Joanna's Challenge

JOANNA’S CHALLENGE An Ellora’s Cave Publication, February 2005 Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. 1337 Commerce Drive, #13 Stow, OH 44224 ISBN MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-4199-0145-1 Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned): Adobe (PDF), Rocketbook (RB), Mobipocket (PRC) & HTML JOANNA’S CHALLENGE © 2005 AQ FREDRICHS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. They are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously. Edited by Sue-Ellen Gower. Cover art by Syneca.

Warning: The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. Joanna’s Challenge has been rated E–rotic by a minimum of three independent reviewers. Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as “fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles, stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

JOANNA’S CHALLENGE AQ Fredrichs

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Blue Man Group: Blue Man Productions, Inc. Champps: Champps Entertaiment, Inc Drakkar: Parfums Guy Laroche Lloyd’s of London: Corporation of Lloyd’s Lycra: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Mack: Mack Trucks, Inc. Malano Collection: Milano, Inc. Nordstrom’s: Nordstrom, Inc. Oval Room: The May Department Stores Company Ralph Lauren: PRL USA Holdings, Inc. Salvation Army: The Salvation Army National Corporation Speedo: Speedo Holdings, B.V. Corporation Terry Redlin: Redlin Family Limited Partnership Tina & Tony’s Wedding: A Large Cat, LLC Vera Wang: V.E.W. Ltd

Joanna’s Challenge

Prologue Pregnant. The word still had the power to make her tremble. How had she deluded herself into believing that she wouldn’t get pregnant? A few birth control pills missed here or there during Sylvia’s fatal battle with cancer had not seemed significant at the time but now those tiny oversights seemed of paramount importance. Had she subconsciously sabotaged herself in order to give Lucas what he wanted? Did how or why really matter while she felt so resentful and alone? If it didn’t hurt so much, Joanna might have laughed over the irony of the situation—Lucas wanted a baby. She was pregnant. Lucas wouldn’t talk to her because she refused to get pregnant and she couldn’t tell him about her pregnancy because he refused to talk to her. It was a living nightmare filled with emotional stress intensified by the hormonal changes of her body. She went from crying fits to bouts of laughter at the slightest provocation. Even after obsessively rehashing every minute detail of their last bitter fight, she still didn’t understand how everything had gotten so messed up so quickly. She’d honestly believed Sylvia’s illness had brought them closer together and that their marriage was reaching a new plateau… “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Joanna demanded, after he knocked the tiny pill from her hand. “Damn it, Joanna. Hasn’t my mother’s death taught you anything? Life is too precious to let it slip away. I want us to start a family.” “You’ve got to be kidding,” Joanna shot back incredulously. “You honestly want to have this conversation now.” “Why not now?” “Well, for starters, how about you’re leaving for Hong Kong within the hour?” “I want to be a father. I want an heir to pass my legacy on to. I want—” “You want! What about what I want? How about a husband who’s here to share the experience with me? You’re simply never here.” “Come to Hong Kong with me. We can—” “We’ve already talked about this. I’m not willing to give up my career yet.” “How much longer? Another year, five, or maybe you were thinking ten. It’s not like you have to work.” “Ya think?” she spat. “I do,” Lucas stated reasonably, ignoring her angry sarcasm. “My mother stayed home to raise Chloe and me. “ 5

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“I’m not Sylvia. I love what I do and I’ve worked too hard to throw it all away. You knew how I felt about my career before we got married,” Joanna accused as she fought to dampen her rising temper. “I can’t believe we’re having this discussion again after what we’ve just been through.” “My mother’s dead but we’re alive. I want an heir before I’m old enough to be its grandfather.” “Then stay home. Work in Minneapolis or, better yet, you stay home with the baby.” “You know I can’t do that.” “You mean you won’t… No, the answer’s no. You’re asking for too much without giving anything up yourself. I’m not ready.” “Bullshit. I’m starting to think that you’ll never be ready. That you never had any intention of getting pregnant. You knew I wanted children.” “Yes, eventually, after our crazy schedules settled down and you stayed home for more than three or four days at a time. You’re always flying off to Timbuktu or somewhere else at the drop of a hat and, for all intents and purposes, you’re living in Hong Kong. I want—” “It’s only for two more years.” “I want more time together before we have children. I—we can’t do that unless you’re here. You’ve been home more during your mother’s illness than you have any other time in our relationship.” “That’s not true.” “Please,” Joanna pleaded as her hand reached out to ease the intimidating line of his grim mouth. “Is waiting a little longer until we’re both ready that unreasonable? We only buried your mother yesterday and you’re already flying back to Hong Kong. Can’t you stay home with me a little longer? I need you, too, Lucas.” Lucas jerked away from her touch. Picking up his travel bags, he walked to the door and then turned back to inflict one final angry taunt. “Tell me when you’re ready to become a real woman and my wife. Until then I don’t think there’s anything else to say.” She should have chased him down and cut off his balls after he said that but, at the time, she had been too shocked and hurt by his well-aimed barb. Now all she received from him was cold, unrelenting silence. He wouldn’t respond to any of her voicemails, her e-mails were deleted without opening and his cell phone was disconnected. She understood his ultimatum, loud and clear—have my child or it’s over. What if it was already too late and her pregnancy didn’t make one iota of difference? For that matter, what if it did? Did she really want a man who would cut her off if he didn’t get his own way? And what if Gloria’s innuendos were true? What if Gloria, the gorgeous, sexy siren with the perfect porcelain skin, beautiful wavy red hair, killer figure and that sexy, sensuous way of moving that had men drooling, was having an affair with her husband? Joanna’s instant dislike for Lucas’ executive assistant had turned to intense loathing after watching Gloria fawn all over Lucas the two times she’d visited his office in Hong

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Kong. Gloria wanted him for herself and seemed to take great pleasure in making sure Joanna knew it. At first she’d ignored Gloria’s little innuendos, refusing to believe that Lucas would stray. But his continued silence combined with Gloria’s smug, oh-so-satisfied attitude turned that small, insidious seed of jealousy and insecurity into a full-blown, raging obsession. Each time Gloria told her that Lucas was in a meeting and couldn’t be disturbed, or used some other ready excuse as to why he wasn’t available, it got just that much worse, until finally Joanna wanted to reach through the phone and backhand the bitch… So here she was, in Hong Kong, pacing the elevator floor like a caged beast about to be thrown to the gladiators, regretting her promise to Claudia to fly out and talk to him. Her palms grew sweaty and her tension increased with each passing floor, until finally the elevator bell rang to announce her arrival. Claudia’s faith in Lucas might be misplaced but she was right about one thing—it was time to find out the truth instead of letting her imagination run wild. She had let it drag on too long as it was, allowing her own fears and insecurities to dictate her actions. Oh God, this is it. Nervousness attacked her on all fronts as her mind imagined the scene about to unfold for the hundredth time. Joanna took a deep breath and held it, trying to calm her tattered nerves. The elevator doors opened in slow motion. Her gaze darted around the room, looking for some sign of his presence. He’s not here. The breath she’d been holding escaped in a rush. She’d been given a momentary reprieve. All of the aches and pains from her overnight flight rushed forward, demanding attention. She was exhausted. The trip had been a nightmare. Every bump in the air had her stomach rolling and just looking at the food made her want to retch. None of that mattered because she was here now and she needed to get this over with. With that determination in mind, Joanna dragged her luggage across the room, intent on freshening up before tracking him down. The bedroom door stopped her. Maybe she should choose another room. It almost didn’t seem right to use his bathroom to freshen up when she didn’t know where they stood. A small sob escaped, causing her to lean her head against the doorjamb. Suddenly, the thought of sliding down the door and crying her eyes out on the floor held great appeal. Maybe a shower would make her feel better. A long, hot, steamy shower to wipe the grime and sweat from her travel-weary body and clear her head. I’m going to be sick. Her head moved back and forth in a negative motion while her hand covered her mouth to stifle her need to throw up after opening the bedroom door. In her heart of hearts she had desperately wanted to be wrong, hoping against hope that it was her pregnancy making her feel so out of control. But the rumpled bed with its sticky sperm-

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covered sheets and the pungent smell of sex confirmed his guilt. Reluctantly she stepped further into the room. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the little absentee wifey here to stake her claim.” Gloria waited until Joanna turned to face her before continuing, “I suppose I should thank you for staying away so long.” “What the hell are you doing here?” Joanna gritted out. “Why, darling, I think that’s rather obvious.” “Where is he?” “Where is who?” “That two-timing bastard.” Gloria’s triumphant grin was maddening. She gave a short, mocking laugh before answering. “Why, you’ve only just missed him, darling. He flew out to Tokyo this morning. If you want, I’d be happy to ring him for you at his hotel when he gets in.” “You bitch.” “Thank you for noticing. I know Lucas certainly appreciates my, umm, claws.” “Get out. Pick up your things and get the fuck out!” Joanna demanded as her throat constricted with pain. “Did you really think a man of Lucas’ appetites could be satisfied by you? Why, that man is insatiable. You know, sweetie, I wouldn’t want you to feel put, out so how about a little threesome together when Lucas returns?” Gloria cooed, allowing the plush hotel robe to slither to the floor before strutting across the room to retrieve her beaded evening gown. Her hand shamelessly swept over her naked charms before plucking at a nipple as she stretched languorously. A look of lust marred her beautiful face. “Maybe you’d like to start without him. You are, after all, a very attractive woman and, from what Lucas says, an adventurous one,” Gloria purred, licking her lips seductively. “I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.” Is she out of her fucking mind? Joanna’s body stiffened into ramrod straightness while her lips curled into a snarl. It took every ounce of will power she had to keep her from strangling the bitch with her bare hands. “Get! Out!” Each word came out as a growl. “Whatever you say, sweetie. But you can bet I’ll be back for another session with his hard cock and that amazing tongue. Why, I just cream thinking about Lucas between my legs,” Gloria confided with a meaningful grin once she slipped into the evening gown. “I could sure use something to ease this ache. Are you sure you won’t reconsider? I promise I’ll be gentle…the first time.” “Out!” Joanna screamed, taking a menacing step forward. “If you insist, sweetie.” Gloria flashed a final pleased smile before pausing at the doorway to blow a kiss. “If you change your mind, I’m just a phone call away.” Joanna’s head throbbed as Gloria’s knowing laughter resonated through the suite. Each time that bitch had called her “sweetie” or “darling”, she’d wanted to drop-kick her out the plate glass window and watch as she splattered onto the sidewalk below. 8

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The need to destroy something—anything—screamed to her. She waited only until she heard the suite door latch before flying into a rage. That bastard! Joanna tore the sheets from the bed and threw an empty beer bottle at the mirror. The sound of breaking glass echoed in her brain, sending her spiraling into a well of darkness. Hysterical laughter bubbled. The room reeked of Drakkar. Her favorite scent but one Lucas refused to wear. Allergic, my ass. He’d worn it for her. Beer. He hated beer. A sob escaped as her eyes swept the room again, this time noting all the used condoms on the floor. Too many. There were too many of them to be from one man. That bastard! Had he told her the truth about anything? Was their entire relationship built on lies? A wave of anguish washed over her and the tears began to flow freely down her face. Silent sobs racked her body as her mind replayed the devastation of the last ten minutes over again…and over again. How could he do this to me? I loved him. Why doesn’t he love me? What’s wrong with me? Those words and others like them pounded themselves into her mind until the dam finally broke and she fell to the floor, crying. All the pain and uncertainty of the last few months poured out. She cried for herself, for Sylvia and for her unborn baby. Eventually the tears subsided and Joanna fell asleep in a fetal position on the floor. The sleep that had been missing for so long finally welcomed her in its comforting embrace.

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Chapter One

Ten months later Success. He had sacrificed everything for this success. Every waking moment of every single day over the last nine months had been spent repairing the damage wrought by his assistant, Gloria. Every favor he had been owed, every resource at his disposal had been dedicated to saving his reputation and the company’s image in the Far East. He should be on top of the world. Everything he’d originally set out to achieve in the Far East had been accomplished despite Gloria’s attempts to ruin him. He’d salvaged the Marcus acquisition and his honor without sacrificing his integrity. Satisfaction should’ve been his. He should be planning an extravagant celebration to toast his success, but instead he felt restless and edgy, left wondering when that bitch would crawl out from under her rock and show her face again. Maybe he was getting too old for this. Gloria’s games had left their mark on him. He was tired of all the foreign intrigue and Machiavellian games. Tired of the ostentatious displays of wealth and power. Maybe after this deal was finalized he’d seriously consider the old man’s offer to come home. Lucas gave a short mocking laugh. Home was something he never allowed himself to think of. He’d been afraid that thoughts of Joanna would cause him to lose focus. No, Joanna and his marriage were something to be dealt with tomorrow—once his honor was restored, once the Marcus acquisition was finalized, once Gloria had been tracked down and punished—always tomorrow, never today. Joanna… The final proposal of the Marcus deal lay forgotten on his desk as an unbidden image of Joanna rose to haunt him—long blonde hair blowing gently in the breeze, a pink flush to her skin from the cool wind off the lake, her misty blue eyes begging him to come home… The image was a lie. A phantom dream created by his arrogance and his desire to believe that she still loved him. He’d left it too long, always intending to try one more time, but Chloe’s unintentional admission last night had confirmed his suspicions. Joanna had moved on without him. This reality should have shattered his illusions. It should have stopped the vivid images of Joanna from playing out before his eyes. But it didn’t. Joanna, the imp, pulling some outrageous prank while her eyes flashed mischievously… Joanna, the seduced, her glorious golden mane spread out on his pillow, begging for his touch… Joanna, the temptress, licking remnants of caramel and pecans from his sticky fingers…

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The half-eaten caramel roll dropped from his hand as her phantom lips wrapped around his fingers. Lucas groaned and tried to stem his arousal but it was too late as the memory of what it felt like to be seduced by her flooded his body. “I need your signature on these.” Lucas blinked in confusion, automatically reaching out to take the red signature folder and stack of correspondence from Emily’s outstretched hands. “Are you all right?” “I’m fine, Em,” he said quietly as the wheels of his brain began clicking back into gear. “The final Marcus documents look good. Go ahead and ship them to the meeting, then bring the Robertson file with last year’s financials.” “Corporate or personal?” “Personal.” “Could you respond to Zeng on the Taos merger? Legal is waiting for your signoff.” “Already done. Proof my draft and forward it on. Everything okay for today’s meeting?” “Gobsmacked him in one.” Lucas’ eyebrow rose at the use of slang. “Gobsmacked? Watching those British soap operas again, Em?” he quipped, noting her guilty look and the pink flush warming her cheeks. Lucas chuckled as Emily turned on her heel and flounced out of his office. It wasn’t often that Emily’s proper British veneer slipped, making the regal princess seem more human, but, when it did, he savored every moment. Emily Johns was a fascinating enigma. She had that unique ability to use soft, flowery phrases that seemed to compliment with one hand while ripping you to shreds with the other. He wasn’t exactly sure what made her tick but, the first time he’d been on the receiving end of her wrath, he would have gladly strangled her, thorns and all. Her beguiling words dripped in acid had let him know exactly what she thought of his business acumen and where he could stuff his bloody American superiority. His eyes had narrowed warningly as he towered over her but she had not backed down from her accusations. Her long red hair flung back, her green dragon eyes gleaming unapologetically, she dared him to dispute what she had said. If not for Rigo’s insistence that she was key to reestablishing his honor in Hong Kong, Lucas would have fired her on the spot. Now he couldn’t imagine his office without her. She ran his department like a welloiled machine, anticipating what he needed before he asked, giving him insightful advice when he didn’t believe that he needed it and keeping his staff on target without working up a sweat. She was a godsend—efficient, organized, with her fingers on the pulse of Hong Kong’s financial markets. He was sure his current success would have been impossible without her.

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Turning his attention to the massive pile of correspondence awaiting his attention, Lucas sighed deeply before opening the first envelope. Yes. No. Need to get Ferguson on this one. Zeng will need to contact the British Embassy… No, it can’t be. Anger colored his vision as he pulled the distinctive envelope of the international courier service from the pile. The latest divorce request had arrived only three days ago while he was in Jakarta, the one before two weeks ago in Beijing. The cold, formal letters had become more insistent, their arrival more frequent as if there was some new pressing urgency. Was this new man Chloe spoke of last night responsible for this latest request? Is he my replacement? Someone to share her bed…her life…create a child with… A wave of anger and frustration hit him squarely in the chest as his mind went into overdrive. His fingers began furiously drumming on the polished wooden surface of his mahogany desk and his eyes narrowed menacingly while he considered whether or not to open it. Finally morbid curiosity won out and he ripped open the envelope. No! She’s MINE! The outraged howl of a possessive, primitive male roared through his mind. After all this time of successfully suppressing his emotions, this one letter sent his control flying out the window. His chair went crashing as he stood up and started to pace, shaking his head at his violent reaction while unconsciously crushing the letter in his hand. Hell, he should be surprised that it had taken her this long, not that she had found someone else. After all she was young, beautiful, vivacious, with an insatiable sexual appetite that…well…took a lot of energy and creativity to satisfy. She was a woman of passion, a woman of action. She reached out and grabbed life by the horns, needing no one to show her the way. How dare she let anyone else near her! All of his hard fought defenses deserted him as jealousy and rage rushed forward. He still didn’t understand how she could leave him without saying a single word. What they’d shared together surely deserved more than this silence she’d been treating him to. “Tell me when you’re ready to become a real woman and my wife. Until then I don’t think there’s anything else to say.” The vicious words he’d spoken rose to haunt him, stopping him dead in his tracks. No, even his hurtful words didn’t explain it. The Joanna he knew would have reamed him a new asshole just for the pleasure of it and then told him where he could shove it. She’d never refused his gifts of apology before or greeted his attempts to communicate with silence and she had never passed up an opportunity to hit him where she knew he would feel it the most—his checkbook. Some new fundraiser or charity event would get a substantial donation from the Di Angelo family after any disagreement, no matter how small. How had he allowed things to get so bad? He’d been a fool but he’d tried to repair the damage, even flying back to Minneapolis to see her, only to discover that she’d

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moved out. Claudia had treated him like the devil incarnate when he arrived at her doorstep looking for Joanna, practically slamming the door in his face. “Lucas, here’s the Robertson file and your copy of the Marcus documents. Davis is waiting downstairs to take you to the meeting and Ambassador Henderson just called to congratulate you on your success. Do you need anything else before you leave?” Henderson? “Get Rigo on the line and transfer it down to the car. Oh, and file that with the others,” he growled. “Don’t take that tone with me. What in the bloody hell is wrong with you?” Emily demanded, her eyes flashing warningly. “First you’re distracted, now you’re angry. You’re acting like a bear with a sore head. If you don’t pull it together, you’ll blow the Marcus deal after we worked so hard to salvage it.” “I pay you to do a job, not to worry about my mood. Just get Rigo on the phone,” Lucas snarled before stalking out of the room. God damn it. Would he never be free of that bitch? Henderson’s call reminded Lucas that even now he danced to Gloria’s tune. She’d played him. That bitch had played him better than his toughest competitor, taking on added responsibilities, working hand-inhand with him as he worked longer and harder hours. She’d never once complained or faltered with the added workload. She’d become his lifeline, his confidante, after his mother’s death and his fight with Joanna, showing just the right amount of sympathy while flattering his masculinity and his ego shamelessly. Gloria made him feel like a man, a strong, attractive, needed man. Joanna didn’t need him but Gloria had sure acted like she did. And he’d eaten it up, utterly blind to her real agenda… Gloria looked into Lucas’ eyes over Henderson’s shoulder before capturing the dribble of sperm from her chin with her finger and letting Henderson suck it clean. Gloria got up and Henderson tried to reach for her but she stopped him by saying, “In a minute, tiger.” “Master,” she said loudly, rushing over to Lucas and dropping to her knees. “That’s one hot filly you have there, Di Angelo,” Henderson exclaimed. His lecherous gaze glinted excitedly as the sight of Gloria’s naked charms, coupled with the act of her leisurely licking Di Angelo’s shoes, revived his lust. “What the hell is going on here?” Lucas roared, stepping away from Gloria, only to have her grab hold of his legs. “Master, please forgive me,” Gloria implored, “but Ambassador Henderson wasn’t quite done when you arrived.” “Di Angelo, you are one lucky bastard. Gloria’s quite the little gal. Would you consider selling your slave to me?” Henderson asked eagerly, his southern drawl more pronounced with his lust. His hand moved to his hardening cock and caressed it. “Slave?” “Oh, that’s right. You don’t call her that. Your assistant, then. How much to let me hire her away from you? Come on, Di Angelo, with your skills I bet you could train another one in nothing flat. I’d make it worth your while.” 13

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“Gloria’s…a valuable commodity, one whose value cannot be easily determined. But her discipline is lacking.” Lucas reached down and dragged Gloria to her feet. “I couldn’t possibly allow you to hire her until her skills are perfected.” Gloria reacted by wrapping herself around him and writhing against him. “Wooeee! You got it going on. She’s quite the little dancer during her spankings… If you don’t mind, I’d like to see how she reacts when her master disciplines her. It might up the amount I’m willing to pay.” “Zip yourself up, Gerry, and go home. I don’t share my techniques,” Lucas said in a voice that ended the discussion. “Right… I guess I’ll be going then,” Henderson said disappointedly. “Promise me you’ll give me first option to hire her once she’s fully trained. Gloria, sweetheart, it’s been a pleasure as always.” Henderson reached out to touch her naked shoulder. “Gerry!” Lucas growled. “I know, don’t interfere with the trainer. Sweetheart, I’m soooo looking forward to our negotiations next week.” The elevator door was barely closed before Lucas pushed Gloria away. Reaching down, he picked up her robe and threw it at her. “How long has this been going on?” “This? I’m not sure what you mean by ‘this’.” “Don’t play coy with me. How long have you been sleeping with Henderson?” “I don’t sleep with Henderson. I fuck his brains out and suck that stubby cock of his but I’d never sleep with him. He’s disgusting.” “What!” “Darling, for a man of the world you are so naïve. You don’t think I enjoy Henderson, do you?” “Then why?” “It’s called power, darling. I have it and I get off on it,” Gloria smirked, moving to the oversized chair to sit down. “He thinks you’re a slave.” “Yes, isn’t it wonderful? He and the others are all under the impression that I belong to you.” “Others?” “Yes, darling, Ambassador Henderson is but one of many. Occasionally they’re even allowed to share me before a big meeting and of course I’m their reward once the ink is dry on any agreement… Don’t tell me you’re surprised, darling. Surely you didn’t actually believe that you were the only reason for the Di Angelo golden touch?” “What are you talking about?” “Oh, this is precious. You did think that. Where’s my camera?” “You’re fired. Get dressed and don’t bother coming back to the office tomorrow. I’ll have your things sent to you.” “Aren’t you being a little hasty, master?” Gloria sneered. 14

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“HR will see to your severance pack—” “Now, now. You’re being much too hasty. I haven’t thanked you properly for my anniversary present. You simply must see them, darling.” Gloria grinned smugly, sliding her legs over the chair and using her fingernails to trace the rings of her clit piercings. “They’re lovely, aren’t they? The best platinum gold your money could buy. It was nice of you to want the extra weight, it does so enhance my pleasure…” “You’re out of your mind.” “Am I? I’ve seen the way you look at me,” Gloria whispered huskily, leaning back and spreading her legs further to caress her cunt. “Can you honestly tell me that you don’t find me attractive? That you haven’t wondered what it would be like to fuck me? Any time, any place you wanted.” “I love my wife,” Lucas gritted out. “You’re not still pining for her, are you, darling?” Gloria rolled her eyes. “Such a waste since she obviously doesn’t feel the same.” “I’m calling hotel security.” “Oh, that’s right. Your wife’s divorce request only arrived this afternoon and you haven’t seen it yet. Kinda puts a kink in that whole love thing, doesn’t it?” “You’re lying.” “Believe what you like but the letter is over there on the coffee table. I can’t say that I’m surprised. There was always some deep hunky voice on the other end of the phone whenever I tried to reach her at home. Some volleyball friend. He’s probably one of those tall, sun-kissed beach players, who are built like brick walls and have well-muscled assets displayed in their tiny Speedos.” “Get dressed and get out!” Lucas demanded, pulling Gloria angrily from the chair. “Master, you brute,” she cooed, throwing herself at him. Her hand reached for his cock and squeezed. “Quite the weapon you’ve got there. Why don’t you let it come out and play?” “Let go or I’ll break that hand.” “I can give you things you’ve only dreamed of. All you have to do is say the word and you can shove that big dick of yours anywhere you want and I’ll beg for more…” “You disgust me.” “I don’t think your cock agrees, darling,” she cackled, squeezing one last time before moving away to pick up the TV remote. Gloria smiled maliciously as she pressed the TV remote and an image of Gloria sucking Henderson’s cock in Lucas’ office started to play. “But then you always were a bit impetuous in your business dealings. And you can be sure that this is business.” “Turn it off.” “But darling, it’s just starting to get interesting.” “I don’t care who you sleep with.” “Ah, that’s too bad. Your clients do and they will be so disappointed once I’m gone.” “They’ll get over it.”

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“I doubt it. They believe you plan to auction me off once the Marcus acquisition is finalized and my training is complete.” “I don’t do business that way.” “Which is truly a pity since I so enjoy a good fuck from a dominant male.” “What do you want?” “Besides being fucked by you right now… Oh well, then I guess I’ll settle for what I have listed in that envelope on the coffee table. Can you imagine what would happen if these videos were released to the press? I’m particularly fond of the one where Taos is fucking my ass and Ambassador Henderson is fucking my mouth while I’m splayed out on your office sofa with my head hanging down over the arm. The camera angles on that one are spectacular and the corporate logo is displayed so beautifully…” “Blackmail? You’re a common two-bit slut now.” “Tsk, tsk. Stooping to name-calling…you must be pretty upset. But there’s nothing common about me, darling, I’m very discriminating. And I do so prefer the term opportunistic business woman…” “I’d hardly call blackmail business, darling,” Lucas mocked. “All right, how much for the tape?” “We’re digital now, darling. There aren’t any tapes, just tiny information packets sent across the Internet from anywhere to anywhere…” “Di Angelo,” Lucas barked into the car phone, irritated by the trail of his thoughts. “…Rigo…Yes…Good. Tell the old man I accept his offer but I have a few conditions of my own…”

*****

Two months later Three freaking weeks and he couldn’t even be bothered to say hello…or goodbye. Joanna turned in her chair and gazed out her office window to watch the black swans glide through the water. Her lawyer had just called with the news. Lucas was back, had been for three weeks, and he’d finally agreed to the divorce. Sighing deeply, Joanna closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, taking deep calming breaths to rein in the feelings that threatened to shatter her tenuous hold. It hurt. More than she could have imagined. She had known it would come to this, had thought herself prepared, but her rioting emotions made her realize that there was no way she could have prepared herself to feel this. Had she really hoped that he would come back and explain that Gloria had only been a momentary fling? That his grief and anger had caused him to temporarily go

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crazy and lose sight of what was important? Or better yet that Gloria had been lying through her teeth and that she’d staged the whole scene as part of some devious plan? Joanna let out a short self-mocking snicker. What fantasy world did she live in? That she could still hold even a flicker of doubt as to his guilt should make her certifiable. The fact that she hadn’t heard from him and he’d agreed to the divorce should tell her all that needed to be said. He wasn’t coming back and she shouldn’t want him if he did. Damn it, he couldn’t even be bothered to call her. How had that happened? She’d been so sure that their marriage would make it, despite their problems. Now she was barely sure she knew her own name. Once she’d known exactly what she wanted and how to go out and get it. She’d been so sure of what was right and wrong, so sure of what was black and what was white, and the shades of gray between. Now she felt lost, wondering how everything had gone so wrong. She missed the naïve, excited girl she had been before the world took its pound of flesh. Where was that cheerful, adventurous girl who took on the world and kept trying no matter how many times the world knocked her to her knees? Where was that fearless wonder who jumped off cliffs just to see how it felt? Where had the real Joanna gone and who was this pale facsimile she had been replaced with?

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Chapter Two Five years earlier

Broomball was one of Joanna’s favorite pastimes. She loved the exhilarating sensation of being out on the ice, feeling the chill seeping up from below. Charlie Chaplin would have been in heaven as a spectator of the game. Watching players chase a tiny rubber ball down the ice with small brooms while slamming each other into the boards or hopelessly trying to maintain their balance as they slipped and fell flat on their backs. Broomball was the stuff slapstick comedic dreams were made of. Chloe’s amusement over Lucas’ latest balancing act brought Joanna’s attention back to them. “Told ya it was harder than it looked, bro,” Chloe heckled. “Keep up the good work and you can play against us any time.” Running down the ice after the ball, she chanted, “It’s all in the shoes, baby. It’s all in the shoes.” Joanna had watched Lucas’ antics on the ice with a great deal of amusement, wondering why in the world he had agreed to play without a pair of broomball shoes. He had looked so cute in his minor displays of vulnerability, so adorable every time he’d been sprawled out on the ice and so absolutely touchable the last time he’d fallen that she had desperately wanted to climb on board and kiss him senseless. Never gonna happen. No matter how her flesh heated when he accidentally brushed against her or how fast her heart beat when he smiled, she would not give in to the needs he made her feel. She would not become another one of those simpering, giggling females following him around with limpid eyes, waiting for the slightest opportunity to be noticed. Who did she think she was kidding? If she honestly thought for one moment that there was the slightest chance of him noticing her, she might give up her pride and join their ranks. Out of the corner of her eye, Joanna noticed Brad racing toward the goal. The opposing team had keyed in on him so completely that the net was undefended from her side of the rink. Joanna’s body tightened in anticipation as she raced into position. “I’m open,” she yelled, eyeing the net excitedly. Brad’s broom seemed to move in slow motion as her body coiled in readiness, waiting for the ball to arrive. Oh, yeah. I couldn’t ask for a prettier shot… I can’t miss. Swinging her broom back to make the perfect shot, Joanna swore violently as an opponent sent her crashing into the boards and the ball sailing wildly across the ice. She landed hard, immediately ready to curse the bastard who had checked her into the boards even though he had used his body to cushion her fall. “Are you okay?”

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Fantasies that, only moments ago, had been held in check besieged her as his deep, velvety voice glided over her. She had to close her eyes to crush her desire or give in to temptation and kiss him. Groaning softly, she counted to twenty before crawling onto her hands and knees above him, her eyes opening to gaze into his. Twenty hadn’t been long enough, was the first thing that crossed her mind. His hooded, dark molasses eyes sent her body into a downward spiral of simmering need. Goosebumps trailed down her arms as awareness hit her and her gaze became trapped by his. Tension mounted and breathing became a little more difficult. The things you could do in this position, girlfriend. Just the tiniest kiss would open up the floodgates. Be quiet! I don’t need any help from you. Have you noticed his dimple? A mouth could explore— “Get a move on, Jo!” Brad called out, breaking the sensuous spell she’d fallen under. “Are you here to play or coddle some old geezer?” “Keep your pants on,” Joanna shouted back, her lips twitching into a mischievous smile at the rejoinder. Laughter twinkled merrily in her eyes. “Better luck next time, old timer,” she teased, saucily slapping Lucas’ cheek not once but twice before she gave him an impish wink and jumped to her feet to take off after the ball. “Oh, and thanks for the cushion!” Joanna heard Lucas’ appreciative laughter as she raced down the ice. If nothing else, she could make him laugh. It wouldn’t make this ache in her heart go away but it was something. “Come on, Jo. Just one more bull’s-eye and we’ll put these losers in their place,” Chloe exclaimed, using her fingers to bop her forehead with the loser symbol before pointing at their competition with narrowing eyes and a taunting grin. “No mercy, Jo. No mercy.” Joanna concentrated on throwing the last dart of the round, visualizing the sharp point hitting the little red inner circle and sticking in for the win. There was a moment of breathless silence as the dart flew from her hand to the board. “You did it! You go, girl!” Chloe cheered, jumping up and down excitedly before she grabbed Joanna in a fierce hug. Then she turned back to their opponents and performed an in-your-face end zone victory dance that would have made any football fan proud. “In your face, losers,” she taunted, losing all sense of decorum and sticking out her tongue. Joanna chuckled at the bodacious brunette’s over-the-top performance. She had been that way ever since Lucas had stepped onto the ice. Apparently playing against her big brother had opened an old competitive wound that had gotten particularly bad since Lucas’ once-in-a-lifetime goal.

