“Well Mr. Watson was extremely excited to photograph Alfred Hitchcock. It was his first celebrity photograph,” Marian said.
“Why the goose?” one of the others asked.
“Well, from the story Watson tells, he finds out in casual conversation that Hitchcock hunts goose and is quite a good shot. You see here how he chose to take the photograph with Hitchcock holding a plucked goose?”
“That’s risky,” Marcus said.
“Not really. Watson believed it to be more natural because of Hitchcock’s hunting experience. That was a twenty-five-pound plucked goose that he’s holding like that. Watson tells a story about how Hitchcock gave his Christmas goose recipe to all the people working on the photography site. They enjoyed the shooting immensely.”
“Intriguing,” Marcus said, and then the other gentleman pointed to a series of other pictures. They walked along, and she hadn’t even noticed the small crowd that seemed to gather around them as Mariana explained about each photograph she knew of and the artist’s behind-the-scenes stories. She loved doing this. She enjoyed bringing people into the minds of the artists from the artist’s point of view.
“This has been the best event I’ve attended, Mariana. It was such a pleasure meeting you,” Marcus said as he took her hand then brought it to his lips and kissed it. She glanced at Liam, who looked very pleased, and she felt relieved. Perhaps her first job would be a successful one.
“Can we take Liam for a few moments, Mariana? We have some business to discuss.”
“Of course. Please take your time,” she replied, and Liam took her hand and gave it a squeeze. He leaned down and whispered into her ear, tickling her skin.
“You are a gem. I will see you in a little bit.”
She smiled as he walked away. She felt her body warm and then a tingling feeling moved over her skin. She looked toward the right where she knew a series of John Wilson Ewbank paintings were on display and locked gazes with Jax.
Oh my God, he looks so sexy in that tux. He’s all in black and appears mysterious and intimidating. I’m in trouble.
It was strange how her body just knew that he was nearby. The tingling sensation, that warm heat that skimmed across her skin. It was him. He caused that.
She debated about turning around and heading the other way, but she didn’t. He was too good looking to ignore and in all honesty, dressing like this and playing this role gave her confidence she normally wouldn’t have.
When he smiled slightly at her, she felt it to her gut. She also felt a tiny spasm in her pussy. How the hell did he do that?
“Mariana, you are in a lot of trouble, young lady,” he said as he reached for her hand. She hesitated, and he took control immediately, pulling her alongside him. He was pressed close to her. He towered over her as he inhaled against her hair.
“I’ve been waiting patiently to speak with you. It seems you’ve snagged the attention of every man in this place tonight.”
Why did he sound so angry and bossy? What was his problem? Hadn’t she been clear the other day at his office?
“You seem upset.”
“Who is he?” he asked abruptly.
She felt her body tighten and nearly shake with a combination of excitement from his demanding tone and fear that she was completely out of her comfort zone with Jax. If Jameson showed up, she was toast.
She stepped back and began to walk toward the enclave of displays, set back in a more private and secluded location. She could handle this. She handled bill collectors hounding her all the time and uptight college professors who thought she was ignorant and too young to understand the arts, so she could handle one such business man who reeked of wealth and commanded compliance.
She swallowed hard.
“Liam is from Scotland,” she said as she tried to focus on the coastal scene in front of her. Of course it had to be one of Ewbank’s more tragic depictions, but she forced her heart to stop racing and straightened her spine. But then she felt the hand on her waist. Large, hard, yet gently en route around her waist, he wrapped her firmly.
She gasped as she felt his solid chest against her spine, his cock, hard against her ass despite the barrier of clothing, and then the warm breath of his whisper.
“I don’t give a fuck where he’s from, he wants to take you home and that’s not happening.”
His words were so firm and so damn macho she hadn’t expected her body’s reaction. She should be angry, turned off, or at minimum shocked by his possessive words. What gave him the right to say such a thing to her?
She swallowed hard again, and this time her saliva nearly got caught in her throat.
