Could you be anymore condescending?
“I hope so. You really don’t want to see this pretty little head explode if we don’t get this land,” she said with a wide smile.
Dylan Ray cleared his throat. “Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider naming the center after your company? I mean, it’s not every day you have the opportunity to have a college building named after you,” he said with a laugh that sounded more envious than supportive.
“I’m sure.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?” Jerry Jung, the President of the University said, lowering the mic so it was level with his thin lips.
“Looks like we’re on,” Dylan Ray said as he guided India up the stairs by her forearm. She braced herself against his touch, knowing it would be rude to try to extract herself from his unwelcome grip.
India stood behind President Jung in front of a crowd of several hundred excited students, parents, and members of the press as he explained the importance of the day’s all-star charity events; the basketball game, the carnival, and the bachelor auction. After several minutes, the retired all-star players participating in the day’s charity match were introduced.
At the sight of the former athletes, Rochelle looked at India and raised her eyebrows suggestively. India gave her a glare that caused the corners of Rochelle’s lips to turn up in a barely concealed smile.
While India was used to being stared at, something felt off. She scanned the audience, and her eyes landed on her beautiful stranger, who was standing next to the steps of the stage with his arms folded, glaring at her. India was so wrapped up in his change of demeanor that she almost missed her cue.
“You’re up,” Dylan Ray whispered, his breath singing her ear.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” President Jung announced, “it is with great pleasure that I introduce our main corporate sponsor and project benefactor, not to mention our very own alumna, Chief Executive Officer of Slone and Associates, Ms. India Slone.”
President Jung beamed down at her and clapped as though his life depended on it. And maybe it did to some degree, since a financial disaster had caused a major scandal during the previous administration’s tenure, propelling President Jung into his current role to clean up the mess. Like his predecessor, he only had one chance to succeed. If he hadn’t come through with secured funds for the school’s expansion plans, then he would have certainly been on his way out.
India stepped up to the mic. “Thank you, President Jung, faculty, and students. I’m not going to hold up the games and all the fun activities that lie ahead of us with some looooooong speech.”
The crowd cheered their appreciation.
“I just want to thank you for coming out to support this worthy cause. Have fun and just keep in mind that all the money we raise over the weekend goes to your new college resource center.” She gestured to the miniature model under the glass display in the rear of the arena. “And let’s not forget tonight’s gala and fireman bachelor auction.”
A wealth of “oohs” and “ahhs” went up from the women, along with groans and grumbles from some of the men.
“All thanks to Chief Victor and his dedicated team of firemen,” added President Jung, stepping back to the microphone. “So without further ado …”
He turned to India, who finished with, “Let the games begin!”
A roar of approval went up from the crowd, which soon dispersed to the areas that held food, games, auctions, and networking.
After posing for a few photos and fielding questions from the press, President Jung escorted India down the stairs, where both Rochelle and Davis stood waiting.
“Thank you again for everything, Ms. Slone,” President Jung said. “I hate that you have to leave so soon, but I look forward to seeing you tonight at the gala. And please be assured that, before the weekend is out, we’ll resolve that matter we discussed. Mia is very good at her job,” he said, making an attempt to kiss the back of India’s hand. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to land in his desired spot because she inched it back just in time.
“Ms. Slone, is it?” a harsh baritone voice called from behind where they stood.
India turned, raised her chin, and smiled. “Chief Victor, pleased to meet you,” she said as she stepped away from the group and met him halfway.
Jonathon gave her hand a slow shake before quickly releasing it. The warmth of his touch climbed up India’s spine and put fire in places that had been cold since the Ice Age. What is it about this man?
They stared at each other in silence for several moments, during which India forgot to breathe. She blinked and broke the connection. “Will I see you at the gala tonight?” she heard herself ask in a tone she’d barely recognized.
“Depends …”
“On …?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“May I ask how old you are, Ms. Slone?”
A wide smile spread across her face. “You can always ask.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Well …”
“Well … if I see you at the gala tonight, maybe I’ll tell you.”
A moment of silence ensued before he asked, “Are you at least old enough to drink?” His gaze narrowed on her. “I’d hate to have to pass on the champagne. I hear the sponsors of this shindig spent a lot of money on it,” he explained, finally gifting her with that sexy smile she’d come to enjoy.
“Damn right, we did,” Rochelle said, loudly enough for them to hear.
India chuckled at the exaggerated swivel of her assistant’s neck.
“You’ll be late for your three o’clock if we don’t leave soon,” Rochelle said, looking over the calendar.
“Ms. India, I’ve brought the car around front,” Davis added in that protective tone he often used whenever someone new showed any type of interest in India.
“Yes of course,” she said before turning back to Jonathon. “So I guess I’ll see you tonight.”
“I guess you will,” he replied, his sensual tone wrapping around the words as though they were more of a kiss than an agreement.
She favored him with a megawatt smile before walking away.
