Embraced By Passion

by Diana DeRicci

  Brigit whirled. She had to get out of there. The other man was standing now and was moving around his desk.

  “I’m sorry. She’s gone?” Brigit prodded, hoping one would give her an answer.

  The one she watched neared. “Yes, about five weeks ago. You are her daughter?”

  Brigit followed his gait until he stopped only a foot or two away. Both men, broad, tall and fierce, blocked her in. “Brigit,” she managed on a squeak.

  The man with the unique eyes lifted his head to peer over her. He nodded, though his frown didn’t completely disappear. “Ja’Rol recognizes the name, but we both believed Traci’s daughter to be much older, and with her father.”

  Brigit gaped. “Wait. Older? What were you expecting? Gray hair like hers? I’m twenty-eight, thank you very much. And I was with Dad. I just got home from a summer in Paris. I haven’t talked to Mom since before I left.”

  “I see.” Then before her eyes, he seemed to change, losing the suspicious posture. Offering a hand, he said, “I am Slone Wilkes, and this is Ja’Rol David. My apologies. We weren’t expecting any visitors, and no one notified us you were on the way.”

  She hesitated, then allowed it. No reason she couldn’t be polite. “Why? Do you have deep, dark secrets on this floor?” she whispered, leaning close. “Dead bodies?”

  Ja’Rol eased from behind her, chuckling. “No, to either, but we are almost completely alone up here. Since your mom left…” He trailed off, and both men looked nearly heartbroken.

  “Wait, wasn’t she just your secretary or something?”

  Ja’Rol’s laughter returned. “Hardly. That woman knew this business, and our schedules, like clockwork. We’ve been muddling through without her, but she refused to stay. She has called. I have her number. Would that help you?”

  “Oh! Yes, please. Usually I pop up without warning and it’s not a problem. I guess she didn’t realize it was that time of year again.”

  Slone guided her to a seat. “Are you close?” He sat across from her as Ja’Rol went to Slone’s computer and typed in something.

  “Pretty close, though living a country away has left gaps,” she admitted, then bit her lip. Why the hell would she divulge something like that to these two strangers?

  “We’ll help you find her,” the one seated across from her said, easing her conscience. “She may have worked for us, but I know she was close to Ja’Rol.”

  “Slone isn’t the kind to fraternize too closely,” Ja’Rol supplied, writing on a small pad of paper. “But he’s the head of the heads, so to speak, so he forgets to at least pretend to be human at times.”

  Brigit smiled at the teasing jab. Slone slid a disgruntled look to the man at the computer, who, when he looked up, only shrugged.

  “It’s true. You get in here and forget there’s a world outside those doors.”

  “Someone has to keep the business from going up in flames.”

  That remark caused a hefty row of snickers. Clearing his throat, Ja’Rol rounded the desk to lean against it in front of her. He held the paper in his fingers. “Before I give this to you, can you prove you’re her daughter?”

  Brigit frowned. Her license wouldn’t do. Her mother had never taken her father’s last name. Not that she could really blame her. It was long and clearly Greek—literally. “I know her birthday!” she offered.

  Ja’Rol nodded. “Shoot.”

  “May twenty-third.” Watching their expressions, she realized they couldn’t tell if she was right. “Call her, let me talk to her. She’ll tell you I’m not a murderer. Well, except for houseplants, but I can’t be charged for horticultural homicide, right?”

  Ja’Rol laughed again. “She’s funny.”

  Between them, he did seem to be the more relaxed of the two.

  “Okay.” Slone nodded toward the phone and Ja’Rol grabbed it, dragging it close. He dialed and waited.

  “Hi, Traci. No, the company has not crashed and burned.” He rolled his eyes. “We seem to have a guest looking for you, your daughter. Sure.” He offered the handset.

  Brigit took it gratefully. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Oh dear! Is it September already?”

  “Don’t sound so thrilled,” she replied, not sure if she should be miffed or not.

  “Oh! No, it isn’t that! I swear, sweetheart. It’s just, well…” She sighed. “I’m leaving for Las Vegas in two days. Gene and I are going to get married this weekend. I got swept up in the details and reservations and lost track of time.”

  “You’re really getting married?” She squealed, almost bouncing in her chair. “To Daddy Gene!” She let out a whoop. She caught out of the corner of her eye both men smiling. Well, that confusion was cleared. “I’m thrilled, Mom. You so deserve what he’s got.”

  “Brigit!”

  She snickered. “Out of the gutter, Mom. I mean he’s good to you.”

  “Yes, he is. The only drawback was the move, but it couldn’t be helped. You went to the offices looking for me?”

  “Well, duh. I’m here with Slone and Ja’Rol.” She loved letting that roll off her tongue. “And I’m using their busy working time to convince them I’m safe and sane, although I know the latter is always up for debate.”

  Her mother’s laugh was lighthearted. “Love you, sweetheart. Grab a pen. I’ll give you all the details.”

