Sexual Persuasion

by Sinclair, Maryn

  “Ah, my first sexcap,” he said. “And now I need another nightcap.”

  “I enjoyed it every bit as much as you. Maybe we should patent the word.”

  “As long as no one else has the pleasure of the perpetrator.”

  “That sounds proprietary.”

  He wiped a bit of melted mascara from under her eye. “I know.”

  She studied him, waiting. When he didn’t speak, she said, “I’d better go. I have work tomorrow.”

  He kissed her long and hard. They dressed, and he drove her home. He followed her up to her apartment, made sure she was safe, and kissed her once more. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” Another peck on the cheek, and he hurried down the stairs.

  Though she didn’t verbalize it, Alex knew Charlotte was disappointed that he put off the promise to bare his soul this evening. Maybe he’d taken unfair advantage. Still, he accomplished one of his goals. One element of trust if not the other. She knew what he’d avoided, what it entailed. Just not the extent, with whom, or how many. He wanted to ask if it would make a difference if the rumors she’d heard were true. But he didn’t.

  It had been a long time since he’d felt this way about anyone, and he didn’t want to screw it up. Yet the word proprietary rang out like a gong clanging in a closed room. He needed to be careful.

  The scent of blood still lingered on his hands from that time so long ago. When he was young and reckless. When he played with another man’s heart.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Strange Bedfellows

  Alex took a sleeping pill the night before and woke with a headache. He knew he’d never sleep after the wonderful, confusing, erotic, disturbing―name a thousand conflicting adjectives―evening he’d spent with Charlotte, complicated by all the thoughts of Gianni that cluttered his mind.

  You’re fucked up, Andros. The fear that had attacked him earlier returned. Always confident, sure-of-himself, arrogant Alex Andros didn’t have a clue where to go from here, but he knew where he wanted to wind up. That would have to do until he figured it out later. He had business to attend to today.

  By the time he showered, dressed, and drank two cups of freshly brewed coffee, it was nine thirty. He took the chance that Branigan was home and dialed his number. A woman answered, but it wasn’t Emily Fallon. Housekeeper? He asked for Branigan.

  “He’s upstairs, and I believe he’s busy. Who’s calling?”

  “That’s all right. I have another call. I’ll get back to him.”

  “Suit yourself,” the woman said.

  Branigan’s house in Brookline looked like most of the small English Tudors in the area with immaculate grounds. Alex pulled up in front. A sports car similar to his sat in the driveway, next to a luxury SUV. He doubted he’d be there long. The housekeeper answered the door, but as she did, Emily Fallon barreled through with a leopard-print suitcase, a red nose, and a burgeoning black eye. Alex noted the absence of the garish bauble she had worn on her finger the night at the museum.

  “Hey, wait,” Alex called.

  “Let her go,” Branigan said, appearing as his housekeeper vanished inside. He wore a suit custom made to fit over his protruding belly. His angry, flushed face and slivered eyes portrayed a man with murder in his heart.

  “Sorry,” Alex said. “I guess I came at a bad time.”

  Branigan cocked his head toward the retreating Ms. Fallon, who was wiggling her spandexed ass into the expensive roadster. “There’s the leak. She was fucking Davidson, telling him all about stuff she overheard on the phone. After all I gave her, the little slut. The ring alone cost me more than the car she’s driving away in. I’ll get that back too when my man picks it up in the morning. She can go back to the little economy car she tooted around town in when I found her hostessing in a restaurant.” He waved a dismissive hand in her direction. “Good riddance.” Branigan puffed out something under his breath Alex couldn’t understand. “Come on in,” he said.

  Alex climbed the three stairs to the front door, but he didn’t step inside. “I’ve got someone checking into some things. If I’m right, Davidson’s in a lot of trouble.”

  “That son of a bitch needs to learn a lesson.”

  Leaning against the doorjamb, Alex said, “You’ve already tried to teach him one, haven’t you?”

  “What do you mean?” Branigan said, planting a steely-eyed glare on Alex.

  “Some guy with a deadly finger?”

  Branigan snorted. “Oh, him. Just a warning. If I’d’ve known about Emily then, my man would have paralyzed him.”

