Indecent Proposal (Book 5 of the Forbidden Series)

3

The next night the club was hopping. It was Friday night, and the city was packed with musicians and starlets flown in for the funeral of the past icon. The sombre cloak of mourning weighing heavy on everyone they felt the need to cut loose and lift their spirits. The best way to do so in New York was to hit the VIP. Inside the floor was cluttered with today and yesterday’s hottest artists. Outside the street was littered with people dying to get in and paparazzi eagerly snapping shots of anyone entering or exiting since they were denied access.

His friends came out for the night to cut loose and put the blues behind them. They all knew that David would have never wanted them to mope. He was more the type that preferred to celebrate life not dwell over death. Mike and Chase had hit the dancefloor even Damien, their son, had come out with his young bride to kick up their heels. Both David’s daughter Layla and his son Dane had made an appearance with their significant others in hopes to lift their spirits. Kat, on the other hand, had chosen not to come. Chase had told Ronny that her daughter had gone straight home after the funeral and locked herself away in her room and had not emerged since. It was disturbing just how hard she was taking David’s death.

They all danced and drank and shot some pool in the VIP section. The party raged late into the evening, and each time the waitress brought drinks Ronny would wait with anticipation to see who came up with the trays. Would it be the sexy blonde that entertained him the night before? He had spent many nights in the club and spoke many times with many of the waitresses. As pretty as they always were, they frequently made him wish to bang his head against the wall. They were lucky they were hot because they were often brainless. Thankfully, brains had little to do with what he wanted them for, but as he got older he found himself growing bored with beauty, it simply was not enough anymore to interest him.

Now, this Vi she might have been older than many of the other girls, but despite that, she was still very beautiful with her golden hair and that hourglass figure. She had worn a black pair of pants the night before, but he could still tell she had long shapely legs, and he wondered what they might look like in a skirt. A narrow waist and a full bustline beneath the light blue top she had worn last night. She had been tall for a woman with angelic features. Creamy ivory skin and soft baby blue eyes.

He waited on bated breath each time the waitress came waiting to see his blonde vixen once more, but she never came. He had been caught waiting more than once, and finally, his friend called him on it as they were shooting a game of pool. “Just who do you keep looking for?” Mike asked looking over to the stairs. Mike Sanchez was a tall man with an air of menace about him when he had too much to drink. A man well known for both his charm and his temper. Feared by men but not Ronny. They had been buddies since back in the old days, coming up in the music business together every step of the way. One of the very few people Ronny could truly call a friend.

“No one in particular,” Ronny said lining up his shot and taking it. He sunk two balls and walked around the table trying to decide what shot to take next.

“You are a lousy liar Ronny. You’re looking for someone. Who is she?”

“Just some waitress I met last night.” He said lining up his next shot. “We were talking, and she sort of just bolted out of here. Odd.” He took his shot and sunk another ball. He looked up to notice Mike smirking as he leaned on his stick. “What?”

“I see what it is. You’re fascinated because she didn’t fall for your charm. She ran off on you. Are you losing your touch with the ladies, old man?” He teased.

“Shut your mouth,” Ronny smirked. “I’m as smooth as ever. Should I prove it by stealing your pretty wife?” He teased.

Mike laughed. “We both know Chase would never touch you, she knows you too well.”

“Really?” Ronny looked over to the leather sofa where Chase Sanchez sat talking to her granddaughter Layla and daughter-in-law Eve. He flashed the ladies a playful grin. “Hey, Chase,” Ronny called over to gain her attention. She was a beautiful woman of elegance and grace. Her long red hair and piercing green eyes had made her a great beauty. These traits had been passed on to her daughter and her granddaughter. “What do you say you come home with me tonight and get a little chocolate? Trade up.” He suggested playfully not meaning a word of what he said. They had all been such close friends for so long they could have been family.

Chase smiled and c****d her head. “Oh, baby you couldn’t handle me.” Everyone laughed at him, and he took it in stride. Ronny didn’t mind the ribbing. It was like old times when they would get on each other’s case. The only things missing was David who passed and their other friend Eric who had estranged himself a few years back after a huge fall out between David’s children and his own. The whole thing had been so very terrible. Like something out of a nightmare. No one had won, and it had resulted in many tears and broken hearts.

Ronny looked at Mike. It was just the two of them left. The four of them had come up together. Clawed their way out of poverty and busted their butts to get to the top of the charts. To get to where they were today. They had been through so much together. Closer than brothers. The four of them Heathens, and now there was just the two of them left. Eric had left them, David had passed. He looked around at the new generation that had replaced them.

