by Tawny Taylor
I felt a slight chill work up my spine. “Oh.”
“Listen,” he cupped my sizzling cheek. “You have nothing to worry about. Jordan and I have discussed everything. He won’t try anything.”
“He better not.”
His thumb dragged across my lower lip. “I can’t be at your side the whole night. You’ll tell me if he says or does anything out of line.”
A big lump of something hard coagulated in my throat. “Are you expecting him to say something?”
“No. Not at all.”
That lump didn’t go away. “Okay. If he does, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Good.” He kissed me again. This kiss was sweet and tender. My heart was doing somersaults by the time it was over. He cupped my cheek and thumbed my lower lip again, which was still tingling. “I’m glad you’re coming with me tonight.”
“Me too.”
The car rolled to a stop.
We were there already?
I glanced out the window. We were parked outside of a large hotel. There were limos in front of us and behind us. We were most definitely in the right place.
But…the ride had been too short. I wasn’t mentally prepared to face Jordan or the billionaires and zillionaires attending tonight’s little event. I saw, as the driver opened our door, Shane had on his serious businessman game face. He had me step out first then followed me.
As we approached the building’s entry, my gaze jumped from one stranger to another. Women sparkling with jewels and gorgeous evening gowns strolled majestically toward the entry. Men knotted up in tuxedos accompanied them.
“This way,” Shane whispered, steering me toward the entry.
Before we reached it, someone called out, “Shane Trant?” It was a female’s voice.
Shane stopped. I turned to watch him greet the woman. She was breathtakingly gorgeous. Well dressed. Well groomed. A string of diamonds glittered at her neck. And a huge stone of some kind caught the light as she lifted her hand to give him a hug. A camera flash blinded me for a moment, a photographer capturing Shane and the woman embracing.
“It’s been such a long time,” the woman said, beaming at him as she smoothed her hand down his arm. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me.” She fiddled with Shane’s tie. The intimate gesture made my insides clench.
He gently moved her hands away, lips curling into a ghost of a smile. I knew that expression. I knew it well. My clenched insides twisted. “I could never forget you.”
The woman was pleased by his words. Me, I wanted to get back in the car and go home. I could never forget you. I wondered exactly how much he remembered about her. And how many others he remembered too.
Here I was, all dressed up, pretending this wasn’t the most awkward moment of my life, while that beautiful, rich woman reminded Shane of days gone by. Or maybe it was nights gone by.
How many hours of this would I have to endure?
Ever so discretely, Shane glanced my way. Evidently he could read my body language. He excused himself.
As he returned to my side to escort me into the building, he dipped his head and whispered in my ear, “It isn’t what you think.”
“Are you a mind reader?” I whispered back, forcing a smile.
“I don’t have to be. I can see what you’re thinking. It’s all over your face.”
I amped up the wattage of my fake smile. “What are you talking about? I’m smiling. I’m happy. See?”
His chuckle was low and rumbly. “You can’t lie to me, Bristol.”
Watch me try.
He gave me one last assessing look. “Are you ready to meet a few of our biggest contributors?”
“Sure. Lead on.” I swept my arm across my body.
With his hand on my back, he did just that, escorting me from one small group of attendees to another. I felt awkward, standing silent while Shane chattered away. I’d never seen him so talkative. It was a different side of him, one I hadn’t realized he possessed. I gathered more than my share of curious glances. But other than that I was mostly ignored. I was a trophy date, there to stand by his side and look good and smile on cue. I played my part to the best of my ability until a man came up to us, muttered something about getting started to Shane then hurried away.
Shane pulled me aside, away from anyone who might overhear. “Okay, this is it. In a few minutes I’m going to take you to our table, and then I’m going to make my presentation. You’ll be on your own for just a little while.”
“I can handle it.” I glanced around. “Though I’d like to make a visit to the restroom to wash my hands first.”
“Very well. It’s this way.” Shane helped me maneuver through the thickening crowd out in the hallway. I found the women’s room and ducked inside, grateful for a little anonymity and a break from the pressure of being on display. Even though I didn’t have to go, I locked myself in a stall and took a few deep breaths. While I was in there I heard the door open and close, footsteps, high heels clacking on stone tile.
Voices.
“Did you see the one he’s with tonight? Shane Trant. With that little…nothing? I can hardly believe it. He could have brought any woman he wanted, but he brought her? What rock did he dig her out from under?”
Rock?
“I don’t know,” said a second voice. “Ever since his wife died he’s been a wreck. He’s got someone new on his arm practically every week. But that’s okay. I can be patient. I know he’ll come back to me when he’s ready to settle down.”
That one sounded pretty damn sure of herself. I wondered if there was a reason for her confidence. What if what they said was true? Maybe I was a nobody, a passing fancy, a little fling, a distraction. Maybe when Shane was ready for something real, something beyond the whips and chains and yes, sirs, he would look for someone else.
Someone like that woman out in the lobby.
Someone totally unlike me.
