by Maya Blake
‘Have I? From where I’m standing it’s very evident you’re the bait he uses to trap weak, pathetic fools into opening their wallets.’
Her ragged gasp accompanied a look of outrage so near authentic Theo would’ve believed her reaction had he not seen her in action with Delgado last night.
‘If it is your intention to be offensive to show your machismo, then bravo, you’ve succeeded,’ she threw at him and whirled away.
He caught her wrist before she could take a step.
‘Let me go.’
‘I’ve yet to outline my plans, anjo.’
‘I think you’ve outlined enough. I won’t stand here listening to your unfounded insults. I’m going to find Pietro. And then we’re leaving.’ She tried to free herself. He tightened his grip until he could feel her pulse under his fingers. Furious. Passionate.
His groin stirred and he forced himself to ignore the throb of arousal determined to make itself known. ‘You’re not leaving here until we have this discussion.’
‘What we’re having is not a discussion, senhor. What you’re doing is holding me captive, torturing me with—’
She broke off, no doubt in reaction to his hiss of fury and the flash of icy memory that made his whole body go rigid for one long second.
Theo released her, turned away sharply and shoved his hand through his hair. He noted his fingers’ faint trembling and willed himself to stop shaking.
‘Th…Theo?’ Her voice came from far away, filled with confusion and a touch of concern.
He willed away the effect of the trigger words and forced himself to breathe. But they pounded through his brain nonetheless—captive, prisoner, torture, darkness…
Fingers closed over his shoulder and he jerked around. ‘Don’t!’
She jumped back, snatching back her hand. It took several more seconds for him to recall where he was. He wasn’t in some deep, dark hole in a remote farm in Spain. He was in Rio. With the daughter of the man who continued to cause his recurring nightmares.
‘What’s…what’s wrong with you?’ she asked with a wary frown.
He drew in a steady breath and gritted his teeth. ‘Nothing. I’ll get to the point. The agreement was that I’d take control of Da Costa Holdings and keep a fifty per cent share of the profits in exchange for liquidated funds to finance your father’s political campaign. However, the papers your father had drawn up contain a major loophole that I can easily exploit.’
Slowly, his panic receded and he noticed she was absently rubbing her wrist. He quickly replayed his reaction to her touch and breathed a sigh of relief when he confirmed to himself that he hadn’t grabbed her in his panic.
She continued to rub her skin and slowly another earthy emotion replaced his roiling feelings. He welcomed the pulse of arousal despite the fact that he had no intention of falling prey to the easy wiles of Inez da Costa. No matter how mouth-watering her body or how angelic her face.
‘Shouldn’t you be telling my father this, give him a chance to fix the loophole before you sign?’
He smiled at her naiveté. ‘Why should I? I stand to gain by signing the agreement as it’s drawn up.’
Her brow creased. ‘Then why tell me about it? What’s to keep me from telling my father about it the moment I leave here?’
‘You won’t.’
One expertly plucked eyebrow lifted. ‘Again, I think you underestimate me.’
He strode to the extensively stocked bar and poured himself a shot of vodka. ‘You won’t because if you do I won’t sign the agreement in any form. And the offer of financial backing vanishes.’
All trace of colour left her face. ‘So this is a blackmail attempt. To what purpose?’
‘The purpose needn’t concern you. All I want you to know is that there is a loophole which I can choose to exploit or leave alone, depending on your cooperation.’
‘But what is to stop you from going ahead with whatever you have planned after I’ve cooperated with…what exactly is it you want from me?’
‘That’s the simple part, anjo. I want to keep you. Until such time as I tire of you. Then you will be set free.’
* * *
When the full meaning of his words finally became clear, ice cascaded down Inez’s spine. Despite the warm temperature, she shivered.
