The Heiress (Book 2 of the Forbidden Series)

14

Alexander arrived in the back of the limo with Kat and Dane. He was overwhelmed by the lavish environment. He watched through the tinted windows at the fans and people lined up outside the establishment booked for the release party. He was astounded with how relaxed Dane was. He was eighteen and getting ready to step out into those cameras and lights to face a world Alexander had only heard of.

He supposed it was second nature to Dane, having grown up at events like this. Dane and Kat looked fabulous, all glitz and glamour. Both accustomed to the flashy designer images. Alexander’s eyes ran over Kat as she looked out the window. Regardless of her age, the woman was stunning, radiating s*x appeal. If she weren’t married, she could have changed his opinion on older women. He figured it was safe to assume that by Kat’s incredible beauty and David’s youthful appearance, Layla would age the same way.

Layla was now cutting her album, and soon she would be wrapped up in her own wealth and fame, going from a naive trust fund baby to a superstar. She was beautiful and on the launch pad of an amazing career. He didn’t have the money or class to give her the life she was accustomed to. It was no wonder why Layla wanted little to do with him outside physical gratification. He had nothing to offer.

The limo came to a stop, the door opened, and Dane stepped out. The commotion outside made Alexander nervous. This was not like the night at the VIP; here they were more than guest they were the center of attention. Alexander didn’t know if he could handle the pressure. Kat took his hand to calm his nerves. “You will do fine. Come on.”

“Why did he want me to come to this so bad?” Alexander wondered feeling skeptical of David’s motives.

“I’m not sure, enjoy yourself. Are you ready?” Kat smiled and then stepped from the limo.

Alexander took a breath and then stepped out into the lights and cameras. The flashes blinded him, and he put his hand up to block the bright lights. He followed his associates up the red carpet into the building. The walk seemed to take forever. He was sure it would never end. Inside it took a minute for the spots to fade and his eyes to focus. Alexander found himself surrounded by the hottest stars of the music industry along with directors and producer executives. It was the who’s who of Paradise Records. Alexander took a steadying breath. His hands felt clammy, and his pulse was racing.

Kat took a glass of wine from the server going around and offered it to Alexander. He downed the glass and placed it back on the tray empty before the server walked away. Dane excused himself to get ready for his presentation. Kat walked Alexander through the party making her rounds and greeting their guests. It was not long before he became encircled by the industry’s most beautiful and eligible women. They flocked to him like mice to cheese. Alexander instinctively fell into his flirtatious behaviour, as a man used to entertaining women he was in his element.

***

Kat wandered off to find her husband. Working the room, she shook hands and made pleasant chit-chat, a useful social skill she had developed over time. A skill her husband had mastered in his youth and her children had seemed to be born with. She had found David talking shop with some radio and music stations. She decided her curiosity could wait. She knew better than to interrupt when David was working, and with David even when he was playing, he was working.

Layla had arrived with her father and as usual, was entertaining some of the industry’s most eligible bachelors. She had mastered the art of manipulation at a young age, learning long ago that with a bat of her eyelashes and the curve of her smile she could make men do anything she wanted. There was no challenge, and perhaps that was why she often didn’t bother with any beyond pleasant conversation.

Off in the corner were two security agents assigned to watch Layla from afar. Kat glanced over her shoulder at the charming man that had captured her daughter’s interest and that of every woman young and old in the establishment. Alexander didn’t fall at Layla’s feet like the others. Her gaze drifted back to her shallow spawn. Layla flirted shamelessly, offering innuendos and countering with coy dodges.

Kat scowled at her behaviour. Here she had a good man waiting for her and she had blown him off for days. Ignoring him and acting like he wasn’t a part of her life. She was going to lose him if she didn’t smarten up. Kat intervened, her meddling mother instincts taking over. “Excuse me gentlemen, but I am just dying to know how her album is coming,” Kat said politely extracting her daughter from the circle. They strolled away, and when they were out of earshot, Kat commented softly. “You have been very busy lately. Have you seen Alexander?”

