4. HEAT

SCOTT

Finally, I was done with work. I could now attend my birthday party.

I'd arrived in Houston yesterday for work. My company was based mainly in London, with an extension in Houston. Though I traveled often to manage both locations, I hadn't been here in a long time.

My friends and employees had organized a birthday party that doubled as a welcome-back party. Not that I cared much for these things.

“Mr. Blackwell, the Evanstons are requesting an urgent meeting with you—”

“Not today.” I headed out.

My assistant knew what to do. I didn't have to spell it out for him.

I went straight to my penthouse, showered, and got dressed. Important people would be attending: business partners, family, and a few friends.

Speaking of friends, Jack Garcia was one of my closest buddies. I hadn't seen him in ages, and his daughter, Eliana...

The last time I'd seen her, she'd been a pretty little girl, full of mischief. I wondered how much she'd changed.

I got into my SUV and headed to the venue.

My phone rang. It was Jack.

Speak of the devil.

“What's up, man?”

“I got here straight from a meeting. I've been at your party for ten minutes, and I still haven't seen you. Don't tell me you're not here yet.”

“Sorry, bud. I'm on my way.”

“Let me guess. You were too busy with a female that you forgot about your own party?”

“Really, Jack? I'll be there in five minutes.”

I smiled at his guess.

I had to admit, I missed the days when pleasure came first and I lived wild and carefree. Now, work came first. I still didn't care for love, but I cared about anything that made me money.

That didn't mean I'd given up women. I had no intention of doing that anytime soon.

Wealth came with benefits, and I received more attention from women than I could possibly entertain. But I had standards. I wasn't interested in just anyone.

After all the stress I'd been dealing with, spending the evening with a beautiful woman sounded appealing.

I arrived at the venue and headed inside, scanning the room for my friend.

“Scott!”

“Jack!”

We hugged, tapping each other on the back like bros did.

“It's so good to see you again, Scott. It's been ages.”

“Yeah, it is. How are you? Your sister... your little girl?”

Jack laughed.

“We're all fine, man. Don't let that young lady hear you call her that. She snaps at me whenever I call her little. The truth is, she's not little anymore. My little girl has grown into a young woman.”

“Fierce like her father, I see. So, where is she?”

“I got a message from my sister that Eliana wouldn't be able to attend.”

“Why? Schoolwork?”

“No, stomach issues. Susan will leave in an hour to make sure Eli is all right.”

“Say hello to her for me. I'll be visiting this weekend, though.”

“Sure. I'll be expecting you.”

I turned to get a glass from a passing server when I caught sight of a woman across the room.

Why was she wearing a mask?

“Damn! Who's that hot chick, Jack?”

“I don't know. She's wearing a mask, as you can see.”

“I see. And I noticed more than the mask.”

Her figure was impressive, and her dress hugged her curves. She carried herself with a confidence that caught my attention.

Maybe I'd been too busy with work to enjoy myself lately, but curiosity got the better of me.

My feet moved before I'd even made up my mind.

“Where the hell are you going, man whore?”

I couldn't deny how funny that sounded.

“To get myself something really nice.”

When I turned, I saw my nephew—my cousin's son—talking to her.

Honestly, he was way too good at the playboy thing, but I wasn't about to let him have this one. She'd caught my attention, and I wanted a chance to find out more about her.

“I believe the lady isn't interested in whatever you're saying—”

I didn't give him another glance. Instead, I offered the woman my attention and led her away from him.

Her scent was intoxicating. She seemed a little reserved, and for some reason, that only made me more curious.

“Have we met before?”

“Yes.”

“Where?” I asked. Was she one of the women I'd encountered in the past?

“At an auction. My family isn't in attendance tonight. I'm here on their behalf.”

I somehow managed to persuade her to join me in the VIP room, though she refused to tell me her name or remove her mask.

The mystery intrigued me.

“How old are you?”

She paused briefly before answering.

“I'm twenty-two.”

Twenty-two?

I was almost twenty years older than her.

Why did I care? She was an adult, and she'd agreed to come with me. Besides, she seemed just as curious about what might happen between us.

“Take off your dress,” I said.

She hesitated for only a moment before slipping out of it, revealing an outfit that left me momentarily speechless.

I moved closer and kissed her. She responded with equal intensity, drawing me into the moment.

