You Know My Name (BWWM Romance) (The Good Girls and Bad Boys Series Book 1)

by Stacy-Deanne

  He pushed her on the leather couch by the coffeemaker. “I bet Preston thought you liked it rough, didn’t he?”

  “Get the fuck off.” She held onto his muscular arms. “You think you’re scaring me? Is that it?” She spit in his face.

  He held her arms. “Now that wasn’t nice.”

  “This shit won’t work on me, Max. I’m not afraid of you.”

  He pressed his cock against her thigh. “I’m not trying to scare you.”

  “Yes you are.” She grimaced, squirming. “That’s what men like you do. You intimidate and frighten to get what you want.”

  He lowered his mouth to hers. “Let me get a kiss and I’ll let you up.”

  “Fuck you.” She spit in his face again.

  “Ugh, stop it.” He wiped her drool off his chin.

  “I’ll go to prison for Preston’s murder before I let your lips anywhere near mine. No man is making me do anything I don’t want to do. Not you, not Preston or anyone.”

  His weight grew heavier against her body. “I wanna fuck you.”

  She laughed, pretending she wasn’t scared. “Get in line.”

  Panting, he got off the couch.

  “You’re insane.” She sat up, straightening her skirt.

  “Guess you don’t know the power you have over a man, Princess.”

  “You love to play games. You get off on it.”

  “I get off on money, and you got plenty of it.”

  “You killed Preston.” She stood. “Didn’t you?”

  “What matters is how you fit into all this. See no one can prove I was there that night.” He caressed her arm. “But, I got enough to convict you without a judge or jury.”

  “So you got the video of me at his place that night. It doesn’t prove I killed him because I didn’t.”

  “Oh, I got something else, Princess.” He sat on the corner of her desk, swinging his leg. “Preston had security surveillance. It was caught on tape when he tried to rape you and when you hit him.”

  “No.” She closed her eyes, covering her mouth. “You’re lying.”

  “I got the DVD of the video so you should be thanking me. If I hadn’t been there the cops would be here instead of me.” He snapped his fingers. “If that’s not enough for you I got the murder weapon with your pretty prints all over it.”

  She fell to her knees, taking in everything.

  “Now that’s what I like to see.” He walked toward her. “A beautiful woman on her knees.”

  “Please don’t do this.” She looked at him with tears clinging to her eyes. “I’ll do anything.”

  “Seeing it my way, huh?” He brushed her cheek with his fingertip. “I still haven’t come up with a solid figure yet.” He pulled her up. “For now there’s something you got that could hold me over.”

  “Please.” She deflated in his arms. “Just tell me how much you want and when. Then we can pretend none of this ever happened.”

  “I need something to make it worth my trouble for coming here tonight.” He rocked her in his arms. “As you can see I’m horny as a motherfucker.”

  “No,” she whispered. “I swear to god if you touch me you’ll be sitting right next to Preston.”

  “Ouch.” He laughed. “I like that fire you got.”

  “I got more where that came from.”

  “I don’t have to force a woman to do nothing believe me.” He stroked her hair. “I get more than my fair share.”

  “Tell me what you want once and for all.”

  “Patience, Princess.” He kissed her cheek. “This is like sex. It’s not good if you rush it.” He winked on his way to the doorway. “I’ll let you know what I want soon.”

  ****

  Five Days Later

  Shad slid open the glass doors that separated Gloria’s patio from the chattering guests in the living room. “You all right?”

  Gloria stood beside the barbecue pit with her arms crossed. “I needed a breather.”

  “The funeral was incredible.” He closed the doors. “Preston would’ve appreciated the effort you put into it.”

  She pulled a tissue from the pocket of her tight, black dress. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. About Preston having a secret.”

  “Yeah?” He squinted, moving out the aim of the sun.

  “I spoke to that detective again.” She pulled at the worn tissue. “The junior accountant for Preston’s company told him he found discrepancies in the reports.”

  “Discrepancies?”

