Love Beat

by Flora Dain

  “You own this place? Seriously?”

  Smiling, he looks even younger, almost boyish. Is this how he wins loyalty from his staff? We know so little about him. None of his workforce would talk. It’s unusual. Despite Ben’s mania for research and Mel’s nose for secrets, Cade Fitzlean is still a mystery. Apart from the one secret I accidentally pried out of him earlier today—and that has to stay secret.

  Odd, for so colorful a character.

  And he dances like he means it. But every touch, every move warns me that exactly what he means is way too personal for public view. He’s lithe and responsive, like he feels the music and knows what it does. I rarely meet someone who so perfectly matches my own rhythm…

  “You trained in Paris?”

  Surprise almost throws me off beat. “For a while, yes. How did you know?” In his arms, I now sense power. I catch a faint scent from his neck, part cologne, part…feral. It acts on me like wine.

  “I make it my business to know these things. You left suddenly.”

  I feel a prickle of unease. “Yes. Do you always grill your partners when you dance?”

  He smiles slowly, like he’s just settled a private bet. “You’re a very private person, Tunis. Like me. Curious.”

  At that moment the music pauses, but instead of leading me back to the others, he guides me out of the ballroom and into the grounds. Silent security men eye us from the walls.

  As if in a dream, I’m still in his arms. I’m looking up at the soft, scented night sky. A light breeze ruffles the leaves. The lawn beneath my feet feels chill on my toes. “Why are we out here?”

  His eyes glint in the moonlight. Fear ripples through me, and something else, just as primitive…

  “Is that cameraman your lover?”

  What? I lift my chin, ready for battle. “Why?”

  “I have to know.”

  Something in the universe shifts. Did he really just say that? “No, since you ask. I’ve known him a long time, that’s all. And I owe him a lot.”

  His eyes narrow. “He’s hot for you. And you seem very close.”

  I press my lips together. “I’m close to lots of people but not in that way. He’s just a friend. What about Nera? Or your PA? Are they your lovers?”

  He smiles slowly showing white, regular teeth—the smile of a movie star or a predator. A tremor runs through me. I get the feeling we’re talking about something else.

  “I rarely fuck the workforce, Tunis. Bad for business. Why are you so scared of me?”

  Instinctively I step away. “I’m not scared. I’m just cautious when I dance on moonlit lawns with rich men who throw their weight about. If it comes to that, why are you so hostile?”

  In an instant the magic disappears and the atmosphere chills. “You caused me problems last year. I have a duty to my employees. I want to make absolutely sure you’re on board with all this. And, frankly, I’m getting mixed messages.”

  “Mixed? I thought I made things pretty clear this afternoon.” It’s impossible not to sound bitter but I stare at him in dismay. My job might be on the line here. This fun-filled fortnight is fast becoming a nightmare.

  Is he doing this on purpose? Is this his revenge? “If it makes you any happier, I really, really want to make this work.” I gaze up at him earnestly, willing him to believe me. “It’s just… This is complicated for me. I’m in unknown territory here.”

  He runs a finger along my lower lip, his touch making me shudder. Am I dreaming it, or is there a flicker of pain behind his eyes?

  “I know,” he says softly. “Me too.”

  Before I can think this through, he dips his head and touches his lips to mine for the second time this evening.

  Sensation rips through me like lightning. I react instantly, winding my arms up around his neck and responding eagerly as he parts my lips and invades my mouth, his tongue urgent, hungry, melting my will.

  He pushes me back against a tree and pins me by the arms. Desire scorches through me as I kiss him back, reveling in his power and his heat as he presses against me, the rasp of rough tree bark rigid against my back.

  As he pulls away, a startled bird shrieks in the branches overhead. Cade towers over and around me and once more I sense the streak of power that propels him through the business world and forged his millions.

  “Have you decided yet?” Light from the ballroom filters through the moving leaves and plays over his face, making him mystical, beautiful, a demon from ancient legend. But the rippling muscles under his shirt and the hard lines of his arousal warn me he’s a man, only too real, and his plans for me are less than romantic.

