Seducing the Enemy's Daughter

by Jules Bennett

  Brady made his way over, shifted the filmy, white curtains aside and stepped onto a wide balcony overlooking the water. A soft, gentle breeze glided through the air, the scent of salt water wafted up from below and the crashing of the waves made him feel at home. Even though the decor had changed a bit throughout the hotel since he’d been here last, the romantic ambiance remained.

  He’d grown up on a beach and had never gotten the love of the water out of his system. Adding to that, he’d always envisioned taking over this Kauai property.

  The whole island had always been peaceful, a section of the world away from all the hustle of his daily life in San Francisco. He wished he could take some time to himself to enjoy the white sand, refreshing breeze and cooling water.

  Perhaps one day he could talk Sam into relaxing on the beach with him. Of course, that would take a great deal of persuasion on his part, but he was a patient man. And if he could get her into a bikini, well, that would be worth the wait. Picturing her in nothing but strings and triangle-shaped material had him eager to put his game plan into motion.

  Leaving the beauty of the land behind him, Brady stepped back into his room. He pulled his smart phone from his pocket and checked his e-mail. Nothing too pressing.

  He punched in the number to his office, hoping to catch his assistant before she left for the day.

  “Stone and Stone.”

  “Abby, I was hoping to catch you.”

  “I was finishing up for the day and Cade just went home. What can I do for you, Brady?”

  He pulled out the small desk chair and took a seat. “I just wanted to let you know I may be in Kauai a bit longer than expected. I’d like you to forward any calls I may receive regarding Stanley or Miles Donovan.”

  Abby paused, he assumed to jot down his request. “Is there anything else?”

  “Not at the moment. If you need anything you can either call me or let Cade know,” he said.

  “We’ll be just fine.”

  Brady laughed. “I doubt the two of you could go very long without me to be your go-between.”

  “I’ll have you know we haven’t had one argument since you left,” she assured him.

  “Just make sure you keep your claws in until I return.”

  Abby laughed. “Will do. Have a nice trip.”

  Brady disconnected the call, confident his business was in capable hands between Abby and his younger brother and business partner. Even though the two were always bickering like siblings, Abby was the best assistant they’d ever had.

  Brady figured the two of them would finally call a truce and just get together, but so far, no. All the sexual tension in the office was really starting to get to him.

  Before Brady had left, Cade had asked if he could come instead. But Brady was more than ready to get this vengeance started and knew Cade would be too soft or emotional when it came to the dealings of their late father.

  And now that he’d seen Sam, well, he didn’t want Cade anywhere near this siren.

  Which reminded him, he needed to get the ball rolling with the seduction of Sam. God, he’d named the mission—Seduction of Sam. Oh, well, every war had a name. Right?

  He picked up the hotel phone on the desk and dialed the concierge.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Stone. What can I do for you today?”

  “I’d like to have some flowers delivered.”

  “Not a problem. Do you have a price range or a specific style in mind?”

  Brady thought for a moment. Sam needed something to make her smile, to make her stop and think of only him. “I’d like a large arrangement of exotic flowers. The price doesn’t matter. I want the most extravagant, colorful arrangement this lady has ever seen.”

  The young male on the other end chuckled. “Yes, sir. Do you have an address and name of the recipient?”

  “I want the arrangement delivered to Samantha Donovan in her office here.”

  “Oh, well.” The man stumbled over his words. “We’ll get right on that, Mr. Stone. What would you like the card to say?”

  Brady relayed the message he wanted, had the charge billed to his room and thanked the helpful employee.

  Now all he had to do was wait.

  In the short time he’d talked with Sam, he already knew she was too nice not to thank him personally. Hopefully she would come up to his room and do it face-to-face. That would gain him some of the alone time he needed.

  With the first step of his plan already in play, Brady pulled his laptop from his suitcase and decided to get some work done.

  After all, destroying every last Donovan was going to take some time. He almost hated that someone as angelic-looking as Sam had to get mixed up in this. After all, she may be a total innocent, but she was a Donovan.

  And the Donovan’s were responsible for the downfall of his father’s empire.

  Don’t forget to take time for yourself.

  Sam read the card once, twice. Okay, at least three times before she smiled and realized who’d sent the most obscene amount of flowers she’d ever seen.

  She’d come back to her office after taking care of a minor kitchen-staff argument to check her messages. But her desk had been hidden beneath a tall crystal vase with striking flowers in various vibrant shades.

  Sam hated the fact she immediately smelled each and every bud. She’d never received flowers before and this was a heck of a way to start her collection.

  On a sigh, Sam knew she needed to take a moment and thank the man behind the impressive, not to mention expensive, bouquet. Could something this large and exquisite be called a bouquet?

  Even though her Jimmy Choos were still biting into her little toes, she forced the pain aside and made her way to the top floor. She really didn’t have the time in her hectic schedule to talk with Brady Stone, not that she minded thanking him, but she knew their next conversation wouldn’t be a simple thank-you.

