Indecent Invitation by Piper Stone
Chapter 10
Bristol
A beautiful sunrise.
There was nothing more I enjoyed than the first light of day as it crept up over the horizon. Today was one of those days, the string of colors floating across the sky more delightful than I’d seen in a long time. I stood on the balcony of the master bedroom, drinking in the cool air and fragrance of the ocean, forced to admit that San Diego was gorgeous. I’d forgotten just how much I missed the beach.
It was also so quiet, the only sound the water lapping at the shore as well as a few seagulls in the distance. I took a deep breath as I leaned over, my skin prickled from the slight chill. Then I sensed his presence behind me. The night hadn’t gone as I’d planned, although with Houston, nothing was as it seemed.
We’d enjoyed a night together. After the early heated discussion, there’d been no other talk of business or contracts. We simply savored the food that Ashley had provided around the firepit, huddling in blankets she’d also arranged for. While he certainly didn’t open up about his life in many regards, I’d realized that unlike what I’d thought, he had a deep commitment to his family. Did that make him less of a brute? Maybe not, but I gathered a small sense of why he’d handled his life the way he had, including the decisions he’d made.
That meant nothing. I knew that. Our business arrangement would end soon enough, and he’d be left with a company he’d never wanted anything to do with and perhaps be forced to face whatever recriminations his father had left behind. That was none of my business and I refused to care.
Although I was extremely curious about the limited information he’d told me. Threats? What in God’s name had his father done to warrant that kind of behavior? And what if that placed Houston’s life in danger? His father had brought him here for more than just torturing him with his trust fund or handing over the company.
William Powers was prepared to die for his merciless actions.
A cold shiver skated down my spine.
While green in terms of full contract negotiations, I was eager to delve into the one his father had given him. Were there any hidden clues as to what was going on? What troubled me the most was that there could be enough evidence not only to destroy Houston’s father, the company bankrupted, but to trickle down to everyone involved.
The game being played was dangerous as hell.
I shuddered at the thought, visions of the night before once again rushing to the forefront of my mind. Houston was far too irresistible.
I’d allowed myself to surrender in a way that I’d never planned on. While I’d enjoyed every second of our wild, savage sex, that’s all it had been. My need to tighten and keep my resolve was even stronger than before. I refused to lose my heart to a man with no understanding of love.
“You’re up early,” he said quietly, his tone entirely different than his usual demanding one.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“I assume you ordered a bed, maybe a mattress and box springs?” His laugh was genuine and as he flanked my side, leaning over the railing, I was taken aback by his muscular body all over again. He’d remained naked while I’d insisted on donning one of my nightgowns. The thought of sharing a makeshift bed on the floor remaining without clothes had been entirely too intimate.
Normal.
And we were anything but.
I realized my nipples had already hardened from the sight of him alone and that pissed me off. When a rush of heat and blossoming desire shifted up my legs, another wave of shame came over me. Somewhere deep inside I knew my body’s reaction was perfectly acceptable, but I’d promised myself I’d remain in control of both my emotions as well as any physical attraction.
“Of course I did. That was first thing.” I laughed with him, although mine was stilted.
He took a deep breath, holding it in before stretching out his arms. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.” With his tousled hair and two-day stubble, his appearance was far too tempting. And his eyes. Geesh. I could get lost in them for days.
Every move he made was sexy as hell, creating a flutter deep inside my pussy. “I didn’t think you noticed such things. What happened to your attitude from last night?”
“You really don’t know a thing about me, Bristol.”
After turning toward me, a mischievous glint in his eyes, I hated what I’d just said. “I’m sorry. That was shitty.”
“Yes, it was, but you’re right. I lived here until I was twenty-five and never gave a damn about the beach or the ocean, other than longing to surf when I was a kid. I guess it’s past time I enjoyed my surroundings.” With that, he gave me a longing gaze, allowing his eyes to fall down to my bare feet. “I could get used to this.”
“Well, don’t. I’m certain you’d prefer to have your own room.”
He sighed then shifted toward the door. “Did I see a coffeemaker?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll make us a cup.”
There was no question as to whether I wanted one or would accept. That was his usual way of handling everything. I wanted to keep hating him but with every passing hour, it was becoming more difficult. He simply had a commanding way about him that was natural, even inviting.
By the time I made it into the kitchen, he’d thrown on a pair of light sweatpants, hiding his gorgeous cock. I chastised my thoughts as the scent of coffee filled my nostrils. He stood over the counter; papers stretched across several inches. The contracts.
