Who is ‘she’? Well, before I answer that question, let me give you a little backstory. I’m not deliberately trying to be vague, but it’s a complicated story, and I’m keeping my cards close to my vest. I’m not ready to reveal my hand, at least not yet.
I’ve been patient for ten long years, with the last two spent secretly watching, preparing, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to approach her. At this point, I probably know more about this woman than her own family. In fact, I’m betting all my cards on it. My plan is in place, the game is in play, and I finally have the means to insinuate myself into her life and gain her trust.
I’m not an evil person, not really. Occasionally, I do bad things, but it’s always for the greater good, namely me or my clients. Admittedly, I’m not Mother Teresa, but I do give to charities and those less fortunate all the time. My philosophy is simple. I believe in karma. You know, all that ‘what goes around, comes around’ bullshit, and an eye for an eye like it says in the Bible. Sometimes it’s the only way to heal.
I don’t think about Sam every waking moment like I did for years, but my heart still stops every time I do. I know she’s gone and nothing I do can ever bring her back, but she was the only person that loved me unconditionally. She understood and accepted the real me, with no judgements and no reservations. I should have protected her, but I didn’t… I couldn’t, not then. But now, I can try to make it right. I’m the only one who can do this, and I refuse to fail her again. I fix problems for everyone else, so I should be able to fix my own.
Every day I work with some of the most well-known names on the planet, famous and infamous alike, solving their problems and making them disappear. My client list includes pop stars, movie stars, professional athletes, millionaires, billionaires, and politicians. Hell, I’ve even worked for princes, kings, lords, dukes, and several sheiks. And yes, that also includes criminals, the Mafia and the Bratva. I don’t play favorites, and I’ve always delivered… except once. But it’s time to even the score and make it right. I’m known as “The Fixer” and now it’s time to fix my own problem, the one that began ten years ago and has haunted me every day since. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Well, I plan to keep my enemies real close. I won’t allow anything to get in my way, and this woman is the instrument of my revenge.
So, to answer your question, ‘she’ is Silvia Demetri. And she will be the pawn that captures the opposing king.
***
I’ve been studying the itinerary for Silvia Demetri that Logan delivered several days ago. Silvia doesn’t live in New York City full time, but she does own a penthouse in Soho. She comes to the city frequently for business and pleasure. Apparently, she’s some kind humanitarian, like a good Samaritan, and spends most of her time raising money for several charities. She even has an office near her penthouse.
If this broad has any vices, Logan couldn’t find them, but she does love specialty coffee and there’s a quaint, little shop near her penthouse she frequents daily when she’s in town. Today is Saturday and according to her calendar, Silvia is scheduled to arrive early this morning. No doubt, her first stop will be her favorite coffee shop. And wouldn’t you just know it, I also enjoy specialty coffee, and since it’s Saturday, I’ve made plans to visit the same little shop for a delicious cup of java.
I enter the shop around seven, shortly before she’s due to arrive in town. Fortunately, business is slow this early on the weekend, so I purchase my coffee and snag a seat at a table in the back with a view of the door, then take out my phone to catch up on the morning news.
As I finish a scathing article about another political scandal in Washington, I hear the bell above the door tinkling loudly. I look over the rim of my cup and see her at the door as she enters the shop, momentarily pausing to inhale the enticing aroma of fresh coffee.
I feel my heart lurch in my chest. My reaction is immediate and visceral. Her pictures don’t even begin to do her justice. Silvia Demetri is, without a doubt, the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever laid eyes on, and believe me when I say, I’ve seen plenty of attractive women. All the pictures in my file show her hair worn up in a sleek sophisticated chignon, but this morning she’s left her silky brunette locks down, flowing in thick waves over her shoulders and down her back, almost reaching her waist. She has smooth, flawless, ivory skin and looks much younger than her thirty-five years. Her face is a classic oval with a small pert nose, large, soft-brown eyes infused with specks of gold, and plump kissable lips. Whoa, where’d that come from? Down, boy. Her personal information confirms her height to be 5’6”, but what it doesn’t reveal are the killer long legs, delicious curves, and luscious heart-shape ass hiding underneath her designer sweater and jeans. Damn, this woman is hot and built exactly the way I like my women.
