Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
C hristos
Alluring.
Exciting.
Breathtaking.
I’d used more adjectives about the woman strapped in the seat beside me than I had about any of those I’d dated over the years. Valencia Laurant was the entire package, so much so the moment I’d locked eyes on hers, I knew I wouldn’t allow her to get away a second time.
With the club opening on the next night, I should be at the location, ensuring everything went off without a hitch.
Yet here I was heading to dinner after insisting she join me.
And I wouldn’t have allowed her to refuse.
My thoughts had turned extremely carnal, so much so my cock was already aching and my balls were tighter than usual. Few women had that direct effect on me, at least not until I was ready to enjoy fucking them and leaving.
I’d perfected that style, but my playboy methods wouldn’t work on someone of Valencia’s nature. Plus, she was a sweet foil package wrapped in ribbon that needed to be savored before being opened very slowly.
“You’re very demanding,” she stated, as if that was something I didn’t already know.
“Always. Especially when collecting the things I desire.”
“I’m not your possession, Christos. I don’t belong to anyone.”
I chuckled as I fastened the seatbelt. “Duly noted.”
“And meant for you to keep in mind. This is a one-time acquiescence.”
“Is it so repulsive for you to spend time with me?”
Valencia finally settled into the seat, turning her head to gaze in my direction. “That remains to be seen.”
“Fair enough. Then I guess I will need to be on my best behavior.”
Her slight laugh was controlled. “Do you always travel in style?” she asked as soon as I revved the engine. “Fast sports cars. Expensive suits. I’m surprised you don’t have an entourage given the way the women were feasting with their eyes.”
“Who says I don’t have an entourage? And I always travel in style. What would you prefer?” I shifted my attention to the stunning beauty in the passenger seat, surprised that fate had brought us together. After glancing into the rearview mirror, I pulled out of the parking spot.
“I don’t know. I always enjoyed seeing a man on a horse.”
She had a frank yet fresh approach to everything. I could tell she didn’t appreciate her advice being taken lightly either. “I’ve ridden one a time or two, but I doubt using a horse as my main method of travel would be expeditious.”
“Because of your traveling or your fear of animals?”
The woman also had a way of making me laugh. “I don’t fear animals.”
“But they fear you.”
“I wouldn’t say fear.”
“Animals can sense a bad person much like they can aspects of danger.”
“Are you suggesting I’m a dangerous bad person?”
Her laugh was subtle. “Perhaps. But I don’t know you very well.”
“Ah, but you’ve learned of my reputation.”
“I have friends. They care about me.”
“Having friends you can trust is always a godsend. I believe you can feel safe in my hands.”
She brushed her hand through her long curls and the simple move attracted my attention. “Mmm… We’ll see. An Italian sports car. Is that to blend in?”
“If I were attempting to do that, I’d be driving a Fiat. The Italians prefer the car’s compact nature and its maneuverability. Many of the city streets within Italian cities are quite narrow.”
“Then just the opposite. You enjoy standing out, which is easy for you.”
“I don’t shy away from attention if that’s what you were insinuating.”
“So I’ve noticed. You seem to be the darling of Greek and Parisian news media.”
I almost grasped her leg, a possessive gesture, but certainly didn’t want to scare her off. Although I had the distinct feeling the woman could hold her own against almost any situation. “You searched the internet.”
“When you insisted I go out with you, I felt it prudent. I’ve seen the effects from what dangerous men did to their prey.”
“What a fascinating choice of words. I rarely hunt prey, but when I do, it’s usually based on betrayal.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Where are you taking me?”
I pressed down on the accelerator, taking the corners with more speed than was recommended. She didn’t flinch or grip the dashboard. That thrilled me and I wasn’t certain why.
“Panigacci.”
“Which is?”
“A lovely Italian restaurant I found when I was here many years ago. I believe you’ll find their offerings delicious. They have brick walls and arches, sparkling white lights used like drapes, and they offer some of the finest cuisine in all of Italy.” I altered my tone with the last word on purpose. It didn’t seem to faze her.
She was a tough girl, refusing to allow herself to fall under any man’s spell. I’d caught that from the beginning. Even Elias had mentioned how she’d handled them when they’d inquired about the success or failure of my surgery. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t seem to let her go.