  “Yes.” My soft whisper sounds strange in the muffled stillness of the gardens. Close by I hear tiny rustling noises—nature on the prowl, just like him. “I’ve decided.”

  His eyes glint in the moonlight. “And?”

  It’s an effort but I manage a languid smile. “I told you… Yes, I accept. But I’m here to do a job, remember? I’ll have to fit you in.”

  His face instantly tenses. “Either you accept or you don’t. I warned you, I don’t play at this. If you’re expecting fluffy handcuffs and scented candles you’ll be disappointed. I’ve got business commitments too. We’ll both have to juggle our sessions with work. So is it yes or no?”

  I smile at him calmly but excitement courses through me, fueled by the thought that he’s taking so much trouble to be sure I’m on board with this, like he can hardly believe his luck.

  Maybe it means something to him, too.

  “Yes.”

  For an instant, some fierce emotion flickers in his eyes but it’s gone before I can decipher it. At that moment he pauses to take a call and I seize the chance to slip away.

  He calls after me. “We start tomorrow.”

  As I glance back, he’s talking quietly into his phone but his eyes are still fixed on me, his gaze liquid heat. I hurry away across the lawn and into the comparative safety of the ballroom, my emotions in free-fall.

  I wish he’d stop looking at me like that.

  I wish I felt less idiotic when he does.

  I wish it were tomorrow.

  Chapter Four

  “I warned you. I don’t play at this.” His voice is deep and sexy, stirring and soothing. It flows over me, part growl, part whisper.

  The whip uncoils with a loud crack and I watch mesmerized as the tip uncurls in slow motion and snaps along my thigh. I give a long, juddering sigh as the jolt of it flares into heat and settles in my groin in a low, burning ache.

  Again. Please, please…

  My arms are stretched high, my ankles cuffed wide apart. I’m ready for him, poised for his pleasure, primed for my own… But he’s turning away, he’s leaving me here, alone in the dark.

  No, no, come back. Please don’t leave me… I can’t do this without you…

  I scream over and over but no sound comes out.

  I open my eyes and sit bolt upright in bed. A streak of moonlight from the window splits the room into patches of light and dark, making it hard to work out shapes.

  Something woke me. Slowly I make out someone sitting opposite, watching.

  For a split second, fear prickles all along my back. “Cade? Is that you?”

  Instantly he crosses the room to sit beside me. Moonlight etches his face in silver and glitters in his eyes.

  He looks beautiful. I’m still aroused, burning from my dream. I long to touch him.

  “You cried out in your sleep. What was it?” His voice is low, husky with concern.

  I gaze at him, drinking him in. He’s wearing boxer shorts. Above the waist he’s naked, the swell of his chest and the pads of muscle at his shoulders gleaming faintly. Below his neck his body hair fuses into a dark pathway leading down toward his waistband.

  He smells all heat and skin and sleep, and from somewhere in the region of his neck, I catch a hint of citrus and spice. It’s heady, unnerving. The burning sensation in my groin heats up. He’s looking at me, waiting fo
r an answer to something he said. What was it? Oh yes, what woke me… “It was—nothing.”

  My voice sounds muffled so close to his chest. I feel his hair bristle against my face.

  “Tell me.” He holds me close, his expression intent.

  My thoughts take focus. He’s asking about my dream. “You had a whip. You were going to… But you left me.” Panic rises in my voice.

  He touches my face. “Hey, easy. It was just a dream. Here, have some water.” He pauses, one eyebrow arched in enquiry. “A whip?” He grins as he holds the glass to my lips. “What was I doing with it?”

  Obediently I sip then dart him a look. “You’re laughing at me.”

  He sets down the glass and pushes a stray tendril of damp hair away from my forehead. “Would I? I was curious. That’s all.”

  I’m awake now, regaining control. “My lips are sealed.” In that second, it flashes over me that I’m naked. I’ve brought a nightie—a flimsy white lace affair—but it’s still in my case.

  My breast tingles as his rough chest hair rasps against my nipple. I hear him inhale sharply.

