Surrendered Truth: Truth Trilogy, #1

Chapter 1

Shit! He ran a hand over his face and into his hair. Could his grandfather be any more frustrating? He tossed the manila envelope back on his desk.  Greyson Reid, self-made millionaire playboy, stared out the window of his office from his desk chair.

How the hell was he going to be able to approach his grandfather about his will? Greyson had mistakenly come across it earlier in the day when he’d gone into his grandfather’s office looking for an old contract. He knew it was none of his business, but the document just jumped out at him for some reason. After reading through it, he wasn’t sure if he could even breathe.  Son-of-a-bitch! He prayed his grandfather didn’t die anytime soon, although, he knew his health was deteriorating by the day. Greyson wasn’t sure how long his grandfather had on this earth. Regardless, there was no way he was abiding by his grandfather’s wishes.

He ran his long fingers through his hair as he visualized those damn words.

Upon my death, Greyson Paul Reid will have thirty days to marry. If he doesn’t marry within the stipulated timeframe, then Reid Holding and Company, Inc. will be sold, and the company profit be divided among the remaining grandchildren.

There was no way he was going to step down or let the company be sold.  He’d worked too hard to get to his position at RHCI. Besides, who the hell was he going to choose? How would he make that kind of decision in such a short amount of time? He ran his hand through his hair again. With all the new technology these days surely his grandfather had a chance to beat the cancer. Still, there wasn’t a woman out there he could trust, or one who didn’t want him for his money.

Greyson leaned back in his chair and dipped back into his memory. He remembered when he started in the mailroom during his college days, and how he worked his way up. Now, everything he worked for was at stake if the old man bit the dust. Then another thought hit him. He’d have to give up the single life that he liked way too much. He liked the freedom to fuck whom he wanted, when he wanted.

He had a great relationship with his brothers, but each of them had made their wealth through different ventures. They teased him for starting at the bottom, but that was the way Greyson wanted it. He didn’t want to get a better job just because his family owned the company. That wouldn’t have been fair to the hardworking people who had been striving for a position to advance their career. Plus he always felt that as long as he worked his way up, no one could say he was handed anything in life.

Standing, he crossed the room over to the floor to ceiling windows, where he looked down on the city. He gazed at the people moving about on the streets below. They seemed to go about their day as if they didn’t have a care in the world. He wondered what a simple life would be like.  He craved control. He needed control.

Damn it. A knock on the door brought him from his thoughts. Come in, he barked.

Mr. Reid, your car is here sir, Jessica, a young bubbly brunette, announced in the open door way. Also, this package just arrived from the Wheelshire building. She walked in, placed the package on his desk, and then quickly left.

Greyson collected his thoughts, grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair, and left his office. On his way out he paused a moment at Jessica’s desk, instructing her that he would be out the rest of the afternoon. If someone needed to reach him they could contact him on his cell phone. While he appreciated her help, he would be thankful when Susan returned from vacation.  Jessica did her job efficiently, but she didn’t run the office the way Susan did.  She knew his schedule, and she never needed instructions.

With the details out of the way, he took the elevator down to the main lobby. People came and left, and he followed a few men out into the warm sunshine, which was a welcome relief from the stuffy air in the office building. As Greyson strolled to the car, he couldn’t help but think how unusually warm it was for Minneapolis this late in September.

Max, his longtime driver, waited casually against the black town car.  Afternoon sir. He nodded as he pushed his tall frame off the car to open the back door.

Max, MacIver’s please, Greyson said as he slid into the town car.

Greyson buckled himself in while Max circled around the car to climb in behind the wheel. Once Max pulled away from the curb, Greyson relaxed, trying not to think about the damn will. While he respected his grandfather’s wisdom and business acumen, he didn’t like the idea of being forced to marry. 

As soon as the lunch ended, he needed to go talk with his grandfather. How in the hell would he choose someone within the time frame his grandfather had stated?

His heart just didn’t open up for anyone. Maybe he could convince the old man to remove that one particular requirement. He’d do whatever else he wanted, anything. His heart was still on the mend from the one person he thought he could trust. The one person he thought he would marry who had ripped his heart out. There was no way he’d put himself through that again. His little black book was all he needed. It kept his sex life vibrant, and his social life active and perfect. No strings attached. So why did his grandfather have to complicate his life so much? Complicate didn’t even cover it.... Hell, it was more like take his life and flip it upside down and inside out. 

He closed his eyes and slowly counted back from ten as his phone rang. He slid the bar on the screen. Hello mother. His voice was dry as he stared out the window.

