Mr. Bentini's Lady: The Beginning (The Bentini Brothers Book 1)

by Jaye McCloud

  I guess that’s good enough. “I’ll be looking for you in the stands.” He flashes me his sexiest smile, and jogs off towards the softball field.

  Chapter 12

  Walking towards ‘headquarters’, I think about why I kissed Derrick. I knew it was wrong when I was doing it, but I allowed it to happen. If I’m being completely honest with myself, I’d admit that maybe I did it because I’m so confused and conflicted about Antonio and his million dollars. Maybe, I did it to prove to myself that I’m really desirable to a man. Not a man like Antonio Bentini—because he’s not quite real to me. But someone like Derrick Matthews, who’s more my speed—even if we’re not exactly on the same social level.

  I enter the building and decide to take the stairs to the third floor instead of the elevator. As I get to the second level, a voice bounces off the walls and stops me dead in my tracks. “You must want Mr. Matthews to get hurt.” I gasp in shock as I look up to see Antonio walking down the stairs towards me.

  My first thought is, ‘Shit did he see me with Derrick…and if he did, how much did he actually see?!’

  My second thought is, ‘He’s so intimidating when he stabs me with those cold pewter eyes. Now is definitely not the time to talk about money!’

  Then bizarrely I think, ‘My Gawd! No man should be that damn fine!’ To see such powerful thighs encased in a pair of very long denim blue jeans. And his chest! His chest and arms are so muscular, he must never miss a workout. There is nothing NOT sexy about Antonio Bentini. He is definitely a triple threat.

  “Imagine my surprise… I get back in town, rush here to see my lady… And find her in the arms of another man.” Antonio’s voice is low and dangerous. I want to say something. I open my mouth to say something. My lips move, but no words come out.

  “You didn’t answer my question, Tiressa. Do you want Derrick Matthews to get hurt?”

  How in the world would he hurt him? He can‘t be saying that he’ll have a physical confrontation with Derrick? –Is he? “No…No, of course not.” I start stepping back. Antonio matches me step for step until he backs me up against the wall. “Whatever is going on between you and Derrick Matthews stops today. This minute. Do you understand what I’m saying, Tiressa?” He grates out in an infuriated voice. He seems more threatening because he doesn’t yell. The more upset he is, the lower his voice—as if it takes him a great deal of control not to lose control.

  Although we are not touching, I can feel the heat and energy radiating from his body into mine. I guess I didn’t answer fast enough because Antonio grabs me by the arms and gives me a little shake. I quickly stammer a reply. “Yes. I understand you. But there’s nothing going on between us!”

  “Don’t insult my intelligence, Ti.” Antonio snarls, squeezing my arms as he hauls me onto the tip of my toes and up against his solid torso.

  “I’m not. I don’t have feelings for him…not like that!”

  “Then what the hell is going on?” The hostility in his tone abates considerably, and I breathe a tiny sigh of relief.

  “He wants to date me…” I begin to confess, but catching a glimpse of savagery in his expression, I hurry to finish, “…I told him that I’m seeing someone—”

  “You’re doing a hell of a lot more than seeing someone. Did you tell him that you and I are together?”

  “Well, no… But, I made it clear that he and I can only be friends.” Nostrils flared, Antonio quickly corrects me. “No, baby. You’re not even going to be that.” Antonio growls as he pins me against the wall, pressing his big body into my much smaller frame, surrounding me. He’s rock-hard and so strong. I want to absorb him—but I also want to run away from him. He’s too much— Too tall. Too strong. Too sexy. Too demanding. Too controlling. And too damn threatening for my peace of mind. But…then again, he’s also everything I find attractive in a man. He’s my Conan the Barbarian, Terminator, and Hell Boy, all rolled into one.