  He’d try to get her to dinner again. And, once again, she’d turn him down. No matter how she desired to give in, she would not allow her mind to be muddled with a smooth talker. She’d learned her lesson long ago where smooth, charming men were concerned.

  Once in front of the honeymoon suite, Sam smoothed a hand down her pale pink designer suit and tapped on the door. When the door swung open, Sam had to focus on breathing.

  Brady had taken off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves to expose tanned, muscular forearms, unbuttoned three—she counted them—buttons of his shirt and stood holding on to the edge of the door with a wide, knowing smile on his face.

  “Samantha. Please come in.”

  Because she knew it was rude to refuse, she stepped inside. The man had been in this overly spacious room for only a few hours and already his masculine scent enveloped her. He’d made the room his own by setting his laptop up on the desk, a pair of Italian leather shoes sat near the foot of the bed and his clothing hung in the open closet area.

  Without any effort on his part, he’d already made a lasting impression. She had no doubt he left a lingering impact on all the ladies he encountered.

  “I want to thank you for the flowers.” Lacing her fingers together, she turned to face him as he closed the door. “I have to say I’ve never seen quite an arrangement.”

  With his hands in his pockets, he offered her a wry grin. “How did you know I sent them?”

  Sam rolled her eyes. “Well, let’s see. You’re the only man in the past six months to ask me out. Other than my father, my brother and the employees here, I don’t even talk with men, so I did the whole process of elimination thing.” Feeling a bit flirty, she added, “Plus, I’m just smart.”

  Brady’s soft, soothing chuckle settled in the crackling air between them. “I like a woman who has brains behind all her beauty. However, I can’t believe I’m the only man to ask you out in the past six months.”

  Oh, he was good.

  “Believe it. I’ve been too busy working to socialize.”

  He took a step closer, then another. He c
ame so close, in fact, Sam had to lift her gaze to hold his. Brady was taller than she’d first realized. At five foot six, Sam hadn’t had to tip her head for too many men, especially when she wore her heels.

  “All the more reason for you to have dinner with me and take an hour to yourself.” He brushed a strand of hair from her shoulder. “It’s the least you could do after I sent you flowers.”

  Sam smiled. “Are you trying to guilt me into having dinner with you?”

  “Only if it’s working,” he said, stroking a finger down her cheek.

  She eased out of his reach. “You like to touch, don’t you?”

  His hand lingered in the space between them. “Problem?”

  “I—I’m just not used to it, that’s all.”

  Again, Brady grinned, reaching for her face. “I bet you aren’t used to stuttering around a man, either, but you’re doing a nice job of it.”

  She swatted his hand. “I most certainly am not.”

  Heat rose to her cheeks. Sam knew she needed to get out of this room before she made a complete fool of herself.

  “Don’t get your back all up,” he said, dropping his hand. “You actually gave my self-esteem a boost.”

  Sam laughed. “I’m sure you really needed the extra confidence.”

  His grin widened and she found herself mesmerized by his perfect white teeth.

  “A man always needs confidence. Especially when getting turned down by a beautiful woman.”

  Yup, he was smooth. More than likely he’d had his fair share of experience wooing women. And she seriously doubted he’d been turned down by too many, if any.

  “I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ladies at the resort or on the island to keep you occupied.” She cocked her head to the side. “I thought you were here to work?”

  He shrugged. “That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the company of a beautiful, sexy woman.”

  His compliment swept through her like a cool, gentle breeze, leaving goose bumps all over. She didn’t want to be charmed by him—or anyone for that matter—but she found herself melting with each word he spoke.

  What happened to not getting sucked in by smooth-talking men?

  She cleared her throat. “Well, I’m sure with your confident attitude, you’ll find someone to occupy your free time.”

  Brady threw his head back and laughed. The rich, robust sound vibrated through the air, through her, reaching each and every nerve she had, making them tingle.

  “I think you just called me arrogant.”

  Heat rose to her cheeks once more. She’d definitely overstayed her allotted time. “I most certainly did not. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to return to work. Thank you for the flowers.”

  He closed the gap between them, coming to stand inches from her. “I apologize if my words upset you.” He reached up, stroked her jawline with the pad of his thumb. “I can’t help but think you’re too busy taking care of this resort and not yourself.”

  Sam stepped back, unable to think when such a potent man was touching her. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m taking care of myself just fine. Thank you for your concern.”

  Just as she turned to go, he spoke. “If you change your mind about dinner, let me know.”

  Throwing a grin over her shoulder, she nodded. “Thanks again, but no. Have a nice evening, Mr. Stone.”

  Three

  She’d purposely used the more formal name to prove to him, and to herself, she was indeed a professional. Making time for anything other than business was simply inconceivable.

  As she stepped from his suite into the elevator, she knew she would have to watch herself for the duration of his stay. A man like Brady Stone could be easily led on and Sam wasn’t about to be the one to stroke his ego. Nor was she about to stroke anything else of his.

  She hadn’t lied when she’d said she was too busy to have dinner. Just as the elevator dinged on the bottom floor, her stomach growled, betraying her former decision. She’d grab a pack of crackers from her emergency stash in her desk drawer and get back to work. She’d already used up enough of her time chatting with Mr. Desirable Businessman.

