Seducing a Good Girl (Book 3 of the Billionaire Bad Boys)

11

Miami Florida…

Nicki stood in the gallery admiring the artwork. She would never get over how talented Dominic was. She didn’t see one piece she didn’t like. He’d been busy all day preparing for the gala. He was very hands on. Nicki did her best to stay out of the way. She had been away from home for a little over a week now. Though at first, she had felt a little homesick Dominic had quickly quashed that feeling by taking her to see the sights and do some touristy stuff which she was sure he did not usually do, but for her, he was making an exception.

Before they left California Dominic had taken Nicki to Universal Studios and the Sana Monica Pier. They went to the Chinese Theatre and shopping on Rodeo Drive. Then they packed up and made the long drive to Florida where they were staying in a townhouse with beach access.

The day they got there they drove up to Orlando and spent the day at Disney World. It was very childish, but Nicki had enjoyed it immensely. As a child, she had always wanted to go, but her family could never afford the trip.

The following morning, they returned to Miami and Dominic set to work. Now they stood in the gala with Dominic working the room. Nicki couldn’t keep up, so he deposited her in the sitting area in the corner and made the rounds. Dominic was very dedicated to his work she could tell by the way he worked the room. The man oozed charisma, and the people responded.

After the gala was set up satisfactory, they went back to the townhouse to dress for the night. Dominic had offered her one of his mother’s evening gowns which he had done back in LA as well. The woman had clothes everywhere, and they were always beautiful. Dominic took out a gorgeous emerald green evening gown from the walk-in closet and held it up for Nicki to see. It was strapless and floor length in a lovely mermaid cut, fitted around the torso and thighs but flared out from the knee to the floor. The fabric around the torso was pleated and bunched at the waist on her right hip where a large gold buckle acted as a fulcrum.

“Here you go. This will look stunning on you. It’s lucky you and my Mom were the same size.”

“It’s beautiful.” She said taking the dress from him and holding it up to herself as she looked in the mirror on the closet door.

“It should be it’s a genuine Briar Creek. Lance gets a lot of designer clothes for free when he does his shoots. He gives the female ones to friends and family. Designers love him for it too. It’s good for their brands to be seen on the hottest trendsetters on the red carpets. Lance gave this dress to our Mather last year.”

“It must be expensive.” She said looking down at the dress.

“You have no idea.” He chuckled. “I’ve seen wedding dresses that are cheaper.”

Nicki looked at the dress in her hands, and she knew she couldn’t wear it. “Here,” she said offering the dress back to Dominic, “I can’t wear this.”

Dominic refused to take it back. “Why not? I’m sure it will fit.”

“It’s too expensive. What if I spill something on it?”

Dominic laughed. “We’ll have it cleaned.”

“What if I spill something that stains it and won’t come out? I will have ruined your mother’s expensive designer dress.”

“Well if that happens I’ll just reimburse her the cost of the dress.”

“But you just said it was expensive. I couldn’t let you do that. There must be something in that closet that doesn’t cost a fortune.” She said looking through the door.

Dominic laughed. “This is a black-tie event. You can’t show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Just put the dress on.”

“But-”

“Put… the dress… on.” He said sternly. Nicki gave in. He wanted her to wear this dress so badly she’d wear it. She would be careful and not eat or drink anything, so she didn’t spill anything on it. “You can change in the washroom.” He said pointing to the door in the corner. “But be quick about it we have to be back at the gala for eight.” He said heading for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“I got a room here. I’ve left a few clothes in the closet. I’ll change and be right back.” He promised as he left the room.

Nicki changed as quickly as she could. Getting into the dress was tricky and getting the zipper done up took time but then she looked at herself in the mirror and thought she didn’t look right. The dress fit well but her hair was down and her face plain. Nicki decided since she was wearing the woman’s clothes maybe she could use some of her makeup. She searched the vanity until she found some and then she just lightly applied a little eyeliner and mascara hoping to bring out her eyes. She found some lipstick and put some on then she found some pins and did her best to sweep her hair up and off her shoulders. It wasn’t gorgeous, but it was passable.