  I brace myself for Antonio’s roughness. But instead of more manhandling, he gently places his fingers around my neck and lifts my face up as he leans down…way down…and slowly licks my soft full lips. “You’re mine. And I don’t share.” He places a butterfly kiss on the side of my mouth, and then does the same to the other side, before licking my lips again and then gently sucking my bottom lip into his mouth. My senses are alive with the essence of him. Oh sweet heaven, it’s only been a minute and I can feel a moan building up inside me already. Antonio is the only man I know that puts so much passion into making love with his mouth. The feel of his lips on my skin elicits such immense pleasure. He’s my fantasy come true…and more. Umm…I think I can easily become addicted to this…

  Cocooned in his embrace, my world shrinks and everything fades. There is nothing but me, and Antonio Bentini and the heat between us. I am so far gone! I’m not sure where his tongue ends and mine begins. This time I can’t hold back surrendering moan after moan into his warm talented mouth. The sound of my deep throaty purrs echoing in the stairwell brings me quickly back to my senses, and I break the intoxicating contact and begin to push against Antonio’s unmovable chest. “Please Antonio stop…we have to stop.” My panting is loud to my own ears. I push against him harder, but he’s so solid, I’m not even budging him. He strings a line of moist kisses along my neck until he reaches my ear lobe and starts taking little nips at the sensitive skin just underneath. My entire body quakes in ecstasy as he nestles his jutting erection between my thighs, pushing against my pulsing core. His slow sensual strokes damn near lift me to my toes each time he presses upward. I’m oblivious to everything but the throbbing ache between my thighs.

  “I need to taste more of you.” Now he’s panting loudly in my ears as he presses me harder into the wall and yanks my t-shirt up over my bra. Bending his head to suck one stiff dark brown berry through the satin material. My body involuntarily jerks at the feel of his teeth grazing the rigid peak as he frantically moves the material out of his way, desperate to touch his tongue to my creamy brown skin. I clutch at Antonio’s shoulders to keep from collapsing in a heap on the floor. I can’t stop my body from trembling uncontrollably as I feel my juices pooling. Not until I feel his fingers plucking at one straining pebble and his hungry tongue curling around its hard chocolate twin, do I come to my senses. “Tony, stop!” I pant breathlessly. “Tony please! Anyone can come in here and see us!” When he refuses to stop, I cry in desperation, “Please Tony, I don’t want to lose my job because I was foolish enough to cause a scandal at your parents’ event!”

  I think he responds more to the panic in my voice than he does to the words I’m saying. This time he allows me to push him back a step. I’m trying to catch my breath, straighten my clothes, and fix my hair; he has a habit of running his fingers through my hair to the point of totally messing it up.

  While I’m trying to repair the damage from Antonio’s passionate embrace, he’s standing there breathing hard, apparently waging some kind of inner battle. After a minute, he takes a small step to the side and places his forehead against the cool stone. “Damn Ti, you’re killing me.” He mutters against the wall. Finally calming down and getting himself firmly under control, he exhales a long unsteady breath before conceding, “Okay, baby. I’ll stop. But I want to see you tonight after the picnic.”

  I can’t help but shiver at the promise in his voice. “I… I’m sure you want to spend time with your family tonight.”

  His voice is soft and throaty, “Tiressa, what I want to do and plan to do, is make love to my lady.” Pressing his large strong hand just under my breasts, he slides it lower as he gently massages my belly, whispering in my ear, “You smell so good. Are you going to let me make love to you tonight?” The way Antonio is towering over me as he touches me with just his hand and mouth, causes rippling sensations from deep within my belly to the tips of my already hardened nipples and other sensitive points beyond. “Tony…” I breathe, unable to resist giving him a love bite on the side of his neck. He suddenly wraps me in his arms
and I revel in the sound of him sucking in a sharp breath. “Ahh gawd, that shot straight to my coc—”

  “Tony!”

  Clearly my reaction amuses him. “I love the sound of my name on your lips. It’s so damn sexy.” He tilts my face up to his, leans down and gives me a quick rough kiss. “Come on baby, I’m sure The Boss Lady is looking for one of us.”

  “No, Antonio. We shouldn’t be seen together.” When his eyebrows slash down, I hurry to persuade him. “Let me go check-in with Ms. McDonald. You need to be with your family doing the mingle dance and hobnobbing.” His lips turn up in a brief smile…but a smile none-the-less. “Did I tell you how much I love the sound of my name on your lips?”