She walks to the counter and places her order with the lowest and most sultry voice I’ve ever heard. It’s immediately apparent that Silvia Demetri is a woman who is more than just naturally beautiful. She’s elegant, sophisticated, and refined, her every move confident and graceful. I can’t take my eyes off her.
Almost as if she knows someone is staring, she slowly turns and meets my gaze. Our eyes lock, but rather than the usual simpering, flirty laugh I receive from most women, she rolls her eyes and turns back around. For the first time in my entire life, I have been dismissed and effectively ignored by a woman.
Oh no, she didn’t!
I quickly rise from my seat and make my move. When I get to the counter, Silvia is taking money from her purse to pay for her coffee, but I beat her to the punch and drop a twenty-dollar bill on the counter.
“Excuse me, but what do you think you’re doing?” she demands sternly, her cheeks flushing a lovely pink. At 6’2”, I tower over her shorter frame, but she’s not intimidated at all.
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m buying a cup of coffee for a beautiful woman.” I flash her a charming grin and look down into her hypnotic eyes. Good god, her eyes are now a dark golden honey color. They’re even more stunning up close.
“That won’t be necessary. I have my own money,” she declares firmly, trying to force the clerk to relinquish his hold on my money and take hers. She has no idea who she’s dealing with, but she’s fighting a losing battle. I always get my way.
“Yes, I’m sure you do. But how else am I to get your attention?” I tease, waggling my brows. That ought to do it. Women simply can’t resist my charm.
“I don’t have time for games, sir.” Well, make that most women. I guess I’ll try the direct approach.
“Great, neither do I. But I do like it when you call me sir. Now, do you have a few moments to sit and have coffee with me?”
“Why?” Silvia asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Why? Damn, that’s a first. The only words I usually hear from a woman’s mouth is yes, oh god, and please don’t stop. It’s also a loaded question, one I can’t really answer, but I have to say something.
“Because, maybe, if you have coffee with me, you’ll be kind enough to give me your name,” I answer boldly. That sounded good, right? It may not be the whole truth but it’s true, nonetheless.
There it is, a small smile breaks free, and I can’t help but grin back.
“Your smile is gorgeous… Look, I promise it’s only coffee and after five minutes, if you think I’m a total asshole, then there’s nothing lost but a few moments of your time. At least, you’ll have something to talk about with your friends.” I grin meekly, holding my hands up and spreading my fingers in a gesture of surrender.
“Fine. Five minutes and that’s it. I have a lot to get done this morning.” She shakes her head slightly and looks up at me through dark, lush lashes, her brown eyes sparkling with mirth.
Fuck me. This is going to be much more difficult than I thought!
Silvia Demetri may be a beautiful woman, but she’s also the daughter and sister of two very powerful men. I cannot allow her looks
to distract me.
I step to the side and allow her to move in front of me, then placing my hand on her lower back, I guide her to my table. The smell of her perfume envelops me, a light floral fragrance with an enticing hint of vanilla. Delicious. She stops and remains standing, waiting for me to seat her. One thing for sure, she’s well trained on how a man should treat a lady.
I pull out her chair and she gracefully sits, then places her coffee on top of the table, drawing my attention to her small, delicate hands, slender fingers, and neatly french-manicured nails. I unbutton my suit and casually drop into the seat across from her. Now that I finally have Silvia here, I can only hope she’ll be receptive to my advances.
“Thank you for having coffee with me. My name is Jaxson, but my friends call me Jax. You’re welcome to use either name you wish.” I sit back and flash her another smile
“I’m Silvia,” she replies simply, picking up her coffee and taking a slow sip, then looking around the shop almost as if she’s bored.
