P art One

C hapter One

A mber Duplas squinted at her oldest and dearest friend as he handed her a plate of perfectly cooked eggs. “Nox Renaud, you are a pain in my ass .”

Nox, his green eyes amused, grinned at her. “Well then, my work here is done. But why ?”

Amber sighed and bunched her auburn hair up into a ponytail. “You’re one of the wealthiest land owners in New Orleans, an incredibly successful businessman, and —according to Forbes—one of the world’s most eligible bachelors. And yet you stand in your own palatial kitchen…” she gestured around the vast room, “cooking me eggs for brunch yourself. Haven’t you heard of chefs ?”

Nox shook his head. He was used to this line of questioning from Amber. “You know I don’t like a lot of people around me , Ambs .”

Amber forked some egg into her mouth, almost swooning at the taste. “Which is why you’re a pain. I’m worried that you’ll become a hermit .”

“I think hermithood arrived a while ago,” Nox said, mildly. “Look, I know you mean well, but I’m nearly forty, and I’m set in my ways. I like being alone.” He dumped a panful of eggs onto his own plate and sat down. “And anyway, in a few days, the best and brightest will be here to drink my champagne and bother me all night. God, why do I do this every year?” He groaned and Amber laughed .

“Such a Grinch.” She ruffled his dark curls and he grinned, though he was sighing on the inside. The Renaud family had given a Halloween charity benefit since way before Nox’s birth—it had been a special project of his beloved mother’s. Before the tragedy, of course. Despite his solitary nature, Nox could not bear to dishonor his mother’s legacy .

His eyes flicked over to the framed picture of her and Teague, his adored elder brother, on the kitchen counter. Both of them dark and beautiful, laughing, hugging. Both of them gone so senselessly .

The tragedy of the Renaud family was known throughout Louisiana and beyond. Tynan Renaud, a respected business man, adoring husband to the Italian-born Gabriella, and heroic father to his sons Teague and Nox, had suffered a psychotic break and gunned down his wife and eldest son one night before turning the gun on himself. Nox, away at college at the time, had been destroyed. After dropping out of school and coming home to the huge plantation mansion out on the Bayou, he had struggled for years to understand what his father had done .

Amber and his other friends had tried to persuade him to sell the place where his mother and brother had been murdered, but Nox refused. He took over his brother’s business with his friend Sandor, and together they had made a success of it. The company, RenCar, quickly became an outlet to forget his pain, with Nox pouring twenty hours a day into the work. Luxury food importing had never been his dream—was it anyone’s? —but he had found something he was good at and that was enough for him. His boyhood dreams of becoming a musician were pushed aside for something that would utterly distract him. The studio his mother had set aside for both of them to work in had stood empty for almost twenty years now…as had Nox’s heart .

He realized he wasn’t listening to Amber now and apologized. She rolled her blue eyes. “Nox, I’m used to you spacing out on me, but listen, this is your party. I’m just saying, why don’t you try to be more gregarious for a change? These people pay a lot of money to come here .”

“Mostly to see the murder house,” he mumbled and Amber made an annoyed click with her tongue .

“Maybe so, but the money we raise goes to a good cause, doesn’t it? Something good to come out of— Damn it, Nox, you’re not the only one who lost someone.” To his horror, he saw tears in her eyes. He reached over and took her hand .

“Ambs, I’m sorry, I know. I miss Ariel too, every day.” He sighed. So much pain, so much death. Amber was right; he needed to get out of this self- pitying funk .

“All I ask is for you to do your part on the night. Mingle, talk to your guests.” Amber’s tone was calmer now and she smiled at him, her face soft, her eyes on his, holding them for a beat too long. Nox nodded, looking away finally .

“I promise .”

After Amber had gone, he wandered into his living room and flicked on the television. Local news station WDSU was doing a feature on Halloween New Orleans, the magical, manic mayhem of the festival the city threw every October. Nox sighed and waited for the inevitable mention of his party. “Wait for it,” he muttered to himself. “Will it be the Renaud Family Curse or the Mansion with the Dark Secrets , first ?”

The anchor looked serious. “Of course, before the festivities kick off on Halloween night, the New Orleans elite will gather at the Renaud mansion out on the Bayou. Regular viewers will know that the annual Creepy Cocktails Gala Benefit is held every year at the place some locals call ‘the mansion with a dark history.’ More on that after these messages .”

Nox clicked off the television with an annoyed flick of his hand. Same story every year, and now his guests who watched the news would be all the more curious about the only remaining Renaud. Damn it .

His cellphone rang and he answered it gratefully. “Sandor, man, you have impeccable timing .”

His friend laughed. “Any time. Listen, we may have a deal on the Laurent restaurant chain .”

Nox sat up. “Really?” The Laurent business was worth twice what they offered, but had been on the market for two years with no interest. Nox knew if they got it at a cheap price and refurbished it, it could make them a fortune. He and Sandor had decided to branch out into buying restaurants to serve their luxury foods as a new income stream—not that either of them needed it, but they both were bored with their business. They wanted to get their hands dirty and do something, something physical rather than just importing food for, well, people like them .

“Yep. Gustav Laurent is getting a divorce and he wants to get rid of the property quickly .”

Nox was astonished. “Gus is divorcing Kathryn ?”

“Seems so. Seems like she was sleeping around on him .”

Nox made a half-amused, half-scornful noise. “Like Gustav hasn’t been fucking around on her for years .”

“You know Gus .”

“Sadly, yes. Listen, I can be there in a half hour .”

“Good,” Sandor replied. “And, afterward, I’ll spot you lunch . Deal ?”

Nox smiled down the phone. “Deal. See you then .”

L ivia Chatelaine balanced three plates expertly along her left arm and carried them to the table. The two women and the child seated at the table smiled gratefully at her as she laid their food in front of them and returned their grins. “Enjoy, folks. Let me know if you need anything else .”

She skirted back to another table that was waiting for their check and settled up with them quickly and with her innate friendliness. She had been working at La Chat Noir café in the French Quarter for three months now, ever since she had packed her whole life into her battered old Gremlin and driven across the country from San Diego .

Moriko, her best friend from college, had been in New Orleans for a year and had gotten her the job at the café—it didn’t hurt that the owner, a handsome, dark-haired Frenchman called Marcel, had a huge crush on Moriko and would have hired anyone she recommended. Thankfully, though, Livia and Marcel had become good friends and Livia showed up early, stayed late, and worked her ass off for him. In return, he gave her the shifts that fit best with her studies and paid her enough that she could afford the tiny apartment she shared with Moriko .

Livia had decided as she left San Diego that she wouldn’t return to her hometown again. It held no interest for her now, and there wasn’t any family left there that she cared about. An only child, her mother had died when she was young and Livia had brought herself up. She’d worked hard at school and at various jobs to put food on the table, while her father drank himself into a stupor every night and screamed at her if she disturbed him. Livia had stopped caring years ago about the man. As far as she was concerned, he was merely the sperm donor. What she remembered of her mother were warm, happy memories. Cancer was a fucker and it stole her happiness away when she was five. Livia’s last memory of her mother was of the beautiful woman kissing her goodbye one day before school, and that was the last time she had seen her. Her father hadn’t let her see her after she died .

Livia had put herself through college on a scholarship and by working three jobs, and it had become second nature to always fight and scrape for everything. It gave her energy, reason, and when she graduated top of her class, it had all been worth it. Her tutors had been loath to let her go and had championed her to apply for post-graduate research scholarships but it had taken Livia four years to finally secure an offer from the University of New Orleans .

“Hey, dreamer.” Moriko nudged Livia out of her reverie and her friend smiled at her. Moriko, a tiny Japanese-American of exquisite beauty— and she knew it—hoisted herself up onto the counter. “Marcel needs a favor .”

Livia hid a grin. When Marcel sent Moriko to do his dirty work, it meant that whatever the favor was, it would be a big—and probably inconvenient—one. “What is it ?”

“Well, he’s been asked to cater the Renaud party on Saturday. You know which one I mean ?”

Livia shook her head . “Nope .”

Moriko rolled her eyes. “It’s an annual thing Nox Renaud does. He throws a Halloween gala party and gives a ton of money to charity .”

“Never heard of him, or it. So, what’s the favor?” Livia thought she could guess—Marcel needed waitstaff. A moment later, Moriko confirmed her suspicions .

“He was going to hire in silver service staff, but apparently they don’t want anything but canapes and cocktails. Silver service staff would cost him more than he’s making so …”

Livia smiled at her. “It’s no problem. Usual uniform?” She pulled down on her too-tight white shirt and tucked it back into the black mini she wore to serve. It barely contained her lush curves, her full breasts and softly curved belly. Her legs, long and slender, were encased in black tights and she wore flat pumps, absolutely refusing to wear heels to wait tables. Livia wasn’t the tallest but her long legs made her look taller than her five-five height, and her long tawny waves were her crowning glory. Almost waist length, she had pulled her hair into a bun, but it was forever escaping the clips. Moriko grabbed it now and twisted it up for her. Livia shot her a grateful smile. “Thanks, boo. I really should cut it all off .”

“No way,” Moriko said, her own shiny black hair falling in a straight curtain down her back. “I’d kill for your curls .”

“So, Saturday night, waitressing for the rich mukety-mucks ?”

“I’ll be there too. Hey, at least we get to snoop around the rich guy’s house .”

Livia sighed to herself. She honestly didn’t mind helping Marcel out but she had very little time for rich boys with too much money. She’d had to wait on them enough in her time .

She went back out to the café and grimaced. Two regulars had just come into the restaurant. Talking of rich mukety-mucks she thought, and plastered a fake smile on her face. The woman, an icy looking blonde with bright red lipstick and cold blue eyes, looked at her dismissively. “Egg-white omelet with spinach and a mango-tini.” She didn’t look at the menu once. Her companion, a suave looking man who at least smiled at Livia and said please and thank you whenever he was in, nodded .

“Same for me please, Liv. Good to see you again .”

Livia smiled at him. She judged him for the company he kept, but if she was fair, he was always polite to her. She knew his companion was called Odelle, and her father was one of the richest men in the state. It didn’t impress Livia. “You too, sir. Sure I can’t interest either of you in some french fries to go with your salad ?”

Odelle looked horrified, but her companion grinned. “ Why not ?”

Livia grinned and disappeared into the kitchen. Marcel slunk in and smiled at her. “Thanks for Saturday, Livvy. I’ll pay you double .”

She kissed his cheek. “No problem , pal .”

Marcel, his eyes so dark you couldn’t see the pupils, nodded to the restaurant. “I see Elsa and Lumiere are in the restaurant .”

Livia laughed. “You’re getting your Disney all mixed up, and anyway, he’s okay. But, yeah, she is the Ice Queen .”

“Don’t let their wealth get to you. It was all inherited, not earned .”

“Oh, I know, and it doesn’t both me. Money can’t buy breeding,” Livia shrugged off the woman’s rudeness. “I can honestly say these people and their ways don’t keep me up at night, Marcel .”