  “Good thing you didn’t. That wouldn’t have shut his mouth, which is what you and my boss have to worry about.”

  “You saying I should’ve silenced him permanently?”

  “No. What I said is you were smart not to do any more than you did. Not when Jack has information that could put you in prison. Hearsay, but still damaging.”

  “Put you there too, probably.”

  “The possibility isn’t lost on me.” Alex rubbed his chin. “Maybe it’s time to pay Jack a visit.”

  “Watch out. Emily said he has a thing for you.”

  Alex didn’t like the sound of that. “A thing?”

  “Not like that. Something about you taking his woman. Imagine, he’s banging that stripper and Emily, and he’s talking about this other woman, someone you’re seeing, I gather. It wouldn’t be that Stone woman, would it?”

  Alex’s sex life was none of Branigan’s business, but the lack of an answer didn’t stop him.

  “Lemme know if you’re not interested. I wouldn’t mind a crack at her myself, now that I’m free.” He laughed, poking Alex in the shoulder. “Just kidding.”

  Alex doubted that. “She’s not your type. Too old.”

  “You’re right, Andros. I like ’em young and innocent. Well, not too innocent, if you know what I mean.”

  Branigan broke into a belly laugh. Alex didn’t see the humor. He decided he didn’t like Mike Branigan. Emily Fallon was lucky to be rid of him.

  “I don’t know a hell of a lot about Davidson,” Branigan said, “but I can tell you this: an artichoke has a higher IQ. I knew his father. Smart man. That boutique hotel had a stellar reputation. Small, elegant, always rated five-star. Everyone important stayed there. Then his son took over, and it’s been going down ever since. I guess the apple fell off the tree and rolled into a ditch.”

  “Guess so,” Alex said.

  “So what’ve you got on him?”

  “Nothing yet.” Alex wouldn’t say anything before Tom Scruggs came up with some answers. He didn’t want Davidson to clean up things before he put his plan in place.

  “Well he’s screwing around with the wrong people. I do business with Max. You guys have been friends for years. You know what he’s like.”

  Alex wouldn’t discuss Max with anyone, least of all Branigan, who he didn’t trust as far as he could throw his two-hundred-fifty pounds. “I know he’s got my back. And I have his.”

  Branigan chuckled. “Always the lawyer, huh?”

  “That’s my job.”

  “So you interested in her?”

  Alex stared at him.

  “You know, the Stone woman.”

  “Gotta run. Sorry about Ms. Fallon, but I’m sure you’ll find someone else to warm your bed.”

  “Never a problem. Money talks, but it’d be a lot easier if I looked like you.”

  Alex couldn’t wait to get out of there. Ten minutes with Mike Branigan was ten minutes too long. Business made strange bedfellows. Knowing Max, he knew exactly who he climbed under the sheets with. He hoped Branigan didn’t sic Steel Finger on Davidson again. Not before Alex took him down. His way.

  He got in the car and called Davidson’s home phone. He’d pull the same trick to find out whether he was home.

  “Jack Davidson, please,” Alex said.

  “Mr. Davidson’s not home. May I take a message?”

  “Do you have a number where he can be reached?”
<
br />   “He said something about seeing an old friend in town.”

  “You wouldn’t know who, would you? It’s important I reach him.”

  “I can give you his cell number.”

  She did. Alex called, but it went to voice mail. “An old friend in town.” Davidson wouldn’t.

  But he might.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jack’s Diabolical Plan

  Charlotte had gone up to her apartment to make something for lunch when the muffled sound of Alex’s name over the intercom rose above the static of noon-hour street traffic. She hadn’t expected him, but she was glad he returned. Dreams filled her night, some erotic―those with Alex―others with Jack, scary in all his perverted glory. One woke her in a cold sweat: Alex embracing another man with Darcy in the background waving an I-told-you-so finger. Why would that creep into her subconscious?

  After one glance in the mirror to check her makeup, she eagerly released the downstairs door lock. She opened the door. “I’m so glad you decided―”

  Jack Davidson pushed through with a look of pure lust mixed with determination on his face. “Now don’t go ballistic. I only want to talk.”

