.

“Though I’m thrilled to meet you,” Sharon said, “I’m confused as to the nature of this visit. I’m not a part of Dan’s business.”

“On the contrary, Mrs. Maddison, I find family is an important part of any successful business. Family is how I’ve managed to build what I have. My brothers. My household. Now, my own family. You’ll meet my wife soon.”

Dan Maddison sat up straighter. “Wife? I had no idea you were married, Alex.”

Alex smiled. Merrily could see the smugness on Alex’s face through the monitor. Alex was as aloof as he had been the night of the gala. The plan was for her to pose as his wife when she entered. This was the setup.

“Well, I may have misspoken. She will be my wife, but it’s as good as done.” He gave a mysterious smile. “Even though we’ve yet to make it official, she’s already privy to company business and she’ll help me with this merger.”

“Stay with the script, Alex.” Giovanni was all business now. And more than a little pissed.

“Well then,” Dan said. “I can hardly wait to meet her.”

Again, Alex gave a mysterious smile. “I guarantee you’ll love her.”

“Asshole,” Merrily muttered. “They’re going to lose their ever-loving shit when I walk in.”

“He knows that,” Giovanni said, his eyes glued to the monitors. “Azriel. Any movement outside?”

“Only Benedict and Sebastian.” Merrily’s gaze went to the monitors where the two men were undercover. Benedict was at the gate while Sebastian manned the pool house, which incidentally, held an arsenal. Both men saluted the camera easily when their names were mentioned. From what Merrily understood, Benedict and Sebastian were two of their outside “brothers” who’d come to help in case the Brotherhood proved too much for them to handle alone.

“Nothing so far,” Sebastian said. Both men wore night vision goggles and continually scanned the area for the uninvited company they were expecting. “But I seriously doubt we’ll see them before they want us to.”

Azriel had given them all a rundown on the Brotherhood. No one was taking them lightly.

“Copy that,” Azriel confirmed. “I have our first guest in the wings waiting for our grand entrance.”

“Danny.” Alex turned to the younger man. Merrily wanted to cringe. Danny had always been able to make her doubt herself. Even now, not even in the same room with him, those old insecurities came rushing back. Just like they had the night of the gala. “Thanks for accompanying your parents.”

“I’m not sure I can do this,” she whispered, her voice wavering. “They’ll see right through me and call Alex’s bluff. He told them I know about their business deal. What if they try to blame all this on me? It was my father who scammed them, after all.”

“Calm down,” Giovanni said, resting his hand on her arm. “Take a deep breath and don’t freak out on me. Alex will handle everything. You just play the part he taught you. We’ve all got your back on this, no matter what anyone says to or about you.”

Merrily felt like a band was tightening around her chest, threatening to explode her heart. She could barely catch her breath. “I’m scared.”

“That’s okay.” Giovanni didn’t look at her but had his attention glued to the monitors. “You just have to work through it. Follow Alex’s lead and don’t freeze. Everything will be fine.”

She smoothed the black sheath dress over her body, trying to let the silky material soothe her frayed nerves. Alex had presented her with the dress and accessories almost formally, helping her dress and placing a gold, braided necklace and matching bracelet with diamonds interspersed throughout around her neck and wrist. He’d also placed a gold band with an array of colorless diamonds on her finger, kissing her palm afterwards while holding her gaze. In the center was what she’d thought was a ruby, but had, in fact, been a diamond. She had no idea how much the jewelry had cost, but she knew the pieces were beautiful. Especially her “engagement ring.” At the time, she’d wondered if he could really mean the smoldering, possessive look he’d given her. Now, she wasn’t so sure.

“Since I’ll one day take over Maddison Robotics, I thought it prudent I be involved in this merger. I was eager to accept the invitation.”

The elder Maddison gave his son a sidelong glance, and irritation flashed over his face, but he said nothing.

“Oh? Really, now.” Alex raised an eyebrow. “My team was prepared for you to be at the helm, Dan. If Danny here is taking over before our agreed-upon time for us to dissolve our partnership, I’ll have to rethink the merger.”

“Why would you do that?” Danny stepped between Alex and Dan. He was so close he had to be nearly touching Alex. Unfortunately for Danny, Alex was a large man, tall and muscular, and not easily intimidated. “I’m just as good at running the company as my father. I don’t need him.”