“Not for a day or so,” Layla admitted. The recording was more time consuming then she had thought.

“And very little over the last two weeks from what I’ve seen. You have been flaking on him, and the poor boy has been patiently waiting for you. But I highly doubt he is going to wait much longer.”

Layla scowled at her mother’s inference. “I know I’ve been busy, but it’s only for a month or so, and then I can spend all the time in the world with him for the next couple of weeks. I’ll make it up to him; it’s the nature of the business.”

Kat stopped and took Layla’s shoulders in her hands staring her daughter square in the eye. “Now listen to me, good girl. You don’t tell me about the nature of the business. I know the sacrifices a pro makes when it comes to relationships. I’ve been the one in the studios and the one waiting. It’s hard, and it puts a huge strain on a relationship. It often destroys lovers. It only works if both parties are committed. You and Alexander are far too new to survive this kind of thing.”

Layla pushed her mother’s hands away. “It worked for you and Daddy, and he was already established before you two hooked up. It even worked for grams and gramps, and they fight all the time. We will be fine; don’t tell me how to run my love life.”

Kat’s eyes narrowed in quiet rage. Her tone smooth and eerie calm, a tone Layla had learnt in her childhood to be a bad thing. “Don’t you dare compare yourself to us. This is different. First, we all had pre-existing relationships before moving into romance; we were already emotionally invested. Alexander is not. Second, your grandmother and I knew full well what we were getting in to by getting involved with the men we did. Alexander does not. If you want to see where this relationship goes, I strongly suggest you make time for that boy, because for any craving you are not willing to fill…” she grabbed her daughter’s chin between her fingers and forcefully turned her head toward the growing admirers surrounding Alexander, “many… others… are willing.” She released Layla and walked away to join her husband in his work, leaving Layla to contemplate her advice.

***

From her place on the sidelines, Layla watched the beautiful women fighting for Alexander's attention. The charming smile curved his tempting mouth enough to melt any female’s sense of decency. She wasn’t sure what they were saying but judging by the feverish glances and the way they wet their lips Layla knew she didn’t approve. Those women were salivating over her man as if he were some slice of triple chocolate cheesecake, and Alexander was lapping it up. She hated to admit it but her mother was right, she realized, she was going to lose him.

***

The lights dimmed, and the music started. The light centred on the raised level of the room. The show was beginning, and Alexander diverted his undivided attention to Dane’s performance. The time he had invested in him making Alexander nervous. His routines had never been under such scrutinizing judgment before. The best of the professionals lined the room, and Alexander felt the pains of performance anxiety even though he was not the one in the spotlight.

His work had paid off. Dane had the routine down, the whole package coming together flawlessly. His voice, the timing, everything; Alexander was so proud of Dane’s progress in one day. He had such natural talent and only needed slight guidance. Alexander chuckled to himself. It was rather rewarding to be a small part of the boy’s success, and he wished the kid luck in future ventures.

The applause was amazing; Dane’s introduction to the business was a grand success. The performance over, the floor opened for dancing and Alexander was ready to hit the dancefloor. He glanced around the circle of his many willing partners trying to decide who he would like to take to the floor with him. Someone who looked like they could keep up. So many pretty and eager volunteers he struggled with the decision.

Then over the shoulder of the blonde in front of him, through the crowd on the dancefloor, Alexander saw the object of his desire. Layla emerged through the bodies like a phoenix from the ashes. Her hair tied up with flame red locks dropping in curls down her back and over her shoulders. Her pale blue dress draped her seductive body flaring at the skirt. The fabric swayed as she walked towards him. Her emerald eyes held his, calling him to her from under those thick long lashes.

His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. Alexander had decided to end things when he got the first chance. Telling himself, he would not put up with her treatment one moment longer. He refused to play stud to a bored little rich girl, he was better than that; but at that moment, when she made her way through his prospects and kissed his lips lightly when her fragrance invaded his senses, Alexander was lost to her.

