To Blackmail a Di Sione

by Rachael Thomas

  ‘I—I wanted no such thing.’ She stammered over her words, the thought of being kissed by him making her pulse race wildly. If that last kiss was anything to go by, to be really kissed would be amazing. She’d never been kissed until the world spun and her heart felt light. Quickly she pulled her attention back to the reason for doing all this. The bracelet. ‘That was not what I had in mind though.’

  He moved closer, so close she thought he was going to kiss her right there and then. She breathed in and inhaled his newly applied aftershave, exotically spiced and incredibly heady. She looked up, holding his gaze, trying for bold and confident, but all she could manage was a startled gasp as he brushed his fingers over her cheek.

  The heat of that light touch seared her skin, but she couldn’t move away even when she knew she should. Every loving look, every caressing touch, was all an act. She was well aware of that, but it made her think of the love letter she’d found as a child tucked away between the pages of a book in the family library. One she’d read again and again over the years, each time wishing she, too, could find such a powerful love.

  What was between her and Liev was not love. There was attraction, at least for her, but for him it was only a deal. A means to an end. Nothing more.

  ‘That is a shame. You were made to be kissed.’ His voice had deepened and his accent became so strong she could barely understand what he said.

  How could she be made to be kissed when she’d hardly experienced more than a light touch on the cheek? Last night’s kiss had been a new experience, one that could distract her if she allowed it.

  The night of her prom rushed back at her. She’d wanted to be kissed then, too, wanted to be loved. She’d thought she’d found her true love, but fate had dealt her a cruel hand. That disastrous night had set the precedence for the following ten years—never, ever, allow a man close enough to hurt her again.

  She’d thought she’d got it covered, that she was immune to the charms that seemed to penetrate even the toughest women. Her mask was deep and strong, but now a man who had proved from the outset he was using her was chipping away at that mask—unveiling the real Bianca layer by layer. She couldn’t let it happen. If he saw beneath the veneer she lived behind, she would be lost, unable to guard her heart from the pain of being used—yet again.

  ‘I was most certainly not.’ Her indignant tone made him step back, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes, irritating her further. ‘And most definitely not by you.’

  ‘That’s not how it seemed last night.’

  ‘Last night was a mistake. The only way I would ever kiss you again is if it was necessary for this facade of an engagement. Nothing you can say or do will change my mind.’

  ‘Is that a challenge?’

  ‘You are insufferable.’ She flung the words back at him, outraged that he’d used her response last night against her. ‘It would be far more productive if we visit my family home. It’s sure to be noticed and make it into the celebrity columns.’

  ‘Very clever.’ The way he was looking at her sent butterflies charging wildly around her stomach, despite the building humiliation at his overconfident flirtation.

  ‘I’ve also lined up an interview with a top New York magazine, so you can tell of your past rather than the press dig it up.’

  ‘You really are excelling yourself. When is the interview?’

  ‘Tomorrow afternoon. Then I thought we could visit my family home next weekend, use that as a bit more engagement publicity.’

  ‘I will be at the interview tomorrow, but we will not visit your grandfather next weekend. I have a long weekend away planned for us. I have invited one of the magazines for a photoshoot, giving them an engagement exclusive.’

  Bianca’s head was spinning. That wasn’t what she’d meant at all. All she’d wanted was to set her grandfather’s mind at rest. How did he manage to turn everything to his advantage?

  ‘I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,’ she said anxiously, wondering what her family would think when they saw such a piece, let alone the fact that she’d always strived to be out of the limelight.

  ‘It is not negotiable, Bianca. It is all arranged. We will visit your grandfather as we return to New York. If I meet him in person before the article goes out, I’m sure that will settle your worries.’

  Worries? Was that what he thought of them as? It was all right for him; he didn’t care about deceiving anyone. He didn’t have any family to worry about. The fact that she was lying to her brothers and sisters was one thing, but lying to an old man, one whose life was ebbing away far too fast, was not something she was happy with.

  It hurt to think that she’d take Liev to meet him, pretend to be head over heels in love just to reassure her grandfather, then upset him, giving him more to worry about when she broke it off.

  ‘A weekend away and an engagement photoshoot aren’t necessary.’

  ‘It is if you want your bracelet before the end of three months.’

  ‘But it’s too intimate, too...’ Again she floundered for words.

  ‘It is publicity, Bianca, the sort that will achieve my aims quickly.’

  ‘I see that, once again, you have made sure I have no option but to play this your way.’ The sharpness of her tone made his brows rise. ‘Again you are all but blackmailing me.’

  ‘No, an exclusive like this was always part of the deal. Meeting with your grandfather, however, was not.’ He moved towards her and his tone softened. ‘But I am not as mercenary as you like to believe, so we will visit him.’

  Bianca was baffled by his sudden change of mood and blinked in shock as his closeness invaded her senses once more. How could she be so attracted to, so drawn by, the very man who had such power over her? Not for the first time she wished tonight’s party was already over.

  * * *

  Liev couldn’t help but take in Bianca as she looked up at him, all wide-eyed. Her dark eye make-up and deep red lipstick was back and the black silk dress clung to her like a second skin. Diamonds sparkled from her ears and around her throat, and his ring shone on her finger. She was stunning, but he was also glimpsing someone softer, someone much more vulnerable beneath.

