Montana Seduction

by Jules Bennett

  “Stella,” he growled in warning.

  The warning was more for himself, though. If he ultimately went through with this seduction, he would be just as much of a bastard as the men he hated.

  Her fingers went to the snap on his jeans, pulling it loose. The zipper slid down next.

  Damn it. He was human with temptation staring him right in the face. He wanted her too badly to care if it made him a bastard.

  Something snapped, likely his sanity, but he circled her waist with his hands and lifted her against him. Dane crushed his mouth to hers and Stella opened for him as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his waist.

  Dane wanted to completely consume her, to strip away everything—the clothes, the lies. The damn world outside. He wanted every bit of it gone.

  Taking long strides, he headed toward the bed. He wasn’t waiting any longer. Guilt had no place in business...or the bedroom. Only desire belonged here. And he desired the hell out of her. From her pants and moans and the way her fingertips dug into him, she was just as achy.

  When he reached the post at the end of the bed, Dane eased her down to her feet. She blinked up at him, but he took a step back. He continued to watch her as he rid himself of his jeans and boxer briefs.

  Dane stepped out of his things and kicked them aside.

  “Turn around,” he demanded. He couldn’t risk her seeing his back, but if she wanted to believe he just enjoyed this position, that was perfectly fine...because he did.

  Stella quirked a brow before obeying. Dane shifted behind her and slid his hands down her arms until he reached her wrists. He circled her delicate skin and lifted her hands, wrapping them around the thick, wood bedpost.

  Dane tucked his body up against hers as he trailed his lips across her shoulder, up her neck, to the curve of her ear.

  “Hold on.”

  He quickly grabbed a condom from his wallet and covered himself as he stepped in behind her once again. With his hands gripping her hips, he pressed his body into hers.

  “Spread your legs,” he murmured.

  Stella stepped wider and Dane used the opportunity to ease his hand to the front of her body, pleased to discover she was more than ready to take him. He slid the tips of his fingers through her, fighting the staggering need to take this final step.

  “Dane.”

  His name coming off her lips in a cry of pleasure was all the motivation he needed. Dane slid into her and had her crying out once again. He, on the other hand, stilled.

  She. Was. Perfect.

  Closing his eyes against any emotions other than lust and raw, primal need, Dane concentrated on just how amazing they were together. For this night, and maybe the duration of his stay, he wanted to be here in her bed. And out of her bed? Well, that was a space he couldn’t think about right now.

  Stella’s knuckles whitened as she gripped the post. Her head fell back against his shoulder. As Dane continued to pump his hips, he kept his hands firmly on her thighs, his fingertips digging in to keep her in place.

  He leaned down and sucked on that curve of her neck, earning him another pleasure-filled groan. Damn if he didn’t know her body already and that was one of the most powerful tools he had in his arsenal.

  Stella reached up higher on the post and sank back against him even farther. Within seconds she was coming undone and panting his name. Dane couldn’t hold back another second and he was done trying. He followed her release, pressing his forehead against her shoulder as he gritted his teeth. He held on to her until both of their bodies ceased trembling and even then, he didn’t let go.

  “I think my legs are going to give out.” Stella’s breathless words broke the silence. “I don’t know how we’re still standing.”

  He nipped at that curve in her neck again, suddenly realizing he liked that spot because each time he touched her there, she trembled. He liked having that control over her, just that little kernel that was all his.

  “We’re still standing because I wasn’t about to miss a second of this sweet body by falling down,” he countered.

  Dane spun her around and lifted her up before circling the bed and laying her back down on her side. He rested a hand on either side of her head and stared down at her dark eyes, that midnight hair spread all around her.

  A sheen of sweat had broken out on her chest and Dane couldn’t resist. He leaned down and took one breast into his mouth. How could he want her again when his body hadn’t even recovered from the last time?

  When she arched against him and let out something akin to a purr, he knew exactly how. Stella Garcia was magnetic and there was no way he could say no or deny either of them what they both needed.

  “You’re not going to get any more sleep.”

  She smiled up at him. “Is that a threat?”

  He palmed the other breast. “No. That’s a promise.”

  Nine

  She didn’t know how she was doing it, but somehow Stella was going from one part of the resort to another, checking on staff, guests, food, and anything else she could. She tried to stay calm and competent, but it was much more of a struggle than usual. This storm was raging like nothing she’d ever seen and she was running on next to no sleep.

  And yet in spite of that, the memories from last night had her smiling as she made quick strides to one of the theater rooms. If the power went due to the blizzard, she knew her generators would kick in and there would be no worries. But she still wanted to make sure everything was in good shape and that all of her guests were as comfortable as possible. They’d likely be stuck beyond their projected date, so she planned on offering discounts and extras to make up for their inconvenience.

  As much as she hated the idea of stranded guests, Stella couldn’t help but feel a little giddy about one guest in particular.

