Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
K ara
Come here, Kara. Drop to your knees and be a good little girl for your master.
What the hell?
A single bead of perspiration trickled down my back. I had a twisted sense that’s exactly what Havros was thinking.
What I knew for certain was the man was undressing me with his cold, possessive eyes.
Suck my cock, little one. I need to feel your hot lips wrapped around my dick.
Jesus. I had to assume the long flight and lack of sleep was driving the madness.
Or maybe it was that one of the world’s most eligible yet predatory bachelors was undressing me with the most insanely gorgeous pair of green eyes I’d ever seen. In this light, they appeared forest green with flecks of luminous gold rimming his irises. I was captured not only by their beauty, but also by the way his long dark eyelashes skimmed across his chiseled cheeks.
While I did enjoy seeing his smile, he was the kind of man whose scowl was the perfect representation of a bad boy. And he was the epitome of one. I tried to remind myself of that instead of gawking at his good looks.
Of all the godforsaken luck, I’d shared a drink and a moment where I’d lost my mind with the man I was now tasked to interview. I must have done something wrong in a former life. How had my luck suddenly dropped into the toilet? Memories of our meeting had plagued me all night long.
Visions had become my frequent friend, including on the short cab ride to the corporate offices. This was the punishment I deserved for my filthy fantasies.
I’d done my homework, although most of my research had been done on his older brother, the man considered the Boss of the family-based syndicate. Sadly, what I knew about Havros’ personal life was based on the few tabloid articles I’d read. He’d been considered a playboy as well as a heartbreaker. While he’d dated some of the world’s most beautiful women, from what I remembered, he hadn’t been photographed with anyone in a long time.
Why was I bothering to make note of that to myself? I couldn’t care less about his personal life. I was after the nitty gritty, the kind of business information that would provide a stylish, terrifying, and painfully accurate glance into the real life of a mobster.
Somehow, I doubted he saw himself that way. My guess was that he fashioned himself to be a suave and very astute businessman with a penchant for collecting millions of dollars. Or in the case of the Nomikos Empire, closer to billions. He dressed the part with his ten-thousand-dollar suit likely hand stitched in Italy and a watch that cost more than four years of my college tuition.
While I didn’t appreciate his arrogance, I did agree that everyone had secrets. I made it my mission to discover his. I would consider this the ultimate in interviews had I not been so attracted to him.
I squirmed in my seat, hating my body’s reaction to him. My thong was already damp and that didn’t suit the conservative attire I’d purposely chosen. Why did I have a feeling beneath his slick exterior was a man who enjoyed highlighting his bad boy image when offered the chance?
Maybe I’d been immersed in the world of dark sin and crime for far too long. I was beginning to find his less than scrupulous attitude and behavior as attractive as his sculpted face and chiseled frame.
Even the light stubble covering his jaw was sexy.
Hello, fully aroused nipples. Again.
I ignored his heated gaze and jumped into the interview. “From what I understand, you and your family currently own and run two BDSM clubs. Let’s see.” I flipped through the typed pages I’d brought with me. Why didn’t I have the two names on the tip of my tongue? “Yes, Club Sin and Shame and Club Darkness.”
Just mentioning their names brought subversive thoughts to the forefront of my mind.
“Correct, although the family is currently in negotiations to purchase other sites in Brussels, Paris, Milan, and eventually New York. Although I must say they are not considered BDSM clubs.”
I lifted my gaze and wish I hadn’t. Dark eyes. Dark hair. A very dark demeanor. The man was trouble with a capital T. Tantalizing, but nothing I needed at this point in my career. Not only did I have mid six figures on the line after finishing my series of articles, but my agent had also been approached by two major networks, both interested in the possible development of biopics on the subject.
The giddiness would need to wait. I had two additional families to interview.
“But I understand you cater to very special clients.”
He laughed, the sound far too deep and throaty for a midmorning interview. “First of all, they are dance clubs. Granted, I’m certain many of those who frequent them would consider themselves special, but they are simply clients who enjoy sharing their hunger.”
“Their hunger?” He’d baited me and I’d latched onto it like a fish on a lure. I could see it in his eyes.
“Yes, Kara. Certainly, you feel the same intense need to feast on forbidden proclivities from time to time. Even as adults, we all need the feeling of freedom, the ability to act on our greatest fantasies.”
“I don’t believe fantasies have a place in this report.”
“Everyone has them, Kara. I can tell you prefer hiding your secret desires out of fear of what others will think of you. Within the walls of our world, no one needs to fear being reprimanded. That is why our business is continuing to grow. Our allowance for freedom. That begins with passion. In dance. In conversation. In sharing intimate time with someone. Would you like a taste?”
His tone was dripping with sinful innuendos. The man was testing my resolve. He had no understanding of what I was made of. I certainly didn’t appreciate his attempt at dominating either the conversation or the small part of me he believed he knew.
“There are several types of darkness, but I’m only interested in how you handle those same desires in business. Not between the sheets.”
He gave me a sideways nod as if I’d won a round with him. Did he really think I was a pushover? “To answer your question, both clubs cater to guests who enjoy sharing a night with friends. Dancing. Drinking. Music. We also provide privacy and security for others who enjoy partaking in more carnal desires as well as private spaces used for business meetings and nothing more.”
“Whips and chains?” The question was one I shouldn’t have tossed out and I knew it immediately.
Havros sat back, drumming his fingers on his desk. “Perhaps if this meeting goes well, I’ll provide you with an opportunity to enjoy what our club does offer.”
“I’m not certain that will be necessary.” He was definitely goading me.
“From what I understand, Kara, you’re interested in all aspects of my family’s business. Do I have that wrong?”
