Destined for Power by Kathleen Brooks Read Free Book Online Page B

pulled.”
    “I don’t take too kindly to threats,” Reid said coldly as he stepped forward.
    “Stop,” Mallory said quietly. “Bowie, please go get dressed. I need to talk to Reid privately.”
    Bowie gave a grunt of understanding and turned back toward the bathroom. “I don’t want to hear it, Mallory,” Reid snapped.
    “Please. You trusted me a long time ago. I’m asking you to do so now.” Mallory held up her hand as Reid opened his mouth. “Please let me finish, Reid. I love your family, and I swear on their love and friendship I’m not here to hurt you. I didn’t even know you were here. I will leave tomorrow, but there are things going on that you don’t know about. I have to be here tonight. Then, I promise I will be out of your life forever. I will leave Atlanta by the end of the month, and you will never have to see me again.”
    Reid clenched his jaw. He hated her. He loved her. He wanted her gone. He wanted her in his arms. “No more dinners at my mom’s?”
    “Never again. I’m going to relocate to St. Barts. I’ll host all dinner parties there.”
    With a nod of his head, he turned on his foot and walked out. He didn’t see the blanket and pillow on the couch as he slammed the door. The pain of knowing after tonight he’d never see her again blinded him.
     
    * * *
     
    Mallory slid her arm through Bowie’s tuxedo-clad arm and smiled. They entered the ballroom to a flourish of gossip. Old friends from the party circuit surrounded them within seconds of entering the room. She kept her smile plastered on and shot a quick glance around the large ballroom. It took less than a second to spot him. Reid was standing near the door to the kitchen. Seeing him dressed in a white tux jacket with black slacks and bowtie was enough to cause her smile to falter. He was breathtaking. After all these years she still remembered every muscle, every dimple of the body so elegantly highlighted by his formal attire.
    Bowie patted her hand absently as he talked to some of the people surrounding them. It was the signal she’d been waiting for. It meant Liam was near. The fun was about to begin.
    “I’m going to the bar. I see a tasty morsel over there,” Bowie laughed. Some of the people in their group laughed along with him, but then some looked confused.
    Mallory shrugged as if she didn’t care and didn’t watch Bowie walk away. Tilley looked heartbroken. Her fake lashes almost fell off as her eyes widened. “But . . . but, aren’t you two getting married?”
    Mallory waited until she felt Liam behind her. “Bowie? I don’t know. I mean, we’ve known each other forever, but I don’t think he’s the marrying kind. I’m looking for someone to sweep me off my feet. Someone I feel is up to the challenge of keeping me . . . or keeping up with me,” Mallory laughed.
    Before she knew it, she was grabbed from behind and whisked up into a set of lean, muscular arms. “Look no further; your prince has arrived.”
    “Liam!” Mallory swatted his shoulder and laughed. “It’s so good to see you again.”
    “You’re even more beautiful than when I last saw you. Now, excuse me, ladies, this prince has some wooing to do.”
    Mallory waved to Tilley as Liam carried her out of the ballroom and into the hotel library. The room was paneled in dark wood and lit only by low lights that night. The deep red carpets and rich leather couches made the room feel cozy despite its enormous size. “Really, Liam, you can put me down now.”
    “Never.” Liam took a seat on one of the couches but kept her in his lap. “Are you really back? Are you really wanting to get married?”
    “I’m really back. And yes, all those years ago I wasn’t ready to settle down. I’ve spent time growing as a person. I’m ready to sit back and enjoy life again. But, I’m not like Tilley anymore. I’m a woman, Liam. One who wants devotion and companionship as I spend all the money I get next month.”
    “Your rejection hurt,