Greyson, I wish I could have told you earlier about the will, she said in her mothering way. 

Yes, mother, I wish you would have. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and I’m not sure I can agree to it.

He just wants you to be happy, Greyson. I didn’t see the will until the other day myself.

Mom, how can I be happy about being forced into a marriage? I’m not opposed to the idea...... someday. I just have no desire to get married anytime soon. I plan on talking to the old man later today.

His mother scoffed. Good luck. I spoke to him earlier, and he is dead set on his rules.

I appreciate you stepping in, but I can handle this on my own. I’ll chat with him. Right now I have to run. I have a luncheon, and I really don’t want to deal with this right at the moment.

Okay dear. Talk to you soon. Love you.

Love you too, mom. Greyson hung up as Max pulled up in front of MacIver.

The restaurant was a wonderful local Italian place owned by one family for several generations.  It was a great setting for business meetings. The owner had a conference room dedicated for the very event.

Max exited the car and circled around. Greyson held his phone for a moment before placing it inside his coat pocket. The he stepped from the car as Max held open the door.

He left the conversation with his mother and the damn will in the car. Or at least he hoped to. He needed to be focused on the meeting ahead. Today’s luncheon was all about getting to know the new CEOs of smaller companies who might be interested in selling out. He’d done his homework and found a few were struggling to make financial ends meet. While others at the meeting today had enjoyed huge profits over the last year, he was always looking to grow his company through new acquisitions. Maybe one of these companies he could add to RHCI’s portfolio.

Greyson strolled in still trying to shake the will when he nearly ran over a petite blonde who was standing just inside the door. 

Pardon me, Greyson said as he placed his hand on the small of her back. When he touched her, a current of electricity shot up his arm. What in the world?

She turned to face him. I am so sorry sir, she said in a silky tone.

At the sound of her smooth and seductive voice, another jolt stronger than the one before, shot straight to his groin. If that wasn’t enough, when he peered down into the bluest eyes he’d ever seen, his pants grew even tighter. His heart nearly stopped as though her eyes could see right into his soul. Frozen and unable to move, those few seconds felt like hours.

Who was this woman and why was he having all these feelings? This didn’t happen to him. Nope. Women didn’t affect him in this way. He shook off the strange feeling and politely excused himself. He had a meeting to get to. But first he needed to splash water on his face. As he picked his way through the restaurant to the men’s room, he couldn’t help but think what a day this was turning out to be. What else was on the agenda?

****

Addison Williams knew a man of power when she saw one. She couldn’t help but blush as the gorgeous man hurried past her. She had worked there long enough to know anyone wearing a well-tailored Armani Suit, carrying himself with a sense of purpose, was a man who commanded attention. Oh how she loved the way the jacket clung to his broad shoulders, and how his tie brought out his cobalt eyes. She sighed. Mmmm, his manly scent did things to her body. Things she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Girly things that Stephen hadn’t made her feel in years. She felt giddy for the first time. A man had touched her gently, and not in a hateful or demeaning way.

Suddenly, she felt embarrassed by the way she looked. She wore her standard black slacks, white button down shirt, and her apron tied around her tiny waist. The black slacks had faded, and the white shirt was more yellow than white. She never had the money to buy new ones for work.  Her hair was up in a messy bun, and she wasn’t wearing any make-up. No man with power like his would ever bat an eyelash at a grungy looking waitress.

She rubbed her lower back where his hand had been. Who was he? Did he feel that jolt of electricity too?  She shrugged off the gorgeous hunk. She needed to get back to waiting tables, not daydreaming like some high school girl. Besides, Addison had a boyfriend. She scolded herself. The last person she wanted in her thoughts right now was Stephen. 

She’d met Stephen at seventeen and couldn’t wait for the magical age of eighteen. The foster care system had taken its toll on her, and she wanted freedom. When she finally turned eighteen she couldn’t contain her excitement. At first she was giddy, enjoying her freedom and building a relationship with Stephen. But after three years of being on her own, life didn’t seem any better. While she had a place to call home and a job that barely paid the bills, something was missing.

Maybe it stemmed from the fact that she struggled to pay the bills and put food on the table. Or maybe she felt alone. Stephen didn’t contribute much to help pay the rent or buy food. Addison believed he was using his money to support a drug habit. Or maybe he was dealing drugs and the money he made he squandered away. She certainly didn’t see any signs of his using. Either way, she wasn’t going to ask. She knew questions like that would only lead to a fight and most fights with him never ended well.