“I’m a big girl, Jax. I can take care of myself.” She hated that her voice cracked, because as she said those words, he used his free hand trail a finger along her neck then pressed his warm, solid lips against her skin.
Holy fuck, this man is amazing. Fight it. Don’t be so easy. He’s a professional, he has to be, wearing a tux like this and cuff links made of what is certain to be real diamonds bigger than I have ever seen before. Things like this do not happen to regular nobodies, like me.
She tried to step away, and he released her. She was both disappointed and relieved. She needed to gain control of the situation.
He took her hand. His thumb caressed along the top of her skin, causing goose bumps to explode across her flesh.
“This is quite the painting. The roaring sea swallowing up the helpless, foolish swimmers.”
She felt his breath collide against her shoulder and neck where the skin was exposed.
“Why do you think they’re foolish?” she asked and shocked herself for coming up with the coherent words at all.
“For challenging the sea.”
She absorbed the sight of the painting of the seascape from the east coast of Scotland. Large, wild waves smashed against the rocks. Ewbank made the people so small that they appeared quite miniature in comparison as they struggled to grab any bits of items left over from the boat wreck.
“I suppose it does show how powerless man is against forces of nature,” she whispered.
“It’s interesting, because this painting sort of reflects the way you make me feel.”
What in God’s name did he just say?
His hands moved up and down her arms, caressing her skin.
“Mariana, I know we don’t know one another well yet, but I want to change that. Please say you’ll have dinner with Jameson and I tomorrow night.”
In her mind she wanted to accept. Her body never felt strung so tight and so interested in such a fantasy, but she wasn’t as naïve as he might believe.
She stepped to the side and turned toward him. Jax stared down into her eyes, and she fought against the superior aura of his presence and stature.
“I’m not naïve like the people in that painting. I would never venture into the unknown as you are asking me to. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Not when there’s so much to lose and I’m not one to take risks with what little I have.”
She was about to walk away when Jameson appeared. His arms were by his sides. He seemed angry and stiff. Was he jealous because she was talking to Jax and alone with him? She couldn’t help the thought. These men weren’t really interested in a ménage or what it was meant to offer. They were in it for sex.
“Where’d the Scot go?” he asked so forcefully she found herself stepping backward, and Jax pulled her back against his chest.
“Oh,” she gasped, and Jameson’s eyes seemed to darken with excitement. Perhaps she was wrong. Perhaps these men really did get turned on by sharing a woman. Could she be that woman? Are you fucking crazy? Snap out of it, Mariana. They will eat you up and spit you out. They’re rich.
“He’s going to be back any moment. You two should go,” she said and tried to act tough as she pulled from Jax’s hold. Well, tried to pull away. Her body apparently liked the sensation of being practically encased in such arms that she stumbled. Jax squeezed her to him and Jameson closed
the space between them. He looked her over. His body was inches from her own, and damn it, she could feel the massive heat and attraction. She wouldn’t need heat in her apartment if she had Jax and Jameson.
She shook the idiotic thought from her mind.
Yeah, sure. Bring the two rich hunks who probably live in a mansion to my dinky shit hole apartment. They’re treating me like a whore. As quickly as she had the thought, she denied that Jax or Jameson were like that. But it still didn’t mean she was taking them home or that she would go with them.
Jameson touched a finger to her chin, tilting it up toward him. She felt Jax’s cheek move against her cheek and his thick, solid arm of steel hold her around her waist.
“Get rid of the Scot, and come with us.”
She shook her head.
Jameson gave her a look that told her that he wasn’t used to being told no. Jax’s grip loosened as he moved in front of her. Now both gods stood in perfect position where she could truly absorb their fine features and muscular builds. They were a woman’s fantasy. She knew they were, because right now, even looking them over fully clothed, her panties were wet and her nipples hard.
Men like this should be illegal.
“Mariana?” Jameson said her name. She looked away.
