Train smirked and then took a drink from his water bottle. They all had been through so much, and their bond, their connection was special. It was like nothing else they ever had. They were family, and family stuck together. Family survived together, and were the only ones they could trust and let down their guard with.
As he watched his bosses, Giuseppe, Dominick and Andreas with their woman, Giada, he couldn’t help but wonder if men so bad ass, so hardcore and powerful as the Coglonies could let one woman into their lives, their hearts, could he and his brothers do the same? Was it a stupid fucking thought? They screwed so many women, partied so much, hell, women lined up to be their next bedmates. How the hell would one woman have the capabilities of keeping all of them from straying and only wanting her? It made no fucking sense at all.
Alda popped into his head. What the hell would a woman so damn gorgeous, sexy, professional, and young, Jesus, twenty-five years old, want with men as fucked up as them and filled with baggage? They were gang members, thieves, scholars, businessmen, and eventually made men. They didn’t trust anyone but one another. They never let their guard down to let people close and certainly not a woman. A woman’s loins could be a man’s weakness. Weakness was unacceptable. Being weak, accessible, made them targets and vulnerable to attack and ultimately death. This was the reality of the world they lived in. Every time they got a call, an order, they had to leave, ask no questions and just do what had to be done.
There was no room for a woman in their lives. Nor did they want one woman, and one woman only. They lived in a penthouse. They worked day and night, slept four hours if that a night. Women expected commitment, entertainment, and to be catered to. They weren’t men like that. They weren’t soft, empathetic, or tolerant of emotions and feelings.
He started feeling pissed off but his eyes went back to Andreas, Giuseppe and Dominick with Giada. He watched them and how the men acted around her. Giada made them different. She made them care, made them angry and also happy. They nearly lost her and he was right there for all of it. He saw Gisella and how she got to Collin and Fedarro. Then he thought about Fina. Jesus, the woman got to Russian heavies like Hadeon, Paulo, and Andriy.
He ran his fingers through his hair and started to feel overwhelmed with things he just wasn’t used to feeling. What made it worse was Alda kept popping into his head. Train thought about her body, how sexy she was in everything she wore. That shoulder length brown hair all salon finished. Those green eyes filled with passion, care, intimidation and fear of him and his brothers. That fucking turned him on. The large breasts, the swell of her ass, her long, tanned thighs, and her intelligence. She was class, sophistication and beauty.
Abigail would love her.
Fuck!
He turned around and headed out of the room. Work. He would focus on work and trying to find out who the assholes were trying to bring this date rape drug into their clubs. Into all clubs around the city. The fucking assholes.
With that thought came thoughts of Alda going out to Merchant’s Friday night. He and his brothers would be there. They’d watch over her. No one was going to get their hands on Alda to hurt her or drug her. She didn’t need to know his concerns or that he would be watching. No one would know how he really felt. It was better this way. They couldn’t give Alda what she deserved and needed. They just weren’t capable of it. Never were, and never would be.
* * * *
Antonio Sparks listened to Alda Ruffinno’s response to his ideas. She was classy, sexy, sophisticated. Tatum would want her if he laid eyes on her. He knew he would. Hell, Antonio was interested in getting to know her on a more intimate level. She was that sexy, and her body? Jesus, her fucking body was exceptional. Even in the very conservative dress she wore today he could tell she was well endowed, and in great physical condition. What he would do to have her by his side traveling back to the UK and abroad to other places.
“I think your ideas are creative, Alda, but I am interested in more than just the cosmetic line. I’d like to provide exporting for the full line.”
“The full line? I’m a little confused, Antonio. Haley and Maxwell only indicated that you were interested in the cosmetic line that will be unveiled in a few weeks.”
“Yes, I’m certain that was what they thought, however, after speaking with you and getting more insight into the company I’m very interested in the profit we all can make working together.”
