The Heiress (Book 2 of the Forbidden Series)

1

Layla Thompson kissed her father’s cheek and smiled innocently up at him. “I promise I’ll be on my best behaviour Daddy.” She assured him.

David hugged his precious little girl; she looked so much like her mother had at that age. With her bright green eyes and that flame red hair. It wasn’t his daughter’s behaviour he worried about while she was out on the town. She had just turned twenty-one and had never been in a bar. Layla was a knockout and David knew the way men would react to his naive, sheltered little princess. “It is not you I worry about.” He admitted gesturing to the two large men in suits that were standing beside the awaiting limo. “That is why they are going with you.”

Layla planted her hands on her hips and frowned at her overprotective father. “Oh, that won’t draw attention to me at all. Seriously Daddy aren’t bodyguards a little over the top? After all, I’m not a kid anymore.”

“All the more reason. They are going with you, and I won’t hear another word about it.” David said with finality in his tone.

Layla rolled her eyes and looked at her waiting friends who just shrugged. “Fine.” She sighed and walked down the marble steps out onto the cobblestone driveway to the waiting limo. Layla climbed inside with her lifelong girlfriends Jill and Kim Tanner. The two women were not too much older than her. They had lived on the grounds with their parents all of Layla’s life. Their mother was Layla’s family housekeeper, and their father was Layla’s father’s major-domo and close personal friend. He ran every aspect of the Thompson’s lives personal and professional.

They lived in a smaller private house on the far east corner of the Thompson country estate. In truth, they were all more like family than servants and masters. It was why they had been able to become such close friends as children. The bodyguards followed in a town car behind the limo to give the girls some illusion of privacy. Jill and Kim were pretty Italian girls who had been out far more than Layla. They had planned this night for her big birthday out.

“Where are we going?” Layla inquired adjusting the belt of the designer winter coat she wore as she crossed one leg over the other. Her twenty-first birthday had been last month, but since Layla was a Christmas baby they had all been too busy with family obligations to celebrate.

“Don’t tell your daddy but we are going to ladies’ night. It’s time for Miss. Sheltered to see what guys look like that are outside our little circle of friends.” Jill teased.

Layla understood exactly what she meant. Their parents hand a very close-knit friend base, and her world had primarily consisted of the same people all her life. Sure, there were other kids. Her father’s friends had two boys of their own which were often over, and there had been Jill and Kim. Plus, two members in her mother’s band had children just a little younger than her, a girl and two boys. They mostly hung out with Layla’s little brother Dane who himself was eighteen. Sure, she had a few friends from her all-girl prep school, but she wasn’t nearly as close with any of them.

“We’re just going to have to make sure that Tweedledee and Tweedledum back there don’t rat us out,” Kim mentioned.

“They won’t,” Layla assured them. “They can’t stop me since I’m an adult now and I know they don’t want to face Daddy’s wrath if he found out what they let me do. Trust me so long as there is no trouble they won’t say a word to Daddy.”

***

Alexander Sinton turned off his motorcycle and placed his helmet on the seat. Picking up his bag, he swung it over his shoulder and rushed in through the employee’s entrance of the bar. He pushed past the staff into the back room where his co-workers were pacing. “It’s about bloody time I was about to go on for you.” Complained Rick Patter, a tall blond Australian who had been doing such jobs for years.

He had hired Alexander after a lot of begging. He already had three other guys in the show and hadn’t needed another, but Alexander was a superb dancer and incredibly attractive. The ladies liked him very much. He filled the seats each weekend with his muscular body and his dark Mediterranean looks. “I’m sorry, this engine rebuilt ran late, and I had to go home and shower,” Alexander explained stripping out of his jeans and t-shirt. He quickly changed into a dark suit and did up the cufflinks.

“You got to quit coming so late.” Rick scolded. “Alexander you missed rehearsal.” He complained.

“I know, I know. But I’m strapped for cash, and I need a second job. I got this incredible call from some guy I met a few days back, and he wants me to meet with his employer tomorrow morning.”

“Good for you man. What is the job?”

“Well, I suppose it’s taking on some of the old man’s responsibilities. Guess the guy’s body can’t handle some of the physical labour, so his boss is hiring some outside help. The dude is a butler or something of that nature.” Alexander tried to recall.