Nicki exited the washroom and found Dominic already dressed in his tux. He looked good it took her breath away. It was a classy modern black tux with a navy-blue cummerbund and bowtie. How could he take something as geeky as a bowtie and make it look so hip and trendy? In his hands, he had two glasses filled halfway with a dark brown liquid. “You look incredible.” He said taking her in. “It’s like that dress was made for you.” Nicki blushed and gently pat her hair to make sure it was behaving. “I brought some liquid courage.” He said offering her one of the glasses. “I know how hard these events are on your nerves.”

Nicki accepted the glass. She lifted it to her nose to smell it. It was whisky on the rocks. Nicki lifted her glass to her mouth and drained it all in one shot. She then handed the glass back to him and took his draining it also then handed the glass back to him. Dominic stared at both empty glasses looking surprised that she had shot them both so quickly. “Thanks.” She said sitting down on the bed and lifting her skirt high enough to strap on the brace she’d brought with her.

“Um, yeah, no problem.” He said placing the empty glasses on the dresser. He frowned at the brace. “You really should take your cane. There’s no shame in using one.”

“We’ve been over this. I don’t want people to stare, and don’t tell me they won’t because they do.” She said lowering her skirt and standing up.

“Fine, be stubborn.” He said looking her over thoughtfully. “Something is missing.” He said. Nicki looked in the mirror and shrugged. She couldn’t imagine what. Dominic snapped his fingers like he’d figured it out. He then walked over to the painting on the wall and moved it to reveal a small wall safe. He punched in the code and scanned his thumb on the electric scanning pad. He opened the door, and Nicki moved closer to get a look at what was inside. She saw what looked like envelopes, a bundle of cash, and blue velvet boxes of various sizes. He looked through them and then took one out and opened it. “Perfect.” He said holding up a diamond necklace. It was elegant and extravagant.

Nicki gasped. “Is that real?” She asked as he brought it over.

“Yes.” He said standing behind her. He draped the necklace over her collarbone and latched the hook in the back. Nicki looked in the mirror as she fingered the dipping diamonds. “I think they finish the look off just beautifully.” He smiled at her through the mirror.

“I can’t wear these. What if we get mugged?”

“They’re insured.” He assured her.

“You think your mother won’t mind?”

“My Mother doesn’t even have to know.” He said lifting his finger to his lips like he was swearing her to secrecy.

“I don’t know how comfortable I feel wearing your mother’s things. I fill like they are losing value just being on me.” She sighed.

“Don’t worry about it. Trust me it’s fine.”

“I don’t know.”

“Would I lie to you?” Nicki looked at him over her shoulder. No, she supposed he wouldn’t. The doorbell rang, and Dominic lit up. “Time to go.”

“But someone’s at the door.”

“That’s our ride.”

“Oh, we’re not taking your car?”

“No.” He said taking her by the hand and leading her downstairs. “I got a surprise for you.” He said opening the door and stepping out onto the porch. “Tada!”

Nicki was speechless. There was a white stretch limo on the street, and the driver already had the back door open waiting for them. “That’s a limo.” She whispered in disbelief.

“I know. I figured you’ve probably never been in one so I thought since it’s such a classy event we’d take one.” He said helping her down the steps.

“Really?” She was excited. Nicki climbed inside, and Dominic followed her in after telling the driver where they wanted to go. The door shut behind him and Nicki took in the interior of the limo. It was luxurious and spacious. There was a full bar, and all the windows were tinted so no one could see. There was lots of space to stretch out. There was a partition between the rear of the limo and the driver’s cab. Dominic didn’t look the least bit interested in anything, but he smiled at her as she moved around the back. “This is incredible.” She then stopped moving and looked at him thoughtfully. “I bet you’ve been in lots of these.”

