Special Smashwords Edition
The Unwilling Mistress
by
Marie Kelly
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.
The Unwilling Mistress
Special Smashwords Edition
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Copyright © 2011 Marie Kelly. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.
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Marie Kelly
Other tittles
Blackmailed For The Billionaire’s Pleasure
Captured
Kidnapped The Wrong Sister
My Son
The Billionaire’s Vengeance Victim
Mia
The Wedding Deal
Chapter One
Mia Jones had listened carefully for the small clicks, as she had slowly turned the dial on the safe, the stethoscope in her ear picking up the small noises as she held her breath, completely focussed on hearing the subtle sounds. As the last number had clicked into place she had given a small happy smile hearing the tell tale sound of the mechanism opening. Pulling the torch from her mouth, she had flashed it inside the safe interior, quickly shuffling through the papers contained within it, pushing the rolls of money aside as she hunted. With a small groan she had put the last paper back inside, feeling the heavy sensation of disappointment at not finding what she had hoped would be contained within the small space.
Closing the safe once more Mia had moved back towards the door, her hand reaching for the handle to slip back out of the small shabby office freezing as she had heard the unmistakable sound of Jake Brown, gasping, and feeling the terror fill her, knowing that she was trapped in the small room. Mia had quickly flashed the torch around looking for somewhere to hide feeling as her heart had beaten so hard within her body, her legs feeling like jelly as the fear had gripped her. Seeing the large drapes she had turned quickly, hiding herself within the folds of the voluminous material and turning the torch off just in time as the door had burst open, the light filling the small space.
“I don’t damn well care” she had heard the voice of her employer, hearing the anger in his tone
“But Jakey.........” she had recognised the whiney voice of one of the girls who worked in the club. Theresa was one of Jakes girls, one of those closest to him, and therefore best stayed away from, and Mia had stood as motionless as possible, holding her breathe expecting to be discovered at any time
“No Theresa......your so called friend promised that he could get close to the guy........he failed..........and I want my money back”
She had heard as Theresa had moved closer to Jake, obviously using her charms as she had coo’d softly to him
“I’ll talk to him.........promise....”
Hearing again as he had made a small snort of annoyance, as she had sidled closer to him
“Come on Jakey...........come on back to my flat...........I can make you feel so much better” she had whined in her most sensual voice, making Mia feel sick at the innuendo, praying that Jake felt in the mood for what was on offer, relief flooding her as she had heard the unmistakable sound of the two kissing
“Come home with me” she had heard Theresa repeat as he had given a small laugh, and the sound of the two moving back to the door
“Fine.......you owe me that much bitch” he had said nastily
“But I still want my money back” as the light had once more been flicked off, the room filling with darkness once more, as the door had opened and closed the room again falling silent.
Mia had gripped the wall, her legs feeling so shaky as her stomach churned with how close to discovery she had come. Waiting for several minutes, she had again moved to the door, gently opening it a small crack and listening for any sounds, before silently slipping out of the office and moving quickly down the hallway.
Drake Trent had rang the doorbell of the exclusive flat, sighing softly as he allowed the events of the day to slowly drain away from him hearing as the door was opened by the most stunning brunette. Sophia had smiled warmly at him as she had moved backwards to allow him to enter, her arms moving around his neck as he had quickly stepped forward to pull her in against him, his foot kicking the door closed as he had pushed her up against the wall, his mouth finding hers. Groaning softly he had enjoyed the feel of her lovely body under his hands, as he had allowed his fingers to explore her, rubbing her hardened nipples the desire rising in him.
“God you are such a welcome site after the day I have had”
He had whispered against her ear, as she had purred softly, before pulling herself from his arms
“Darling...........are you planning on seducing me in the hall” she had laughed, her tone holding a hint of disapproval as he had laughed
“mmmmm now that does have some appeal” he had chuckled, as she had thrown him a small smile moving further into the flat
“Well let me get you a drink first, put some music on” she had breathed softly moving into the kitchen as he had moved into the luxurious living room. Pulling off his jacket and throwing it over one of the leather chairs he had selected a CD and heard as the soft music had filled the room, wandering around to her computer, his mind still full of many of the negotiations he had been working on that day. Frowning he wondered why when he had been looking forward to that night so much, he was still not able to put his work behind him, his eyes falling on the open letter by the machine, his eyes absently scanning the words. As he had read the contents, his body had stiffened disbelief filling him as he had lifted the letter reading the contents more thoroughly.
As Sophia had moved into the room, two drinks held in her small hand, she had stopped the smile on her lovely face dropping from her eyes and mouth. Carefully she had put down the drinks, quickly moving to try and retrieve the letter from his hands, a nervous laugh leaving her
“Ignore that darling............boring business” she had laughed nervously as he had moved it out of her reach
“Really” had been his only answer, his eyes now dark daggers of accusation
“Care to explain what kind of business”
Sophia had moved backwards, her hands wringing nervously in front of herself
“It is nothing Drake.............please just put it down”
He however was shaking his head with disbelief
“What was the one rule Sophia” his voice had bitten out
“Your connection with me was never to be used for your own gain”
Sophia had pouted softly, her eyes looking at him with hurt as she had tried to move against him so seductively
“It is nothing darling.............just one little thing.........it means nothing”.