“Yes, but…”
“But?”
“Why would a family with a solid business reputation be lured into the world of kink?”
“The more palpable reason would be that it’s simply good business. Our clubs are highly profitable, celebrities and world leaders from all countries appreciating the culture and vibrancy. But that wouldn’t be the entire truth. However, at this time we only provide the space. What our guests do behind closed doors is up to them.”
“And what is the truth?”
“The truth is that we are a family of very passionate men with needs some women would consider far too controlling. We do like to consume what we possess.”
He was leaning forward again and I found myself doing the same. The baiting was beginning to be more fun than I’d thought possible. “I’m certain what you lack in romanticism you make up for in expensive bobbles and gifts. You can buy anyone you want, Havros. That’s easy to read.”
I’d thrown down another line in the sand and just briefly, I could tell he wasn’t appreciative of my comebacks. I had a feeling women kowtowed to him on a regular basis. That left a disgusting taste in my mouth.
I’d been fortunate I hadn’t allowed my body to overtake my common sense the night before.
“You think you know me.” He made a statement. It wasn’t a question.
“I believe I do.”
“Then by all means, tell me about myself.” He folded his arms, clearly amused at the prospect of me reading him like a book.
Challenge accepted. Why not? I scrunched my nose as I gave him the same heated gaze he’d done to me before. “You hide behind your handmade Italian suits and if I had to guess, expensive cars. You need everyone else to feel the power you have from the moment you walk into a room. While you pretend to be sophisticated, all knowing, you cater to your bad boy personality, becoming reckless in your personal life. If I had to guess, I’d say you were in jail at some point and no, I’ve yet to spend any time searching for your name on the internet. Did I come close?”
“Surprisingly, you did. Although I’ve never been in jail. I applaud your efforts. Now, it’s my turn. That will help me determine if we move forward with our discussions.”
“Why not?” I sat back in my seat, crossing one leg over another and attempting to appear completely comfortable.
Meanwhile, my skin was glistening from the light perspiration, my core already overheated from being so close to him.
“You’re very studious and good at what you do, your tenaciousness is off-putting to colleagues and any man you consider decent enough to spend time with. Likely because you were badly deceived in a relationship. You enjoy the aspect of living dangerously while not actually being forced to take risks. That’s why you gravitated toward crime pieces. Your conservative persona, including the clothes, hair, and the little makeup, is nothing but a costume to keep others from knowing your true feelings. Meanwhile, underneath the buttoned-up blouse and shapeless slacks, you wear delicious and sinful lingerie in bold colors, which far better suits your personality. While you take control of every situation, you long for someone else to take the reins. Now, how am I doing?”
Damn him. Damn all of him, including his broad shoulders and long, muscular legs.
The rush of heat was explosive. So was the anger.
I almost lashed out, but that’s what he wanted. I’d wanted to play ball, so I’d better suck it up and act as if nothing he could say bothered me in the least. “Would you like a fashion show, Mr. Nomikos?”
He chuckled and dropped his gaze to my bust only briefly, but long enough for me to notice. “No one else will be allowed to see the special package you hide so very well.”
“You’re right about that.” Why did his statement feel as if he’d just laid claim to me?
“I’m curious, Kara. Is the fact your eyes are filled with excitement an indication of how titillating you find our conversation? If I would be so bold as to reach down the front of your slacks, would I find that your panties were soaking wet?”
That was it. I officially loathed the man. Any attraction I’d felt slipped far beneath the very darkness he’d mentioned several times. I cocked my head, providing him with a bright New York smile. “If you dared to make the attempt to touch me in the matter you described, I’d have no recourse but to cut your hand off with a butterknife. And I’d enjoy every second of hearing your agonizing screams.”
We remained locked in position for a full thirty seconds. I wasn’t entirely certain why the bastard was toying with me other than I hadn’t fallen at his feet. Whatever the case, he wouldn’t break me no matter the shit he threw at me. I was much tougher than he’d given me credit for. Besides, I had a strong feeling when I broke down his defenses, the story I’d capture would send shockwaves throughout the world.
Dealing with his asinine arrogance was well worth the acclamations.
“I’ll agree to the interview, Kara, on one condition.”
A condition. Of course he would try to take back control. “Alright. What is this condition?”
“That you’ll eagerly agree to have dinner with me.”
“You mean a date?”
“Yes, a date.”
My stomach fluttered from the thought.
“Will Lurch be involved?”
“I assure you that we’ll be very much alone.” His forests of green were once again lighting up as if the man was prepared to trap me with his lure.
“And I assure you if I agree, it won’t be done with anything near eagerness. However, I have a condition of my own.”
He nodded toward me in acceptance. “What else?”
“That I ask to sit in on business meetings and conversations, see the facilities you own, and spend at least five days getting all the details and information I need for a successful article.” I knew I was pushing my luck in several ways, but why not shoot the moon at this point?
I was fairly certain he was going to say no or even worse, start laughing, but after another sweeping gaze, he finally spoke.
“Interesting,” he said, his voice more reserved than before.
“Do we have a deal?” I had a feeling by the look on his face he believed this deal would benefit him just as much as it would me. If he thought I’d spend the night with him, he was dead wrong. Even doing what I loved wouldn’t force me to sell my body under any circumstances. He might not have scruples, but I certainly did.
“I have no problem with allowing you to remain by my side, Kara. I will allow you full access to our businesses in my presence. However, I will say this. Próseche ti zitás .”
“You don’t plan on keeping me in the dark. Do you?”
He was smiling way too provocatively. “I said be careful what you ask for.”
“Why is that?”
“Because with you by my side, I might find it difficult to let you go.”