Chapter Eight
“So where’s the intriguing woman who’s kept you busy all these days?” Nico Giordano asked, pouring some more red wine into his glass. “It’s been impossible to get a hold of you, man.”
Zaine scanned the area around the outdoor restaurant in an exclusive area of LA. He’d left Monique with his credit card and express orders to buy as many outfits for the trip as she deemed suitable—a recommendation he also expressed to the personal stylist from the upscale department store nearby.
“She should be meeting us soon,” he said, after a quick glance at the surroundings. He imagined she’d walk between the many occupied round tables of the trendy place, collecting glances from the waiters and clients. “What have you been up to?”
“Work, man. Lots and lots of it. I’ve been spending more time in LA than New York lately,” Nico said. They had been buddies ever since they’d met in college, and Nico divided his time between his real estate investments in New York, which he managed with his brother Marco, and the new ones on the West Coast, mainly in California.
Zaine took a sip of his wine. “Yeah. I hear you.”
Nico drummed his fingers around his glass, then a glint of mockery touched his brown eyes. “So. This chick. How did you two meet?”
Zaine angled closer. “She used to be my housemaid. She’s a French student who’s been working to pay for a language course. Smart.”
Nico whistled. “A French maid. No wonder Doug said you aren’t allowed in his house with her.”
Zaine waved him off. The waiter came and brought some appetizers, then left. The mention of Doug brought a bad taste to his mouth. Not only was his friend in the middle of the gossip, but he was working with Ashley to steal this opportunity from him. “What else did he say?”
Nico shrugged. “He just said that your new girlfriend is stunning and his wife didn’t like her. But Paula doesn’t like most people.”
“Exactly.”
“And he mentioned he’s taking Lara Annick out for lunch in Honolulu.”
Shit. A lump of frustration lodged in his throat, but he swallowed. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. Listen, I’m tight with you and not as much with him. I told him as much.”
He brought his drink to his mouth. “Thanks, man. Turns out Doug isn’t just a yes-man, he’s also a weasel.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Lara is hard to get a hold of. I’ve seen her at a few events, but I don’t know her like Ashley does. I’ll call Ashley and explain I didn’t cheat on her while we were married. Maybe reiterating that will take her need to screw me away,” he said, making himself a mental note to act fast. He’d send her a copy of his cell phone bill to show her he hadn’t even called Monique until recently. Security cameras around the house to show Monique never visited or stayed longer than usual had to help too. Damn it.
“Hey, guys,” a female voice said. Emma’s.
Zaine tilted his head to find his baby sister sauntering toward them, waving. Well, baby sister no more, though he always thought of her as the toddler who kept stealing his special pencils to sketch Barbie doll costumes on her notepads.
“Little sister’s looking good,” Nico said, with an appreciative smile.
“She has a boyfriend,” he said, remembering Simon, the dentist she’d been dating for well over a year. “And even if she didn’t…if you’re fond of that nose of yours, stay the hell away from my sister,” he said in a steady, commanding tone. Nico’s stories involving women and the trail of broken hearts he left behind were legendary, but Zaine would punch his lights out before Nico added his sweet sister to the list.
“Hey, don’t worry,” he said, lifting his hands in surrender.
He gave his friend a nasty look, then his gaze darted back to his brunette sister.
“Hey, guys,” she said, pulling a chair and sitting next to them. “Is it okay if I sit with you? I was shopping and Simon has to work late. I saw you two from the sidewalk and thought I’d come in to say hi,” she said, draping her bag over the chair. “Hope I’m not interrupting some important man date.”
Nico chuckled. “Just catching up. Nice to see you. How have you been?”
“Busy,” Emma said, rolling her eyes. “I’ve been trying for a promotion at work, so I’ve been up at all kinds of crazy hours.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Nico said, scratching his chin. “Because you’re a translator? And you speak French.”
Zaine took a long drink and rocked back in his chair, already knowing where his friend was going with this train of thought. By now, Megan had probably already told Emma about running into a lady with a French accent in his home. He’d been surprised Emma hadn’t texted him the next day to drill him with questions. Not that he’d answer them, but shit, she sure always loved to be in the know.
The waitress came and Emma ordered a glass of sparkling wine and some more appetizers for munching. Most likely she’d still be here by the time Monique returned. Did it bother him? Seemed like his close-knit family would meet Monique by the time she left for France. They’d grow to like her, only to have to say goodbye to her and wonder why the relationship ended.
His chest squeezed for a moment, and he blamed it on the alcohol fast-tracking his cells. They had a deal in place for a reason.
His phone buzzed with a text from Monique. I’m on my way.