“I didn’t know what you liked in your coffee,” he said absently without looking at me.
“That was one of those pieces of information you were supposed to learn about me. Remember? Cream, no sugar.” I reached into the refrigerator, feeling his weighted stare.
“Oh, yeah? And what exactly do you know about me?”
I took my time pouring in some cream, finding a spoon in the box of utensils and stirring before answering. “I know you prefer cheeseburgers on the grill to the perfect rare steak. You prefer sports cars, but only if they’re considered antiques. You don’t read books and rarely have time for movies, but if you’re in the mood, it’s all about a thriller, the bloodier the better. You enjoy your coffee black and very strong. You adore classical music, although you rarely allow anyone to know that. You always wanted to be a rock star and even tried out for a band just after high school, guitar your instrument of choice. How am I doing?”
His face had remained pinched when I rattled on from the information I’d memorized. Then he grinned like a kid, highlighting the two dimples I rarely saw. “You actually took that stuff seriously.”
“Yeah, I did so I do know you to some degree. That was part of my job. Wasn’t it?” When he didn’t answer, I realized he was undressing me with his eyes. The same heat and desire as the night before nearly gutted me. This wasn’t about sex, even though the chemistry we shared was off the chain. I purposely looked away, studying the papers in front of me. Given the heavy volume, I’d say that whoever had prepared them hadn’t missed a beat. “I’ll need to take some time looking at these. I don’t want to give you an off the cuff response.”
Damn if he didn’t walk closer, sliding strands of hair from my face over my shoulder. “You don’t have to be afraid of looking at me, Bristol. I’m not always an evil man.”
“No, you’re not, which is what bothers me.” I realized I was shaking like a leaf. This was getting ridiculous. “Is that all right? To take some time, I mean? There are subtle ways to add conditions that could easily be overlooked. I need to be thorough in order to give you the best advice.”
Sighing, he backed away. “Of course and I appreciate your due diligence. I’m going to take a short tour of the other facilities today that are highlighted in the contract. Then maybe we can go out to lunch and talk.”
“The furniture is arriving sometime today. They wouldn’t tell me when.”
“Ah, yes. The great furniture so we can continue playing house.” I heard the discord in his voice, even a hint of anger.
“That’s what you told me to do.”
“Yes, I know. That’s fine. Maybe I’ll bring something home for dinner.” He laughed, shifting away from me and walking into the living room.
I couldn’t stand leaving the conversation this way. We certainly didn’t need to be at each other’s throats. As I trailed after him, I was fascinated that he scanned every wall. Was he actually debating what it could look like full of furniture?
“You know, I bet our tastes are remarkably similar,” he said.
“Why would you think that?”
“Just a hunch.” He flashed his million-dollar smile in my direction before throwing open the doors, breathing in the air all over again.
What the hell was up with him today? Was he actually considering enjoying life? I found that hard to believe.
“Well, I hope you’ll like what I purchased. You’re going to have to live with my choices or trash them after I’m gone.”
He laughed, the deep baritone floating into every cell in my body. The way the man ignited my senses was disruptive. As he casually leaned against the doorjamb, sipping on his coffee, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
“What if it was real after all?”
His question was so out of the blue and completely foreign that I was shocked. “It? You mean the game we’re playing?”
He shot me another heated look, narrowing his eyes. “Is that so hard to imagine?”
“Hell… Never.” I shut my mouth and thought about what he was asking. “No, it’s not. I just don’t think we’re compatible. What’s important to you isn’t to me.” Why the hell was I bothering to explain that to him? I wasn’t going to fall in love with him any more than he was with me. That was certain.
My answer seemed to please him, the fabulous grin returning. “Someone very wise told me a long time ago never to say never. I’d remember that if I were you. Besides, I adore a challenge. Wasn’t that in whatever notes Mr. Darke prepared for you?”
I could think of no curt answer. “Well, I wouldn’t worry about it. Let’s just figure out what your father really has planned. Maybe I can find something useful. I’ll also need to know everything you’ve learned about the company and the threats. Anything you can glean will be helpful.”
“I can do that.”
Was he actually going to share details with me? Now I was confused.
“Okay, good. I’ll make notes and if necessary, I can add a codicil to the contract with agreed upon revisions.”
Sighing, he seemed to respect I no longer wanted to carry on with the conversation. “That’s fine. I’ll take a shower and leave. You can have the house all to yourself.”
I nodded and backed away until he tensed, hissing under his breath. Every muscle in his body tensed. “What’s wrong?”