“I have. They lost their appeal to me long ago, but sometimes they are a necessary evil. Can’t drive all the time. If you like this, you’ll love the jet.”

Nicki’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “You have a jet?”

“Three.”

“Three jets?” He nodded. “How rich are you?”

Dominic chuckled like it was a ridiculous question. “Disgustingly rich.” He said proudly. “Doll I’m so rich the Queen of England asks to borrow money.”

Nicki laughed she was pretty sure he was exaggerating a little. “She does not,” Nicki called his bluff.

“Ok maybe she hasn’t asked, but if she did, we could easily afford it.”

“Now when you say we you mean your family right not you personally?” She asked.

“While I do stand to inherit one-fifth of a hefty fortune I do make pretty good money on my own. I haven’t touched my trust fund since I was eighteen. It just sits in the bank accumulating interest. I have it invested in a few different things. I do pretty well on the stock market, but my main source of income is my painting. My family has butt loads of money, but I am independently wealthy.”

“What are you doing with a girl like me?”

“I like you. You don’t care about the money. You like me; you have no idea how rare and how nice that is.” She supposed finding someone that wasn’t in it for the money was a big concern for wealthy men and she wasn’t sure just how often it happened in the real world. “My whole life I’ve watched my mother and father together and all I could think was how lucky my father was to find my mother. I want what they have, and I won’t settle for anything less.”

“I’d like to meet them one day.”

“Maybe you will.” The limo pulled up outside the art gallery, and Nicki looked out the window at all the flashing lights.

“Wow, you’re a big deal here aren’t you?”

He chuckled. “What can I say? Miami loves me.” The door opened, and Dominic stepped out into the flashing lights like he was right at home. He adjusted his jacket and then offered his hand to help her out. Nicki took his hand and stepped out of the limo, and she was instantly blinded by cameras. She stumbled back, but Dominic’s strong arm encircled her waist and held her close to him for support. He didn’t move for a minute as he smiled at the cameras like it was second nature to him. “Smile beautiful you’re going to be famous.”

Nicki smiled nervously as the press took their picture. This wasn’t the first time, but she never thought she would ever get used to the cameras. Dominic turned his face to hers and captured her chin between his fingers and kissed her for all to see. The kiss whipped the paparazzi into a frenzy. Her eyes fluttered shut, and Nicki found herself sucked into the moment, she barely heard the questions people were shouting at Dominic. His lips lifted from hers, and Nicki’s eyes opened as she looked up at him. “What brought that on?”

“Just making sure the world knows you’re my girl.”

“I am?” She giggled.

“Oh yeah.”

“When did that happen?”

“Right now, weren’t you paying attention?” He teased. “Maybe it happened too fast let me do it again.” He said, and he dipped his head and captured her lips in a passionate, demanding kiss. His kiss stole her very breath away, and when his lips lifted from hers, she sighed. “Better?” He whispered.

“Oh much.”

“Come on let’s go inside. I could make out with you all night, but I still have to work.” Dominic laced Nicki’s arm with his, and they went inside. He went through the gallery slowly keeping Nicki at his side and introducing her to everyone he knew, and he introduced her as his girlfriend. Nicki was beside herself she’d never been anyone’s girlfriend. As soon as word spread that Dominic Sanchez was there with his girlfriend, everyone simply had to meet her. Nicki was the talk of the gala.

They drank champagne and Nicki listened to Dominic talk about art. He was very passionate about it. After a while, Nicki began to learn more and more on his arm, and she drank more and more champagne trying to dull the throbbing pain radiating from her knee up into her hip. It was getting harder and harder to keep the smile on her face. Eventually, she leaned into Dominic and lowered her voice. “I have to sit down.” She whispered.