Oh, how easily he said the words. As if her answer meant nothing to him. But of course it did. He’d been planning this for a while. The meeting this morning outside the coffee shop—which she was now certain hadn’t been coincidental—the dinner invitation that he’d probably known her father wouldn’t be able to attend due to his long-standing monthly dinner with the oil minister, the invitation to the yacht, which was sure to cause a reaction in her brother, letting Pietro drink far more than he should’ve so he’d get her alone…
‘You planned this,’ she accused in a hushed tone because her throat was working to swallow down her rising anger.
‘I plan everything, Inez,’ he replied simply.
She looked into his face. The indomitable determination stamped on his harsh features sent a wave of anxiety through her.
She started to speak, to say the words that seemed unreal to her and her mouth trembled. His gaze dropped to the telling reaction and she immediately clamped her lips together. Showing weakness would only get her eaten alive.
Not that she wouldn’t be anyway. A bubble of hysteria threatened. She swallowed and held his gaze.
‘You want me to be your mistress?’
He laughed long and deeply. ‘Is that what you would call yourself?’
She flushed. ‘How else would you describe what you’ve just demanded of me? This keeping me? What you’re suggesting is archaic enough to be described as such. Or does plaything more suit your pseudo-modernistic outlook?’
‘No, Inez. I don’t like the term plaything either. I have no intention of playing with you. No, what I foresee for us is much more grown up than that.’ The sexual intent behind the statement was unmistakable.
Rather than being offended or shocked, Inez found herself growing breathless. Excited.
No!
‘Yes,’ he murmured as if he’d read her mind.
‘Whatever term you slap on your intentions, I refuse to be a part of it. I’m going to find my brother—’
He slowly sank onto the plush seat, curved his hand along the back of the chair and levelled one ankle over his knee. ‘And tell him that you’ve dashed his hopes of a possible high profile position in your father’s administration because you couldn’t take one for the team? I don’t think you’re in a position to refuse any demands I make, anjo.’
‘Stop calling me that! And I won’t be a pawn in whatever game you’re playing with my father and brother. Pietro is well aware of that.’
‘Really? Since when? Wasn’t serving on your father’s campaign the reason you dropped out of university? Clearly, you play a part in your father’s political ambitions or you wouldn’t have been trying to fleece poor Alfonso. Why stop now when you’re so close to achieving your goals? And why claim innocence when it’s something you’ve done before?’
The hurt that scythed through her was deep and jagged. She wasn’t aware she’d moved until she stood over him, glaring down at the arrogant face that wore that oh, so self-assured smile.
‘I’ve never wanted to be this…this person you think I am. I was merely trying to help my family. I misjudged the situation and—’
‘You mean you fell in love with your mark.’
She swallowed. ‘I don’t know what you’re getting at.’ But deep down she suspected.
‘I mean you were set a target and you fell in love with your target. Isn’t that what happened with Blanco?’
Light-headedness assailed her as he confirmed her suspicion. ‘You know about Constantine?’
‘I know everything I need to know about your family, anjo. But by all means enlighten me as to why you’ve been so misjudged.’
His cynicism raked her nerves raw. �
�I made a mistake, one that I freely admit to.’
‘What mistake do you mean, querida? I want to hear it.’
‘I misjudged a man I thought I could trust.’
‘You mean you meant to use him but found out he intended to use you too?’ he mocked. ‘Some would call that poetic justice.’
Recalling Constantine’s public humiliation of her, the names he’d called her in the press, her stomach turned over. ‘You’re despicable.’ She raised her chin. ‘And assuming you’re even close to being right, won’t I be a fool to repeat that mistake again?’
‘No.’
‘No?’
His eyes fixed on hers. Serious and intense. ‘Because this time you know exactly what you’re getting. There will be no delusions of love on either of our parts. No pretence. Just a task, executed with smooth efficiency.’
‘But you intend to parade me about as your…lover? What will everyone think?’
He shrugged. ‘I don’t care what everyone thinks. And I don’t much think that bothers you either.’
She shivered. ‘Of course it bothers me. What makes you think it won’t?’
