Owned: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by Angela Nicole

  I nod as I mentally prepare myself for what I’m going to encounter tonight. Maintaining a separation between owner and driver is a sticky situation. My brother treated them like family, and that’s what I want to do as well.

  “I made reservations for us at a local beach restaurant. There are some great clubs within walking distance, or so my assistant, Molly, has told me.” I laugh.

  Kyle makes his way into the bar. I watch as many female eyes follow the blond, blue-eyed rookie, chuckling to myself because those same women did the same thing when Franco made his way in too.

  “Want another drink before we leave?”

  “Nah, I’m good for now.”

  “You looked a little uncomfortable when I said you should come out with us. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, Declan.”

  I wave him off, not wanting to admit why I shouldn’t be doing this. Finishing my Guinness, I roll the bar coaster on its side, trying to keep my mind off KJ. But it doesn’t work very well, because I know the instant she enters the bar area. It’s as if my body is in tune with hers.

  I swivel on my barstool, my eyes locking on her.

  Franco and Kyle turn, as well. Franco chokes on his beer when he spots his teammate. I’m guessing he’s never seen KJ dressed up like this before.

  My body hums at the sight of her. KJ’s long, straight, blond hair is now curly and hanging loosely around her bare shoulders. She’s wearing a short navy-blue dress that ends mid-thigh. And what a fucking gorgeous thigh it is. As my eyes travel down her long tanned leg, I notice she’s wearing gold platform sandals that match her large hoop earrings.

  But if I thought she couldn’t get any sexier, I watch as a young girl around nine years old approaches KJ for a photo. Looking like royalty, KJ offers her a smile and turns to face the camera. When she does, I’m rewarded with a view of her bare back.

  When I say bare back, I mean there’s nothing there. The back of her dress is missing all the way down to her waist.

  I swallow down my inappropriate thoughts as she makes her way over to us.

  “Sorry it took me so long. Andi called as I was walking out my door.”

  Franco makes a noise I recognize as a frustrated grunt.

  “It’s not an issue. Our dinner reservation isn’t for another forty-five minutes. We can take our time heading over to Miami with a few minutes to spare.”

  I drop a fifty on the bar to pay for our drinks, then usher the three of them out the door to the water taxi. Not even thinking about it, I place my hand on the small of KJ’s back as we exit. The second I make contact, I hear a small gasp coming from her. My hand feels as if it’s on fire from where it touched her skin.

  “Declan.” My name is a plea on her lips. Seems Ms. Lennon is as affected by the contact just as much as I am.

  Regrettably, I remove my hand.

  “Sorry, it’s a habit,” I lie.

  Thankfully, Kyle and Franco are ahead of us and don’t notice the exchange.

  The four of us walk to the water taxi I chartered. It will take us to the Miami Marina, which is close to the restaurant.

  “It’s a gorgeous night,” Kyle remarks as he shields his eyes from the setting sun.

  It really is perfect. There’s a slight breeze, temperatures in the low eighties.

  KJ turns back to me as we make our way down the ramp to the boat. “Thank you for inviting us for the weekend. I think we should start every season like this,” she says with a laugh.

  “We can do that. Believe it or not, I don’t entertain much. I have had no reason until now to do so. Taking over has been a bit of an adjustment, to say the least.”

  KJ laughs as she takes a spot up against the railing her teammates. “Well, this will definitely be a transition year.”

  I move next to Kyle as we make our ten-minute ride over to the marina. As the skyline of Miami gets closer, I sense the excitement in my young team. I don’t blame them. If I were twenty years younger, I’d feel the same way.

  Fuck! Twenty years. What the hell am I thinking. Not only am I KJ’s boss, I’m also old enough to be her father. I’m so lost in chastising myself, I don’t realize we’ve docked.

  I thank the captain before ushering the team down the street. I watch as their eyes take in the buzz only Miami gives off.

  “Jesus, I’ve heard about the beautiful people in Miami, but I didn’t realize they meant everybody,” Franco says as he lets out a low whistle earning a snicker from Kyle.