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Lucas grimaced as someone turned the music up another notch, wondering again why he had invited these people over after the game. Katie is going to have my hide, he thought, while stepping over pizza, nachos and buffalo wing boxes that lay sprawled over the floor along with empty beer and wine bottles tossed here and there. “She’s something else, isn’t she?” “What?” Lucas glanced at the eager young man who’d just spoken. He was tall and lanky, about Chloe’s age, with that subtle awkwardness of youth. “You know them, right?” the brown-haired boy continued passionately, pointing at the celebrating pair after he took another swig of beer. “Sure.” “Then you know how great she is. I’ve been trying to ask her out but she’s never alone long enough for me to get up the nerve. Do you think I stand a chance?” “My sister…is…ah…ah…challenging female—” “Sister? Dude, you are so lucky, I didn’t know Josie was your sister. Ya gotta set me up,” he said, a look of pure adoration crossing his face. Joanna? Lucas had assumed that the boy was besotted with Chloe. But Joanna? Lucas admitted that there was something fresh and natural about her with her hair pulled back in a functional ponytail, a uniqueness that made her special and her body… He didn’t need to think about her body. Not that he ever thought of her as anything other than his sister’s friend but she was an utterly fascinating, intelligent woman. “Come on, dude. Ya gotta help me out. I mean, your sister’s… Well, I gotta meet her.” “Chloe’s my sister, dude, not Joanna,” Lucas mocked. “Oh…but you know her. At least get me an introduction.” “I’ll see what I can do, dude.” When hell freezes over. The possessive thought surprised him. So what if this dolt wanted to ask Joanna out. It wasn’t likely that she would actually bother with the young man. The girl had more class and style than that. So why did the thought of her with this boy bother him? “Hey, Josie. Are you ready to go? We’ll give you a lift.” Joanna had to hand it to Brad. The words and his tone sounded sincere but the look he gave her said, “Please don’t accept. Chloe and I really want to be alone.” “That’s okay. I promised Lucas I’d help him clean up. He can’t possibly leave this mess for Katie,” she announced and mouthed You OWE me. “What in the world possessed you to invite all those people over? Not that I’m complaining but it’s hardly your scene,” Chloe asked. “Just a little celebration for my winning goal, sis.” “Don’t even go there, bro. That goal will never be repeated in the history of broomball so don’t get all male-pride-baffoony on me,” Chloe countered.

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“Baffoony is not a word. Why don’t you just admit—” “It means—” “Don’t even go there, sis. I know you made it up. You’re just jealous—” “Jealous? Get over yourself. I’m telling you—it will never happen again.” Her finger pounded into her big brother’s chest to emphasize the point. Joanna interrupted the sibling rivalry by giving Brad and then Chloe a hug. “Call me next week and we’ll get together while you’re in town.” And to Chloe, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t, young lady,” she whispered, managing to contain her laughter until the door closed behind the pair. “What’s so funny?” “You’re kidding, right? Your sister leaves here with Brad, the big, bad wolf reincarnated, and you’re asking me what’s so funny?” “Chloe’s a big girl. She can take care of herself.” “I know. It’s Brad I’m worried about.” Lucas gave her a curious look as she continued to laugh without explaining. Chloe had whispered that she would do whatever it took to have him tonight, followed by the unmistakable clink of a lock and one very wicked grin. Apparently Brad was holding out on Chloe. If Joanna didn’t know better, she might suspect that Brad was in love with Chloe and didn’t want to blow it. She had a feeling that Brad was about to meet his match. “Let’s get this mess cleaned up. Then I really should be going, too.” “I’ll drive you.” “That’s okay, it’s only a quick run around the lake.” “I insist. It’s the least I do can after you so graciously volunteered to clean my place.” “I did no such thing, mister. I offered to help pick up.” “You mean, you told me you’d help.” He managed with a straight face before the slow, lazy grin crossed his face. God, that smile did things to her body that shouldn’t be legal. “Chloe would have insisted on driving me home,” Joanna said as if that statement explained everything. “How long have you been playing?” Lucas asked. “Since Brad dragged my sorry butt to the rink to cheer him on. Only I’ve never been a spectator so I played for the other team instead.” “You’re good. Maybe next time I’ll score the winning goal for your team.” “You can’t be serious.” The disbelief was apparent on her face. “Chloe’s right. You barely kept your feet the entire afternoon and that winning goal was a total fluke.” “Is that a challenge, Ms. Benson?” “No, it’s a statement of fact. You couldn’t make that shot again if you tried it a million times.” She bent down to pick up the empty wine bottles and throw them into the recycle bin. “Oh, if only you could’ve seen the ref’s face from where I was standing. 21

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I’ve never seen a man try to fall as fast as he did just to get out of the way. You really put some heat on that shot.” Some of the laughter she had been attempting to squelch escaped. “I scored that goal fair and square. You’re just sore because your team lost to my winning goal.” Joanna’s control broke. “Give it up already. It was like watching a Charlie Chaplin movie where the guy slips on the banana and falls.” Her amusement caused her to laugh so hard that she was holding on to her sides with tears in her eyes. “But you kept falling and falling and falling… You’re sure to have bruises the size of Texas tomorrow to prove it.” “You think so? Well, I can take you, bruises and all, any day of the week, brat.” A dangerous light entered his eyes. His look promised retribution, reminding her of Brad right before he sought his revenge for her daring. Reacting automatically, Joanna squealed and ran for the media bar that would declare her home free. She never made it. They both landed hard as Lucas tackled her onto the sofa. Lucas rolled her body over so that it was facing his. Straddling her hips, he dragged her hands above her head while keeping one of his free. “Admit it. You’re just a sore loser. Tell me what I want to hear or I’ll punish you, brat.” Joanna lay motionless with a mutinous look on her face, fighting his appeal and her body’s reaction to his. “You can’t make me, you big, fat bully,” she said stubbornly. “Why you little—” Lucas proceeded to tickle Joanna incessantly as she struggled to get free, her hips bucking and squirming, her breasts heaving, her blue eyes dark with wild laughter as her hair came loose from the ponytail to lie disheveled against the sofa pillow. “Stop…stop, I give.” “Say it, Joanna,” he demanded, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “I want to hear you say it.” Joanna’s breath caught at the husky timbre of his voice. She once again became aware of his body—the hard, athletic legs gripping her hips to hold her in place, his hand holding her arms prisoner above her head, his broad chest only inches from her straining nipples. Heat surged as her eyes focused on the lines of his sensuous mouth. A shiver raced down her spine as she wondered what it would feel like to be ravaged by his kiss. “Admit that you’re beaten.” Joanna’s mind rebelled as his taunt hit home. “You’re a big, fat bully, Lucas Di Angelo. I may be a sore loser but I’d love to videotape you the next time you decide to play. Maybe I could set up a video conference for your staff and—” “You don’t know when to give up?” he said rhetorically before continuing his torture.

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Finally out of breath, between peals of laughter, Joanna managed, “Uncle…uncle. I give. You’re the broomball champion… There’s no better player out there… Everyone pales in comparison to you. You’re a god, an immortal… The legend of your play will live on forevermore.” Smirking with a self-satisfied grin, Lucas looked down at Joanna—her flushed face was animated with laughter, a twinkle danced in her eyes and her luscious mouth was parted and moist. A spark entered his gaze as it drifted down her body only to become trapped by the taut nipples peeking at him through the sturdy white sports bra where her T-shirt had become twisted. The desire to lean down and take a nipple in his mouth consumed him. A list of all the reasons he shouldn’t filled his mind—she was off-limits, a friend of his sister, an employee—but they were only excuses. That’s all they had ever been. His eyes were drawn to the pink tip of her tongue moving nervously over her lips. His thumb reached out to follow the wet trail left by her tongue. Fascinated by their moist fullness, he brushed his mouth tentatively over hers, nibbling and teasing her lower lip until she gave a delicate moan and opened her mouth to his. Molten need flooded his body at her tiny response, making his inner beast growl for release. He gave in to the temptation he had been feeling since she knelt above him on the ice and devoured her lips, his hand releasing her arms to mold her body against his. Once her hands touched his fevered flesh, he pressed his hips harder into the cradle of hers. When she opened her legs and wrapped them around his hips in response, he groaned. He couldn’t remember reacting so strongly to another woman. He was already hard—incredibly hard—just like a hormone-driven teenager on the verge of losing control. Just from a kiss…just from a damn kiss. Breathing heavily, Lucas broke the kiss and leaned forward to bury his face in her neck. The errant thought that he shouldn’t be on the verge of having sex with his sister’s best friend flashed through his mind but it was completely ignored as she drew his mouth back to hers. Joanna felt like she was lost in a decadent dream as the smoldering ember she’d struggled to put out blazed out of control. Lucas’ hot breath on her neck seared her skin, the feel of his hardening cock against her body made her tremble. She had never been so attracted to a man. He was her own Roman god brought to life in living, breathing, vibrant flesh. Tall, dark, handsome, with an athletic body sculpted of sinewy muscle and a sexual magnetism that was impossible to ignore. When his tongue traced her collarbone, she groaned and pulled his mouth to hers for a drugging kiss. His tongue thrust in, seeking and dominating hers. His fingers kneaded her ass as his hips continued to grind against hers. Every part of his body caused her to feel the most erotic sensations.

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Lucas broke the kiss and groaned, “I’ve got to have you.” Standing up, he swept her into his arms, murmuring words of encouragements as her lips and fingers sought out his fevered flesh. Their clothing was frantically thrown to the floor in their eagerness once they reached his bedroom. “Ah, Luca, you’re beautiful,” she whispered, claiming his lips in an aggressive kiss. Joanna was in heaven. She could touch him as she’d dreamed, no longer needing to hide behind the facade of friendship. Her hand explored the shape of his butt before caressing his hard flanks and teasingly dragging her fingernails down his hair-roughened thighs only to go up again coming closer and closer to his erection. Her mouth jousted with his before she broke off with a laugh and traced the sweat from his collarbone to his erect nipple. Lucas’ breath caught in his throat as she nipped and sucked at his nipple, only to be released in a loud groan when her fingers wrapped around his engorged length. He was burning up, on fire. He wanted to ram himself hard and fast into her body until he found his release. Where was the finesse he was so proud of? Where were the skills he had honed? Attempting to calm the raging desires that threatened to overwhelm him, Lucas eased her onto the bed before beginning a blazing trail to her breasts, feathering her nipples lightly with his thumbs until she moaned wantonly, then caressing, nipping and suckling until she was arching her back off the bed. “Please,” Joanna moaned as the white-hot intensity sliced through her. She was going mad. Her body responded to his lightest touch, craving more. When his head dipped to suckle a nipple, she nearly unseated him as the pleasure became unbearable. “Oh, God. Luca, please!” Not sure whether she was begging him to stop or continue, not really sure what God had to do with it either, all she knew was that she needed him inside before she burst into flames. Lucas chuckled hoarsely at his own weakness. Her pleas, her body and her reactions to his caresses were causing him to lose the battle for control. She was too much, much more than he ever could have expected, and he knew that it would be over in seconds if he couldn’t manage to slow down. When his forehead touched hers and he whispered her name, it touched something deep within her core but her body was too greedy in its need to recognize what it was or even to wait. Widening her thighs, Joanna pressed her feet into the bed and lifted her hips to his, her hands grabbing his hips to pull him down. It was only with the greatest luck that he was positioned correctly and that his hot, hard cock managed to slide its way into her pussy. Joanna reveled in her power as his eyes flew open to reveal the burning flames that consumed him. The feeling of him inside her was exquisite. She winked impishly before clenching down on his length, only to be caught by her own ploy, moaning as the delicious feeling washed over her. She could feel every ridge of his pulsing heat and still it wasn’t enough. She wanted, needed more.

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“More!” she demanded, her fingers clutching desperately at his ass while her hips ground shamelessly into his until finally he started a slow and leisurely pace. “Harder,” she whispered as she dragged his earlobe between her teeth, sucking in her breath when he did just that. Breathing deeply, Joanna licked her lips as the pleasure increased, meeting his thrusts with thrusts of her own. Her thighs tightened around his hips while her head fell back against the pillows. Lucas was overwhelmed by his senses. The pressure of her athletic thighs as she squeezed him was driving him mad and hearing her moan and watching her in the throes of passion as she licked her lips and arched her neck was too much. Leaning down he captured her lips in a blazing kiss, dueling with hers until he gave himself over to his baser instincts and plummeted into her with blinding speed and force. Ripping her mouth from his, Joanna screamed as her world exploded, her body arching off the bed. The shattering spasms fluttered through her body, rippling along his length. Joanna’s climax triggered Lucas’. He roared as his body shuddered in pleasure and the hot spurts were milked from his body. Lucas collapsed on top of her, trying to get his breathing back to normal. He felt exhilarated and exhausted. What was it about this woman that caused him to react so explosively? Unwilling to examine his reactions too closely, Lucas rolled onto his back, taking Joanna with him, wrapping his arms possessively around her to hold her close. It felt right to have her body lying bonelessly across his. He could hold her like this all night. Once Joanna recovered, she knew she was in love. The man simply had a way with his body. Her skin was so sensitive that the lightest breath caused her body to quiver in response. The feeling of him inside was exquisite—even though he was only partially hard. Raising her eyes to lock with his, she dragged her tongue slowly across his glistening chest, licking the sweat from his nipple sweetly before biting down on the hard nub and sucking vigorously. Joanna smiled a purely feminine smile of a woman who knows her own power as she felt an electric shock rack his body. “Hi,” she said, swirling her tongue around his nipple to soothe her love bite, watching as his hooded gaze began to burn. “Hi, yourself.” “Hmm…I was wondering…” Joanna whispered breathlessly, while dragging her teeth up his neck to blow softly in his ear, “if you’d like to try that again?” Lucas started to shake his head “no”, that he wasn’t ready, but his body was already hardening within hers, making a lie of his denial. Joanna gave a husky laugh of approval at his look of disbelief before leaning over to give him a teasing kiss.

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Chapter Three Present time

Why won’t you all just go away! Joanna glared down at the ringing telephone, willing it to stop. Everyone and their brother seemed bent on breaking the news to her today. Lucas stays hidden for three weeks and suddenly the world knows he’s back in town. Go figure. “Go away!” she said. But of course the phone wouldn’t listen. Crap. She knew she should answer it. Maggie wouldn’t forward another caller wanting to break the news to her. Damn it. She almost wished Maggie would send someone through. Right about now she would love to lay into them for their gall. “Joanna Benson.” “Hey, Josie! Need a hot date next Friday?” The sound of the husky masculine voice on the other end instantly put a twinkle in her eyes and a smile on her face. “I could hook you up. Hey L-A-D-Y,” he said in his best Jerry Lewis imitation. “What did you have in mind, fly boy?” Joanna purred, getting into the game with her best Mae West impersonation. “I know this guy. He’s been away from home for a long time and he’s desperate to have a hot and sultry woman. His ship comes in at six o’clock.” “Brad Templeton!” she said with mock outrage. “Are you asking me to pick you up from the airport on a Friday? You moron, why don’t you take a cab? Your consulting firm will pick up the tab.” “Please…” “You know, it will take me forever to get there and back during rush hour traffic.” Brad chuckled. “Come on, Josie. We haven’t been able to connect in ages and Mom has her matchmaking heart raring to go. You have to help me ruin her diabolical plans to marry me off to some poor, undeserving girl. I know you want to. Remember when…” he cajoled, then proceeded to mention some great exploit they’d done as teenagers. “Please! Say yes. I’d really like to see your ugly mug and Mom misses you.” “Gee, I see you haven’t lost your way with words—ugly mug, indeed—and I miss you too, but one of Claudia’s big events is a bit much. She’s been hounding me for the last two weeks to attend and I already told her no. Why don’t we have dinner next week instead?” “Josie, please. I really need you to come to the party with me.” “Why do you need me?” Silence greeted the request.

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“What have you done this time, Bradford Thomas Templeton?” Joanna demanded as the telling pause dragged on. “Normally you talk a mile a minute and now all I get from you is silence. That means you’re guilty of something. What exactly have you gotten me into?” “Well…um, now that you mention it. I sort of told Mom a tiny white lie…” “Spit it out already!” “That you and I are a hot item and—” “You did what! How could you?” “I had to get her off my back. I was tired of coming home for a visit only to find the latest Little Miss Perfect sitting at the dining room table making goo-goo eyes at me. You should have met the last one—” “I don’t care if she looked like Godzilla and could crush you in her mighty jaws. I can’t believe you told her we’re dating. We’re practically family, for crying out loud.” “I’m not your brother,” he said huffily. “Why couldn’t you be dating me? Many women consider me a very attractive man and a good catch to boot.” Joanna rolled her eyes. The big goofball was totally playing her. “I know that, Brad. It’s not that you’re not the most attractive man I know and that I don’t love you dearly…” “Yes, go on,” he said expectantly. “It’s just…well…you’re also the biggest pain in the ass. How dare you tell your mother we’re a couple! When exactly was this miraculous event supposed to have happened anyway?” “Come on, Josie. It’s not so bad. I told her it was always there below the surface and spontaneous combustion recently took us by storm.” “Spontaneous combustion? Are you mad?” she asked, struggling to contain her amusement. “And you think she believed you!?” “It’s not that funny. What does it matter what I told her? It’s just for one night—” “Spontaneous combustion?” Joanna queried, before giving up all pretense of seriousness by giggling. “You couldn’t come up with something better than that? Oh, Brad, Claudia’s not fooled for a second. Besides, she’s right. This musical merry-goround you’ve been on with women is getting old. Chloe was the only one to last more than a month—” “Are you quite finished?” “No. Spontaneous combustion, you actually used spontaneous combustion to try to elude your matchmaking mother,” she mumbled to herself before the laughter took over. It was so good to have this distraction. The laughter helped to ease her pain. “Shut up, Josie. Now will you come to the party with me or not? You need to get out more and I need you to help me. Why don’t we kill two birds with one stone? It’ll be fun,” he wheedled.

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“Why don’t you use that little black book of yours instead? You could call some other undeserving girl—” “Josie, please…I really need you. It will be a night filled with music, dance and my great company. You’ll have dance partners lining up around the block to give you a twirl. You do remember how to dance, don’t you?” Brad taunted before continuing his campaign. “Say you’ll go with me. Pretty please with little baby chocolate chips on top.” “Little baby chips. Oh, Brad, you’re too much. Okay, okay, you got me. Little baby chips and dancing. How could I possibly refuse?” “Great!” “But you have to come over on Saturday and Sunday morning to take Chip for a walk around the lake.” “Ah, how early?” “7:00 a.m.” “Who in their right mind gets up at the crack of dawn to walk a dog? You’re just being cruel.” “It’s not the crack of dawn. The sun will be well up in the sky. But if you can’t do this little thing for…” she said, trailing off. “Okay, fine.” “Deal! E-mail me the details of your flight and call Maggie before you step on that plane so I’ll know whether or not you’re on time.” “Maggie already has all the flight info. If you refresh your calendar, you’ll see it.” “It figures. You have my assistant wrapped around your finger. What would you have done if I had plans?” “Maggie told me you were free.” “I am but that Friday is Day One of the Technology Summit. It could run late so you may need to find your own way from the airport,” she warned. “What’s Claudia’s theme this year?” “Didn’t she already tell you? Everything Latin. So wear something red. Think tango…salsa…hot. Yes, definitely hot, definitely red. You do remember what hot looks like, don’t you?” “Urrrrgggg. You’re pushing it, Templeton—” “I know,” he said quietly. “If you’re not careful I’ll strangle you before we arrive. You know I can take you. You and that scrawny little ass of yours had better… Wait a sec, what do you mean, you know?” ‘Nothing… Well, something, but it’s a bit of a surprise.” “Spill.” “Sorry, no can do. Not my surprise to ruin. It’s Mom’s.” 28

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“Brad,” Joanna growled in warning, “you know I don’t like surprises.” “Gotta go. See you next Friday. Red, definitely red. See ya.” Click.

***** Spring was Maggie’s favorite time of year. The snow was gone, the ice on the lake a distant memory. The trees by the shoreline covered with buds bursting with lacy green leaves. She couldn’t ask for a more perfect day with the warm gentle breeze coming in off the lake, so why did she feel like the other shoe was about to drop? What was so important that Claudia had to see her in person? Intuition told her she wasn’t going to like it. Claudia was ruthless when it came to getting her own way. It was hard to imagine the small, petite woman with the cute pixie hair and delicate button features having an iron fist. But she did. Gazing out into the gardens, Maggie looked wistfully at the landscaping trying to ease this sense of foreboding. It was beautiful. Everything in the garden from the flowers to hostas had been planned down to the minutest detail, including color combinations and seasonal blooms. Red and yellow tulips blanketed the edging, blushpink peonies were just starting to develop tiny buds and the lavender rhododendrons and lilacs were in full bloom. She was willing to bet that the scents in the middle of summer were simply spectacular. “Joanna started planting this garden when she was seventeen,” Claudia mentioned casually, placing the iced tea tray on the patio table. “It’s beautiful. I didn’t realize she designed this.” “Yes, but it took a few years for her to get it right. She drove my groundskeeper nuts the first couple of years,” Claudia commented, smiling at the memory. “Honey?” “No thanks. Allergies.” “Too bad. We make here it from the beehives on the south end of the gardens. Did you know that Joanna was responsible for that as well? She claimed the bumblebee was threatened with extinction due to the pesticides we were using and that it was our environmental responsibility to help save them.” “Claudia, I’m sure you didn’t ask me here to discuss the plight of bees. What do you want?” Maggie asked abruptly. “The two of them are about to make the worst mistakes of their lives. We’ve got to find a way to stop them.” “We. Them. What mistake?” “Lucas and Joanna. It’s all such a tragic mistake.” “Claudia, it’s over. You need to accept it,” Maggie stated emphatically, getting up to walk over to the railing. Claudia had a lot of nerve. 29

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“Something’s not right. Chloe, Abby and I have been trying to piece it together and it just doesn’t fit… We need your help.” Maggie turned back and shot Claudia a look of disbelief. “Are you out of your mind?” Maggie demanded. “Lucas is an unworthy, cheating bastard who deserves to be beaten to within an inch of his life for what he did to her. Joanna wants a divorce and frankly I think you should butt out.” “You’ll never convince me that Lucas would stray. That boy was a walking puppy dog with his tongue hanging out where she was concerned. He didn’t have to marry Joanna—he desperately wanted to marry her,” Claudia countered, casually stirring honey into her iced tea. “Joanna wouldn’t have been so upset if she only suspected.” “Chloe says that Lucas hasn’t seen Joanna since the day after Sylvia’s funeral and that he believes she’s refusing to talk to him.” “What! No, Chloe’s wrong.” “Chloe also said that Lucas doesn’t want the divorce.” “Who cares what Lucas wants? Joanna wants a divorce. She called her lawyer as soon as she got back from Hong Kong.” “Did you know that Lucas was in Minneapolis shortly after Joanna got back?” “I’m sure he was trying to weasel his way back into Joanna’s good graces.” “That’s just it. He came looking for her. He didn’t have a clue that she had moved out. At the time, I was so furious with him that I wasn’t paying enough attention to what he was saying but lately his visit has started to bother me. If they saw each other in Hong Kong, why didn’t he know that she had left him?” “Because he’s an arrogant two-timing bastard who expected her to forgive him for his indiscretions. That’s why.” “But why didn’t he come home during her pregnancy? There’s no way he would have stayed away if she told him about the baby, even if they were estranged. He would have moved heaven and earth to be back in Minneapolis and he certainly would have told Fritz. Neither of which he did. I know she didn’t tell him about the miscarriage so he should have been here, not in Hong Kong. Chloe didn’t even know that Joanna had been pregnant until I told her.” “Claudia, what the hell is going on here? None of this makes any sense.” The fight finally drained away under Claudia’s onslaught. “What are you asking me to do?” Maggie asked after a long pause. “We’d like to know why. Joanna promised me she’d talk to him. If she didn’t, I want to know why.” “How am I supposed to find that out?” “Maggie, you’re resourceful. Joanna wouldn’t keep you around if you couldn’t get things done. There’s more…” “Why am I not surprised?” 30

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“We’d also like you to help us get them in the same room together.” “No. I’m sure you already have a plan but I won’t help you destroy her.” “Then how about proving Lucas’ guilt. If you find evidence that in any way proves his guilt, we’ll back off… Maggie, please. You didn’t see Lucas’ face and Joanna still won’t tell me what happened in Hong Kong. Has she talked to you?” “I couldn’t break that type of confidence, Claudia, but, as it happens, no, she hasn’t spoken to me either. I always assumed she caught him red-handed… Even if what you say is true, what right do we have to interfere?” “All I want to do is get them in the same room and let nature take its course. Surely that’s not too much to ask. Joanna can flay off a chunk of skin for all I care but I need to know that they at least talked to each other before this divorce is final.” “You’re setting up a powder keg. It could backfire on you. Why don’t you just talk to her instead?” “Any time I try to bring up his name, she freezes me out.” “That should tell you something.” “She doesn’t know he came looking for her. Maggie, there’s something else. Lucas is taking over for Fritz. It hasn’t been announced yet, but—” “She’ll walk.” “I know. That’s why we have to get them together before the announcement. Otherwise all the old resentments will resurface and it will be too late.” “Why not tell her what’s going on? “ “Can you trust me on this one?” “Well, it might make a difference if there wasn’t an affair,” Maggie mumbled while she considered it. “If I can prove Lucas’ guilt, you’ll back off.” “Promise.” “Do you really think this will make a difference?” “I’m not sure…” Claudia said quietly, “I’m hoping for fireworks but if they can walk away from each other after this then I’ll accept that it’s over.” “It still sounds a little too meddlesome for me.” “If Lucas shows up at headquarters before Joanna’s prepared, she’ll quit on the spot. You know how impulsive she can be where he’s concerned and she’s still so angry. At least what we’re planning will be spontaneous.” “All right. I don’t like it but I’ll help you. What do you propose we do to get them in the same room?” “Brad’s bringing Joanna to my party on Friday.” “This Friday! Claudia, that’s only six days from now. You’re not giving me a lot of time. “ “It’s better this way.”

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“I suppose Brad’s in on this too.” “No, but he thinks it was his idea to invite Joanna.” “You manipulated your own son.” “For a good cause. Besides you know how much Joanna loves to dance and Brad does miss her.” “Does Brad know that you’re inviting Lucas?” “I’m not,” Claudia replied casually before sipping her tea. “Not what?” “Inviting Lucas.” “Okay, now I’m lost.” “I’m not inviting Lucas but I need to make sure he attends. Just like I need to make sure that Joanna attends.” “But she’s already got the dress,” Maggie said. “That’s no guarantee. She’s got the summit, too.” “Then make a personal call and lay it on thick. She won’t want to disappoint you now that she’s agreed to come.” “That’s so simple… What about Lucas?” “What about Lucas?” Maggie replied tensely. “How do we make sure that he’s there?” “You don’t want me to get involved with Lucas. I’d probably blast him with both barrels. He deserves to be hog-tied and punished.” “Even after what I’ve just revealed?” Claudia queried. “You only suspect he’s innocent of an affair with his secretary. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any responsibility for their separation. When I think—” “Maggie.” “All right. Ask Rigo.” “I already did and he said no.” “He’s right.” At Claudia’s look, Maggie said wearily, “Fine. If what you suspect is true, have Chloe drop some bombshell. He won’t be able to stay away.” “You might have something there.” “Can I go now? This is all just a little much to take in and I have a lot of work to do to prove Lucas’ guilt.” “You won’t tip her off unless you get conclusive evidence one way or the other?” “She won’t find out from me but if this backfires, I’ll be back to wring your neck.” “I’d expect nothing less… Lunch? I could have Mary whip up some crab cakes with that sauce you love.” “No, I’ve had about all I can stomach right now.”

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Chapter Four Looking at her watch again, Joanna grimaced as she dashed back to her office. “Maggie, when Brad calls tell him I can’t—” “Already taken care of. A limo will pick him up at the airport and take him home to shower and change. Kat will be here at 5:30 for hair and makeup. Tom called. Something about a ball drowning in the river. Said you’d understand.” Joanna smiled and shook her head. That damned dog. He could be a downright terror when it came to his tennis ball, refusing to return to shore without one. She could easily imagine Tom’s frantic cries as he begged Chip to swim back, because she’d made them herself while her beautiful black-golden boy floated happily away down the mighty Mississippi without a care in the world. “Kendricks is running late so the meeting has been pushed back—” “Stop, you’re making me dizzy. What was that before Kendricks? My mind drifted.” Joanna listened while Maggie repeated what she had missed. “Are you sure I need to go to this meeting? Because it sounds like you already have everything under control. Perhaps you’d like to make my presentation for me.” “Jo, Jo, Jo, there’s absolutely no way I’d ever do that. People like to yell at you for some reason. Not sure if it’s you or the job. Speaking of which, how’d the meeting go with the BUMs?” “You don’t play fair, Maggie Donovan. I do not want to talk about those idiots right now. Besides, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you what they’re requesting this year.” “Spill.” “No, not now. I’d probably start pulling out my hair if I talked about it so soon. Is there anything else I need to know before you send me off to be crucified by the masses?” “No. Everything’s taken care of. Your overheads are in the conference room, the slideshow’s loaded. Kelly did a final run-through this morning.” “Great! What’s on tap for techno-geek playtime this weekend?” “Oh, the usual. A keg of beer, some pretzels, pizza and a bunch of video games. The ping-pong tables are arriving later today.” “Will you be serious?” “Who says I’m not? Most of your techno-geeks would be in heaven to have a gaming tournament for the weekend. Imagine what they could do to the network if they were

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let loose. Besides they can’t socialize without talking about computers to save their lives so why force them to go out together?” “Excuse me, I’m one of the techno-geeks you’re insulting.” “That’s different.” “Why?” “You’re a girl.” “So…” “Female techno-geeks are on a level all their own. They have social skills.” “Maggie! Spill already. I want to know what I’ll be missing or I’ll replace you with a PDA,” Joanna threatened with a glare. “You wouldn’t dare.” “Charlie’s got a new prototype in the lab…” “Ooooooohhhh scaaaarrrrryyyyy,” Maggie answered back sarcastically. Joanna almost laughed at the face Maggie made. She obviously wasn’t worried by her threat, knowing firsthand how much Joanna hated PDAs. She was right. Joanna despised the damn things because she never remembered to synch the info back to her laptop before it all went bye-bye. Maggie must have seen Joanna’s attempt at a scowl because she teased, “Not the evil eye. No, please. I’ll come clean.” Joanna’s eyebrow rose another notch and Maggie laughed harder before saying, “Okay. I give. I give… Tonight includes an all-you-can-eat-and-drink alcohol binge… Would you believe, Happy Hour at Champps, followed by the fabulous and sold out Blue Man Group? Then how about Tina & Tony’s Wedding on Saturday? Ah, give me a break. Honestly, that’s the schedule. We’re even sending a video camera along to get evidence of Johnson leading the YMCA chorus from the stage this year.” “Okay, I believe you. It sounds like fun.” Joanna sighed disappointedly. “I almost wish I was going with them instead of Claudia’s big bash.” “Thankfully, you’re not. I remember the hangovers you had trying to keep up with the Europeans even if you don’t. You were not a pretty picture.” “I had Serge begging for mercy.” “Ya right. More like begging to get into your pants… He could drink you under the table any day of the week.” “That’s not true.” “Which part? The drinking or the sex?” “What a vivid imagination you have. How will you survive maternity leave without me there to entertain you?” Joanna teased. “Admit it. You live vicariously through me now that the baby’s on the way.”

