by A. L. Zaun
Copyright © 2014 by A.L. Zaun
All rights reserved.
Edited and interior designed by Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing
Cover designed by Robin Harper, Wicked by Design
Photography by Tomasz Zienkiewicz, Tomasz Zienkiewicz Photography
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Preface
“If she’s amazing, she won’t be easy.
If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing.
If she’s worth it, you won’t give up.
If you give up, you’re not worthy.
Truth is everyone is going to hurt you.
You just gotta find the one worth suffering for.”
~Bob Marley
Chapter 1
Madison
I needed to get out of Miami and away from the constant reminders. I’d broken my only rule—no attachments. What the hell was I thinking? The elevator doors opened, and for a split second, I thought I’d see him standing by the desk, tapping his fingers on the counter as he waited for me. My heart beat with anticipation as a warm flush touched my cheeks, but I quickly forced that thought out of my head.
That would be ridiculous anyway. It was Saturday morning, his day for wooing and manipulating Daniela to fall back in love with him. After months of breaking down her resolve, he was probably sealing the deal at this very moment.
Wearing dark sunglasses, I stepped out into the lobby with my head held high. My blonde hair was pulled back into a chignon. I was dressed appropriately for the occasion with my white button-down blouse and tailored navy wool slacks. My carry-on rested on my shoulder while I held my camel cashmere coat in the crook of my arm. I pulled my rolling suitcase behind me as I made my way toward the door, leaving behind the memories. I was off to erase them permanently.
Walter, the best doorman I’d ever known, got up from behind his desk and rushed to help me. “Good morning, Ms. Stuart,” he said enthusiastically as he took my luggage. “I can call the valet and have your car brought up, if you’d like.”
I nodded slightly and responded in a flat tone, “Thank you, Walter, but that won’t be necessary.” I kept my gaze forward, trying to steady my racing heart.
Normally, Walter and I would engage in friendly small talk, but today, I wasn’t in the mood. I needed to get away, and surprisingly, I was finding this harder than I’d expected.
He stepped aside, allowing me to walk out first. The town car was at the curb, waiting to take me to the airport.
“Ms. Stuart, are you, uh…going on a trip?” he asked, coming up quickly beside me. “I can make arrangements to have someone look over your things while you’re gone.” He handed my luggage to the driver. “When will you be back?”
Walter had always been polite, professional, and efficient, except when it had come to Rick Marin. One of my miscalculations had been having Rick wait for me in the lobby before our morning runs. Of course, the man who was capable of holding a conversation with a plant would befriend Walter and schmooze him for favors. As such, I couldn’t trust Walter with the truth.
I doubted Rick would bother coming by while I was gone, but on the off chance that he did, I didn’t want him knowing where I was or if I’d ever be back. As far as I was concerned, my temporary inconvenience had expired, and the time had come to move on. I had been Team Rick until I wasn’t, and that was now.
I glanced up at Walter, and then I got into the car. “I’ll be gone indefinitely,” I lied, shifting in my seat. I faced forward and clasped my hands together to keep them from trembling. “I’ve made arrangements, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Thank you for everything, Walter. It’s been a pleasure.”
“Ms. Stuart, I hope you change your mind, and the pleasure has been mine.”
He closed the door, and the car pulled away from the curb. I didn’t look back. Instead, I swallowed the lump suffocating me as I closed my eyes and tried to stifle the ache in my chest. I slowly opened my eyes and stared out the window as I composed myself.
“Good morning, ma’am,” the nondescript driver said. “Just need to confirm you’re on American Airlines Flight 1137 to LaGuardia?”
“Yes,” I responded, barely acknowledging him. For the life of me, I couldn’t recall his name. It wasn’t like me not to know these things. My life was spiraling out of control, and I desperately needed to reel it in.
This was an impromptu trip. I hadn’t made a single arrangement other than booking my flight and the car service to pick me up. I’d become one of those ridiculously weak women who annoyed the living shit out of me.
I wasn’t running away, I convinced myself. I was going home for an overdue visit. I pulled out my phone and tapped out the familiar number. It rang maybe twice before I heard the deep raspy voice that had comforted me throughout my entire life. Whatever resolve I had was gone. A lone tear made its way down the side of my face. I blinked my eyes rapidly as I wiped it away.
“Darling, it’s so good to hear from you,” he said.
I exhaled slowly, calming my emotions. “Good morning.” I whimpered involuntarily. I steadied my gaze and focused. I can do this. I’m Madison Stuart. I have the world by the balls, and I’m not going to let one asshole derail me.
“Maddy, darling, are you all right?” His words were filled with concern.
“Yes, I’m sorry. It’s just so good to hear your voice. I just got a little teary. I really miss you.”