He texted okay and put his phone aside. A few minutes later, Monique sashayed into the place holding a few bags, and just like he had expected, men and women discreetly watched her. His pulse pounded, because he knew the smile forming on her plump lips was for him. And the way she swayed her round hips as she walked, making those denim jeans a lot more sinful than they were made to be, was all for him. A possessiveness crawled over him, and he almost considered taking her out of the restaurant altogether. She smiled at him, her eyes locking onto his, silently telling him she only wanted him. Passion roared through him, making him feel…
Stupid. Don’t think about this now. He stood and pulled a chair next to him. As she came closer, her feminine scent swirled around him, doing a number on him. They stared at each other, her smile reaching her beautiful green eyes. His cock strained against his pants, and he decided to sit down after her so he wouldn’t be so obvious.
Someone cleared their throat—possibly Emma—reminding him to introduce Monique officially to the group.
“Monique, this is my buddy Nico, and my other sister, Emma,” he said, gesturing with his hand.
A glint of male appreciation flickered in Nico’s eyes, and Zaine curled his fingers into a fist. Maybe that clocking will happen sooner rather than later. “Con piacere,” Nico said with that annoying Italian accent he used whenever he wanted to impress the ladies. “My pleasure. I’ve heard so much about you I feel like I already know you.”
“It’s not all true,” Monique said, winking at him. “Nice to meet you,” she said, stretching her hand to Emma.
“Hey.” Emma took her hand. “Megan really liked you. And she said you have a way with babies, so of course somehow our mother’s already been given the 411 about you.”
He rolled his eyes at his sister, slowly shaking his head, hoping he didn’t have to blackmail her so she’d shut up.
“Her baby is easy,” Monique said quickly and, thank God, dismissively. “What’s everyone drinking?”
“Simon and I are hosting a dinner next week. Do you guys want to come?” Emma asked as Monique finished her dessert. The happy hour had stretched into a lively dinner, and he, for once, had been pleased they all got along. Of course Zaine knew this meant Emma and Megan would pester him about the end of the relationship once Monique returned to France, but at least the impromptu dinner hadn’t been awkward in any way.
A flutter of excitement moved through him. Actually…quite the opposite. Monique held her own and took Emma’s teasing in stride. If she continued to live in LA, and they dated, he could see them meeting his family and Nico for dinners more often.
Don’t go there, a voice inside him warned. She’s not staying here. She’s too young and deserves to have the future she’s dreamed about. No way would he hook up with someone who didn’t know what she wanted and make the same mistake he’d made with Ashley. Wishing she truly wanted to build a family, a life with him didn’t mean she felt the same way.
“We can’t. We’re going to Hawaii,” he said.
“Are you going to the Annick party you mentioned some time ago? The one Doug is also attending?”
“Yeah,” Zaine said. Darn it. The sooner he straightened out things with Ashley, the better. Maybe Doug would still try for the bid, but without her backing his chances would diminish significantly.
“Is that for the hospital wing you want to name after Zachary?” Emma asked, her voice softer, and her brows came together in a compassionate expression.
He ran a hand down his face, suddenly feeling all their eyes on him. “We’ll see.” He’d mentioned building the wing to honor his twin brother to his sisters once, how he’d love to name the cancer wing of a successful hospital after him. They’d both loved the idea, but he hadn’t bothered to keep them updated, not until he knew he’d nailed the deal. Zachary hadn’t been a famous pianist, even though he had loads of talent. He would have loved to see his name somewhere, especially if that meant in an effort to help sick children.
“Who’s Zachary?” Monique asked.
“He was our brother, and Zaine’s twin. We lost him a couple of years ago,” Emma said.
“I’m so sorry.” Monique lightly stroked his forearm.
He didn’t want her pity, but settled for nodding and changed the subject. However, her eyes watched him the entire time, and he assumed she wanted to know more. When they said goodbye to Nico and Emma, then walked to the valet station, she said, “This trip to Hawaii means a lot then. It’s your chance to wow that lady and convince her to give you the project.”
He gave the valet the ticket, and the young man with tattooed arms quickly moved away from them to grab the car. Zaine glanced at Monique. “Yes.”
Quickly, the valet reappeared, driving his Lamborghini and parking it in front of them. Zaine opened the door for Monique, tipped the man, and then slid inside to find her still watching him, probably waiting for more. “What?” he asked, clasping the steering wheel.
“Why didn’t you tell me? You made me think it was a regular business trip.”
“It didn’t occur to me. I didn’t think it’d matter either way.”
“You know…if this thing between us is going to continue, you need to be honest with me. I won’t write a tell-all book about you, or conspire against you with your ex-wife. I have the right to know what goes on, though. I can’t stand deceit.”
