by LeCoeur, Ami
High Stakes
SEDUCTION
- Book 2 -
Ami LeCoeur
PUBLISHED BY:
Career Life Press
Copyright © 2014
Ami LeCoeur
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior written consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events, is entirely coincidental. All names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and situations are either the product of the author's imagination, or used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real.
Release Schedule:Book 1 - Released September 25, 2014
Book 2 - Released October 10, 2014
Book 3 - October 24, 2014
Book 4 - November 7, 2014
Book 5 - November 21, 2014
High Stakes Seduction
Book 2 - Summary
Angela's job as an associate in Antonio Mancini's high fashion business creates no end of tension for her. He remains remote and in control, and far more attractive than she bargained for. The frequent after-hours assignments in such close proximity to him makes it hard to keep her mind on business.
When unexpected circumstances cause her to accept his somewhat unusual proposition, she finds herself in even closer proximity as his companion and cabin-mate on a two-week Caribbean cruise—an adventure she is both anticipating and dreading.
Initially unsure of how the cruise may change their relationship, she finds herself attracted even more as she begins to get glimpses into what drives this enigmatic man. When she discovers her onboard rivals include politicians, gamblers and exotic dancers, she must decide just how much of his game she is willing to play.
This is Book 2 of 5 in the High Stake Seduction Series.
If you haven't read Book 1, get it here.
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* * *
ANGELA
I sat at the board room table sipping my club soda and wondering why I’d been invited to this meeting. The young man across from me glanced up nervously every time I jotted down a note, as if afraid of what I might be writing. I wanted to tell him not to worry, it was only a list of things to take care of before my upcoming cruise. But that would hardly be appropriate in this setting.
Antonio Mancini sat at the head of the table, leaning forward intently as the white-haired man with the scar over his left brow spoke.
“You could, of course, expect a reasonable share in the profits,” said the man Antonio had introduced simply as Carmiante. His once over when he first saw me creeped me out, which was why I'd picked a chair as far away from him as possible.
He leered at me briefly, then continued. “Assuming you can produce the kind of results we’re looking for,” he tapped a piece of paper in front of him, “we may be willing to put up about thirty percent more than what was initially discussed. If we can be assured you will follow through on your end.”
Semi-consciously rubbing his hand over his Rolex, Antonio raised an eyebrow and gave Carmiante his very polite, and somewhat withering, I don’t think so look.
After a pause he said, “I’ll consider it.”
I hid a smile behind my glass and looked over to see the nervous young man eyeing me again as he fiddled with his tablet.
The third man at the table, a Mr. Tamblin, looked up from his laptop. If Carmiante merely creeped me out, this guy truly made my skin crawl. His gray eyes were cold and calculating, piercing me with their gaze. I shivered, the hair raising on my arms. Even before he opened his mouth, I knew I could never trust him.
"What kind of resources would be made available to us, Mr. Mancini?” he asked.
“If we are able to reach a mutual agreement,” Antonio said, “you’re more likely to need to provide me with resources, rather than the other way around. We can hardly be expected to discuss details at this stage.”
He pushed his chair back and stood, straightening his suit. “For now, I have another engagement to attend to. Thank you, gentlemen.”
I stood along with the others, shaking hands around the table. The nervous young man put his tablet down to clasp my hand with his clammy one. I glanced at the device and caught a glimpse of a man's face on the screen before the young man quickly slid it away.
“So, Angela, what did you think?” Antonio asked me as we walked back to his office.
I glanced at him, trying to gauge the meaning behind the blank expression covering his face. “Their proposal seemed… interesting,” I ventured, though I really had no idea exactly what they had been discussing. Financial investments weren’t exactly my strong suit.
Antonio nodded to Hilary as we passed her desk and stepped into his office. “The meeting wasn't simply about their proposal. It was as much about discovering who they are, who they represent and why they are so anxious for my cooperation.” He turned and leaned against his desk, leaving me to stand before him, like someone needing to plead their case, or having to prove their innocence.
“So, what did you ask me here for?” I didn’t understand why he’d wanted me to attend this meeting in the first place, so I definitely couldn't fathom why my opinion of the men would matter. Then a rather chilling thought struck me. What if Antonio had just let me witness some of his shadier business dealings? Damn. Was this a test? Was I being sucked into something I didn't really want to know about?
“I want your impressions about the men themselves.”
I frowned, uncertainly. “Well,” I began slowly, “I really didn’t like them.”
Antonio chuckled but nodded for me to continue.
I drew in a deep breath and went on. “Carmiante is slimy, and far less cunning than he thinks he is. That little blond man with the nervous twitch? He was up to something on his tablet. And Tamblin—he’s the one you really need to watch out for. Making money is one thing, but I think you need to dig a little deeper with these guys and figure out what their real motive is in wanting your cooperation."
When I finished, Antonio stood up and stepped forward, studying me with his dark, appraising eyes and a little smile on his lips. “Thank you, Angela,” he said. “That will be all.”