  He brushed his fingers over her face once more and wondered if he wiped away the make-up would he reveal the true Bianca so easily. He doubted it, but talking about her grandfather had certainly made the mask slip.

  She’d also agreed to the perfect opportunity to show the world they were a couple. It was far more than he’d hoped for, far more than he’d ever imagined as he’d snatched her precious bracelet from under her nose, and exactly what he needed.

  Time away from everyone and everything would give him the perfect opportunity to find out all he needed to know about Dario Di Sione and ICE—and use their engagement in the most public way possible.

  ‘So you would have no objection to our official engagement photographs being taken?’

  ‘No.’ She looked at him sceptically and he could see the shadow of doubt in her eyes. ‘We should be at the party now.’

  He offered her his arm, enjoying the feeling of her close to him. The heightened response of his body to that closeness was more pronounced than he’d yet experienced. Bianca Di Sione was getting to him, infiltrating the barriers he’d erected as an angry twelve-year-old to keep out tender emotions. The only consolation was that she, too, was losing her fiery edge, that harshness she hid behind which was more than the make-up she wore. She was as aware of him as he was of her.

  That awareness still sizzled through him as they arrived at the party. As with any high-society event, the press were waiting outside the hotel for an opportune shot. The lenses clicked and the flashguns burst into life around them as he guided Bianca into the hotel.

  Ever the professional, she smiled, pausing briefly for the press, her body melding against his as a lover’s would, pushing his limits of restraint ever higher.

  The earlier shock of realisation that he enjoyed being with her, enjoye
d the feel of her body close to his, surfaced once more. Contrary to all he’d previously expected, he actually looked forward to a whole weekend at his island retreat. Once the exclusive interview on their engagement was over they would be alone. Nothing could get in the way of him finding out what he needed to know, and more importantly, she wouldn’t be able to run home and hide.

  ‘The guest list is large and very influential,’ she said as they left the press behind for the peace of the hotel lobby. ‘I will be able to make good connections for you this evening.’

  Her voice pulled him out of his thoughts and back to the party, but his response was silenced as she let her wrap slide from her shoulders. Her strapless dress drew his attention and all he could think of was pressing his lips against the paleness of her shoulders.

  ‘Nothing more than I would have expected from you.’ Finally he managed to string a sentence together.

  ‘I will take that as a compliment.’ She smiled up at him. A real smile. One that made those beautiful lips appear even more kissable. Her eyes sparkled with genuine amusement and something happened as his pulse seemed to race. In that moment all he wanted to do was make her smile, to see the woman who lurked unexpectedly close to the surface of that tough exterior she literally painted on.

  ‘Not only are you very talented, but you look even more beautiful this evening.’

  She blushed and looked away from him. A sense of satisfaction filled him as he realised that whatever it was between them, it was enabling him to see a far softer side to her than he suspected she wanted him to see.

  She turned and walked away, taking a glass of champagne as she entered the party, giving him no option but to follow.

  * * *

  As Liev placed his hand in the small of her back, Bianca pinned a smile on her face, ever the professional role player. The light touch made her skin sizzle and for a moment she couldn’t look at him, knowing the heat of awareness to his every move had suffused her cheeks.

  Just as at previous evenings, she felt all eyes on them and could imagine what the whispered conversations would be about. It showcased everything about society she disliked and everything Liev was determined to acquaint himself with. She had to hang on to why she was doing this, that the reason for flaunting herself so blatantly with him among them was her grandfather.

  ‘We have already gained their attention,’ Liev whispered close to her ear, too close, and she couldn’t help the shiver of pleasure as his breath caressed her skin.

  She swallowed hard, determined to keep her smile in place. ‘Going away may not be necessary after tonight.’

  He reached out and pushed her hair back from her face, his fingers skimming her bare shoulder as he did so. ‘Don’t you want to be alone with me?’ His voice was low and a hint of something very seductive lingered in it.

  ‘I do have other clients,’ she retorted quickly, a little too quickly if the quirk of his brow was anything to go by.

  ‘But only one fiancé.’

  Before she had time to say anything, his fingers had taken her chin, lifting it up, and she knew he was going to kiss her. Every buzzing nerve in her body anticipated it. He pressed his lips against hers and instantly she responded, despite her resolve to merely role-play.

  ‘Very good, Bianca,’ he murmured against them, sending sparks of heat firing through her.

  She drew in a deep breath and stepped back, away from the warmth of his body, realising nothing had made her stay there except his gentle hold on her chin—and the burning need to experience his kiss again.

  ‘Role play.’ She flashed him a smile and turned to greet their hostess, who was making her way over to them. ‘Margaret, how lovely to see you. This is my fiancé, Liev Dragunov. Liev, this is Margaret O’Neil. Our families go back a long way.’

  ‘Enchanted.’ Liev’s charm worked wonders on Margaret, known for her intolerance of self-made newcomers. If she was convinced, then the rest of New York society would soon follow. Her job was almost over. Tomorrow’s interview would clinch that. So why did that fill her with a strange sense of loss?

