Maya looked over the crowd and wished she was back at BookCrazy, holding her Friday night poetry reading with her best friend. The business dinner tonight was the turning point in Alex's career. She knew heavy hitters swarmed the halls for the chance at glory, and Alex needed to dazzle the crowd in order to get a hearing.
She handed the hostess her coat and let Alex lead her into the packed ballroom. “I’m assuming you have a general plan of attack?” she asked.
“Who are the two players you need to concentrate on?”
He motioned toward a thick cloud of cigar smoke. A tight circle of conservative businessmen surrounded a man impeccably dressed in a gray suit and silk tie. “Hyoshi Komo is building the Japanese restaurant. His vote is key to gain the third partner in the waterfront deal.”
“So, why don’t you go over there and give your pitch?” She plucked a salmon tart from the tray of a tuxedo-clad waiter and grabbed a glass of champagne from another.
“Because I don’t want to be one of the crowd. I have a different plan in mind.” She sipped the bubbly and sighed with pleasure. “Don’t get drunk.”
She huffed out a breath. “I never knew husbands were so controlling. Okay, who’s the final guy you need to impress?”
A flash of calculation crossed his face. “Count Dennis Michael. He owns a successful pastry business in Italy, and decided to try his luck in the States. He’s focused on the first bakery opening at the waterfront.”
She lusted after the tray of crab cakes on her left and tried to pay attention. Alex let out a huff, grabbed two from the waiter, and slid them on the plate. “Eat.”
“Right.” For once, she agreed with his order. She popped the cake into her mouth and groaned with delight. His brows snapped together and she realized she’d made him cranky. Again.
He stared at her mouth as if he wanted the crab cake for himself. “Maya, are you listening?”
“Yes. Dennis Michael. I guess you expect me to mingle while do your business?”
He gave a tight smile. “I’ll work on Hyoshi for now. Why don’t you keep your eyes open for the Count? He’s tall, Italian accent, dark hair and eyes. Engage him in some conversation it will keep you occupied.”
A small nibble of warning teased the edges of her consciousness but she was still too focused on the array of delicious appetizers. “You want me to talk to him?”
He shrugged in controlled carelessness. “Sure. Be nice. If you find out anything interesting, let me know.”
A chill skated down her spine and suddenly the scene crystallized. “You want me to spy for you?”
Impatience flicked in his voice. “You’re being ridiculous. Just relax and enjoy the party.”
“Easy for you to say. Your boobs aren’t hanging out of your dress.”
Alex cleared his throat and shifted. “If you weren’t comfortable, you shouldn’t have worn the dress.”
She stiffened. “I borrowed it from Olivia. I didn’t have an expensive dress.”
“I would have given you the money.”
“I don’t need your money.”
“Somehow, I doubt it. You didn’t sign the contract for any lofty reasons.
Might as well take as much as you can get.”
A short silence settled between them. Coldness seeped through her.
“You’re right. I was an idiot. Next time I’ll buy out Macy’s and send you the bill.” She turned on her heel and tossed her head. “After all, the only benefit to this marriage is your money.”
She walked away and left him staring at her back.
Jerk.
Maya sipped a second glass of champagne and settled herself by the picture window overlooking the balcony. Alex belonged in this world one of money and supermodels and refined dialogue. Clouds of Shalimar and Obsession blended with the heavy scent of cigar smoke. Her sight was blinded by an array of silks and satins, mostly in black or neutral; non showy colors to set off the diamonds and pearls and sapphires she knew were all real. Everyone had tans, and she bet there wasn’t a tan line in the lot.
Maya heaved a deep sigh. She’d dressed with care for the party and held her breath as she walked down the stairs to await Alex’s opinion. Even she knew she looked damn good in Olivia’s dress. The thought that she actually wanted to please him pissed her off.
He’d given her a thorough once over. Instead of a compliment, he’d mumbled about her choice of wardrobe and walked away. Didn’t even help
her with her coat, or spare her a second glance until they got to the party.
Hurt sliced deep but she punished herself for the emotion. She retained a polite aura and pretended she dressed like this every Saturday night.
Yet, as soon as he spoke about his plan for the waterfront, his face shimmered with such raw emotion her body clenched in response.
Passion. Fierce need burned in golden brown eyes. She fantasized about being the woman who incited such wanting. Once again, she was reminded Alex only experienced strong emotions for his buildings. Never women. And never her.
She took a deep breath and finished her drink. Then launched herself through the double doors of the balcony and approached a group of women who seemed to be commenting on the sculpture. Within moments, she neatly entwined her way into the discussion, secured introductions, and delved into the world of social chatter.