  “Money being transferred to various accounts. The accountant said there was no reason for that to go on unless someone was taking money.”

  Shad furrowed his brows. “You mean embezzlement?”

  “The detective thinks Preston was stealing money and that the head accountant knew about it. Shad, Preston wouldn’t do that.”

  “What did the head accountant say?”

  Her shoulders dropped. “He lawyered up, but he swears he didn’t take any money.”

  “Gloria.” Shad rubbed the back of his neck. “How could you explain it then? Either he or Preston had to—”

  “Preston wouldn’t do anything like that.” She gaped her gorgeous eyes. “My brother put all he had into that company. He valued his employees and investors. He wouldn’t dare steal from them.”

  “I assume the detective thinks this has something to do with Preston’s murder.”

  “Possibly.” She lowered herself on the hammock. “I gotta find out what was going on. Maybe someone else in the company was stealing and Preston found out about it.”

  “You don’t need to think about this right now.” Shad knelt in front of her, focusing on the sparkle of her silver necklace. “You just buried Preston. Take this time to grieve.”

  “I have to find out what happened and not just for me.” She sniffled, strands hanging from her French roll. “I owe it to my brother to get this solved.”

  He pinched her soft cheek. “If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

  She curled her fingers around his hand. “You’re still the sweetest and most sensitive man I’ve ever known.”

  He slid his hand from hers and stood.

  “I’m sorry.” She blinked through faint tears. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “We shouldn’t get mixed up or lose sight of what’s going on.”

  “I keep forgetting,” she whispered. “You’re taken.”

  “It’s not just that but—”

  “Do you love her?” She stood, pulling at the tissue. “Osana?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  She wiped her nose. “Love always is.”

  “Things are rocky between us right now.” The muscles in his face compressed. “I’ve never met a woman who didn’t allow me to get close to her. Usually women throw themselves at me so this has been a change.”

  She chuckled. “Only you could make me laugh at a time like this.”

  “Too bad there isn’t a guidebook to women, huh? You guys sure keep a man guessing.”

  “If you love her she’s the luckiest woman in the world.” She balled the tissue. “When you love someone you love them with all of you. Maybe Osana is afraid of how powerful you make a woman feel. It’s how I felt when we were together.” She tilted her head. “You completed me.”

  “Gloria.”

  She reached for a button on his silk, black shirt. “I wanted nothing more than to be your wife.”

  “Funny way you showed it.” He clasped her hand before she could touch him. “I would’ve done anything for you. I lived for you. Why did you hurt me like that?” He got closer to her, sticking out his chin. “God, sticking a dagger in my heart wouldn’t have hurt as much.”

  “I wanted to marry you so bad.” She sobbed. “But, being with you was so much pressure. I didn’t think I was good enough. You could’ve had any woman you wanted, and I didn’t understand why you wanted me.”

  “There wasn’t another woman on earth that could’ve touched me the way you d
id. When you smiled, I came alive.”

  She closed her eyes, smiling.

  “After you broke it off I waited, and waited, and waited for you to come and say you’d made a mistake.” He stood back, letting her hand go. “You never did.”

  “I am, Shad.” She cradled his face in her hands. “I’m saying it now.” She kissed him.

  “Mm.” He jerked his head back. “Gloria?”

  “I’m sorry.” Her hands remained in midair as if she were still holding his face. “Shad—”

  “Um.” He touched his lips. “I…I need some water.”

  “Shad?”

  He went back inside.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Osana?” Asha Westbrook rose from where she sat on Gloria’s stairs when Osana entered the house.

  Osana overlooked the thin, pale redhead with the pixie cut that heightened her delicate features.

  Someone give this girl a candy bar before she withers into thin air.

  Osana waved at her. “How are you?”

  “Hi.” Asha waited for a man to pass then came downstairs. “You didn’t come to the funeral.”

  “I couldn’t make it but wanted to pay my respects,” Osana said, but her main purpose was to find out information about Preston’s investigation.