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“Ha! You think I can live vicariously through you?” Maggie scoffed. “All you do is work late, run that dog of yours and volunteer. If I wanted to live vicariously through someone they’d at least be getting some. When was the last time you got laid, anyway?” “Oh, ho. Low blow, missy. Technical for unsportsmanlike conduct,” she said, dotting the statement by making a big T with her hands before checking her watch again. “Damn, I should go. Round one to the cute, little red-headed assistant but be prepared, little missy. In round two, I’m coming out swinging.” “Ha! As if. You’re way too straightlaced to consider a one-night stand, let alone multiples. Try again, Benson.” Joanna closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, letting her head fall onto the headrest. The last few weeks had been grueling—long, tedious meetings, in-depth reviews of service level agreements, capital expenditures and software licensing—but it had all been worth it. Every year was always the same. The scramble to get everything done followed by total collapse. Opening day of these annual technology summits was always grueling but today had taken its toll on her. The meeting with the Business Unit Managers had been brutal. They’d pushed her over the edge of her limits with their requests. Requests? They didn’t know the meaning of the word requests. These were demands. Demands for equipment, resources, application deployment…anything and everything they could get their grubby little hands on. This new crop of BUMs, as Maggie had so eloquently named them, were an arrogant bunch of young college pups, who thought they knew everything there was to know about technology just because they had grown up with computers and used them at home. They had no idea what went on behind the scenes to get a system up and running in a large corporate environment. No idea of the intricate timelines and planning that went into testing and deploying a new application or even how all the systems were interconnected. They didn’t care either. Whatever it took as long as they didn’t have to pay for it and it was done yesterday. Sometimes she wondered whether her hard work and dedication were worth it. No matter how many hours she and her staff put in, they simply couldn’t get ahead of the technology curve. New technology became outdated within six months. Hell, some of it was considered obsolete before it left the shipping dock. New initiatives got scheduled every other week and each department expected their project done now, without any thought or consideration as to how their project played into the technology vision of the company. I wanna job where I can tear into technology but have the control and visionary expertise to take it to the next level. Maybe I made a mistake leaving my techiness behind for management? Joanna shook her head at the direction of her thoughts. She hated the sound of that whining voice, even if it was in her own head, but sometimes she did wish she had

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stayed a tech instead of going into management. Obviously she was way too exhausted to even consider going to a party if she wanted to go back into the tech trenches again. She should just go home, wrap herself around Chip and spend the evening in front of a roaring fire with a spicy bottle of Malbec to relax her. Why did I agree to pour myself into an evening gown and smile nicely at complete strangers? I wanna stay home! Who was she kidding? Claudia would have a cow, Brad would begin wheedling to get his way and Maggie would start harping on her to get a life if she tried to back out now. Claudia was the only reason that really mattered. Her excited call earlier in the week had cemented the event on Joanna’s calendar. It had been too long since she’d been in the comforting arms of the woman who became her second mother after her parents died. “Jo, are you finished lollygagging in there yet? Kat will be here any minute. You need to get your butt out of that chair and take a shower,” Maggie called out before popping her head through the doorway. “Lollygagging, Maggie… How old-fashioned of you,” Joanna drawled, wanting to extend the fantasy of fire and wine for a few minutes more. “You’re still sitting there,” Maggie nagged. “Move it! I have a transformation to see.” “Yes, Mother!” “Don’t you ‘yes, mother’ me, young lady, get a move on! I want to see you in that dress Kat’s been raving about all week.” Joanna smiled cheekily before getting up to do exactly as she was bid. Maggie’s determination now reminded her of Kat’s relentless drive to find the perfect dress during their shopping spree… “I found it. This dress has Latin dance written all over it. It’s hot, it’s sexy and it’s so right for your body type!” Kat exclaimed as she held up the flashy, red number. “I don’t know, Kat. I think I’d be happier in something a little more sedate, maybe in black or midnight blue with a little more cleavage and a back.” “More cleavage? Honey, this dress will barely cover those luscious tits of yours as it is.” “Kat! Behave yourself. You know that wasn’t what I meant.” Brad had told her to wear red but this was…well, too red. Her voluptuous figure was attraction enough without having a bull’s-eye painted on it. “How would I ever wear a bra with this?” “You don’t.” “But—” “Humor me and try it on. Please! I know it’s perfect.” Kat continued to insist, until finally she lost her patience and thrust the dress into the dressing room to have her own way.

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“So…will I do?” Joanna asked as she did a slow, sensuous grind down an imaginary catwalk before spinning in a sassy pirouette with delighted laughter. Kat let out a slow, wolfish whistle. “You’ll have the whole assembly dropping to their knees, begging to be allowed to worship you.” “It’s only a dress,” Joanna said quietly but there was a pleased feminine twinkle in her eye. She’d tried to hide her figure, never wanting to draw attention to herself. Her body had developed at an early age, shooting up to tower over the boys, developing a full set of boobs and womanly hips before any of her friends. She remembered all too well being called “thunder thighs” and “the jolly green giant”, not because she was fat or an actual giant but because she looked like a fullgrown woman by age twelve while her classmates looked like little girls. The boys were intimidated and the girls were jealous, stooping to catty remarks. She had never gotten to wear the cute and faddish styles her girlfriends had on. Never gotten to trade outfits except with their mothers. Even college had been a challenge to her physical self-image. Especially after standing next to the svelte middle-hitters on her volleyball team. Who could compete with six-foot-three, hard-bodied athletes who wore butt-huggers like fashion models, when your full ass was busy falling out of your uniform and your breasts kept getting stuck in the net? Nobody. The Gabriella Reeces of the world were just too beautiful to be ignored. “Woman, would you look at yourself in the mirror? Once I do your hair and makeup, paint your luscious lips in deep red, drip you in jewels and get you out of this horrible lighting, you’ll be the star attraction.” “If I need that much work, why don’t you just shoot me and put me out of my misery instead?” Joanna smiled half-heartedly. Kat laughed. “Dahlin’, your figure in this dress will cause even a strong man’s heart to feel faint. I keep telling you how luscious you are. Maybe with this dress you’ll finally believe me.” “Thanks.” “Don’t mention it. Now grab your stuff. We need a visit to the shoe department. I think some come-fuck-me shoes are in order.” “I don’t think—” “Dahlin’, I really don’t give a damn what you think.” Joanna was glad Kat had insisted. She wanted—no, needed—to be the center of blatant male attention for a change. She wanted wild and unconstrained. She wanted to be lusted after. This dress could certainly make those desires into a reality. But the shoes…well, the shoes had to go. Maggie had hooted hysterically the first time she saw Joanna teetering around in her office on them, encouraging her between peals of laughter-turned-hiccups that it

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was just like riding a bicycle. All she needed to do was practice, practice, practice…and maybe get someone to splint her ankles… “Do you think he’ll be there tonight?” Kat’s question brought Joanna back to the present with a start. “Who?” “Lucas.” It was the one word guaranteed to dampen Joanna’s spirits. Her mind had been occupied with thoughts of him ever since her lawyer had called. Preparing for the summit had been a welcome distraction because it allowed her to forget for a while but it also reminded her of the first time the crack had appeared in their marriage. “I don’t think so. Why do you ask?” “Just curious. Odds are that sooner or later the two of you might bump into one another and since this is a big, high society blowout and all…” “Claudia wouldn’t invite Lucas knowing I was coming and he’s probably already on his way back to Hong Kong. Either way, it’s not the sort of function he likes to attend.” “People change and it’s possible.” “Possible, but not likely.” “Has he tried to contact you at all since he’s been back?” Kat asked, struggling to keep her mouth shut once Joanna’s frown deepened. She and Claudia had fought bitterly after Maggie let slip what they were planning but somehow that little Napoleon had managed to convince her that it was worth a shot. In exchange for her silence, Claudia had promised that she would quit meddling after tonight. “No, but then the divorce is really just a formality at this point.” “Look, forget I even brought it up,” Kat stated before slipping into her wealthy, bored widow persona in order to tease. “Dahlin’, you have a fabulous party to go to with this fabulous man. So tell me, is he cute? Handsome? Sexy? Available? Come on, do tell all. There are no secrets here and Mistress Katrina is dying to know.” Joanna’s grateful gaze sought Kat’s as she smiled at her favorite character. Kat was nothing but a big ham. “There’s nothing to tell. We grew up together after his mother took me in. You remember Claudia, don’t you? You met her at one of those Girl’s Brunch Out get-togethers. I’m just doing Brad a favor.” “What kind of favor? Are you sure this Brad doesn’t have a secret agenda? He is a hot-blooded male, isn’t he?” At Joanna’s affirmative nod, Kat continued, “Then turn around and take another look in the mirror because you’re one hot-blooded mama.” Joanna stared in wide-eyed fascination at the gorgeous creature in the mirror. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Her makeup had that Forties movie star feel—dramatic and vampy. And the dress… Well, the dress was pure painted-on decadence. The wide off-the-shoulder neckline displayed her breasts to eye-popping perfection and the curve of the bodice gave way to her tiny waist, made even smaller by the Victorian corset that came with the dress. Her hair fell in a cascade of blonde waves that toyed with the

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scooped back of the dress, which hugged her hips like a second skin, making her ass look like a juicy, ripe red tomato begging to be eaten. Marilyn Monroe, eat your heart out! “Wow!” “Wow, indeed. You look gorgeous, kiddo. Only one more thing and you’ll be ready to run off to the ball.” Joanna recognized the three velvet jewelry cases that Kat pulled from her bag and placed on the counter. She was nonetheless dazzled by the brilliant display as Kat opened the cases one by one to reveal the elegant, old-fashioned pieces inside. “Maggie told me where to find these. I can’t believe I’ve never seen them on.” The diamond and emerald jewels twinkled in the light. “Kat, no, I can’t—” “Don’t argue with your elders, Jo. Just accept and go with the flow.” “Please—” “Trust me. They’re perfect for this dress. Hold up your hair so I can put this necklace on.” Joanna gasped at the way the jewels complemented the red silk dress. They were perfect, almost as if they’d been commissioned especially for the dress. In the past, she’d felt too self-conscious with their ostentatious display, refusing to wear them out. Perhaps it had been her Minnesota upbringing that made her refuse to flaunt herself in such a fashion or because she’d been embarrassed by how much money Lucas had spent on the gift. “They’re real, aren’t they?” “Yes. Lucas bought them as my engagement present.” “Well, they’re spectacular. You should wear them more often. Living jewels like these deserve to be worn, not hidden away in some jewelry case,” Kat admonished lightly before turning back to the mirror to paint her own lips a vivid plum red. “So what does this Brad look like? Is he simply scrumptious?” Kat asked with a smack of her lips. Joanna laughed. Back to Brad again. Kat was nothing if not relentless once you threw her a bone. “Actually Brad’s gorgeous, something of a Nordic god—blond hair, golden eyes, chiseled jaw with sculpted abs to go along with broad thick shoulders which showcase a massive chest. Think California beach volleyball player, all bronzed and rippling. He’s charming, has a wicked sense of humor and money to burn—he’s everything a girl could want in a hot-blooded male—and, of course, rumor has it that he’s a very demanding lover.” “Um, sounds yummy.” Kat said, blatantly licking her lips. “What are you waiting for? In this dress, you’ll have him and every other man on their knees. You’re young, attractive. It’s time you started dating again. Maybe Brad’s just the man to help you move on with your life. Why not have some fun tonight and find out?” “I have fun and it’s not that I don’t love Brad but kissing him would be like kissing my dog. I love them both but sexually they don’t do a thing for me.”

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“Promise me that you’ll open yourself to the possibilities tonight. Do not let me hear that you sat on the sidelines like some wallflower in this dress or I’ll be very upset. And I expect to get every salacious detail of this shindig so don’t you dare consider leaving early.” “Okay, but don’t expect—” Maggie knocked before entering. “Are you ready? Brad’s coming up from the lobby and Rigo wants to have a word with you before…you…go… Oh, my… Kat, you’re a genius. I’ve never seen Joanna look so gorgeous.” “It’s just a little makeup and some curls. I had good clay to work with,” Kat replied, brushing away the compliment. “No, you’ve managed to capture a Joanna… Well, I’ve never seen her look this good.” With the ring of the elevator bell, the women went to the doorway to watch Brad’s approach. “Sweetheart, if you tell me that you don’t think that male specimen is hot, I’ll have to check to see if you have a pulse,” Kat taunted as they watched the blond Adonis cross over from the elevator. “Wow, if I were into blond men, I’d be all over this one in a heartbeat.” “I keep telling her that,” Maggie gushed. “If Patrick didn’t already have my heart, I’d be pouncing on him myself.” Joanna had to admit the girls were right. Brad was gorgeous in his white tuxedo. With his charm and good looks, women would be lining up to vie for his attention tonight regardless of whether or not he had a date. “Who’s the tall, dark, smoldering hunk?” Kat whispered so only Joanna could hear. Joanna almost laughed. Kat would think him the cat’s meow. The unattainable male meets the irrepressible female. At least Kat had good taste. Rigo did have that smoldering something. He moved with the feline grace of a lean, lithe gladiator with muscles bulging in all the right places and there was a dangerous, untamed quality about him that was hidden from most people by his quick wit and easy charm. Would Kat be one of the few to notice? “Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to my friend and fairy godmother, Katrina Starzy. Katrina, Brad Templeton and Rigo Alexander. Kat is responsible for putting the finishing touches on this Cinderella before the ball tonight.” “My heartfelt thanks, Mistress Starzy,” Brad said as he took Kat’s hand in his own, bringing it gently to his lips to caress it lightly. His eyes filled with flirtatious promise. “My date looks totally and thoroughly edible. I’m sure all the young Casanovas will be flitting around her like barflies this evening.” His fingers moved slightly to caress the pulse in her wrist. “I’m not certain whether I should be thanking you or sending you to the dungeon for the torment I’ll endure as I watch her dance with all those young swains,” he said with a hint of laughter, releasing her hand. “You are ever so kind, my Lord Templeton,” Kat said, lowering her head to hide a wide grin as she dropped into a deep curtsy, her arms flowing out widely as if framing 40

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a long skirt. “You give far too much credit to this humble servant. My lady would turn heads, even in a gunnysack.” Rising slowly, she looked him squarely in the eyes and winked. “Though I’m sure a man of your skill and considerable charm is up to the challenge.” Brad chuckled and looked ready to continue their flirtatious banter but Kat turned to address Rigo. “Rigo is such an unusual name, my lord. Are you by any chance related to Rigo Janci, the clarinet player from Hungary? My grandmother talked of him fondly,” Kat asked excitedly. “Sorry to disappoint you, Miss Starzy, but Rigo is my first name.” “Oh, that’s too bad. It’s been so long since I found someone with knowledge of the old country. Not many people know of the Hungarian tradition of surname first. My grandmother goes on about how we must honor our gypsy heritage. It would’ve been nice to trade family stories,” Kat chatted on happily. “I’ll be happy to trade family secrets with you, Kat,” Brad offered, bringing her attention and her smile back to him. “It was pleasure meeting you, Miss Starzy. Templeton. If you would excuse us for a moment, I need a word alone with Joanna,” Rigo stated, dismissing them completely before turning down the hallway with Joanna drawn to his side, leaving Kat and Maggie in Brad’s capable hands.

***** Claudia had really outdone herself this year. Ice sculptures of giant toros greeted the guests at the entryway. Dashing matadors and flashy flamingo dancers floated among the guests, serving sangria and tempting hors d’oeuvres. The sound of sassy and upbeat Latin music echoed through the festive rooms out onto the lawn and the gardens had been transformed into a romantic paradise complete with twinkling white lights and fountains filled with bubbling champagne in hidden away lovers’ coves. Joanna was glad Brad had talked her into coming tonight. She’d been dancing and flirting outrageously all night. Sashaying from one partner to the next—the rumba, the cha-cha, the salsa—you name it and she’d probably danced it. “Are you having fun, Josie?” Brad asked, interrupting her musings in order to drag her back onto the dance floor. “You know I am. I admit it. You were right to drag me along,” she said, smiling happily as he twirled her around. From the corner of her eye, Joanna caught sight of the petite redhead shooting her yet another poisoned look. She couldn’t remember ever seeing this woman before, so why did it look like the woman wished her dead? “Who’s that woman in the corner?”

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“Which one?” “The one in the teal dress. She’s been sending the most venomous looks my way. If looks could kill, she’d be arrested for my murder.” “You’re letting your imagination run wild.” “I don’t think so, Brad. Do you know her?” “Yes.” Joanna pulled back from his embrace to seek out his eyes. “Is she the reason for your distracted mood?” “What are you babbling on about?” “Half the time you’re not paying attention to what I’m saying and the other half you have this determined look on your face—the one that says you’re planning a fullscale assault. What’s her name?” “She’s no one,” Brad said testily, swinging her into a low dip. Gotcha. “This wouldn’t happen to be that new intern you were so hot for before you left for the West Coast last month? You remember, the one who wouldn’t give you the time of day?” Joanna continued, watching as Brad’s cheekbones turned a delightful shade of pink. “Have you kissed her yet?” “How is it that I never see you and yet you’ve got an up-to-the-minute update on my love life?” Brad barked. “I can’t help it if you broadcast it clear across country,” Joanna chuckled. “Are the knots she has you tied up in made of silk, by any chance?” Brad gave a half-smile. “What exactly are you implying?” he said with mock outrage in his voice, a twinkle beginning to develop in his eyes. “I’m only asking whether the lady in question knows that she’s in for the ride of her life?” she asked, studying his face carefully. “I see. Does she know anything about your fascinations?” “Josie, you are some pain in the butt. My love life is really none of your business.” “Ah, but there’s where you are wrong, my lovely non-brother. That’s why you asked me to come here, isn’t it? Not to foil Claudia’s plots but to make this woman jealous. What will your friend do when she sees me blowing gently on your ear and nibbling your lobe? What if I press a little closer and allow my hand to linger a little lower…” Joanna let her voice trail off as she rubbed her body sensuously against his. “Ah…Josie, I don’t think this is such a good idea.” “Why not? It’s just an act. Remember the last scandal we caused at one of your mother’s parties? That was all your doing,” she continued seductively, caressing his lips with her tongue. Leaning closer she moved in to nip his bottom lip between her teeth before softly kissing him. “Kiss me back,” she commanded.

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“Behave yourself,” Brad admonished before giving her a short, hard kiss. Stepping back slightly he looked down at her and teased, “You’re a minx, Josie Posie,” using her childhood nickname to taunt her. “What of it?” “It’s just nice to see that the devious vixen has decided to make an appearance,” he said as a wolfish grin made its way across his handsome face. “What do you mean?” she asked, moving back into his arms to continue their dance and absently caress his cheek. “I mean that I missed seeing the vivacious, energetic whirlwind who had all my friends trailing after her like lovesick cartoon characters,” he said, raising her chin up to meet his gaze. “I don’t remember any lovesick boys. I had to drag you to my senior prom because I couldn’t get a date, remember? And you dumped me to make out with Jessica Parker.” “I did not dump you,” Brad insisted before Joanna’s glare made him grudgingly admit, “All right maybe I did but my friends drooled after you and your boobs.” “Brad!” “It’s true. Didn’t you figure that out for yourself? They were always asking you to play softball or basketball or—” “That’s because I was a tomboy and could whoop their asses.” “Josie, get real. Guys that age don’t ask girls to play sports against them if they know they’re going to lose. Do you want to know the real reason you couldn’t get a date for prom?” “Okay, I’ll bite.” “Because every time a guy managed to work up the nerve to ask you out, you, oh glorious genius that you were, started talking nonstop. Politics, science, current events. You intimidated the hell out of them. You were Little Miss Perfect excelling at everything. Sports, school, you even volunteered. How could they compete… And you did the same thing in college.” “Did not.” “Did, too.” “Not.” “Too.” “All right, you win!” Joanna relaxed into Brad’s embrace as the old familiar laughter returned easily. Damn, this feels good. “Thanks. I missed having you around. Don’t be such a stranger, ‘kay?” “I won’t. I missed having the real Josie Posie around too,” Brad remarked, his eyes searching hers for some hidden truth. “Don’t lock her away again, promise?” “Promise.”

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“So Little Miss Mischievous, what say we get off this dance floor and get something to eat? I seem to have developed a ravenous hunger…for food,” he said with a wink and a quick kiss on the nose. The two women stood by the doorway to the veranda watching the brooding male in the Ralph Lauren tuxedo. Several very gorgeous women had approached him, only to be blatantly ignored. He hadn’t bothered to make polite conversation, his eyes locked firmly on the blonde in the red dress out on the dance floor. “Gives new meaning to the word stubborn, doesn’t he? Was he like this as a child?” “Yes. Mom used to have fits when Lucas refused to do what she wanted. She claimed it was a trait he inherited from her father.” “I can certainly see the resemblance. So how’s he holding out?” “My brother is so besotted it’s almost sickening but he’s refusing to admit it. I had to bite my cheek to stop myself from laughing once I dropped that little dating bombshell. You should have seen him, Claudia. He was trying to keep his expression bland, pretending to be uninterested, but there was steam coming out of his ears. It was a total hoot.” “So he’s not immune to the thought of her with someone else.” “No way. Emily said that his last weeks in Hong Kong were a roller coaster ride and that my accidental slip finally did the trick.” Claudia chuckled. Some men just needed a little push and others, like Lucas, needed big ones. “How’s the good man acting now?” “Abby say his patience has flown out the window. His temper makes an appearance at least twice a day.” “I didn’t realize Abby was working with him again. She never mentioned it.” “Yes, she’s been bored stiff since she retired and Lucas convinced her that she was desperately needed now that he’ll be taking over for Granddad. Apparently Emily has too much on her plate to handle it all by herself… By the way,” Chloe clamored excitedly, “I can’t wait for you to meet Emily. She’s a real gem. Smart, insightful and with a look that says butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. I know the perfect man to set her up with.” “Yes? No! We don’t have time for that right now,” Claudia scolded. “We have to stay focused. How long before his glowering looks turn into some kind of action?” “Well…if I were a wagering woman, I’d say that, within minutes of engaging a certain elderly old broad in conversation, he’s bound to entertain us,” she said with obvious affection. “Elderly. You think I’m elderly, you little twit?” “Hopelessly old, Claudia. I’m surprised you can even get out of bed in the mornings. How ever do you manage it?” Chloe said, barely managing to keep a straight face. 44

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“Why you,” Claudia glowered but then her face broke out into a wide grin. “Just you wait until my attention can be focused on you, then I’ll have you singing a different tune.” “I’m sure I’ll never survive,” Chloe responded drolly. “Until then I’m thankful that your attentions are directed elsewhere.” “Joanna seems to be enjoying herself. Maybe Kat was right about more than the dress. Maybe I shouldn’t have thrown them together like this.” “Don’t second-guess yourself now. This is the perfect opportunity for a spontaneous meeting. If either of them had the chance, they’d blow it. Anyway, it’s too late. Now it’s only a matter of time before Lucas makes his move, whether it’s here or after the party… Do you think she’s seen him yet?” “I doubt it. Her body language hasn’t changed and she’s not that good of an actress where he’s concerned.” Claudia took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. “Well, my dear, I believe that’s my cue to stir the pot a little. Wish me luck.” “I don’t think luck has anything to do with it. That brother of mine is a stick of dynamite waiting for a match.” Lucas knew he had to be insane to be this consumed again. It had been a constant struggle since he returned not to seek her out. Each day had gotten a little worse than the one before. Watching her tonight made him realize that, while his mind may have been able to bury conscious memories of her, his body had never forgotten, immediately becoming hot and hard while he gazed at her in that painted-on red dress with his jewels adorning her body. Jealously flicked up his spine. Who was she wearing his jewels for? She had refused to wear them for him in public. Which of these simpering dandies had managed to change her mind? “Lucas, what a surprise! I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight. I assume Chloe’s to blame. Where is that precocious sister of yours hiding?” “Chloe’s on the dance floor somewhere. You look wonderful, Claudia,” he remarked casually as he leaned over to kiss her cheek. “The party’s spectacular. How’s Adam holding up through all this?” “Adam’s doing wonderfully. He’ll be surprised to know you’re here. Not that I’m not pleased but we both know you secretly despise attending these events. How did Chloe ever manage to drag you along?” “I wanted to reintroduce myself to the city and what better way to do it than with one of your gala events.” “Aren’t you the flatterer? Are you trying to sweet-talk your way out of answering the question?” “Is it working?”

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Claudia laughed. “All right then. What do you think of the band? My friend, Maria, recommended them. I must admit she was right. The music seems to float off their instruments. Have you been out on the dance floor yet?” “No, I’ve given it a pass so far. Maybe later.” “More’s the pity. As I recall, you’re a superb dancer. I’m sure that there’s more than one poor female waiting to catch your eye and be swept away in your arms. How long before you have to fly back?” “I’m here permanently,” he replied tersely. “Really? How exciting. What will you be doing?” “The old man finally made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” “Why, that’s marvelous! Fritz must be pleased as punch. That sly old dog, he never said a word. I’ll have to have him over for coffee next week and let him crow. He must be thrilled. You know, he’s always planned for you to take over.” “That’s not the old man I know.” “Shame on you, Lucas. You’re not still bitter after all this time. I know your grandfather can be a pain but he’s mellowed with age and he’s proud of you. Your drive, your ambition, your pride. It reminds him of himself as a young man.” Lucas turned abruptly as a flash of red caught his eye. Damn Templeton to hell and back. “Isn’t it wonderful?” Claudia asked, pointing to the dancing couple. “My son tells me they’re an item now. I admit that at first I thought it was just another one of Brad’s ploys to get away from his matchmaking mother…but seeing them together tonight… I couldn’t be happier if Joanna and Brad got married. They’d make beautiful golden grandbabies,” she said excitedly, seemingly oblivious to his coiled tension. Lucas silently fumed as he watched his wife merge her body into Brad’s and place a teasing kiss on his lips. It had been bad enough, watching all those drooling fools fawn over her as she flirted, but to actually witness Brad’s claiming kiss in response to her tease was too much. “I’m sorry that the two of you couldn’t work things out but it’s nice to see that you can be in the same room together. Now that you’re back, perhaps I can put you on my available singles list. Lucas? Lucas?” Lucas marched out onto the dance floor without even excusing himself as Claudia’s words about Joanna, Brad and grandbabies burned their way into his consciousness. Chloe made her way over with a sparkling gleam in her eyes. “Isn’t it just like I told you?” Chloe asked impatiently. “His body is practically screaming with jealousy. He doesn’t stand a chance with so much emotion boiling right beneath the surface,” Claudia remarked. “I’m surprised he didn’t seek her out as soon as he got back.” “I think he was afraid she’d slam the door in his face.” “Fireworks,” Claudia mumbled. 46

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“What?” Claudia grabbed Chloe’s hand and squeezed. “I want fireworks… Oh, Chloe, I want to see them back together again.” “Brace yourself.” Joanna glanced up to see Brad’s strained face. Just a moment ago he had been laughing and teasing her like old times. What in the world could have happened to change that look so fast? “What’s wrong? Aren’t you—” Her words came abruptly to an end as she followed Brad’s gaze. What the hell is Lucas doing here? Joanna wasn’t prepared for the icy-hot wave of anger that washed over her. Mentally shaking herself, she gathered her defenses and composed her features into a polite mask that Maggie would have recognized as her Executive Council meeting face. “Lucas, how are you? It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” Brad said, holding out his hand with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I didn’t know you were back in the States.” “Hello, Joanna,” Lucas offered, ignoring the younger man and his outstretched hand completely. Even through the angry haze, Joanna’s eyes drank in every aspect of Lucas’ appearance. He looked great in the black tuxedo that covered his muscular body. A few more wrinkles around the eyes, a gray hair or two, but they only added to his masculine appeal, giving him a more distinguished look. “I didn’t realize you’d be here tonight. How naughty of Claudia not to mention you were attending,” she said coolly, wanting nothing more than to escape the dance floor and hide herself in some deep, dark corner as she came to terms with seeing him again. “Chloe dragged me along at the last minute. Claudia didn’t know I was here until a few moments ago. You don’t mind if I steal my wife away for a dance, do you, Templeton?” Lucas asked, even as he began tugging Joanna into the swirling couples. Joanna simmered with anger. How dare he drag her away from Brad like that! Opening her mouth to tell him exactly what she thought of his high-handedness, she was stopped short as Lucas beat her to the punch. “Be quiet or I won’t be held accountable.” Startled, Joanna raised her eyes to look into his furious gaze. He was serious. Whatever demon had driven him to seek her out was not willing to let her go at the moment. She could handle one dance. What was one dance, after all? One dance drifted into two. Two into three and still he said nothing. The familiarity of his embrace and his smooth, assured moves lulled her body into remembering a time when she could lay her chin on his chest and drift away. Needing to distract herself from the direction of her thoughts and the way her body was automatically reacting to

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his, she broke the unspoken truce. “You look good. Hong Kong must be agreeing with you. How long before you fly back?” “I’m not.” “Not what?” “Flying back. I’m here indefinitely.” “Congratulations on your promotion,” she snapped, allowing anger to come to her rescue as a wave of panic set in. “There’s no need. My stint is over and since you’ve never bothered to hide how you felt about it, you can save the platitudes… Are you and Templeton an item now?” he growled abruptly, dropping his calm facade. “Your conceit really knows no bounds. What makes you think you even deserve an answer? You walked out that door and didn’t look back, remember?” she accused, her voice rising an octave. “And you left me without a word. You wouldn’t accept my calls and you returned my gifts of apology unopened. So tell me, how could I leave someone who wouldn’t have anything to do with me?” “Don’t patronize me. I never received any apology from you. There were no gifts, no calls. In fact, you wouldn’t even talk to me. Whenever I called you, you were always in a meeting or out of the country. I did manage to have some very enlightening conversations with your assistant, though,” Joanna scoffed through clenched teeth. “Jo, wait. I didn’t—” “Look, this isn’t getting us anywhere. We’re getting a divorce. Let’s let our lawyers fight it out. “ “Why? So you can marry again?” he countered snidely. “What business is that of yours? I need to move on with my life. By your silence, I thought you agreed,” she said stiffly, the tension starting to overwhelm her. She had to get off this dance floor. “You thought wrong.” “Maybe it’s time for me to rejoin Brad.” Joanna could feel the rage pouring off his tightly held frame as she tried to exit his embrace gracefully. “Let me go!” “Not yet,” he said, pulling her tighter into his embrace. Joanna heatedly pushed at his shoulders, trying to move out of his arms, but he tightened his hold and pressed his lower body against hers. My God, he’s aroused. Who the hell does he think he is? Does he think he can simply pick up where he left off? Apparently her body thought so, responding by softening and welcoming his. Another song started and Joanna realized that the band had chosen that particular moment to play their signature song. Not the tango…please, dear God, anything but a tango. She and Lucas used to make love on the dance floor to the tango. It had been their dance…their passion. Suddenly

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she was afraid. That dark and dangerous rhythm still had the power to reach into the depths of her very soul and shatter all her carefully constructed barriers. How could she ever hope to hide the emotions he made her feel when her eyes gave everything away— passion, pain, anger, vulnerability…love. Everything would be there for him to see. The rhythm started slowly, the beat low and throbbing as they circled each other warily, their gazes locked in a heated battle. Lucas smiled knowingly, his unspoken challenge thrown down like a gauntlet between them. Joanna smiled wickedly in return, her body responded instantly to his dare by becoming a sexually charged weapon used to bring men—Lucas—to their knees. Defiant resistance as she whirled out of his arms met with mind-numbing surrender as he locked her in his heated embrace. On and on the game went, playing out in time with the throbbing rhythm as their battle for supremacy raged on. The temptation to submit became an almost tangible thing. Her body burned where his hands touched her bare flesh. Her nipples hardened into agonizing nubs as they rubbed the solid mass of his chest, feeling abandoned each time she twirled away. The space between her thighs moistened and ached to hold him tightly within its embrace. It was heaven and hell all rolled up into one…big…massive…dance. Finally Lucas thwarted her escape by clasping her high against his chest and sliding her soft, yielding curves down his hard, aroused length. Oh God. Joanna breathed in deeply as her body quivered in response to his latest attack on her senses, his familiar scent almost pushing her over the edge before she gathered her defenses for one final counterattack. Does he think he can win so easily? Joanna’s ego basked in victory when Lucas’ breath caught in his chest as she wrapped her leg around his waist to slowly and sensuously rub her silk-clad thigh around his until her feet touched the ground. She loved the growl he made deep in his throat when she nipped at his lower lip but was unprepared when he pressed her backwards over his arm and demanded her surrender. There was no seduction, no coaxing as he claimed her lips in a searing kiss and the physical passion of their dance exploded into something more. “Have dinner with me tomorrow!” he insisted as he broke the kiss. Both of them were breathing heavily, completely unaware of their audience until the applause broke through the spell. “What? Why?” Joanna asked dazedly. Her hand reached up to hide her swollen and trembling lips, embarrassed to have lost herself so completely. “We need to talk. About the divorce—” “Go to hell!” she insisted before wrenching herself out of his arms and stalking across the dance floor alone. Damn him! She thought she’d seen desire…need…perhaps love in his eyes. Nothing had changed. It was just a game to him. Even after all this time, he was still a coldhearted bastard who had to have his own way. Why am I such a fool for this man? 49

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Lucas could feel the imprint of her body against his and her kiss upon his lips as he watched her leave the dance floor. Was it the kiss or his invitation to dinner that found him on the receiving end of her fit of pique? Certainly not the kiss, he thought arrogantly. She had been as consumed as he was. Then what—dinner or divorce? His mouth curved into a tight, humorless grin. Why should thoughts of the divorce bother her? She was the one sending him all those damn requests. Unable to come up with any satisfactory explanation, Lucas turned to follow the only woman with the answers to his questions. “They’re playing our song, Lucas.” “Let me pass, Templeton.” “Why don’t we go outside and enjoy the enchanting melody together instead? I believe you owe me a dance.” “Are you sure you’re up to it? You’re looking a little soft around the middle,” Lucas gibed, more than willing to take on the taller man for daring to touch his wife. “I doubt you can dish out anything I can’t handle, Di Angelo. Shall we?” Lucas glanced over Brad’s shoulder and discovered that Joanna was currently talking to Claudia. Knowing Claudia, it would be quite a while before Joanna could make good her escape. “After you.”