‘You’re the ultimate young Rio socialite. You have a dedicated following and young impressionable girls can’t wait to grow up and be you.’ His mockery was unmistakable.
Heat crept up her cheeks. ‘That’s just the media spinning itself out of control.’
‘Carefully fuelled by you to help your father’s status. You’re always seen with the right offspring of the right ministers and CEOs. You’re the attraction to draw the young voters, are you not?’
She couldn’t deny the allegation because it was true. Nor did she want to waste time straying away from the more serious subject of the demand he was making of her.
The demand she wouldn’t—couldn’t—consent to.
But there was something about him…a reassurance…and expectation of acquiescence that made the hairs on her nape stand on end.
‘What happens if I refuse this…this sleazy proposal?’
‘I sign the agreement then use the company as I wish. I could dismantle it piece by piece and sell it off for a neat profit. Or I could just drive down the share price and watch the company implode from the inside out. But that’s all boring business. What do you care?’
Her fists clenched. ‘I care because my grandfather built that company from nothing.’
‘And now your father’s willing to hand it over to a complete stranger just so he can further his political career.’
She pursed her lips and fought not to react. She’d been deeply concerned when she’d first heard how her father planned to raise funds for his campaign. Concerns that had been airily brushed away with reassurances of airtight clauses.
Clauses which Theo had apparently easily loopholed.
Maybe it wasn’t too late. She could tell him to go to hell and warn her father and brother about the danger their proposed business partner presented and advise them to walk away. Surely that would be better than admitting the lion into their midst and letting him wreak havoc at whim?
Light hazel eyes watched her with a predatory gleam. ‘If you’re thinking of warning your family, I’d think twice. Remember how easily I dispatched Delgado?’
She stiffened, recalling how a few whispered words had caused one investor in her father’s campaign to walk away. ‘You don’t mean that,’ she tried.
He slowly rose from the chair and towered over her. Every protective instinct screamed at her to step back but she stood her ground. Any show of weakness would be mercilessly pounced on.
‘Do you want to test me, anjo?’ The blade of steel that hovered over the endearment sent a shiver down her spine.
She slowly uncurled her fists and forced herself to breathe. ‘What do you expect me to do?’
His smile was equally as predatory as the look in his eyes. ‘You will inform your father and brother tomorrow that you and I are an item—our meeting last night sparked a chemistry so hot we couldn’t not be together.’
A tiny sliver of relief eased her constricted chest. ‘If that’s all you want, I’m sure I can convince them—’
His mocking smile stopped her words.
‘After you tell them that, you’ll pack your bags and move in with me.’
Shock slammed her sideways. ‘Are you serious?’
He gripped her chin and held her pinned under his gaze. ‘I’ve never been more serious in my life.’
‘But…why?’
‘My reasons are my own. You just need to do as you’re told.’
Do as you’re told. Constantine had tried to blackmail her with those very words. When she’d refused he’d spread rumours about her in the newspapers.
Anger grew in her belly. But it was a helpless anger born of the knowledge that there was nothing she could do. Once again she was trapped in a hell that came from trying to do what was right for her family.
Only this time she was to truly pay with her body. In a stranger’s bed. Her heart tripped before going into fierce overdrive.
She gazed at Theo’s face, then his body. A body she would in the very near future become scorchingly intimate with. The horror she’d expected to feel oddly did not materialise.
‘How long exactly will I be expected to do as I’m told?’ she snapped.
‘Until after the elections.’
A horrified gasp escaped her throat and she forcibly wrenched herself from his grip. ‘But…that’s…the elections are three months away!’
‘Sim,’ he replied simply.
‘Sim? You expect me to put my life on hold for the next three months, just like that?’ She clicked her fingers.
He raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you want me to repeat the part about you not having a choice?’
She searched his face, trying to find meaning behind his intentions. ‘What did my father do? Did he best you at a deal? Bad-mouth you to investors? Because I can’t see what would make you want to go down this path of trying to get your own back.’
