“It’s a sort of weekend estate for these two attorneys from Dallas. They don’t get to use it like they wanted to, and well, from my understanding there are some personal issues, hence why the one room that they planned to turn into a master suite is unfinished. Since there are six other bedrooms, you could turn it into whatever you want. A game room perhaps. I can arrange for you to see it at any time. Let me bring up some pictures online for you.”
Biani smiled as she pulled out a small laptop, placed it onto the coffee table and started it up. He could tell that Falzone and Messina were looking at her chest, and as she bent her blouse parted more, even Vella licked his lips. For the next hour they lined up several homes to be shown.
“I think this is a great start, and who knows, maybe one of these homes will be exactly what you’re looking for. I think we’ll come close to getting almost everything you want. So I’ll call you Saturday morning and confirm times. Plan on starting Sunday at eleven,” she said as she gathered her things, then took a sip of water.
“If earlier is better it’s fine with us. We’re up really early,” Biani told her, staring at her face. She was so gorgeous, and had perfect skin, too. This close up he could really take in all her features. Her pixie nose, the full lips, big light green eyes with thick eyelashes. She wore hardly any makeup and was naturally gorgeous. The scent of her combined with all her other features had his heart racing and his mind traveling in many directions. She smiled and seemed to stare at him.
“Well, to be honest, I have a black-tie cocktail party on Saturday evening, and then I’m meeting everyone at the Filling Station. I assumed you guys would be going, too? I think Tat and the team are, as well as Avana and her men.”
“Spartan mentioned that earlier today. We haven’t decided yet if we’re going,” Falzone said to her. When she stood up, they all did. Biani didn’t want her to leave. It was so strange, to be attracted to this woman and hardly know her.
“Well, it is a fundraiser for military personnel injured while serving. I heard that a lot of people will be attending. I’m sure it will be fun, and it is a good cause. Even if you stop by it will be appreciated,” she added.
“We may consider it if you’re going to be there,” Biani said to her, and gave her a flirtatious wink. He wanted to see if she felt the attraction, too. She blushed.
“Well, maybe I will see you then, otherwise, I have your number, Falzone. I will definitely text or call Saturday morning. If you are out and come across something else of interest, just call me and I will find out more details. Have a great evening,” she said, and then shook each of their hands. Falzone walked her out.
As soon as the door closed, Messina whistled. “God damn, she is fucking gorgeous.”
“Petite and sexy,” Biani replied, and then walked toward the window and looked out as Falzone was still talking to her while she stood by her open door. She smiled and then shyly pushed her hair behind her ear.
“Stop staring at her. You’ll creep her out,” Vella snapped at him as he got up, took her empty water bottle, and then inhaled, like he was trying to get some more of her perfume.
“She smells great, too,” Messina said, and then sat where she sat. He leaned back. “Holy fuck. I think we all need to get laid. It’s been too fucking long,” he added.
Vella snorted. “You’re in the wrong fucking town, bro,” Vella said, and headed into the kitchen.
Falzone headed back inside, the sound of the bad muffler slowly disappearing as Tiana headed down the road. “What’s that face for?” Biani asked.
“That car of hers. She said it just started doing that this afternoon. She should get it checked out.”
“Definitely. She won’t be happy if she gets stuck on the side of a road somewhere,” Biani stated.
“No, she won’t, and that would be dangerous,” Falzone said, and appeared annoyed.
“Well, looks like we’re going house hunting,” Messina said.
“I’m looking forward to it. There are a lot of great choices,” Falzone said.
“I think we’re all looking forward to it,” Biani said, and winked.
Falzone shook his head. “Be a gentleman. It’s a small town and the women are to be watched over, not seduced.”
“Ohh, talking about seducing her, huh?” Biani asked, teasing him.
“No. Do I fucking look like the kind of man that wastes time with that?” he said.
“Ohhh, really? So you just point and say, “You, my bedroom, now?” Messina asked.