  Once she checked on the theater rooms and the fantasy suites, she breathed a sigh of relief. So far this day was going better than most. Each guest was quite understanding of the fact the mountain road would likely close. Each guest was also given the choice to check out now and get a discount on their next stay or continue their vacation at a lower rate. Everyone had decided to stay and she couldn’t help but feel a burst of pride. Thankfully they had just enough rooms and they were full.

  She was actually doing this. She was kicking ass at being the manager of Mirage, one of the most spectacular adult resorts in the world.

  Stella hoped like hell whoever her father had planted here saw that. She only wished she knew who the culprit was, but she wasn’t wasting her time trying to find out. Whoever it was, there was nothing she’d be doing any differently even if she knew. Her guests always came first and losing sleep, skipping meals, and having achy arches in her feet were all worth it to have happy guests.

  Stella pulled her cell from her pocket to check the radar once again. Not that anything had changed since she looked at it thirty minutes ago, but she just wanted to see...just in case.

  The bright blue blob right over Gold Valley stared back at her. Okay, well, she would get through this. Blizzards were expected in this part of the country and there wasn’t much she could do to fight Mother Nature. If the mountain closed, at least her guests would be safe right here and she would play the dutiful host and make sure each need was met.

  Perhaps she could include her own needs in that mix. Her cell vibrated in her hand and she glanced back down to see her father’s number.

  Quickly swiping the screen, she answered, “Hello.”

  “Stella. How are things with my resort?”

  His resort. She didn’t roll her eyes, but she just barely suppressed herself.

  “Every room is still full and the guests are all staying through the storm.”

  “Of course they are. Why would they leave?”

  No reason to give her any credit. Really, no problem.


  “I will be arriving in two weeks to check things out,” he went on. “I trust the penthouse will be ready for me.”

  Stella gripped the cell. “We are booked up. I wasn’t aware you wanted a room.”

  “You don’t think you should always have a handful of rooms at the ready for special clients or your own father?”

  Stella smiled at a young couple strolling through the hallway. Once they passed, she still lowered her voice as she made her way toward her office.

  “I think that every client deserves the same treatment no matter their financial status,” she stated. “I wouldn’t turn someone away in the hopes that some millionaire needed a room. I maximize on every profit possible.”

  “That line of thinking will get my doors closed,” he growled. “If you’re running my resort, then you’ll do it my way.”

  Stella finally slipped into her office and closed the door at her back. Fury pumped through her.

  “Your resort. Your way.” The words slowly slipped through gritted teeth. “And here I was under the impression this resort would eventually be mine.”

  “That’s my call and for now, Mirage is still mine. I’m sure in the next two weeks you will figure out a way to have my suite available.”

  “You can stay in mine,” she offered. “I’ll sleep on the sofa.”

  “Don’t be absurd.”

  Stella took a seat in her chair and immediately realized her mistake. Now that she was down, she didn’t want to get back up.

  “If someone cancels, I’ll be sure to put your name on that room,” she promised. “But for now I need to go unless there’s something else you needed.”

  “There is one more thing.”

  Stella’s eyes scanned the security cameras at the front desk, the lobby, the public decks, and the front entrance. The security cameras in her office had all angles of the resort, save for the suites and the fantasy rooms.

  “What’s that?” she asked.

  “I was offered a great deal of money to sell.”

  Stella’s heart clenched, her breath caught in her throat and she stilled, afraid to move, desperately praying she’d heard wrong.

  “I’ve turned the would-be buyer down,” he added. There was something akin to gloating and arrogance to his tone. “But I’ve been wondering if you’d rather have a nest egg than a business. You could always take the money and invest, travel around the world, or even start up your own place.”

  Stella rested her elbows on her desk and rubbed her forehead as she pulled in a shaky breath. So that’s what all of this was. Everything in his life was still about money. He’d never change, likely he never intended to give her this property. But that wouldn’t stop her from pushing forward and making sure her reputation remained impeccable.

  She owed that to the single mom who’d started this. A strong woman who had a vision, a passion. Stella might not have much in common with Lara as far as family life went, but she understood drive and determination.

  “I don’t want the money,” she explained. “At the end of this six-month experiment, I want the resort. I know I’m not the son you wanted, or the perfect business partner, but I’ve never given up on us.”

  She bit her lip the second she realized it was quivering and she was close to losing it.

  “I just want a chance,” she stated, once she got control of her emotions. “I’ve tried for so long to please you. What will it take?”

  Silence on the other end had her glancing to the screen to make sure they were still connected.

  “I never said you didn’t please me,” her father finally said. “And rehashing the past won’t change a thing.”

  “Rehashing the past? You mean discussing my mom? Because anytime I try to talk about her, you shut the topic down.”

  “Stella, I will not discuss this now,” he reprimanded. “I believe you have things to do. I will see you in two weeks.”

  He disconnected the call, leaving her emotions in even more of a jumbled mess than before. She hadn’t meant to bring up her mom, but sometimes it just happened. She’d always wondered about her, wanted to see photos of her, hear stories about what she’d been like. But there had been nothing. No photos, no stories. Ruiz had shut completely down.

  How did the man deal with grief or pain if he never faced it?

