by Gibbs, C C
‘He did seem impervious to her remarks that day in Hong Kong.’
‘He escaped home at thirteen and came to live with us. Since then, he’s been irrepressibly independent. Mother is no more than an annoying asterisk in his life.’
‘Thirteen? Wow. He didn’t mention that. He only said that he’d bought the house down the street when he was sixteen, that you signed for him.’
‘He was able to buy the house because our uncle left his business to Nick in a trust Nick could claim when he turned sixteen. Jordan had always been fond of Nick, often had him down to LA to visit, took him sailing. Uncle Jordan built racing yachts.’
‘That’s where Dominic learned to love sailing.’
Melanie nodded. ‘Jordan died at thirty, washed overboard in a storm at sea. Nick was thirteen. It was devastating for him. But thanks to Jordan, Nick was able to gain independence very young. Remind me to show you a photo of our uncle. He and Nick could have been twins. He was my father’s brother,’ she added in explanation. ‘But Jordan didn’t get along with my father any more than Nick did. That might have been part of their bond, although they had much more in common: surfing, sailing, their guitars, a nonconformist mindset.’ She didn’t say women as amusement, another of Jordan’s traits that Nick replicated.
‘I think I saw a photo of him in Dominic’s bedroom,’ Kate said. ‘I thought it was Dominic in a masquerade costume: slicked-back hair, a white dinner jacket, a cigarette in one hand, a martini glass in the other, palm trees in the background. The image was pure playboy.’
‘No, that’s Jordan. He was a playboy.’ Melanie smiled. ‘And apparently genetic imprinting is holding true in Nicky’s case. Not that we’re not seeing a different side of him tonight with you,’ Melanie quickly added.
Kate blushed. ‘Thank you, but I’m remaining pragmatic about our … er … friendship. When I was researching Knight Enterprises before my interview, I read about all the women that have passed through his life. At the time I wondered if he ever slept?’
It was Melanie’s turn to blush. ‘Not as much as he should. I wasn’t going to mention it, but since you have … there have always been women,’ she said gently. ‘I’m not sure he’s ever said no. With the exception of his marriage where he was completely faithful to Julia. And Nick seems very different with you. I mean it – genuinely different. Considerate, affectionate, happy.’ She grinned. ‘Roscoe’s afraid Nick’s sick because he’s lost his laser focus on business. Have you met Roscoe?’
Kate shook her head. ‘I just know who he is.’
‘I assured Roscoe that Nick was fine. That maybe you were the sickness, as in lovesickness,’ Melanie said with a little smile.
Wouldn’t that be heavenly …‘I doubt it,’ Kate said with a little shake of her head. ‘In fact, I’m determined to keep my feet firmly on the ground when it comes to anything even smacking of romance with Dominic. His dealings with women are casual and cursory.’ She raised her glass. ‘So here’s to sanity.’ Putting the glass to her mouth, she drained it.
Melanie sighed. ‘I suppose that’s sensible. Still’ – she grinned– ‘I’ve always been a romantic. So fingers crossed. Ah, there’s the timer on the ovens. Would you mind calling everyone in to dinner?’ Coming to her feet, Melanie turned back to Kate. ‘And if there’s ever anything I can do to help … if you ever have any questions about Dominic, please let me know. I think you’re good for him. You’re not like so many of the women he chooses to … spend time with,’ she finished politely. ‘You seem very normal. I mean it as a compliment. Take it from me, Nick could use a little grounding.’
The dinner table was noisy and festive. The children had all made simple birthday gifts for their mother. ‘You can open mine later,’ Dominic said. ‘It’s for your collection.’ Someone from Dominic’s staff had carried down the two jades earlier and Matt had given his wife his gift before the party. Melanie blew out the thirty-eight candles on her cake with the help of her younger children and Mrs B’s pizza was fabulous. Dominic teased and joked with all the children; they clearly adored him. All of them sported dinosaur watches Dominic had brought them, along with electronic, handheld games and Nicole’s special gift of pearl earrings and necklace.
Seated beside Kate, one arm on the back of her chair, Dominic kissed her from time to time as if eight pairs of eyes weren’t watching, as if she didn’t blush each time, as if he had every right to kiss her whenever he wished. Melanie would nudge Matt and cast him knowing looks; the children pointed and giggled or, in the case of the young boys, eyes wide in horror, they’d moan, ‘Ewww’.