He felt like a relic.

“I need a drink,” Ronny said placing his stick on the table. What was wrong with him? Ever since David died last week, Ronny had found his life depressing. He headed down the steps and made his way to the bar not bothering to wait for the waitress. He reached the bar and flagged down the bartender. A skinny brunette came to serve him. “What can I get you, Sir?” She asked with a smile.

He looked around noting that Vi wasn’t in sight. “Isn’t Vi working tonight?”

“She is on break.” The woman said.

On a break, interesting, he thought. “Give me the rum bottle and two glasses.” He ordered. She reached behind the bar and did as he bid. Ronny took the two empty glasses and the half-used bottle making his way to the back rooms of the club where only staff were allowed. First, he looked in the alley to see if she were taking a smoke break, not sure if she were a smoker. Not finding Vi he pushed open the door to the storage room and found her seated on a large wooden crate.

Surprised to see him Vi shot to her feet and ran her hands over the short black skirt she was wearing trying to make herself look presentable. “Mr. Creek, did you need something?” She asked running her fingers through her long hair to be sure it was tamed.

Ronny smiled and came into the room. “Yes, I need a drink and a drinking buddy.” He said coming to sit on the very crate she had been sitting on. He poured two glasses of rum and handed her one. She looked at him with uncertainty but accepted it. “Please sit. I learnt you were on a break and thought we could share a drink together.”

Slowly Vi sat back down. “Don’t you have drinking buddies up in the VIP section tonight?” She asked.

“Yes, I do,” Ronny said taking a sip. “But I much prefer to share a drink with you.”

Vi lifted a skeptical brow. “Why?”

He smiled. “Because I find you fascinating.” He admitted. “Do you know how hard it is to find a woman that can hold up her end of the conversation? Most of the women that talk to me have the IQ of a turnip.” She chuckled and took a sip of her drink. “You have a lovely laugh.” She blushed and looked away. “Why do you blush?”

“I don’t know. I’m not used to someone saying such nice things to me.” Vi shrugged.

“That is a shame.” He said reaching out and touching her soft hair brushing a wayward lock off her face. That golden lock felt like silk between his fingers. His fingers grazed her cheek and her gaze locked with his. Ronny could see the attraction and uncertainty in those beautiful blue depths. He lowered his eyes to the picture she held in her hands. It was a tattered picture of four kids. Two teenagers and two older children. “Are those your children?” He asked casually.

Vi looked down at the picture and then immediately stuffed it into her pocket. His question had made her uncomfortable. “Yes.” She admitted.

“Do they live with you and your friend?”

“No. They live with their father. I’m not allowed to see them.” She said bitterly.

“Why is that?” He asked intrigued to know the reason her children would be taken from her.

“Because my ex is a lawyer and a liar. He made up outlandish lies about me to cast me out of his life altogether and steal my children from me.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“Are you fighting him on it?”

“I have nothing. That’s why I am working here to earn enough to pay for my lawyer to fight him but it is taking so long. It’s been six months since I’ve seen or spoken to my children.” She said with a tear rolling down her cheek. Vi wiped the tear away and apologized for getting so emotional. “I’m sorry I know you don’t want to hear my problems.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to know,” Ronny said placing his arm around her shoulders and drawing her close. He hugged her offering her the comfort she so desperately needed. “What he is doing to you is wrong.”

“It’s just so hard to fight him. He is so good at what he does, and I don’t have two dimes to rub together to hire even the worst attorney out there, and he knows it.” She sniffled. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I miss them so much.”

Ronny released her and looked Vi in the eyes. “I have the best lawyer in town.” He said causing her to stare at him with confusion. “And endless funds in which to bankroll him.”

“I don’t understand.” She said shaking her head.

“As I’m sure you must know I have a bit of a reputation.”

“As a sugar daddy?”

He smiled at her bluntness. “So, you have heard. I presently find myself between pleasurable company. To put it frankly I like you, and I think we could have some fun together. If you are interested, I would be more than happy to introduce you to my lawyer and fund his efforts on your behalf.”

Vi looked surprised, and he couldn’t quite tell if she was stunned by his offer or offended. “Are you saying you will pay for my custody battle if I go out with you?”

“I’m saying that I like you and I would like to see more of you and that I take care of my women. If that is something, you need I would be happy to see that you get it.” Ronny watched as she bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. He felt it was a very generous offer.