I was still puzzled by this entire process, but I accepted his dismissal and turned to walk out the door.
“Are you ready?”
“I beg your pardon?” I said, turning back to face him.
Antonio was where I'd left him, leaning against the desk, his hands resting casually on the desk beside him.
“Are you packed? Are ready for the cruise?”
“I still have a few things to take care of,” I said, not quite understanding his point. “And a little shopping to do.”
He smiled. “You had better get to it then. We leave in just two days.”
Chapter One
My stomach twisted as I walked back to the elevator. I was no longer sure where my anxiety ended and my eagerness began as my thoughts switched from that unusual meeting to the sudden changes in our… arrangement.
This cruise could be the beginning of… of what? I still had no real idea what Antonio wanted of me. One moment I’m his associate, being asked to attend gala events or business meetings, the next moment he’s watching me with those beautiful, intoxicating eyes.
Then there was that one time in the back seat of the limo. My cheeks flushed as I remembered how brazen I'd been, so totally turned on by his touch that I'd literally abandoned all my normal good sense.
I leaned back against the elevator wall, my thought
s drifting to those eyes, remembering his touch, feeling him inside me again. Involuntarily, my body responded as if he was there, the warmth of desire radiating from within me…
The elevator dinged, announcing my arrival on the first floor. I stood up suddenly, sucking in a deep, calming breath and stepped out, determined to compose myself as I headed back to the store. My cheeks still felt a little warm from the guilty pleasure of imagining myself with Antonio again.
This was no place to give in to my fantasies, but I sure wanted to! It had been way too long since I'd let anyone get close—let alone touch me in any way, physically or emotionally. I wasn't sure how ready I was to trust anyone else yet, regardless of how attractive Antonio might be.
I took a little detour to the swimwear department and found Nevia there with a customer.
“The gold would look great with your skin tone, Mrs. Johnson,” she told the soccer mom standing in front of her. “Would you like me to put this aside for you to try on when you’re ready?”
“That would be lovely,” the woman replied.
“Hello, Angela,” Nevia said, gifting me with a bright smile. “How’s Maria doing?”
I smiled back, spying a mannequin wearing a very daring red and black strapless bikini. “She’s doing really well. She was asking about you the other day, actually. I hope you'll find some time to stop by while I’m away?”
“Absolutely! She owes me a cribbage rematch.” Nevia followed my eyes to the mannequin and her smile widened. “That would look great on you. Come by when your shift is done so you can try it on, okay?”
“Mmm, maybe.” The suit was far more daring than I would normally wear in public. Could you consider a cruise "public"? I mean, how many of those people would I ever see again?
As I headed back to the front, it dawned on me that I hadn’t even looked at the price tag on the swimsuit. Nothing in our store was in a price range I was used to. A month ago, I’d never even have dreamed of shopping in a place like this, yet here I was, treating myself to a new wardrobe for a Caribbean cruise.
With Antonio.
I slowed to a halt, glancing around me, feeling slightly conspicuous. I fingered the soft, lacy silk of a pink and black babydoll nightie.
I'm sure my cheeks turned bright red, and I was glad no one was watching. I'd always gone in for the utilitarian nightgowns. Flannel, and down to the floor. Still, this one was lovely. Would it be too racy? Too racy? I stifled a nervous giggle. Here I was, thinking a nightie might be too racy and I'd just accepted Mancini's proposition to go away with him for a two-week cruise.
Certainly the high-powered fashion mogul would be expecting more than just a pleasant companion. I stroked the lace again, feeling the mixed electric tingle of anticipation and dread roll down my spine.
Chapter Two
“You’re going to need this,” Maria said as she wheeled her chair into my bedroom. I looked down to see my camera bag in her lap.
“You think so?”
“Absolutely! You’re going on a cruise for goodness sake! To the Caribbean! Think of all the amazing sights and people you’re going to see!” Maria picked up the heavy case and held it out to me. “It will be a nice change from wedding photos and newborn baby pictures, don’t you think?”
I smiled and nodded. “I guess you’re right. I don’t know why I’m being so hesitant about taking my camera with me.”
“Maybe because you figure you’ll be busy doing other things,” she reached into my suitcase and pulled out the lingerie I’d bought earlier, wriggling her eyebrows at me.
“Stop that!” I laughed, slapping her hand away from my suitcase.
“When you’re not busy making out with Mr. Tall, Dark and Exceedingly Handsome, you can take pictures for me.”
“For you?” I asked, rolling up a t-shirt and tucking it into the suitcase.
Maria turned away, suddenly shy.
“What is it?” I asked. “Maria, what’s wrong?”
“Actually,” she breathed. “Nothing’s wrong. In fact, it’s kind of the opposite.”
I tilted my head, giving her a puzzled look as I waited for her to continue.