That’s it? She’s certainly not giving me much to work with here. Most women fall all over themselves to get my attention, with no effort at all on my part. But Silvia Demetri has no intention of making this easy. It’s time to take out the big guns.
“That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl, Silvia.” Bam! That line works on all women, right?
“What kind of game are you playing, Jaxson? If that’s even your real name. I’m not some naïve young girl, so let’s just cut to the chase. What do you want?” Her eyes dart to mine and narrow suspiciously. Damn, I’m a little stunned. I’m running out of ammunition.
“Silvia, I assure you I’m not playing any games. Though, you do look young and you’re certainly very beautiful, I don’t think you’re naïve. But I must admit, I’m a little offended. I’m not some young punk trying to get into your panties. I’m sincerely trying to get to know you. If you allow me to call you, maybe even take you on a date, you’ll see I’m more than just a good-looking guy.” This woman has me fumbling around like some inexperienced teenage boy.
Her gaze softens and she smiles, then shakes her head as she removes a pen and small notepad from her purse. She writes down a phone number, tears off the paper, and hands it across the table.
“God, I hope this isn’t a mistake,” she whispers, almost as if she’s speaking to herself.
“Silvia, it’s not a mistake. I just hope you’ll give me a chance.” I decide to go for broke and make a risky move by placing my hand gently over her much smaller one resting on the table. Her skin is warm and soft, and somehow, the gesture feels natural. Surprisingly, she doesn’t jerk away. I’m making progress.
“I…uh…I have to go, Jaxson,” she says nervously, pushing away from the table. I quickly stand and offer her my hand.
“I’ll be calling soon, Silvia.” She takes my hand and stands. As she walks to the door, she pauses and looks over her shoulder.
“I do hope so, Jaxson,” she admits softly and walks out the door.
The sweetest five words I’ve heard in a very long time, and they hit me like a punch to the gut. I can only stand and stare, completely mesmerized by Silvia Demetri.
I button my coat and stride confidently to the door. I casually glance outside, making sure Silvia has gone, then carefully cross the busy street where my car and driver are waiting. Silvia Demetri may be playing hard to get, but I know she’s interested. I can’t help but gloat as I recall her words, ‘I do hope so, Jaxson’. Oh yes, I definitely plan to call her… and very soon.
Randal sees me crossing the street and quickly steps out of the car. He opens my door and asks, “Mr. Montgomery, where would you like to go?”
“Take me to the office, Randal.” It may be the weekend, but business doesn’t stop just because it’s Saturday.
“Yes sir,” Randal replies, closing the door and starting the car.
The traffic in New York City is brutal today, making our commute long and tedious. I try to relax, but my thoughts spin chaotically in my mind. I take out the small piece of paper and stare down at the number written in an elegant scrawl. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I relish my small triumph. I may not have won the war, at least not yet, but I did win the first battle. Okay, maybe it was only a small skirmish. It’s still a victory, nonetheless.
I’m so absorbed in my ruminations, I don’t even realize we’ve arrived at the office until Randal opens my door. I take a deep breath and channel my professional demeanor. I walk past security and into my private elevator. I wipe my mind of all thoughts of Silvia Demetri. It’s time to change hats and become the man my employees know as ‘The Fixer’.
The door opens and I step through the empty reception area but see Nora walking toward me.
“Good morning, Nora”
“Good morning, sir. I placed all the files you requested on your desk.”
“Thank, you. It looks like we have the place to ourselves today. I really appreciate you coming in on a Saturday. I’m not sure what I would do without you.”
