Her hand stung as she shook it and cried out, but with one look up into Vincent’s face and his very bloody, hopefully broken nose, she took off down the street.
She was so angry she nearly tripped as she kept looking behind her, hoping he didn’t attempt to continue and push her and then hoping he did because she was furious and had a few more good punches left in her. Her hands were shaking, but she continued to walk until she came to the side street that led toward an open set of restaurants and bars.
She needed to remain calm. She handled that situation fine, and he surely wouldn’t try to mess with her again. What in the world was his problem? Did he seriously think that she would sleep with him? What the hell? She thought about what he said and about how he thought that she was having sex with Pierre. What made Vincent think that she would have sex with him, too? Did he think she was after Pierre’s money?
Oh, that asshole!
She turned around to glance back again and saw his white Porsche speed past the street she went down.
“Good riddance, you jerk.”
The sound of her phone ringing grabbed her attention. She reached for it and saw that her knuckles were red and appeared somewhat swollen. She would need some ice, but boy did it feel good to slug that idiot. Antoine’s name and number showed up on the display.
Oh crap!
She wouldn’t tell him what happened. He would tell Pierre and Michael, and they would all freak out. She wasn’t the kind of woman that made men fight over her or for her. She had survived on her own and had been lucky to not have to deal with men like Vincent. She’d just started seeing the men and wasn’t sure where this relationship was headed.
No, she wouldn’t tell them what happened.
“Hi, Antoine,” she answered, hoping that he didn’t hear the shaking in her voice.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” he asked, and she swallowed hard.
“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because we’ve been trying to call you and you didn’t answer. Are you headed back to the office? I’m sitting outside of it in my car waiting for you.”
“Oh, no, a bit of a change of plans. I’m in town near Pauletta’s. Can you pick me up here?”
“Sure, I was thinking about taking you to McGuire’s down near the water but it’s up to you.”
“Oh, great, either one is fine. I can wait for you by McGuire’s. I’m about two blocks from there now.”
“Okay, I’ll see you in about ten minutes.”
Mikayla looked down at her hand. She wondered how she was going to hide this from a doctor. Quickly she walked toward the restaurant. As soon as she got there, she would ice it before Antoine arrived.
Chapter 6
“Do you have any information for me yet?” Bennitto Flores asked Enrique Vergos.
“Yes. It seems that the Aubert sisters are all being watched heavily at their hometown of Orchidea. They own different businesses, and the one you are after is always being guarded.”
“Shit. There are no windows of opportunity to grab one of them? How difficult can this be?”
“Well, there is one sister that works out of town. She is the most accessible. We didn’t know of her until yesterday. I have men following her, too.”
“Good. Keep on top of it, but don’t make a move until you are certain you can get her to Havana without being caught.”
“We will watch her closely. Um, but you should know that she was seen with CIA agent Michael Fromm.”
“That piece of shit that worked with Boudoux to ruin my plans? They are the reason I live in hiding.”
“Yes, we are certain.”
Bennitto was quiet a moment.
“Send me pictures of this woman. I want to know everything about her. Come up with a plan to grab her and in the process destroy that CIA agent and the rest of those pieces of crap.”
“Yes, sir.”
Bennitto hung up the phone and waited to see what the sister looked like. If she looked anything like Illeanna, then he would be pleased. She would suffer the consequences of her boyfriend’s actions and her sister’s lovers. Yes, this was beginning to turn around. He had a really good feeling about this.
* * * *
Despite her pep talk, Mikayla felt guilty and nervous about not informing anyone about what occurred with Vincent. She didn’t want them to think that she was trying to cause jealousy or trouble, but as Antoine entered the restaurant with a concerned expression on his face, appearing so handsome and manly, she couldn’t help but feel relieved.
Antoine saw her and immediately smiled. His eyes lit up, and she felt herself release a breath she didn’t know she was holding. He reached for her and said hello, but she hugged him, surprising herself as much as him. She felt his arms go around her as he lifted her up off the floor a bit and caressed her as she hugged him. Boy, were his hugs doozies. She was already beginning to calm down.
“Now that’s a hell of a hello,” he teased, caressing her cheek as she shyly lowered her gaze and felt her cheeks blush.
“I’m happy to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you, too. Shall we grab a table?”
She nodded.
He took her hand, thank goodness the non-injured one, and they headed toward a small table near the windows that overlooked the water. He looked handsome, with his black Dockers, white button-down shirt, and sparkling green eyes. “Why are you smiling?” He took the menu and passed one to her.
“Oh, I’m just admiring the view and thinking how all the nurses at the hospital must adore you.”
He raised his eyebrows at her in surprise.
“You think they like working with me why?” he teased.
She shyly turned away, and thank goodness the waitress came over to take their drink order.
They talked about the restaurant and the nice decorations hanging along the railing outside. It was a beautiful day out, but there was a chance of showers by this afternoon.
She kept her injured hand on her lap, and every so often as Antoine said something flirty to make her blush, she lifted it to push a stray hair behind her ear then quickly placed it back down. It was throbbing by the time their lunch had arrived.
