by Mika Lane
She was just so hot in her uniform, which stretched across her huge tits and accentuated her small, trim waist. She reached up, hooked her hands behind my head, and began kissing my neck.
But instead of devouring her as I would have in the past, my arms hung at my side, frozen.
All I could think about was Nara.
Shit. I removed Sonya’s arms from my neck.
“I’m so sorry,” I told her. And I left.
* * *
That night on my way home in the limo, I called my brother. “Dalt,” I said when he answered.
“Bro. Good to hear your voice.”
“Hey, I’m ready to take some action on the hotel business,” I said.
“Yeah? What did you have in mind?” he asked.
“Couple things. One, I want to connect with your investors who are interested in San Francisco. And two, I think I’m gonna have my lawyer write up papers to buy out my partners’ shares in the hotel here.”
He exhaled hard. “Wow. Do you have the cash?”
“I’m not sure. That’s why I was hesitating. I’ll have to liquidate some investments, which I was trying not to do. But it’ll be fine. I’ll get those douches off my back and out of my life.”
Dalt breathed a laugh. “You probably should have done that from the get-go.”
“Yeah, you’re right. But partnering with them seemed like the right thing to do at the time. I know better now, since I discovered their plans to fuck me over.”
“Sounds like you know what you’ve got to do, Bro.”
* * *
Once home, I found the apartment painfully empty without Nara, and yet, her essence was as strong as if she’d never left. Her faint perfume filled the air, a few of her long hairs lie on her pillow, and the glass by the side of the bed bore a hint of her lipstick. God, I was turning into a pussy.
I wasn’t sure whether I’d blown it with her, but my pride was chafed that my efforts had gotten me into hot water. I’d honestly thought I was doing the right thing in threatening Simon, and the caveman part of me was pissed she didn’t appreciate it.
But the modern me realized that a woman as smart and accomplished as Nara didn’t need my rescuing. Hell, she developed her own software app and founded her own company. Sure, she’d married herself into a corner with a soulless prick, but she’d find her way out. Just like I’d find my way out from under my business partners, and the HWE partnership.
Chapter 25
Nara
I was beside myself that Brodie interfered with my problems and threatened Simon. For one, I didn’t think any amount of threats would scare that little weasel off—that’s how strong-willed he was. And second, where the hell did Brodie get off anyway? How could he possibly have thought I’d be okay with one of his henchmen tracking Simon down and putting the fear of god into him? Life just didn’t work that way. At least, not for me.
I wasn’t sure what to do. Pissing off Simon was like whacking a hornet’s nest with a baseball bat. You might be trying to kill the damn thing, but you only ended up making matters worse. That about summed up the man who was my husband. Faux husband. I couldn’t risk having him ruin me. I needed to find a way to raise the ten grand. Ten grand I simply didn’t have.
So there was that. But I was actually more furious with myself than with Brodie. I’d vowed not to get involved, and then I had fallen into his rich, sexy clutches. I mean, no one had ever flown me in a freaking helicopter to the freaking Hamptons, for freaking dinner. My vain ass had gotten sucked in by flattery and treats. I knew better than that.
Mommy Knows needed me. And I needed it. I didn’t want some guy to throw a wrench into my hard-fought plans for world domination in the area of dirty baby diapers.
I knew what I had to do.
* * *
Simon’s number rang and rang. So I left a voicemail message.
“Hey, Simon, it’s Nara. Listen, Brodie told me he sent someone to talk to you, and I just wanted you to know I didn’t know about it until just now. I’m sorry he harassed you. Will you call me to talk?”
I didn’t know what would come of my effort to reach Simon. I suspected it wouldn’t be anything good, but I had to at least try to keep things from getting worse.
* * *
Joi popped into my cube and made herself at home like she always did.
“What’s up, bitch?” she said, laughing.
“Hey, don’t say that so loudly here. It’s not a good example for the rest of the team. We’re in management, remember?”
She rolled her eyes. “Management shmanagement. They’re cool,” she said, waving her hand around in her no big deal manner.
But it was a big deal. I was trying to build a damn company. She was my best friend, but sometimes I wondered if she understood what a great opportunity we were on the brink of.
I changed the subject to something that would not include her calling me bitch.
“So how’s the wedding planning?” I smiled to show how interested I was. Not.
She brightened. Because, of course. “Ohmygod, I’m super excited. Just two more weeks. And”— she paused as if waiting for a drumroll—“I’ve lost five more pounds.”
She was looking a little drawn. “Just don’t lose any more weight. Your boobs will become concave.”
Her hands flew to her chest. “Eh. I never had much in that department. We’re not all as lucky as you,” she said, pointing at my chest.
“Speaking of lucky,” she continued, “what’s up with your hotel guy? He sweep you off your feet, yet?”
I told her about his tracking down Simon to “put the fear of god in him.” Whatever that meant.
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “No way! After he punched him out? He doubled down!”
“I guess he did,” I said flatly.
“That is super hot.” It took her a moment to realize I felt differently. “Wait. You’re not happy about him stepping in?”
“Not everyone wants to date a caveman,” I explained.