That and her stunning good looks.
“That sounds lovely. Table for four?” she asked as she glanced into the side mirror.
“They won’t be eating with us.”
“I hope you don’t make your bodyguards starve.”
“They are considered my soldiers,” I told her, “and I assure you they are allowed both food and wine when off duty. Their pay and benefits are enough they can buy anything they want.”
“So you are mafia.”
I continued driving, enjoying the feel of the engine as it roared around the curves. The restaurant was in a part of town that allowed me to enjoy a section of the countryside as well. “Does that frighten you?”
“You’re not denying it.”
“I’m a businessman just like my brothers and my father, my grandfather and his father before him. We come from a long line of importers and exporters and with the creativity of my brothers, the three of us decided to expand our realm into nightclubs. They are extremely popular when done right.”
“I must admit, Christos, you are a master at talking out of both sides of your mouth. Have you ever considered being a politician?”
She had me laughing again. “You don’t take crap from anyone.”
“No, I do not. In a world where a significant number of cardiologists are men, it’s in my best interest to remain sharp about everything, including my personal life.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You should. I don’t like liars, thieves, or anyone who abuses animals and not necessarily in that order.”
“But murderers are fine with you?”
“Are you trying to tell me you’re a murderer?” She turned her head to stare directly at me. Her question wasn’t meant in jest.
I was forced to slow down as we entered the city once again. I made a couple of turns and easily found a parking spot on the street. That surprised me. I had the gear in park, my seatbelt unfastened before I answered her question. “Why don’t you ask me what is at the forefront of your mind so we can get that out of the way?”
“Are you a criminal?” She asked the question with no hesitation.
“Have I been involved in criminal activity before? The answer is yes. Is that what our corporation is namely about? The answer is no. We are determined to get out of the business that you seem concerned about, but the old methods are difficult to break. My father is still alive and does have a hand in what we do and the decisions we make. We are a tight family.”
“Hmmm… The other men who were shot and brought into the emergency room. Were you or your men responsible?”
“Yes.” There was no reason to lie to her.
“One last question.”
“Of course.”
Valencia unfastened her seatbelt and shifted her body so she could look directly into my eyes. “Should I be frightened of you?”
No woman had ever asked me that question before. It struck me harder than I could have imagined. For her to believe I’d dare hurt something so fragile, so incredible troubled me all the way to my core. While she also didn’t flinch when I lifted my arm, her lips pursed as if prepared for the worst.
I folded my fingers, tenderly rubbing a strand of hair away from her eyes. “I would never hurt a creature so beautiful and disarming under any circumstances. There is no need to be afraid of me, angel. That much I can promise you.”
The woman was reflective, something I both admired and appreciated about her. I’d enjoyed the company of many women in my playboy life, but none had been as professional or thoughtful. She was the entire package, brains and beauty. That likely made me some chauvinistic asshole, but it was the truth, which I’d happily share with her if the time was right.
Only the flowers had stretched it as far as she was concerned with attempting any kind of romance.
While I’d yet to discover even why she was in town, perhaps we’d manage to slip in some additional time together.
“Then I think I’ll enjoy dinner,” she said, immediately reaching for the door handle.
“Not so fast. I’ll come and release you.”
She looked at me with clear amusement in her eyes. “You’ll release me?”
“Yes. I don’t know what kind of men you’ve been dating, but I’m thinking Neanderthals.”
Her laugh was genuinely full of surprise. “Maybe that’s the problem. Dating is a bust. I don’t do it very well.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” I shook my head as I climbed out, taking the time to button my jacket as I scanned the street. Both Elias and Luca had already taken their positions as lookouts. While I wasn’t concerned about the Americans finding me, the entire family had learned the hard way that taking any time spent in this life for granted was akin to a death wish.
I nodded to Elias, the man clearly concerned I’d brought my time spent in New York with me. Chuckling, I walked to the other side of the car, opening her door and immediately reaching inside for her to take my hand.
“Chivalrous?”
“Is that an issue?” I pulled her roughly against me, enough so that she was forced to place her hand on my chest to keep from tipping over.