Alexander reached into his bag and pulled out a black fedora and sunglasses. Pushing his raven hair back he placed the fedora on his head and headed to the door that led out to the floor; he heard his entrance music starting. “Ok let’s do this. What’s tonight?”

“Five-dollar hot seat, blow job, and faking it,” Rick answered. “Ready?”

Alexander put on his sunglasses and grinned. “Always.” He called back before going through the door and out into the spotlight. The place was packed which he always liked; it meant the tips would be good. Alexander strutted around the designated stage. He maintained an arrogant mafia attitude about him. He played to the ladies and the more they screamed, the more he gave them what they wanted. His clothes came off one article at a time teasing and taunting the crowd. Alexander tried not to think too much when he did these shows. His mother would have been so ashamed to know what he did at night.

She had been a marvellous dance instructor in her day. She had taught her son to dance as well, and this was how he used his skills. Stripping was not glorious, but it did pay well. He never told his mother how he got the money to keep them living day to day, and she was often too sick to ask. Alexander was not proud of what he did, but it was amazing what one would stoop to when presented with little options.

***

Layla Thompson shrugged out of her designer leather coat and handed it to her bodyguard. “If you must follow me around at least stay back, so you don’t draw any unneeded attention to me.” She insisted. “There’s lots of bouncers here so chill and hang back. I don’t want to be able to see you.” The large man nodded and stood off by the wall along with the club security.

Jill and Kim took Layla by the hand and led her toward the tables lining the dancefloor. The club was small but full, and they were lucky to find seats near the floor. It was the first time the three had been together since Layla’s twenty-first birthday, and she was allowed in a US club. At least legally. She had often visited her grandparents in Canada where at the ripe age of eighteen she could do everything a twenty-one-year-old could do in New York. Jill and Kim were older than her by five years.

“You will love ladies’ night, Layla. Trust us you will go home and where the batteries out of your toys. I know I sure as hell will.” Jill giggled ordering a round of drinks for the table.

“Remember when we told you about cutting off your sentences before you say something embarrassing?” Kim teased her older sister. “That would be one of those times.”

Jill and Kim were Latin beauties. Their dark hair and tanned complexion an attractive quality but both women envied Layla’s remarkable appearance. Both her parents had been celebrated beauties, desired by all and often the objects of many dreams. Layla had been blessed with their charm and wit, with their desirable figures and talent, as well as her mother’s remarkable red hair and piercing green eyes. She turned heads wherever she went.

Lounging in their seats, Layla grinned at her friends. “We will see about that, it’s not like I’ve never seen a naked man before, or a well-shaped male body you forget my lineage. Gorgeous men are everywhere.”

“Amen to that your brother is a babe. If I were a few years younger…” Kim drooled thinking of Layla’s little brother Dane. At eighteen Dane already had the rugged good looks that rivalled their father’s.

“And your dad too, I tell you for his age wow. You would never guess the man is over sixty.” Jill swooned. She had been four when her father went to work for Layla’s father. David had been in his late thirties than and forty when he married Layla’s mother. His bride was twenty years younger than him, but he looked as youthful as she did. Now at the silver age of sixty-one, he barely looked fifty. His graying hair was the only testament to his age. Layla was lucky, judging from her parents she was destined to age gracefully.

The lights dimmed and in the dark Layla could see three well-built men take their positions on the dancefloor. One relatively attractive man took the only microphone and started the show. He introduced himself and his colleagues as Raw Body.

The show began, and the three men on the floor broke into a high paced routine. Their moves were well choreographed and their timing perfect. At the end of the song two of the men exited and left one center stage. He worked the crowd of woman and made some good tips. A sexy man she would admit but no big deal. The ladies that wanted to tip got to get up close and personal for a few fleeting seconds and then the act was done.

Layla was enjoying herself drinking and smiling watching the dancers watch her smiling and clapping. The MC returned to introduce the next dancer. The first had been a cop and the three men taking the floor now looked like old-fashioned mobsters. The music started, and the three men went through their routine. At the end two exited and again one took center stage. He had been on the opposite side of the dancefloor from her so she had not gotten a good look at him and now center stage, his back turned to the crowd; she could admire the way he filled out his suit.