  “Yeah, sure, Franco. I don’t believe you’ve never been to Miami before,” KJ says as she looks at the tall hotel ahead of us.

  “I didn’t drive the year they had the road race here.”

  I slap Franco on the back. “Well then, now’s your chance to check it all out. After dinner, we can make our way up to Ocean Drive.”

  KJ and Kyle are walking in front of us, arms looped together. I watch KJ. She looks so carefree and relaxed. Now, if I could just feel the same way.

  KJ

  The vibrance of Miami is palpable. Between the Art Deco and the half-naked people, my eyes try to take it all in. Suddenly I feel frumpy compared to the bikini-clad women. It’s almost sundown, so many are coming off the beach.

  Speaking of hot bodies. I almost tripped in the sky-high wedges when I made my way into the resort bar. It was Declan who caught my eye. The man can pull off casual just as well as he can a suit. Tonight, he’s wearing baby blue Bugatchi chinos with a white button-down shirt and Sperry boat shoes.

  I swear his salt and pepper five o’clock shadow has grown since lunchtime. There are unspeakable things I’d like to do with that stubble. Places I’d love to feel it rub against.

  “Hey, where are you right now?” Kyle asks with a tug of my arm.

  “Sorry. I’m just taking everything in.” I smile at him, trying to hide my embarrassment.

  We finally make our way into the restaurant, and it’s no less spectacular than what I’ve seen so far tonight. I notice the bar lights up as patrons place their drinks atop it. Jazz music plays in the background as the hostess guides our party to our table.

  Kyle takes his seat next to Franco as Declan pulls a chair out for me.

  “Thank you.”

  His manners are something I’m not used to when it comes to men. Guys my age are . . . ugh! They are all about themselves. But Declan is different. He still has those chivalrous ways about him.

  The table is quiet as we take in the scenery of the restaurant. Seated just on the edge of the outdoor area that overlooks the water, I notice it’s rocky but still stunning.

  A server approaches with our menus, and we order drinks—a wine spritzer for me.

  “The filet Oscar here is the best I’ve ever had. I’ll order a round of small plates first, and we can pick until you all decide.”

  With our server off to place an order of oysters and crab cakes, the four of us discuss a bit of strategy for the upcoming race.

  “When all is said and done, I just ask the three of you to do your very best. You’re the ones in control once in your cars. The crew and I will give you all the tools you need.”

  Over dinner, small talk ensues about our backgrounds. Yeah, we’ve spoken about them on the surface, but it’s nice to take our time and delve into what makes each of us passionate about racing.

  “You guys ready to head over to the club? I’ll get you there, and then I’m going to head out,” Declan proclaims as he pays the bill.

  I’m not surprised he doesn’t want to stay, but I am disappointed. It isn’t a chore hanging out with my sexy boss.

  “You have to stay and have at least one drink, Declan,” Franco admonishes.

  “One, and then I’m headed home.”

  Declan

  The club is packed as I knew it would be. Regret for having agreed to one drink sets in as we make our way to the last empty table in the place.

  My hackles rise as I watch many of the men turn their heads KJ’s way. Not that I blame them because she is stunn
ing, but their blatant looks of desire unnerve me.

  We order drinks from our server as the bass pumped music plays. The dance floor is filled with scantily dressed patrons, typical of the Miami nightlife. I watch as my three drivers make their way out onto the dance floor. They asked me to come, but I don’t dance, so I’m still nursing my shot of Jameson while never taking my eyes off KJ.

  Watching her dance is like watching a snake charmer. Her moves are mesmerizing. My cock is getting hard as I follow the sway of her hips as she moves to the music.

  My thoughts get lost in a series of pictures flashing before my eyes. First, it’s KJ on top of me. Second, I’m taking her from behind as I have her bent over my dining room table. Our hands and mouths consume each other.

  I’m so engrossed in my little dirty fantasies I don’t notice KJ walk up to the table and take a sip of her drink.