Dominic excused them from the conversation, and he led Nicki to one of the sitting areas he had insisted on and eased her down onto the chair. “Are you going to be alright? I’m sorry I lost track of time. I should have let you sat down a long time ago.” He looked up when his publicist called his name and insisted he talk to some wealthy couple. He put up his hand to calm him and then looked down at Nicki. “Are you going to be ok if I leave you for a moment? I have to go talk to these people.”

“Go.” She said rubbing her knee.

“You are understanding.” He said, and he kissed her forehead and left her in the corner.

Nicki sat in the corner with her hand on her knee trying very hard to ignore the pain. She smiled awkwardly at the people looking her way and talking quietly probably about her wondering why she was sitting so ungracefully rubbing her knee. Suggesting that perhaps she had too much champagne, wondering what a man like Dominic, with such obvious sophistication and class, was doing with a boorish woman like her.

Nicki was trying to ignore the looks and whispers when she noticed a leggy busty stunning blonde sneak up behind Dominic and cover his eyes from behind. She knew him, and Nicki felt threatened.

***

He was in the middle of a conversation when hands covered his eyes, and a thick French accent whispered in his ear. “Devinez qui mon amour.” Dominic tensed, he knew that voice.

“Evette.”

“Oui.” She released him, and he turned to face Evette Bellerose.

She was a very beautiful French aristocrat he’d met in France a few years ago. She was tall and curvy with long bleached blond hair extensions. She was very pretty but in a plastic sort of way. They had had a brief hot affair in Paris a few years ago, but Dominic had tired of her rather quickly. She was husband hunting, and Dominic was a catch he was not only ridiculously wealthy and famous, but he was young and attractive which made him a target for women like Evette. He’d dumped her quickly and had hoped never to see her again. What she was doing in Miami he didn’t know, but he wasn’t happy to see her.

“What are you doing here?” He asked trying to be nice.

“I was in Florida, and I heard about your gala, and I had to see you. It has been too long.” Not long enough. “It is so good to see you.”

“Yeah, you too.”

“So, the whole gala is whispering about a woman yet here I find you alone.”

“She’s around.” He assured her.

Evette gasped sadly. “And here I was hoping it was just gossip. Well, I would love to meet the woman that has tamed you.” He didn’t want to introduce Nicki to Evette. Nicki was self-conscious enough, and Evette would most certainly make that worse. How did he say no without looking like he was scared to introduce them? Evette was batting her long fake eyelashes at him, and then she giggled. “Are you afraid to introduce us?”

“No.”

“I understand, you do not want to introduce the new flame to the old one.”

“It’s not like that at all.”

“She doesn’t feel comfortable in the relationship?”

“It’s not that.”

“Then why don’t you introduce us?” She then ran her finger down his chest and hooked it in his cummerbund and pulled him closer. “Unless it’s you that doesn’t feel comfortable. Maybe you still have some feelings for me. Maybe you can come by my hotel room, and we can get reacquainted.”

“I have a girlfriend.” He reminded her pushing her hand away from him.

Evette shrugged her shoulders. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

Dominic forced a chuckle, but he knew she wasn’t kidding. She was a vicious woman that was willing to do whatever she had to in order to land herself a wealthy husband, and he knew she had her sights set on him and had for some time. She was crazy in the sack, but beyond shallow physical gratification he saw nothing in this woman, and he wanted nothing to do with her.

Dominic looked passed her to see Nicki coming their way. She didn’t look happy as she slowly limped her way over to them. She’d seen Evette, and it had bothered her so much she had got up in pain and walked without her cane across the large room. This couldn’t be good.

He moved past Evette quickly and took Nicki’s arm, so she didn’t have to walk any farther. “Nicki doll, what are you doing? I was going to come back for you.” He promised.

“I needed to stretch my leg.” She lied. “Who’s your friend?” She asked with a fake smile as she glared at Evette.

“Um, this is Evette Bellerose; she is heiress to a hotel chain that is very big in Europe.” He introduced Evette. “Evette this is my wonderfully understanding girlfriend, Nicki Taylor.”

