by Linda Verji
“Spoken like a man who has never been married.” Rafe lifted his glass to his lips then paused, his gaze shifting past Kian’s shoulder. “Look at what the cat just dragged in.”
Kian turned in his seat. “What the fuck?”
“I think you have a problem.” It was hard to miss the amusement in Rafe’s tone as they both watched Polo enter the club.
He wasn’t alone. His hands were wrapped around a svelte blonde’s waist. It was obvious that they were more than friends by the way the woman was toying with the buttons of his shirt. It was confirmed when he bent and kissed her on the mouth.
Kian was off his seat and striding towards them even before the kiss had ended. If there was anything he hated, it was people messing with his money and playing him for a fool. While Kian was trying to repair this asshole’s career by footing the bills for all of the shoots and exhausting his contacts within the media, Polo was on the radio insulting co-hosts and walking around in public kissing women other than his wife. What was he even doing here? Lauren had said that he’d skipped this morning’s interview with Danny Pistol Live to visit his sick father out in Savannah or something.
Polo separated from the woman just in time to see Kian. His eyes immediately widened and he stood straighter. So Kian slowed his steps and then to prolong the tension simmering between he and Polo, stopped by one of the tables to talk to one of his clients.
“O’Keefe, I didn’t know you come here,” Kian exchanged greetings with a brutish green-eyed man.
O’Keefe smiled widely. “Shark, good to see you.”
Kian took his time with O’Keefe, all the while keeping an eye on Polo. He had to give it to him – the man was either only half a coward or dumber than he looked. Anyone who knew Kian well would’ve already hightailed it out of Nox and back to his wife. By the time Kian finished the conversation with O’Keefe, Polo had settled at one of the tables and the blonde was nowhere to be seen.
“Harper,” Polo acknowledged him without standing or straightening from his slouched position.
“Nelson.” Kian took the seat opposite Polo, mimicking his slouched position but crossing his arms over his chest. Despite the anger simmering in him, Kian kept his face impassive as he stared at the man opposite him. No emotions. No words.
It was obvious Polo was unnerved by the stare because he fidgeted around in his seat then straightened up before he broke. “Man, Becky’s just a little date. I just got off a plane and need to relax.”
Go date your wife. Kian wanted to say. Even though he didn’t agree with it he could understand why some men were tempted to cheat, but Polo had Tasha. She was well-put together, a good mother and from all indications, respectful. Who the hell could cheat on that? However, it wasn’t his place to judge the kind of shit his clients got into – as long as they toed his line.
Kian leant forward, resting his elbows on the table between them, his eyes meeting Polo’s as he said, “That won’t happen again. No more Beckys, Cassandras or whatevers. Clear?” When Polo didn’t answer, Kian repeated. “Are we clear?”
“Fine!” Polo retorted grumpily.
Kian didn’t trust Polo’s word for a minute and knew he’d have to pull out ‘Shark’ soon. He made a mental note to ask Nox management for the video of Polo’s entrance with the woman.
If Polo had read the contract he’d signed , he’d know that if Kian decided to back out because of breach of contract Polo would’ve to reimburse him for all the expenses he’d sunk into this plus an additional service fee. –and Kian didn’t come cheap! He could also turn the press tide on Polo if he so chose and destroy any chances he had with not just the Firebacks but also any other team.
“I’m glad we understand each other,” Kian reached into his jacket and pulled out a colorful pamphlet, slapping it on the table. “You and Tasha are going to be there on Saturday. I’ll get someone to drop off a formal invitation at your house.”
“What’s this?” Polo scanned the pamphlet that announced a fundraiser for the new Maternity wing at Nightingales Hospital. “I don’t do pregnant women.”
“And yet you’re still going to be there.” Kian stood up and left.
*
“I don’t want you to stay at the house,” Tasha told Jaslene the next day as she drove her to the University. They’d already dropped Asia at school a couple of minutes ago and now that they were away from the surveillance in the house she could talk to her sister candidly.