  “I’m calling the police.” She moved to the phone, hoping to reach it without interference.

  “No, don’t.” He grabbed her arm. “Just listen. Please. I’m not mad at you for stomping the shit out of me. Really. I’m willing to forget the whole thing.”

  “I’m not.” Charlotte’s insides were trembling. Jack scared her. She yanked her arm away, making a break for the phone. “Let go of me.”

  “I wanted to apologize. I’ve been doing some stupid things lately. I don’t know what got into me. It’s that…I wanted you.”

  “You had me. Then you drugged me and dumped me, remember?”

  He moved to her. “That was a mistake. A stupid mistake. I wanted to set you free. Show you how exciting sex can be.”

  “Being knocked out, chained to a bed, and photographed in S and M gear is not exciting. It’s some sadistic fantasy you seem to enjoy, and I want no part of. I don’t need that in my life. I don’t need you in my life.”

  “So Alex Andros is the kind of guy you need?”

  “I don’t have to explain my needs to you as long as you understand they have nothing to do with you.”

  “What if I prove to you that Andros is and always has been gay? I haven’t been able to prove he’s Carpathian’s whore, but he’s gay. He’s never denied it, has he?” He pulled her around to face him. “Has he?”

  “What goes on between Alex and me is none of your business. Now get out. I will call the police, and I’ll file a harassment suit against you. Alex will be happy to represent me. He’ll ruin you.”

  “Not before I ruin him. He’s not only bent; he’s crooked. You can’t work for Carpathian and not be involved in everything from gambling to pornography to loan-sharking. He’s scum, and Andros is his mouthpiece.”

  Charlotte picked up the phone. Jack took it from her. “If I prove all that, will you give me another chance?”

  The doorbell buzzed before she answered.

  Charlotte wasn’t expecting anyone. It had to be Alex. He’d have gone into the store and found out she was upstairs having lunch.

  Jack tensed. “Don’t answer it.”

  Perfect. She didn’t want to answer it. Alex knew she was there. He knew her intercom didn’t need to be activated by her to hear what he said into the speaker. Her musings came to an end when she heard Alex’s voice. Now if she didn’t answer, what would he do? He couldn’t get through the front door. He’d wait. How long?

  “Charlotte?” Alex said.

  When she didn’t answer, he said, “Davidson, I know you’re there. If you want to be anonymous, you shouldn’t drive the only orange Italian sports car in town. Come out now, or I’ll call the police and tell them you’re holding a woman hostage. You’ll be arrested. Leave Charlotte’s apartment now. We can talk down here. Then you can walk.”

  Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. Alex knew, and he wouldn’t leave until Jack did. “You’d better go, Jack. I will file a complaint.”

  “You’re being lied to. Andros is queer, and I’m going to prove it.”

  “Even if I never met Alex, I still wouldn’t want anything to do with you. I don’t know how I could have had feelings for you. I must have been blind.”

  Dread clenched Charlotte’s stomach, but she found the courage to stand up to Jack without folding. “Now please go.” Her hands shook as she nudged by him on the way to the door. She thought about releasing the door downstairs but feared things might get out of hand in the apartment. Alex wouldn’t do anything on the street. Right now, she wanted Jack out of her house and out of her life. “If you don’t leave, I’ll let him up.” She stood with the door open and her finger on the release button.

  “You’re making a big mistake.”

  “You’re the big mistake I made.” She cocked her head to indicate the hallway. “Go.” She moved aside, and Jack walked past without looking at her. After she closed the door, she leaned her back against it and drew deep breaths to calm the tremors that had invaded her body.

  * * * * *

  Alex waited for Jack outside. “You’re not too smart, Jack. For one thing, you refuse to take no for an answer.”

  “She’ll change her mind when she finds out what you are. Why don’t you stop trying to hide and come out of the closet? It’s not fair to play with a woman like Charlotte to prove you’re straight. Be who you are.”

  “You know, I don’t give a shit what you or anyone else thinks I am. I know. Charlotte knows. What’s more intriguing is who you are. Do you know who that is?” Jack seemed taken aback by the question. Alex decided to push it further. “You’re much too interested in my sex life. Why? You’re not having doubts about your own sexuality, are you?”

