Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
C hristos
“Just remember President Marino is expected to attend, Luca. When he arrives, please escort him to the loft personally.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it.”
“The Italian president?” Valencia asked.
“Yes. Does that surprise you?” I whispered in her ear.
“Very little about you surprises me any longer.”
“I hope that’s in a good way.”
“That remains to be seen.”
People immediately turned toward us as soon as we approached the doorway. The looks of reverence and respect on their faces were to be expected, yet I could easily tell the notoriety annoyed my lovely companion. She’d had something on her mind other than doing her best to drive me away.
I’d taken a risk with allowing our photographs to be taken. In a way, I’d used her in hopes of flushing out who’d sent the assassin with his warning. It was a necessary evil as so much was in my life.
Another club opening. Another venue where I’d be hounded by the press and women alike. Just another night where strangers volleyed for my favor and a taste of my power.
I was both feared and revered.
However, given my family name and the power I wielded with it, men had wanted and often tried to destroy me.
Women only wanted to fuck me, hopeful I’d finalize a relationship with a ring on her finger. They only tolerated my sadistic needs for the notoriety our marriage would provide along with the doors in high society that would be opened. They also hungered for what money could buy them. Trinkets of gold and diamonds, sports cars and yachts.
The woman on my arm couldn’t care less about any of them. She wasn’t materialistic by any means. I’d checked her address in New York. While the area was safe and even considered middle to upper class, her apartment was on loan.
I’d yet to tell her that I’d also checked on her background. I’d yet to tell anyone I’d been interested enough to spend time investigating the woman and her habits. She was a workaholic just like I was. Her only joy in life was volunteering every so often for a local rescue organization.
I admired her commitment to helping creatures of all types. Perhaps I was even envious.
But I couldn’t take my eye off the ball.
Even though I’d been considered a playboy, my life had predicated being extremely cautious in the women I chose to fuck. I’d made a single mistake only once and it could never happen again. Allowing the right woman into any aspect of my world could lead to my destruction. The lesson had been hard for the Nomikos brothers to learn, but necessary.
Valencia considered me a predator by nature and she was correct. I would always be the hunter in a sea of prey.
That allowed me to enjoy most aspects of my life.
Even as I reminded myself of that, tonight felt different. All because of the doctor who’d saved my life.
I tugged on the sleeve of my tuxedo jacket as we were escorted into the building. Immediately, the powerful vibrations from the intense dance beat assaulted my senses. There was no reason for this particular club opening to mean anything different than the others.
We were surrounded by beautiful, wealthy people determined to enjoy a catered evening of expensive champagne and caviar, pretending their importance was all that mattered.
To me, the night represented months of diligent work, intense discussions, and finally the use of blackmail to achieve the corporation’s goals.
In the end and through my expertise in handling difficult people, we’d become the talk of the town. I was proud of my accomplishments although an ominous shadow had been cast earlier in the day.
Murder inside my own club was an unexpected and unwanted christening.
No one had a clue about the blood that had taken two hours to scrub from the floor or the quick fix provided by a contractor for the bullet lodged in the bar. He’d been paid well to keep his silence.
Neither exploitive news nor failure was acceptable at this point.
Then there was the lovely woman creating quite a stir walking in front of me. She’d already made her pushback obvious, acting as if I was a simple man who’d easily let her go. She had no idea what I was capable of or what I was prepared to do to get what I wanted.
Even though devious thoughts continued trickling through my twisted mind, she wasn’t a casual fling or someone whose life I could ruin without guilt. She was a healer, a woman of high integrity. She was also a challenge. As much as I wanted to break down her defenses, to continue hearing her scream my name in passion, I wasn’t entirely certain I was prepared to force her into anything.
But I was thinking about it.
“You’re a very popular man,” Valencia said.
“It’s the club.”
“Please. Did you see the way the women were staring at you the moment you stepped from the limousine?”
I crowded her space, inhaling the exotic scent of her perfume, which was different than it had been the night before. The club goers were already dancing, the DJ mixing heavy dance beats, one drifting into another seamlessly. The moment I spun her around, the beads on her fantastic dress spun a luminescent arc of light. Goddamn, the woman was beautiful.
“I almost took out a couple men leering at you.”
She gave me the very stern look that always tightened my balls. “You can’t go beating up everyone who looks in my direction.”
“Why not?”
