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

11

When they got back, Dane went straight to work. It was crazy how busy he was. Dane had been busy with interviews and appearances, Nadia had been at his side each day. They worked well together, and in the off hours, they wasted time away in each other’s arms. When Nadia was with Dane, he made her feel alive. He made her forget all the terrible things in her life, made her feel like she could conquer anything.

Nadia had been a little uncomfortable when she started to see her face on the tabloids in the supermarket. Her picture between Damien and Dane’s, their public brawl had made the press, and the popular theory was that she was to blame for this latest scandal. She was being accused of seducing both men and setting them against each other. Dane had told her not to pay any mind to the bad publicity. That scandal came and went, and in three weeks’ time, no one would remember what had happened or who she was anyway. They will have moved on to the next bit of gossip.

Frankly, it was not as easy for Nadia to get over it. She was not used to public humiliation, but he had simply kissed her and coaxed her to bed taking her mind off her troubles. Lately, however, Dane had less time for her. He had finished his songs, and the executives from his label were ready to start production. A studio had been booked and Dane’s time spoken for.

Nadia came each day to the studio to watch the recording process. Dane would spend hours in the booth sometimes from the moment he woke to the wee hours of the next day. Playing until his fingers hurt and singing until his throat was hoarse. It was a repetitive process. Nadia would sit in the technician’s booth with the mixing board when she came by. She was not allowed to go into the sound booth while they were recording.

Dane had been recording for almost a week now and had been in the studio all day and the better part of the night. Nadia had brought him Chinese takeout and coffee. Dane spotted her through the soundproof glass and gave everyone the signal to wrap it up for the night.

They packed up their business which took a few minutes. Nadia sat on the couch in the technician’s booth and waited for Dane to come out. Once they were finished Dane said good-bye to the men, he was working with and smiled at Nadia. He waited for the other men to leave before he joined Nadia on the couch.

“Hello, beautiful,” Dane whispered leaning in to kiss her. “What do you have there?” He asked settling onto the couch draping his arm over the back.

“I brought dinner. You have been skipping too many meals.” She said taking a personal box from the bag and handing it to him. “Chopsticks or plastic fork?” She asked holding both up for his consideration.

“Chopsticks.” He said taking the wooden sticks from her hand.

“Beth says that your whole family is terrible for starving themselves when recording.” She said opening her box and taking a bite.

“You’ve been talking to Beth?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

Nadia grinned. “She and your mother dropped by earlier. They heard you were in the studio and thought I could use the company. You all have the habit of becoming workaholics too.”

“I see they have been revealing all our family secrets.” Dane teased.

“Maybe.” She smirked. “Secrets and a few stories.”

“Stories?” He asked taking another bite. “What have they been saying?”

“Nothing too embarrassing.” She promised. “No bare butt bathtub stories if that is what you are worried about.”

“Why not I had a cute butt, so I was told.” He winked.

“And still do.” She grinned.

“Oh dear, I think comments like that borderline s****l harassment.” He snickered. “I shall have to reward you.”

Nadia couldn’t help but laugh. “You are incorrigible, and you bring out the worst in me.”

“It is not my fault you turned out to be a s*x-crazed maniac,” Dane said innocently.

Nadia blushed. “On the contrary, you opened the proverbial cage and unleashed me so to speak.”

“And it was my extreme pleasure to do so,” Dane said stuffing his chopsticks into the food. He stood up and took Nadia’s hand pulling her up from the couch. “Come with me I have a surprise for you.” He said leading her over to the window. “My wonderful mechanic and auto body shop have finally finished the repairs, and I had the vehicles delivered here. I figured you would be here again tonight so I thought you could drive yourself home and let Felix rest.”

Nadia was excited to hear her car was finally fixed. Dane led her to the window and pointed out to his silver Porsche in the parking lot below, which looked as good as new, she would have never been able to tell she had hit it. Nadia looked around, but she couldn’t find her car. The parking lot was fairly empty, but her Dodge was nowhere in sight. “I thought you said they were both ready?”