Alex gave him an “embarrassed for you” grin. “Honestly, Danny. Do you really believe what you’re saying? Because I can show you line for line exactly what part of Maddison Robotics’ books you’ve been toying with and which ones your father’s accountants have fixed.”

There was silence for a long time. None of the three Maddisons said anything. Even Sharon looked wary. Danny turned red in the face. Alex had just dropped two bombshells. They had to be wondering what he was going to do with them.

“Good job,” Giovanni murmured. “Now ease the tension. Dinner is served.”

Alex threw all three a grin. Merrily could see just how much it didn’t reach his eyes. Their vivid, beautiful color was cold and flat now. This was the killer he’d named himself. Surely he wasn’t going to hurt the Maddisons. Not really. “You must forgive me. I invited you all here for dinner, and here we are talking business.” He made a sweeping gesture toward the formal dining room. “This is supposed to be an opportunity for all of us to get to know each other.”

Alex led them into the spacious room with a long table set formally. Everyone had a placard at their place. Alex sat at the head with the place at his right marked “Mrs. Petrov.” Four spots to Alex’s left were marked for the three Maddisons and one more simply marked “Guest.”

“You’re expecting someone else?” Dan queried.

“Yes,” Alex said simply, not elaborating. He sat and snapped his fingers. Instantly, several servants appeared, serving the wine and appetizers before disappearing into a side room. It was time for Merrily to make her entrance.

“Go now,” Giovanni told her, not taking his eyes off the monitors. “You’ve got five minutes. Is your earpiece in?”

“Yes.” Merrily checked the placement once more before stepping into the elevator. “Mic check,” she said once the doors slid shut behind her.

“Loud and clear,” Giovanni replied. “Volume comfortable for you?”

“Yes. Exiting elevator.” This was it. She’d face her nemesis and establish her place with Alex — assuming nothing went sideways. Once that was done, she could leave with the pretext of checking on Rose. Especially if the Brotherhood was spotted. She would evacuate with the rest of the staff to the sublevels of the manor and wait until Giovanni gave them instructions. If there was a danger of being overrun, they had fast transportation away, while the men fought to buy them time.

She couldn’t think about that. One thing at a time. Get to Alex without embarrassing him or herself. After that, she’d move on to the next task.

With a deep breath, she took one step into the foyer leading to the dining room. Then another. Her heels clicked on the marble floor with each step, echoing in the silence around the talk at the table. As she approached, Alex stood, reaching out a hand to her. Merrily was terrified. She was about to face the family who’d changed the very course of her life. For better or worse, they were responsible for so many things in her life, both good and bad. They didn’t care, but it was their decisions, in one way or another, that had led her to this point.

“My Merrily.” Alex reached for here, steadying her with the genuine affection in his voice. She took his hand and let him pull her into his arms. He cupped her face before kissing her lips gently. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. “So very beautiful, my Merrily.”

She smoothed the lapel of his suit jacket just to feel how the expensive material molded over his broad chest. She could easily forget anyone else was around if the stakes here weren’t so high. These people were wrapped up in something sinister and had set demons on her to cover their own greed. Well, she’d found her own demon in the form of Alexei Petrov. Looking into his eyes now, she knew he was the real demon in the room. Her demon protector.

“Alex. I’m sorry I’m late.”

“You’re not late, love. You’re exactly on time.” He kissed her gently once more before turning to acknowledge the others again. “You’ll forgive me, of course.” He again looked at Merrily, a soft smile on his lips. “I’m sure you understand how captivated I am by my Merrily. She’s become very important to me. With rumors of the Shadow Demons in the city, I’m always anxious when she’s away from me, which makes me that much happier when she brightens my day with her appearance.”

As he spoke, smiling at her with such affection, Merrily could believe he was falling in love with her.

She had to remind herself this was a fiction. A way to keep the Maddisons off balance so he could get the information he sought.

“Merrily… Dane?” Sharon Maddison looked like she’d seen a ghost. “Merrily Dane is your wife?”

“Ah! I see you remember her,” Alex commented brightly, as if the whole thing were one big happy reunion. “She told me you had met.”

“Indeed,” Dan muttered.

