As usual, Dominic found his friend on the penthouse of his tower, swamped with work, as a middle-aged, female client left his office. His visit did not go down well with Jean. Just when their eyes met, he frowned and tore his gaze away from his friend.
“I’m a little too busy to hear about your love affairs, Dominic.” He groaned, rising from his seat.
“Good morning to you, too” Dominic’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. “I just flew a hundred miles. You could at least be a little more polite.”
“I do that almost every day,” Jean stated, folding his arms across his chest.
“What a warm welcome,” Dominic gave three sarcastic slaps. “Anyway, I’m not here to talk about my love life. How much do you know about publishing books?”
“Pretty much everything.” His friend’s words put a smile on his face. “You and Melanie had the same idea. She just thought about it sooner.”
“Could you be elaborate on that?” Dominic requested.
“This is about your love life, my friend.” Jean attempted a stiff tone. “When Marianne sent Melanie her manuscripts, she asked her why she had not published them yet. Marianne claimed that she could not find a publisher and Melanie offered a helping hand. Sadly, French companies don’t publish English books, unless they are written by established authors. Marianne Brewster isn’t one of them.”
“Can we do anything to, um…?” Dominic faltered, rolling his searching his friend’s face, “…change their mind?”
“It’s a business, Dominic.” Jean smirked. “What is it you Americans say? Oh, yes. ‘Money makes the world go round’.”
“You mean I should pay them off?” Dominic said with a hint of annoyance in his voice as he leaned towards his friend.
“Precisely,” Jean gave an emphatic nod. “Most authors do that at the beginning of their careers. Why should Miss Brewster be any different?”
“I didn’t know about that.” Dominic declared, squeezing his lips. “I don’t think she’s going to like it.”
“Don’t you think you’re rushing things?” It was Jean’s turn to pose a question. “You hardly know that girl.”
“Maybe I am.” He admitted. “I just don’t want to see that talent go to waste.”
At that moment, a knock on the open door drew their attention. The curvy redhead behind him was no stranger to Dominic. It was Linda Collins, his most persistent old flame.
“Good morning.” She spoke in a clear, British accent. “My king, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“No, Linda.” Jean interjected. “Come in. We need to discuss your case.”
“Jean, could you be a dear and give us the room?” Her polite request forced an exasperated sigh out of him. He didn’t speak. Instead, Jean brushed past his friend and slammed the door behind him.
“He’s always such a cheerful lad.” She spoke in sarcastic tones, moving around him. “What brings you over, your highness?”
“Stop calling me that, Linda.” He grumbled, furrowing his brow. “Jean is my friend. What are you doing here?”
“Someone broke into my house last week.” Linda informed, attempting a more serious tone. “The trial is tomorrow morning.”
“I’m sorry.” He lowered his eyes from her. “I didn’t know.”
“My sensitive little dear…” Her feathery voice turned into a husky whisper, as she leaned in towards him. “I’ve missed our nights together tremendously.”
“Sex was never the problem between us, Linda.” Dominic maintained, as his gaze shot up to meet hers. “You know that.”
“What was the problem, sweetheart?” She asked, raising her hands to his chest.
“Don’t act like you don’t know,” He said in a reprimanding tone as he grabbed both hands in midair. “You are spoiled, way too self-centered and always demanding more. Remember what you said, the night we broke up?”
“I was very hard to please.” Linda confessed, as he eased his grip on her hands. “But, I’ve been meaning to change a few things. That was my pain talking, Dominic. I didn’t mean to threaten you.”
“I’ve heard this all before,” Dominic murmured, pushing her aside. “You don’t fool me. Have a nice day.”
“What are you hoping to accomplish with that interview, Dominic?” Her question forced him to stop. “Jean told me about it. What is it that you seek? Attention?”
“I’m just sick and tired of all the rumors the press spread about me.” He declared, looking down at her over his right shoulder. “I’ll be seeing you.”
Linda… insatiable in every way imaginable: clothes, jewelry, sex… I really loved the sex with you, you hot little minx. This time though, I’m not looking just for a good time. I need something a lot more complicated than meaningless sex. Something girls like you cannot give me.
11
As one would expect, Dominic did not appreciate the fact that Jean had already informed Linda about his interview. Still, he would not make a scene in a public place like his law firm. He had always avoided arguments in front of his employees and he would not make an exception. After all, sooner or later, Linda would find out.
Jean’s suggestion had troubled and also saddened him. Dominic had been struggling to keep money out of his relationships his whole life. It only complicated things between him, his friends and his girlfriends. And, judging by Marianne’s decision to not give in to any indecent proposals, she would not like it at all. He admired her self-respect and bribing a publishing company would destroy any chance of having a relationship with her.
“Jean is right. I am rushing things. I mean, here I am, I’ve just met her and I’m already dreaming about a relationship with her. Wake up, Dominic. She’ll be gone in five days. She’s a city girl. She doesn’t belong here. What can I do? The chemistry between us is unbelievable. I’ve never had anything like that. Damn it… why does it have to be so goddamn hard?