Vi shook her head and sighed. “I just can’t.” That had not been the answer he had expected. “I would be using you for your money, and it would be wrong. I couldn’t do it. It was a very generous offer, and I thank you, but I couldn’t do it.”

Well if that didn’t beat all a woman with a conscience. Ronny smiled and took Vi’s hand in his trying to soothe her conscience. “Vi, I have plenty of money and if I can’t use it to do something good for someone else, what is the point of having it? I like spending my money on women; it is why I date women who like to spend money. As for using me, it’s not using me if I’m aware of it. It’s two people with an agreement. You get something out of the deal, and so do I.”

“You don’t mind when women use you to further their agenda?” She asked.

He was attractive, famous and wealthy, and had been for the better part of the last forty years. It might have bothered him a bit in the beginning, but over the years he had become more than accustomed to being used. He learnt to use his power and influence to get more out of them than they did from him.

Unlike so many other wealthy men marked by gold diggers, Ronny knew better than to fall for their pretty faces or give up control over his home or funds. So long as he held all the cards, he had all the power. Unlike so many other men he had yet to be taken to the cleaners by a gold digger. He had two simple rules when dealing with gold diggers. Don’t give them control of your funds and don’t marry them. It was incredible how often wealthy men broke those two rules and lost millions.

“No, I don’t.” He assured her. “Because I’m using them too.”

“I don’t know.”

“I promise you if you were my girl, I’d see to it that I sent so many lawyers up what’s his face’s ass he couldn’t use the washroom without a court order.” She chuckled, and her smile returned, a promising sight. “What do you say you come to dinner at my place tomorrow night? Just a party for two. We could get to know each other a little better, and then you can give me your answer.”

“And if I say no?” Vi asked eyeing him carefully.

She was worried about her job. Afraid that if she turned down her boss, she might not have a job come morning. Ronny was not that sort. He could easily walk out of this room and find six other women by the end of the hour that would be happy to take her place. He had no reason to hold a grudge should she turn him down. “Your job is safe. I’m perfectly capable of keeping my professional and personal life separate. I won’t hold a grudge if that is what you are worried about. Feel free to tell me no if you like. I won't take it personally.”

She went quiet once more and then drank the rest of her rum. “Alright, I’ll come to dinner.” She promised, handing him back the empty glass. “But right now, I must return to work.” She said with a smile and rose to her feet.

“I suppose if you must, but as boss, I have one order then.” He said causing her to pause at the door.

“What might that be?”

“I want you to bring the drinks to the VIP section from now on.” He grinned wickedly. “So, I can at least ogle my hot waitress.”

Vi chuckled and left the room. Ronny drained his glass and stood up pleased with the way things went. With all luck tomorrow night, he would have himself a new mistress. One that could challenge his intellect with a real conversation and not someone who natters on about her nails and hair. He picked up the bottle and glasses and headed back to join his friends. He headed back through the kitchen leaving the bottle and glasses at the sink so he would have an excuse to order another drink.

When Ronny returned to his guests Mike was seated with his wife and their son Damien was shooting pool with their grandson Dane. “You were gone for some time,” Chase commented.

Ronny smiled. “You shot me down, so I had to find someone else to fill the void.” He teased.

She smirked. “Oh, I can see how you suffer.” She mocked.

“Last chance darling.”

Chase smiled at him looking stunning as always. “I’ll tell you what. When Mike dies, your bed will be the first I visit.” She teased.

“Well that just leaves me with one question, Mike how is your health?”

Mike laughed. “I plan to be around for a long time. You will be too old to use it before I’m cold in my grave.”

“That’s ok they got those little blue pills now. I’ll borrow some of yours.” Ronny teased and jumped back as Mike jumped up and chased him around the pool table to pummel him. Ronny knew questioning Mike’s potency would annoy him, but he had always been fun to annoy. He raced around the pool table with Mike hot on his heels. He then quickly climbed over the table to get out of Mike’s long reach kicking the balls around and ruining the guys’ game. He wasn’t about to let Mike catch him.

***

Vi grinned while she served those who came up to the bar. She tried to focus on her job, but she couldn’t help but be excited about dinner with Ronny tomorrow. She couldn’t believe the offer he was presenting her. Would he help her get her kids back? The very thought of seeing them again filled her with joy.

She didn’t know if she could go through with the deal though. The thought of using a man for his money did not sit well with her, but Vi wanted her children. Besides, it wasn’t like spending time with him would be undesirable. Ronny was charming and attractive. Perhaps a little old but she could deal with it when he looked as good as he did.