He wanted Layla so badly. He craved her to the point it made him mindless and weak. When she took his hand in hers and led him to the dancefloor, he followed without resistance or hesitation. Hating himself with every step, she might as well had put a leash around his neck, following her like a starving little puppy. She slipped into his arms as they danced. His body reacted instantly to her closeness.

She looked stunning and caused his pulse to quicken. Her hands slid over his back, sending shivers through his body. Alexander knew she felt his arousal grow as he held her close against him. His skin grew warm, and he inhaled her fragrant scent. He hated his weakness. “I have to have you, right now.” He whispered in her ear and felt her shudder.

Suddenly he dragged Layla from the room without discretion, turning heads as they exited the room. Alexander led her aimlessly through the building searching for a private area where he could relieve his pent-up energy. At the sight of Layla leaving the view of her family two of her security detail followed, trailing them through the halls unwilling to shrug their duty regardless of the reason. They would not intervene but would remain near. Every time Alexander looked over his shoulder he saw the two well-dressed bodyguards. His frustration grew. He wanted to be alone… just a few minutes alone.

Alexander turned on his heels charging at the men following. He got right into the bigger one’s face, his eyes gleaming with frustration. “Fifteen minutes man, just leave us alone for fifteen minutes.” He demanded.

“Not going to happen, you two can go around the corner or in one of these rooms, but we are going to be just on the other side waiting for you.” Joshua declared his duties clear. Alexander did not much like having spectators even if they were not looking. “My job ain’t to accommodate you homeboy; it’s to protect her.”

Alexander’s fists clenched, he wanted to knock them both out. He hated being followed; it was intrusive. Layla took his arm trying to pry his fingers loose and lace them with her own. “Alexander, it’s not worth it, Gregory and Joshua are just doing their job. Relax we can go in there.” She pointed to a nearby room.

He snarled with disgust. “Damn it, Layla, no, it’s degrading.”

She wanted to accommodate him but didn’t have the authority to dismiss the two men. She was as powerless in this matter as him. “We can leave and go back to the house; we will be alone there.” She suggested.

“I’m afraid Miss, your parents would not approve. They expect you to mingle and show your support for your brother.” Gregory, the younger of the two, informed her.

Layla glared at her long-time bodyguards. “Alexander let’s go dance for a while and then we will leave. I promise we will go home and spend all night together… alone.”

“And then I’ll wake up alone.” He snapped his mood changing drastically. His frustration directed at her. “I’m sick of this bullshit. I’ve never had to ask so many people’s promotion to get five minutes alone. This is ridiculous. You blow me off for days, and now I have to hold your hand and smile while you work the room for the privilege of getting a quick thrill at three in the morning only to wake up alone and once more be ignored. I’m confused Layla; I thought you wanted something more from me than a few moans and groans.”

“I do.”

“Like what? To go out there and play your silent plaything. Just smile and look good, for you to show me off like some god damn trophy or accessory.”

“That is not true.”

“You didn’t give me a second thought until you saw me with those other women, did you? Tell me this; if you want more than s*x why didn’t you keep our date?”

“I got distracted with-”

“That is enough for me. I know where I stand.” He snarled walking away from her.

“Alexander let me explain.”

“You don’t have to Layla; you ain’t obligated to me.”

She watched him walk away disappearing around the corner, a sick feeling swelling in her throat. “Did I just get dumped?”

***

Alexander stalked through the party his eyes scanning the variety of available starlets. He picked through them visually selecting his evening amusements. Damn Layla to hell he wasn’t about to let her ruin another one of his evenings. He was done with her games, and like a kid given free rein in a toy store, he was ready to play.

Alexander’s eyes fell on a sexy young Latin Diva staring at him with smiling eyes. He’d seen a few of her music videos and heard her singles on the radio. She wasn’t bad, not his taste in music, but she was a looker, and that was enough to entertain him for the evening. Besides when would he ever get the chance to play a well-stocked field like this again? These women didn’t run in his circles, and he was sure that after Layla spoke to her father, he would lose his job and any further invite to such events. Not that it mattered much to him at this point.