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Chapter Five Joanna shivered as the cool night air touched her bare skin while she waited for the limo Maggie had hired to pull around and take her home. She had forgotten her wrap inside but she was damned if she would go back in to get it. How dare he ask if she and Brad were lovers! He was such a bastard, going on about her lovers. He had no right to question her about anything as far as she was concerned and he especially had no right to make her feel this crazy again. “Get in,” he said in a voice that brooked no argument, his hand biting into her arm as he dragged her down the pavement to his waiting car. “Let me go! Who the hell do you think you are that you can manhandle me this way?” she threw at him furiously, wrenching her arm from his grasp. “You come here uninvited, insult me, make a scene and I’m supposed to what? Leave with you?” “Get in,” he said with deadly calm, pushing her into the limo. Anger rolled off Joanna in waves. She was almost shaking with it. She wanted to scream…yell…scratch his eyes out—anything that would allow her to exorcise this pain—but she knew better than to begin a battle in such a confined space. He would take great pleasure in subduing her scantily clad body with his masculine form, ending all hopes of escape. Did she really want to escape? No, she wanted the fight to come. Relished it, in fact. With her emotions all over the place, she wanted to tear him to shreds so badly that she could taste it. If this was what it took to do it—so be it. She could call a cab and go home once she’d laid waste to him. She avoided touching him though. No more repeats of the events on the dance floor. Not even her anger could protect her if their passion became unleashed. One more touch and her body might go up in flames. Joanna gave an angry gasp as the car rolled to a gentle stop. What did he hope to gain by bringing her here? She hated this ugly, modern monstrosity and everything it stood for. It was a cold and lifeless shell without a soul. Like him. “Let’s get this over with.” Joanna exited the car before the driver could come around and let her out. Her anger increased as she walked up the stairs to the front door. The entryway was still light and airy, she noted, with those fourteen-foot ceilings and the wide-open spaces leading off the foyer to the professionally decorated rooms. Through the doorway to the left, a formal dining area only used for business entertaining. Down the stairs, his prized media room with all the toys boys had to have. Pinball, pool, darts and one of the best in-home theatre systems she had ever seen—

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DVD player, wireless speakers, plasma screen television, movie theatre lighting, built-in video conferencing—and a fully stocked wet bar. Nothing’s changed, she thought as she followed him through the rooms to the kitchen. I didn’t leave even the tiniest mark on this place. It’s almost as if I’d never been here. “Would you care for some wine?” he asked, throwing his keys on the counter while he made his way over to the wine rack. “I have a special bottle of Bordeaux I’ve been waiting to open.” “What do you want, Lucas? Why have you brought me here?” she asked without preamble, ignoring his question. Lucas looked up and smiled. He was surprised she had waited this long before launching her attack. “I only want to spend some quality time with my lovely wife.” “So we’re back to that. Why bother after all this time?” she spat. “Why not? We have a lot to discuss,” he stated simply. “You can’t be serious. I don’t see what the two of us could possibly have to discuss outside the company of our respective lawyers.” Lucas shrugged his shoulders before turning back to the bottle of Bordeaux. “Okay then. Why don’t you say what you have to say so I can leave?” “Who is he? Is it Brad or one of those other drooling fops you danced with tonight?” he demanded, dropping all pretense of polite conversation. “Who is who?” “Your lover.” “My lover? My lover!” she exclaimed incredulously. “Spoken like the egotistical bastard you are. Talk about your double standards. You have a lot of nerve accusing me of having a lover.” Incited over his comments, she walked over to the kitchen island to let him feel the full brunt of her anger. “Is this some jealous, possessive male thing? What makes you think you even deserve an answer?” “You want me.” Joanna gasped at his audacity. “And if I do, so what? I’d certainly have to be dead not to respond to your overt sexuality. You’re a good lover, Lucas, but your conceit is unwarranted. My body may remember and respond to yours but that doesn’t make you unique among the male population. I certainly don’t need you to see to my needs,” she added bitterly. Joanna fought back the panic as she watched the barb strike home. The way his eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared made her want to turn and run but she couldn’t give in to her panic. He would pounce on any sign of weakness. “It’s Brad, isn’t it? I saw how you flaunted yourself while he was holding you on the dance floor. That bastard actually tried to warn me off tonight. Saying that you were fragile. Fragile! What a laugh! You must have him wrapped around your little finger.”

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“Then why am I here with you? Surely Brad’s the one who could see to my needs tonight.” Joanna taunted before common sense kicked in and she snapped her mouth shut to stop another stupid remark from coming out. Lucas only smiled in response to her careless taunt but his eyes were glinting dangerously. The sexual energy that zapped between them caused Joanna to bite her lip to stem her rising panic. With the way he was looking at her now, one touch and the spark would ignite their angry passion into a sexual explosion. She had to keep the kitchen island between them and figure out how the hell she was going to get out of there unscathed. The kitchen was a cook’s paradise, she thought mindlessly, while trying to keep her distance and control her body’s reaction. Granite countertops, professional gas stove and grill, built-in cabinet refrigeration drawer system. It had been the gourmet kitchen of her dreams but he always ordered in or had Katie make dinner. Did he even know how to cook? Funny. After all this time, she should at least know if her husband knew how to cook. “Do your lovers make you burn?” he whispered softly. “Have they discovered the spot behind your ear that leaves you weak?” How had he gotten so close? “That’s none of your business,” she replied shakily. A shudder racked her body as he leaned against the granite countertop and flicked his tongue against the spot in question. “No, we’re getting a divorce.” “You’re my wife, that makes it my business!” he growled. Then, without warning, surprising even himself, he added quietly, “I’ve changed my mind. No divorce.” Joanna instantly came out of her sensual haze to look back at him with shock and disbelief. “What—what did you say?” she demanded. “I’m not giving you a divorce. I’ll contest it,” he said with more conviction, the idea burning itself into his mind, gaining credence. His wife. Yes, his wife. He had no intention of letting her go. No other woman could make him feel like this. No other woman could set his very soul on fire without even a single touch. He would fight for her…and win. “I intend to have you back in my life…my bed,” he murmured huskily as he captured her hand in his, reaching out to suck and nibble on the finger that contained her wedding ring. “Admit it. You want it too. It’s why you wear my ring.” Joanna watched helplessly as the ring she couldn’t bear to remove glinted back at her while Lucas made love to her finger. She closed her eyes to the sight but that only made it worse, giving him the opportunity to get even closer. “Your body has been on the edge of need since I held you in my arms tonight. You want me as much as I want you. Admit it,” he murmured, nibbling on her neck. Joanna didn’t bother to deny her body’s weakness. “Sex. It’s just sex. How long before you decide it’s not enough and walk away?” she demanded, pushing against his chest to gain more distance. 53

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“I missed you, brat. I tried to stay away but I couldn’t,” he said hoarsely. “You’ve been constantly on my mind.” “Liar! How dare you lie on top of everything else!” “It’s not a lie. There hasn’t been anyone else but you…” he groaned. “No.” Joanna struggled against his appeal, shaking her head to deny both his words and her own desires as they wormed their way through her defenses. No, he’s lying. “Say it, brat. Say you want me.” “No, I—” Lucas took advantage as she turned her head to answer him, hauling her against his hard, aroused body while his ravenous mouth swooped down to claim hers. Joanna struggled to regain some crumb of sanity. Her fingers desperately clutched at his shoulders, trying to hold on to some measure of rational thought, until finally a wild recklessness rushed through her, daring her to throw caution to the wind. Why was she fighting it? This man knew exactly how to kiss her, touch her, singe her very soul until she was begging for more. Tomorrow she would worry about what she had done. Tomorrow she would worry about the divorce but tonight, tonight she would revel in the moment, hungrily accepting whatever he offered. With the battle lost, her arms wrapped around his neck to press her overly sensitized body into his hard, hot frame, giving in to her rapacious desires until only their uncontrollable passion remained. “Look at me,” he insisted as he broke the kiss, his breathing ragged. “Say yes.” His black eyes blazed with unguarded desire. The same shadowed vulnerability she had seen while they danced was there, only this time there was no audience to break his spell. “Say it, brat,” he demanded. “I…” Her hesitation was almost palpable. “Joanna, please,” Lucas begged, revealing just how badly he needed her. “Yes.” Giving in to the overwhelming feelings of rightness, she claimed his lips in a kiss meant to sear his very soul. Tiny white pearl buttons flew through the kitchen as she tore open his dress shirt to feel the crisp, rough hair that sprinkled his chest and the hot male flesh beneath. Joanna mewled appreciatively as she nipped at his lower lip and slid her other hand down his hot, hard, aroused body to find his zipper. Using her palm, she caressed his rigid length, straining against the enclosure. Lord, he was magnificent. Lucas unzipped her dress and stepped back to watch it float to the floor. His eyes began a slow journey of rediscovery, drinking in the sight of her long athletic legs covered by silk stockings with the black lace garter stopped with a tuft of blonde curls. No panties? His mind raged jealously. Who had she been planning to meet? His eyes remained fixated on her curls as lust and jealousy battled for dominance. Lust finally won.

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Lucas licked his lips and dragged his eyes up her body to her luscious cleavage trapped within the Victorian corset. Grabbing Joanna by the hips, he lifted her onto the granite island in one smooth motion. Her strangled gasp pleased him as he reached in the red silk corset and freed her swollen breasts from their confinement. His eyes glinted like black diamonds while his fingers plucked at her nipples, rubbing the aroused tips with his thumbs, waiting for Joanna to react. “Luca, please. Don’t tease.” Joanna’s short fingernails bit into his wrists while her back arched further, surrendering her breasts to him and contradicting her husky plea. Lucas chuckled, grabbing her rib cage abruptly to bring her breasts closer. Then he bent and gave a tiny lick before taking one of her nipples into his mouth. While his mouth made slow beautiful love to her breasts, her hands fell back onto the counter to support her weight and the impossible position of the corset. He kissed them gluttonously, alternating between nibbling and biting until finally Joanna collapsed onto the counter from the sensations. Suddenly impatient, his trousers and boxers were lost to the floor. He stepped closer, loving the feel of her legs wrapped around him. His eyes drank in the sight of her pale pink skin and the vivid red corset against the startling contrast of the black granite. Her breasts jiggled lasciviously, their nipples hard and taut like tiny gems while his jewels glittered back at him like brands of possession. She was so beautiful, her body luscious and ripe. He almost felt sorry for the other men who would never get to see her this way again. “Don’t make me wait.” Joanna pleaded as his fingers reached out to toy with a nipple. Her legs clenched around him to bring him closer. “Please.” His hands bit into her hips to slide her body across the cool surface as her urgency reached him. Enough was enough. It had been too long and her desperate plea made him impatient to remind her of what only he could give her. God, she’s tight, he thought as he plunged deep with a single stroke. Her hoarse cry at his entry made him want to believe that there had been no one else for her either. His eyes heated, watching his cock glide in and out her body. She was wet, willing and his. She would belong to him again. Only him. Joanna whimpered a protest as he repositioned her silk clad legs, placing the outside of her thighs against the cool surface of the granite and her heels on the points of his hips. Sensation upon sensation plummeted through her as he pounded into her. Groaning her pleasure, Joanna lifted herself up onto her forearms to watch as he continued his fast and furious pace. With each thrust of his body she released another hoarse whimper. “You’re mine, brat,” he said, slowing down to make her savor the feel of his possession before his right hand moved to the fullness of her stomach as a statement of ownership. “Mine.” He punctuated it with a particularly hard thrust only to leisurely drag his cock back. Fast entry followed by an equally slow, leisurely withdrawal. Always accompanied by the word “mine”.

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“Your body missed me, brat. See how it welcomes my return. No one but me will touch you like this again.” Her tongue reached out to quench her parched lips as she stared blindly at his cock pounding in and out of her. He was so big and hard. It felt so good. The bulbous tip almost eased out of her with each thrust. The enticing words and erotic vision trapped her deep within his spell even as her head shook negatively in an unconvincing show of denial. “You’re mine!” he roared, punctuated by a particularly hard thrust that sent her tumbling over the edge. Joanna fell back as her body convulsed almost painfully during the shattering climax that somehow caught her by surprise. Her mind was trapped in shock and confusion. She felt shattered and a little—make that a lot—ashamed for allowing him to take these liberties. But her body rejoiced in its rebirth during the pulsing aftermath. No other man made her feel so alive or out of control. It was sex, just sex. Joanna repeated the mantra to herself while her eyes closed to hide from his pleased arrogant smile. He’d had set out to claim her as if he owned her and he’d succeeded. There had been no tenderness, no caring in his lovemaking. And more importantly, he suffered no loss of control. Gentle hands reached out to calm her heated skin. The back of his knuckles brushed against her feverish nipples, causing her body to tighten in response. What did he want now? Surely he had already proved his point. Joanna’s languorous body shivered in excitement as Lucas pulled her up into his embrace but her mind was angry and defiant. While his hands coaxed her body back into life, she plotted his downfall. She belonged to him, did she? Well, he could think again if he thought that she would be the only one branded here tonight. He would feel the same shattering climax, the same loss of control that had just taken her by storm. Lucas was being driven mad. The exquisite feel of her when he had first plunged in had almost undone him but he had refused to give in. She was his wife, damn it, and if he had to bind her to him through his mastery of her body, so be it. He was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that the only woman who had ever made him lose complete control remembered that she belonged to him. His tuxedo jacket and shirt were torn from his body and then she clutched at his shoulders to bring him back to be devoured by her kiss. Bold, devouring, soul-searing kisses. She kissed like she was drowning as the flames sent them back into a sweltering pool of need. Delicious sexual power flowed through Joanna as she felt the tiny tremors chasing down his spine and remembered what it felt like to have this dominant man fall apart in her arms. Trailing her fingers down his back, Joanna raked her fingernails along his spine, causing him to arch his body into hers, fusing them into one. She caressed her silk-clad legs down his hard flanks sensually before wrapping her feet behind his knees to widen his stance and allow even deeper penetration.

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“And to whom do you belong, Luca?” she whispered, playing his game. She was determined not to give in to the glorious climax that was threatening to splinter her again until he came first. Lucas groaned deeply in his chest as she scraped her teeth down his neck, coming to rest in the hollow of his collarbone. “Who owns this body, Luca? Who knows how to make you shatter in release?” she purred, taking him even further by clenching down on his engorged length with her pussy while her fingers kneaded his ass. He was so close but then so was she. Joanna laughed throatily as another shudder racked his body. “Luca. Come for me.” Her neck arched back as he started to pound into her furiously. “I need you. Now!” she demanded as her body started to convulse despite her wishes. Lucas couldn’t fight her demands any longer and let loose, pounding into her with two more hard thrusts before exploding, coming harder than he could ever remember doing so before, her pussy milking him until he felt raw. Joanna gave a strangled groan and reached up to grab his head for a kiss as she rode out the ecstatic wave. “More…oh, Luca…more!” she managed between gasping breaths, demanding that he continue to move. “Luca!” she screamed before claiming his mouth again, her climax setting off another as his cock surrendered to her demands.

***** Joanna glanced at the bedroom clock—it was close to four in the morning. Closing her eyes, she groaned because she wanted to scream—no giggle. Hell, she didn’t know what she wanted to do anymore. How the hell was she supposed to deal with this? She was confused. Last night had verged on the surreal. One moment they had been fighting and the next tearing off each other’s clothes. The blinding passion in the kitchen had given way to a leisurely exploration in the bedroom, slow and sure— exquisite in its tenderness. Turning over, she gazed at the man sleeping behind her and sighed. It simply wasn’t fair that he could make her feel all these emotions again. He looked so innocent and peaceful in his sleep. Even now, with her passion temporarily sated, she longed to reawaken him and once again climb the spiraling heights. The desire to allow her fingers and mouth free rein to travel and explore the crisp, dark trail of curls to the seat of his masculinity had to be curbed. The desire to curl up and hold him forever had to be avoided. It could only end badly for her. The slight ache between her thighs would be nothing compared to the searing pain in her heart once she came to her senses. She had to leave, had to get out of there before he convinced her to stay. She felt vulnerable, exposed. Sliding carefully out of bed, she managed to find her stockings and corset. Gathering them up, she crept quietly toward the door before turning for one last look at his gorgeous form draped across the bed. When he moaned in his sleep and 57

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his arm moved across the bed to find her, she almost gave in to the temptation to go back and join him. Instead she closed the door softly behind her, hardening her heart to her secret dreams and desires. You have to get out of here! her rational mind screamed as she picked up the rest of her clothes and dressed quickly. She had never known anything like this with any other man. Only Lucas had ever been able to shatter her so completely, and if she wasn’t careful she’d give him anything he asked, even though she knew Gloria or some other woman like her was hiding out in the shadows, ready to destroy her carefully reconstructed life. Was he serious about fighting the divorce or was it just said in the heat of the moment to get what he wanted? It changes nothing! she thought obstinately during the cab ride home.

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Chapter Six It changed everything. Confusion, love, anger, tenderness—her emotions ran the full gamut over the weekend. She hadn’t felt this alive or in this much pain since she left that hotel room in Hong Kong. She was an emotional yo-yo, threatened by the intensity of what she was feeling. One minute she prayed that he would fight for her, the next she longed to see him run through with a skewer. Looking in the mirror this morning, Joanna didn’t recognize the woman staring back. There were circles under her eyes, her clothes were wrinkled, her hair was mussed and her face wore a grimace that not even her smile could disguise. Hell, she felt like she’d been run over by a Mack truck. What had happened to the strong, decisive woman she claimed to be? “Stop right there, missy! Where do you think you’re going?” Maggie demanded. “I want to hear all about the party before you take another step.” “Maggie, could you get me a cup of coffee and see that I’m not bothered for…at least the next thirty minutes,” Joanna said, trying to brazen her way past. Only a few more feet and then I can get myself together without Maggie being the wiser. “Jo, what the hell happened to you? No offense, but you look like crap.” Damn! So close. Joanna closed her eyes briefly and sighed before turning to face Maggie. “Later…please, right now I need that coffee,” Joanna pleaded, not bothering to hide her distress. Putting her palms together flat and placing her fingers in front of her lips, she implored, “Rain check, please? Give me fifteen minutes to get myself together and I promise I’ll answer all your questions over lunch. Why don’t we order takeout from that little Thai restaurant down the street? I know the baby’s been craving hot and spicy.” “Are you okay?” Maggie inquired, concern washing over her face. “Jo, Rigo is expecting you in his office in thirty minutes. Do you want me to see if I can reschedule or at least postpone until you have a chance to get yourself together?” “Double damn.” What did Rigo want? Straightening her shoulders, Joanna said, with a look of determination, “No, just coffee. Cream, sugar with a double shot of espresso.” Let the fun begin. Joanna didn’t know whether to laugh or cry after what Rigo had just revealed. Lucas was poised to take over for Fritz as the company’s CEO. It wouldn’t be announced until the next board meeting but they’d been in negotiations for the last two months. Why hadn’t someone given her a heads-up? It was a privately held firm. Surely this wasn’t some state secret that couldn’t be revealed to her.

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Joanna probably should have guessed when Lucas told her that he was back indefinitely but her mind had been concerned with other things at the time. She’d always known that he would take over for Fritz eventually. Rigo certainly didn’t want the job and Lucas was the only other grandchild interested in the family business. Why did it have to be now? She thought she’d have more time to prepare herself and find another job. Fritz wasn’t supposed to retire for at least five more years and Lucas was supposed to be in Hong Kong. This all seemed like a very bad dream. Any minute now she would wake up and find everything was exactly as it was supposed to be. Hell. She wanted him back…she wanted a divorce. She wanted to throw herself at him and have her wicked way…she wanted him castrated. Admit it, you don’t have a clue what you really want from him. She had agonized all weekend, thinking he would call or stop by. Then she thanked her lucky stars that she had the Technology Summit to distract her. Friday night had been amazing but there was more to a good marriage than great sex. There was trust, respect and caring—things their marriage had been lacking in spades. Joanna couldn’t believe she’d sunk so low. Here she was, modern woman extraordinaire, champion of the “throw the cheating bastard out on his ass” club, contemplating the possibility of Lucas’ return to her life. Her convictions about infidelity had seemed so easy when she was on the outside looking in. Now that she was faced with reality, she wasn’t sure what to do. A knock at the door interrupted her frazzled thoughts. “Come in.” Joanna schooled her expression with a welcoming mask, expecting Maggie to walk through the door with lunch. Instead she was greeted by yet another of today’s unexpected little surprises. Kat “The Terminator” Starzy was here and she’d come dressed for battle. Her long hair had been straightened and dyed jet-black with pink stripes and she had on her Cat Woman glasses with a flaming red knit top, black leather capri pants and combat boots. “If it isn’t our little party animal,” Kat said with a smirk. “Kat, I was just thinking of calling you,” Joanna exclaimed. The fake smiled remained plastered on her face even though she desperately wanted to throw Kat out the door. “And here you are. You’ll have to join us for lunch. Maggie just left—” “Don’t bother trying to con me. You avoided me all weekend—” “I told you I’d be at Technology Summit.” “So I called Maggie this morning and told her I’d be over for lunch. If my little Joanna won’t come to the mountain, then the mountain will come to her. By the way, Maggie said you looked like shit but she didn’t tell me the half of it.” “I don’t look that bad and I believe the word was crap,” Joanna managed with an indignant air. “Whatever. Sweetheart, you do realize that your shoes don’t match?”

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“What?” Even as she asked, Joanna knew that Kat wouldn’t bother to pull her leg over something so trivial. Looking down she saw the same style shoes, only one was black and the other blue. “Something’s obviously happened. You look terrible and you’ve been avoiding me all weekend, so let’s hear it.” Joanna recognized that look. Crap. Kat was in her unstoppable juggernaut mode and once she smelled blood, there would be no escape unless Joanna was very, very lucky, and let’s face it—today was not Joanna’s lucky day. “Nothing happened. Claudia’s party was spectacular. Little twinkling white lights throughout the entire—” “Knock it off. That’s not what I asked. I know Claudia didn’t spare any expense so don’t try to distract me. What’s going on?” Kat asked, gazing at her pointedly. “Lunch is served. Who’s ready for some spicy green curry, fried rice and cream cheese wontons? They forgot to send along the wooden chopsticks again so we’ll have to use the plastic ones or forks,” Maggie observed, oblivious to the undercurrents in the room. Joanna was grateful for the distraction until she noticed the deliveryman following Maggie into the office with two distinctive purple bags. What god-awful timing. She must have done something really terrible in a previous life to get karma this bad. “Maggie, who’s that man trailing behind you?” Kat asked. Maggie sent Kat a conspiratorial wink. “Oh him, he’s just something I picked up along the way. Apparently someone in this room got lucky after all.” And to the courier she said, “Go ahead and put them right over there.” “You little devil, so that’s why you’re avoiding me.” “Who’s the lucky man?” Maggie asked lightheartedly as she opened the taller purple bag and placed the planter on the conference table. “Anyone we know?” “Wow! They’re gorgeous. What are they?” Kat asked. “Orchids. Masdevallia veitchiana.” Joanna watched their surface change color and shimmer as she walked across the room to touch the orange-red orchids. “They’re native to Peru and only get about eight inches tall. This iridescent sheen is caused by minute crimson-purple papillae covering the sepals.” “They’re breathtaking,” Maggie chirped in. “Come on, Jo. Who are they from?” “They could be from anyone.” “No one drop ships orchids without knowing that the woman in question will know exactly who they’re from. What does the card say?” Kat demanded, handing her the small ivory envelope. Joanna immediately recognized the distinctive scrawl but shrugged her shoulders to indicate that she didn’t know the sender’s identity. “Dream of Me.”

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“That’s it. No signature?” “Here. See for yourself,” Joanna said defiantly, handing the card back to Kat. “Maybe there’s another card or clue in the other package.” “They’re from Lucas, aren’t they?” Maggie interrupted. “He knows these orchids are your favorite and the cost would be insignificant to him.” “Why would Lucas send me flowers?” Joanna denied. “Maybe because he saw you at Claudia’s and decided he wants you back.” “How do you know I saw him at Claudia’s?” Joanna’s eyes narrowed as she watched bright color wash over Maggie’s face. “You knew he was going to be there, didn’t you? Don’t bother to lie. I can see it on your face.” “Yes. Claudia planned it.” “Claudia planned it,” she mimicked. “Planned what exactly?” Joanna listened while Maggie explained the maneuvering they’d done to get Lucas and her at the same party. “I know Claudia’s penchant for matchmaking but this is ridiculous,” Joanna said before falling into a chair. “She cares about you and thought the two of should meet on neutral ground—” “So you set me up? But why? I don’t understand what you—” “What happened on Friday, Jo?” Kat demanded. Within Kat’s unflinching gaze, Joanna felt trapped and exposed. Her eyes dropped to look at her fidgeting hands and she could feel the hot flush that made its way across her cheeks. “I slept with him. Okay. Are you satisfied? He wagged his little finger at me and I fell into his arms. Some strong, independent woman I am…” Joanna said quietly before telling Kat and Maggie everything that happened on Friday and what Rigo had told her this morning. “It’s not that bad,” Maggie stated. “Not that bad! Maggie, he can have me fired. How could I have been so stupid?” Joanna cried, getting up from the chair to pace the floor. “Joanna…Jo! Stop it. You’ll drive yourself insane. Let me call Kendricks and tell him you’ve gone home.” “No, I—” “Sit!” Kat commanded. “You,” she said to Maggie, “call that restaurant and make them send the wooden chopsticks. Then cancel all of Joanna’s afternoon meetings.” “But—” “Do it. And you, not another word until you sit down.” Kat walked over to Maggie and said softly, “Get Claudia on the phone. I want her to get her ass over here to see what’s she’s done.” “Kat, she slept with him. You don’t know Joanna the way I do. There’s no way she simply scratched an itch. This isn’t going to go away in an afternoon.” “Damn it, I told Claudia this was a bad idea.” 62

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“So did I.” “Hey, in the room. What do you mean you told Claudia, Kat? You don’t mean to tell me that you’re in—” “Caught that, did you?” “Starzy, how could you?” “You know what, Di Angelo…” At Joanna’s gasp, Kat continued. “It’s about time you come clean. I supported you in this, commiserated with you over your asshole husband and you go out and prove Claudia right. I do not like to be wrong.” “Kat—” “Don’t you ‘Kat’ me. What the hell is wrong with you? Your bastard husband finally comes back and you jump into bed with him the first chance you get.” “You’re being a little hard on her.” “I screwed up. I’m weak and—” “Don’t start that self-pity crap. I’m not judging you but you need to get yourself together and be honest with yourself and us.” “Jo, Kat’s right. Sally owed me a favor so I pulled his expense reports. Lucas wasn’t even in Hong Kong when you flew out.” “No, he flew out to Tokyo the day I got in.” “That’s not possible. According to his records, he flew to Tokyo two days before you arrived. You were so distraught when you got back, I just assumed that you caught him in bed with Gloria. What happened in Hong Kong?” “I—” Joanna walked over to the window to gaze at the swans as Gloria’s image in the hotel suite rose to taunt her. Even now the image still had the power to hurt her. Her face turned white as she started to relive that horrible day. “Jo, snap out of it. She lied—” “Maggie, you weren’t there. You don’t know what I saw.” “Nagasko had an emergency and he left two days before you arrived. Two days. His return flight didn’t get in until the morning after you’d flown back… Jo, you’ve never talked about what happened. Talk to us now.” “No, I know what I saw.” “You saw what she wanted you to see. I tried to prove his guilt but I couldn’t. I even talked to Chloe,” Maggie stated empathically. “Whatever you saw, it couldn’t have been true… Or are you afraid that you may have tried and convicted Lucas too easily?” “Maggie, are you saying that you of all people think I should take him back? Just like that.” Joanna stepped away from Maggie, reacting as if she had been physically slapped. “If it were me, I’d make him suffer until I brought him to his knees,” Kat declared.

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“No one said anything about taking him back just like that… But you need to get your act together and stand and fight for what you want,” Maggie scolded Joanna while giving Kat a dirty look. “You’re the computer expert. If Lucas betrayed your marriage, he wouldn’t think to hide his electronic tracks. Dig through his electronic footprints. Prove it once and for all.” “Yeah, why don’t you use that devious mind of yours to knock him down?” Kat chimed in. “Remember the practical joke you played on that jerk who kept insisting he wanted to be a gigolo. The one who insulted your female teammates to the point where they never wanted to play with him again, no matter how good of a player he was.” “Et tu, Brute?” “Hey, you’re the one who slept with Lucas, not me. I’m just trying to, um, help with ideas here.” “I don’t remember this practical joke. Spill.” “If you insist. The guy was a great player and the nicest guy until he had a few drinks and then he could insult every woman in the bar within thirty minutes. He didn’t even realize how bad he got… The standing joke was that he wanted to be a gigolo so we drew up a gigolo contract with a special performance clause to ensure proper operation and use of his, um, equipment. It even had a performance-based bonus clause and an appeal process for a refund request due to dissatisfaction.” “And?” “For Easter, we sent him a Bondage Bunny wearing a leather thong complete with a plastic egg full of condoms, flavored oils and cream, fastened to a basket with silk ties,” Joanna said, smiling as memory of the devious gag began to lighten her spirits. “We got most of his friends involved in pulling off the gag. Sending flowers and balloons to volleyball tournaments. Making some very public statements. Using his favorite chauvinistic sayings in our little notes. We tormented him for about a month before he figured out who we were.” “And…” Kat prompted. “We got him. He wasn’t happy but eventually he got the point. He even managed to laugh at himself later.” “Why don’t you use that devious little mind of yours on Lucas? It wouldn’t hurt to knock him down a notch or two. Think about what we could come up with,” Kat said with a devilish grin. “If I know Lucas, he’ll be starting an all-out campaign,” Maggie stated. “Just because he gave you the weekend to mull things over, don’t be fooled. He’ll have a plan by the time he gets here. So we really need to get cracking.” “We? I don’t know.” But suddenly she did. It was as though a light had clicked on inside her head and the Joanna of old had stepped out of the darkness. She would make him surrender or kick him to the curb. Either way, it was no longer his game. The rules had just changed. “Okay, let’s do it. But if I find out he’s guilty, he’ll wish he had never come back.” 64

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“As it should be.” Kat chuckled. “About time you got yourself back together.” “Leave it, Starzy. You owe me.” “Forget about her. I can’t wait to get started,” Maggie said, practically beaming. “What would you have done if I told you I walked in on them having sex?” Joanna asked, noticing Maggie’s look. “I would have sent Kat after him to make sure he suffered. She has a way of making sure these things get done right.” “I do,” Kat admitted before adding, “I have a feeling Lucas will get a little more than he expected.” Joanna only smiled in response, looking once more at the orchids as her mind began to whirl with ideas. Lucas was dead meat.

