My Stallion Heart (The Stallions Book 7)

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

“I’m not keeping secrets.”

  “But you are his woman?”

  “I...we...it’s...” Natalie stammered. “It’s complicated.”

  Her friend laughed. “It’s going to get complicated if you don’t do what you need to do.”

  Chapter 12

  Frenchie’s words echoed in Natalie’s head for the entire ride home. When her friend had dropped her off at her front door she’d admonished her one last time. “Seriously, Natalie, Jean-Paul is a whole other degree of crazy. Good men like Tinjin don’t do crazy well, especially when it comes to their girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. Take it from a voice of experience.”

  Natalie blew a deep sigh. Clearly Francesca Adams didn’t know what she was talking about. Natalie had no interest in Jean-Paul, and since their history together had never amounted to much of anything she saw no reason for Tinjin to be given the details. Tinjin knew how she felt about him. At least, he should, Natalie thought to herself.

  She took a deep breath and then a second as she steadied herself at the bottom of the porch. She loved Tinjin. She loved him more than she ever imagined possible. Everything about his presence in her life felt right. From the moment they’d met, him standing over her in the airport, she’d felt a tremendous connection to the man. Now, when he was gone, she felt broken, something important missing from her. Home was in Tinjin’s arms and she wanted nothing more than to stay there for the rest of her days.

  Jean-Paul could never measure up to a man like Tinjin Braddy and Natalie’s connection with him had only been a stepping-stone in her career. Jean-Paul had a history of dangling things she wanted in front of her to gain her companionship. And Natalie had always been able to keep him at arm’s length, never crossing the boundaries of friendship. Jean-Paul could only dream about sharing her bed. And having her heart wasn’t a possibility. Whenever his demands became too much, she had always pushed him away. Sending him packing always had him wanting to do more for her. It had become a vicious cycle and Natalie suddenly knew that it was a carousel ride that she finally needed to get off.

  The home was quiet. There was only one light on, a faint glow coming from the kitchen. She kicked her shoes off in the living room, pausing to inspect the papers Tinjin had dropped on the coffee table and floor. His talent amazed her and she smiled as she studied the detailed designs that bore his signature.

  In her bedroom Natalie found Tinjin in her king-size bed, curled up on his side, the sheets and blankets pulled tight around his body. She smiled. His being there brought her a level of comfort she’d never known before.

  She tiptoed into the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. After slipping out of her clothes and into her nightgown she eased into the bed beside him and pressed her body against his back.

  Lying there, Tinjin had been waiting patiently, questions racing through his head, confusion spinning through his heart. He didn’t know what to believe about Natalie and Jean-Paul and he didn’t want to believe the worst. He had heard her the moment her key had hit the door lock. As she’d moved through the house, his anxiety level had increased tenfold. He’d waited to see if she would shower, fearful that there was trace evidence of an indiscretion she needed to rinse away. But nothing in her nightly routine had changed, Natalie’s behavior as predictable as always. His paranoia had been just that. As Natalie pressed her body against his, he tensed, holding his breath as he struggled to still the heavy pounding in his chest.

  Natalie snaked her arm around his waist, teasing his abdomen with her fingertips. She pressed a kiss to the back of his neck, blowing warm breath across his skin. Tinjin inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with her scent.

  “You’re home,” he said, his voice low as he tried to keep his tone even.

  “I missed you,” she whispered back as she kissed him again.

  “Did you and your friends have fun?”

  She nodded her head against his back. “I would have had more fun with you.”

  Tinjin took another deep breath and blew it past his lips. “So did you guys catch dinner first? Did you get a chance to eat?”

  There was a moment of hesitation before Natalie finally answered. “I actually had dinner with an old acquaintance. You might have heard of him. Jean-Paul Vivier?”

  “You two are friends?”

  “Acquaintances. He’s introduced me to a lot of people in the industry that have helped my career. Do you know him?”

  “We’ve met.”