  “Did I wake you up? Crying out, I mean?” I shift again, this time on purpose, twisting a little in his arms. The roughness of his hair against my nipple sends a shaft of exquisite pleasure rocketing through me. It settles in my groin in a deep, pulsing ache as my nipple tenses, pressing against him. With a sigh I lean my head against him briefly. “I dream a lot. If it bothers you then you’d better leave the door shut.”

  “I’m in charge of you now. I need to know how you feel. If this is what happens when you sleep then it stays open.”

  I accept this in silence then shift again, thrilling to the feel of his hair on my sensitive skin. This time his hand folds round my breast. I shudder as his fingers find my hard, aroused nipple and give it a squeeze.

  “I know what you’re doing. And this”—he tweaks it again, making me gasp—“is doing most of it.”

  Close to my forehead, I feel his lips stretch into a smile.

  Then his hand is moving up to my throat, along my neck, leaving a trail of sensation everywhere he touches. He catches my chin, tilting my head up to face him, and he touches his lips to mine.

  Desire, raw and urgent, rockets through me. His kiss is light and teasing. It fans my flames, mocks my arousal. It’s like he knows…

  He pulls away. “It’s nearly dawn. Go back to sleep. We’ll talk later.”

  * * * *

  “Hi. How’s the upgrade? Mel’s insanely jealous.”

  Ben and Jake grin up at me from their breakfast as I quietly join them. All around I hear the clatter of china, chink of cutlery and happy chatter. The air’s rich with wholesome, everyday smells—bacon, eggs and hot rolls.

  Sadly, I’ve already breakfasted from the lavish trolley in my room. On day one of my new servitude, Cade prowled through my room like a caged tiger, a restless bundle of energy, shaver in one hand, phone in the other. Between calls he directed me to eat and barked instructions.

  We start for real this evening. Until then, he’s got business. Keen to assert myself, I announced airily that I’m busy too. I’ve got linking shots and celebrity interviews to fit in. We agreed to part for the day.

  I’m to text him where I’m going and with whom. When I gave him an arched look, his eyes narrowed. “I have to know. You’re mine now.”

  I decided to avoid an argument so I accepted this in silence, showered quickly, got dressed and joined the others in the morning room.

  But now my universe has subtly changed. My encounters with Cade are having an electrifying effect. Each one leaves me more confused, more aroused than ever. Desire rages.

  I long for evening. It’s hard to concentrate.

  “And so we’ve got a problem.”

  Ben’s been saying something. I tune in to see Jake nodding a yes.

  Mel looks at me with a puzzled expression. “Are you all right, Tunis? You seem a bit vague this morning.”

  Dragging my thoughts back to work I remind myself sternly I’ve got a problem too. Somehow I’ve got to tell them I’m backing off.

  I close my eyes briefly as Cade’s hard, uncompromising words cut through my thoughts.

  I want you to distance yourself from your team. He means it, no question.

  I dread telling them but I must. If I don’t, we’re all out of a job.

  Just then Nera appears and saves me the trouble. She looks exotic and deadly, her lipstick perfect, her expression more sultry than ever. Once again I sense a wave of dislike.

  “Ah, Tunis. About time. What about your sub training? You’re not on the list. I have to fix your sessions.”

  I feel myself color. The challenge in her eyes needles me, but I’ve got no choice. I must back down.

  Be careful what you wish for. Now my dearest wish is coming true, and already I’m planning to let down the people closest to me without even telling them why.

  “Sorry, Nera—everybody—but I’m not doing them. This whole thing’s not really for me. I’ll give your sessions a miss, Nera, if you don’t mind. I’m sure the Panther will find someone else. I gather he’s a big star, but I simply can’t face him. Ben, would you let Mel take over most of my screen time? I’m sure she’ll make a much better job of it. I’ll stick to voiceovers.”

  I speak with airy confidence, but my heart shrivels as silence falls on the table.

  “For crissake, Tunis.” Ben looks really angry. “Now you tell me?”

  Nera’s lip curls. “Fine. Your call.” Her tone is withering. She pats Ben on the head as she turns away. “See you later, babe.”

  Ben looks sheepish. Mel scowls.

  “Anyway, what kind of problem?” With an effort, I haul us back to smoother waters.