Moving toward her with the intentions of introductions Alexander was intercepted by Dane and a tall dark-haired fellow in his early thirties. Alexander recognized the man instantly. Damien Sanchez, Layla’s uncle, and a famous musician himself. He remembered him from that night at the poker table, but everyone had been so drunk he was sure the man did not remember him. “Alex there you are. I want you to meet my Uncle Damien. He is the-”

“Drummer in FX.” Alexander finished shaking Damien’s hand. “I’m a fan. I saw the last show you did in Albany.”

“Always nice to meet a fan. Dane says you helped him with his little show there. It was awesome. You have got talent.” Damien complimented.

“Well, actually we met in passing at a poker game in your sister’s house one night,” Alexander informed him.

“I must have been very drunk; I apologize I don’t remember you, or much of anything in that game.” Damien laughed. “Makes it easier to part with your money I suppose. Let me buy you a drink.”

Alexander glanced around them at the sweet woman waiting for him to make a move. He supposed she could wait. When would he ever get to drink with Damien Sanchez again? Before he could answer, Alexander felt David’s hand on his shoulder. “Alex, walk with me we need to talk,” David said sternly, and then his expression lightened as he smiled at his brother-in-law. “Damien, good to see you. Are you in New York for a while?”

“A week, then FX goes overseas. Where’s my sister?”

“Mingling. She will be stoked to see you. Come by tomorrow we will shoot some pool.”

Damien grinned at Alexander. “Well if my brother here wants to talk I’ll rain check you on that drink. What do you say we get together tomorrow night for a few drinks? You, me, and the newcomer here.” He chuckled rubbing his knuckles into Dane’s head.

David cleared his throat and grinned. “He can’t drink in New York yet remember.”

“Oh yeah. Sorry, little dude, guess it’s just you and me Alex.”

David ushered Alexander away toward a quieter section of the room. Alexander felt a lump forming in his gut. She worked fast, he thought bitterly. “If this is about Layla…”

“It’s not.” David gestured for the server to bring them both another drink. “I saw you and Dane this afternoon. The transformation in him is exceptional given the limited amount of time you two had. I’m extremely impressed. You have a gift for bringing out the talent in someone. First Layla and now Dane. Your dancing skills are fantastic, exciting, and your teaching has favourable results.” David smiled at him for the first time washing away his intimidation. Snapping his fingers one of David’s associates handed him a large brown envelope. “This is for you. It is a freelance contract for six videos with Paradise Records. After which if we like the results we will hire you on as one of our permanent choreographers. The film dates and expectations are detailed in the contract, along with the wage. There is a disk with each single we will be filming for so that you can prepare in advance. Read the contract over and get back to me. Have a lawyer flip through it if you like; I’ll expect your answer by the weekend.”

Alexander stared at the envelope now in his hands. His fingers rubbed the paper exterior. An unimaginable future was contained inside that envelope. He could pass it back or tuck it into his pocket. Either move would change his life. “What about my duties back at the house?”

“They won’t interfere. You are fired.” David said flatly. Alexander seemed stunned. “Relax. We both know it wasn’t working out. Your work was good, but neither of us liked you putting around the house. Besides, you would be far more useful to me at Paradise Records, and you would be happier. It would be the start of a very profitable career for you.”

Alexander eyed him suspiciously. “And what is in it for you?”

“You make money; you make me money. It’s a symbiotic relationship.” David raised his glass to their mutually beneficial venture.

“And if things were to happen between myself and Layla, good or bad?” Alexander inquired testing this new job stability.