Upon his return to his castle, Dominic attempted to take his mind off things by devoting time to his art, to no avail. Not even painting was enough to distract him. Every time he picked up one of his brushes, Jean’s words replayed in his mind, serving as a reminder of the difficult position he was in. Torn by indecision, he could not concentrate. He ruined more than a dozen canvases, unable to keep his hand steady. Glancing at Marianne’s portrait, he smiled bitterly to himself, recalling her blissful face the night before.
You look so much better when you laugh, Miss Brewster. Your eyes smile, your laughter is sweet as honey and that expression is precious. I don’t want to see you cry again, but I’m in an impossible position here. Writing is your passion. Every time someone brings up your book, you just can’t fight back the tears. And, if I go ahead and pay off some publishing company, you’ll be mad at me.
In spite of his emotional exhaustion and fatigue, Dominic could not find peace that night, either. Lying in his bed, he kept staring up at the ceiling, frustrated and unable to reach a decision. At some point during the night, he went to Marianne’s empty bedroom, in the hope that a visit to the place of their passionate encounter would help him clear his mind. Much to his relief, it worked. In an instant, images of her beautiful, naked body flashed before his eyes. However, it wasn’t just the sex that assisted him in forgetting his predicament. Dominic did not like to cuddle, but he had done precisely that with her; and, much to his astonishment, he had enjoyed every second of it.
I don’t know why I liked it so much. He thought to himself, looking down at the massive bed, as the memory of her sweet, feminine voice brought a smile to his face. Maybe it’s because you’re an artist or maybe it’s because you turned me down and then you had a change of heart. It could be all of the above. Whatever it is, you and I need to talk about your career as an author, Marianne. Dreams should become real and you need to prove to the world that you’re not just a reporter.
The day after, Dominic felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Certainly, he was still concerned about Marianne’s reaction to a pote
ntial conversation about her career, but at least he was no longer in a dilemma. He would not do anything behind her back. In his mind, the idea of a simple discussion was much more preferable. Marianne could merely reject it and change the subject.
In the early afternoon, back in his attic, while gazing upon his work, his ears picked up an unfamiliar sound. Turning his head to the left, he saw her. She had just put down five, large bags, a huge grin on her face, as she quickly closed the distance between them. His lips curled into a hesitant smile. Dominic embraced Marianne, as she snaked her arms around his neck. She claimed his lips, as his muscles flexed around her. Only then did he realize how much he had missed her intoxicating scent. Her tender kiss sent his pulse racing, as she interlaced her fingers behind his neck.
“We had the best time.” She whispered, gently leaning back. “Paris is amazing. I can’t thank you enough.”
“You’re welcome.” Dominic said in a raspy voice as he opened his eyes. “What’s in the bags?”
“Melanie let me use her credit card.” Marianne stated, as a sly smile spread across her face. “Someone is going to get really lucky tonight.”
“Sounds sexy,” he muttered, planting a short kiss on her mouth. “I can’t wait.”
“I missed you.” Her husky voice tempted him. Nevertheless, he had to resist. She was in his attic and she still had not seen her portrait. Dominic removed his hand from her waist and pointed down at the wall to the left. Marianne let go of his neck and put her hands down, before heading towards it. She knelt down, sitting back on her ankles, and reached forward, until her fingertips made contact with the canvas. Running her hand from left to right, she stopped it, just under her teary, left eye.
“Absolutely fantastic,” she whispered. “I can see the pain in her eyes. I mean my eyes. You’ve even painted that crease in my forehead. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Dominic said with a sigh. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to talk with you.”
“About what?” Marianne wondered, rising up to her curvy, 5’6” figure.
“… your career as a writer.” His sharp response forced her to rotate on one heel and face him. “There must be something you can do to pursue it.”
“There is,” she confirmed. “I can sell my books online. There’s been a high demand on them for years, but there’s a catch. There are just too many books around. I need a hell of a marketer and they cost is way too much. Online promotion is very costly, too.”
“Really?” He raised an eyebrow, as his eyes sparkled with excitement. “How much money are we talking about here?”
“It’s about four, or maybe five thousand dollars a month.” Marianne spoke in a trembling voice, her gaze scanning down his face. “That’s much more than I can afford.”
“Please don’t cry again,” Dominic said with his voice soft as he leaned into her. “Not again, little bird.”
“Little bird?” Yet another breathless whisper fled her lips, as she looked up at him.
“Yeah,” He nodded, intensifying his stare. “You still haven’t spread your wings.”
“You’re very sweet, Dominic,” Marianne spoke, her voice thick with emotion. “And that painting? I wish I could take it home with me.”
“I’m sorry, you can’t.” He grinned, taking her hands into his. “But I can always do another one; a real, full-body painting, not just your face.”
“You would do that for me?” Her question made him snort in amusement.
“Why not?” Dominic shrugged. “I’m going have to tire you a little. You’ll have to pose for me.”
“Oh, my God…” Marianne sighed, resting her head on his chest.
“You should get some rest.” He advised, caressing her wrists. “What do you want to do tonight?”
“Make love to you.” She purred.
“Tempting,” Dominic gave a short laugh. “But, I have a better idea. There’s just one rule though: Don’t dress up.”