  “Then you know there’s nothing to be impressed about.” She tightened the hold she had on his torso as she gyrated her pelvis against his backside.

  Tinjin ignored the gesture. “Did you two run into each other or something?”

  “Or something. He called me this afternoon and asked me to meet him. Had I known you were coming home I would have turned him down.”

  “So you two don’t have a relationship? You’ve never dated?”

  Natalie giggled, her mind still clouded with drink. “He dated me. I didn’t date him. But it’s nothing you need to be concerned about. That man means nothing to me. We had dinner, talked about him introducing me to the powers at Chanel who are looking for a new spokeswoman and then I met up with Frenchie and the girls. Now I’m home here with you.” She drew a warm hand across his crotch and his muscle jumped to attention. “And your friend,” she giggled.

  Tinjin took a third deep breath, holding it a brief moment before blowing it back out. He turned, lifting his arms to embrace her. He pulled her close, relishing the warmth of her body against his own. He pressed his lips to her forehead, kissing her sweetly.

  Natalie smiled, inhaling the sweet scent of his cologne as she closed her eyes and pressed her face into his chest. “I love you,” she murmured, the words barely an audible whisper. Minutes later she was sound asleep and Tinjin was watching her slumber, thinking about how much he loved her back.

  * * *

  “My head hurts!” Natalie muttered as she pulled a pillow over her face, rolling her back against the mattress.

  “You have a hangover.” Tinjin laughed.

  “I drank scotch. I hate scotch.”

  He eased his body back against the bed, pulling her into his arms. “Then stop drinking scotch!”

  “It’s all Frenchie’s fault! She made me.”

  Tinjin laughed.

  “Not so loud!” Natalie exclaimed.

  What’s on your agenda today?” he asked.

  “For the next two hours I’m going to nurse this migraine. Then I have a meeting this afternoon with a vendor who wants to buy advertising space on Pretty, Pretty.”

  “Are you going to Vivier’s cocktail party?”

  Natalie lifted one side of the pillow, meeting his stare with one open eye. “I was thinking about it. He promised to introduce me to Lagerfeld.”

  “Would you like to go with me?” Tinjin asked, his eyebrows raised.

  “You got an invitation?”

  He shook his head. “Why does that surprise you?”

  “I didn’t know you and Jean-Paul knew each other like that.”

  “Well, he invited me. He’s the investor I was telling you about. The one I was waiting for a response from. He’s promised to tell me tonight if he agrees to my terms.”

  “So you’re the designer he wants me to meet!” She suddenly sat upright, wincing from the pain that surged through her head.

  “He told you about me?”

  “He just said there was someone new he was thinking about investing in. But he’s also considering a deal with Jourdan Claude, which would definitely be a conflict of interest. So, he’s either playing one or both of you, or he’s up to something else.”

  “Now, that’s interesting to know.”

  “I don’t want you to do business with Jean-Paul,” Natalie said, meeting Tinjin’s deep g
aze. “He’s not a good fit for you. The man has no integrity.”

  “But you’re friends with him?”

  She shook her head. “He and I aren’t friends.”

  Tinjin studied her face for a moment. He leaned to kiss her mouth. “I’ll make you breakfast, then I need to run. I’m meeting with a leather distributor this afternoon.”

  “I saw your designs,” Natalie said. “They’re beautiful!”

  Tinjin grinned. “I’m excited about them. I can’t wait until the samples are finished and I can see them on your feet.”

  Natalie lifted both her legs upward. She wiggled her feet left and then right. “I can’t wait to see them on my feet, either!” she said.

  Tinjin ran a hand down the length of her leg. He tickled the backs of her knees as he pressed a kiss to her thigh. He shuddered, a chill racing through his body.

  “You really are a tease,” he said.

  Natalie grinned. “You’re the one with the hands. I’m not touching anything.”

  “You have a headache.”

  “It’s not that kind of headache!”

  He grinned back. “I’ve got to get to work. You are not pulling me back into this bed.”

