“Shit.”
“If I take you now, we’ll be late, but when we come back to my home, I’ll have all night and all morning to fuck you like a beast,” he says, licking his finger, which is dripping with my juices.
“Ah,” I gasp.
He lets my dress slide down my legs before getting back on his feet and kissing both my cheeks with such tenderness you’d never think he was talking about pounding me like a savage a few seconds ago. “I have something for you before we leave.”
“Nikolaj, seriously?”
“It’s a little gift. I hope it goes with what you’re wearing,” he says before running to his closet and back.
He treats me like I’m a princess and fucks me like I’m a queen, what more can a girl ask for?
“And of course I’m serious,” he adds. “When it comes to you, I’m always as serious as a hard-on.” We both laugh.
He’s standing here looking like a model gracing the cover of GQ magazine. I’ve seen him in the most outrageously well-cut suits, but looking at him in his elegant tux is making me hyperventilate. His hands are hidden behind his back and his blue eyes sparkle like he’s a kid misbehaving.
Damn, I can’t believe this man is mine.
“I should preface this by saying all this is your fault.”
“What? You’re blaming me for buying me a gift?”
“Indeed I am. Had you not worn the bracelet I gave you to Walter’s event in New York a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have been forced to go out and buy you something new you’d be wearing tonight for the first time,” he says playfully.
“You’re a clever one, aren’t you?”
“I couldn’t have my girlfriend walk into a room filled with five hundred VIP guests wearing a used piece of jewelry.”
“Used?” I say, hitting his chest with my closed fist.
“Yes—used, already worn, no longer new. As I was saying before you assaulted me, I had to go out and get you something new. While you were working hard in Toronto, I was in Paris shopping and I got you a little something you’ll remember me by.”
“Nikolaj, you never do anything small and let’s be honest, you can’t spell the word little,” I mock.
“You’re right. And when it comes to you, my motto is go big or go home.” He grins. “You know the drill. Turn around and close your eyes.”
“If I must.” I exhale, feigning exasperation.
The weight of the necklace Nikolaj places around my neck takes me by surprise. I have no idea what he’s gotten me, but if this piece of jewelry is as beautiful as it is heavy, I think I’m going to pass out.
“You can open your eyes now. Go look at yourself in the mirror.”
I turn around to face him as I caress the large teardrop-shaped stone sitting between my breasts.
“You’re out of your mind.” I’m still holding on to the stone.
“You haven’t even seen it yet. Come on, go look at yourself, then you can reprimand me,” he says with a sweeping gesture.
I run to the mirror hanging inside his walk-in closet and I immediately take a step back and gasp. “Are you crazy?” I yell out. “Nikolaj von Henningsen, this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” I run back into the room.
“I gather you like it?” he asks with a cocky smile.
“Like? It’s exquisite. I’ve never owned anything this opulent.”
I can’t believe my reflection in the mirror. Nikolaj has surpassed himself. I mean, the constellation of diamonds circling my wrist is more than I can handle, but this emerald necklace hanging from a cascade of little specks of diamonds is jaw-dropping. The cabochon emerald stone is so large and the brilliant diamonds sparkle so much I need shades.
This ‘little gift,’ as he calls it, must cost as much as my brownstone and my Benz combined.
“Thank you so much. You’re incredible for doing this,” I say, jumping into his arms.
“I love seeing you like this. The necklace looks magnificent on you.” He hugs me tight.
“You master the art of catching a girl off guard. I didn’t expect anything close to this stunner.” The man is crazy and I love the way he showers me with gifts.
“Oh, I forgot to give you the box. One second, I’m going to grab it.”
Why would I need the box?
“I thought you might want to keep the necklace in a safe place once you remove it,” he says, handing me a square red box engraved in gold with seven heart-stopping letters.
Cartier.
