Love in the Dark

by 12 Book Boxed Set (epub)

  Then each day I'd see Olivia at work and it was as if nothing ever happened the night before. With each time she called me Cassian and each cold glance she shot my way, I grew more miserable without her. I'd had no idea how much stubbornness lived in her. Day by day, she seemed to grow stronger in her choice to never speak to me again other than at work, and every minute I spent with her at the club was more painful than the next.

  I loved her. I wanted her. I needed her. And nothing I did mattered if I couldn't convince her of those things.

  Two weeks into my torture, I couldn't take it anymore. This double life of tepid professionalism by day and ignoring me by night had to end. Late Friday afternoon, I walked into her office to let her know.

  She sat behind her desk focused on her work on an upcoming club event I'd handed over to her when we were still together. I stood watching her, remembering how happy she'd been then when I'd come to see her.

  Looking up at me, she said coldly, "Did you need something, Cassian?"

  God, I hated when she called me that. I knew it meant she was keeping me at arm's length. "I wanted to let you know I plan to knock on your door every night until you let me in. I don't care if it takes a week, a month, or a year, I'm going to be there every night at nine."

  "What happened to you working until midnight each night?"

  "This is more important. So just know we have a standing date every night at nine."

  "And if I never let you in again?"

  I wanted to think she was joking, but the stern look in her eyes told me she was serious. It didn't matter. She might believe she'd never let me in again now, but I wasn't going to give up.

  "Then every night I'll knock on your door and hope that's the night you finally remember what we were."

  Olivia said nothing in response, but it didn't matter. Someday she would.

  Epilogue

  Cassian

  The gala at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts kicked into high gear, but even as I schmoozed and glad-handed with the organizers to thank them for being club members for years and local politicos to ensure the safety of the club, my attention never really left my watch. No matter how much I needed to be at this event for Club X, I needed to be at Olivia's apartment by nine for a far more important reason.

  In a room full of gorgeous women in expensive designer gowns, there wasn't one that even made me look twice. None of them were the woman I wanted, even if she hadn't opened her door for me in three days.

  I took the last drink of my champagne and placed my glass on a nearby table. Nearly eight-thirty, if I didn't leave soon I'd be late. I made my way over to say my goodbyes, but a woman in a red gown stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

  "Cassian March?"

  Quickly scanning her face, I didn't recognize this woman who seemed to know me. Giving her a brief smile, I nodded and made a move to escape, but she wasn't having that.

  "I hoped I'd get to see you here tonight."

  I stopped and studied her face. Beautiful, she had striking blue-green eyes and brown hair, but she was no one I knew. Why was she speaking to me like we'd met before? "Do we know each other?"

  Offering her hand, she smiled. "Josie Tellow. We have a shared acquaintance. Olivia."

  "Oh. Are you a friend of Olivia's?"

  Josie took a sip of champagne and nodded. "I am. You know at first I thought she should kick you to the curb. I didn't tell her this, but I knew what kind of player you've been for years. I've seen you at these events with a different woman on your arm each time. I figured you would only break her heart. Then you did, and I wanted to kick myself for not telling her to drop you. But then she told me what you do every night, even after weeks of her not giving you even the slightest bit of hope, you're still there every night."

  "Then you know I have to leave now. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Tellow."

  I moved to leave, but she grabbed my arm to stop me. "Don't give up on her. I know you're probably just about to, but don't. Don't be like most men."

  "I'm not most men."

  "Then show her that. Be that man she thought you were when she told me she could find another job, but she couldn't find another Cash."

  The way she said that gave me hope, so I made my goodbyes and raced over to Olivia's apartment, arriving ten minutes late after practically having to beg the florist around the corner to stay open long enough to let me get flowers. Completely out of the roses I brought with me every night, all he could offer me was a bouquet of wildflowers.

  Like every other night for weeks, I knocked on her door and waited, prepared to be ignored but hoping tonight would be different. Not a sound came from inside her apartment, so I knocked again and waited as the knowledge that tonight would be like most other nights with me standing there alone not getting the chance to say what was in my heart.

  Discouraged, I leaned my body against the door and closed my eyes. "Olivia, please open the door. I can do this for the rest of my life, but I'd rather us do something together."

  She said nothing. I wasn't even sure she was there. Pressing my ear to the door, I strained to hear anything that would tell me Olivia heard what I'd said. Nothing. Not a sound.

  "Olivia, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I know that doesn't make up for what I did, but give me another chance."

  Listening for any sound on the other side of the door, I heard nothing. Disappointed, I hung my head and knelt down to place the flowers on her doorstep, like I had every night before. As I stood to leave, I saw the door open. Olivia stood there in her black yoga pants, a pink T-shirt, and for the first time in so long, she had a smile on her face.

  "Taking to wearing a tux for these nightly visits, Cash?"

  I straightened my jacket and held the flowers up for her. "I thought maybe a suit wasn't enough. Is the tux working?"