“If you’re talking about some sort of merger, or a shared ownership in the company, I’m afraid you’ll need to discuss that possibility with Haley and Maxwell. I can negotiate terms and ideas for the products and promotional aspects as well as distribution. I’m sorry if you were misled somehow,” she said to him.
He reached over and covered her hand with his. Her green eyes widened.
“Alda, I’m a man of action, and purpose. When I see something I want, I go after it,” he told her and she squinted at him.
“This company has greater potential than Haley and Maxwell are tapping into,” he added, obviously noticing how his previous line shocked her.
He released her hand and she eased it back then placed it on her lap. She looked a little uneasy. Had she felt the attraction too? God, this could be complicated. Once Tatum laid eyes on Alda it could be disastrous. The poor woman wouldn’t know what hit her.
“They don’t want to sell the company though.”
He tilted his head sideways.
“Is this a personal fear or are you really concerned for what is best for MAX Industries?” he asked her. Her eyes widened as if shocked by his accusation but Haley did say she wanted to know where Alda’s loyalties lay. It seemed Haley had plans for Alda, as well.
“To be honest with you, I’ve already worked for a few companies that decided to sell out instead of hold on and ride it. I’ve lost several jobs over things like this, however, it’s all worked out so far. If Haley and Maxwell decided they wanted to sell the company to you so you can take it to the next level and go international, it wouldn’t shock me at all. However, after speaking with both of them, they seem dead set on riding this out and making the company grow, but at their own speed, so they don’t lose control and screw it up. I respect that, and maybe you should, too.”
He was shocked at her gall, her dedication and loyalty to the company. Haley would probably be shocked, too. Not enough to not throw Alda to the wolves, or in this case, wolf. Tatum was going to love her. Maybe he would share. This was a first for Antonio, too.
“I respect your loyalty to the company and to Maxwell and Haley. In all honesty, do you think they might consider a partnership with me? I can see MAX Industries going to great heights with the right people working in the company. I could be a great asset to them, to you, Alda,” he said to her.
He watched her swallow and then she gave a soft smile.
“I suppose your next meeting should be with them then.” She reached out to take a sip of wine from her glass when her eyes landed on something behind him. She quickly looked back toward Antonio. He looked over his shoulder and saw several men walking into Rinaldi’s and being greeted by the owner. The Coglonie family. Lou Carvetti warned him about them and the Fiorre family and their involvement in organized crime and their roles over business affairs in the city. Tatum wanted to ease back on the drug he was introducing here in the city. It was a very potent, unique drug that Tatum would not allow to be distributed freely. It was the drug of the wealthy and prominent. Only select amounts were distributed and for a hefty price.
“Men you know?” he asked her. Then took a sip from his glass of wine.
“Acquaintances of friends of mine, actually,” she replied.
“You know some interesting individuals, Alda. It surprises me,” he said to her, holding her gaze.
“Why is that?” she asked.
“You’re so sweet, and seem…vanilla,” he said, surprising her. He couldn’t get over how flirty he felt. The woman definitely intrigued him. Her face flushed and it bro
ught that attraction up a notch. She wasn’t experienced with men. Oh, this was getting even better than expected.
She glanced at him, unsure of how to respond. He leaned closer.
“I’ve shocked you? I apologize. I know I’m older, a bit more seasoned in a lot of areas,” he said and let his gaze slide over her features, and her breasts. Her cheeks blushed again. He was getting to her.
“I think you should remember this is business, Antonio.”
“I didn’t intend to offend you, Alda, but to compliment you.”
“Really?” she challenged. His arousal grew.
“Definitely compliment you. You’re a very attractive woman. You’re professional, classy, and your eyes are stunning. You are the whole package, and definitely a good prospect for the idea Haley and I discussed. I wasn’t so sure at first, but now I’m thinking you would fit the part.”
“You’ve lost me, Antonio,” she said, and her eyes gazed back toward the men as they headed into the bar area. She gave a wave and a smile and as Antonio looked he saw a few very large men nod their heads at her but they weren’t smiling. They looked lethal. Nothing a bullet couldn’t get rid of. He cleared his head.
