By Invitation Only- The Series

by Zane Michaelson

  “Do you think a mask will hide who you truly are?”

  Caressa pondered. “I don’t know.”

  “He’s a smart man. Twice tonight you have aroused his suspicions.”

  “Twice?” Caressa asked.

  “Yes,” he snapped. “The ballroom and then the fire alarm. Do you not think he won’t put two and two together?”

  “There is no reason for him to suspect anything.”

  “I hope you’re right. But for now, I beg of you, don’t put yourself in harm’s way until the time is right.”

  “Okay.” Caressa knew he was right, and for now, would admit defeat.

  Zander pushed his hand into his pocket and grabbed his phone.

  Searching through his contacts, he found the number he needed.

  “Hello. This is Zander Shaw.”

  “Yes, Mr Shaw, what can I do for you?”

  “Is everything under control?”

  “Yes, Sir. A false alarm. I’m sorry you and your companion were disturbed.”

  “No matter.”

  “Is there something I can do for you, Mr Shaw?”

  “Yes, actually there is.”

  “Name it.”

  “I’d like to see the security footage of tonight’s event.”

  “Is there any reason why?”

  “Yes, but nothing I am willing to share. Could you please have the footage sent to my villa as soon as possible? That includes the perimeter footage, and of course, the ballroom.”

  “Of course. You will have it by five pm tomorrow.”

  “Very kind of you, Jean-Paul.”

  “Goodnight, Mr Shaw.”

  Zander ended the call.

  Something was amiss he could feel it.

  Who was the strange woman in conversation with Cammie, and why did she rush off so quickly?

  “Charlotte,” he whispered. Could it be?

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Zander returned ten minutes later.

  “Just a false alarm.”

  “Phew,” I replied, still flushed from my erotic encounter with Jensen.

  “So, where were we?”

  It didn’t feel right being here now. “Do you mind if we head back to your villa? I can’t relax here now.”

  “Of course.” He pulled me up from the bed. “I wish tonight had gone better, but the whole night kind of fell flat.”

  “Don’t say that.” I felt awful. “It was such a lovely thought, and after all, I did come here to spend time with you, getting to know you, so all these people are kind of surplus to requirements.”

  “That’s one way of looking at it, I guess.”

  “Don’t worry, really. I got to wear a beautiful dress in a beautiful castle. Not many girls would ever get to experience something as magical as this.”

  “I’ll make it up to you.”

  I think he had me pegged all wrong.

  “Zander,” I said, grabbing his hand. “You don’t need to spend money to impress me, you know.” He had to realise I wasn’t consumed by money. “You have a short memory…”

  “Oh?”

  “You made me richer than I ever dreamed possible when your company bought Rich Bitch, so you know I’m of means. There are tens of millions of pounds sitting in my bank account I’ll never spend, so I need you to realise, I’m here for you, and not your money.”

  “I just wanted to do something nice for you.”

  “Then take me for breakfast in the morning–nothing fancy, just a croissant in a local café, and a nice cup of coffee. Really, I’m a woman who enjoys the simple things.”

  “Croissants and coffee?”

  “That’s all.”

  “I was thinking of something a little fancier than that.”

  “Then go on your own.”

  My response clearly shocked him.

  “Is it a crime to want to do something nice for you?”

  “Not at all, but simple things mean more. I want to sit down with you and get to know the real you, not the big bad Mr Zander Shaw. Just you. Or does revealing the true version of yourself scare you?”

  “I’m not used to women wanting me for me.”

  “Then, you haven’t found the right one, yet.”

  I liked this more honest, reflective side of Zander and wished he showed it more. Maybe if he did, I wouldn’t find myself so attracted to Jensen.

  “I think I might have.”

  “Depends how good the croissants and coffee are tomorrow morning. Oh, and while I am in demanding mode, can you drive us?”

  “Why do?”

  “Three’s a crowd as they say.”

  “I’ll give Jensen the week off.”

  “Perfect.” I leaned in to kiss him, relieved I wouldn’t have to deal with Jensen.

  I couldn’t lie to myself and say I didn’t enjoy our oral transaction earlier, but a few days away from him would be good all round. Whatever fascination I held for him might break with some time and space between us. Positioning myself between two men would only lead to trouble, and I’d had enough of that, with the shit head ex-husband, and didn’t need any more.

  “Come on, let’s get you dressed and head home.”

  “To the villa?”

  “Yes. Sorry.”

  I stepped into my dress and allowed him to zip me at the back. Feeling Zander’s breath on my neck sent tingles down my spine. “Oh, I like that.”

  “Good.” He brushed his lips against my neck.

  I was massively attracted to this man. “Let’s go before I jump on you.”

  He laughed. “There is plenty of time for that, but when we get back to the villa, I will have the chef prepare some food. Neither of us have eaten.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  The drive back to the villa was uncomfortable to say the least.

  Zander rode in the back with me.

  I tried to avoid eye contact with Jensen, but he was having none of it and I could feel the tense atmosphere and knew he was watching through the rear-view mirror as Zander kissed me.

