“Pierre will never believe I've won this much money. Robert you better write a note so I can prove it to him.” Victoria was laughing again. Turning to smile into Jason's eyes, she said, “You were right babe, you are a good luck charm.”
“Glad to be of assistance, angel. And I hate to end our fun, however, you seem to have won a great deal already, and it's almost ten. We should say our good-byes to Robert here and go get some food. I'm starving.”
After talking for a couple more minutes, exchanging farewells with Robert, and cashing in their chips, they headed for the door. Exiting via a little-used side door, they entered a dimly lit garden area, and walked slowly toward the street. It had been a magical evening. Neither of them was paying much attention to their surroundings, it was late and the garden was almost deserted.
Hearing voices, Jason noticed a couple standing a few feet beyond a small fountain they were approaching. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but the body language did not look good. The man appeared threatening and a look of fear was evident on the woman's face. Jason glanced at Victoria confirming she too had noticed the couple. He tightened his grip on her waist as he slowed his step, bringing Victoria to a stop twenty feet away from the couple.
The woman noticed them and a pleading look came into her eyes as she glanced quickly at Jason. He became aware that the man had a firm grip on the lady's left arm, holding her to the spot as he continued to whisper at her. Jason released Victoria and briefly looked into her eyes. “Stay here,” he commanded as he took two steps away from her side.
The woman screamed and a loud slap reverberated in the air as the man's hand connected with the side of her face. Jason moved quickly, bounding toward the man and hooking his upright arm before he could land another blow.
Taking the attacker by surprise, Jason had the upper hand. With a quick step backwards he effectively unbalanced his opponent, who needed both hands to break his fall. The woman, now free, ran quickly into the arms of two security guards who had responded to the earlier screams.
Things were happening quickly and Victoria remained motionless, eyes transfixed on Jason. He was standing, legs parted over the downed man, every muscle in his body coiled to strike if the man came up swinging. It was this stance which allowed him to deflect the knife that slashed at his chest as the man came to his feet.
The security guards, becoming aware of the knife, started demanding the man drop his weapon, as they surrounded the combatants looking for an opening. Jason was on the defensive. The knife slashed again, and he felt the blade connect with his chest. His shirt torn and bloody, Jason realized he was no match for a knife. Before the assailant could inflict additional damage Jason instinctively jumped out of harm’s way.
The sound of a police officer demanding the man drop his weapon or be shot seemed to halt the attack. Dropping the knife, the man fell to his knees as security and police overwhelmed him.
*
Robert had been walking toward the exit, his shift complete, when he was drawn by the commotion. He noticed Jason leaning against a small tree, blood showing through his white shirt and quickly moved to his side, “Mr. Hunter, are you okay? You're bleeding, come sit down.”
“I'm fine really, please find Victoria. She's over by the exit somewhere.” His body wavered as he slumped to the ground. Robert yelled for a doctor as he helped Jason lay down on his back. Blood was flowing freely from the wound on Jason's chest and Robert looked to see the hotel doctor running toward them. “Over here Doctor Howard!”
“Robert, go find Victoria now!” Jason demanded. He was bleeding, in pain, and worried. He also knew it was only a flesh wound and at the moment he did not want his orders ignored. He wanted Robert to find Victoria and he wanted it done now. “Robert, get your ass up and go find her or else.”
“Yes Mr. Hunter.” Robert said as he stood to leave. The doctor had arrived at Jason's side so Robert headed across the garden, between police and the security people still in the process of handcuffing the attacker.
She was standing close to the doors, her face drained of all color, eyes unblinking. Robert rushed to her side. “Ms. Lane, are you all right?” he asked, getting no response. “Victoria” he said again, gently placing his fingers on her arm. Her skin was cold. He stood in front of her, his concern growing as he watched the blank look in her eyes. “Victoria,” he shouted, shaking her shoulders gently.
“Robert.” Her voice sounded distant, her eyes moving up to look into his face. “Is Jase okay?”
“He's fine, the doctor is with him now.”
“Doctor,” she said, her voice cracking. Her knees became weak and if it had not been for Robert's hands on her shoulders, she might have fallen right there.
Frightened by the pale look on her face and the shaking of her body, Robert quickly said, “Victoria he's fine, just a minor cut. Come with me and we'll go find him,” his voice was cajoling. Taking her gently by the elbow, he led her past the fallen assailant and police.
*
A crowd had gathered and security was holding them back. Jason was laying on the ground, his shirt removed and a doctor kneeling in front of him assessing the damage. Victoria stopped when she noticed the blood covering his chest. Jason glanced up and saw her standing there. The strain on her face was evident. The look in her eyes concerned him.
He smiled easily and said, “Victoria, I'm all right, really 'tis just a scratch.”
Victoria stood silent.
“Angel please don't be upset, I'm fine really. Ask the doctor.”
“I'm okay, Jason. We need to get you inside.”
With that the doctor and Robert sprang into action. A path was cleared as Jason was helped to his feet and they were escorted to a small room off a side lobby. Two security guards were posted at the door and Jason was advised the police wanted a moment of his time when the doctor was done fussing.
