“I’ve never come that much in one time.” Nadja blushed, pulling the bedding over her body.
“Don’t cover yourself from me.”
“Sorry, habit.”
“We’ll form new habits.” He linked his hand in hers and brought it to his lips.
“Are you staying?”
“Do you want me to go?” He pulled the condom off, dropped it into the trash and walked to her bathroom, giving her privacy to decide. A minute later, he found the washcloths and wet one with hot water. She looked lovely, relaxed and glowing after being consumed with passion. Gingerly, he swiped the warm cloth over her and placed a kiss on the inside of her thigh.
“No. Please stay.”
Satisfied for the moment, and with her answer, Donato moved to the bathroom and placed the cloth in the hamper. After washing his hands, he returned to the bed and climbed on, pulling her body flush against his. “There are no more issues with your lack of sexiness?” he asked, stroking her hair.
Nadja shrugged and sighed, snuggling into the curve of his body.
“We’ll have to work on those issues of yours. You’re damn sexy, doll.” He pulled a coverlet over them and wrapped his arms around her.
Chapter Three
Caufield First National Bank opened at eight-thirty sharp Monday morning. After spending forty-eight hours in bed with the most sensual woman he’d ever met, there was a loose end to tie up. Donato and Tomas haggled over how to make Mr. Sheffield pay for his lack of manners at the club the previous Friday. Breaking down the door to his house and beating him senseless held much appeal, but it was too short lived. He decided to pursue other means of restitution. Sure, he could’ve filed a police report. However, that wasn’t his way.
Wearing shades and dressed in a high-end business suit, Donato entered the bank carrying a briefcase, with Tomas directly behind him. Busy typing, the gatekeeper, a young woman sitting at her desk wearing a switchboard earpiece, was oblivious to their arrival. He crossed over to her and rapped on the desk to gain her attention.
Offering her a debonair smile that showed off his pearly white teeth, he spoke. “Excuse me, miss, my assistant and I are here to see Mr. Sheffield.”
The secretary checked the list of appointments. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Sheffield doesn’t have any appointments this morning.”
“You can ring him and tell him Donato Falcone is here, or I’ll walk back and see myself in.”
“That’s highly improper, Mr. Falcone. He adheres to a strict schedule.”
Donato nodded. “It’s not my wish to cause you distress or bring any trouble to you. I’ll see myself in to avoid you being chastised.” He strode past her as she sputtered, Tomas following directly behind him, both of them entering the bank president’s office without knocking.
The shocked look on the man’s face was priceless. Donato smiled. “Mr. Sheffield, so nice to see you again. I trust you got home safely?”
“You. You can’t just walk in here. This is a business,” Sheffield stuttered and closed the files on his desk.
“Tomas, ensure our meeting isn’t interrupted.” Donato sat his briefcase on the man’s desk, his attention flickering to Tomas leaning against the wall with his beefy arms crossed, a scowl on his face. “We have business to discuss. In light of your ill treatment of one my employees, I’m here for restitution.” Donato fought not to chuckle as the man’s face visibly paled.
“What do you want from me?”
“First, an apology note for manhandling Ms. Mederios.”
Mr. Sheffield nodded profusely.”I can do that. Will that be all?” He shrank away from Donato.
“Not by any means. Did you think you’d get off that easy for leaving bruises on a young woman’s arm in your drunken stupor? I should break something. Which would you be willing to go without, your left or right hand?” He pasted a sinister expression on his face and laced his words with angry contempt.
“Oh, God. Don’t kill me. I swear it won’t happen again.”
Donato hated men without backbone or substance, but he really hated whiny little boys pretending to be men. He snarled at the man before speaking. “Luckily, I have something more beneficial in mind to soothe the insult you dealt me. Two charities, deserving of two rather generous checks, now.”
“But I can’t, I don’t—”
“You will, and you can. I’d settle for ten thousand a piece. Your wife won’t miss it and your bank account can stand it. No one needs to know you like to abuse women or cheat. Our families come from old money.”