“Why?” She asked, surprise written all over her face as she leaned back.
“Trust me.” He winked at her. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”
12
As much as Marianne insisted, Dominic remained adamant. He would not tell her what he had in mind. All the same, he had a point. The long drive from Paris had exhausted her. Therefore, she went back to her bedroom, desperate for a much-needed rest. Before lying in bed though, she pulled her diary and a pen out of her purse.
“Dear diary,
It is my third day in France and I could not have wished for anything better. The king has been really good to me. I am sorry. I am understating things. The king has been incredible to me. Ever since I got here, he’s been smiling at me, comforting me, making me laugh… What an exciting guy. I thought he would be some smug prick, but, in truth, he is a refined, sensitive gentleman and a very skilled painter. Who would have thought that he would draw my portrait, just a few minutes after we’d met? I just saw it. It’s wonderful.
I got to spend most of my first day here with him. It was very emotional. He reminded me of something I have been trying to forget. But, the night was much more interesting. We went out for dinner. He was polite, answered each and every one of my questions and did not complain one bit. And then, he gave me the best sex I have ever had. He was patient, passionate, driven… There was a storm outside, but I could feel a bigger storm, raging within me. I wanted to grab him and lick him all over, like I have never done before. This man awakened all my primal urges. By the time he was done worshipping my body, I could not think of anything else, other than feeling him deep inside me. And did I. God, he was big and hard. Just thinking about it makes me yearn for more. But then, things got even better. He stayed with me. He caressed me and looked me in the eye. Part of me believed he would just disappear after we had had sex, but he didn’t. He was sweet, understanding… And that’s what makes me feel even worse about myself.
Dominic doesn’t know my secret. Maybe I should have told him when I got here. He wouldn’t have any illusions and it would make my job a lot easier. I was trying to figure out a way to talk to him, when he found me in his garden. My God… Soaked to the skin, saying he had just finished my portrait. It melted my heart. I had to kiss him. And that kiss just swept me off my feet. I then decided to stay away, but it was too late. He had made me long for him.
He’s got big plans for tonight. I can’t wait to see where he wants to go. I just hope I can work up the courage to talk to him.”
Too tired to keep her eyes open, Marianne slipped the notebook and the pen back into her purse. At that moment, her phone rang. It was Kate.
“Hey, girl; what’s up?”
“Hi, baby. I’m not the one in France. What’s it like?”
“Beautiful. I just came back from Paris.” Marianne spoke in lazy tones.
“What?” Kate squeaked.
“Yeah; why are you so surprised?”
“Because you sound like you just came back from the kitchen.” Kate’s sarcastic comment put a smile on her face. “I thought you’d be more enthusiastic than that. Did something happen?”
“I’ve texted you everything.” Marianne sighed. “I just don’t know if I should tell him or not.”
“Don’t be stupid, girl.” Kate scoffed. “You’re only going to be there for a few more days. It’s not like you’re going to marry him or anything. Have fun with him.”
“Oh, I am.” Marianne declared with a devilish smile on her face as she lay in bed: “too much fun, actually.”
“I’ll bet.” Kate laughed. “How big is it?”
“Nine inches, at least. It felt so deep.” Marianne lowered her voice.
“At least?” Once again, Kate’s voice turned into a high-pitched squeal. “Are you kidding me?”
“No, Kate. I said that in my last text.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t believe you. Anyway, like I said, try to have some fun. Fucking someone is not against the law.”
“Yeah, but lying to him just isn’t ri
ght. Look, I need to get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?”
“Don’t ruin it, sweetheart. Keep your mouth shut. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Marianne tossed her cell phone across the bed and closed her eyes, wondering if she should take her friend’s advice.
“Keep my mouth shut, huh? That’s easier said than done. Or is it? Maybe Kate is right. I should have all the fun I can with him. He deserves a lot of credit for what he’s done for me so far and I’m going to give it to him. Get ready, my king. Tonight, I’m going to show you my appreciation. I’ll do all kinds of naughty things to you and make you shiver with desire. I just need to take control before you start kissing me all over again. I’m sorry, Dominic. I don’t think either of us could handle the truth. Let’s just enjoy this while it lasts…”
13
Later in the night, Dominic knocked on Marianne’s door. To his liking, she had done as requested. She wore a pair of white sneakers, jeans and he caught a glimpse of her purple sweater, as she zipped up her pink coat.
“Nice.” He gave an appraising nod, taking a big step back.
“You’re not dressed up, either.” She remarked, staring down at his black jeans, as the elevator door slid open sideways. “Where are we going?”
“You don’t let up, do you?” Dominic teased, stepping into the empty car, as she pulled her backpack over her shoulder. “You’ll find out soon.”
“Fine,” Marianne puffed, joining him. “Keep your secrets.”
As soon as the elevator door slid shut, he glanced at her and then pressed the “R” button on the panel on his right.
“R as in…”
“… roof,” he said as he finished her sentence. “It’s a great, clear night.”
“Yeah, but it is freezing.” She stated in an emphatic tone. “Why would you want to go the roof?”
Filthy Desires: A Romantic Suspense Collection Page 195