  Ben rolls his eyes and starts again. “For goodness’ sake, Tunis, get a grip. I was saying Jake thinks his shots of you meeting Fitzlean yesterday aren’t strong enough. He wants to retake them.”

  I frown. A shot of me looking scared is part of Ben’s storyboard. He wants a repeat shot of my now famous reaction on that fateful night a year ago to give our report a dramatic opener, give his film a touch of symmetry.

  No way. I brace myself for a fight.

  Jake leans forward. “There’s this great place I’ve found. It’ll make a terrific backdrop.”

  Anything’s better than meeting the Panther face to face. The very thought that he’s here somewhere is making me twitch. Keen to make amends for my bombshell I agree. “Sure, anything. It sounds great.”

  Just then Sonja appears at Jake’s elbow. “Mr. Simmons? Or can I call you Jake?”

  The ice-maiden gatekeeper of the mighty Fitzlean Empire is actually smiling. This is a first. And she looks enchanting. “I’ve got a message for you from Mr. Fitzlean.”

  Jake glowers up at her. “And I’ve got one for him. Tell him to keep his hands off our presenter.”

  The PA blinks. “Excuse me?”

  “Jake, for goodness’ sake.” Seriously alarmed, I smile kindly at Sonja. “Don’t mind him. He improves with lunch. Have you worked for Mr. Fitzlean long?”

  Sonja tears her eyes off Jake for a second, bewildered. “I… About a year.”

  I give her a friendly grin. “Never a dull minute?”

  She smiles shyly and the ice thaws a fraction. She turns again to Jake, braver now. “We’re arranging some classes to amuse the guests, Mr. Simmons. Mr. Fitzlean wondered if you’d give some master classes on photography. He’s a great admirer of your work.”

  Jake stares sullenly at his plate. “No.”

  Sonja’s cheeks turn the palest shell pink. For once she looks completely lost and remarkably pretty. I melt.

  Under the table I kick his foot. “For crying out loud, Jake, you’ve seen what he’s like. She’ll probably lose her job. Just say yes.”

  Jake glances up impatiently. “Sorry, Sonja. Yes, then. And it’s Jake. Please.” He eyes her morosely while she beams back at him.

  As she turns awa
y, she gives me a grateful nod. “And you’re due at the salon in five minutes, Miss Vale. Ask for anything. It’s all on the house.”

  Jake glances at me and sighs heavily. “We’ll do the shots when you’re through. Text me, would you? We’ll meet on the terrace.”

  Across the table Mel and Ben are deep in conversation, already drawing up their plan of attack on the A-listers and their agents, Ben on the golf course and Mel in the spa. I leave them to it and head for the salon.

  * * * *

  “Wow.” Jake’s pacing the terrace when I finally emerge, sleek and relaxed. Nera’s right about the styling. It’s surprisingly good.

  My hair’s lightly reshaped and a tender, loving manicure has settled my nerves. What helped even more was the friendly female chatter all around me.

  Now I feel good. And hey, even Jake’s noticed. From him, this is praise indeed. I smile a thank you and we set off at a brisk walk toward the woods.

  Walking quickly soon undoes all the salon’s patient work. Soon my hair’s a mess from twigs and branches brushing past me and I’m growing uneasy. The woods are creepy. There are sinister rustles in the undergrowth, and I keep seeing black shapes among the trees.

  At one point I jerk to a halt and Jake swears as his camera bag bumps into me from behind.

  “What are you doing? Keep walking, Tunis. This stuff’s heavy.”

  “But… I thought I saw somebody.”

  He gasps theatrically and lowers his voice to a stage whisper. “Maybe it’s…the Panther. Grr.”

  He lunges at me, teeth bared, hands clawing the air around my face. “He’s coming to get you…”

  “Stop it. That’s not funny.” I try to smile but I’ve broken out in a cold sweat.

  He snorts. “Shapes? Just ignore them. Fitzlean’s people are everywhere. The place is crawling with security. You mean you haven’t noticed? We’re Alcatraz central.”

  After that he goes quiet, but I’m even edgier. The farther we go, the more I sense his air of suppressed excitement.