Pure Harmony (8 page)

“Harmony, it’s nice to see you again,” the man said, holding out a hand.

“Vince, I didn’t expect it would be you again. Haven’t seen you since I got my old place.” She shook his hand briefly.

“It’s a shame about your place and all your things. We’ve been working to get all our favourite tenants into new places.” The man laughed heartily.

Jonathon raised an eyebrow, hearing the falseness behind the sound. The man glanced at him and Jonathon could see he’d dismissed him as he focused on Harmony. Jonathon narrowed his eyes then contained his expression of disdain. Jonathon didn’t even need to see his face to know it was his genial ‘I’m harmless’ look. The same one he used before he went in for the kill and ripped apart the opposition. In his eyes, the opposition was this man, Vince, who with very few words Jonathon could tell was selling a load of shit. He glanced at Harmony, wondering if she was buying it, but she still just had the same blank expression. Vince guided Harmony through the apartment, talking up the wonders of the place, which Jonathon could clearly see were visually untrue. Vince’s salesman’s voice was getting on Jonathon’s nerves so he tuned it out and headed off on his own. As he viewed the apartment, Jonathon couldn’t believe that they were trying to give this dump to Harmony.

Her old place had been small but a hundred per cent better than this one. The building she had lived in had been older but it had been much better than where they were now, even though—from what he could tell—this was a newer building. Even if the neighbourhood was bad, Jonathon would have accepted her moving here had the place been nice. Even if he had hated it, he would have supported her, but bad neighbourhood and such atrocious living conditions? No way, no how. He retraced his steps to find Harmony and Vince, whom he was beginning to think of as a weasel. They were back in the living room by the counter that separated the area from the kitchen.

“Just sign this indemnity for us against the loss of your things in the fire at your old place and this new place is all yours,” Vince was saying.

Jonathon strode over to them and pulled the paper from under his finger.

“Hey, wha—?”

“Shut up,” he stated calmly and read the paper.

Vince sounded furious when he spoke a few moments later. “I don’t know who this guy is, but take this or nothing, Harmony. And if you don’t accept this replacement place you will be in violation of your lease. We
will
take you to court for it. Our lawyers—”

“Are idiots and so are you.” Jonathon lifted his head.

Vince glared at him then moved around Harmony, getting in Jonathon’s face. “Who the hell are you?”

“Jonathon Wright,” he stated.

In the flicker of fear in Vince’s eye, he could see he recognised his name. That was good and Jonathon would use it to his advantage. Jonathon folded the paper and put it in his pocket for proof. Vince reached for it.

“Touch me and I’ll have you arrested for assault.” He gave the threat in a silky tone, his promise very clear.

Vince stilled then slid his hands in his pockets as an arrogant expression came over his face. “There is nothing you can do, Mr Wright. Our lawyers have already checked and there is no criminal recourse for the tenants affected by the fire. Harmony had best accept this as most of the tenants of her old apartment building did. Or else.”

The threat only made Jonathon smile. Vince gulped then held his gaze. Jonathon had to give him points for guts. Many had been unable to withstand his look.

“Since I know you’re the lackey sent to do the dirty work that the building owner wouldn’t do so he could claim plausible deniability, I’m going to give you all one chance. Both you and I know that he knows all about the pressure you’re putting on these hard-working folks who have lost everything.” Jonathon paused, letting his contempt show. “This little piece of paper means nothing once I line up all those tenants you harassed into signing—”

Vince interrupted. “I didn’t—”

Jonathon put up his hand, stilling him. “Shut up. I’m not done.” He continued as if Vince hadn’t interrupted and he hadn’t answered him, “—in order to get a new place to live. There’s a lot I can do and will. I’m going to get in touch with each and every one of those tenants. Even those you haven’t strong-armed yet. Then we will meet you and your boss in court.” Jonathon turned to Harmony who had been silent during their exchange.

He put his hand on her waist and started to escort her out.

“You can’t do that. There are no criminal charges you can file. And this isn’t some corporation or negotiation. I know who you are, Mr Wright, and there is nothing for you to gain here.” Vince spoke behind him.