***** Joanna felt like a Grade A fool. The discrepancies were glaring once she took her insecurities and pain out of the mix. The beer, the Drakkar, his refusal to speak to her— all those things individually should have given her pause but the disconnection of his cell should have sent her internal warning bells screaming. Lucas never went anywhere without his cell and yet his number had been disconnected. She’d never questioned the significance of that before, assuming that it was just another way for him to hurt her. The truth was that there was no way he would give up his number because of a marital spat. Too many of his business associates used that number exclusively for him to cancel it on some whim. If only she had called Telecomm last year, she might have saved herself a lot of grief. His number had been changed because someone had hacked into his phone and made thousands of dollars worth of international calls, not in order to cut her off. Lord, the things you were willing to believe when you were feeling insecure and your marriage was on shaky ground. After listening to Claudia, Abby and Chloe, Joanna believed that there was more going on here than met the eye. She wasn’t sure of much yet but she knew one thing for certain—Gloria had set her up. She had twisted and turned Joanna inside out until she didn’t know which side was up or which side was down. Her manipulations were the work of a master. What Joanna didn’t understand was why. Why play out that scene in his hotel room? Why the constant innuendoes? What did Gloria gain if she wasn’t having an affair with Lucas? It just didn’t make any sense. Being an IT Manager and a former Systems Administrator did have its advantages. She had unrestricted access to the computer systems and experts at her fingertips. It was only a matter of time before the data communication packets and system logs

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revealed their dirty little secrets. Gloria might be a master manipulator but Joanna was a master packet sleuth. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and walked back to her desk to finish her preparations for today’s reunion. The mischievous imp inside was chomping at the bit to get her hooks back into Lucas. The Joanna of old had returned with a vengeance. Lucas would surrender to this vivacious, waggish woman she’d rediscovered or he would be kicked to the curb. No more talk of giving up her career, no more longdistance relationship and no more fighting about children. His terms for their previous relationship were no longer acceptable. If they couldn’t develop a more equal partnership for their marriage, then he could go bye-bye. Smiling impishly, she ran a finger over the embossed ivory card, casually tracing his distinctive scrawl. It’s more than sex. Who was he trying to fool? A small golden gardening shovel, a silver whisk and a leather teddy. Okay, so the shovel represented her passion for landscaping and the whisk, cooking, but what possible non-sexual meaning could such a decadent teddy have? She was sure this teddy was meant to remind her of silk scarves, hot oil and one very sexy man with one very wicked mouth. And it did. Joanna breathed in deeply and slid her hand over the sumptuous leather. The fantasy she had been denying herself sent a demanding jolt through her body. She did so love leather. Loved how naughty and sexy it made her feel. She’d almost worn it today but that would be much too naughty for the first day of his campaign to win her back. Ummm…but it would be so good to be so naughty. Giving in to temptation, Joanna closed her eyes and imagined Lucas tied to her bed. His body would be stretched out, unable to offer any resistance. Not that he would ever give her complete control willingly, but then everything in life didn’t always go according to his plans. Black stiletto heels, a leather whip and some silk scarves. God, he would look scrumptious tied to her bed. She could almost picture it now. His broad chest seemed massive with his powerful arms tied to the wooden bedposts and the slight glistening sheen of sweat gracing its hard contours. It was the sweat that beckoned her, seducing her into lowering her head to inhale his intoxicating scent from that special spot behind his ear all the way down to his rock-hard abs. She breathed in deeply, loving the spicy, virile scent of aroused male. It was such a turn-on. The pheromones his body released while he was excited drove her crazy. He didn’t have to do or say a thing to make her want him. Joanna sought his eyes as she trailed her leather-encased fingers up and down his legs, stopping at his cock to feel the fullness of his balls. “You’ll be begging me tonight, Luca. Every touch, every caress…will bring you to the edge of need. I’ll show no mercy

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until I’m satisfied,” Joanna murmured, drawing out each word deliciously, waiting to see if they had their desired effect. His cock jerked involuntarily but otherwise Lucas only smiled, the light in his eyes mocking her every move, daring her to continue. Joanna’s smile widened at the expected challenge. She would break through his stoic resolve tonight and keep him on the edge until he was begging. Her eyes danced with his before directing his attention to the leather flogger that hung from her belt. She let him feel the tantalizing softness by dragging the buttery leather down his torso before swirling it around his cock in a feathery caress. “Do you know how hot I am for you?” she asked, trapping his eyes with her gaze. “Seeing you like this. Your muscles glistening with sweat. Your cock so big and hard, twitching to get at me,” she continued, flicking the tiny cat-o-nines lightly. “It’s almost too much for my hungry pussy to bear.” Slowly she began the tantalizing caresses, watching as the soft leather wrapped itself lovingly around his cock. His control was superb, lasting much longer than she thought possible, but then the result was inevitable. Smiling wickedly, Joanna flicked the lash a little harder, letting the tiny whip’s kisses work their magic until his stoic resolve began to falter and his swollen, red cock eagerly awaited the next delicious stroke. His head fell back in pleasure and his hips danced off the bed in time with the flick of her wrist. His torment was a thing of beauty. But it wasn’t enough. She wanted to touch him. Wanted to feel every shiver and twitch for herself. Throwing the flogger to the bed, Joanna tore off the leather gloves and kicked off her heels before climbing between his outstretched legs. A shudder racked his body as she dragged her fingernails slowly down his legs, placing feathery kisses on the inside of his thighs. Her mouth moved closer and closer to his straining cock, promising him the world with the flick of her tongue but always pulling back at the last moment. “Damn it, Joanna, take me in your mouth!” His husky whisper sounded like a fierce command instead of a plea from a man submitting to the will of his mistress. Joanna gave a husky laugh then sought a new level to the game. When she captured him in a long, wet kiss, his forceful groan and uncontrollable shivers made her body clench in need. Her mouth released him with a pop. The desire to impale herself on his beautiful cock was made stronger by the glistening trail of saliva dribbling down his cock. It was so beautiful… He was so beautiful…hard and straining with desire…hers. Eventually she stomped down her raging hormones and began his torture all over again, licking and nibbling on his swollen length until he thrashed wildly on the bed. “I promise you, brat, when my turn comes,” he choked out when she finally deepthroated him, humming while she gazed into his eyes longingly. “You’ll find that payback isn’t always a bitch. It can be a bastard too. I’ll pound into you until you see stars. You’ll be begging for more until you’re too sore to move.”

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The look in his eyes almost branded her to the spot. It was so damn hot. Joanna released his cock to crawl up his body, dragging her bare nipples across his hard chest and trapping his hard cock between them. The sensations were exquisite and there was a breathless moment before she whispered, “I’m looking forward to your revenge, Luca.” Her tongue made a lacy pattern across his chest while her eyes danced with his. Slowly she moved her body up, making sure that he got an up close and personal view of her bare nipples in his teddy. Then she inched her lower body up his chest and moved into an angled seated position with her knees resting lightly against his raised arms. Holding her breasts together, she maintained eye contract and asked, “Do you think this outfit makes me look fat? I mean, look at my breasts… They’re huge.” She brought a nipple closer to allow her tongue to swirl around its tip. “Would you like to suck my nipples? Nibble them until they’re hard and red, begging for your lips to wrap around them and bite…down…” Biting down on the red nub, she closed her eyes and released a groan as the pleasure washed over her. The nipple puckered, offering itself up. “Like this.” Joanna opened her eyes and laughed deviously. He had closed his eyes to the lascivious sight. “Not fair. You have to watch me. Anything else would be cheating.” Joanna released her breasts and chuckled hoarsely as his body strained against his silken bonds. His eyes seemed fascinated with their every bounce. Joanna shifted her weight to her heels and opened her thighs, moving her hand to trace the leather edge of the teddy’s g-string. “I’m so wet, Luca. See how my lips strain against the leather. Pink and puffy against the black. My aching pussy needing to be filled,” she murmured, pulling the g-string tight. “Is it really so bad to lose control to little ol’ me?” Lucas growled, “When your turn comes, I’ll plunge my cock as deep and hard up your ass as I can. Your virgin ass will wrap itself around my cock and you’ll love it. You’ll crave the delicious darkness until you beg me to do it again and again. Anywhere and anytime I chose.” “Uh, uh, uh. Tsk, tsk. Is that any way to speak to your wife? You can’t possibly want to fuck your wife’s ass,” she admonished, quickly changing positions so that she was on her hands and knees with her ass clearly visible and his cock in front of her face. “My big…fat ass does look spectacular in this outfit. Only a thin leather string buried there. Such a tiny barrier to your hard cock. Can you imagine what it will look like after you’ve spanked me for being such a naughty girl? Delicious heat warming my bottom, tormenting me until I’m screaming with need…” The sight of his erection so close to her mouth made her drool. She leaned closer, carefully balancing her weight on one hand. Smack. “…begging you to fill me with your hot, hard cock any way you choose. Would you fuck my ass in long, slow sadistic strokes…” Every movement brought it closer to her lips. Smack.

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“…or would you be fast and furious?” Smack. Smack. “Would you pay attention to my pleadings for mercy?” Her tongue reached out for a tiny lick. Smack, smack, smack. “Oh God, please, Lucas, take my ass.” SMACK. SMACK. “Or would you continue your delicious torment?” she asked, taking him deep within her mouth. Lucas strained and twisted for release. The silk bindings finally tearing— BUZZ. BUZZ. God damn it! Joanna swore silently as the harsh buzz of the intercom interrupted her fantasy. “Jo, Jeannie from reception just called. He’s on his way up.” “Thanks, Mags. He’s a little early. Stall him for a few minutes, ‘kay?” Joanna hid the teddy in her drawer and walked over to the cabinet for a glass of water, hoping that she had enough time to calm her raging hormones. Her breathing was shallow, her breasts felt full and swollen and a molten heat had started between her thighs. What kind of idiot was she to allow that fantasy free rein right before she expected him to arrive? She was aching and he wasn’t even in the room. She had given him an unnecessary advantage in the game they were about to play and she knew why. It was hope…and lust. Now that she knew Gloria had lied and that Lucas had tried to contact her, it opened the floodgates of her fantasies. Her mind became obsessed with exploring the untried sexual escapades she had missed out on during their time apart. His gift of the leather teddy only added fuel to an already burning fire. Muffled voices penetrated her office door. Lucas had arrived and was acting true to form. Joanna smiled impishly. And so it begins. “Lucas, you can’t just walk in there—” Joanna held up her hand and allowed a look of irritation to mask her anticipation. “It’s okay, Maggie.” “Are you sure? I can get security up here in less than five minutes.” Maggie’s quick wink almost gave the game away. Joanna gave Maggie a sharp look, trying hard not to smile. “I don’t think security would appreciate a request to remove the new CEO from the building before he takes office, do you?” “No, I suppose not…” Maggie said, mumbling something about conceited, arrogant men.

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Walking over to the door, Joanna struggled to contain her laughter. Maggie was doing her very best to go over the top. Making an act of placating Maggie, she secretly gave her the thumbs-up signal and mouthed the words good job. “Why don’t you get us some coffee?” Take your time. Turning back to Lucas, Joanna walked slowly across the room to gather her composure. He looked devastating, sprawled out in the chair. His tailored charcoalgray suit jacket opened to hint at the hard body accentuated beneath. Her recent fantasy made her ache to fall into his lap and do wicked things to his body. She wanted the completion her fantasy demanded. “I don’t have much time between meetings so why don’t you tell me why you’re here?” she said abruptly. “You’re not surprised to see me.” “Rigo told me to expect you. He thought it best if I had a chance to consider my actions before you got here.” “Not quite the warm welcoming I’d hoped for,” he said finally. “You were expecting a red carpet welcome?” Her eyebrow lifted sardonically. Lucas gave a grudging smile while his eyes swept her body from head to toe. Why, his little caterpillar had matured into a glorious butterfly overnight. She was so beautiful with her eyes blazing brightly and her long blonde silky hair swept up in a soft coiffure showing that long neck to perfection. His fingers itched to remove the pins one by one and drag his fingers through the silken mass as he kissed her senseless. The black coatdress that glided down her luscious body accentuated the shadowy valley between her succulent breasts and the generous curve of her hips. His eyes followed the buttons down to the long display of beautiful legs. Where were the black jeans and sweaters that normally made up her work attire? Dragging his attention away from her, he scanned her office noting the orchids on the conference table, the comfortable furniture and the door to a private bathroom. “Are those original Redlin’s?” “Yes, I picked up some of his early work at auction.” “Rigo says you’re doing well and that your teams are driving the technology needs for the business,” Lucas said after a long pause. “It’s difficult to stay ahead of the curve but I have good people and we work hard.” “Congratulations. From what I understand you’re succeeding. I’m sure you—” “Yes, my career is important to me. I love what I do.” “I know. I never doubted your ambition or abilities for a minute.” Joanna’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “That’s not the impression you gave.” “Yes, well…I didn’t want your career to be important because I wanted you to myself.”

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“That’s a bunch of crap. Why don’t you just admit it? You thought your career was more important than mine. That working on computers didn’t hold a candle to orchestrating multimillion dollar financial deals.” Her temper and her voice rose as the old wound was reopened. “Admit it, you wanted me to stay home like your mother,” she charged. “You’re not my mother and I was wrong not to appreciate your talents more.” His tone became placating, although those implied talents were not lost on Joanna. “I was a conceited bastard and an arrogant fool. What would you have me say in my defense when I have none?” Joanna’s eyes narrowed further, her gaze and her voice furious. “What do you want?” “I told you. I want you back in my life…my bed,” he said lazily, like a giant cat waiting for the opening to pounce on its prey. “Too bad. That’s your problem, not mine. I want a divorce.” His voice lowered to a husky murmur. “That’s not what you want. You want me to grab you and kiss until you’re too breathless to say no. You want me to walk over there, unbutton the three little buttons of that dress and find out whether you’re wearing my teddy—” An erotic shiver feathered her mind at his words but she ignored it. “Your arrogance is unbelievable. What makes you think you could have me so easily?” “Friday.” Joanna responded by letting her eyes drift down his body until they reached the thick bulge displayed beneath his trousers. She didn’t bother to hide her condescending smile. He was already aroused by their verbal sparring and he wasn’t trying to hide it. Good, because if he thought some mind-blowing sex and a few token gifts were enough to get her back, he had another think coming. “Ah, yes. Friday. Consider it a momentary weakness on my part. A mistake I’m not willing to repeat,” Joanna needled then dismissed him by turning her back and walking back toward her desk. “If that’s all you have to say, I have another meeting—” Lucas leapt up from the chair and closed the space between them so fast that Joanna didn’t have time to avoid him. One moment he was on the other side of the room, the next she was hauled against his hard, muscled length, his hand sliding down her body to press her hard against his thighs. She felt the searing heat of him even through her clothes and had an almost irresistible desire to taste his lips with her tongue. “Is that right?” he murmured in that sexy way that robbed her of the ability to breathe. The pins from her hair dropped to the floor as he pulled them one by one until the silken mass flowed down her back. “Should I prove what a little liar you are?” he asked, before tangling his fingers in her hair and plunging them both into a burning kiss. Joanna ached to throw caution to the wind and be engulfed in a pool of desire but the game was too important. Battling through the sensual fog, she broke the kiss and 71

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even managed a short taunting laugh. “So we’re back to sex. There’s more to marriage than a roll in the hay…no matter how enjoyable.” Cautiously she eased out of his arms, not willing to rouse the beast. His hot eyes burned into her back as she walked over to the conference table to stop and touch the orchids but he didn’t say a word. “The flowers are beautiful. Delicate, soft, fragile but with an underlying fierceness. I assume the orchids and your other gifts were initial offerings to win me back. What do you hope to gain by seeking me out here, hmm?” Joanna swung her hips seductively as she walked back over to him, dragging her hand across his shoulder before whispering in his ear. “You say you want me back as your wife but you haven’t said what you’re willing to do to get me.” Picking up his left hand, she used her thumb to play with his wedding ring. “I have a proposition for you, Luca,” she purred. Lust hit him hard, his mind struggling to concentrate on her words as the visual effect of his finger in her mouth and the physical sensation as her luscious mouth sucked and her tongue swirled again…and again…overwhelmed him. He knew she was up to something, duplicating his actions from last Friday, but his body didn’t care. “Flowers, toys. These things are trivial. You’re a dealmaker, Luca. Deals are not made on such trivial items.” “What do you want?” he croaked out in a voice that betrayed him. “I want control…control to decide how we spend time together, what we do, who we see. No gifts, no big scenes of seduction, no money. Everything we do, I decide. If we go out on the town, I drive and I pay,” she murmured while kissing the inside of his palm and toying with his wedding band. What was she up to? The mischievous glint in her eyes intrigued him. It had been so long since she had looked at him like this. What if he threw out all his meticulous preparations and played her game? He might never get a better chance to win her back. “I see. And if I agree, how long would you retain control?” His breathing turned shallow as she leaned over to place little nibble kisses along his jawline. “Umm…we’ll start next Sunday and…it will last until…until the Board publicly announces Fritz’s retirement plans and your transition team,” she said between kisses, making it seem as if she were really considering the timeframe. “And if I agree to your so-called challenge, what are you willing to give me in return?” he replied softly, receiving a brief kiss on the lips for his question. “Isn’t a second chance enough? It is what you want, isn’t it?” she said before wrapping her arms around him to give him a sizzling kiss. Joanna kissed him as long as she could without losing herself. She knew him. His hands were only loosely holding her hips and his kiss was fevered but not lost. Which could mean only one thing. His calculating mind was scheming to turn this to his advantage. Good! It had been a long time since they had matched wits but she was sure he couldn’t resist her offer.

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Lucas broke off the kiss, his eyes burning with passion. “You know better than that. In every deal there’s a give and take. I give you something you want, you give me something I want in return until we’re both satisfied with the arrangement.” “And?” she whispered breathlessly. “I want the opportunity to convince you that you belong with me, that our marriage deserves another chance,” he drawled softly, moving to flick his tongue against the hot spot on her neck. Joanna sucked in her breath as his tongue hit her erogenous zone and the provocative tone skimmed over her. “I want you to trust me and willingly allow me to control your desires and fantasies.” Feelings of delicious sweetness tugged at her mind. Joanna leaned back to study him intently, struggling to remove the sensual fog from her brain. She should have expected something of this nature. Sex was his preferred method of communication. Her body screamed “yes” but her mind wasn’t willing to surrender the advantage just yet. “And if I agree?” Joanna moved out of his arms, needing some distance to think clearly. There was more to a marriage than great sex and if she agreed to his terms then she would be giving him the driver’s seat to her game. “If you agree…” he started. “If you agree, I’ll give you an uncontested divorce if you want one afterwards.” Joanna eyebrows rose sharply as she looked at him. Suddenly this had become an all-or-nothing game. “What about rules?” “No rules. You already know the fantasies I seek. I can see by the look in your eyes that you’re tempted,” he said with a wolfish grin. “Why are you hesitating? Are you afraid that once you’re in my bed, you’ll be begging not to leave it?” “How long?” Joanna ignored the taunt. “One weekend. Starting immediately after the board meeting.” She had him, she knew it, but he also had her. A weekend filled with wild unconstrained sex exploring her every fantasy and then she could walk away. What could he come up with that she hadn’t already dreamed of? “I can say no at any time and you’ll do nothing to interfere with my career before or after, regardless of the outcome?” “Agreed. You want control. I want trust. If we can’t trust each other then there’s no future for us.” Lucas was pleased as he watched the unconscious nervous habit of hers. She had swung around to face the window with her finger between her teeth. He had thrown her off-balance. About time. She made him feel like he was in a free fall. “All right,” she said, turning back to him finally. “But let’s raise the stakes and make the game a little more interesting. No sex during my turn.” Apparently not that off balance. Lucas’ eyes narrowed and he growled, “Define sex.”

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Joanna took a moment to consider her answer, her finger tapping on her lip. “No intercourse and no solo masturbation. Any type of foreplay—kissing, touching—will be considered fair play but you can’t overwhelm me into having intercourse. I have to say yes, otherwise…I get that uncontested divorce and you lose your weekend.” Lucas glared at her. “What if you decide to ravage me on the spot?” “If I can’t stay out of your bed, then you get your weekend starting the next day,” she shot back without thinking. “Make that a week, you take vacation from work and the lover goes.” “What lover?” “Brad or whoever he is.” “What are you talking about? There’s no lover, Lucas. I haven’t been with anyone else since we started dating. I don’t know where you get—” “Chloe told me.” Joanna could see the satisfaction flow through his body at her admission. “Ah, then you might want to turn your sister over your knee and give her and the others the spanking they so rightly deserve.” “Others?” “It’s not important. Are we agreed on the terms?” “Yes.” A self-satisfied grin broke across her face as she walked over to her briefcase. The look on her face said that she had him exactly where she wanted him. “Here’s the menu for Sunday’s brunch. The ladies and I will be arriving at eleven o’clock,” Joanna said triumphantly as she held up an envelope and the silver whisk he had gifted her with. “What ladies? What brunch?” “Let me take it slow so you can keep up. The ladies and I will be arriving at eleven o’clock on Sunday…for brunch…at your condo…cooked by you personally. Unless you don’t think you’re up to the challenge.” The look Joanna shot him asked if he was giving up already, admitting defeat. At his abrupt nod, she said, “Good. Here’s the menu and your whisk and don’t forget about the rules, no money. You can’t use any money to fulfill your challenge obligations so don’t bother trying to hire a caterer.” “How would you know?” “Abby will be watching so I’ll know if you cheat.” “My Abby knows about your little challenge? How many other people are involved in this game of yours?” he asked, incredulous at her audacity. “Now, now. That would be telling. You don’t really think I would propose something like this without being prepared, do you? Shame on you, Lucas. I’m prepared to use every resource at my disposal in order to win.”

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“Fair enough. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when it’s my turn. How many ladies should I expect for brunch?” “There shouldn’t be more than twenty or twenty-five. Claudia told me that the number could be a little higher than usual because everyone is so excited at the prospect of experiencing your culinary talents.” “What if I hadn’t agreed to your little challenge?” “Lucas, come off it. We both know you couldn’t resist the chance to put me in my place,” she said huskily as she leaned into him, walking her fingers up his chest to his lips where she traced his frown. “If you win, it will make the victory all that much sweeter. Of course, if you lose… Well, you might want to prepare yourself because I intend to bring you to your knees.” “I look forward to your attempts,” he said, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Maggie knocked at the door before opening it. “Kendricks called, the meeting room’s been changed to 3A.” “Thanks, Mags. Let him know I’ll be there in a minute. We’re just about done here aren’t we, Lucas?” Joanna asked, moving out of his arms to reach for her planner and then saunter to the door. “By the way, I’ve scheduled the food delivery for Saturday afternoon. Please see that someone’s there to put it away and…” she threw over her shoulder as she started down the hallway, “I’m not wearing it.” Lucas sat there stunned for a moment until the sound of Joanna’s laughter floated down the hallway to him. The sound warmed him. “Lucas, I hope you’re prepared for this because she’s playing for keeps,” Maggie stated simply. “So am I, Maggie, and I don’t intend to lose her either,” he said quietly before giving into the laughter threatening to burst forth. He felt incredibly good. “That little minx,” he mumbled but he was smiling. This day had gone better than he ever could have imagined. She thinks she has me but I can take anything she dishes out. I’ll mop the floor with her challenge and have her in my bed the very first night, he thought arrogantly until he realized that there was a teensy little problem with his plan that he had somehow managed to overlook—he didn’t really know how to cook. I can do this… it’s no big deal. I make multimillion dollar deals all the time. How hard can it be to cook some eggs and bacon for twenty of Joanna’s female friends?

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Chapter Seven “Oh, Lucas, my boy, methinks she’s got you beat this time,” Abby said, laughing uproariously at the sight of him. His forehead was covered in flour, pancake batter splattered on his dress shirt, handprints of grease, flour and she wasn’t sure what else on his trousers. His normally immaculate hair was ruffled as if he’d run his hands through it one too many times and his suit coat was thrown over in the corner of the kitchen floor. What man was stupid enough to attempt cooking in a suit? Abby rolled her eyes. Apparently Lucas was. Oh my goodness, Joanna, if only you could see him. “What was it in its former life?” Abby asked, looking at the blackened pan on the stove. “Pancakes.” Abby looked from the stove to Lucas and then back again. “You need some serious help,” she said, barely managing to keep a straight face. She had to hand it to the man. He wasn’t willing to give up. His stubborn pride was the only thing standing between him and utter disaster. “Abby, please you’ve got to help me. Katie is threatening to quit if I don’t stop making a mess of the kitchen. I can’t even toast bagels without setting off the fire alarm, the pancakes won’t rise—there must be something wrong with this recipe.” Sending Abby a pleading look, he added desperately, “There’s has to be some way you can help me without breaking the rules.” “I wouldn’t dream of it. This is exactly what you deserve. So start thinking with your head instead of panicking. I know you’ll come up with something that will fulfill all your challenge obligations,” Abby said, not quite managing to control her snicker. She had to leave before she gave in and collapsed on the floor laughing. “Here.” Lucas caught a big white chef’s apron with the words “Kiss the Cook!” on the front in big red letters. Lucas looked at Abby with a confused frown. “Joanna thought you might like something to wear on Sunday. That way your clothes won’t get so dirty… Well, as dirty…” Abby explained before she started to laugh again. “Oh God, Lucas, try not to burn down the place in the meantime. I’ll see you on Sunday.” Two hours later, Lucas looked at the disaster that was his kitchen and swore. The smoke alarm was screeching its displeasure, even though the fire was out. The telephone was ringing insistently but he ignored it. Now that the smoke had finally cleared out the kitchen, his attention was focused on making the fire alarm shut up. Climbing onto the countertop, he tried to grab the fire alarm off the wall only to realize

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that he wasn’t high enough. When his cell phone started vibrating on his belt, he answered it with an impatience born of the frustration he felt. “Di Angelo,” he barked. “Sir, this is your home security service. We’ve detected a fire in your condominium. We’re calling to let you know that the fire department should be arriving within the next five minutes and that we’ve notified building management…” Lucas sat down with a thump and started laughing. What a total fucking disaster! How in the world was he ever going to pull this off? He couldn’t let her win this easily. He had to find a way to make this work otherwise she would win right out of the starting gate.

***** It had taken two days to air the smell of smoke out of his kitchen and Katie had practically forced him to give up his firstborn in order to get the place cleaned up but everything was just about perfect. The eggs were scrambled, the muffins baked, the bacon fried. The quiche was coming along nicely and the pancakes were actually rising. The humor of his week in the kitchen was not lost on Lucas. Ode had taken one look at Lucas and the state of his kitchen and started laughing at the lengths men will go for their women, finding it particularly funny that the Fire Marshall had asked Lucas to do a special class on the dangers of letting novices into the kitchen without supervision. Ode then added insult to injury by pointing out that the menu Joanna had chosen was fairly basic, stressing the point until Lucas felt like some small, pathetic animal she had taken pity on. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, blueberry muffins, quiche. Could anything be harder than that? Yes, very easily. Lucas conceded the point after watching Ode whip together a gourmet breakfast fit for a king within thirty minutes. Lucas had eaten with gusto, unashamed to be eating Ode’s delectable fare after the last few days of culinary disaster. Okay, so Ode was right and Joanna had a soft spot in her heart for him. None of that mattered if he failed miserably and got eliminated from contention. So what else could a pathetic creature such as himself do? Why, he begged for private free lessons from the master and promised to help pull together the financing necessary to expand his bakery. That’s what he did. Hell, if he lived through this brunch and no one died from his cooking, he’d probably bankroll the expansion himself. He was already obsessed with Ode’s caramel pecan rolls, so why the hell not? “Umm…something sure smells good,” Joanna said, interrupting his thoughts as she molded her body against his back, using her fingers to play with the strings of his apron, “and it’s not food.” “Yes, I smell amazing, don’t I?” he teased, pleased that she was here, let alone touching him. 77

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“I can’t believe that you’ve managed to do all this.” “Did you doubt my abilities for a second?” Lucas said as he poured another round of pancakes onto the griddle. “Admit it. You almost caved in and catered brunch.” “I’ll admit no such thing. I’m not that helpless in the kitchen.” “I know, Lucas,” Joanna said, her lips curling into his back as her hands moved slowly to the edge of his apron trailing her fingers back and forth. “Abby gave me a full report of your adventures this week and Ode told me about your visit from the Fire Marshall.” Her right hand moved beneath the apron, making lacy patterns with her fingers as they slowly inched higher, hinting at where they might stop. “There’s no way you could have managed without Ode. Admit it.” “We males have to stick together. Ode was gracious enough to help protect males everywhere from the hands of plotting females,” Lucas managed to choke out before the palm of her hand caressed him through his jeans. Joanna kissed the side of his neck while he leaned over the stove to turn his pancakes. “But you like my hands on you, don’t you, Luca? You’d be terribly upset if I removed them now.” Unzipping his jeans with one hand, she reached in to remove his semi-hard length with the other. The sound of the zipper seemed to echo through the kitchen over the sound of sizzling food. “Does it make you hot knowing that anyone could walk in on us? Claudia? Sara? Katie? What would you do if I invited the ladies in to watch, or your sister walked in on us? “ Lucas turned to face Joanna, gathering her in his arms. “What are you playing at, brat?” he admonished but obviously his body had other ideas because his hips were grinding his cock into the cradle of her hips through the open zipper. “I was just remembering the other night. The granite was so cool against my hot naked skin. We’d never done it like that in the kitchen before,” she murmured, slipping her hand between them to caress him. “Your hard, hot length making me shudder as you brought me closer to that splintering finish,” she whispered breathlessly. “Do you have any idea how hot I am seeing you in this apron, imaging you with nothing else on? My hands caressing your bare buttocks. All of your hot, hard flesh just waiting to be tasted, savored, like a culinary treasure.” Lucas groaned deep in his chest. He could almost imagine it now. “I have another surprise for you.” Her face broke into a triumphant grin as she lifted her hand to display her newest toy. “What do you think you’re doing with that?” “Why, it’s your surprise. It will make brunch a delicious challenge.” Dropping to her knees, she tucked his apron into the string and slid the adjustable leather cock ring over his exposed length and snapped it shut loosely. She didn’t want to keep him hard as much as she wanted to remind him of her control. “Joanna, stop playing this game,” he growled but he made no move to stop her.

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“No games,” she murmured, her hot breath caressing his cock before raising her eyes to meet his and slowly licking her lips. “I’m just following directions,” she purred, pointing to the Kiss the Cook! slogan on his apron. “He really knows how to make hot and spicy fare.” “Joanna—” he growled in warning. “Luca, you wanted to explore all of our fantasies, didn’t you?” Joanna asked innocently. “Well, this is one of mine.” Joanna swirled her tongue around his crown and then licked and nibbled her way down to the base. A feeling of triumph washed over her when Lucas’ control began to slip and his body responded to her touch despite his wishes. For a man who claimed not to like public displays of affection, he certainly wasn’t immune to her caresses. What would happen when she turned up the heat another notch? “Does it make you hot knowing that one of the ladies could walk in and see me on my knees with your cock in my mouth?” Joanna murmured between nibbles as her tongue made love to the sensitive underside of his tip. “Would it make you come harder knowing that someone watched me gobble you up like a culinary treat? Could I make you beg while they watched?” Lucas let out a heartfelt groan as her mouth took him deeper in a suctioning kiss. His thoughts completely centered on how much he wanted to wrap his fingers in her hair and ram his hard, thick cock all the way down her throat. He was so focused on Joanna and what she might do next that not even the sound of approaching footsteps broke through her spell. “Lucas, are you okay?” Claudia said, partially dragging his attention away from what Joanna was doing to his enflamed cock. She gave him a strange look. “You’re looking a little flushed and you seem to be out of breath. Maybe you should sit down. Why don’t you take a break out on the balcony?” “I’m fine, Claudia,” Lucas managed without groaning, but then sucked in his breath as Joanna dragged her teeth down his entire length. Oh God, this is so hot. She was right. He was getting off on this even with Claudia a few feet away. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yes, I just splattered some grease on my hand. Really, I’m okay. What did you come in for?” he asked, hoping to distract her. “I was looking for Joanna. We’re getting ready to start.” “She went downstairs. Something about a surprise. I’ll tell her you’re looking for her when she comes back.” Lucas wanted to close his eyes and give in to the pleasure. He had never been into public sex but Joanna was driving all of his carefully constructed inhibitions out the window. The pleasure of her mouth was intense. It was a wild turnon knowing that Claudia only had to walk around the counter to see Joanna on her knees with his hard cock stuffing her mouth. A part of him wanted to stop Joanna…but he knew that part was outvoted. He’d definitely die if she stopped now. “Let me finish that for you. I’m sure Joanna wouldn’t mind.” 79

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“Nooooo!” he exclaimed forcefully, stopping Claudia in her tracks moments before she could make her way around the island. “Sorry,” he continued somewhat abashedly when she gave him a shocked look. “It’s just that I’ve come so far. This is my first time in the kitchen,” and my last “and I don’t want to blow it.” Oh, baby, yes I do! “Are you sure? I don’t mind helping.” “No, that’s okay. I’m almost finished. I can’t let Joanna think that she’s won so easily. Go back and join the ladies on the balcony and I’ll send her out when she’s done,” he gritted out as Joanna sucked him down to the root, her nose brushing his skin. God, he wanted to watch her do that. He wished that Claudia would hurry up and leave already so he could give in to his desires and fuck Joanna’s mouth raw. After what she’d just put him through, he knew it would be hot. Joanna kept up the pressure until Claudia’s footsteps receded from the kitchen then, with a loud pop, she released his cock from her mouth. The beautiful sight made her to ache to bring him to completion but she settled for using her tongue one final time to wipe the excess salvia off. Her taste buds were drooling in their desire to be allowed to return to his tasty treat. “I better get going too,” she said after what seemed like a lifetime, almost giving in to her desire to make him surrender now. “I wouldn’t want anyone to come looking for me while I was downstairs.” “But…” Zipping him up, she stood up and smiled like the cat who got all the cream. “Don’t worry, Luca. I’m not done with you yet. My other surprises can wait until later… Your pancakes are burning.” And with a laugh, Joanna went outside to join the rest of the ladies. Joanna sighed as she leaned onto the railing and enjoyed the spectacular view of downtown that his balcony afforded. Even though she had hated living here alone, she had to admit that the view was second to none during sunset. She loved the vivid purples and oranges that made the city’s skyline seem alive. The sight was magical and made a wonderful ending to such a perfect day. Lucas had done surprisingly well, all things considered. He had been an excellent host and a good sport, remaining virtually unflappable throughout the ladies’ attempts to rake him over the coals. She was surprised by how far the ladies had gone once they warmed to their subject. Nothing had been sacred or taboo—finances, politics, religion, sex. Invariably the subject always returned to sex… “What’s your position on oral sex, young man?” Edith asked innocently, waiting until Lucas had been lured into believing he had experienced everything the women had to dish out. Joanna and the rest of the ladies struggled to stifle their laughter. Someone coughed, while others had brought napkins up to hide their smiles. That feisty little old lady, who was eighty if she was a day, had surprised them all. 80

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Lucas almost choked on the piece of fruit he was eating. His cheekbones had an added flush to them but he answered with an almost smirking grin. “I like it.” Edith shook her head and rolled her eyes. No one could mistake what Edith was thinking—Men, they’re all idiots. Turning her gaze back to Lucas, she gave him a look that said, we know that, you moron. “All men like to receive it but do you like to give it?” Lucas sputtered on his coffee. His eyes narrowed at the unexpected jab. “Don’t give me that shocked look, young man. I know what oral sex is like. My husband had a tongue that should have been insured by Lloyd’s of London. We had sex in our day, you know,” Edith remarked before hammering Lucas with very explicit questions about style and technique until Joanna’s face blushed beet-red. Everyone watched avidly as the conversation continued. Lucas acquitted himself well. They could have been talking about the weather once Lucas warmed to the subject but Edith was only lulling Lucas into another false sense of security before she went in for the kill. “Did you know that during Queen Victoria’s reign men had a fascination with cock rings? Pornography was rampant and sex was all the rage. Not many things were taboo when it came to pleasure of the flesh.” Joanna choked on her juice. She hadn’t told anyone about her plans to use a cock ring. Had Edith guessed or was this simply a coincidence? Lucas gave her a condemning look but Joanna shook her head to indicate that she had nothing to do with the turn the conversation had taken. Who knew that Edith and her husband had been so inventive? “Are you all right, dear?” Edith inquired. At Joanna’s nod, she continued, “Feathered ones, leather, anything that could bring more pleasure. People incorrectly think of the Victorian age as old-fashioned and nonsexual. That whole thing about women closing their eyes and thinking of England while their husbands had their way. Total fallacy. The Victorian Age was a lesson in duality. It was very hedonistic and inventive as well as repressed and staid. Take the cock ring, for example. My grandmother gave me hers after I got married. Harold and I couldn’t get enough after that first time. I’ll send you a LUR. No, that’s not the right term. What do you call it, dear? “URL.” “Yes, that’s it. Thank you, dear. I’ll send you the URL if you need some help finding the right one. I’m particularly fond of the ones with those little nubs…” Joanna’s thoughts were brought back to the present as Lucas’ arms encircled her from behind and he buried his head in the curve of her neck. “Hmm…penny for them?” Lucas whispered. “I didn’t hear you come out.” Leaning back into his embrace, she wrapped her hands around his arms to hold him there. “I have to warn you, they’re worth a lot more than a penny so you’ll need something good to barter with.”