“Take this.” Houston shoved the coffee mug into my hand, immediately racing down the stairs and onto the beach.
I rushed onto the deck, fumbling to put the mugs on the surface then shielding my eyes from the sun. What in the hell was the man doing? As I scanned the beach, I finally realized he’d seen someone else. A cold shiver trickled through me. I’d been right. Someone had been watching me.
As he flew toward the mysterious person, I strained to see what was going on. Within seconds, Houston had snagged the stranger by the collar, ripping something from the person’s hand. I was finally able to decipher the unwanted guest had to be a male by his size and stature. I didn’t need to hear them to realize they were arguing.
When Houston threw a punch, knocking the man to the sand, I reacted, rushing down the stairs and flying toward them. By that point, Houston was already tromping in my direction, still carrying whatever he’d taken from the man. When he was only twenty feet away, he threw out his arm, pointing toward the house.
I remained where I was, shaking my head, darting my gaze from the man I was supposed to marry to the person struggling to get to his feet.
“I thought I told you to get into the house,” Houston snarled, pointing a second time. I could easily see how furious he was.
While I backed away, I didn’t turn and run like he expected. The hesitation allowed me to see that in his hand was a camera, the long lens indicating whoever the photographer was, he’d had no intention of being caught.
Houston grabbed my arm, yanking me toward the house. “You need to learn to obey me.”
“What the hell is going on?”
He said nothing as we both trudged up the stairs, but before yanking me inside, he turned toward the ocean again. “The asshole better leave or I’ll continue what I started.”
When we were inside, he glared at me before ripping out the data card. I was shocked when he crushed it in his bare hands then tossed the camera to the side, the smashing sound jarring. He remained enraged, pacing the floor like a panther ready to pounce.
“Who was that?” I asked, trying to remain calm.
“How the hell do I know? Likely some goddamn reporter. When I tell you to do something, you will do it.”
My God, the man was not just angry, he was so furious that his face was red. I also detected a hint of fear. Jesus Christ. What was really going on? Had his father placed him in peril?
“What are you afraid of?”
“I’m not afraid of anything, but I do expect respect in my house,” he snapped as he paced the floor. I gazed down at the camera then back toward Houston.
“Look, I—”
“Don’t,” he interrupted then closed his eyes. “I’m sorry. Okay? But the last thing we need is some freaking reporter snapping pictures of us. I can’t have us as frontpage freaking news right now.”
“Isn’t that what you want, for everyone to think we’re madly in love?”
“Don’t be naïve, Bristol. It just doesn’t suit you. This isn’t about an actress marrying a rock star. This is a billion-dollar company that has sharks who likely smell blood in the water. You’ve seen the tabloids that still exist. It doesn’t matter if the majority are gone from supermarket shelves. That asshole could do anything with them, including selling them to the highest bidder. Or, he could be working for the same entity who’s trying to get dirt on the family. I lived with that shit for the majority of my life. You haven’t. That’s why you follow my orders.”
His fervor was shocking, but it allowed me further insight into the kind of life he’d been forced to live.
“Hell,” he continued. “He could be working for the asshole determined to hunt and kill my father. Why not take out the entire family?”
“I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“Say you’re listening to me. Tell me that you will do what I tell you to do.” After a few seconds, he exhaled, his voice no longer holding the level of anger as it had before. “I’m not trying to scare you. Just stay inside until I return. Okay? I need to figure out what that asshole really wants. The bastard photographer refused to tell me who he was or the person he was working for, although he was quick to threaten me. And you were right. We can’t pretend our relationship is anything but what it is. Business.”
Wow. And there it was. Business. The man was all about the money. I’d been such a fool to think even for a second it could be about anything else.
“You could have just looked at the pictures. Then you would have had a good idea what he was doing here.”
He turned his head, sucking in his breath. Even his stance was disturbing. His words hurt more than they should. The yin and yang of his statements was far too draining. I couldn’t handle playing more than one game at a time. I simply wasn’t wired that way.
“Okay. I’ll do what you ask.” I couldn’t tolerate any additional beratement. Fuck him. My stomach was already churning, my heart unable to stop thudding. There had to be more to his reaction than just being hounded by some reporter. Now wasn’t the time to push him.
I headed toward the bedroom, moving quickly into the bathroom, closing and locking the door. I needed time to think and process.