She had managed to wrap her arms around his waist, her cheek rubbing gently against his as she had purred softly
“Let's go to bed Drake”
Her mouth gently kissing the corner of his
“Let’s talk about it tomorrow” she had said gently in her most seductive voice, her fingers sliding against him, surprised as he had pulled her hands from him standing away from her
“No............one rule”
He had repeated, his voice full of the anger he felt
“How many other deals have you been making Sophia?”
Moving to the chair as he had grabbed his jacket, angrily pulling it back on, as she had watched him in disbelief
“Wh....what are you doing” she had demanded, her lovely eyes cold seeing as he had moved from the room
“You knew the rules..............we are over” he had bit out hearing the intake of breathe from the woman behind him, as she had tried to catch up with him, her whole demeanour pleading
“Please Drake............it will never happen again” she had cried, her voice full of the panic in her face
“I promise”
He had stopped at that, looking down at the gorgeous woman before him, his eyes full of contempt
“I don’t think so.............you will understand if I find it hard to believe a damn word you say”
Turning around and pulling the door open again, hearing as she had began to cry behind him, her voice calling after him as he had strode with determination from the flat.
Once more back in his car Drake had sat silently for a few moments allowing the anger to slowly drain from him. With a sigh he had flexed his long back in the driving seat, feeling how his whole body had felt heavy with the tiredness which was slowly filling him.
He had planned on spending the night with Sophia who he had only met the previous month at a cocktail party, looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation. With a sigh, he realised that he had been so hard on her because he was already bored with her having found her not to be the person he originally thought her to be. Her initial veneer of sweetness and fun had quickly disappeared as she had felt that she was reeling him in closer and closer to her, letting him see the scheming ruthless side to her character, and while using his name to gain more work for herself violated his main rule with his mistresses, he had realised that it was an ideal opportunity to break off the relationship between them. With a small frown he wondered how the press would report yet another break up in such a short time knowing that he was fast gaining a reputation as a womaniser with a very short attention span for women
Being so tired, he had known that he should have booked himself into a suite in one of the many five star hotels which littered the capitol, perhaps even one of his own he had thought with a small smile, but he had wanted to get home for the week-end. The thought of relaxing, after the disappointment of the night, making him start his top of the range jaguar and head for home. However, after having only driven a short distance he could feel his eyes becoming heavy and Drake Trent was not a fool, he knew that he needed coffee and a break, so he had pulled into the car park of a small pretty pub smiling at the old “horse and hound” sign which hung over the unpretentious doorway of the old stone building
Standing stiffly at the entrance of the local pub, Drakes eyes had scanned the area as his tall 6.2 frame had made the door seem small. Dark haired and incredibly handsome with a long lean muscular body he was already turning heads from those in the area and moving further into the bar, which also claimed to be a bed and breakfast he had been surprised at just how homely the place looked.
While not exactly crowded, the place was fairly busy, with couples as well as some who appeared to be on their own. The atmosphere was friendly with people chatting happily to each other, and to other couples beside them. His spirits had lightened a little by the warmth of the place as he had moved over to the bar where one woman seemed to be doing all of the work.
Of medium height with long blonde hair pulled back to fall down her slender body she had moved over to greet him with a dazzling smile which he had admired absently. Her sparkling warm blue eyes had inexplicably brightened his mood a little as he had smiled back. A pretty girl in a pretty pub he had thought to himself looking around.
“Hi, what can I get for you” she had asked pleasantly, as he had placed his order before with another of those warm smiles she had moved away to get him the coffee he had asked for, before 2 minutes later placing it gently in front of him.
“Guess you’re driving” she had laughed at him making him smile back at her with a nod
“Well let me know if you need that freshened” she said flashing him another of her big smiles “better make sure you have plenty of caffeine in you”
Sitting at the bar he had watched the young women move over to serve another customer, her welcome to the newcomer just as friendly and warm, giving him the same smile. Drake had found himself admiring her more and more, although he had to admit she was not really his type. He liked brunettes not blondes, and definitely not married ones he thought spotting the wedding ring on her finger, yet there was something about that smile of hers that had his whole body on alert. Taking another sip of his coffee he had chastised himself Sophia was not even a distant memory and he was eyeing up other women....and a married ones at that.
As his mobile phone had rang he had frowned in annoyance seeing Sophia’s number appear, ignoring it and letting the voice mail pick up as he made a mental note to himself to bar her number as soon as he got home. As he had put the phone back in his pocket the woman had once again appeared before him
“Would you like a re-fill” she asked holding a pot of coffee in her hands, as he had smiled gently nodding his thanks.
“You manning the place yourself” he had asked her, his dark eyes looking at her with curiosity as she had nodded with a smile as she poured the liquid into his cup
“It’s not that bad really” she had said meeting his black eyes with her large blue ones,
“We have a good clientele here........mostly locals” she had finished with another warm grin, before having to move over to serve another customer.