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“Oh, I think I have something that might work,” he said trailing off as he turned her in his arms and captured her mouth in a demanding kiss. “I’ve wanted to do that all day,” he murmured, still nibbling on her lips. “I had this fantasy of ripping your clothes off, throwing you on the table and burying my head between your luscious thighs while all the ladies watched as I made you beg me to let you come. After listening to Edith, I was curious to know how my style and technique would compare to her husband’s.” Joanna groaned at his words and gave herself over to the sensations leaving her breathless. “Stay with me tonight, Joanna. Forget the challenge.” His teeth nibbled down her neck, while his hands massaged her ass and his hips made thrusting forays into the cradle of hers. Joanna felt the hard, hot length of him pressed against her, tempting her to say yes. “No, I can’t,” she croaked out. Lucas continued his torment. “Can’t or won’t?” “Won’t then. The answer’s no, Lucas.” “I thought you might say that,” he said cheerfully, not sounding the least bit disappointed as he stepped away from her. Joanna eyed him warily. He was pleased by her decision. What could he be planning, she wondered as her gaze trailed down his muscular frame taking in the shirt over the apron and…his bare…legs. Joanna’s eyes shot back up to see a purely masculine smile plastered on his face. My God, he was planning on fulfilling her earlier taunt. She almost laughed at the absurdity until his shirt fell to the ground and his hand moved to tug playfully at the bottom hem of the apron. Heat pulsed through her as she realized his intent to strip under the night sky on his balcony. Anyone looking from a higher viewpoint would be able to see them. She had no idea he would be prepared to go this far to get back at her. “You said earlier that you had a fantasy of me in just an apron. I thought you might like me to turn that fantasy into a reality.” His words broke through her scrambled thoughts. “Lucas, anyone could see you out here,” Joanna said, looking at Lucas stupidly. Who the hell was this man who was suddenly into exhibitionism? “That didn’t stop you earlier today. Did it, brat?” Joanna watched with a mixed sense of fascination and dread as Lucas slowly lowered the apron from his shoulders, letting it fall down his body until it was caught by the strings tied around his hips and the jutting tip of his hard cock. “Do you want to see what you do to me, brat?” His endearment for her was like kerosene to her senses and the sensual heat that had simmered all day exploded into burning lust. “See the state I’m in because of your hands.” One of his hands reached down to cup himself through the apron, while the other loosened the knot in the front. “I’m hot and hard for you. Are you ready to taste me?”

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She watched, enthralled, as the apron fell to the ground and his molten length, swollen and red, was exposed to her hungry gaze. Unconsciously she licked her lips at the delicious sight and took a step forward before stopping. “Ah, Lucas, I think that’s against the rules.” She meant to sound scolding but it came out a husky plea instead. Her mouth ached to finish the culinary journey that had been started early in the day. Lucas acknowledged her words by smirking and stroking his cock with slow, deliberate movements, stopping every once in a while to finger the cock ring teasingly. “Luca, please.” His smile widened. “If you recall the terms of our agreement you said no solo masturbation. Since you’re watching and apparently enjoying yourself, I’d hardly call this solo,” he said mockingly as the fingers of his other hand moved to grip his balls. “Would you?” Joanna knew she would go up in smoke any minute. He was pulling her strings like a master puppeteer but she didn’t care. All she cared about was getting her lips around that delicious treat. It took every ounce of willpower to stop from dropping to her knees and helping his hands with their task. “After today, I’ve discovered I can hold out a lot longer than I thought,” Lucas gritted out while he pumped his cock more vigorously. “Are you sure you won’t join me?” Joanna’s breath caught in her throat as his magnificent cock seemed to pulse with a life of its own. She felt her vagina throb with the force of her desire as his fingers stroked and circled the engorged length from tip to base and back again, teasingly stopping to finger the cock ring every time to mock her control. Her breasts felt swollen and her nipples throbbed as breathing became more difficult. She wondered how long he could continue to torment her before he came. Not too long apparently. Lucas arched his hips and came with a fierce growl. A thick, creamy stream of semen exploded from his cock. The white liquid shot through the air, landing close to her feet, the rest covering his hand. Fascinated, Joanna watched as he continued to pump until he came again. This time she was surprised as his orgasmic display triggered her own, even though she hadn’t touched herself. “Are you sure I can’t talk you into staying?” Joanna lifted her gaze stupidly from his cock to his eyes, not really sure what he had just said. “No? Pity.” Lucas unsnapped the cock ring and walked over to hand it back to her, smiling triumphantly. “Then I believe this is yours. I can have it cleaned if you’d like.” Joanna looked from the adjustable cock ring to his jutting cock and back again before grabbing the leather toy from his hand. His cock was still gloriously hard. What she wouldn’t give to feel that glorious length pounding into her. Joanna took a hesitant step closer before stomping down her raging hormones and dashing from the balcony.

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The echoing sound of his laughter let her know that he knew exactly what she was feeling.

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Chapter Eight His stint in gardening purgatory was turning into another hot and sticky day from hell. Sweat drenched his body, his muscles burned and his blisters had blisters but it was all worth it. His hard work was making her landscaping vision into a reality and if it helped his cause by getting her to think of him each time she came out to play with that damn dog of hers, so be it. Initially her challenge had caught him off guard but he was nothing if not a resourceful man. No money…no gifts…no big scenes of seduction. He could play by those rules using all of his connections and resources to bring about her downfall and their pleasure. Now that he had thrown himself wholeheartedly into the game, it was only a matter of time before she admitted she wanted him back. He had almost laughed when he learned that he would be tackling this little backyard gardening project of hers, mistakenly believing it would be a piece of cake compared to opening day with twenty-five eclectic women who weren’t afraid to speak their minds. A little dirt, a few flowers, maybe transplanting a hosta or two. Nothing a little sweat and muscle couldn’t get through. How hard could it be? Lucas rolled his eyes at his own naiveté. He’d forgotten what a truly devious mind she had. Forgotten about the gardens she created for Claudia’s estate and the minute details that had brought Claudia’s professional gardeners to their knees. She was simply brilliant and he should have expected that he would pay for turning the tables on her with his explosive orgasmic display. Note to self: Never give her a golden shovel again. Physically she pounded him into the ground each day until he went home, climbed into a hot shower and immediately fell asleep once his head hit the pillow, only to drag his sorry ass into the office the next morning and then back again to gardening purgatory in the afternoon. There was no repeat performance of the opening act. She didn’t touch him or tease him in a sexual manner except in the confines of that tiny sports car of hers and that didn’t really count because she knew she was safe there. Otherwise she seemed to be going out of her way to treat him like a friend. A friend! His mind spat. His masculinity hadn’t been so blatantly ignored since…well, before they slept together. Only now he was more disgruntled than before because she knew what she was missing and didn’t seem to care. She was playing him like a tightly strung instrument, dressing in her grubbiest clothes, ignoring all of his double entendres and somehow deflecting his sexual

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overtures without him being aware of it. She didn’t appreciate any of his sensuous smiles or stretches and she gave that damned dog of hers more attention than she did him. Damn, she was good. He simply couldn’t get away from it. You had to admire her cunning and fortitude. Who would have ever imagined that a woman with a dirt-smudged face wearing her hair in a severe ponytail, with a pair of ratty old shorts and a baggy T-shirt could so effectively shatter his control? He couldn’t want her more if she were lying on his bed wearing nothing more than a beckoning smile. If her plan was to drive him mad then she was well on her way to succeeding. Another note to self: The next time I even consider accepting one of her challenges, I should have my head examined first to see if I’m certifiable and then have my lawyers check the fine print before accepting. Next time? Yes. There would be a next time. This challenge was making him appreciate her more than ever and he planned to do whatever was necessary to make sure there was a next time. Besides she’d already given him some interesting challenge scenarios that had nothing to do with landscaping and everything to do with his turn… Although, if she wanted to use his teddy to bring him to his knees, he certainly wouldn’t be opposed to the idea. His mouth curved into a wicked grin as the possibilities for that particular scenario occurred to him. He would wait until hell froze over to see her ample charms displayed in that scrumptious leather creation. “You aren’t thinking of calling someone to finish this while Joanna’s gone, are you?” Tom inquired, noting the opened cell phone in Lucas’ hand. A slight flush came swiftly. He had toyed briefly with the idea while he was moving foundation rocks but the notion had been discarded days ago. “I was letting my cousin know that I’d be a little late tonight.” The look Tom sent him said ‘I don’t believe you’. “I’d have to tell, of course.” “Of course.” Lucas’ dry tone was filled with condescension. Joanna’s neighbor was an insufferable old goat, who constantly came over during the week “to help” with helpful little hints on how to dig a hole, how to place patio bricks and how to clean his tools. At one point, it had gotten so bad that Lucas was willing to hire a bulldozer to level the entire backyard if he could be sure that Tom would be buried beneath it. “What kind of man are you that you’re willing to give up so quickly?” “An intelligent man who knows when he’s beaten,” he said sarcastically although Tom didn’t seem to notice. Arrrggg. The man was a menace to his plans. He appeared every time he had the slightest opening to press his sexual advantage and now it appeared that he was Joanna’s spy as well. “I thought you were some hotshot negotiator out East.”

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“Far East.” “Hmm. She said you could think circles around her in your sleep. Surely you weren’t thinking of letting that mere girl win so easily?” “That mere girl as you call her is as tenacious as a pit bull and has a mind like a steel trap. And if I was…thinking of conceding to her prowess, so what?” “You can’t do that. She’d enjoy seeing you grovel too much. That won’t do at all.” That won’t do at all? “Grovel? I won’t grovel. I do not let my rivals know when they have me over a barrel.” “She’ll know if you use that cell phone,” Tom pointed out reasonably before gazing out into the backyard, lost in his own thoughts. The silence stretched out so long that Lucas wondered if Tom was waiting for him to say something. “Did you happen to notice the kitchen floor? It was her winter remodeling project. I told her not to use that marble. That it was too impractical for a kitchen in our climate but it didn’t matter. She had a vision of what she wanted and nothing I said made any difference.” What the hell? Lucas was confused and didn’t bother to hide it. “What does that have to do with me and landscaping?” “Are you sure you really want her back or are you just waiting for an opportunity to bed her?” Tom asked sharply. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.” “Son, I didn’t think they made fools like you any more,” Tom said before turning away to mumble about fools, youth and idiots blinded by their own arrogance. “Consider this. She has this vision of what she wants from you. It doesn’t matter how important you think this challenge is. It’s what she thinks that counts. In the kitchen it was either Rojo Alicante marble or nothing. I suspect the same principle applies here.” “Your point?” “This is child’s play. If she really wanted you to hurt, you would be. She’s been taking it easy on ya, son, and yet you’re standing here telling me you can’t go the distance. Are you really willing to lose her this soon?” “No.” Lucas eyed Tom suspiciously. He remembered the Paint-a-thon and Habitat for Humanity projects she had dragged him to and realized that Tom wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already know. “Why don’t you come out of the sun? We’ll sit and chat for a time while I tell you a little more about what your wife has been up to while you were off conquering the world… Yes, she told me.”

*****

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Joanna had been on the edge of need—desire ever since his orgasmic balcony performance. The fantasies her mind wove were taking over her life. She became obsessed with the thought of him throwing her down on the kitchen table and using his mouth to make her beg. He was proving to be a far better adversary than she had first anticipated, throwing himself completely into their game. His insistence that she drive him to work and home again because he wasn’t allowed to drive himself and couldn’t use money to pay for his driver per her challenge instructions was slowly driving her crazy. Each evening when he reached over to kiss her goodnight, it ended up becoming a steamy makeout session the likes of which she had only dreamed about in high school. If not for her stick shift and the cramped quarters of her sports car, she was sure she would have given in by now. Tom had been a real lifesaver throughout the landscaping challenge, allowing her to regain control of herself whenever Lucas got too close. But it was the little things that were really starting to get to her. Fresh flowers delivered every day, courtesy of Fritz’s rose gardens. The gooey pecan-caramel rolls Ode sent over every morning with the little notes attached to the box, reminding her of Lucas’s obsession for the pastry and why she was responsible for it. She had laughed at that, not realizing that a few measly little licks and nibbles had been the foundation for his compulsive morning of the deal ritual that had him seeking caramel rolls regardless of where he was in the world or how expensive it was to get them. And finally, the delightful picnic lunches they shared in the park that he pulled together with Katie’s help, dismissing her arguments that he was using money by explaining that he had to eat, didn’t he, and all this stuff was just wasting away in his fridge and as far as the wine was concerned, it was sitting in the rack waiting to opened. It wasn’t like he had gone out and bought a case or anything, although she believed he had. She conceded the point less than gracefully, making him work for it because he already had too big of an advantage where her libido was concerned and because she suspected, although she couldn’t prove it, that Maggie and Abby had switched allegiances. The secret smiles, the giggles, the hushed whispers and the knowing grins were making her paranoid. Lucas’ smug look throughout the workday only made it worse. He even went so far as to introduce her in all their meetings together as my wife, Joanna Benson Di Angelo and to have the nameplate on her office door changed accordingly, despite the fact that they had agreed she would keep her maiden name in her professional life. He had something big planned, she just knew it. However, what it was continued to elude her. She knew that he was only lulling her into a false sense of security now that Fritz had entered the game by postponing the announcement of his retirement. Joanna was convinced that Claudia was responsible for that particular chess move.

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So what was this showstopper that he could pull off without money, gifts or a big scene of seduction that would rock her world? She knew that he would try something big in order to prove to her that he was only going along with her rules because it suited him to do so at the moment. What could he possibly come up with? She had excitedly pondered that question but she wasn’t any closer to discovering the truth. And her little redheaded assistant and her partner-in-crime weren’t talking either. Traitors. She smiled. This challenge was turning out to be a lot of fun but there were moments when she felt overwhelmed by feelings of impeding doom. Moments when she wanted nothing more than to end their game and crawl away somewhere to curl up in a ball and cry. During those times, she asked herself whether it was wise to risk feeling this way again? What if the doctors were wrong and she couldn’t carry a baby to term? What if she never conceived again and what she and Lucas shared now was all there was? How would he react to the news that there would be no heir? She remembered all the pain she had suffered after her world was destroyed by Gloria’s claims and the loss of her baby. Finally admitting, to herself at least, that she had unconsciously blamed Lucas for that loss, even though the doctors told her that miscarriages were part of the natural childbirth process. If only she could trust him with her darkest fears of infertility and tell him about the specialist’s concerns. If only they could talk about Gloria’s manipulations and the lack of trust and communication in their marriage that had lead to their separation, then maybe the foundations of this challenge could become something more. Joanna shook her head to clear away her muddled thoughts and focus on the task at hand. Damn it. Despite all her efforts he was winning. She knew it and so did he if the smiles he sent her way were any indication. Watching him now, her tongue itched to lick the sweat from his magnificently bare broad chest to his glistening rock-hard abs. Oh Momma! she thought, breathing in deeply and letting the air out of her lungs in a rush. One of these hot sticky days she would give in and ravish him on the spot if she wasn’t careful. “It looks good,” she said finally, talking about more than the backyard. “You sound surprised.” “Only that you didn’t call in the cavalry to finish it while I was gone,” she said with a smile. “I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction. Besides Tom distracted me,” he admitted reluctantly. “Yes, Tom does have a way of doing that.” Joanna’s smile broadened. “You’re in danger of becoming a crispy critter. Didn’t you use any sunscreen?” “It doesn’t feel hot.” “Turn around,” she admonished lightly, grabbing the bottle from the railing to pour the soothing lotion onto his shoulders and back. “Maggie and the girls are coming over

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around seven. You can join us if you’d like,” she said to distract herself from the desire to trace the hard ridges beneath her fingertips. “Somehow the idea of spending Saturday night at a baby shower with a bunch of eclectic women wanting to put me through the ringer doesn’t sound like my idea of fun unless…” he trailed off. “Unless?” she prompted, her curiosity getting the better of her. “You’re planning on using your hands again to demonstrate your control.” “You should be so lucky. As it happens my hands are fully occupied at the moment,” she teased, “but my mouth is available.” Joanna leaned down to plant a soft kiss on the nape of his neck before patting him on the shoulder and stepping away to call for her dog. “You should be good to go.” Chip barked happily and sat up on his haunches in response to Joanna’s whistle. “Ahhhh…hello, sweetheart. Did you miss your mommy?” Lucas’ eyes narrowed as he watched Chip beg for a treat. He grimaced when she gave Chip the treat and covered him in kisses and soft cooing words of praise. That’s what she wants me to do, he thought jealously before turning away to keep himself from going over there and begging for his own kisses and treats. “Sit…good boy.” She should be touching me, not the dog. “Oh, give momma a kiss…you’re sooooo pretty.” Her voice lowered to a husky murmur. The dog responded to her voice by rolling over on his back to get her to rub his tummy. Jealousy threatened to overwhelm him. Get a grip. It’s a dog for crying out loud. He had to be losing his mind. He couldn’t be this jealous of a dog. Damn. It had to be that her diabolical methods of breaking him were close to succeeding. How else could he explain this need to compete with a dog for her attention? Turning back to the hostas, he took the divided plant and transplanted it to its new home, all the while mumbling about dogs, plants and women. Joanna laughed as she chased Chip around the yard. The dog barked excitedly at the game and seemed to give her a smirking grin each time he dashed away. This was the third time Chip had escaped from his bath and Lucas had to admit that he was now actively cheering for the dog. His eyes had tracked her every movement once she removed the “The more I know men, the more I love my dog” T-shirt and baggy shorts to display a skimpy Lycra outfit that covered her but left little to the imagination. His mind and body were captivated by the soapy water that slowly dripped down her body and every bounce and move she made while chasing the dog across the yard. “Safe!” His arms flew wide as he made the call, laughing at the blonde-haired imp who made a last minute dive to recapture the wet, soap-covered dog. 90

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“You could help,” Joanna complained, looking up at him with adorable splatters of mud across her face while holding out her hand to his for a lift up. “Not on your life. I find it way too amusing that a mere male is getting the better of you.” Lucas laughed when she stood up covered in mud. “A little help here?” Joanna admonished as she scraped the mud from her body, indicating that he should spray her down with the hose. At his unresponsive action, Joanna grabbed the garden hose from his wooden hands. “Never mind, I’ll do it myself.” Lustful thoughts flashed through his mind as his hungry gaze drank in the sight of her nipples hardening beneath the stream of cool water. She was so achingly close, only a breath away. All he had to do was reach out and touch her. Suddenly he had to kiss her, had to have the taste of her in his mouth and the feel of her body pressed against his. Giving in to temptation, he jerked her into his embrace. The result was explosive. Joanna’s passion flared, responding to his need. Her fingers grabbed at his head to hold him closer while his mouth ravaged hers before trailing down his spine to reach under the waistband of his shorts and scrape her fingernails along the cheeks of his ass. It was wet, wild and hot as her kiss drove him to the edge of his control within seconds. There was no seduction, no premeditated thought. It was pure, hot-blooded emotion. Lucas arched against her, pressing his erection deeper into her softening body, but for Joanna the contact wasn’t enough. She curled her arms up his back and, with her hands wrapped over his shoulders, used his body to pull herself up as she wrapped her legs around his waist, melding them into one big solid mass of steamy sensation. Somehow they managed to make it to the ground, although he wasn’t sure how, and then he gave in to the passion that was driving him and crushed her body under his. Kat let out a hearty laugh and nudged Sara with her elbow to point at the frolicking couple. They were so far gone they didn’t even realize they were caked in mud and had company. “Hey, Jo, if Sara and I had realized you were opening your own spa with such a hunky man, we would have made an appointment,” Kat yelled out tauntingly. “Yeah, are mud baths included with all your treatments?” Sara piped in. “If so, where do we sign up?” “Sara’s right. It’s only fair, after all, we’d be your first customers.” Lucas wanted to tell the women to get lost and lose himself in Joanna’s arms again but one look at her horrified face had him scrambling to his feet instead to help her up. He could only imagine the thoughts racing through her brain as the red flush made its way up her neck. “Maybe I should help hose you two down? I’d hate for you to take all that mud into house.” Kat and Sara continued laughing uproariously before going back into the house. “Wait until we tell Maggie.” 91

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“So that’s the infamous Lucas?” Sara asked. “Yep.” “Hot!” “Smoking.” “That’s sure a man worthy of a challenge,” Sara said, fanning herself. “I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed if that’s what you’re asking. Did you notice his—” “Oh yeah, Joanna is one very lucky lady.” Very lucky. “Do you think—” “I think he knows how to use it. Joanna was totally gone. They were rolling in the mud for crying out loud and didn’t notice Chip barking away at them. What do you think?” “Yep. Lucky. Do you think he has any brothers? Cousins?” “Not a clue.”

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Chapter Nine “What do you think you’re playing at, Rigo?” Joanna asked after throwing the explicit pictures down on to his desk. “Very nice, Joanna, but you know I’m not really into men,” he smirked. “Human Resources might have something to say about inappropriate material at work. How about another session of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?” “Maybe you’d like to join me since this is what I uncovered in those encrypted files you gave me when you appealed to me to help you to uncover the traitor in our ranks. I can only assume that you were working with Lucas since you were so insistent that I get no outside help.” “We only suspected that someone was running a corporate espionage ring or a pornography site within the company. I really had no idea what you might uncover.” “These are photographs of Lucas,” Joanna stated emphatically. “My…the photographer does have a way with the camera angle but my cousin is not that well-endowed.” “Rigo, you’ve both gone too far. I want to know who encrypted these files and I want to know now.” “I told you. Those files were found on one of the executives’ laptops and we were suspicious. I don’t know who encrypted them.” “Fine, stick with your story but whoever encrypted this stuff needs to be in my office next week so I can make them an offer.” “That good?” “Phenomenal. It took me all week and all of my external resources before I was able to display the hidden file. I need this person for the security audit we’ve started. I’ve got this tingling feeling, Rigo. We found key loggers on the laptops in our Far East offices and—” “Consider it done.” “Thanks! And Rigo…payback is a certainty. As soon as I’m done mopping up the floor with Lucas, you’re next on my list.” “Then I’ll have to make certain he stays on the top of your list, won’t I?” Rigo laughed as Joanna flounced out of his office. He was enjoying their challenge and their attempts to top one another. With only twelve days to go, Rigo had his money on a Joanna win. She had that certain way of twisting the knife and getting his cousin back for his daring, especially since Lucas didn’t realize that they had never been playing for a divorce.

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***** “I want that man fired,” Lucas raged later that week. “He’s our best security tech. You can’t keep firing techs just because you’re jealous,” Rigo offered reasonably, eyeing his cousin with open amusement. “I’m not jealous and that man is gone. I’m warning you, Rigo, if you don’t take care of this, I’ll do it myself.” “You have nothing to worry about. Bill’s married. His wife’s name is Mary.” “He’s incompetent. I want him out by end of business today.” “Lucas, Bill is the third—” “Rigo—” Lucas growled in warning. A part of him knew he was being unreasonable but he was slowly going out of his mind. He wasn’t sure which was worse—her dog or her staff. “I’ll take care of it.” Rigo said with a sigh, knowing that Kendricks would be sending another member of Joanna’s staff out for at least two weeks of training. “Lucas, something else has come up… Gloria’s finally resurfaced.” “Where is she?” Lucas demanded. “I want that bitch.” “We’re not exactly sure where she is but…” “Spit it out!” “She’s notified Cory of her intention to sue you for sexual harassment and—” “She what!” “Wait, it gets better. She claims that you sold her services to your clients for business deals and that when you found out she was pregnant with your child you fired her.” “Is she out of her fucking mind? How does she think she’ll get away with something like that?” “She sent pictures of the two of you together in your suite in Hong Kong. They’re very convincing.” “So were the videos she blackmailed us with,” Lucas replied angrily, pouring whiskey into a glass tumbler. “Whiskey?” “Neat, thanks. Cory thinks the videos make her case stronger.” “Rigo, she’s blackmailing me…the company!” “And we’re paying her price but a jury might see that as our guilty conscience rather than her greed.” “I’m still pissed about that.” “Like we had a choice.” “You don’t think she’ll actually go to trial?” “It could be that she’s just trying to shake us down for more but Cory doesn’t think so.” “Tell me.” 94

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“He thinks that her next move will be a paternity suit and lifetime child support, in addition to a bump in salary and perks. We couldn’t very well send her to jail if she’s the mother of your child.” “Rigo, I never touched that slut.” “She’s very attractive. No one would blame—” “I love Joanna. No one else—” “You were estranged, you were lonely—” “She makes my skin crawl.” “And the evidence is damning so what does that prove?” “I won’t pay child support no matter what she claims. There’s has to be something more we can do.” “Have you talked to Joanna?” “About Gloria? Do I look like I have a death wish?” After handing a glass to Rigo, Lucas gulped the fiery amber liquid down in one swallow, his eyes squinting as it burned his throat. “What good could it possibly do to tell her this when Gloria’s coming back for another bite?” “Gloria might try to use Joanna as leverage.” “Why would she bother?” “Would you pay to keep Joanna from knowing Gloria gave birth to your son?” “Rigo—” “Just bear with me. Joanna’s—” “Let’s leave Joanna out of it and concentrate on Gloria for now.” “You need to talk to Joanna about this. Don’t let Gloria blindside her or you’ll regret it. Now’s probably the time for that honest conversation you keep putting off.” “The challenge is over next week. Let’s leave it until then.” “Joanna will under—” “Leave it, Rigo. Just give me another week. We’ll have more information on Gloria by then. I’ll tell her everything after the board meeting. Deal?” “Deal,” Rigo agreed reluctantly.

***** Joanna loved this hole-in-the-wall bar. Its dark, smoky interior and small, intimate atmosphere made it one of the best places in the Twin Cities to get up close and personal with the band and see an awesome live performance. Sunday night was her personal favorite. She absolutely adored the funky R&B stylings of the house band, an eleven-member group with a lead singer that belted out soulful, bluesy songs while the

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five-piece horn section wailed in the background and the rhythm section laid down the throbbing beat. The first blast from the horn section made Joanna’s pulse quicken. Her body swayed from side to side in time with the music. The trombone player brandished his horn at the crowd, blowing it with the fervor of a Tasmanian devil, while the saxophone player wailed like a banshee in the background, playing like there was no tomorrow. She needed this tonight. Needed to dance the night away and have the music ease her soul. Volleyball had helped take the edge off her needs but her body felt like a yoyo, swinging from one extreme to the next. The sexual tension was now so high that her body had creamed at a single look from him out in the middle of the volleyball court. Her teammates had teased her relentlessly about her distraction until finally she’d had to focus all her mental energies on the match and not the man on the sidelines. Mercifully the no-sex game would be over next week. Fritz had finally rescheduled the board meeting. Thank God. But if Lucas believed for one second that she would wait more than ten minutes after the conclusion of that meeting for him to turn her fantasies into reality, he had another think coming. She would rip off his clothes in the middle of her office and have her wicked way with him if that was what took to ease this ache. Joanna took another long swig of her Long Island Iced Tea before making her way out to the dance floor to lose herself in the throng of hot, sweaty bodies and the rhythm of the night. She hoped the taxi would deliver Lucas soon but, in the meantime, she fully intended to do whatever it took to take the edge off. Lucas wasn’t sure what to expect when the cab pulled up to the door and dropped him curbside. He’d been ordered to change into black jeans and a T-shirt and then told that a cab was scheduled to pick him up in an hour. As his eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness, he walked across the floor to the bar. His gaze swept the room until he spotted her in the middle of the dance floor. Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined Joanna in a place like this. “What’ll you have?” the bartender asked as Lucas pulled up a stool. “Give me whatever she’s having,” Lucas said, pointing to the blonde in the black jeans and red stretch top. “Man, don’t bother. Josie’s taken. Married and all that.” “Are you sure?” “She’s been a regular for almost ten years. Got married a few years back. Helps Mickey with some of his charity work… Donates computers and stuff. Great gal. So if you bother her, Tyrone here will have to escort you out.” The bartender nodded his head to indicate the big brawny bouncer at the door. Ten years. How come he’d never heard of this place or Mickey before? Lucas watched her, unobserved, from the barstool as she danced to the blues song. The need to go onto the dance floor and claim her was strong but an equal need to

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watch the unfettered enjoyment wash over her was stronger yet. Her hips shimmied and her eyes were closed while the soul-searing sound ripped through her. When the song ended, he found himself feeling disappointed but that feeling was quickly replaced by a jolt of electricity at the breathtaking smile that crossed her face once she saw him. “Hi! Isn’t this place great?” she said excitedly, giving him a peck on the cheek and then a big full-body hug. The bartender flashed a smile and placed a glass of ice water with lemon in front of her. “You know this guy?” “Don’t tell my husband but this is my guy on the side.” “You’re such a liar, Josie,” he said, shaking his head. “Another Long Island?” “Do you really need to ask? And, Lon, I’d like a shot of Dos Equus with lime and salt.” “Sure thing, Josie.” “Sooooo, what do you think? The music’s phenomenal, isn’t it?” Lucas was surprised. She was relaxed and leaning into him…touching him. He could find no ulterior motive in her gaze. She looked…happy and maybe a little bit tipsy. His arm wrapped around her shoulders loosely, his fingers warmly stroking her shoulder. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a band this large on a stage so small. How long have they been together?” he commented, not wanting her to move away. “Since 1988. The lead singer makes me melt with his raspy voice and those glorious biceps. He used to have this long curly hair, hair you could lose yourself in, then he went and got that cropped European look.” “Are you trying to make me jealous?” he asked gruffly but he was smiling back at her. “Not over the gorgeous singer but that sax player does have that rugged something. His sexy leather motorcycle vest, cowboy boots and those faded denim jeans. Ohhh, baby, they make me wanna—” Lucas kissed her before she had a chance to finish the taunt, pulling her tighter into his hard frame. He relished the sensation as her body melted and her hand caressed that special spot on his nape. Joanna was in heaven. She had wanted to do this all day at the tournament but she had been afraid to touch him this way, afraid that a single spark would turn into a raging inferno. Now that she’d had a few Long Islands, she didn’t care. She sighed when Lucas broke off the kiss and snuggled deeper, happy to be in his warm embrace. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Coming to watch me play today. It meant more to me than you could possibly ever know,” Joanna mumbled into his shirt collar.