“I’m just saying because I know the man, Roan Saintmarc is Nox Renaud’s best friend. It’s more than likely they’ll be at the party on Saturday.” Marcel grinned at Livia, who rolled her eyes. “Just promise me you won’t tip their meals into their laps .”

Livia snorted. “I promise, honey .”

“ Good girl .”

L ivia finished out her shift then walked home through the busy streets of the French Quarter. She had fallen in love with this city—the slow, sensual heat, the sultry laid-back nature of the people. Strangely, for a city known for its voodoo and black magic, she had never felt uneasy walking the streets at night here .

Moriko was still at work when Livia got back to their apartment and so Livia took a long hot shower then made herself a bowl of soup, grabbing some saltines from the pack in the kitchen. As she ate, she flicked through the television channels, but soon got bored. Dumping her bowl in the sink, she washed it out then decided to go to bed to read. She had a piano recital coming up and she wanted to go through the score again, miming her key strokes in the air. She fell asleep with Moriko’s cat cuddling in next to her, and didn’t hear her roommate come home .

O ut on the bayou, Nox too had fallen into a deep sleep but his was not so peaceful. Almost instantly the nightmares came. A woman, a beautiful young woman he knew but one whose face he could not see, was calling to him, begging him to save her. There was blood, so much blood, and he ran through the darkened mansion, wading through something—blood?—to get to her. A dark, malevolent force overcame everything, stopping Nox from reaching the girl. He heard her screams cut off abruptly and knew he was too late. He sank to his knees .

He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up. His mother, smiling at him. “Don’t you know you’ll never save them?” she said, softly. “Everyone you love will die, my beloved son. I died, your father, your brother…Ariel. You’ll always be alone .”

Nox awoke, gasping for air in a pool of his own sweat, the certainty of his dream mother’s words screaming around his mind. Don’t fall in love. Don’t risk it .

Don’t let anyone else get hurt .

C hapter Two

O delle Griffongy lit another cigarette and stood out on the balcony of her bedroom. She hated this holiday, hated this party. And yet Roan, of course, wanted to support his best friend Nox, and so now they were getting dressed to attend. Thank fuck Nox never had a dress code for the cocktail party—Odelle would have feigned a headache otherwise .

She looked back into the bedroom where Roan was dressing, his dark grey suit spectacular with his coloring—medium brown hair, bright blue eyes. Ripped to the max, his hard body and his huge cock made him a machine in bed. Roan Saintmarc was, with the exception of Nox, the handsomest man in New Orleans—probably the state, even—and he was hers .

Odelle might have been brought up in the upper echelons of New Orleans society but she knew her brittle beauty would only last so long, and that her cool, aloof nature wouldn’t make her many friends. That’s why she was staggered when Roan, known as the fun-loving one in his group of Harvard grad friends, made a play for her. He could have had anyone .

Odelle turned back to see the crowds on the streets of the city. New Orleans went crazy for Halloween—parties everywhere, people haunting the streets, the locals playing up the myths and legends to sell more drink, food, and tourist crap. The normally serene street where Odelle and her cohorts lived were no different: pumpkins and Jack O’ Lanterns, trees bedecked with twinkle lights and fake cobwebs, and Odelle’s least favorite thing, kids trick or treating at every house .

Her doorbell rang and although Odelle knew her staff would answer it, she couldn’t help an irritated “Oh, fuck off.” Her voice carried down to the street, and she heard Roan’s throaty laugh from behind her .

“Don’t be a bitch, Delly. It’s a rite of passage, trick or treating .”

Odelle made a disgusted noise. “I never did that .”

Roan smiled at her, sliding his arms around her waist. “No, you were too busy casting spells and mixing potions .”

Odelle studied him coolly. “You think I’m a witch ?”

“Cue cheesy line from me about you casting a spell on me. No, baby, I don’t think you’re a witch, and—mostly—not even a bitch. You just have a warmth deficiency.” He said it with a grin, and although Odelle knew he meant it as a joke, it still stung .

Because it’s true, she told herself. What is wrong with me? Why can’t I be more like Roan? Or Nox, whose heart was so big it actually scared Odelle? Or even Amber, her frenemy, who had once had a thing with Roan. No , Odelle told herself. Don’t go there. Not tonight . She attempted a smile as Roan brushed his lips against hers .

“You’re right. It’s just one night .”

“That’s my girl.” Roan looked her up and down in her tight black dress and when his gaze met hers, Odelle saw the desire in his eyes. “Nox won’t mind if we’re a little late .”

Odelle smiled and, turning, she bent over the balcony and hitched her skirt up to her waist. She heard Roan chuckle .

“Out here? What will the neighbors think?” But then, with a grunt, she felt him thrust into her from behind, his massive cock reaming her cunt as he gripped the metal balustrade with both hands .

Odelle closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling of him filling her so completely. Her hand drifted down and to stroke her clit as he fucked her, and soon she was moaning and shivering through one orgasm after another, not caring who heard her. Roan was a brutal lover, especially when he came, and Odelle winced as he thrust harder and harder until he blew his load inside of her and withdrew, panting for air and cursing softly with release. He spun her around and ground his mouth down on hers. “God, woman, you drive me fucking crazy .”

Odelle smiled and squeezed his diminishing cock in her hands. “Do that to me once more and then we can go to the party .”

And they began again .

L ivia and Moriko helped Marcel and his sous-chef Caterina—Cat—load the trays of canapes into the restaurant’s van before Liv and Moriko hopped in the back for the drive to the Renaud Mansion. Livia was trying to keep the trays from tipping and tie her thick mane up into a chignon at the same time, but the weight of it would not stay clipped. Moriko grinned at her .

“Just pull it back. You’ll never get it all up .”

“I refuse to be beaten,” Livia muttered. Eventually, Moriko pushed Livia’s hands out of the way .

“ Let me .”

As Livia held the trays of food, Moriko deftly worked Liv’s hair into a messy bun at the nape of her neck. “That’s the best you’re going to get, girl, so live with it .”

Livia tentatively patted it. “You’re a miracle worker. From now on, I’ll pay you to be my hair wrangler .”

Moriko laughed. “You couldn’t afford me .”

When they arrived at the mansion, they were stunned into silence. The old plantation home had been modernized to some extent—a plaque on the door detailed its history and its passage to the Renaud family in the 1800s, wherein all slaves were freed and the plantation became a family homestead rather than a working freehold .

The imposing white building with shuttered windows and soft light radiating from within was decorated with high-quality Halloween trimmings. Moriko grinned at Livia as they passed a batch of expertly carved pumpkins. “You think they got Michelangelo to do them ?”

Livia rolled her eyes. The place screamed money and opulence but Livia wasn’t impressed. As they moved into the kitchen, she saw Marcel talking to a young man who was dressed in a dark navy sweater and jeans, and who Livia guessed was the owner’s assistant. He had dark curls and the most intense—and beautiful—green eyes she had ever seen .

The stranger sensed her scrutiny and looked up. Their eyes met and Livia felt a shudder of desire ripple through her. God, if even the staff looked like supermodels here …

She nudged Moriko. “Does Marcel want us to change now or after we’ve set up ?”

“After. Apparently, there’s a dedicated room for us .”

“Fancy .”

“I know, right? Usually we have to squat in the back of the van to get ready .”

Livia snorted and between them, they quickly arranged the canapes on the silver trays. When they had finished, Livia saw the handsome assistant had gone and Marcel was nodding at them. “Lovely job, the food looks great. So, this thing kicks off in an hour but guests are starting to arrive, so we’ll start with the welcome pumpkin-spice sidecars first up. Think you can cope ?”

“No worries, boss,” Moriko hugged Marcel, who turned red with pleasure. “We’ll show these rich kids a good time…wait, that sounded dirtier than I meant it to .”

Livia snorted with laughter as Moriko shrugged. “Come on then, let’s get dressed .”

A half hour later, Livia was regretting the tightness of her skirt. It had been her go-to throughout college—short, black, and figure-hugging even back then when she was ten pounds lighter. She’d dragged it out of her closet this morning—it had been the cleanest, most professional skirt she could find. I need to go shopping, she told herself as she plastered a smile on her face and made the rounds with a tray of drinks .

The mansion’s main ballroom (“Main ballroom,” she’d muttered to an amused Moriko, “because the other ballrooms are too small .”) was decorated beautifully, even the cynical Livia had to admit. Twinkle lights draped the walls and soft music was playing as the guests milled around and talked and drank. Moriko was making the first pass with a canape tray and Livia could tell her friend was gritting her teeth, fending off unwanted remarks and come -ons .

“Hey, Livvy,” she heard Roan Saintmarc’s voice behind her and turned. She was actually relieved to see a friendly face; if the guests weren’t turning their noses up at her presence, or trying to talk her into bed, they looked through her as if she were invisible. Roan’s smile was friendly. He indicated the man he was talking with, a tall, dark-haired man with a neatly trimmed beard and dark brown eyes .

“San, this is my friend from my favorite restaurant. Livia, this is Sandor Carpentier, a good friend of mine .”

Sandor Carpentier had a warm, open smile as he shook Livia’s hand. She grinned at them both, happy to see friendly faces at last. “Can I get you fellas a refill?” She waved the bottle of Krug she was holding and topped up their glasses. “Boss tells me the good bourbon will be out soon,” she said with a wink .

“If I know Nox, it will be,” Roan said, and looked around. “Talking of whom, have you met our lord and master yet , Liv ?”

She shook her head. “But he would probably tell me to get back to work. Nice seeing you, Mr. Saintmarc, Mr. Carpentier .”

“Sandor, please,” the man said, and Livia decided she liked his merry, twinkling eyes. He didn’t seem as aloof as the others, even Roan. “And if you knew Nox, you’d know that’s unlikely. He’d probably insist you join us for a drink .”

Livia smiled and made her excuses. Despite what they said, she didn’t want Marcel to get into trouble if she was caught fraternizing with the guests. She made her way back to the kitchen to refill her tray. Moriko was just coming in from the garden .

“Hey boo, I just finished up my break and Marcel told me to let you grab one now that I’m done. There are a couple of good places to hide and take your shoes off out there .”

Livia smiled at her friend gratefully and headed out of the kitchen door into the lush gardens. It was darker down here than at the front of the mansion, and she could see a fog coming in off the bayou at the end of the property. Livia thought it was much spookier, befitting the Halloween vibe of the party, and yet more beautiful than any of the decorations inside .

With a soft moan, she eased off her heels and wondered why she hadn’t worn her usual flats. No, she knew why—she wanted to make a good impression for Marcel. She knew she could pull off the cool, professional vibe with her heels on, and at least it gave her a few extra inches when she needed to be seen. Still, her feet pulsed with pain and when she put her hot soles on cool ground, she sighed with relief .

She crept barefoot into a little grove, and seeing the edge of a stone seat, headed for it. She stopped, seeing the other end was already occupied. “Sorry,” she said, then saw it was the assistant she’d shared a moment with earlier .

He had changed out of his sweater and jeans and was now wearing what looked to be a very expensive black suit. Perks of the job , she suspected, but her attention was drawn by the way it fit his broad shoulders and slim figure so well. She meant to turn and go, but the sheer sadness in his eyes took her breath away. “Are you okay?” Her voice was soft and the man stared at her, his eyes intense, before he half nodded then shook his head .