To which Dominic would nonchalantly reply to their moans in variations on a theme. ‘Just wait. You’ll find a girl you’ll want to kiss someday. And Katherine tastes like pizza. Good pizza. So she’s worth kissing.’
Although during the course of the dinner, Dominic also coaxed Kate to relate some of her stories about Gramps’s canoe business. He knew Matt and the boys would be interested. In fact, Matt wrote down the number of Hart Canoe Outfitters and promised the boys a trip to the Boundary Waters next summer.
‘You should come too, Nick,’ he said.
‘I might. I’ve never been there.’
Kate shot him a look.
Dominic smiled. ‘You could be my guide. You must know the area.’
‘Blindfolded.’
He lowered his mouth to her ear. ‘Speaking of blindfolds,’ he whispered.
She blushed even brighter red.
‘I asked Kate to make sure we get a taste of her grandmother’s vodka,’ Dominic said smoothly. ‘It’s supposed to be good. Right?’
Kate nodded, her heart pumping overtime.
Melanie gave Dominic a reproachful look. ‘That’s enough, Nick. Stop teasing the poor girl. She’s going to get up from the table in a minute and leave you.’
‘We can’t have that.’ He put up his hands. ‘I’ll behave.’
‘You have my permission to kick him, Kate.’
‘Mom!’ six-year-old Rafe exclaimed. ‘You said no kicking!’
‘Your mom’s just kidding, Rafe. Kicking’s wrong,’ Dominic said, grinning at his sister.
‘So is teasing,’ she said sharply. ‘Now, who wants cake?’
After the cake had been demolished, the children went to their rooms and the adults had time for a drink before the party guests arrived.
Dominic took a seat in one of the chairs by the windows, pulled Kate down on his lap, drew her back against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. Matt and Melanie sat side by side on the sofa, Melanie tucked against Matt, his arm draped over her shoulder.
A small quiet descended in the aftermath of the dinner hubbub, only the sound of waves washing up on the shore as soft background noise.
Dominic smiled. ‘Really nice party, sis. Too bad all the others have to show up. Maybe we could turn out the lights.’
‘You like some of the guests, Nick.’
‘I don’t know about like.’
‘Inhospitable crank,’ she teased.
‘Hey, all I do is deal with people twenty-four/seven. It’s nice to take a break. We might not stay long.’ He dipped his head towards Kate. ‘Unless you want to, babe.’
‘It’s up to you.’ Kate was being polite; her greatest pleasure was having Dominic to herself.
‘Fair warning, sis, if you don’t see us around. By the way, the staff from Lucia will make sure the kitchen is clean as an operating room before they leave since Mrs B got on their case last time.’ Dominic glanced at his watch. ‘They should be here soon. My security crew will be coming and going once everyone arrives.’ He didn’t mention the added force that had arrived after them to patrol the perimeter. ‘Leo’s a fanatic. Sorry.’
‘Not a problem,’ Matt replied. Dominic had explained the situation to him once the children were busy with their presents. Neither man wanted the women to know the extent of the threat. ‘Guys with global empires need security,’ Matt added with a grin. ‘Unlike local contr
actors.’
‘Speaking of local contractors.’ Dominic pointed west. ‘Leo saw security at one of the houses they were remodelling up the block. They were checking the workers’ IDs before they let them into the yard. Do we have a Russian oligarch in the neighbourhood?’
Melanie lifted her brows. ‘A talk radio notable.’
‘With enemies?’
Matt grinned. ‘Or paranoia.’
‘A different kind of enemy,’ Dominic murmured. ‘I hear the trucks driving up.’ He whispered to Kate, lifted her from his lap, slid her to one side and rose from the chair. ‘I’ll get the door. I haven’t seen Rudy or Slim for a while.’
Kate discovered that Dominic owned Lucia, one of San Francisco’s most celebrated restaurants, which catered Melanie’s birthday each year. Soon the kitchen was bustling with chefs and servers, delicious aromas were beginning to waft through the house and Dominic returned, carrying a tray of martini glasses.