“Fair enough.” He guessed he’d been without someone caring about what went on for so long, he didn’t think she’d mind. But she did mind… He kept his focus on the road, and stepped on the accelerator a tad harsher than needed. This whole sex-for-money charade would be a lot easier if she had no heart.
…
“You’re doing great, Monique,” her teacher, Mrs. Sandoval, said with a kind smile as she handed her the corrected test back.
Monique glanced at the A marked in red on the top of the page. “Thanks.”
Mrs. Sandoval glanced around them as most of the other English as Second Language students focused on doing their assignment. Then, she turned closer to Monique, saying, “You know, the way you’re going, you may want to try to take the proficiency test before you planned.”
“Really?” Monique sat up straighter on the chair. “But if I fail and need to retake it, I have to pay the fee again, right?”
Mrs. Sandoval shrugged. “I guess it’s a risk you take. But honestly, I doubt you’ll fail to score a high enough grade to secure your place at that organization you mentioned.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”
Monique clasped her pencil, moistening it with the sweat slicking her palm. Money was no longer a problem. With the stipend Zaine had given her for the first month they’d been together, she’d been able to send some money to her family in France and had more than enough left to support herself and pay extra fees for the test. If she left early though…she couldn’t expect him to pay her for a month if she’d be gone before he expected. Well, before she’d expected.
Think, Monique. Think. Why didn’t she feel like taking it? Because it meant she could get into the program sooner, and leave California—and Zaine a lot sooner. Her stomach sank to the floor, the idea squeezing around her neck like a poisonous, conniving snake. So what?
She really liked Zaine, but he didn’t feel anything for her other than pure sexual attraction. He had a hard time sharing stuff about himself, like she’d learned the previous week during that dinner with his sister and his friend.
Maybe she’d let fate decide. She’d take the test sooner, see how she performed and if it helped her secure the job she wanted. Her heart thumped wildly, and she shifted in her seat, reminding herself she was in a classroom and not on her daily jog. Crap. The simple fact the idea made her so nervous, made her body argue for common sense, should be enough of a red flag.
She’d begun caring for Zaine more than she’d intended, somewhere between spending all that time over at his house, making love with him, being the recipient of his passionate kisses and smiles.
It was high time she took control of the situation and her life again. She raised her hand to Mrs. Sandoval, who walked over. “Yes?”
“Where can I sign up for the test?” she asked.
Yep. She’d take the test as soon as possible, and after the class, she’d go to a sex shop she usually drove by on her way home. Plan to take control back in session.
Monique used the key Zaine had given her to enter his house. She’d been spending more time here than anywhere else, really. She usually drove over to her apartment to pick up more clothes or when her roommates summoned her to help on cleaning day, which she did even though she wasn’t around much to make any mess.
She found him in the kitchen putting a sandwich together. “Hey.”
He turned around. “Hey.”
She deposited the brown paper bag on the island and walked up to him.
“Are you all packed for Saturday?” he asked, reminding her they’d fly to Hawaii in two days.
“Yes,” she said. The new clothes he’d asked her to buy were neatly stacked in the luggage he’d been adamant about her using. She’d planned to use her own rather old and tattered suitcase, but he’d told her to use one of his many designer-label, Italian leather pieces.
But new clothes packed in a new suitcase couldn’t conceal the old baggage she carried. Sadness washed over her, knowing who she really was obviously didn’t make the cut for him. He wanted her to be more sophisticated, shinier, an object rather than a human being. He wanted her to be someone else. Even if she lived in LA for good, would they ever have a chance? No. Not without her having to compromise a whole lot to be Cavanaugh worthy. She shook her head. Take control. At least try.
“Good.” He pulled her into his embrace, smothering her with that crazy energy that pushed away any doubts or fears. He fused his lips with hers, and she wrapped her arms around him, loving the sense of safety and adoration that enveloped her whenever he was around. He slid his hand to the small of her back, sandwiching her between him and the island countertop.
“Zaine…”
He placed her on the marbled counter, intensifying his claim, his tongue stroking hers in relentless pursuit. Her pussy clenched with need, tingles surging through her.
Take control. Take control. She pushed his chest and broke the kiss, slipping off the counter before he had a chance to pull her against him again. “I’ve got something for us,” she said, reaching into the bag. The schoolgirl uniform and paddle were on the bottom, but somehow the setting didn’t seem right for that fantasy.
She reached for the tube of lubricant and used the tissue paper to hide the other contents. “I thought today we could do some fun touching,” she said, putting it on the counter. They hadn’t tried anal sex yet, but she wanted to warm him up—hell, warm them up—to the idea, and why not start now?
He lifted an eyebrow. “I’m all about fun.”
Groaning, he embraced her from behind, and she felt his powerful hard-on poking her. Take control. Take… “You’re a resourceful woman, Monique. Can’t say I don’t love that about you.”