  “It’s crazy in here,” she yells over the techno music.

  “You look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

  She smiles a great big smile. “I love to let loose and dance. You sure you don’t want to come out there with us?” She motions to the dancefloor.

  “Oh, believe me. I’m quite sure. I should get going anyway.”

  She shrugs. “Suit yourself. I’m going to the ladies’ room and then back out there.”

  “Be careful, yeah?”

  “Always.”

  I watch every step she takes as she weaves through the crowd of writhing bodies. Just as she’s almost out of view, I see a man advance on her. Kyle and Franco don’t see it because they’re busy entertaining some women.

  The man in question looks to be about KJ’s age with slicked-back blond hair. He is shorter than she is, but KJ is on the tall side. He whispers something in her ear, earning a shake of her head. Again he tries to get her to give him an affirmative answer to whatever he said to her. My hands clench as I try to stay in my seat. The last thing I want to do is embarrass her.

  But when the asshole doesn’t take no for an answer and grabs KJ by the arm as she tries to walk past him, all bets are off. I’m out of my fucking chair and on him before he knows what to do.

  “Get your fucking hands off her, asshole!”

  My target releases KJ’s arm, causing her to almost fall to the floor. Luckily, she’s able to right herself before that can happen.

  Grabbing him by his shirt, I slam him back against the bar.

  “Declan!” KJ yells, but I tune her out, my attention squarely on the man in front of me.

  “Don’t you ever put your fucking hands on her, do you hear me? I saw her tell you no from clear across the club.”

  “Declan, it’s okay,” KJ says as she grabs my arm. “I’m okay.”

  “What the fuck is going on?” Franco barks.

  “What’s the matter, old man? Is she your daughter or something?” the asshole sneers.

  “Declan, please let him go before this gets out of hand. Please,” she pleads.

  Reluctantly, I let go of his shirt, but not without an extra shove for good measure. Lucky for him, his buddy pulls him away before I go back for another round.

  “You okay?” I ask, pulling her into my arms.

  She nods against my shoulder. “Yeah, he didn’t hurt me.”

  “Christ, I’m sorry we didn’t see what was going on,” Kyle stammers.

  She pulls out of my arms and smooths her dress down. “Before that asshole thought he could get me to leave with him, I was on my way to the bathroom. So, if you’ll all excuse me, I still need to use it.”

  Running my hand over my beard, I throw daggers at my two drivers. “Do you two think you can watch out for her tonight? Or do I have to stay and babysit?”

  I’m pissed. Not at them, really, but at the situation.

  “Of course you can. Kyle and I won’t let anything happen to her tonight.”

  Franco doesn’t like me questioning him. Too bad. He needs to say it, so I believe it. Frustrated, I need to leave before I do something stupid.

  “Make sure she gets back okay. I’ll see you both in the morning.”

  KJ

  I make my way into the restroom, still reeling from what just happened. I’m shaken up, but not because the asshole grabbed my arm. My body is on high alert because of the way Declan stood up for me. Is that even the right way to frame what occurred out there?

  My god, the fierceness by which he handled that guy was such a turn on. Yes, sure, I had to pee, but in reality, I needed to remove myself before I rubbed my hands all over Declan and made an ass of myself.

  Glancing in the mirror, I notice how flushed I am. He has a way of drawing out my primal need for him.

  I need to get a grip and fast. After reapplying my lipstick, I head back out to the dancefloor with the guys. It seems the two women they were dancing with have disappeared after the foray.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes, Kyle. I’m fine. I’d rather just forget about what happened and go back to enjoying ourselves.”

  Two hours and a few wine spritzers later, I’m ready to go. If I’m honest, it’s been boring without Declan here. Not that I want him to beat anyone up, but I miss talking to him. And yeah, I’m feeling a bit flirty.

  “You two about ready to go?”

  Franco nods. “We better go soon. We’re supposed to meet Declan at six for our fishing charter.”

  Crap. I forgot about that. Or perhaps I put it out of my mind because I don’t feel like getting seasick.