He offered drinks to Melanie and Matt first, then set the tray on a table by Kate’s chair. Lifting her up, he sat back down with her in his lap, handed her a glass, took his and raised it in a toast. ‘This is a drink Katherine and I had our first night in Hong Kong, compliments of Po at the Ritz Carlton. To good memories.’ After they drank some of the martini, Dominic turned to Kate, kissed her cheek and whispered, ‘The best ever memories, baby. Are you my girl?’
She nodded, too choked up to speak.
‘You better be. You really look nice tonight,’ he added softly. ‘I always have the most beautiful girl at the party.’ Then put his mouth against her ear. ‘How’s the bra?’
‘Uncomfortable.’
‘I’ll take it off later and kiss my tits to thank them for suffering on my behalf.’ His voice dropped lower. ‘I suppose your boobs are all squished under that green lace, your nipples crushed. They’re going to need some consolation. I’ll suck on them until they’re happy again. And then afterwards, when your nipples are stiff and throbbing and wondering if that’s all there is, I’ll give them something else to think about. I’ll spread your legs wide open and put my hard dick inside you so slowly you’ll be begging me to shove it in. But I won’t – I’ll make you wait until I give you permission to come. And if you’re very—’
‘God, Dominic, don’t … please – your sister.’ She dragged in a shaky breath as her body liquefied, melted, instantly keyed up into do-me mode.
‘Sis can’t hear. You want my stiff prick deep, deep inside you? Just nod,’ he teased softly.
‘Jesus, stop,’ she hissed, the fierce ache between her legs ratcheting up. ‘I mean it, Dominic! We’re not alone!’
‘I can fix that, baby.’
‘No! Jesus, no!’ she whispered hoarsely, raw desire spiralling outwards from her core, streaking up her spine.
‘Can you feel me? My dick’s really hard.’ His breath was warm against her ear, his swelling erection nudging her bottom. ‘You’d like to feel me inside you, wouldn’t you? Come on, baby, say yes. There’s plenty of time.’
‘Absolutely not!’
He grinned. ‘Now that they heard. God, I love it when you blush. Do it for me again. They’re looking at us. Tell me how many times you’d like to come. Two, three? We might even have time for four.’
Her cheeks were aflame, her face glowing hot, her arousal visible for all to see. Jesus. She desperately tried to calm her breathing, glared at Dominic, struggled to keep from panting, failed. ‘I … am … not doing this … at your … sister’s house.’
‘Sure you are,’ Dominic whispered, recognizing the tremulous quiver underlying her words. ‘You like to come, baby. Lucky I’m here. No thanks, Matt, I still have some of my drink left,’ he said calmly, answering his brother-in-law’s query. ‘No, Katherine’s good too. You like the flavour? I thought you would. Max was kind enough to get the recipe for me.’ Dominic shifted his position slightly to allow more room for his erection and was gratified to hear Katherine stifle a gasp. ‘Ah, you’ve seen the view then.’ He smiled at Matt. ‘I was trying to impress Katherine. You liked the view from the bar at the Ritz Carlton, didn’t you, baby?’ he said as if he was asking her whether she’d like one lump or two for her tea.
‘Yes, very much.’
Awkwardly, her voice was no more than a whisper.
Dominic ignored the slightly stunned expressions on his sister’s and brother-in-law’s faces. Setting their glasses aside, he smoothly came to his feet with Kate in his arms, and said pleasantly, ‘I’m going to let Katherine freshen up before the guests arrive. We’ll see you in five. Maybe ten,’ he added over his shoulder as he walked away.
‘Take your time,’ Melanie called out cheerfully. ‘We still have twenty minutes before the guests arrive. And you certainly don’t have to be here to greet them.’
Matt grinned at his wife as Dominic walked away. ‘Why not just offer them our bedroom?’
‘Nick’s probably going there without an invitation.’
‘Jesus. Does the man have no boundaries?’
Melanie gave her husband one of those are-you-kidding-me looks.
‘OK, OK. But Nick actually seems to have feelings for Katherine. Unlike his usual arm candy who serve a purely sexual function. Definitely a first for him,’ Matt said drily.
‘And truly awesome.’ Melanie’s glance was bright, gloating. ‘He can’t keep his hands off her. I’ve never seen Nick like that.’