“What’s got you grinning?” Jan asked coming over to get a bottle of Vodka. “I’ve never seen you come back from a break so chipper.”

“I have a dinner date with Mr. Creek tomorrow night.” She whispered.

“Shut up you do not!” Jan said with surprise. “Oh my god, I’m jealous. Every girl here has been trying to do that. What is your secret?”

Vi shrugged. “I have no idea.” She laughed. “But please keep it to yourself I don’t want everyone here to know.” She said placing her finger to her lips indicating to keep it a secret.

“Ok but I’m telling you now that sort of news isn’t going to stay a secret long,” Jan said and then frowned as she poured another drink. “Here comes Larry.”

Larry was always nasty to the female staff. He was rude and always trying to hit on them. He was a miserable man with a thin, tall frame and short light brown hair. He always acted as if he were God's gift to women when he was fairly plain. “Vi take nine drinks of rums up to the VIP section right away and make it fast. Quit slacking off and get back here right away or I’ll start docking your pay.” He warned.

“Yes, Sir.” She grumbled and pulled out some clean glasses. She immediately poured the drinks and placed them on two round serving trays. “I’ll be right back.” She promised Jan and then navigated her way through the crowd to the steps leading up to the VIP section. She had just reached the top of the stairs when she saw Ronny leap down from the pool table not watching where he was going and almost ran into Vi as she came into the VIP section. She stumbled almost dropping the trays, and Ronny quickly grabbed them to help her regain her balance and offered a sheepish, apologetic grin. “Oh dear, I didn’t mean to run into you.” She said.

“Entirely my fault. I should have been watching where I was - oaf!” He didn’t manage to finish. He got the wind knocked out of him as the tall Latin man chasing him tackled Ronny to the ground and sat on him. He fended off his buddy as they wrestled around on the floor as if they were frat boys.

The other man laughed as he tried to pin Ronny down. “Say, uncle.” He teased.

Ronny refused, bucking him off and rolling him beneath his body. The other guy was a big man with a good two inches on Ronny, but he lacked the muscle tone Ronny had. When it came to brute strength, Ronny beat him hands down. He pinned his friend face down and trapped his arms behind his back. “Say, uncle.” He teased in return.

“Never.” Ronny pulled his friend’s arm back farther. “Ok! Ok! Uncle.” He yelped.

Victorious Ronny stood up and helped the other guy to his feet. They dusted themselves off, and Ronny looked back to see Vi watching them with amusement. He shrugged with a grin. “Boys will be boys.” Ronny grinned. She snickered and began to hand out the drinks she had brought. “Everyone this is Vi,” Ronny said introducing her to his party.

“Hi.” She said handing drinks to his wrestling partner and the beautiful redhead at his side. “You look familiar.” She said looking at him. They all did actually.

Ronny came up behind her and placing his hand at the small of her back he decided to introduce everyone. “This is my good friend Mike Sanchez and his stunning wife, Chase.”

“Wait that name sounds oddly familiar.” She remembered it from the hype when she was growing up. “Like the guitar player from that rock group the Heathens?”

Mike smiled and gave a nod of his head. “The same.”

She turned all wide-eyed and faced Ronny her mouth agape. “Wait if he is… So that means you’re a Heathen too?” She gasped bringing her hand to her mouth as she finally realized just who he was. She had known he was a retired musician, but she had not realized just who he was. In his heyday, he had always just gone by Ronny, not Ronald Creek as he did now. “You’re that Ronny? Ronald, Ronny I never put the two together.” She said with embarrassment. “You were the drummer.”

He smiled with pride. “Yes.”

“You were incredible.” She said excitedly realizing she now sounded like a crazed fan. She had to get herself under control. “I mean you were very talented.” She said hoping to sound calmer.

“Thank you.” He said. “Let me introduce you to the rest of the group.” He pointed to the men standing by the pool table. “This is Damien Sanchez and Dane Thompson.” She smiled, these two she knew. How could she not? Their faces were constantly all over the tabloids. The Son of Sin and the Prince of New York, the two most popular topics for the scandal sheets, and talented musicians themselves. “The lovely redhead there is Dane’s sister Layla and the man with her is her husband, Alexander.” He said guiding her over to the seats where two other women sat. “This dark beauty is Eve, Damien’s wife and this stunning lady beside her is Nadia Backer, she is with Dane.”