“Then there’s no need for introductions.” Alex helped Merrily into her seat before taking his own again. “I believe Gregory — my chef — has outdone himself this time.” His small talk did nothing to ease the tension in the air. It was all Merrily could do to eat her Lobster Thermidor. Her stomach was in knots and her hands shook.

“It’s delicious, Alex,” she finally managed, doing her best to keep a serene expression on her face. She took a sip of wine, careful to appear to drink without taking too much. She knew she’d need her wits about her tonight.

“I beg your pardon,” Dan began. “How do you know this girl?”

“Merrily?” Alex looked up from his meal. “I met her through a mutual friend. Once I realized how truly brilliant she is, I snapped her up. She’s been working with me on the merger of our companies. Working out all the angles with the handling of company secrets.”

“She’s what?” Danny’s face was red, his anger rising with every second. “You let that b –”

“I caution you to be very careful here, Danny.” Alex’s voice was soft, almost serene, but the warning was delivered all the same. “You’re talking about the woman I intend to make my wife. And I have my pick of any woman on the planet. Think about the fact that I chose… Merrily.”

“Do you have any idea what she is?” Sharon protested right alongside her son. “I’m not certain what she’s done to deceive you, Mr. Petrov, but I assure you that girl is nothing but trouble. You talk about Demons in the city. That girl is just as evil as they are.”

“Oh?” Alex turned his head to wink at Merrily. He grasped her hand firmly in his, bringing her fingers to his mouth to kiss the backs. “Why would you say that?”

“Look, she tried to get involved with my son when they were in high school. Chased after him mercilessly. She even tried to ruin his good reputation by insisting she was pregnant by Danny.”

“So, you tried to entrap a wealthy young man, did you, my Merrily?” He grinned at Merrily, kissing her fingers again. It probably looked like he was sharing his mirth with her in a private exchange.

“Hardly,” Merrily muttered. This could get dicey. The only thing she really had to offer Alex was her word. Was she intelligent enough to concoct a plot to blackmail someone? Certainly. But she didn’t steal from innocent people, and she certainly didn’t need to use a child for that kind of game. She could just take what she wanted, and no one would ever find her electronic footprint. She just hoped Alex saw it that way, because when it came right down to it, it was her word against Danny’s.

“Tell me, Danny.” Alex looked amused, but, again, his eyes gave him away. There was a dangerous glimmer there. Merrily shivered, wondering just how ruthless Alex would be with the Maddisons. “What did you do when Merrily told you she was pregnant?”

For a moment, Danny just blinked at Alex, like he knew something was expected of him but didn’t know the right answer. Then he just shrugged. “I didn’t believe her. I figured if she was pregnant, it wasn’t by me.”

“Why?”

“Because she told me she was on birth control. And she could have been fucking any number of guys.” The smug look on Danny’s face made Merrily want to claw his eyes out. This was a man who considered her to be nothing. He considered himself Alex’s equal and fully expected Alex to see his reasoning and agree with him.

“Were you guys in an exclusive relationship?”

“She said she was. Me?” He shrugged. “I’ve always had my share of women. You’re not the only one who has his pick.” Again, there was that superior look. Merrily was so angry she was shaking. “Besides, women trying to land a rich man are never sleeping around.” He chuckled like it was all a joke.

“You said you loved me,” Merrily whispered, unable to stop herself. She’d never once considered Danny had been with others. Now, the way some of the more popular girls treated her at school made sense. He was probably making fun of her the entire time. Bragging about his conquest of the class geek. Alex squeezed her hand again.

“And you believed one thing but not the other two?” Alex didn’t sound angry or impatient, just curious.

“Women lie all the time.”

“Again — to be clear — you believed her so much when she told you she was on birth control that you — the son of a very wealthy man, heir to his fortune — came inside her when you fucked her, but you didn’t believe her when she told you she was pregnant?”

The crude description made Merrily’s face flame, but Alex again gripped her hand tight, warning her not to say a word. His words were harsh, but his tone was casual.

In her ear, she heard, “Steady, Merrily. Eyes on Alex.” Giovanni’s effort to keep her calm worked enough for her to focus on Alex and not look at the Maddisons. She was mortified. But this had to be done. Whatever Alex had planned, he’d assured her it was important and necessary for everyone concerned. If she and Rose were to ever be safe, they had to get the Maddisons to either call off the hit on her and Rose, or confess to their bosses what had really happened to their money and face the music. Not for one moment did Merrily believe the latter would happen, but she was willing to follow Alex’s lead.