“So who was the client this morning? Did it go well?” he asked as he wiped his mouth then placed the napkin down on the table.
“Oh, just some new guy. It didn’t go too well. He wasn’t as impressed with the house as he thought. In fact I doubt I’ll ever hear from him again.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. Is it a real disappointment?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean it’s income and part of your finances. It has to be tough working off commission like that.”
“Oh it can be, but there are plenty of other clients out there. So how about you, is your schedule loosening up a bit more?”
“Oh, it’s as busy as I want to make it really. But I don’t like to do too many surgeries depending on the intensity of the procedure. If I feel tired or stressed, that’s not fair to the patient. I need to be a hundred percent at all times.”
She was impressed with him, and the more he spoke the more attractive and interesting he appeared. Soon, Vincent was off of her mind until they decided that they would walk along the boat marina.
They held hands as they walked down the side street and to the docks. Before they reached the main walking area, Antoine stopped her and pulled her into his arms. He caressed her back then reached under her hair to cup her head and kiss her. The moment his lips touched hers, she tried to focus on the fact that it was Antoine, not Vincent, but her lower lip throbbed. When Vincent forced his mouth against hers, he must have bruised her lips as well.
Antoine pulled away and looked a bit upset.
“I’m sorry. I thought that you’d like it and want to. Forget it,” he said then pulled her along with him down near the water.
She felt the tears reach her eyes. She did want him to kiss her. She was enjoying herself, but she couldn’t
ignore what had taken place. Perhaps she could confide in Antoine and ask him to not tell his brothers what happened.
They walked near the end, and she took his hand and pulled it around her waist so his body was pressed against hers as she looked out over the canal. His strong, muscular chest felt good against her back, and she fought between telling him and remaining quiet.
She felt his hand move up along her arm and caress her skin. Her sweater fell off her shoulder slightly, revealing her skin to his touch. He kissed her shoulder then farther up along her neck.
“You smell so good. I didn’t mean to push you back there. When you’re ready and comfortable with me, just tell me.”
She immediately turned in his arms to face him and hugged him to her. She squeezed him and absorbed the feelings of safety in his embrace.
“I’m sorry. It’s not you, Antoine. I should have told you when you called. I shouldn’t have hidden what happened. I just don’t want you and your brothers to think the wrong thing about me.”
“What? What are you talking about?” he asked as he cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes. She had her hands over his wrists and looked down to her throbbing hand, seeing the obvious swelling now even more than before. Before she could move he followed her line of sight and saw her hand.
“Mikayla. My God, what happened to your hand?”
Immediately he was pulling her toward the bench nearby. She sat down and took a deep breath as Antoine looked at her hand.
“It’s okay. I’ll be fine. I iced it, before.”
“What the hell happened?” he asked her, and she looked up to see such anger in his expression it scared her. He would think the worst.
He cupped her chin and looked at her lips and then her eyes.
“Your lip looks a little swollen.”
The tears hit her eyes, and she pulled away from him and stood up. She leaned against the railing and tried to come up with an excuse of some sort to end the conversation and leave matters alone. She’d handled it back there. She’d handled Vincent, and he wouldn’t bother her again. She had a bad feeling in her gut, and she thought for a second that perhaps that was wishful thinking. What if he came after her again? What if he found out where she lived?
She felt Antoine’s arm go around her waist, and he pressed her body against his.
“Talk to me. Don’t be scared. Let me help you. I know something happened. Was it this morning with the client that showed up?”
She nodded her head. It was easier than trying to speak. She didn’t want to cry. She was a strong woman, and she didn’t want to appear weak.
“Was it a man? Did he…try something?” he asked hesitantly, and she swallowed hard.
Immediately she squeezed his arms against her and laid her head back against his shoulder.
“I handled it,” she whispered.
He turned her around to face him and pulled her against him. He placed his hand under her hair to cup her head so she would have to look up at him.
He looked pissed off and determined. God, she hadn’t expected Antoine the doctor to be so aggressive and dominating.
“Tell me what happened now, Mikayla. Please let me help you.”
God, she got the chills from his sincerity and depth of emotion in his tone, but something told her to fess up or there would be hell to pay.
She began to explain about Vincent but of course without giving names.
“He forced himself on you and kissed you roughly enough to bruise your lips? Who is this fucking piece of shit?” He raised his voice, and she shuddered with uncertainty. He apparently realized he was losing his control and eased up.
“I’m sorry, sugar. I don’t mean to yell at you. God, what happened to your hand? How did you get free from him?”
She explained about kicking him then punching him.
“We need to call the police. We should call Michael.”
“No. No, don’t call Michael. I don’t need the police involved. I took care of it. I think I broke his nose,” she added, and he held her gaze.
“You think you broke this asshole’s nose?”
“Yes. That’s the only reason why my hand is swollen. I’m fine. It’s all over, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you immediately. Can we just forget about it and move on with our date?”
He held her gaze and looked as if he were contemplating a reply.