…
Alex watched her stalk across the room and cursed under his breath. Hell, he’d done it again. He should’ve complimented her on the damn dress. But nothing had prepared him for her entrance as she walked down the stairs, ready for the party.
The electric blue dress dipped low in the front, clung to the edge of her shoulders, and fell down to the floor in magnificent, flowing folds of shimmering material shot with silver thread. Strappy silver sandals encased her feet, her hot pink toenails peeking out and playing hide and seek as she walked. Her hair was pinned high on her head, with corkscrew curls tumbling around her ears and caressing the back of her neck. Her lips were painted red. When she blinked, her silver shadow threw sparkles over her lashes and caught the light. He bet she’d also catch the attention of every man in the place.
He’d almost ordered her to change. This was no cool sophisticate he could control. This was a full-blown Eve, who dared a man to Hell and made a poison apple seem as sweet as candy. Instead, he’d muttered some remark under his breath and let the subject matter drop. He wondered if that was a flash of hurt in her eyes, but when he looked again, she was the same troublesome, sarcastic woman he’d married.
Anger cut through him at her constant ability to make him feel like shit.
He hadn’t said anything wrong. She married for money, and freely admitted it. Why did she have to pretend to play the innocent victim in this whole mess?
He forced thoughts of his wife out of his mind and concentrated on the group of businessmen circling Hyoshi Komo. Alex sensed one important factor to secure the Japanese man’s vote.Excitement.
Get Hyoshi Komo excited, and Alex had the job.
The last and final piece in the puzzle was Dennis Michael. The famous Michael was well known in the business world for his charm, money, and sharp intelligence. He believed in passion, not preciseness, and behaved completely different from his other two partners. Alex hoped a lively conversation with his wife might help him gain a bit of an edge, especially since gossip pegged Michael as a womanizer. He stifled the quick flare of guilt and stepped into the group of men to speak.
…
Maya decided it was time to find her husband.
Besides the brief time seated beside him at dinner, they’d been out of each other’s company the whole night. Humming under her breath to the strains of “I Get a Kick out of You”, she checked the room but couldn’t pick him out of the crowd. She decided to make her way down the elaborate hallway. Maybe he’d gone to the bathroom.
Her heels clicked against polished marble. The sounds of the music faded, and she studied the paintings on the wall with pleasure, murmuring to herself when she found one she recognized.
Her steps carried her around the next corner into a room that looked more like a gallery, filled with shelves of old, bound books carefully displayed. She held her breath as her fingers itched to caress the binding of old leather and relish the sound of crackling as she turned the pages steeped in history. “Ah, so to get you to notice me tonight, I should turn into a book, no?” She spun around. A man stood in the doorway, his eyes filled with a mischievous humor she knew to be a part of his core. His hair was long and caught back in a low ponytail, giving him the look of a pirate who had charmed women for centuries. His lips were full and his nose dominated his strong features in typical Italian style. Dressed in black pants, a black silk shirt, and expensive leather shoes, he exhibited a graceful, seductive air just by standing. Maya knew immediately the man was charming, warm-hearted, and deadly to women. The thought made a smile curve her lips. She had a soft spot for womanizing
Michael watched the gesture with barely hidden amusement. “It seems Richard thinks you are the perfect man for the job. Perhaps we can set up a meeting to go over your ideas.” “Thank you. I’ll call your secretary and arrange an appointment.” She caught the clear-cut simplicity in his tone, and knew Michael noticed. Alex didn’t play certain business games, namely being too arrogant to pick up the phone himself to call for an appointment. “Very good.” Michael took her hand and placed a kiss on her palm. “It was lovely to meet you, Maya.” His Italian accent caressed her name. “I’m having a dinner party for a few close friends two weeks from tonight. Would you join me?” She noted he directed his invitation to her so she turned to her husband. “Darling? Are we free?” This time, his movement wasn’t subtle. He took a step behind her and wrapped both hands around her waist, drawing her back against him. Her butt pressed against his groin. Iron thighs trapped hers. He rested both hands d
Alex’s hands hung at his sides, empty. For one moment, he’d been filled with her: her curves, her scent, her heat. Now he stood in the middle of the room, alone, just like he had on their wedding night. A married man with a hard-on and no relief in sight. Amazed at his ridiculous predicament, he tried to go over the events of the evening and see where he had gone wrong. The moment he caught her with Michael, a slow, steaming anger had risen up within him. The heat started at his feet, traveled to his stomach, his chest, and finally settled like a hot band around his head. If he was a horse, he would have snorted out smoke and stamped his hooves. If he was a wolf, he would have howled at the moon. Her hand had rested on the Michael’s arm. He must’ve been quite amusing, because she threw her head back and laughed, her cheeks flushed and rosy. Her full lips had gleamed under the chandelier light. They’d acted like they were long-time friends instead of people who had just met. But the