She watched his eyes darken, and his nostrils flare. All traces of mockery were wiped from his face as he stared down at her. Only she was sure he wasn’t really seeing her.
His usual intense focus dulled for several seconds and his jaw clenched so tight she feared it could crack. Whatever memory he was reliving caused volcanic fury to bubble beneath the harsh, ragged breath he expelled and this time she did take that step back, purely for self-preservation.
Voices sounded on the deck below. In a few minutes Pietro and the skipper would return from their tour. Inez wasn’t sure whether to be grateful for the disruption or frustrated that her opportunity to find out Theo’s reasons for demanding her presence in his bed had been thwarted.
His gaze sharpened, flicked towards the steps and back to her.
‘It’s time for your answer. Do you agree to my terms?’
She shook her head. ‘Not until you tell me— what are you doing?’ she blurted as he snapped out an arm and tugged her close.
One large bold hand gripped her waist and the other speared through her hair. Completely captured, she couldn’t move as he angled her face to his. The unsettling fury was still evident in his darkened eyes and taut mouth. Despite the heat transmitted from his grip, she shivered.
‘You seem to think you can talk or question your way out of this, anjo. You can’t. But perhaps it was a mistake to expect a verbal agreement. Perhaps a physical demonstration is what’s best?’
Despite his rhetorical question, she tried to answer. ‘No…’
‘Yes!’ he muttered fiercely. Then his mouth smashed down on hers.
* * *
She’d been kissed before. By casual boyfriends in her late teens who she’d felt safe enough with.
By Constantine, in the beginning, before he’d revealed his true ruthless colours.
Nothing of what had gone before prepared her for the power and expertise behind Theo’s kiss. Her world tilted beneath her feet as his tongue ruthlessly breached the
seam of her lips. Hot, erotically charged and savagely determined, he invaded her mouth with searing passion. Bold and brazen, he flicked his tongue against hers, tasting her once and coming back for more.
The shocked little noise she made was a cross between surprise and her body’s stunned reaction to the invasion.
The hand at her waist pressed her closer to his body. Whipcord strength, sleek muscles and his own unique scent brought different sensations that attacked her flailing senses.
Fire lashed through her belly as liquid heat pooled between her thighs. Her breasts, crushed against his chest, swelled and ached, her nipples peaking into demanding points with a swiftness that made her dizzy.
Deus!
Feeling her world careen even faster out of control, she threw up her hands. Hard muscle rippled beneath her fingers. The need to explore slammed into her. Before she could question her actions, she slid her hands over his warm cotton-covered shoulders to his nape, her fingers tingling as they encountered his bare skin.
He jerked beneath her touch, pulled back with a tug on her hair. Breathing harshly, he stared into her eyes for several seconds. Hunger blazed in his, turning them a dark, mesmerising molten gold that stole what little breath she had from her lungs. Then his eyes dropped lower to her parted mouth.
A rough sound rumbled from his throat. Then he was kissing her again. Harder, more demanding, more possessively than before.
Inez pushed her fingers through his hair as arousal like she’d never experienced before bit deep. This time, when his tongue slid into her mouth, she met it with hers. Boldly, she tried to give as much as she got, although she knew she was hopelessly inadequate when it came to experience.
The hand around her waist tightened and she was lifted off her feet. Seconds later, she found herself on the bar stool, her legs splayed and Theo firmly between thighs exposed by her stance. He came at her again, the force of his sensual attack tilting the stool backwards.
She threw out her hands onto the counter to keep from toppling over. Theo growled beneath his breath, his hands moving upward from her waist to cup her breasts. He moulded her willing, aching flesh so expertly she whimpered and arched into his hold. Beneath her clothes, her tight nipples unfurled in eager anticipation when his thumbs grazed over them. The deep pleasurable shudder made him repeat the action, eliciting a soft cry of pleasure from deep inside her.