“As I was saying, Haley and I were throwing around some ideas before I headed out here with my partner.”
“Partner?” she asked.
“Yes, he’s more like a silent partner, and doesn’t really like crowds, or to have to handle the social aspect of business. He’s great with numbers. A workaholic, but I’m certain he will love meeting you eventually. That’s if this all works out.”
“Do explain what you mean. Haley hasn’t mentioned any of this.”
“We were brainstorming when we met months ago in Rome. I have a villa there. So stunning and relaxing. Perhaps if all goes well you’ll get to visit.” She narrowed her eyes at him.
“I’m jumping the gun. I haven’t even explained the idea. I shouldn’t have brought it up. Haley will be angry with me. It’s just some preliminary ideas. I am surprised though that she hadn’t mentioned any of this.”
“Haley likes to keep things under wraps until she’s a hundred percent certain it will go off as she expected.”
“I can give you a little information now. You see, with this new cosmetics line we had the idea of having a symbol, an image and person to associate with the label that you created. Haley wants someone with the right look, the right demeanor and also something different. A person involved with the company and its wellbeing. She thought of you, Alda.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
He leaned back and eyed her over.
“You as the face, the representation of MAX Products.”
Her eyes widened, her jaw dropped and she blinked several times. She was precious. He chuckled.
“Take a sip of wine,” he said to her and she did. Even that aroused him. She would take orders well. She would fit both his and Tatum’s needs and desires. Holy shit. This was quite unexpected indeed.
* * * *
“Is that the same rich prick from the other night with Alda?” Ziek asked Brew and Logic.
“How would we know?” Logic asked, but took a seat by the end of the bar where he could glance back to see Alda. Logic wondered who the guy she was with was. He was older. Had a distinguished look about him. Wore a fancy suit, and Logic could see the fucker’s gold and diamond cuff links from here. The silly prick. His chest tightened and his gut reacted. He was fucking jealous.
“You guys should make a damn move already if you’re that interested in her. She’s gorgeous. Shouldn’t be single,” Ziek added and took a sip from his glass of brandy.
“We’ve been over this, Ziek. Same shit with you and your buddies making a move on Alessa. Not commitment type of guys.”
“Then don’t look so fucking pissed off,” Ziek countered.
“That coming from the guy who was about to go over and tear a guy away from Alessa the other night when the guy kissed her and she pushed him away?” Logic added. Ziek snorted and they chuckled. Brew wasn’t saying a word.
“What the fuck is wrong with us?” Ziek asked.
“We’re not good men when it comes to women. Just not the nurturing kind,” Logic said and then clenched his teeth.
“They’re getting up from the table and making their way to the bar. You know the dick wants in her panties,” Brew said.
“Of course he does. They’re dining at Rinaldi’s,” Ziek said, just as a few women they knew came over to join them and flirt. Logic looked over the brunette in the tight red dress and too much makeup. She was attractive, had a nice set on her but he wasn’t in the mood. Nor was Brew as some redhead smoothed her hand over his shoulder and whispered hello to him. Brew’s angry expression and nonverbal response didn’t stop the redhead from touching his brother. Brew’s eyes were on Alda and the guy she was with as they entered the bar area. The brunette took that moment to place her hand on Logic’s shoulder and caress him then whisper to him. Logic caught Alda’s eyes. She was pissed, hell, jealous maybe and his gut clenched. He pressed the brunette away only it was too late. Alda passed them with her date, and went to the end of the bar, her back toward them.
He stared at her, and the older man who towered over Alda. The bar was crowded, but he had a good line of sight on her backside. As people pressed closer, the dick took the opportunity to slide his hand along her waist, nearly to her full, round ass.
“You look about ready to explode,” Ziek said to him and then turned to look.
“What is it?” Brew asked.