“Of…?” Evette asked waiting for more; she naturally assumed Nicki must be a well-connected heiress like all his other women had been.

“Of nothing,” Nicki said. “I’m a farmer.”

“Oh, your father is in agriculture?”

“No, my father’s a farmer.”

Evette looked surprised as she realized Nicki was, according to her, nobody. “Oh… how quaint. You’re slumming.” She smiled at Dominic.

“Excuse me?” Nicki asked offended.

“It’s nothing against you dear; I’m sure you are fun but seriously do you think a man like Dominic is going to settle for a… farmer?” She said with a nasty smile.

“There is nothing wrong with being a farmer.” Nicki snarled. “Without farmers like me, people like you would never eat,” Nicki said eyeing Evette up and down. “Then again you look like you may want to cut back anyway.”

Evette’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. Dominic was as stunned as she was. He had not known Nicki could be so vicious. “I’ll have you know my body is perfect.”

“And plastic.”

“It is not.”

“Please, everything about you is fake from your doll hair extensions to your press on nails.” Nicki shot back with a harsh tone and smug smile. Dominic’s jaw dropped. He was stunned speechless. This was a side of Nicki he had never seen before. It was hostile and confident. The encounter was drawing attention which neither woman seemed to notice.

“Well, at least I can afford a spa day, which may I say you need desperately. Maybe a facial to deal with that uneven skin tone, some cucumbers for the bags under your eyes, a manicure and lotion for your man hands, and girl you have to do something about those split ends.” Evette said with pride.

Dominic then looked back at Nicki waiting for her reply. He was going to stay out of this it seemed safer. Nicki smiled at Evette who was grinning as she’d just won the argument and then something unbelievable happened…

Nicki attacked Evette. She jumped on Evette, and the two women fell back into a display wall. Evette screamed as Nicki grabbed a fist full of Evette’s hair and pulled it out by the roots. It happened so fast Dominic didn’t have time to react. He reached out and grabbed Nicki by the waist and pulled her off Evette. Nicki still had a massive clump of Evette’s extensions in her hand.

“What the hell!” Evette screamed as she stood up. Her hand went to her head where Nicki had ripped the hair from her scalp.

“Just taking a closer look for split ends.” Nicki snarled.

“My lawyer is going to devastate you.” Evette threatened. “When I’m done with you, I’ll own your little piece of dirt, and I’ll salt the earth so nothing will ever grow again.”

Nicki lunged at Evette again, and Dominic put himself between them holding Nicki back. She was surprisingly strong for someone in her condition. “Easy Nicki, stop.”

“Listen to him, bitch.” Dominic knew that had been the worst thing Evette could say and after that, he figured she deserved whatever Nicki did with her. So, he stepped back and let Nicki go. Nicki was on top of Evette in seconds and had slapped Evette so hard the sound of contact echoed through the gala. The smack across the face caused Evette to touch her face and lean over groaning in pain. Nicki had left a handprint on Evette’s face.

“You listen, b***h, get the hell away from my man before my man hands ring your chicken neck.” Nicki snarled. Dominic was trying hard not to smile as Nicki put Evette in her place. Evette looked offended, and when she looked to him for help, Dominic just smiled and shrugged. Evette stormed off in a huff. “Yeah, you better run, you French hussy.”

Dominic was amused. He’d never had women fight over him. He hadn’t believed his sweat gentle Nicki could fight so viciously. It was like watching a toy puddle go after a bulldog. More surprisingly she’d won.

Nicki turned on him once Evette was gone and she glared at him. “What the hell are you smirking about?”

“That was sexy.” He said trying not to laugh. He didn’t want to make her angrier than she already was. He looked past Nicki and saw Evette talking to the security guards and pointing at Nicki. “I think we should leave.” He said reaching for Nicki’s arm.

“Why?”

