She swallowed hard.
“I need to interview first and to see exactly what your brothers are looking for, Finn,” she said to him.
Finn smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. He kissed her neck and she watched his brothers watch him and her. She felt aroused, excited at being on display like this with these four men. That shocked her as she lowered her eyes. “Awesome. Let’s set something up for tomorrow afternoon. Would two o’clock work for you?”
She hesitated a moment until Finn gave her a little squeeze. She held on to his arms over her waist.
“Okay. Two o’clock. But no favoritism because of your brothers. The last thing I want to do is take advantage of your generosity and this opportunity,” she said.
“Absolutely. We’ll be tough on you,” Billy said to her and winked.
“Extra tough,” Antonio added very seriously and she couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.
Then she felt Finn turn her around in his arms and press his palm to her cheek. He stared down into her eyes as his other hand moved along her hip and pulled her closer. “She can handle it,” he whispered and then softly pressed his lips to hers, kissing her.
She was shocked. Not only that he chose now to kiss her for the first time, but in front of his brothers. What did it mean?
As he slowly released her lips he licked his lower one. “I couldn’t resist. I’ve been wanting to do that for months.”
“Really,” she whispered, holding his gaze and momentarily forgetting about the audience behind her.
“Yes,” he said very seriously and she felt his finger gliding along her hip back and forth. It felt so good, so perfect.
“Come on, let’s look around the inside before we head back to Chance,” Finn said and guided her by her hips toward the path. Antonio hardly stepped aside as she brushed by him, feeling an attraction to him as well despite his poor attitude and hang-up about money. She caught the expression on his face and the hard look in his eyes. Was he attracted to her, too, or did he distrust her even more?
Chapter 3
Salvatore waited impatiently for Missy Ann to finish up the interview with his brothers. It was taking forever, but when he saw her being escorted out of the building with Billy smiling and her laughing he felt relieved. This could work out perfectly after all.
He wondered how Antonio treated her. Finn spoke to him about how he and Salvatore met Missy Ann. How they first noticed her at Luther’s and then how she helped identify the men they had been searching for. He explained about her abduction and assault. Finn said that Antonio didn’t give much of a response but his demeanor changed and he seemed to be biting the inside of his cheek.
Salvatore wondered if Antonio would ever get over his broken heart or the way Sophia had manipulated all of them and used them. She cost them money, too, in lawyer fees and medical fees proving that the baby Sophia carried hadn’t been any of theirs. Her accusations of rape deteriorated fast, but not fast enough. When she couldn’t prove that Antonio had raped her, she said she was pregnant. Then it took months to prove how far along she was, and then the birth of a child, a boy, and orders of paternity tests and blood work to show she lied. It all blew up in her face. Their lawyers destroyed the case, her credibility and then found her boyfriend who she had been sleeping with give her up on the lies. He was after their money too and willing to say the baby was Antonio’s, not his. Sophia had been after their fortune and nothing more.
He pushed the thoughts from his head and smiled wide as Missy Ann approached. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He had been waiting to kiss her. Thought about doing it since last night but the timing wasn’t right. He decided being spontaneous would maybe help Missy Ann’s reaction. What he hadn’t planned on was the intensity of the kiss, or the way Missy Ann clung to him, and felt in her arms pressed up against him. Her sexy, voluptuous body was snug against his. She felt good, feminine, sexy, and he had a hard time releasing her lips and not exploring her more.
“Damn, I should have done that sooner,” he said to her and she smiled. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes gorgeous as always.
He looked at Billy, who was smiling. “So, what’s the verdict?” he asked and Missy Ann stepped next to him as Salvatore placed his arm over her shoulder, keeping her close.
“We have a new manager starting tomorrow,” Billy said. Salvatore smiled.
“Great. Congratulations,” he said to Missy Ann and then to his brother. “To both of you.” He winked and Billy nodded.
“She did amazing, and I feel very confident that we’ll work well together.”
“And Antonio?”
“He’s the one that hired her.”
Salvatore smiled. “See, he isn’t so scary,” he teased her.
She blushed. “You weren’t in the interview,” she said to him.
Billy chuckled but Salvatore got serious. “Did he scare you?” he asked very seriously.
Her eyes widened and she held on to his arm. “No. No, Salvatore, he was a complete gentleman. Totally all business and I preferred it that way. He’ll be more than satisfied with my performance,” she added.
“We sure will be. So what are your plans for the rest of the day?” Billy asked them.
“Actually I have to drop Missy Ann off at her place. I was called in for a case and need to be there in thirty minutes.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry that you had to wait. I can call Eliza Grace or my dad for a ride back.”
“Don’t be silly, I’m here and have plenty of time to get there,” Salvatore said.
“Actually, if Missy Ann doesn’t have plans, this would be a great time to go over some stuff, maybe give some insight on the additional construction?” Billy suggested and Salvatore waited for Missy Ann’s reaction. If she seemed too scared to be left alone with Billy then he wouldn’t allow it yet.
She smiled. “That sounds good. I can call my dad for a ride later on when I’m done,” she told Salvatore.
