by Selena Kitt
Keyonna could not conceal her dismay, the papers clutched in her hands. Just two months ago, Keyonna had pooled all her resources, her life’s savings – her very name, into a new real estate investment that was supposed to pour in returns in the next half-year.
It was the biggest move she’d ever made financially; a massive gamble that if it went as planned, would see her making enough money to go into early retirement if she wished. The kind of dough that would ensure she never had to worry about money again – as well as being able to build her own company and finally make the name for herself she’d always dreamed of doing.
That was the reason she’d felt irked with Mark for his unplanned and unwanted appearance. She had so much on her plate right now; she was finally on her way to the big time and she didn’t need a man holding her down.
But now, judging by the documents she’d just viewed, Nick could now single-handedly pull the plug on her deal of a lifetime – causing her to not just lose her money and her business, but to put her in debt for probably the rest of her life – it was either that or bankruptcy. Keyonna couldn’t hold back a shudder at the prospect of exactly everything that could go belly-up if he decided to go through with such a threat.
“You’d really do this? You’d hurt me?” Keyonna breathed to Nick’s implacable back as her chest tightened with disbelief and anger.
He finally turned to face her, walking up to where she stood like something turned to a pillar of salt. “Desperate measures, Keyonna. I’ve gotten to know enough about you to realize this is something you wouldn’t do, not willingly. You have a strong work ethic and sense of family loyalty. You’ve worked very hard to be where you are today. While studying at Columbia, you held down a job as well as did some modeling to meet your expenses. After college you chose not to be a career model and instead focused on your interior design career, getting interned with the best and putting yourself out there, working hard and working smart. Last year, you branched out and started your own business. You’re planning on a Master’s at Stanford and in the meantime, went into this high-risk investment scheme in the hope of finally hitting it big. You want it all, Keyonna. The money and the career. On your terms.”
He smiled thinly at her dazed expression. “Well, like I said Keyonna, I’m not that different from you. I’ll do whatever it takes to win, on my terms. It wouldn’t take much doing but yes, I can and will hurt you. But it needn’t be that way between us,” he added in a softened tone, his hooded eyes running meaningfully over her face and body. “It’s safe to say that I go to any length to make you mine. In every sense of the word. Just picture it if you can and you’ll see this would be the best move you’ve ever made. Marriage to me can’t be all that bad, can it? Think of all that money at your disposal as my wife. Your social status; the connections you can make as well as the respect you’d gain for being the next Mrs. Vitale.”
He had that hateful cold smile on his face, a mocking light coming into his eyes as he watched her conflicting expressions. “I’m quite sure I make a far better catch than Mark ever was – and let’s face it, I’m much more exciting.”
Keyonna pressed fingers to her temples and tried to calm down, fighting back the feeling that the walls were closing in on her.
Sighing raggedly, she finally looked up at Nick with pleading eyes. “You don’t have to do this,” she said in desperation. “If you want, I could talk to Rachel on your behalf. I’ll say whatever you want me to say. I will explain to her how it was my entire fault, and that you never meant to hurt her and were certainly not cheating on her. I can make her see reason.”
“If you think that’s possible, then you don’t know a thing about that woman,” Nick said with a mirthless laugh. “Besides, why would I settle for Rachel…when I can have you?”
Keyonna shivered at the look of dark desire and feral purpose on his handsome face as he cupped her throat in his large hands, his thumbs caressing her jaw line and making her eyelashes feel too heavy to lift. He pulled her closer, slanting his head to ghost his lips just a hair’s breadth from hers.
“One year, Keyonna. That’s all I ask. One year of wedded bliss to me and my obligation to my father’s Last Will and Testament will be fulfilled. Then – and only then, will I consider setting you free from my clutches…”
Chapter Eight
Keyonna kept calling herself all kinds of fool for agreeing to the Nick’s ultimatum.