Jonathon stopped, pivoted on his heels. “I didn’t say criminal. I meant civil. And if you did know anything about me you’d know I wouldn’t need anything to present the tenants’ case. This I would do pro bono, just for the joy of fucking up your company and the building owner. You know what I hate more than liars?” By the time he had finished he was in Vince’s face and he didn’t wait for a response as he gritted out, “Bullies who prey on others they think are weaker or don’t have a way of knowing what their legal rights are. I will be dragging you all into court. Unless…” He let that trail off.

Vince gulped. “What?”

“Your management company and the landlord of the building come up with a number I like. Make me an offer on behalf of the tenants.” He lifted his index finger. “A good one that will cover them finding somewhere better to live, the emotional damage they went through because of the fire and your harassment. And although there is no money that can cover their memories of the things they lost, add that in. You have one week.”

He turned and walked back to Harmony. Her expression was the same as it had been.

“But… We need time. I can—” Vince sputtered to a stop.

Jonathon smiled, knowing it was his fierce grin, the one he used when he smelt figurative blood in the water of an opponent that was ready to give in.

“A week, or be prepared to meet me in court.”

“I’m not afraid of you. You don’t know civil court and our lawyers can beat you.” Vince seemed to get his bearing.

“You say you know me but obviously you don’t. Do your research. I’ll have my secretary put you all on the books to meet me a week from today at ten o’clock.”

“We won’t be there,” Vince stated.

“I hope you don’t show up because I’m going to have a good time ripping apart everything I can get on your company and the owner of the building you manage.” Jonathon glanced over his shoulder at Vince and saw him pale. “I love paper and finding everything. See you in one week.” He focused forward and escorted Harmony out.

In his SUV, Jonathon gripped the wheel, still seething at Vince’s arrogance and his trying to intimidate Harmony. He glanced at her and she was silently watching him. Jonathon returned his attention to the road. He couldn’t discuss it now with her—he needed to calm a bit first. Jonathon rarely lost control as he had back there with Vince, but the man and Harmony being in the mix had made him see red. A hand touched his thigh, squeezing gently.

“Did you mean what you said back there about taking them to court for all the tenants if they don’t meet with you?”

“Yes,” he answered in a clipped tone, trying to regain control.

“But you don’t even know them.” Harmony sounded baffled.

“I don’t need to know them to care they are getting fucked over by that egotistical bastard back there.” Jonathon pounded his hand on the steering wheel.

“Is it because we’re sleeping together?”

“I’m not even answering that because it will be lots of bad words and not polite.” Jonathon glared at her briefly then looked back at the road.

“Even pissed off as hell and you’re still being courteous. Until you dropped a few F-bombs, I didn’t even think you could curse.” Harmony laughed.

Jonathon winced, realising she was right. He never cursed in front of women.

“I—”

“If you’re going to apologise, don’t. That was awesome. I’m glad you were there because if I had spoken I would have ripped him a new one. Imagine trying to give me that shithole. Asshole,” Harmony stated.

Jonathon barked out a laugh. It was the first time he’d heard her curse too.

“I don’t swear often either but this is a cursing occasion. Trying to intimidate me because of my size and thinking I was dumb enough to fall for it. Bastard.” Harmony clenched her hand on his leg.

Jonathon covered it and she turned her palm up. He held her hand as they drove. The rain started to fall then came in a deluge. Jonathon frowned out of the windshield as the wipers swished on the glass. At his house, he parked and turned to Harmony.

“We can wait for it to stop.”

“Why? We can get rid of our anger. Come, let’s jump into puddles and scream.” Harmony turned to the door.

Jonathon stilled her with a hand on her shoulder. She glanced back at him.

“Are you crazy? It’s pouring out there. We’ll get wet.”

“That’s the point.” She pulled away and opened the door before getting out and slamming it shut behind her.

Stupefied, he watched her as she made her way to the front of the vehicle. Harmony did a twirl in the rain then faced him. She pounded on the hood, making a ‘come on’ gesture with her hand. Harmony put her hands on her hips and he could clearly see her expression was daring. With the water slicking back her hair and soaking her clothing, she looked like a wood nymph. A tempting one. Jonathon opened his door, got out then closed the door. He glanced down at his shoes, which were coated in mud. A hand slid into his, pulling him.