“Not really, but common manners dictate I say I am. So…” His voice was deep—a beautiful, deep baritone that sent a shiver through her. Livia hesitated for a moment, then sat down next to him .

“Escaping from the melee? Me too. Just for a minute.” She smiled at him, noticing again how gorgeous he was, except for that pain in his eyes. She wished she could take it away for him. “Are you hiding from the mukety-mucks ?”

His mouth hitched up in a half-smile. “ Kind of .”

She leaned forward conspiratorially. “I won’t tell,” she whispered, and he laughed. It changed his whole face, turning it from brooding and slightly dangerous into a boyish, joyful thing .

“Right back at you.” He looked at her name tag. “Livia. Not O-livia ?”

She shook her head. “No, just Livia.” She shivered at the cool air coming up from the water. “It really is beautiful here .”

He nodded, and seeing her trembling, he shrugged out of his jacket and put it around her shoulders. She felt her face get hot. “ Thank you .”

They gazed at each other for a long moment, and Livia felt tongue-tied. He smelled wonderful too, all clean linen and woodsy spice, and for a moment she found herself having to resist the urge to run her fingertips over his long, thick lashes. They were so black they looked like he had eyeliner on .

She swallowed hard, the desire to kiss this stranger overwhelming and bewildering. She cast around for something to say. “I was thinking, that mist from the bayou must have known there was a Halloween party here tonight.” God, could she have sounded any dumber? She cursed herself, but he smiled at her .

“I guess it must have known. I find it…romantic. Dark, malevolent perhaps. But also sensual .”

Livia could feel a pulse beating furiously between her legs and was amazed. She hadn’t had this reaction to a man in forever…or ever , if she was being honest. Electricity hung in the air between them. She had to dispel it before she did something reckless. She had Marcel and Moriko to think about here .

She nudged him with her shoulder. “Hey, you better get in there before all the food is gone. Honestly, they’re like sharks, these people. Fins and everything. The food is really good, too. I hope your boss agrees .”

Another smile, amused and sweet. “I’m sure he does.” He stood and offered his hand. “Shall we sneak into the kitchen and grab something , then ?”

Trembling, she took his hand—the skin surprisingly soft and dry—and stood. “Okay. But afterward, you have to tell me your name .”

Their bodies were really close now and Livia could feel his body heat through her clothes. He trailed a finger across her cheekbone and Livia shivered. She smiled, but stepped away from him. “I think we’d better get inside.” As much as I’d like to fuck you right here, right now .

His smile didn’t change and he squeezed her hand. “Of course .”

“Nox!” They both heard the female’s voice from across the garden. “Nox, where the hell are you ?”

A thrill of panic went through Livia as her companion called out. “Right here, Ambs, keep your shirt on .”

I should have known …

Livia was frozen. Shit, shit, shit. This was Nox Renaud . He smiled down at her and put his finger over his lips for a second before his smile widened into a conspiratorial grin. “I have to go .”

She nodded and shrugged out of his jacket. “Here, you better have this back. I’m going inside now, anyway .”

He thanked her, taking the coat, and with a last regretful look towards her, disappeared back towards the direction of the shouting woman .

“Oh fuck,” Livia hissed to herself. “Way to be unprofessional. Catering one-oh-one, don’t almost kiss the client. Jesus .”

Her face flaming with embarrassment, she went back into the kitchen and managed to work the rest of the party while avoiding any contact with Nox Renaud or his friends…difficult, but not impossible. When it became clear the party was winding down, Livia hid out in the kitchen and dealt with the clean -up .

Marcel was all smiles when he came to thank them both. “Liv, you didn’t need to do this,” he said, looking in amazement at the stack of empty, clean trays she was loading into the van. She grinned at him .

“No problem, boss.” She made herself busy untying her apron. “Did you get good feedback ?”

“Very good feedback. And a somewhat unexpected bonus, which you’ll find in your paychecks. No, don’t argue. Say what you want about the Renaud family, but Nox is a very generous man. He also told me that I was his go-to caterer for the future, which isn’t saying a lot because he rarely entertains guests, but it’s still something .”

“It is something. It’s a big something.” Moriko kissed Marcel’s cheek and he gave her a hug .

“Thanks, Morry. He also said he’d be recommending me to his friends and clients. Good guy. Jeez, look at the time. Come on, kids, let’s get out of here. I’ll buy you both a late dinner .”

L ater, at home in bed, Livia could not help but look up Nox Renaud on the internet. She flicked through pages of photos of him, drinking in the shape of his face, the green eyes that looked just as sad in his childhood pictures as in every photo of him as an adult. She traced his face with her finger. In some pictures he had a beard, which made him look even more handsome, she thought. When she began to read about his history—the murders/suicide of his parents and brother, the mysterious death of his teenage sweetheart, the years of suspicion aimed at Nox himself—she learned he’d been thoroughly investigated after the death of Ariel Duplas. Nox was only eighteen at the time and was the only suspect, but the police had completely exonerated him. The piece Livia was reading made it clear that his family’s deaths had broken the handsome young man .

S ince his family tragedy and the subsequent investigation, Renaud has kept a low profile. His luxury food importing business with friend Sandor Carpentier has made him a billionaire, but this has just served to draw more attention and comparisons to other tragic figures. Many locals refer to him as New Orlean’s own Howard Hughes —a reclusive man with a myriad of secrets. Only once a year do we really get to see the man, at his annual benefit on Halloween, but it doesn’t stop gossip magazines the world over wondering about the romantic life of this devastatingly —and some say, dangerously —handsome young man. As he approaches forty, will Nox Renaud ever break free of his past ?

G od, I hope so. The thought came unbidden to Livia as she slid her finger over his photograph. Not that it would have anything to do with her, but she had sensed something special in the man she had met—that he was more than just another handsome rich boy. There were hidden depths there, she was sure of it .

When she went to sleep that night, she dreamed of Nox Renaud and his beautiful green eyes, and of the moment his lips would press against hers .

C hapter Three

A mber rolled her eyes as Nox sat down at the table. It was the French Quarter, with busy streets and lunchtime crowds, and the restaurant Amber had chosen was almost full. “You’re late again, Renaud. Where’s the Rolex I bought you last year ?”

Nox sighed, kissing her cheek. “You know I don’t like to wear it out in public. It looks too ostentatious. Not that I’m not grateful for it,” he added, seeing Amber’s frown, “it was a lovely gift, I just don’t know if it’s really me .”

Amber opened her mouth to argue, then gave up. Nox looked different, had seemed different—lighter—since the party. Amber had wondered if it was just the relief of getting it over and done with for another year, but it had been a week since the party and every time she had seen him, Nox had been happy .

“What’s going on with you?” She asked him now, and Nox, who was reading the menu, glanced up and smiled at her .

“What do you mean ?”

“I mean…you look different. You look…lighter .”

“I haven’t lost weight, far from it .”

Amber rolled her eyes again. Nox was nowhere in the vicinity of overweight. “I mean emotionally . You seem to be carrying yourself more cheerfully than usual .”

Nox laughed, his green eyes twinkling. “ Do I ?”

“Fine, don’t tell me then.” Amber snatched the menu from him grumpily and sulked behind it. Nox smothered a grin .

“Ambs…you ever have one of those moments in life, however fleeting, where someone or something just reminds you why you’re alive? Someone who sets off a thought process that makes you reevaluate your entire existence ?”

“Is this your fancy way of saying you got laid?” Amber felt a twinge of jealousy go through her and brushed it away. He doesn’t belong to you…he never did .

Nox shook his head. “No, I haven’t…no. I just had a moment with someone, a woman, at the party. I’d like to see her again is all .”

“Really?” Amber ran through all of the party guests in her head, and Nox just smiled and shook his head . “Who ?”

Nox hesitated and smiled ruefully at her. “Can I just have this secret for a little bit? I swear, the moment it becomes more than a…moment …you’ll be the first to know .”

Amber relaxed. “Of course, honey.” She reached over and squeezed his hand. “I’m very happy for you. It’s about time you got your pickle tickled .”

Nox burst out laughing and Amber joined in, her blue eyes amused. As they ordered their food, she studied her friend. They had known each other for more than half their lives. They’d been drawn together by Amber’s twin, Ariel, who had come home from school one day and told her family that she had met the most beautiful boy in the world .

She hadn’t been wrong. Nox Renaud was the kind of boy that sculptors made statues of. That strong jaw, those perfectly symmetrical features. Big green eyes. Sensual mouth. God. More than once since Ariel’s death, Amber had wondered if she and Nox would end up together—mostly out of convenience—but he’d never made an advance and she had never found the courage .

She had to admit, it hurt a little that Nox had finally shown interest in someone and it wasn’t her , but she could not begrudge her friend his happiness. Amber’s own love life was…complicated. She always kept two lovers at a time, but never let either near her heart. Her beauty, her wealth, her position in society—she didn’t need a husband, which made her lethal to the women of New Orleans, who kept their husbands away from her. Little did they know, Amber wasn’t interested in any of them. What she wanted was far more complex. Far more Nox-like, she told herself, then pushed the thought away. He would never be hers and she would have to accept that .

“So, when are you going to make your move?” She asked Nox, who blinked with nervousness. To her amazement, two spots of pink appeared on Nox’s cheeks as he shrugged .

“I don’t know. I’ve been working on getting the courage up to approach her .”

Amber almost spat her water out. Nox Renaud—billionaire, drop-dead-gorgeous businessman—was nervous about asking a girl on a date. “Wow. I haven’t seen you like this since …”

She trailed off and looked away. Ariel was always there, always between them. Amber swallowed the lump in her throat. Nox’s smile had faded and he nodded. “I never thought this day would come, Ambs…and look, no one, no one will ever replace her .”

“I know that, sweetie, but hopefully someone will mean just as much to you some day .”

His eyes danced in a way she hadn’t seen for years. “I hope so too, Ambs. I really hope so too .”

L ivia tried to stop thinking about Nox Renaud as she practiced her scales up and down, using the plain rhythm to distract herself. In the week since she’d met him, her body had felt wired, her brain whirling. To have that much chemistry with someone she probably would never see again…it didn’t seem right. She faltered in her playing and then crashed her fingers down on the keyboard .

“Unless you’re going for some kind of weird Stockhausen thing,” a voice behind her said, “I’m guessing you’re having an off -day .”

Livia turned to smile at her tutor. In the few months she had been at the college, her tutor, Charvi Sood, had become more than just a teacher to her. The two women had bonded over their love of jazz, of Monk, Parker, Davis, and to Charvi’s delight, their mutual admiration for Judy Carmichael, the reason Livia had fallen in love with the genre. Listening to Carmichael’s radio shows when she was living at home with her father, her headphones plugged in to dull the sound of her father shouting drunkenly at the television, she had used the genre as her way to transport herself out of the San Diego heat and here to New Orleans .

Charvi put down the stack of scores she had in her hand and peered over her glasses at her young student. “You okay? You’ve been in here practicing all week. You can rest, you know. It may be your Master’s degree, but rest is vital for brainpower .”

