by Allyn Lesley
He paused. This was a first for him, a man like him. While his friends encouraged him to hire staff to help him run his homes, he never did, not trusting anyone outside his small circle.
He blew on his hot coffee, internalizing what this meant.
Should I have her here all the time? Maybe not every day, because he’d need his own space—he was used to living on his own—but maybe she could sleep here a night or two. That’d work. Avi had already spent one night, and outside of the small hiccup just a few minutes ago, Noah thought they were doing okay.
“Penny for your thoughts,” she asked, flashing her violet eyes at him, reminding him of the man who bound them together.
He chuckled at the demure picture she portrayed—head down, gaze averted, and lip between her teeth. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Avi was seducing him, but then she giggled.
“In good time.”
“A car will be here at the end of the day to get you,” Noah said with his ear plastered to his cell phone and not looking at Avi. “Yes, that’s fine,” he said into the mouthpiece.
Avi rolled her eyes, choosing to gaze at New York City’s passing landscape and wait for Mr. Demanding to get off his millionth call of the morning.
I know he runs his own company, but this is freaking ridiculous.
The man had two different phones. And Ro, who was seated in the front passenger seat, shuttled more phones back to Noah.
Ro had made a reappearance when Avi and Noah exited his high-rise building, standing outside the SUV and never hiding his amusement. He didn’t say anything to her or Noah, but Avi suspected Ro knew exactly what had happened on the couch.
Noah’s loud command, “Set that up,” recaptured her attention.
“Ro, give me five, man,” Noah said, handing his phones to his friend.
“Sure thing.” Ro looked at his watch. “ETA in fifteen.”
“Good.”
Tinted glass ascended between the front and back seats, allowing for privacy. Low music hummed in the background.
Noah’s head drifted backward and his hand casually dropped on Avi’s stocking-covered knee. She shook her leg, attempting to free his hold, which only made his fingers sink deeper into her skin.
With his eyes still closed, Noah applied pressure on her knee. She took the move as his silent command for her to stop, trying to control her once again.
Avi side-eyed him in his suit that screamed wealth, even in its understated design. His hand felt great on her. The spot became warm and tingled under his fingers. The teasing sensation crept up her body, making her stomach muscles quiver and her nipples pebble. She was on the verge of offering herself to him on a silver platter...even in the back of his truck. His long fingers made an attractive contrast on top of her black stockings. It was too right, and that scared Avi.
Last night, she’d waited until well into the night for Noah’s return. She’d taken a shower and lay naked in the bed. She still couldn’t believe she had revealed what he had to consider her desperation.
But what really shook her was his apology. His words in the kitchen—“in good time”—was too ominous for Avi, who wanted to lead a simple life. She was nervous and fearful, though she hid it well when they were in his apartment.
He was invading too much of her space and the control she needed. Instead of giving in to her desires, she shook her leg again.
Noah’s eye popped open. His dark irises bore through her. A meeker person would’ve allowed him to carry on as he pleased. Noah’s boisterous laughter filled the small space. The deep sound reminded Avi of how overbearing he was.
“Do you get a kick out of being a tyrannical ass?”
Noah’s chuckle shook his shoulders. “Just as much as you enjoy busting my balls.” His long fingers circled her kneecap, drifting an inch up her leg.
“Stop.” Avi’s hand stilled Noah’s inquisitive one.
The place between her thighs clenched, wanting him to disregard what her mouth said and listen to her other lips that were covered by her soaked panties. Sex was all her body seemed interested in these days. It was like her lower half only wanted Noah to quench the rising desires he stoked.
Noah turned toward her. A couple of his fingers skimmed over her eyes and across her nose before teasing her bottom lip. “Do you really want me to stop?”
No. “Yes,” Avi muttered.
Noah’s hands fell away. His lascivious grin didn’t match his act of surrender. “No problem.” He relaxed again to a comfortable pose.
“Thank you,” Avi said, missing the weight of his palm right away.