And I mean every word. I know how lucky I am to have Nora Abrams as an employee. She’s been my personal assistant for five years but before hiring her, not a single person made it over six months, and I tried both males and females. I’m not a bad or unfair employer, but I am a demanding one. It’s difficult to find dedicated employees who are intelligent, competent, willing to go the extra mile, and never complain about coming into the office on weekends or holidays. But Nora is the epitome of the perfect employee. She’s always professional, on time, and ready to work with a take-charge, no-bullshit attitude. Like I said, perfect employee. Unlike Randal and Lori, Nora is happily married, and has been for the last twenty years. I’ve met her husband, Hal. He’s a smart man, a merger and acquisitions attorney, and a real nice guy who seems to worship the ground Nora walks on. They don’t have any children. I’m not sure if it was a deliberate decision, but Nora is in her mid-forties, so I highly doubt kids are in her future. Regardless, it works in my favor.
“Oh, you’re very welcome, sir. I appreciate your confidence in me, but I’m sure you would do fine.”
I walk into my office and take a seat behind my desk, preparing to start on the Martino case. As I turn on my laptop, my cell phone rings. I hit the answer button and bark into the speaker.
“Montgomery here.”
“Hi, Jax. How are you this morning?” a familiar female voice asks cheerfully.
“Good morning, Blair. It’s always good to hear from you and I’m having a great day. How about you?”
Now, don’t jump to conclusions. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not like that at all. Blair Stephanov isn’t my girlfriend, but she is a friend and has been since we were children. Her family knew my family, and we saw each other a lot growing up. We tried dating a few times, but it didn’t work for either of us, so we just remained friends. I’m not really a relationship kind of guy. Why settle for one woman when you can have every woman? Does that sound a little conceited? Definitely. I’m a handsome guy and a total womanizer, ladies’ man, skirt-chaser, stud, ladykiller, horndog, and a few other unflattering names I’d rather not repeat. But hey, it is what it is.
“I’m good, Jax. I have some shopping to do and will be in your area today. Would you like to grab lunch?”
It’s been pretty darn busy lately, so I’ve been ordering in every day and eating at my desk. It’d be nice to have lunch with a friend for a change.
“Thanks, Blair. I’d love to take you up on your offer. Where would you like to meet?”
“If it’s okay, I’ll just drop by your office, and we can take your car. I’m feeling generous, so I’ll even let you choose the restaurant. We can enjoy a good meal and catch up. You can tell me all about your day. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like a plan. See ya, sweetheart.” I end the call and start searching the Martino file for the number of a contact in California. I need to make an important call so I can wrap up this case as soon as
possible, giving me more time to dedicate to my new project, Silvia Demetri.
Which reminds me… I need to decide where I want to take Silvia for our date. Am I putting the cart before the horse? Possibly, but not likely. I know she will say yes. I just wish it was Silvia I was having lunch with today.
CHAPTER TWO
SILVIA
What the heck just happened? I have my whole day planned, make a stop at my favorite coffee shop, and wham, the most handsome man I’ve ever seen starts eyeing me like he’s starving, and I’m his next meal. Let’s be honest. I may be attractive, but I’m no super model, not with my curves. But this man… like wow! He’s the whole package – perfectly tousled blond hair, brilliant blue eyes framed by thick lashes, chiseled features and strong jaw, tall but not too tall with broad-shoulders and a narrow waist, and muscles but not to the extreme. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve seen those guys that look like they have inflatable hot air balloons for biceps. I bet he’s hiding a delicious set of six-pack abs under that suit. Oh, and did I mention he was impeccably dressed in an outrageously expensive custom-made suit? And that man knows how to wear a suit. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was actually going to swoon. And yes, he looked that good!
I was even rude to the guy, but he just wouldn’t give up. He was certainly persistent. What’s up with that? He couldn’t have been attracted to my witty banter. I could barely string two words together. I’m usually more composed, and a heck of a lot more careful. But I felt like some giddy teenager. I can’t believe I gave him my phone number and didn’t even ask for his, or his last name. Yup, real smooth, but there was something about him that made me want to stay and have coffee with him. I should have just accepted his compliments, thanked him, and walked out. But something compelled me to stay. It could have been his sexy, deep voice. God, it gave me chill bumps. Or maybe, it was the way he devoured my entire body with his eyes.
The Fidelity World: Devious (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 2