“My personal feelings never influence my professional decisions. How do you think I made it so far from the trailer court?” He winked. Alexander stared at him with wide-eyed awe. David could tell Alexander was surprised that he would admit to his humble background. Alexander was too young to know David as anything but the successful billionaire he now was. “That is right I said trailer. Grew up poor w*********h, in a two-bedroom trailer with a single mom and four siblings. Believe me when I say I know where you come from. It is perhaps the reason I gave your mother what I did. I hate to admit it, but you and I are similar in some ways. I am a self-made man. Like you, all I needed was to be smart enough to recognize the opportunity. Are you smart enough to recognize an opportunity?” Alexander stared at the envelope, contemplating it. “You can have a week to move your things out. Don’t feel rushed; also, I’ll have your pay up to date ready and a healthy severance package by Friday. At which time you can give me your answer.”

Alexander folded the envelope in half and tucked it into his back pocket. The disk inside made the action slightly difficult, but he prevailed in the end. He would take the time to look it over, but the excitement building inside him told Alexander he would more than likely accept David’s offer. “A Paradise Records choreographer. That is big isn’t it?”

“I only sign the best. You will be dancing and drinking with the biggest names in the business today.” David grinned, tempting Alexander’s decision. Alexander’s eyes wandered to the tempting Diva twenty feet away. His gaze travelled over her curves as she danced on the floor with her friends and peers. David’s gaze followed Alexander’s. A pleased grin curved the corners of his mouth. He knew it was only a matter of time before one of them grew tired of the other, granted he had thought it would have been Layla but either way worked for him. If Alexander were interested in moving on David would certainly accommodate him. “Sidney Perez,” David said encouraging Alexander’s interest. “She is a wild card from what I’ve heard. You want me to introduce you?”

Sly confidence crossed Alexander’s face. “I can introduce myself.” Alexander winked and strolled out onto the dancefloor. David watched the boy work his way into Sidney’s favour in a matter of seconds. In the moments to follow he had the Diva dancing and flirting. David’s brows lifted in admiration. The boy was a player and a rather successful one at that. It would appear Alexander and David had more in common than just their humble backgrounds.

***

Layla crossed her arms over her chest. Her temper flared at the sight of Alexander in the arms of another. Why was she so upset? It wasn’t like they had been too serious. As she watched them together, Layla wanted to storm over and tear Sidney’s hair out by the roots. She couldn’t stop him; Alexander had made it clear. He wanted nothing more to do with her under such restricting circumstances.

She put aside her frustrations and decided to mingle; she wished she could leave or that he would have. Being forced to attend the same party and watch Alexander with other women was torture. Layla knew what it was he was upset about, but she couldn’t understand the problem. He encouraged her to work and then penalized her for doing so. He complained about his troubles with his mother and flipped out when the problem was solved. He wanted attention and then pushed her away when she offered it. She didn’t understand him.

Layla guzzled back a glass of champagne and found that as hard as she tried, she couldn’t help but watch. “Careful there, Missy, that will go straight to your head.” Teased Damien.

Layla smiled and hugged her uncle hello. “I didn’t know you were coming in.”

“I heard about Dane’s release so I figured I should make an appearance. Why do you look so… thirsty?”

“No reason.” She lied staring at Sidney and Alexander. The music had slowed down, and she was now whispering in his ear. Layla’s eyes narrowed in jealousy she couldn’t explain.

Damien’s eyes followed her gaze. “If looks could kill she’d be a pile of ashes. I’m going to take a stab in the dark and guess that he is your man?”

“Yes… no… I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it.” Layla snarled guzzling another glass she took from a passing server.

Damien took the half-emptied glass from her hand and placed it back on the server’s trey. “Come dance with me. It’s less likely to have you puking by midnight.” He took her hand and led Layla to the floor.

Drawn close in her uncle’s arms, Layla could feel the buzz taking hold of her. He was right the effects might not have been immediate, but they crept up on her quickly. “I don’t get men.” She complained. “I always thought that you guys wanted someone independent and willing to give you your space. I give him that, and he hates it. You say you want us to pay for things too instead of leaving the burden on you and he freaks. I give him time, and space and all he does is complain.”

Damien suddenly felt the need to defend his gender. “Ok. Tell me this, Alexander; he isn’t from money like us, is he?”

“No.”

