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

3

As always Beth had cooked a feast. The dining room table was set to feed a small army as it had been every day of his life in his parents’ household. Dane had been busy in his rehearsal room when he heard Beth call for lunch. Her voice carried through the halls loudly reminding him of when he was a child. He immediately put down his guitar knowing how she disliked having to call twice and headed for the dining room to join the women.

Each seat was set with the fine china. Beth believed in using only the best. Each setting received a steaming bowl of her fresh made Italian wedding soup made with sausage instead of meatballs which were more traditionally the case. A plate of seafood pasta arrabbiata made with fresh mussels, scallops, and plump shrimp atop spicy, saucy tossed pasta. A side of garlic bread and a crisp Italian salad covered in her homemade vinaigrette and olive oil dressing.

Dane took his seat at the head of the table with two of the ladies seated on either side of the table. Nadia had sat to his left and Britney beside her, while his mother sat to his right and once Beth was satisfied with the way the table was set she sat beside his mother. Beth insisted on saying grace, and then they dug in. “This is amazing,” Nadia commented after taking a few bites. “You are a truly gifted cook.”

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Beth said with a big smile. “I cook with love; it is my way of repaying all the kindness and friendship my family has received over these many years.”

“I think we got the better part of the deal.” Dane teased making Beth smile at him.

Nadia asked Beth how she had made the meal and Beth was happy to go into the details. Dane quietly sat eating his meal and listening to the conversation. He observed Britney and Nadia trying to get a feel for them. Britney was beautiful, voluptuous, with an outgoing personality. Every so often she would flash him an alluring smile her blue eyes sparkling with a look he had seen a million times in the faces of a million women. She was his if he wanted her, all he had to do was take her.

No challenge.

Nadia, on the other hand, she was pretty, in a simple girl next door sort of way. She didn’t seem to wear makeup or fill her hair full of product. She had dark eyes, and her long raven hair was pinned up and twisted so that it was off her neck and shoulders. She wasn’t tanned like her friend, but her alabaster skin begged to be touched. She reminded him of the one that got away.

She was thin, but she wore clothes that fit loosely and hid her body from sight. He assumed to prevent drawing attention to herself. Oddly enough it only made him wonder what secrets she hid beneath the excess fabric. Dane wondered if Nadia’s entire wardrobe was so baggy and modest. If so it certainly would not do. In his world image was everything, and his assistant had to be as fashionable as he was. After all, she was representing him. He would have to take her shopping to be sure she had suitable attire for the job.

They finished up lunch, and Nadia excused herself and Britney to unpack her things and settle in.

Dane tried to assist Beth, and his mother in cleaning up and washing the dishes but Beth slapped his hands telling him the kitchen was no place for a man. So, he just watched and talked while they cleaned up then he hugged both the women good-bye apologizing once more for having worried them. Once they left he went to his study and dropping down into the high-backed office chair Dane moved around some of the papers and contracts he had been working on looking for his phonebook.

It took a moment, but he found the brown leather-bound book under a stack of papers in the top drawer of his desk and placing it on the desktop he opened it up looking for the number of his mechanic and body shop. The man had been working on his family’s vehicles for twenty years and did good work for a fair price. Finding the number, he was looking for, Dane picked up the cell phone and dialled.

He spent five minutes talking pleasantries and then jumped into what it was he needed done. He explained that there were two vehicles and he needed both up and running as soon as possible. He would have the cars towed to the garage by the end of the business day. After hanging up with his mechanic, he called the tow truck company and gave them instructions to pick up the vehicles from his parents’ estate and dropped them off at the garage. He paid with his credit card and hung up.

With that taken care of, it was time to deal with other business. Dane opened the second drawer of his desk and removed a cell phone, a PDA, a leather-bound agenda, and the client profile that had been prepared for the assistant’s position to bring his new employee up to speed with the rules, regulations, and expectations. Dane rose from his desk and left the study heading toward Nadia’s room. He walked through the apartment coming to her door. He could hear the voices inside but could not make out what they were saying through the thick wood.

Dane knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. Nadia answered the door, seeming nervous to find him standing there. “I am sorry I am taking too long.” She said. “We are almost done.” She promised.