But what choice did she have? The handsome brute had promised to bring her to her knees either way. What was one year married to him, compared to a future marred with debt and professional disgrace? He’d do it; she knew he would. And even then, she couldn’t take the risk of defying him and finding out if she was right.
His final words of that day kept ringing in her head. “Don’t make me do it, Keyonna,” he’d said quietly, his lips so close she could almost taste the heady kiss hovering. “This can be a perfect arrangement for both of us. As my wife, you’ll never lack a thing. All I have would be yours. And when it’s over, we can both walk away if that’s what we want.”
“You really think I care about your money?” she breathed, eyelids fluttering as she was unable to hold back the droplets of helpless tears spilling to her cheek. Hating herself for her weak tears, she made to turn angrily away but he gathered her into his big, potent arms and kissed her, hard.
Keyonna couldn’t break away, and felt herself almost bent back beneath the force of his passionate kiss. The way she whimpered and shook with pleasure was like the final nail in her cross of shame.
“Ssh…don’t cry, tesoro,” Nick rasped gently against her lips, making her tears spill faster at the soft endearment. “Stop fighting me. I can make this good. I promise. Let me show you how it can be between us.”
“No,” Keyonna moaned, even as his powerful arms swept her off her feet. Somehow, his quick, sure strides found the way straight to her bedroom. Keyonna’s mind was a whirl of emotions fighting for supremacy. She couldn’t deny that she wanted Nick, so badly it burned through her like a fever. No other man made her body tremble with desire just by his touch, his kiss. Already, he’d burned a hole through her defenses and already, she knew she had more than just her pride and body at stake. Even as he began to slowly yet purposefully strip her clothes, even as she melted beneath him when he finally joined her on the cool sheets, she still couldn’t help feeling that whatever could have been between them was forever cheapened.
And Keyonna knew she should hate him for that but damn it, she couldn’t.
He plucked his mouth from hers, arching over her while a deep growl rumbled in his throat as she instinctively writhed closer. He was still fully clothed while she was now naked to the skin which gave her somewhat of a vulnerable yet thrilling sensation.
Laughing softly, Nick pinned her wrists high on either side of her head, making her feel more helpless than ever. His eyes began to smolder as they ran over her body from neck to toe. Her nipples stiffened beneath his warm look, and as his gaze trailed down to the softly tufted mound in the V of her thighs, her skin grew warm.
“You’re beautiful,” he said huskily, while pressing himself into her a little harder so she could feel the stiffness of his thick, long, clothed erection rubbing against her belly. Keyonna’s breathing was quite heavy now and she squirmed as his head dropped to her heaving breasts.
Desperately frightened of how she’d react to Nick’s lips on her, she blurted shakily, “It’s not enough you blackmail me into marriage – but now you get my body as well? That’s a bargain if I ever saw one.”
Nick stiffened, and then swore harshly beneath his breath in Italian before suddenly releasing her wrists and rolling off the bed.
Keyonna stared at him incredulously, somewhat surprised to see him heading straight for the door.
“What the hell Nick? Where are you going?” Keyonna called out to his retreating back before she could stop herself.
Nick paused at the door, turning reluctantly to face her as
he shoved his hair back with a furious sweep of his hand. “This goes only one way. You know it, I know it. We’re going to get married as soon as it can be arranged. But as for the sex – heaven forbid it’ll ever be said I had to coerce a woman into my bed.”
“It’s my bed,” Keyonna muttered, dragging the discarded covers and pulling it up over her to her chin. “So you’re saying if we get married, I don’t have to sleep with you? My body’s not part of the package?”
“Fuck!” Nick swore, looking like he was about to turn away and just leave again. But then without warning he was striding to the bed again, and without further ado stripped the covers from her nerveless fingers. Keyonna yelped, drawing up her knees protectively as her arms wrapped around her shoulders.
