by Jan Bowles
Three weeks ago, when he’d opened his eyes the morning after the most memorable night of sex he’d experienced in years, beautiful Lia had been lying next to him, sleeping peacefully. Guilt had suddenly overwhelmed him. He felt like he’d betrayed his wife. He believed he’d always carry a torch for his beloved Hannah, but Lia’s beauty and warmth had finally extinguished it. He guessed guilt was as good a reason as any not to call her. Yet since that crazy, exciting night, he’d thought about her every second of every minute of every day. The way her body fit so perfectly with his. The way her submissive needs complemented his own sexual need to be dominant. The way she gave herself to him—completely.
Jake swallowed a large gulp of bourbon. “It’s complicated, but I’ll figure it out. I always do. When the stakes are high, I’m at my best.” He gently placed the photograph back on the table. “I’ll always love you, Hannah, but I have to move on now.”
* * * *
One week later
With a loud click, Jake Benetti angrily snapped his cell phone shut. This was not the news he had wanted to hear. Standing in the middle of the street, he leaned back against his Mustang, and lifted his gaze to the impressive double-fronted façade of the property. Lia Constantine’s family home looked exactly the same as he remembered when he’d picked her up for that wonderful evening, just one month ago. Almost, that was, save for the large sold sign that stood in the middle of the lawn. From what the realtor had just told him, he’d missed her by just a day.
He slowly walked up the drive, hearing the gravel crunch beneath his shoes. It had sounded so comforting the first time he’d been here. Now as he peered through the windows into the empty interior, a cold chill settled around his heart. Lia had gone.
He’d left it too long before contacting her again.
Each time he entered his apartment he thought of her. He could still picture her in the entrance vestibule of his home, totally compliant. The soft swell of her breasts, and the way they’d heaved in excitement as he’d ripped that pretty little black cocktail dress from her trembling body. The way she’d felt in his arms as he’d explored her soft, feminine skin for the first time. Fuck, she was hot.
He’d left it far too long. He should have called her earlier. Much earlier.
Jake stooped down and scooped a handful of earth into his hand. The soil was parched and dry, just like his heart. The only living woman who could reach him was Lia, and now she’d gone. He threw the desert back on the ground in disgust, and then made his way back to the car.
Shit, he’d left it far too long.
Don’t kick yourself. It’s a two-way street, buddy.
Why hadn’t she told him she was leaving? She could so easily have contacted him. After all, she still owed Arabian Nights Casino a serious amount of money. Instead she’d left without so much as a forwarding address. Goddamn it, his shareholders would bust his balls for this.
As he slid behind the wheel of the Mustang, Jake wondered if she’d planned this all along. Had she deliberately seduced him that night? She was everything he desired in a woman, and more. She’d been just perfect. Like a siren, she’d lured him to his fate. He’d given her nearly fifty thousand bucks in casino chips, too, and she’d taken the lot. Fuck, he wouldn’t be the first man to fall for a pretty face, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last.
Feeling like a fool, Jake fired the engine into life, and maneuvered the Mustang away from the curb. Lia Constantine was not going to disappear so easily. Not when she still owed him a cool million bucks.
Lia had underestimated him. He had contacts everywhere. He would track her down and make sure she paid him back—one way or another.
Chapter Fourteen
The unrelenting noise of the airport swirled around Lia as she waited for her flight to be called. Everything was happening at breakneck speed. The offer of a dream job in Florida had kick-started her life again. A new beginning was just what she’d needed after all the anguish of the past year. Her best friend Monica had encouraged her. “Go for it, honey. Life’s not a rehearsal. You have too many bad memories here in Vegas. Time for a fresh start, girl.”
In her heart Lia knew her friend was right. For the past few weeks she’d been waiting for a call from Jake that never came. Jake Benetti would never contact her now. On one level this was good. She hoped he’d written off the million bucks that she still owed him. On another level she was disappointed. She’d really enjoyed their night of hot sex together, and longed to hear his sexy, gravelly voice again. In the end, pragmatism had won through, and she’d decided a clean break well away from Vegas was her best option. Although it saddened her to do so, she’d reluctantly put the Constantine family home up for sale.