Livia smiled at her. “I know. I’m trying to distract myself from thinking about a boy. It’s very annoying .”

Charvi laughed, shaking her head. “It happens to the best of us. Want to share ?”

Livia picked out a tune with her forefinger. “It’s embarrassing. He’s way out of my league and — ”

“Let me stop you there, young lady. No one is out of your league .”

Livia sighed. “It’s Nox Renaud .”

That stopped Charvi. “Ah. Well, I would say the problem there isn’t that you’re out of his league, it’s that he’s Nox Renaud .”

Livia looked at her friend curiously. “You know him ?”

“I knew his mother. I’ve met Nox a few times. He’s…an enigma. At least if you believe the gossip .”

“He has the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen and he seemed so sweet. Lonely, but sweet. Nice. God, nice is such a bland thing to say, but he was friendly and warm and …”

“You have an enormous crush on him .”

Livia shrugged. “Yes, but it doesn’t matter. It’s not like we run in the same circles. Forget I said anything .”

Charvi smiled. “Well now, let’s channel that desire into your playing. Give me something slow and sensual. And make it up as you go along. Think about Mr. Renaud and let your fingers move across the keyboard .”

At first Livia was embarrassed, feeling exposed, but as her fingers stroked the keys she began to find a melody. She closed her eyes and thought about the feeling of him trailing his finger across her cheek, the scent of his skin, the ocean-green color of his eyes. She played a melody so sweet she wanted to cry, and when she finished and opened her eyes, she felt her face burn red .

“Wow, you have it bad,” Charvi teased her and held up her phone. “It needs work, but there’s something there. I’ve recorded it and I’ll email it to you. Your homework is to score it and mould it into a piece you can perform at the end of semester recital .”

Livia gaped at her. “Are you kidding me?” She felt panicky at revealing something so personal to an audience. But Charvi nodded .

“I’m deadly serious. That was the most connected I’ve ever seen you with your piano, Liv.” She checked her watch. “And I have a seminar. Work on it Liv, and I swear you’ll see what I mean .”

Left alone, Livia checked her laptop. Charvi had indeed emailed her the MP3 and as Liv played it back, she realized there was something there. She grabbed some blank score paper and began to write .

N ox looked up as Sandor knocked on the door jamb . “Hey .”

Sandor grinned. “You still working? Dude, it’s Friday night. Let’s go out and have drinks .”

Nox chuckled. “I would, but I’m waiting on a call from Italy. Haven’t you got a date ?”

Sandor shrugged. “She blew me off. I’m kind of relieved, to be honest. I’m getting too old to be dating a different pretty girl each week .”

“My heart bleeds for you. So, I’m your consolation prize ?”

Sandor grinned. “Yup. Grab your cell phone and take the call on that. We’re going drinking .”

Nox hesitated. “Alright, but let’s go to the French Quarter .”

“Wanna mix with the tourists? Come on then .”

A n hour and two shots of bourbon later, Nox relaxed back into his seat and glanced around the bar. He hadn’t told Sandor that the bar he’d chosen was across the street from Marcel Pessou’s restaurant—or that ever since they’d gotten here, Nox had been looking for any sign of Livia. He hadn’t had one night of peace since he’d met her .

The feel of her soft skin, her huge chocolate brown eyes, the way her tawny hair fell in messy waves over her shoulders, it all haunted him. The faint flush of pink when he’d touched her face. He’d been so close to kissing her—which would have been entirely inappropriate. But, god, the feelings he had thought he’d never feel again were whirling and thrashing through him like a storm .

He had to see her again—to see if the connection between them hadn’t been just that moment in time. To see if it was real, tangible and something they could build on. Also he really, really needed to kiss her gorgeous pink mouth—it was driving him crazy .

“Nox? Buddy ?”

Nox blinked back into the present. “ Sorry , what ?”

“I was saying, I was taking to Roan at the party. He seems pretty keen on working with us on the Feldman project .”

Nox snorted and sipped his bourbon. “What does Roan know about the luxury food trade ?”

“Nothing, but he does know about the shipping trade,” Sandor gave Nox a reproachful look. “Look, I know you think he’s a playboy, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders. Besides…he wants to buy his way in .”

“What ?”

“He told me he wants us three to go into business together. He wants in on the company .”

For the first time that night, Nox stopped thinking about Livia, leaning forward to study his friend. “How come he hasn’t said anything to me ?”

Sandor chuckled. “Because he knows you think he’s a playboy. He’s your best friend, but there’s always been the joker in the pack, and it’s always been Roan. He was feeling me out in the hope I’d do the approach. So, I am. I think it’s something we should talk about. He wants to impress you, buddy, is all .”

Nox considered. “I’m open to talking about it, certainly .”

Sandor smiled. “So, I can tell him yes ?”

“Talking about it, San. Nothing more at this stage .”

“I love it when you get masterful. Another drink ?”

“Go for it .”

Nox leaned back, his eyes flicking automatically to the restaurant on the other side of the street. He could see the pretty Asian girl who was working with Livia at his party waiting on tables, but there was no sign of Livia. He thought about what Sandor had said. Roan was Nox’s oldest friend but he was also someone who acted on impulse—he would best be described as reckless. Nox had worked too hard on the business, and not even his love for his friend could override the fact that Roan was not a good bet. Nox rubbed his eyes. Maybe he should loosen up, take a risk .

Take a risk … His mind went back to the lovely girl he’d met at his party. Yes, he would take a risk. Enough of skulking like a creep across the street. Tomorrow, he would go the restaurant and ask for her. If she wasn’t there, he’d leave his number. If she was there …

He was still smiling when Sandor returned with the drinks .

I t was after midnight when Livia left the practice rooms, and as she didn’t have enough cash on her for a cab, she decided to walk home. When she got back to the French Quarter, she decided to go the restaurant and see if Moriko wanted company on her walk home .

As she turned into an alley leading to Bourbon Street, she suddenly felt herself being jerked back, and a heavy arm locked around her throat. Shocked into action, she threw her elbows back with all her strength, cussing and screaming at her attacker. “Get off me, motherfucker!” She slammed her fist back into the man’s groin and he groaned, releasing her .

Her anger at full flood and the adrenaline spiking in her system, Livia punched and kicked the mugger until, still groaning, he took off. Yelling “Bitch!” at her as he ran, she unleashed a litany of curse words at him, beyond caring who heard her. Finally, she caught her breath and picked up her bag, turning to go to the restaurant .

She stopped. Nox Renaud was looking at her, astonished admiration in his eyes. Livia’s breath caught in her throat .

“Well,” he said finally, a grin slowly spreading across his face. “Hello again .”

C hapter Four

“I ’m absolutely fine ,” Livia complained as Marcel fussed over her, making her drink the bourbon he offered. Nox Renaud sat across from her, a small smile playing around his lips. It was as if they shared a secret now, and Livia couldn’t help but grin .

“I heard you holler,” Nox told her, “and came to help, but you’d pretty much wrecked the guy by the time I got there. Pretty badass, if you ask me .”

“A girl’s got to look after herself,” Livia said. She couldn’t stop looking at him—she hadn’t imagined how gorgeous he was. Those green eyes, that dark hair and messy curls, they were all as beautiful as she remembered. The way he was looking at her sent thrills through her entire body .

Marcel and Moriko seemed to notice the charged atmosphere and, after making sure Livia really was okay after the shock of her mugging, they discreetly disappeared. The restaurant was closed now, only a couple of lamps still on, and in the gloom, Nox took her hands in his .

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” he said honestly. “I admit, my friend and I came to the Quarter for drinks and I deliberately chose the bar across the street from here…I hoped to see you .”

“Which friend ?”

“Sandor? You might have met him at the party .”

Livia nodded. “I did. He seemed lovely .”

Nox smiled. “He is. But as lovely as he is, I don’t want to talk about Sandor. Liv, those few moments we spent together in the garden… I don’t want to presume, but to me, there was something there .”

“I felt it too.” She began to tremble as he got out of his seat and stepped closer to her. He was so tall, she felt tiny next to him. He pulled her out of her chair and slid his hands onto her waist—tentative, a question in his eyes .

“Is this okay ?”

Livia nodded and Nox smiled. He bent his head and Livia felt—at last—his lips against hers. The first kiss was brief, hesitant. But it didn’t stop at one, and went on, became more passionate, his fingers tangling in her long hair, pulling her closer. Livia could feel his heart beating in his chest as her own arms snaked around him, her hands feeling the taut muscles of his back .

Kissing him was like taking a shot of pure heroin, she imagined. Heady, overwhelming, electric. His lips shaped themselves perfectly to hers, his tongue caressing, massaging hers, his breathing ragged. Finally, desperate for air, they broke apart .

“Wow.” Livia breathed . “ Wow .”

Nox brushed his fingertips across her face. “Livia, may I please take you on a date ?”

His words seemed so formal after that breathtaking kiss that she giggled. Nox grinned. “I’m sorry, I’m out of practice. What I mean is, I would like to see you again. And again. And again .”

His words made her melt, and she leaned into his embrace. She gazed up at him. “I would like that too, Nox, very much. But…what will your family, your friends think? I’m just a waitress. Well, a grad student, but I’m clearly not of your social circle. Won’t they think badly of me ?”

“I really don’t care. There is no ‘just’ a waitress or a student. Both of those things are honorable, genuine things. But who cares what our jobs are? You’re Livia, I’m Nox. The rest is just window dressing .”

Livia gave a soft moan of desire and he tightened his arms around her. “I’d just like to get to know you, Liv. We can work anything else out together. Let’s just try, that’s all I ask .”

H e walked her back to her apartment, but didn’t ask to come in. He kissed her again and it was just as spine-tingling as their earlier kiss. She could feel the tension in his body, the way his huge erection pressed against her belly when he held her tightly, but Nox Renaud was clearly a gentleman. “May I see you tomorrow ?”

So proper, so polite. She nodded, grinning. “Tomorrow is my day off, so yes .”

“Then would you spend the day with me ?”

“I’d like that very much .”

Nox brushed his lips against hers, his hands gently cradling her face. “Then shall we say ten a.m .?”

“Perfect .”

The kiss deepened, once again leaving Livia breathless. Nox smiled at her. “Goodnight, lovely Liv .”

“ Goodnight , Nox .”

S he felt bereft as she saw him walk away, turning to look at her once more before he turned the corner. His grin made her heart swell. For a moment or two, she stood out in the cool night, blinking. “Did that actually just happen ?”

She chuckled and went inside. As she opened the door to the apartment, Moriko, dressed in Hello Kitty pajamas, held up a bag of potato chips and said, “You, on the couch, now . You’re not going to bed until you’ve told me everything .”

H e had watched Nox and the girl, Livia, walk back to her apartment, following at a safe distance. They were obviously smitten with each other and he guessed they must have met at the party. The party where she was a waitress , and Nox was the billionaire party host. He couldn’t fault Nox on his taste. Livia was beautiful, all sumptuous curves and softness. But still, a waitress… The scandal would be great indeed, especially amongst their cohorts, but that wasn’t what was making him smile. No, it was the thought of Nox and Livia possibly falling deeply in love, so deeply in love that when she was taken from him, Nox would finally be destroyed .