“Ladies let’s welcome to the center stage the bad boy of the Italian mob, the sinful Latin lover, the heartthrob of the Mediterranean… Alex Styles.” The MC introduced the next dancer and the music started.

As his routine began and the dancer turned tipping his hat, Layla got an unobstructed view of the startlingly handsome man. His chiselled Mediterranean features and sexy smile made her pulse flutter, and she sat up straight. He moved with such rhythm and fluency she could not help but stare. His hat came off, and he tossed it to the side letting his dark hair fall into his eyes. The MC told the ladies to make some noise if they wanted to see more and Layla found herself screaming like some crazed groupie at one of her father’s shows.

The Latin music blared over the speakers, and his body moved flawlessly. The rhythm of his hips was hypnotizing. His feet moved quickly, and Layla was impressed by his ability. She watched as he slid out of his jacket and tossed it to the side out of his way.

His shirt hit the ground next showing off his sculpted torso and muscular arms. The belt went next, and his moves became racier. Layla found herself fantasizing about being beneath the mobster, wanting to feel his hard body rocking against hers. He moved to her side of the floor teasing and taunting the ladies. Getting close and then moving just before they could touch him. He turned, and when his eyes fell on Layla, she smiled with satisfaction at the sudden stunned look in his dark eyes. He grinned and instantly regained his composer. A true professional.

Moving on he returned to center stage placed his hand to his ear and waited to hear the crowd scream… “take it off.” The pants came off, and the crowd went wild. His tight black underwear hugged his curves tempting their imagination. She could see the well-defined contours of his body through the thin black fabric.

When it came time for the hot seat, Layla was one of the first to hold out her tip. His eyes fell on her with a sly smile, and her mobster made his first selection from the crowd, then his second, and third before getting to her. He was teasing her she realized always looking at her and then taking another.

When he finally took Layla by the hand, he led her to the chair in the center of the floor and sat her down. His body was warm and glistering under the hot lights with sweat. His purely male scent invaded her nostrils. Placing his hands on the arms of the chair her mobster straddled Layla’s lap and rocked against her his body rubbing along hers, his face nuzzling her neck. His breath hot on her skin it sparked a fire inside her. His hands guided her to his chest sliding her fingers along his hard muscles. Layla felt herself grow crazy with desire. She had to have him she decided.

Suddenly he grabbed her legs and lifted her from the chair. His strong arms holding her waist as her leg wrapped about his own. With strong, deliberate thrusts upward, he pressed his manhood up against her growing wetness, and she was riding her mobster. Suddenly he walked her over to her table and placed her down in her chair. Layla’s hand trailed down his solid belly to the waist of his shorts, and she went to slide the five-dollar bill inside. His fingers closed around her wrist, and their eyes met.

He winked with a wolfish grin. “Keep it that was more for me than you.” He said quietly and went back to work. The act was over, and he left the floor vanishing from sight. The next act was fine, but Layla’s thoughts were on her exciting mobster.

Midway through the show the MC took center stage and ran a raffle for a free poster and then offered a contest for a bottle of wine. The volunteers had to fake an orgasm, and the winner got the bottle. Finally, before moving on to the last half of the show, the MC pulled up a tall barstool and asked. “Do we have any birthday girls in the club tonight?” Two other women raised their hands, and Jill forced Layla’s hand up.

“But it’s not.” Layla protested in a whisper.

“They don’t know that.” Grinned Jill. “It could be fun. Go with it.”

“Three, ok well there’s only one seat so let’s see the youngest will get it. How old are you tonight?” He asked the first two. Both women were older than Layla. He came to her and held the microphone down. “And you beautiful?”

“Twenty-one.” She smiled.

“Barely legal, we have a winner.” He took her hand and led her on the floor. “You win a birthday blow job. Which of my eager young men would you like?”

Layla grinned her mind was made up instantly. “Styles.”

“Everybody picks him.” The MC snickered. “Ok ladies, welcome back Alex Styles.” The crowd hooted and clapped as her handsome dancer returned to the floor stripped to a fade pair of jeans and a mischievous smile. “Hop on up and assume the position.” The MC ordered.

