She folded her arms and raised her eyebrow. “I do want to get tanned, so I hope you don’t have any crazy ideas in mind.”
He planted a kiss on her bare shoulder. “Nothing crazy.”
The elevator came to a slow halt, and a chime pinged. The doors opened at a lower floor, and two guests joined them. When Zaine raised his gaze to see who they were, his jaw clenched.
Doug and Paula watched him as the doors closed behind them. Oh, great.
“Hey, man,” Doug said, lifting his hand to greet him. A dorky amount of sunscreen had been obviously applied to his face before he even sat foot outside the hotel. “Hi,” he said, nodding at Monique.
Paula pulled on the brim of her long beach hat and nudged Doug’s elbow, as if silently chastising him for talking to Monique. To think he’d once been friends with these people. Even if they apologized for their ridiculous behavior, would he waste his time with them? With such snotty, close-minded folk?
Zaine tilted his head in Doug’s direction, in a minimal effort to acknowledge his presence. No handshakes or bro hugs needed. After all, Doug was also in Hawaii to sway Lara to give him her business. Zaine made sure he stood close to Monique, wanting to create a freaking wall to protect her from the dirty looks Paula threw at her.
Doug’s shoulders dropped a notch, and Zaine almost felt bad for the guy. He was obviously whipped. “Nice day today, isn’t it? We decided to come early to celebrate our wedding anniversary.”
How exciting, Zaine thought sarcastically. He focused on the panel, praying the elevator would descend faster. Tension crackled in the air, and he had a hard time making small talk with them. “Cool.”
“Must be a nice change from scrubbing toilets to stay in this hotel in Honolulu,” Paula said, acid dripping from her voice.
Zaine’s blood boiled, and he curled his fingers into a ball.
“What did you just say?” Monique asked, and he sensed her nervous energy.
“You heard me,” Paula said, rolling her eyes. “I—”
“Paula,” Zaine hissed. “You’re lucky you aren’t a man, or I’d have punched you in the face for that stupid comment.” Despite Paula’s allegiance to his former wife, she couldn’t treat Monique with so much disrespect. And if she thought he’d let her, she’d better think again.
Doug’s eyes grew wide and he blanched like the little weasel he was. “Hey, hey, man. Easy.” He stepped in front of his wife, positioning himself between Paula and Zaine. “Let’s act like adults.”
Then tell your wife to drop the high-school pettiness. “Sounds good to me,” Zaine said, flexing his fingers. He wished Doug had been the one disrespecting Monique and not Paula. He’d handle Doug easily. “I understand Paula has her own idea of what’s right and wrong, but I’m not letting her talk down to Monique again.”
Monique touched the side of his abdomen, stopping him from saying anything else. Did she appreciate his defending her, or did she resent it? He damn well knew she could take care of herself; she had her whole life. But he wanted to be there for her, to defend her, to…care for her.
A throb of doubt thickened his throat. The heat of the moment must have confused him, because his affair with Monique revolved around temporary. Caring meant—
“I can’t believe this,” Paula said, nostrils flaring.
“You’re right, Paula, I did some cleaning over at your house,” Monique said, her voice steady and calm. “I’m sure you’d hate for me to let your fancy friends know about all your dirty laundry.”
Paula’s features softened a little, and her shoulders dropped a notch in clear defeat.
“What does she mean?” Doug asked, looking at his wife.
Zaine scratched his chin, curious to know what the hell Monique meant. He peered at his lover, watching her standing to her full height, unfazed. Damn it, she landed on her feet, this woman. A current of pride moved through him.
“I should have known you’d—”
He lifted his hand, gesturing for Paula to stop. “Enough.”
Thankfully, about a microsecond later the harmonious chime pinged again, and they exited at the lobby level. A few guests waited in line to get to the elevators, so they walked to the concierge booth, where Zaine asked for his rental car to be brought to the front.
Thank God for valet service. “Well, that was interesting,” he said. “I’m sorry she’s such a bitch.”