For a while, I forgot about the party, the business deals waiting for me, and everything beyond that room.

I drew her into my arms and kissed her again.

“I'm going to make this a night you won't forget,” I murmured.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I want that.”

“Say yes, Daddy,” I teased, testing her reaction.

I'd considered ending things before they went any further. But a little adventure with a beautiful young woman seemed tempting.

“Daddy...” she repeated softly.

I smiled. She seemed determined to make the evening memorable, and I wasn't about to argue.

We kissed again, and I pulled her closer.

For once, I allowed myself to forget about work and responsibilities. I wanted to enjoy the moment without overthinking it.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of kisses and whispered words, leaving the details between us.

---

Later, when we finally had a moment to ourselves, I reached for her mask.

I wanted to see the face of the woman who'd held my attention all evening.

She reacted strangely, but damn, she was beautiful.

Something about her seemed familiar. Those lips, those eyes...

I couldn't place her, but I was certain I'd seen those eyes before.

“What do you say about being exclusively mine until I leave for London?”

She raised an eyebrow, as though she couldn't quite comprehend my offer.

“You'll be highly compensated. We could spend time together, just the two of us, until I leave.”

She said nothing.

“Name your price.”

“I'll think about it.”

She sounded unsure. She might not accept my offer. That would be her loss—and mine, too.

“I have to leave now.”

Seriously? Had my request frightened her? I didn't see anything wrong with offering her compensation to spend time with me.

“I'll have someone drop you off.”

“No! No need. I—I came with a car, so...”

She replied while putting her dress back on.

She winced slightly as she sat down to put on her shoes. Perhaps the evening had been more exhausting than either of us had expected.

“All right. Here's my card. Be in my office tomorrow at twelve.”

“Of course.”

She hurried out of the room as though someone were chasing her.

I got dressed, ran my fingers through my hair, and headed toward the bed to retrieve her mask.

It smelled just like her.

Then I noticed a stain on the bed.

Blood.

My amusement faded.

Had I been too rough after all?

And if I'd hurt her, why hadn't she asked me to stop?

---

The following morning, I arrived at the office earlier than usual.

I had a busy schedule, but my mind kept drifting back to the mysterious woman from my birthday party.

Marie.

That was the only name she'd given me.

I'd met plenty of women, but something about her had stayed with me. Perhaps it was the mask or the mystery surrounding her.

I glanced at the clock.

Eleven fifty-five.

If she showed up, I'd have to decide whether I wanted to make this arrangement more than a passing thought.

At exactly twelve, my phone rang.

It was an unfamiliar number.

“Mr. Blackwell?” a woman asked when I answered.

“Speaking.”

“It's Marie Thorn. I've made up my mind, but I'm at your company's reception, and the receptionist won't let me up without an appointment.”

I leaned back in my chair.

So, she'd come.

“Wait there. Someone will bring you up.”

“All right.”

I ended the call and contacted my assistant, instructing him to have someone escort her to my office.

A few minutes later, the door opened.

She stepped inside, looking nothing like the masked woman from the party. Her hair was styled differently, and she wore a modest outfit, but I recognized her immediately.

Marie.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Blackwell.”

“Good afternoon, Marie.”

I gestured for her to come closer.

“Lock the door and come here.”

She did as I asked. When she reached me, I pulled her onto my lap.

“How does your body feel?” I asked.

“Fine. A little sore.”

I frowned.

“You could've told me to stop. I might have been too rough, but you didn't say anything.”

She looked at me, then smiled.

“That's exactly how I like it, Daddy.”

Before I could respond, she kissed me.

I returned the kiss, but when she leaned closer, clearly wanting more, I gently pulled back.

“Not now,” I told her. “Tonight.”

She pouted, but I wasn't changing my mind.

I reached for the documents on my desk and handed them to her.

“Here's the exclusive agreement. Read it carefully before you sign.”

She took the papers and skimmed through them before signing her name.

Just like that, our arrangement was official.

I collected the contract and placed it in my desk drawer.

“Be ready tonight. My driver will pick you up.”

“Okay.”

She rose from my lap, looking pleased with herself.

I watched her leave, still trying to understand why she seemed so familiar.

I'd told myself this arrangement would be simple: a beautiful woman, a few weeks of companionship, and no unnecessary complications.

Yet, as the door closed behind her, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was overlooking something important.

And I had no idea what it was.