“Oh, yeah, Alex would just love this kind of night out. He’d probably prefer a root canal and a prostate exam.” “How are you two getting along? Besides the physical attraction.” “Fine.” Olivua rolled her eyes. “Lying again. You’re not going to tell me, are you?” Maya realized she’d always confessed everything to Olivia except for one event. The first time Alex kissed her. She’d known she loved him back then. Friendship turned to rivalry and then to a girlish crush. That first kiss twisted emotions so pure within her she believed it was love. Her heart beat for him, full of joy at the possibility of them being together, so she uttered the words, her voice echoing through the trees. “I love you.” Then waited for him to kiss her again. Instead, he stepped back from her and laughed. Called her a silly baby and walked away. She learned her first lesson in heartbreak in that moment. Fourteen yearsold. In the woods with Alex Smith. She wasn’t about to repeat the lesson. She pushed th
Alex reached down and snagged Maya's fingers, pulling her up from the chair. “Show me the rest of the store while this guy finishes up.” Olivia chuckled and settled herself into the empty chair. “He’s just afraid of hin being next.” “You’re absolutely right.” Alex led her away from the crowd. With an instinctive motion, he stopped in a shadowed corner by a sign entitled RELATIONSHIPS. He guided her so her back pressed against the bookshelf, then dropped her hand. Alex shifted his feet and cursed under his breath at his sudden uneasiness. He hadn’t planned what to say, just knew he had to break the tension between them before he got crazy and dragged her into his bed. Somehow, he needed to bring the relationship back to friendship. Back to older brother/younger sister camaraderie. Even if it killed him. “I want to talk to you.” A slight smile twitched those bee-stung lips. “Okay.” “About us.” “Okay.” “I don’t think we should go to bed with each other.” She threw back her head
Maya. Pregnant.This can't be happening. Despite the warmth of the summer day, an uncomfortable chill settled over Maya’ skin as she settled on the bench in the small garden just a few blocks from the apartment she shared with Alex . She shivered even as the sun’s rays found her tightly clenched fingers, the heat not yet chasing away the goose bumps. Javier wouldn’t be happy over her brief disappearance. Neither would Alex when Javier reported that she hadn’t taken proper security measures. But dragging along the imposing guard to her doctor’s appointment hadn’t been an option. Alex would have known of her pregnancy before she could even return home to tell him herself. How would he react to the news? Despite the fact they had taken precautions, she was eight weeks pregnant. The best she could surmise, it had happened when he had returned from an extended business trip overseas. Alex had been insatiable. But then so had she. A bright blush chased the chill from her cheeks as she
AlexAlex urged her back to the bed then strode out of the suite toward the kitchen. After a long week of laying traps for the person attempting to sell his company out from under him, the last thing he wanted was a hysterical confrontation with his mistress.He poured a glass of Maya ’s favorite juice then prepared himself a liberal dose of brandy. The beginnings of a headache were already plaguing him.He smiled when he saw Maya ’s shoes in the middle of the floor where she had left them as soon as she hqd come off the elevator. He followed the trail of her things to the couch where her bag was thrown haphazardly.She was a creature of comfort. Never fussy. So this emotional outburst had caught him off guard. It was completely out of character for her. She wasn’t clingy, which is why their relationship had lasted so long. Relationship? He had just denied to her that they had one. She was his mistress.He should have softened his response. She probably wasn’t feeling well and needed
Alex. Three months later. Alex sat in his apartment brooding in silence. He should have some peace of mind now that there was no longer any danger to his company, but the knowledge of why was hardly comforting. He stared at the pile of documents in front of him as the evening news droned in the background.His stopover in New York was going to be short. Tomorrow he would fly to London to meet with his brother Jake and have the groundbreaking ceremony for their luxury hotel, a hotel that wouldn’t have happened if Maya had gottenher way. A derisive snort nearly rolled from his throat. He, the CEO of Zionsville International, had been manipulated and stolen from by a woman. Because of her, he and his brothers had lost two of their designs to their closest competitorbefore he’d discovered her betrayal. He should have turned her over to the authorities, but he bad been too stunned, too weak to do such a thing.He hadn’t even ridded his apartment of her belongings. He bad assumed she wou