Chapter 4
Jonathon kept his gaze on the woman’s retreating form. Her flirtatious demeanor, undeniable beauty, and generosity made him want to follow and get more answers to the questions she’d left swirling in his brain.
“So much for never again,” Lieutenant Brooks said, sidling up to him as soon as he made his way back upstairs.
Jonathon turned to meet his friend’s gaze, realizing that he had missed whatever the man had said. “What was that?”
“So much for you staying away from rich, selfish, fake ass women,” Brooks replied, using the clipboard he held to gesture to where India had stood.
“Who says she’s selfish and fake?” Jonathon snapped, his gaze narrowing on his friend. “From the way everyone’s been talking about her, she’s anything but. What you see is what you get with her.”
“Man, you’ve known her for what, five minutes? And you’re already defending her like you’re her attorney.” Brooks shook his head. “Well, Mr. Attorney, did you know her company is the one helping the alumni committee buy the Scott street land? That she’s the one who convinced the school to use it for the resource center?”
“What! How do you know that?” he asked, trying to keep his temper under control.
“I asked President Jung and he raved on and on about it, saying if it wasn’t for her, they wouldn’t have had a chance at getting the land.”
“Really.”
“Still think she’s all that?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Yes, I do. But there’s only one way to find out for sure.
Jonathon snatched the clipboard from his hand. “Everyone in place? Do we have all the areas around the booths covered?”
“Avoiding the subject,” Brooks shot back with an irritating smile. “Everyone’s in place. These games should go off without a hitch, but if not, EMS to t
he rescue.”
“Good,” he said, putting distance between him and his friend.
* * *
After meeting with Mia Green, the University’s long-term registrar, India was satisfied that the one skeleton in her closet would remain buried. India never wanted questions to arise about when she’d received her degree; speculation could do irreversible damage to her reputation.
India admired her reflection in the mirror in the bedroom of the complementary suite provided by the event’s hotel sponsor. Her makeup was flawless, and the full-length, strapless, designer gown covered in Swarovski crystals accentuated her curves like a second skin. Her hair was pulled into a high, tight bun, and the black Christian Louboutin heels gave her the additional height and added confidence she needed to get through the evening’s events.
Because of her youthful appearance, India often used high-end clothes and conservative hair styles as a part of her armor against the many issues she often encountered in the corporate world. She smiled, remembering the look on everyone’s face when she walked into the final negotiations for the radio station with her team of lawyers in tow. Everyone in that room had thought she’d be a pushover. Clearly, they had all been wrong.
“Very nice,” she said to her likeness. “I dare him to ask me how old I am now.”
India grabbed her clutch and headed downstairs to the gala. The beautifully decorated ballroom was filled with women dressed in everything from off-the-rack glamour to haute couture and men in the most debonair fashion. She took a few steps forward when a hand came from behind and offered her a glass of champagne. Turning to thank the person making the offer, India’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered herself. “Dylan … thank you.” She hoped her disappointment wasn’t evident.
“You’re welcome, and you look very beautiful tonight, Ms. Slone.” Dylan raised his glass to salute, but she noticed that for just a moment his dark eyes held a gaze that seemed more sensual than friendly.
“Thank you.”
“Today’s games were a huge success,” he said, his tone softer, almost husky. “Too bad you weren’t there to see them.”
“I had several meetings I couldn’t rearrange,” she explained as she glanced around the room. “Everyone looks so beautiful.”
He nodded. “I hope Ms. Green has been able to provide you with that special assistance you requested. I’d hate to think that our favorite alumna wasn’t happy.”
India smiled, irritated he would bring it up. “Yes, she’s been wonderful, and I have no doubt that she’ll be able to resolve things to my satisfaction.”
“Agreed. Shall I show you to your table?” Dylan asked, offering his silk-clad arm.
“That won’t be necessary,” said a voice that was becoming all too familiar.
India’s heart flipped at the sight of Jonathon Victor in a tux. Heat erupted all the way to her core. Her nipples hardened, and the apex of her thighs throbbed.
“Chief Victor, good evening,” Dylan Ray said, offering his hand. “I was just about to show Ms. Slone to our table.”
“Well, I need a word with Ms. Slone for a moment first, if you don’t mind.”
Dylan hesitated.
“I’ll be sure to deliver her to her table before the salad is served,” he promised with a tone that signaled finality.
Both men stood firm while India chewed on her bottom lip. Uh oh, this can’t be good.
“Dylan,” she said, touching his arm but quickly dropping her hand when Jonathon raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. “Please excuse us for a moment.”
“Yes, of course.” Dylan gave Jonathon a quick nod, “Chief.”
“Dylan.”
India rubbed her temples.
The dismissed man made an exit but gave Jonathon a “this isn’t over” look over his shoulder. India imagined that he wasn’t used to being dismissed, but Jonathon didn’t seem to be the type to lose either.
“So …” India teased her index finger around the rim of her glass.
“So …”
“You wanted a word with me, remember?” she reminded.
“Actually, I was going to offer you that drink we discussed earlier but I see you’re still nursing the one you have.”