“Let’s get more ice on that hand.” He gave a small smile as he pulled her to his side.
“But, sugar, this conversation isn’t over.”
* * * *
“What the fuck happened?” Pierre yelled into the phone as Antoine filled him in on a situation with Mikayla.
“She’s fine, but her hand is swollen and her lip. I’m getting ice now and just debating about whether I need to bring her home so we can make her understand our rules better.”
“You mean she wasn’t going to tell you? Us?”
“No way. I just happened to kiss her abruptly, and she tensed, and then I saw her hand. She kept it hidden from me all through our lunch date and the lighting was low so I couldn’t see her lip. She confessed outside, and truth is, I think she’s a bit freaked out about it. I think she’s acting tough.”
“Bring her here now. I’ll call the others. Oh, Antoine, did she say who the client was?”
“Her lips are sealed.”
“Not for long. Get her here,” Pierre told him, and Antoine hung up his cell phone as the bartender filled a linen napkin with ice.
* * * *
“Where are we going?” Mikayla asked Antoine as they headed away from town in his BMW. He kept his hand on her thigh, which was doing a number to her insides. She had to admit that telling him about what happened earlier made her feel a bit better, but she was still uneasy. Why would a man who obviously was as rich as Vincent Lukon go after her just to piss off another man? What made him think that she meant anything to Pierre? Was this all because of Burrens Place or did this go further? She didn’t want to be caught between some crazy situation of Pierre’s. But she also felt a bit of loyalty to him. Although she hardly knew any of the Fromms, she was definitely willing to defend them. She swallowed hard then glanced at Antoine. He wasn’t sporting his usual calm, collected demeanor. Instead he looked straight ahead and seemed intense. She felt foolish and needed to make him understand why she felt she could handle this situation.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away about what happened.” She looked down at her hand then back up toward Antoine. He glanced at her then squeezed her thigh gently with his hand. It felt good and the heat of his palm caused invisible lines of arousal to filter straight to her groin. She felt needy, and suddenly she didn’t want to wait and see how each date went. She wanted all of them, including Douglas whom she absolutely knew nothing about. Why were these men having such an intense effect on her?
“You should have called the police. You should have told me immediately, Mikayla. Instead you sat there, hiding your hand and ignoring the pain and upset you obviously felt after being attacked. That is unacceptable.”
She felt his reprimand to her gut. He was truly pissed off, but she was an independent woman, used to handling things herself. It was who she was. Certain circumstances hardened her from needing the support and comfort from others. Namely, Justin and his cheating, selfish ways.
“I’m a big girl, Antoine, and I don’t need a man to defend me and take care of me.”
He glanced at her quickly as if shocked by her words before he looked forward and slowed the vehicle down. That’s when she saw that they were at the Fromm estate. He’d brought her back to his brothers. This wasn’t going to go over well at all.
* * * *
“She was attacked by some asshole and didn’t call the police or tell Antoine immediately?” Michael asked Pierre as he and Douglas stood waiting for Antoine to arrive.
“That’s what Antoine said. They went through lunch and walked down by the water. He went to kiss her and she pulled away. He tho
ught she wasn’t feeling attracted to him but then he noticed that her lip was a little swollen,” Pierre stated angrily.
“This guy forcefully kissed her?” Michael raised his voice.
“Why wouldn’t she say something right away? Does she know this guy? Is he an ex-boyfriend or something?” Douglas asked as they heard the front door open.
“They’re here,” Pierre said.
* * * *
Mikayla was hesitant to enter the house, but with Antoine’s arm around her waist and his stern expression for her to keep the ice on her hand, she entered their home.
She froze in place the moment she made eye contact with Michael, then Pierre and Douglas.
“How bad is it, Doc?” Pierre asked as Antoine walked her into the living room.
“It’s not bad at all,” she interrupted as Antoine shuffled her into the room, and Michael closed the double wooden doors behind them. They surrounded her, and none of them looked happy.
“I’m going to get more ice. That’s got to be melting by now. She may need an X-ray,” Antoine announced, and a few mumbled curses went through the room.
“I’m fine really. It will heal in no time.” Why was he being so dramatic? An X-ray?
“Let me take a look.” Michael gently took the injured hand into his own. He glanced up at her lips, and she turned away, only to face Douglas, who then placed his fingers under her chin to tilt it up toward him so he could see for himself. She knew that her lip was a bit swollen. She didn’t know how to react to their protectiveness and unnecessary amount of attention. She pulled her hand from Michael’s and cringed from the slight ache of pain she felt. She turned away from them.
“Mikayla, you should have called the police. I can have someone here in five minutes,” Michael told her, and she turned toward him. She didn’t want to blow this out of proportion.
“That’s not necessary,” she responded.
“Not necessary? Did you know this guy? Is he an ex-boyfriend of yours?” Douglas asked, appearing angry, yet he placed his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side. She placed her hands against his chest and looked him in the eyes. His green eyes were identical to Antoine’s, yet they weren’t blood brothers. It was odd.
Mikayla [Orchidea: Love on the Bayou 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 9