  Asha glanced toward the guests in the living room. “The funeral was beautiful.” Her hands shook.

  “Something wrong? You seem nervous.”

  “I hate funerals.” Asha provided a nervous chuckle. “I figured since I worked with Preston I had to show my face.”

  “It’s terrible what happened to him.” Osana tightened her lips. “No one deserved to be killed like that.”

  “Rumors are flying.” Asha’s petite bosom jutted. “People are saying someone was embezzling money from the company. Preston’s chief accountant refused to talk to the police.”

  Osana moved aside as a woman in a huge, tacky hat passed. “Do they think that’s why he was murdered?”

  “Would be motive, right? I can’t imagine his partners being happy about him sticking his hands where they don’t belong.”

  “I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

  Asha nodded. “We’ll see what comes of it.”

  “Osana?” Shad walked up behind her.

  “Don’t be rude.” She tossed a shoulder in his face. “I’m talking to Asha.”

  “It’s fine.” Asha smiled. “I’m gonna join the other guests. Nice to see you again, Osana.”

  “You too.”

  Asha went into the living room.

  “What are you doing here?” Shad asked.

  “Paying my respects.” Osana huffed with her back still to him. “Let me guess. You’re here to comfort the grieving sister, right?”

  “As a matter of fact I am.” He walked in front of her, and she turned sideways. “Does that bother you?”

  “Nope. I don’t care what you do or who you do it with.”

  “Don’t do this.”

  “I’m not doing anything.” She looked him in the eyes. “You always say you’re tired of how I act but can’t stay out of my face for a second.”

  He touched her silver, hoop earring. “I’m helpless for you.”

  “I’m sick of this merry-go-round. Either you accept me for who I am or leave me the hell alone.”

  “Come here.” He pulled her down the hall.

  “Let go of me.”

  He held her against the wall. “You’re driving me crazy.”

  “What is this, Shad?” She pushed him away. “Why are you so hot and cold?”

  “Because no matter how much you get on my nerves, I’m so in love with you.”

  She turned her head when he tried to kiss her. “How come you didn’t tell me you and Gloria had been engaged?”

  “It never came up.”

  She scoffed.

  “How did you find out?”

  “Your ass sure didn’t tell me. I heard through the grapevine. Did you think I wouldn’t with everyone gossiping about the murder? You made it seem like you and her were no big deal, but if you were engaged, it was serious.”

  “That’s the past.” He pressed against her, smashing her breasts with his burly chest. “Gloria and I are just friends.”

  “How do I know that?”

  He caught her chin between his fingers. “Because I told you.”

  “See my face? It’s me pretending I care.”

  He smirked. “If anyone knows how to pretend, it’s you.” He went in for a kiss.

  “Uh-uh.” She maneuvered her body from between him and the wall. “I don’t think this is the appropriate place to do this.”

  A glint formed in his eyes. “What would be the appropriate place?”

  Max walked up in a tight, black blazer and frosted-gray slacks.

  Fuck me.

  “Well, hello again, Ms. Royal.”

  She rushed toward him. “What are you doing here?” she whispered. “Leave right now.”

  “I came to pay my respects.” He rocked on his heels. “You’re Shad Sidney, right?” He held his hand out to him. “Max Ace. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Uh…” Shad shook Max’s hand while looking at Osana. “Have we met?”

  “No, I know of you from the press.” Max pulled his hand back. “Let’s say I love to keep up with high society.” He winked at Osana making her queasy. “Congratulations on your tremendous success with Swipe Play.”

  “Thank you.” Shad dipped his head. “How do you know Osana?”

  “Oh.” Max put his arm around her. “I approached Ms. Royal about a business deal.”

  “That’s interesting.” Shad held his arms behind his back. “What kind of deal was it?”

  “It’s not important.” Osana forced a shaky smile. “And it’s not the place to discuss it.”

  Max moved his arm from her shoulders, sneering.