The world seemed to spin around her, and her chest ached. What else did he love about her? He cupped her breasts, breathing into her ear, and her legs buckled as her control slipped away. Need pushed away her yearning for more than a casual fuck with Zaine. She wanted him to care for her, but she couldn’t deny the desire tugging low. And when he played with her taut nipples, everything went hazy.
Couldn’t she take the reins from him on a different day? Hell, she’d been so worried about having the upper hand in her life. What if with Zaine she simply let him take control for as long as they lasted? While he paid her and gave her a way to build the life she dreamed about? Was that so bad? Especially when the way he made her body thrum with hot, crazy cravings only he could satisfy?
“You’re thinking…” he said, kissing the side of her neck. “What do you wanna share?”
“Who says I want to share?”
He reached for the spatula on the island, and her clit throbbed, sending pulses of electricity through her as she envisioned his next move. With his other hand, he lifted her skirt, exposing her bottom. Moisture pooled onto her G-string, and she wondered why he didn’t just rip it off like he’d done many other times.
“Should I make you share?” He pressed the black spatula on her butt cheek, his voice carrying an edge.
She wiggled her ass against the cool plastic, and her pussy clenched, making her wetter than she’d ever been before. “I wondered if you wanted me to use the lube on you,” she said playfully, but she couldn’t hide the tremor in her voice. She wanted what she imagined he’d do next, but she didn’t know how far he’d take this game.
“I think we both know who’s going to need the lube.” He swatted her ass with the spatula, stinging her skin.
Monique’s breath hitched and she moaned, desire threading through her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Tingly sensations spread across her ass cheeks and engorged her clit, making it throb even harder. They may not be together for the long haul, or for any of the right reasons, but when he claimed her like this…she felt she belonged to him. And whether she’d admit it or not, she loved feeling cherished.
“You liked that, didn’t you?” He tugged at the sides of her underwear until her folds pressed hard into the fabric, the movement sending spirals of awareness to her pussy. “You want me to play with your asshole too.”
“Yes,” she said, her hips undulating in invitation, wanting to give herself to him this way and every way.
Damn it, the man knew how to play this game… She hoped at the end, she wouldn’t be the one losing. The ache in her chest intensified, radiating through her body while his fingers glided beneath her G-string, then flicked her clit. Exquisite waves of excitement warred with the pain squeezing her heart. What would her life be like after Zaine? How could she ever get used to regular guys again, when he’d made everything ordinary so deliciously extraordinary?
She whimpered, fighting to stay upright and not give in to her weakening knees or her emotions. She couldn’t let her heart love him when he’d never made that part of their bargain.
“Monique,” he called with urgency.
Urgent maybe, but he was still not ready to give up. Zaine twisted the sides of her underwear one more time, and she arched forward into the island as another zing of pleasure surged through her. What was happening to her?
Warm sweat covered her limbs, even though the room temperature was comfortable. At last, he ripped her G-string off her, and she sighed with relief. A draft swirled around her sex, making her incredibly exposed to him. Vulnerable, when he touched her she trusted him more than she should.
He parted her folds, playing with them, his fingers exploring and provoking. She bucked into him, wishing he’d strip off his sweatpants, though the heat of his cock spread through the fabric, raising the tension knotting inside her throat.
She pressed her cunt into his hand, wanting, needing so much more. With a sexy growl, perhaps sensing her eagerness, he grabbed the lube away from her view. She heard him open the tube and squirt some out. When he touched her again, he parted her cheeks a bit, and she felt the warm lube on his fingers. He placed his fingers close to her back entrance, giving her time to get used to the sensation.
He resumed caressing her folds, stimulating her until her insides sizzled and twisted. Yes, oooh yes. She moved back and forth, her breath coming out in small gasps. He flicked her engorged clit, and currents of pleasure began to form.
She didn’t know when he started to move his finger into her hole, distracted by the dizziness and throbbing of her heart. “Zaine. Zaine, I’m so close.”
“Come, baby. Come apart for me.”
He added a second finger to her hole, working it in and out, while thrusting the fingers of his other hand into her soaking wet pussy. An awareness pinched at her, but once she focused on the warm sensation the lube provided, and how good the in-and-out friction was, she relaxed.
She’d never done this…having a man touch both entrances at once.
He intensified the flicking of her clit, and she could no longer take the pressure expanding inside her. She thrust her head back and gave in to the inner explosion, letting her body quiver as pleasure sent insistent, trembling waves through her.
Maybe she wasn’t in full control where Zaine was concerned. Hell, he’d been in charge and it’d felt amazing. He owned her body when they screwed. What could she do, though, to keep from losing her heart to him?