“Because that won’t keep you on the most eligible bachelor list.”
“As if I care to be on such a list.”
“You might when you’re looking for the perfect woman to spend the rest of your life with.” She lifted her eyebrows. She was testing me on purpose.
“Mmm… Unnecessary.”
“One day you’ll need to tell me why. Not tonight. We agreed tonight is meant for celebration.” She pressed her fingers across my lips and I couldn’t help myself, pulling both into my mouth.
Her eyes were filled with surprise.
“Such a bad boy,” she whispered.
I bit down on her fingers before pulling them free. “Yes, I am.”
She pushed me away with one hand, continuing to walk through the crowd. A strange feeling settled into my system. I glanced at Luca who also seemed to be sensing the same thing. Perhaps I was just on edge after the experience with the supposed American assassin.
Neither Dimitrios nor I believed the man was from New York. His admittance had been too easy. So far, none of our sources of obtaining information had led to the man’s true identity. The fingerprints I’d had Elias take before disposing of the body had yet to come back. Unfortunately, I had a feeling nothing would be found. As soon as hacking had become prominent within criminal societies, identities had become easy to wipe clean.
The function was used more often than any law enforcement agency realized.
From Interpol to the CIA, few organizations had any idea the power of control being balanced in criminal hands.
Our family wasn’t immune to the tactics. While we were becoming more legitimized, we’d learned with Leandro’s death that abandoning what our father had taught us along with what technology could offer would only mean additional targets on our heads.
That’s why I was being so cautious tonight.
Someone wanted to place further blame on the Laborers’ Union. Perhaps because they had no problem issuing open threats or carrying targets on their backs. They thought themselves invincible.
“I won’t lie. Club Scandal isn’t what I expected.”
I dug my fingers into Valencia’s back as I led her up the slightly winding steps to the private balcony. The area would be used for small parties. But not tonight. There were only three or four couples allowed on the platform, including the Italian president and his wife, the developer who’d ultimately come through on the project despite several setbacks and the man’s son at special request.
I’d allowed the men to invade the space I considered mine if only for tonight. Reputations could often be won or lost depending on how prominent people were treated, including during festive events.
“And what were you expecting?” I asked as I led her to the table in front. We had a clear view of the floor and two bars below, a necessity given the event from earlier in the day.
“Perhaps whips and chains.”
I laughed softly as I leaned over, pressing a kiss against her cheek. When she’d opened the door of her hotel room, I’d known at that very moment letting her go wasn’t an option. She was stunning, the color perfect and the design of the dress created as if just for her. When two men had leered at her outside the club, I’d almost yanked out my weapon. Only the soft touch of her hand and her scattered breathing from our photograph being taken had prevented me from killing them.
I’d never known I was a jealous man.
A part of me wanted to shower her with gifts and that continued to floor me. Yes, I’d like very much to have her in my life. However, I wasn’t in the business of capturing and keeping anyone against their will. Time would tell how I’d handle her request.
“I assure you that you might find a few of those in the private rooms. Are you interested?”
“I don’t believe adding to my collection of firsts is in my best interest.”
I sat down after acknowledging Francesco Esposito and his wife’s presence at the far table on the balcony. He and I hadn’t gotten along during the process of the man selling us the land and acting as the general contractor. But his quality of work was superior, so I’d ignored his attempts at riling me.
“What other firsts have you experienced with me?” I asked more in passing.
“A one-night stand.”
“Yet that’s not what we’ve shared.”
“And exactly what have we shared?” she asked just as a waitress brought a bottle of champagne to our table as requested.
I leaned over without touching her, but could tell my presence had a startling effect on her. “Magic.”
Her brow furrowed as she thought about my answer, yet waited until the glasses were filled. As she lifted the crystal flute, I sensed a moment of sadness rolling through her system and her mind.
She had no intention of staying.
We touched glasses and her smile had the way of sparking filthy thoughts in my mind while creating jolts of current in my heart.
“To magic,” she said quietly. She closed her eyes and took a sip, finally relaxing enough that she placed her small purse on the edge of the table.
I studied the floor below, noticing the number of soldiers that were in position. While Luca remained downstairs, Elias had been told to stand guard at the rear of the loft.
“You’re worried about what happened when you were here earlier. Aren’t you?”