He didn’t touch her, but leaned on his arms on either side of her cringing, naked frame. He didn’t tear his eyes from hers. “Tell me to leave, Keyonna, and I’ll go. Tell me that us sharing this bed will be something you don’t want, and I’ll respect your choice. But don’t lie that you don’t melt at my touch, or that your pussy’s not dripping right now for me. Blackmail or no blackmail, your body’s crying out even now to be claimed in ways that only I understand. You’re mine, Keyonna.”
Keyonna shivered, surprised by the blazing mixture of rage and possessiveness in his eyes.
“I’m not going to be treated like a whore, Nick,” Keyonna said firmly, her emotions from the first time they’d met bursting forth. “Since that night at the party it’s been one rude shock after another. And now this…marriage contract…” She shook her head with distaste, and saw Nick’s harsh expression soften at her words.
“I understand,” Nick said with a more gentle tone than before. “I can see you need time. I want you so much it’s like a fever in my brain but I can wait until you’re ready. But in one month, the wedding will take place. In the meantime, I’ll get to introduce you to my family, and of course I’d like to meet yours. I can imagine they’ll be surprised at the speed and the unexpected element of us both settling down out of the blue. But then we’ll just say we couldn’t wait after rediscovering each other over the last two weeks.”
“Right…because we’re so, in love and everything,” Keyonna replied with deep sarcasm.
Nick’s response was just a predatory smile crossing his deeply tanned face, right before he lowered his mouth to her ear, licking and nibbling it wickedly. Keyonna let out a shuddery sigh and clenched her naked thighs while the moisture pooled right at her core. How and why did he have such an effect on her? The solid weight of his clothed body held her down and kept her from moving, and she became swept in the woodsy, manly scent of him. Her fingers itched to sink into the glossy dark waves of his beautiful hair, but instead she fisted the sheets on either side of her as his hot breath fanned her sensitive ear lobe.
“I want to take you here; now. Just pin you to the bed, spread your thighs as far apart as they can go and then…” His raspy voice cut short as he slid his hand down her belly to cover her bare sex. Keyonna silently cursed as she felt her pussy begin to flood with juices at his touch. She could sense the heat emanating from her as his fingertips gently brushed her folds. Dismayed at the moan which escaped her before she could stop it, Keyonna shot out a hand to push his away.
“Nick, n-no…,” she stammered, her hand closing over his wrist right before he parted her swollen, slick vagina lips and pushed his middle finger deep inside her. She heard him grunt softly as she instinctively, helplessly ground her pussy into his hand, shocked by how good that finger felt buried inside her snug walls. She shuddered, feeling him stroke in and out of her a few more times before withdrawing the invading digit.
He kissed right behind her ear, and then gave her lobe one last ravenous little bite as he whispered, “The day will come, tesoro, when you will scream loud to have me inside you. You will not think to say ‘no’ to me then. Soon, Keyonna…very soon.”
Keyonna wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved when Nick finally drew back completely and she watched him leave the silent bedroom…
Chapter Nine
There had been some satisfaction knowing that she’d stood her ground by not sleeping with Nick, thought Keyonna. Seeing him walk out of her bedroom had left a bittersweet sensation that still kept her throbbing with regret in secret places. Still, it was indeed a small victory after being forced to give in to his marriage ‘contract’.
And that’s exactly what it is, Keyonna – a business deal. You get to be a billionaire’s wife for a year, and then you get your life back. Simple as that.
Turned out being the woman on Nick Vitale’s arm was anything but simple.
He was no mob boss but he had to be the next closest thing judging by the way they were treated each time she had to go out with him somewhere; to have dinner with his friends, associates or family.
Nick had insisted she play her part as his new fiancée – a role now obvious to the outside world thanks to the huge engagement ring he’d placed on her finger. Keyonna wondered if he’d got her a new one or it was the same one Rachel must have worn. Not that it mattered to Keyonna either way. This wasn’t a romantic relationship – it was a business arrangement. He got his bride and hence his precious inheritance – while Keyonna got…well, she was spared having to lose all she’d ever worked for. Day by day, she reminded herself how Nick’s cruel blackmail had forced her to agree to marriage to him – and yet if she was honest, it wasn’t all angst.