Stephen had stopped being affectionate towards her over the last year. She honestly didn’t care. She knew deep down he had probably had more than one girlfriend. He only kept her around because she didn’t demand anything of him.

She was thankful for the manager at the restaurant. After a few conversations with her, she’d realized her struggle, and often let her take a meal home. Most days she had to scrounge for change to buy a biscuit from a dollar menu on her way to work.

She pushed the thoughts from her mind, including the tall and gorgeous man who’d just bumped into her, and went back to work. As the hour passed, she caught sight of the man in the grey suit a few times greeting others with a handshake.  Every now and then she would discreetly look his way, trying to get a glimpse into the man who made her insides do somersaults. When he gave those who stopped by to chat with him a genuine smile, wow what a smile it was. She loved the way his full lips stretched, showing straight white teeth. Okay, it wasn’t the teeth. It was his lips. She waited tables, thinking of what those lips could do to her and wondered how he kissed. Any man with smooth full lips like his had to be a great kisser, at least in her mind.

Addison had gotten so focused on daydreaming about the handsome man, she didn’t realize he was watching her. When she looked his way his cobalt blue eyes were piercing right through her. She swallowed hard as she ran into a table, dropping a tray of empty glasses.

Shit. She mumbled. She turned on her foot and disappeared into the kitchen. Once behind the door, she took in a deep breath. What just happened? Her heart raced like a horse on a racetrack. The dishwasher looked at her with concern on his face. She nodded to let him know she was okay, but she wasn’t. After a few seconds she trudged over to the closet near the sink and pulled out the broom and a dustpan. She hesitated for another moment, making sure her heart rate slowed before returning to the dining room. How could she face him now? Shaken and flustered, she just wanted to crawl under a rock and stay there until he left. Addison let out a long breath and walked out with confidence.

****

As soon as she reappeared, she noticed he excused himself from the gentlemen he was having a conversation with and started walking towards her. She walked over to the mess still on the floor and began cleaning it up.

Greyson squatted next to her. I am sorry. I didn’t mean for you to run into a table.

Not your fault. I should have looked where I was going. And I shouldn’t be staring at you.  She reached for a piece of glass just as he did. Their fingers touched. The electricity was back. They both froze. She dragged her gaze up through hooded lashes and was met with a darkened gaze. An intense sexual stare spread between them. If she wasn’t sitting in the middle of damn restaurant, she would have grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to her and kissed him senseless. Not just an on the lips kind of kiss, but a deep, erotic tongue dancing kiss. She wanted to taste him and touch him. She wanted to draw his scent in as her hands wrapped around his neck, keeping him snug to her. Holy Shit. She had to stop the thought, before she did it with a million people watching. Damn. Now her panties were wet.

They both let go of the piece of glass, letting it fall to the ground. She stumbled back, landing on her ass as he scrambled to his feet. The sexual attraction was very evident between them. Her eyes had caught sight of the massive outline of his erection. Holy hell. What was going on between the two of them? Never in her life had she felt such a strong pull towards someone as she did with him. He extended his hand, and she took it quickly, praying she wouldn’t feel any more of those electrical jolts. When she was on her feet, he gave her a warm smile.

Again, I’m very sorry. He commented heading back to his group.

Why did he keep apologizing? She was the idiot who wasn’t looking where she was going. No matter. She liked that he was such a gentleman.

She hurried to clean up the mess. Once the floor was clean she retreated to the kitchen where she deposited the broken glass into the trash then walked into the freezer. She needed to collect her thoughts and her wits. She couldn’t face the other customers with a red face and a flustered behavior. She wasn’t sure if her heated cheeks would ever cool though. Not with the image of his huge erection burned in her memory. She took in a few calming breaths then made her way back out to wait on the last few tables. Then she busied herself with cleaning up behind the bar and restocking the condiments on the tables, as the group of men disbanded. Addison had just filled a small container with sugar packets when Dave, a regular patron, bumped into her, knocking her to the floor.

Damn Dave, why don’t you watch where you’re going, Addison said as she narrowed her eyes, looking up at the douchebag.

The large man smirked, turned and walked out the door. 

She was just about to get up when Greyson offered his hand for the second time today. She had to look like the biggest klutz in history.

I’m sorry about him. Greyson looked like he wanted to kick the older man’s ass. He’s in a foul mood. Are you okay?