Alexander sat relaxed on the barstool his legs spread open. A waitress brought a shot glass of brown liquor topped with whip cream and handed it to the MC. He held it up to Layla. “This is your blow job.” Pulling it away as she reached for it he placed the shot glass on the limited space of stool between Alexander’s legs. “Now the trick is you need to retrieve it without using your hands.”

Layla looked into Alexander’s charming smile, his gaze heated with a desire she had seen many times before. Placing her hands behind her back, Layla leaned over slowly her gaze holding his throughout the descent. Looking away, she wrapped her mouth around the rim of the shot glass, lingering for a teasing moment and then raising quickly she tilting her head back. The liquor burned its way down her throat. Taking the glass from her mouth, Layla licked the sweet cream from her lips and placed the glass in Alexander’s hand, then strolled back to her seat. A wicked grin curved his handsome mouth, and he slid from his seat and once again vanished from sight.

When the show ended, the doors were opened to the men waiting outside. Layla scanned the crowd for Alexander, turning down all the various offers and not finding the man she desired. A chance to talk to him it was all she needed.

***

At the end of his second dance, Alexander collected his tips and gathered his clothes as he left the stage. He walked into the back room as the next guy went out. Pulling on his jeans, Alexander took a seat at the small lunch table provide for the staff and began counting his tips. He always got the best tips, and some of the other guys resented him for it with no qualms about voicing it.

“It’s your fault you know.” Complained Ashton Jacobs, a short black fellow with corn rolls and gold chains. He prided himself as a thug but was little more than a middle-class suburban poser trying to play like he had street credit. “Those women hold on to their cash like tightwads until you perform. They give it all to you, and we get the scraps.” Ashton snipped folding his meagre wad of bills and putting them in his pants pocket. “I do so much better at private bookings.”

Alexander shrugged and folded his money stuffing it into his bag. “What can I say; maybe you should spend less time on picking out bling and more time practicing. If you could dance better, you would get better tips.” He said without regard for Ashton’s feelings.

“Now boys no fighting over it.” Rick stepped in handing them both an army uniform. “Now both of you get ready for the last act you two are back up,” Ashton grumbled and took the fatigues. Alexander stood up and took the uniform offered to him and started changing. He had just finished doing up the buttons when the doors opened.

Brad Steffler, another dancer, came into the room with a grin. “Did you guys see the little redhead in the right-hand corner?” He asked raking his long fingers through his light hair before reaching for a pair of jeans. “She is incredible.”

“I don’t pay attention to the individuals in the audience, and you know it.” Alexander lied. Normally he did not focus on the crowd, it made his job easier to do if he didn’t look them in the face, but a man would have had to be blind not to notice that girl.

“Yeah, I saw her.” Ashton piped up. “Shorty was smoking fine. How could you not spot that Sinton?” He teased. “Are you going blind?”

“No but I wish I were going deaf, so I didn’t have to listen to you whine anymore,” Alexander said as they headed for the stage. They went out on stage, and as the music started, they danced a fast-paced hip-hop routine flanking Rick. They only needed to be on stage for the opening, and then they would leave Rick to his own devices as he took center stage. Alexander tried not to look, but he couldn’t help but search the crowd for the incredible redhead once more.

At first, he saw nothing remarkable, and then Alexander spotted the beautiful vixen. She had long legs and an athletic body. Big bright green eyes and full red lips. Her skin was flawless like porcelain and her hair hung in long heavy silken curls. She looked like a goddess and Alexander could tell from looking at her and her friends they did not belong in this neighbourhood. This girl was uptown. He knew what girls like that were after in a neighbourhood like this.

After his job was done, Alexander moved backstage with Ashton. He changed back into his jeans in the back room listening to his co-workers going on about the woman in the audience. After the shows, they usually mingled with the crowd. Men were let in the club after eleven, but it did not hurt their chances of going home with any one of the ladies they chose. This particular night they were taking bets to see who could take the redhead home.

“Do you want in on this?” Brad asked Alexander as he pulled his grey t-shirt over his head.