“I can give you a ride home. It’s not a problem,” Billy added.
Salvatore watched her reaction.
“I wouldn’t want to put you out doing that.”
“Don’t be silly. It would be my pleasure and that way Salvatore can concentrate on the case he’s working on and know that I’m taking care of you and bringing you home,” Billy said.
She looked at Salvatore as if waiting for his reaction or guidance.
“Okay, if you’re sure about this. I’ll call you later to check on you and to make driving arrangements for the rest of the week,” Salvatore said and then pressed a kiss to her lips.
She squeezed his arms. “I have my car. But we’ll talk later,” she said and smiled.
He felt his gut clench. He liked having her depending on him and Finn. But he also wanted her to feel safer, stronger and gain her independence back. It was a mix of emotions he felt as he shook his brother’s hand and then left Missy Ann with Billy. He knew Billy would watch over her and take this time to get to know her, too. This was a step in the right direction. It had to be.
* * * *
Billy guided Missy Ann along the construction and talked about possibilities for the indoor dance area and the location for the wait staff to enter orders and such in the computers. She knew about the new systems used to make things run smoothly. He watched her as she took in the surrounding area, determining what would be the better location for the spot. As she gave him feedback he looked her over. Today she wore a slim fitting business dress in black. It was sleeveless, showing off her toned arms as well as her very voluptuous breasts. The outfit was tight up top but covered her to her neck. She definitely dressed conservatively, hiding her figure and assets.
“What’s going on here?” Antonio asked, joining them. He held a clipboard in his hands and looked a bit frazzled.
“We’re going over some options and finalizing where the wait staff will gather for the orders. We have one spot on the other side near the party room and then this spot over here
. What do you think?” Billy asked him and Missy Ann explained her thoughts when asked.
“Sounds good. Listen, the chefs are preparing some samples so we can finalize the menu. Can you please sample these things with me? I don’t even know what to choose anymore. It’s so confusing,” Antonio told Billy.
“Missy Ann can help. When will the samples be ready?” Billy asked, keeping a hand at her lower back.
Antonio looked at them and he held a firm expression.
“Fifteen minutes. I’ll be sure they set it all up for us.”
Billy nodded and Antonio walked away.
“So, where were we?” he asked, stepping closer. Missy Ann looked up at him and seemed a bit nervous.
“Oh yes, the computer system. You said you were familiar with the program?” he asked, holding her gaze.
“Yes.”
“Good, I have my tech guy coming in tomorrow noon-time. You’ll meet with him too as we go over the plans for the system, what we want and don’t want. Sound good?” he asked.
“Sure thing,” she said to him and he smiled.
“I think this is going to work out great,” he added and then gave her a wink. She lowered her eyes and he couldn’t help but feel the attraction. She was sweet, modest, but smart and had great ideas. He respected her already and that was a step in the right direction.
His phone buzzed and he saw that it was Finn.
Is Missy Ann okay?
More than okay. I’ll take care of her. I promise.
Good. Call me after you drop her off at home.
You betcha.
“That was Finn checking up on you.”
“Oh, is everything okay?” she asked him.
“Yes, fine. I told him I would take good care of you.”
“It’s the first time him and Salvatore have left me like this. I mean with people I don’t know too well.” She looked around the place, avoiding his gaze.
“They care a lot about you. Plus they know that Antonio and I will protect you and watch over you as well.”
She looked at him and he couldn’t help but to take in the sight of her lips, the shy, insecure expression in her eyes, yet the great contrast to her figure and the way she held herself so maturely and sophisticatedly in front of him. She liked to act calm and tough, but he caught the uneasiness in those baby blues.
“You don’t need to do that.”
“Maybe I want to?” he replied quickly.
She pulled her lower lip between her teeth. “I’m capable of taking care of myself. I have friends who can give me a ride later. Don’t feel obligated because of Salvatore and Finn, really, it’s no big—”
He placed his finger gently over her lips and she stopped talking. He clutched her chin between pointer and thumb and stared at her lips then into her eyes.
“Believe me, Missy Ann, keeping you here with me, spending more time with you, and driving you home later are for selfish reasons.”
“Selfish reasons?” she whispered and he caressed her jaw and smiled softly.
“More time for us to get to know one another and to explore this attraction we’re all feeling.”
She went to look away from him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean, I’m working for you now.”
“Business and pleasure rarely mix, Missy Ann, but don’t worry, if things work out I plan on firing you,” he told her then pressed his lips to hers.
Chapter 4
Finn was sitting at his desk in the office finishing up his report on a recent case he closed out. He heard his cell phone buzz, looked down, and was surprised to see it was Warner Dawn. He hadn’t spoken to him in weeks.
“Hey, Warner, how’s it going?” he asked.
“Not too bad, just finishing up some work on the computer. How about you?”
“Just wrapping up a case at work then heading home for the night.”
“Got plans with Missy Ann and your brothers?” Warner asked.
Finn chuckled.
“Word travels fast, huh?”
“Well, I hear Billy is on board but Antonio is being stubborn.”
Finn released a sigh as he leaned back in his chair.
