The Fidelity World: Devious (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Solease M Barner

  We pull apart, but I can see the desire in her eyes. Seconds pass as we sit and stare into each other’s eyes, both of us trying to catch our breath. And strangely, I don’t know what to say.

  “The cake is really good,” I say to break the silence. What the fuck? Surely, I could have thought of something better to say, right?

  She looks at me disbelievingly, then snorts and breaks into giggles. “Yes, it is good, very good. Thank you for dinner and um… dessert, but I really must go.”

  I take her hand and raise it to my lips, then place a soft kiss to her palm.

  “I understand, Silvia. But please promise you will allow me to take you on more dates.”

  “Oh, Jaxson, I think you’ve definitely earned another date.”

  “Somehow, I knew you were going to say that.”

  “You did, did ya? Cocky much?” she asks teasingly, straightening her dress and moving toward the door.

  “Where’s your driver?”

  “I had him park around back.”

  “I’ll walk you to the car. I wouldn’t want someone to try to take advantage or hurt you.” We both step out of the car.

  A cool breeze moves gently in the night air, lifting the silky strands of her dark hair. My god, this woman is so beautiful. Silvia Demetri literally takes my breath away. The first shadow of doubt creeps into my mind, but I brush it away like I would an annoying fly.

  “Thank you for your concern, Jaxson, but I don’t need you to protect me. Trust me on this.”

  “I’m walking you to your car and that’s final. I will not accept no, so please don’t try to talk me out of it.”

  I place her hand in mine and she reluctantly acquiesces. We walk to the corner and down the small alley leading to the rear of the building. The lighting here is bad. It would be the perfect spot for a criminal to rob someone. But I won’t allow anyone to hurt her, at least not anyone else. Randal is following closely behind us. I look over at Silvia and see a small smile tugging at her lips. Apparently, she doesn’t want me to see her smiling and turns her head. I wonder what’s so funny.

  We make it to the end of the alley and immediately, I see a large car parked near the back door. A man steps out from the shadows and walks to the rear door, a very large man. Who in the hell is that? Dear god, I thought Randal was big, but this dude is seriously huge, like jolly green giant huge. I sure hope this guy is her driver, because if he isn’t, we may all be in trouble.

  “Jaxson, this is Simon Delgatto, but I call him Simi. He’s my driver. Oh, and he’s also my bodyguard.” She looks over at her driver/bodyguard and giggles. Simi? Seriously? That’s not short for Simon; it’s short for semi, as in semi-truck. Now I know what was so funny.

  “Thank god for small favors. I’m glad he’s your driver, and uh…bodyguard. I can see now why you weren’t worried about anyone harming you. He would scare the devil himself.”

  “Thank you again for tonight, Jaxson. Call me.”

  “May I have a kiss goodnight?” Good grief, maybe I am a teenager on his first date.

  She moves toward me and places her hands on either side of my face, then gently pulls my head down to hers. This woman is wearing flats tonight so I have to bend my knees and hunch forward. But after sampling her kisses earlier in the car, I know it will be worth it. She leans in, inhales deeply, and plants a chaste kiss on my cheek, then turns and jumps into her car.

  What the fuck was that?

  Simi closes the door and gives me a wicked ‘I-got-your-number-pal’ smirk, then stomps around the front of the car and gets in. I turn around and Randal is just standing there with a stupid-ass grin on his face.

  “Randal, it’s too late for sarcasm.”

  “Sir, I’m just enjoying the fresh air.”

  “Yeah, sure you are. I know exactly what’s going through your mind. You’re thinking she left me with blue balls,” I say jokingly as I roll my eyes, and head back toward my car. But the truly sad part is, she did.

  Now I’m going home alone, horny as fuck. I promised myself I would wait for Silvia. I don’t want to do anything that might risk my plan, so I guess there’s nothing to do but go home and take a really long and really cold shower.

  Heaven help me… It’s going to be a long night!