“Cool it. Let’s get dinner ready,” Falzone said.
“We going to go to the Station Saturday night then?” Biani asked.
“Not sure. We’ll see,” Falzone said, and Biani smiled to himself, he was already thinking about seeing Tiana again. But he had concerns about the others’ responses to her, especially Vella’s. His brother in arms was having a hard time. So was Messina. No matter what they tried, both men suffered at night and hardly slept. It made them snappy when they didn’t try to cover that up. Vella was the worst. Maybe not seeking relief in a woman’s arms was best kept as a fantasy for now and not a reality. His team, his brothers came first, everything else wasn’t important at all.
Chapter Two
“Tell me, Michael, do you see her?” Ellington Blake asked his partner. Ellington didn’t take his eyes off of Tiana Mosely as she entered the main living room of the estate. Not a male in the place wasn’t looking at her right now in that moment. She looked classy, and exotic.
“No. You’re teasing me,” Michael whispered, and then cleared his throat. Ellington could hear his business partner and best friend’s breathing grow rapid.
“That’s her? In the emerald green strapless dress?” he asked him.
Ellington nodded, and watched her boss, Gordon Slane, take her arm, kiss each cheek of hers hello and then loop his arm through hers.
She looked incredible. She was petite, feminine, yet had curves that would more than please any man. Her breasts full, with deep cleavage that showed in the designer dress. It was tight against her waist, which was narrow, and tiny like her. She would be a sensational lover, and she was definitely submissive, and inexperienced with men. Not a virgin, but close enough, he was certain.
“I want to meet her,” Michael said, and Gordon knew he would. He talked about her to Michael often, and then described how she would deny Ellington a taste of her, never mind a feel. He attempted his moves, and unlike all other women he had ever showed interest in, she ignored his advances, stopped him in midtrack, and it made him want her even more.
“You will. Right now,” he said as Gordon brought Tiana immediately toward him. He caught her eye, gave a smile and stood straighter, her eyes shot to Michael’s with interest and he got excited. She found Michael attractive like most women did. This could work out after all, he thought.
Charleston Long stepped into their path, surprising Gordon, who immediately smiled wide and shook Charleston’s hand. He introduced Tiana to him and the slimy fuck took her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed the top. A Texan through and through, the man had women like he had cattle, but somehow women were drawn to his deep, commanding voice, that Texas accent, his black Stetson, and designer jackets, as well as the fact he wore cowboy boots with his suits. The man hadn’t worked the field once in his lifetime, coming from a bloodline of oil and wealth.
He eyed Tiana over as if she were his next meal, but surprisingly she didn’t react but with a cordial smile. God, he knew this woman was special, but damn, she would be trainable as well, and that was what mattered if Michael chose her to play with.
“Shit, tell me she won’t fall for his bullshit?” Michael whispered, then took a sip from his brandy.
Ellington did the same. “Doesn’t look that way, but guaranteed he’ll make nice with her to get info on that land. I don’t want that smiley fuck screwing this up for us.”
Michael gave his arm a tap. “Look, it’s the Caston twins,” Michael said to him.
“Shit,
Ellington, their eyes have landed on Tiana.”
“Well then, let’s go change things up a bit and let them know we mean fucking business,” Ellington stated, and they interrupted the conversation. Ellington’s eyes locked onto Tiana’s, and she smiled as he kissed her cheek hello, and she held onto his forearms.
“So nice to see you, Mr. Blake,” she said.
He squeezed her tighter. “Darling, I told you to call me Ellington. We’ve been working together for a bit.”
“Hmm, and haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s true at all,” he said, and winked at her.
She blushed, that sweet, shyness so damn obvious it would only attract more men trying to prey on her lack of experience.
“I want to introduce you to someone very important and close to me. Meet my business partner, Michael Coast.”