  I would have to find some time to speak with him before he left for the week, tell him what happened tonight must never happen again.

  I’d made my decision.

  Jensen was sexy, kind and charming, but he had a reckless streak I could never tolerate. He had overstepped his boundaries considerably, and while I enjoyed it at the time, I’d believed it was Zander who had his tongue buried between my legs.

  I felt disgusted with myself. Yes, I had tried to seduce Jensen back at my own house and failed, but I had to question a man who would take the risks he had taken tonight.

  “We’re nearly there,” he said, stopping the car at the wrought iron gate. With a click of a button, the gate opened.

  Thank God. I couldn’t bear the tension between us.

  “Jensen, I’ve decided to cancel all my meetings for the week ahead, so you’ve got some free time.”

  “But, I thought…”

  “Enjoy the time off while you can,” Zander interrupted. “It’s going to be a busy few months, and I’m going to need you on standby.”

  “Do you mind if I stay at the villa?”

  “I have no objections, but wouldn’t you like to see your friends in New York?”

  “Not especially.”

  “The company jets are at your disposal, should you change your mind.”

  “I know,” Jensen answered.

  Had I just imagined that conversation?

  The mask between employer and employee slipped for just a moment.

  Jensen slowed the car to a stop and climbed out.

  Zander got out and offered me his hand.

  With a bow, he spoke. “Have a good evening, Mr Shaw, Miss Childs.”

  “Goodnight, Jensen,” Zander said.

  “Yes, goodnight, and thank you, Jensen.”

  He nodded, and for a moment I caught a flash of hurt in his eyes. I felt awful and couldn’t leave things as they were. If I was going to be in Zander’s life, we had to
find a way of getting things back on track.

  “My pleasure,” he replied.

  “Oh, before you go, could I ask you to help me with my cases? I never got chance before you sprang the ball on me.”

  “I can help you,” Zander said.

  “You’re organising food, remember?”

  It would give me chance to try and smooth things over with Jensen.

  “Oh, yes. I’m starving actually.”

  “You’ll have to cook yourself–you told me to give the chef the night off, remember?”

  “Shit, so I did,” he replied. “Well, looks like I’m cooking.”

  “Can you cook?” I asked.

  Jensen grunted.

  “In a fashion, yes.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “I can cook pizza and grilled cheese.”

  “Pizza–my favourite.”

  Zander grinned. “You really are wonderful.”

  “You might want to check the freezer, Sir.”

  “Will do.” Zander rushed off, then turned. “I’ll go and get started. Jensen, please help Cammie sort her cases, then your time is your own.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Shall we go upstairs?”

  “If that’s where your cases are, then yes.” He knew damn well I’d lied to get rid of Zander.

  I made my way up the small winding staircase and into the dressing room.

  He followed me in.

  “Jensen. We need to talk.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Jensen smirked.

  I didn’t like it at all.

  “What do you want to talk about, Miss Childs?”

  I can’t stand smart arse comments. “Don’t give me that Miss Childs shit.”

  “That is your name.”

  “I know what my name is.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “The problem…” I sneered, trying to regain some self-control. “…is what you did earlier this evening.”

  “And what did I do?”

  “You know damn well what you did.” I balled my fist. If he wanted to play that game, I’d ruin his pretty face.

  “I gave you what you wanted, that’s all.”

  I didn’t know how to reply. I had wanted it, but realised, only on my terms. But, he had taken what he wanted without my consent.

  “I didn’t ask you to take advantage while I was blindfolded.”

  “No, you didn’t, and I was wrong to do that.” He couldn’t look at me. “I’m sorry, it was unforgiveable.”

  “I know I’ve flirted with you, and I can’t lie and say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but I’ve been playing a dangerous game and it has to stop.”

  “It’s not a crime to like two men at the same time.”

  “No, it’s not, but if I don’t stop now, it will all end in tears.”

  “You can trust me, Cammie. I promise you that.”

  God, I wanted to melt into his arms. What is the matter with me?

  “Can I? Really? Or are you playing your own game?”

  “You can trust me with your life.”

  I can’t believe I’m even considering it.

  “Zander likes me, a lot.”

  “He does, but, what’s more important is, do you like him?”

  “Yes, I do.” I had to be honest here. “But, I like you too.”

  My head began to throb at my temples.

  “Mr Shaw will return to work soon enough, and then, we have the perfect opportunity to be together.”

  “You have it all worked out, don’t you?”

  “My cock is rock hard thinking about the excitement of it all.”

  I looked down. His cock was indeed hard. I could see it.

  In an ideal world, I could have the two of them.

  For a moment, I fantasised what it would be like to have Zander slamming his cock into my pussy and Jensen’s cock in my arse.

  “Zander might come in.”

  “We’ll hear him coming up the stairs.”

  I was so tempted, but was it worth the risk? “I’m not doing anything with you in his house–it’s wrong.”

  “Then when you return home?” he said. “I can come and see you?”