  Natalie lowered her legs and parted her thighs. Her nakedness peeked from the bottom of her nightgown. She drew her index finger into her mouth, spinning her tongue across her manicured nail. Her gaze met the look he was giving her.

  Rising, Tinjin pulled off his clothes and threw them to the floor. They didn’t bother with foreplay. Towering above her, Tinjin entered her swiftly, burrowing himself deeply inside her. Natalie arched her back, pressing her shoulders hard against the mattress as she lifted her hips to meet him. Their loving was quick and dirty as he stroked her, in and out, up and down. His hands danced from one breast to the other as he squeezed the lush tissue, rolling the nipples between his thumb and forefinger. Natalie grabbed one hand and drew his fingers into her mouth, sucking each digit like a lollipop. The sensation tightened his muscles, his whole body weeping for release.

  Tinjin suddenly pulled himself from her as he flipped her onto her stomach. He lifted her onto her knees and entered her from behind. With one hand pressing hard against the back of her neck, pushing her shoulders downward as he held her by the waist, pulling her buttocks against him, he slammed in and out of her. Her body pulsed with pleasure, the lining of her sweet spot like a vice around his member. Her orgasm came first, her convulsions inciting his. Natalie cried out, his name rolling off her tongue again and again. His body clenched tight as she continued to push against him, pushing and pulling until she had milked him dry. They fell forward together, Tinjin dropping the wealth of his weight against her. They both panted heavily, the ripples of ecstasy refusing to let go.

  The second time he entered her he loved her slowly, savoring every sensation that swept between them. He relished the connection that had become a lifeline for them both.

  Hours later, when Tinjin rushed out the door, he wasn’t thinking about his meeting with the supplier or the drawings he’d left sprawled across the coffee table in her living room. All that was on his mind was getting back to Natalie, her Stallion heart holding him hostage.

  * * *

  There was attitude registered all over Natalie’s face. Jean-Paul stood in her living room with insolence spilling out of his eyes. An argument had come to an impasse, both determined to have their way.

  “I do not understand why you are being so difficult,” Jean-Paul hissed between clenched teeth.

  Natalie snapped back. “No one’s being difficult. I just refuse to be manipulated.”

  “This should be the happiest day of our lives, Natalia! I am trying to give you the world!”

  “I didn’t ask you to give me anything. There is no us and we are not going to have a life together, Jean-Paul. Sooner or later you’re going to need to get that through your thick skull.”

  The man bristled. “I am opening doors for you, Natalia! You should show me more appreciation. No one will love you the way I love you.”

  Natalie rolled her eyes. She blew a heavy gulp of air past her lips. “Does it not bother you in the least that I’m not in love with you, Jean-Paul? That I have never loved you?”

  He turned abruptly, crossing his arms over his chest. Jean-Paul said nothing as he ruminated over her comment. When he turned back to face her he could see the disdain across her face. He took a deep breath. “You have never allowed yourself to give me a chance, darling. All I ask is that you consider what we could have together, ma chère.”

  Natalie pursed her lips in a slight pout, annoyance clouding the look she was giving him. She knew that once Jean-Paul started with the terms of endearment, calling her sweetheart and honey in his native French, that he would soon be crying and begging for her favor. His theatrics were predictable and old.

  “What do you want from me, Jean-Paul?”

  “At least come to my party. Allow me to make the introductions I promised to make. Important people are expecting to meet you. You owe me that. Then we can talk more later. Maybe work things out between us and at least remain friends. Give me that.”

  Natalie reached for her cell phone. She pushed the speed dial number that would connect her to Tinjin. He answered on the second ring.

  “Hey, are you busy?”

  “I’m never too busy for you. What’s up?”

  “Are you still planning to go to Vivier’s party?”

  “Only if you’re going with me.”

  “I will only go if you want me there with you. Are you coming here first or do you want me to meet you?”

  “I can come get you.”