Sharon gasped. Though Merrily was focused on Alex, she couldn’t miss the older woman snapping her head to the left to look at her husband. Taking a deep breath, she glanced slowly at the three people sitting across the table from her. Of the three, Dan Maddison was the only one holding his poker face. Sharon’s mouth was agape, and she looked like she might pass out. Danny was red-faced with anger. He looked like he was about to explode.

When no one said anything, Alex sat back with a smile. “What? Don’t look so shocked and angry. It’s a valid question.”

“That girl is nothing but trouble,” Sharon said. “Always was.”

“We’ll get to you in a minute, Sharon,” Alex said, waving her comment away. “I need Danny’s answer.”

“Fine,” the other man spat. “I didn’t care if she was pregnant or not. Why should I? It’s not like my life was affected. There was no way Dad was going to let a skanky bimbo have any part of our fortune or business.” The second the words were out of Danny’s mouth, Merrily knew he’d made a mistake.

“I see,” Alex said. He let go of Merrily’s hand and picked up the napkin from his lap to blot his mouth. When he raised his gaze back to Danny, there was death in his eyes. “Remind me to come back to you in a few minutes.” Alex spoke softly, his tone even, though not quite as controlled. “Dan, how well do you know what your family does in private?”

“More than they’d like,” was his clipped answer.

“I’m going to need you to elaborate.” The smile Alex gave him was shark-like.

For long, long moments the two men stared at each other, a contest of wills. Merrily could hardly breathe for the tension in the air.

In her ear, Giovanni murmured, “Not a word…” while the silence stretched on and on.

Finally, Dan sat back from the table. “What do you want to know?”

“I want the answer to my question, Dan. How well do you know what your family does in private?”

“We don’t have to sit here and take this,” Sharon snapped. She started to rise from her chair, but Dan stopped her with a hand on her arm. Danny bared his teeth at Alex.

“You’re on questionable ground as it is, Danny.” Alex pointed at him. “Your best play is to stay seated and keep your mouth shut.”

Dan finally spoke. “Is this about the merger?”

Alex smiled brightly. “Of course! What else would it be about?”

“It just seems that you’re trying to pry into our personal lives. Our past relationship with your fiancée is just that. Past.”

“True, of course. I just need to know that you are aware of what your family does in private. I mentioned before that we detected Danny’s hand in your company’s books. I want to know if you’re aware of what he’s done, and how you plan to rectify that particular situation.”

Looking as if he finally understood what Alex was getting at, Dan’s face relaxed slightly. “I know everything. He embezzled a few hundred thousand from the company and tried to cover it up with a little creative accounting. I knew it and stopped him before he could do more. He’s paying back what he siphoned.”

“A few hundred thousand?” Alex laughed. “Are you sure about that figure?”

Dan grew still before sighing. “Fine. He stole twenty-six million, two hundred thirty-three thousand dollars before I stopped him. But I’m serious when I said he was paying the company back.”

“I doubt Danny Boy over there could pay for a candy bar without you helping him. You’re wealthy, but I doubt even you have that kind of money.”

“Believe what you want, Petrov,” Dan bit out.

“Honestly, Dan, you can’t blame me for needing some answers. If I’m supposed to just turn over my robotics program over to you, I need reassurance it will be safe. I told you. I protect the greater company.”

“Fine. I know everything. I know my wife is having an affair with one of my vice presidents.” Sharon gasped but wisely kept quiet otherwise. “I know they embezzled ten point four million from the company she helped me build, not because she knew the money wasn’t all mine but because she felt it was part hers even if she left me. I know my son was aware of exactly who he was taking from — he just never thought he’d get caught. And I know –” Dan finally ran out of steam, slumping back in the chair as if defeated “– I know there will be hell to pay if I don’t make up what they stole before my… investors… find out.”

Alex gave a sympathetic nod. “Good, Dan. That’s good. I appreciate you trusting us with that.” The praise made it seem like it had come from a priest after a confession. Or maybe like an errant child confessing something to long-suffering parents. “It seems as if you truly know your family and their… skeletons.”

