You Know My Name

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

“Osana.” Forty-seven-year-old Preston Kinard kissed Osana Royal’s hand as she entered his dimly lit mansion. “You look lovely. I’m glad you could come.”

“Thanks for having me.” She glanced around, gaze landing on the elegant fixtures in the front hallway. “Your home is amazing.”

“Well, this is just a sample of it.” He winked, taking her purse from her shoulder. “I could give you a tour if you like.”

“Nah.” She checked her shimmering, diamond-encased watch. “Maybe another time. I don’t mean to be rude but I’m tired.”

“Awe.” He handed her the purse, his glacier-blue eyes scanning her face. “I can imagine how hard it is running such a huge operation like Spears Corp. Your stepfather Anthony would be so proud of you.”

“Really?” Warmness came over her. “It isn’t often that I’m complimented for the job I do. It’s like people expect the business to run but don’t understand how hard I work.” She yawned, rubbing her straight, silk press hair. “I rarely feel appreciated.”

“Which is a shame.” He stepped closer, allowing her to notice the crow’s feet at the edge of his eyes. “I’ve been enamored by you for a while, Osana.”

She grew nervous at the eerie tone of his voice. “I’m just a woman who wants to conquer the world.” She laughed. “No big deal.”

“You’re only thirty-five-years-old.” He touched the top of her hand. “And you run a billion dollar software company, have millions of dollars, and the world at your feet.”

“I don’t know about the world at my feet.” She glanced at the floor. “The more I work the harder things become.”

“But you love it don’t you?” His upper lip turned downward. “You thrive on the power. I’m the same way.” He blanketed her in his luxurious, aquatic cologne.

“That’s why Spears Corp. would love to have Kinard Industries as a partner. We’d be good together.”

“Oh.” He ran his pale finger down her caramel-brown skin. “I agree.”

She cleared her throat, freeing her hand. “Have you had time to go over the offer we’ve presented?”

“Nothing excites me more than working with Spears Corp., but I’m still confused about some of the figures.”

“What?” Her earrings dangled when she moved. “Something’s not adding up to you? I’d be happy to address it. I wanna work with you very much, Mr. Kinard. Teaming up would bring more opportunities for us internationally.”

“Ah, Osana.” He pinched her chin. “Do you ever stop thinking about Spears Corp.?”

She grinned. “I eat, sleep, and drink it. I love the company, and I love running it.”

“A woman as beautiful as you should have other things to focus on.” He clasped his hands. “It’s no secret you and Shad Sidney have gotten serious. Why partner up with me and not his company? Swipe Play could do as much for you as I could if not more.”

“Shad wanted to partner up, but I felt it wasn’t a good idea. I don’t like to mix business with pleasure.”

“Hm.” His nose turned up as if he were contemplating her words. “I prefer a little fun with business.”

She shifted her eyes away from him. “I could go over the figures for you again if you like.”

“Yes, I’d like that very much.” He moved back, gripping a button on his shirt. “I did amendments to your proposal. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I’m open for anything you wanna do.”

He displayed a slight, close-lipped smile. “I’m glad to hear that.” He gestured toward the curving stairwell. “The papers are upstairs in my office. Why don’t you come up?”

She exhaled as he went upstairs.

He stopped before reaching the top. “Something wrong?”

“Why don’t you bring them down here?”

He leaned back, eyebrows raised. “I made you uncomfortable?”

“No.” She waved her hand, shaking away apprehension. “I’m sorry. It’s fine.” She followed him upstairs and to the door at the end of the lengthy hallway.

“Come in.” He opened the door and instead of exposing a home office, it was his bedroom.

Osana stepped back. “Um—”

“This is my office.” He walked across the almond-brown carpet to the auburn dresser. “I do all my business in here.” He got a folder out the dresser drawer. “Here are the amendments. I highlighted things that need clarification.”

“Okay.” She entered and took the folder.

He widened the ivory curtains, displaying the breathtaking view of his prestigious Santa Barbara neighborhood.

“Oh, man.” Osana stood at the window. “This is a beautiful view.”

“Yep, I love Santa Barbara.” He opened the cabinet next to the window and pulled out a bottle of wine and two glasses. “I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else. You?”

“No, I love it here too.” She became more anxious as he filled the glasses with red wine. “You know what?” She shook the folder. “I’d like to study these. How about I take them home and get back to you in a day or two?”

“I think it’s best we do this together.” He held a glass of wine out to her. “Don’t you?”

“What’s the difference?”

“This deal won’t wait.” He held the glass out further, but she didn’t take it. “I wanna close it tonight. Here you go.”

“I don’t want anything to drink.”