“They are.”

“Where is mine?”

Dane pointed out the window. “See that white BMW two stalls over?” Nadia nodded. Dane reached into his pocket and then dangled a set of keys in front of her. “That’s your BMW.”

Nadia almost screamed as she took the keys from his hand. She could not believe that incredible car was hers. Nadia paused and looked at Dane. “I can’t afford to pay you for this car.”

“Consider it a gift.” He smiled. “I thought it over and decided that fixing that busted up rust bucket you were driving was a waste of money. This one is brand new and under warranty. It won’t break down every ten minutes, and when you are tailing me, the brakes won’t fail.”

Nadia laughed and threw her arms around Dane. She hugged him tight and kissed his cheek. “I promise not to tail you.”

“That would be best.” He teased. They returned to their meal on the couch and talked about the album he was working on. He expected to be done within the next week. The tracks were going down easier than he had expected and he would be finished in record time. He then told her about release parties and the fact that he expected her to plan one. Nadia wasn’t sure how to plan a release party, but he assured her that if she spoke with his father’s assistant Rolland, he would teach her all she needed to know.

They finished their meal and Nadia glanced at her wristwatch. She had group this evening, but she would not be long. “Will you be going home from here?” She asked curiously.

“No, I promised the guys I’d play some cards this evening.” He stood up and tossed the empty box in the trash bin. “I’ll be home late.” Dane leaned over and kissed her again. “Thanks for dinner.”

“Thanks for the car.”

“Well enjoy it.” He said offering his hand and helping her up from the couch.

Nadia tossed her trash in the bin and followed Dane to the door. “Will you be out late tonight?”

Dane held her close and grinned. “Come now sweetheart you can’t monopolize all my time. I promise to wake you when I get in.” Nadia tried not to frown. She didn’t like the thought of being away from him all night, with Dane alone in that gentlemen’s club with all those beautiful naked women. Nadia felt a little stab of jealousy, not that she would admit to it. She had agreed to their arraignment and fidelity had not been a part of the bargain. “Is something wrong?”

Nadia smiled. “Nothing.” She said kissing his cheek. “I’ll see you at home.”

“I’ll walk you to the car.”

***

Nadia had not been able to concentrate during group. Her thoughts were focused on what Dane might be doing. She kept wondering if another woman was occupying his time. “And what about you Nadia, how have things been going for you?” The group leader asked focusing the conversation on her. He was a man of some years’ experience and an impressive medical degree. Dr. Ura had been hosting the group for as long as Nadia had been a member.

Nadia shifted uncomfortably in her plastic seat. She supposed she did have some progress to share. “I have found a new job.” She announced.

“That is wonderful Nadia.” Dr. Ura said, and a murmur of agreement trailed through the group members.

She smiled awkwardly. “I have also started seeing someone, a man, romantically.” She admitted. The room fell silent. Two years she had been a member, and not one person among them had expected her to say what she had.

“You’ve started dating?” Dr. Ura asked with some surprise.

“Yes. In a sense. We are taking it one step at a time. He understands my anxiety with men and is very understanding.” She explained.

“Well, I must say that is wonderful. I am glad to hear that you have met someone who sounds so patient and empathetic. This is a fabulous step forward for you. You are finally making progress.”

Nadia smiled, his praise felt good. She spent the rest of the group with a smile on her face. Once group let out for the night, Nadia grabbed Camille’s hand. “Hey, I’ll give you a ride home tonight.” She said excitedly.

“Oh, you finally got your car back?” Camille grinned taking her coat from the back of her seat.

“You have to see this.” Nadia excitedly led Camille up the stairs and out to the church parking lot. She brought Camille over to her brand-new BMW and stood beside it waiting for Camille’s response.

“Where is your car sweetheart?” Camille asked looking around the small parking lot. “Oh, dear has it been stolen?”

“No.” Nadia placed her hand on the roof of the car and grinned. “This is my new car.”