“Please don’t do this to me. I’m not like that. I won’t sleep with you because you demand it or want it.”
“It’s not like that. I said that I wanted to get to know you. So does my brother,” Jax stated as he held her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Mariana! There ya are. I thought I lost ya for good.” Liam appeared, and when he saw Jax and Jameson so close to her, she could tell he was upset.
“Liam, did everything go well?” she asked, stepping away from Jax, who hesitated to release her hand. Liam looked down at it and then into Jax’s eyes.
“Is there a problem here, Mariana?” Liam asked as he took her hand and pulled her to him. Thank goodness Jax released his hold.
“No problem. These are friends of Freda’s. Meet Jax and Jameson Spaulding.”
“Jax and Jameson, meet Liam Michaels III, my date this evening,” she added then smiled and looked up at Liam. He gave her a wink and then squeezed her against him.
“It’s a pleasure, gentlemen. Thank you for watching over my woman in my absence. I’ve heard about ya security firm. My new partners speak very highly of ya abilities.”
“Thank you,” Jameson squeezed out through clenched teeth, and Jax looked none the better.
“Well, Liam promised me a tour of the estate after we grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the evening,” Mariana said, and Liam escorted her away from Jax and Jameson.
* * * *
Clover Masters was standing by the bar sipping a cognac along with his partner Buster McShay.
“I think we should pull back. There have been some glitches in the computer communications. She can’t seem to bypass the new passwords,” Buster said to Clover, and he seemed awfully nervous and unsure.
“That was when mistakes happened. She was in a rush and now I think they may be on to the breach in security.”
“I really don’t care. It’s not even like I need the money or the details to Jameson Spaulding’s new ideas. I’m loaded,” Clover said in a very snobby manner. He was in his early fifties, in great physical condition, which helped him to land the younger ladies, and he hated Jameson and Jax Spaulding. With a passion.
Ever since Rothensburgh’s cousin Tara took a liking to Jameson he hated the man. So what that he and his brother were ex-military. Didn’t bother him any. He owned a few senators.
“So why are you risking so much? Revenge for something?” Buster asked then took a sip of his cognac as they watched two very attractive women walk by. Clover didn’t respond to Buster as his eyes locked on the beauty in front of him.
He spotted her immediately. That woman was stunning and she had been serving hors d’oeuvres at Roldolpho’s last week, and now here she was attending as a guest? He followed her with his eyes as the large Scotsman linked his arm through hers and led her to the dining area. A quick glance toward the staircase they descended and he was surprised to see Jameson and Jax Spaulding. They looked very angry and their eyes were locked on the brunette.
“Find out whom that woman is with the Scotsman. They seem jealous don’t you think, Buster?” Clover asked as he downed the remainder of cognac and fixed his tux.
“I’m on it.”
Jameson and Jax followed the brunette and her date. Something was up, and if both men were this agitated over a woman, then that woman would be of great interest to find out about.
Clover suddenly felt like his revenge could be successful after all.
* * * *
Mariana and Liam got something to eat then took their glasses of champagne with them as they toured the home. It wasn’t much of a home in regards to warmth or coziness. Instead every room, every hallway that led to another room or area, was wide and rather cold. It made her feel like she was in a museum. But then they headed toward the left wing of the house, and that was when she met Darian Rothesburgh himself.
“Darian, this is a wonderful gathering. I’ve enjoyed all the artwork from my native country. Ya sure know how ta make a Scot feel at home”
“That is wonderful to hear, Liam. And Miss Sparketta, such a pleasure having you in my home. I’ve heard such wonderful things about you.”
“Me, sir? It’s an honor to meet you.”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips as he held her gaze. “Simply stunning. Hold on to her, Liam, she has caught the attention of many bachelors.” He released her hand then excused himself as he headed out of the room.
Mariana blushed. She was so embarrassed.