“Nope.” Alexander simply replied. “That girl would normally be out of our league. She is only in this neighbourhood to go slumming.” He objected picking up his bag.

“So, what?” Ashton snickered. “If it gets her in my bed I’ll fulfill her dirty little fantasy.” The guys laughed and high-fived each other.

Alexander chuckled and shook his head. “Good luck then, I’d like to hold on to the last shred of dignity I got.” He was about to walk out the door when two large men in suits stepped in blocking his exit. “Excuse me guys the john is in the other direction.” He said trying to push past them. One put his hand on Alexander’s shoulder and pushed him back into a seat at the table. “What the hell?” He snapped getting back up and prepared for a fight. He did not take well to being manhandled.

“Joshua don’t be rude.” Snapped the sexy little redhead as she stepped between them. “Apologize.” She ordered.

“Sorry.” The man grunted obediently.

Rick stood up and addressed their guest. “I’m sorry only staff is allowed back here; you guys have to leave.”

“I paid the owner for the luxury of coming back here.” She notified them. Rick looked out the door and could see the owner giggling to himself and counting a wad of money in his office. It would appear she was correct. Rick sat back down and offered their pretty guest a seat. “No thank you. I wanted to talk with this gentleman.” She said pointing at Alexander.

His co-workers laughed. “You hear that you’re a gentleman now Sinton.” Ashton mocked him.

“I would appreciate it if we could be alone for a bit.” She suggested.

Alexander tossed his bag on his back and smiled politely. “Let me save you the time honey. I don’t sleep with the customers.”

“I do.” Brad piped up, and the others chuckled.

“Any one of these guys would be happy to accommodate you, but I pass.” He said heading for the door again. The two men stepped to the side this time to let him through.

“Fifty thousand dollars.” She stated bluntly. The sum stopped Alexander in his tracks. He turned around and walked back to the woman who was casually standing there as if she had just offered him bus fare. “I’ll give you five hounded right now to listen to my proposal, and fifty thousand if you accept.”

The guys at the table had been instantly silenced each watching intently to see what happened next. Alexander stood quietly for a moment looking around the room. “Solicitation is against the law.” He informed her.

“I know.” She smiled innocently. “It’s not s*x that I’m after.” She informed him.

“Oh, come on he doesn’t dance that bloody well,” Ashton complained, unable to believe the good fortune Alexander had.

Alexander’s interest was piqued; if not s*x what did this woman want from the likes of him. “Not s*x?” She nodded. “Fifty G’s?” He thought it over.

“And five hounded cash now for just talking to me.” She smiled sweetly and batted her long lashes. “You even get to keep your clothes on.”

Alexander looked at the men she had come in with and then again at her. She seemed harmless enough, so long as she was not going to ask him to kill her husband or something sinister like that. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to listen.” He finally agreed, holding his hand out. “Cash up front.” She reached into her purse and took out some money. She handed it to him like it was nothing. Alexander counted the cash and wondered just how much this woman had to toss around. Stuffing the money in his bag, Alexander turned his attention back to the waiting woman. “Ok you have bought my time, where would you like to talk?”

But after their talk, Alexander had to head home. He had an early interview and needed his rest. He could not afford to mess up the interview if the job offer was as good as the old man said it was. He needed the money. Creditors were threatening to take his mother’s home and garnish his accounts. He was in desperate need of good money and a good night’s sleep.

***

Layla slipped into the back of her limo and sat down. The handsome dancer with her climbed in and sat across from her. She held up her hand to stop her escorts from joining them. They shut the door and stood guard outside. Layla pushed the button on the side door, and the partition glass went up between the rear compartment and the driver to give them privacy. Jill and Kim were still enjoying the party inside, and she had used this chance to slip away for a moment to seize an opportunity.

Layla sat across from the man who now looked at her patiently awaiting her proposition. She felt a bit nervous, she had never propositioned anyone before, but she understood how business was done. “Can I offer you a drink?” She asked gesturing to the mini bar.

“No thank you, I’d prefer if we got to the point,” Alexander said point blank.

“Very well. What is your name?” She asked.

“They said my name when I came on stage.” He said.

Layla snickered, she understood how show business worked too, and stage names were common. “What is your real name? I like to know who I am doing business with.”

