Indecent Proposal (Book 5 of the Forbidden Series)

2

Vi Anderson sat on the plastic crate filled with bottles of Jamaican rum in the back rooms of the posh VIP nightclub in New York City. She ran her fingers over the tattered picture of her children that she held in her hands. It had been six months since she had seen her children. She missed them so much.

Her ex-husband had found himself a new younger woman and thrown her out. The cad had made up all sorts of horrible lies about her convincing a judge she was unfit to be a mother. Vi could not believe how quickly she had been replaced and railroaded. She was sure the judge had been bought off. Vi wanted to fight him, but Darcy was a well-established divorce lawyer who had made his living off of tearing couples apart and screwing over the other guy.

She had always had an issue with his lack of ethics. A money-grubbing scoundrel with no feelings or concern for the lives he was ruining. She had often taken issue with some of the things he had chosen to do. They had fought often. Perhaps it was why he had replaced her with a woman fresh out of college.

Vi had spent fifteen years making his home, his meals, doing his laundry, raising their four children. She had met Darcy in high school and gotten pregnant very young, but she had thought herself in love and married him as her parents had insisted. She spent years working double shifts at an all-night diner to put him through law school while she took care of the house and children and he repaid her by tossing her aside like garbage and stealing her children from her.

He left her with nothing, penniless and homeless. She had been staying with an old friend Jan Gustafson who helped her get her first job after years of being a housewife. She needed a good paying job to save up enough money to hire herself a lawyer to fight Darcy. She refused to allow him to drive her out of her children’s lives. She was thirty-eight and young enough to start over if she had too, but she did not wish to replace her children.

The door to the storage room opened, and one of the other waitresses poked her head in. A twenty-five-year-old brunette with the IQ of a wet nap but the body of a supermodel. She did very well in tips regardless of the fact that she always messed up the drink orders and couldn’t chew gum and walk at the same time. “Your break is over.” She informed Vi. “And bring out some rum, vodka, and rye while you’re at it.” She ordered before leaving.

Vi sighed and stood up. She tucked the only picture of her children away in her pocket and ran her fingers through her long blonde hair to make sure it was still tidy and in its place. She then went in search of the bottles she was told to find and then headed back out to the bar.

The VIP was the hottest celebrity night spot in New York City. Every night people lined up around the block hoping to get past the velvet rope. The rich and the famous were always on the guest list, and beautiful young women could frequently get through the doors. If a man slipped the doorman enough money, he stood a chance of getting in but the minimum bribe for entry on a quiet night was five hundred dollars and far more on weekends when the party was hopping.

The VIP was the place where the children of the wealthy came to party. Where the famous came to cut loose while in town. It was the place to be for anyone who was anyone to see and be seen, and it was a hunting ground for gold diggers. Hell, more than half the staff was there to flirt with the clients more than they were to claim a pay cheque. Bagging one of the VIP’s regulars was a far greater payday than the wages they made serving drinks or watching the door.

The man who owned the VIP was said to be a celebrity himself. A sixty-two-year-old retired rock star who decided to keep the party going by opening a nightclub. An unbelievably successful nightclub. Vi wasn’t sure if he was smart or lucky. Vi had not met him personally. He was rumoured to travel frequently to alleviate his boredom leaving the running of the club in the hands of his capable management team. When he was in town, he would spend his nights in the club inspecting it and reviewing the staff and the figures, but since she was hired two months ago, Vi had not seen him.

Vi carried the bottles behind the bar where her friend Jan was pouring drinks and chatting up some handsome fellow with more jewelry on his person than either of them owned combined. She flipped her dark hair and batted her lashes as she flirtatiously laughed at whatever bad joke he was telling. Then she was forced to tear her attention away to serve two other women, and she frowned when the guy wandered off. Jan was very pretty and working hard to find herself a sugar daddy. Someone with lots of money to take care of her and pamper her and give her the life of luxury she so dearly wanted and couldn’t afford.