‘Don’t get your hopes up, honey. Nick’s the least likely guy to go off the deep end over a woman. He just doesn’t do that. Never has. You saw his marriage. They were fuck buddies, deep-sea diving buddies, mountain climbing buddies … need I go on?’
‘I don’t care what you say. Something’s different this time. I’m a woman, I’m his sister. I can tell.’
‘I just don’t want you to be disappointed when he walks away from her like he’s walked away from the other five hundred. Think about it, OK? That’s what he does. By the grace of God you came out of your screwed-up family in one piece. Dominic didn’t.’
CHAPTER 17
Kate slammed her fist into Dominic’s chest. ‘Dammit, I am not doing this! Do you hear me! God only knows who might see us.’
He didn’t break stride. ‘Relax. I’m not going to fuck you in the hallway.’
She snorted. ‘Oh, good, then there’s no problem.’
‘Exactly,’ he said, ignoring her sarcasm.
‘Goddamn it, Dominic. You can’t just get up when we’re having drinks with your sister and her husband and carry me away for a fuck.’
‘Baby, they don’t care.’
‘I do!’ she said, punching him with all her might. ‘I fucking do!’
She practically broke her hand and he didn’t even flinch.
‘Keep it down,’ he said, his voice as smooth as his stride, ‘or we’ll have a pack of kids on us. And that will be a problem.’
‘So let me get this straight.’ Suppressed fury in her voice, her eyes, in the hot edge to her tone. ‘I have no say in this? What I want or don’t want doesn’t matter?’
He shot her a quick, mild-as-hell look. ‘Jesus, don’t give me that shit. You’re wet and horny and you know it. This won’t take long. We’ll both come, you probably a few more times than me, then we’ll go back and greet all the guests who I don’t give a rat’s ass about, you don’t know and neither of us wants to talk to. At least we’ll both be in a fucking good mood. Think of it that way.’
‘Put in such romantic terms, who wouldn’t be delighted to join you in this escapade?’
He tried to repress his grin. ‘Escapade? Should I be wearing tights and a sword?’
‘Asshole.’
‘Come on, baby, don’t give me shit about whether this is romantic or not. If you had a choice between a Hallmark card and an orgasm, I know which one you’d choose.’
She released a gusty sigh. ‘I’m not arguing the merits of coming; I’m arguing the venue.’
‘And I’m telling you the venue is fine.’ He st
opped in front of a door, glanced up and down the hall, then leaned down, turned the knob and kicked it open.
Kate’s eyes widened in shock at the photos of Dominic’s nieces and nephews lining the walls. ‘Stop or I’ll scream! I swear I will!’
Kate’s muffled shriek ringing in his ears, Dominic came to an abrupt halt a foot into his sister’s bedroom. ‘It’s private,’ he said casually. ‘Isn’t that what you wanted?’
She gave him a cold-eyed stare. ‘What I want is to be back in the kitchen drinking my drink.’
‘Bull.’
‘Well, I’m not doing it here, that’s for sure.’
At least the doing it part was no longer an issue. Softly exhaling, he swivelled round, surveyed the direction from which they’d come, then turned left and walked down another corridor. After passing two closed doors, he stopped, scanned left and right, then pressed the levered handle with his knee, pushed the door open with his foot, and stepped inside a green marble bathroom. Setting Kate down, he locked the door, turned back to her and smiled. ‘Private enough?’
He watched her survey the large, luxurious room: marble walls and floor, decorative fixtures in crystal, a tub large enough for a family, a glass shower stall that overlooked a private courtyard, the whitest towels and rugs she’d ever seen.
She swung back to him, her lips pursed. ‘Whose bathroom is this? It’s too far away to be your sister’s; it’s too palatial to be the children’s.’
The pause was less than a blink in time. ‘It’s just an extra.’
‘Don’t lie to me.’
It was vaguely irritating – her peculiar way of looking at him sideways. Although it was obscenely sexy too, as if she was offering something besides her opinionated judgement. ‘It’s Mrs B’s.’
She groaned. ‘You should have lied.’
‘Christ,’ he said, ‘give me a hint if that’s what you want. I’m trying to be a fucking Boy Scout so you don’t get pissed.’
She smiled up at him, looking triumphant. ‘I thought you said you wouldn’t be doing any more ass-kissing.’