BOOK 5—SINFUL DESIRES
Chapter Eight
The gala is like a procession of who’s who of Copenhagen, all mingling under one roof in one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Manhattan galas usually turn out to be some of the most impressive fashion shows. I mean the couture is usually jaw-dropping, but honestly Danish women have nothing to envy New Yorkers for, because all of these ladies in this ballroom are clad in the latest expensive European designers—you can practically see the money. Nikolaj wasn’t joking when he said I shouldn’t expect his dad’s company’s event to be fun. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bored because I’m with the man I love, but these Danish people don’t party like us Americans. Even with the open bar, most people seem demure and surprisingly sober.
“There are so many people here tonight,” I shout to Nikolaj over the music.
“My father has been planning this night for over a year. It’s a big deal for our entire family,” he says, looking lovingly into my eyes. “It’s a big night for me as well because I get to let the world know you’re mine.” He brings my hand to his lips and drops a tender kiss on it.
Oh. My. God.
“I’m so lucky I get to prance around the room hanging from the arm of the sexiest man I know.”
“I love the way you think.” He grins. “Come on, let’s go get another drink. I need it and I also see Martin over at the bar with his girlfriend, Eloise. We need some diversion because this party is a little too stiff for me.”
As we make our way to the back of the room, clients and vendors shake our hands with so much admiration you’d think we were members of the royal family. It’s clear the von Henningsens hold an important place in the society because this entire evening is a celebration of their successful vodka business and I swear all of Copenhagen is present.
“Martin, glad you could make it.” Nikolaj walks towards his best friend with arms wide open, ready to embrace him in a man hug.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m sorry we’re a bit late, but Eloise’s flight was delayed and she needed a few minutes to look this drop-dead sexy.”
“Eloise, when have I seen you not look gorgeous?” Nikolaj turns his attention to the beautiful redhead clad in a superb deep green gown. She looks regal. “I don’t think you’ve meet my stunning American girlfriend, Ciara?”
“Oh, Nikolaj, you’re going to make me blush,” I say, sliding my arms around his.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ciara. Both Martin and Nik keep going on about you and I’m glad to see you’re not a fantasy.” She winks.
We all laugh.
“Eloise, likewise. It’s a real pleasure to meet you too. I love the color of your dress.”
“Thank you, but your gown is a real show-stopper and I can’t take my eyes off your dazzling necklace.”
I’m still so much in shock about my over-the-top gift I bring my hand up and caress the teardrop emerald stone and lower my gaze.
“Thanks, Eloise. Nikolaj spoils me rotten. He has incredible taste and I can’t tell you how much I love this necklace,” I say, blushing.
“Martin and Eloise, don’t be fooled by this one. Her beauty begs for these kinds of little touches. What can I say, I’m a sucker for her and I try to complement her charm and grace with my small tokens of affection.”
“Nik, you call what’s dangling around your girlfriend’s neck a small token? Please. Soon I’ll also have to fly to Paris to shop at those snooty boutiques
with those uptight French salespeople who barely speak a word of English to find tokens for my Eloise.”
“Martin, don’t make Nikolaj feel guilty. You know my thing isn’t jewelry. I get a kick out of buying or receiving outrageously priced pieces of art. Don’t listen to him, Ciara. You look exquisite in your dress and your boyfriend does indeed have impeccable taste,” she says, winking at me.
“Look, Martin, our dates are hitting it off beautifully. We could almost leave them here and go play a round of golf.”
“Speak for yourself. You wouldn’t be able to pay me to stay away from Ciara if she were my date and Eloise looks way too good for me to let her out of my sight.” Martin grabs his girlfriend by the waist and dips her with a dramatic kiss, like you’d see in the old Hollywood movies my grandparents used to watch. The small crowd around us claps and cheers.
“Martin, you can remove the lad from Ireland, but you can’t remove the Irishman from the lad.”
“What can I say, you Danish people are way too reserved for me. Now I want you to kiss your girlfriend like you mean it.” Martin is teasing Nikolaj and for a brief second I see a flash of hesitation in Nikolaj’s eyes before he rebuffs his best friend’s suggestion.