Jan had managed twice to land a moderately wealthy man for a few months but they always turned out to be married, and the ride would end quickly when their wives found out and threatened to divorce them and take everything. Jan would find herself bounced to the curb faster than she could say “What happened?”

“I don’t know why you waste your time,” Vi said taking an order and pouring the drinks.

“I don’t know why you don’t try it,” Jan answered.

“It never lasts.” She pointed out.

“Maybe not but you would be surprised what a sugar daddy will pay for. You get one with enough money, and you might get one that gives you enough spending cash to higher that lawyer you need.” Jan argued.

“I’m too old,” Vi argued looking around at the much younger waitresses. “Why would any man that could buy a woman want me when he could buy one of the bubble-brained younger models?”

“You cut yourself short Vi; you’re a beautiful woman despite your age; thirty-eight is the new twenty-one.”

Vi scoffed at the idea. “It must be nice in the world you live in.”

“Well, regardless you have something those twenty-year-old tarts don’t,” Jan said looking her in the eyes.

“What’s that? Stretch marks?”

“Intelligence and a sharp wit,” Jan said. “Beauty only takes you so far. All those bubble brains have exasperation dates. They won't look like that forever. When their bodies go, they better have a personality.” Vi and Jan laughed and went back to work. Vi had to admit the thought of having a sugar daddy was appealing if not for any other reason than to rub it in Darcy’s face that she could do better than him.

However, she hadn’t the first idea how to bag herself one and as she looked around at those gathered there tonight she couldn’t imagine any of them wanting a woman of her advanced years. Men her age did not want women her age. Hell, men older then she did not want women her age. Vi was a realist; she could never land a man like this she was, as Jan so elegantly put it, well past her exasperation date.

Out of the blue, there was a huge commotion at the front doors. Vi couldn’t see what was going on but as the whispers passed word filtered through the staff the club’s owner had just made an appearance. Suddenly the staff jumped to attention rushing around to get everything in perfect order to appease the boss should he come by to inspect them.

Jan reached under the bar and broke out the bottle of their best dark rum and opening it up. She quickly poured a glass and placed both the glass and the bottle on one of the round serving trays. Vi watched as the commotion moved through the crowded floor and a large group of men including the managers headed up to the VIP section to the rear of the club set aside for executives and high rolling stars. It was always cleared and strictly reserved for the boss and his party when he was in town. Its elevated level allowed him to look out over the rest of the club and watch the goings on below like a king at court.

Jan placed the drink tray in Vi’s hand. “Take this up to the VIP section and give it to Mr. Creek. I’m going to head to his office and get his cigars.” She said as she started to rush off she looked back. “Remember smile.”

Vi couldn’t help but feel nervous as she was walking toward the VIP section preparing to face the very man that had the whole staff jumping. She imagined a shrewd businessman in a finely tailored suit with grey hair and that bony body that came with age. He must be one of those high-powered billionaires that got a kick out of whoring around and making people jump.

Vi walked up the short flight of stairs to the VIP section. She spotted Larry the manager, some thirty-year-old guy with a business management degree and a power trip who liked to hobnob with the rich and famous. He stood talking over another man that sat lounging lazily in the black leather loveseat in front of him.

Vi paused shocked in awe by what she saw. He was a large man, tall, with long powerful legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankle. Those powerful legs went all the way up to sleek, narrow hips and a hard-flat belly up to a broad chest and shoulders. His arms were muscled thick like those you might find on a bodybuilder. He was a man of light chocolate skin and clean shaven, not a hair on his face or head. His suit was expensive probably costing more than she could make in six months. The gold watch on his wrist probably cost more than the suit.

He wasn’t decked out in trashy jewels, and bling like many of the other so-called musicians liked to do. There was a sense of class and style about this man. He was fit and muscled, incredibly handsome, looking far younger than he was rumoured to be. He looked nothing like she had expected him to. The only tell to his advanced age were the crow’s feet around his dark eyes.

