“First, you didn’t drag me anywhere. I want to be here. And second, you said you knew I was a good guy the day you met me. You seem to have a pretty good understanding of men. How did you decide that about me? Because there are a few women I’ve dated who wouldn’t agree.”
“There’s a difference between screwing up in a relationship and being an asshole or an abuser.”
“How did you know?”
“Men with something to hide work hard to hide it. They layer themselves with all these pretenses. There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors. Most people never notice. They believe what they see. What these people want them to see. The first day I met you, Lauren had taken me to lunch, and she called everyone to see if they could join us. Only you and Loch could make it.”
“I remember.” He rubbed his hand across his chin. “You had those pearl earrings in, the ones with the gold flowers.”
“Right.” She looked surprised and pleased that he remembered. “You sat down for lunch and you just ate. You and your brother chatted a little bit about work and you were polite, but you didn’t do a single thing to try to get my attention or put on a show. You were just yourself. Do you know how rare it is to meet someone as confident as you are who doesn’t try to assert some kind of dominance over the people around him? You didn’t brag about anything or find ways to put anyone down. You were just there, eating, being yourself. I remember thinking you were one of the most unabashedly genuine people I’d ever met. You were good, and it didn’t have to come at anyone else’s expense.”
Brian’s mouth opened and then snapped shut again. She’d caught him off guard just as he had by staying in the corner of the room rather than joining her on the bed.
“I’m sorry if that all sounded stupid.” She flopped backward on the bed. Her skirt had shifted up some as she did it. It would be so easy. He could cross the tiny room, slide her skirt up the rest of the way. He could slip her thong down. Move her high heels off her feet. Brian could be plunging inside her, filling up what had been empty for so long.
“It didn’t sound stupid. I appreciate it. I’ve just never heard anyone say it like that before.”
“Can I tell you something? It might not be important now, but it could matter at some point.” She rolled onto her side and propped her head on her hand. Her gorgeous features were impossible to look away from. “It’s embarrassing but I feel like if I don’t tell you now, I’ll lose the courage.”
“This seems to be the moment to lay it all out there.” He waved his hand, indicating the floor was hers and he was all ears.
“I haven’t been with anyone in more than four years.”
“What do you mean?” His eyes went wide, then he corrected quickly. “You haven’t dated anyone?”
“I couldn’t really date when I worked in the compound. I think it’s why Gloria made it a point for me to move on. She was worried I wasn’t living my life. I wasn’t—”
“But it hasn’t been that long since you’ve—”
“It has.” She twisted her mouth to the side.
“Are you telling me this for a reason? Because I might have to stay in a different hotel. I might have to stay in a different state if we keep talking about this much longer.”
“I’m just telling you because if anything happens with us, I just thought you should know. I don’t want you to be disappointed. Maybe it’s not like riding a bike.”
“You think you forgot how?” He laughed and doubled over as he tried to catch his breath.
“It’s not funny.” She hopped to her feet and shoved him backward. He hardly moved an inch. As he righted himself, he drew in a few quick breaths to stop his laughing.
“You’re right, it’s not funny. I’m sorry.” He bit at his cheek to stop the laughter.
“I shouldn’t have told you. It’s embarrassing. I sound pathetic.”
“No, it was the look on your face when you said the bike thing. It was really cute and funny. I am not laughing at the fact that you’ve been on your own so long.”
“Whatever.” She tossed her hands up and he caught them in his. “Forget I said anything.”
“I’m not going to be able to forget that,” he admitted as he pulled her hands to his chest. “And if you did forget how to ride the bike and you want a lesson, I’m up for the job.”
“Fuck,” she said through a breathy groan as she closed the gap between them, practically falling into his arms. Rising to her tiptoes she kissed him, her hands rushing up his chest, to his shoulders, and then to his face. She kissed him with frenzied hunger. But he responded with equal urgency, his hands sliding from her waist to her hips and then grasping at her ass.
Parting her legs sent the skirt up high as he lifted her. Looping her thighs around his hips, she cried out as he backed her against the closest wall. His hard shaft was grinding against her, and he knew it wouldn’t take much to bring her to climax after all that time. He was going to enjoy taking her there over and over again.
Bracing Carmen against the wall, Brian slid one hand up her stomach and then cupped her breast tightly. She gasped, a sharp intake of breath that excited him even more. All the reasons they shouldn’t do this melted away and were replaced by the one reason they should. Because they were both adults and fucking wanted to.
“Brian,” she breathed out, kissing her way up his neck. She nibbled at his earlobe, which drove him wild. She relaxed more with each moment; he supposed it must be like riding a bike after all. The body doesn’t forget.
“You’re so fucking hot,” he grunted before his lips overtook hers with another passionate kiss.
He almost didn’t hear it. It would have been easy to block out the noise and give in to the sensations her body was so clearly begging for. When he backed her off the wall, his hand on the zipper of her skirt, they both seemed to realize what the noise was. Her phone was ringing. It would be him. Curtis would be calling her to set up their twisted little date.
“You should get that,” he said as he let go of her and stepped back. He was surprised at how much it stung and ached when her arms fell away.