Camille was taken aback. “New car? He must pay you well if you can afford this car.” She gasped.

“Well, actually it was a gift,” Nadia explained unlocking the doors.

Camille eyed her suspiciously. “A gift? Men do not gift cars like this… unless… Oh, Nadia is Dane, the man you were referring to?” Camille asked as they got into the car.

“Yes.” Nadia sighed. “I know what you are going to say, that I shouldn’t be involved with the man that signs my paycheques, but oh Camille, he is so incredible. I have never met a man like him.”

“He must be incredible to have gotten you out of your shell.” Camille giggled. “But seriously sweetheart, do you think it wise to get mixed up with a man like that? After all, he is known for womanizing. You could end up with your heart broken.”

Nadia sighed as she started the car. “I have no intention of giving the man my heart. We have an agreement. We are both satisfied with a purely physical relationship.” She said with a big smile. Camille looked at her for a long time without speaking. “It is working well for both of us, and it still allows me to have my freedom and independence.” She continued. “Without the complications of emotions.”

“Are you trying to convince yourself or me?” Camille asked.

Nadia stared at Camille, surprised by her question. She might have been over explaining herself, and why? She had no reason to explain herself. She had no one to answer too. So why should the terms of their arraignment matter? Was it possible that she was not as ok with the terms of their agreement as she had tried to convince herself she was?

“It has been my experience in my forty some odd years on this earth that women are not able to separate emotions and s*x like men are. You are playing a very dangerous game, Nadia, be careful with your heart.” Camille warned.

***

Dane stared at his cards. He had been losing all night. His head was not in the game. Dane tossed his chips into the center of the table and looked at his cards again. They played the handout, and again he lost. Dane tossed his cards on the table and picked up his drink. He was thinking about just calling it a night.

“Man, you are playing like a newbie.” Clyde teased while Jessy dealt the cards for the next hand.

“Not that I mind taking your money but where is your head?” Jessy jumped in.

“I’m willing to bet it’s with the pretty little thing that has been monopolizing his bed.” Alexander laughed picking up his cards. “There has been a surprising lack of honeys passing through which leads me to believe there is one specific woman who has managed to hold his attention.”

“Oh no!” Clyde groaned. “Has the Prince been leashed? Don’t tell me you’ve settled down for one girl.”

“Don’t be melodramatic; it’s just sex.” Dane drawled placing his glass back on the table.

“Yep, that is what I said too.” Alexander teased tapping his wedding ring.

“Seeing the same girl more than once does not necessarily mean I am stepping up to the altar,” Dane argued.

“If you are not careful man, you are going to find your neck in the parson’s nose,” Jessy warned.

Dane picked up his cards and looked them over. Were they right? Had he gotten in too deep with Nadia? Things had been going so well so far. She had not been making any demands on him, and they both seemed content. So, he was preoccupied. So, he was seeing the same woman. It was not like she controlled him. Not like she had him wrapped around her finger or anything. It was mutually gratifying, and that was after all what was important. His freedom was not at risk.

…was it?

No! The guys were messing with him he decided. “You are only jealous because you can’t land the same quality of girls I do.” Dane grinned.

“Ouch.” Clyde laughed.

“Quality is in the eyes of the beholder. Unless she’s crazy enough to leave claw marks down my back, you can keep her.” Jessy winked tossing away two cards and picking up two more.

The table laughed, and Dane tossed three cards out and took three more. “Do your parents realize you are such a freak?”

“My mother weeps when she sees my dates.” Jessy shrugged. “But the s*x is great.”

“Frankly I think you both are nuts.” Alexander piped up tossing out one card and taking another. “I prefer my sweet bride and her lack of experience before me. I don’t get how you guys can be ok with women who have had more partners then you have hairs on your head. I couldn’t handle knowing I’m the three-hundred-fifty-sixth person in line.”

Dane had to admit there was something about Nadia’s inexperience that he found enticing. She was in most sense innocent, virginal, and it excited him to know that he was the only man to have ever been allowed to touch her. The only man she had ever wanted. He could certainly understand Alexander’s point. An inexperienced partner was appealing, almost complimentary.