And that’s all he ever dreamed of …

C hapter Five

M oriko was sitting on the bathroom cabinet, watching Livia apply her makeup. “I cannot believe you didn’t sleep with him .”

Livia rolled her eyes. “Dude, we haven’t even been on a date yet .”

“Prude .”

Livia grinned. Moriko was a seize-the-moment kind of girl; Livia preferred the slow-burn. “Besides, if we’d had sex in the restaurant, Health and Human Services would have been outraged.” God, just thinking about sex with Nox was making her hot, but she brushed the thought aside before Moriko could pick up on it. “Look, we’re going on one date. Don’t jump the gun .”

“Where’s he taking you ?”

Livia sighed. “We’re taking each other …I don’t know. We haven’t discussed that yet .”

“Too busy sucking face .”

Livia laughed aloud. “Well, do you blame me? Have you seen him? Now, go away, I need to finish up here and you’re distracting me .”

Moriko hopped down, grinning, and tapped a closed drawer. “Plenty of condoms in there. Take a handful. Better safe than sorry .”

Livia pointed out at the door and, grumbling but grinning, Moriko left her alone. Livia shut the door behind her and sighed, leaning against it. Her whole body felt as if she were wired up to the National Grid. If Nox even touched her once, she would jump him. “Calm the fuck down,” she muttered to herself. Still, when she’d finished getting ready, she grabbed some condoms from the drawer and shoved them deep into her purse .

Nox was five minutes early. “Sorry, couldn’t wait .”

Livia saw Moriko make a crude gesture behind Nox’s back and glared at her. “Do excuse Moriko, she was raised by wolves .”

“All the best people are,” Nox grinned at Livia’s friend, who smiled back at him .

“Look after her,” she said. “Later, lovers.” She disappeared back into her bedroom while Livia’s face burned red .

“So,” she said, trying not to look flustered in his presence, “what’s the plan ?”

“Well, last night your roommate told me you hadn’t been in New Orleans for long, so I thought maybe we could take a steamboat trip. We could see the city and talk at the same time. What do you think ?”

Livia smiled at him. “I think that sounds perfect .”

T he Steamboat Natchez was full of tourists as it began to float down the Mississippi River, but neither Nox nor Livia cared. They sat out on the deck, the weather still very warm despite it being November, breathing in the fresh air. Nox asked Livia about where she had come from .

“Southern California, so I’m used to hot weather,” she grinned. “It is different heat here, more humidity. Sultrier. New Orleans is a very sexy city .”

Nox laughed. “If you say so. I’m NOLA born and bred, but I have to admit, sometimes the heat during the day gets to me. So why did you leave SoCal ?”

Livia looked away from his gaze. “No family to speak of, and Moriko was here. I managed to get a scholarship to the University, so that made it official. I haven’t regretted it once. Especially now .”

They smiled at each other and Nox leaned in to kiss her again. “Livia, that night at the party…I haven’t felt a connection like that in years .”

“Really?” She was delighted, then frowned. “No, I mean, really? Look at you, you could have anyone .”

“I’m fussy,” he said lightly with a grin, but she could see something behind his eyes .

“You don’t give away a lot, do you? I mean, I could see the sadness in your eyes when we met… You can talk to me, you know ?”

Nox’s expression changed for a split second—fear?—but he shook his head. “I’m a firm believer in the past staying in the past. What I want now is for us to get to know each other. Is that something you’d like, Livvy ?”

She studied him, leaning on the railing of the steamboat. “Charvi was right about you. You are an enigma .”

“Charvi? Charvi Sood?” Nox’s eyes lit up and Livia nodded .

“Yes, she knew your mother ?”

“I’ll say. Charvi was my mom’s best friend.” He looked so excited, like a little boy. “I had no idea she was back in New Orleans .”

“She is. She’s my tutor, my mentor, really. I’m sure she’d love to see you .”

Nox gave a short laugh. “Why wouldn’t she come to see me herself?” He frowned to himself, obviously deep in thought, and Livia wondered if she had made a mistake mentioning Charvi to him .

Nox shook himself. “Well, yes, I’d love to see her.” He smiled at Livia. “So, you’re a master pianist ?”

She laughed. “Oh, no, I’m really just a beginner, at least when you consider the scope of the craft. My focus is on jazz piano, for this program at least. But, really, I love all classical music. And rock, and blues, and on and on …”

“I’m afraid my music knowledge extends as far as Pearl Jam and Tom Petty. That kind of music .”

“I adore both ,” Livia encouraged him. “For my undergraduate thesis, for the recital, I did a slowed down piano version of “Rearviewmirror .””

“I gather speed, from you fucking with me…” Nox quoted and their gazes locked. Livia felt breathless .

“Anticipation is a marvelous thing,” she said softly and Nox nodded .

“Oh, I agree.” He grinned and swept her hair back over her shoulder, stroking the back of his finger down her neck. “Your skin is so soft .”

Tingling sensations were racing through her body at his touch. God, I want you, she thought. But as she’d said, the anticipation of making love with this man was electrifying. Her eyes dropped to his groin, his erection obvious in his denim jeans. She looked up at him from underneath her lashes. “I wonder how long we can hold out .”

Nox grinned. “Personally speaking, and to be blunt, I think it would be amazing to be inside you right now… But yes, let’s keep this going until we don’t have a choice. Why bow to society’s pressure to rush into anything ?”

Livia suddenly crushed her lips to his, sliding her hand over his groin and squeezing. God, he was huge. Nox gave a moan. “God, Livvy, try to make it easy on me, why don’t you ?”

She chuckled, loving that he’d used her nickname so soon. “Listen, you have all the cards here, Mr. Billionaire. This, at least, is on my terms .”

Nox laughed, burying his face in her neck. “You smell so good, it’s intoxicating .”

She stroked his dark curls. “How is it I feel like I’ve known you forever ?”

Nox sat up and studied her. She stroked the thick dark eyelashes she had been dreaming about, and he leaned into her touch. “I know, I feel that too .”

She grinned at him. “Nox Renaud, we’re going to have a lot of fun together .”

And she meant it. She wanted to erase the haunted look in his eyes forever, even if this thing between them was only fleeting. The thought caused an unexpected shock of pain—already she felt so comfortable with him, they were so in tune with each other. A small voice inside her –whispered, you don’t know him yet , but she pushed it away. For now, they would have fun and that was enough .

T hey spent a blissful two hours on the riverboat, and then took a cab back to the French Quarter to an upscale burger joint that Livia suggested. Nox didn’t seem the type to turn his nose up at everyday fare and she was right, he practically swooned over the juicy burger, which was smothered in sautéed mushrooms and melted cheese. Livia grinned at him .

“It’s good, right ?”

“Damn good.” He took a swig from his bottle of beer and she grinned, picking a stray mushroom from his cheek .

“I like a man who enjoys his burgers .”

Nox muffled a belch in his fist and apologized. Livia chuckled. “Excuse me,” he said and she kissed his cheek. There was already such a change in him now from when they had met. He was relaxed and laid back, and even the sadness in his eyes was less apparent. She couldn’t believe it was because of her .

“Tell me more about yourself, Nox.” Her smile faded a little and she looked at him steadily. “I’m so sorry about your family .”

There it was, the wariness in his eyes, and he looked away from her for a moment. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have said anything .”

“No, it’s okay,” he said. He wound his fingers through hers. “I can’t pretend it didn’t happen and I want to be honest with you from the start. Yeah, it was rough. That doesn’t begin to cover it, but for now I’ll just say…it took some getting over .”

“Can you get over something like that ?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know .”

Livia stroked the back of his hand with her finger. “I think society places too much pressure on someone to ‘get over’ things. Why? Why should we get over things? Can’t we just acknowledge that the pain will always hurt like hell, no matter how much time has passed? We just go on, live our lives, pretending we’re okay when we’re not.” She cupped his face in her hand, her eyes locked on his. “That night in the garden, you were so honest with me. I asked you if you were okay and you said you weren’t. Let’s always be that honest with each other, whatever happens, wherever this goes . Deal ?”

Nox’s eyes were intense on hers. “How old are you, Livia Chatelaine? Because you have the wisdom of someone much, much older. Yes, of course , deal.” He leaned over and kissed her. “We have so much to learn about each other, and I can’t wait. One question…I’ll be forty in two years and you’re what, twenty-three, twenty -four ?”

“Twenty-seven .”

“Does the age gap bother you ?”

Livia shifted around and sat on his lap, not caring if the other diners were watching them. She hooked her arms around his neck and nuzzled his nose. “You just said I was much older,” she whispered to him. “So…what age gap ?”

Nox slid his hand under her shirt and stroked her belly as she kissed him. The feel of his big fingers against her skin made her weak. “God, I want you.” She gave a small moan .

Nox grinned wickedly. “Anticipation, remember ?”

She wriggled against his groin, feeling his cock harden almost instantly, and he groaned .

“You are a very bad girl, Livia Chatelaine. The moment I’m inside you can’t come—excuse the pun—soon enough .”

She hopped off his lap and smirked. “Anticipation …”

“Devil woman.” And they both laughed .

A mber sighed as she saw Odelle approaching her. It was late afternoon at the salon and Amber had just had a blissful massage. The last thing she wanted was for Odelle to ruin her buzz. The blonde woman smiled tentatively at her but it didn’t reach her eyes. That wasn’t anything new with Odelle

“Always good to see you, Odelle,” Amber said smoothly, and indicated the tea tray in front of her. “Won’t you join me ?”

Odelle nodded. “Thank you.” She sat and Amber poured her some herbal tea .

“Did you enjoy Nox’s party this year?” Amber was being facetious—she knew Odelle hated public gatherings. Odelle, despite her beauty, didn’t mingle well with people and Amber had always wondered why. Odelle’s famed iciness aside, she rarely made the effort to get to know other people, almost as if she were protecting herself from something. Odelle, Amber, Nox, and Roan had known each other since they were teenagers, but still Amber felt as if she had never really known Odelle. All she knew was that Roan had pursued the blonde woman, and that Odelle had only ever opened up to Nox, who she regarded as an older brother .

She studied Odelle now. The other woman looked tired. “Is everything okay with you, Odelle ?”

“Of course. Roan and I are thinking of getting engaged .”

Amber tried not to spit out her tea. “Really?” She couldn’t help the tone of cynicism that crept into her voice, but she regretted it when Odelle flushed red with annoyance .

“Is it so hard to believe ?”

“No, of course not, I’m sorry. It’s just Roan never mentioned it. Are you sure you want to be tied to, let’s just say, to a man who …”

“Can’t keep it in his trousers?” Odelle’s smile was bitter. “You think I don’t know about his other women, Amber? Of course I do. Maybe not all of them, but I have my suspicions.” She looked hard at Amber, who met her gaze steadily .

“Then why would you marry him? Why not set your sights on someone else? Nox, for example. You adore him and he thinks very highly of you .”

“You think of our group as a revolving door of bedhopping and casual hookups, Amber. Nox is my family . Roan may have his peccadillos but I assure you, it’s me who he comes home to .”