Dane could see Britney hanging up a sweater. “Not a problem I just brought you some things you will need.” He explained coming in and walking over to the desk. He placed the PDA on the desktop and held up a clipboard with the client profile. “Read this it will get you acquainted with how things are run around here.” He held up his agenda. “The events and engagements that are already planned are in here. Keep it close for further planning.” He said placing it on the desk; he then held up the cell phone. “This is my contact line. PR reps, agents, program directors, magazines, directors, producers, women, whatever… this is how they reach me. Well technically they will reach you, and you will be responsible for sorting the mess out. This cell phone also has a direct line to this cell phone.” He said taking his private cell phone from his pocket. “And the number is not, under any circumstances, to ever be given out to anyone.” He stressed. “The only people who have this number are family and close friends. Understood?”

“Yes,” Nadia said taking the cell phone from him.

Dane stepped over to the open closet and looked inside. His fear had been right. All very proper, prudish, and figureless. Dane shook his head; it simply would not do. “This afternoon we are going shopping. I suggest you call for a car and finish up.” He looked at his watch. “Say an hour from now.” Dane walked out of the room leaving Nadia to finish moving in.

He had to go change for the day. He would have Britney dropped off and then take Nadia for some proper clothing to suit her station he thought as he entered his room. Where would be the best place to go? She would need something fashionable, cutting edge and yet still professional to be taken seriously. Of course, some formal wear would be necessary for evening affairs. He had not seen a single evening gown in that closet.

Dane would take her to Genevieve’s; her boutique had an acceptable selection that would do just fine. Dane opened his closet doors and tried to decide what to wear. He selected a pair of tailored black slacks. A tanned long-sleeved shirt to add a semi-casual touch to his appearance. Dane went into the private washroom that connected to his bedroom. He ran a brush through his chestnut hair and took the gel from the shelf below the mirror. He placed a dollop in the palm of his hands and raked his fingers through his hair, creating a lazy yet trendy tussled look.

Dane changed his shoes and picked up his sunglasses from the top of his dresser. Putting on his glasses, he left his room and headed to his study. He walked over to the shelf and pushed a few books aside to reveal his safe. Disarming the lock, he opened the safe and removed a money clip and some cash. He quickly counted the cash in his hand and decided it was enough he shut the safe and rearmed the lock. He then pushed the books back in front of the safe and slipped the money into the clip and then both into his pocket. Nadia surely had to be ready by now.

***

Nadia and Britney were waiting by the door in the foyer for Dane to join them. Nadia had called Felix for a ride using the card he had given her earlier that day. She had with her one of her work bags which inside she kept the agenda, PDA, and cellphone that Dane had given her. “I’ll just take the bus home from here,” Britney said as she hugged Nadia good-bye. “You call me when you are not so busy with work, you hear.”

“I will,” Nadia promised. “Hopefully he won’t keep me too busy.” Nadia smiled.

Suddenly Britney’s lips curved in a lusty grin as she looked past Nadia. “I would say he could keep any girl very busy.”

Nadia turned around and saw Dane coming into the foyer. He had changed to go out; his clothes were well tailored to his athletic form and at the height of New York fashion. His hair, his clothes, the nonchalant shades, and the way he walked with such indifferent confidence; he looked every bit the heartthrob superstar he was said to be. Nadia found herself entranced by his approach.

Dane stopped in front of Nadia offering her that winning smile that could light up a room. “Are you lovely ladies ready to go?”

“I’m just going to take the bus home,” Britney spoke up breaking Nadia’s trance.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Dane protested. “We can drop you off.” He said holding the door open for them. “Shall we go?”

Dane locked the door behind them, and they headed down to the lobby. Stepping off the elevator, they were immediately greeted by the security guard and the men at the desk. Dane politely acknowledged each one asking them how their families were doing. Then they went outside, and Dane shook hands with the old doorman. Nadia was impressed with how he interacted with people not snobbish like most people in his position would be.

Felix already had the back door open for his passengers and tipped his hat to the ladies. They climbed into the back seat and before long was off on the day’s errands. They dropped Britney off at her apartment and then Dane instructed Felix to drive to Fifth Avenue. “Where are we going?” Nadia asked.

“Shopping.” He said simply.

“Shopping for what?” Nadia enquired hoping for more specifics.

“Clothing.” Was all he said. Dane was a man of little words it would seem.

They pulled up in front of a large boutique and Felix opened the door. Dane stepped out and offered Nadia his hand to help her out. She again refused his help and stepped out on her own looking at the front windows of the boutique. The name Genevieve scrolled across the glass, and the manikins were dressed in fine women’s clothing. Nadia looked at Dane with confusion, what could they be doing here?

“Are there men’s clothes in the back?” She queried.

Dane laughed as he opened the front door to the store. “Heavens no.”

“Are you a closet crossdresser?”

He shook his head and snickered. “No.” He said as he ushered her into the shop.