“If she’s hot enough you just don’t think about it.” Clyde pointed out. Tossing out two cards and taking two more. “Ok boys let’s pony up the chips.” He said tossing his bet into the center of the table. “So, when do we get to meet the honey that’s got you spinning?”

Dane watched as Jessy raised the bet and Alexander met it. “Never.” Dane met the bet and looked at Clyde waiting for him to match or the raised bet. “I don’t intend to keep her, so there is no need to make introductions.”

Clyde tossed his chips into the center. “Fine, keep her to yourself.” He teased. “But show us your cards.”

They placed their cards down, and Dane had lost yet again. Dane pushed his seat back and stood up. “That’s it; I’m going home. I’ve lost enough money for one night.” Besides he wanted to see Nadia before she fell asleep. He took out his wallet and tossed some cash on the table to cover the chips he had lost and then returned his wallet to his pocket. “Night boys.”

Dane strolled through the club ignoring the commotion. Pushing open the main door he reached for his keys and stepped out into the parking lot. He headed for his car and stopped dead in his tracks when he found someone waiting for him. She was stunning, lazily leaning against the hood of his car. Her white silk dress hugged her curves sinfully and offset her satin smooth mocha skin. The short skirt showed off her incredibly long legs. Her light brown hair hung long and straight down her back. Full lips and sensuous eyes.

He knew this woman. Dane had seen her in the tabloids, and on television, seen her in passing at award ceremonies. “Maceech Flacon.” He greeted her, showing he knew who she was. This had been the same woman his uncle had been unfaithful with. She had been responsible for plastering their affair across the tabloids when Damien had tried to leave her. Dane didn’t fault her for that. Frankly, he felt his uncle deserved what he had gotten. Unfortunately, it had not been enough to end Damien’s marriage and return Eve to his arms.

Regardless of his uncle’s faults, Dane was level-headed enough to know that this woman was underhanded and conniving. She was a snake in the grass, and she had seen fit to slither into his life. “Dane Thompson.” She greeted him back with a seductive smile.

“To what do I owe this surprise?” He asked knowing better than to dance around the point with her.

“I was in New York and thought I might drop in and make some new friends. I understand you have some sway with Paradise Records.”

So that was it. She thought that she could convince him to talk his father into signing her to his label. After her stunt with the tabloids, Damien had paid a small fortune to buy out Blue Moon Records; the label Maceech had initially been signed too. After which he dropped her contract and saw to it that she was blackballed from all the most prominent recording labels leaving her career in shambles. She had managed to scrape by the last few years, but without a real label backing her Maceech’s career was pretty much dead.

“You hear wrong. My father does not take business advice from me.” Dane assured her heading for the driver’s door.

Maceech grabbed his hand and stopped him from opening the door. “Come on you’ve heard my work you know I’m good. My career was red hot until…”

“… You screwed the wrong man.” He finished for her. She scowled knowing he was right. “Even if I had sway, my father would never go against my uncle and sign you. He would lose his contract with Chase Recordings, and that would be bad business.” Dane pulled his hand away and opened the door. “Sorry sugar, I can’t help you.”

He moved to get inside, and Maceech grabbed his arm once more. “Oh, come on now. Don’t rush off. Just because your father and I can’t do business does not mean that you and I can’t be friends.” She purred pressing her breast against his arm. Maceech placed a hard, demanding kiss on his lips during a response from him. She smelled sweet, and her lips tasted of smooth Jamaican rum.

She was tempting, but he was not a fool. After what she did to his uncle he did not trust this woman. She was only after his contacts. “I’m sorry darling, but with friends like you I would constantly be checking for a knife in my back.” He got in the car and shut the door. Dane slipped the key in the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot. Maceech was smoking hot but playing with her would get a man burnt. He would stick with Nadia.

