Secrets of the A-List 4

By Reese Ryan

In this fourth entry in the explosive romance serial, the Marshalls attempt to put their family drama aside for a fun engagement party.

Money can’t buy happiness—but it might buy silence.

Yet another bombshell is dropped on the Marshalls, one that threatens to change everything. But there’s no time to dwell on it with Elana and Thom’s engagement party in full swing. So why is Mariella more focused on handsome family friend Joe than on the happy couple?

As if the Fixer doesn’t have enough to worry about, especially with Thom threatening to reveal all. Time to seal those loose lips. After all, what’s a party without blackmail?

Super Rich. Super Sexy. Super Addictive.

Secrets of the A-List—read all 12 episodes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Sep 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781488082825

Reese Ryan

Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring a diverse cast of complex characters. She presents her characters with family and career drama, challenging love interests and life-changing secrets while treating readers to emotional love stories with unexpected twists.Past president of her local RWA chapter and a panelist at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Reese is an advocate of the romance genre and diversity in fiction. Visit her online at ReeseRyan.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

Hang up the phone. Now.

Thom watched the Fixer’s lips silently shape the words.

Thom loosened his slim gray Armani silk tie and cleared his throat, his heart beating faster.

Thom? Thom, what is it? What’s going on? You’re freaking me out right now. The high, tight pitch of Elana’s voice brought him back to her.

Sorry, Elana, I have to go. I’ll call you back in a few minutes. Thom locked eyes with the Fixer, who was nodding approval.

But Thom, you can’t just say something like that and then go. Seriously, what the—

Thom ended the call in the middle of Elana’s frantic protest. He shoved his phone into his inside pocket and folded his arms as he widened his stance.

I know you overheard my conversation. You’re a smart guy, so I know you’ve figured out that I’m the Fixer. But that information needs to stay between us.

Why would I keep this from my fiancée?

Telling Elana would be a mistake. One you don’t want to make.

The situation was awkward, but not dangerous. It wasn’t as if he were dealing with a stranger. No reason for him to feel intimidated, despite the stern look on the Fixer’s face.

You threatening me? Thom folded his arms and lengthened his spine to his full height, his chin jutting out. That is what you do, isn’t it?

Chuckling softly, the Fixer’s stance softened. Why would I do that when there’s a much better option?

Thom’s shoulders relaxed. Which is?

Leaning in to straighten Thom’s tie, the Fixer’s mouth curved in a soft smile. Now the Fixer’s face was inches from his. A proposition.

Does he know?

The family hadn’t learned much about the Fixer, but Elana had told him they knew the Fixer dealt in secrets. Powerful secrets that could bring a man or his empire to its knees.

Thom studied the Fixer’s face as he stepped back. The eyes he once considered to be kind now seemed dark and menacing. The smile that typically exuded warmth and compassion was suddenly cold and manipulative.

Had everything he’d believed been wrong, or was this the deception? Was the Fixer testing him, or was this something more? Something completely unexpected?

Thom swallowed hard. What kind of proposition are you talking about?

Wait...you thought I meant you and me? The Fixer laughed, as if it were the most absurd thing ever heard. Don’t be ridiculous, Thom. You’re in love with Elana, about to be a married man. The Fixer smiled again. What I’m offering is far better. Something you wouldn’t think of refusing.

No, there’s no way the Fixer could know the truth.

If so, wouldn’t the Fixer have tried to put a halt to his impending marriage to Elana?

What could you possibly have to offer that would make me keep a secret like this from Elana? She’s my fiancée, for God’s sake. Don’t you think that she and the rest of the family deserve to know?

The Fixer’s attention shifted to Eli, the family’s gardener. They both greeted the man, then the Fixer indicated that they should move the conversation to the poolside cabana.

Thom followed reluctantly. There was no reason to be afraid. Still, he was relieved that Eli had seen them together and that the curtains in the pool house were drawn. They could talk in private, but he’d still be safe.

Just in case.

The Fixer closed the French doors and gestured toward the sofa.

Thom sat on the edge of the seat. He wouldn’t be there long. He’d hear the Fixer out, but there was nothing that would change his mind. Elana and Mariella needed to know the truth. He needed the gratitude he’d earn for discovering the Fixer’s identity. Leverage he could use if Elana lost her nerve again and considered bailing on their wedding.

Besides, there were enough secrets between him and Elana already. He wouldn’t add another. No enticement could compel him to think otherwise. Yet, his curiosity got the better of him.

So, this proposition...

The Fixer grinned, sitting back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other.

So damn smug.

I can offer you the one thing you want more than anything else in the world. A self-satisfied smirk spread across the Fixer’s face.

I already have everything I need, and I’m more than capable of acquiring anything I want, Thom replied, determined not to show the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. His family didn’t have the Marshalls’ wealth, but they certainly weren’t paupers.

I’m offering more than just money, Thom. The Fixer placed both feet on the floor and leaned forward. What I’m offering you is freedom.

From?

The obligations and expectations that come along with your parents’ money. When Thom didn’t reply, the Fixer continued. I’m offering you a cut of the action. All you have to do to earn it is keep what you heard to yourself. I’m talking about an obscene amount of money here, Thom. The kind of wealth that would finally allow you to be your own man.

The implication, regardless of how true, smarted. Still, it was a tempting thought.

What if money weren’t an issue? He wouldn’t need his parents’ approval. He could live his life as he pleased.

He wouldn’t need to marry Elana.

He could jump off the Marshall family crazy train and spend his days lying in the warm sand on a beach in the South of France. Make love to whomever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Without fear of repercussions.

Thom heaved a sigh, his jaw clenched. It was a nice fantasy, but he wasn’t naive enough to believe that money like that wouldn’t come with a shitload of strings attached. The kind that could strangle you to death if you weren’t careful.

No. Thom shook his head, his tone firm and decisive. I don’t want your dirty money.

The person seated across from him grimaced, the icy gaze narrowing for a moment at the implication of Thom’s words. Despite what you may think, I’ve helped a lot of people—including members of this family—out of some very sticky situations. I’ve saved careers, reputations, legacies.

If what you’re doing is so noble, why hide it?

"Because work like