“He busts his butt to provide for someone right? Be it himself, a kid, a sibling, a parent… whatever.”

“Yeah.”

“Then he probably grew up in a home where a man wasn’t a man unless he provided and protected? Would I be right to assume that?”

“Well, I guess.”

“Now, when you say you paid for something and he freaked, what did you pay for? Dinner? A coat?”

Layla lowered her eyes. “I offered to take him to Miami with everyone. And he thought I paid off his debts.”

Damien lifted a questioning eye. “Did he ask you to do that?”

“No. He just assumed I did, but he needed the help, and I should have done it. And then he got annoyed at me for working toward my independence can you believe that?” She complained.

“Ok and now by independence do you mean this album I hear you are cutting?”

“Yeah, it’s going to be hot. I can’t wait.” She boasted excitedly.

“So, you are going to be making millions and he, I assume works for minimum wage or a little over.” Layla nodded. “So, you are more successful?” She lowered her eyes starting to see his point. “And very busy, so you break dates and promises. The limited amount of time you do spend with him is for a quickie, and then you are back to work?”

“Well… yes.”

“Ok then. I don’t know him, but allow me to generalize his kind of man to you. He doesn’t have much, his pride and dignity are all he has got. Now for different guys, this can be installed and taken by different things. Some guys think if they have to work in fast food at thirty they have been stripped of their dignity and pride. Others look at it as they’re making money and supporting their families. For those kinds of guys, having even the most degrading job is better than not having any. They would rather starve to death than accept a handout. I assume that when your dad offered him money, it forced him into a position where he couldn’t say no. In which case David stripped Alexander of his pride…

“Next, if he cares anything about you, he is happy for your success, but because when you break your dates and promises for work, it only tells him you are too important and busy to waste your time on him. You stop by for a quickie, thinking you are giving him a little loving to tide him over and show him you are thinking of him, he reads it as you got horny and he was the closest booty call at the time. It’s a myth that booty calls only piss off chicks. You have reduced him to a piece of meat, don’t get me wrong, sometimes we like when you do that, but then there are sometimes when it’s just insulting.”

Layla thought about Damien’s theory. It sounded similar to Alexander’s complaints, and only now she could see where she went wrong. “So, what you are saying is I emasculated him?”

“We want a strong independent wild woman, but we need to feel needed.”

Layla watched Alexander and Sidney over Damien’s shoulder. “So, what does she need him for?” Layla asked her tone like acid.

“That was what we want from a relationship.” Damien glanced over at Alexander’s progress with his new pursuit. “That is just s*x. Now that is when you want to feel like meat. During the chase and in the sack. It’s a rush. Every man wants a woman who’s classy in public and freaky in the sack.” Layla balled up her fist and slugged him hard in the shoulder. “Well, it’s true. Damn you hit hard for a chick.”

Layla smirked with satisfaction. “So, tell me this, mighty guru, how do I get back into his good graces?”

“Leave him be, let him blow off some steam. If he cares about you, he will give you a call and apologize for blowing a gasket. Give it a few days.”

“A few days!” Layla snapped finding the idea appalling. “Are we not looking at the same thing? Sidney will have him in the sack by the end of the night.” She grabbed the collar of Damien’s shirt tight in her little fists yanking his face down to her level. “I don’t want him going home with her.” She growled through grit teeth.

“Ok.” Damien pried her fingers from his throat. “You could just make him jealousy.” He surveyed the scene. “Then again that could backfire too.” He thought about it for a moment. He knew of a way to repair the damage, but it would take time. “Sorry, I don’t think you can stop him. Anything you do will take time, but you will have to share for a while.”

“You are of no help here.” She complained.

“What you need to ask is how bad do you want this guy, and more importantly why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you want him so badly? Is it because you care for him or is it because he is the only thing you can’t buy?” Damien’s words struck a chord deep inside her. Layla watched with mixed emotions as Alexander put his arm around Sidney’s waist and led her from the room. Maybe it was time to let him go.