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

5

Soft hands slid over his body rousing Dane from his slumber. He opened his eyes to see a beautiful raven-haired siren straddled above him. Her dark eyes flashing with heated desire. “Nadia?” He whispered with confusion. Her soft hands roamed his body moving low over his abdomen and between his thighs. Her touch drew a satisfied moan from him. “What are you doing?” He asked.

She placed soft butterfly kisses on his neck blazing a path down his chest and belly. Her silken hair dragged along his skin. Her hot mouth placed a feather-light kiss at the head of his manhood. Dane closed his eyes and moaned with satisfaction.

A knock on the door startled Dane, and his eyes flew open. The room was filled with sunshine, and he found himself alone in his bed. Dane sat up looking around for Nadia realizing she had never really been there. He had been dreaming. Dane shifted uncomfortably; the dream had left him ridged and unsatisfied. It had been a long time since he had dreamt of a woman. He felt like an idiotic adolescent.

Another knock drew his focus, however standing up and answering to door to face the woman he had been dreaming about with a raging hard-on was out of the question. “What?” Dane called out keeping the blanket over his lap.

The door opened, and Nadia peeked in. She was already dressed for the day in a business casual navy-blue pantsuit. Her hair was pulled up in a loose braid, and in her hands, she carried a tray with blueberry pancakes and orange juice. She had a huge smile on her face as she brought the tray to the bed.

Dane smiled, she had made him breakfast in bed, a nice touch for her second day of work. “A peace offering for last night.” She said with a smile that stirred his already rigid body. Dane was thankful when the tray was placed in his lap and acted as a shield to hide his morning shame.

“It looks good.” He said taking the fork and getting a bite of pancake trying to refocus his thoughts on something else besides his desire for gratification.

“Thank you. I thought it was the least I could do for giving you that bruise.” She cringed pointing to his jaw.

Alarmed he looked at her, had it bruised? He thought about getting up to look for himself in the mirror, but with Nadia sitting right here he couldn’t do it. He would have to take her word for it and hope that the bruise was not too bad. “Well, I forgive you.” He said with a smile.

“Marvellous.” She said patting his leg. “Then you should finish up, and we should get down to business.” Nadia took out her agenda opened it up and removed a pen from her pocket. “So far this morning I have received three phone calls. One from your producer asking for another sit down to go over a few more details regarding the album contract, and two from women who claim to know you. A Gretchen Jefferson and a Hannah Mackey, both wanting to know when they could get some more of your time.”

“Tell Kent; I’ll sit down with him a week from next Tuesday about the contract. As for the ladies tell them, if they call again, that I am wrapped up in production and will be unreachable for the next… three months… no six.” He said taking another bite of pancake.

“Are you unreachable?” Nadia asked skeptically.

“No.” He answered honestly. “I’m unreachable to clingy gold diggers. It’s a polite way of avoiding women.” Dane placed his fork down and looked at Nadia with all seriousness. “I will give you a word of advice for dealing with women in the future. There are very few women I want to see twice. So, unless I ask you to extend an invitation to one, I am always unavailable. Make up some reason.”

“Got it… explosive diarrhea.” She grinned mischievously. “They won’t ask questions.”

Dane couldn’t stop from laughing. It was nice that she had a sense of humour. “Let’s try an excuse that is a little less humiliating.”

Nadia smiled, and then she moved on to more business. “Today you have an interview with BUZZ and an Intimate and Interactive special with VIBE TV. Also, there is a poker game scheduled for this evening.”

Dane finished his meal and drank his juice. “Ok, I’m going to get showered and dressed. Has the mail come yet?”

“It’s on your desk.” She said taking the tray and rising from the bed. Dane watched as Nadia left the room, thankful she was gone he tossed back the covers and swung his long legs over the edge of the bed. He stood up and headed for the adjoining washroom he needed an ice-cold shower to get his body back under control.