"Well, you know, you're going to see so many wonderful places, and even if you wanted to, I don't think you'll get much chance to send me postcards…."
Now I felt really guilty, but she waved a hand at me when I started to speak.
“No, Angela. You don't have to apologize. You know I want you to go. And please, let's not go back over these bad memories. Mom is gone and now Dad’s gone too, but,” she looked down at her useless legs, “I can’t dwell on the things that I can’t do. Or even the people we can’t get back. You're working really hard to take care of us. And, I know you’re trying to get the money for my operation. But I want you to know that I feel bad that this is all on you, even if there isn't much choice right now. I need you, Ange, and really, I’m okay. Even if things don’t work out the way we want. I’m okay. Okay?”
I chewed my lip, trying to hold back the wave of emotions, but it was a futile effort. I squeezed Maria’s hands as the tears came and then we were both crying and hugging each other.
She had no idea how many times I’d come so close to telling her everything. To confessing the truth about why I was working for Antonio at all, and who I thought he really might be. I wanted her to know the truth about everything we owed because of Dad’s gambling. I wanted to tell her about the deals I’d made to try to straighten everything out.
But I was afraid she’d hate me for it. Hate me for taking the easy way out. For compromising who I was. And maybe even for using her as the excuse for justifying my own somewhat wanton behavior. She was my sister, but I had no idea what she'd say if she found out I had agreed to this trip as a way to "earn" the money for the operation. How would she feel if she knew I was as good as prostituting myself for a chance that she could walk again?
Because, even though I told myself I was doing this for her, there was still the little voice inside that knew different. I was going for my own selfish reasons too.
“Promise me you'll have fun on the cruise,” Maria said as I straightened up from the hug. I sat on the edge of the bed next to her. She reached over to wipe away the tears on my cheek. “Antonio’s arranged for a full-time nurse and there will be tons of people stopping by. Nevia, Thompson, even the neighbors will be looking out for me. You don’t have to worry, okay? Promise me.”
I rested my cheek on her palm and gazed into her hopeful eyes. “All right, Maria. I promise. I’ll go on this cruise, and I’ll do my best to relax and have fun.”
Maria laughed and kissed my brow. “That wasn't so hard now, was it?" she asked in her best big sister voice. "Now, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by my emotions…”
I laughed and stood up, going back to my packing as I waited for her to continue.
“I have an ulterior motive for wanting you to take your camera.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, pictures that you take will be way better than post cards, but I thought maybe your photos might inspire me… you know I've always wanted to travel.”
“Oh, of course." I turned away, tears in my eyes again. Maria had always had a way with landscapes—she'd been planning to use the "education" money our mysterious Uncle Benito had sent to spend a summer painting in Paris. Absorbing the culture and taking advantage of the light there that had inspired so many French impressionist painters. But, that was before the accident turned our lives upside down. And before we'd had to start dipping into the Fund.
"I'll make sure you have lots of pictures to choose from."
Chapter Three
MARIA
I wiped away my own tears as I watched Angela finish packing all the lovely things she'd picked up since starting her new job. I liked seeing this side of her—it was such a kick to see my pretty sister dolled up! Especially after the drudge jobs she'd had since leaving college.
But why was she so reluctant to
take her camera on the cruise? She’s such a natural! And clearly loves it. Over the past couple of years, that camera has become part of her.
"Good," I said when she finally agreed. "I love the way you're able to capture the subtle emotions on peoples' faces, all the different expressions, catching just the right moment. That's why you're so good at taking wedding photos. I just wish I could do the same with my paints."
I sighed as I looked out the window and into the world I’ve hidden from for too long. My own talents tended more towards landscapes and open vistas, not so much towards faces. But I hadn't picked up a brush since I'd come home from the hospital. I just hadn't been inspired very much. It’s not fair that I’m trying to live vicariously through Angela. She deserves a life of her own.
I was finally able to feel happy for her. She works hard to take care of us. She'd even quit college and come home to stay after the accident. This cruise was an opportunity for a little pay back on her hard work.
Ange had just stepped in and taken care of everything—the funeral arrangements, the hospital, setting up the house for me and my wheelchair. Even Dad. Sad, morose, semi-drunken Dad. Our wonderful Dad who began disappearing for days at a time. Thank god I had Ange. At least I could depend on her.
"Do you have anything special in mind for my photos?" she asked.
"Nothing specific. Not yet. Jeez, you haven't even taken them," I laughed.
"But tell me what you want. People, scenes, tourist traps?"
"Yes, yes, and YES! Bring me back the flavor of the islands. If I can't be there myself, then you get to be my eyes and ears this time. My own personal advance mobile unit."
She gave me that strange, thoughtful look she gets sometimes, and for some reason I suddenly remembered the awful times when I'd struggled to adjust to life in a wheelchair before Dad disappeared.
"Sis, are you sure you'll be okay here by yourself?" The worry was back in her eyes. "What if there's an emergency?"