  “Okay.” Glancing up, she found Ja’Rol holding a pen and the pad for her. “Go.” She swiftly got all her mother’s new information, with the dates she’d be back. “Do you want me to join you in Vegas?”

  “Could you? What’s your schedule like?”

  “Let me call you tonight.”

  “Okay, honey. Kisses!”

  “Kisses.” Then she handed the phone back. “See? Not only am I safe, I’ve just been included in the wedding.”

  She fought the urge to stick her tongue out at them. At least to Ja’Rol. He’d get it. Slone was incredibly reserved. She didn’t want to insult either of her mother’s ex-bosses.

  “Vegas, huh?” Ja’Rol asked.

  “Two days.” Brigit ran her fingers through her hair. How was she going to pull that off? She didn’t have tons of cash and a flight forty-eight hours ahead was going to cost a fortune. A bus would be cheaper, but could she do it in two days?

  “Let’s surprise your mother,” Ja’Rol offered. “We do miss her. She’d been with us for a long time.”

  “How?” she asked, questioning them both.

  “Tell us where you’re staying, and your number. We’ll arrange for you to be picked up. We’ll fly. A final gift to say goodbye for her.” Slone sat, looking at her, hardly blinking.

  “Won’t that interrupt your week?”

  Ja’Rol smiled. “It’ll be worth it.”

  After giving them her information, she took a couple numbers with her in case something changed. She promised to be packed and ready by seven the next night to catch the flight with them.

  Standing, she noticed again how they stood over her, tall and broad. Both watched her with a protective gleam, and with Ja’Rol, more than a hint of desire. She couldn’t argue with what she saw in him. She felt it too, but being attracted to them both confused her. Just thinking about it made her nipples tighten more.

  Feeling off kilter, she shook their hands, fighting to hide the tremble as heat flared up her arm to land in her stomach. It oozed like a hot lava flow to settle between her legs, making her damp with want the longer she stood with them.

  “Until tomorrow,” Slone said. His voice had dropped to a low timbre. The kind of voice that made women swoon off their feet. Because she almost did.

  “Thank you for doing this,” she said, trying to keep herself grounded. He smelled as good as Ja’Rol. Damn. What did they wear? She was so buying it.

  “We’re happy to. You should be with your mother when she shares vows with her soon to be husband.”

  Decadent. She was staring at the personification.

  She licked her lips. “Tomorrow night?�
��

  “Seven sharp,” he replied. Still holding her hand, he lifted it and brushed the back of her knuckles with his lips, just the softest tease of heat to skin. Her body pulsed as liquid slicked her pussy. Shit. I have got to get out of here before I combust.

  “Let me walk you to the way out,” Ja’Rol offered.

  Almost numb with need, she followed. Slone opened the door and with a hand to her back, she let Ja’Rol guide her to the elevator. “All the way to one,” he told her.

  She nodded. “I can get a cab.”

  “A cab?” He glanced at her, his eyes wider. “Not for Traci’s daughter. I’ll go down and call for the car. Are you already settled at your hotel?”

  “Yes,” she answered, feeling breathless.

  “Good.”

  “It’s not an imposition? Doesn’t it take money to just drive me to my hotel?”

  “You are now our guest, as we will be your guests to your mother’s wedding. We take care of our guests.”

  She felt it was a losing battle, so she didn’t push. Riding in the elevator was a torture. Not as rugged as Slone, dark brown hair, honey gold eyes, he was perfection.

  Decadence and perfection. And she was about to be ensconced in an airplane for hours with the two of them.

  Brigit swallowed the groan, crossing her arms to conceal her arousal.

  Chapter Three

  “She’s perfect.” Ja’Rol stayed still in the elevator, though it killed him to not touch her again.

  “She doesn’t know. But we can show her. Patience. Now that we’ve found her, or she found us,” Slone mused lowly, “we’ll take the time with her to convince her she was meant for us.”

  The second Ja’Rol stood in the doorway behind her, the sweetest scent of her body slammed into him with a physical punch. The swiftness of his arousal had shocked him, and in an instant he knew who she was. Conveying that to Slone had been a shout of victory. Maybe more cautious than Ja’Rol, he’d taken more time to evaluate their interloper, but agreed there was no mistake. Brigit was the woman they’d been dreaming of, their faceless desire that had left them both aching with a need neither could cure. Somehow, it made more sense to him that it would be Traci’s daughter, considering the friendship they’d shared over the years. Though before meeting Brigit in person, Ja’Rol had never even entertained the possibility.

  She was a perfect height, with luscious curves and breasts and hips that were made to be pleasured. Golden hair flowed around her face to end in wisps at her shoulders in a sheet of spun color, with a single soft curl over her right eye. Her eyes had captivated him, so blue. Once or twice, he’d even had to refocus from admiring her. Luckily, she’d had no idea how long he’d been gazing at her, or exactly where. It would be a wonder if he wasn’t standing beside her blushing at his own thoughts.