As Drake had watched her absently, a small child had appeared in the bar, causing him to frown with annoyance
“Do you like my picture” the young boy had asked holding up a picture to the woman, who had laughed at him, bending down to talk quietly, while admiring his work. Others in the bar had also admired his picture, most seeming to know the child before she had taken him by the hand and led him out of the bar area and back through to another room. Drake had been annoyed at seeing such a small child, the reaction to his presence by the locals showing that he was often there making him even angrier as the boy could not have been more than seven, annoyed that anybody would bring their child into a bar especially so late at night, his frown widening as a middle aged man had entered the bar and had smiled gently at the woman
“Hi Sarah” he said softly “The usual please”
She had greeted him warmly
“Jim........it’s so good to see you, we’ve missed you” as she had taken a glass from the top shelf pouring him a whisky, chatting happily with him. As the man had put his hand in his pocket to find money, she had shooed him away, with some comment about not having to pay, of it being on the house. With a frown he had seen the man try to argue with her, before smiling with thanks and moving over to sit with friends, Drake finding himself angered with her lack of professionalism, scowling down into his coffee.
Sarah had continued to serve the customers who drifted in continuously waiting for a lull before once again moving back over to the handsome man who sat silently on the stool at the end of the bar. With another of her large smiles she had asked
“Are you travelling far” her soft voice gentle and warm.
To her surprise, as he had seemed so friendly earlier, he had given her a curt answer before ignoring her, frowning into his coffee.
“Are you OK” she had asked a look of concern in her eyes, as he had looked at her with annoyance in his
“I’m fine…I would just rather be left alone”
Sarah had blinked in surprise with a hurt expression in her eyes
“I..I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to intrude, you just seemed a little upset” she stuttered gently
Raising his eyes to look into hers he had said steely
“Perhaps you might be best spending time with your kid…although I really don’t thing that it is a place for a child….and does your boss know that you give away his drinks to your friends” he said loftily, annoyed at another woman who seemed to think that it was OK to break the rules.
He had seen the pained look in her eyes as she had silently turned and moved down to the other end of the bar, cleaning glasses as her eyes had purposefully not met his, a soft flush on her lovely cheeks.
With a sigh he had continued drinking his coffee, suddenly ashamed at the way he had turned on her, what business was it of his if she gave away the occasional drink, she had been nothing but friendly to him and he had lashed out at her. While he had had a bad day, he knew that he had been out of order turning on her, suddenly feeling ashamed at his behaviour.
Just as he had considered moving to apologise the door had burst open and a woman had rushed in, her smile as wide as the other woman’s as she had cheerfully greeted many of the customers who had returned her call
“Hi Mia”
Drake absently thinking what a lovely name, as she had flashed them a return smile before rushing over to the other woman
“Sarah, I am so sorry” she had cried as she had reached the woman behind the bar.
“Things got so mental…it took me forever to get away”.
Seeing her properly for the first time, Drake had frozen in amazement at the younger woman. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and he had found himself just staring at her. Long dark hair which was pulled back from her face and tied up in a bobble swung down her back and shoulders, swishing against her wonderful body. He had taken in her large blue eyes trimmed with long dark lashes and lips which gave the same wonderful smile as the other woman. Drake had found himself stunned by her, as she had rushed over to Sarah, stopping with a frown on her lovely face as she had noticed how upset she had looked.
“You Ok sis” she had asked, her voice suddenly full of concern, her hand gently touching her sisters shoulder.
Sarah had talked softly to her obviously telling the gorgeous brunette of his outburst Drake realised, as he took another mouthful of his coffee, with a sigh seeing how the two women had looked over at him. Two sets of large blue eyes watching him, one hurt and the other angry. As Sarah had moved her eyes quickly away, the younger woman had held his gaze, causing strange sensations to move through him, as it had been Drake who had felt the need to look away, not quite sure why, normally not one to back down from any situation, but feeling so strange at that point.
The younger woman had then said something he couldn’t hear, which had made the other woman laugh gently before moving into the room behind the bar to collect the small boy. He had watched as she had given her sister a hug, before leaving, purposefully not looking at the man who had berated her, as he had felt like a bigger heel knowing that he had been out of order in his attack on her, sighing angrily at himself as he had noticed that the younger woman had seemed to have taken over from her sister and was now laughing with the other customers as she poured drinks.
Drake Trent gave another small sigh before standing to leave, suddenly wishing he had kept quiet, knowing that there was no way the younger woman would give him the time of day now, never mind… with a frown he wondered what else he had expected, hoped for and leaving the small pub he had notched the whole experience as the cherry to the rest of his day, giving a wry smile. As he had reached his car he had heard a voice behind him shouting at him, stopping the tall man in his tracks
“Excuse me, could I have a word”
Turning around he had come face to face with the dark haired beauty from the bar, and with a smile his eyes had slid appreciatively over her
“Can I help you?”
He had noticed a contemptuous look enter her eyes as his had portrayed his obvious interest in her
“Who the hell do you think you are?”