Nadia was breath taken by the fabulous clothes. The selection was vast Nadia lifted the sleeve of one shirt and tried to find the price tag. She looked and looked and found nothing. “How much is it?” She asked.

Dane smiled. “This is the sort of store where if you have to ask you cannot afford it.” He whispered and waved to the middle-aged woman coming their way. She was fashionably dressed in a red and white halter top dress that Nadia was sure was designer. The woman’s blonde hair was straight and long possibly due to hair extensions. Her spiked high heeled boots looked painful to walk in. “Genevieve.” Dane greeted the woman by gripping both her extended hands and placing a kiss on either side of her cheeks European style.

“Monsieur Thompson.” She said with a thick French accent. “So good to see you again. Who do we have here?” She asked looking at Nadia. “New beauty?”

Dane smirked. “New employee.” He corrected her. “This is Miss. Nadia Baker my new personal assistant. As you can see her wardrobe is utterly insufficient to be at my side.”

Nadia looked at her clothes surprised and somewhat offended by his opinion of her outfit. “Atrocious.” The proprietor agreed, shaking her head. “We shall right this wrong,” Genevieve promised, ushering them to the rear of the store where they found comfortable seating and dressing rooms. She sat Dane down in a high-backed armchair and snapped her fingers. Two of her employees came quickly to her side. One offering Dane fresh brewed coffee and the other holding a tray with an assortment of fresh pastries. Dane accepted the coffee and refused the pastries. Genevieve circled Nadia looking her over trying to judge her size and then looked back at Dane. “What are you looking for?”

“A bit of everything. Something casual for days such as this. Of course, then she will need business casual for meetings and interviews. Oh, and a dozen evening gowns. I didn’t see one single dress in her closet. She will need a variety of dresses, for dinner parties, release parties, premieres, and award shows. I’m thinking elegance; we want her looking respectable but trendsetting.” He said lifting the coffee to his lips.

“Very good, I have some new designs that I think might be just perfect,” Genevieve said waving her employees off to find what he had asked for while she searched for the designs she had mentioned.

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Nadia demanded when they were alone. She ran her hand over her long loose sweatshirt that hung long over her faded jeans.

“Nothing if you are shopping in the Bronx. Nadia, you are about to be mingling among a whole other class of people. You are representing me. Image is very important. You need to look the part. A whole new wardrobe is necessary. It is just good business.” Dane said.

“I can’t afford even one article from this store let alone an entire wardrobe.” She protested.

“It is on my tab.” He smiled.

“I can’t pay you back for this too.” She argued.

“You don’t need to. I consider it a business expense like your cell phone or the car service.” She opened her mouth to argue further, and Dane shot her a dashing smile. “Sweetheart, it is non-negotiable, we are not leaving until I am satisfied that you are properly outfitted.”

Nadia opened her mouth to argue and then snapped it shut thinking it unwise to argue with her new boss on her first day. Genevieve returned with an assortment of long evening gowns. Green, red, blue, and white. She hung them up inside one of the dressing rooms and ushered Nadia inside. Nadia shut the door and looked at the gowns hanging on the hooks. They were beautiful. She reached out and fingered the lacy fabric of one dress. She didn’t have one single thing in her current wardrobe that felt like this.

Nadia tried on the green dress first. It tied up around her neck and was backless. The fabric had a glossy sheen that made it sparkle. It draped over her body and fell gently against her curves. The skirt went to the floor hiding her feet and dragging behind her in a two-foot train. She had never felt so beautiful, and yet the dress was more revealing than she would ever care to wear.

There was a knock on the door, and Nadia jumped. She cracked the door open and peeked out to find Dane looking back at her. “You are taking a long time.” She had not realized he wanted her to come back out.

“I can’t wear this.” She whispered self-consciously.

“Is it too small or too big?”

“No, it fits.” She admitted reluctantly.

“Then you can come out.” He said reaching in and grabbing hold on her wrist. Her heart jumped at the unexpected contact, and she hadn’t the time to protest before Dane pulled the door open and dragged Nadia from the dressing room.

“Don’t touch me.” She snapped harshly once more pulling her hand away from him. Nervous Nadia held her arms crossed over her upper body.

“Do you have a problem with me?” Dane asked growing tired of her refusal for contact.

“No,” Nadia said turning her eyes to the floor. “I just don’t like it when men touch me.” She knew it was ridiculous, but she never could get over the crawling of her skin when a man came near her.

“I see,” Dane said smiling at her. “I won’t hurt you. That might be something you might want to work on getting over. As my assistant, you are going to have to learn how to deal with the opposite sex.”