***

Nadia had been in bed for two hours watching the clock on the nightstand tick away. She had tried to sleep but she could not. She heard the door to her room open, and her heart began to beat faster. Dane was home, and as promised he had come to wake her. She smiled closing her eyes pretending to be asleep.

She heard his footsteps cross the floor and felt the bed dip under his weight. Then she felt the length of his body layout behind her on the bed. Dane’s arm came around her waist, and his face nuzzled her neck. He simply held her in silence for a long time, holding her body against his. She wondered if he ever intended to wake her, albeit laying in his arms like this felt wonderful.

As they lay there together, a strange new perfume rose on the air. It was not hers; she didn’t wear perfume. A terrible sinking feeling washed over her. He would have had to have been awfully close to some woman in order for her perfume to rub off on him. Her fears realized, Dane had not spent the night without female companionship as she had hoped. A tear rolled down her cheek, and that was when Nadia knew Camille was right, she had been careless with her heart.

Dane stroked her hair and kissed her neck, an obvious attempt to wake her. Nadia resisted at first, and when his hand slid inside her nightgown and stroked her n*****s, she could not fight the shudder of pleasure she felt. “Wake up sweetheart.” He whispered nibbling on her ear.

Nadia tried hard to ignore him. Her feelings were hurt. “I’m sleeping.” She whispered back and tried to shoo him away. His hand slid lower between her legs and Nadia grabbed his hand pushing it away. “Go to bed Dane.” She said moving away from him. “I’m not in the mood.”

“Since when?” He asked sitting up.

“Go to bed.”

“Not until you tell me why you are sending me away. Earlier this evening you were begging me to come home with you and fool around. Now you are cold and frigid.” Dane snapped, annoyed she was rejecting him. He was not a man that took no for an answer without a fight.

Nadia sat up and glared at him. “Yeah, well that was before you came home smelling like a bar whore.”

He actually looked confused. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You smell like perfume.” She growled, furious that he had the audacity to continue this ruse. Did he think her simple-minded? “It isn’t mine.”

Dane still seemed surprised. “What on earth are you talking about? All I did was play poker.”

“You had to have done more than play card for her perfume to rub off on you.” She snapped. “Perhaps a little necking in the back seat.”

“My car doesn’t have a back seat.” He snapped. Then she saw it the moment of recollection in his eyes as he recalled the very moment that caused her perfume to cling to him. So, she had been right; there had been another woman tonight.

“I’m right, aren’t I, you were locking lips with another woman?”

His eyes drew together with annoyance. “I don’t have to explain myself to you.” Nadia opened her mouth to yell at him and snapped it shut. He was right. At no point had he ever promised her he would not see other women. At no time had she expressed that she wished him not to. Her feelings were hurt, but she had no right to be angry with him. Dane rose from the bed and started for the door.

Nadia threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. She chased him to the door and leapt in front of him preventing his escape from her room. Nadia held out her arms to stop him. “Dane, wait.”

“I’ve heard enough.”

“No please. I shouldn’t have gotten angry.” She apologized. “I just…” She couldn’t even finish. What could she say? Did she admit she was jealous? That she wanted him only to want her. To promise her fidelity and be a man of his word. How could she demand that now when she had already given him licence to do as he pleased? “I want to mean something to you.”

Dane looked awkwardly around the room surely trying to find another form of escape. She had broken the cardinal rule and become emotional. He was likely to discard her now, and she would not fault him. Dane raked his fingers through his hair and sat down in the chair at the desk. “Maceech Flacon was waiting for me at my car this evening after the poker game. Do you know who she is?” He asked.

Unfortunately, she did. Maceech Flacon was a Latino pop star. She had been very popular a few years ago and if memory served her right Miss. Flacon was very beautiful. “I know who she is. She was very popular for some time and then her career sort of died down.”