  Laying her phone down, Stella ran her hands over her face and took long, slow breaths to calm herself down. Leaving her office upset was not in keeping with the professional front she wanted anyone to see.

  She smoothed her hair back from her face and started to stand, but stilled when she spotted Dane on the screen. He was actually outside on one of the covered patio areas. He wore a pair of jeans and a thick, wool coat. He was talking on his cell and staring out at the swirling snow. Whoever he was talking to had him shaking his head and gesturing with his free hand.

  This was none of her business. She had no real ties to him, no reason to expect to be allowed some insight into his life. Yet she continued to stare. When he raked a hand over the back of his neck, Stella sank back into her chair and wondered who or what had him so upset. This wasn’t the laid-back man who had pleasured her multiple times. This certainly wasn’t the guy who had a life motto of “it will all work out.”

  She’d seen only the very sexy, very giving side of Dane Michaels. Who was he really? A rancher and ex-military, but that’s all she knew.

  On the screen she watched as he ended the call and pocketed his cell. Realizing she’d been staring for quite a while, Stella grabbed her own phone and came to her feet. Lunch had just passed and she hadn’t grabbed a bite. She’d swing through the kitchen, make sure they were all set for dinner and the wine and cheese hour and pick something up for herself really quickly.

  Maybe she should go ahead and plan a dinner for her room again. They had nowhere else to go and she wanted to take time for herself. If her father was seriously making a visit in a couple weeks, Stella was taking her reward now for the headache she’d have later.

  Her cell chimed again, this time a text from the employee who kept the private hot tub areas maintained between guests.

  Apparently the guests were requesting a special bottle of pinot noir and not the regular house white that was kept in that area.

  Stella went to grab a bottle of the preferred wine. She of all people knew the importance of wine and a nice relaxing soak.

  And once again, even in work, her mind circled back to Dane. What was she going to do when his time here came to an end?

  Ten

  Ethan stared at the phone and wondered what he’d said to make Dane so angry. His brother wasn’t one to let his emotions drive him...or he never had been. Had that changed? Considering they hadn’t spent too much time together in the past, oh, couple of decades, Ethan couldn’t really consider himself an authority on his brother anymore.

  All Ethan had said was that if Robert showed up at Mirage in Sunset Cove, then Ethan wasn’t sure he could wait for Dane to tie up loose ends and get down there to join him. They’d waited all this time, years, to build up their resources, their finances, their power. The time to strike was now and there wasn’t a chance in hell Ethan was going to let Robert slip out of their grasp again.

  Ethan didn’t mention that he happened to already be at Mirage. Dane thought he was just in California, but Ethan figured he should keep his plans to himself. He trusted his brother—even with the distance between them, there was no one he trusted more than Dane. They may have grown apart, but they would always have a bond like nothing else in the world. But that didn’t mean his brother needed to know everything.

  Shoving his cell back into the pocket of his shorts, Ethan strolled out of the open lobby area and straight toward the beach. While he was waiting on dear ol’ stepdad to make his appearance, there was no reason he couldn’t take in the sights while he waited...and by sights he mean
t that sexy, lush lady sporting a red bikini. Suddenly he had a new favorite color.

  Who said he couldn’t enjoy himself while on the hunt for Robert? Besides, Ethan planned on being at Mirage for a while—like forever.

  As soon as he secured this place in his name, as his mother had originally intended, he planned on living right here where he belonged to manage the place and keep it prosperous. The beach, the ocean, they were home. Ethan may have grown up in Montana, but there was nothing like that salty breeze and the sand between his toes.

  And the views. Had he mentioned that already? Because he never could understand why anyone would rather be bundled up around a fire when they could be showing off sun-kissed skin and enjoying their favorite beachside beverage.

  The lady in red sprayed herself with sunscreen and tossed her bottle back in her striped beach bag. He glanced up and down the shoreline. With this as an adults-only resort, there was a peacefulness not many beaches had. There were no screaming, running children since this was a private island.

  Family vacations were great, but Mirage was not that type of destination. His mother, a lifelong romantic, had built two stellar resorts all with couples in mind. Her sense of romance had led to her commercial success, but also her personal downfall. She’d wanted to marry for love, she’d wholeheartedly believed in it, and she had married...but Ethan highly doubted love had entered anywhere in that equation.

  Her father had passed and Lara had been left raising two boys on her own. The scenario seemed to be tailor-made for Robert because he obviously preyed on the weak and vulnerable.

  The Michaels boys were neither weak nor vulnerable now. They were angry, they were still hurt, and they were ready to fight back. There was nothing Ethan wouldn’t do to honor his mother, and she’d raised strong boys. This was what she would’ve wanted.

  Ethan slipped off his flip-flops and looped his fingers around the straps as he made his way across the warm sand.

  Walking along the edge of the water always relaxed him, always helped him see a clearer picture. That was why he’d come out to Mirage instead of waiting. He needed to be here to sort through all the mess in his head, to figure out the precise steps he needed to take. He had to act fast, but he also had to be smart about it.