“Because I think you’re going to get arrested.” He took her bicep and quickly walked Nicki out of the gallery. He waved the limo down, and as it pulled up, he didn’t wait for the driver he opened the door and forced Nicki into the back. Once he was inside with her, the driver pulled away from the curb and took them home.

Nicki moved across the limo to the seat farthest from him. She was still mad he could tell. “So that’s your type is it?” She snarled her arms crossed confrontationally.

“She’s not my type.”

“So, you haven’t slept with her?” He didn’t know how to answer that. He didn’t want to lie to her, but he knew the truth would only further annoy her. “You did, that’s what I thought.”

“Come on Nicki; you can’t be mad at me for having a life before you.”

“How long ago?” Dominic wasn’t sure what she was asking. “How long ago did you sleep with that tramp?”

“Um,” he didn’t want to answer her. “Two years ago.” He was hoping that was enough time passed not to irk her further.

Nicki fixed him with a hard look and then she asked. “How many?”

“How many what?”

“How many women have you slept with?” Dominic knew a trap when he heard it. There was no right way to answer this question.

“I don’t want to answer that.” He said shaking his head no.

“Why not?”

“Because no matter what answer I give you it’s going to piss you off.”

“Just tell me the truth.”

“Not that many.”

“How many are not many?”

Dominic thought about it. He did the math in his head five or six a year since he was thirteen gave him a total of eighty-four? The number even surprised him. It couldn’t be that much. He thought about it again and came up with the same number. He certainly couldn’t tell her the truth. “Ten.” He lied. She didn’t look like she believed him. She eyed him suspiciously. He knew she didn’t believe him but he was sticking to his make-believe figure, she couldn’t prove he was lying.

“Ten?” She asked in disbelief. “You don’t think that’s a lot?”

Compared to the actual figure? “No.”

“How would you feel if I told you I’d slept with ten men?”

“I’d call you a liar because I know until a few weeks ago you were a virgin.” He said with a smile.

“But if I hadn’t been?”

“Then I’d say good for you.” He said.

“It wouldn’t bother you?”

“No. So long as I was the only man at the time, I wouldn’t give two licks about what you did before me.”

“That’s easy to say when you know you won’t run into any of my ex-boyfriends. Will I be meeting more of your past girlfriends?”

“First of all, Evette was never a girlfriend.”

“So, it was just s*x?”

“Yes. You met the woman do you think there could have been anything more? She was pretty and easy, and I was horny. It happens. But she meant nothing to me. Not like you.” Dominic said.

Nicki scoffed like she didn’t believe him. “Please, I’m just another girl.”

“Not to me. To me you’re everything. You’re my best friend.” He said honestly. “I love everything about you; the way you look, the way you smile, the way you can hold a conversation, the way you look at me the man and not the dollar signs attached to my name. You’re the most alluring and stimulating woman I’ve ever been with.”

“I suppose you’re now going to say you can’t picture life without me.” She said sarcastically.

“No, I could.” He confessed. “But I don’t want to. My life is so much richer with you in it.” The look on her faze softer; his confession seemed to soothe her ire. Dominic moved over to the seat next to Nicki, and he put his arm around her. “You need to understand there is nobody on this earth or in my past I’d rather be with.”

“Really?” She asked softly.

“Really.” He said and kissed her. When she smiled at him, Dominic relaxed in his seat and took out his cell phone.

“Who are you calling?”

“My lawyer.”

“Why?”

“To head Evette off. She really will sue you, but I’m pretty certain that if offered a concession she’d drop the charges.” She loves money more than pride.

“You’re just going to pay her off?”

“You got a better idea. I hate to say it, but outbursts like the one you had come with a price tag and I’m sure you’d rather not be arrested.” The look on her face told him he was right. So, he made his call and told his lawyer to offer that awful woman some hush money. He hung up as they reached the townhouse. He tipped the driver. The actual fare would be billed to the family at a later date. Dominic helped Nicki from the limo and took her inside where they spent the night making love.