Nikolaj has already warned me he’ll tone it way down tonight in order to avoid raising eyebrows, since Danish people aren’t very demonstrative and frown upon public signs of affection.
“I like to keep the passion behind closed doors.”
“Right, buddy. Ciara, Eloise, what will you ladies drink?”
“Champagne,” we both answer in unison before breaking out in laughter.
“Von Henningsen, we’re going to have to make a lot more money in the coming year. Our girlfriends have extremely expensive tastes. Do you know how much Eloise’s dress cost?” Martin mocks.
“What did you expect, Mart? We’re dating women of quality who have refined taste… unlike my brother over there.”
Martin, Eloise and I turn on cue as Jakob glides across the room with his blonde Swedish girlfriend in tow. She’s wearing a loud ill-fitted crimson dress. I’m sure the design must have cost a lot, but it cuts her in the wrong places given how much cleavage she’s been gifted with and the fabric is so sheer we can see the outline of her body shapewear. Her hair is pulled back too tightly—it looks like she’s had a facelift. She’s a pretty woman, but she doesn’t know how to use what God gave her.
Pity, she could have done so much better.
“The two of you are still not talking?”
“Martin, what would I have to say to my idiot of a brother?”
“Good point. Come on, enough about your oldest sibling. Eloise and Ciara, as the three foreigners in the room, let’s show these people how to have fun. Let’s head to the bar, grab a couple of bottles of champagne and find a spot in this room where we can laugh our heads off.”
Thank God Martin has showed up and Eloise has turned out to be such a lovely woman. I’m so grateful the two of us get along like long-lost friends even though this is our first time meeting. Eloise was still working in London back when Nikolaj’s dad celebrated his milestone birthday and Martin ended up coming solo, but he’d spent half that night telling me how much his girlfriend and I would get along. I guess he was right.
The evening might be uneventful were it not for the endless supply of champagne, the staff bending backwards to ensure the owner’s son and his friends are enjoying themselves, and the fact the four of us are having way too much fun. We’re causing quite the commotion among a demure and quiet crowd. Eloise and I excuse ourselves after the third bottle and head to the bathroom, trying our best not to look as tipsy as we both are. We’re giggling and laughing in our individual stalls, completely unaware of the other women surrounding us. When I open the door to walk to the sink to wash my hands, Marna is fighting with her dress.
“Is everything okay?” I ask with feigned interest.
“Oh, gosh, I hate this stupid body shapewear. They say it slims you down, but it itches like crazy… not that you’d know what I mean, you have the figure of a model.”
“Oh. Thank you,” I reply awkwardly. “Why don’t I help?” I say, dropping my clutch on the counter to come to her rescue.
I didn’t expect a compliment from this woman. I’m pretty sure she must be aware I know who she is. I try to avoid her gaze in the mirror as I tug and pull at her tight shapewear and I’m so thankful when a voice fills the room.
“Honey, it depends on the brand. My sister had twins last summer and she must have bought six different brands until she found the right one.” Eloise bursts out of her stall with some womanly advice.
“Oh, I wasn’t aware. I ran out yesterday to buy this dress and when I tried it on, it was clear my post-baby body needed help—Jakob wanted vampy. I would have preferred comfortable.”
Did she say post-baby? Both Eloise and I look at each other in shock and it’s clear from our expressions this is news to both of us.
“Jakob insisted I wear this tight dress and I begged him to reconsider because I don’t look anything like I did before the baby.”
“Jakob and you have a child together?” Eloise has far more courage than I do and asks the question burning my tongue.
“Well, it’s complicated, but let’s say Jakob has been a pillar of support for me. I’m alone here. My family is in Sweden, but Jakob has taken good care of me and the baby.”
I finally manage to fix her dress so the body shapewear doesn’t look so obvious and I take a step back.
“It’s quite kind of Jakob to be so attentive,” I say, carefully choosing my words.
“So many people think he’s awful and arrogant, but he’s been a kind and generous man towards me and…”
Eloise and I lean in to hear what Marna is about to say.