He looked unimpressed by whatever Larry was telling him. He looked sad. Suddenly he waved his hand to silence Larry. “I’m not interested right now.” He said. “Please just go.” He said sending everyone away.

Larry nodded and turned to head back to the stairs. He paused when he saw Vi with the drink. “Just give him his drink and leave him be,” Larry ordered and headed down the stairs.

Vi walked over to the loveseat where Mr. Creek was sitting alone. His eyes cast down. She couldn’t get over how sad he looked. She held out the glass for him and waited. “Your drink Sir.” She spoke, drawing his attention.

He looked up, and their eyes met. Vi was shaken by the sorrow she saw in them. He accepted the glass and then reached up and took the bottle as well. “Thank you.” He said, and she watched him drained the glass in one shot.

Vi turned to leave, but she looked back and watched as he placed the glass on the coffee table before him and drank straight from the bottle. This man was hurting. Vi turned and faced him once more. “I know it is none of my business but why are you so sad?” She asked empathetically.

He chuckled at her question. “You must be the only person in New York that doesn’t know.” He said taking another sip from his bottle. “One of my dearest friends died.”

“I’m sorry,” Vi said softly.

His gaze rolled over her taking her in as if he were sizing her up. He then leaned forward and poured some rum into the empty glass. He moved it over and gestured for her to sit beside him. “Please drink with me.” He insisted pointing to the drink he poured.

“Oh, I can’t I’m working.” She said refusing. “Larry will be upset.”

“I’m the boss if I want you to sit here all night and drink with me Larry can’t say a bloody thing about it.” He assured her. “You won't get in any trouble. Please, I don’t want to drink alone.”

“Then you shouldn’t have sent your buddies away.”

He smiled at her; he had a dashing smile that melted her resistance. “But you are so much prettier than they are.”

Vi smiled and took the seat next to him on the loveseat placing the empty tray on the table. “Alright, one drink because you’re grieving.” She said picking up the glass and taking a sip. The liquor burnt a path down her throat. She was not accustomed to drinking straight liquor, and she coughed awkwardly covering her mouth. Vi blushed, but he only smiled and took a sip from the bottle. “I’m not used to drinking like this Mr. Creek.”

“Please call me Ronny, everybody does.” He said with a polite nod of his head. “And your name would be?”

“Vi Anderson, bartender.” She introduced herself.

“When did I hire you?” He asked.

“You didn’t; Larry hired me two months ago.”

“I see.” He said. “Before this what did you do?”

“Is this an interview?” She asked playfully taking another much smaller sip.

“It could be.”

“What am I applying for?”

His lips curved in a mischievous grin. “Any number of positions.”

“I hope it comes with a pay raise.” She teased.

“Are you in need of money?” Ronny asked striking a chord far too close to home for her comfort.

Vi looked into her glass; she did not care to discuss her problems with strangers. “We all need money.” She said.

“Some more than others.” At that moment Jan appeared with a box of cigars. Her friend looked surprised to find Vi sitting and sharing a drink with their boss. Jan brought the cigars over and placed it on the table in front of them. “Thank you, send someone up with another glass.” He instructed Jan and then turned to Vi. “Are you hungry?” He asked. “I could go for something to eat. Have the kitchen send up some calamari.”

“Yes, Sir,” Jan said and looked at Vi one last time before she left the VIP section.

“How long did you know your friend?” She asked finding them alone once more.

“Over forty years.” He said sadly.

“That’s a long time.”

“He was like a brother to me. My friends are the closest thing I have to a family.” He admitted.

“Don’t you have siblings?”

“No, I was an only child, and my parents are gone.” She found that to be sad; he was alone in this world with no family of his own. Now his friends were passing on.

“How did he die?”

“Massive heart attack. He was apparently under a lot of stress.” Ronny said the smile fading from his handsome face.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” She said placing her hand sympathetically over his on the back of the loveseat.

