22

“Yeah. She was everything I’d ever wanted and more.”
A quiet tension settled between us. “You were in love with her.”
Clinton nodded several times, taking a swig of his drink before answering. “Yeah, I was. It’s funny how no one else has mattered.”
I almost felt sorry for my friend. He’d lost his way after his brother’s murder. Now, he was nothing but a shell of a man going through the paces.
Maybe all three of us were.
“You need to let the past go.”
As he lifted his head, the shimmer in his eyes surprised me. “Have you been able to do that?”
I wasn’t surprised I had no answer. Or maybe I was terrified that if I admitted my feelings, I’d break the slight tether I still had to the beautiful girl with the stunning eyes.
“That’s what I thought.” He walked away and I was surprised. Maybe he was softening in his old age.
“Chuck. Let me have another one.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Augustine.”
As I watched Clinton leave, another pang of guilt and remorse settled into my system. The three of us were fucked up men living an emotionless life.
And as had occurred several times before, I wondered what would have happened had fate not torn the four of us apart.
* * *
“I don’t give a shit what your problems are, Bart. We had a deal, and you’re going to uphold every clause in the fucking contract.” As I paced the floor of the hotel corridor, I was surprised how angry I’d become. I’d been working on a deal with the man’s firm for almost six months, the connection and contract we’d entered allowing for additional distribution of my family’s products into several countries. The fact that he was attempting to yank back on the deal at the twelfth hour was infuriating.
And unacceptable.
“You don’t own me or my company, Weston. We can do what we want. Besides, I heard you were dirty. Read all about it.”
Fuck me. He was attempting to go down that road? There were just as many articles praising my corporation as attempting to undermine it. However, whatever he’d read had him on edge.
Bart had no idea what kind of wrath I could bring down on his firm, including destroying his reputation. There was very little I wouldn’t do to ensure the contract went through as planned.
Including violence.
For years, I’d thought of myself as a different animal than either Clinton or Christian, but my methods of procuring business had taken a much darker side. I owned the unions in Philly, had control over several politicians, and had enough power to alter every financial institution, real estate development firm, and manufacturing corporation in the city and beyond.
People were terrified of what I could do, and I’d earned myself a savage reputation that far exceeded the control my father had held during his prime. In turn, I’d increased the family’s wealth by billions of dollars.
I’d been forced to face the fact I was no different than my two friends, my mannerisms and that of very trusted enforcers within my organization akin to how the mafia handled their business activities. What I’d also learned was that with every success, every dollar added to my bank account, I’d become even more of a cold, vile man.
Did that mean I wasn’t happy?
The jury was out on that one. The old adage was true that money couldn’t buy happiness.
I took a deep breath before answering. “I’m going to say this to you once. Fuck with me and face the consequences.”
“You don’t scare me, Augustine. If you dare try and interfere, I’ll ruin you.”
It would seem I’d been too soft on the man. That would change. “Let the games begin.” I ended the call, hoping he’d begin looking over his shoulder, worrying about what I could and would do.
I’d crush the man and his corporation like a bug.
Then I’d take over his entire operation. Perhaps coming to Chicago had been inspirational.
I shoved my phone into my jacket, running my fingers through my hair as the lilting sound of a song finally drew me out of my enraged fog. I was drawn to the woman’s beautiful voice instantly, the husky tone as she belted out a powerful rock song unlike anything I’d ever heard.
I hadn’t planned on taking Clinton up on his recommendation, music never soothing the savage beast, yet the song and the singer drew me in. I found myself opening the door to the packed auditorium, the neon lights swirling around the stage suggesting a raunchy, entertaining set.
While the expansive room was huge, the atmosphere was meant to seem quaint and cozy. The tablecloths were crimson, and on each table was a single candle, the flickering light unable to take away from the lightshow on stage. I was lucky to find an empty table near the back. As I took my seat, my eyes never left the entertainment.
The singer was dressed provocatively in tight leather pants, a shimmering crimson top and thigh high boots, her long blonde curls shifting back and forth across her shoulders as she moved from one side of the stage to the other. The energy in the room was electric, the guests mesmerized by her stage presence. Even from my vantage point, which was far removed from the platform, I was able to admire her beauty.