Suddenly Amber realized why Odelle had sought her out. She was warning her off. She wanted to marry Roan—Roan, of all people—and was making sure that his friends knew he belonged to her. Amber gave a sad smile. Poor, deluded Odelle .

“I believe you.” Amber causally sipped her tea and they sat in silence for a while. When Odelle left, Amber pulled out her cellphone. She listened to the buzz at the other end of the line and when he answered, she didn’t let him speak. “Roan, just how long has Odelle known about you and me? When did she find out we were fucking ?”

R oan hung up the phone and rubbed his eyes. Fuck. He and Amber had been so careful, but now Odelle knew he’d broken her one rule. Don’t shit where you sleep. “I don’t care about random hookups,” she’d told him the night he’d first mentioned marriage. “I do care about you fucking around in our social circle .”

And he had been careless. Shit. Marrying Odelle would secure his future—her father was richer than even Nox—and besides, he liked fucking her. He’d liked seeing behind the icy façade .

Fuck it. Now he would have to lose all his other girls and make nice with Odelle. He should never have started up with Amber again—Amber, who had nothing to lose by admitting their affair. And that was the allure of the redhead—she simply didn’t give a crap about anyone. Except Nox, of course. Roan couldn’t help the jealousy he felt towards his friend sometimes; Nox was just so damned good , it was infuriating .

Roan sighed and grabbed his cellphone. He would forget the crap with the women in his life and just focus on getting his shot together for the meeting with Nox and Sandor. He wanted in on their company. He was ready to grow up and he needed to focus, because there was one glaring problem in Roan’s otherwise perfect life .

He was stone-cold broke .

C hapter Six

A fter eating they had wandered the streets, enjoying the atmosphere. Later in the evening, they found themselves at The Spotted Cat , a jazz venue that was jumping with music and crammed with people. Livia and Nox found standing room by the bar and ordered drinks. Livia looked excited. “I keep meaning to come here but never found the time .”

Nox grinned at her. “Out of interest, how do you manage? I mean, I know you have the scholarship, but working at the café can’t pay for everything. Actually, scratch that, it’s none of my business .”

She laughed. “It’s okay. I get by. I’ve always had to fight for the basics so it’s become second-nature. Sharing with Morry helps and I don’t need a lot. Thank god for the scholarship, though .”

Nox smiled at her openness. She really didn’t care about money, and that was refreshing. He could imagine her happy with just a book and a sandwich—this wasn’t a woman who needed diamonds and pearls. Of all the things he could give her, what she seemed to want was his time. He swept his hand into her hair and pulled her lips to his. “You’re gorgeous,” he murmured against her lips, “and I adore you .”

Livia chuckled. “You barely know me but I’ll take that. You’re not so bad yourself, rich boy .”

Her words were totally without reproach and he felt her mouth curve up in a smile as he kissed her. A band was just setting up and when they began to play, Nox slid his arms around Livia’s waist and pulled her back against his chest. Livia leaned back into him, comfortable with the intimacy already .

The band was wild, fun and Nox lost track of time in the sweltering heat, the drink, the heady feeling of this beautiful woman in his arms. More and more people were cramming into the space and his arms tightened around Livia. She turned her head to smile at him and something shifted in both of them as their eyes caught. He pressed his lips to hers and she turned in his arms, her own wrapping around him. They forgot about the club, the music, the other people .

He gazed down at her and mouthed the words “come home with me.” Livia’s smile grew wide and she nodded. Enough anticipation …

T wenty minutes later and they were in a cab back to his mansion. Nox couldn’t stop kissing her, tasting her lips, sweet from the liquor, his fingers tangling in her glorious mane .

He hardly remembered how they got to his bedroom but then he was sliding her dress straps down her shoulders and taking one pink nipple into his mouth. He heard her soft moan as she pulled his t-shirt over his head and he tumbled her onto the bed. Livia giggled as he blew a raspberry on her belly then proceeded to tug the rest of her dress and her underwear off. Her fingers went to his zipper as he returned to kiss her mouth, and he felt a wave of pleasure as she freed his cock from his pants .

Livia stroked him until his cock was so hard it was painful, but he resisted the temptation to plunge into her and instead made his way down the bed until he could bury his face in her sex. His tongue lashed around her clit and she shuddered and trembled as she became even more aroused .

“Nox…” she whispered as her sex became swollen and sensitive, then he was back, kissing her mouth again .

She looked up at him with huge brown eyes that were shining and sleepy with desire. “Do you have a …?”

He grinned. “Of course, sweetheart.” He reached over and opened the drawer in his nightstand and pulled out a condom. “Want to help me with it ?”

She grinned and helped him roll it down over his cock. “Big boy.” She chuckled and yelped as he tickled her, but as he hitched her legs around his waist, she suddenly looked nervous .

“Are you okay?” Nox was concerned, but she nodded .

“I’m so good, Nox. I just want to savor this moment …”

He grinned and slowly, his grin growing at her impatience, slid into her. Livia moaned softly. “You feel so good,” she whispered and smiled up at him as they began to find their rhythm .

Nox kissed her throat then found her lips again. Her body was so soft, her breasts pillowy, and he admired the way her body undulated beneath him as they made love. As the intensity grew, their gazes locked and Nox began to thrust harder, faster, deeper, until Livia’s back arched up and she cried out his name as she came. The sound of it tipped Nox over into his own climax and he came hard, groaning her name .

They collapsed back on the bed, laughing, panting for air. “I guess we didn’t hold out for so long,” Livia laughed and rolled onto her side. Nox enjoyed the feel of her breasts pressed up against him and looped an arm around her .

“Listen, I wanted to do that for at least a week, so we held out just fine.” He laughed as she rolled her eyes .

“Okay, I’ll let you have that one.” She pressed her lips to his. “God, Nox, that was incredible .”

“And only the start.” He smoothed a hand down her side. “You have the body of a goddess .”

She giggled. “Thank you. Talking of incredible bodies…” She bit down on his nipple gently. “I’ve been dreaming about this one non-stop all week. I even wrote some piano porn about you .”

Nox laughed loudly. “Piano porn? I think I’m flattered, even if I’m not too sure what you mean .”

Livia grinned. “It doesn’t matter, I was just being silly.” She kissed his chest then rested her chin on it. “Nice digs you have here.” She looked around the palatial bedroom for the first time, and Nox watched for her reaction. “Actually, really nice .”

Nox watched her check out the navy-painted walls, the fireplace stacked with wood—his bedroom could have come out of a Tommy Hilfiger ad .

Livia sat up and nodded. “I like your room. Classy, elegant—just like you.” She grinned and ran her hand through his dark, messy curls. “Usually elegant.” She looked at him for along moment, and he was surprised to see her color .

“What is it , Liv ?”

She bit her lower lip, hesitant. “Can I tell you something ?”

“Of course.” He stroked his finger down her cheek. “Anything .”

“I’ve never…I’m mean, I’m not a virgin, but I never knew it could be like that. Sex, I mean. So exhilarating, so…overwhelming .”

Nox was silent for a moment. “Baby, are you telling me you’ve never …?”

“Had an orgasm? Yup,” she was blushing furiously now. “I’ve never let myself go like that. I honestly couldn’t have cared less whether I lived or died at that moment, I felt so utterly blissed out. My whole body was…god , I can’t even describe it .”

Nox chuckled. “Then I’m honored your first was with me. I promise to do my best to see you come like that every time .”

Livia smiled. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but it means a lot to me. And it doesn’t hurt, Mr. Renaud, that you are gorgeous . Seriously, look at you—who wouldn’t come ?”

“Ha, ha,” he brushed off her compliment, embarrassed. “Liv, you know how you said you wanted honesty? That goes for when we’re in bed too. If I do anything you don’t like, tell me .”

“And the same to you .”

“Deal ”

She snuggled into his arms. “So, what do you want to do now ?”

Nox kissed her. “I’m starving, actually. Want something to eat and I’ll give you a tour of the rest of the house ?”

Livia stuck her tongue in her cheek. “As long as you promise to show me every single ballroom in the place, I mean I’ve only seen the main ballroom and…oww…oww ! Stop, you maniac !”

N ox tickled her until she couldn’t breathe from laughing, then they showered together and wandered down to his kitchen .

“This looks familiar.” Livia grinned at him as she hopped up onto a seat at the breakfast bar. “Is this your main kitchen or do you have eleven smaller ones for each meal ?”

“Funny girl,” Nick leaned over to kiss her. “No, just the one. It’s big enough to feed all seventeen ballrooms though .”

Livia laughed. “Can I help ?”

“Nope, let me feed you, woman. Grilled cheese ?”

“Perfection .”

They chatted easily while he cooked, Livia admiring the way the muscles on his back flexed as he moved. He really was glorious. She adored the way his shaggy black curls fell around his head, the way his green eyes crinkled at the edges. She still couldn’t quite believe she was there, that they had just made love, and that it had been even better than she had dreamed. It seemed somehow surreal, and yet to be with Nox was so natural. Livia studied him with unashamed lust, and when he caught her eye, he pushed the pan to the back of the stove and came to her .

“How,” he murmured, brushing his lips against hers, “am I supposed to concentrate on cooking while you look at me like that?” He stepped closer and pulled her legs around him .

She was wearing his dress shirt—way too big for her, obviously—and he began to unbutton it, letting the fabric fall apart. He drew the pad of his thumb from her lips, down to her throat, between her breasts and down to her navel, making her shiver with desire. “You’re so beautiful, Livvy .”

God, this man… She pulled his lips back to hers then, as they kissed, freed his cock from his jeans. Nox, grinning, produced a condom from the back pocket. “Always be prepared .”

She laughed and rolled it onto him before guiding him inside her, moaning as he filled her entirely. “ God , Nox …”

He thrust hard into her, supporting her with his strong arms as they fucked. Livia bit his chest, kissing his neck and throat, before Nox ground his mouth down on hers. “Livia …”

His cock reamed into her cunt so hard she thought she might slip from her position, and a second later they tumbled to the floor. Livia straddled him as they took each other to the edge of ecstasy all over again. Nox’s fingers gripped her hips, pressing into the soft flesh as she rocked above him, taking him as deep as she could .

Livia came once then Nox flipped her onto her back and began to ram his hips as hard as he could, his cock growing harder and thicker, his hands pinning hers to the cool tile floor. Livia urged him on, coming again and again as he neared his peak. Finally, with a long moan, he came, shuddering and trembling, gasping for air. “God, Livia…can we just do that all the time ?”

“No complaints here.” She grinned at him as he laughed, kissing her tenderly .

T he grilled cheese was unsalvageable so Nox made fresh sandwiches and they both ate as if they were starving. “It’s all the energy we used up,” Livia said, nodding her head wisely and making him laugh. “Don’t mock, it’s fact that sex uses up four-point-six megatons of kilojoule energy for every orgasm .”

“You just made that up .”

“Alright I did, but still .”

“Lunatic .”

She stroked his face. “You’re gorgeous .”

He smirked. “Oh, I know.” And he strutted around like a peacock, making her giggle .