“In any case, let’s leave it at it’s complicated. I’ve taken up too much of your time. The four of you are the only ones having fun and I’m sure your dates are waiting for you.” Although Marna is speaking to both of us, her eyes are locked into mine in the mirror facing us. “I believe your name is Ciara?”
“It is.” I nod uncomfortably.
“You must be quite special. Hmph. Nikolaj is not a one-woman man… well, he never used to be.”
Something about her comment doesn’t sit right with me.
“I guess a leopard can change his spots after all,” she adds, contorting her face, as if she’s utterly disgusted by Nikolaj’s choice in women.
Seriously? She’s going to play me like this?
Her lips curl up in a half smile but I read in her eyes something I’ve not seen in the short time I’ve known her—contempt. Up to now she’s looked unaffected by me, but obviously it was all an act.
Bitch. Don’t even go there with me. I’m ready to fire a stinger of a retort, but Eloise steps in front of me, preventing me from unleashing my fury all over little Marna.
“You know, Marna, all men are players until they meet the right one. Obviously Nik was waiting to meet Ciara before he decided to stop chasing skirts. Perhaps you’re better off with Jakob. Well, we have to go now, enjoy the rest of your evening.” Eloise grabs my arm and drags me out of the bathroom before I have a chance to answer. I follow her quick footsteps and we walk as far away as possible before facing each other.
“I was going to put her in her place,” I say, slightly annoyed she robbed me of the chance to cut through Marna.
“Nonsense, darling. You would have given her ammunition. I don’t know what happened between her and Nikolaj but she gives off the impression of being passive around Jakob. I saw a vicious expression flash in her eyes that betrays her innocent and helpless act. Like Martin and your boyfriend, I don’t trust Jakob one bit and I sure as hell don’t trust his girlfriend.”
“I didn’t realize she had a child. From my understanding, no one has brought this up so far. I’ve been hanging out with Nikolaj’s sisters and considering how little love there is between them and Jakob, I’m surprised no one
has mentioned this before.”
“I don’t think anyone knows. I’m surprised the eldest von Henningsen would have kept this kind of news a secret. He’s such an arrogant pig. I’m sure he would have used this baby to get more favors from his adoring mother. Something is brewing and it smells fishy.”
Yeah, something doesn’t compute. “Hmmm…”
“Hmmm what?”
“Unless he’s not the father. You heard how many times she used the word ‘complicated’,” I say, rewinding the conversation in my head.
“Let’s go back to the table and see if Nik is aware he’s an uncle and if he chose not to share the big news with us. I’m sure there’s an interesting story hiding under the surface waiting to emerge.”
Yeah, and it smells like trouble.
When we join our boyfriends, they both get up like gentlemen to allow us back to our seats. “Ladies, we were starting to wonder if you hadn’t run away with a few younger men, given the fact both Nik and I are older than the two of you.” Martin is grinning at us, proud of his little joke, but Eloise and I are way too riled up to give into his suggestive comment.
“Not now, Martin,” Eloise cuts in. “Ciara and I bumped into Marna in the ladies’ room and she had something very interesting to share.”
Both Eloise and I do our best to share our findings while looking as relaxed as possible, pretending we’re telling a fun tale, since both Jakob and Marna keep sending daggers our way with their eyes.
“What the fuck? Your brother is way too caught up in himself to take care of a woman and another man’s child.”
“What? Marna? Jakob? No way.” Nikolaj is obviously taken back by the news and shaking his head in disbelief. “The rascal is up to something. I agree with Martin, he’s way too self-absorbed to take care of another man’s child. He must be getting a huge payoff from this. I’m not sure what it is yet, but I’ll confront him first thing in the morning when I connect with him at nine o’clock for another stupid meeting. Damn, it’s going to cost me an arm and a leg in legal fees,” he spits out. “Ciara, I’m so sorry you had to discover Marna’s many personalities.” He reaches out and wraps his arms around my shoulders to comfort me.
Sinful Desires Page 9