She had asked, her hands balled on her hips in anger, her head cocked slightly to look up at him
Drake had looked at the woman before him in surprise, his expression changing quickly
“Excuse me” he asked in annoyance, as she had continued
“How dare you talk to my sister like that” she cried through clenched teeth
With a sigh he had looked down on her
“You think it is OK for her to bring her young child in here” he asked the woman before him, seeing as she had shaken her head
“No, this isn’t any place for a child”
She had said, seeing the triumphant look enter his eye, as she had continued, her voice dripping with disdain
“But that isn’t her child. She’s looking after him for his mum while she visits her husband in hospital, and for your information it was only because I was late that he was here at all. And as for giving away drinks, don’t suppose you noticed where she took that glass from did you.”
Drake looked at her blankly, as she had continued her large blue eyes flashing with anger
“Didn’t think so”.
When a customer buys us a drink we put a glass up on the top shelf so that we know how many drinks we were bought during the night for tips. If my sister wants to give one to a man who has been coming in here for years and years, and who has hit a rough patch losing his job, so that he can still meet up with his friends then who’s damn business is that but hers”
Drake had looked at her with surprise
“I didn’t know” he muttered gently, feeling uncomfortable
“No, but by God you were quick to judge” she said “Sitting there in your fancy business suite, looking down on her. Well you had no right to judge her because she is a much better person than you could ever be” she finished her small frame stiff with indignation, before turning away a look of complete contempt on her face to return to the bar
Drake Trent had suddenly felt very angry. He wasn’t sure who with, with himself for jumping down her sister’s throat or at the small spitting beauty shouting at him, and as she had walked away from him, he had moved forward catching her by the arm and swinging her around
“Your right”
He had said softly, seeing the surprise in her eyes as she had glared back at him
“I really shouldn’t have taken it out on your sister, or judged her, but then again you should be the one apologising. Seems to me that you are the one who caused all the problems tonight”
He angrily bit out, his tone low and hard, while his dark eyes held hers
“You knew that she was looking after a small child and you still arrived late, so before you get so self righteous lady perhaps you should make sure that you are whiter than white yourself next time”
Mia had shaken of his arm glaring at him before moving back into the bar her cold look portraying more than any words ever could.
Drake had watched as she had moved away from him, her long hair swishing against her body, which while stiff with indignation and anger moved gracefully never looking back as she had returned to the bar.
Reaching his estate Drake had poured himself a large whisky, his thoughts once more returning to the young woman in the bar. As he had driven home, memories of her had kept returning to him, exciting him as he had remembered the way her eyes had flashed so blue against the darkness of her black hair, her wonderful body so stiff and indignant as he had held her to return her anger. She was magnificent he realised his body knowing that he wanted to know her better. With a sigh he had also remembered the sweetness of her sister. He had turned on her and she had been guiltless of all his accusations and with a frown he realised that he owed her a huge apology making a mental note to fix that as soon as possible, before moving to his room and some much needed sleep.
As Mia had closed up the bar, her mind kept returning to the stranger from earlier. While she was angry at his outburst to her sister, she had not been able to stop herself from feeling a strange excitement as he had grabbed her, his large hand touching her skin. She had found her whole body shuddering with expectancy, and she had been confused. She had never seen such a handsome man, his black eyes so deep and impenetrable, his air so authorative, and his body so tall and lean with wide shoulders moving down to slim hips. Despite herself she had wondered what a man like that would feel like against her, giving herself a shake and smiling suddenly. He was obviously not from around these parts judging by the expensive suit he wore and the expensive car he had driven away in, the chances of seeing him again were slim to none. With an uncomfortable realisation, she had been glad, not understanding the way she had reacted to him, finding it unsettling. As she had wearily made her way back to her sisters house, she had felt tired, worn out from dancing and then taking over from her sister at the bar, so she could meet up with her lawyer, a family friend, to discuss her husband’s case. Mia had also frowned remembering how close she had come to being discovered in Jake’s office, shuddering at the implication of that for both herself and Sarah, knowing that she did not dare tell her sister what had happened.
As she entered the small flat, she had smelt the comforting aroma of newly filtered coffee and toast as her sister had moved from the living room to meet her, her smile warm.
“Thanks for taking over for me Mia” she had said softly “You must be exhausted”
Mia had given a small laugh
“Shattered, I’m sorry again Sarah about earlier. I had the chance to look through his office, and didn’t want to pass up the opportunity”
Her sister had looked at her with expectancy
“Forget about that Mia…Did you find anything” she had said her voice hopeful, her eyes shining with that hope.
However, as the younger woman had sighed shaking her head, her shoulders had slumped as she had moved back to sit on the large comfortable couch, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes
“I’m sorry Mia” she had said an attempt at a smile coming to her lovely face
Mia had sat down beside her
“What did Jan say” she had asked gently
Sarah had taken a moment to answer, her fingers entwining nervously together
“She told me that they are not prepared to do a re-trial without any new evidence”
For a second her voice had faltered
“God Mia, he shouldn’t be there” she cried softly before breaking down against her younger sister, who held her close, comforting her
“We’ll find the proof, Sarah” she had said with determination “I know it has to be somewhere. He must be keeping it at his house. There is no way that he would destroy that letter, not when he can use it to blackmail that bastard” she had said with bitterness in her voice.