Nadia scoffed inwardly, get over it like it was easy. If she could get over it, she would have done so by now.

“Let me see,” Dane said walking around her inspecting the dress she wore her arms still crossed over her torso. “I can’t see anything like that.” He snickered gently pushing her arms away, so they were down at her sides. This time she did not protest. “That’s a girl.” Her back and shoulders were bare, and the fabric hugged every curve for him to see. She felt exposed, his eyes on her, his gaze raking over her form. “Lovely,” Dane said. “Why can’t you wear it?”

“It is too revealing.” Nadia protested. “I feel naked. Everyone will be looking at me.”

“That is the point of these dresses.” Dane pointed out. Coming to stand behind her. She could feel his body against her back, and her spine stiffened. She could see him with her in the mirror. “Are you afraid?” He asked softly.

Afraid? Yes, she was, Nadia did not like it when people looked at her when men made passes at her. It made her feel greatly uncomfortable, and this dress would certainly attract unwanted attention. “You might say that.” She admitted. “I do not like attention.”

“Male attention.” Dane specified as if he knew her mind.

“Yes, that kind in particular.” She agreed. “And this dress will attract that sort of attention.”

“I promise to keep them at bay.” Dane smiled watching her through the mirror. “You have my word as a gentleman.”

“Are you one?” Nadia asked smugly smiling back at him through the mirror. She knew his rakish reputation as well as anyone that could read.

Dane feigned a hurt expression, and she almost laughed. “You wound me. What on earth would make you think I was anything but?”

“I can read the tabloids like any other person. I know the stories. You, Sir, have a reputation as a womanizer. You are a rogue by any other name.” She smiled.

“I am a victim of circumstance.” He argued his charming smile oddly putting her at ease.

Nadia turned to face him interested to hear just how he could consider himself a victim in any way. “A victim? Just what injustice are you suffering?”

Dane smiled down at Nadia standing less than a foot away from her. The closest she had been to any other man than her father. “I am a multibillion-dollar heir, a triple platinum recording star, and an international celebrity. I have been labelled one of the most eligible bachelors in North America. On top of it, I look so good. Do you know what that makes me?”

“Arrogant.” She suggested.

“A target.” He corrected her. “For every money grubbing gold digger out there. For every woman that thinks she deserves a house on the hill and a million-dollar allowance. You think I use women? Did it ever occur to you that maybe women use me? Not one woman out there approaches me because they like me, Dane, the person. They approach me because they like what I am, who I am connected to, what I have, and what they hope they can get out of me. Everyone wants to be Mrs. Dane Thompson, absolutely every bloody woman I take to bed, and it’s not because any one of them loves me or even likes me, but because they like my bankroll, my trust fund, and my inheritance. So, tell me this, why shouldn’t I get what I want from these women when they give it away for the price of a fur coat or a diamond necklace? I’ve done nothing immoral, I make no promises, and I lead no one on.” He said with such unwavering conviction.

She had never thought of it that way. Never considered his side of the story. Nadia had only ever viewed it as a woman and been disgusted by how he went through so many women discarding them so easily; but he was right, many women would view Dane as a cash cow. He could never be sure if someone were there for him or for what he had. It must be lonely to be surrounded by so many false friends. “You are right. I never thought of it like that. I am sorry.”

Dane flashed her a dazzling smile his annoyance instantly vanished as if it had never been there at all. Genevieve came back with some pants, tops, and skirts for Nadia to try on. “She looks ravaging; we will take this one for sure.” He said addressing the proprietor. Nadia went back into the dressing room realizing there was no use in arguing with this man. Dane was used to a lifetime of getting his way. Nothing she could say at this point would change his mind. She would tuck the dress to the back of her closet and pray he forget she had it.

Nadia spent the next two hours trying on various clothes and modelling for Dane’s approval. Once he was satisfied, she tried to change back into her clothes, but he had instructed her to leave on the last outfit she had tried on. A white Armani pants suit with a silk red halter top under her fitted jacket. Very professional she though and she had to admit she like the way it looked. It was a bit more fitted to her form than she was accustomed to, but she would get used to it she supposed.

Dane paid Genevieve and then taking their bags they left the boutique and met Felix outside. “Wow, you look fantastic Miss. Baker.” Felix said as he took the many bags and she got into the car.

“Thank you, Felix, but please call me Nadia.” She said as the door closed behind them. She settled on the seat next to Dane. “Now what?”

Dane put on his sunglasses and smiled at her. “Now we have some business to attend to.”