“He may have a point and I might have to keep you for myself,” Liam said as he squeezed her to him. They heard someone squeal, and immediately Mariana and Liam turned toward the entry way a distance from where they stood and saw Jameson and Jax as some woman in a tight blue dress threw herself at Jameson. Mariana watched as the woman wrapped one leg around Jameson’s thigh and he held her around her tiny waist as she hugged him hard around the neck. Mariana was surprised at the surge of jealousy that exploded through her system. She hadn’t even realized that she clutched Liam’s arm tighter or that she was staring daggers in Jameson and Jax’s direction until Liam cleared his throat.
She locked gazes with Jax, who appeared annoyed, and Jameson? Well, Jameson she couldn’t see, under the flowing blonde locks of hair, as the bimbo kissed him deeply. Why does she remind me of Bambi, who took Gavan from me?
“Unbelievable,” she stated aloud as she turned and Liam led her out of the room.
She didn’t dare look behind her. Mariana couldn’t take the scene. She was right. They were both players and she was supposed to be on their menu tonight. Jerks.
So why was she feeling so disappointed the further Liam and her walked through the estate? Why was she upset, hurt by that scene?
Suddenly Liam stopped her from walking and pulled her into a small hidden space next to a set of large windows that looked over the gardens.
“You’re upset.”
She needed to snap out of this. She was working, not socializing. This was a job and this wasn’t her lifestyle. She wasn’t cut out for all the backstabbing and two-faced nonsense.
“I’m okay. I’m sorry if I was so quiet. Would you like to see some more artwork? I understand that they have some paintings from Vettriano and Kingsley.”
He shook his head as he leaned back against the wall and stared at her.
“What is it, Liam?” she asked, feeling a bit unsure of herself. He sure did get quiet, and now they were completely alone.
“I wish, that I would find a woman who looked at me the way those two men looked at you. And I wish that you would look at me the way you looked at them.”
She swallowed hard and tried to deny what he was implying.
“I don’t—”
He placed
his finger gently over her lips and then patted her hand.
“My darling woman, they adore you and you adore them. So why are you running from them?”
“Liam, I don’t know what you mean. I don’t know Jameson or Jax at all. I know nothing about them.”
“But they make your eyes sparkle and fill you with energy and excitement. It’s plain as day to see.”
“No, no way. I don’t know them. Besides, you saw that scene back there. That was what I was afraid of. This is not me, Liam,” she said as she pointed to her outfit and then wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t belong here as anything more than your date for the evening.”
He raised his eyebrows at her, and she raised hers at him. He chuckled.
“Come on, let’s go see that artwork.” She accepted his hand as he led her out of the hallway and back toward the gathering. But he whispered to her as they walked and she imagined for a moment, if things were different, if she weren’t such a nobody, would Jax and Jameson pursue her at all?
“You know, things aren’t always as they seem, Mariana. Sometimes risks are worth taking, even if only for a moment of pure bliss.” Liam squeezed her hand, and she wondered, Why can’t I be attracted to Liam, instead of two very dark, mysterious, and dominant men who seem to make me want things I’ve never even dreamed of trying?
She would dream of their touch, the intensity of their eyes, and taking a chance that could kill her inside and ruin her life entirely. She couldn’t allow those dreams, those fantasies to make a decision for her. Life was not a movie, a scene in a painting, a magical experience. The realities of life sucked. Bills, death, loneliness, and battle after battle were all part of her life. Once she got through all of that, perhaps she could focus on happiness after survival.
Chapter 6
Mariana dressed in her plain old clothes. A pair of old blue jeans, a hoodie, and her sneakers. She looked at the gorgeous dress one last time before zipping up the garment bag. A glance around the elaborate bedroom in Freda’s home and she was in awe once again of the lifestyle some people got to live. She looked into the mirror, the amazing sophisticated-woman act she pulled off tonight now disappeared back into the pumpkin. No more makeup, fancy hairstyle, or expensive jewelry. Everything was placed back where it belonged, and last would be her.
The American Soldier Collection 2: Mastering the Art of Love (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 6