Devious Book1

By Solease M Barner

Revenge is best served cold… until her.

Jaxson Montgomery has worked long and hard to climb to the top of the business world. His company is one in which image and connections mean success or failure. He's known as 'The Fixer', and for the right price, he can make any problem disappear. His services are sought by the wealthiest and most famous people across the globe… and, quite often, the most notorious and criminally inclined as well. He's respected by men and adored by women. To society, he appears to be a man with everything, good looks, charm, wealth, and if he so desires, a different woman every night of the week.

But in his world, appearances are only a matter of perception. Jaxson Montgomery does not have everything. There's one thing he desperately wants and he's determined to have it, by any means necessary. After tragedy in his own life leaves him reeling and broken with a problem even he's unable to fix, Jaxson is determined to seek retribution. He has the perfect plan. It's devious, dark, and dangerous, but failure is not an option. Jaxson learned long ago to keep his friends close and enemies, closer. He's prepared to do whatever it takes to have his revenge… even if it means sleeping with the enemy. 

And the beautiful Silvia Demetri is the perfect pawn. After all, revenge is always best served cold…

Until it isn't.

Kindhearted Silvia Demetri doesn't have the perfect life. Yet, to the world, she appears to have everything a woman could possibly want… beauty, intelligence, sophistication, money. But we all know, appearances can be deceiving. There's something missing, something very important. She yearns for love but has given up all hope of finding it.

When Silvia begins preparations for her annual charity foundation event, little does she know her entire life is about to be changed by a simple chance encounter with a handsome, charming stranger, one who will sweep her off her feet, make her feel things she's never experienced, and turn her world upside down.

A man who knows nothing about her or her family… or so she thinks.

But what if meeting Jaxson Montgomery wasn't chance at all…

Maybe it was something far more devious.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Solease Barner
• Release date: Jul 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386179931

Book preview

PROLOGUE

10 Years Ago

I CAN’T BELIEVE I LET this happen.

How did I not know?

Too late, I ask myself the question.

Because I know how.

I wasn’t paying attention.

For years, my sole focus has been clawing my way to the top, making my business a success, always trying to ensure I’m the master of my universe.

Now, none of it matters.

I feel so lost and alone.

I’ve been asked to identify the body but, how can I?

I don’t know if I’m strong enough.

I shouldn’t have to do this, shouldn’t be anywhere near that place, should never have to endure this pain.

None of this should ever be part of my life.

Not now. Not ever.

But it is.

My heart feels empty, and there’s nothing I can do to change it.

No amount of money will ever bring them back.

Why didn’t she come to me?

Why didn’t she trust me?

I could have helped... I could have done something.

Life is cruel and never easy.

It...no, he...has taken everything from me.

Sitting here on my kitchen floor, surrounded by broken glass with blood dripping from my hands, I can no longer hold back my tears.

It’s like the dam has finally broken and the floodgates have opened.

I can’t stop it. I can’t control it.

But one thing I know for sure...

If I must carry this pain, then he will too.

He will know what it’s like to feel empty and helpless.

I just need a plan... a plan to keep me going, a plan to make sure he suffers exactly as I have.

I will survive this and become stronger.

My time will come.

He will feel my wrath and never see me coming.

I vow, no matter what it takes, he will pay.

I will have my vengeance.

The world is cold and so will be my revenge.

As I push off the floor and look around, I realize the only thing allowing me to continue my life, deal with my despair, and place one foot in front of the other, is knowing... knowing I will.

CHAPTER ONE

JAXSON

THE SOUND OF MY ALARM jolts me awake. I open my eyes to the first rays of sunlight peeking through the silk damask drapes covering my bedroom windows. I’d like nothing better than to hit the snooze button, take a day off, sink back under the covers, and drown myself in reverie, but I have several important clients coming into the office today. There’s no rest for the weary and the wicked never sleep, not in my business. Yet, as my thirty-seventh birthday draws nearer, I find myself reflecting more and more on the things I haven’t accomplished in my life, rather than the ones I have. I know I have much to be thankful for but one thing I don’t have, is time to contemplate my mistakes...and I’ve made many. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time for regrets later. 

As I mentally recount my schedule for the day, my cell phone vibrates on the nightstand. I look at the display and quickly answer. Yes, Nora.

Mr. Montgomery, I hate to disturb you so early, but you need to get to the office as soon as possible. Ralph Martino is here. He’s not on your calendar for this morning and doesn’t have an appointment until next week. I tried to explain you have no openings today, but he insists on seeing you. And Mr. Montgomery, he’s not happy.