Vi said hello to them all and finished handing out their drinks. It was rather exciting to be around so many music stars, but she had to get back to work before Larry gave her a hard time. “Well, it was nice meeting you all.” She said gathering up the empty glasses on her trays.

“Wait, what is the rush?” Ronny asked taking the trays from her hands and placing them on the tables. “Stay for a moment.” He said offering her his glass of rum. “Share a drink with us. How often do you get to meet a handful of legends?” He was right, but she couldn’t afford to have her pay docked, especially when she hadn’t made up her mind yet about Ronny’s offer.

“I would love to.” She said handing back the drink. “But if I don’t get back to work Larry will have a fit and dock my pay.” She picked up the trays. “I must get back to work.” She said heading to the stairs.

Ronny followed her, his hand closing around her wrist to stop her. She looked him in the eye and could see the displeasure. “Did Larry threaten you?” He asked sternly. Vi didn’t know how to answer. She certainly didn’t want to make trouble. She needed this job. If she got Larry into trouble, he would only make her life miserable after Ronny left. “He did, didn’t he?”

Ronny headed down the stairs with determination and Vi followed him quickly depositing the tray of empty glasses on the nearest table ignoring the people seated there. She chased after him and grabbed hold of his arm as he rounded the corner and headed into the back halls on his way to Larry’s office. Vi held on to his arm and dug her heels in trying to stop him, but he only dragged her along. “Please stop. You will only make it worse.”

Ronny paused and looked at her. “I will see to it he never threatens anyone again.” He snapped.

“No please leave it alone. It’s not a problem.” She promised. “I would consider it a personal favour if you just forgot I ever mentioned it and just let me get back to work.” She pleaded with him.

Ronny was quiet for a long moment his features still annoyed. “Very well I’ll leave it alone.”

“Thank you.” She smiled realizing she was still holding on to his arm. Vi ran her hand over the arm of his suit feeling the sculpted muscle beneath it. He was rock hard; Darcy had never felt like this. She suddenly realized she had been groping him and when her gaze lifted she saw his dark eye smiling down at her.

“Like what you feel?” He asked softly.

Vi blushed embarrassed that she had been caught up in the moment. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…” She trailed off as he moved closer to her his dark eyes held hers with heated intensity.

“Would you like to know how they feel around you?” He whispered stepping into her. She felt her breath catch in her chest as his strong arms wrapped around her and held her close against his lean hard body. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest so loud she could hear it in her ears. Ronny leaned in slowly his lips hovering over hers for a moment he held back, and she was unsure if he would kiss her. Vi could feel his warm breath on her lips and smell the sweet rum he had been drinking. He brushed his lips against hers, and a shudder of excitement went through her, and she realized she wanted him to kiss her.

Ronny pulled away without kissing her. He released Vi and offered her a charming smile. He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss to the back of her hand. “Not tonight sweet, but soon, I promise.” He said winking at her. “I will see you tomorrow night.” He said heading back to his party and leaving her alone in the hall.

Vi felt the heat in her cheeks as she thought about what had just happened. How was it possible for this man she hardly knew to leave her so flustered after doing nothing? What would happen tomorrow?

***

Ronny sat at his desk after closing as he always did going over the inventory report and order forms, waiting for Larry to bring him the nightly profit reports to review before heading home for the night. The knock at the door drew his attention from his reports and Ronny looked up to see Larry coming in.

“I have the profit reports for you Mr. Creek.” He said grinning like an i***t as he strutted his way confidently to the desk.

“Thank you,” Ronny said taking the papers. “How long have you worked for me, Larry?” He asked as he began reading the figures.

“Six years Sir.” He said proudly.

“And I assume you like your job?”

“Very much.” Larry grinned happily adjusting his suit jacket.

“Wonderful,” Ronny smiled up at him, “if I ever hear that you are threatening one of the staff again after I gave them permission to do something, you will be seeking employment somewhere else.” Larry’s smile faded quickly. “Are we clear?”

“Crystal Sir,” Larry said and turned to leave the office.

“Oh and Miss. Anderson will be taking tomorrow off with pay. So, you best fill her shift.” He informed Larry.

“But Sir she works tomorrow.”

“I know that’s why I’m telling you tonight.”

“But Sir I can’t possibly fill her shift that quickly.” Larry protested. Ronny fixed his manager with a hard stare but did not say one word. “Yes, fill the position. OK” He said and left the office.

Ronny smirked to himself. He loved power.