  With a relieved sigh, I watch Antonio walk down the stairs then exit the stairwell on the first floor, before I turn and continue walking up to the third floor on very unsteady legs.

  The very first thing I do once I get on the third floor is find the nearest restroom and refresh myself. After checking-in with Ms. McDonald, I go looking for Kathy—and run into Carmen and Rachael. They let me know that the other girls can’t make it. We laugh and hug and talk for a good ten minutes. Then Carmen tells me that some of the people from my former job are playing softball today. They’re going over to the softball field to cheer them on. Oh damn!

  Antonio

  Antonio Bentini had gone into one of the small offices in the rec center instead of going to find his mother. “Damn. If I keep this up I’m going to die from permanent raging erection.” He says to himself in disgust. After adjusting himself to relieve some of the pressure, he sits down, taking a moment to think about what just happened with Tiressa in the stairwell.

  I hate seeing the guarded look in her beautiful eyes, and I like it even less when she’s afraid of me. But I’m running out of patience where she’s concerned. I need to be with her, to make love to her. And I need her to want me with just as much passion.

  When Mom informed the family that she planned to hire another personal assistant to help Katherine carry the load, it was perfect timing. I made sure that the person initially chosen for the junior PA position couldn’t take the job. Then supplied Tiressa’s name as the best and only second option. She got the interview and got the job—as if there were ever any doubts that she wouldn’t. No one suspected that I was arranging for Tiressa to be right where I wanted her.

  I don’t think I’m obsessed with her, but I’m definitely love-struck. The more time I spend getting to know her, the more I want to know. I’m discovering what an amazingly multifaceted person she is. Although she’s only had a handful of relationships, she’s very cautious and distrustful of men. Tiressa doubts my feelings for her because I’m white and rich, but more so because she’s black and from a modest family. The surprise isn’t that I’m falling for a black-girl. The surprise is that I’m falling for any girl, after the hell my ex put me through. But Tiressa is different from any woman I’ve ever been with. It’s that difference that I find myself so strongly drawn too. What I told her about being attracted to black women is the absolute truth—and no secret in my family. I have always been fascinated by black culture. And my parents only have themselves to blame. They raised their children to be open to people of different backgrounds and different races. However, unlike my parents, I went further, and embraced not only the idea but also the whole-hearted acceptance of multiculturalism. I’ve learned not to judge a book by its cover. Now I’m completely infatuated with Tiressa’s book—from cover to cover. She’s finally right where I want her. Well, almost right where I want her. She’s not ready to commit to a full-on relationship with me, yet…even if I did give her a million dollars free and clear. I can’t wait to hear what she has to say about it. I’m not a masochist, If I really thought that she was repelled by me or turned off by me, I would leave her alone. But, it’s a fact that I make her wet every time I touch her. Tiressa wants me, she’s just afraid to fall in love again.

  I’m not going to let obstacles deter me. Not her fear. Or Derrick Matthews. Or even my mother’s antiquated thinking. Nothing is going to come between us. Because I know, without a doubt, that people fight for what they value most. And Tiressa Hawkins is definitely worth fighting for.

  Tiressa

  It isn’t hard to talk my friends into having fun and participating in a few of the activities going on around the park. We also checkout some of the vendors before going over to the softball field—anything to put off going over to the softball game. We ran into Kathy at one of the jewelry booths and I happily introduce Rachael and Carmen. It turns out that Rachael and Kathy know each other. When I look questioningly at them, Rachael explains that she met Kathy at a Bentini family function. Which makes sense because Rachael’s a relative.

  All of the Bentinis are out in full force mingling with the crowd and having their pictures taken for various media outlets. The day is just about perfect.

  I catch sight of Antonio Bentini several times throughout the afternoon, and each time he makes it clear that he’s keeping an eye on me…and that we have unfinished business.

  Kathy, Rachael, Carmen, and I, eventually make our way to the softball field in time to watch the last ending of the game. We’re soon joined by several B&S co-workers, as well as, a few of my former colleagues. I’m a little relieved that I’ll be able to keep my promise to Derrick, even if I did miss most of the game. And since I’m in the company of a lot of people, it doesn’t look like I’m there just to watch him play. I want to tell myself that I’m a person who makes her own decisions and chooses her own friends—which is usually the case. But where Antonio Bentini is concerned, that just may not be true anymore.