He smiled a dashing devilish smile. “Alexander Sinton.” He introduced himself with a polite nod.

“Layla Thompson.” She offered in return. She saw the moment of realization on his face and before he could ask the next question she answered. “Yes, my daddy is a Heathen.” Her family tree was rooted in fame and success. Both her father and grandfather were legends among the rock and roll community as well as her mother and uncle who both performed in successful bands. Her grandfather, now retired from being a musician, ran an international recording studio chain, her grandmother owned three hospitals, and her father founded the hottest production label in North America at the moment. In short, Layla was one of the top five wealthiest heiresses in North America.

“What is a girl like you doing in a slum like this?” Alexander asked.

“My friends brought me here for my birthday.”

“Happy birthday. So, what is it you want from me? If you are planning on booking a private party I have to be honest I would have done it for a lot less than fifty grand.”

Layla blushed, she had not been looking for that sort of thing, not that he wasn’t incredibly attractive and she had been stirred by what she had seen of him earlier that night. What she was looking for was more of an acting position than a dancing one. “What I am looking for will require a little more of your time.”

Alexander leaned forward, so he was closer to her, a motion that unconsciously caused Layla to retreat against the seat. “And what is it you are looking for?”

“I want to hire you to pose as my boyfriend.” She said coming right out with it. She watched him carefully trying to judge his reaction. Alexander relaxed back in his seat and studied her.

“You don’t strike me as the type of woman that needs to buy boyfriends.”

“I’m not.” She assured him. “I’m not looking for a real boyfriend just someone for appearance sake only. You see I made a dreadful mistake and got involved with someone that I, unfortunately, cannot avoid. He hasn’t taken the breakup too well and continues to make unwanted advances. I am hoping that if it appears that I have replaced him, he will move on to someone else and leave me alone.”

“Why don’t you just have one of your bruisers out there rough him up a bit?” Alexander suggested.

“Because they work for my father and he would find out. He doesn’t know about the two of us, and I would prefer to keep it that way.”

“Because he doesn’t like him?”

“No, he loves him; he would only encourage what I am trying to end.”

“So, hire a bodyguard of your own.”

“It won’t work. I need someone more discreet, someone, that can detour his advances without standing out… and…” She paused unsure how to put the rest of it nicely.

“And someone lowbrow enough that daddy wouldn’t be too heartbroken when you got rid of him.” Alexander finished her thought.

“Yes.” She said with relief that he had been the one to say it.

Alexander looked out the window thinking. “Why me?” He finally asked. “Anyone of those guys in there would be happy to playboy toy and for considerably less.”

“Well to put it frankly my circle has certain standards, and I need this to look convincing. You see I would never touch anyone of those guys.” She said plainly. “And they would never by it if I brought one home.”

“And I meet these high standards?” He mocked.

“You come closer.” She blushed.

“Closer.” He laughed. “I’m sorry Miss. Thompson but I’m not for sale. If you want to go slumming you will have to buy someone else.”

Layla smiled, she had been right about him; she had thought she had seen something different in Alexander’s eyes when she saw him in the bar. There had been more pride and integrity behind his eyes. She didn’t want someone else. She had a good feeling she could trust Mr. Sinton to keep his word. She was sure the others would take libraries and frankly she was trying to prevent one man from doing that she didn’t want to compound the problem.

“Did I happen to mention that in addition to the fifty thousand dollars you will earn, you will also get all the benefits that come with my lifestyle? Mansions, sports cars, trips on private jets. VIP at the hottest red-carpet events, designer clothes, and did I mention not having to do this line of work anymore.”

“I’d be a gigolo.” He frowned.

“Would it be any more distasteful then doing this for tips?” She asked.

Alexander sighed and looked thoughtful again. She wondered what had driven a man like him to such a profession in the first place, but it did not concern her if he was willing to accept the position she was offering. Finally, he looked at her and shook his head. “I’m sorry Miss. Thompson, but I must hold on to what little self-respect I might have left. I’m not the gigolo type, perhaps try Ashton.” He exited the limo, and Layla was left sitting by herself, damn it, she would be forced to deal with her problem another way.