He spent ten minutes under the freezing water which had the desired effect. Then he dressed for the day in what he would normally wear on stage since he was appearing twice on television today. After all, he had an appearance to upkeep. Satisfied with his look, he headed for his study to check the mail. Dane walked into his study and paused in the doorway viewing the room. The mess he usually found himself faced with was gone. The room had been tidied immaculately. Things had been put away. Papers had been filed. The hardwood flooring had been swept and washed, and the room had been dusted.

Dane went to his desk and sat down in the high-backed office chair. Before him on the desk was an organized presentation of paperwork that needed his attention and a stack of that day’s mail. Nadia was efficient and a fast worker, or an early riser he had not decided which yet since he had just gotten up himself and she had already seemed to have done so much.

Dane started in on the papers. He reviewed the contract from the production label. Once he was finished, he began to open the mail. A few bills which he wrote cheques for, a few invitations to various parties and fundraisers; but the envelope that caught his eye was the one with the sender name Eve Sanchez. Dane sat in that chair staring at the unopened envelope in his hands unsure if he wanted to open it or trash it as he had all her husband’s letters.

His emotions were conflicted when it came to the matter of Eve. She had been the one that got away. If he was, to be honest, she had been stolen away. Underhandedly snatched right out from under him by a man that had once meant the world to Dane.

They had been nineteen at the time, two kids having fun. Eve was beautiful and witty, a hot little ballerina that drove Dane wild. She had been the first and only woman Dane had been able to see himself with for any duration of time. He had looked forward to a future with Eve. He had been dating her casually and took her with him to Vegas for his parents’ anniversary party. She had been at his side one minute and then excused herself to go to bed early, next thing Dane knew his new girlfriend was his uncle’s new wife.

Dane had known Damien’s reputation as a rogue. He had been well known for chasing other men’s wives. For taking the women, he wanted regardless of whether or not they were spoken for. Damien took what he wanted and left a legion of broken hearts in his wake. Damien had become known as the Son of Sin, and Dane had adored him. He had idolized his uncle, thought the world of him until the night he had crossed the line. Until his philandering ways had trespassed against his flesh and blood. Dane had never felt more betrayed, never been more enraged than he had when Damien told Dane he had married Eve.

Dane was not a violent man by nature, but at that moment for the first time in his life, he struck his uncle. He had punched Damien so hard it had bruised his knuckles for two weeks. It had been the last time he had spoken to his uncle. Five years of silence between them. Sure, he would be civil when they happened to attend a function together, but Dane kept his distance on one side of the function and his uncle on the other. The rift between them had caused a hot sheets scandal for a few months. But it had been quickly replaced by Damien’s following scandal with a former flame in Malibu while his new wife was pregnant with their twins.

The new scandal had upset Dane almost as much as their wedding had in the first place. First Damien had stolen his girlfriend and not been married three months and already was cheating on her. Then to add salt to the wounds Eve had decided to stay with his unfaithful uncle. All Damien had to do was profess his love, and he could make any woman do as he pleased. It killed Dane to see Eve with Damien.

Dane tore open the envelope and removed an invitation and two tickets to the ballet. Eve had finally realized her dream and had landed a role in the New York Ballet. She had been working backstage for the company despite her husband’s protest since their sons had been born.

Her invitation stated how much she would love to have him come to see her premiere. Dane held the two tickets in his hand and moved to throw them in the trash. Pausing Dane looked at the invitation again. She was such a talented dancer. Dane placed the tickets on the desktop. He had to admit he wanted to go. He wanted to see Eve.

But seeing Eve would likely mean seeing Damien. Dane felt the same old rage fill him. That man did not deserve a woman as fine as Eve. He had ruined so many marriages and risked his own; it would serve him right if someone waltzed in and gave him a taste of his own medicine. Showed Damien what it was like to be betrayed. Dane smiled, perhaps he would be the one to teach his uncle such a valuable lesson.