“Why not?” He sipped from the glass; the gray streaks in his black hair becoming clearer under the light. “I could get you some water or something.”

“I’m not thirsty.” She looked toward the door. “Don’t you have any servants or anything?”

“I gave them the night off.” He licked wine off his lips. “Thought it would be best if we had no interruptions.”

“Mr. Kinard—”

“I told you to call me ‘Preston’.”

“I’m sorry.” She shifted from side to side. “But, this is making me uncomfortable.”

“I’m an i***t, aren’t I?” He set his glass on the end table beside a ceramic vase. “If I gave you the wrong impression I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come across this way.”

She swallowed. “It seems like you have more than business on your mind.”

“Please accept my apology if I gave you the wrong idea.” He slipped to the bedroom door and closed it. “Let’s just go over the amendments.” He pointed to his bed. “Sit down please.”

She sat on the king-sized bed despite reservations. “This is a big bed.” The soft mattress engulfed her a*s.

He sat next to her, sinking into the gray and white comforter. “Check out what I came up with. Let me know if you have an issue.”

She checked out his written suggestions. “Yes, okay.” She smiled at him. “I understand and this can all be changed and reworked to fit what you’re proposing. It’s fine.”

“I’m glad.” He stroked her thigh.

“Hey.” She stood. “What are you doing?”

“You always smell so good.” He stood, a dazed look in his eyes. “What perfume is that you’re wearing?”

“Okay.” She rubbed the nape of her neck. “I think we’ve gotten off track here so I’m gonna go.”

He hopped in front of her, blocking her path.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“You’re a good-looking woman, Osana.” He grabbed her hand with more force.

“Let go of me.”

“This outfit.” He gestured to her peach, Donna Karan blouse and creased, beige slacks. “It looks amazing on you.” He touched her cheek.

“Don’t touch me.” She pushed away his hand. “Get your a*s out the way. I’m not playing with you, Kinard.”

“I love your skin.” He walked toward her as she walked back. “Your hair and your eyes. When I’d come to Spears Corp. to talk business, I couldn’t concentrate.”

“Let go of me.” She tried to free her hand, but he wouldn’t budge. “I’ll scream.”

“There’s no one here but us.” He cornered her against the wall, his hot breath hitting her nose. “Come on, Osana. You know what’s been going on between us.”

“Nothing’s been going on except in your warped mine.”

He tugged on the collar of her blouse. “I felt the heat between us the first time we met. And tonight, you knew why I invited you here. Don’t pretend.”

“I’m not playing with your ass.” She balled fists. “Get away from me right now.”

“Sh.” He pressed his hard body against her.

“Get off!”

“I understand, honey.” He caressed her cheek. “You have a reputation to protect. I promise no one will know what happens in this room but us.”

“No one’s gonna know because nothing is gonna happen between us!”

He grabbed her by the arms.

“Preston.” She sighed, shaking. “You’re not thinking—”

“Oh, yes I am. I’ve wanted you all these months. You feel the same. I can tell by the way you look at me. Osana, stop fighting it.”

“Please.” She laid her hand on his chest. “Don’t do this. You’re wrong. I’ve never thought about you in any other way than business. I came here to make a deal.”

“Well, I don’t want the deal you presented.” He held her close, his fingers piercing her skin. “I want the deal you gave Shad Sidney.” He pushed his mouth on hers.

She tore her lips away. “Stop—”

“We’re not gonna play this game, Osana. You’ve been around.” He shook her. “You know how business works. You gotta give a little to get a little.”

“Someone, help!” She tried to kick him but he moved. “Preston, stop!”

“I’m tired of this shit.” He threw her on the bed.

“No!” She swung her arms as he climbed on top of her. “Get off!”

“You’ve always been a firecracker, Osana.” He tried to kiss her, but she turned her head back and forth. “It’s what I love about you.” He grabbed her breast.

“Bastard!” She plunged her knee into his crotch.

“Ah!” He rolled off, gripping his middle.

Osana jumped off the bed and got her purse from the floor.

“No!” He grabbed her hand. “This deal isn’t done yet.” He stood, pulling her back to the bed.

She grabbed the ceramic vase and whacked him in the head.

“Oh!” He fell on the bed with blood seeping behind his ears. “You bitch.” He examined the blood on his hands. “You won’t get away with this.”

“Go to hell.” She tossed the folder at him. “If I ever see you again, I’m going to the police.”

He scoffed. “For what? You attacked me.”

“You tried to r**e me,” she shrieked. “I mean it, Kinard. Don’t come near me again and if you set one foot inside Spears Corp. I’ll tell everyone what a creep you are!”

She ran out.