  CHAPTER FOUR

  SILVIA

  My heart is pounding, my body is trembling, and I’m so hot, I feel like I’m going to explode. I only met this guy this morning, and I almost opened my legs to him. I am not a loose woman. That’s what my adopted mother always called promiscuous women. Roslyn and I use another word – ‘hoe’. Thirty more seconds of Jaxson’s kisses, and I would definitely qualify as being a hoe. I almost collapsed like a house of cards. I shouldn’t have let it get so far. Silvy keep those legs closed! I can hear my mom’s words, repeating over and over in my head, like they’re on some playback loop.

  But damn, I’m thirty-five years old. I deserve a little pleasure, right? If I were a man, it would be encouraged, but I was born with a v-jay-jay, so it’s unacceptable to sleep with someone on the first date. Only hoes do that sort of thing, not a respectable lady like me. Right, then why do I wish I had gone home with Jaxson. He was interesting, fun, and made me laugh. And heaven help me, he’s such a good kisser. I wanted to climb him like a monkey on a jungle gym.

  And he wants me because of me, not because of my family. He had no idea who I was until I told him my last name. How can I ignore that type of attraction? All the guys I’ve dated in the past knew my father and brother, and knew exactly who and what they are, including their connection to organized crime. But when I said my last name was Demetri, Jaxson didn’t even bat an eye.

  I’m so caught up in my thoughts, I don’t realize we’ve made it home until Simi opens my door.

  “Would you like me to walk you up, Miss Demetri?” I step out of the car and smile.

  “No thanks, Simi. That won’t be necessary.”

  I turn and start to walk away, but I hear Simi clear his throat and say, “Miss Demetri?”

  I stop and turn back to face him. “Yes, Simi?”

  “Please be careful and have a good night. Call me if you need anything.”

  “Thanks, Simi. And I hope you have a good night as well.”

  As I step into the elevator and wait for it to reach my floor, my mind is filled with thoughts of my date with Jaxson. I open the door to my penthouse and walk directly into the bedroom. I remove my clothes and throw them across the lounger, then step into the bathroom for another shower. I need something to cool my overheated skin. It’s been a long day, almost like a dream. But if it is a dream, I never want it to end.

  I step out and begin my nightly ritual of moisturizing. No, I’m not vain, but I am thirty-five and need all the help I can get. Every girl knows, a little moisturizer a day helps to keep the plastic surgeon at bay. Yeah, yeah, I’m a real comedian. I throw on my pajamas and quickly make my way to the kitchen for a couple of scoops of chocolate almond ice cream. I think I deserve a reward after turning down Jaxson’s advances tonight. It was pretty saintly of me, don’t you think? I take my bowl back to the bedroom and settle into bed with my Kindle and earbuds when I notice I have a missed message. It’s a text from Jaxson.

  Jaxson: I hope you made it home safe. I can’t stop thinking about you. When can I see you again? JM

  I hesitate, trying to decide if I should answer tonight or wait until tomorrow. I think women should play a little hard to get. Besides, I don’t want him to think I’m easy. But despite my better judgement, I hit reply.

  Silvia: Yes, Simi always makes sure I’m home safe. And I’m not sure when we can see each other again. My schedule is pretty full for the next week.

  I place my cell back on the night stand and pick up my ice cream. My phone chirps immediately, signaling an incoming message. Good lord, that was fast.

  Jaxson: I’m a patient man but not a saint. I’m not going a week without seeing you…you have to stop long enough to eat. I need to see you so
on. Pretty please? I’ll pick up another lemon cake. JM

  Oh dear, he’s begging, and he did say please. This man… is just too good to be true. I would never admit it, but I want to see him, too.

  Silvia: Alright, but only because you said pretty please. We can have lunch tomorrow. I know it’s Sunday, but I have to go to the office, so I’ll send you the details in the morning.

  Jaxson: Thank you milady. If lunch is all I can have, I’ll have to accept it. Are you working all alone? Would you like some company? And Silvia, I really like kissing you.

  OMG! He likes kissing me, and I loved kissing him. How do I respond? When in doubt, ignore, ignore, ignore.

  Silvia: Thank you for accepting my lunch offer. And no, I won’t be alone so I don’t need any company or distractions. My assistant has agreed to help me.