Monique tossed her hair to the side. “She can’t help it.”
He shook his head. “She should.”
“She wasn’t the first person to treat me like crap, and probably won’t be the last.”
“Why? I mean, are all of Ashley and Paula’s friends so entitled?” he asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of shame. Had he been acting like a prick too? He never had things handed to him. Maybe he hadn’t struggled financially as a child like Monique, but after losing his father as a teenager and Zachary as an adult, he had to step up to the plate.
“And you’re not?” she said, but the playfulness in her voice didn’t hide a twinge of bitterness.
“Sir?” asked the concierge.
Zaine showed him his keycard. The concierge smiled and went to call the valet to get his car. During the drive to the beach, he didn’t say much, hiding behind his sunglasses while she admired the view.
He found it hard to swallow. Why did the joke matter so much? I don’t want her to see me in that light. Hell, he didn’t want to be that guy. When he parked near the remote beach he’d visited once a long time ago, the nagging thoughts still haunted him.
“This is beautiful,” she said, taking off her flip-flops and burying her toes in the sand.
He removed his sunglasses, wanting to look deep in her eyes, and lifted her chin, to give her no other option but to tell the truth. “Do you see me the same way you see Paula and her friends?”
She looked away, the pulse in her neck throbbing. “I didn’t say that.”
“You don’t have to. You called me entitled,” he said, absurdly bothered by her opinion of him.
“Well, am I so off the mark, Zaine?”
Hell, she wasn’t. He’d been an entitled bastard, one who had proposed she sleep with him in exchange for money. Who was he kidding? “No.” Embarrassment crept under his skin.
She dropped her flip-flops on the sand and perched her hands at her waist. “It’s okay. You know the valet who helped you?”
“Yes.”
“Next time, instead of just giving him a huge tip, look into his eyes. Learn his name.”
Was she serious? He’d never see that employee again, so why establish a connection with him? Then, reality of his own situation dawned on him, and an invisible weight fell on his shoulders. Why did he care so much about her opinion of him, about everything Monique thought and did when she’d be leaving too? His heart jumped in his chest. Shit. Deep down, he knew the answer, but didn’t dare admit to it. Not yet.
Not until he found a solution.
“Zaine?” she called, pulling him from his thoughts.
“You’re really suggesting I have a moment with the valet guy? Is that one of your fantasies?” he said lightly, managing to conceal the apprehension that was eating at him.
She chuckled, a jovial sound that filled his chest with joy. “No, silly.”
He pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. “Was I ever an ass to you when you worked for me?”
She chewed her lower lip. “No, you were respectful. Just…reserved, I guess. Now that I’m getting to know the real you, a lot has changed.”
“The real me, huh?”
“Well, whatever you’ll show me. For instance, it was hot when you stood up for me in front of your uptight friends.”
“I wouldn’t call them friends. I’ll be happy if I never see Paula and Doug again. Poor bastard, he’s got no balls. Hard to be real friends with someone like that,” he said, and meant it. Since Doug was also an architect, they’d still see each other at industry luncheons and coveted parties, but he wou
ldn’t call him or share anything with him again. “Besides, Doug’s in town because he also wants the same account I’m vying for. He’s here to kiss Lara’s ass.”
She stiffened in his hold, but he didn’t let her go. “Oh. And you knew that already?”
He looked her square in the eye. Damn it. He supposed he should have mentioned this to her, but he hadn’t wanted to worry her. “Ashley sold him on it. She’s working with him.”
She exhaled. “And you never told me? Does she know how much this means to you?”
He loosened his hold on her to give her space. “Yeah, but she also thinks we screwed while I was married to her,” he said, since they were on the subject.
Her eyes practically reached her hairline. She lifted her hand in disagreement. “What? I’d never—”
Of course she wouldn’t. She’d never hurt another female by acting the same way her father’s lover had. She had principles, which was another thing he really… loved about her. Loved? He willed that thought away.