His gaze fell to her hand on his and then shifted to look her in the face. “Do you live nearby?” He asked changing the topic.

“I stay with a friend, for now,” Vi admitted. “I’m presently going through a divorce.”

“That’s a shame. Were you married long?” He asked.

She sighed thinking about her miserable marriage. The last ten years had been bad, the last five a nightmare. “It felt like forever.”

“Are you looking to marry again?” He asked right off.

Vi laughed, the very thought was amusing, the last thing she wanted to do was to tie herself to another man. Just one more person to treat her poorly and not appreciate her. To lie and cheat on her. To pick fights and tell her she was worthless or too old. Most certainly not. “No.” She said.

“How old are you?” He asked outright.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. He was bold. “It’s rude to ask a woman her age.” She scolded.

“I never understood that always thought it quite ridiculous. I could try guessing, but I could be wrong.” He smiled.

“I’m older than the other girls here.” She said elusively.

“So am I,” Ronny smirked playfully. “I’m going to guess your early thirties?” He took a guess bringing a grin to the face. It was nice to know she looked younger then she was.

“I’m thirty-eight.” She confessed.

“You’re just a baby.” Ronny smiled.

“Maybe to you.” She laughed. Vi had to admit it felt nice to sit with a man that considered her young and attractive. “No one else would think that.”

“In this place, my opinion is the only one that matters. I could wrap pasta around my waist and call it a belt and the state of New York would be out of spaghetti.” Vi laughed, and he flashed her a dazzling confident smile. “You have an enchanting smile,” Ronny said softly in that alluring baritone causing her cheeks to flush warm with heat. Vi was sure she must be blushing.

One of the waitresses at that moment come up into the VIP section with an extra glass and a plate of calamari as requested. She was young and beautiful with short dark hair and caramel skin, and the shortest skirt Vi had ever seen. She walked right up to Ronny swaying her hips and leaning way over to allow him full few down her low-cut top as she placed the plate on the table and handed him the glass. “Will there be anything else Mr. Creek?” She asked flirtatiously.

“I think we are fine darling; you can go.” He said dismissing her without a thought. It amused Vi that the woman’s attempt to capture his attention had failed. She watched as he leaned forward and opened the cigar box. Removing one he held it up and eyed Vi. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“It’s your club.” She said. Who was she to tell him what he could or couldn’t do in his establishment? She watched him cut off the ends and place the cigar in his mouth. He removed the lighter from the box and lit up inhaling deeply. “You know those things will kill you right,” Vi commented as he exhaled.

Ronny flashed her a wicked grin and relaxed back against the corner of the loveseat his arms resting on the arm and the back of the seat. “That’s if the drinking doesn’t get me first.”

“You are a man of vice.” She observed.

“And why not? What else am I going to do?” She supposed he had a point. The man had billions of dollars at his disposal and endless time on his hands. He leaned forward and picked up the bottle of rum. Vi watched as he poured another glass and placed the bottle on the table. He picked up the glass and held it up to hers. “Here is to saying goodbye to old friends.”

Vi held up her glass and tapped it against his. They then both drank. The liquid burned and Vi did her best not to cough and choke once more. She drained the rest of her glass and placed it on the table. She watched as he did the same in one shot and placed the empty glass on the table next to hers, then picked up the bottle to refill both glasses. “Oh no I really shouldn’t I should get back to work.” She protested as he refilled her glass and handed it back to her.

“Nonsense,” Ronny said placing the glass in her hand and picking up his own. “We are still talking. Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?”

“Here,” Vi said giving in to his will. There was little sense in arguing with the boss. “Born and raised in New York. What about you?”

“I’m actually from Canada. The prairies if you can believe it.” He smiled. She couldn’t picture this man in farm country. He was so classy and sophisticated she would have suspected him to come from some upper middle classed family in some busy metropolis.

“So, you’re a farm boy?”

“Not quite that small.” He grinned. “I grew up in a semi-large town outside the city. Large enough not to be a hick town and too small not to be dull as hell.”