“Come on, puddle hop.”

Harmony tugged him along and Jonathon followed. She stopped, letting him go, and jumped into a puddle, sloshing the water. Jonathon stepped back, shifting uncomfortably at his wet clothes as he watched Harmony play in the puddle. She faced him with a huge smile on her face and rocked on her heels.

“So, stuffed shirt, are you able to puddle jump?”

Jonathon narrowed his gaze then hopped up and splashed, kicking water at her. Harmony shrieked and ran. He chased her, laughing and spraying her. Harmony retaliated and they ran in the rain, jumping puddles.

“Puddle jump!”

Jonathon glanced up, startled. One of his neighbours he didn’t know well came out with his kids and wife. They smiled at Jonathon and joined in. Harmony pushed at his side and he joined the family. Soon more neighbours came out and they all played in the rain. Jonathon watched Harmony laughing with another neighbour. He glanced around at the neighbours closest to him, whom until today he hadn’t even spent time with. A child held up his arms and Jonathon picked him up. Mud coated the little boy and Jonathon didn’t even care. His father came over and they chatted. By the time everyone went back to their respective homes, Jonathon had accepted invitations to a barbecue that a few of them were having, bowling and other outings. He waved, holding Harmony’s hand as they headed back to his house. Jonathon was thinking how she had brought such unexpected moments to his life. He glanced down at his clothing then hers.

“This is going to be hell to get out.”

“But it was fun.”

“It was and thanks,” he agreed and hugged her.

At his home, they went onto the porch. Since they didn’t have any neighbours close enough to see them, Jonathon kicked off his shoes and stripped on the porch. He balled up his clothing then put it by the door, planning to get it later. Jonathon took Harmony’s clothing and shoes, putting them by his before they headed inside. Harmony went in first and he followed, closing the door. Harmony turned to him and dropped to her knees.

“What—?” Jonathon gasped as she gripped his cock and sucked him in with one gulp.

He braced his legs apart and groaned, watching her face and hollowed cheeks as she lapped at his rapidly hardening shaft. Harmony worked his erection, bringing him quickly to a frenzy of need. She cupped his sac, squeezing gently as she moaned wildly, moving up and down on his member. Jonathon put his head back against the door, rocking his hips and sliding his cock into her welcoming mouth. Harmony took it and made a purring sound in her throat, vibrating his cock. Jonathon curled his toes and grunted as he came. Shaking, he pushed into the wet heat of her mouth then relaxed against the door. Jonathon tried to catch his breath and calm his racing heart.

Harmony stood, a wicked grin on her face. Jonathon lifted his hand and stroked down the side of her face, rubbing her lips.

“Not that I didn’t enjoy it. But what was that for?”

“You looked sexy earlier when you defended me and the tenants. I’ve never seen you in lawyer mode but, if that’s how you look…whew.” Harmony moved closer. “And outside in the rain jumping in puddles. That was too darn cute. All of it needed to be appreciated.” She stroked his cock. “Now let’s go to the shower where you can appreciate me.”

Harmony turned and made her way to the stairs. Jonathon followed her naked ass, already thinking of ways he would have her. First against the shower wall, then later, slower in bed, all night long.

Chapter Six

Jonathon leant back in his chair and smiled as his thoughts, as they seemed to do a lot the last two days, turned to Harmony. Since the night in the rain, they had seemed to get closer and he enjoyed their time together. A buzz came then Elisa, his administrative assistant, spoke.

“Mr Wright, a Miss Oshiro is here to see you. She is insisting you will see her even though she doesn’t have an appointment.” Elisa didn’t sound pleased.

Jonathon pressed the button on the phone and stated, “Miss Oshiro is always welcome to see me, Elisa.”

There was a pause then Elisa replied, “Okay, I’ll send her and her guests in.”

Jonathon frowned at the
guests
but released the button and stood. The office opened and he spotted Elisa, then Harmony came in behind her. The sombre expression on her face made him come around the desk. He stopped as the office filled with other people. Jonathon counted—there were over thirty people in his spacious office. He focused on Harmony who was in the centre.