A light rap on the door drew Dane from his thoughts. He looked up to find Nadia watching him. “The car is waiting downstairs.” She said.

Dane waved the tickets at her. “Do you like the ballet?” He asked.

“Yes.” She answered.

“Wonderful. This weekend you and I have balcony seats.” He informed her rising from his chair and crossing to the door where she stood. Dane placed the tickets in Nadia’s hands. “Be sure to wear the green dress.” He winked causing her to blush. She looked adorable when she blushed. It was a shame she was self-conscious. The girl could be a knock out with a little self-esteem. He still could not believe that she had kept herself shut away from men all her life. She had no idea what she was missing. “Shall we go?” He suggested.

Nadia took the tickets and slipped them into her agenda then nodded. “Yes let’s.”

***

Nadia stood off on the sidelines during both interviews. The most exciting one by her standards had been when they were at the VIBE TV studios. First, the Video DJ’s introduced Dane and the in-studio crowd cheered loud Nadia thought she would go deaf. Outside the windows, the streets were littered with fans that couldn’t get into the building trying to catch a glimpse of Dane some with signs that expressed their affection for the superstar.

Next Dane answered a few questions from both the Video DJ’s and the studio audience. A live performance followed the questions. He played two of his hits and then treated everyone to one of his songs from his upcoming album. Nadia found it a special treat to be among those in the studio to witness a live performance. It was incredible. She had heard his albums, his songs on the radio, but there was nothing like hearing him in person. He was a showman with an abundance of talent. When asked how it was he had learnt to play so well he had given credit to his father, saying he had the greatest teacher growing up.

It had brought a smile to Nadia’s face; she could see in his eyes how much he idolized his father. He talked fondly of his family, of his parents and how their success as musicians had directly influenced his life and his work. How close he and his sister were and what it was like to collaborate with her on her last album. He seemed very fond, very close with his family until they had asked him what he thought about his uncle taking over his grandfather’s recording studios a few years back.

At that question, Dane’s infectious smile had faded to be replaced by an obvious attempt not to scowl. It was only momentarily noticeable before he flashed the cameras another one of his dazzling smiles. “I think he is a very busy man and I hope that my grandparents are enjoying their hard-earned retirement.” He then changed the conversation to the coming award show and moved the interview along.

As they had gotten into the car after the interview, away from all other ears and eyes, Nadia found that she had to ask. “You don’t like your uncle, do you?”

“What would make you say that?” Dane asked as they drove along to their next engagement. His tone was quiet yet curt.

“Your reaction changed when he was mentioned,” Nadia explained. “You two don’t get along?”

“We did.”

“Did?” She asked hoping for a little more. Nadia hoped to know the dynamics of his family relationships so that she could better manage his personal life schedule. If there were a feud for some reason, she would like to know, so she did not let the wrong person in or invite the wrong person to a party. “Did something happen?”

“He betrayed me,” Dane said bitterly. “Damien could have any woman he wanted, but he took my girlfriend. Married her right out from under me while we were still dating. So, you might say we don’t get along anymore.”

Nadia could see how that would make a man bitter. She wondered what kind of woman could bring two such devastatingly handsome men to war with each other. She must have been beautiful. She didn’t press the subject further. It was obviously a touchy one. They drove in silence the rest of the way and pulled up outside a gentlemen’s club. Nadia’s eyes almost bugged out of her head once she realized where they were. Did he expect her to go inside with him?

“I thought you had a poker game?” She asked with unease.

“I do. This is where we play.” He smiled as if he knew what she was thinking. “We have a room in the back away from the dancers,” Dane said opening the door. “But if you like, you may go home. I don’t need you at my side unless you wish to learn how to play poker.”

“I know how to play poker.” She admitted.

“You do?” Dane asked with interest sitting back in his seat and shutting the door once more. “And where did a sweet little thing like you learn to play poker? I thought you didn’t go out too much.”

