The Prince of New York (Book 4 of the Forbidden Series)

2

As promised Dane had sent a car service to pick Nadia up the next morning around ten. Her best friend Britney Kerman had offered to help her move in when Nadia had called her last night and told her the news. The moment she had heard Dane Thompson’s name Britney was begging to come along. Britney had been her best friend since high school one of the only ones that had stood by her after what had happened.

The driver greeted them and held open the back door. “Morning Miss. Baker. Lovely day.” He said with a smile.

Nadia smiled, she was unaccustomed to such treatment. “Um yes…?” She paused unsure what the man’s name was.

“Felix, Miss. Baker.” He introduced himself tipping his hat and revealing a head of dark sandy blond hair. “I am Mr. Thompson’s usual driver.”

“Do you like it?” She asked wondering how it must be to drive others around at all hours on a whim.

Felix grinned so wide she could see every single tooth he had. “Oh yes, Miss. Baker, very much. Driving Mr. Thompson is the best job I have ever had. I meet beautiful women, get into places I otherwise would never be allowed. I meet many celebrities and the pay. I have never had a job that paid this well, and last year I got a round-trip ticket to Malibu for a Christmas bonus.”

It was relieving to hear that Dane was a good employer. “This is my friend Britney Kerman.” Nadia introduced Britney. “She is helping me move in.”

“Mr. Thompson said to aspect two of you.” Felix smiled. So, he knew she would bring someone. Felix took the bags from the ladies and placed them in the trunk.

Britney and Nadia climbed into the backseat and shut the door. Britney grabbed Nadia’s hands to try and stop from squealing with excitement. Her bright blonde curls bobbed on her bare shoulders. She had a huge smile, and her blue eyes were sparkling. Britney had always been the pretty one, the most popular one, with her beautiful hair, her bright eyes, her thin body and busty figure. Nadia had always been plain by comparison. “I can’t believe I’m going to meet Dane Thompson, in his own home. This is cool. You are the coolest friend in the world.” Britney gleamed hugging Nadia for the tenth time that morning.

“I hope this job is not too difficult. He said I would be on call all the time.” Nadia said a little worried.

“So is the driver and see how happy he is.” Britney pointed out. “Besides it’s worth it. After all, you do get to live with the Prince of New York in his palace in the sky. That has to be worth something.”

Nadia laughed, she was thankful that she had brought Britney along, she had always been able to make her laugh. They talked about what they thought the place would look like asking Felix if he had ever been inside. Felix only smiled and said. “You’ll see.”

They drove uptown, and the girls stared out the window at the expensive neighbourhood. There were posh stores and all sorts of excitement outside. Every building had doormen and valets. They pulled up in front of a tall Highrise with exceptional style. Felix opened the door for the ladies, and they both stepped out. Nadia stared wide-eyed at the building stunned that she would be living here. Felix took the bags from the back and placed them on the sidewalk.

“This is Miss. Baker and Miss. Kerman.” Felix introduced them to the doorman. “Miss. Baker is Mr. Thompson’s new assistant.”

The old man tipped his hat to the women as he opened the door for them. “A pleasure Miss.” Everyone was nice.

Felix took a key from his pocket and passed it to Nadia. “This is your key to the penthouse.”

“Penthouse?” Nadia repeated with awe.

Felix grinned. “Just take the elevator straight up.” He took a business card from his pocket and handed it to her. “If you ever need a ride.”

She thanked him and taking her bags Nadia and Britney entered the building. The lobby was grand with seating and a fireplace. There were security and a big marble desk with a man behind it who called to them as they headed for the elevator. The women stopped, and the man came around the desk. “Excuse me, ladies; you can’t just walk in here. You do not live here. Is one of our residents expecting you?” He demanded. The place had good security something Nadia was thankful for.

“My name is Nadia Baker. I am Mr. Thompson’s new assistant. I am moving in. He is expecting me.” She assured the man. He looked back at his partner who was still behind the desk typing feverishly into his computer. He then looked back and nodded.

The man at her side smiled apologetically. “Sorry Miss. Baker. Go on up.”

They continued on and once alone in the elevator Britney chuckled. “Wow, we aren’t even up there yet, and already three men have kissed your butt. This must be a position of power.”

“It’s their jobs to be nice.” Nadia smiled. The doors opened, and they both stepped out into a small hallway with one set of double doors there were gilded mirrors on either wall. Nadia had to admit she was a bit excited to see what was behind the door. She slid her key into the lock and pushed the doors open. They stepped inside the foyer, with white marble tiled floors and an antique table in the middle with a vase of fresh cut flowers. The ceilings were high, and the walls were covered with fine artwork.