She shrugged. “Suit yourself. He sounded like a nice guy. I’m sure his intentions were good.” She stood to leave. I wondered what work she wasn’t getting done by hanging out with me. But then, I wasn’t getting any work done, either.
I shook my head. “He was a nice guy. But it’s over now.”
“Ugh. You’re an idiot sometimes.”
What? Jesus…
I chafed at her name-calling. But maybe she had a point.
“Well, he pissed me off. Like I couldn’t handle my own shit.” I looked up at her. “I founded my own company, for heaven’s sake.”
“Yeah, but you also broke the law with a fraudulent marriage. You’re not perfect, just like he is not,” she said.
Fraudulent marriage. Those very words made the acid in my stomach churn. Mercilessly. Shoulda-woulda-coulda.
“How I wish I could do that whole bit over.” I buried my face in my hands.
“Well, you can’t. Time to face the music. Call Simon’s bluff. I don’t think he’ll expose you, because he’d be deported. And if he did try to ruin you, I don’t think he could. You have a stellar reputation and a strong product. You might get fined by the INS, and that would suck, but I think your business partners would stand behind you. I know everyone here at the company would.”
Tears stung at my eyes. Shit, I didn’t want to cry over this. But it had added so much stress to my already overloaded life. I was just done with it.
Joi saw my misery and sat back down.
“You can do this,” she said.
Now, the tears were pouring down my cheeks. Might as well get them out. I no longer gave a shit if anyone else in the office could hear. I was overdue for a pity party.
“I got out of that godforsaken little town I grew up in, but I keep getting pressured to go back. I sold my soul for ten grand, and now, I’m on the brink of being punished for that. My software app is still buggy, and can confuse the difference between pee and poo.”
Joi and I looked at each other. She was clearly trying to suppress a smile, and in doing so, her shoulders were shaking. Then, a smile exploded on my face, and as hard as I tried not to laugh, a snort escaped my nose. Joi broke out into ear-splitting guffaws, and I followed. The harder we laughed, the harder it was to stop, until we were left gasping for air.
Mimi poked her head around the corner. “All good here?”
Unable to answer, I just nodded. She looked from me to Joi, rolled her eyes, and left.
Joi was right. Brodie was only trying to help me. I don’t know yet if he’d done more harm than good, but his intentions were clear.
And he liked me.
* * *
Not thirty minutes later, Simon returned my call. But for the first time, I was ready to face him.
“Simon!” I couldn’t have been more cheery.
“Well, if it isn’t my darling wife,” he growled. Oops, looks like the hornet’s nest was indeed irritated.
“Simon, I’m sorry about Brodie. He’s such a hothead. I couldn’t believe he slugged you like that.”
Actually, I could totally believe it. What I couldn’t believe was that I’d never done it myself.
In my most wide-eyed, innocent voice—if I even had such a thing—I said, “You weren’t hurt, were you? I really hope you’re okay.” The sweetness was sickening. And one hundred percent phony.
“I got my nosed plowed in, and you’re asking if I’m fine?”
“It’s terrible he did that,” I purred sympathetically. “I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“Bollocks, Nara. And I’m sure you know what happened after that.” His fury pounded in my ear.
“He did tell me he sent someone to speak with you. I don’t know much more than that. But I didn’t put him up to it, and in fact, I am pissed at him for interfering.”
“Yeah, right. But it doesn’t matter. I’m going to Page Six to tell them their auction date darling is actually a felon. All of New York will be interested in that story.”
I swallowed hard, and then did the hardest thing I’d ever done. “Go ahead, Simon. Feel free. I’m not paying you. Ever.”
Silence.
“Okay, Nara. Have it your way. You’ll be sorry, you will!”
Nope.
“If you don’t sign the divorce papers, I’ll be calling the INS, and you will be deported,” I added calmly.
I pictured him sputtering and spewing, having a temper tantrum, and then being swallowed up by the Earth like Rumpelstiltskin. If only.
His voice escalated to a scream, forcing me to hold the phone away from my ear. “You little bitch. I’ll ruin you!”
“No, Simon, you won’t. I will ruin you. I may be fined, but I will remain in the United States. You, however, will not. So let me know what you decide. You know how to reach me.”
As I went to hang up, the phone exploded in a string of obscenities so long and loud I couldn’t make out a single one of them. But that didn’t matter. Not anymore.
Brodie had overstepped his bounds. But he’d succeeded in pushing mine. I never would have told Simon off without him.
Chapter 26
Brodie
For the first time in a long time, I had some clarity. I called my broker to liquidate a big part of my investment portfolio, so I’d have the cash to buy out my partners. It was hard to do, but it wouldn’t break me. Then I called my lawyer to put things in motion.
“Joe. Thanks for taking my call,” I said.
“Always happy to hear from my favorite client. Hey, the guy you hit dropped the charges against you.”
“Great. That’s a relief. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It wasn’t hard to get him to do. Funny how fast he changed his mind,” Joe said.
It wasn’t funny to me, but my attorney didn’t need to know that.
“So what else is happening?” he asked.
