“Have somewhere else you’d rather be?” he asked, leaning close to her.
She looked up at him and gave a soft smile.
“No. Why would you ask that?” she asked him.
“You seem as bored as we are,” his brother added, moving in behind her, whispering close to her. Major was as good as Mateus at suddenly appearing and slipping away. She tilted her head that way, and she looked like she felt the same attraction they did. Perhaps this vacation was going to kick start better than he anticipated, and he was the one looking to just relax.
“I’m not bored. How about the two of you, though? You don’t seem like the fashion industry types at all,” she asked, and Mateus ordered another round of drinks and handed her a wine glass.
“Thank you, but I was going to head out soon.”
“Stay a little longer. The night is young, Bella,” Major added.
“We aren’t fashion industry types. We provide other things for an event like this one,” he told her and took a sip of his Jack and Coke.
“Other things?” she asked.
Major placed his hand on her chair and stroked her shoulder. “Security.”
She swallowed hard and seemed to look at their faces and then their bodies. His dick hardened immediately. Holy shit, who was this woman?
“Hmm, should I be impressed?” she asked with a little bit of attitude. Was she playing a game or stuck up? He didn’t think so. She seemed sweet. Maybe it was an act.
“I’m pretty impressed with you in this dress.” Major came on strong, and she exhaled.
“Actually, I should get going.” She put the glass down and then went to stand up. Mateus was disappointed.
“Wait, where are you going?”
“I’m staying with friends and they’re expecting me back shortly.”
“It’s getting dark out, Are you staying in the suite or elsewhere?” Major asked her.
“In a house, actually.”
“We’ll walk you back,” Mateus stated, and Major gave him a look.
“I don’t think so,” she said and gave him a look like she suddenly was turned off by him. What the hell? Usually, by one short sentence, he had women eating out of the palm of his hand.
“Have a good night,” she said to them and then approached Rayanna and the other men. She said goodnight and Rayanna gave them dirty looks. Mateus shrugged his shoulders and watched Bella in that sexy dress make her way through the crowd. Men looked at her, women, too. She was interesting, that was for sure.
“I think we’ve lost our touch,” Major said to him and leaned close to the bar.
“I think you came on too strong.”
“What? No way. The woman was into us. She felt an attraction.”
“I’m not saying she didn’t. Rayanna didn’t want us playing any games with her friend anyway. It worked out,” Mateus said, but the thought didn’t sit well with him at all. He felt annoyed and his interest in staying here any longer decreased. He was a hard man to deal with. He knew he had mood swings and demanded a lot out of people. Major was just as bad, but more verbal with his tongue of fire. Mateus used his body, his fists, and he didn’t trust easily.
Chapter 6
“I don’t know, Rayanna. I promised my friends that I would totally hang out with them tonight.”
“It’s going to be a huge party. I would love to meet your friends and have a few drinks with you. They’ll be entertainment and more. Ask your friends, and if you can make it, text me and I’ll meet you by the front entrance.”
“Okay,” she said and then ended the call. She sent a group text to her friends while she sat by the window near the balcony looking out at the ocean. She typed away on her laptop, glad that she was finally finished with work and sending all the materials she needed. She truly could relax now.
That thought had her feeling uptight and scared. Who was she kidding? As soon as she returned, she was going to have to face Colosar. He was going to force her into bed and there would be nothing she could do about it. She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. She immediately thought about the way he touched her in the limo. Forced her to obey his commands, all while Trojan watched. She shivered and then uncovered her face and forced the tears away. She wiped her eye.
She felt frustrated and there wasn’t much she could do about it. Perhaps pretend that she cared for Colosar. Maybe even try to make it work. Generations ago in Italy, there were lots of arranged marriages. Her great-grandparents had an arranged marriage and they were very happy.
She felt stupid for thinking that thought. For trying to make this into some fairytale experience. She wasn’t so old school that she would just accept this relationship forced upon her. She was beginning to feel the need to resist, that to somehow stop him or get the upper hand on Colosar was necessary, but how could she refuse his orders? If she did, Paulie would be killed and her entire family would suffer and even lose their businesses. Colosar was an evil, manipulative son of a bitch.
She exhaled and decided she could head back to the house despite not feeling like partying or sunbathing, but just being alone for a little while longer. She packed her things and walked down the walkway to the beach. What caught her eye were these little cove-like sections of garden with private benches that overlooked the water and the beach down below. As she made her way through a maze of them, passing a few people enjoying the privacy, she came across one deep to the right and off the path and something made her head that way. When she came to the clearing, she placed her bags down on the bench and then walked a little further to the spot. There was sand over the walkway and a view of the beach to enjoy alone.
She sat down on the swinging double seater bench and began to move. Just one push of her foot off the sand and she was rocking, back and forth. It was peaceful, relaxing, and for a moment she was free.