“I didn’t, but I did at one time have the internet and a whole lot of time on my hands at night. I learnt to play on those poker sites.” She admitted feeling a little silly doing so.

Dane’s cell phone rang, and he reached into his pocket to answer it. “Hello.” His face went blank as he listened to the person on the other end of the line. “Why, what was his excuse?” He went quiet again. Suddenly his gaze fell on her, and he smiled. “You know what forget about it; I got us a fourth. We’re right outside.” He hung up his cell phone and returned it to his pocket. Dane then directed his attention to Nadia. “On second thought Nadia, why don’t you sit in and play with us. As it turns out one of our players went and got himself all distracted by something else and bailed on the game. We need a forth.”

Nadia looked back at the club. She didn’t know if she could go into a place like that. “I don’t know, all those men in there…” She began.

“Will be too busy watching the dancers even to notice you.” He pointed out.

“I don’t have any money to play with.” She argued.

Dane took hold of her hand and opened the door. She wanted to pull her hand from his in protest, but she was quickly coming to terms with the fact that when Dane was involved there would be lots of physical contact. He led Nadia out of the car and shut the door. “I will front you the money.” He offered.

“I can’t pay that sort of money back.” She protested.

“Don’t be silly you can keep what you win and give me back what I fronted you.” He said leading Nadia toward the door his hand gripping hers tightly.

“And if I lose?” She asked pointing out the other possibilities.

“Well, it’s not like I can’t afford it.” He answered opening the door and dragging her inside.

The club was dark but crowded, and the music was loud. The lights were mostly on the stage, and the waitresses wore nothing but underwear as they waited on tables. The club was packed with men of all ages cheering, and screaming lewd comments at the women on stage. The change in environment panicked Nadia, and she clung to Dane’s arm trying to stay as close to him as she could. As they navigated the floor Dane’s arm came up around her protectively shielding her with his body until they reached the back rooms.

She wasn’t sure just when it happened, but Nadia found his embrace comforting and reassuring. There was something about this man that forced her to confront her anxiety and conquer it. Perhaps it was the repetitive forced contact or maybe the understanding and compassion she saw in his dark eyes, but for the first time in five years, Nadia found herself seeking solace in a man’s arms.

The doorways were absent of actual doors but still separated from the rest of the club by a privacy curtain. There was a table in the center of the small room, and the lighting was better than in the main room of the club so that the players could better see their cards. There were four chairs set up around the table and two men already waiting.

One was not too much older than they were. A dark Cuban looking fellow with ebony hair, dark eyes, and a dancer’s body. The kind of foreign beauty that could make a girl fantasize about hot Havana nights and salsas dancing. The other had light brown hair that he wore short and spiked; he had not appeared to have shaved that morning. He was thinner than the other two men with less muscular definition but still attractive enough to radiate confidence that made him stand out.

Dane pulled out one of the empty chairs for Nadia to sit and then tucked her into the table beside the Cuban gentleman. “You are bringing your dates now.” The other man teased. “It’s not bad enough that Clyde ditched us for a skirt?”

Dane laughed. “His loss I suppose. She’s not a date she is my new assistant. I almost sent her home, but now she is our forth so we can still play. Everyone this is Nadia.” He introduced her to the table. “This spiky-haired fellow is Jessy, a son of one of my mother’s bandmates. We grew up together.” He said and then pointed to the man she sat beside. “And this guy is Alexander, my brother in law.”

Alexander held out his hand to Nadia. “You can call me Alex, everyone does.” He said with a smile. Nadia smiled, fighting her irrational instinct she shook his hand.

“Shall we play?” Dane asked.

Jessy sat back in his seat shuffling the cards. “I don’t know if I feel right taking the chit’s money. Look at her; she’s so shy and awkward she doesn’t stand a chance against real players like us.”

Nadia’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. Where did he get off calling her a chit and saying she couldn’t hold her own? “I’m fronting her the money so that you would be taking mine,” Dane explained.