“What was that? Mick Jagger crossed with a chicken ?”

Nox gave up his comic strut. “Buzzkill .”

Livia giggled. Gorgeous and funny. “Nox Renaud…how on earth haven’t you been snatched up by some woman already? I mean, apart from that face of yours, you’re the full package, aren’t you? I don’t get why you would ever be single .”

The smile cracked a little, faded, and Livia cursed herself. “Shit. I’m sorry, did I put my foot in it again ?”

Nox was silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He played with her fingers as he tried to decide what to say. “Liv…when I was a teenager, there was someone. Ariel. We were inseparable, and we both knew it was inevitable that we would end up together. One night, I was getting ready to go pick her up for our senior prom. Amber—that’s her twin sister—called the house in hysterics. Ariel was missing.” A cloud passed over his handsome features and Livia took his hand, holding it tightly. He smiled at her gratefully before clearing his throat. “They found her body the next day, laid on one of the tombstones in the cemetery. She’d been st—” his voice broke and he looked away from her. Livia was horrified to see tears in his eyes. “Stabbed to death. And not quickly either. Whoever murdered her took his time .”

“Oh, god, no.” Livia felt cold. Poor, poor Ariel. The heartbreak on Nox’s face was still obvious even though two decades had passed .

Nox looked at Livia now, his green eyes filled with pain. “I never thought anyone could ever…not replace, I hate that word—and it’s not true when you’re talking about another human—but that I would meet someone who made my heart soar. I was wrong .”

Livia touched his face. “I want to make you happy again, Nox Renaud .”

He wrapped his arms around her. “You already have, Livia .”

She kissed him, her heart pounding with sorrow for him. “What will your friends think about me? I mean, I know you’re still friends with Amber…will she think I’m just a gold-digging interloper ?”

“No. Amber has always told me that she wants me to be happy. I think, for both of us, we had no closure over Ariel’s death because whoever killed her is still out there. I think you and Amber would be good friends. I certainly hope so .”

“On my part, I have no qualms…except perhaps the total chasm in our social situations .”

Nox shook his head. “You shouldn’t fixate on that. Really .”

“I promise,” she smiled up at him, but then her face turned solemn. “I’m so sorry about Ariel, that’s horrific. The police really had no clues ?”

“None. Ariel was the sweetest person. No one could have had a reason to harm her .”

Livia sighed. “Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be much reason to kill a woman. Some do it just for the thrill .”

Nox was silent for a while, but Livia felt his arms tighten around her. “When I heard you scream that night,” he said softly, “when I saw it was you …”

“That was just some dude trying to mug me, Nox. I dealt with it .”

“Badass .”

“You betcha .”

He kissed the top of her head. “Okay, my little warrior woman. Let’s go back to bed and keep each other up all night .”

C hapter Seven

L ivia’s head was bent over her piano when she heard the commotion outside the practice room. She looked up as Charvi, followed by a couple of excited students, came into the room. Charvi looked stunned, overwhelmed and shocked all at once. She nodded at Livia and then the piano .

“You might want to sit down, play that old wreck one last time .”

Livia blinked, completely discombobulated. She had been working on her composition, Night ,—her ‘piano porn’ as she told Nox—and been so into it that the sudden interruption made her shake her head . “What ?”

Charvi smiled. “Your boyfriend is a very generous man.” She turned as the wide doors of the music room were opened and a gang of workmen, huffing and puffing, wheeled in a vast trailer. Livia stood as they maneuvered the covered item onto the floor .

“You can take this one out,” Charvi ordered them, tapping the piano Livia was working from, “save us the trouble .”

The foreman shrugged. “Sure, no problem .”

Livia quickly grabbed her stuff from the rather battered, but much-loved piano, even more confused. Charvi and her students grabbed the dust cloth on the new piano and pulled it off with a flourish. Livia couldn’t help but gasp. Underneath the cloth sat the most beautiful instrument she’d ever seen. Charvi looked gleeful. “You know what this is ?”

Livia nodded her head weakly. “It’s a Steinway , a Model D concert grand Steinway .” Her legs were shaking. Nox had done this? “It’s Judy Carmichael’s piano. Not hers personally, but her piano of choice .”

Charvi was watching her. “That’s right. And Nox donated not just one of these, but four. He’s donated four of these babies to the university, plus countless other new instruments and a huge endowment .”

Livia was shocked to her core and also conflicted. She and Nox had only been dating for two weeks…and this was beyond generous .

One of the other students was looking at her enviously. “Damn, you must be good in bed .”

“Tony.” Charvi glared at the student. “That’s enough .”

“Sorry .”

Livia shook her head. “It’s okay. Four Steinways, though ?”

Charvi looked at the other students. “Give us the room, will you?” After they had gone, Charvi sat Livia down on the new piano stool. “You look like you’re about to collapse. Sit, breathe .”

“I just…I mean, what? What does this mean ?”

Charvi nodded, but she didn’t smile “I think it means he’s smitten .”

“This is too much, Charvi. I mean, god…it’s been two weeks. Not that I’m not happy for the university, but…” She opened the lid of the piano and began to press down on the keys. “God, listen to that tone…” She began to play her composition, listening to the deep bass of Swedish steel and copper wire, the treble so sweet and pure. She played through all she had written so far—twice—forgetting Charvi was in the room. Closing her eyes and moving her fingers over the smooth spruce keys, she lost herself in the composition. Livia thought not of the notes she had to play, but of Nox, and of making love with him, the fun and laughter they had shared over the last few days. They had become almost inseparable in such a short time …

She sighed and finished playing, opening her eyes. Charvi gave her a round of applause. “That, sister, is coming along nicely .”

Livia grinned. “My piano porn ?”

Charvi laughed. “I don’t think we’ll call it that in the program. Do you have another title ?”

Livia flushed. “ Night .”

Charvi sighed. “I guess it’s no use now to ask you to be cautious with this man .”

Livia felt stung. “Charvi…what is it? Why are you so nervous about my relationship with Nox Renaud ?”

Charvi rubbed her eyes. “It’s not Nox himself as it is the people who surround him. I worry about them affecting you .”

Livia snorted. “Charvi, I can look after myself in that respect. Why is it I think you’re keeping something from me? Tell me straight…is Nox dangerous? Tell me now before I fall in love with him, because that is a very real possibility .”

Charvi looked upset, and as if she were about to say something, but then relented. “Just be cautious around his friends. If Nox is anything like Gabriella, then I wish you two nothing but happiness. She was the best person I ever knew .”

“Then he is like his mother.” Livia said softly, trying to keep the tone of reproach out of hervoice and Charvi smiled apologetically .

“In that case…” Charvi patted her shoulder. “He might have donated the instruments, but you had already started to write that beautiful piece about him, and now you’ve given it his name. Have you invited him to the recital ?”

“Not yet, but I will. I just have to make sure it’s perfect .”

“ You will .”

Livia looked at her watch. “I have to go thank him .”

“Thank him for all of us, would you? Obviously, the Dean will be writing to him to express his gratitude, but from me, from the music department and faculty, say thank you .”

Livia hugged her teacher. “I will. And you know, I think he’d love to see you again .”

Charvi’s smile faded. “I’m not sure I’m ready. Gabriella was like a sister to me. Her death still hurts and I…” She sighed. “I’m scared that if Nox has grown to look like his father too much, I might flip out on him and say all the terrible things I wanted to say to Tynan. So, not yet, please. Let me work my way up to it .”

Livia nodded, sadness making her chest hurt. One moment in time and so many lives were wrecked. “Of course. Let me just say… Nox is a wonderful man. You won’t find a more generous or kind and open man .”

“I believe you. I just need time is all .”

R oan stared at Nox, who looked back steadily. “After all that, just ‘ no ?’”

“Roan, you knew this was a long shot coming in here. If you need money, just ask, but we both know you’re not cut out to be in this business .”

“It’s food importing!” Roan threw his hands up in the air and stood up. Nox could see he was agitated and shot a glance at a silent Sandor. Sandor cleared his throat .

“Roan, it’s purely from a business standpoint. We’ve made our reputation on no drama and no gossip, by being above board and transparent on everything. And while you’re a fantastic salesman, that’s not who we are.” He tried to lighten the mood. “It would be like Freddie Mercury joining…Coldplay .”

“Or the Allman brothers .”

“ Sigur Ros .”

“Snoop Dogg joining the Spice Girls .”

“You’re Scary Spice .”

“ Am not .”

Roan’s mouth hitched up at one side as he tried not to smile. “Don’t make me laugh, I’m mad at you guys .”

“We’re just saying we’re too staid for you, buddy. Rather, this company is. Look, you want to talk about setting up a new company doing something entirely different, something that will suit you, and that we could invest in, go for it .”

Roan, mollified, sat back down. “You’d consider a new company ?”

“Sure thing. Something where you’d be the lead and we would be silent partners .”

Roan chewed on his lip, and Nox shot Sandor a meaningful look. Sandor nodded. “Look, I have to make some calls. How about I come back for you in twenty minutes and we’ll grab some lunch ?”

“Sure thing .”

When they were alone, Nox looked at his friend. Roan seemed diminished somehow, stressed, not his usual ebullient self. “What is it, Roan? There’s something going on with you, something more than wanting a new career .”

Roan sighed and rubbed his face. “Don’t worry about it .”

“I do worry about it.” Nox frowned. “Do you need money ?”

Roan stayed silent. “You just have to ask,” Nox said in a quiet, calm voice. Roan shook his head .

“Thank you, man, but I have to find my own way out of this .”

“Surely Odelle’s family…” Nox trailed off as Roan laughed .

“Man, if I could keep it my pants maybe she wouldn’t hate me right now .”

“ Fuck , Roan .”

“That’s what I do. Maybe I should start a male escort business .”

Nox ignored that remark. “Odelle knows ?”

“Yup .”

“Who ?”

Roan hesitated before looking at his friend. “Amber .”

Nox rocked back. “You’re kidding ?”

“Nope .”

“Jesus, Roan, don’t you know not to sh — ”

“Shit where you sleep? Yup. I’m that much of an idiot .”

“Jeez .”

Roan sighed. “Look, I’ll work on Odelle, apologize, make it up to her. Marry her .”

“Odelle may be a strange fish, but she won’t fall for any fake sentiments or actions. If you marry her you had better damn mean it. Or you’ll have me to answer to, as well as Odie.” Nox was irritated, but Roan held up his hands .

“I hear you.” He studied his friend. “What about you? You made a move on the lovely Livia yet ?”

Nox couldn’t help his smile. “That is going very, very well, thanks. She’s adorable .”

“You bringing her to Thanksgiving? You can, you know. She can meet the gang .”

Nox smiled, but didn’t answer. “Look, get together an idea for the kind of business you’d like to run, and we’ll talk more, make a business plan. There’s a couple of empty offices here you can use as a base. Don’t harass the female staff, is all I ask .”

“ Would I ?”

“ Yes .”

Roan laughed. “I promise to be good. Thanks, man. I appreciate this .”

“Just take it seriously. This could be a turning point .”

Roan smiled at his friend. “You know, you’re an excellent big brother .”