  Jaxson: Did you like kissing me, Silvia?

  Shit! What are we – in junior high? I sit straight up in my bed and almost drop my phone. I reach over and take a bite of ice cream, trying to decide how to reply.

  Silvia: Yes, I enjoyed kissing you…maybe too much. I mean, I don’t even know you. We just met this morning, yet I allowed you to kiss me. I’ve never done anything like that on a first date, Jaxson. Wouldn’t want you to get the wrong impression and think I’m not a lady.

  Jaxson: Damn, just knowing you enjoyed my kiss gives me pleasure. And for the record, I think you are very much a lady, so get those thoughts out of your mind. Until tomorrow. Goodnight, Silvia. JM

  Silvia: Thank you, Jaxson, and goodnight.

  Jaxson: Sweet dreams, beautiful. JM

  I’m grinning like a silly-nilly and just can’t stop. Jaxson Montgomery has me all hot and bothered and way out of my comfort zone. I take another huge spoonful of ice cream and shovel into my mouth. At this rate, I’ll need another cold shower.

  Jaxson’s words are like sweet music to my ears, but is he playing my song? I don’t know. And I certainly don’t understand what’s happening or what I’m feeling. I don’t think I’ll be listening to a book tonight. I’m too distracted. But I do need to decide what I’m wearing tomorrow for my lunch date with Jaxson.

  I feel like a six-year-old on Christmas morning. I just hope my heart doesn’t get broken. For years, I’ve longed for a man who wanted me for me, and not because they thought it could get them money, power, or favors from my family. When my brother found love, I was truly happy for him. Maybe I was just a little jealous. I wanted what he had but thought I’d never find it. And now, maybe I have… or maybe this is a dream. I can only hope it doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

  I slip out of bed and walk to the kitchen, pouring the remainder of my ice cream into the sink. I return to my bedroom and stop, staring down at my king size bed. I know I’ve been blessed. Things could have gone very differently for me, but it saddens me to know there are things I’ve never had and may never have… like this bed. Well, not the bed but the part of a person’s life it represents. I’ve never had anyone to share it with. No, that’s not entirely accurate. I’ve never had anyone I wanted to share it with.

  But for the first time in my life, there are four things I know for certain.

  One: Jaxson Montgomery finds me attractive.

  Two: I find Jaxson Montgomery attractive.

  Three: I want to experience love and have children

  Four: Being raised as a Demetri, my mind tells me to be cautious. My father always says, if something seems too good to be true, then usually it is.

  As I drift off to sleep, I remember Jaxson’s words. I think my dreams will be sweet, indeed. And tomorrow is going to be another wonderful day.

  ***

  I’m awakened by the alarm on my phone. Darn, I was having such a good dream and yes, it was about Jaxson. I jump out of bed, ready to face the day. I can’t remember being this excited since I was a little girl. I feel like singing and dancing around the room, without a care in the world, sorta like Mary Poppins. I giggle out loud as I make my way to my closet. I laid out an outfit last night, but I’ve changed my mind and want to wear something else.

  The first thing I need to do is wipe this silly grin off my face, or Roslyn is going to know something is up. I mean I’m usually happy but more serene and calm., They say laughter is the best medicine, but what I’m feeling goes beyond even that. It’s the best feeling in the world.

  I want to look good, reserved but sexy. I take out my purple pencil skirt, white silk blouse, and purple heels. I brush my hair and decide to leave it down again today, then swipe on a little lip gloss and head out the door. Simi is waiting downstairs and I give him a big grin. He looks at me a bit strangely, but attempts to smile. Simi’s not very good at smiling. His smiles look more like a grimace, or the Grinch in pain.

  “Good morning, Simi. Isn’t it a lovely day?”

  “Good morning, Miss Demetri. It is a nice day. Are you heading straight to the office?”

  “No, I’d like to stop for a cup of coffee at the usual place.”

  “There’s a new place that’s opened up. I hear they have better coffee.”