Victoria moved into the well-lit room. Jason was led to a couch and told to lie down so the doctor could finish dressing his wound. “It's not deep Mr. Hunter. As a precaution I would like to transport you to the hospital for a quick check. We can also give you something for the pain.”
“I'm not in pain doctor,” Jason stated. “And a stiff drink is about all I want at the moment.”
“Alcohol is not advisable Mr. Hunter. The ambulance will be here in ten minutes. I really must insist that you allow us to treat you.”
Before Jason could open his mouth Victoria said, “He will allow it, doctor.” Victoria met Jason's eyes, daring him to object. This was not a request, she was serious and Jason had no doubt he would soon be on his way to the hospital.
* * * *
Jason was in no mood for discussion, after seven hours at the hospital all he wanted was to be released. No matter how much he objected, the doctor had insisted he take a couple of pain pills, which of course had gone right to his head. The dizzy spells had subsided somewhat; however, he was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep.
Victoria was very quiet and he had asked her several times if everything was all right, to which she kept saying “I'm fine.” God, he hated those words. I'm fine, as if that was all she needed to say and he would forget the look on her face. I'm fine, as if that was all she needed to say and he would forget the sound of her voice. Did she think he was an idiot? She was not fine, and once he got over the effects of the damn drugs, he was going to sit her down and they were going to talk about what happened. He knew she was frightened, and most likely thinking about seven years ago. He was not Matt and he was not going to die. This much he would need to make clear to her, once the damn drugs wore off.
The limo arrived at the gates of Club Belle Tori and Pierre buzzed them in. He was waiting at the bottom of the steps to help the driver bring Jason inside. Victoria had told him most of what happened when she called from the hospital earlier that morning. He opened the door. Victoria stepped out and immediately started issuing orders. “Help him out. Be careful of his chest. Hold his arms t
ighter, he's light headed from the drugs. Take him up to the master suite.” Her orders were belted out like she had been taking lessons from a drill sergeant.
“Calm down Tori, I'm not going to break him,” Pierre growled.
“Just get him upstairs to bed, and don't give me any shit Pierre. I'm not in the mood to be calm, and I don't want to deal with any macho male behavior at the moment.”
“I'm not being macho,” Jason said, his words coming out slow and slurred.
“And I'm not talking to you, sweetheart. So just shut up and climb the stairs. The doctor said you need to sleep and that is what you're going to do.”
Once in the bedroom, Pierre and the driver lowered Jason onto the bed. Victoria swiftly ushered them out of the room. “I'll call you tomorrow Pierre.”
“Belle?”
“Dammit Pierre, I'm not made of glass. Everything is fine, I just want to get him to bed and then get some sleep myself. Jase needs to fly to New York tomorrow morning and I want him rested before he leaves.” Looking at Pierre, she could see he had many questions still to ask.
“Handsome, trust me—we will talk tomorrow.”
Pierre was left standing in the hall as the door closed. He slowly walked down to the club. Several stiff drinks were in order before he found his bed this evening.
Chapter 10
The air was cool on her naked body, the smell of roses wafting in on the breeze through the open window. It was wonderful to feel cold after so many days of heat. There was even a fine mist floating in the room and from somewhere in the shadows she heard a voice. Straining to hear she concentrated on the sound of the voice. Its tones were rich, masculine, mesmerizing. “I want to see the sparks of ecstasy fly as I make you mine… As I make you mine… As I make you mine.”
Victoria understood the words, knew the voice was his, and listened as he repeated the words “make you mine” over and over again. She yelled into the shadow, “Stop!” The voice continued. Again she yelled, “Stop!” and still the voice continued. STOP! Victoria's brain screamed as she came awake with a start, shaking off the hypnotic effects of the dream.
Opening her eyes she saw Jason was still asleep at her side and she lay there watching him breathe. He was everything she could ever want in a man, and that scared her beyond belief. Deep inside Victoria knew he had already won her heart, and if she was not careful he would soon capture her very being. Fear of losing herself to this man overwhelmed her and she rolled out of bed.
“Where you going, Angel?” His sleepy voice washed over her.
“Just getting some coffee”
Hearing the strain in her voice, Jason was suddenly fully awake, “Is something wrong, Victoria? Did you sleep well?”
“I slept fine Jase, just need some coffee,” she said slipping out of the bedroom and heading down the hall. Walking into the kitchen, she hit the switch on the coffee maker, swearing under her breath because Yvette wasn't here to start it for her, then she moved to look out the window. Standing there watching the sun peek up over the hills in the distance, her mind slipped back to that fateful night seven years ago…
Matt's body on the ground. Her screams. The loss she felt at that moment. The remembered feeling of utter love she felt for him. Victoria had thought she was ready for that kind of love again, ready to have a man take her in his arms and with passion and fury make love to her—but she was wrong, the pain was not worth the pleasure of love. Jason could have died yesterday, just like Matt died. She couldn't live through that kind of loss again…
She felt him enter the room behind her and walk over to rest his hands on the nape of her neck. “Victoria, what's wrong?” His voice sounded confused.