Her eyes looked up into Michael’s blue ones, and of course she recognized a wealthy, attractive bachelor as Michael, and he was cautious in how forward he was with her. They discussed Tiana many a times, and Ellington warned him to take his time.
“Oh, so nice to finally meet you, Michael. Ellington told me so much about you. I understand you’ve recently returned from Greece,” she said to him as Michael took her hand and brought it to his lips.
“I did, about a week ago, but I must say nothing I saw was as beautiful as you. You are precious.” He reached up and stroked her jaw, obviously making her blush again and lower her eyes.
“Thank you, sir,” she said to him.
“Michael.”
“Yes well, I do believe you two know Charleston Long,” Gordon interrupted.
Ellington had to hide his annoyance with the man. Gordon was such a weasel and a manipulator, but not as smart as Ellington and Michael.
“Of course. Nice to see you,” Ellington said, and they shook hands hello.
“Indeed. I’m pretty sure it isn’t coincidence that we’re all gathered here tonight. I understand there is a new investment opportunity in the midst,” Charleston said.
“That’s not really public knowledge yet,” Gordon whispered, and then looked at Tiana.
She shook her head and then whispered toward them. “Kind of premature to talk about it.”
“But?” Michael said to her, and raised one of his eyebrows at her.
She stared up at him and Ellington felt his dick harden. Keep it up, Michael, and get her for us. This was going to be easy.
She looked at Gordon. “I think considering many people will be interested in this land and its potential, you can let them know. Tomorrow morning it goes public,” Gordon said, and she nodded.
“Well, it’s a hundred acres of land, zoned for commercial property and right on the edge of Ausberry. There’s an entrance to the main highway on the same road, so there’ll be no additional traffic to the local community.” She went on to explain the details and then the price.
“Ten million? Is that negotiable?” Charleston asked, her and gave her a wink.
“No,” she replied. “I must warn you though, I’ve been getting some phone calls already. Seems someone let the cat out of the bag and there’s no telling how long this property will last.”
“Well, I’d like to have a look. Let’s plan something for tomorrow morning,” Charleston said, and looked her over.
Ellington bit the inside of his cheek. This piece of shit was not going to move in on his territory.
“So sorry, Mr. Long. Tomorrow is Sunday, and I have some other viewings scheduled throughout the day. Perhaps Monday afternoon? I have appointments in the morning,” she replied.
“Well Cynthia, from Berthmire agency, could probably show me and get the information,” Charleston said, and looked around the room for the real estate agent.
“Actually, Tiana is the only agent allowed to show the property. It’s an exclusive contract, and special arrangements have been made so all viewings, bids, etc.…must go through my agency, and of course Tiana here,” Gordan said, and winked at her, his eyes landing on her breasts.
Ellington bit the inside of his cheek and Michael stared with daggers in his eyes.
“Seriously?” Charleston asked as if not believing this.
“Oh, remember the client mentioned doing a single viewing of the land with specs and other information. It may be easier to invite all the interested parties,” Gordon Slane suggested.
“And lead to a bidding war? Or who knows what type of disaster that could cause? I think not. Setting appointments individually is the best, most professional method and the only way I work with something like this,” Tiana said very diplomatically.
It impressed Ellington even more.
“Other interested parties?” Charleston asked, eyes squinted, and seemingly annoyed.
“That does seem like the ingredients to disaster,” Ellington added.
Tiana looked at Gordon Slane. “The client left me in charge in organizing any showings and getting information out to potential buyers. I think handling this “old school” would be better for all,” she said, and then looked at Charleston Long. “Mr. Long, I can put you down for the first showing Monday afternoon. How is three o’clock for you?”
“Perfect. I look forward to meeting you there. Gordon can give you all my contact information to confirm the meeting.”
“Wonderful, shall we grab something to eat?” Gordon suggested to Charleston, and he smiled and nodded.
As Tiana began to follow, Ellington took her arm and pulled her gently back between him and Michael. Michael placed his hand on her hip.