The corner of his lip quirked up. “I aim to please you.”
The privacy glass rolled down.
“We’re here, boss.”
“You should be ready at three o’clock, right? Ro will be outside.”
“But—”
He faced her. “If you need to finish some loose ends, that’s fine. Whenever you’re ready, go to your apartment and pack a bag with anything you didn’t find at my house. I’ll see you later.”
A cool breeze blew inside when the door was opened. He stepped onto the sidewalk and held his hand out for Avi’s.
She couldn’t fight with him, because the clock was against her. Avi reached for Noah’s offered hand. His fingers curled protectively around hers. Their clothed bodies brushed together, reigniting smoldering heat.
He caressed her neck then tilted her head up. “I’m going to kiss you now, and I don’t give a fuck about your objections.”
She could see the curious stares from her coworkers, who were entering the back of the school.
“Like hel—”
The rest of her argument was muffled by Noah’s insistent lips and domineering tongue. His heated mouth captured hers as if she belonged to him. His firm, sensual lips forced her stubborn ones apart. His tongue teased hers. Avi meant to push him away, but instead, her hands tugged on his belt, pulling him closer.
The shrill sound of a bell insinuated itself between them. Her lips reluctantly left Noah’s. He rested his forehead on hers. Both took time to regulate their ragged breathing. Her hand flew to her tingling lips.
“You have to let go, Avi.”
Straightening, she shook away the passionate spell he had cast over her. “You’re right.”
Avi turned from him, walking toward the back of the car.
Touching the small of her back, Noah stopped her. “Let me.” He got her bag and small tote. When he turned, Ro was on the sidewalk near Avi and she had a glazed look about her.
“I’ll just take—”
Noah ignored her husky voice, passing her tote to Ro. Handing Avi her bag, he leaned his head down. Her scent would just have to hold him over until later. “I’ll see you later.”
She bit her bottom lip, spinning away from him. He couldn’t get a good read on her, or more specifically, on where her head was. Another thing he’d worry about later.
“So, I’m here now?” Ro asked from beside Noah.
“Yeah.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ll send a car back to come get you both.”
“Noah, this school isn’t going to let me hang around their building all day. And she doesn’t look to be in the mood to get me a visitor’s pass or whatever bullshit I’ll need.
Shit. He was right. Noah hadn’t necessarily thought everything through. “Just call Sofie’s guy, Joe, and see what he does all day.”
“Who the hell is she anyway?”
“That’s Harry’s kid.” He still wasn’t used to repeating her connection to the man who took him in. All he knew was that she was here and he liked it. “Watch her like a fucking hawk.”
He stood from the car and smoothed down the front of his gunmetal gray fitted suit. The compactness of New York City still took some getting used to, even after having spent the better part of his life between New York, Boston, Paris, and Cairo. Fall on the East Coast was refreshing. At least he didn’t have to concern himself with sandstorms
whipping through his Muslim robes.
“Bienvenue à Accippiere. Ack! Excusez-moi.” The young security guard stood, shook his head, and switched to English. “Sir?” His speech was still heavily flavored by his French accent.
Identifying his first point of contact, he said, “Je suis ici pour rencontrer Monsieur Adams.”
The guard’s eyes widened.
“It seems you’re in charge,” he said, noting the empty lobby.
“I-I don’t know.”
“But you do. Simply point and direct. I’ll take it from there.”
“I really shouldn’t do this, but...” The guard left his post behind his security desk toward the elevator. “Please don’t say anything.”
“On my honor.”
The younger man reached into the elevator and pressed the button for his guest.
The top floor. Kings ruled from on high. And that was precisely the plan.
After a moment, the chime sounded and the doors opened to a sparsely furnished waiting area. He stepped toward the desk, painting a smile upon his lips when he caught the pretty receptionist’s attention.
“I’m here to meet with Mr. Adams.”