“And you moved out here?”

“Yeah well I stayed in Canada for a while, but I found myself coming out to New York an awful lot to hang out with my friend and party. I liked it here. Once I found myself staying here for more than half the year, I got myself a place. Then I just never left. When we quit music, I opened up the club.”

“So, is this your only home? Did you sell your other place?”

“No.” He grinned. “I still have the other house. I also have one in Malibu, Miami, Madrid, the South of France, and London. It is easier than booking a hotel when I travel.”

“You travel a lot?”

“I get bored easily.” He said taking a drag from his cigar. “So, thirty-eight, how did you end up here?”

She understood what he meant. Why was she bartending for him for sixteen dollars an hour when she should have a career somewhere else? After all, it wasn’t like she was working her way through college. “Well, the truth is I was a housewife for a long time. I never went to college or did anything more than waitressing at some crummy diner years ago. When my husband left me, I had nothing. No money, no skills, no education. This is the best job I can get.” She sighed. “I need the money.”

“Why’d you split up?” He asked.

Vi sighed again and took a large gulp of her drink. The whole conversation was getting far too personal for her. “He found someone younger.” She said focusing her gaze on the glass in her hand.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be; it was a miserable marriage. He was a horrible man.”

“Do you have children?”

The question was like salt on an open wound. Vi downed the rest of her drink and placed the glass on the table. She could feel the tears building in her eyes, and she did not wish to cry in front of this man. “I have to go.” She said standing up. “It was very nice to meet you. Please excuse me, but I must get back to work.” Vi said making a quick escape down the short flight of stairs before he could object and make her stay.

She wiped away the tear that threatened to fall and headed back behind the bar where Jan was serving drinks and eagerly waiting with a million questions. She had barely made it behind the bar when Jan began her interrogation. “What were you doing drinking with him?”

“His friend had just died he didn’t want to drink alone.” She said taking an order.

“He could drink with any number of people why you?”

“I don’t know. All I did was ask him why he looked so sad. Then he asked me to drink with him. What was I supposed to say no?”

Jan served her last drink and leaned against the bar grinning at Vi. “Is he as charming as everyone says he is?”

Vi couldn’t help but smile. “He is very nice.”

“And attractive for his age.”

“For any age.” Vi chuckled.

“I’ve heard rumours that he is the ultimate sugar daddy. He is worth billions and loves to pamper the women he is with.” Jan said turning her gaze to the VIP section. Vi followed her friend’s gaze and noticed Ronny standing at the rail smoking his cigar and watching her with a relaxed smile. He didn’t even try to hide it when her eyes met his. “Every woman in this place is trying to bag him,” Jan informed her. “And if I’m not crazy I think he just might be interested in you.”

Vi forced herself to look away and tend to the customers. It couldn’t be possible. What on earth would a man like him want from a woman like her when he could just as easily have any one of these younger prettier girls? “I’m sure you’re mistaken.”

“Come on Vi, can’t you see you just hit the lottery. Do you have any idea what you can get out of a relationship with a man like him?”

“Don’t you think a man like him can spot a woman that is after his money a mile away? Don’t you think he might resent a woman using him just for his money?”

“No,” Jan said pouring another drink. “You don’t know anything at all about him, do you. Have you been living under a rock? The man is a notorious sugar daddy he is right up there with Hew Heffner. He seeks out what he calls sugar babies. It’s the only kind of woman he dates.”

Vi thought that to be rather odd. Why on earth would any man seek out women to use him? “He wants to be used?”

“I think it’s more like he doesn’t want drama. The man doesn’t want all the drama that comes with dating, so he sort of hires himself a girl for as long as he wants her and then trades her in, but I hear it’s a wild ride while it last.” Vi looked back at the VIP section, but Ronny was no longer in sight. Could he be interested in her? “I wish I were you right now. I would strike while the iron is hot.” Jan said taking another order. “Opportunities like this don’t come around every day.”