After splashing water in my face, I stood in front of the mirror, glaring at my own reflection. For a few minutes, he’d allowed me to see the man inside. Not the one he wanted everyone else to see, but the man who enjoyed the simpler things in life, including laughter. Then anxiety that he’d carried with him for years had taken over.
I wasn’t certain I’d ever see the soft and fuzzy man that Ashley insisted did exist.
The light rapping on the door actually produced a moan. I squelched it, shaking my head. “Just go. Okay?”
“Bristol. I really am sorry. Can we talk?”
“I don’t think we have anything to talk about right now. You made it clear what I can and can’t do. I intend on following your rules to the letter.”
When at least a full thirty seconds had passed, I actually thought he’d left. Then I heard a crashing sound and backed away from the door, expecting him to come smashing through at any minute.
A few minutes passed, the sound of grumbling continuing.
Then there was silence. The lack of noise was even worse.
I had no idea how long I remained behind the locked door. My reluctance to venture out had nothing to do with being afraid of the man. I knew in my gut he wasn’t going to hurt me, but I couldn’t handle his abrasiveness.
Or his damn sex appeal.
Finally, I’d had enough of hiding and opened the door, taking cautious steps outside. In his fit of anger, he’d smashed one of his suitcases against the closet door. The contents remained spilled onto the floor, a hole in the flimsy door. What in the hell was going on with him?
He’d already left. There were signs he’d taken a shower in another bathroom, his sweatpants hanging over a towel bar. For some crazy reason, I pulled them into my hands, holding them against my face. His sweat sent tingles dancing throughout my body. He was so masculine and so damn infuriating.
When I walked back into the kitchen, I was surprised that he’d brought in and washed the coffee cups. He’d also left me a note.
Forgive me.
The two simple words sent a sharp jab into my heart. Damn the man.
His ruggedness.
His sexiness.
His dominating tendencies.
Damn him.
If I wasn’t careful, I’d fall hard for Houston Powers.
* * *
New furniture.
There was something incredible about getting new furniture. Up to this point, I’d managed a few select purchases from Ikea, but I’d never had anything like the pieces that had begun to arrive. They were spectacular.
The second I’d started to pore over the contract, the doorbell had rung, delivery drivers standing by.
At least by noon, almost everything had arrived. I was shocked at how efficient the drivers were, and I’d even able to sweet talk a few of them to rearrange my original placement. Only one more delivery was expected. Then I could spend the rest if the afternoon going over the paperwork while sitting on a brand new deck chair.
Why that thought made me giddy was ridiculous, but at least I’d smiled the majority of the morning. As I folded several of the pieces of plastic that had covered some of the pieces, my thoughts shifted back to Houston’s bout of fury. Maybe his anger had been caused by nothing more than the photographer, but I had my doubts.
The sound of the doorbell dragged me out of my procedural thinking process. At least the last load had arrived. When I swung open the door, it was the second time I was shocked in one day.
My instinct kicked into overdrive. This was no social call.
“Chase. What are you doing here?”
He looked over my shoulder, an ugly smirk on his face.
“If you’re looking for Houston, he had some kind of meeting.” My gut told me not to share Houston’s itinerary with his brother.
“I’m not looking for Houston. I came to talk with you. Can I come in?”
The sudden polite tone in his voice initiated a red flag. “Of course. I apologize for the mess, but everything is arriving at once.”
Don’t do it. Don’t do it.
I ignored my inner voice, if for no other reason than a chance to gain more information.
He immediately walked out of the foyer and into the living room, turning in a full circle. The fact he remained quiet was just as disturbing as his terse appearance.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“This isn’t a social call.”
Here we go.
I cocked my head, realizing he was taking a mental picture of the entire room. I thought about the paperwork in plain view in the kitchen and grimaced. Chase had no idea what their father had offered to Houston. I would bet on it. “Okay, Chase. I actually have a lot of work to do so if you don’t mind, get to the point regarding your visit.”
“Do you like playing games?” he asked.
“I’m sorry? What are you talking about?”
With a huge knowing smile on his face, he turned to face me. “I know all about you, Bristol.”
The fact he’d taken the time to take a close look at my identity wasn’t surprising. Houston had said the first person to do so would be his brother. Maybe he was prepared to finish his earlier threat. Go ahead, big boy. I can take it. “Then you know that I don’t play games. Ever.”
He laughed, the sound pissing me off. The man was a know-it-all and I wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. “In some regards, you don’t. However, I think you’re one damn good actress. Or maybe not. Maybe that’s why you were fired from your prestigious job and on the first day I might add. Bravo.”