“I’ve searched everywhere else. I just need to find some way to get into his house”
Sarah had nodded softly
“Thank you Mia” she said so gently “I don’t know how to thank you for everything you are doing for us…. But don’t put yourself in any danger” she continued, her eyes looking at Mia pleadingly.
Mia had sighed, standing up and stretching sleepily; glad she had chosen to say nothing of what had happened earlier
“How is Jan’s husband” she had asked, changing the subject
“He’s fine, they hope to have him out in a week” Sarah had replied
“That man in the bar was really annoyed that Josh was there” she said thoughtfully, smiling as Mia had made a small contemptuous noise
“Men like that should keep their mouths shut” she bit out “Think themselves better than everybody else…to him woman are only there for one thing”
Sarah had looked at her reproachfully
“How do you know that Mia” she asked “He looked really tired, perhaps he had just had a really had a bad day” she sighed
“You are far too forgiving” her sister had smiled softly “and besides I see men like that every day at the club…. Believe me they are only interested in women for one thing”
Sarah had laughed gently
“He was pretty good looking though” she had giggled, as her sister had looked at her in mock shock
“Now Sarah should married women be looking at other men like that” she laughed, laughing more as her sister had given her a wicked look
“I’m married not dead” she had grinned.
Chapter Two
That night as she sat brushing out her hair, Mia Jones had looked at herself in the mirror. At 23, she had a look in her eyes which defied her youth. Mia had always been aware of the way men looked at her, not really seeing how her large sapphire blue eyes were framed against her black hair, to such stunning effect. She had never used her looks as a way of getting ahead, although she had certainly had many opportunities, preferring to use her brains instead, studying in Scotland for a law degree and performing well, first in her class. She remembered how she had already been offered a prestigious placement in one of the top legal offices in the country and how she had had to turn it down as things had gone so badly for her sister. With a course of anger running through her she had remembered how the phone had rang one evening, as her sister had cried that they had arrested her husband, Adam for embezzling nearly half a million pounds from the company he worked for.
She had soon found out that he had been told to give the money and a note to a man named Jake Black by his employer, the man keeping both. At the time he had not questioned the action, but two weeks later when the money had been missed his employer had accused him of stealing it, and when it had gone to court the jury had not believed his story.
With a set line to her mouth she had bitterly thought why they would believe him, Adam’s employer was an MP with many years experience, and a known charity worker. However, in the time she had worked at the club she had found out that he was also a womaniser and a man who was not averse to siphoning off some of that money from the charities for himself. In reality it was his wife with all the money and Mia had known that he would not have wanted her to find out how he really spent his evenings, when she thought him to be at open surgeries. She had overheard enough in the past month to put together the chain of events, realising that the man had become a target for Jakes blackmail as he had kept the half a million pounds, but also with the letter a handy pawn for when he needed favours from high up. Mia had known that to prove her brother in laws innocence she had to find that letter.
As Sarah, had gone to pieces, it had been Mia who had put together a plan to get that proof, giving her sister hope to go on which she so badly needed. She had contacted her friend, Nancy, who had taught women how to use pole dancing to keep fit, and she had agreed to coach Mia on how to perform in public, before she had auditioned for a dancer’s job in Jake Blacks dance club. She had easily passed the audition, her stunning looks and magnificent body assuring her of the job. While she had performed on stage, Mia had drawn the line at personal dances, refusing to do lap dances for the many men who would often drunkenly pay to have the woman perform so close to them, many trying to grope the women who would have to avoid their busy hands. This was one part of the job that even Mia could not stomach, and she had refused the extra money which she was offered to carry out this role.
For one month now, she had worked at the club, gleaning useful snippets of information, which she had documented carefully as she gathered evidence to help Adam. However, she still needed to find that letter, and she had sighed, her perfect brow furrowing as to how to get herself into his house, without Jake Black getting her into his bed, a role he seemed keen for her to play. With a small shudder, she had thought how she would never stoop that low, before with a tired sigh she had moved over to her bed, determined to think about it tomorrow as tiredness had overcome her.
The next day Mia had returned home to find her sister smiling, a smug look on her face. Looking at her suspiciously she had asked what was wrong
“Oh nothing” Sarah had grinned as she had moved into the living room. As she had followed her, Mia had spotted two of the largest bouquets of flowers she had ever seen.
“Where did they come from… who are they for” she had asked in stunned surprise
Sarah had passed a small envelope to her as she had read hers aloud
“To Sarah. I hope you will forgive my rude behaviour yesterday I am truly sorry for the way I behaved to you yesterday. Drake Trent”
She had looked up with a smile
“See I told you he wasn’t so bad” she smiled looking happily at the flowers.
Mia had frowned as she opened her envelope
“To Mia. Thanks for putting me straight. I feel terrible for the way I behaved to both your sister and yourself. Perhaps you and I could go out for dinner so I can show you how sorry I am. Please call me on” and she had read the number, which appeared to be a mobile.