He chuckled warmly, his tone softening. “My dear, darling Maddy, I’ve missed you. Your seat was empty at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We agreed you would come home for the holidays. You were sorely missed.”
He was wonderful at laying the guilt trip in his own way, so it didn’t feel like a reproach even though it was.
I rolled my eyes. “I beg to differ with you on that. I doubt anyone other than you noticed I wasn’t there. The only call I received either day was from you, and as I explained to you then and am repeating now, I was working on a project that required my attention. It’s finished, so guess what? I’m on my way right now to spend a few days with you.” I left out the part where I’d planned to spend a few days in New York City doing whatever it would take to get Rick Marin out of my system.
“I want to hear about this proj
ect that kept you away. I’ve done a little checking up on you with corporate, and they’re very excited about your performance—as they should be. You’re a Stuart.”
“I learned from the best. Now, please, I’m coming home for pleasure, not business. No shoptalk allowed. I’m arriving at the airport now, so I have to let you go. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Dinner at Mark’s, seven o’clock,” he stated with his unwavering tone. It wasn’t a request, and that was fine. I trusted him. He knew how far to push. “I’ll send Nelson to pick you up at the airport.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you soon.” My eyes were closed as I rocked gently.
“Maddy?” he asked.
I stilled myself with my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes, Grandfather?”
“I love you, darling,” he said tenderly. “I can’t wait to see you.”
“I love you, too,” I choked out, wiping the tears that had rebelled against my resolve. “I’ll text Nelson with the details.”
I placed my phone on my lap and ran my hands over my hair, making sure it was neatly in place. “Pull it together,” I mumbled to myself. I took in a few cleansing breaths as I desperately tried to clear my head. “You’re Madison Stuart. You’re in control. You know what you want, and you live life on your terms.”
As we were pulling up to the terminal, I reached for my phone to make one more call. I straightened in my seat and tapped his number before I brought the phone to my ear.
“Hello?” he answered groggily. “Madison, what’s up?”
“Good morning, Bruce. I’m sorry to wake you, but I’m calling in a favor.” My words shot out quick and to the point. I was all business.
“Uh, okay…What?” he stammered. “Um, I mean, is everything okay?”
“Bruce, I need you to cover for me over the next few days. I’m sorry for the short notice, but I’m at the airport and on my way out of town.”
Bruce Miller was my number one bartender at Martini Bar where I was the manager. The man was a genius at mixing drinks, following orders, and making things happen. He was also easy on the eyes, and both women and men loved him.
On his nights alone, the bar would easily average thirty percent more in sales. He could read people better than anyone else I knew, and he used that skill behind the bar. He wasn’t the only one with that talent though. It had become a game we’d play, watching the patrons as they mingled or stirred their drinks. He’d call them as he saw them. I should have listened to him the day Rick walked into Martini Bar, looking like a train wreck. Bruce had seen the asshole while I’d envisioned a challenge.
I usually didn’t work on Mondays, but on that one in particular, I had to go in for a meeting with Roger, the regional director, and Mason, my brother, the heir extraordinaire. Dressed in a conservative navy suit with my hair pulled back, I wowed their pants off. Yes, they’d thought I was just a pretty face who was going to make a complete fool of herself, managing a lounge during a down economy in a city saturated with failing bars and clubs. I sat back in my chair with my hand under my chin while Mason’s lips formed a flat, tight line. His eyes shifted down as he stuffed his laptop in its case. I couldn’t wait for them to jump on the next plane back to New York.
As soon as they walked out of my office, I closed the door, let down my hair, and shook my head. I took off the blazer and unbuttoned my blouse to reveal the perfect amount of cleavage. I was in the mood to celebrate.
I walked out onto the floor when I saw him push through the door and make his way to the bar. His hair was tousled, and his eyes were downcast, but he oozed unbridled heat. He stood with his arms stretched out on the bar, waiting for Bruce. I was in such a good mood I didn’t even care that Bruce was ignoring him. It actually gave me a chance to study Rick for a bit.
Bruce finally took Rick’s order before coming over to me.
“Tell me, Bruce, why are you purposely making a customer wait?” I asked, leaning against the bar.
“That asshole? He can wait.” Bruce smirked, furrowing his brow. “So, how’d your meeting go? By the looks of your cleavage and that little glimmer in your eye, I’d say it went well.”
“It went better than well, and I’m going to celebrate.” I fixed my eyes on one disheveled asshole. “Go provide good customer service. It looks like he’s had a bad day.”
“You’re looking at him like you’re about to devour him,” Bruce said with a wink. “Madison on the prowl is hot. He won’t stand a chance, but let it go on record that I declared him an asshole.”
“Give him his drink,” I said, stepping back from the bar. “Oh…” I turned back around, staring Bruce straight in the eye. “Don’t make me pull out the organizational chart again. Mention my cleavage again, and I’ll fire you. Or worse, I’ll have you do inventory with dyslexic Arnie.”