* * * *
Mateus was heading down the beach, just enjoying a stroll along the outskirts of the house. He saw a few people sitting in the secluded coves along the walkways, knowing that one, in particular, called to him whenever he had the opportunity to visit this resort. Most people didn’t know it existed, but he did. It was a place he got lost in his thoughts, remembering his regrets and determining to not have any more in his life. He stepped through the brush along the tree line and paused in his tracks. Long tan legs stretched out in front of the swinging bench and then his eyes widened as he realized it was Bella. He started at her, frozen in place, wondering how she got there and found the spot. His spot. She wore a sleeveless white blouse, a short tan skirt that showed off her thighs, and he swore as he inhaled he could smell her perfume.
He debated turning around and leaving, but this was his spot, and the likelihood of her of all people finding it couldn’t be coincidental. It annoyed him, especially because she blew him and Major off yesterday.
“What do you think you’re doing in my spot?” he asked, raising his voice and causing her to gasp and sit forward.
“What?” she asked.
He came closer and was now in front of her.
“My spot. What are you doing here?”
She squinted at him. “What do you mean, your spot? Are these like rentable? Was I supposed sign something to use it? I’m sorry. I had no idea. I just assumed that anyone could use them.” She stood up and started to walk around the bench. Now he felt like a prick.
“No, you don’t rent them. You can stay,” he said and then looked out at the view, the one he thought about all morning as his brother and their friends began to set everything up for tonight’s party.
“It’s a nice spot,” she whispered, and he turned to look at her and she seemed disappointed. He exhaled.
“The bench is big enough for both of us. Stay,” he said with attitude. He knew the woman wanted nothing to do with him or his brother. He didn’t know why that pissed him off. He never got rejected by any woman that was why.
“That’s okay.”
“Stay,” he stated firmly and offe
red her the seat. She hesitated a moment but something in her eyes, that instant submissive response to his command, caught his full attention. He stared at her.
“We can enjoy it together,” he said. She took the seat and he sat beside her.
They remained silent for a while, and he didn’t mind at all. It was crazy but it was actually nice to not have to talk, to force words from his lips or say or do anything. Women he came across always had demands and were constantly after something. That was why he avoided closed spaces, except when he needed sex. Then he hunted for what he was in the mood for. As he glanced at Bella’s long, tan legs and the way she sat so ladylike on the bench, he felt like a dick. Like some guy who wasn’t good enough for an angel. That was what she reminded him of.
His cell phone buzzed. He read the text and then exhaled.
“I left mine in my bag back there so I could truly find some peace and quiet,” she told him.
He switched the button off on his phone. “Good idea. The last thing I want to think about is this party. I just want peace and quiet. It’s what this vacation was all about.”
“I understand. I thought I wanted the whole party thing and to just let go, have a blast with friends, but work is always breathing down my neck and other commitments and responsibilities I have absolutely no control over.” She snorted. “I’m sitting here on a beautiful tropical island with parties, music, all the food and alcohol I can have to forget it all, and I want peace and quiet,” she said. He turned to look at her.
“Ever get sick of having to keep your shit together while everyone else sits back and knows that you’ll come through and get it done?” he asked and didn’t know why. He was rambling and she was easy to talk to.
“My world in a nutshell,” she replied and he nodded.
“I guess maybe we have more in common than you were willing to find out about,” he teased.
She smirked then looked serious. She glanced back at him.
“I don’t need more problems in my life right now. I’m not looking for complicated, you know.”
He eyed over her plump pink lips and gorgeous face. She could become complicated very quickly and he knew it, yet he still pushed to be near her.
“I know. My brother and I don’t need anything more complicated in our lives either. This is a getaway, then back to heavy business on our return.”
“Me, too.”
“Without sounding like I’m pushing you to engage in anything you don’t want to, would you consider coming to the party at our place tonight? There’s going to be a lot of people.”
“I thought we both said we didn’t want complicated.”
“We did, and it doesn’t have to be if we’re on the same page, Bella,” he said and then reached out and stroked her jaw. She tightened up but didn’t pull away.
“Maybe we can blow off the party and just meet back here and see what happens?” he suggested.
She worried her bottom lip.
“My friends expect me to party with them tonight. This was my reprieve. Besides, your cousin already invited us to the party.”
He felt excited but didn’t show it.
“Well, if you show up, we’ll have a few drinks and enjoy no complications and whatever happens, happens.”
She stared at him and it was like she was considering what he was indicating but not spelling out for her.
“Maybe,” she said and then looked back toward the water, making his hand fall. Suddenly he couldn’t wait for the party after all.
* * * *
Paulie Jr. and three other guys he didn’t know started moving some shipping containers from one area to another while they were uploaded to a large tractor trailer. He was helping to move the shit when he read the sign on one of the boxes. BLS. It was a logo he recognized as belonging to members of the Fiorre family. What the hell was going on? Why would Colosar be ripping off the Fiorre family when he heard he was trying to get in with them?
“Move your ass. We’re running out of time. We need to get this shit to the other warehouse,” one of the guys yelled at him.