Addison reached out to take his hand. I’m fine. Thank you. As soon as her fingers touched his, she flinched. That tingling feeling coursed through her again. What was going on? Did this man have some sort of built up energy or superpower? Maybe he had some power to whisk her away from her life.  She smiled at that thought as she stood.

Have a good day. Greyson slowly let go of her hand as though he didn’t want to.

You too. Thanks for coming in. Without moving, she watched the man disappear out the door and out of her life. She sighed, turning back to what she was doing. What was she doing? She looked at the sugar packets that were strewn all over the table. The she shook the cloudiness from her head and finished what she was doing.

I saw Mr. Handsome help you up, Morgan said as she sidled up to Addison to help her. 

Yeah, only after that jack-in-the-box knocked me over. He didn’t even say sorry or anything. What a prick. Addison stuffed sugar packets into the small container.

Morgan laughed. Most of them are. The long legged brunette pulled out her rag from her pocket and began wiping the tabletop and stacking the dirty plates into a pile. I’ll be back. She picked up the plates before carrying the neatly stacked pile to the kitchen.

Now that Morgan was gone, Addison dove inward, thinking about the handsome man. She thought about how he made her feel. His touch, his strong hands, and the way he looked at her like he was confused or frozen. Yet somehow she knew he felt the same things as her. She wasn’t sure how she knew that though. She laughed. She did know. His erection was evidence.

Morgan came back in.

Do you know the ‘suit’ who helped me up? Addison remarked, picking up a tub of glasses and trash.

He’s a local boy, I believe. I think his name is Greyson. Playboy billionaire. She gathered the rest of the dirty plates.

Last name? Addison carried the tub to the kitchen.

Following on her heels, Morgan said, Reid? But I could be wrong. He graduated about the same time my brother did. Not sure though. My brother was the loner type. I can find out though.

No need. I have Stephen. She emptied the tub out in the large stainless sink before rinsing it out.

You mean the drug dealer.  Morgan placed her plates in the sink.

Shh, he is not. Addison looked around the kitchen before glaring at Morgan.

Come on. What do you think he does with his money? Morgan scoffed and started to leave the kitchen.

Addison followed, wiping her hands on her apron. I don’t know. I don’t ask. Come on, let’s get this finished so we can get out of here for the day.

Addison was thankful for her friendship with Morgan. They’d met in high school, and Morgan never questioned Addison about her past or Stephen. Eventually, Addison told Morgan everything. At one point Morgan tried to get Addison to go to college, but Stephen made sure that didn’t happen. His verbal abuse cut deep in her psyche, making her feel stupid. Plus she had a hard time hiding the physical abuse. Until she could get away from him, her life just wasn’t her own.

*****

Greyson left the restaurant still shaken by the feeling he had the moment he locked eyes with the blonde. He tried to replay the meeting in his head, but kept seeing those beautiful blue eyes of hers that sent his damn dick into over drive.  All he wanted to do was rip her shirt open, devour each breast, and free her hair from the messy bun so it draped against her milky white skin. He wanted to trail kisses south until he could remove her panties and jeans. Then invade her most private area and taste her until she screamed his name.

What the fuck just happened? He fought to keep his erection under control throughout the entire luncheon, and he was sure she noticed when he stood up. He panicked, knowing she felt the same way.  She probably thought he was a total douche.

He didn’t even know her name so he couldn’t call and find out more information. Shit! Why did this blonde haired beauty grab his attention?  What the hell was the jolt of electricity he felt?  He kept hearing her voice over and over again in his head, making his manhood swell.  She didn’t even come close to the type of women he’d dated. She was a good foot shorter with no ass and smaller breasts. Although she didn’t compare to the tall long legged women he’d always dated, there was something about her voice and those eyes that drew him in.

He pushed the beautiful blue-eyed woman from his thoughts. He needed his brain sharp if he was going to speak to his grandfather. He knew the old man couldn’t be persuaded easily.  As a man of his word, this would take some time to convince him that the will needed to be changed. 

Since he had never asked his grandfather for anything, maybe he could use that to his advantage. Perhaps it would give him enough leverage to persuade the old man to change the stupid stipulation, allowing him to continue in his bachelor lifestyle. He didn’t like the idea of being tied down.  He enjoyed dating whomever and doing whatever his heart desired. If he had a wife, that carefree lifestyle would be gone.  Damn that man!

Max pulled the car up the short, gravel gated drive. He hit the intercom, then punched in the code. The tall metal gates opened. Greyson had always felt intimidated by those large gates. In his eyes as a child, it closed off the world, but as an adult he understood the need for privacy. That was why he lived in the penthouse suite.