“Your name?” the woman asked, maintaining her professional demeanor despite the pink blooming on her cheeks.
“Idogbe Aswad.”
He tugged at the cuffs of his tailored pinstripe suit, and then checked the time on his extravagant watch.
“Excuse me?” her quizzical stare met his authoritative one.
“Announce me,” he demanded.
Her finger pushed a button, but her eyes never left his face.
“Mr. Adams,” the woman said, cradling a phone to the side of her face.
Whatever was said made the woman in front of him jump. Her cheeks reddened immediately.
“I have a Mister...” she peered up at their visitor.
He exuded calm while the woman withered at her desk.
“Ee-doh-bay As-wad.” he added.
The receptionist repeated the name to her employer. There was a brief pause as she listened. “No, sir. He doesn’t have an appointment.”
Men like them dealt in dollars. “Tell him I’m here to discuss the commercial building for sale on 34th and Linden in Flushing.”
She repeated his cover story then nodded. She placed the phone back in its cradle and cushioned the rejection with a soft smile. It was obvious the man on the other end of the call had deemed Idogbe Aswad a nuisance.
He had one interest and one interest only. He took two steps toward her desk. “Call him back.”
Her shaky finger touched the speakerphone button.
“What?” Noah yelled.
“Mr. Ad—” The woman was cut off.
Instead of his concocted ruse, he spoke up, “It’s Ido.”
“Mr. Adams, he said his name is—” the receptionist repeated.
“Send him in,” the reply was delivered with force before the line was disconnected.
Not a minute later, the blonde stood and walked toward the door. He followed at a more casual pace.
Noah stood when Ido entered the office and approached his desk. With arms outstretched and excitement in his eyes, he said, “Mr. Adams, a pleasure to meet you.”
Noah perused him with a blank expression. After a while, it became clear that the other man wasn’t going to shake Ido’s hand. The man in front of Ido intended the slight.
Inside he seethed, but was determined to continue now that he was here. He walked the short distance to a chair that was located in front of Noah’s desk.
“Something to drink?” the receptionist asked.
Ido didn’t wait to be offered the seat.
Behind him, he heard the receptionist share, “We have various brands of water, coffee, or would you prefer something stronger?”
The man Ido once believed would make a formidable sparring partner had revealed himself to be abrasive, unintuitive, and one who had underestimated his competition. Adams was unworthy of existing. Instead of a dethronement, Ido planned to annihilate the imposter.
Adams sat in a dark brown leather chair across from him.
A pleased smile appeared on Ido’s face. “You wouldn’t happen to have Turkish coffee would you?” he wondered aloud.
“We have it all, Mr. Aswad,” Bailey shared before asking, “Your usual, Mr. Adams?”
Ido expressed his pleasure at her words and silently congratulated the younger man on his business acumen, though any minor respect he had for the man had vanished when Adams didn’t greet him properly. He continued studying his opponent now that they were in such close quarters.
Bailey Calhoun, Noah’s receptionist, busied herself preparing their drink requests. The men silently regarded each other. Both radiated power and control, yet one refused to hide the ruthless edge in his sharp gaze. She placed a cup and saucer filled with dark, frothy liquid on a table near Ido, and then Noah was given his whiskey sour.
“Will there be anything else, Mr. Adams?” she asked once she had ensured they were satisfied.
Noah shook his head, taking a slow pull from his drink. The door closed without a sound. Both men took a taste of their drink, enjoying them.
Setting down his coffee, Ido shared, “Not many people provide such eclectic offerings.”
The ice in Noah’s glass rattled as he settled into his seat. Shooting him a direct stare, Noah responded, “I’m not many people.”
“I’m impressed, which is not an easy feat to accomplish.”
With pleasantries and small talk out of the way, their composures changed at exactly the same time. They were not men who dallied; much could be lost or gained in a moment’s notice.
“I’m disappointed you’ve not welcomed me properly. I’ve been back in your city for close to three months, and not a word from the King of New York?”