He pushed the thoughts from his head. Paulie’s main concern was trying to do as Colosar said in order to help Bella. He got her into a major fucking mess. Thirty minutes later, with his heart pounding inside of his chest as he unloaded the boxes into the warehouse, he realized that Colosar was double crossing Fedarro and making it look like Miguel Lupo had done the deed. Now maybe he had something to negotiate to help get Bella out of this mess after all.
* * * *
Bella was laughing and enjoying the time with her friends by the pool. They had all showered and just needed to get dressed for the party. Donata, Fina, Gisella, and Bella bumped into Mateus, Major, and their friend Harley earlier. They hadn’t stopped talking about how hot the men were, kind of dangerous looking. She didn’t need dangerous. She just thought they looked older and more experienced. She was a little nervous about going and seeing Mateus and Major. She noticed that the two men dressed as if they were very wealthy, and the house they were staying at was the largest on the resort and completely private.
“Bella, you know we wouldn’t think any less of you if you duffed out on us and took a shot with those two brothers. They are super fucking hot,” Donata told her and then downed a shot.
“They sure are, and mysterious, too. Which is completely sexy,” Fina added.
“I just hope there will be other hot guys there just like those two. Bella has dibs first,” Giada told them, and they all cheered.
Bella was shaking her head at the way they were all talking. When she and her friends got together they had a good time.
“I really don’t care if we hook up with any guys or not, I just want to enjoy this vacation and not think about work, responsibilities, or stresses for once,” Gisella added.
“Me, too,” Alda said, and they cheered again.
“You better go get your sexy ass ready, woman. We’re going to have a great time tonight,” Adelina said to Bella.
Bella gave a salute.
“Save that for the bedroom, Bella. Mateus and Major ooze both dominance and naughtiness. Those tattoos alone are to die for,” Alessa told her.
“Oh yeah, they sure are. Lucky lady indeed,” Donata said, and Bella headed to her room thinking about what they all said and of course agreeing completely. Mateus and Major did have dominant personalities and seemed like they preferred being in charge. Maybe that was what she needed. A little push to run with the attraction she felt.
She was getting dressed for the party and her friends were, too. They already were feeling tipsy, and she had yet to drink anything. She was fixing her dress, a short, flair, strapless sundress in tropical colors she picked up this afternoon at the show. One of the women she knew there hooked her up with it. She put on the high heeled wedges that matched perfectly and she felt sexy and beautiful. She didn’t know what tonight would bring and she didn’t care or worry. She was officially on vacation.
When her cell phone rang she answered it without checking the caller ID as Adalina yelled into her room that the shots were lined up and ready.
“Shots?” Colosar barked at her and she cringed.
“Hi, sorry about that. My friends are being funny. I wasn’t expecting your call.”
“You should be. I tried earlier and couldn’t get through.”
“You didn’t leave a message.”
“I don’t leave messages. I expect you to answer the phone when I call. What are you doing?” he asked in a pissed off tone. He sounded angry.
“I’m getting ready to hang out with my friends.”
“Doing what exactly?”
“Going to a dance party in the hotel after we grab dinner.”
“What are you wearing?”
“What?”
“What the fuck are you wearing, Bella?” he demanded to know.
Tears stung her eyes and she could practically feel his hands on her, forcing their way between her legs.
“A d
ress.”
“What kind of dress? Something sexy?”
“No.”
“Don’t lie to me. I gave you this freedom to be alone for the week because things will change upon your return. Don’t make me have second thoughts about sending Trojan or Clover out there to keep eyes on you.”
“No, Colosar. I’m not lying. It’s a dress I picked up from one of my friends who works for a designer company.”
“Take a picture of yourself and send it to me. Now,” he demanded. She swallowed hard and took the picture. She sent it and waited.
“I don’t like it. It shows too much. Change it now.”
“What? Why? I love it and bought it to wear tonight.”
“Put the phone down. FaceTime me so I can watch you change out of it.”
She started to shake. The dress left no room for a bra and she wore thong bikini underwear so it wouldn’t show lines in the dress.
“Now, Bella, or else.”
She gulped and walked over to close her door, then propped up the phone. She ended the call and then set it up for video so he could watch. She felt sick. Dirty.
“I can’t see you. I want to see you take it off and put on something less revealing. Something that doesn’t show off what’s mine.”
She was so angry and pissed but emotional. He was cruel and manipulative, and she hated him. She hated this but she had no choice.
“Trojan saw your cousin today,” he told her as she unzipped the back of the dress and slowly started to remove it but kept her hand on the one she was changing into so she could quickly cover herself.
“Nice and slow so I can see all of you,” he stated, and she let the dress fall. He licked his lips and she cringed, then reached for the other dress.
“Not so fast. Don’t you want to know what he said?” he asked.
“What did he say?” she asked and slowly bent over to step into the other dress.
“Fuck, I can’t wait until this fucking trip is over and you’re in my bed under me,” he stated, and she hurriedly got into the other dress and zipped up.
Made Men 1: Bad Timing (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 7