Instead of focusing on the past, it was time to start living in the present. What could be better than being employed as a senior fitness instructor on a cruise ship? A famous spa company had offered her the position of a lifetime, and she’d grabbed it with both hands.
A knot of excitement centered low in her stomach as she tried to read the glossy magazine. After her flight reached Florida, she would eventually sail on the latest state-of-the-art cruise ship. Once they reached St. Kitts, they would then continue on to the beautiful tropical island of Curaçao. She could hardly wait. With the pages of her magazine barely registering, she focused on her surroundings. Airport life was exciting and invigorating. The terminal building hummed with passengers as they came and went. Several excited travelers took the seats next to hers, and then moved away once their flights were called. An old couple in their seventies, who’d been sitting beside her for a half hour, stood, and began walking to the check-in desk.
“Have a good flight,” she called after them.
“You, too, sweetie,” the elderly lady replied, giving her a cheery wave as she walked away.
Lia went back to reading her magazine. Engrossed in a kiss-and-tell story, she became vaguely aware as a man sat beside her. That smell, that masculine smell. Where did she recognize it from? Such a distinctive aroma, it was obviously expensive, and so very sexy. Slowly, realization dawned, and her whole body went rigid.
Lia turned in his direction. Tan leather cowboy boots gave way to a pair of hip-hugging Wranglers. Large hands rested on muscular thighs. The gold Breitling watch attached to his wrist glinted in the overhead lights. A black T-shirt fitted to perfection across his broad shoulders. The cut of his jaw and the way his dark hair trailed down to his collar was unmistakable.
“Jake!” she blurted out. Her eyes must have looked huge because she could barely contain her surprise at seeing him again. The magazine she’d been reading fell to the floor as he spoke.
“You’re a hard woman to find, Lia.” His deep voice set every nerve in her body on high alert.
Feeling stunned, she could barely get her words out. “Wh…what are you doing here?” Her heart was racing. The way he looked at her turned her legs to Jell-O, and her voice became a high-pitched squeak.
“You didn’t tell me you were leaving Vegas. You didn’t say good-bye, princess.”
Lia swallowed hard. Just the way he spoke her pet name sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes held hers. Cold slivers of glacial blue pierced her tranquility, unsettling her. Jake could so easily melt the frozen wastes of her heart, if she ever allowed him to. She’d learned from bitter experience that men like Jake were not dependable. They were a law unto themselves.
“I waited for your call. It didn’t come,” she reminded him.
“I had things to do, princess. You do realize you can’t just leave?”
“Why not? I’m a free woman. This is a free country. I can do whatever I want.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, princess. You still owe Arabian Nights Casino a serious amount of money.”
When Jake hadn’t contacted her after they’d spent a wonderful, mind-blowing night together, she’d naively assumed that her debt would be written off. Wrong, so very wrong. “But, Jake, I thought—”
A cynical
smile touched his lips as he leaned in and whispered against her ear. Lia closed her eyes, reveling in his nearness and the way he made her feel inside—all hot and excited. “I see. You thought one night with me and I’d write off a million bucks.” He snapped his fingers dismissively. “Just like that. You value yourself very highly.” He was so close, his warm breath fanned against her neck, reminding her even more of their night of unbridled passion. An ache pulsed in her pussy. Damn. Her body betrayed her. In that instant, she knew she still wanted him.
Jake continued, “What we shared was wonderful, but I live in the real world, Lia. I suggest you wise up and do the same.”
Lia looked up into his hard features. Even when Jake was being harsh with her he simply oozed sex appeal. The idea of him dominating her sexually made her panties go wet.
“Listen, Jake, even though I’ve sold my parents’ house. I still can’t raise a million dollars. Besides, why should I be responsible for my father’s debt?” she added defensively.