“This is extortion. I could have you arrested.”
“Is it? I could be bluffing. I see this as a private meeting between two entrepreneurs, coming together for a greater purpose. Now here’s your choice…I might beat the shit out of you for what you did, or you can choose to be a good citizen and redeem yourself by writing two checks for charity.” Donato handed him the slips, one for a battered women’s shelter, the other for music needs in poverty-stricken school districts. “The decision is yours. Imagine explaining to those around you why you were kicked out of my club, and how some accident has left you with broken bones and a smashed-in face. No missing wallet, no missing jewelry, just an ass-whooping that you’d be hard pressed to recover from in a few days. How do you explain to your board of directors, wife and children you propositioned my woman, and when she asked you to step away you grabbed her hard enough to leave marks? I wouldn’t wait too long—my generosity runs due course in two minutes.”
“This would end my career here on the board, and my wife would leave me this time.” He looked over at the other man. “Why’s he here?”
“Tomas? He’s my insurance policy, keeps me from doing stupid things, like kicking the shit out of women beaters. Truth is he wanted to light a fire under your ass, but witnessing such generosity to two very needy organizations must be documented and sent out via the Internet. Your wife will be impressed, the bank will boast of your good nature. We are the only ones who’ll know the truth."
“I’ll do it.”
“Smart man.” Donato waited and accepted the two checks. He took out a receipt book and scribbled text and signed. “One more thing. Claim this for a tax break, and I will be back. The outcome will be your worst nightmare come to life. Thank you for your fine giving nature. Hope to see you again, anywhere else but at my club.” Donato smirked and closed his briefcase. “Let’s not do this again. You’ll find I’m not a pleasant man to cross. Tomas—” Donato paused at the door. “The apology note better arrive at the club within the week. I’d suggest some pretty yellow flowers with it. Females like it when they receive flowers.” Donato exited the office and winked at the secretary.
“That went well,” Tomas said.
He was pretty happy with the conclusion.
“I thought he was going to piss himself when you crossed your arms and scowled at him.”
“Like I was gonna let you have all the fun. Think he’ll renege?”
“Nah, he’s not stupid, just weak. He’ll take the glory of being photographed and interviewed by the papers for donating.”
“You musta been one scary ass mo in the military.”
“No, just a soldier…always a soldier.”
“Let’s get going. I have to meet Nadja.” Donato climbed into his Hummer and buckled up, waited for Tomas to do the same, and entered traffic.
“So ya’ll are a thing now?”
“Yes. We have to map out her photo shoot next month.”
“Damn, the boys are gonna be bummed.”
“What boys?”
“The single ones, boss. The bartenders and security team will be low in spirits now. No one could get a word in edgewise with her but your uncle, you lucky son of a bitch.”
“Yeah, well, chica has serious issues with self-esteem. I’m going to have one helluva time breaking each one down.”
“You always did love a challenge.”
“What’s the package in the backseat?”
; Donato grinned. “Nothing for you,” he said, as he pulled into Tomas’ driveway. “See ya later, bro.”
“Yeah, you watching the game today?”
“Damn straight.” He pulled off, heading to Nadja’s place. Ten minutes later, he parked, grabbed her package, jogged up to the door and rang her bell.
“Who is it?”
“You have a package, ma’am.” God, he loved her voice and how she peeked out the curtained window before opening the door.
“I knew it was you!” She opened the door, letting him in. “The food is prepared, your beer is in the living room and the game just started.”
“Open it.”
Nadja tore the bow off and ripped the box open. Her eyes went wide with delight, pleasing him. She held out his favorite hockey jersey. The shirt’s hem would barely go past her luscious ass, always giving him a perfect view of her thighs and the undercarriage of her ass cheeks. Her squeal of delight tickled him, and then she was in his arms, kissing him, thanking him for the perfect gift.