She’d yet to learn I would never allow her to fall.
“Not an issue, but not what I’m used to.”
As we walked across the street to the entrance to the restaurant, I kept my hand placed on the small of her back. “I hate New York even more.”
“There are days I do as well. This is lovely. The entire street is lit up as if straight out of a romance novel.”
“Your favorite genre?”
“Actually, I prefer horror where it’s very gory or crime thrillers, preferably stalkers and serial killers.”
I almost choked, I was laughing so hard. “You are very surprising.”
“Stick with me long enough and you might find me shocking.”
“You’ll quickly learn that nothing shocks me. Good evening, Maria.” The hostess smiled as soon as we appeared.
“Mr. Nomikos. It’s wonderful to see you again. I have your table ready. Lovely to meet you, Dr. Laurant.”
Valencia lifted her head toward me as I guided us through the restaurant. “You’re well known.”
“I am a creature of continuity. I prefer to eat at the same restaurants that I’ve enjoyed before. I know the quality and the atmosphere.”
“But don’t you find trying new things exciting?”
“Here you are,” Maria said.
I pulled out Valencia’s chair and the look she gave me was as if I’d just pushed us back into the dark ages. Ignoring her sarcastic expression, I eased her and the chair under the table, walking around to the other side. “I find excitement in many things, Valencia,” I said as I sat down. “Including in beautiful women, their touch and taste. The sound of their laughter, especially in the moonlight. The way they feel against my skin and the softness of their voices.”
She placed the napkin in her lap, her luscious lips pursed from amusement. “I should have asked if you’re a womanizer. Now I know.”
“You caught me.”
“ Cosa posso portarti da bere? ” The waiter appeared quickly, his question about what we wanted to drink expected.
“ Il venticinquesimo Chateau Petrus .”
The waiter opened his eyes wide, given it was a sixty-five-hundred-dollar bottle of wine. “ Molto bene, signore .” He nodded and left, allowing me to return my attention to my lovely dinner companion.
“A Chateau Petrus. A twenty-twenty no less.” While her eyes were sparkling, her upper lip was crooked, her words meant to admonish me.
“You don’t like the vintage?”
“Are you trying to impress me? A very expensive wine and you speak fluent Italian.”
I leaned over the table. “Is it working?”
“I’m not impressed easily.”
“Then I guess I’ll need to try harder.” Walking into the restaurant, I’d been allowed to enjoy the slight swinging of her hips and the way the incredible dress hugged her voluptuous form. While it was obvious she was more at ease in her scrubs, the hospital her playground, she was the epitome of womanly perfection in both the medical attire and the dress.
I found both her and the light perfume she was wearing irresistible.
I would have a difficult time keeping my hands to myself.
“That will be enjoyable to watch. How many other languages do you speak?” she asked.
“French, English obviously. A little Russian. Some Armenian.”
“Multi-talented. Your parents must be proud.”
“My father insisted we become international men.”
Her eyes lit up in an entirely different way. At least I was humoring her. The wine arrived seconds later and after nodding toward the waiter, he pulled away to uncork the bottle while another waiter placed appropriate wineglasses on our table. “How long will you be in Milan?”
“The rest of the week. How about you?”
“It depends on the how the club opening goes.”
“A new club. How exciting,” she said, although her breathless sound was reminiscent of a deep purr. Many things stirred deep inside. The woman could easily keep me fully aroused for days.
“Yes, Club Scandal will be just that.”
“A scandal?”
“Why not?” The waiter poured a small amount and I took my time sniffing and swirling before taking a sip. All the while Valencia was smirking at me with mischief in her eyes.
“Kinky?”
I shrugged as the wine was poured, sitting back in my seat and savoring another look at the way the candlelight reflected on her porcelain skin. “To a degree. Not a full kink club, but a few suggestions were provided by the women attached at the hip to my brothers.”
She opened her eyes even wider. “A tight family.”
“Very much so. Honestly, sometimes too much. Yours?”
“My sister and I are tight. My dad works in the Senate and I rarely see him. And my mom? Well, she enjoys her volunteer work at a local animal shelter.”