Jessy sat up right at that and started dealing. “Well, in that case, I can always handle taking your money.” He laughed.

“I thought so.”

Jessy then winked at Nadia. “Don’t worry sugar; we’ll go easy on you.” He promised in a condescending tone.

Nadia snatched up her cards and looked at them. She hated condescending jerks. He might be willing to take it easy on her, but she would not show him the same courtesy. The game started up, and Nadia took the first three hands. As she collected her winning pot the third time, Nadia leaned in and smirked at Jessy, then with a condescending tone she asked. “Would you like me to take it easy on you sugar?” Dane and Alexander burst out laughing, and surprisingly even Jessy grinned.

“I think the time has come to clean your clock darling.” Jessy chuckled dealing the next hand. They played for hours. Ordered rounds of rum and a few tequila shooters. They sat around smoking cigars near the end of the evening and talking rubbish. After a few shots, even Nadia had loosened up enough to join in on the festivities, enough so to feel like one of the boys. She had to admit it had been the best time she had in longer than she could remember.

By last call, Nadia had cleaned up the table. She was four grand richer, drunk off tequila shooters, and halfway through a cigar. They bought out their chips and shut down their game all ready to head out. Alexander was heading home to his wife, and Jessy had suggested the three of them hit an after-hours club on the waterfront called the Candy Shop. It was supposedly located in a warehouse and open until dawn. Nadia was enjoying herself far too much to say no. So, the three of them climbed into Dane’s town car and had Felix drive them down to the waterfront.

Felix was given instructions to come back in a few hours, and the three of them went inside. As soon as the room realized that Dane Thompson had shown up at their club, the party kicked into high gear. Everyone wanted to meet the celebrity, to buy him and his party a drink, and to dance with the Prince of New York himself. To be able to go home that morning and say they had partied with Dane Thompson. People took out their cellphones and were begging to have their pictures taken with him. Dane posed for a few and danced with a couple of ladies.

The three of them had drinks bought by various others. After an hour at the Candy Shop Nadia’s head was spinning from the liquor. She had danced with both Jessy and Dane a few times, but now she felt she just needed to sit down for a moment but unfortunately every seat was taken. So, Nadia leaned against the bar to stabilize herself. She watched from the bar as Dane danced one blonde woman around the floor. He moved so fast; he was so alert and agile like all the alcohol had not affected him at all. She envied that, but as he had once said he had a lifetime of experience on her.

“Hey, there sweetheart.” A male voice called to her above the noise of the club. Nadia looked beside her and saw a dark-haired man with a red face smiling back at her. “Dance with me, baby.” He suggested grabbing her arm.

Nadia pulled away. “No thank you.” She refused. She did not know this man, and he was drunk and forceful. “I don’t feel up to it.”

“You felt up to it when they asked.” He snapped pointing to Jessy and Dane. His tone had taken on angry undertones. “It’s just a dance.” He said grabbing her arm again with more force.

“Don’t touch me.” Nadia snapped trying to pull away.

“Don’t be a bitch.” He growled yanking on her arm. “I just want a dance,” Nadia screamed at him and slapped him hard across the face leaving scratches on his cheek. Unfortunately, his inebriated state made him more resistant to her attack. His eyes darkened with anger, and she gasped with fear. Was he going to hit her?

Just then Dane tapped on the man’s shoulder, and as her attacker turned to face him, Dane balled up his fist and knocked the man flat on his back. Sending him staggering back into a crowd of people. Before Nadia knew it, more people were fighting. Punches were being thrown, and people were dropping and falling into other people. Jessy was suddenly at Dane’s side, and the two of them were fighting off some rather larger gangster types, but they both seemed to be enjoying the adrenalin rush.

A gunshot rang out above everyone’s heads bringing the brawl to a stop. Some people scattered for the doors and others hit the floor. Dane had thrown himself around Nadia and pushed her low to the floor against the bar. They all looked up to the catwalks above and saw six men with rifles pointed into the cowering crowd below.