“I’ve decided what to do about Evershire and Wooten. I’m going to buy them out,” I stated. Hotel Vertigo was part of my family, and part of me. They weren’t taking it away.
I heard a low whistle. “Now you’re talking. Let’s take them on.”
Relief washed over me. I hadn’t been sure Joe would support the move.
“All right. Can you start with filing the paperwork? I’m getting the cash together right now,” I said.
“Sure thing, buddy. I’ll round up the team and we’ll get right on it.”
“Thank you. I can always count on you.” When everything went down with my dad, Joe was one of the people who stuck by my family. You keep people like that around.
“Brodie, how long have I known you?”
“Long time, Joe.”
“How about since you were a little kid? I’d do anything for your dad, or for you. You know that.”
I choked down a lump in my throat.
“Thank you,” I said simply.
“Now you know what you need to do. Get the actuary going on valuing the business. Everything else will fall into place.”
I hoped he was right.
* * *
Next stop of the day was to make another situation right. I had the limo take me uptown to Nara’s office.
I walked into a typical tech firm, with walls painted a mish-mash of bright colors, cubicles for miles, and cheap Ikea furniture. It was textbook perfect.
A cheery receptionist greeted me.
“Hello! What can I help you with?”
“I’m Brodie Harcourt to see Nara Kincaid.”
Her smile was blinding. “Does she have a meeting scheduled with you, Mr. Harcourt?”
“No. No she doesn’t. I’m a friend. I hope she can see me for a few minutes.”
That changed her demeanor, and she looked me up and down.
“I see. Hold on one sec.” She disappeared through a door. I could hear her on the other side of it. Her voice was muffled, but enthusiastic, nonetheless.
The door flew open. It was Nara, wearing her usual uniform, but with her hair piled on her head, held in place with a pencil. How did she do that?
“Brodie,” she said hesitantly. She broke into a smile and drew me into a hug.
Maybe I wasn’t in as much trouble as I’d thought.
“Could we go somewhere to talk?” I asked.
“Yeah. Let’s do that. I’ll grab my purse, and we can get a drink at Bella Stella.”
Ten minutes later, we settled into the bar where we’d met for the first time. It seemed like a year had gone by since then, even thought it had only been a few weeks. A lot had happened—for both of us.
I ordered us a couple drinks—bubbly for her, and scotch for me. But I didn’t even wait for them to be served.
“I wanted to talk to you,” I started.
Her eyes widened. “Funny. I wanted to talk to you, too. And then you showed up at my office.”
We looked at each other for a moment, not sure where to go next.
So I dove in. “I’m sorry I got involved with your Simon problems. I never should have done that. You’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself.”
Her mouth opened and closed a couple times before she could say anything.
“Oh gosh, Brodie,” she sputtered. “Thank you for saying that. I’m sorry I came down on you so hard. You did something I didn’t want you to, but you were only trying to help. Instead of losing my shit, I should have thanked you for caring. And then lost my shit.” She laughed.
Now it was my turn to be speechless.
“Thank you. Wow. I…I didn’t expect that.”
“So,” she said with a smile. “Let’s move on from this. Okay?”
Shit, yeah.
“Speaking of moving on, are you free tonight?” I asked.
“No, but I’d love to get together,” she said, smiling.
“Okay. That was confusing. But I’ll take it as a yes.”
“Yes,” she said. “It was a yes.”
* * *
I picked her up at eight. She walk
ed out of her office building looking slamming as always with those never-ending long legs on skyscraper heels, and her uniform, which she wore painfully well.
She slipped into the limo next to me and laid a big kiss on my lips. As usual, my dick twitched in my pants as if to remind me it was there. Down, boy.
“Hello, beautiful,” I said.
Even in the low light I was able to see her blush. “Hey there,” she answered with a smile.
“What do you feel like doing?” I asked.
She rubbed her chin for a moment. “I know! Let’s do something naughty. I’m in the mood for naughty.”
She looked to me like I was the expert in naughty, so I closed the window between the driver and us. “What put you in that mood?”
“Well,” she said. “We just got over a major hurdle with the Mommy Knows software. I’m feeling very confident and gutsy.”
“No kidding. What was the hurdle?”
“It was that one I told you about, where the dirty diaper sensor was reading wrong. It was mixing up its signals. And that’s all you really want to know,” she said, laughing.
“Okay. I think you’re right. Dirty diapers are not really conducive to a naughty night out.”
“I don’t suppose they are. Actually, unless you absolutely have to, I’d recommend not talking about them at all, ever. Unless you’re dealing directly with one and have no choice,” she said.
Nothing like a smart girl with a sense of humor.
“Okay then,” I said. “How naughty do you want to go?” My dick was getting harder by the second.
“Gosh, I don’t know. Are there a lot of options?”
Oh, my sweet, sweet girl.
“You’re in freaking New York City, baby. The options are endless,” I explained.
“Really? Well I guess I’ve been living under a rock.”
“All right. First option. We could go to a strip club. A nice one, not a divey one,” I offered.
“Oh, that’s an idea. I’ve been to a strip club once before. On a dare,” she added.
“Or…we could go to a sex club,” I ventured, not sure how that would go over.