  She took the bouquet and held them to her nose. "These are pretty. Thank you. As for the tux, I'm not sure what it's supposed to do, but you do look nice. I'm afraid I'm a little underdressed, though, for whatever you had in mind."

  I smiled at her teasing and looked into her eyes. "You look beautiful, especially now that you're smiling at me. I missed that."

  "Do you know why I opened the door, Cash?"

  I shook my head. "No. I have no idea. I'm just happy you did."

  "It's because of what you said. Tonight, for the first time, you said you were sorry."

  "I've been sorry since the moment I realized what I did. I am sorry, Olivia."

  "That's what I've been waiting all these weeks to hear. It's all I ever wanted you to say."

  "I guess I've been a bigger fool than I thought. All this time, I thought you knew I was sorry. I figured you wanted me to say something big or impressive and I just hadn't thought of the right words yet."

  "So why did you say I'm sorry tonight?"

  "I met your friend Josie at the museum gala, and something she said about me not giving up made me think there was a chance for us. I don't know why I said I was sorry tonight and not before this. I just said what was in my heart."

  The smile she gave me made me happier than I'd been in weeks. Her hand slid down the door and then she stepped back. "Why don't you come in instead of standing out in my hallway so all my neighbors can know my business?"

  The sound of a door shutting behind me down the hallway made me chuckle. "I think it's too late for that. I'm pretty sure all your neighbors know more than they ever wanted to about us."

  She flashed another sweet smile. "Then I better let you in before they insist on knowing how this all turns out. I think it's time we talked."

  I followed her into her living room and sat down next to her. "I really am sorry, Olivia. I've been going crazy without you. I can't think about anything but you, and work has been nearly impossible knowing you're right there in the office next door but you won't even talk to me, except for ice cold answers when I ask a question."

  "Why did you do it? I guess I can understand that you might think I
could do something to you out of anger. I would never do that, but I can see why you might think that. But why did you shut me out like that? That hurt more than anything else."

  "As soon as the thought of you betraying me settled into my mind, I shut down. It felt the same as when I found out Rachel cheated on me with Stefan, and I didn't want to feel that pain again, so the walls went up."

  Olivia took my hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "I'm not like her, Cash. I wouldn't do that to you. I can't be with someone who I'd always be worried would shut me out, though. That hurt too much."

  Pulling her close, I felt her meld to me and for the first time in weeks, I was truly happy. I didn't want to risk losing her or feeling this way again. "I know. I'm sorry. I don't want to be without you. I know that now. I love you, Olivia."

  I hadn't said I love you to a woman since Rachel, but those three words had never felt more right coming out of my mouth.

  She looked up at me and smiled one of those Olivia smiles that never failed to touch my heart. "I love you too, Cash. But no more lies, okay? That includes the truth about the club."

  "The truth?" I knew what she meant. I just didn't want the reality of my life to ruin everything.

  "The truth, as in Club X isn't what you said it was when you hired me. Legal and all?"

  I searched her eyes for any sign that what my life was could be something she'd accept. "Does it bother you what I do?"

  Olivia shook her head and took my hand in hers. "No. I found the greatest guy in the world because of what Club X is."

  "I wish I wasn't the kind of man I have to be at the club. You deserve better."

  She knitted her eyebrows and cradled my face. "I must still be giving off that good girl vibe. Let me tell you something, Cassian March. You're not doing anything immoral or wrong there. People come to Club X to live out their fantasies. There's nothing wrong with that. I got to become someone I wanted to be because of your club. I've always wished I could be that sexy woman a man like you would want, and that happened at Club X."

  "You've always been sexy, Olivia. That men like me didn't see that was our fault, not yours."

  "Cash, you should be proud of who you are and what you and your brothers have accomplished. There's nothing for you to be ashamed of. I'm proud to say I'm with you."

  Pressing my forehead to hers, I closed my eyes. "I love that you can accept everything I am. I never thought someone good like you would. I love you, Olivia."

  I kissed her and as I held her in my arms, I felt like no matter what the world threw at me, I could handle it as long as she was mine.

  * * *

  Three Months Later

  Olivia

  Shaking Cash's shoulder, I whispered in his ear, "If you don't get up, you're going to be late to the club again."

  He pulled me close and mumbled, "I don't care. Kane and Stefan can handle things without me for one day. I want to stay right here with you."

  "Didn't you say you had at least one interview today?" I gently reminded him.

  Opening his eyes, he looked up at the ceiling as he ran through his schedule in his mind and sighed deeply. "I really want to stay in bed with you."

  I nuzzled his jawline, loving the feel of the stubble as it scraped across my lips. "I can't. Remember? I'm meeting with the event planner today at noon. You could stay and join us."

  Rolling me over onto my back, he nudged my thighs open and settled in between my legs. Already hard, his cock pushed against my clit, sending strings of arousal through my body. With a sparkle in his blue eyes, he moaned, "This is what I want to do."

  "You know what I mean, Cash. You could come to the meeting with me. I'd love your input, you know."