“Yeah, well it died down because my uncle got her label to dump her contract and then had her blackballed from the industry. Anybody that is anybody won’t work with her. She came on to me in the desperate hope that by getting into the sack with me, she could stand a chance at getting into business with my father. She threw herself at me, and I turned her down.” Dane explained. Nadia searched his face, trying to decide if he was telling her the truth. He seemed sincere, and it would explain why he smelled like her perfume. She felt stupid for getting upset and assuming the worst. “I told you once before. I’m a target for women. I get propositioned more times than I can count every bloody day. Some are just more aggressive than others, but I handle it.” He sighed his dark eyes fixed on her. “The one thing I can’t handle is jealous women. I have enough to do without refereeing cat fights.”

Nadia hung her head. Her fingers nervously fiddled with her nightgown. She didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry. I - I -”

Dane stood up and drew Nadia into his arms. His tender embrace put her at ease. He wasn’t going to discard her and treat her so tenderly. “I know, you want to mean something to me.” He repeated and stroked her hair. Dane looked down at Nadia and captured her chin between his thumb and forefinger he forced her to look up at him. “Don’t you see that you already do?” She looked at him questioningly. Nadia didn’t understand what he meant. Dane laughed clearly seeing she did not follow him. “Do you think I have a million mistresses? You are the first and only woman I have taken as my own since I was a teenager living at home with my parents.”

She smiled and hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry I got jealous.” She apologized. “It’s just that… It’s hard when…” She couldn’t even say it; she didn’t want to fight further.

“When I haven’t promised you fidelity?” Dane finished for her. She grinned, it was as if he could read her mind. “What if I offered you the fidelity you desire?” She was not sure she had heard him correctly. Nadia took a step back and stared at him trying to decide if he was joking. He looked utterly serious. “Do you need a minute?” Dane asked.

“Are you being serious?” Nadia asked searching his eyes.

“Yes,” Dane answered. “It makes sense. I was not pleased when I saw you with Damien, and you were not pleased when you thought I was making time with another woman. It would seem neither of us likes to share our toys.” He smiled drawing a grin from her. “So, since we both can’t share I suggest we don’t. Seems like a rational solution to our problem.”

“You mean just you and just me?”

“Yes, of course, we won’t make a big deal out of it. Our deal stays essentially the same only we promise to involve no one else until the time in which one of us calls it off. Seems fair to me.” She was confused, did this make them an exclusive couple? Or just exclusive lovers? And was there a difference? Did it still mean that they were keeping their affair quiet? “So, what do you say, no other man touches you, and I do my best to keep other women off me.”

Nadia smiled, she supposed it was the best she would get out of this man, and more then she thought she could have hoped for. “I will take it. Can you give up other women?” She teased.

Dane smirked. “It’s not like it’s forever.” His joke hurt a little but Nadia forced herself to smile, she was not going to ruin this moment. Dane took her hand and led Nadia back to the bed. “Why don’t we seal the deal?” Nadia reached for the straps of her nightgown and pushing them down her arms she let it fall to the floor. Dane smiled as he lounged back on her bed. “Now there’s my girl.”

***

Nadia slept soundly at his side, and Dane stared up at the ceiling. Fidelity, had he promised this woman exclusivity? Yes, he had, but not permanence. Only why had he offered her anything? Because she was upset? Because she was jealous? He had dealt with hundreds of jealous women, and the easiest thing to do was to find a new woman. So why hadn’t he? He rolled over and stroked her hair.

Because she meant something to him.

He couldn’t explain it but somehow, somewhere along the way she had snuck under his defences. It worried him. Could his friend's playful ribbing had been right? Could he be falling for this girl? He believed in love, after all, he had seen it happen. Was it possible he could be falling in love? After all, he had never offered any other woman the things he had offered Nadia. Never cared about the way another woman felt.

Was she his other half? He groaned inwardly, what was he to do? Nadia might not like the idea of another woman being with him, but jealousy was a far cry from any real feelings. After all, she had been through she wasn’t ready for any real relationship. How could he possibly convince her to trust him enough? To trust her feelings?

Maybe he needed to talk to someone who understood women better than himself. He’d pay his father a visit in the morning.