The Senate. Did every self-imposed important man work in politics?
“Ah. That’s where you got your obvious love of animals.” I lifted my glass, waiting as she did the same.
“Yes and no. I’ve always gravitated toward animals more than people. They are honest and loving to a fault.”
She touched her glass to mine and I found it possible to lose myself in the depth of her blue eyes.
“Do you own a pet?”
“One furry baby for now. Magnum PI. He’s a golden-golden mix.”
Now she had surprised me. “Named after the American television show?”
“You know it?”
“Yes, I do. I own Magnum’s Ferrari. One just like it.”
“Get out.” She was excited about my announcement. “I love that car. I would give anything to own one.”
“Maybe one day that can happen.”
“Even on my salary, living in New York city is expensive.”
“Then why live there?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Because I spent my teenage years in New York and fell in love with the city. But it does grate on your nerves. The crime. The rude people. There’s no sense of family.”
“I can imagine. Greece isn’t that way. We take family life very seriously.”
“That’s wonderful. I can imagine what your mother and father are like.”
She was bringing back memories. “They are lively.”
As she took another sip of wine, finally more relaxed around me, I was no longer astonished about the connection we shared. She’d enticed every part of me, body mentally and physically. I was eager to learn more about her while hungering to taste every inch.
“Why a heart surgeon?”
“My uncle had a heart attack right in front of me when I was a little girl. I didn’t know CPR and while I called 9-1-1, I couldn’t save his life. It nearly destroyed my father because they were so close.”
Her words hit home, my thoughts drifting to my brother Leandro.
“Did I say something wrong?” she asked.
“No, of course not.”
“Your face tells a different story.” She reached her hand across the table as if we’d been friends for a long time. The instant the tips of her fingers touched the skin on the back of my hand, a shot of electricity cut through me like a knife. Every time I touched her, I was reminded that I was a man and hungered deeply, my thirst never quenched.
“Am I that easy to read?” I asked.
“My mother tells me I’m an empath.”
I looked at her quizzically.
“A person with the paranormal ability to understand the mental and emotional state of another person.”
“Ah,” I said, lifting my glass for a second time. “Perhaps you are someone with many talents and not I.”
“You didn’t answer the question and I am the kind of woman who will dig until I’d told what I want to hear.”
Her smile had an uncanny ability to make me feel at ease. Perhaps we’d known each other in a past life. “Then I’ll need to keep your paranormal abilities in mind. Do you bend spoons too?”
She gave me a hard look, the flash in her eyes capable of cutting a man to the bone. I suddenly envisioned her writhing underneath me, wondering how her eyes would appear then. My cock twitched in appreciation. She even drummed her fingers on the table, expecting me to answer. How many women had ever treated me as their equal? The answer? None.
“I lost my brother Leandro over a year ago. He was a little younger and we were the closest of the brothers. Your comment about your uncle brought up the memory.”
“I’m so sorry.”
And she truly was. I liked this woman more than I should. “Don’t be. It’s the cost of being in the business I’m in.”
She curled her fingers as if they were on fire. “He was murdered.”
“Yes.”
“Was his murderer found?”
“Yes. And taken care of.”
Valencia nodded, her eyes darting back and forth across mine. “Isn’t this the point where you tell me I shouldn’t ask questions?”
I leaned across the table, forcing her hand into mine. “This is the point where I tell you that we should enjoy our dinner. Remember what I said. Nothing will ever happen to you as long as I’m around.”
“I learned a long time ago that men can make promises because they have no intention of keeping them.”
“I sense a sad story here, Valencia.”
“One best told over copious amounts of tequila.” There was her lilting laugh again. So sweet. So natural. I was drawn to her even more.
“Then I’m going to hold you to that.”
“You can do that.” We clinked glasses again and this time the look she gave me was as heated as mine.
“Let’s order dinner. There’s somewhere I’d like to take you afterwards.”
“What do you have in mind?”
I laughed. “Then it wouldn’t be a surprise, now, would it?”
I would savor the package during dinner, but I wouldn’t have the control to do so after we left. No, the lovely American woman with a lust for life had yet to realize she’d been right all along.
I was a predator.
And she’d become my prey.