  Natalie smiled. “See you when you get here!”

  She disconnected the call and met the disapproving look Jean-Paul was giving her. She pointed toward her front door as she moved in the opposite direction.

  “Show yourself out, Jean-Paul. I have to go get ready for your party.”

  * * *

  Jean-Paul’s cocktail party included an eclectic mix of power players in the fashion industry. Both Tinjin and Natalie were acquainted or familiar with most of the individuals in the room. They arrived fashionably late, ensuring that their arrival was talked about. Side by side they were a stunning couple, both long, lean and meticulously attired.

  The dress Natalie wore was a Tin-men special, a one-of-a-kind creation that Tinjin had surprised her with. It was a tailored one-piece pantsuit in a navy-blue-and-white block print that she had paired with six-inch neon green stilettos. The garment fit her to a T, complementing her slim build, and was the talk of the night. Tinjin was handsomely attired in one of his own suits, the navy blue silk partnered with a blue dress shirt and matching necktie. Gucci loafers adorned his feet.

  They were noticed, and as they made the rounds, networking with other power players, photographers and paparazzi snapped their photo. Both knew that before the night was out their images would be all over the fashion blogs and websites. It would be the best kind of free advertisement.

  From the other side of the room Jean-Paul saw them enter together, arm in arm. There was a glow to Natalie’s face that he didn’t recall ever seeing before. When he saw her with that designer, Tinjin Braddy, he struggled to hide his surprise and keep a smile on his face. He strode quickly to their sides to greet them.

  “Natalia! Tinjin! Bonjour! Welcome to my event!” He was annoyingly loud and his tone was a hint abrasive.

  Tinjin extended his hand. “Jean-Paul, thank you for having us.”

  “It’s my pleasure. And of course, I’m sure you know that Natalia is one of my very favorite people!”

  Tinjin eased a possessive arm around her waist and gently pulled her against him. He leaned to kiss her forehead, pressing a damp kiss to her skin. “She is mine, as well,” he said as he locked eyes wi
th the man.

  Both could see Jean-Paul bristle, jealous anger washing over his expression. The man took a deep breath, fighting to contain his emotion. “Natalia, you didn’t tell me you had a personal relationship with Mr. Braddy.”

  Natalie pressed a warm palm against Tinjin’s chest. “I didn’t tell you because it’s none of your business, Jean-Paul,” she said, a bright smile on her face. She tilted her head ever so slightly, aware of the cameras pointed in her direction.

  There was a noticeable twitch over Jean-Paul’s eye and he clenched his fists tightly together at his sides. He twitched and then nodded his head. “Well, I need to go greet my other guests. You two enjoy your evening,” he said as he turned abruptly and rushed toward the other side of the room.

  Tinjin and Natalie tossed each other a quick look. “That was almost pleasant,” he said.

  “That man can’t be trusted,” she responded. “Don’t turn your back on him because if he gets the opportunity he will stab you in it. One day I’ll tell you about some of the things I’ve seen him do.”

  Tinjin laughed. He kissed her mouth. “I’m not worried about Jean-Paul,” he said.

  Natalie smiled as she hugged him close. Despite her casual expression, she couldn’t help but think that they needed to worry.

  An hour or so later Natalie and Tinjin stood in conversation with the team from Chanel. Laughter rang warmly as Tinjin told a joke. Both were making a very nice impression. The moment was interrupted when Jean-Paul called for everyone’s attention, moving to the front of the room as he waved his hands in the air for silence. They all turned to hear his speech.

  After thanking them for coming and extolling the talents of all in the room, he gestured to a man and woman standing off to the side to join him at the podium. He introduced Claude Von Brett and his wife Jourdan.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s really my honor to announce my recent partnership with Jourdan Claude. I will officially join the team as director of artistic development and we’re excited about the new line we will soon be bringing to you.”

  Tinjin sighed. He muttered in a loud whisper. “I guess I just got my answer about his investment.”