by Unknown
Great, just what she needed. Zoe worked on paperwork and helped a guest who appeared but all too soon, the last ten minutes of her shift were over. Jose came to relieve her and cast questioning glances in Bastian’s direction.
“Can I help you, Mr. Marks?” Jose said.
Zoe rounded the counter and Bastian took her elbow. “No need. Zoe’s helping me.” He steered her toward the coffee shop at the end of the lobby.
By that time of morning, most guests were on the slopes or getting ready for lunch–not hanging out in the coffee shop. So they were able to score a table for two in a far corner with no other guests nearby.
As she sat down, Zoe felt her stomach nearly trembling. She didn’t want to hear what he had to say. He’d said he wanted a second chance but she couldn’t see how that could work. She wasn’t willing to become his ersatz mistress and when it came down to it, she didn’t want to leave Diamond Hearts. She liked it here.
She tried to ignore the part of her screaming that she liked Bastian, too. She used to like Bastian. Now she didn’t know what she felt.
Bastian sat forward in his seat, his forearms and hands on the table as though he were about to reach out for her. “I thought about you all week. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. So let me start by saying I’m sorry. I was a total jerk. I didn’t even think about what I was offering or how it might affect you or what it might sound like. I wanted you near me, and getting an apartment for you seemed the easiest way to do that. But I see now why it was wrong to suggest it.”
As apologies went, that was a good one. “Okay. But I don’t see where we can go from here.”
“I think we should act like normal people. If I weren’t a billionaire and we wanted to date but we didn’t live near each other, we’d do a long distance relationship.” Before she could say anything, he put up his hand. “I know what you’re going to say. Long distance relationships are hard and a lot of the time they don’t work. Very true. But I’m a billionaire–I can travel up here all the time if I want. We can see each other a lot more often than normal people who try this. I think we can make it work. What do you say?”
A long distance relationship. It seemed so obvious. And yeah, difficult and a little lonely. But if she really liked him, it’d be worth it.
“You’re so quiet, honey. What are you thinking?” he said.
“I like you.”
“I like you, too.”
“You really think we could make it work?”
“I do. Like I told you earlier–I can be stubborn as hell when I need to be. If that’s what it takes to keep us together, I’m prepared to bring the full power of my stubbornness to bear on this issue.” He turned his hand over, palm up. “Give me a chance.”
Did she really have anything to lose? He’d apologized and come up with a good alternative. And she liked him. As much as she’d tried not to think about him all week, she’d missed him.
Zoe put her hand in his. “Let’s give it a shot.”
He squeezed her hand and grinned as his eyes slid down her body. “Do you have somewhere we can go? I missed you something terrible.”
For once, she was sorry she had to throw up a road block. “I’m working.”
“Don’t you get a lunch break?”
She did, actually. She retrieved her hand to take a look at her tablet and her calendar for the day. She was supposed to get a half hour lunch but since she was going to have to work for a while that evening, she could take a whole hour lunch instead. And her next appointment wasn’t for an hour after that, so if she ran over it wouldn’t be the end of the world. “Let’s go to my cabin.”
They stood. “My room’s closer,” he said.
“Yeah, and it would be more obvious.” Crap–she was dating a guest. She’d have to talk to Ellie and make sure this was going to be okay. If he really was going to visit all the time, they’d have a hard time keeping it a secret. “I need to go do something first.”
He shoved a key card into her hand. “I’ll be in my room. Just come up when you’re free. And if anyone’s in the hall, walk on by and wait until they’re gone. It’ll be all right.”
He was right. And she really wanted to talk to Ellie before this went any further. If Ellie said ‘hell, no’ Zoe would have to end things. Her stomach knotted at the thought.
Zoe found Ellie in her office and counted her blessings. Ellie wasn’t always so easy to find. Zoe stuck her head in the open door. “Got a minute?”
“Sure, come in.”
“Mind if I close the door?”
Ellie waved at it. “Go ahead.” Once the door was closed, she said, “Is this about Mr. Marks?”
“Yes.” Zoe sat down in Ellie’s guest chair. “Last week, we–see, it’s like...”
“I’m not blind, Zoe. I saw you two making eyes at each other. It went farther than that, didn’t it?”
“Yeah. And he came back this weekend because of me. He wants us to have a long distance relationship.” Zoe leaned toward Ellie. “I want to but I don’t want to risk my job. If this is going to be a problem, I’ll tell him no.” Her stomach fluttered at the thought that her whole relationship with Bastian could be over in an instant if Ellie said the word.
“I don’t like to see staff messing around with guests, you know that.”
Zoe’s stomach dropped.
“But this is a little different. There are two reasons I don’t like staff and guests to get involved. For one, I don’t want Diamond Hearts to be known as a place where wealthy people can come to ‘get some.’ We’re classier than that. And two, there’s always the risk of bad feelings which can lead to bad behavior. Someone gets hurt and they want revenge, etc. And not necessarily the staff either–if the guest wanted revenge, they could demand that the staff member be fired. It’s a bad scene all around.”
