AllsFair

by AlexandraOHurley

  “Yes, ma’am, but I can’t believe you are just going to let that little harlot to get away with that. Perhaps lunch with your husband is more important.”

  Maria had been with her since nearly the beginning of the company, helping her and Daniel make the fledgling publishing house a reputable and profitable player in the industry. Because of that, and that alone, did she allow her speak in that manner. Maria was more friend than employee. Hell, more like family.

  “Maria, if he was still mine he wouldn’t be tempted. Plus, signing Michelle Forrester to a three-book deal would be a coup. He will understand my absence if I walk away with that deal sewn up.”

  “Maybe he needs to be reminded of what he has to lose. Forrester can wait until tomorrow.”

  “He knows. Now make the calls.” Closing the large mahogany door, Kacey rested her forehead on the cool wood, glad to get away from the knowing looks crossing Maria’s face, trying to still her wobbling knees.

  God, I hope he knows what we both stand to lose.

  Trying out her rubbery legs, she slowly ambled over to the brown leather couch and dropped. Throwing her feet over one end, she rested along the comfortable length, taking in a deep, calming breath. Daniel. He had been her first real love. They had met in college, and he had enraptured her with his big, white smile and easy demeanor.

  The year was 1992. He was a business major in this third year, and she had been the flowery English major in her second, both from completely different worlds. A rich frat boy, the Phi Kappa Alpha was so far out of her non-sorority ass’s league, it wasn’t funny. She met him at a party that her roommate had dragged her to, and much drinking, dancing, and sexing had happened around her, something she was completely unprepared for. Feeling like Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink, she was completely out of her element.

  Stuck against the wall, she had held up the plaster. Daniel had brought her a beer and asked her to dance. Kacey had taken one look at the utter perfection of his then twenty-year-old body and had decided that he was either too drunk, too stupid, or just in it for the laugh. Shying away, she had told him no.

  No one said “no” to Daniel Barnes. Persistence was Daniel’s middle name.

  He stalked her all over campus, following her from her dorm room to class, showing up during her study group with flowers, showing up beside her at the library. Kacey had not been able to make a move without running into him.

  Finally, one late night had ended with him knocking on her door with Chinese takeout in hand and a six-pack of soda. She had been studying all night and had missed dinner, and her stomach had growled violently as she took one sniff of the chicken with cashew nut, which of course, he had found out was her favorite. Pulling the jerk into her room, she scarfed up the dinner and let him stay and talk.

  Six hours later, when the sun was coming up and they were still sitting there talking about their hopes, their dreams, and what they wanted out of life, Kacey realized that Daniel was not so bad. They began dating soon after, and a few months after she graduated, the pair had started in on the idea Kacey had been passionate about, a new e-book publishing house.

  A year after that, the business was off the ground, their first three romance titles were available on the Net, and they got married to celebrate their combined success. Plus, wasn’t that what was expected? College, then work, then marriage…the white picket fence, minivan, and two point five kids?

  Long days and late nights spent evolving their website, editing manuscripts, and pitching their fledgling authors had ended in passionate lovemaking as they were making their dreams come true. He, the frat-boy business major, was CFO and Webmaster, and she, the awkward English major, was CEO and editor-in-chief. Maria came six months later to do all the things neither had time to do.

  Together, they had brought the company to the top. Bestsellers, a team of professionals, conventions, photo shoots, and big hunky cover models became the norm, and all focus went to the business. As the years passed, less and less attention was given to their marriage. Kids were out of the question, as K.D. Publishing was the only child they had time for. At thirty-nine, Kacey had reached her dream.

  Too bad she had been happier without it.

  * * * *

  Daniel burst through the double mahogany doors to Kacey’s office, only to find it empty.

  “I told you she wasn’t here. She made other plans for lunch.”

  Steaming, Daniel turned to Maria, biting his tongue, not wanting to say what he really wanted to.

  “Perhaps Pieta can have lunch with you? Since she neeeeds you so much.” Daniel wanted to slap the contrite look right off Maria’s face.

  “At least someone around here acts like she needs me.” Turning from the open-mouthed assistant, he stalked to the elevator and pressed the button. Steam must have been coming off his head as he stood there sulking, awaiting the car.

  Damned Kacey. Damn her. He had been allowing Pieta’s advances in hopes of stirring something out of his ice-cold wife, but apparently he was past the point of no return. Kacey no longer cared about him. She had never been an overly jealous woman, but something, some kind of sign that she still wanted him would have been nice. Years ago, Kacey and her sharply pointed tongue would have decimated a transparent woman like Pieta and not looked back.

  Years ago, she would have still been in love with him, and he wouldn’t have had to jump through hoops to elicit a response from her. Years ago, she still loved him.

  Stepping into the elevator, he knew he couldn’t stay in the building one minute longer. He needed a drink. Or maybe five.

  * * * *

  “Are you sure seducing the woman is the best course of action? I mean I have absolutely no problem trying to get her into bed, believe me. She is a stunner, honey-blonde hair, deep jade eyes, and legs that go on for miles. She is definitely my type. Plus add in the fact she is of Immortal blood as well. I think we are definitely on to something here, Eros. But I’m scared seducing her may do more harm than good.”