Bruce and I had a very good working relationship. We understood each other for the most part, but Bruce occasionally needed some reminding of who was running the show.
I took my time, eyeing the mysterious man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I never limited myself. I walked around, perusing the crowd and making sure everything was running perfectly. Martini Bar was a well-oiled machine. I was damn proud of what I’d accomplished here. We were located off of Brickell and catered to a professional crowd. They came after work, hungry and thirsty, and I made sure we met their needs. I couldn’t wait to share the good news with Grandfather, so I dashed back to my office to make the call.
When I was finishing up on the phone, I noticed on the monitor that Chris Giordano was talking to my lonely patron. This is perfect. Chris was in marketing, catering primarily to the nightclub industry. We’d worked together on a few events. He was a good guy with a reputation for being a bit of a man-whore. He liked to fuck, but who was I to judge? I liked a good fuck, too. Our relationship had always been very professional, and lines were never crossed. I didn’t shit where I ate—not anymore anyway.
I meandered around the bar until I came up and rested my hand on Chris’s shoulder. I said hello as I looked over at the stray puppy, catching a glance of his hazel eyes, before he returned to stare at his drink.
“So, Chris, are you going to introduce me to your friend?” I asked, cocking my head to get a better view..
“Sure. Madison Stuart, this is Rick Marin. Rick, this is Madison. She’s the manager,” Chris said before taking another swig of his drink.
Rick looked up at me, tilting his head to the side. “Madison,” he said impassively.
“Yes, Madison,” I said, locking eyes with him, “as in the Avenue.”
He chuckled rudely. “Madison, as in the Avenue, I’m not buying what you’re selling.”
“Who said I was selling anything?” Bruce is right—this guy is an asshole. But he oozes sex appeal from every cell in his body.
“Maddy”—Rick sat back in his stool— “I know what you want.” He reached for his drink, polished off the glass, and leaned over toward me.
“Oh, really? You think you know what I want?” I huffed. He’s rude and arrogant. “And don’t call me Maddy.”
“Maddy,” he said slowly, “I know exactly what you want.”
His eyes traveled erotically up my body as if they were mapping out the path his hands or maybe his tongue would take. I could feel the sensation of his visual touch, and my heart started beating faster.
“You’re standing there with your tits begging me to reach out and rub them, lick them, and pinch them.”
I kept my gaze neutral, but as much of an arrogant son of a bitch as he was being, he was fucking hot. I could overlook this bullshit just to feel his dick inside me. However, I’d never give him the time of day afterward.
“You want me to stick my hand in your pants right now and feel your pussy, and I know it’s wet.” He set his glass on the bar. “And you know I can find your G-spot and make you come right here in front of everyone.”
I licked my lower lip and bit it ever so softly. He wasn’t worth
the fuck, but something in his eyes caught my attention. “You’re an asshole.” Smiling, I looked him square in the eye. “I like you. Bruce, get Rick another drink—on the house.”
He was lucky I was in a good mood. Otherwise, I would have put him in his place.
I went about my own business when I saw a blonde approach him. This should be interesting. She was angry and going off on him. That’s exactly what he deserves. The only thing I got from their conversation was that he needed to stay away from some woman. That would explain his not-so-charming personality and his disastrous state of being.
Bruce grabbed his bar towel from his back pocket and walked over to where I stood.
“You’re kidding. You didn’t get enough of tall, dark, and asshole?” Bruce asked, glancing over at Rick and then rolling his eyes.
“You’re right,” I agreed. “He’s an asshole. You get a point for that one, but there’s something about his eyes. I really don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the color.”
“His eyes are the color of stagnant lake water. He’s not a stray dog, and if he were, please take him straight to animal control.” Bruce shook his head and threw his bar towel over his shoulder.
“He needs help, and I enjoy charity work.” I couldn’t help myself. I felt sorry for the bastard.
“Don’t tell me you’re going to fuck him,” Bruce sneered.
“Not a chance in hell,” I replied, fixing my eyes on Rick. “But I’d love to teach him a lesson on respect, boundaries, and the proper ways to treat a woman.”
I pushed back from the bar and strolled up behind Rick. Leaning against his shoulder, I said, “You need what I’m selling, but it’s not what you think.”
“Really?” He ran his finger around the rim of the empty glass.
“I told you that I like you.” I straightened up. God, he smells good. “I’m going to help you with this girl who has you in such an unpleasant disposition.”
He turned toward me as his lip pulled up on one side. “And why would you do that?”
“I told you already. I like you,” I said, winking. “And well, you look like you need some help.” I wasn’t sure if he was capable of rehabilitation, but I knew I was going to enjoy knocking him off the pedestal he was perched on.