“I will have none of that in my establishment.” The man in the center barked down at the people below. “I suggest those of you responsible for this brawl get out of here before I put a cap in your ass.” He then nodded back at the DJ, and the music started again. Slowly people began to rise, and the party started up again.

Dane rose to his feet and helped Nadia up. “Let’s head home.” He suggested.

She agreed she had about enough fun to last her a lifetime. They asked if Jessy wanted a ride home, but he turned it down saying he was going to pay some girl he knew a booty call instead. Jessy left the club in a cab while Dane and Nadia waited outside in the cool night air for Felix to arrive. They sat on a pile of wooden pallets waiting for their ride. The cool air helped with her spinning head a little.

“Thank you,” Nadia said once they were alone.

“For what?” Dane asked laying back against the wood and tucking his arms behind his head.

“For everything. I was having a great time until that jerk. It’s been a long time since I’ve had any fun.” Nadia chuckled. “I can’t believe you started a bar fight over me.”

“Men that don’t understand the word no make me angry.” He said without emotion. “He needed to be put in his place.”

“Do you start many bar fights?” She asked remembering how he seemed to relish the excitement.

“No, to tell you the truth that is only the second time in my life that I have ever hit anyone,” Dane confessed looking at her. “I don’t believe in violence. My father taught me that most conflicts could be resolved diplomatically if you try. Of course, there are some people out there that only respond to brute force, but you should never lower yourself to that level unless necessary.”

It was a good philosophy, she thought. The more she learnt about Dane, the more she found that she liked him. “Your father sounds like a wise man.”

Dane smiled. “I guess you could say he is my hero. If I could be half the man, he is…” He trailed off. “Well, I’m not.”

“Well, regardless you are my hero.” She teased leaning over him to place a reward kiss on his lips playfully. The second their lips brushed sparks flew like a flame to kindling. Nadia’s lips felt scorched by the simple touch, and an unfamiliar sensation spread from her lips down throughout her body. Nadia froze shocked by the intensity of the sensation. She stared into Dane’s dark eyes and noticed they had changed. Fire blazing in those dark depths had replaced the lively excitement she had come to know.

His hand plunged deep into her hair cupping the back of her head. Dane pulled Nadia close and captured her mouth with his. His tongue invaded her mouth dancing with her own. He hungrily ate away at her mouth like she could offer some sustenance. The kiss sent shudders throughout her body, and a warm dampness had begun to form between her thighs. Dane’s hands slid down her back, pulling Nadia on top of him until her tiny body aligned with his.

The sweet torment of his kiss was too much to resist. Nadia had sighed softly and begun to return his kiss with a feverish need of her own that she did not understand. His hands roamed her back and stroked her hair crushing her against him. Nadia kept her hands plated on the wood on either side of Dane’s head. She was unsure what to do; she was a novice to the whole experience.

Dane tore his mouth away from hers and began to place soft butterfly kisses along her throat. “Touch me.” He whispered, reaching up and took one of her hands. He guided Nadia’s hand down and held it against his chest. Holding her palm flat over his body. “It’s ok to touch me.” He whispered.

Timid and unsure Nadia slid her hand over his hard body. It was so strange how he could feel both soft and so hard at the same time. Her hand slid lower, and she pulled his shirt out from his belt. Her hand slipped up under his shirt, and for the first time, she felt his hot smooth skin against her own. Everywhere their skin touched felt like fire. His mouth on her neck made her feel crazy with a desire she had never known. Dane placed his hands on her hips and pulled her pelvis hard against his own so Nadia could feel the rigid length concealed beneath his pants.