  “No, the usual place will be fine.” What’s up with Simi this morning. He’s never offered to take me anywhere else for coffee. In fact, it was him who recommended this place. Besides, I like it even better than I did before. It’s where I met Jaxson and that thought makes me smile.

  There are no spaces open so Simi lets me out so he can park down the street. As I step up on the curb, I hear a very familiar deep voice.

  “Unless you need two cups, I have your fancy coffee right here, milady,” Jaxson says, leaning casually against the wall by the door.

  He’s wearing another custom suit, a black one, but today there’s no tie. The first few buttons of his shirt are open, exposing some of his chest. He looks amazing. I’m at a loss for words. I can’t believe he’s here… waiting for me… with my favorite coffee.

  “Hi…umm… I thought we said lunch?” I stammer, walking toward him.

  “What if I told you that lunch is too long to wait, and I needed to see you because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

  I smile and reach for my coffee. He places the cup in my hand and a slight tingling sensation runs up my arm as our fingers touch. I pull back and take a sip of coffee, eyeing him over the rim of my cup and batting my lashes like a two-bit hooker eying her next john. And yeah, I just went there.

  “What if I said I’m glad you couldn’t wait that long?”

  Jaxson walks closer to me and the world seems to stop. I know people are walking around us, but I feel as if we’re alone on the street.

  “My dreams don’t do you or your beauty justice, Silvia. You’re so much more beautiful in person. Let me walk with you.”

  “Simi is driving me to the office.”

  “May I hitch a ride? Randal can follow us. That way we can have our coffee together and talk.”

  “You don’t have to do that. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

  “I’m sure. I know my agenda for today, and I can assure you that you’re the most important person on it for today.”

  “Oh, I’m a VIP!” He bursts out laughing as we walk down the street where Simi is waiting.

  “No, you’re a MBP.”

  “I don’t think I’m familiar with the term.”

  “It stands for most beautiful person.” I throw my head back and laugh. I know I should say no, but hard as I try, I just can’t. I look up to see Simi frowning. I give him the look, the one that tells him not to overreact. Simi is very protective of me.

  Simi opens the door and I climb in, then Jaxson slides in behind me.

  “Why don’t you call me Jax, love? Jaxson sounds so formal.”

  “I think Jaxson is fine, for now. Besides, we still don’t really know each other.”

  “I’m riding with you in your car, to your job. I would classify that, at least, as friends.” I chuckle and take another sip of coffee.

  “What’s so funny, Silvia?” Jaxson press
es.

  “Yes, you’re riding in my car, but ‘friends’ is stretching things a bit, don’t you think? But if I thought for one minute that you were dangerous, I’d have Simi take care of you.”

  “WOW! Et tu, Brute?” Jaxson exclaims, raising his hand and slapping it over his chest dramatically. I start giggling again. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so much.

  The rest of our ride is quiet and relatively uneventful but still enjoyable, nonetheless. We decide where we’ll meet for lunch and the time. Jax opens the door and helps me out. Simi is standing outside giving him a dirty look.

  “Have a great day, and I’ll see you at lunch,” he says softly and pecks me on the cheek, then quickly turns and walk away before I can return the kiss. I watch, slightly confused by his change in behavior, as he strides confidently down the street. What the heck? He was fine one minute and the next, he couldn’t get away from me fast enough. I have no idea what that was all about.

  “Ms. Silvia, please be careful,” Simi says, looking down the street toward Jaxson.

  “Thank you, Simi. I will. See you this afternoon.”

  I step off the elevator and walk down the hall. I walk through the door and see a rather nice-looking man sitting inside the reception area. He has dark hair, almost black, scruffy short beard, piercing grey eyes, and glasses. He stands and appears to be around six feet tall, maybe a little taller. He’s cute, but in a nerdy way. He looks at me questioningly and smiles. I smile back but continue to my office.

  I buzz Roslyn on the phone. “Umm… who’s the guy in the waiting area?”

  “Oh, shit! He’s still sitting out there? I’ll call you right back.”

  She hangs up and I hear her running down the hall toward reception. I shake my head, completely astonished at how quickly Roslyn can forget important things, like a person in my waiting area.