Jaslene’s face fell as disappointment suffused her expression but she didn’t speak.
“It’s not that I don’t want you to stay with me,” Tasha clarified. “It’s just that…Polo is like Dad.” Actually he wasn’t like The Reverend; he was much worse but Tasha didn’t want to scare her sister.
Last night she’d had no choice but to let Jaslene stay because Polo would’ve interpreted her refusing her sister’s request as trying to make him look bad. He’d come home earlier than usual in a no-talking mood. Her explanation for Jaslene’s presence was met with a curt “Fine” before he’d ordered her to put Ash in the room with Jaslene. Judging from how vigorous he’d been in bed, Tasha assumed that one of his women hadn’t put out.
In the morning, he’d been the first to wake up and headed straight to the gym. Aware of how much he hated his gym sessions interrupted, she’d left with the kids without straightening the Jaslene issue.
“But I’ve lived with Dad all this time. I can survive for just a few more months as long as I go to school.” Jaslene voice was quiet but her eyes behind the glasses were intent.
“I don’t want you to have to survive,” Tasha said. “I’m going to talk to Polo but I doubt he’ll agree to let you stay. If he doesn’t, I’ll talk to a friend to let you work at her shop then you can get enough money to get you own place.”
Melanie would most likely agree to give Jaslene a part-time job especially if Tasha offered to subsidize Jaslene’s salary. This way she could avoid Polo’s wrath or his finding out that she had some money stashed, while still helping out her sister.
“But if Polo agrees to let you stay,” Tasha warned, “I’d like you to be careful.”
“Careful about what?”
This conversation was turning out to be harder than Tasha had envisaged. How did you tell a sister you hadn’t seen in nine years that your husband was a monster? She’d never been one to put her life out there but it wouldn’t be fair not to warn Jaslene of what she was up for.
“Jazzy, the house has surveillance everywhere,” Tasha said. “So just watch what you do or say.”
Jaslene’s eyes widened but she only nodded. “Okay.”
“And if you can avoid Polo.” Tasha didn’t add the ‘because he’s unstable’ but by Jaslene’s expression she could see she’d figured it out for herself. Keeping her voice emotionless, she continued, “If you see any stuff between us, don’t interfere.”
Apparently it was possible for Jaslene’s eyes to widen even more. In a whisper, she asked, “Stuff like what happens with Mom and Dad?”
Tasha nodded. It was obvious from her expression that Jaslene had a lot more she wanted to ask, fortunately she didn’t.
After dropping her off at the university, Tasha drove home. By the time Polo walked into the den, she’d already set out his breakfast for him and tuned the TV to a popular sports channel.
“How long?” Polo asked as he cut into his poached eggs.
“She says she only needs somewhere to stay until she gets back on her feet,” Tasha explained even though she was sure that Polo had checked the surveillance footage by now and could recite hers and her sister’s conversation by heart.
“Are you sure she’s your sister?” Polo asked as he spooned some oatmeal into his mouth. “She looks like a fucking elephant.”
Tasha stifled the urge to remind him that she’d been almost as chubby as Jaslene when he’d hit on her. She suggested, “If you don’t want her to stay, I’m sure I can help her find a job and maybe get her a place-”
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“How are you going to help her find a job? From those friends of yours?” Polo interrupted, anger evident in his expression. He waved his spoon at her as he asked, “How many times have I told you I don’t want you sharing our business with them? Have you been telling them shit?”
“No!” Tasha shook her head. “I just thought-”
“Don’t think,” he snapped. “That fat ass sister of yours is gon’ have to stay here ‘til she can find a job her own damn self. Tell her to help you with the boy as her rent.”
Tasha nodded.
“You can’t even say thank you?” he lobbed a spoonful of oatmeal at her. It splattered on the edge of her nose and her mouth.
Wiping it off with the sleeve of her blouse, Tasha mechanically acquiesced, “Thank you.”
“What are you doing today?” Polo asked.
“I’m cleaning up and then taking Asia to the hospital after school.”