“I guess it’s probably him.” She brought her fingers to her lips as if she longed for his mouth on hers again. Pulling her skirt down as the passion between them deflated, she reached for her phone.
“Hello?” Brian heard her try to level her voice as much as possible. She’d just been whispering her deepest desires into his ear. He suspected it was as hard for her to switch gears as it was for him, but he knew she had to.
“Carmen, we still on for this evening?” Brian heard Curtis’s voice for the first time, and anger instantly surged within him.
“Yes, I hope so.” Carmen made her voice small and cheery. It felt strange to listen to her talking to Curtis while he stood just feet away. He appreciated she’d put the phone on speaker, though. She seemed to want full disclosure between them. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Good. I’ve worked around my schedule and I can definitely make time. I have a few spots in mind. They’re pretty trendy though. You’ll need something to wear.”
“I brought along some options. I’m one of those people who packs everything for a trip, just in case.”
“Always prepared. A Girl Scout. Did you pack one of those outfits? I bet you have tons of badges.”
“Not this time,” she laughed. “But I have some dresses that should do.”
“Red.” His voice was flat, suddenly.
“Excuse me?”
“Wear red tonight.”
“I did bring a red dress, actually. I’ll wear it.”
“I’ll pick you up around seven. Just text me your hotel details.”
Carmen was smart, and she seemed to instantly know her next play. “Maybe we should meet somewhere instead. That might be more—”
“Carmen,” he chuckled a bit. “You know as I sat across from you today my only concern in hiring you was maturity. I think you’re qualified and could be a great asset to the company. But the
n you say things like that and I’m apprehensive.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s all right. I’m sure the people you normally spend time with would make meeting somewhere neutral the right choice. But I’m the CFO of a Fortune 500 company. I’m not coming to get you in an Uber. I own a three thousand square foot loft on the tenth floor of a building in downtown. We’ll be in my Hummer. I’m not trying to get back to your hotel room later. The rules are different in this new space you’re stepping into. I just worry if you’re ready for that.”
“I know exactly what you mean, and I’m really focused on that. I’m hoping tonight helps, actually. Call me out if I do it again. Please.” She just welcomed his unwarranted criticism of her. A perfect play on her part.
“I will. Not because I’m some crabby old guy. I want you to be successful.”
“You’re not old. You have to stop saying that.”
“We’ll both be calling each other out tonight then.”
“I’m really grateful you moved your schedule around.”
“Listen, I need to make a few more calls, but I’ll be by to get you at seven. Reservations are made. I’ve called ahead to some other places we might want to check out. Expect the VIP treatment tonight, and try to remember things might be different than you’re used to.”
“I can adapt to VIP treatment.”
“Good. I’ll see you tonight. Don’t forget. Red dress.”
The line disconnected and Carmen finally turned around to face Brian. He could see a shiver run up her spine, and he felt the same as he replayed Curtis’s words in his mind. He could see how clearly someone could be sucked into the black hole Curtis was setting as a trap.
“Maturity,” Brian said, settling onto his bed. “He’s a clever son of a bitch, isn’t he? He just set you back on your heels, and has you thinking maybe you’re not good enough for the job or the places he’s going to take you tonight.”
“Exactly. It means I’m going to be more compliant. Less challenging of any idea he throws out. His goal is to make me just self-conscious enough to change my behavior. If something sounds wrong to me, maybe it’s because I’m being immature. That’s the seed he tried to plant today.” She pulled up the number he’d called from and texted him the hotel information. Now he knew where she was. That made it all very real.
“And none of that affects you? You see it all for what it is?” Brian tucked his hands behind his head again and his shirt rode up just an inch or so. He could see her eyes tracing his body again. He could smell her perfume on his skin and all he could think was are we done? Is the moment over? All signs pointed to yes. Curtis had crushed it all.
“I’m completely eyes-wide-open on this. He doesn’t fool me for a second. All he’s giving me is more angles to play.”
“Do you feel different now?” He eyed her closely and could see her cheeks flush.
“Different than a minute ago?”
“Different than this morning. After the interview, you felt really confident he wasn’t going to be a danger. I’d imagine there’s more likelihood of something happening tonight.”
“More likelihood, but still not probable. Tonight is the real interview. He’s thinking I could work. I could take what he dishes out and not feel strong enough to stop him. But he’s not certain yet. Tonight, or maybe the next time we go out, he’ll try to find out for sure.”
“You’ll record him then?”
“I will tonight, yes. Just in case. And there’s an electronics store a couple blocks from here. They don’t have panic buttons that I can see online but there are a few things we may be able to use.”
“I’d like to be able to hear everything. I won’t be far at any point.”
“It sounds like he and I are hitting a bunch of spots. Fancy places. How are you going to manage that?”
“How am I going to manage being fancy?”
“No,” she corrected quickly. “How are you going to manage keeping up with where we go?”
“Your phone. There’s an app. My sister uses it on us when we’re being pains in the ass.” He put his hand out and she gave him her phone. “There’s also a spy app you can download on here. I saw it on the news. Most people put it on without the person who owns the phone knowing. I can turn on the speaker and even the camera without you knowing.”