  “You are turning down sex with a hot, human female?”

  “That alone should give you pause. I have no conscience at all, and I am hearing voices that are telling me not to push this one too far.”

  “They both still love each other. They just need to be reminded of it.” Eros lifted a brow to Apollo before turning back to the man impatiently waiting for his elevator.

  “I think we need to split up on this one. You follow dear old hubby, and I will find Mrs. Barnes and see what needs to be done.”

  * * * *

  “So, publishing with K.D. can give you an opening to a broader audience than with that small e-publishing outfit you have now.”

  “I started with that small e-publishing outfit years ago when big boys like K.D. wouldn’t touch me. And correct me if I’m wrong, but you guys started out as a small fish in a large pond, and look where you landed. There is nothing wrong with small presses.”

  Kacey immediately liked the woman twice as much. Michelle Forrester was smart, talented, and had a witty remark for every word Kacey uttered. She was a perfect fit for the company. Looking around the brightly lit restaurant, Kacey peered at the sunshine that had made its way out for a change and was sparkling through the large windows and glistening off the crystal and china gracing the tables. Kacey took a gulp of her merlot and dabbed at her lips with the soft green linen napkin.

  Looking outside, though, told a completely different story. The park next door that usually made this venue such a beautiful place to spend lunch was cold and ice covered. A vast blanket of white blotted out all the happiness she normally felt when she lunched here. Kacey looked at it forlornly for a second, saddened at the loss of all that was green and alive. Thankfully, the company at the table kept her on her toes and from getting lost in thought.

  “Michelle, I won’t beat around the bush. Yes, we started out small, and no, there is nothing wrong with small presses, especially with the wonderful job they have done developing your talent.” She
looked the woman in the eyes and held her stare, believing in every word she uttered. “But like us, you are no longer a small fish in a big pond, and you need a company like ours to take your career to the next level. I want to be the one to make it happen for you, and I think I have clearly outlined how I can do that.”

  “You have some very valid points, but I need time to think this over. My publisher gave me a chance when no one else would. They believed in me and have gotten me to this point, which is not a bad place to be. I earn a comfortable living and get to write full-time and do all the things I want. None of this would have been possible without them. I can’t walk away from that history.”

  “I can appreciate your loyalty to them, I can. But we are only asking for a three-book deal. There will be no clause that says you can’t continue to publish with them as well, as long as we get the books within the three-year term. Most authors can pull off at least two books per year. So, we aren’t asking you to completely walk away from them. Just give us a chance to see where we can take you.”

  Kacey glowed inside when she saw the look of concession come over Michelle’s face. She knew she was moments away from getting the best indie romance writer there was to sign with her house, and the butterflies were still there, the excitement enough to get her blood pumping. If it wasn’t so cold outside, she could run a marathon on the adrenaline in her veins.

  “We hold you to nothing after those three books. If we have not delivered on our promises, then you can go back to the small press market or find another big house. It’s up to you. But with our track record, I’m fairly certain…” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Daniel sidle up to the bar and order a drink.

  “Certain of…” Michelle’s eyebrow rose, and she looked over her shoulder in the direction Kacey was staring.

  “Sorry about that.” Kacey quickly gathered her composure and tried to remember where she left off. Trying to keep an eye on her errant husband wasn’t making that easy. “Anyway, like I was saying, I am certain that we can deliver on our promise. You are only committing to three books and the freedom to write just about anything you want. And I think we would make an excellent team.”

  Kacey flashed a dazzling smile but knew it didn’t go up to her eyes as she was struggling to not look toward the bar. She dropped the smile as she saw Pieta saunter in and plop her man-stealing ass right next to Daniel.

  * * * *

  Daniel had just settled into his spot at the bar and took his first gulp of whiskey when he felt someone at his side.

  Pieta. Damn, how did she find me?

  Daniel tried to prevent himself from rolling his eyes and turned to her dazzling smile. If he hadn’t been completely in love with his wife, that smile would have gotten his dick harder than an oak tree. Although he had never welcomed her advances, he had not asked her to stop, and so a part of him struggled with the fact he was using the woman. Closing his eyes, he remembered the stone-cold look of disinterest that Kacey had in the boardroom.

  Perhaps he should just avail himself to Pieta’s charms and just go for it. A year was a very long time for anyone to go without sex, especially when that person was married to the love of their life. Daniel kept holding on to yesterday, hoping that the woman he loved would wake up out of her stupor. Apparently, that would not be, and he needed to focus on the future.

  Regardless, whatever the future held, it was not a good idea to indulge in an affair with Pieta, not with her recent contract with them. He was just asking for trouble with that one.

  “Why are you here drinking alone when you could be drinking with me?” The coy act she played was well rehearsed and definitely not his cup of tea. He preferred a woman who wasn’t afraid to say exactly what was on her mind, to say fuck off to the world and smile on her way past.

  He preferred a woman…like Kacey.

  Daniel glanced at the straight, long, dark-brown hair cascading over her slim shoulders. She was all liquid grace, lovely to watch. Watch was all he really ever wanted to do.