Valencia was determined to learn more about me. I wasn’t certain if it was because she needed ammunition to finalize her decision to end what we’d shared. “I don’t want any issues for my guests. Nothing more. With the number of celebrities and politicians as well as prominent moguls attending the opening, I want their night to be memorable.”
“Instead of bloody.”
She enjoyed attempting to get under my skin.
“Exactly.”
She shook her head. “Then I’ll have you to keep me safe.”
“Always.” As a young couple walked up the stairs arm in arm, Elias immediately stepped forward. While he hadn’t broken protocol earlier in the day, he also wasn’t used to me losing my cool. That wasn’t my style and was rarely necessary. He could sense how on edge I’d become.
He also knew how enraged I’d be if anything happened to Valencia.
I shook my head and he backed down, but not before Valencia noticed he was ready to reach for his weapon. Again. She bristled, immediately looking away.
“Mr. Nomikos. Thank you for the invitation.” Pietro Esposito was following in his father’s footsteps, a young man with a bright future. He held out his hand, his expression full of appreciation.
Standing, I accepted the gesture. “I understand you were working with the designer the entire time.”
“I was. I’m pleased with the turnout.” The kid’s smile faded. “As long as you are.”
“Very much so. Allow me to introduce Dr. Valencia Laurant.”
“Dr. Laurant. Did I hear you saved Mr. Nomikos’ life?”
She glanced in my direction after standing, her lips twisted in frustration, but only I would notice given the passionate kisses we’d shared. I immediately bristled. The family had gone to some lengths to keep what had occurred in New York private. I would be curious to find out how Pietro had learned the news.
“I assure you Mr. Nomikos was in no imminent danger. Just a scratch.” Her answer surprised me given she was a straight shooter.
“Ah, so good to hear. This is my girlfriend, Gia.”
“Very nice to meet both of you. I’ve heard so much about this club,” she cooed near Pietro’s ear.
“Then let’s say hello to my dad and we’ll go dancing,” the young man suggested.
I touched his arm. “I’m curious. How did you learn about Dr. Laurant?”
He seemed confused at first. “It was online for the New York Times . My father requires various newspapers as part of my daily activities. The article was wonderful.”
As soon as I tipped my head in Valencia’s direction, I realized she already knew. Perhaps that’s what was really troubling her.
“Come on. I need to dance.” Gia blew a kiss toward Valencia and the two scampered off.
“What it would be like to be that young again,” she said as she watched the young couple kissing as they walked.
“Would you really like that?”
“Honestly? I hated my early twenties. The few times I dared try and enjoy spending time with a boy, it turned out to be a disaster. Including ending in the Hudson River one night. Do not ask me a single question or I will punch you.”
“Oh, I’m going to ask. You can’t allow something like that to linger.” I pulled her into my arms and she almost dropped her champagne glass she’d been clutching.
“You can push all you like, but if I don’t want to do something, I won’t.” She toyed with my bowtie until I looked down, then touched the tip of her index finger to my nose. “Keep that in mind, big boy.”
While she was doing her best to be playful, I could still see concern in her eyes. She didn’t like being in this atmosphere any more than I did.
“You knew about the article.” I purposely left any inflection from my voice.
Her sigh was an admittance. “My sister called before you arrived. That’s when she told me.”
“Interesting.”
“You’re assuming learning about me brought you a weakness. My guess is whatever occurred this afternoon you think could be the outcome of that article.”
“Anything is possible,” I told her.
Her mouth twisted and there was a hint of fear in her eyes. She hadn’t been used to kill or lure me into a weakened state. Or so I hoped. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s no reason to be sorry, my angel. What do you say we go grab a burger?”
My question caught her completely off guard. As her eyes lit up with fire, she burst into laughter. “You’re expecting true Italian royalty. You just can’t up and leave your own party after only arriving a few minutes ago.”
“Hmmm… I’m bored. What do you suggest?”
“Do I look like your entertainment director?”
I took a step away, acting as if I was sizing her up. “I can see that working. Looking for a job?”
She walked around the table, grabbing my hand as well as her purse, sliding the slender strap over her shoulder. “I think I can fix this.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I guess you’re just going to need to trust me. Can you do that?”
“I don’t know. You do scare me.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Come on; you can’t back out.”
I tugged on her purse. “Are you planning an escape attempt?”
“Never put anything past me.” She backed away, even blowing me a kiss.
Laughing, I moved toward her, refusing to allow her out of my sight.