“I’d forgotten about that app. It was a common practice in a lot of the relationships people were fleeing from to come to Verde Lago. It’s amazing how many tools there are to stalk and terrorize people. And they’re legal.”
He clicked around on her phone for a few minutes and then handed it back. “They’re legal and more than that, they’re quick to set up. I’m officially stalking you now. Sorry.”
“You’re not the first.” She scrolled through her phone, looking for any indication that he’d done anything. It was terrifying to Brian to know that she couldn’t tell at all. Who designed these creepy things?
“Who stalked you?” He couldn’t help but ask, even though he assumed she wouldn’t say.
“I was kidding,” she said, waving his concern away.
“You better get dressed for dinner. I want to put a few things in my car. Sounds like I’ll be sitting in there a while following you around.”
“When your back is sore tomorrow, don’t turn down my offer for a massage.” She unzipped her suitcase and pulled her red dress out.
“That’s a beautiful dress. You’ll look great in it.”
“I’d never usually wear anything like this. It’s all part of the game.” She pulled out her black high heels.
Brian grabbed the keys off the table and ran his hand over his hair to smooth it down. “I’m going to grab a few things. Need anything while I’m out?”
“No, I’m good.” She closed her bag and drew in a deep breath. “Are we going to talk about us?”
“I’ve never been much of a talker. I’m more about action. I wouldn’t know what to say.”
“I can tell,” she teased. “Maybe I should take a page out of your book. Worry less. Talk less. Do more.”
As he moved across the room, he paused in front of her. His index finger traced up her neck and tipped her chin back. With a passionate kiss, their lips parted and they nearly went right back where they’d left off. Instead he pulled away, giving her a long hard look. “If you need someone to do more with, I’m your man.”
Chapter Eleven
Brian
It was always his weapon of choice. Not that he ever looked forward to having to pull out his brass knuckles, but they were effective. If outnumbered, it could be an equalizer. If the other guy hit harder, it could pack more punch.
One of Brian’s first memories was of his brother Tommy giving him a lesson on how to fight. The lesson consisted mostly of Tommy beating the shit out of him while giving advice on all the things Brian was doing wrong. He’d hit him upside the head and then scold him for not having his hands up. From the outside it may have looked cruel, but to Brian it was a moment he’d been waiting for. It was a rite of passage and even at a young age he understood how important the skill would be.
Over the years, the O’Malley brothers had earned a reputation. They moved in a group most days. Loyal to each other in a way that bordered on unhealthy. If one was crossed, they collectively avenged him. They were tough but they weren’t instigators. They wouldn’t pick a fight for the sake of blowing off steam. It was always a reaction to being provoked. But once they had the reputation as being fighters, it followed them. People sought out opportunities to throw down with them, and they were quick to oblige.
“I can throw in a switch blade if you buy with cash.” The owner of the pawn shop had more gold rings on his fingers than a movie starlet on the red carpet. His greasy forehead gleaned under the fluorescent lights.
“I don’t need the knife.” Brian slid his fingers into the cold metal and clenched his hand into a fist. “These will do.”
“You need a television?”
“No,
man, just these.” Brian slid some cash on the glass counter and then paused. “Can I see that bracelet?”
“Oh, see I knew you weren’t just looking for something to fight with. You have to have someone to fight for. This bracelet is a treasure. A steal. Two hundred dollars.” He handed the delicate bracelet with the charm to Brian.
“Eighty dollars,” Brian offered back curtly.
“A hundred.”
“Eighty-five.” Brian handed the bracelet back.
“Fine.” The man let out a long dramatic sigh. “It’s worth double that.”
“And you paid half that.” Brian pulled more cash from his wallet and laid it down. “I grew up down the road from a pawn shop. I spent way too much time down there wheeling and dealing.”
“I can tell.” The man handed over a bag accompanied by a steely stare. But Brian read respect in his eyes. “I hope you only have to take one of those things out of that bag. Fighting isn’t like it used to be. Everyone’s bringing guns to the knife fight now. There used to be rules in my day. A code that people respected. I blame all this MMA fighting stuff. You never know who you’re squaring up with—a guy who can throw punches or maybe some dude who can roundhouse kick your head off your shoulders.”
“I’m not going out looking for a fight. That’s not me.” Brian took the bag and tipped his head in gratitude. “But maybe I’m the guy with the roundhouse kick.”
The bell over the door jingled as Brian stepped out onto the street. He slipped the plastic bag with the brass knuckles and the bracelet into the pocket of his sweatshirt. She’d love the bracelet. It was the perfect charm for her.
When his phone rang, he nearly didn’t pick up. He never usually did. Before Carmen he screened all his calls through voice mail. If it were an emergency, someone would keep calling. Now that he was caught up in all this, there was no way he wouldn’t pick up.
“Brian, it’s Tray.” The urgency in his voice was unsettling. Anyone who’d ever gotten that kind of call understood the sinking feeling. The call that broke the worst kind of news, understanding what this moment felt like. Standing in the gap between a critical tone of voice and the news that might follow was a palpable fear.
Perfect Homecoming (Barrington Billionaires Book 10) Page 8