“Because that’s how Nevada law works. Whatever your father left you in his will legally belongs to Arabian Nights Casino. I know you’ve got the money, Lia. I want what’s rightfully mine.”
“I won’t receive a cent until the paperwork for the sale goes through. That could take weeks, months even. Besides, it comes to less than eight hundred thousand. You’re well aware you’ll be taking every cent I own.” She stared directly at him, unafraid to hold his gaze. “You bastard. My inheritance will be gone. There’ll be nothing left. Is that really what you want, Mr. Benetti?” Lia felt her lip quiver as she spat out the words with venom. The happiness she’d been feeling dissolved like a puff of smoke in the breeze. “Do you want to see me on my knees? Is that what you want, my humiliation?”
“Lia, by selling the house you have freed up a large amount of money and therefore put me in an impossible situation. Nevada law will follow you all the way to Florida and beyond. If you don’t come back with me, I’ll have no option but to apply for a warrant for your arrest. We’re talking about a million bucks here, lady. Not a bag of candy from your father’s grocery store. You’ll barely set sail before you’re arrested and brought back to Vegas.”
“How did you know I was here?” What else had he found out?
“Lia, there’s nothing I don’t know about you. Goddamn it, woman, I have connections everywhere. You’re not dealing with a Boy Scout here.”
A chill filtered through her bones. There didn’t seem to be a way out of this, or maybe there was?
“Then what exactly are you proposing, Mr. Benetti?”
“You come back with me. I pay the debt off out of my own money. That way I keep the shareholders happy, and there will be no need to call the cops.”
“And then I pay you when the money comes through? Is that what you’re suggesting?” Perhaps there was a way out after all.
When he didn’t answer, Lia had the distinct impression that he didn’t even care about the money. Instead he took hold of her hand, and stared into her eyes. His deep voice washed over her, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. “Lia, I’d like us to finish what we started a month ago.”
Lia pulled away, and folded her arms defensively across her chest. She might be attracted to him, but he was taking too much for granted. “You had your chance, and you blew it, Mister. Why didn’t you call me the next day, or even the day after?” She’d have been happy to continue what they’d started then. It just didn’t make any sense to put her in this position when she was just about to catch a flight to Florida.
“That’s my offer, Lia. Think about it.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear as he stroked a stray hair from her face. “You remember what we talked about that night, in my bed.” His lips brushed her sensitive flesh, making her stomach spasm with sexual need. “Well, I can deliver those fantasies, your fantasies, and more besides. I know it turns you on. I know your panties are soaking wet just sitting here talking to me.” Excitement coursed through her veins as his warm breath feathered her skin. God, she wanted him to master her. “When I get you home, I’m gonna give you exactly what you need, princess. Exactly what you crave.” With that he stood and began walking away. “I’ll be waiting outside in the parking lot.”
She knew her breathing was fast. She was sexually excited and annoyed with his arrogance in equal measure. “You bastard,” she screamed after him. “I bet there’s no shareholders insisting you do this to me. I could catch my flight and you wouldn’t dare send the cops after me.”
“Then take the chance, Lia. Do it. Get on that plane and fly to your new life in Florida. See how long it lasts before you’re arrested.”
“How long is this so called proposal of yours to last?” The angry words spilled from her lips.
“A month, and then you’re free to leave.”
Fuck, this was her life they were talking about. “You’ve changed, Jake, and not for the better. Why are you doing this?”
“Because I can.”
He continued walking away, and she shouted after him. “When you get to the car lot, Mister, I advise you to start the engine and drive away. You’ll be waiting a long time before I come to you, Benetti.”
He turned, and pointed to the large overhead screen. “I think they’ve just called your flight, Lia. It’s decision time.”
Lia watched him walk arrogantly away. His swagger and the way he moved all reminded her of the wonderful night they’d shared. She knew he could deliver her fantasies and far more besides.