She had a voice that tingled every muscle, the thumping beat of the drums as she powered out a song mimicking the thudding of my heartbeat. When the song ended, she threw back her arms and the crowd went wild, the standing ovation well-deserved.
I remained in my seat, ordering a drink from the lovely waitress as soon as she approached. Perhaps the set was over, which would be a shame. When the lights dimmed until only twinkling lights crisscrossed the front of the stage, I leaned forward.
The singer eased a stool from behind the curtains, taking her place with only a microphone in her hand. I wasn’t expecting the soft strains of an acoustic guitar as her only accompaniment. She lowered her head, holding the microphone in both hands. When she began to sing, I was floored at the change in her voice. After a few seconds, I had no idea what words she was singing, only concentrating on how emotional the performance had become.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew she was singing a song from decades before, The Maria was a signature piece for another entertainer. But the way the girl handled the various octaves reminded me of what an angel from heaven would sound like.
As the song concluded, my drink was presented. In the quiet before the storm of applause, I drew the waitress closer. “What is her name?”
“Maria.”
“How perfect.”
“You don’t know who she is?” the girl asked. When I said nothing, she seemed flustered. “Only the most famous singer out today. You should look up her band Halo on Tiktok or Instagram. However, at least in my opinion, she’s what makes the band special, and we’re lucky to have her.”
I pulled out a business card, handing it to the girl. “I’d like to arrange a short meeting with her. I assure you that Mr. Cross would approve.”
She glanced at the card, her body stiffening. “Oh, my gosh, Mr. Augustine. You should have told me who you were.”
“Why?”
“We were all instructed to provide you with a perfect stay in our resort. I could have found you a seat up front.”
I laughed. Clinton had certainly wanted to make an impression. “It’s fine. Just see what you can do about arranging a meeting.”
“Yes, sir. I’m certain she’ll be eager to meet you.”
As the girl scampered away, I returned my attention to the beautiful woman on stage taking her bows. My cock had stirred for the first time in as long as I could remember. The fact that Maria had managed to entice me in such a short period of time was something I couldn’t ignore. I sipped on my drink, yanking my phone from my pocket. While I used social media every day, I wasn’t the kind of man to peruse either Instagram or TikTok for anything other than business.
I typed in her name and was shocked at how many followers she had. As I scrolled through the pictures and videos, my balls tightened. The woman was exquisite in every way, sultry and dazzling. My breath was caught in my throat, which was even more unusual.
Why did this girl have such an effect on me?
The entire band had left the stage, the lights lifting in the auditorium. It was obvious by the fact people were beginning to leave the room that the show was over. I drummed my fingers on the table, hoping that Maria would take a chance meeting a stranger.
The waitress returned a few minutes later, a smile on her face. “She’s agreed to meet with you in her dressing room. I’ll show you the way.”
I left my drink, trailing behind the girl to a door on the opposite side of the auditorium. It led to a private hallway, several of the band members roaming the corridor along with reporters and other people offered the privilege of being backstage.
She rapped on a door that had no name attached, giving me a hard onceover after she did. I had to wonder what Clinton had told his employees.
“Come in.” The voice was just as sultry as I’d heard on stage.
The waitress opened the door, allowing me in, then closing it behind me. Suddenly, I was alone with a superstar. I didn’t see her at first. Then she eased from behind a panel where she’d changed clothes. Now, she wore jeans and a simple blouse, appearing even more inviting than before.
I wasn’t the kind of man to be awestruck by anyone, but I found it difficult to say the right words. She stared at me, her eyes opening wide, almost as if she was trying to figure out where she knew me from. I’d remember a gorgeous creature like her. She was tall, yet I dwarfed her voluptuous body. She wasn’t skin and bones like so many rock stars, her curves meant for a man’s hands.
My hands.
I could tell the attraction was instantaneous between us, a smile finally curling on her lips.
“Mr. Augustine,” she half-whispered.
“Thank you for seeing me, and please call me Weston. I’ll feel old otherwise.”
“A man who tracks his prey. To what do I owe the honor?” she asked, still studying me with cautious eyes, remaining where she was. I could sense her apprehension, and rightfully so. I was a bad man who was curious if I could convince her into being seduced.