Against All Odds
Chapter One
Sweat dripped down Derek’s face, though he didn’t stop his stride. Not when the incline on the treadmill urged him to run faster, to pound on the rubber mat, albeit with light feet. Icy cold loomed outside his condo. The kind of frigid weather that froze his balls the moment he opened the door. Running outside tempted him, though the thought of slipping on ice covered pavement deterred him.
Deja plagued his mind. Four months of dating the skittish woman and he was no closer to gaining her trust than he’d anticipated. Extreme measures called for a drastic solution. First, he needed a way past her wall of sheer stubbornness. The chirp of his Bluetooth interrupted his thoughts.
“Tresvant.”
Derek punched the cool down button and slowed his jog to a brisk walk. News of a new venture piqued his interest. Phil, his accountant rambled off his latest find. “It’s for sale now?” Raising his hands over his head, he took a breath as his heart rate decelerated. Numbers spun in his head and he took them apart with systematic strategy. “Put an offer on the table, pending a thorough look at the books for the last five years. I want those documents to me within twenty-four hours. The brewery? It’s tripled the amount of capital I put in two years ago. Let’s give it another year and then I’ll sell.” He swiped the towel off the hand rest as he stepped off the workout machine. Hell, if he sold the brewery Deja could point out he no longer had a reason to put down roots in her hometown.
“Where are we at with the real estate? Hmmm. Go ahead and sell the place. I have no desire to hold onto the property. All the changes I implemented were made. The complex is rehabbed. Let’s find a corporation interested in buying. No…I want top dollar. Yeah, don’t back down. If they press for a lower price, say you’ll think about their offer. Remind them there are other prospective buyers who’ve taken an interest at the set price.” Derek grinned. “You’re doing a damn fine job Phil. How’s the weather?”
Derek stepped into his master bedroom and sat on the edge of his bed. “Damn, I miss the heat. There are no buildings to protect a person from the cold here. I swear the wind chills you to the bone. I’m tired of freezing my ass off.” Phil chuckled on the other end. Nice to be so amusing to others. Derek thought before replying. “Nah, there are perks to being here, plus business opportunities not available elsewhere. Look, I gotta go. I’ll check in with you later this week to see how things are going.” He clicked off his Bluetooth, pressed the button to open his closet, and grabbed dark blue worn washed jeans and a flannel shirt. Tossing the hangers on his bed, he was moving to the shower when his Bluetooth chimed again. “Tresvant.”
“Hey beautiful.” Derek tossed his socks and boxers on the bed. Her tone worried him. “What? Where are you?” He listened to Deja give her location and grimaced. “You should’ve known better than to leave your place. Are you hurt? What, you don’t think so? Call 9-1-1. Deja. A bump on the head can be dangerous.” The more he listened, the more she aggravated him. “Fine. Stay on the phone with me until I reach you. If I think you’re falling asleep I’ll call 9-1-1 myself.”
Anger surged through him as he hurriedly shrugged into his clothing and found his boots. “Calm down. No, I’m not yelling at you. I’m concerned. Deja—listen. Get in your car and lock the doors. Can you crank the engine on?” While waiting for her answer, he grabbed his coat, gloves, hat and keys. “Good. Are there any odd odors coming from the car?” Questioning her would keep her lucid enough until he reached her side. Derek let himself out of the condo and paused before giving her more instruction. “Now turn on your heater. Can you tell me if warm air comes out of your vents?” After a few moments she reported her heat worked. “Good, that’s one less thing to worry about. Did you put the blanket kit in your trunk?”
Her silence told him she hadn’t done as he told her. Hell, he grew up on the West Coast and knew to be prepared. Prevention meant being prepared. He held his breathe before counting to ten. “I’m on my way, don’t fall asleep. Just sit tight. Do not get out of your car,” he reiterated, ready to take off like a bat out of hell to reach her.
Time moved slowly or so it seemed as he climbed into his four wheel drive. After checking the chains, he wished he’d had the foresight to purchase studded tires for her or a better set of snow tires, but he had good tire traction and warranty still in effect. Heat blasted him in the face and he reached down to adjust the setting. By the time he got on the highway ramp irritation began to fade. What else did he expect from his Deja…She never planned for anything, but ran full speed ahead. He’d be lying to say he wouldn’t have her any other way. Getting her to listen and take some advance measures would be ideal, however, it wasn’t in her personality so he couldn’t begrudge her.
