by Pamela Yaye
“What if Allie’s part of the 17 percent who don’t make it?” she asked quietly.
Stumped, Tatiyana couldn’t think of a response. Researching her niece’s condition at the hospital library had alleviated her fears, but Jantel was convinced the diagnosis was a death sentence. The surgery was thousands of dollars, money their family didn’t have, but if Tatiyana had to remortgage her home to pay for Allie’s procedure, so be it. That was the least of her problems. Tatiyana was worried sick about Jantel. These days, her mood was hopeless, and Tatiyana feared her depression was getting worse. She hardly ate, refused to take her antidepressant medication and spent hours in bed staring at the ceiling. They were going to meet with Dr. Chopra next week, even if she had to drag Jantel to the clinic. Her sister was drowning in despair, spiraling out of control, and Tatiyana had to do something to help her.
“Jantel, nothing’s going to happen to Allie, and nothing’s going to happen to you,” she said in a firm voice. “You’ll get through this. You’re a Washington, and Washingtons are fighters. Never forget that.”
“I’m tired of fighting.”
Panic swelled inside Tatiyana’s chest. Every breath was a struggle, harder than the last.
Jantel raised her head, meeting her gaze, and Tatiyana froze. She saw the hurt, the pain in her sister’s eyes, and gathered her in her arms.
“I’m going to make this right.”
“How?” she croaked. “There’s nothing anyone can do.”
“We’re going to meet with the mayor, and if he refuses to take a paternity test, we’ll get a court order,” Tatiyana explained, stroking her sister’s short, matted hair.
“People will say that I’m lying. That I’m a gold digger with ulterior motives who seduced a powerful, wealthy man.” Her voice was resigned, sad, as she tugged at the sleeve of her gray sweatshirt.
“Screw them. It doesn’t matter what they think.”
“The Mayor has power, money and connections. I can’t win.”
“You can and you will. It doesn’t matter who he is, or what he has. DNA tests don’t lie.”
Her frown deepened.
“Jantel, I’m going to take care of things on my end, but you have to do your part, too.”
“My part?” she repeated, wiping at her eyes. “What do you want me to do?”
“Take your medication, and attend group therapy.”
“I can’t. I’m not strong enough to do it on my own.”
“Munchkin, you don’t have to. You have me, and mom, and Allie. We’ll do it together.”
Jantel nodded, but her shoulders sagged.
To make her laugh, she gave Jantel a wet, sloppy kiss on the cheek. “I love you, Munchkin, and I always will, even when we’re old, senile chicks playing dominoes at the nursing home!”
For the first time in months, Jantel laughed, and Tatiyana smiled through her tears.
Chapter 10
“Sir, are you ready to review the day’s schedule, or should I return in an hour?”
Markos blinked, turned away from the window in his office overlooking downtown LA and regarded his paralegal. Dannazione! he thought, strangling a groan. How long have I been standing here daydreaming about Tatiyana?
Glancing at his gold wristwatch, his eyes widened in alarm. Instead of working on his cases, or answering his emails, he’d wasted an hour fantasizing about a woman he needed to forget. A woman who wanted nothing to do with him. It was an impossible feat, damn hard to do. Not only had Tatiyana given him the best sex of his life, she’d made him feel young again, cool even, and five days after their sexual encounter in Tampa, he was craving her bad.
A scowl twisted his lips. He had to move on. Had to stop thinking about her. Since returning to LA, he hadn’t let his cell phone out of his sight for fear he’d miss her call, but she never did. Markos was pissed, couldn’t figure out why she was giving him the cold shoulder. Women like Tatiyana—sensual, effervescent beings—were hard to find, only came along once in a man’s lifetime, and Markos wondered if they had what it took to have a lasting, committed relationship. He hadn’t been this excited about anyone in years and wanted to see her again. More than anything. His family liked her, and he did, too. His feelings for her were real, and he was going to track her down—
“Sir?” Izzy prompted, clutching her notebook to her chest. “You seem preoccupied. I’ll come back later. When you’re less busy—”
“No, no, it’s fine. Come in.”
The brunette tottered into his office and sat on one of the padded chairs. To impress his clients, Markos had spared no expense decorating his office. Attractive, modern and spacious, it had everything an attorney could want. Shelves lined with law books, Ralph Lauren furniture, a mini fridge stocked with wine coolers, brownies and Cuban sandwiches, powder-blue walls adorned with photographs of his celebrity clients, and a private bathroom.
“The phones have been ringing off the hook all morning, and I can’t keep up...”
Sitting behind his desk, Markos opened his side drawer and grabbed one of the round, yellow balls. He clutched it in his palm, squeezing it in the hopes of relieving his stress. It didn’t help. His muscles still felt tense, stiff and sore, and all he could think about was Tatiyana, rubbing and squeezing her beautiful—
“Add to that,” Izzy continued, wearing a sad face, “I’m falling behind on my paperwork.”
Markos broke free of his thoughts and cleared his throat. “Did you call Staffing Unlimited and ask them to send over an experienced secretary?”
“Yes, but they didn’t have anyone available, so I’m doing double duty today.”
“Thanks for going the extra mile, Izzy. I appreciate it.”