They walked farther in, and the foyer opened up on to a huge living room with expensive carpeting and a huge white plush sectional. Dark redwood stained oak end tables with antique brass lamps. Mounted on the wall above a large fireplace was a flat screen plasma television. Surround sound speakers were mounted in the high corners of the rooms. There was a beautiful grand piano near the most amazing set of French doors Nadia had ever seen, leading out onto what looked like a spacious deck from where she was standing.

Nadia left her bags in the living room and walked through the archway that led into the dining room. There was a beautiful dark table that seated eight, a lovely Greek styled statue stood in the corner, and there were exquisite lighting fixtures on the walls. “Nadia.” She heard Britney call to her from another room. She quickly went in search of her friend and found her in the kitchen. “This is incredible,” Britney said holding her arms out wide to show the room.

It was twice as big as her parents, with stainless steel appliances, light marble countertops, and custom-built bamboo wood cupboards. There was a large island with barstool style chares along one side. Above hung a rack or incredibly expensive pots and pans. There was a door in the corner that Britney opened wide. Nadia’s eyes widened, and Britney whistled at the sight. Inside was a small wine cellar styled room with rock walls and so many bottles of various vintages of fine wines and champagnes. Britney closed the door and smiled. “Wow, this kitchen rocks. Come on let’s go check out the rest of the place.” She giggled grabbing Nadia’s hand, and the two of them rushed off down one hallway.

They found a small gym, a room with musical instruments, a writing desk and a wall that was covered with mounted gold and platinum records. They found a room that looked like a study. A large cherrywood desk in the middle of the room that was covered with papers, books, and files. There was a black patent leather couch against one wall, and pictures of friends and family all over the wall above it. There was a filing cabinet in one corner and a shelve full of books.

They ran back to the living room and found another hallway. Nadia felt like a kid in a playground. They pushed open the door to the first room and found what was most likely a guest room. Then they moved on to the next door and found the washroom. It was huge with marble floors and a huge Jacuzzi bathtub that had been built into the floor with steps down into it. There was a stand-up shower that looked like it could fit six people with shower heads on all sides for what she imagined must be an amazing feeling of relaxation. Nadia couldn’t wait to try it. There was a full wall mirror with track lighting and a long counter with double sinks and a vanity.

“This bathroom is worth working all the time,” Britney said clutching Nadia’s arm. “I am jealous.”

Nadia grinned. “Let’s see the rest of the apartment.” They ran out into the hallway, and Nadia slammed right into a wall of hard muscle knocking her off her feet. She looked up from the floor to find Dane staring down at her.

“We have to stop meeting this way.” He teased reaching down to help her up. Refusing his assistance, Nadia climbed to her feet. She felt foolish for having not seen him. Even worse for having been caught snooping through his home. “I see you two ladies have been getting acquainted with the apartment.” Nadia felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and he only chuckled and turned his eyes to Britney. “And you are?”

“This is my best friend, Britney Kerman.” Nadia introduced them.

Dane took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss against her knuckles making Britney beam with joy. “Charmed.” He then clapped his hands and smiled at Nadia. “Well assuming you have already seen everything else, let me show you to your room.” Dane turned around, and the girls followed him down the hall.

Britney leaned in close her voice low for only Nadia to hear. “He has got a great ass.” Nadia punched Britney in the shoulder playfully and followed Dane into the next bedroom.

It was bigger than the first one she had seen. There was a queen-sized bed with pillows and a dark coloured comforter. An antique armoire and settee in the corner. There was a big desk fully equipped with a computer, fax, printer, and cell phone. A small table with a television. Dane walked into the room and over to the far wall. “I apologize for the dark colours I was expecting a man after all. If you like you can redecorate to your taste. There is one feature I know every woman appreciates.” Dane said opening the door to a huge walk-in closet. Nadia gasped at the sight of it. “Yep, that is usually the reaction.” He laughed. “Have you been out on the deck yet to see the view?”

Dane then led the women back down the hallway to the living room and pushed open the French doors stepping out onto the large deck. The floor was stained hardwood. There was a barbeque, a bar, and a hot tub that could seat ten comfortably. Nadia walked over to the stone balcony and looked out over Central Park. It was incredible.

“Dane!” A panicked female voice screamed from inside drawing everyone’s attention. Dane cringed, and they all went back into the living room to find two women waiting there. They were both older. One was well into her sixties and the other, while still very youthful, was at least twice his age. The younger one was beautiful with long flowing red hair and piercing green eyes. Nadia had seen her before on television and posters. She was Kat Thompson and Dane’s mother.