  As the three of us make our way to the water taxi, Franco is on his phone . . . again.

  “Are you texting my best friend?”

  “She texted me earlier, but I just now saw it.

  Huh? It’s so late for her to be talking to him. She definitely doesn’t stay up this late. “Everything okay?”

  “Andi had a date tonight, and she felt the need to tell me she was home,” he replies with a grin.

  I make a mental note to talk to my friend about giving Franco too much information.

  We load onto the taxi for the short ride back to Fisher Island. Kyle is too busy talking to a woman to notice, so I take this time to get an update on why my two friends are conversing.

  “You know the two of you together would be a disaster, right?”

  Franco sits back on the bench, giving me a hurtful look.

  Shit!

  “You keep saying that, KJ. I know I’ve had a rotating door of women in the past, but I really like Andi. I just want a shot with her, okay.”

  I blow out a sigh because I do feel like a bitch trying to warn them off each other, but I don’t want Andi to get hurt.

  “Sometimes the ones we don’t think are right for us actually are, KJ. Maybe I’m ready to get rid of my playboy reputation.”

  Maybe he’s right.

  I lean my head back against the railing as we pull into the dock. My mind replays what he just said, along with how Declan reacted tonight.

  Right or wrong, Declan and I have unfinished business.

  Declan

  I stare at the ceiling fan above me as it gently stirs the warm Miami night air. Silently, I chastise myself for letting that guy get to me. I tried to play it off as just protecting one of my employees, but the truth is I wanted to break his hands for touching KJ. The possessiveness I feel when I’m around her is going to be my undoing.

  The blue LED numbers on my clock mock me. It’s two o’clock—still early by Miami standards. I’m already counting down the hours until our fishing trip. I just hope KJ and the guys forget about my little outburst. Maybe they didn’t think about it after I left.

  Throwing my arm over my eyes, I try to block out the full moon illuminating the water outside my window.

  My cell phone pings with a text message. The only time I get messages at crazy hours is when my brother Patrick forgets we aren’t in the same time zone—or continent, for that matter. I grab my phone off my nightstand and am shocked to see a message from KJ.

  Kathy Jo Lennon: I’m do
wnstairs in the lobby.

  Immediately, I feel like something is wrong.

  Me: I’ll be right down.

  I throw a T-shirt and shorts on before heading down the elevator. When I get there, I’m relieved to see KJ is smiling. My heart is still pounding in my chest, but not from fear. It’s from the way she’s looking at me.

  I wonder if that’s how I look to her when the hunger inside me is clamoring to come out.

  “Everything okay?”

  She nods but says nothing.

  “Where are the guys?” I ask as I look over her shoulder.

  “They went back to the resort,” she announces as she slowly moves toward me.

  Get a grip, Declan. You’re entering dangerous territory. Too bad I don’t heed my own warning.

  “Why didn’t you go back with them? Too amped up from the club?”

  KJ moves a piece of her silken hair behind her ear as she casts her eyes to the floor.

  “I guess I wanted to find out what happened to you at the club.”

  Shit! I don’t want to lie to her, but I can’t let her know the truth either. Trying to both stall for time and get out of the lobby still buzzing with people, I make a mistake I should regret. When all is said and done, I know this is a turning point for KJ and me.

  “I don’t want to talk about it here. Do you want to come up?”

  A slow smile appears as she walks past me, right to the elevator door. I look up and pray for the strength to do what’s right, even when I desperately want to do the wrong thing.

  As I move up behind KJ, I reach around and press the button to my floor. I’m not sure if she does it purposely, but I’d like to think she leaned back against me because she feels the attraction between us too.

  Clearing my throat, I glimpse KJ swaying just a bit to her left. It’s a subtle movement, but I grab her by her waist anyway. “How much have you had to drink?”

  Before she can answer, the elevator door opens. Thankfully, no one else gets on but us.

  I gently guide her in with my hand on the small of her back. A small gasp escapes her lips. But that’s not her only telling sign as to what’s on her mind.