“Nothing’s wrong, except I really need a cup of coffee,” she tried to sound cheerful, but failed completely.
He grabbed her shoulders and spun her around to face him. His eyes full of confusion, he held her pinned, the question not yet spoken, although there, hanging between them. His lips descended to hers and he kissed her with every ounce of passion within him. His arms holding tight as she returned his deep probing kiss.
As he withdrew his lips, his eyes once again locked on hers. She knew he was waiting for her to speak … her mind screaming, please Jase keep kissing me, don't let me talk, don't let me send you away… Finally she said, “I'm fine, sweetheart, really.”
Jason stiffened at her words. “God dammit Victoria, don't use those fucking words again and don't lie to me!” Jason's voice held a note of anger, “You are not fine.”
Shocked at his tone, Victoria tried to placate him, “Jase, really, it's been a long couple of days. A lot has happened and I'm just a little tired this morning.”
“Victoria, I know it has all happened fast and I wish I didn't need to go to New York today. I will only be gone three days, then I'll be back and we can make plans for our future.”
It was so easy for him to speak of a future together, as if it were destined to be. Victoria continued to look out the windows, not speaking, not moving.
“Victoria, my love, it is only three days. I promise I'll be back before you have a chance to miss me.” His voice pleaded as if all he had to do was convince her it was only a short time. He had no idea and she could not find a way to tell him. There were no words she could use to explain why they would never see each other again.
“Angel?” Jason started. “It's just a scratch.”
“I know Jase, I'm just being silly. Three days is only a moment in time compared to the rest of our lives”
“Are you sure there is nothing else wrong, my love?”
“I'm sure Jase, it's just the last four days have been so wonderful and very overwhelming at times. I'll be okay, really.” she turned to smile at him, hoping he would stop asking questions, praying he would take her in his arms and never allow her to leave.
Victoria's words seemed to please him, and he bent to kiss her tenderly. Jason knew she was not going to talk about what was bothering her. Maybe if he let it drop for now they would both have time to think of a way to deal with her feelings when he returned. Not sure he was making the best decision, he nonetheless decided to let the matter drop. Wrapping his arm around Victoria, he turned and led her back to the bedroom. Without words, without thought, they once again explored the boundaries of passion's fire.
Five hours later Jason walked out the front door, climbed into the limo, and drove out the gates.
* * * *
As Jason stepped through the open door of the jet, he noticed Sam standing on the tarmac at the bottom of the stairs. Walking down, Jason extended his hand to him, “I didn't realize you were meeting me.”
“Figured we could talk in private this way.”
“Anything new happen since yesterday?”
“No. I just want an update on Vegas before we get started on things at the office.”
Jason laughed as he stepped into the waiting limo and settled into the seat. Sam slid in next to him from the other side, and moments later the limo pulled away from the plane and they were headed into the city.
“How is Victoria?” Sam asked.
“Everything you said she was and more.”
“Jase, I need to come clean about a few things…”
Jason interrupted, “it’s okay, Sam. I know about you and Pierre plotting to bring us together. I'm not mad, upset, or looking for an apology. As a matter of fact I want to thank you.”
“Your welcome and I'm glad you're happy. I became very fond of Victoria and knowing that you two are going to be together is wonderful news.”
“Well, don't start planning any wedding yet. There are a few problems that need to be addressed.”
“Problems?”
Jason leaned back into the seat, “Why don't you pour us a drink, and tell the driver to detour through the park and I'll fill you in.”
For the next forty-five minutes, the limo circled around Central Park as Jason told his best friend about the last four days.
*
&
nbsp; Sam sat silently, letting Jason tell the story, nodding every now and then. Shaking his head at times, he listened until Jason stopped speaking. Many questions had come and gone in his mind as the story unfolded. At the moment there was only one he wanted to ask, “How's the chest doing now?” Sam's voice held a note of concern.
“I'm fine Sam, really.”
“Why in God's name would you take on a drunk with a knife?”
“First of all I didn't realize the jackass had a knife when I interfered with his plans to knock the lady around some more. Secondly, even if I had known I couldn't have stood back and let the creep hit that woman again, and you couldn't have either.”
“Yes, I would have done the same thing in your place. It's just too bad Victoria had to be there. It had to have brought back memories of the night her husband was killed.”
“That's what I figured, however, getting the lady to talk about her fears is not easy. I plan to sit her down and get it all out in the open when I return. I'll be damned if I'm going to let her freak out every time I get a bump or bruise.”
“I'd call a knife slash down your chest a little more serious than a bump or bruise, but I understand what you're getting at.”
“Well, all I can do is hope Victoria understands as quickly as you did,” Jason smiled.
Laughing, Sam replied, “Well let's get to the office and settle the Greenberg situation so you can get back to Vegas.”
“Sounds like a good idea Sam.” Jason hit the comm line and told his driver to head for the office.
* * * *
The desert breeze had arrived, bringing with it cooler temperatures. The garden was once again an enjoyable place to be. Victoria was kneeling in front of a flower bed weeding when she heard his approach.
“Tori?” Pierre's voice came from behind her.
Club Belle Tori Page 12