“I think he’ll come around once he learns Missy Ann is trustworthy.”
“Well listen. That shit Sophia put him through was upsetting. He could have lost everything because of her lies. That kind of betrayal and hurt isn’t easily forgotten.”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
“Well listen, I just wanted to call you really quick to give you a heads up. I’m sure Tazer mentioned the conversation him and I had a few weeks back.”
“Yes. He did,” Finn said and sat forward in the seat. He felt on edge and nervous. He had wondered if there were some kind of connection to the case Somers was investigating.
“Well, I spoke with Somers a little while ago. Seems the case he’s investigating brought up some names. That Si Sanders guy who abducted Eliza Grace and Missy Ann was doing some business with the Ukrainian businessman the feds are investigating. Somers told me the investigators were able to bring down several more of these prostitution rings. However they put some people on the inside to get more concrete evidence and details. So far those undercover agents believe this Ukrainian guy and his associates have organized a system that fronts as an escort service as I mentioned earlier. They can’t get anything concrete but it appears that some very wealthy men use this service.”
“Have they been able to get to any of these women to question them?” Finn asked.
“No. The women involved with this are willing participants. Somers doesn’t have much more, just the fact that Si knew this boss well. The Feds are gathering the information the Hayes brothers and I uncovered and are hoping something helps with their investigation. It just goes to show you how wide spread this shit was,” Warner said to him.
“It sounds like Si and his buddies were trying to form their own monopoly on a smaller scale with the prostitution rings around these parts, doesn’t it?” Finn asked.
“Yeah, plus not all the women were willing participants. Look how they were going to sell off Missy Ann to that designer guy’s friends in Europe. If you guys hadn’t gotten to her in time, damn, she would be worse off.”
Finn ran his hand over his mouth. “I don’t even want to think about that.”
“I hear ya, buddy. Keep her close and take care of her. Show her what real love is.”
“That’s the plan. Listen, keep me abreast of this investigation. I’d love to know when these Feds catch all these assholes and put them behind bars. I can’t believe they’re getting away with this.”
“I know, and I will. Stay safe.”
“Later.” Finn disconnected the call and leaned back in his chair. He couldn’t help but to think about Missy Ann and how close she came to being sexually assaulted. Hell, she had been beaten, touched, and it really pissed him off.
He thought about her now. He knew she was at work, and that gave him a little peace of mind knowing that Billy and Antonio were there to watch over her. Finn wondered about Antonio. Would he see how special Missy Ann was, or would he be obsessed with the past, with what Sophia did to him that he wouldn’t see how perfect Missy Ann was for all of them?
His gut clenched and his heart ached. He didn’t want to not include him. He could tell that Missy Ann was attracted to all four of them and that Antonio was attracted to her, too. But he was stubborn and distrusting. Antonio might not be able to commit to Missy Ann completely, and that just wasn’t fair.
Their relationship was developing quickly. Keeping her out of their bed was becoming difficult. Finn knew they needed to be patient, but damn, was it hard when she was so attractive and sexy. Plus the way she cuddled up to him and wrapped her dainty body around his just to absorb the feelings of protection made his dick hard and his heart race with desire. He wanted to make her their woman. But for crying out loud, Antonio needed to get his head out of his ass and join them in loving Missy Ann and keeping h
er safe. He couldn’t give him much more time. It was hard enough having to kiss her goodnight and leave her.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. They needed to talk to her about staying over their place this weekend. He was losing his patience, his self-control. He wanted her in every way, and so did Salvatore and Billy. If Antonio didn’t join them and commit to making Missy their woman, then they would move on without him. They had no choice. It wasn’t fair to Missy Ann.
* * * *
“So when do you think Antonio is going to make a move on you?” Eliza Grace asked.
Missy Ann exhaled as she thumbed through the fashion magazine while she got a pedicure. It had been Eliza Grace’s idea. She had a photo shoot tomorrow and Missy Ann had to meet with the beer distributors along with Antonio and Billy. They wanted to incorporate some local microbrewery beers into the beer menu.
“I don’t think he will. He’s had something against me from the start.”
“What do you mean against you?”
“I mean he had a chip on his shoulders. He always does when he’s around me and it’s like he’s analyzing my actions, my words, and even my body language.”
“It sounds like he’s checking you out and liking what he sees,” Eliza Grace replied.
“There’s more to it. He’s very distrusting. Billy hinted around that he had some trouble in his past and that he doesn’t trust easy.”
“Hmm, I wonder what kind of trouble? Did you ask Salvatore and Finn?”
“No way. How could I ask them anything about their brother? They would hold loyalty to him and his wish to not explain.”
“Well, have you asked Antonio what his problem is?”
“No, and don’t plan on it. He’s as intimidating as Finn.”
Eliza Grace chuckled.
“I met Billy and Antonio before. They seem a bit pompous or stuck up at first but then they loosened up. Definitely trust issues there. But you got the first three to break down those walls. I wonder what will get the fourth brother to cave in?” Eliza Grace asked as she stared at Missy Ann.
Town of Chance: Attacking Innocence [The Dare Series 8] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5