  * * *

  Liev could sense the underlying bristle of the older lady and turned his charm up, but he didn’t miss the small frown which furrowed Bianca’s face so briefly. He bowed his head in recognition of her obvious high place in society, adhering to all the protocol he had no wish to be governed by once he had what he wanted.

  ‘I am having a summer ball next month. You must come along and bring this delightful fiancé of yours, Bianca. I absolutely insist.’

  ‘We would be honoured to attend.’ He gave her the full force of his smile, knowing exactly the effect it had on women, and then turned it on Bianca, satisfied by her lost-for-words look.

  Other guests caught Margaret’s attention and she excused herself, leaving him and Bianca once more alone in a room full of people he had no real intention of befriending.

  ‘It seems we will be mixing in high circles next month.’ He took two fresh flutes of champagne from a passing waiter and handed one to Bianca. She took it with a glimmer of suspicion in her eyes. ‘To success.’

  ‘Success?’ She glanced at him from beneath her lashes, the coy look doing untold things to his already frustrated libido. Since when did he go in for such games as that? Never. If he wanted something, including women, he got it. Bianca had not been on his wanted list, but somehow she was now there, right at the top and clashing with his almost lifelong desire to avenge his family and expose ICE.

  ‘Do you not want success, Bianca? Do you not want the bracelet you so obviously covet?’

  She moved against him, catlike in the way her body seemed to curl against his, pushing his wayward thoughts further over the edge. If she wasn’t careful she’d find herself being marched from the room to somewhere private where they could finish what she was so very intentionally starting.

  ‘In some ways we are very similar,’ she said softly, and he watched as she paused to sip the champagne. ‘You will stop at nothing to get what you want—but remember, Liev, neither will I.’

  He caught hold of her chin, more firmly than he’d done before, and watched as her eyes darkened to that sexy deep blue. He brushed his lips over hers, enjoying the exhilarating challenge she offered. ‘I will remember that.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  BIANCA COULDN’T HELP but feel pleased as the party drew to a close in the small hours. She and Liev had been in demand much of the evening. Her job was almost done, which would mean very soon their engagement could be dropped. She’d get the bracelet and he would have the acceptance he required. She wouldn’t have to spend such evenings with the man who’d turned her into the kind of woman she’d never imagined she could be.

  She enjoyed sparring with him, and the thought of not seeing much more of Liev saddened her. He’d infiltrated her life, become a part of it, filling her mind when he wasn’t around and infusing her body with a kind of awareness she was beginning to accept came from being with a man she was genuinely attracted to. Although there could be no future in such notions, not after the way he’d used her, and that was something she had to keep in her mind to prevent those fairy-tale ideas of love getting a hold.

  She didn’t try to persuade Liev that he didn’t need to walk her to her door as he had done on each of their previous dates. It might be the early hours of the morning, but she wasn’t ready to say goodnight yet. Being with him was becoming comfortable, perhaps a little too comfortable.

  As she stopped outside her front door, key in hand, she looked up at him. It was as if her resistance was lowering, cast aside by a man she found infuriating and attractive.

  ‘I’ve enjoyed this evening.’ Were those soft words really from her?

  His eyes, suddenly much darker, searched her face. ‘As have I.’

  Before she could understand what was happening, he’d brushed stray hair from her face. The heat of his fingers on her skin made her pulse leap wildly, but she couldn’t do anything. She was being drawn in
by a sensation so new, so intense, she was powerless to resist.

  He spoke in Russian, his voice husky as he moved closer to her, their bodies almost touching. She had no idea what he’d said. All she knew was that he was going to kiss her. Every instinct in her body told her that. And she wanted him to.

  ‘Liev,’ she whispered as his lips brushed briefly against hers, testing her reaction, her acceptance.

  ‘We are still in public and you are not yet in the safety of your apartment, so your role still needs to be played. Besides, I want to kiss you, Bianca. Really kiss you.’

  Her body hummed with anticipation and tingled with warmth. He desired her. He wanted her not because it was part of the deal or part of the show they had to put on, but because he wanted her.

  Could she trust him? Could she trust herself? Last night’s encounter at this very door told her she couldn’t trust him—or herself.

  ‘It will only complicate things.’ She forced herself away, to turn and put her key in the door and open it, hoping he would leave.

  ‘Only if we allow it to.’ His breathing seemed deeper and the image he created as he stood there in the glory of that after-party look twisted her heart and she knew it was already too late. For her, at least, things were already complicated.

  ‘Bianca, can you honestly deny there is something between us? Something that needs exploring?’

  ‘I can’t.’ She backed away from him, into the safety of her apartment. She should just close the door on him, but she couldn’t. That would be like shutting herself away and she was tired of doing that. Tired of looking for the hidden agenda each time a man paid her a compliment.

  ‘But you want to.’ Those husky tones sent a shiver down her spine, a tremor of anticipation.

  ‘Yes.’ She couldn’t help herself any more—not after what she’d sampled last night.

  She’d never known what it was like to be kissed, really kissed, as he’d said. She could see the raw desire in his eyes and it terrified her, in an exciting kind of way. But still that night of her prom haunted her.