  No way would she allow this charming, ever-so-sexy man to sway her judgment toward men—correction, toward powerful, cocky men.

  After years of being under her father’s controlling thumb and always trying to compete with her brother, Samantha had had enough of being overpowered. She didn’t want or need a man. Being alone served her purpose in life just fine. Besides, being a career businesswoman didn’t leave much time for a love life. She was still young. If she chose to have a love life, she could. But right now, she didn’t even have time to think about companionship, much less jump into a relationship.

  So why did her face still tingle where he’d briefly touched her, caressed her? Allowing a strange man, who just happened to be passing through her resort, affect her in such a way was just absurd and something she didn’t have the time for.

  Yes, he was sexy. Yes, he was smooth. And, all right, yes, she was attracted. But that was it. Nothing could come between her and her goal to please her father.

  Chin high, shoulders back, Sam breezed through the lobby, pleased to see people checking in at the registration desk. If her father would only let her take the reins, she had no doubt the resort would be booked year-round. Unfortunately, she was still under his thumb.

  Why couldn’t her father see her for the savvy woman she’d become? Sam hated the strain they’d always had on their relationship.

  Each time she spoke to him, she hated the urge she had to call him sir. Nothing was casual and Sam always felt their conversations were solely about business. What few conversations they had. Every time she tried to talk to her father, he came up with some excuse as to why he didn’t have time. There was always a meeting, always a client or always an employee in his office.

  In short, there was always something or someone that came ahead of Sam. She should be used to it, but in fact, she wasn’t. She didn’t want to get used to the idea her own father put everything ahead of her.

  Feeling the start of a headache, Sam made her way through the lobby, down the wide, marble-lined hallway and into her cozy office. She’d purposely chosen an office at the end of the hall so she could concentrate on work and not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary.

  Though since coming here six months ago she hadn’t spent too much time inside these four walls. The majority of her time had consisted of catering to guests and making sure all her employees were happy. That is, the employees they had left.

  Just before her father purchased the resort, the previous owner had had so much financial trouble they’d had to lay off fifty workers. Not only did the layoff put a strain on the employees who were still here, but the ones that were let go were hardworking and desperately needed.

  Sam had each of their names and contact information. And just as soon as this resort was out of the red, she intended to bring them all back…if they hadn’t gone elsewhere.

  Sam’s eyes focused in on the vase of vibrant flowers that still adorned her desk, reminding her of the man she was trying her hardest to block out. She moved the arrangement to the small mahogany table in the corner.

  Taking a seat at her desk, she opened the top drawer and pulled out a bottle of aspirin. After taking three, she slid out of her shoes and wiggled her toes until she felt each one crack. She actually thought she heard them sigh with relief.

  She tugged open her bottom drawer to reveal her junk stash and grabbed a pack of peanut butter and cheese crackers. She knew she’d have orange crumbs all over her suit, but she just loved these little things.

  After popping one into her mouth, she got to work checking this week’s numbers and comparing them to last week. Unfortunately, the hunger headache had yet to ease up. She really shouldn’t go so long without eating.

  There was just so much to be done, but she had to concentrate on one task at a time or she’d become overwhelmed and never accomplish a
thing.

  Closing her eyes, she leaned her head back against her leather chair and polished off the rest of her snack. With her career teetering on a fine line as far as her father was concerned, she didn’t have time to take breaks—regardless of hunger or headaches.

  She tried to concentrate on her breathing, on the plush carpet beneath her bare feet, on the sweet fragrance wafting from the flowers. On anything other than the fact her head felt like a volcano ready to erupt.

  Moments—perhaps several—passed when a knock sounded on her door. On a groan, Sam lifted her eyelids, blinking against the harsh light.

  “Come in.”

  Her door opened, but instead of seeing a person, she saw a stainless-steel serving cart slide through the opening. Sam jerked upright in her seat.

  “What’s all this?” she asked as the head chef of their high-class restaurant stepped through the door behind the cart.

  “Dinner.” The middle-aged man smiled, lifting the silver lid to reveal one of her favorite dishes. “The special of the day, Ms. Donovan. Seared, toasted-macadamia-nut mahi with citrus aka-miso sauce.”

  Sam’s mouth watered at the sight of the crusted filets. “But I didn’t order anything.”

  “No, but Mr. Stone did. Should I just leave this cart here or would you rather have it over there?”

  Still speechless, Sam pushed back from her desk and stood, brushing off the inevitable orange crumbs. “Thank you, Akela, I can take it.”

  “Enjoy your evening, Ms. Donovan.” He smiled and closed the door behind him.

  The strong, mouthwatering scent drew Sam to the serving cart. She pulled off another silver lid and sucked in a breath when she saw her favorite dessert, lemon cake.

  Her eyes darted to the oversize arrangement in the corner, then back to the tempting dinner. She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her lips, just as she couldn’t stop herself from going back to her desk to call Brady and thank him once again for his kindness.