Stars twinkled in her eyes. “Anything for you, boss! Just call me Superwoman!”
Chuckling, Markos turned to his computer and consulted his online schedule.
“Mrs. Zapata called again. She’s having doubts about the divorce, but I reminded her why she filed in the first place, and she reluctantly agreed it’s for the best.”
Markos had a unique knack for calming people when they were upset, but his techniques didn’t work on the temperamental pop star. Emotional and flighty, she was impossible to please, and by far his most difficult client. Yesterday, he’d met with the psychologist and social worker involved with Mrs. Zapata’s case, then drafted motions regarding custody of her toddler son, child support and occupancy of the marital home. “Good work, Izzy. I like your initiative.”
“Divorce is big business, and our objective at LA Family Law is to win every case, especially the high-profile ones. Our job isn’t to coddle clients, or babysit them. It’s to tell them the truth, no matter how painful it is.”
Impressed, Markos nodded in appreciation. “Sounds familiar.”
“I learned from the best,” she quipped. “See, you’re wrong, I do listen to you.”
“Did you confirm my one o’clock appointment with Mayor Glover?”
“The mayor had to cancel. He’s attending the Asian Business Summit in Tokyo, and he won’t be back in LA for several weeks,” Izzy explained, consulting her agenda. “His secretary penciled you in for October 1, but that’s subject to change.”
“Okay, not a problem. I’ll use that vacant time slot to prepare for court.”
“Speaking of court, do you need me this afternoon, or can you manage without me?”
“What do you think?”
Shrugging, a sheepish expression on her face, she tapped her ballpoint pen on her notebook. “I don’t know. That’s why I asked.”
“Izzy, you’re my paralegal. Of course I need you there.”
“But if I miss my appointment at LA Cosmetic Therapy, I won’t get my deposit back.”
Convinced she was pulling his leg, Markos said, “You’re funn
y. What’s next on the—”
“Please?” she whined. “This is the last favor I’ll ever ask. I swear.”
“Are you kidding me?” Struggling to control his temper, he spoke through clenched teeth. “On Monday you called in sick, on Tuesday you left early and yesterday you took a two-hour lunch. If I didn’t call to inquire about your whereabouts, you’d probably still be at The Ivy with your girlfriends.”
Izzy gave him a blank look, staring at him as if she didn’t know what the problem was.
“I expect you at the courthouse at 2:30 sharp. Understood?”
“But I...”
Narrowing his gaze, he silenced her with a dark, menacing look.
“Don’t make personal appointments during business hours,” he warned, his voice stern.
“Sorry, Sir. I won’t let it happen again.”
“Good. I expect you to work hard just like everybody else at this firm. No excuses.”
Ignoring the crestfallen expression on her face, he consulted his desk calendar. “Remember to type up the notes from the Nunez case conference. It’s been almost a week since the meeting, and I’d like to review them before I retire.”
“Yes, Sir, I’ll have it to you within the hour. Is there anything else?”
“That’s all for now—”
The door burst open, drawing Markos’s attention across the room, and his eyes widened. Time screeched to a stop, and the room flipped upside down, spinning out of control. He opened his mouth to speak but choked on his tongue. Tatiyana? Here in LA? At his office? Markos shook the cobwebs from his mind and rubbed at his eyes, but Tatiyana remained in the doorway, wowing him with her beauty. On Saturday, she’d looked like a sex kitten in her short, black negligee, but today her hair bun, ivory pantsuit and multicolored scarf gave her a mature, sophisticated appearance. Diamond stud earrings adorned her ears, her gold necklace held a cross at the end and her makeup was tastefully done.
“Good morning, Mr. Morretti. It’s great to see you again...”
Markos cocked an eyebrow. Why was she addressing him in such formal terms? In Tampa, they’d had sex all over his executive suite, and when their eyes met, Markos knew she was reliving their sexual escapades in her mind, too. He was excited to see her, couldn’t believe his good fortune and was eager to get her alone. Back in his arms where she belonged. Markos wanted to stand, to go to her, but his back was glued to his leather swivel chair.
“I know you’re busy, but I’d like to discuss a very important matter with you.”
“Can I help you?” Izzy asked, standing up.
Tatiyana captured his gaze, holding it in her seductive grip, but she spoke to his paralegal in an authoritative voice. “I’m here to speak to Mr. Morretti.”
“Sir, do you want me to call security?”
“No, that won’t be necessary,” he said calmly, reclaiming his voice.
“If you need me, just shout and I’ll come running.”
Amused, Markos swallowed a laugh. “Thanks, Izzy.”
She left, closing the door behind her, and Markos sighed in relief. Crisis averted, though he knew she’d gossip about Tatiyana to the entire office. He didn’t care. Markos wanted to be alone with her, and he didn’t care who knew.
His gaze returned to Tatiyana, landing on her lush, red lips, and desire engulfed his body. Have mercy. She looked just as he remembered—tempting, tantalizing and hot—and she smelled divine. Markos inhaled her fragrant scent, could feel himself falling under her spell. Did she bathe in champagne that morning? Is that why she smelled rich and intoxicating?