“What do you want, Petrov? There’s nothing you can do to us worse than what my investors will do to us if I don’t replace the money Danny and Sharon took.”

“Again, we’ll get back to that.” Alex focused his gaze on Sharon next. Merrily was more confident now, seeing Alex work and how he obviously knew the answers to the questions he asked before he voiced them. If she was petty for enjoying watching Alex take down the Maddisons, then she’d own it proudly. They’d cost her everything. Though, looking back, if they hadn’t insisted she get an abortion, hadn’t bribed her mother with enough money to support her drug habit for a long while, she wouldn’t have met Alex, and Rose might not be as well off as she was today. Merrily’s mother kicking her out of the house was probably the best thing that could have happened to her.

“Sharon,” he said, sounding greatly disappointed. “You don’t like Merrily, do you.” It was a statement. Not a question.

“Little whore. She tried to ruin my son. My family. You heard Danny. She probably had no idea who the father of her little whelp was. I was protecting my family.” Sharon managed to sound regal, justified in whatever actions Alex was about to make her own up to.

“I see.” Alex sounded mild enough, but Merrily saw the tension running through him with every word out of the woman’s mouth. This time, it was Merrily reaching for Alex, laying a hand on his arm and gripping gently. Alex gave her a tight smile. “I know, love. I’ll be good.” Again, he focused on Sharon. “Was it you who approached Merrily? Or Daniel?”

“I approached Merrily,” Dan said. “I told her it would be better for all concerned for her to get rid of the pregnancy. She wasn’t getting a single dime of money from me or my son.”

“And when she refused?”

“I gave her mother the money for an abortion. Paid her twice what one would cost so she could take care of Merrily afterward.”

“And by ‘take care of,’ you meant…”

Dan opened his mouth to answer, not looking at Merrily, but not meeting Alex’s gaze either. Before he could, however, Sharon gave an exasperated huff. “I told her mother to have her fixed while they were getting rid of the baby.”

Merrily gasped, unable to hide her shock and outrage. She snatched her hand away from Alex and stood abruptly, not sure exactly what she was going to do, but knowing she was about to unleash hell on someone.

“Not now, Merrily,” Giovanni commanded in her ear. “Excuse yourself and go to Rose if you can’t stay silent. This is critical.”

With great effort, Merrily smoothed her dress and faced Alex. “I apologize, Alex.” She took a deep breath and sat once more, reaching for her wineglass and taking a hefty pull with a small gasp. Alex took her other hand and, once again, brought her fingers to his lips to place several gentle kisses there.

“Well, it’s not like she’d be a fit mother for any child,” Sharon continued. “It was a sound choice. Though, perhaps knowing she’s unable to have children you’re rethinking your offer of marriage?” Sharon looked nearly triumphant. “You can do so much better than a girl like that.”

Alex took a sip of his own wine. He didn’t let go of her hand. Instead, he regarded Sharon over his glass. “Why would I rethink our engagement? Even if she were unable to give me an heir, I’d never leave her. The fact is, I’m almost hesitant about trying to get her pregnant just now. We’ve had such a short time together I find I want to enjoy her for a while and get to know her better. Merrily is an angel to my devil.”

He winked at Merrily, though she knew he was anything but lighthearted at the moment. She got the feeling it was meant only to reassure her, not to convey any kind of private joke.

“Okay, that’s not entirely true. I look forward to seeing her grow big with my child. However soon or distant that time may be.” He gave her a look so full of feeling Merrily would have blushed if her stomach hadn’t been so tied into knots. She was certain she was pale as a ghost. “Since you’ve proven you know everything your family does in private,” he addressed Dan, “I’m going to assume you knew about this, or at least a version of it.”

Dan scrubbed a hand over his face wearily. “I did, though I never intended for the extra money to be used to sterilize Merrily. Only for her mother to make sure she was comfortable.”

“Too bad you won’t be able to knock her up,” Danny sneered at Alex. “Apparently, I’m the only one man enough for that, and I made her get rid of it. Do you want to know why?” He leaned forward, pointing at Merrily in a stabbing gesture. “Because she’s nothing but trash. And garbage should never reproduce.” He finally took a breath, sitting back in his chair with a gloating smile.

Silence.

“And, that’s the cue to send in Mr. Black,” Giovanni said.