Throwing it to the side she had given a derisory laugh
“Wow, isn’t he smooth” she said as her sister had read the note
“mmmm, looks like somebody has an admirer” she had said with a glint in her eye
“You going to call him”
Mia had looked disbelievingly at her sister
“No.. what kind of apology was that.. if he should be taking anybody out to apologise then it should be you” she said firmly
Sarah had lifted her finger moving the band of gold with her thumb
“erm…married” she said as her sister had looked at her with patience
“Exactly… there is only one thing he wants to do… and it has nothing to do with being sorry for the way he acted” she said
Sarah had looked at her sister with concern
“You know since you started that job..and Ben… you seem to be very down on men” she said with concern “There are some really nice ones out there” she had added gently
Mia had looked at her apologetically with a little sadness in her eyes and sighed “I’m sorry Sarah… it’s just that place shows off just how bad men can get.. once we find that letter and I quit I’ll be fine” she said with a soft look into her sister’s eyes. “Promise, but now I am tired and I have to sleep” she yawned kissing her sisters cheek goodnight
For two days, Drake Trent had waited for her phone call. He had picked up the phone on many occasions to call, dropping it each time. Since meeting her he had not been able to forget the way her eyes had flashed at him, but he was not used to chasing women. As owner of a chain of hotels across both Britain and the states, he was a very wealthy man, and at only 32 he was also young and women had flocked to him not only for his social status, but the fact that he was charming, handsome and charismatic.
On the third day he had finally placed the call to the pub he had visited. Sarah had answered, thanking him for the flowers, as he had once more apologised for the way he had talked to her. She had laughed, brushing off the incident with a sweetness which he had found touching.
“Could I speak to Mia” he had eventually asked, hearing the other woman laugh gently
“My sister doesn’t actually work here Mr Trent” she had said smiling as he had insisted that she call him Drake
“Do you have a number I could reach her” he had continued, noting the way she had paused. With a small laugh in his voice he had added
“I could lie to you Sarah, but the truth is I really want to ask your sister out for dinner”
Sarah had giggled at his honesty, before seeming to come to a decision and giving the man her mobile number. She had ended the call with the ominous words
“Good luck Drake…you’ll need it”
His interest piqued he had dialled the number
As she had picked up, he had felt a strange sensation run through him at the way her soft voice sounded in his ear, so unexpected and pleasant
“Mia” he asked, as she had paused before asking who was calling. When he had given his name, he could hear the coldness creep into her voice
“How can I help you Mr Trent” she had asked briskly “I’m at my work right now so if you could make this quick”
Drake Trent had frowned; he didn’t like her tone, or the way she was trying to brush him off. However, remembering her blue eyes and wonderful body he had held back his quick retort.
“Please call me Drake” he started, hearing her sigh with annoyance
“I just wondered if you had received my flowers” he had asked, not believing the tacky line, but suddenly feeling almost tongue tied.
“Yes” she had replied “That was very nice, I know my sister appreciated them” she said, her voice bored
“I had hoped that you might call me” he said in as soft a voice as he could manage
“Why would you think that Mr Trent” she had questioned, deliberately ignoring his request to call him by his first name “I had no desire to go out for dinner with you
He had suddenly felt a surge of anger towards the young woman
“And why not” he asked a little cooler now
“Because Mr Trent, I am not the one you needed to apologise to, making me think that perhaps dinner was not what was on your mind”
He had laughed softly at the way she had correctly read the situation
“And what is wrong with that Mia” he replied softly
“I have no interest in men like you Mr Trent” she had replied coldly
“Now that is hardly fair” he had replied “How do you know what I’m like unless you give me a chance and take me up on my offer of dinner” he threw back at her in his most charming tone.
Mia had gone silent for a few seconds before she had finally said
“OK, Mr Trent, I’ll give you a chance… I will go out to dinner with you if you can tell me what my last name is”
Drake sat completely speechless. Shocked to realise that he had no idea of her surname, he had never thought to even ask her sister, only interested in getting the young woman alone.
“I didn’t think so” he heard her say from the other end of the phone, her voice dripping with disdain.
“Goodbye Mr Trent” she said before ending the call.
Drake had sat totally stunned, before his lips had curled into a genuine laugh. She had totally caught him, for the first time in his life a woman had gotten the upper hand of him, and he felt himself wanting her even more than he had ever thought he could want a woman. Suddenly he realised that he needed to know all about her, not just how she would feel in bed. Lifting the phone he had called his investigator, her image burning brightly in his head, as his pulse had raced at the mere thought of her.
The following day he had sat reading the small dossier which had been handed to him earlier, once again frowning at the contents. Mia Jones, 23 and her sister Sarah Craig, 27, where they lived and where they worked. He had been stunned to read where Mia worked, discovering her to be an exotic dancer in a night club, which he was very familiar with. He had frowned when he had discovered who she worked for, recognising the man’s name and knowing what an unpleasant character he was.
With a scowl he had thrown the dossier onto the table in annoyance, a pole dancer, now there was trouble he thought to himself and certainly not the kind of trouble he needed. He had been surprised when he had read the dossier realising that Mia Jones was a total bundle of contradictions to him, as her whole attitude did not yell out dancer, as she seemed smart and street wise. With a sigh he had decided that there were some things which should be left well alone, before looking down he had picked up the photo which had spilled out. Mia looked back at him, with that wonderful smile on her face, her hair pulled back over her shoulders as she waved to somebody out of range of the camera. He had looked over her face, with such piercing intelligent blue eyes and down her wonderful figure, groaning slightly at the way his body had reacted to just seeing a picture of her.