“This is a pleasant surprise,” he said, smoothing a hand over his three-button suit. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to LA? I would have picked you up from the airport.”
“There was no need. I live here, Markos. Born and raised, in fact.”
“You told me you were from Bridgeport.”
“I told you a lot of things, and most of them weren’t true. I feel horrible for lying to you, Markos, but I had no choice. I have to help my sister...”
Her words confused him, sounding like garble in his ears.
“Three weeks ago, my mom and sister, Lena and Jantel Washington, met with you to discuss an incident at Mayor Glover’s private residence two years ago,” she said in a calm, composed voice. “Jantel attended the mayor’s bachelor party, got drunk and slept with him.”
A lump formed in his throat and fear welled up inside him. Markos gripped the armrest so hard his hands throbbed in pain. This couldn’t be real. It had to be a sick joke. His brothers had put her up to this, right? What else could it be? They had a connection, something special right, isn’t that why she was here? To rekindle their sizzling romance?
“Three months later, Jantel discovered she was pregnant and contacted Mayor Glover, but he’s been dodging her ever since. His chief of staff, Christopher Nelson, threatened to have her charged with harassment if she comes to city hall again, but she’s done nothing wrong.”
As he shot to his feet, his chair flew back against the window and fell on its side. “What?” The word exploded out of his mouth. “You knew who I was all along? You tricked me?”
Guilt covered her face, but she met his gaze. “Yes. I knew who you were when we met.”
“Is that why you slept with me? Because you thought it would help your cause?”
“No, I slept with you because I’m attracted to you, Markos. You’re a sexy, desirable man, and I wanted you the moment I laid eyes on you.”
Her words embarrassed him, making his face flush with heat, and for some strange reason he wanted to kiss her, to taste her lips one more time. “What do you want?”
“A meeting with the mayor. My sister is telling the truth, and I can prove it.”
“I don’t care about you or your sister—”
Her speech was smooth, polished, obviously something she’d rehearsed, and listening to her made a bitter taste fill his mouth. Naked images of her—kissing him, straddling him, thrusting her breasts in his face—flashed in his mind. Markos pressed his eyes shut, blocking all memories of their sexual encounter. Tatiyana was the enemy, and if he was going to defeat her, he needed a clear head.
“You’re messing with the wrong person.”
“Markos, it’s nothing personal. I sought you out because you’re good friends with the mayor, not because I have a personal vendetta against you. I think you’re a great guy, and an incredible lover, as well.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Markos pointed at the door. “Leave or I’ll call security to escort you out. It’s your choice.”
“You have until Monday to decide.”
Sneering at her, he barked a laugh. “Decide what? I’m not doing shit.”
“Very well. You leave me no choice.” Tatiyana opened her purse, took out a tape recorder and raised it in the air, as if it were a lethal weapon. “I didn’t want to do this, but—”
“I can’t believe this,” he raged, voicing his anger. “I thought you were a good woman, someone I could actually settle down with, but I was wrong. You’re a liar and a con artist.”
Her face fell, and her hand dropped to her side. Her eyes looked glossy, as if they were filled with tears. Made him think of the heartbroken mourners at his nephew’s funeral years earlier. Hanging her head, she shifted and shuffled her feet.
“That’s not true,” she said quietly, shoving the tape recorder back into her purse. “I’m none of those things. I just want to help my sister. I’m not trying to hurt you.”
Adrenaline shot through his veins. For the first time since Tatiyana barged into his office, Markos knew he had the upper hand and launched a counterattack. To capitalize on the moment, he picked up his office phone and spoke in a stern voice. “You don’t scare me, and furthermore I don’t re
spond to threats. You can negotiate with the authorities. How’s that?”
“Fine, suit yourself, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when my sister goes public with her story, and the paparazzi camp outside your office, hounding you day and night.”
Tatiyana marched off, switching her hips in such a provocative way Markos couldn’t stop staring at her backside. Remembering all the times they’d made love made his temperature rise and his heartbeat speed up. Lust infected his body, and an erection rose inside his boxer briefs. Damn her! Her story was pure fiction. Nothing but a desperate attempt to exhort money from the mayor, and Markos wanted nothing to do with it. He was a human lie detector, as astute as a police chief, and suspected Tatiyana was lying. Could feel it. Sense it. Knew it in his gut. Markos needed to talk, to vent, and knew just who to call. He dialed Immanuel’s cell number and waited impatiently for him to answer. His brother’s voice filled the line, and Markos sighed in relief. Immanuel would know what to do, he always did.
“Bro, what’s up? How’s life treating you in La La Land?”
“We need to talk.”
“Go ahead. I’m all ears.”
Markos shook his head. “Not on the phone. In person.”
“Can it wait until next week? I’ll be in LA on business, so we can talk then.”
“Fine, but in the meantime I need a huge favor.”
“Sure, bro, anything for you. What is it?”
“I need you to do a background check on Tatiyana ASAP.”
“Why?” He sounded amused, as if he was trying hard not to laugh. “What happened? Did her ex-boyfriend rough you up and order you to stay away from her? I told you Tatiyana was too much woman for you to handle, but you just wouldn’t listen!”