The second woman added, “I just hope that girl’s clean, if you know what I mean. He doesn’t like condoms.” The women giggled. “I mean, I’m sure he goes to the doctor regularly, but when he’s ready to put a ring on my finger, I’m going to insist he have some tests run.”
Ring? There had to be a reason why that bitch figured she’d be the one to wear his ring someday.
“What are you going to do if the tests come back positive?” asked the other woman.
“I’ll figure out something. No way I’m going to turn down that bank account.”
More giggles.
Bitches.
And I was willing to bet they thought I was just like them, only after him for his money. They were wrong. Wrong!
“Did you hear the rumor?” Bitch Number One asked. “I heard People is going to make your Shane their most eligible bachelor this year.”
“That’s fine. He can be their eligible bachelor this year. Next year, he won’t qualify.”
Louder giggles.
God, it was no wonder Shane was trigger-shy when it came to women.
I considered hiding in the stall and waiting for those two money-grubbing bitches to leave, but I decided I wanted to face them head-on. I pushed open the door, met their shocked gazes. I recognized one of the two women right away. She was the one who’d accosted Shane when we’d first arrived.
So you think he’s going to marry you?
Within a split second, the surprise was gone, replaced by cool, assessing glares that irritated me instead of intimidated me.
Those bitches thought they knew Shane.
They thought they could control him.
They didn’t know a damn thing.
I smiled. It wasn’t a fake one. It was one hundred percent genuine. “Hello,” I said, smile at full wattage. “I’m sure Shane can tell the difference between someone who’s interested in him versus his money. He’s not a stupid man.”
Feeling much better, I touched up my lips, fluffed my hair and headed out to the ballroom. Shane intersected me just inside the entran
ce and escorted me to the front table. After making sure I was comfortable, he gave me a little wink and left.
I glanced left and right. No sign of either woman from the bathroom. I was relieved. Sure, I’d put Miss Rich Bitch in her place, and I was feeling quite powerful for having done so, but I didn’t know what she’d do, given some time to plan her retribution. I expected she’d say or do something tonight.
What I hadn’t expected was what came next.
Or rather, I should say, who.
“Bristol, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Jordan, Shane’s old friend took the seat beside me.
Oh, this was just…perfect.
Sure, Shane had warned me Jordan would be there. But he hadn’t told me I’d be forced to sit next to him.
“Hello.” I gave him a polite smile then turned to the woman who was seated a couple of chairs away. Unfortunately, she was engaged in a conversation with the man next to her. My gaze moved to the next pair of people, two women, also chatting with each other. And the next three seats were empty, as was the seat meant for Shane.
That left only me and Jordan.
“Shane is so much better at this kind of thing than I am,” he said, resting an arm over the back of my chair.
“Isn’t that good for you?” I said, leaning forward. This was awful. Awkward and uncomfortable. I didn’t know which would be better, ignoring him or making small talk.
I went with ignoring him at first. But after having to knock his hand off my shoulder several times, I concluded it might be better to keep him busy by talking so he’d stop touching me. “Shane told me you’re old friends.”
“Yes, very old. We met in sixth grade. His family moved into the house across the street from mine. We went to the same high school and college. Then, after we graduated, we went into business together. We’ve been partners ever since.”
“That’s a long time. I haven’t spoken with any of my friends from grade school in ages.”
“Shane is like a brother to me, the brother I never had.”
“I see.”
He leaned closer, completely invading my personal space bubble. “You’re a very beautiful woman. I can understand why he’d like to keep you to himself. For now. But in time he’ll change his mind. He always does.”
I scooted my chair away from his. “Don’t be so sure about that.”
He chuckled. “I’ve known Shane a lot longer than you.”
“True, but I know myself much better than you do, and I’m telling you that I won’t allow him to share me. Not with you. Not with anyone.”
He scooted his chair next to mine again and angled toward me. I was really getting annoyed, and I made sure he knew it. Ignoring my squinty glare, he said, “The last girl we shared said the same thing. Now, she’s begging us for another night.”
I bit my lip against the temptation to shoot back a sarcastic comeback. I could see, by the dark glitter in his eyes, that he was baiting me. He wanted to keep me talking.
So I decided to go back to the silent treatment.
Even when he was practically sitting on top of me.
And his hand was inching toward my shoulder again.
And his breath was warming my neck.
And when he whispered in my ear, commenting on Shane’s tense expression as he gave his presentation.
Yes, Shane had given us a glare. And yes, he was looking like he might spit nails once he was finished giving his rah-rah speech for the attendees. I was trying my best to discourage his so-called old friend. I couldn’t be blamed for Jordan’s inappropriate behavior.
The minute Shane wrapped up his speech and shook the hands of the man who’d introduced him, he was at our table. He took my hand in his, and was pulling me from my chair, when Jordan said, “Shane, wonderful speech.”
Shane didn’t respond. At least, not verbally.
“Please tell me you aren’t leaving already?” Jordan added, his lips curled into an evil smile.