Nick Vitale was a handsome man; and very charming when he chose to be. In public, he was the perfect companion, attentive and even romantic. Every time he placed a kiss on her cheek or took her hand in a warm grasp, Keyonna squirmed with hidden embarrassment. Even with the envy she saw on every woman’s face who happened to be present, she couldn’t help the feeling of resentment. Once, she asked him privately if all the show of affection was really necessary.
“All eyes are on us, in case you didn’t notice,” he murmured, looking his usual debonair self as they arrived at another one of the high-society dinners he made her attend with him. “We have to come across as authentic as possible. Especially since my father’s lawyers have to be sure none of this is a sham. I’d hate to jeopardize anything just because anyone suspected this is less than a romantic union.”
“I see,” Keyonna had replied, quelling an exasperated sigh. She was sure neither of them had been able to fool any of Nick’s relatives whom Keyonna had met over the past week; she could tell they looked far from pleased that Nick was marrying her instead of Rachel. She could almost read the disdain on their aristocratic faces each time they looked at her. Not that Keyonna could say she blamed them but still.
She just simply couldn’t understand the real reason Nick had picked her instead of any of the other women he could have had. In fact, Keyonna thought he seemed to enjoy the look of surprise on people’s faces when he introduced Keyonna as his ‘fiancée’ especially in those ultra-exclusive gatherings they were invited to. It was times like those that Keyonna was glad she’d agreed to Nick’s insistence that she get a whole new wardrobe.
Keyonna had assured him at first that her own clothes were perfectly fine, but being the alpha male he was, he soon had her with no choice but to give in to the two days of designer shopping which saw Keyonna up to her ears in shoes, bags, outfits and jewelry that cost more than she’d make in five years.
An all-round makeover seemed inevitable as her hair, nails and even her body was given the movie-star treatment. Now when Keyonna looked into the mirror she hardly recognized herself. She looked like a million dollars – which she was probably worth if she added up the cost of what she was wearing at a particular time.
Keyonna told herself she’d never asked for any of this, and though she hated every second she had to play a part, she couldn’t deny her feelings for Nick were starting to change.
He was still insufferably arrogant – but spending more and more time around him gave her some insight to the man beneath the mask. Wh
en he was around family or friends, he seemed a whole different person. She got to see him laugh more, talk more. She loved listening to him speak Italian; it was the sexiest language a man’s tongue could utter and with his cousins, uncles and aunts, he usually slipped into their native language while Keyonna was present but she never really minded. She could pick a few words here and there, and besides this was a part of who he was. She could begrudge him all she wanted for putting her in this situation, but deep down she knew that bit by bit, she was losing her hold on reality.
How many times in the past two weeks had a simple goodnight kiss from him almost had her wanting to pull him into her apartment with her and finish what he started that first time he’d come calling? It wasn’t just because it had been many months of celibacy for Keyonna; she really was genuinely in lust with Nick and being around him day in and day out wasn’t helping her hormonal balance one bit.
She could tell he wanted her too; it wasn’t something he’d ever tried to hide. Not since that first time when he’d slipped a finger deep into her pussy and he’d growled deep in his throat with carnal appreciation. He’d known then how much she’d melted for him, despite her defiant words.
Now, each time his knuckles brushed against the bare skin of her arm, or whenever she felt the warm gust of his breath on the back of her neck, Keyonna shivered with helpless desire. Nick was all-man, certainly more man than she’d ever had the fortune to come across. Every other guy she’d met over the years had always seemed to fall short of her perfect fantasy lover. Nick, on the other hand, fell short at nothing.
Keyonna would always remember the sheer size of him, even when restrained beneath his expensive dress pants. He’d been so hot and hard for her that every night, she moaned in her sleep with her thighs pressed tightly together as she berated herself for passing up that one chance in his arms.