  “You are here now. Order yourself a drink, and I suppose we will be drinking together.”

  “Don’t sound so excited.”

  Daniel chuckled at the first truth-filled sentiment the woman had ever offered. Taking another long draw on his whiskey, he braced his arms against the bar’s edge as he settled the heavy glass along the smooth, glistening wood. Looking ahead, he saw himself in the mirror behind the bar and barely recognized the man glancing back at him. “These games you have been playing, they aren’t going to work.”

  “Games? Whatever do you mean?”

  “Don’t.” He shook his head as he turned toward the woman. “You know exactly what I mean.”

  “Games are for children, and I am not a child. I don’t play, I take what I want. I think I have been quite obvious in what I want right now.” Daniel felt the slide of her fingers on his knee as she finished her statement.

  “Pieta, you are a beautiful woman. Any other man would die to have you. Unfortunately, you have chosen a man who still loves his wife.”

  “Even though she obviously doesn’t return the affection?”

  “That is my cross to bear. And I choose to bear it alone.” Swallowing the last of his whiskey, he decided it was best to leave. The conversation was going nowhere except potentially a scene he didn’t want to be a part of. Pulling a bill from his wallet, he left it on the bar and began to stand.

  Pieta placed a warm hand high on his thigh as she leaned close to him, mumbling some words in a language he was unfamiliar with. Daniel fought the urge to roll his eyes once more when the heat radiating out of Pieta’s hand swept through his body, flowing through him like a tsunami. Within seconds, his cock swelled, tenting his pants before him, and the need to press himself into Pieta’s cunt was stronger than anything he had ever felt.

  Leaning closer to him, she pressed her lips to his, and he felt drunk on the sweet taste of her mouth. As if his whole body was no longer under his control, he pulled Pieta closer to him, pressing against her heat, pushing his tongue into her, unable to resist the call her body had on him.

  “You son of a bitch.”

  As if he had been drenched in ice water, Daniel pulled from Pieta’s arms and looked behind him to see Kacey standing there. “Kacey, I can expla—”

  “Save it. I don’t give a damn.”

  Daniel started to explain again but stopped short. He gazed at Kacey, short of breath, her color high, and he thought he saw glistening in her eyes. His chest ached at her show of emotion, the sign he had been waiting for these long months.

  “The least you can do is conduct your little affairs in private versus letting the whole world see you cheating on me.”

  The wind was knocked from his sails. Was she upset because she had caught him kissing another woman, or was she upset because he had done it in public and embarrassed her? The ache turned into a dull thump, and the delight he felt for a brief second turned once again to agony as his heart iced over from her chill.

  “Oh, Mrs. Barnes, it’s not like you have cared what I do in my free time for quite a while, so why bother today?”

  As fresh tears accumulated in Kacey’s eyes, Daniel felt like the biggest asshole in the world.

  “I care about your free time.” Daniel felt Pieta’s heated hand on his lower back and once again felt the surge of lust bellow through him. As Pieta took his mouth with her own, he got lost in the moment, savoring her taste, her sweet scent, and the desire that spread through every muscle.

  Ice shot down his back, awakening him yet again from his stupor. Turning around, he saw a large, dark-haired man with an empty glass in his hand.

  “So sorry, chap. Someone bumped into me.” The tall, dark-haired man gave him an innocent look and then looked over at Pieta with a raised eyebrow. “But I think you needed to cool down for a moment.”

  Anger surged through him at the man’s audacity but was soon replaced with the realization that the man had probably saved him from Pieta. Facing
the door, he realized that both women were gone.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Oh, poor Peitho, or do you prefer Pieta, now? Isn’t Pieta Italian for pity?” Apollo had followed Peitho into the Garden of Aphrodite on Olympus.

  “You know it is. I pity those people, so I believe it is very appropriate.”

  “Why pity them? Daniel fought valiantly against your charms. A man you had to force into submission. Where has your magic gone, Goddess of Seduction?” Apollo smiled as Peitho whirled around to face him.

  “Seduction is a game best played with someone whose heart has not already been promised to another.” Peitho spread her fingers in a wisp of cloud, allowing the fog to move around her skin. “I did not realize how strong true love really was. It can prevail against all odds.”

  “Then why bother fighting against it? Why bother forcing these two apart? What do you get out of this bargain besides knowing you ripped two lovers apart?”

  “Fate is a fickle beast.”

  “But this is not their fate.”

  “Perhaps they required a new one.”

  “Are you so cold that this means nothing to you?”

  Peitho released a troubled sigh as she sat at the feet of Aphrodite’s statuary, her shoulders dropping as she looked toward the sun. “It means everything, Apollo. I’m tired of standing in the shadows. I want to feel the sun on my face.”

  Realization struck Apollo. “Tired of standing in Aphrodite’s shadow?”

  Peitho’s beautiful face scrunched into a mask of anger as she whirled around to face him. “I have spent millennia as her little lapdog, bound to her whims and desires. Seduction is tied to Beauty, but even those who do not have true beauty can still wield the power of seduction. I grow tired of that goddess’s demands and her trite conversation. I want freedom from her, and I shall have it.”