“Morning Mom.” Dane greeted her.

She had an angry expression on her face. Kat stomped right over to him and started searching his body. Her hands moved over Dane’s arms, chest, and back. She grabbed his chin in her hand and tilted his face at many angles to get a better look. “How dare you?” She scolded him, pulling up his shirt exposing his bare chest inspecting him for bruises and cuts. “You send two mangled cars to my home with instructions not to call the police and don’t even call me to tell me if you are ok or hurt.” Kat snapped letting her son’s shirt fall again when she found nothing she ran her hand over the back of his neck. “How is your neck, does it hurt? What about your back? You could have soft tissue damage that doesn’t show up right away.” She said running her hands over his back and shoulders pushing and prodding along the bones and spine. Finally, she gave up and planted her hands on her hips.

“Satisfied?” Dane asked.

She pointed a warning finger at him her brows narrowed together in annoyance. “Don’t push your luck boy. You are lucky I don’t slap your face for making me worry myself sick.”

Dane smiled and kissed his mother’s forehead. “I’m sorry Mom. I’m fine, I promise. I couldn’t leave them here in that condition.”

“What the hell happened?” Kat demanded sitting down on the couch awaiting an explanation.

“I was rear-ended,” Dane explained.

“What i***t rear-ended you? I will have our lawyers all over them.” She snapped protectively.

Dane turned to Britney and Nadia. “Mom, I would like to introduce you to my new personal assistant Nadia Baker, and her friend Britney Kerman.”

Nadia stepped forward nervously and shook Mrs. Thompson’s hand. Kat smiled warmly. “Hello, Nadia.”

“Mrs. Thompson.”

“Please call me Kat.”

Nadia grinned. “Ok, I guess you can call me the i***t that rear-ended your son.” She admitted nervously.

His mother looked shocked and looked at her son. He shrugged. “As you can see we have already worked something out. So, there is no need to call out the pit bulls.” Dane promised.

“Very well.” Kat shook her head in agreement and pointed to the senior woman she had arrived with. “This is Beth; she is our housekeeper and a close personal family friend.”

“She has been like a second mother to me.” Dane pointed out.

“And I would whoop your bottom red young man for worrying us if not for the bombings being here.” Beth scolded in a thick Italian accent. The old woman gave him a questioning glare. “Have you eaten yet?”

“Yes,” Dane said flatly.

“Do not lie to me.” She warned.

“No.” He admitted with a sigh.

“I thought so. Just like your father, he never kept himself fed either.” Beth said waving her arms in the air. “Always so busy. Too much work, too much play, not enough food.” She waved her finger at him. “That is why you are so skinny, and the bombings,” she gasped making a disapproving sound as she shook her head, “you are just going to starve them, look at them. Skin and bones. They need food.” She declared, then turned around and walked off toward the kitchen. “I will make you something.”

“Oh, we’re…” Nadia began, and Dane just shook his head no.

“There is no point. She won’t listen to you. Beth lives to feed.” He said. “Just skip supper.” He suggested.

“Well then,” Kat said patting the couch beside her for Nadia to sit, “sit sweetheart and tell me about yourself. I am surprised I thought the position was going to be filled by a man.” She said suspiciously.

“Well, I found someone with experience that I felt was better suited for the job.” Dane countered.

Kat looked at Nadia expecting the honest answer. Nadia smiled awkwardly. “I hit his car, was out of work, and he felt sorry for me.” Mrs. Thompson smiled and gave Nadia’s hand a friendly squeeze.

“I like this girl. She will do just fine. She will keep you honest.” Kat said eyeing her son with one of those ‘mother knows best’ looks.

“I’m overjoyed.” Dane drawled.

“No sass from you, young man.” His mother grinned.

“My apologies.” He bowed his head. “I forgot my manners; a man should never interrupt a group of women.” He said sarcastically.

Kat grinned at Nadia. “His father thought him well.”

“In many ways.” He winked making Britney giggle.

“We‘ll have none of that,” Kat warned.

“I shall leave you three alone then until Beth is ready.” Dane began to walk away when his mother purposely cleared her throat her eyes drifting to the luggage that sat in the middle of the room. Dane paused and turned around. “Silly me, I will take these to Nadia’s room.” He said picking the bags up and carrying them out with him.

Nadia smirked. “You have him well trained.”

“Men are easy you just have to know how to motivate them.” Kat grinned. “I’ve had plenty of years of experience motivating powerful men. Perhaps I can teach you a few tricks on how to handle my son.” She winked. Nadia smiled, she liked Kat very much.