  “I don’t know, Jensen.” I was confused. I wanted to say yes, but if I did, I might be destroying what I could have? I was behaving no better than my soon to be ex-husband. “No. We can’t. It isn’t right.”

  “Do you think Mr Shaw has behaved as gallantly with all the women he’s bedded over the years?”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “He plays whichever way the wind blows.”

  “Zander wouldn’t do that to me.”

  “You don’t know him at all, or how he treats the women in his life.”

  He stepped toward me.

  “Don’t come any closer.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  His lips were close to mine. “You’re right. We shouldn’t be doing this, Cammie.”

  “I know,” I said, torn between right and wrong. I couldn’t lie. I was eager to sample what he was offering. “But I want to, so badly.”

  “What about Zander?”

  “He doesn’t have to find out.” I was surprised by my own response.

  “I know, but he’s my…”

  “Your what?” I interrupted, before pressing my lips against his.

  Being this close to him was magical, but were my senses only heightened because I was about to taste forbidden fruit?

  I moved slowly, not wanting to scare him away, but it seems I underestimated Jensen, as suddenly, his arms found their way around me, pulling me close to his chiselled body.

  His lips crushed mine, and then I melted, falling head first into uncharted but deadly waters.

  The world around me faded to black.

  It was just me and Jensen.

  We didn’t hear anybody enter the room, so lost in one another were we.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he yelled.

  I spun around.

  Jensen fumbled around me.

  Zander stood in the darkened doorway, his face flushed red. He looked ready to kill.

  How long had he been there?

  “I trusted you,” he seethed. “Both of you.”

  “It’s not what it looks like, Zander,” Jensen said. “But…”

  What happened to calling him Mr Shaw?

  “We-we made a mistake,” I stammered. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Save your excuses,” he said, charging into the room.

  Jensen grabbed his trousers.

  I pulled my dress down. “Please, let me explain.”

  Zander grabbed Jensen around the throat.

  “Zander. No,” I shouted, trying to pull them apart. “It’s not his fault.”

  “If you weren’t my brother, I’d kill you.”

  His words slammed into me, robbing me of my breath.

  “He’s your brother?”

  “Yes,” Zander replied. “And now you can say you’ve had both of us.”

  “I didn’t know, but you’ve got it wrong, it was just a kiss.”

  “Pack your bags, slut,” he hissed. “I don’t ever want to see you again.”

  “Don’t speak to her like that, Zander–it wasn’t just her.”

  “Is that what happened with Charlotte? You fucked her too?”

  “Charlotte was a gold-digging whore.”

  “She loved me.”

  “No, she didn’t,” Jensen argued. “She loved our family money and nothing more.”

  “How do you know?”

  Jensen paused. “I could see it, even if you couldn’t.”

  “And what did you do? Send her away?”

  “No, I swear, I have no idea where she went, but you’re better off without her.”

  Zander looked at me. “I thought you were the one, Cammie, I really did.”

  I felt so ashamed.

  “We didn’t have sex,” I protested.

 
“But you were pretty fucking close.”

  “We’ve had too much to drink, that’s all, I swear.”

  “Go home, Cammie,” he said. “And you…” He pointed to Jensen. “Take the jet and fly back to your own side of the world.”

  “You can’t order me to do anything I don’t want to, Zander.”

  “No, I can’t, but I can say who I want working for me, and you’re fired.”

  “You’re my brother,” Jensen shot back.

  “You should have thought about that before you tried to fuck the woman I wanted to marry.”

  He wanted to marry me. “Oh, my God. What have I done?”

  “You’re a slut, just like the rest of them.”

  I was in the wrong but wasn’t going to allow him to treat me like dirt. I stormed across the room, and balled my fist, swinging for him.

  “Ow, fuck.” He bent double as blood poured from his nose. “Are you fucking crazy?”

  “This slut knows how to throw a punch,” I yelled. “And if you ever speak to me like that again, I’ll rip your balls off and feed them to your spineless brother.” I glared at Jensen. How could he have misled me that way? If I’d known they were brothers, I’d have kept my distance.

  I grabbed what little belongings I’d brought and made my way into the bedroom. I pulled the suitcase from under the bed.

  Throwing my clothes into the case, my blood was boiling. Never had I been as angry as I was right then.

  I felt I’d been tag teamed, like this was some sort of game they both got off on playing.

  “Fuck,” I yelled, at the top of my voice, wanting to punch the pair of them.

  I pulled at the beautiful ball gown. Reaching around, I loosened the zip enough to be able to free myself. Stepping out of it, I grabbed a more suitable dress from my case and pulled it on. Thankfully, there was no zip to consider. How have I gotten myself into this mess?

  In anger, I kicked the side of the solid oak bed and cried out as pain shot up my toes, through my foot and right up my leg.

  I roared, falling to the floor, in floods of tears, unable to move.

  Great! I think I’ve broken my fucking foot.

  Zander must have heard me cry out and rushed into the room.

  “What have you done?” He rushed over to me.

  “Oh, go back to your brother, you stupid cunt.” I cringed. The C word, really?