  “What is it you do, Mr. Ace?” Shad asked.

  “I broker deals sort to speak.” He smiled. “A middleman for those who want to make things happen but not get their hands dirty.”

  “I see. You make a good living doing that if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “That depends on the deal.” Max rubbed his hands. “As a businessman yourself I’m sure you know some deals pay more than others. I do my best to make the right deals every time, and I haven’t made a mistake yet.”

  Shad nodded, poking out his lips. “Is that how you knew Preston?”

  “Yes.” Max glanced at Osana. “I did a deal with him. A very lucrative deal.”

  “Shad?” Osana smiled at him. “Would you get me something to drink?”

  “Sure. Water, juice, tea—”

  “I don’t give a damn just go get it.” She shoved him.

  Max grinned underneath his hand.

  “Yes, Madam.” Shad bowed with sarcasm. “Your wish is my command.” He left, eyeing Max along the way.

  “Hm.” Max sniffed Osana’s neck. “You always smell so good, Osana.”

  “Max, how old are you?”

  “Thirty-eight, why?”

  “You’d think in that time you’d acquire some sense. It’s deplorable for you to even think coming here is okay.”

  “Did you miss me?” He straightened his blazer.

  “Why are you here?”

  “Why do you think?” He stood erect. “So much talk going on about Preston I wanted to know the latest gossip.”

  She crossed her arms. “Because you killed him.”

  “I also wanted to show you I’m always watching you, Princess.” He smoothed his hand across the side of her head. “I stay a step ahead.”

  “I said I’d do what you wanted.” She slapped his hand. “But, you can ruin that if Shad gets suspicious. He’s the type that keeps asking questions until you come clean.”

  “You better make sure he doesn’t ask any questions then.” He smacked his lips. “Or if he does, throw him off. You should be glad to know I came up with a figure.”

 
Osana held her breath. “What is it?”

  “I have a certain lifestyle to uphold.” He tugged on his collar. “It takes a lot to make me happy.”

  “How much do you want?”

  He stroked his hand. “Ten million dollars.”

  Osana shrieked. “Ten million dollars?” She lowered her voice. “Are you insane?”

  “I thought you’d be okay with that figure.” He held up his hands. “That’s chicken feed compared to what you got. You won’t miss it and it’s a fair price to keep quiet about a murder.”

  “I’m not giving you ten million dollars.” She poked his chest. “Forget it.”

  “Then Detective Dunleavy will get a visit from me with video evidence and the murder weapon in hand.”

  She settled against the wall. “Max, please. Isn’t there something I can do to keep your mouth shut?”

  “Yeah.” He put his hands in his pockets. “Give me the ten million dollars.”

  “How can you do this to people?” She searched his face for any sign of remorse but that blank stare remained. “Don’t you have a conscience?”

  “I got bills.”

  “I never did anything to you. Why do you wanna hurt me like this?”

  “Osana, please.” He fanned his hand in a dismissive manner. “You’re reading too much into this. This is business baby, nothing personal. Besides, Preston was my golden goose, and he’s dead. Someone has to pick up where he left off.” He laughed. “Might as well be you.”

  “You’ll burn in hell, Max.”

  “Probably so.” He looked toward the ceiling, his mouth open. “But, not sure it’ll be for this.”

  Shad headed toward them with a drink.

  “My place in two days,” Max whispered in Osana’s ear. “Bring the check. I’ll text you the time and the address.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Ms. Royal?” Clarice’s voice came through the speakerphone the next day. “Detective Dunleavy is here to speak to you.”

  Osana dropped the papers she’d gotten from her file cabinet and raced to her desk, pushing the button. “What did you say, Clarice?”

  “Detective Dunleavy of homicide is here to speak to you about Preston Kinard.”

  “Shit.” Osana’s heart pounded. “Send him in.” She wobbled to her chair, lightheaded. “God.” She sat, ready to puke any second. “Keep calm, Osana.” She clasped her manicured fingers. “You got this.”