  Color rose in Jack’s cheeks. “I…I don’t know what you mean.”

  Alex stepped closer to Jack. So close he touched Jack’s arm. He kept his voice down, conspiratorial. “Sure you do. You want to know what it’s like to make it with another man. To feel his cock in your ass.” Alex whispered in Jack’s ear. “To feel your cock in his. I can see it on your face.”

  “No.” Jack took a step back, glanced down the street. He turned back to Alex. He paused, appeared to be thinking. “Okay, if I’m being honest, yeah, I’m curious. Maybe you could help me out?” He bit hard on his lower lip, sucking it inside his mouth. “You know. Show me.”

  Alex couldn’t have planned this better if he tried. Jack’s offer was the missing link. In one brief moment, everything fell into place. “You want to know?” He rubbed his chin. “Maybe I could help, but only if it’s between you and me.” He watched Jack’s reaction. Surprise? Enthusiasm? A hint of fear?

  Jack nodded, still appearing to think. “Okay. Between you and me.”

  “You’re not my usual type. I like my men burlier, full of testosterone. But since you’re so curious, we could set something up. Not tonight, though. Tonight I’ll be with Charlotte.” Alex glanced down. A bulge rose in Jack’s groin, and he did everything but drool. This would be easier than he thought.

  “What do you say my hotel?” Jack said. “I’ll reserve the Presidential Suite. Name the time.”

  Alex thought. “Tomorrow night. Ten o’clock. Oh, and bring plenty of condoms. Your pecker has been too many places. By the way, thanks to you, Emily Fallon is now a free woman.”

  “What does that mean? What’s Emily got to do with anything?”

  “Just that Branigan kicked her out when he learned she’d whispered his deal into your ears. There weren’t many people who could have told you things you shouldn’t know. It was a no-brainer. Emily finally broke down and admitted being the snitch. If you ever decide to make her ramblings public, since they’re nothing but conjecture on her part, I advise you to buy a quick ticket out of the States to someplace safe. Like Somalia.” Alex clipped him under the chin. “See you tomorrow.
Ten. Looking forward to showing you a new experience. Oh, but knowing you, you’re probably putting me on. You’ve been fucked in the ass before, I’m sure.” He smiled and pressed the intercom. With his eyes on Jack, he said, “It’s me, for real.” The buzzer sounded, and after it clicked open, Alex winked at Jack before disappearing through the door.

  Chapter Twenty

  An Appetizer to Dinner

  Alex stopped on the stairwell and called Tom Scruggs. Tom told him what he’d already found out. Alex said there’d be a slight change of plans and told Tom what else he wanted done. Time would be tight, but Tom thought he could do what Alex wanted. Both agreed the plan could work. Things were falling into place, but he needed a little help from Charlotte.

  She opened the door and held out her hands to show her shakes. “I’m so glad you’re here. Can you believe the gall of the man?”

  “Did he hurt you?”

  She shook her head. Her face was flushed, and Alex thought she looked more beautiful than ever.

  “I found out he was here by accident. Process of elimination, really. I guessed right.”

  “Jack is obsessed. He doesn’t really want me. He just doesn’t like to be turned down. And he doesn’t want you to have me. It offends his male ego.”

  No, he wants me, even if it’s to prove a point to you. Alex needed Charlotte to pull off his plan, but he thought he’d wait to ask for her help until after Tom confirmed he could do what needed to be done.

  “I’m making lunch. Are you hungry?”

  He tried to ignore the rise and fall of her chest, the spicy fragrance of Opium, the sexy bump on her nose, and tiny mole on the tip of her lip. Her gorgeous, bountiful body. All that was beyond his control. “For you,” he said. She came close and cupped his bottom, pulling him to her. He felt her nipples harden against him.

  She lifted her gaze, and a wicked smile curled her lips. “Then have me for lunch.”

  “A man couldn’t get a better offer.” He unbuttoned her blouse and slid it off her shoulders, taking in the soft, creamy skin, the graceful turn of her collarbone, the translucent blue of the pulsing vein in her neck. He brushed his lips there and felt the light throbbing. “I want you, and I want you now.”