  Now the elevator was filled with her beckoning scent, teasing him like slow strumming fingers of hunger through his body. When he’d thought he’d needed, he’d had no idea it would feel like this. She hadn’t looked at him again since the doors had closed. He wanted her attention, but instead, he kept his hands tucked deep into his slacks pockets and his eyes forward.

  “Did you feel her reaction?” Slone’s voice slid into his mind.

  “Deeply. I can already feel the edge of her thoughts. She’s nervous, and unsure about us. She believes she’s taking advantage of the offer, that maybe turning it down would have been better.”

  “You’ve always been more open to human thoughts,” Slone conceded. “I will get tomorrow cleared and ready the jet and the suite. It’s been a long time since we went to Las Vegas.”

  Ja’Rol sensed the playfully sensual grin and had to tuck his chin to hide his own. “Now who’s playing dirty?”

  “Love you.”

  He sighed in longing, shaking his head.

  “Everything okay?” she asked, peeking at him from beneath her lashes. The ground was coming up at them in a hurry. At least there’d been no stops along the way. Perversely, Ja’Rol didn’t want to share the space with anyone other than Brigit. He also didn’t want to let her go. He wanted to learn more about her. Wanted to spend hours talking with her. And more. The male in him wanted to cage her against the wall of the elevator and devour her in slow, passionate sips. The gentleman in him kept his hands where they were to hide the affect she had on him.

  “Just remembering. Your mother really was something special to us.”

  “I’m sure she’d love to hear that.” She bit her bottom lip, then after a thoughtful hesitation, added, “Dad wasn’t always the best, rather condescending and mocking toward her. A good provider, a horrible example of maleness.”

  “Is that why you’re so happy she’s marrying her Gene?”

  “Her Gene.” She giggled. “Love that. Actually, yes. He treats her the way every woman wants to be, respectfully, adored, loved. He doesn’t change because I’m there or if his friends show up for poker night. He lets everyone know she’s the light of his life. I’d hoped for this. But they’re older and both cautiously set in their ways. It’s not easy to make that much of an adjustment.”

  The car slowed and a moment later, the doors opened. Unable to resist, he settled a palm to her lower back and guided her to the floor desk. “Judy, could you call Carl, and have him bring the sedan? Miss Brigit needs a ride back to her hotel.”

  “Certainly.” The woman hardly blinked, lifting the receiver to make the call.

  “Then it will please her to have you there?”

  “She’ll be thrilled.” Deep blue, like the Atlantic Ocean, her eyes regarded him.

  “Then it will be our personal gift to see you make it there.”

  “Really, you don’t—”

  “And have her gift not make it? Travesty,” he teased, grinning with a lightness that warmed him from his soul outward. He’d do anything for this blonde-haired lovely to see her smile like she had at his poking fun. “Tomorrow night, seven. We’ll take off no later than eight-thirty.”

  Indecision warred on her features. Lifting a hand, he touched her cheek. “For your mother.” His heart pounded at the simple contact. What would it feel like to kiss her? It had been decades since he’d kissed a woman. Not since he’d met Slone. Her softness would be unique, and addictive.

  “He wants to kiss me.”

  Ja’Rol blinked, stunned that her thoughts were so clear, so quickly. If there had been any doubts, that destroyed it. Only souls who completed each other could hear or speak to another. After the shock of hearing her voice receded, he recognized what those words had been.

  Not wanting to threaten her, he let his fingers slip away. God, yes, he did, but not yet. Not now.

  “Sir?” A male voice interrupted them.

  A drawn breath helped to center him. He stood straight. She only came to his shoulder, bringing up his protective nature once more. Carl was a trusted employee, though still a male. Ja’Rol dug deep to find his professional coolness, because the last thing he really wanted to do was let her leave with him.

  “Carl, please take Miss Brigit to her hotel. In fact, if she has any needs for today or tomorrow, please take her. She will be traveling tomorrow and may need to make purchases.”

  “Oh! I couldn’t.”

  “I insist. Cabs are unruly, and simply put, unclean. As an aside, Carl will assist you if you need him to.”

  “Assist?” she queried, her gaze flipping back and forth to land on Carl.

  “He means protect you. It’s part of my job,” he informed her with ease.

  She crossed her arms, a challenge in her stance. “For all his women?”

  Carl and Ja’Rol shared a look, then both laughed quietly. Carl knew the truth about him and Slone, but he wouldn’t expose that either.

  “Follow me, Miss Brigit. It’s a pleasure to be of any help to you.” Carl turned on a heel and paused, leaving her question unanswered.

  “Goodbye, Brigit. It was a deep honor to meet you.”

  She twitched her
lips in debate, one side then the other. Eventually, need and opportunity won out over suspicion.

  “Goodbye,” she replied, then relenting, offered her hand. “I accept your offer to see me to my mother’s wedding.” But I’ll find a way to make up for it.

  Ja’Rol hid his frown at her determined thoughts. The last thing he wanted was for this woman to think she owed them for their generosity, considering how self-serving, in truth, it really was. Clasping her lightly, he said his goodbye and watched her leave with Carl down the lobby to the side service doors.