Zaine scratched his chin. “I know you, but she doesn’t. Anyway, don’t worry about it,” he said, unwilling to give Ashley any more importance than he already had. “The secret you know about Paula. What is it? She turned pale really quick back there.”
She crossed her heart. “Maid’s honor. I can’t share.”
“You’re something, did you know? The woman treats you poorly, and even though you have a chance to get even, you don’t.” This would be her chance to say something bitchy about Paula, but Monique was different. What if this secret could help him to blackmail Paula and Doug to get them out of the race? He curled his fingers, then slowly uncurled them. Wouldn’t be right.
She flashed him a tender smile, one that tightened his gut. “I hope the universe will reward me for my work ethic.”
“It better. Otherwise I’ll kick its ass for you.”
…
“Wow. You look stunning,” Zaine said, taking a good look at her.
Monique twirled in the scarlet gown, the lavish fabric caressing her curves as she walked. The black high heels made her taller, but she still had to look up at the sexy man next to her. Zaine fixed his tie, dashingly handsome in a crisp black suit, tailor-made for his large, impressive physique.
Lust thickened her throat. For the past three days, he’d shown her the sights in Honolulu like he’d promised. They’d enjoyed watching the sunsets together, going to the beach, visiting exotic restaurants and places she couldn’t have dreamed of visiting on her own.
And now… Her stomach churned. Now it was time to go to the hotel ballroom where the big fundraising event would take place. She touched the pearl earrings he’d insisted she wear—she’d agreed with the caveat of returning them to the hotel’s jewelry shop the next day. Of course he had more money than he needed, but she hated to take advantage of that. He’d offered her a small fortune a month, and while she knew it didn’t mean as much to him, she had to draw the line. Money she sent to her mom, ensuring her brothers had better opportunities. But accepting jewels was way too personal and she could never sell them.
He’d insisted that she wear them, and she’d acquiesced at last. After all, he knew more about the type of sophisticated party they were about to attend. What did she know about the rich and famous? Only the downside, usually.
Don’t think that way. You have to act like you’re one of them tonight. Memories from when her father took her to dinner with his new wife flooded her mind, and she dropped her arms to her sides. Sabine had ridiculed her and her brothers because they didn’t know how to use the various utensils or properly eat escargots.
“Monique? Are you okay? You’re pale,” he said, walking up to her.
She stepped back, looking away. “I’m fine.”
Zaine clenched her elbow, pulling her to him. “Hey, you told me about honesty, remember. What’s wrong?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
“I don’t want to mess things up for you tonight. What if we sit next to some uptight couple we’re supposed to impress?” she said, hating how nervous her voice sounded. But, merde, she had to share a real concern with him. Especially now, when she knew this deal meant so much to him and even to his family—to honor his late twin brother’s battle with cancer. To find a way to keep his memory alive.
“You’re smart, resourceful, and you have the sexiest accent on the planet. Trust me, they’ll be impressed,” he said, looking at her intently, his eyes glinting like he meant it. A slow smile formed on his lips, then it disappeared. “Who made you think you’re not worthy, Monique?”
A lump of mixed emotions lodged in her throat. She sucked in a long breath, but even when she exhaled a gulp of air, her throat still felt thick and constricted. This wasn’t like her at all. She pressed her hands together and dared to look at him. “My father.”
“The one who left your family for his lover?”
“Yes. They were rich, and he wanted to fit in,” she said, her stomach sinking to the floor as memories of all the tears her mother had cried for Papa stabbed her. “My mom suffered, and we did too. We lost a father. He was never the same again.”
“Well, if he was cheating on your mom, he wasn’t a great guy to begin with,” he said.
“You’re right. We were kids, though, and didn’t know better. We loved him and had to mourn our relationship after years of half-assed attempts on his part to welcome us into his new family.”
“I understand. Come here,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “Your father was an idiot. If anyone mistreats you tonight, they’ll be idiots too. Dead idiots.”