I sit up on the side of my king size bed and drag my hand over my face in frustration. Ralph Martino has a serious but somewhat delicate problem requiring my rather unique services. I met with him last week and thought we’d reached an understanding. I’m not sure what stunt he’s pulled to rattle Nora but I know he’s done something. Nora Abrams has been my personal assistant for five years and a damn good one who is usually cool, calm, and collected. Though judging from her current tone, Martino is attempting to bully my assistant. Obviously, the man doesn’t understand the meaning of patient or discreet

Thank you, Nora. I’ll be there shortly, I say, ending the call.

After taking a quick shower and dressing in my custom-made suit, I’m happy to find the enticing aroma of hot coffee wafting into my senses. I quickly make my way to the kitchen where Lori is finishing up a cheese and vegetable frittata and several thick slices of fried bacon. Nothing like eggs and divine swine in the morning.

Good morning, Mr. Montgomery. I have your coffee and usual breakfast prepared. Is there anything else you require?

Thank you, Lori. Everything looks delicious as usual. Could you please call Randal and make sure he’s waiting downstairs? I’ll be leaving for the office as soon as I finish eating.

The day I hired Lori Lamont was, indeed, a fortuitous day. She came into my life almost ten years ago. I knew very little about her when she applied for the position, other than she was in her mid-forties at the time, had just lost her husband and lived alone. She had no real job experience and had never worked outside the home, but my grandmother spoke highly of her. In fact, it was my grandmother who recommended her. Lori and her husband never had children, but Lori dotes on me like a son. Not once have I ever regretted hiring her. She’s not only a great cook and housekeeper but also seems to understand and anticipate my needs. With my busy schedule, I don’t know how I’d survive without her. 

I love living in New York City. This penthouse is only one of many properties I own across the globe, but it’s probably my favorite. What person in their right mind wouldn’t enjoy living in a lavish home located on the top floor of prime real estate in Manhattan with a magnificent view of Central Park and the New York City skyline, right? It’s spacious, luxurious with all the amenities including excellent security, and only a half hour drive from my office – usually, depending on the traffic.

I quickly finish my meal and head for the elevator. Thankfully, my car and driver are already waiting outside.

Good morning, sir, Randal greets me formally as he opens the back door to my town car.

Good morning, Randal. I’m in a bit of a rush this morning. I need to get to the office as quickly as possible.

Yes, sir. Mrs. Lamont called earlier, so I’ve already checked the traffic reports and everything looks clear.

Thank you, Randal, I reply, sliding into the backseat.

Marcus Randal is another of my loyal employees, but I also consider him a friend. He and I have been through quite a few dicey situations together. Although I’ve asked him repeatedly to address me as Jax, he still refuses to call me anything other than Mr. Montgomery. And for some reason, unknown to me, he prefers to be called by his surname rather than Marcus, possibly because of his military background. He’s retired Army Special Forces, former Green Berets, and has been with me almost as long as Lori. He’s fifty-five and never been married. I’m 6’2" and in pretty good shape. I try to work out at least three to four times a week, but Randal is even taller than me and built like a pro-wrestler with huge, bulky muscles. If it weren’t for his buzz-cut grey hair, we could almost pass for the same age. I know, for a fact, Randal can handle himself in any situation. I’ll be the first to admit some of my clients are predisposed to violence, oftentimes making my life dangerous. I trained in several forms of self-defense and can handle myself fairly well, but I need someone I know will have my back. Randal has proved many times he’s more than capable of handling the job.

I learned a long time ago, surrounding yourself with capable employees goes a long way to ensuring your own success. My employees understand the two things I value, above all else, is loyalty and dedication. And if they pass muster, I reward them with commensurate salaries and benefits they could never earn anywhere else. I’ve worked long and hard to make Montgomery Incorporated successful, and my employees have been an important factor in that success. My company is one of the most prestigious public relations firms in the world with my corporate headquarters located in downtown Manhattan. I don’t own the building but I lease the entire top floor. With my office positioned on the eighty-fifth floor, I have one of the best views in New York City. I’m not bragging, folks; I’m just stating the facts. Usually, it takes about thirty minutes to make the trip from my penthouse, but thankfully the traffic isn’t as heavy this early in the morning, and the drive is almost peaceful. By the time we arrive, I’ve already read through most of my emails and messages.

I step out of the elevator and find Nora waiting. She immediately stands and rushes to my side, looking relieved to see me. I know Martino can be intimidating, but nothing I can’t handle. I just don’t like him trying to bully Nora.

Good morning, sir.  Mr. Martino was insistent he wait in your office. I’m so sorry. I tried to stop him but...

It’s fine, Nora. I’ll handle Martino, I interrupt, trying to reassure her. But judging from her expression, Nora is worried I’ll blame her for Martino’s disrespectful behavior. I may be guilty of many things but placing blame where it doesn’t belong isn’t one of them.

I walk into my office and sit down behind my desk, carefully keeping my demeanor and expression neutral. I’ve learned when dealing with individuals like