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Lucas lifted her chin to meet his gaze, searching for some explanation for this show of emotion. “You were spectacular today. I didn’t understand how competitive volleyball was or that you could play like that,” he commented, even though he’d been consumed by jealousy early in the day and hadn’t paid any attention to the game until later. Once he got his jealousy under control, he’d been amazed as he watched the volleyball get pounded from one side of the net to the other. The game was nothing like the company picnics or backyard barbeque matches he had participated in. It was a fast-paced physical game with a lot of mental strategy. He cringed each time she dove for the ball and wanted to close his eyes any time he thought she would be six-packed in the face but somehow she usually managed to avoid getting hurt and keep the ball in play. “My parents never got to see me play before they died and Brad used to come and cheer me on but it wasn’t the same as having you there,” Joanna stated, everything she was feeling revealed in her eyes. “I stopped asking after the first couple times because you didn’t seem interested. Your rejection hurt too much even though you had no idea how important it was to me. I’ve dreamed of having you on the sidelines, cheering and yelling encouragement. Thank you.” And then she kissed him, putting all the love and tenderness she felt into her kiss. It was a kiss devoid of passion but Lucas trembled nonetheless with its magnitude. “You were wonderful today.” “You were wonderful.” Lucas stated emphatically, needing to be just as honest. “I didn’t want to see you play because I was so jealous of the guys you hung out with, especially the volleyball players. They seemed too important. I’d call and they’d be there in the background laughing. Sometimes I felt like you were living a life I had no part in,” he admitted grudgingly. “I’m sorry.” Joanna searched the sincerity of his eyes. “You still don’t get it, do you? Those guys are important to me, they always will be, but no one can ever replace you in my life. How could you believe that I would settle for second best?” He thought he finally understood what she meant. Her passion for the sport was like her passion for her career or her causes. It was all or nothing, no in-between or half measures. She played mind, body and soul, giving everything to the moment. He had felt privileged when she sat next to him between matches and explained the action happening on the court. He’d learned to appreciate the intricacies of the game and how much she loved her friends, and that was exactly what they were, friends, not lovers, as he had imagined whenever he felt insecure about their relationship. He wished that he’d gone to watch her years ago. Then he might have understood sooner. “I don’t know.” Lucas closed his eyes momentarily to contemplate how utterly stupid he had been. Her eyes lit up whenever he entered the room, even if it was sometimes in anger, and she quivered whenever he got too near, forgetting everything else once she was in his arms. His jealousy condemned him. Even his recent demand to have Bill and the others fired, damned him.

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Her confession and his honesty made Joanna feel as if a small weight had been lifted off her. She felt good, lighter than before, and suddenly playful and raring to go. “Come on, spoilsport, are you up for what I have planned for you tonight?” Joanna challenged with a naughty grin and an impish wink as her eyes sparkled with amusement. “That depends.” “On what, you silly man?” The sound of her delighted laughter warmed him. “On what my prize is, if I can keep up with you and make you cry out in…defeat?” he teased. “Umm… Why don’t we see how you fare after the next round before we start talking about prizes? I wouldn’t want you to get your hopes up if there’s no chance you can win.” Joanna dragged Lucas’s mouth to hers and overwhelmed him with a passionate, demanding kiss, licking and nipping aggressively on his lips until finally he opened his mouth to let her tongue in to duel with his. She relished every sensation, every groan he made as she made love to his mouth, sucking, biting and hungrily gobbling up the taste of him. The bar, the music, the customers—all of the distractions of the night seemed to drop away as her sensual spell embraced them. The moment seemed to go on forever but it probably only lasted a few minutes. Breaking away abruptly, Joanna laughed seductively and started to move back from his embrace. Lucas’ hands gripped her hips and his head moved forward to recapture her mouth but she stopped him by placing her index finger against his lips. He grabbed the tip between his teeth and nibbled as his tongue swirled back and forth, making love to her finger while his hooded gaze burned into hers. “Wait, I’ll make it better,” she promised huskily, reluctantly removing her finger from his mouth in order to grab the salt from the counter. Holding his gaze, she lifted her other hand and dragged her tongue sensuously from the inside edge of her thumb to the tip of her index finger before sprinkling the moistened area with salt. “Will you hold this for me?” she asked saucily, taking the lime wedge from the bar and placing it in his hand. The sight of Joanna sucking the salt from her hand had Lucas’ attention riveted. He barely noticed it when she threw back the tequila like it was water but his body went into overdrive when she grabbed his hand and teasingly licked the fingers holding the lime. She looked directly into his eyes and smiled devilishly before using her teeth to tear the juicy flesh off the rind. Then slowly circled her lips with the pink tip of her tongue to catch any missed bits of fruit. Joanna laughed as Lucas gulped in response to her tease and then asked breathlessly, “So…what was that you said about prizes?”

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“Hey mister…I’ve got an itchy tongue, will you scratch it for me?” she said, breaking into laughter as her palm slapped her forehead. “No, that not right,” she proclaimed drunkenly before she closed her eyes and tapped her finger against her forehead. “Lemme try again. I know I can get this right.” “My tongue itches,” she murmured in her sultriest voice, dragging her tongue along his neck. “Do you have anything I can…scratch it on?” she purred, followed by another flick of her tongue and a tightening of her nails in his shoulders. If he hadn’t already been hard, she would have had him stirring to life as her actions created images of what she could use to satisfy her itch. Joanna had taken him on one wild ride after another tonight, progressing from having him hold the lime in his hand to using his neck as a salt licking post and his mouth as the lime holder. It had been pure torture every time he heard her ask Lon for another shot but he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. If he were really a gentleman, he would tuck her into bed, kiss her lightly on the cheek goodnight and send himself home but it felt too wonderful to have a quiet moment with her in his arms. “Claudia gave me that one. She’s a baudy woman,” she giggled, her words definitely slurred. “She set us up, you know, made sure you’d get jealous and maneuv…man…they set us up. Did you know they could be so evil?” “They did?” he asked softly while his hand stroked her hair slowly. “Yep, all in on it. Claudia, Abby…Chloe. Lied, cheated…but I’m glad…you came home. I waited and…you’re home…needed you so much. Why did you stay away?” “You didn’t want me to come home.” “Always wanted you…but for Glorinstein,” she mumbled, breaking into a fit of giggles at her own joke. “Total bitch…should never have believed her…” “Jo, what do…” he started, trailing off once he realized that she had fallen asleep in his arms. Hell. What had that woman done? Thinking back to the night of Claudia’s party, Lucas recalled the little digs she had made about him having an affair. Was it possible that she meant with Gloria and not some nameless woman? More memories came forward and Lucas started to ask himself some pointed questions. He knew what a bitch Gloria was firsthand but he’d never dreamed that her reach had extended to Joanna. He couldn’t see any possible reason for Gloria to be bothered. Had Gloria lied when she said that Joanna refused to speak to him? Was it possible that she never even made the calls or shipped the packages? But if any of that was true, why didn’t Joanna call him on it? She had never been shy about speaking her mind before.

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Chapter Ten This was it—her last night as game master. She’d had fun matching wits with him. He’d risen to the occasion, surprising her once or twice with his creativity and willingness to humiliate himself. Not that she had humiliated him but he had scored points with his enthusiasm. Tomorrow it was his turn and after spending the last few weeks imagining what his scheming little mind could come up with, Joanna eagerly awaited his control. Joanna chuckled softly before calling out from the second floor landing, “You can come up now.” Lucas was in for a treat tonight. She had planned everything down to the smallest detail. The master was about to teach her pupil the true meaning of the word showstopper. There was no way he would be able to top this without breaking the rules. “I’ll be right up,” he shouted back. As Lucas bounded up the stairs, it occurred to him that now might be the perfect time to have a heart-to-heart about Gloria. He didn’t want anything to interfere with his plans for tomorrow night and being honest now suited his mood. Chloe was on her way over and could act as a buffer if things really got out of hand. Not that it would. They had a relationship built on more than great sex this time. Joanna would understand why he’d kept this from her. “Hi! What do you think?” Joanna asked, holding arms out wide. “I lucked out in here. There were beautiful hardwood floors under the carpeting and none of the woodwork had been painted.” “This is what you’ve been working on while I’ve been slaving away in your backyard?” “Yes,” she said, before adding, “Umm, slave, I like the sound of that.” “Don’t get any ideas.” “Too late.” Joanna laughed. “So come on, what do you really think?” “That my wife’s handier with a tool belt than I am.” “That goes without saying but it’s only because I understand the power of words. Screwdriver, bammer, nail me, oops gun… They rank right up there with motherboard, hard drive, RAM.” “You have a dirty mind, brat.” “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.” Lucas dropped a quick kiss on her nose and stepped back to survey the room. “Tom didn’t lie when he said you could swing a hammer.” “You’ve seen the other rooms I’ve redone in this house, silly.”

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“I know but this is the first one I’ve seen that I plan to live in. You might as well take that computer out of here right now.” “A little arrogant, aren’t ya?” “Just confident that once it’s my turn we won’t leave this room for a while and I will not be interrupted by some network problem while I’m working.” “Wretch!” Joanna jokingly punched him before wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head on his chest. Sometimes these stupid sweet feelings came from out of nowhere and overwhelmed her. Even though she loved the games, she cherished these simple moments. “I love this house but it needed some TLC when I moved in,” she said finally, stepping back. “It really does look great in here, even better than that kitchen of yours. Although if you’d like, I’d pay good money to add a kitchen island made of black granite. I so love the look against red corsets—” “And there’s something to said for squeezing the trigger of a nail gun to get out all of your frustrations.” “You didn’t?” “Moi? No, I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing,” she pouted. “Joanna—” “Could you help me with this?” she asked suddenly, changing the subject by dangling a necklace off her finger. Lucas raised an eyebrow but he was smiling. Her mood changed so fast that sometimes it was hard to keep up. Lucas took the diamond solitaire from her hand but he had to stop himself from laughing once he noticed the ratty old robe wrapped around her body. “You kept it.” She’d pinched that robe from him while they were dating and refused to give it back. “Of course, it’s beautiful,” she said, lifting her hair up. “I love the way it sparkles and feels against my skin. It’s one of my all-time favorite Christmas gifts from you.” Their eyes met in the mirror and Lucas leaned down to place a few delicate kisses on her nape while fastening the gold chain. “You’re beautiful.” His hands moved to the lapels of the robe as she turned around to face him, pulling her forward for a brief kiss. “Any chance I can get my old robe back?” he teased. “I might consider it, if you help me with something else.” Joanna smiled impishly in return, patting his chest gently before stepping back. “With pleasure, madame,” he said suavely, bowing deeply with his arm extended. Joanna laughed, dropping the jewelry into his waiting hand. “You’re too kind, sir.” “There’s something I have to tell you. It’s about Hong Kong and—” Lucas started, then muttered an oath. Any sort of honest conversation he planned to have disintegrated into a pool of lust as Joanna blew him a sultry kiss and slid his robe from her body.

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His eyes gobbled up the sight of her in his leather teddy. The sumptuous leather made her curves sizzle. The leather strips and metal O-rings showcased her hourglass figure to perfection while the leather half-cup bra gloriously displayed her luscious breasts with their silver dollar areolas and pink-tipped nipples. Her breasts were magnificent. She was magnificent and he was such a goner. “Lucas, I’m ready for you to put them on now,” she purred, lounging against the wooden bedpost, one arm stretched overhead to caress the carved spirals with her fingertips while the other hand moved to play with a nipple. Her husky voice broke through his lust-filled haze, although he had no idea what she had just said, unable to drag his attention from the sight of her nipple play. “The rings in your hand… Luca, please…my nipples need their rings.” His hand opened slowly as her words finally reached him. He was not normally a slow-witted man but, even so, it took a moment for the sexual fog to clear long enough for him to comprehend what he was looking at. The shiny gold bands seemed to wink at him as if to say, Chump, get a move on, what the hell are you waiting for! but it still took a moment for his brain to get his body into motion. “Luca,” Joanna growled, clearly impatient with his lack of movement. “My nipples want their rings!” Lucas tossed the rings haphazardly on the bed as he stumbled forward, dropping to his knees to press his face into her stomach. His tongue reverently traced the edge of the O-ring before exploring every nook and cranny of her belly button. Her head fell back as his hands gripped her rib cage tighter while his mouth paid homage to the exposed skin along the leather strips. “Tell me what you want,” he whispered, dragging his tongue along the edge of the leather bra. “I want you,” she whispered. Her mind completely focused on Lucas, all thoughts of a showstopper ceasing to exist the moment his mouth touched her skin. “Try again,” he murmured, blowing gently on her nipple before he circled her areola, coming closer and closer. “Luca, please, don’t tease.” Joanna uttered an abandoned whimper and gripped his shoulders as she languished in sensation. “Just love me.” Lucas dragged his tongue over one nipple and then the other. “I do,” he admitted, suckling his way between breasts before biting down on an enflamed tip. “Ah Luca.” Her back ached further, her breath caught and her nails would have drawn blood had he been shirtless. “So good.” Her body shuddered as his tongue swirled teasingly around the tip, then he sucked harder. Joanna groaned loudly and moved her hands to his head to hold him in place. Lucas dragged his teeth along the swollen nipple, nibbling lightly, while he fumbled on the bed for the rings. Once he found them, he gave her nipple a final kiss before slipping on the ring. “Again…do it again.”

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Lucas smiled against her breast then repeated his actions with the naked nipple. “They’re beautiful, brat,” he whispered, dragging her away from the spiral to the waiting bed. He kissed both adorned nipples lightly then crawled over her on his hands and knees. His tongue traced her lips before brushing his mouth teasingly against hers as his hand raised her arms above her head. “You mustn’t touch me,” he murmured. “Do you think you can resist the temptation?” Joanna shivered at his hot breath on neck but she nodded and moved her hands to grip the wooden slats of the headboard. Now that he had told her not to touch him, it was the only thing in her mind. Lucas moved his hands to the fastening of the teddy and leisurely peeled the leather from her body. The sight of her writhing on the bed—parted lips, half-closed eyes, clenched fists and gorgeous nipples adorned with his rings—was magnificent. The sight of her hairless, waxed pussy sent his lust into overdrive, even as the connoisseur in him rejoiced. Ah, waxed pussy, my favorite delicacy. Joanna groaned at his words. Apparently he said the words out loud. Lucas chuckled softly before rubbing his stubble-roughened face against the smooth waxed skin, relishing the sound of her gasp. His tongue laved and his teeth nibbled at her sensitive flesh until she opened her legs wider and then his tongue floated over her clit, lightly teasing. It wasn’t enough. Her eyes and mouth were hidden from view. He wanted to see, hear and feel all of her reactions while he tormented her. Abruptly he rose to his knees, dragging her body with him so that her legs draped loosely over his shoulders and her pussy was mouth level. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he brought his fingers into play. First one, then two and finally three. “I want to see you play with my rings, brat. Show me how much you love wearing them.” Joanna whispered his name, pinching and pulling on her nipples as his hungry eyes watched her every move. “Please,” she begged. “Say it, brat,” he demanded. “Let me know how much you want this and how dirty you can be.” His hands moved to grip her ass, lifting her higher so he could leisurely lap at her pussy. The hot look of lust she shot him made him long to join her while her shaky hands continued to play with her rings. “Eat my…pussy,” she demanded. Then, as he nipped at her in mock punishment, she whispered softly, “cunt…eat my cunt.” “No, look at me,” he commanded once her eyes began to close. It was time. His hands kneaded her ass as his tongue circled and danced over her pussy, pressing her flesh further into his face as he devoured her. A nibble, a bite, a lick. Her gaze was frenzied, her lips parted. Each touch had her moving closer to the edge until finally Joanna cried out his name and her body surrendered to his mastery.

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Satisfaction flowed through him. She had been his from the moment his lips touched her flesh. Even now her hand caressed his head gently lying on her stomach, his slightest breath on her skin causing her to quiver in response. He closed his eyes to relish the sensations moving through him. They had teased each other too long. The desire to claim her was strong but he had no desire to overwhelm her into submission. He wanted her to ask him to stay…forever. “You could’ve given Edith’s husband lessons,” Joanna said eventually. “Lucas, no more games, come to bed.” The annoying doorbell just wouldn’t quit. His sister certainly had a terrible sense of timing, Lucas thought as he threw open the door. “Damn it, Chloe,” he growled. “Why don’t you drive around the block for another hour?” “Hello to you too, big brother,” Chloe chuckled. Reaching up to kiss his cheek, she could feel his tightly coiled tension. “I doubt that an hour would do it… It’s over tomorrow.” “I don’t give a damn about the challenge. Screw the challenge. Why don’t you go on to the restaurant without us?” “I can’t do that. Everyone’s expecting us.” At his questioning look, Chloe said, “Didn’t Joanna tell you? We’re having dinner with Rigo, Brad, Claudia and a few others to celebrate your new position.” Lucas groaned. “Wait until you see where we’re going. I think I need to take lessons.” “I’m your brother. You are supposed to be siding with me, not her.” “I am siding with you but you have to admit Joanna has style. She’s a woman after my own heart.”

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Chapter Eleven Lucas chuckled as he walked down the hallway leading to her office. She’d been deliciously devious throughout the entire challenge. Bringing him to edge sexually one day, then acting like an innocent miss the next. He’d done hard labor, cooked—he still hadn’t completely recovered from his time in the kitchen—and spent one of the most sexually frustrating nights of his entire life knowing that he’d be denied satisfaction. Last night had been anything beyond his wildest dreams. Joanna had taken their game to a whole new level with the scene in her bedroom, followed by one of the hottest harem fantasies complete with his very own slave girl. He had felt like a desert sheik with his favorite harem girl at hand to cater to his every whim. Dinner had been an exotic feast for his senses. The authentic caravan meal—meats and breads cooked in a clay tandoor oven, lamb shish kebab marinated in olive oil and garlic, skewered vegetables and a surprisingly good vegetarian roti—had been served by a costumed staff covered from head to toe in a gauzy material that managed to cover everything while concealing nothing. Joanna had insisted on feeding him each succulent morsel by hand. When she placed a piece of lamb in his mouth, his lips lingered on her fingers. When she leaned over to butter the bread, his breath warmed her nape. Every opportunity he had to caress her, he took. Torture… The woman certainly knew how to make it hurt so good. His body had been coiled in readiness even before the veiled dancing girl appeared, putting the night and Joanna’s challenge truly over the top. The sensuous woman dropped to her knees and arched her spine and lowered herself backwards, with her arms outstretched, until her long mahogany hair was spread over the floor like a veil. He thought he heard Rigo or Brad mutter softly but his mind was lost as Joanna moved her hand to his lap in time with the soft beat. As the soft beat grew louder, the dancer’s body began snake-like movements, undulating her body and sensuously moving her hands and arms until she was back on her feet. Her hips swung in a series of slow, methodical figure eights before performing a full body roll that him shifting in his seat. A dramatic shimmy followed and then the soft beat slowly changed to a throbbing pulse. The dancer’s movements—and Joanna’s—became more intense, more frenzied. One by one the gauzy veils fell to the floor as she tossed them aside until her dance-hardened, glistening body radiated through the tent in only a tiny sequined bikini. Her face took on a sultry expression as she became one with the throbbing rhythm, her pelvis gyrating more quickly. The jewel in her navel flashed wickedly as it moved faster and faster, round and round. With a final jolting clash of cymbals, the dancer 106

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hurled herself back on her knees, sliding the short distance to offer herself to…no, not him, but one of the other men present. Brad, Rigo. He wasn’t sure which and hadn’t cared. His attention had been riveted by what Joanna had done to his body during the performance. Rigo had seemed particularly amused by Joanna’s deviousness, even joining the game and offering to drive him home. That bastard. He’d known that Joanna would have taken him into her bed last night and he’d intervened. His mocking smile this morning was annoying as hell. Someday soon Lucas hoped to see Rigo dance to some woman’s tune but first he had his very own brat to see to. “Lucas, uh, hi. I didn’t expect to see you until the board meeting,” Joanna stammered out, blushing profusely. Lucas’ eyes drank in every aspect of her appearance—the white silk blouse and the blue suit with its full skirt which fell to her knees, and low-heeled shoes. The professional image was so at odds with the sexual siren who had toyed with him last night. How can she blush like that after all she’s done to me? “I thought I’d surprise you.” Oh, he would surprise her all right. He had some particularly devious plans for tonight that would make the games she’d played look like child’s play in comparison. “I’m surprised. Why don’t I ask Maggie to get us some coffee?” Lucas smiled wickedly and watched as Joanna looked anywhere but at him, feeling the nervous energy pulse through the air. He chuckled softly as an idea born of her teachings took root. What if he gave her a little tit for tat right now? “Maggie, Joanna and I have something important to discuss. Can you see that we’re not disturbed for a while,” Lucas said with a wink before closing her office door, locking it and throwing his briefcase on the conference table. “Lucas, your turn doesn’t start until after the announcement,” she stated coldly, trying to dampen the lusty look in his eyes. Were her untried fantasies about to become a reality so soon? “Come here,” he drawled softly. “You can’t ask anything of me now,” she continued softly, shaking her head ‘no’. “And you can’t change the rules of the game midstream… Tsk, tsk. Don’t tell me that little Joanna is worried about what big, bad Lucas might come up with?” “I have to work here.” “So do I… Correct me if I’m wrong but I seem to recall that any type of foreplay is allowed. Kissing, touching—” “Lucas—” “Joanna… There’s a lot you can do to bring someone to the edge without letting them fall over. I should know. You kept me there all night… Give me your panties,” he demanded brusquely.

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Joanna stifled a surprised gasp while an erotic quiver raced down her spine and feelings of delicious sweetness threatened to overwhelm her rational mind. She licked her lips nervously but an intrigued gleam lit her eyes. What did he have planned? “We have lunch with your grandfather and I have a presentation to make to the board that I’m not ready for,” she argued, even though a part of her hoped it wouldn’t make any real difference. “We’ll skip lunch, the old man won’t care…and don’t worry, I won’t do anything that you haven’t already done to me…” Lucas gave her a wry smile, knowing that she wouldn’t be reassured. “You can say no at any time. Do you want to say no?” “But, Lucas, I can’t just—” “Aren’t you the least bit curious to know what I’ll do? To know what it feels like to have me in control? You know I’ll make it good for you…eventually.” Joanna gulped and nodded her head slowly, her mouth suddenly dry. “Then give me your underwear. That wasn’t a request.” Joanna’s mind filled with thoughts of spirited devilment while she considered her options to comply with his request. So he wanted her to take off her panties, did he? Well, then by all means she would give him her panties. It would serve him right if he got more than he bargained for. “Make yourself comfortable, big boy.” Joanna walked back to her desk computer, pressed a few keys and made a mouse click then strutted to the middle of the floor. Lucas watched her actions with curiosity. There was a brief pause before the horns blared into life. He smiled as he recognized the sound of Mickey and company from Sunday night’s adventure and remembered Joanna’s tease on the dance floor to the band’s version of Leave Your Hat On. He hadn’t realized that they had a CD, he thought absently while his mind played out a few scenarios. His darling wife was still toying with him even after what she’d put him through last night, daring him to play her game her way. Well, it was about time that he toyed right back. Joanna’s mind wandered. Should she show him the new flexibility she’d gained in yoga class or just taunt him with the interesting positions she could achieve? Then the music washed through her and her body took over. The sexy siren had returned. Her hips swayed to the rhythm and she started singing along softly to the song. She smiled seductively into his eyes and then her moves grew bolder. She shimmied over to him, trailing a finger across his shoulders as she glided behind him. Her fingers snapped in front of him, surrounding him without touching him. Then she blew sassily in his ear before sashaying back to the middle of the floor, peeking over her shoulder while teasingly lowering and raising her jacket. Eventually her jacket and shoes were lost to the floor during her dance and her real show began. Her hips moved in a wide undulation while her fingers reached for her skirt, easing it up only to lower it teasingly and then raise it again. “Yes, yes, yes,” she sang, bending over, then smacking her ass with her hand. The sound reverberated throughout her office. 108

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Widening her stance further, Joanna bent her knees slightly, bunched her skirt up around her waist and did a bump and grind for all she was worth. Flexing her body, first she traced the edge of her stockings, then the garters and the tiny scarlet red silk gstring. She thought she heard him choke in the background at the yoga position she achieved. Thank you, Twilia. Straightening, she brought her legs together, hooked her thumbs and eased the g-string down her hips. Her panties firmly in hand, she dangled them from a finger and danced around him before dropping the red silk onto the edge of his shoulder, watching as it slid down his body to pool on the top of his legs. She smiled seductively when his fingers wrapped the scrap of silk and brought it up to his nose to inhale deeply. Joanna sucked her thumb in response, letting her tongue flick the edge before sashaying back to the center of the room. Her fingers snapped in time with the music and her dance continued. Joanna smiled triumphantly while her eyes scanned his body looking for telltale signs of his arousal. On the surface he appeared calm, casually leaning against the conference table, but there was a slight flush running across his cheekbones, his breathing was a little shallow and his eyes practically burned her to the spot. Unfortunately, his trousers were tailored to conceal his erection today. Good! That meant that he’d come prepared but he would need to do better than this if he planned to beat her at her own game. Their eyes met. His blazed black with dark desire, hers sparkled with defiance, challenging him to do his worst. Was he bold enough to up the ante or would he wait until after the board meeting to get her back for her daring? “Your bra,” he demanded. Joanna lowered her lashes and smiled coyly. Didn’t he know by now that she would only do what he asked if it suited her purposes? Unbuttoning her cuffs and a few buttons on the front of her blouse, Joanna reached behind her to undo the fastening, sliding her straps down her arms one at a time, removing the bra without removing the blouse. She flashed him a superior smile then shimmied her upper body for added effect. Holding her matching scarlet bra in her right hand triumphantly, she paused, looking to see what else he would request. She could see he was torn. He probably wanted to tear off her clothes, throw her down right there on the carpeting and fuck her until she screamed. It was certainly an idea that had merit in her book, especially after last night’s adventures. “Come here,” he said huskily, opening his briefcase and pulling out a small case. He loved the curious look she shot him as she danced over. He’d managed to briefly surprise her after all. Lucas waited only until she was within reach then yanked her into her private bathroom, closing the door behind them. Her bra dropped to the travertine floor, forgotten, as he pushed her up against the door and threw the case on the counter. His mouth crashed down on hers, his lips

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prying hers apart, plundering the sweet tenderness of her mouth. He was ravenous, pulling her blouse from her skirt with a hand while balancing his weight against the door with the other. “Tease,” Lucas said as he broke off the aggressive kiss. Reaching out, his hand touched her breasts, applying featherlike strokes across each of her aching nipples. Joanna licked her lips, capturing her lower lip, willing him to do it again. She groaned when he did. But when he cradled both breasts in his hands at once, rubbing her nipples harder with his thumbs, she choked out, “Too sensitive. Please, after last night, it’s too much.” “But you love it,” he whispered devilishly. “You want me to nibble them, suckle them… You’re hoping I’ll bite them here…and here,” Lucas murmured as he bent his head to slowly tease her nipples, taking turns between the red and swollen tips, before popping a nipple into his mouth and sucking hard. His teeth bit teasingly at her nipple and, at her gasp, he rewarded her by swirling his tongue, making the contrasting sensation sweeter. He continued suckling at her breasts, switching from one to the other until her head hit the door with a bang and she started to slide down the door as her legs gave out. Apparently that was the sign he had been waiting for because he spun her around, leaning her against his body. Her head fell back on his shoulder as her mouth sought the curve of his neck, pressing kisses and nibbles there while his hands continued working their magic, kneading and fondling her breasts, pinching at her throbbing nipples. Her head whirled with her own dark desires, the hunger she felt raging out of control. “Look at you, brat. Look at the wanton in the mirror,” he whispered, taking her chin in his hand while rubbing his thumb gently along the ripe curve of her lower lip. Her mouth reached out to caress and nibble his thumb as her eyes opened reluctantly. Her eyes gleamed, her checks glowed, her breasts were taut and throbbing, and her mouth was swollen from his kisses. The half-opened blouse and the wrinkled skirt made her seem more abandoned, more so than if she’d been naked. She looked nothing like the professional businesswoman who had dressed conservatively for today’s board meeting. She could have stopped the game, she supposed. She could have said ‘no’, straightened her clothing, gone back to her desk and worked on her presentation. She could have…but she didn’t. The truth was, everything over the last few weeks had been leading up to this moment. This is what she had dared him to do and she relished every sensation. “Does it make you hot knowing that Rigo, Kendricks…Maggie could walk in and see the wanton in my arms? Would you come harder if they watched?” His hands slid the blouse off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor before unzipping her skirt and easing it down her hips. “I could take you now and you’d do nothing to stop me. Admit it.”

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“Please, don’t tease.” “Tease? Brat, you’ve got the market cornered on teasing,” he murmured softly, capturing her lips in a demanding kiss while his fingers squeezed a throbbing nipple. The feel of his hard cock against her ass had her nipping aggressively at his lips in expectation while her naked hips gyrated against his aroused trouser-clad cock, hoping to entice him into joining her sooner. Lucas broke off the kiss. “Now, now. That’s much too aggressive for such a naughty girl. You’ve been teasing me for much too long without relief for me to reward you so soon… Lean against the counter. That’s it, tiptoes.” His fingers sought her clit after she’d obeyed, rubbing, circling, until two fingers penetrated her aching pussy in one swift movement. Joanna gasped, her head falling down and her eyes closed. Her hips began to dance under his touch, wanting to make it to the edge as she became lost to sensation. She was putty in his hands, whimpering his name as she bit down on her lip to control her moans while moving her hips in time with his fingers. She was so close. Just a little more. Lucas removed his plunging fingers then swatted her ass lightly with his open palm. “Naughty girl… Teases aren’t allowed to come so soon.” He grabbed her hand as it moved to replace his. “Tsk, tsk. You’re not allowed to touch yourself. Hands on the counter and don’t move.” Control. This was all about control. Her control. She had tormented him with it long enough to understand the game he wanted her to play. Bracing herself on the counter, Joanna closed her eyes and took deep calming breaths as she fought to control her body. Finally she bit her lip and held herself completely still. “Open your eyes, brat. It’s time for you to see my surprise,” Lucas said, pulling the dildo from the case. “I bought it just to fulfill your fantasy.” Rubbing it gently against her chin until her mouth opened to reach out her tongue and swirl it around the tip before taking it deeper into her mouth. “Show me how much you love it, brat. That’s it. A little more.” His fingers rejoined the game, rubbing her clit lightly. Small groans escaped from her throat. “You told me how much the thought excited you. How much you wanted it.” He pulled the dildo from her mouth, watching as her mouth sought to recapture it. “Give yourself over to me,” he said, using the dildo to caress her throat before trailing it down her spine. “I’ll show you the exquisite pleasure to be had from my control.” Lucas massaged her pussy with the dildo, driving her wild with need as his adroit fingers continued to make delicate lacy patterns. Reaching up, he pinched a nipple, causing her to arch her neck and then he plunged the dildo in to the hilt, allowing her a few moments to have the sensation wash over her before he started a slow and leisurely pace, letting her feel every detail of the duplicated flesh. He smiled lecherously when her pussy clenched around the dildo during its

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withdrawal and her hips shifted so subtly when he pushed it back in. She was so close, another stroke or two was all that was needed to push her over the edge. Too bad. Her eyes sought his in the mirror as the dildo was completely removed. What was he…oh! Joanna’s breath caught as Lucas brought the dildo to his mouth and leisurely licked her juices off. “You taste delicious.” His triumphant gaze absorbed every aspect of her submission, burning brighter with savage satisfaction with each passing moment. “Hold this,” Lucas said after grabbing a tube of lubricant and a butt plug from the case. Joanna’s eyes widened as she watched him slathering first the plug he’d placed in her hand and then his fingers. “After the board meeting, I’ll bring you back here and fuck you raw.” Lucas massaged and toyed with her anal rim before easing in one finger and then another. “I’ll ream my cock in and out of your ass over and over again as you hold onto your desk screaming, begging me to let you come. Oh, how delicious it will be…” he whispered in her ear as he covered her back to let her feel his heat and his domination, his fingers spreading her further as he began a slow, steady pace to ease the plug into her ass while the fingers of his other hand returned to caress her clit. He twisted the knob ruthlessly, relentlessly inching forward. Joanna widened her stance, offering herself up as the raw desire throbbed through her, even as she tried to move away from it. She felt depraved but the sensations were exquisite. It hurt but in that wicked, dark way she had fantasized about. “Looks like I’ll have to tie you up when I ream your ass,” he whispered as she squirmed against the pressure. His right hand moved to the small of her back to help her maintain her position against the counter. “How were you planning on taking my cock if you can’t even take a small plug?” The internal pressure of the plug, the magical weave of his words and her body’s sensitivity were exquisitely erotic. She was so sensitive, her flesh so perfectly attuned to him, that when the last inch passed her tight anal ring, her senses were completely overwhelmed by the whirlwind of feelings that rushed forward as her muscles and her mind adjusted to the foreign object and the reality of her fantasies. Her head fell forward and her eyes closed while she languished in her downfall, waiting in breathless anticipation for his next move. “It’s time for you to get dressed.” “But—” “Don’t worry, I’m not done with you yet…but my other surprises can wait until later.” It’s payback time, baby! Even though he hadn’t planned for things to go so far, he savored his small victory as he placed a container of rouge and a makeup brush on the counter. “You said you wanted to explore all our fantasies…well, this is one of mine. Put it on,” he said after he handed her the garment bag out of her bathroom closet. He looked like a triumphant, conquering male. Joanna’s body shuddered as she recalled the time she had used those same words in his kitchen. “Fine,” she said, unzipping the garment bag to reveal a leather and silk seethrough mesh halter teddy. “I don’t think…” Joanna trailed off at the look Lucas shot

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her. A sharp wave of arousal shot through her as she raised her leg to step into the teddy, causing her to reach out to the travertine wall for support. A spasm of delight quivered through her body. She was aware of every inch of her body. The slight movement of air caused her body to shiver in response. “Lean back against the counter.” Joanna watched as Lucas used the makeup brush to paint her aureoles and then her lips with the ruby red rouge. He then took a pair of nipple rings connected by a delicate golden chain and placed one ring and then the other around her swollen nipples. “Turn around and see yourself, brat.” Joanna was captivated by her image in the mirror. The leather collar caressed her neck while the leather trim followed the cup-less halter leaving her breasts bare, begging to be fondled. The rest of her was covered in a fine see-through mesh broken up by the leather V, which moved down her stomach to her crotch. The hi-cut panty line looked lovely against her smooth, waxed pussy and the firm white globes of her ass. She was the epitome of a wanton, sexual creature. Pulling slightly on the chain, he whispered, “I’ll see your challenge and raise you…”

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Chapter Twelve “Are you sure you want to raise…” Joanna pushed him back to lean against the counter as she teasingly scraped her fingernail across the length of his zipper. “I’m about to call your bluff.” Squatting down, Joanna brought her face to his trouser-clad cock and inhaled deeply. He smelled so masculine, so spicy. Another wave of arousal hit her as the new position made her feel every inch of the plug. She nuzzled him like a newborn calf seeking a teat to suck on before seizing the zipper with her teeth and pulling it down to ensure that he felt every one of those teeth against his cock. Joanna started to reach for his cock but Lucas grabbed her arms and lifted her up into his embrace. “Wanton,” he said, pressing her body tightly into his, one hand on her ass and the other at the back of her head as he plunged them into a burning kiss. With her legs splayed around his hips and her pussy firmly against his hard cock, the embrace made her excruciatingly aware of every inch of the plug as well as her enflamed nipples. She shivered against him as his lips journeyed to her neck. “Lunch is in thirty minutes,” he said quietly after holding her quivering body against his for what seemed like a lifetime. He smiled into her hair. She was unconsciously rubbing her pussy against his cock, hoping he’d relieve her ache. “But I thought—” “You thought what?” “Nothing,” she said defiantly, rocking gently back and forth. Lucas chuckled. “You didn’t think that I’d give you what you want, did you?” Lucas gave her a hard kiss and then took her hands in his and brought them to his mouth to kiss one and then the other. “I’m saving myself for later. Someone recently taught me that waiting makes it better.” “Lucas don’t do—” “You better get dressed,” he said, gently putting her back on her feet. “Or you’ll be late.” “I can’t wear this to a board meeting!” “Consider it a little tit for tat for the cock ring you had me wear during brunch. There’s another bag in the closet. That outfit will cover the teddy,” he said with a selfmocking smile. “I originally thought we’d go out for dinner and dancing tonight.” “Forget it.” “It’s forgotten,” he murmured, giving her one final kiss before leaving the bathroom.