Jammed traffic prevented him from getting to her in a timely manner. Frustration at the twenty minute wait seized him before he pulled up to her vehicle. After turning on his hazard lights, he looked for oncoming traffic. What she’d told him wasn’t half as bad as he’d expected.
Derek braved the cold, trekked over to the car and rapped on the window. Relief crossed Deja’s face as she rolled it down a bit. The bump looked big. Her pallor worried him.
“I’m so sorry to drag you out in this. I hit a patch of ice.” Deja stepped out of her car on wobbly legs.
Derek took in her attire. “Aren’t you cold?” He slipped his gloves off and ran his fingers over the knot on her forehead, feeling the heat emanate under his fingertips. “That’s a nasty bump. Let’s get you in my truck. We can take care of your car later.”
One look at her stiletto boots told him she would break her fool neck if she attempted to walk on the shoulder of the road. “You should really dress for the weather.” Derek bit the tip of his tongue and picked her up unceremoniously. The ice made walking difficult. He cradled her body against his awkward gait best he could. That she was about to speak didn’t escape his notice. He left her in the passenger seat with a smile on his face when she didn't say a word. He pulled out a blanket from behind his seat. “Cover up.”
Thick chunks of snow covered her hood and the passenger side, but both appeared undamaged. He deduced he’d have to call in a tow and headed back to his vehicle.
Once again, hot air blasted him as he climbed in next to Deja.
“Thank you Derek.” She refused to meet his eyes, looking out the window to her broken car. No doubt mad at him for his attitude. He was pissed she was pissed, what a pair they made.
Crazy woman. He cut his eyes to her and slipped on his safety belt. “Strap up.” While waiting, he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, and then using precaution, moved into traffic.
“I wasn’t expecting to get stuck.”
“I’m not up to arguing Deja. We don’t live in California. It’s below zero. Fashion is cute and all but is it worth hypothermia or dying for?”
“Don’t lecture. I’m a grown woman. I can wear what I damn well want. I have a coat on. I have boots on
. I expected to get in and out in a covered garage. Accidents happen.”
“That is not a real coat.” He referred to the thin material hugging her body, the only closure a belt tied at the waist. You'd think someone with her connections could find a stylish parka to keep her warm. “It’s below zero outside,” he reiterated.
“I had a fashion meeting,” she snapped.
“Of all the stupid—” Derek bellowed at her.
Guilt washed over him when he noticed Deja wince and cover her eyes with her arm. Maybe he was being too harsh on her with the current circumstances. Hadn’t he said he didn’t want to argue or fight?
“I’m sorry.” Derek didn’t mention how the call saying she’d slid into solid wall of snow scared the shit out of him. Imagining finding her dead brought out the part of him he’d thought he’d conquered or at least suppressed. “You have to think more, beautiful. Watch the news and go from there to learn if you need to cancel your appointments during inclement weather. You could’ve frozen your pretty ass off at the least…the worse, flipped into a mangled mess. I could’ve been visiting you in the morgue. Not here picking you up safe and sound. Every man hates not being able to protect their woman, I’m not any different.” He patted her leg to reassure himself she was okay, then put both hands on the wheel.
Twenty minutes later, he parked at the entrance of the closest emergency room. “Let’s go get your head looked at. When we’re settled in there I’ll look for a tow company.” Kissing her cheek before exiting, he strode around to her side, glad the trucks had plowed the hospital parking lot. Once he had her in his arms again, he carried her inside the hospital and settled her into a chair. A triage nurse had him sign in while she took Deja’s vitals. Derek took a second to breathe and rein in his emotions now that she was being looked at. Deja didn’t need the lecture, he just couldn’t stop the words from leaving his mouth.
Only Skin Deep Page 6