Noah took a sip of his drink before putting it down. Folding his hands on top of the desk, he inquired, “And I should have done that, because...”
Brilliant white teeth shone as Ido’s head fell backward while he laughed. Sobering up, he said, “I had no idea you were so funny. I’ve left several messages. All of them unanswered.” He tsked. “So here I am.” Ido’s calculating, dark eyes swept over the office.
“Yes. Here you are. And now that you’re here, what may I do for you?”
“King to king, call me Ido, and I’ll call you...”
“Mr. Adams.”
“Fair enough. Most Westerners butcher my name, so I always give my business associates—”
Noah put up a hand, palm facing Ido, which in his culture was a gesture meant to ward off evil. But, Ido was an evil that was here to stay.
“We’re not business associates.”
“Oh, but we will be. You’ll have no choice,” Ido replied. “Your company’s import and export arm...” He paused, allowing his statement to settle in the room.
Noah eased his shoulders back into his chair making the leather creak.
Adams was an insignificant commoner who garnered respect when none was due the court jester, or so Ido believed.
“Profits aren’t what they’ve been, right?” No time like the present to lay his cards on the table. He wasn’t a man to hide in the shadows, not for too long anyway. “I’m proposing a partnership. Ninety-ten split my way.”
Before the two affronts, Ido was willing to exhibit generosity, but...
Noah chuckled. “You’re funny. You waltz into my office with no appointment and a so-called business deal. One I wasn’t even looking for.” Noah’s eyes squinted at the man. “You’re educated, or you sound as if you are, but you’re an educated fool.”
Ido took his time studying his nails, dismissing Noah and his trivial words. “Is that your final stance?”
Noah stood from his chair. “You don’t know me, and you know even less about my business. If I wasn’t clear, let me be now. I don’t share. Never have. Never will.” Noah shoved his hands into his pockets.
The do
or was pushed open.
Ido heard footsteps then the door closed.
“Mr. Aswad needs an escort out of the building.” Noah stepped away and turned his back on Ido.
“This way, Mr. Aswad,” Cass said from behind Ido’s chair.
He finished his Turkish coffee with aplomb, disregarding the tension in the room. “Ah, good coffee.” He placed the cup back onto the table and stood. “You’ll give my compliments to your receptionist?”
Ido laughed at Noah’s silence. “Checkmate.” When Noah turned around, Ido continued, “I’ve collected all your pieces and you have no more moves left to play. Slink back to the waste land you came from and stay there.” Ido slid his business card across Noah’s sleek desk. “Your ‘Take Over’ product is worthless. You’re no king if you’re not at least guaranteeing forty percent purity. This will be like taking candy from a baby.”
Ido had hoped there would be some outburst or sign that the man was taking him at his word. But no emotions registered on Noah’s face.
“I’ll be seeing you around,” Ido said. Eyeing Cass, he prompted, “Lead the way, my good man.”
Noah watched both men walk toward the door. Ido turned back to face Noah.
“Give my best to Avianna, will you? I sincerely hope she’s not having nightmares over the tragic death of that detective yesterday.” He grinned with his hand over his heart.
He stepped around Cass, opened the door, then walked past the receptionist. The elevator doors closed in Cass’s face with Ido feeling immensely happy about his decision to pay Noah a surprise visit.
The afternoon sun had long since disappeared below Manhattan’s horizon. Ro leaned on the side of the vehicle and looked down the block, but his gaze was right back on the heavy door Avi had walked through. The last he’d seen of the enigmatic woman was when she’d flashed him a smile with eyes hidden behind sunglasses, and lips promising she’d only be a few minutes.
Those “few minutes” had come and gone. Three hours later, and Ro was trying not to laugh his ass off. Noah had made his expectations clear. And now Avi was making her position clear. Ro shook his head. The last place he wanted to be was to be caught between his friend’s bullish mentality and Avi, who had proven to be equally as headstrong.