“We have another engagement to attend,” Shane snapped. He hurried me out of the building, saying nothing until we were in the car. Once we were seated he mumbled, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I figured I’d just ignore him because I was getting the impression it was fairly useless arguing with him. I know he’s an old friend of yours, but he’s an arrogant ass.”
“You’re not the first person to tell me that,” he grumbled as he leaned back.
“I get the impression you have some problems with him.”
“I do.”
That was a short answer. Much too brief. I would have liked to ask more, but his expression said, don’t go there. After this conversation, I really wanted to know more. Especially why they shared women if they didn’t get along so well, but I let it drop for now. “Your presentation was wonderful,” I said, hoping it would perk up his mood a bit.
“Thank you.”
“You’re a very dynamic speaker. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was.”
“I’ve done a few of these things. It’s not such a big deal.”
“Says you. I would’ve been stuttering and stammering if it had been me.”
“Then I’ll give you a few pointers when the time comes.”
“I have no intention of giving a presentation anytime soon, though I do appreciate the offer.”
“You never know…” He gave me a lopsided grin that had me second guessing his meaning. Did he know I’d lost my job? Was he thinking of offering me a position with his company? I decided not to ask.
“Come here. I want to talk about something.” He pulled me onto his lap so I was facing him, my bent legs straddling his hips. He skimmed a hand up my thigh. “I heard about what you said to Alexis.”
“That’s her name, huh? Suits her. But--”
“I’m proud of you, Bristol.”
I blinked. “You are?”
“Very.”
“But isn’t she a potential contributor?”
Looking unconcerned, he shrugged. His lips curled into a smile that hinted at wicked secrets. “She’s too smart to let something like a little insult get between her and a big tax deduction.”
Returning his smile, I rested my arms on his shoulders. My fingers tangled in his silky hair. “Do you know what she said about you?”
“I know exactly what she’s up to. I’d be a fool not to check out any woman I have a relationship with. I need to know what her motivations are.”
Relationship. He’d had a relationship with that woman. A sick feeling settled in my belly. There was a reason for Alexis to believe she would be wearing Shane’s ring one day.
Was that reason over? Had he moved on?
Did I even have the right to ask him that?
As if he read my mind, he pinched my chin. “Bristol, what I had with Alexis is over. There’s no one else. I told you that. I wasn’t lying.”
No one for now.
He pulled my chin, coaxing me into a kiss. His lips were soft, the kiss patient and gentle. His other hand, the one resting on my thigh, began wandering up, toward my hip. A soft throbbing started beating between my legs. My tender tissues were resting against the rigid bulge in his pants. And, with every caress of his lips, that throb grew in intensity. My breaths were becoming shorter, faster. Little mini gasps. I parted my lips, pulling in air, and Shane’s tongue swept inside my mouth, filling it with his decadent flavor.
My moan filled our joined mouths, echoing in my head.
My tongue tangled with his, and they stroked and stabbed and explored until we were both tense and breathless. When the kiss ended, I had two fists full of his hair and was rocking my hips back and forth, grinding myself against him. And Shane’s eyes were dark, his gaze full of hard male wanting.
For some reason, the question, “Did you check me out too?” slipped out as I squirmed and writhed.
His hands cupped my buttocks, kneading their softness. “You’re a special case.”
I stilled. “What does that mean?”
“It means…I’m not worried about you trying to manipulate me for my money.”
“And that’s a good thing.” Smiling wickedly, I rubbed my warm tissues against the rigid lump in his pants.
He growled. It was a sexy sound that made every nerve in my body tingle. “A very good thing.” Using his hands, which were cupping my bottom, he stilled me. “You are insatiable.”
“Only with you.”
“Which makes me very happy. But you’ll wait.”
I made a sad face.
“You’ll be glad you did. I promise.” He kissed my nose. It was a silly gesture. And sweet. And it made my heart go pitter-patter.
He eased me off his lap. “I suppose that wasn’t helping.”
“It wasn’t hurting either.”
He laughed. How I adored that sound. I hoped I’d hear it for many months, many years. “Bristol, I’m so very glad we ran into each other that day.”
“Me too, Shane.”
Chapter 3
The rest of the drive was pure agony. We’d had such a nice conversation in the car, I was feeling closer to Shane than I’d ever felt. He was opening up to me, letting me see glimpses of the man he really was—the one some people, like Alexis, might never see. I felt like I was the luckiest woman alive.
When the car rolled to a stop outside of his house, he gave me a wicked I’m-going-to-eat-you-up look and every cell in my body ignited. Oh yes, this was going to be a night to remember.
Shane started things off by saying, “I have something very special planned for you tonight.”
“I can’t wait.”
In, we went. In the front door, down the hallway, to the room he’d shown me on our first date. That night I’d called it his torture room. But after a brief introduction to the pleasures that room promised, I’d re-named the room the pleasure palace, even though I was fully aware of the fact that there would be times when I was punished instead of pleasured. It was all part of the game. And, as I was beginning to understand, the anticipation of a punishment was almost as thrilling as the anticipation of pleasure. The punishment added a level of danger to my experiences. It turned out, I kind of liked that.