“We’ve got a fundraiser on Saturday.” Polo stood up then extracted his wallet from his back pocket. From it he removed his credit card and dropped it on the coffee table. “Go buy yourself a nice dress.”
“Thank you. Can I get Ash a few more things from the baby-shop too?” The last time she’d gone shopping, she’d only had time to pick up the basic stuff he needed like a crib, stroller, basins and diapers.
“How many clothes does that little bastard need?” Polo said, disgust dripping from his tone. “You don’t even buy yourself that many clothes.” His eyes narrowed. “I’m beginning to think you’re using these shopping trips for something else. You fucking some other man?”
Good God! Was the man reading her mind? She was planning to pass by Darlene’s and see the passport guy. She answered quickly, “Of course not!”
“I know you’re not.” He said it in such a way that even without the threat being implicitly stated, she could feel it hovering over her head like an axe about to fall. “Okay, get him a few more things then do the household groceries for next week too. Make sure you get me all the receipts.”
*
A few hours later, she held up a yellow romper to her chest. “What do you think of this one?”
Ash clapped clumsily as he chortled in response. She’d already ordered the new passports and finished with the household shopping. Now the only thing left to do was hook up her boy with some clothes.
“You like it, huh? I like it too.” She dropped the romper into the basket next to his stroller.
She moved on to the next rack, stopping to pick up a few undershirts and socks before heading towards the toy section. Tasha came to an abrupt stop when she saw the man standing with his back to her staring at the rack of dolls. Even though he’d replaced his usual suit with a green polo shirt, black shorts and sneakers, she’d recognize those shoulders anyway.
Kian.
Her first instinct was to run and she’d actually turned to do so, but before she could even take a step, he called out, “Tasha?”
Pasting on a fake smile, she turned back to face him, “Mr. Harper? I didn’t see you there.” Admittedly he looked just as amazing without a suit as he did with one on.
He winced, “Why do you insist on calling me Mr. Harper? It’s not like we’re strangers.” his mouth widened into a smile, “Call me Kian.”
That slow lazy smile was his most potent weapon. Tasha had difficulty controlling her response to it but somehow managed a, “How are you, Kian?” Saying his name felt so personal; like she was doing something wickedly erotic. Which was awful! She didn’t have time to be feeling wickedly erotic about anyone. She had enough problems.
“I’m okay.” He flashed her another smile. Tasha’s heart leapt, unable to suppress the instinctive pleasure. Warmth spread all over her body when his gaze drifted over her fitted dress before he met her eyes again. “This is a nice surprise. You and Ash doing some shopping?”
“Yeah! I just needed to get him a few things.”
“’Sup, little man.” He crouched to Ash’s level. Immediately Ash stretched out his arms to be picked up. Without hesitation, Kian reached into the stroller, unbelted Ash then lifted him into his arms and stood up. He was a fast learner because he didn’t seem as awkward as he did the first time he’d done it. This man had now picked up Ash twice and his own father had never even touched him. Just thinking about it made Tasha sad for the little boy.
Shrugging away her somber mood, she looked past Kian to the row of dolls. “I didn’t know you had a daughter.”
“Not mine,” he clarified. “I’m just picking up a gift for a friend’s daughter. Gabby’s turning five next week.”
“Oh!” The instant relief at his words was unexpected. He’d reportedly never been married so a daughter would’ve only meant one thing – he had a baby mama somewhere which would’ve made him like Polo in more ways than one.
“What do you think?” He turned back to the dolls seemingly unbothered by Ash who was enthralled with his sideburns and kept trying to pick at them. Kian pointed to a box in the middle of the shelf. “I bought her that one last year. Which one do you think I should buy her this year?”
“You know, little girls don’t only like dolls.”
“They don’t?”
“Get her something else,” Tasha suggested. When he gave her a blank expression, she said, “Asia loves sports so I usually get her sporty gear like tennis rackets, swimming goggles – that sort of thing. What does Gabby like doing?”
“Apart from playing with dolls?” he drawled in a wry tone.