Sitting still for several minutes Drake Trent had thought about her, before barking orders to his secretary through the intercom, knowing that he would not be content until he knew her a whole lot better.
That night as Mia sat preparing for her set, she had laughed with the other dancers. When she had initially started working at the club, she had been nervous, unsure as to what kind of people would earn a living dancing for men, allowing themselves to be fawned over and drooled over, to be used to fuel men’s fantasy’s, but she had felt ashamed of her presumptions when she had actually gotten to know the other girls. Many had no qualifications and had taken up dancing as the last resort to keep a roof over their heads. Some of the girls also had children, and very quickly she had come to look on most of them as her friends, each looking out for the other.
There were however, a few who she kept away from, those girls who were closest to Jake Black, and who she knew he used for other purposes.
As she had completed her make-up Nina Clark, a good friend of hers, had walked up carrying a large spray of flowers
“Very nice” she had said admiringly
“These just got delivered for you”
Her eyes had sparkled
“Now somebody has class” she had laughed admiring the flowers
Mia had grimaced as she had searched for the card. As she read it she had gasped in shock, seeing that it was addressed to Mia Jones. Inside the message read
“How about for initiative DT”
She had felt her lips twitch as she had held back the laugh from leaving her mouth, her eyes twinkling.
“Who are they from” she was asked, as she had looked back at the others
“Oh, just some guy who wont’ take no for an answer” she said softly, her eyes looking at the flowers thoughtfully. Maybe Drake Trent was different she thought gently to herself as she allowed the smile in her eyes to move down to her lovely lips.
Seeing her expression the others had mocked her
“Looks like you don’t want him to stop” they had laughed as she had thrown a balled up tissue at one of them laughing herself. At that point, her phone had rang and she had once more heard his deep voice, once more feeling the inexplicable prick of awareness at the sound of him
“I hope that I am talking to Mia Jones” she heard him say, as her lips had twitched gently once again
“Very good Mr Trent” she had replied, her tone a little less cold than it had been the previous night
“I was hoping that you might give me a chance, if I showed a little initiative” she heard him laugh gently
For a second Mia had hesitated, finding herself frowning gently, swithering slightly
As though sensing her hesitance he had swooped in
“How about if I pass it through your sister, and promise to have you home before midnight” he had said, hearing for the first time the sound of her laughter
“Please Mia, everybody has to eat” he had said softly, as with a small sigh she had caved in, telling him to pick her up the following night at 7 at her sisters house.
As he had finished the call, Drake Trent had breathed out gently. Feeling himself smiling happily, not really understanding why.
The following day, he had arrived at her sister’s house slightly early, smiling warmly at Sarah, who had opened the door to him
“Hi Drake” she had welcomed him, her large smile filling her lovely face
“Mia will be out soon” she said, before adding “I hear that you will have her home before midnight” a soft giggle escaping her mouth, as he had nodded back at her.
Drake had taken an instant liking to Sarah, who had gone out of her way to make him feel comfortable, realising suddenly that he ,Drake Trent, was actually feeling nervous over a woman. After several minutes he had heard the door open and looking up he had watched Mia move into the room, looking at her with appreciation. She wore her hair up, piled on top of her head to effectively show off her lovely long neck, dressed in a silk shirt and skirt which sat above her knee, clinging to her wonderful body and once more he had been stunned at how beautiful she was. Aware of Sarah clearing her throat pointedly at him as he had realised that he was actually staring at her, as she had looked back at him with a small frown on her face
“I didn’t know what you had planned” she said “Will this be OK”
Drake had nodded, finding himself still speechless, before giving himself a shake not understanding what the hell was going on. How could a woman he hardly knew have such an effect on him, when he dealt with some of the most powerful decision makers in the world on a daily basis, his reputation as a straight talker and ruthless negotiator legendary.
“You look great” he had finally managed standing to join her. From her seat Sarah had watched the two, thinking how well they looked together, and as they had left the flat she had winked at him mouthing the words “good luck” as he had smiled back at her winking back.
As they had sat in his car Mia had looked over at him, seeing how handsome he looked, as he sat in the driving seat looking so much in control of the powerful car,
“So where are we going” she asked softly, seeing how he had smiled
“Well I thought I would start slowly, with dinner, and perhaps dancing, making sure that I got you home in plenty of time before your curfew” he grinned as she had laughed softly back
“Sounds like a plan” she said approvingly making him throw her a dazzling smile, which had the blood boiling disconcertingly in Mia’s body, as she had looked away frowning and chastising herself.
The restaurant he had chosen turned out to be more of a club, with a live band playing throughout, enabling the many patrons the opportunity to take to the dance floor while waiting for their meal. Mia had noticed how they had not had to join the many who had stood in line waiting hopefully for seats, but were instead escorted personally to their table by the owner, who seemed to know Drake personally.
Mia had wondered how many times Drake Trent brought women to the club to make him such a VIP, seeing how many of the women had openly stared at him with admiration, not seeing how the men had done the same to her.