India looked down at her glass and smiled. “Actually, I’d prefer a martini.”
Jonathon drew his head back slightly. “Would you now? Unfortunately, I don’t think they’re offering those tonight.”
“Then this will have to do.” India raised her glass and took a slow sip, watching him over the rim.
Jonathon took a step closer, leaned forward, and whispered, “You look beyond beautiful tonight.”
India was so taken by his closeness, his earthy scent, the raw desire in his eyes, and his overwhelming size that her words caught in her throat. All she could manage was a simple smile.
“You weren’t here when the men competed today.”
“I had some other things on my plate.”
Jonathon took a few moments to fill her in on the successes of all the teams followed by the antics of some of the players. He soon had her laughing.
When the crowd began to make a mass exodus towards the tables, he said, “I guess I should see you to your table.” He rested his hand on her lower back.
Jonathon’s touch sent waves of desire through India’s body unlike anything she’d ever experienced. She felt lightheaded, like she couldn’t get enough air in her lungs. India closed her eyes for a moment, attempting to still the emotions swirling about her.
“Are you all right?” he asked, concern lacing his words.
India pushed out a slow breath and slowly opened her eyes. “Yes.” She smiled up at him. “It’s been a really long day.”
When he tilted his head, as though questioning that statement, she took the liberty of filling him in.
“You’re the owner of a radio station? That’s awesome!” he said, then he frowned. “The one thing I didn’t hear in all that is breakfast and lunch.” His tone was serious. “Maybe you should put something in the goodie wagon.” He gestured with his right hand for her to walk ahead of him. “Shall we?”
She didn’t dare correct him, so she just said, “Thank you.”
They made their way through the crowd to her table. “We have an open seat if you care to join us,” she offered.
“Thank you, but the firemen have a few tables to host. People are expecting me there.”
Disappointment coursed through her, but she recovered with a single exhale. “Maybe a rain check on that drink,” India offered, hoping she didn’t sound desperate.
Jonathon smiled down at her. “Rain check it is.”
“Jonathon, sweetheart, there you are,” a tall brunette purred as she approached. Her gaze was predatory, narrowing as she sidled up to her latest target. She wore a short, low-cut green print Versace gown that ensured that all of her assets were on display. “It’s rude of the table host to leave his guests waiting.”
“My apologies. Have you two met?” he asked, watching both women.
“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure. India Slone,” she said, offering her hand to the woman who was staring at her like a long-lost enemy.
Jonathon’s guest folded her arms and glared until India dropped her hand by her side. “Oh, we’ve had the pleasure,” she snarled. “At my father’s retirement party. His name is Benjamin Lowe.”
“Yes, I remember Benjamin Lowe. How is—”
“I can’t believe you had the nerve to show up there,” she said as though India hadn’t spoken. “You were the one that forced him to retire in the first place.”
Aware of her surroundings and the sudden attention the woman’s harsh tone had drawn, India raised her chin slightly and kept her voice even when she said, “That wasn’t exactly—”
“How it happened?” the brunette finished, rolling her eyes in a manner that suggested skepticism. “Oh, you can spin it any way you like!”
“Victoria, I’m not sure this
is the time or the place to discuss such matters.” The way Jonathon said Victoria’s name seemed to soften her stance. She grasped Jonathon’s hand but gave India one last withering glare before tugging at him to move him forward.
“If you’ll excuse me, it seems I’m needed elsewhere.” Jonathon offered India an apologetic smile before following after Victoria.
Chapter 5
Although her brain was still thrumming over the events that had just unfolded, India quickly shifted her focus to the people at the table. She hoped they hadn’t heard Victoria’s accusations.
“What was that all about?” Dylan asked, barely escaping being knocked down by Victoria during her hasty exit.
“Nothing I’d care to discuss at the moment,” she admitted.
Benjamin Lowe had worked for one of India’s subsidiaries prior to the acquisition. After working a few years with India, he had been ready to retire. The man had fashioned his own buyout package—one that would allow him to relax and spend the rest of his life traveling with his wife, rather than staying home and giving in to the unreasonable demands of his spoiled daughter. If Victoria had a problem with that, then she was going to have to take it up with her father, because India would give her no more energy.
India followed Dylan’s gaze as it swept toward the table where Jonathon and Victoria were having an animated conversation. “Well,” he commented, “looks like someone’s in trouble.”
“Feel free to join them. You can get all the information you want.”
When Jonathon’s gaze landed on hers, Dylan placed an arm around her shoulders.
“I don’t know why you keep doing that,” she snapped, shaking them off. “The donation check has already cleared.”
“I … well … I …”
“Mr. Ray, please keep your paws to yourself,” she whispered sharply. “Unless you want to pull back a stub or a nub.”
Dylan’s jaw dropped, then he titled his head back and roared with laughter. “Point taken, Ms. Slone. Point taken.”
Signed, Sealed, Delivered ... I'm Yours Page 32