Nadia gasped with shock when she felt his hardness pressed firmly against her. Dane gently nibbled at her earlobe and whispered. “Look what you’ve done to me. I want you so much I’m going to explode.” His words sent shudders down her spine. She opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of an approaching car distracted them both. Dane slid Nadia off him and sat up looking at the car that came into the warehouse yard. Felix had arrived, and it was time to go home. “Come on,” Dane said taking her hand and standing up from the wooden pallets as the car came to a stop in front of them.

Dane opened the door, and Nadia climbed inside. The new distance between them felt like a torment. Nadia took a seat and watched Dane get in. He sat down beside her and reached over to the side of the closed door. “Home.” He ordered Felix and then pressed a button on the side of the door. A black plastic partition rolled up separating them from the driver’s cab offering the passengers privacy. Once the partition was up Dane reached out and laced his arm around Nadia’s waist he lifted her into his lap with ease.

Nadia’s first instinct had been to fight him, her hands pressed firmly against his chest trying to push herself away from him, but when his mouth captured hers in an eager, passionate kiss, Nadia melted against him. Dane sparked a fire inside her that she had never known existed. For the first time in her life, she wanted more, wanted to feel more of him, see more of him. Nadia sat up straight her legs straddling his lap. The heat in his eyes could have started a fire as they burnt into her, exciting her beyond all reason. Nadia reached down and grabbed his shirt she pulled it up and off over his head exposing the magnificent span of his chest and strong arms.

Her hands ran over his bare skin studying his male form and how different he was from hers. Silken smooth skin pulled taut over hard corded muscle. Nadia tensed when Dane’s fingers pulled her belt free. She looked down in a panic as he slid his hand down the front of her pants. Nadia reached for his wrist trying to stop him, but Dane gently restrained her and whispered in a thick husky tone. “Let me do this.” He pleaded and slipped a long finger deep inside her. The sensation ripped through her and Nadia gasped from shock falling against Dane’s chest for stability. Her head began spinning when he slid in a second finger and began to thrust them in and out of her most intimate of spots.

Nadia felt a mounting need, a frenzy deep inside, her body was screaming for something, but she didn’t know what. She needed more, more of him was all she could deduce as she began to grind her hips against his hand trying to find the satisfaction her body was screaming for. She felt hot all over like she would burst into flames at any moment. “I feel crazy.” She whimpered as Dane kissed her neck.

“Do you want me to make it stop?” He asked his breath sounding strangled as he struggled to restrain himself.

“Yes, make it stop.” She begged feeling like she would lose her mind if she didn’t find the satisfaction she needed.

Dane lifted Nadia off him and placed her on the seat beside him. He crouched in front of her between her legs and began to pull off her pants. Nadia stiffened her back as she realized what he meant to do. Fear filled her, and her heart leapt into her throat. The last time a man touched her like this it had hurt so much. Nadia tried to scurry away, but Dane placed his hand on the back of the seat beside her head and stopped her. His lips brushed over hers as he tried to reassure her. “I promise I won’t hurt you. Just relax.” He whispered as his free hand took hold of her panties and shifted them to the side to allow him access to her. “Trust me.” He said as he pressed his long fingers deep inside her welcoming wetness.

Nadia panicked and closed her eyes while Dane pressed into her. She gasped when she felt his hot mouth on her. Lapping and nipping at her wetness, his tongue finding the solid bud of her s*x. His mouth worshipped her womanhood while his fingers invaded her soft tissue. Nadia moaned with pleasure when Dane began to thrust faster, in long deep strokes.

The sensation mounted, and Nadia’s fear faded as she fell over the edge of madness. Dane’s arms wrapped around her holding her close to him offering her stability like her anchor to reality. Dane kept a steady rhythm as he manipulated Nadia’s body to fevered pitches. Nadia thought she would surely die she could stand no more. Suddenly Dane moved his hand, and she felt his tongue invade her body. The sensation shattered her control. Her body shook with ecstasy. Nadia’s hands pressed firmly against the windows trying to grab on to something to keep her in this world as her orgasm washed over her.