She tried to hide her smile. “Apart from playing with dolls.”
“Watching TV I guess. But Rafe said I can’t buy her a TV ‘til she turns sixteen.”
“You were going to buy her a TV?” She laughed softly.
“C’mon. Who doesn’t want a TV?” Kian asked, his eyes dancing.
Tasha fought to bite back an instinctive smile of response. She was enjoying this exchange of words with Kian too much and the delicious tingles in her body every time he smiled at her. Her grip tightening on the back of the stroller as she prepared to leave, she said, “Why don’t you get some animated movies or something.”
He seemed to consider her suggestion and then said, “That’s a really good idea.” His expression turned hopeful. “Any suggestions?”
Her head was kicking and screaming for her to say she knew nothing about children’s movies but her heart kept on reminding her of how he’d helped her out with Ash and Asia during the photo-shoot. Surely a few minutes with him wouldn’t ruin her. Her senses started their happy dance even before she said, “Let’s see what they’ve got. I think the kid’s movies are in the next row.”
Her whole body was alive with alertness, awareness and excitement. Even though Kian was a distance behind her, she could feel his gaze burning into her back as she pushed the stroller to the next row. Mentally berating herself and trying to get herself back in thinking shape, she stopped in front of a row of movies. He stepped beside her, his bare arm lightly brushing against hers.
Tasha’s entire body went rigid, sensation skittered where her skin met his, and her pussy started to throb, yet she found it impossible to move away. His cologne suffused her senses arousing her almost as much as his presence.
Balancing Ash on one arm, Kian scanned the row of bound movies. “There’s so much. How do I choose?”
She gave herself a stern mental shake. Stop it Tasha! Kian didn’t seem to be as affected as she was by their closeness, so why should she be? She reached for one of them. “Do you think she’ll like William Tell?”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“You’ve watched William Tell, right?” she asked. His gaze on her, Kian shook his head. There was just something about the way he was looking at her with a blank face that made her pick up another movie. “Gulliver’s Travels?” He shook his head. “Robin Hood?” Same reaction. “Peter Pan?” Surprised, Tasha asked, “What were you doing with your childhood?”
“Let’s just say I had a differen
t childhood than most kids,” he said. Tasha had never been one to prod so she didn’t. However, Kian added, “I grew up poor and was in prison by the time I was fifteen.” Self-consciously running a hand over his head he said, “I don’t know why I told you that.”
She wasn’t one to judge people on their backgrounds considering the mistakes she’d made in her youth. Even without meaning too, she fitted her hand into his. “You turned out great.”
Kian looked down at their intertwined hands. Embarrassed warmth spreading through her, Tasha quickly dropped his hand. “Sorry.”
“I don’t mind.” At the husky note in his voice, her mouth went dry. She absently licked her lower lip drawing his attention to them. They were so close together that if he just bent or she rose on tiptoes their lips would meet. How would it feel to kiss Kian? Everything about the man screamed power and she was sure that even his kiss would be masterful.
Stop it, Tasha! She turned away from him.
“Let’s take this one,” she said as she picked a bound set of movies, proud that her voice didn’t sound as shaky as she felt. “It’s got The Sword In The Stone, Mulan, Lion King, Shrek and Brave. It comes with the books too so Gabby can learn to read as she watches the movies.”
Kian looked at her in silence for a moment before he shook his head then reached for the movies. His fingers brushed against her, fanning the flames that he’d already built. He read the back cover of the set of movies before nodding. “These look good.”
“Okay. I guess we’ll leave now.” She started to reach for Ash but Kian stopped her with a palm on her lower back. She’d never thought herself a sensitive woman but obviously she was. Even through the fabric that separated her from his naked touch, she felt his fingers brush sparks across the surface of her skin. She instinctively flinched.
Kian’s expression softened. “Can I take you and Ash to lunch to say thank you?”
“We…we can’t.” Apart from the fact that spending anymore time in his presence was a bad, bad idea, how was she going to account for her time when Polo started his questions?