  The softball game goes into extra-inning, and we cheer the B&S team to victory. Everyone leaves the stands to congratulate the players of both teams. Carmen, Kathy, Rachael and I are mingling, laughing, and congratulating the players, when Derrick and Steven approach, with twin big-ass gloating grins on their faces. I return Derrick’s smile with a, “Great job Sport. You too Steven.” Kathy looks at Steven and adds her own congrats. “Yeah Sport, good job…not dropping the ball.” They banter back and forth—as is their habit—Derrick walks closer to me and before I know what he intends, he places his hand on my waist and gives me a quick kiss on the lips. “Derrick!” I exclaim, hastily stepping back out of his reach. “You can’t blame a guy for trying.” He claims with a self-satisfied chuckle.

  Just as I am about to reply, Antonio, William and Jason Bentini walk up to our little group. Although all three men are dressed casually in jeans, they exude so much strength and overwhelming power, that it’s not long before there is a sort of tension filling the air. I glance at the other ladies to see if they’re having the same reaction. Kathy is steadily ignoring William Bentini. Carmen looks like she can’t decide which Bentini brother she wants to gobble up first, and even Rachael seems a little awestruck —and she’s a relative.

  “Good game, you both represented B&S very well”, William Bentini says as they greet Steven and Derrick, shaking their hands. While we’re all standing around engaging in general small-talk, Antonio wedges himself between Derrick and me; in such a way that Derrick is forced several steps away. Antonio and I are standing so close that I can feel the heat emanating from his large body. I don’t know where to put my eyes, but from the quick glances I sneak of Antonio’s stony face, I decide it would be better to look anywhere, but directly at him. At one point I look up to see him sending Derrick a speaking look, just before I feel the pressure of his possessive hand at the small of my back as he steps even closer to me. Oh my goodness! I can’t believe he’s doing this in plain sight—anyone can see. I try to move away from his side, but he stops me. “Please Antonio.” I whisper desperately. “Don’t.” I could have collapse on the spot, so relieved was I when he finally relents, and removes his hand as he steps away—putting some space between our bodies.

  Eventually, the crowd begins to disperse, and our little group starts dwindling, as well. Jason off
ers to show Carmen how to toss horseshoes and Rachael leaves to check out one of the booths with a friend. William Bentini, Derrick, Steven and Antonio continue their conversation—now about business—while Kathy and I send each other silent S.O.S messages. I think we both have the same idea—to leave and leave quickly. However, before either of us can make good on our escape, William Bentini looks at his watch and says, “Excuse us gentlemen, we need Ms. Walters and Ms. Hawkins.” Turning to us he explains, “Ladies it’s about time to get Mother ready for the wrap-up.” William Bentini puts his hand on Kathy’s elbow and ushers her away. Once again, Antonio puts his large hand in the small of my back and walks me in the direction of the pavilion, where Mr. and Mrs. Bentini are preparing for the closing ceremony. I look back once, to see Derrick watching our retreating backs with narrowed suspicious eyes. The brothers escort us over to the covered platform where speeches and acknowledgements will soon begin. Although William Bentini is clearly focused on Kathy, he keeps looking over at Antonio and me. I’m more nervous than ever. He seems apprehensive of his brother keeping an unnecessarily close proximity to me. The preeminent thought running through my mind is…please, please, please don’t let William Bentini know that his brother is interested in me.

  Somehow, the brothers manage to maneuver Kathy and me apart. I can see William and Kathy having a strained conversation. I can’t hear what they’re saying—not that I want to. I have my own problems. For instance, Antonio and I really need to talk about that million dollars he deposited in my account, but now doesn’t seem any more of an appropriate time, than it did in the stairwell.

  We’re standing in tense silence, with him shooting daggers at me, every so often. Then he says in a low casual voice, “If you allowed me to date you openly, then what happened today wouldn’t repeat itself. Everyone would know that I’m the man in your life, and you’re my lady.”