Dane moaned as his body slid up hers and he stole a kiss. She could taste her excitement on his lips. The car came to a stop, and Dane looked out the dark windows. He pulled away from her and handed Nadia her pants which she quickly pulled back on while Dane retrieved his shirt from beneath her and pulled it hastily over his head. Nadia’s heart was beating wildly afraid of being discovered. She had only just got her pants done up when Felix opened the door. The street lights poured in. Dane stepped out of the car and offered Nadia his hand to help her out of the car. She was grateful this time for the assistance since her knees felt weak at the moment.

She stepped from the car and noticed Felix was grinning. Nadia blushed with embarrassment. Oh god, he knew, she realized and then she saw the same knowing smirk on the face of the doorman. Humiliated Nadia turned her eyes to the grown and crossed her arms over her chest rushing inside. Dane was right behind her but not so much in a rush. Nadia reached the elevator and pressed the button repeatedly impatiently waiting for the doors to open and take her away from everyone’s sight.

“The elevator won’t come any faster by pushing the button a hundred times,” Dane said placing his hand over hers to stop her. “Will you just relax?”

Nadia covered her face with her hands trying to hide her shame. “Oh god they know, don’t they?”

“Well, I’m sure they suspect.” He said softly brushing a lock of her hair off her face. “After all you look like you have been ravaged.” His comment did nothing to alleviate her humiliation. The elevator doors opened, and Nadia rushed on to the elevator and began pressing the button. Dane leisurely joined her just as the doors closed. “Why are you so embarrassed?”

“What will they think of me?” She said.

“Who cares?”

“I care.” Nadia snapped at him. “I’m not like that. I’m not one of your whores.”

“Nadia relax…” Dane began reaching out to comfort her.

“Don’t touch me.” She barked backing up out of his reach. She was far too humiliated she couldn’t bear to be touched.

“Oh, so we’re back to that are we?” He frowned.

“You have already taken too many liberties.” She growled as the doors opened and she stepped off.

Dane followed her his expression annoyed. “Excuse me? If I recall you kissed me, missy. You started it.” He said taking out his key and unlocking the door.

“I didn’t know what I was getting in to.” She argued. “You took advantage of me.” She snapped as they entered the foyer and shut the door.

Dane glared at her. “I did nothing of the sort.” He barked.

“You did so.”

“I have never taken advantage of anyone in my life, and I wouldn’t start with you. I can have any woman I want. Why would I waste my time pressuring some prude?”

Nadia gasped. “Prude! You are a rake!” She growled storming down the hall to her room. “Don’t touch me again.”

“Why would I?” Dane snarled as he followed her down the hall. “After all I’ve already nailed you.”

Rage filled Nadia at his callous mocking, and she turned around smacking him hard across the face. “You pig. I wish I’d never met you. I quit.”

“You can’t quit.” He snarled back. “You have a contract. You have to work for me until you have paid me back. If you quit you are in breach, and I will sue your fine ass until you and your parents lose everything paying me the damages.”

Nadia glared at him trying to decide if he would do it. The truth was she didn’t know this man well enough to judge. Nadia clenched her teeth and opened her door. She slipped inside her room and slammed the door. That man infuriated her. This evening had taken a strange turn she had not expected, and she did not know how to deal with it. She would have an issue to work out in group this week.

***

Dane stood outside Nadia’s room staring at her door. He hated himself for what he had just said to her. She had reacted so negatively to them being together he had not expected it. He hadn’t known how to respond to her irrational anger. Dane had not meant to be so callous, but she had gotten under his skin when she accused him of taking advantage of her.

He would have to apologize but not tonight. Neither of them was rational at the moment. If there was one thing, he knew it was not to press irrational women. After all, Nadia had to be dealt with delicately when it came to interaction with men. All he had done was reinforce her belief that men were not worth her time. He had not done his gender any justice tonight.

Dane started off to his room for the rest of the night. He shook his head as he climbed into bed. He should have hired a man.