“Nothing,” Logic said. He didn’t know how Brew would react. Alda wasn’t even their woman, or a woman they fucked, yet they were jealous of other men paying attention to her and flirting with her.
“Want me to find out who he is?” Ziek asked.
“No,” Logic said.
“Hey, you’d do it for me. You guys are into her. I’ve never seen any of you into one woman and one woman only. You haven’t even hooked up with any women, and you just got rid of two easy, sexy fine specimens of women just now and that was why we came out tonight,” Ziek stated.
“I guess we weren’t in the mood,” Brew said and then took a sip from his beer.
“The guy is stepping away. Looks like he got a phone call. I’ll go talk to her and say hello,” Ziek said.
Logic grabbed his arm. “I’ll go,” he said and looked at Brew. No response. No reaction. He was on his own.
The guy walked to the hallway and Alda stood there alone. As Logic approached some other guy started to head toward her and Logic got to her. Alda’s eyes landed on the guy and then on Logic.
“Take a hike,” he told the guy and the guy immediately turned around and left.
Her lips parted, her green eyes landed on him and he took in the sight of her. Holy fucking shit, did she look gorgeous in this lighting. Her green eyes sparkled, her lips looked full and lush, her cheeks pink and the dress she wore hugged her figure so tight he could see every bit of her curves. The wrap style dress looked like one yank on the side would make the whole thing come undone.
“How are you, Alda?” he asked her and placed his beer down on the bar. She looked toward the hallway, as if checking to see if her date was coming back.
“Good. How are you, Logic?”
“Good. Who’s the guy?” he blurted out and she squinted at him.
“Excuse me?” she asked.
He exhaled. He didn’t mean to be so blunt or to make it obvious that the sight of her with another man pissed him off.
“The guy you’re with. I’ve never seen him before. Wanted to make sure that you were okay,” he added.
Her expression immediately changed and she looked annoyed. She rolled her eyes and looked away then took a sip of her wine. “I’m a big girl, Logic. I told Train and Royce that the other night. I don’t need you looking after me like some big brother,” she snapped.
“Big brother?” he asked. Jesus, the woman didn’t know how fucking hot she was.
Fired up, she was even hotter and his thoughts were not one from a big brother’s perspective.
He stepped closer and placed his hand on her hip. “I don’t want to be your fucking big brother,” he said to her and held her gaze.
She looked at him as if trying to read him and his words. He couldn’t believe this. It was getting harder and harder to not want this woman in his arms, in his bed with his cock buried deep in her cunt. Holy fuck, he felt desperate.
“Everything good, Antonio?” she asked and looked toward the right as her date approached. He removed his hand from her hip and looked the guy over. He was an inch taller than Logic, very well groomed with his hair slicked back and the dusting of gray making him appear distinguished. He narrowed his eyes at Logic as if unimpressed with him. The man didn’t know who the fuck Logic was.
The guy stepped closer to Alda and slid his arm against her back to the bar.
“Are you okay?” he asked her, holding her gaze and staring at her lips.
Alda stared right back up at the guy. “Of course. This is Logic, a friend of mine,” she said and introduced him.
She turned to look at Logic.
“Logic, meet Antonio Sparks,” she said. Antonio reached out his hand to shake Logic’s and when he did the guy gripped it hard. Logic gripped it harder, their eyes narrowed.
“Is everything okay, Antonio? Was the call important?” she asked as Antonio released Logic’s hand. The man was fucking challenging him over Alda. I don’t think so, dick.
“Unfortunately I need to head out. On the way, my driver can drop you off at your place,” he said to her. So the dick had a driver. He wasn’t the driver like Logic and his brothers had been for their bosses. Although that was somewhat behind them with their new roles maybe Alda saw them as lesser men. What the hell was she thinking? They were loaded, bad ass powerful enforcers, not chauffeurs. Fuck. They protected their bosses with firearms and physical capabilities this dick in his designer suit didn’t have.
Made Men 8: All or Nothing (Siren Publishing Menage Everlasting) Page 7