The thought crossing my mind was as surprising as the fact that I’d asked to meet her in the first place. I could have any woman I wanted. I’d been photographed with some of the most beautiful women in the world on my arm for various functions. However, almost all had been for show and little else. I had several female friends who acted the part of my love interest when requested. For some of them, the nod of being on my arm had allowed them to climb the social ladder.
Uncomplicated suited my needs as well as theirs. Perhaps I was as arrogant as I’d been called on more than one occasion, but I’d had my share of women vying to marry into wealth and power. I wanted no part of an arranged marriage as had been proposed to both Clinton and Christian by their families.
Maybe somewhere under my black heart, I believed in the sanctity of love.
“Yes, I capture and keep the prey I hunger for. I won’t lie to you, Maria. I enjoyed the portion of the concert I was lucky enough to see, and I prefer being around beautiful women.”
Her laugh was natural, filling the air with a light that electrified every molecule in my body. She seemed to notice the growing bulge between my legs, but there was no embarrassment on her face. The fact that she dragged her long tongue across her plush, bottom lip meant she approved of the stranger standing in front of her.
“It’s delightful to meet a man who doesn’t dare shower me with useless compliments or try and pretend he’s the best thing since sliced bread. But I’ve never met a Weston I couldn’t outrun.”
The banter was just as enticing as the woman. When she pursed her lips on purpose, brushing her fingers lightly down her chest, she knew exactly what she was doing. It was the same kind of action I’d seen on stage, enticing every male in the auditorium to fantasize.
I breathed in her perfume, the cords on the side of my neck immediately tightening. The scent was exotic yet light, citrus and jasmine infused with a dash of vanilla. I’d never analyzed a woman’s choice of cologne before. I had to wonder why I was doing so now. “I don’t mince words, Maria. I’m not that kind of man.”
She folded her arms and walked closer, cocking her head as she locked eyes with mine. “I’m curious as to what kind of man you are?”
Her challenge brought out the beast in me, a hunger that had the chance of being difficult to suppress. However, I had a feeling she wasn’t a one-night stand kind of girl. “The kind that takes what he wants.”
“I’m not for sale.”
“I never said you were.”
“Oh,” she mused. “You’re the dominating type, someone who refuses to take no for an answer.”
I took two steps closer, the ache in my cock increasing. A wry smile twisted across her pursed lips, and I sensed she wasn’t the kind of woman to back down from any challenge. That made me desire her that much more. “I am many things.”
“Mmm… I can tell you are. Rich. Arrogant. Dominating. Unethical.”
The last word surprised me. “Now, how would you know I was unethical by talking with me for a few minutes?” When I took another step, I was certain she’d back away, only inches between us.
“I have an innate knowledge of these things. You own a powerful business, and you got there by toying with gray areas.” She inched even closer, and I found it almost impossible to keep my hands to myself.
“I rarely toy with anything, including my women.”
“Then what do you do with them?” Her voice had dropped to a sensual, low pitch that vibrated against my skin. She tilted her head, her chest rising and falling from her ragged breathing.
“Provide endless nights of unbridled passion.”
When she gently, cautiously placed her hand on my chest, I almost lost all control. If I had my way, I’d toss her against her makeup table and fuck her relentlessly.
The loud, single knock on her door brought a husky growl to my lips.
She sighed as she looked past my arm, irritation in her intense blue eyes. “Yes?”
The door opened and whoever her visitor was, he had heavy footsteps. “Maria, darling. It’s time for your interview.”
“I need a couple minutes, Brett.”
I turned slightly, enough to catch the disdain on the overweight man’s face. He obviously didn’t like the fact that she had a visitor.
“We’re talking People magazine for God’s sake. You can’t keep them waiting. And what are you wearing? That’s dreadful.”
My hackles were raised. The man as asshole as far as I was concerned.
She frowned, then winked at me. “They’ll take me as I am or nothing at all. I’ll be right there.”
“Fine. It’s your career.” Brett walked out, slamming the door.
She chuckled. “I apologize for my manager. He hasn’t been out from under his rock for long.”
“I don’t want to keep you from what you need to do.” I backed away, gathering a whiff of my explosive testosterone.
“Perhaps we’ll meet again.”
“Yes. Perhaps.” After heading toward the door, I gave her another look, one that should highlight exactly what I had planned for the lovely jewel.
Soon, she would be writhing underneath me as she screamed out my name.