Zoe heard the words but felt numb. Ellie was going to tell her to break it off with Bastian and Zoe really, really didn’t want to do that.
“That said, I don’t forbid it outright, and this seems like a little different situation. You’re talking about a relationship, not a fling. All I’d ask is that you tell Mr. Marks up front that if he ever asks me to fire you, I’m going to tell him to stick it.”
Zoe choked.
“I don’t want to lose you. You’re a great employee and an asset to Diamond Hearts. Be careful and be discreet. Other than that, good luck.”
Zoe sat silent for a moment. “I can date him?”
Ellie laughed. “Yes, you can date him.”
Zoe just barely kept from squealing. She wanted to give Ellie a big hug, but she and her boss didn’t have a hugging relationship, so she contained herself. “Thank you.” She nearly stumbled, she was hurrying out of the room so fast.
Straight to Bastian. She made her way to his hallway, checked for onlookers, then knocked quietly on his door.
It opened almost immediately. Bastian grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. “You could have used the keycard, you know. You didn’t have to knock.”
“It’s not my room.”
He backed her up against the wall in the small entryway. “I gave it to you so you could use it.” Before she could reply, he kissed her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as he lifted her against the wall, moving her into a more pleasing position. When they finally came up for air, she said, “It’s okay.”
He laid kisses on her neck and the bit of shoulder that was bare. “Of course it’s okay.”
“No, I mean I told Ellie about us. She said we can date.”
Bastian’s eyes met hers. “Ellie’s your boss?”
“Yes.” Zoe felt her grin stretching the skin on her cheeks.
“That’s great news.” He lifted her, settling her more solidly in his arms. “Wonderful news. That news calls for a bed.”
As he turned and carried her into the room, Zoe squeaked and wrapped her legs around him, holding on tight. “Put me down. I’m too heavy.”
“You’re pe
rfect. And don’t you forget it. I have good news, too. That one last jerk who was still calling you has agreed to stop. Your collection agency problems are over.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
He tipped her backward. A moment later, she felt a mattress against her back and soon after that, a very hard Bastian against her front.
They kissed for long enough that she forgot her name. They just enjoyed being close, their lips saying things words couldn’t. Along the way, they slowly disrobed, one piece of clothing at a time, in between going back to the kisses and soft touches, skin against skin.
Bastian pushed all the hair away from her face, one hand on each of her cheeks. “You’re beautiful. It’s probably too soon to say this, but I’m falling for you. Hard.”
She covered one of his hands with hers. “Me too. I never would have agreed to go out with you if I hadn’t already started falling.”
He kissed her gently. “I could do this all afternoon, but you have to get back to work.” Rolling on top of her, he pulled her arms up over her head and held them with one hand. “So we’d better get going.”
She tugged at her wrists. “What are you doing?”
His free hand ran down the front of her body then tucked in between her legs. “Getting my way. I’m in charge this time.” His fingers stroked her, fanning flames that had started as soon as he’d kissed her.
She relaxed her arms. “Just so you know you’re not always going to be in charge.”
“Believe me, I know that. And I love it.” He grinned.
Her eyes slid shut as his fingers did their magic, winding her up and up and up until the only place left to go was over the edge. Her back arched as her body shook.
Her breathing was still quick and labored when Bastian released her wrists. He quickly put on a condom then returned to her on the bed. As they kissed, she rubbed his broad shoulders and back and he slid inside her. They gazed into each other’s eyes as they moved together.
“I’ll never get tired of this,” he said.
Zoe ran her hands up and down his arms and over his shoulders. “Me neither.”
They fell silent, both concentrated on the pleasure they were generating between them. Bastian’s strokes sped up and Zoe did her best to keep up with him. When they came, they came together, forehead against forehead.
Afterward, they snuggled. Zoe avoided looking at the clock so she wouldn’t have to know how late she already was. It could wait. Everything could wait.
Bastian kissed her all over her face, one press of the lips at a time. “I adore you. I’m so glad you’re willing to give this a try.”
She ran the back of her hand down his cheek. “I adore you, too.” She kissed his lips. “I have a feeling this is going to be amazing.”
From USA Today Bestselling Author Danielle Duncan...
The Reluctant Billionaire
After being burned before, BBW chef Sophie wants to avoid another workplace romance, but when she meets Rhys, she finds him hard to resist. But Rhys is not who he seems, and when she finds out the truth, it threatens everything. Can Sophie and Rhys navigate their way through secrets, vindictive exes and family troubles to find love?
Read an excerpt at http://www.danielleduncan.com/the-reluctant-billionaire/
About the Author
Danielle Duncan lives in the far north and sees her fair share of snow and cold. She's currently writing book two in the Diamond Hearts Resort series.
Find out when Danielle's next book is coming out by signing up for her newsletter at http://www.DanielleDuncan.com/newsletter or friending her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/danielle.duncan.965.
The Billionaire’s Curvy Guide © 2014 Danielle Duncan
Soldier - A Mafia Romance
by
Liliana Rhodes
About Soldier - A Mafia Romance
Protecting her was like breathing, I didn't have a choice.
