“This is what this is all about?” she asked, motioning with her hand at the wine glasses.
“We care about you. You’ve never brought a guy around here,” Jett stated, and just saying the words made him angry, jealous, and sick to his stomach. He never felt like this before.
“I didn’t bring a guy around here. He showed up. But as you said earlier, the same goes for me. I’m a big girl and I can handle things on my own.”
“Who is he?” Flynn asked as he leaned forward and gave her the stare down. She swallowed hard. Despite her ability to try and remain calm, his brother was intimidating her. Jett cleared his throat.
“Listen, we were just surprised that’s all. We didn’t know that you were seeing anyone. You don’t really share your personal life.”
“That’s because neither of you have ever asked. Not once. Just general ‘How are you?’ and ‘Thank you for taking care of this.’”
Jett looked at Flynn and now Flynn was biting his cheek.
“Well, is he treating you right? Does he have a job, is he from around here?”
“Whoa. What’s with all the questions? I don’t ask about all your lovers.”
“You’re sleeping with him?” Flynn asked, and then stood up from the table. Adelina slowly got up and so did Jett.
“I have no idea what the hell is wrong with the two of you right now. You don’t care about my personal life and never have. And then now, when some guy shows up interested in me and wanting to date me, you both start caring?”
Flynn took her hand and brought it to his chest. “Baby, we’ve always cared about you.”
She yanked her hand from his hold and stepped back. Her face was flushed, her temper flared. Jett could tell she was about to explode.
“How dare you? You two need help. Stay out of my business and I’ll stay out of yours.” She turned around and stomped off.
“Well, that didn’t go very well.”
“Why did you push so much? We just wanted to find out if the relationship was serious. We have to respect her wishes and stay clear.”
“Fuck that, Jett. We know what we want. Are you willing to let that suave asshole who showed up, sweep her off her feet and take her from us, right underneath our noses?”
“Excuse me, boss, I got Cash on line one for you. He says it’s important.”
“Let me take this. We’ll talk later,” Jett stated, and then walked toward the bar to answer the call.
“Yeah, Jett here.”
“Buddy, I got a name for you, but no picture. The guy’s a ghost. But he’s definitely looking to take over the area, if you know what I mean.”
“Who is it? Did something else happen?”
“Your uncle’s place was just written up by the health department. Numerous citations, they instantly closed him down tonight. He also had multiple liquor suppliers deny deliveries this weekend.”
“What? Holy shit. I should call him. Who is this guy?”
“The name is Margliado. He’s a resourceful individual, and involved with a lot of businesses, but he wants to franchise out. He already brought out Louie Perez.”
“Louie? Holy shit, Louie’s on Fifth is a gold mine. What the hell?”
“I heard the threats on Louis’s life and loved ones were justified.”
“Son of a bitch. We need to beef up security here. I haven’t gotten any hints of any takeovers, threats, or even non-shipments of supplies here.”
“Adelina is in charge of those, right?”
“She sure is. I’ll talk to her. In the meantime, I’d better call my uncle. I can’t believe that he’s shut down. Don’t we know people in the health department?”
“Yes, we all do, but our lips are sealed. No one is breaking the silence on this one.”
“Can you find out more about this Margliado character? A face would be great.”
“Sure thing. But as I said, he’s like a ghost.”
“Great, nothing like fighting an enemy blind. Talk to you tomorrow.”
Jett hung up the phone and quickly pulled out his cell as he waved Flynn over. He saw Adelina leaving for the night, and she hadn’t even said good night. They had upset her. But right now, Adelina was the least one for them to worry about. They had bigger concerns.
Chapter 4
Adelina was nervous. She stared at herself in the mirror and at her very simple, yet sexy black cocktail dress. She was talking to Chiara.
“So you’re going through with this anyway?” Chiara asked. They had become good friends over the last year. Between Chiara, Toni, Tia Rose, and Chastity, the women had their bets on Jett and Flynn to make a move on Adelina sooner than later.
“I can’t go on like this, Chiara. They don’t care for me in the same way that I care for them.”
“That’s bullshit. I’ve seen the way Jett and Flynn look at you when you’re in the room. Those two are fighting their attraction. They have fears none of us probably know about. Plus, Cash and Zane mentioned some family issues going on right now, and that Jett and Flynn have a lot on their minds.”
“I know they do. They had two friends pass away within forty-eight hours of one another. I get it. I just can’t stand wanting them and knowing that they don’t want me.” She felt the tears reach her eyes. Her sister, Kaitlin, grabbed her hand and squeezed it as she listened to Adelina talk on the phone. Kaitlin showed her two pairs of earrings and Adelina chose the small dangling crystals.
“Well, you go have a good time. Be careful. You really don’t know this guy at all. I could have Cash and Zane check him out.”
“Don’t you dare. If I like him and things seem to progress then I’ll let you know if I need him checked out.”
Chiara chuckled. “Okay, be sure to have Kaitlin send me a picture of you in that dress before you leave. Good luck, and have fun. Remember that you’re perfect, and can have any guy you want. There’s no need to settle.”
“I appreciate that, although it isn’t true.”
“You are perfect.”