Nox ignored the pain that shot through him—an excellent big brother, just like Teague was—and hid it with a smile. “Damn straight. And I will kick your ass if you screw this up .”

Roan stood and shook Nox’s hand. “I swear to you, Nox, I won’t let you down .”

“Go tell that to Odelle .”

“I will. Thanks, brother .”

L ivia waited as the receptionist tried not to stare at her. She smiled at the young woman, who flushed slightly. “Sorry .”

Livia shrugged. “It’s okay. What’s your name ?”

“Pia .”

“Hey, Pia, I’m Liv. I’m kind of seeing your boss .”

Pia smiled. She was young, early twenties Livia guessed, with big blue eyes and jet-black hair. Gorgeous. “I know. He’s such a great guy, great boss , too .”

Livia smiled and wondered if Pia had a crush on her boss. She couldn’t blame her. The next minute, Livia realized Nox wasn’t the object of Pia’s affection when Sandor came into the reception and handed her some notes. Pia flushed a deep scarlet and Livia hid a smile .

Sandor grinned at her. “Hey, Livvy, great to see you. Does Nox know you’re here ?”

She shook her head. “I told Pia I’d wait until he was free .”

Sandor threw a smile at Pia, which made the young woman light up. “Nah come on, it’s only Roan who’s in with him .”

Sandor led her back to Nox’s office. As she walked with him, she nudged his shoulder. “That girl has a king-sized crush on you .”

Sandor rolled his eyes. “I’m old enough to be her father , Liv .”

“So ?”

Sandor laughed. “I’m not a cradle snatcher .”

Livia felt a little sting—after all, there was twelve years between her and Nox. Sandor saw her smile falter and guessed what she was thinking. “Totally different situation,” he said hurriedly. “I’m forty-five, Pia is nineteen .”

“Ugh, okay, I get it. Don’t tell Pia I told you .”

Sandor knocked at Nox’s door, grinning. “I won’t. She’s young, she’ll find some young boy to fall in love with next week.” He opened the door. “Hey, Renaud, found this little treasure in reception .”

Nox looked delighted to see her. “Hey, beautiful, what a nice surprise.” He came to greet her, kissing her on the mouth, lingering over it. Roan snickered .

“Get a room .”

Livia, blushing, giggled. “ Hey , Roan .”

“I was just telling Nox here that we look forward to meeting you formally at Thanksgiving .”

Livia rocked back a little. “ Formally ?”

Nox rolled his eyes. “He means properly , all of us. We’ll talk about it over lunch. Guys, do you mind if I take a raincheck ?”

“Nope .”

“Not at all .”

L ivia took him back to her apartment. He walked around the tiny kitchen/living space and nodded. “I like it, it suits you. Yeah, this is welcoming, warm. And even better, it smells like you—all soft flowers and fresh air .”

Flushing, Livia was pleased. Her and Moriko’s home was small but they both loved it, decorating it with colored scarves and art pieces and books. The couch was big and squashy and Livia pushed Nox down on it before straddling him. “So, Mr. Renaud, before I feed you, there’s a little matter of a huge ‘thank you’ to be discussed. Nox, I cannot believe your generosity. Thank you, on behalf of the university, the faculty, the students, and the music department. I’m overwhelmed .”

“I thought you might appreciate practicing on the same instrument as your heroine,” he said shyly, and Livia kissed him, crushing her lips against his .

“You’re perfect,” she whispered and sat up, unbuttoning her dress one button at a time, slowing peeling it off. She was naked underneath and Nox groaned, fixing his mouth on her nipple, sucking and teasing them both until they were unbearably sensitive. Livia opened his shirt and his fly, running her hands over his taut muscles, his flat belly. “God, I want you so badly .”

With a growl, Nox tipped her to the floor, pressing her knees to her chest and taking her clit into his mouth. Livia gasped at the sensations he sent flooding through her .

“I’m supposed to be thanking you ,” she gasped and felt the vibration from his laugh rumble through her sex .

“You are,” he said, his voice muffled. As he brought her to orgasm, she trembled and cried out his name. He moved up to kiss her mouth .

“When you call my name like that…god, Livvy.” He kissed her deeply, passionately. Livia pulled away from his kiss and made her way down his body, trailing her tongue down his chest, his belly, and then took his cock into her mouth, licking the salty pre-cum from the tip and running her tongue down the thick shaft. His fingers tangled in her hair as she worked on him, feeling his cock harden even more and quiver under her touch .

“Jesus, Livvy…” She felt him jerk underneath her, and then his hands were under her shoulders, pulling her on top of him. He slid a condom on and she spread her legs wide for him as he thrust into her. She moaned softly as they began to move together—really, there was nothing like the way he felt inside her, his cock so thick and long, harder than steel, yet the skin silky and soft .

They made love slowly, taking their time, their eyes never leaving the other’s face. Livia had never felt a connection like this, had never experienced this intimacy so quickly with someone. She already knew the planes of his face, his mannerisms, the way his eyes would become more intense as they made love—as if she was the only thing he could see, or wanted to see. When they were this close, she wished she could sink into him, become one with him. Her fingernails dug into his firm, rounded buttocks now as he plunged into her again and again. I could die right now and be happy, she thought, and then pulled herself up. Really? Oh shit. She was falling in love with him .

No, no, no. It was too quick, too soon. Calm down, she told herself, burying her face in his neck and kissing his throat. Just let it happen. Nox is the man for you and you know it …

“I’m crazy about you,” he whispered suddenly and she nodded .

“And I, you , you gorgeous man.” She kissed him, feeling a surge of certainty before all other thoughts were swept away and she was coming, riding her orgasm like a wave as Nox climaxed with her. She wondered if she should tell him she was already on birth control. Something in her wanted to feel his seed deep inside her, to feel his cock inside without any barrier. She was sensible though—they weren’t yet at the stage where they could discuss that and she knew it. But god, to feel his skin against her…would that be something he would go for? Her brain was too endorphin-soaked to think straight right then .

Nox’s lips were against hers. “God, you’re beautiful.” He smoothed the hair away from her face. “ Chocolate eyes .”

She grinned. “Ocean eyes.” He laughed and kissed her .

“So…what were we talking about ?”

“Your incredible generosity. Nox, you didn’t need to do that .”

Nox smiled good-naturedly. “I know, and it wasn’t a ‘thank you for screwing me’ gift so don’t think that. It was time I did something for the university and now I had a focus. Was Charvi pleased ?”

Livia nodded. “ She was .”

“Good, I’m glad. I hope that we can meet soon .”

Livia wriggled into his arms. “I did speak to her about that. Nox…she’s not ready. She told me she still has so much anger towards your father that if she saw you, saw that you looked like him, she might have some kind of left-brain-hip-check and freak out on you .”

Nox was silent for a while. Livia studied him, her brow furrowed. “I hope I haven’t upset you .”

“No.” But he sat up and rubbed his face. He picked his shirt up and started to put it on. “I guess , well …”

“What ?”

“I guess I should tell you. Charvi and my mom…way before she was married to my dad, they were close. Very close .”

“Lovers ?”

Nox nodded. “I was the only one who knew. My mom used to confide in me and she always told me, although she never regretted marrying my dad and having Teague and I, that she hated being estranged from Charvi. That she had loved her entirely .”

“Why did your mom leave her ?”

Nox gave her a sad smile. “Family .”

“Enough said. God, the tragedy of it all.” She stroked his face. “Do you think that’s why your father went crazy? He found out ?”

“I don’t know, Liv, I honestly don’t. Dad was pretty open-minded, pretty progressive. I can’t imagine he would freak out over something like that. Then again, I never imagined he could kill my mother and brother in cold blood .”

Livia shivered. “My father was, or is, a drunk asshole but he never laid a hand on me. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you .”

He kissed her forehead. “That’s the thing, he was a great dad. Really great. None of those machismo, you-are-boys-so-you-must-be-tough and women-belong-in-the-kitchen crap. I guess I’ll never understand .”

Livia was quiet for a while. “Why did the police believe he was guilty so easily, then? Why didn’t they look into it further ?”

He looked surprised. “It was pretty cut and dried, sweetheart. They found Dad with the gun in his mouth, gunshot residue all over him .”

“He could have been framed .”

“Unlikely, according to the forensic team, but I appreciate you thinking well of him.” He kissed her again. “What about you? You don’t talk about your family that much .”

She shrugged. “Not much to tell. Only child, Mom was amazing, but cancer doesn’t discriminate. If the world was fair, it would have taken Dad .”

“Do you think you’ll ever see him again ?”

“I doubt it. It’s no loss, really. My family is here. Moriko and I met first semester in college and have been roommates ever since.” She checked her watch. “Talking of which, she’s due home any minute so you might want to get dressed .”

“Too late.” The door was opening as Livia was speaking and a grinning Moriko strode in. “Hey, kids. Nice cock,” she added admiringly to Nox, who was trying to cover himself with his jeans and laughing. Livia burst into giggles as she covered his groin with her body. Moriko’s high laughter rang out as she disappeared into her room. “Let me know when you’re somewhat decent and I’ll come out .”

A few minutes passed and Moriko stuck her head out of the door. She looked disappointed. “Oh. You’re dressed. Give a girl a treat, why don’t you?” She winked at Nox who grinned back. Livia shook her head .

“You are terrible. Look, we’re going to order pizza and beer— want in ?”

“Hell, yes, if I’m not disturbing anything .”

“Not at all .”

When the pizza arrived, Livia passed out cold beers and they sat out on the tiny balcony that looked over the city. “If you squint,” Moriko told Nox, “you can see Bourbon Street from here .”

Nox looked in the direction of the famous street. “Really ?”

“Squint harder…harder….now close your eyes and imagine Bourbon Street.” Moriko cackled at her joke and Livia giggled, throwing a piece of pizza crust at her friend .

“Don’t tease .”

“No, no,” Nox said, grinning, “that’s what best friends are supposed to do to the paramour. It is the law .”

Moriko nodded wisely. “You are wise, Young Padawan .”

Livia coughed and it sounded suspiciously like ‘geek.’ Moriko smiled, cat-like. “You may mock, Liv, but me and Wondercock here are bonding .”

Nox choked on his pizza, laughing, and Liv threw an apologetic look at him. “Sorry, she’s not housetrained yet .”

The three of them were having so much fun that Nox decided not to go back to work, and they spent the late afternoon and evening drinking and laughing. At ten p.m. Moriko got up. “Well, it’s been swell, guys. I’m outtie .”

“ Hot date ?”

“Tepid, but doable.” Moriko threw her denim jacket on. She winked at Nox. “Good to meet you properly. Look after each other, kids.” And she disappeared into the apartment. “And keep those windows open…it reeks of sex in here .”

“Yeah, it does ,” mumbled a decidedly drunk Livia, with a satisfied grin. Nox laughed and hoisted her onto his lap .

“You’re drunk .”

“Yep.” She kissed him. “And you’re beautiful. Take me to bed, Renaud, and fuck the brains right out of me.” She shrieked as he stood and threw her over his shoulder, carried her into her bedroom, and proceeded to do exactly as she asked .