As if she’d let him ruin his deal because of her. Either way, a jolt of happiness surged through her, and she planted a quick kiss on his cheek, careful not to leave a mark with her dark red lipstick. “Shall we?” she said, offering him her arm, looping it around his in an old-fashioned manner.
He tilted his head, his gaze sliding from her eyes to their entwined arms. “Of course.”
She didn’t want to say it, but her whole life she’d stood up for herself, for her mom, for her younger brothers. That’s what she did, and whether she hurt inside or not, she always tried to keep her troubles from them. Yet with Zaine…not once, but now twice he’d shown he had her back. They made their way out of the suite, and she let that amazing feeling sink in.
The sensation of finally not being alone. For now it didn’t matter that she’d be on her own again when she left the United States to pursue her dream while he stayed in Los Angeles to carry on with his own. The downside of ending their unique relationship tried to creep its way under her skin, setting her pulse to a maddening rhythm, but she willed herself to relax and enjoy the time they still had together. For the remaining weeks, she’d completely appreciate not being alone.
Even if that meant suffering later.
Chapter Ten
“Lara,” Zaine said, “how have you been?”
The tall, slim woman with short blonde hair offered him her hand. “Zaine, I’m so glad you came all this way to help with our fundraiser,” she said. Lara had residences both in California and Hawaii, and often threw parties in both states to promote causes and raise money for them.
“Thank you. It was an honor to donate to such a good foundation,” he said, remembering the fat check he’d made to the AIDS group she sponsored. “Have you met my friend Monique Drummond? She’s very passionate about causes herself.” Friend. Why had he used that word? If he had said girlfriend, that’d put pressure on him once Monique left. Besides, he didn’t need to sound unprofessional. His heart squeezed and he reached for his collar, trying to discreetly loosen it.
Lara glanced in Monique’s direction, and if she was surprised by her presence, she didn’t show it. With a smile, she stretched out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Monique. What kind of charity work are you involved with?”
“Pleased to meet you.” Monique shook her hand, and he didn’t detect any nervousness in her voice or straight posture. Good. He’d hate
for her to get worked up over nothing. Not every wealthy person was a jerk.
“I help in a different capacity. I’m arranging to work with children in impoverished African communities.”
“That’s delightful. What’s your company called?”
Monique waved her off. “Oh. I don’t have a company. I’ll be teaching them.”
Lara stared at her in silence for a beat or two, probably trying to get over her mini faux pas, then nodded. “Very nice. It’s good you’re so passionate about it. You’re so hands-on.” Lara then shifted her attention to Zaine. “Children are definitely a worthy cause. As you know, Zaine, I’m behind the project for a new children’s hospital just outside LA that should open in a few years. It’s still in the early stages.”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, of course. I’d actually love to talk to you more about it. It’s one of the causes that speaks to me as well, and I hear you haven’t hired an architect yet,” he said, making an effort to sound nonchalant.
“No, not yet. Listen, why don’t we meet for lunch tomorrow? I’ll have my assistant figure out the time and contact you. We can go over some of your ideas.”
YES. He fist-pumped internally. If he got a chance to have a one-on-one with her, he’d no doubt achieve his goal. After all, he was damn good at what he did—clients booked him years in advance. “I’d love that, thanks.”
“Looking forward to it.”
She sauntered to talk to the couple the next table over, and he mentally high-fived himself.
“Seems like you got what you wanted,” Monique said next to him.
“Lunch is a good start. Puts me in the mood for celebrating,” he said, kissing her ear. He felt her quiver under his touch, and his insides sizzled in response.
…
Monique flushed the toilet, then grabbed her bag. She was about to leave the stall when the main door opened and she heard a woman saying, “Have you seen the tramp Zaine brought?”
Her blood cooled, and she froze on the spot. Old fears clawed their way into her, paralyzing her for a moment.
“He actually had the audacity to bring her to my party,” the other woman said, and Monique willed herself to move, without making a sound, to see who spoke through the small opening between the latch and the lock.
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