“I meant about the ‘any guy I want’ part.”
Chiara chuckled and then said good-bye.
“Okay. I’m doing this. What do you think?”
“You look gorgeous and classy. He’ll love it. Oh, I’m going to be babysitting next door, and will probably crash there with Bryer. So don’t worry when you get here and don’t find me. Unless you don’t come home. And that is completely your choice. You’ve been consistently taking the Pill, right?” Adelina threw the toss pillow at her sister’s head as they laughed.
“Seriously. Try to have fun, and take your mind and soul off of Jett and Flynn.”
“That’s the plan. Thanks, Kaitlin. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Adelina checked her makeup one more time before she headed out of her apartment building. She walked two blocks and then went to hail a cab when a limousine pulled alongside the curb, blocking the only open space. At first she was annoyed, and then the black tinted window rolled down.
“There is no way that I would let you travel alone, looking as gorgeous as this.”
Raymond opened the door and stepped out. She was shocked. So much so that she bit her tongue when she wanted to ask him how he knew where she lived. Obviously the man did his homework. He had wanted to come get her from the start and she refused. Was he some kind of control freak?
Before she could say a word, her actions had him halting. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared at him.
“Oh, no. I’ve upset you. That was not my intention at all. Please forgive me. I was just so excited about seeing you tonight. Tell her, Avery.” He looked at the driver. The driver smiled and then nodded his head. “He has been a beast.” Adelina chuckled and Raymond gave the driver a dirty, mean look.
Then he smiled again.
“I can be quite commanding. I like to do things my way, and was trying to remain patient for our date this evening, but couldn’t wait to see you. You are stunning, Adelina.” He reached for her hand and pu
lled it gently toward his lips. When his lips touched her skin, she felt the tingling sensation travel up her arm and to her gut.
“I suppose I can let this slide. You’ve surprised me.”
He winked at her as he escorted her to the open door.
“I have lots of surprises for you this evening.”
* * * *
Adelina knew she was caught up in the ambiance of the restaurant, as well as the two glasses of very expensive red wine. When they arrived at Fignoloies, in Little Italy, she felt a bit overwhelmed. It seemed that people knew who Raymond was, and was it her or were there men around watching them? She thought she had seen the same man twice since Avery parked the car, and she and Raymond walked the two blocks to the restaurant. It was a gorgeous evening. The more he spoke in his Brazilian accent, the more she wondered if he were putting it on. He did say something in Italian to the waiter, and his expression was firm. The waiter looked scared.
“Is everything okay?” she asked him.
He smiled at her, then took her hand into his own. “Very fine. So, tell me about your job. How does your boss allow such people to hang around the place? I mean, you could have been seriously injured by that group of trampy women. And your hand, is it going to be long before you can remove the bandage?” he asked, and then caressed it gently. She had wanted to try and not wear any bandage but it hurt too much.
“Bosses. I have two of them,” she corrected him.
“Oh, and you’ve known them long?”
“For about two years. They are good to me.” She turned away. Why was it that every conversation had to return to them as a subject? She was out on this date to take her mind off of them.
She felt Raymond’s fingers under her chin.
“What is it? Are you not happy there? I’m sure you could find a better place to work. I have many businesses, Adelina. What are your dreams and desires?” he asked her. She was lost in his eyes, the tone of his voice, and the gentle way he held her chin. He seemed so damn sincere, she instantly felt her defenses go down.
“I really don’t have any other dreams right now. I went into this business with the intention of learning more, and one day opening up my own place or at minimum, running one. I’ve been very happy at The Phantom.”
“There are lots of other places around. I could help you. You know, to find your own place.”
Instantly her heart tightened. Was this guy for real? She didn’t need to owe that kind of money to someone.
“That’s sweet of you. Completely insane and off the wall, but very sweet, Raymond.”
He laughed as he leaned his head back and the sound made her laugh as well. He squeezed her hand, then brought it to his lips. Their gazes locked.
“You are so perfect. The most beautiful woman I have ever met. We’d be good together, Adelina. Won’t you let me help you?” he asked her. But all Adelina thought of his words were that she wished they were coming from Jett and Flynn. She wished that they locked gazes with her like Raymond and absorbed her every word.
“I can’t. I have responsibilities and a family to provide for.” Which was way more than Jett and Flynn knew.
“A family?” he asked, and his eyebrows crinkled in concern.
“Yes, my sister and nephew. They live with me.”
“Oh, you share an apartment with them. So what does she do?”
“She takes care of Bryer. He was very sick for a while.”
“Oh, my. What was wrong?”
“He had cancer. He almost died.”
Raymond reached over and gently rubbed his knuckles against her chin. He held her gaze, she felt the tears in her eyes, and she wondered why she was getting emotional. She hardly knew Raymond at all.
“That had to have been tough. Is he better now?”
She smiled and nodded her head.
“Wonderful. So you’re the breadwinner in the family?”
She smiled. “Yes, I am. So you see I’m really in no position to look for a job elsewhere. Jett and Flynn pay me well.”
“They’ve had the business for long?”