I glared at him, trying to keep from ripping the asshole a new one. “Do you have a point, Chase?”
“My point is that I’m well aware of your little affair you had with a married senator. I’m certain my brother wouldn’t want that to get out to the press.”
I was shocked that he’d learned, which meant he had some kind of connection to my old boss. What lengths did the man go through to find out information about me and more important, why? The rift between brothers must be much more significant than Houston had led me to believe.
And the statement he made was far too close to what had occurred that morning. The press. Had he been the one to send the reporter? That was a possibility and something I wouldn’t let on we were aware of. Unless the mysterious person had called him. “Houston is well aware of what happened in my position. That’s why he suggested we make a permanent move to his hometown.”
He laughed, as if the asshole could see right through my statement.
I stood my ground, folding my arms and making my glare even harsher. With his ability to gather private information, I was fearful he’d found out about Dark Overture.
“No, I think that’s why you grasped onto my brother. You knew that one day someone would find out and you could be ruined. What better way than to grab onto a real catch, a man who might have more money than you could ever dream of.”
While I was furious, forced to temper my anger, I was hopeful that the game he mentioned was one of greed, not the indecent invitation I’d received. “And what about tossing your fiancée to the wolves?”
The second I made the statement, his entire demeanor changed. I could see white-hot fury building to the point I expected him to lash out violently. A moment of fear swept through me.
He lifted his arm as if he was going to hit me then pointed a finger, his mouth twisting until his features made him appear like a monster. “Don’t. You. Ever. Mention. Her. Again.”
“Hmmm… What a shame. No grandchildren.” The words slipped past my mouth before I could stop them. I was playing with fire while a gasoline can stood between us.
Back down. Back down. Back down.
I wasn’t certain I could calm the situation.
His flash of rage remained. Then his face relaxed, his body no longer shaking.
“I assure you that I will find the right woman, but she won’t be a plastic Barbie doll searching for a new life.”
I had to give him credit for regrouping.
“You know, I don’t need to explain anything about my relationship with your brother, Chase. He and I are in the relationship. But how about this? If you’re so damn worried, then talk to him yourself. My guess is that your brother will laugh at you for acting like an idiot.” The flash in his eyes made me chuckle. “That’s right. You’re the brother that’s all talk and no action. You hide behind your wealth instead of trying to make yourself a better man. Then again, that’s likely impossible to do.”
I realized the instant I’d issued the words I’d made another huge mistake, but I hadn’t been able to help myself. With two strides, he stood only inches from me, still moving forward in an effort to shove me against the wall. I refused, smashing my hand against him.
He slowly looked down at my actions, exhaling in an exaggerated manner. “I suggest you learn to be very careful, Bristol. While my brother might be fooled by your actions, I know better than to think a woman of your… virtue could fall in love with a man like Houston.”
Now I’d reached my limit.
“How dare you.” I was even more pissed, prepared to cold cock the bastard. “He’s intelligent and funny, passionate and devoted. He’s exactly the kind of man I’ve hoped for.” The compliments had come so easily, which was confusing as hell.
“I’ll repeat my advice. Get out while you still can.”
“Is that a threat, Chase? Is that something you’d like me to tell your brother as well? I’m certain he’ll enjoy providing a reply of his own.”
He acted as if he was going to stroke the side of my face then pulled away. “Tell him anything you would like. That doesn’t change the message. Let’s see how long your relationship lasts when he’s penniless, forced to spend time behind bars.”
“What?” While I’d been warned about the entire family to some degree, this was something I couldn’t fathom. “What are you suggesting?”
“I’m not suggesting anything. I’m stating facts.” Chase shifted around me, stopping long enough to give me a long look, one billowing with desire. “However, if you’re good in bed, I might decide to keep my brother’s leftovers.”
I was appalled but there was no way I was going to allow the asshole to get under my skin. I stood where I was, giving him a sweet smile. “Nice offer, Chase, but nothing about you appeals to me. Nothing. Now that I’ve been close to you, I can no longer stand your stench. Get out.”
He took a deep breath before heading toward the door. It took everything I had not to race after the asshole. As another laugh pushed up from his throat, I managed to hold back a series of shivers.
But only until he closed the door.
I moved toward the couch then could swear the sun glinted off something metal. As I headed toward the back doors, I hesitated before walking outside, remembering Houston’s request. While I didn’t see anything, my gut told me there was someone lying in wait. I backed away, even angrier than before.
What in the hell had I gotten myself into?