“Wow....do you get regular customer privileges” she had said flippantly seeing as they were seated in the best table in the house. She had seen as Drake’s lips had twitched as he had laughed back
“Actually this is my first time here” he had smiled
“I only recently met the owner, we met on a flight over to America recently........he said I should drop by sometime”
Mia had felt petty at her sarcasm, quickly picking up the menu to look at the food. With a gasp she had seen the prices, before looking up at him deciding to herself that he could afford it, but finding herself looking for the cheapest thing any way.
As though sensing her hesitance he had gently recommended the speciality of the house, also the most expensive she had noticed, as with a sigh she had smiled at him agreeing to his suggestion.
Having placed their order, he had led her to the dance floor, for the first time taking her into his arms.
Mia had felt a strange pleasurable sensation pass through her, as she felt his hand hold her loosely to him, the firm warmth against her back causing shivers to move through her spine, as they swayed together on the dance floor. He had laughed against her ear, while talking to her and she had laughed back finding his conversation more than just pleasurable. As he had led her back to the table, seeing their meal appear he had asked if she was enjoying herself
With a small chuckle she had nodded gently, the realisation hitting her that she really was. Peeking over at him she had smiled
“The ideal first date venue” she replied with a mocking look in her eyes. Drake had looked back at her in surprise
“Ideal?” he had asked questioningly
“mmm gives you the chance to get up real close and personal while not be expected to have any really meaningful conversation” she had replied with a glint in her eye which had made him smile, before looking at her his eyes full of a strange warmth
“First dates can be very….awkward” he had laughed, amazed at the way she had so quickly interpreted the situation
“For both parties” she had added with a small smile, before starting to eat her meal. Mia had found the food delicious, and had sipped the wine which he had ordered slowly, savouring the obviously expensive drink.
Through the meal they had chatted happily to each other about a variety of subjects. Drake was impressed with her wide breath of knowledge from current events to the arts, along with her quick wit which had him laughing often. Mia too had been impressed with him. She had found him to be neither arrogant nor pushy, as he had joked with her and listened attentively to all she said. Neither had asked any really personal questions, and as their meal had finished she had looked deeply into his eyes, his stomach suddenly flipping for no real reason
“Can I ask you something” she said her voice suddenly serious
He had nodded “of course”
“How did you know where I worked?”
Drake had smiled back, “I used my initiative” he chuckled, not wanting to tell her that he had sent an investigator to find out about her, suddenly not sure how she would react
Still looking closely at him she had bit her lip gently as he had seen the small shadow in her eyes
“Doesn’t it bother you what I do” she asked her eyes keenly waiting for the answer
Drake had looked at her in surprise. How did he tell her how much her job bothered him without insulting her. As the meal had progressed he had wondered often why somebody like Mia Jones was dancing on a pole for a living. She wasn’t just jaw droppingly beautiful, but also incredibly smart, far smarter than any other women he had dated, and he had found himself wondering about her
“I find that question hard to answer Mia” he had said softly his eyes holding hers steadily “If I say yes, then I come over as a judgemental male chauvinist and if I say no, then you’ll only think I’m after you for one thing”. He watched as her lips had curled into a soft smile
“Good answer Drake” she said, her eyes twinkling mischiviously. However, he had continued looking at her with searching eyes and a small frown on his brow
“Since you asked, let me ask you, why do you work there?” he asked “You just strike me as somebody who would rather use her brain than….” He had stopped there looking warily at her
Mia however, was looking back at him with a strange expression on her face.
“I have my reasons” she had finally said softly, before adding “but don’t assume that just because a girl dances in a club that she doesn’t have brains to”
Drake had given a short laugh
“Told you… no right answer…. That is kind of like answering the question do I look fat in this dress”
Mia had laughed, the sound so pleasant to his ears, as he had once more risen to lead her to the dance floor and for the rest of the evening, they had enjoyed each others company. Mia had realised how much fun she was having and looking over at Drake, she wondered if perhaps she had misjudged him.
At 11 o’clock, they had left the club with him joking that he had to get her home before the clock struck 12, not wanting an angry sister on his back
Mia had giggled peeking a look at him as she had again admired his wonderful body and handsome features. As they drove home she had wondered what it would be like to feel herself against him, flushing at this thought, realising that it was the first time she had looked at a man that way since Ben. With a small sad frown she had turned away pushing the memories down.
At the door to Sarah’s flat Mia had turned to look at Drake
“I had a lovely time” she said softly, her eyes almost shy as she had smiled up at him
He had nodded in agreement, his eyes dancing
“Does this mean that you’ll do it again” he asked with a grin
Mia had smiled shyly once more
“We could do that” her voice so soft
As he had smiled gently, he had stepped closer to her, his hands moving to gently hold the top of her arms as his eyes had looked down at her lips,
“I had the most wonderful time tonight Mia Jones” he had whispered softly his eyes half closing as his head had moved forward to kiss her.
Mia, had watched, a strange desire to feel his mouth on hers filling her, before at the last second she had turned to force him to kiss her cheek, confused as to why she was so nervous at the thought of his touch, although feeling as even this had caused sensations to jolt through her body. As he had straightened up, he had not mentioned her turning away, but had looked gently into her eyes