“Join us for a drink and some more conversation. Michael was dying to meet you,” he said to her, and she gave a soft smile, but her obvious submissive tendencies were easy to pick up on and just seemed to entice him even more. He was going to get this gorgeous creature into their bed sooner than later. One look at Michael and that expression, and he knew his business partner was already creating the fantasies in his head.
* * * *
Tiana didn’t want to be rude to Ellington and Michael. Both men were charming, good looking, much older and very used to getting what they wanted. Money and power bought a lot of things, but not emotions, relationships, and a commitment like what she knew she would want in a man eventually. However, she had to play her hand wisely. So much was riding on this real estate deal and making a name for herself. Michael was quite the character, and his obvious comfort with finer things came out in his discussions and descriptions of his recent trip to Greece. She thought it must be wonderful to be able to experience a vacation like that, and so her focus needed to be on sealing this deal and selling that land. Her profit would be life-changing.
“So looking at this potential business investment opportunity, what would be your plans for the place?” she asked Michael as she crossed her legs. They sat at a small table after grabbing some appetizers to eat. She then took a sip from her wine glass, and Michael licked his lower lip and held her gaze. He was very attractive. That jet black hair and slight dusting of grey here and there was becoming. It gave him a more distinguished, seasoned appearance she found to be appealing.
“It would be for investment purposes only. We have associates looking across the country for land like this, and the location is excellent. We’ll definitely set something up to view it immediately, but first, tell me more about you, Tiana,” Michael said to her, holding her gaze, squinting slightly.
Every instinct in her body went on alert. Michel was flirting, and he was after something. A glance at Ellington just as he placed his arm over the back of her chair and leaned back watching her, and she knew they shared. She didn’t know how she knew, but she did. They both ate her up with their eyes and she recalled Ellington’s actions that day in the mansion she showed him. How he grabbed her around the waist and kissed her. He was ready to have sex with her in the master bathroom. As good looking as both men were, she wasn’t interested. Was she?
Michael slid his hand along he
r knee. “I’ve rendered you speechless? How precious you are. She’s adorable, Ellington,” Michael said to him, and Michael reached for his glass and brought it to his lips. His arm was still around the top of her chair as his fingers stroked her shoulder.
“I told you she was. Now add in this real estate opportunity, and I would say things are falling into place for us.”
She needed to get it together. They spoke like they were sneaky, and she was prey. She cleared her throat, then lifted her glass of wine but didn’t take a sip yet. “What is it you would like to know, Michael? I’ve been with the real estate company for over a year now. I’m the top earner, have sold the most homes. I take my job very seriously, and make myself available to my clients twenty-four-seven. I give a hundred percent.”
Michael stared at her lips. “Twenty-four-seven? I like the sound of that,” he said, while sweeping his eyes over her body in the designer dress.
She knew she looked good. Perhaps she made a special effort to look amazing because of this deal, and because she was going to the Filling Station afterward. When Falzone, Biani, Messina, and Vella popped into her head, she was shocked.
“You live in Repose, correct?” Michael asked, and she moved her leg so his hand fell from her knee. He sat up straighter in the seat, but kept his eyes on her.
“Yes.”
“How do you like it?” he asked.
“I like it a lot. How about you? Do you live in Ausberry with Ellington, or are you just business associates?” she asked, and Ellington chuckled as he caressed her shoulder. He leaned closer and Michael’s eyes narrowed on her.
“We are best of friends, and share everything from business investments, to women.” He kissed her bare shoulder, shocking her. She eased away from him, but then Michael gripped her knee. She gasped and looked at him.
“Coming from Repose this shouldn’t be a shock to you. Men sharing a woman.”
She gulped. “Of course not.” He smiled. “Good, because you, Tiana, have grabbed my interest in more ways than just in business. In fact, I think we should plan on discussing the aspects of this property in a more private setting.”
Sons of Justice 13_Off the Market for Love Page 3