Gia
My entire life I've always done what others wanted. Until I met him. Dante is mysterious, rough, and makes me think things a good girl like me shouldn't. Loving him could cost me my family, leaving him would cost me my life. He's a killer, a Mafia hit man, and my protector.
Dante
Gia awakened emotions in me I didn't know I was capable of having. Protecting her was like breathing, I didn't have a choice. But the one act that will finally make her safe, is what will push her away. I must kill her brother.
CHAPTER ONE
Gia
I felt numb as I entered the wood paneled office. Nothing mattered anymore, and I was ready to hear it. Sister Maureen sat at her desk and motioned for me to sit on one of the two armchairs in front of her, but I opted to stand. I could handle this. I didn't need to sit. I knew what she had to tell me.
"Gia," she said, her voice husky from years of sneaking cigarettes, "I really wish you'd sit."
Sister Maureen's wavy grey hair bobbed as she spoke. The peach sweater she wore popped against the dullness of the room. I wasn't going to sit. I had been bracing myself for this for years.
"Just say it," I said, wrapping my arms around myself.
"I'm sorry, I wish I had better words," she said before pausing for a moment. Her kind eyes wrinkled behind her glasses. "Your mother passed away last night in her sleep. She's with God now."
Cold rushed through my body and my knees wobbled. I fell into a nearby chair from the weight of her words. My reaction surprised me. I always thought I was ready for my mother's passing, but the reality of it was too much.
Looking around the small office that smelled like moth balls and stale coffee, I found myself surrounded by fog. The fog was comforting and familiar. I took a deep breath and stood as I rubbed the arms of my navy cardigan, my legs still shaky.
"Thank you, Sister. I'll be in my room packing."
"Take your time at home, dear. We're here if you need anything."
I had been in a fog my entire life. As I collected my belongings to head home, I looked around the small, sparsely furnished room with the wooden cross over the door. It wasn't much different than a dorm room, except I never went to any of the usual college parties. There weren't any. I was in a convent.
Picking up the white leather bible my mother gave me when I joined All Saint's Convent four years ago after I graduated high school, I sat on the edge of the bed and looked back up at the cross. Something was different. The fog wasn't as thick.
"Why now?" I asked. "Haven't I been devoted enough? Is it because she's gone?"
He didn't need to answer. Something had been holding me back for years from taking that final step. I wished I knew what it was, but there was always too much fog for me to see clearly.
Stroking the book's soft cover, I smiled, thinking of the look of pride my mother got whenever she told someone I was going to be a nun. It made her so happy, I wanted it to make me happy, too. And it did, especially when she was around.
Growing up, it was all I ever wanted. I loved Catholic school. I loved everything about the Church. I wanted so desperately to hear that calling only select women heard. I thought of them as chosen and special. Looking back, I convinced myself I heard it. But maybe there was something else calling in the fog.
My mother was in her forties when she had me. She called me her gift from God, and all I ever wanted to do was make her happy. No matter what.
She had been sickly and feeble for years. It hurt to see her so withered and drained as she waited for God to call her from her life. Today she wasn't in pain anymore, and that brought me relief.
As I finished packing, the fog lifted and for the first time, I looked around and saw clearly. The sun was bright on the horizon and while my heart was heavy with grief, I was ready to start a new life.
"Goodbye, All Saint's," I whispered as I closed the door behind me.
***
I was lucky enough to get a window seat on the Amtrak train from Baltimore to New York. Not that there was mu
ch to look at, but I always enjoyed looking at the passing scenery. In the glass's reflection, I didn't recognize the sad oval face framed by dark brown hair staring back at me.
I missed my mom terribly. She pushed me to go away when I wanted to be near her. The rest of the family didn't agree. They believed since I was the youngest that I should stay and care for her. Momma had other plans though, and I loved her more for it.
Noticing my cell phone had a signal, I sent a quick text to my brother Terry. At ten years older than me, he was the closest to my age of my brothers and sisters. He had recently moved back home after his wife, Gabby, left him. I hoped he was around to meet me at the subway stop near the house.
The subway would take another forty minutes with all its stops. After two and a half hours on the train I was ready for a break, but I just wanted to get home so I rushed from my train to the subway platforms. Using my wide hips, I pushed through the crowds at Penn Station with my luggage, grateful for the extra padding on my body to help me bump slower people out of the way.
The mixture of beauty and filth at Penn Station from the marble floors down to the cement platforms was exactly as I remembered. The steam from the subway made the platforms humid and dank. The cold lighting made everything seem gritty and more real. Would my fog have cleared faster had I stayed in New York? It didn't matter. What mattered was I was going to do things for me now.
Checking my phone, I sighed, seeing that Terry never replied to my texts. I'd have to carry my luggage up the stairs of the subway by myself. It didn't surprise me.
When the train reached my stop, I was on my feet waiting for the doors to open. I was the only one who got off, and I was glad to not feel that pressure from other people to climb the steep steps to the outside world quickly. Dragging my roller bag behind me, I balanced as many bags as I could on it as I yanked it up the steps one by one.
