The next morning, Melanie came over and picked up Marianne. The two friends seemed ecstatic. After knowing each other for more than two years, they would finally spend some time together. Dominic waved “goodbye” to them, with a smile on his face, but with trouble festering in his mind. Marianne’s shattered dream of becoming a published writer had saddened him. He desired to help her make it come true, but, unfortunately for him, he had no idea how. Dominic was a very wealthy man; he owned real estate companies, ski resorts all over the Alps and also a law firm in Grenoble, where his friend Jean worked, but was completely clueless as far as publishing was concerned. Frustrated and helpless, he decided to fly to Grenoble, seeking his advice.

The one-hour flight gave him some time to reflect on the night before. It was unexpected, as it was wonderful. The dinner, the fantastic time they had together and their encounter were still swirling in his mind. Marianne tempted him in a way no woman had ever done before.

“What a woman.” He thought to himself. “Gorgeous, sensitive, talented and dynamite in bed: what more can a guy ask for? You will be published someday, Marianne. I’m going to do everything in my power to see it through. I just hope Jean can enlighten me.”

As usual, Dominic found his friend on the penthouse of his tower, swamped with work, as a middle-aged, female client left his office. His visit did not go down well with Jean. Just when their eyes met, he frowned and tore his gaze away from his friend.

“I’m a little too busy to hear about your love affairs, Dominic.” He groaned, rising from his seat.

“Good morning to you, too” Dominic’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. “I just flew a hundred miles. You could at least be a little more polite.”

“I do that almost every day,” Jean stated, folding his arms across his chest.

“What a warm welcome,” Dominic gave three sarcastic slaps. “Anyway, I’m not here to talk about my love life. How much do you know about publishing books?”

“Pretty much everything.” His friend’s words put a smile on his face. “You and Melanie had the same idea. She just thought about it sooner.”

“Could you be elaborate on that?” Dominic requested.

“This is about your love life, my friend.” Jean attempted a stiff tone. “When Marianne sent Melanie her manuscripts, she asked her why she had not published them yet. Marianne claimed that she could not find a publisher and Melanie offered a helping hand. Sadly, French companies don’t publish English books, unless they are written by established authors. Marianne Brewster isn’t one of them.”

“Can we do anything to, um…?” Dominic faltered, rolling his searching his friend’s face, “…change their mind?”

“It’s a business, Dominic.” Jean smirked. “What is it you Americans say? Oh, yes. ‘Money makes the world go round’.”

“You mean I should pay them off?” Dominic said with a hint of annoyance in his voice as he leaned towards his friend.

“Precisely,” Jean gave an emphatic nod. “Most authors do that at the beginning of their careers. Why should Miss Brewster be any different?”

“I didn’t know about that.” Dominic declared, squeezing his lips. “I don’t think she’s going to like it.”

“Don’t you think you’re rushing things?” It was Jean’s turn to pose a question. “You hardly know that girl.”

“Maybe I am.” He admitted. “I just don’t want to see that talent go to waste.”

At that moment, a knock on the open door drew their attention. The curvy redhead behind him was no stranger to Dominic. It was Linda Collins, his most persistent old flame.

“Good morning.” She spoke in a clear, British accent. “My king, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, Linda.” Jean interjected. “Come in. We need to discuss your case.”

“Jean, could you be a dear and give us the room?” Her polite request forced an exasperated sigh out of him. He didn’t speak. Instead, Jean brushed past his friend and slammed the door behind him.

“He’s always such a cheerful lad.” She spoke in sarcastic tones, moving around him. “What brings you over, your highness?”

“Stop calling me that, Linda.” He grumbled, furrowing his brow. “Jean is my friend. What are you doing here?”

“Someone broke into my house last week.” Linda informed, attempting a more serious tone. “The trial is tomorrow morning.”

“I’m sorry.” He lowered his eyes from her. “I didn’t know.”

“My sensitive little dear…” Her feathery voice turned into a husky whisper, as she leaned in towards him. “I’ve missed our nights together tremendously.”

“Sex was never the problem between us, Linda.” Dominic maintained, as his gaze shot up to meet hers. “You know that.”

“What was the problem, sweetheart?” She asked, raising her hands to his chest.

“Don’t act like you don’t know,” He said in a reprimanding tone as he grabbed both hands in midair. “You are spoiled, way too self-centered and always demanding more. Remember what you said, the night we broke up?”

“I was very hard to please.” Linda confessed, as he eased his grip on her hands. “But, I’ve been meaning to change a few things. That was my pain talking, Dominic. I didn’t mean to threaten you.”

“I’ve heard this all before,” Dominic murmured, pushing her aside. “You don’t fool me. Have a nice day.”

“What are you hoping to accomplish with that interview, Dominic?” Her question forced him to stop. “Jean told me about it. What is it that you seek? Attention?”

“I’m just sick and tired of all the rumors the press spread about me.” He declared, looking down at her over his right shoulder. “I’ll be seeing you.”

Linda… insatiable in every way imaginable: clothes, jewelry, sex… I really loved the sex with you, you hot little minx. This time though, I’m not looking just for a good time. I need something a lot more complicated than meaningless sex. Something girls like you cannot give me.