She led us down the stairs, only once throwing her head over her shoulder to glare at Elias.
When she led me to the dance floor, I stiffened and she immediately sensed it, turning around to face me. Now she gripped both my hands with hers.
“You aren’t afraid, are you?” she cooed just loudly enough for me to hear.
“I’m not afraid of anything, sexy lady.”
“I bet you are. Let’s see what you can do.” She led me to the deepest part of the dance floor, immediately throwing her arms over my shoulders.
She seemed surprised I could dance at all, her eyes bright with surprise.
“What?” I teased.
“You can dance. Here I thought you had two left feet.”
The woman allowed me to laugh more than I was used to. I swung her around the dance floor, shifting into various salsa moves. It felt good to dance. I hadn’t done so in a long time. The song was perfect for the heated movements and she followed mine with ease, obviously having spent more time inside a club than she’d let on.
When I yanked her against me during the crescendo of a particularly heavy drumbeat, I stopped us moving altogether.
She was breathless, but her condition had nothing to do with the virile actions. I narrowed my eyes as she dragged her tongue across her bottom lip and I had the lingering desire to bite down on her mouth. As usual, I was impacted by the chemistry we shared and hungered to run my fingers down from her face to her toes before fucking her.
“You’re very good,” she murmured. “At dancing.” She laughed softly as if able to read my mind.
I wouldn’t put it past her. She seemed to have an innate intuition about me even some of my family didn’t share.
“You’re the perfect partner.” I twirled her again, the new song even more provocative.
“Why is that?”
“Because you bask in the throes of excitement.” While the lights were incapable of allowing me to see for certain, I could feel the heat rising in her face.
“Safe excitement.”
Her terse words could always make me laugh.
By the time the fourth song spun its way into a tribal beat, the entire dance floor was packed, the heat from the crowd adding to the explosive sensations between Valencia and me.
Her face was shimmering from the bolts of luminous light, a light haze of perspiration dotting her forehead. She was exquisite in the way she handled the dance floor. Also in the way she maneuvered me. That was also a first, no other woman daring to attempt gaining any level of control around me.
When I brought her back to a standing position, our lips were almost touching. I cupped the back of her head, holding her in place. Her breathing was ragged, her long fingers clutching around my shirt.
“I said before. This isn’t a good idea. I don’t want to get hurt.”
“And I told you before. I’m not going to hurt you.” I didn’t give her time to object, capturing her mouth. I’d done so several times before, but this time, the moment was bittersweet. I felt her resolve kicking in and the tension in her body increasing.
I crushed my lips against hers, immediately thrusting my tongue inside. I craved more than just the kind of taste I could afford inside the club. I knew our picture was being taken, but this was a worthwhile risk.
But the moment was broken when I felt a presence behind me.
My reaction was typical. I broke the kiss, immediately reaching for the weapon I had stored in a shoulder holster.
“We need to get you out of here,” Elias said harshly.
“What’s going on?”
“There’s been a report President Marino was shot on the way to the club. It’s not safe here.”
I usually didn’t accept advice from anyone. I’d been a hardhead all my life, but I trusted Elias and his instincts. When he insisted there was impending danger, I listened.
“We’re leaving, Valencia.” I gripped her arm, refusing to provide an option. I wouldn’t risk her becoming a target because of her association with me.
“What’s happening?” As expected, she tried to jerk it away, but my hold was too tight.
“There’s nothing to worry about. A change in venue.”
“I don’t believe you.” She tried once again and I could hear the tremor of fear in her voice. This was the last thing I’d wanted to happen.
Very quickly I lowered my head, whispering in her ear, “Don’t fight me on this.”
“Okay. Fine.”
I led her through the club, Luca in front and Elias remaining close behind us. The limousine was already double parked in front of the club. After getting her inside, I scanned both sides of the street.
“Make certain no one at the club is hurt,” I told Elias. As head of my security team, he was responsible for placement of the soldiers.
“Already on it. A few men are on your place as well until we know what we’re dealing with. Where are we taking the girl?”
“My place. The hotel is too risky.” I slid inside, Elias immediately closing the door.
As the driver pulled away, she turned toward me. “We’re going to the hotel?”
“It’s too dangerous to take you back there now that you’re known as spending time with me. We’re going to my villa.”
“My God. Did you plan this? What if I say no?”
“I did not plan this and I’m sorry, Valencia. But you don’t have a choice.”