As the car pulled through the circled drive, grandfather’s butler Thomas, approached the car and opened the door. Max, please go enjoy yourself and I will call you when I’m ready to leave.

Greyson stepped out.  Afternoon Thomas.  The older gray haired gentleman walked with a small limp.

Mr. Reid. Good to see you sir. Nodding, he smiled.

How have you been? Greyson had the upmost respect for Thomas. He’d been his grandfather’s butler, driver, and really anything else his grandfather needed for the past thirty years.

I’m still kicking if that is what you are asking.

Greyson laughed. I guess that’s a good thing. How’s Granddad today? He stepped by Thomas as he held open the worn oak front door.

Good, sir. Thomas walked in behind Greyson, closing the door. May I take your coat, sir? Your grandfather is in his study.

Greyson shrugged off his coat and handed it to Thomas. Then he left the older gentleman and headed toward his grandfather’s study. Greyson paused a moment in the hall, looking at all the family pictures. The old mansion needed some work. After his grandmother passed away, his grandfather stopped caring. The walls needed to be painted, the carpets replaced, and the rest of the house needed to be updated.

Greyson picked his way down a short hall, and rounded the corner into the study to find his grandfather sleeping in his recliner. He hated the idea of waking the old man, but he wanted to talk. He knew this conversation was going to be a fight. Grandfather Reid was stubborn and very stuck in his ways.

Grandfather. Greyson gently tapped him on the left shoulder.  He didn’t move. He tapped him lightly again.

The old man blinked his eyes a few times and then he smiled at his grandson. Greyson, my son. How are you?

I’m good, Granddad. But the real question is how are you? He held his hand for a moment on his grandfather’s shoulder. Greyson knew his grandfather’s health had been declining more in the past month.

I’m alive, so I can’t complain. What brings you by? His grandfather straightened in his chair.

Business.  Greyson squatted next to his grandfather.

Let’s talk business, then we can talk about other things.

Fine grandfather, we shall do it your way. He stood and walked to the desk.

So tell me why you are here?

He grabbed the desk chair and rolled it over the wooden floor. The wheels clanked until Greyson stopped in front of his grandfather, then he sat down. It’s about the will.

Oh good grief. Really? Grandfather shook his head.

Grandfather, you really want me to be married within thirty days after your death? He looked the man square in the face.

Start looking now. You may have weeks or months to find someone. I’m sure you have a suitable woman in your life that would make a wonderful wife. Reaching over, he patted Greyson on the arm.

Grandfather, most women in my life want my money. I would prefer to keep them at a distance.

Suit yourself, but I stand by my will, which I don’t have to remind you is legal and binding. The ninety-year-old man, who didn’t look a day over seventy-five, smirked. So I suggest you move your ass. My estate lawyer will make sure you lose everything. If you don’t marry as the will states, then the company will be sold and all proceeds will go to your brothers. A mischievous smile spread across his face. 

The hell you will. I will be married by then. Greyson tried not to snap at the old man, but his anger slipped through. He sat up in the chair, squaring his shoulders. No one was going to get the company he helped his grandfather build to the power and wealth it had become over the past four years, especially not his brothers.

Greyson suddenly realized what he’d just said.

I knew you would see it my way, Granddad said with a smirk as though he’d just won.

Well, hell. He did win. What was Greyson thinking? He was here to persuade the man to change his will, not agree to it. Maybe he could still retract his statement.

Can you please explain to me why this is so important? Greyson asked through gritted teeth, trying to keep his anger in check. Now more at himself than Granddad.

Grandfather laughed. When a man marries he needs to provide for his family. That need drives a man to do anything possible not to lose what he has worked hard for. Plus he’d do anything to support his family. If you’re married that means you’ll work twice as hard as you are now to keep my company thriving. And you’ll have kids to pass it down to. I want my legacy to continue long after I’m gone.

Greyson clenched his jaw tightly. He understood the meaning behind what Granddad just said. But did he have to force him into marrying all for that? He’d never let anything happen to the company. I’m not going to ruin what I’ve worked so hard at. So there’s no need to force me into marriage. And the company is in good hands. Mine he thought.

Greyson, your playboy ways are not conducive to the image I’ve worked hard to build at RHCI. Business dealings are better negotiated when your mind is focused and settled. In my experience that means a family, a wife and kids. This isn’t up for discussion. I’m not changing the will. So, before you think of me as an old senile man, let me tell you a story.

Greyson relaxed his jaw, and sat back to listen. This better