What should I do?
Lia held her head in her hands, and then leaned down, resting her elbows on her thighs. She studied her red shoes, tracing the neat leather strap with her gaze, over and over again. What should I do? Go to my dream job in Florida, or go with Jake?
The loudspeaker system announced her flight once more, making her decision all the more urgent.
The man had some nerve, turning up at the airport with his last-minute proposal. He’d sure put a spanner in the works. Just who the hell did he think he was? Arrogant prick. Well, Lia Constantine didn’t fall at the feet of just any man—not unless she wanted to. Goddamn it, deep inside she wanted to fall at his feet and submit to his will, but his arrogance had seriously pissed her off. He was using his dominance of her to his advantage.
Lia squirmed on her seat feeling sexually charged. Her pussy throbbed with need. In the bedroom he had her eating out of his hand, but elsewhere Jake Benetti left a lot to be desired. He’d threatened her with the cops. Would he seriously stoop so low as to have her arrested? Maybe he would, just to get what he wanted. A smile spread on her lips as she reminded herself that she was the object of his desire. Jake Benetti wanted her. If she went to him it would be nothing to do with the money, but everything to do with the man.
At that moment her flight was called again, making her heart speed up. Heaven help her, it was time to make her decision.
Chapter Fifteen
Jake impatiently drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. Half an hour had past since her flight had left. He’d wait another ten minutes, and then call it a day. It appeared Lia wasn’t taking him seriously enough. Or maybe she just didn’t feel the same attraction that he did? Who was he kidding? He’d seen it in her eyes. Their animal magnetism for each other just couldn’t be denied. Whether Lia would act on instinct was another matter entirely. She was a woman, and therefore totally unpredictable. She might decide not to show, just to prove a point.
Knowing she’d been about to board a plane and leave his life forever, he’d had to come up with a plan to keep her. He couldn’t just let her slip through his fingers. Not again, so he’d threatened her with the cops, but that was just words to scare her. Had she seen through his bluff? He knew it would take months to get her arrested. There were long, drawn-out legal procedures he had to follow first. Besides, he’d never go that far. He and the cops were like oil and water. They just didn’t mix. The Vegas police would often turn up at his casino, on the fake pre
text of checking everything was legal and aboveboard. He knew they just wanted to waste a couple of hours on the tables. His floor manager, Paulie, would keep them topped up with free liquor and a couple of pretty girls for company, just to keep them sweet. He knew deep down that if she didn’t show, he’d bite the bullet and pay the outstanding amount himself. That way there wouldn’t be any dumbass questions from disgruntled shareholders.
The automatic doors of the departure lounge swished open once more, and a familiar figure emerged. Elegantly attired in a simple red dress, her beautiful blonde hair flowed down her back in a cascade of golden curls. It fluttered provocatively in the gentle warm breeze as she moved. Fuck, she was a beautiful woman. In fact Lia Constantine was hard to ignore. He found it incredibly satisfying that many of the men entering the terminal building, did a double take as they walked past her. She rested two suitcases on the ground and then looked around expectantly.
“Well, well, princess,” Jake murmured to himself, feeling a self-satisfied smile curve his lips. “Looks like I made you an offer you simply couldn’t refuse.”
Lia had seriously gotten under his skin. He hoped that one month with her would finally rid him of the incessant ache he felt every time he thought of her. Then he could move on with his life. He guessed he was kidding himself, though. Just the thought of her sent his blood pulsing. It filled his cock, with plenty to spare. He was taking advantage of her vulnerability, but he knew that’s what turned Lia on. A dominant man was exactly what she needed right now, even hungered for. He was the yin to her yang, the dark to her light.
Jake fired the Mustang into life and drove across to where she stood waiting. A look of relief flooded her face as she spotted him. That was a good sign. He could already feel a surge of sexual anticipation working its way to his groin. After parking the car, he slid from the driver’s seat and walked across to her.