“Almost three years. I walked in on a whim one day and the bartender said they were hiring. He introduced me to Jett and Flynn and they interviewed me on the spot. I was fresh out of college and had a little experience.”
She thought back to that day, and how early her infatuation with the two older, sexy men had begun. They took to each other instantly. Too bad nothing ever came of it.
“Well, as long as their business is doing well, then your job is secure.”
“Oh, they’re doing great. That’s why we can be closed on Sunday and Monday.”
“Which is why I have you all to myself right now.” He began to draw tiny circles on her hand.
Raymond was very charismatic, and by the time dinner was through, he was escorting her down the street, and trying to talk her into going back to his place.
She denied him, and then he wrapped his arms around her as he pressed her against the side of the limo. The man was so intense, so macho, but there was something in his eyes that put her on guard. She wasn’t quite sure what it was.
“If you won’t come home with me, can I at least kiss you?” he asked. She knew it really wasn’t a request, and to be honest, she wanted him to. A man hadn’t kissed her in ages. So when he leaned forward slowly, she closed her eyes and he kissed her.
When he finally released her lips, after being so thorough with his hands and his tongue, he kissed her nose.
“You are delicious. When can I see you again?”
She smiled. “I don’t know.”
“Tomorrow? Say yes. Meet me for breakfast or lunch?”
“I have some errands to run in the morning and a workout to do.” He ran his hand across her hip to her ass. He gave it a squeeze and she gripped his arms.
“You seem in perfect shape to me.” She swatted his hand away.
“First date, remember?”
“Oh, I remember, but I’m originally from Brazil. We do things a little differently.” He teased her, then raised one eyebrow up in an adorable way. She shook her head as she laughed.
“Let’s get you home. We’ll make plans on the way.” She smiled as he pulled her against him, and Avery opened the door for them.
The ride home was definitely memorable.
Chapter 5
Flynn tried to ignore the stench of perfume and the way the woman climbed his body, offering herself up without hesitation. He pressed her up against the wall, ran his hand up her short, tight dress, and froze. He just couldn’t seem to do it. She tasted like rum, her damn drink of the evening was some tropical Malibu girly drink. She moaned as she tried to rip his shirt from his body and then pressed her hand over his cock. A cock not hardened whatsoever. He imagined Adelina in his head. He wanted this woman to be her, but she wasn’t. There were no replacements. Not when all he and Jett wanted was Adelina. Flynn tried to give the brunette what she needed. He wouldn’t sleep with her now. He just couldn’t. He felt changed. He felt angry, and then that guy Adelina was dating popped into his head. He came in only about an hour ago to see Adelina and his hands went straight to her ass as he hugged her hello.
That’s my ass, not his. She should be pressed between my brother and I and not with that asshole, whomever he was.
“Take me, Flynn. Right here against the wall. Right here in the hallway. I want it,” she whispered, as he pressed his mouth against her neck and tried to get Adelina off his mind. But he couldn’t. This was a mistake. He wasn’t into this. He wasn’t into this woman. That fact really angered him. Flynn always got what he wanted. No one dared denied him or said no to him or Jett. It wasn’t in their best interest. What had they done? Could they have lost the opportunity for a chance with Adelina?
He pulled away from the brunette. She nearly fell, but he held her against the wall.
“Hey, I’ve been looking for you. What the fuck?” Jett stated, as he entered the hallway.
One look at his broth
er, and the expression of disgust as he eyed the brunette made Flynn feel like shit.
“Take off, sweetheart. I got work to do.”
She straightened out her short dress, then ran her arm along her lips, and the sight of her turned Flynn off even more. He placed his hands on the wall and lowered his head to the Sheetrock. Jett approached.
“What the fuck were you thinking? That you could fuck Adelina out of your mind?”
He didn’t look up at his twin. He didn’t have to. That was exactly what he was trying to do.
“Well, drinking didn’t work either,” Flynn said, and Jett released an annoyed sigh.
“No, it didn’t, and that pissed Adelina off as well. What would you have done if she came down this hallway instead of me?”
Flynn looked up and then turned and leaned his back against the wall.
“I don’t know, Jett. Probably get rid of the brunette, throw Adelina over my shoulder, and bring her upstairs. She’s got me that fucking crazy.”
“Maybe we’re overthinking this. You know, after the funeral and all. Funerals do tend to have you think about your own mortality, and the decisions you’ve made in life. Hell, I for one have some regrets.”
“My regret right now is not grabbing Adelina while we could. She’s always been there for us, and we took advantage of that.”
“Flynn, we avoided our feelings. We’re both guilty of it. Listen, I spoke with Uncle Vick. His guys found out that some guy, Sergio, works this main guy’s numbers racket. He sets shit like this up. Getting the health department to come in and destroy a business by fining them and closing them down. He also has connections with various liquor organizations and distributors. This main guy is feared.”
“Any concrete reasons why he’s feared?” Flynn asked.
“Dead bodies.”
“What?”
“Apparently, if you defy this guy’s orders, he has a crew that will take you out.”
“Fuck.”
“Exactly.”
“What is Uncle Vick doing about this?”
Phantom's Destruction or Destiny [Power Surge: The Billionaire Club 5 ] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 6