  He kissed me softly on the lips in that way that never failed to make me melt inside. "You know I'd do anything to make you happy, Olivia, but I doubt any of my suggestions would be helpful. I don't know a centerpiece from a…"

  Quickly, I finished his sentence. "Centerfold?"

  "Not exactly what I was thinking, but you get my point. I have no idea what an engagement party is supposed to be like." Kissing my left hand, he added, "I figure that's your thing since I didn't need any input on the ring."

  I ran my palms over his back, loving the feel of his taut muscles under my fingers. Holding my hand out to stare at the stunning two carat diamond engagement ring on my finger, I had to admit he'd done well with it. "You're lucky you're cute and that I love this ring. Okay, I get it. Not exactly what a man wants to spend a few hours talking about. Go to your interviews. Who's on the schedule today?"

  He buried his face in the space between my neck and shoulder and planted kisses across my skin. "Some dancers for Kane's area."

  "Should I be worried? Those dancers are pretty hot."

  Lifting his head, he smiled down at me. "Not in the least. I have no interest in dancers, or for that matter, any woman but the one about to make love to. But I can go with you to your meeting, if you want."

  I cradled his face, looking deep into those gorgeous blue eyes, and shook my head. "No, go to work. Somebody's got to make sure Stefan doesn't sexually harass the girls in the interview. I'll be fine on my own."

  Cash kissed me again. "Good point. But you don't have to ever worry about me with another woman, Olivia. I'm happy with the one who shares my bed and in a few months will share my life."

  "Are you scared?"

  "About what?" he asked, knitting his brows.

  "Getting married. It's a big step."

  A smile spread across his lips. "No. Some men are meant to be married."

  I couldn't help but giggle at his response. "Says the man who up until recently was one of the city's most eligible bachelors. I thought players hated the idea of marriage."

  "I never wanted that. All I ever wanted was someone to come home to after spending my days at the club."

  "Pretty boring stuff for most men, Cash."

  "I'll leave the other stuff for guys like Stefan, although he seems to be like a lost puppy these days."

  "What's wrong with him?"

  "I think he likes one of the bartenders, but she wants nothing to do with him."

  "Oh, the poor thing!"

  Cash's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Poor thing? Every time he sleeps with one of our employees, we end up paying more money. I'm happy she doesn't want to give him the time of day. I'd like to think it's because of my stern explanation of the non-fraternization clause in the contract, but that's never worked before."

  "Maybe she has a boyfriend already."

  "Again, that's never stopped Stefan. I think Kane has something to do with it. I've noticed he seems to be suspiciously around a lot when she's around."

  I was surprised to hear anything about Kane and a woman. "Really? He never seems interested in anyone at the club."

  "I don't think he's interested in her. Something tells me he's blocking Stefan for some reason."

  I gently jabbed him in the side. "You brothers are so bad."

  "What's bad is Stefan constantly costing us money. If Kane is blocking him, I'll have to take him out for a nice steak to say thanks."

  "You are so bad, Cassian March!"

  "Mmmm…enough about my brothers. I'm more interested in you, Olivia Lucas soon-to-be March."

  Cash slowly slid his hand down my right side to cup my ass as he leaned in to kiss me. Raking my fingernails over the soft skin of his back, I moaned, "You're going to make it impossible for me to leave this bed."

  "Good," he groaned in my ear as he made quick work of my skirt and panties. "If I could, I'd have us stay here forever. No club, no brothers, nothing but you and me naked in bed for the rest of time."

  As he eased into me, I looked up and smiled. "I like the way you think."

  "I like this. No, I love this." He kissed me sweetly. "I love you, Olivia."

  I whispered I loved him too as we made love, and later as I watched him dress in his usual suit and tie look that never failed to make me want him, I thought about t
he chance I'd taken reserving that fantasy room that first night. All my life I'd played it safe, and all I'd gotten in return was a safe, boring life. For the first time ever, I'd taken a risk, and even though things hadn't gone exactly the way I'd thought they would, I'd ended up right where I wanted to be.

  Like he did every day since we got back together, Cash went to work late that morning after making love to me. As for me, I had our engagement party to plan.

  Thank you for reading TEMPTATION!

  Start the second book in the Club X series…

  Stefan March lives for a good time. Born into wealth, he sees everything in terms of what he can have, especially women. So far, life has denied him nothing and no one. When he meets his newest bartender, he instantly knows who his next conquest will be, but Shay's not like the usual women he collects. To get her, he'll have to be more than just the player he's always been.

  Shay Callahan is beautiful, determined, and intelligent. She's got plans for her life, and they don't include getting sidetracked by a man, and certainly not her wealthy player boss. Her job at Club X is for one thing—money to fund her education—but if she can make Stefan March see he's not God's gift to women, all the better. She never expects to find out there's more to him than meets the eye.

  As different as day and night, can these two see past who they think they are to find love?

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  JAYNE RYLON

  Wild Ride

  JAYNE RYLON

  Can a marriage of convenience turn into true love? Maybe...with the help of the right man.