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Joanna walked over to closet and pulled the off-white cashmere mock-turtle sweater and a black silk skirt with matching jacket from the garment bag along with a pair of high-heeled mules. There was no way she would wear mules to a meeting, but for fun, Joanna slid her feet in them and danced around the room. The new angle of her hips combined with the dildo would have made dancing a devilishly hellish affair. Joanna chuckled, liking the way his mind worked. She could only imagine the places he had planned to take her tonight. Doubts assailed her even as she chuckled. Oh God, this isn’t going to work. A woman with her attributes could not go to a board meeting with nipple rings and bare breasts regardless of the support. She could see the red shadow of rouge covering the nipples beneath the soft cashmere. Her breasts jiggled decadently with the slightest movement and the plug… The plug was a constant reminder of his possession. It wasn’t enough. It wouldn’t be nearly enough until Lucas was back in her bed where he belonged. It was going to be one hell of a meeting. Feelings of sexual decadence consumed her mind throughout the entire meeting. She tried to listen to the final portion of Rigo’s presentation but it was damn hard considering the state of her arousal and the wanderings of her mind. Every breath she took, she felt. The rings made her nipples stand at attention while the soft cashmere rubbed them mercilessly. They were already tender from Lucas’ feast last night and now they burned. The plug constantly made her squirm to find a more comfortable position, although she found herself unconsciously clenching down from time to time. Usually right about the time someone asked her a question about the company’s IT infrastructure. She’d been foolish to raise the stakes this morning but she had believed they would consummate the challenge before the meeting. She’d underestimated his resolve but at least she wasn’t the only one affected. Joanna stole another glance at Lucas and almost laughed. His face was still a little red after her comment about talking to the group instead of her breasts. She considered that her great victory for the day. Here it was, the big culmination of everything he had fought to achieve, and he was obsessed with her breasts. It served him right for starting something he didn’t plan on finishing until after the meeting. “I asked Joanna Benson,” Rigo began, forcing Joanna to concentrate on what he was saying, “Di Angelo to show the Board the latest security threats to our organization. As many of you already know, Joanna has been working on a new electronic security initiative. What you may not be aware of are the kinds of tools available to the every day employee and how easy it is to steal corporate secrets.” Joanna took a deep breath and made her way to the podium, conscious of every step she took. This was it. She was up. Hell, she wasn’t ready. Rigo had only sprung the request on her Monday and, between her workload and her game with Lucas, the

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presentation had fallen by the wayside. She’d been lobbying Rigo and Kendricks to create a new security department. Rigo was giving her a chance to bring the issue to the forefront. Unfortunately, in all likelihood, she was about to blow the biggest opportunity of her career. Would anyone notice her braless state? Would she fidget to avoid the pressure of the plug? Would she come off as a professional or an idiot? Hopefully Kelly’s preparations had been thorough or her presentation was about to tank. “Thanks, Rigo. Folks, we have a problem in our company and it’s called security. It doesn’t matter how secure we are from the outside. Our biggest threat today comes from the inside. Information can be carried out on an every day key ring via a flash key, or sent via e-mail as ordinary looking text files or photo attachments. Here’s the first problem,” she said, holding up the tiny memory card. “See how small this is. It is virtually undetectable and runs on a standard USB port, which all the new computers have. The second problem is called Stegography. This can be done from any computer with an encryption application and access to e-mail. It’s been used by child pornographers for years but now we’re seeing its use in corporations. It’s very easy to do and extremely difficult to counteract… Some of you have a look of disbelief on your faces but I’m going to show how easy it really is. Fritz, would you mind coming up here? I’d like to use you as a guinea pig, if you don’t mind…” She had done it. Somehow despite all the distractions she had managed to talk intelligently during her presentation and answer questions without dropping into her native technobabble. It hadn’t been easy. Her mind wanted to go into automatic technical mode, which would have been horrible because all the board members would have heard was blah, blah, blah. She knew it from experience. If you talked over someone’s head they didn’t retain a word you said. Hiding the corporate charter within a picture of Chip had been an inspiration, getting Fritz to demonstrate had been an idea born of desperation, making her look like a genius. Hell, if the old guy could do it before their eyes, anyone could. Luckily, he had performed brilliantly for someone who rarely used a computer. Joanna turned as Lucas entered her office unannounced, closing the door behind him. His calm demeanor from this morning was gone. His face was taut with arousal, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes practically glowed. He looked ready to pounce if she made the slightest movement. “Um, Lucas, I think we need to talk about this,” she suggested cautiously as he began walking toward her in an almost stalking manner. What was wrong with him? He’d been in control this morning. The thought of him wanting her so desperately that his control was shattered made Joanna’s knees go weak but she held on to her sanity. The fantasy of letting him have his way in her office was tempting. However, the reality

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was there was too much to risk. Kendricks would have discovered them this morning if not for Maggie’s interference. “Lucas, wait! Look, we can’t do this here. There’re too many people and too many interruptions. What if we get caught? You promised this would just be between us.” Lucas was incensed. Lust battled with logic for control. What she was saying made perfect sense but his inner beast didn’t seem to care. Watching her during the board meeting, knowing that she was wearing his toys, had almost destroyed his control. He’d smiled as he watched her sit on the edge of seat, knowing that the pliant butt plug caused too much pressure if she wasn’t careful and that the soft wool was making her sensitive nipples burn. During her presentation, he had even fantasized about throwing her face down on the glossy boardroom table and taking her from behind as his relatives looked on. Rigo should have congratulated him on his willpower. He’d been in control at that point but something had snapped when Bill walked up to podium to congratulate her. The thought of throwing her down in the middle of her office and claiming her suddenly seemed reasonable as a haze invaded his brain. Keeping his eyes locked firmly on hers, he moved closer, intending only to reach out and stake his claim on her mouth, but she stepped backwards, away from his embrace. That she was speaking calmly and asking him to go home with her didn’t matter. All his inner beast saw was that she was rejecting him and it demanded that she be brought to heel. Lucas reached out and grabbed her, his kiss devouring any protests. His hands slipped into her waistband and dragged out the bottom of her sweater, baring her breasts to his questing fingers before his palm covered her breast. The nipple ring branded itself into his flesh as he compulsively squeezed. Joanna wrenched her mouth from his kiss, gulping in air. “Lucas, please, you’re scaring me. Please, I want you…only you,” she pleaded, following her instincts and pressing her body tighter against his while placing tiny kisses along his jawline. “Come home with me.” The loud knock on her office door allowed Joanna to pull away. “Jo, is Lucas in there with you?” Rigo demanded through the door. “Yes, Rigo. He’s here. Come in.” Joanna hurried to straighten her clothing. “We were just getting ready to leave. Can’t it wait until next week?” Lucas said aggressively as Rigo entered the office. “No, it can’t. Jo, great presentation. I owe you.” “Don’t worry, Rigo, I plan to collect…for everything.” “Would you mind if Lucas and I use your office? I have something urgent that I need to talk to him about. It won’t take long.” “Everything all right?” “Nothing to worry about. I just need to clear something up.”

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“Okay then.” Briefly she kissed Lucas on her way out. “Don’t be too long.” Rigo remained silent until she left her office and closed the door behind her, then he let loose. “Damn it, Lucas! What the hell were you thinking?” he demanded, the look on his face condemning his cousin. “Don’t answer that. I can tell that you weren’t. You do realize that, if it were anyone else, you’d both be fired on the spot,” he raged. “What the hell are you talking about?” “Sex in her office. Lucas, I thought you had more finesse than that.” “We’re both consenting adults. What we choose to do behind closed doors is nobody’s business but our own.” “My God, Kendricks almost caught the two of you.” “I locked the door.” “You locked the door… Lucas, I— Do you have any idea of all the things wrong with that? If it hadn’t been for Maggie—” Rigo said warningly. “She’s my wife, damn it.” “Nice of you to remember that but why don’t you try treating her like one. She deserves more respect than a quickie in her office.” “Things just got out of hand, Rigo. It won’t happen again.” “You bet it won’t. I’ll speak to Grandfather if necessary. Until you learn some control, the only time you’ll see her is if it’s in a meeting or with an open door with Maggie to supervise. My God, man! Sex in her office… What were you thinking? Ah hell. Get out of here and go celebrate before I change my mind, and Lucas… Joanna has very nice breasts but next time she makes a presentation have her wear a bra… Yes, before you ask, the old man enjoyed himself immensely.” Lucas grimaced. Rigo had been right. He had been foolish but she drove him out of his mind. This morning his intention had been to give her a little taste of what she’d put him through. Instead she raised the bar again and things had spiraled out of his control. His need to claim her and end his frustrations had made all other considerations irrelevant. What if she told him to get lost? Could he accept her wishes and leave? He had taken the envelope and pushed it right back at her. He’d gone too far. The risk had been too great…but boy had it been hot. Joanna opened the door, grabbed hold of his tie and dragged him into the entryway before he could ring the bell. Slamming the door behind him, she dropped his robe to the floor and stood there in the leather teddy. He licked his lips at the sight and then she threw herself at him, kissing him gluttonously, and he was lost. Everything he had planned to say lost beneath her kiss as he carried her up to the bedroom. “Now stay where you are, brat,” he growled, after lowering her to the floor. “I have another surprise for you.”

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Joanna’s eyes widened after Lucas threw his shirt somewhere behind him. A delicate gold and emerald chain attached to two nipple rings spanned his chest. When his pants dropped to the floor, her mouth dropped open in astonishment. She recovered brilliantly though, a waggish grin crossing her face. “Didn’t you say something about making me scream? I seem to recall someone saying that they were going to ream my ass until I begged for mercy,” she teased, the hot desperate need tempered by playfulness. “I’m not sure that you’re up to the challenge, big boy.” Turning her back to him, she looked over her shoulder and smacked her ass. The sound seemed to vibrate off the walls. “So what will it be? Are you going to have your wicked way with me or am I going to have to show you how it’s done?” Lucas gave a deep guttural laugh that caused a shiver to run down her spine. “Oh, I think I know how it’s done.” “I don’t know, Lucas, you seem a little slow on the draw,” she taunted, salaciously eyeing the leather cock ring. “You obviously thought you needed some help to do me…justice,” she gibed before she licked her lips. “Oh, I don’t know, brat. You see, this imp I know told me about a fantasy involving stiletto heels, silk scarves and a leather flogger. I thought the idea had merit but needed a few minor tweaks.” Joanna leaned into the bedpost, wiggling her ass invitingly. “You don’t have the staying power to do what you have planned,” she challenged. “Is that a dare?” “No. That’s an in-your-face challenge,” she goaded, circling her mouth with her tongue and pulling the teddy taut before releasing it with a snap. “I’m so wet and swollen, aching to be filled by your massive…hard…weapon. Do you think you have what it takes to make me scream, big boy?” The gleam in Lucas’ eyes darkened, the pouty look on her face adding to his excitement. “So…my little Joanna thinks she’s ready to play. Do you know what happens to naughty little girls who challenge authority, brat?” he asked, moving across the room, picking up the leather flogger from the vanity along the way. “Their bottoms get nice and red,” he whispered into her ear as he leaned into her back, “so tender to the slightest touch…the slightest whisper of air. Can you take your punishment without calling out? Without moving to avoid the lashing pleasure?” Her eyes met his in the vanity at the side of the bed, her secret-laden smile the only answer she gave. Lucas stepped back slightly and traced the buttery leather down the long length of her back before flicking his wrist lightly to deliver a feathery kiss. He flicked his wrist again, delivering this one with a little more force, still only toying with her. “Two.” Joanna moaned, watching as her body moved in time with his caresses, her breasts jiggling lewdly in the mirror. The enticing caress caused her to catch her breath,

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only to be released with the next swing. Lucas moved to the side and tugged the nipple chain while flicking his wrist. “Three.” Joanna’s throat convulsed and her mouth opened as her breathing momentarily stopped, the sensations rippling through her body. She was already on the edge from today’s adventures. “Can you stand the heat? Do you want me to continue?” Joanna’s nod was almost imperceptible. “Are you sure?” he whispered hotly in her ear. His fingers tightened ever so slightly on the chain. His hawk-like gaze captured every movement from the tongue that reached out to moisten her parched lips to the breath she released in a rush. “You were so beautiful today in your cashmere sweater… I loved watching your body squirm ever so slightly in the chair.” SMACK. The sound reverberated through the room, only to be broken by the sound of her harsh breathing. “Four.” “Knowing that you were so possessed gave me a delicious thrill.” SMACK. “Five.” “Did you enjoy it? Knowing that if you took off your jacket your breasts would be the center of everyone’s attention? They were certainly the center of my attention,” he finished in a low growl as his fingers pulled on the nipple chain. SMACK. “Six.” “Would you like more…attention?” Joanna couldn’t speak as the smoldering heat exploded through her body. It heated and molded her already hot flesh, making her pussy weep in need while her ass clenched around the plug. She ached, literally ached, to have him. “Have you had enough? Are you ready to tell me what I want to hear?” Lucas whispered hoarsely while applying added pressure to the nipple chain. “Luca…” she groaned. “I can make it all better. All you have to do is say the word.” Joanna shook her head, temporarily unable to speak as the dizzying pleasure-pain from her nipples became almost unbearable. “No, not yet,” she said eventually. SMACK. “Seven.” “Are you ready to scream for me?” he demanded, pulling on the chain a little tighter as he dropped the flogger to run his hand down her warmed flanks. “Call out my name?” 120

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Joanna hesitated only briefly. “Make me.” Lucas smiled like a satyr in full rut. “Oh, I have every confidence that I will.” Joanna struggled to move away after he picked her up and threw her on the bed, but he was too quick for her. Covering her body from behind, Lucas positioned her hips, tore off the g-string and entered her in one stroke. Joanna arched her back, moaned as the double penetration stretched her body. Full. She felt totally stuffed. All of her nerve endings stimulated as Lucas manipulated her body like a fine violin. Lucas started a hard and furious pace, plunging back and forth while pulling on her nipple chain. “You and Edith piqued my interest in them, you know,” he murmured in her ear casually as his pace slowed to a crawl. “After that little tutorial session you subjected me to at brunch, I’ve learned that there’s so much more pleasure to be had by holding off. I now know more about my personal limits. What about yours? How long do you think it will be before you’re begging me to fuck that ass of yours?” Her ass clenched around the plug, her pussy clamped around his cock, her ability to hold off her orgasm at an end as his words and the sensations racking her body sent her over the edge. “Luca!” Joanna screamed his name as she came before collapsing in a complete puddle on the bed.

***** “Wake up, sleepyhead.” It was Saturday morning and Lucas was having the most marvelous dream. Joanna was softly kissing his jaw, leaving a nibbling trail from his jaw to his mouth while whispering for him to wake up and join her. A sharp bark interrupted the dream, causing Lucas to open his eyes. The whole bed shook as Chip began wagging furiously, barking joyously at him. Lucas opened one eye to clear the vision, only to close them again and groan, his hand reaching up to his jaw to feel the slobber of dog. Yuck! Chip had been the one kissing him. “Go away. This is criminal. A man needs his sleep to recover and that dog needs to get lost,” he grumbled as he threw his arm across his eyes. He was exhausted. He wanted at least two more hours of sleep. Didn’t she know that she’d worn him out? “Come on, Chip let you sleep in. You can laze about in bed later but now it’s time for Chip’s run around the lake.” Why does she sound so chipper this morning? He could think of better ways to wake up than running the dog around the lake. “What’s Chip doing back? I thought Tom had him for the weekend,” he groaned. “Arrrgggg, what time is it anyway?”

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“Come on! I couldn’t sleep so I ran over to Tom’s to get Chip for the morning. It’s already 7:30 and it’s absolutely gorgeous outside. Come on, please,” she wheedled excitedly. “If you’re good, I’ll take you to Ode’s for coffee and a fresh maple-pecan caramel roll. It will be hot and gooey, right out of the oven, but only if you hurry,” she threw over her shoulder before breezing out of the room. Lucas groaned as his hand touched the mark she had left on his stomach, his body still a mass of sensations. Getting up, he dragged himself into the walk-in closet hoping to find something to wear besides his suit from the board meeting. He was pleased as he saw the old jogging suit hanging on the hook. She had kept it…and apparently worn it, he thought, noticing the faded colors. A slow generous smile lit his face. She loved him. After last night, how could he even doubt it. She had told him and showed him how much throughout the entire night, whispering words of pleasure, encouragement and love. Suddenly energized, Lucas dragged on his running clothes and raced outside to meet his beautiful wife. Lifting her up by the waist, he gave her an exuberant kiss before putting her down. “Wow. Someone’s ready to go. I hope you don’t mind but Tom’s dog Mandy is joining us. Did you have a chance to warm up?” she asked teasingly. “I wouldn’t want you to pull anything…um…important.” Chip and Mandy barked impatiently while Joanna started a leisurely pace to allow Lucas a chance to warm up. Chip allowed this for all of five minutes before he began nipping at Lucas’ butt and upper thighs. Lucas’ scream of outrage could be heard behind her as he screeched to a halt. Joanna struggled not to giggle. “I guess you’re not running fast enough. Better pick up the pace or you’ll have bruises all over your ass,” she called out before she gave her ass a hard smack and dashed away with a burst of speed. Lucas laughed. That little minx knew this would happen. “Well, Chip, I can see that you’re used to a faster pace so why don’t we see if we can catch our mistress,” he said, roughing up Chip’s head, while Mandy took off after Joanna. “What do you think, boy?” Chip seemed to bark in agreement and suddenly they were off like the wind, racing to see who could catch up with the blonde imp first. Chip won, of course, but Lucas was the one who got her in the end, chasing her until he caught her rounding the bend and then grabbing her around the waist to lift her high into the air. Joanna was laughing, trying to catch her breath as he turned her around and brought her face down to his. “You know, I believe you owe me a week’s vacation,” he said, gently kissing her lips. “What about the plans you outlined in the board meeting? Won’t you need to be there to get the ball rolling?” “Rigo can handle it. Besides I’d like to have my wife yield to my every wicked desire.”

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“Well, technically you would only get an entire week if I ravaged you on the spot before the board meeting… And somehow I just seemed to have missed doing that. My bad…” “Brat—” he growled warningly. “And then you made me wait until after the board meeting even though I was yours for the taking. Tsk, tsk. Too bad, so sad,” she smirked before finally telling him what he wanted to hear. “But since I already asked Kendricks for some extra time off weeks ago, I guess you’re in luck.” “I should paddle that ass of yours for being such a tease.” “Promises, promises…” The dogs were not content to sit around and wait as their handlers dawdled. Chip lunged and nipped playfully at Lucas’ backside, while Mandy licked and barked at their legs. Lucas smiled and gently kissed her again. “Come on, I’ll race you to Ode’s for that caramel roll. Last one there, buys.”

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Chapter Thirteen Over the last few weeks, Joanna had walked around in a happy, sensual haze complete with the lovesick idiot grin. Their week of abandoned passion had left her sore and aching. The smallest glance from him had her body readying itself for his. She finally gave in and let him move into her house on the condition that his financial empire stay lost once he crossed her threshold. No late night phone calls to the Far East. No early morning conference calls to London. If he needed to do any of those things, he could go in to the office or back to his condo. He was only allowed to return once he finished. He countered by making her leave her pager at work, telling her that her staff knew what they were doing and if a disaster happened, they would find a way to track her down without a pager. Of course, the computer in the bedroom immediately found itself consigned to another room in the house. And so a new fragile relationship began without the challenge between them. During the day, she and Lucas shared lunch in the park, continuing the pattern that had been started during the challenge. And the nights…well the nights were just as steamy as could be. She had unleashed an insatiable beast, one that couldn’t control his exhibitionistic streak now that she had freed it. Ummmmmm… What they’d done in front of the mirror last night had been so hot. Both of them watching his cock slice slowly through her as his thighs pushed her legs open even further, his fingers pulling her nipple chain in time with his strokes and his mouth nibbling softly on her throat as her fingers dug into his hard thighs. Her inner thighs were a little sore from the position but, boy oh boy, she wanted to do it again and again…and again. Maggie knocked on the door and wobbled into her office with one hand clenching a bunch of letters and the other hand bracing her lower back. Joanna knew that there were three weeks to go before Maggie’s due date but it sure looked like it could happen any second. “Maggie, sit down right now before you fall over,” Joanna said, her voice full of reproach, noticing the pale sheen on Maggie’s face. “You’re looking a little peaked. Is it the baby?” “I’m fine, just a little tired. The baby’s been kicking up a storm and I haven’t been getting enough sleep.” Grimacing, she lowered herself gingerly into the cushy chair. “Patrick has been nagging me to stay home.” “He’s right. This stuff can wait. I want you to take the afternoon off, go home and put up your feet. Take the rest of the week if you need it.”

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“I might take you up on it if I can finalize this report for Kendricks.” “No, I’ll get Dan to finish it. I’m not kidding, Maggie, I want you to go home.” “But Jo—” “No buts. That’s an order.” Maggie started to argue then sagged in relief. “Thanks. Patrick will probably come over and kiss you for this. I’ll call to let him know that he was right and I was stubborn.” “Gee, there’s a surprise.” “So, what did they say? You can’t leave me in suspense now that you’re sending me home.” “Gawd, Maggie. You’ll never believe it. It’s official. Fritz wants it done and done now! It will be his final initiative before he retires and he wants it to be huge. Something the, and I quote, ‘The young whippersnapper will have to work hard to rival.’ You should have seen him go on about how much he learned during my presentation at the board meeting. So I’m in… You’re looking at the new head of IT Security. I’ll be back in the trenches, getting my hands dirty, but I won’t have to deal with the ensuing systems chaos that will follow Lucas in his wake. Isn’t it wonderful?” “That’s great, Jo. What did Lucas say?” “I haven’t told him yet. I was afraid to tempt fate in case it didn’t pan out. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled. I’ll have more free time to travel with him and I can do this job from anywhere.” “I know you’ve been on cloud nine but are you guys okay, really?” “I don’t know. It’s been great but sometimes I wake up in a cold sweat wondering how long it will take before he walks away again. I know it’s crazy but somehow we’ve managed to avoid talking about any serious issues.” “Jo, Lucas loves you.” “I know, but…we still haven’t talked. I mean really talked. We talk about everything else but we dance around the issues leading up to our separation. It’s like neither of us is willing to mess with what we have now.” Joanna took a deep breath before continuing. “I haven’t told him about the miscarriage. What if he freaks when I tell him we might not be able to have children?” “Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a little?” “No. I didn’t want to say anything earlier but I’ve been trying to get pregnant. I haven’t been on the Pill since Sylvia’s funeral and, the way Lucas and I have been going at it, I should be pregnant…but I’m not. “ “Give it some time. It doesn’t happen on demand. Patrick and I tried for months before I got pregnant with this one, my sister for two years. Besides your doctor didn’t say that you couldn’t have children, just that it might be a little more difficult. There are other options—in vitro, adoption, fertility drugs, you haven’t even tried long enough yet

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to be sure that you’ll need any of that stuff. Who knows? You might get lucky. Why don’t you talk to Lucas about it?” “Talk to me about what?” Lucas asked as he stuck his head into Joanna’s office, a brilliant smile on his face. “Hi! I thought you had meetings all day.” “Client negotiations with Legal this afternoon. I hoped to surprise one of you with a quick clench behind the water cooler.” “Tempting…but I don’t think a water cooler is big enough to hide my full figure any more,” Maggie teased, patting her swollen belly gently. “Maybe you should take your wife with you instead since she’s being so cruel to me?” “What has my wicked wife done this time?” “She’s forcing me to go home and take it easy. Can you imagine her gall? She’s threatening to have security remove me if I won’t listen to reason.” Joanna made a funny face at Maggie’s crack before turning back to Lucas. “I’m glad you’re here. I want to make plans to celebrate tonight.” “Celebrate?” “Yes, it’s official. I’m the new head of IT Security.” “IT Security? We don’t have a security department.” “We do now. Fritz made it official earlier this morning. It’s his final initiative and I get to pull it all together. Isn’t it wonderful?” “Oh, he didn’t mention anything about it to me…” he said with less than adequate enthusiasm. He had to turn away before he said something stupid that he’d regret, like I want you to quit your job and have my baby. He’d hoped that they could start working on having a family of their own in the near future. He knew it was too soon…but Maggie’s swollen figure always brought those feelings to the forefront, making him wish that Joanna was swollen with his child. A new department meant that any family they might have would be years away. If ever. “What’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy. It will free up my schedule and give me enough freedom to travel with you. We won’t be separated while you’re out selling your ideas to the rest of the business,” she said reasonably. Watching his face closely, she noticed the pained look that washed over his face whenever his gaze flicked to Maggie. When he said nothing, guilt and her secrets made her react by going on the offensive. “So we’re back to children again. You think I should pass up this opportunity so we can have a child.” “Yes,” Lucas growled, his disappointment making him unreasonable. “How about stepping aside as CEO? Fritz hasn’t retired yet. Let Rigo lead the transition team and take over. Settle for a place on the Executive Council.” Looking at his impassive face, she knew she’d struck a nerve when his jaw clenched. “You conceited bastard. You haven’t changed at all. You’d ask me to give up my world without giving up anything on your side.”

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“This new department will take years to get off the ground. We’ll never be able to have children with your propensity for work. Did you ever have any intention of us having a family?” “Said the driven, obsessive workaholic to his wife,” Joanna spat. “I’ve changed. You can’t lay that at my feet.” “For how long? You’ll be off traveling the world next month and I’ll be left alone again.” “You can retire and come with me.” “Would you listen to yourself? It’s the same old argument,” she accused as he started to walk away. “Joanna, talk to him,” Maggie tried to intervene. “Lucas, please, you don’t understand—” But Joanna was too incensed to listen to reason. “You overstuffed buffoon. You really think I denied you… You denied yourself. I want your child. What I don’t want is to be a single parent. Great. You want a child. Fabulous. You’ll fly off somewhere at the drop of a hat and I’ll hardly ever see you again. It will be just like before.” “Joanna—” “I’m not finished. For once, you’ll let me finish. I wanted you there with me before,” she cried, confusing today’s argument with the pain of the past. “To share every moment and when I mis— When I miscarried, I was all alone just as I’d always feared. The great and powerful Lucas, nowhere in sight. I had no one to hold me while I cried, no one to tell me it was all right, that there would be other children. Do you have any idea how much you hurt me?” she accused before turning away to stifle a cry with her fist as tears threatened to break through her barriers. Lucas was shocked. “Joanna, I didn’t—” “What! You didn’t mean to get me pregnant? You didn’t mean to leave me alone? Don’t touch me,” she spat, throwing off his arm when he tried to reach for her. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m damaged…defective goods. I might never be able to have your precious child.” “It’s not important. I love you. I don’t need a child to complete what we have.” A hysterical bubble of laughter erupted. “You’re such a liar. You just stood there a minute ago, accusing me of denying you again. Now you’re telling me that it doesn’t matter. You’re unbelievable.” “Jo—” “You really don’t have a clue, do you?” “Guys, as entertaining as all this is, I think someone should call my husband and an ambulance because my water just broke!” Maggie said urgently. “Maggie, my God. You’re having the baby now? Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

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“I just did. Don’t just stand there. Get on the phone. We might not have a lot of time. Michael popped right out after only twenty minutes.” “Do you mean to tell me that you might have the baby here?” Joanna said, panic evident in her voice. At Maggie’s nod, Joanna picked up the phone and called the receptionist. “Janice, I need you to call an ambulance, Maggie’s having her baby… Yes, right now. Call the staff nurse and send her up. The baby might arrive before the ambulance… I know… She’ll be in my office. Have housekeeping send up some hot towels and water and whatever else you need for a birth… Call her husband. His work number is in the online HR Directory… Yes, Janice. Hurry. And Janice, get Dr. Jackson on the phone and patch her through to my office… What’s the number, Maggie? Never mind, I have it. It’s… Oh and hold all my calls!” Lucas walked angrily to Rigo’s office, leaving Joanna to master the ensuing chaos. She’d done it again. Blown his world away with a few well-chosen words. He’d admitted to himself only this morning how much he loved having Joanna back in his life. The harsh cynical lines that had scored his face in Hong Kong had all but disappeared. His body felt vibrant and alive, his skin tingled and a certain part of him was definitely reenergized. But he wanted children. He ached to hold them, to hold her in his arms and caress her gently rounding belly. Be there when she gave birth. Get up in the middle of the night and hold his daughter or son in his arms while Joanna slept on. That dream might never be a reality. They might never be able to have children of their own. Could he live without that possibility? Could he really live without Joanna in his life? “Rigo?” Lucas knocked, before walking in. “I just heard Maggie’s having her baby. Congratulations, Joanna must be thrilled.” “Yeah, sure. I could use some whiskey,” he said wearily after plopping down in a chair and raking his fingers through his hair. “Rigo, be honest with me. Did you know about Joanna’s miscarriage?” “No, she never said a word to me. She must have been devastated.” Rigo walked over to his credenza and poured whiskey into two glasses, remaining silent until he handed Lucas the glass. “I assume this happened while you were estranged.” “Hell if I know. I didn’t even know she had been pregnant. She just dropped this little bombshell on me.” “That must have been why she flew out to Hong Kong. You must have been some bastard for her not to tell you.” “She never flew out.” “Sure she did. Kendricks had to approve the time. He didn’t want to spare her because we were in that finance system conversion but she was quite insistent.” “You didn’t think to mention this sooner?”

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“She looked like hell when she got back so I assumed the two of you had had another fight. You went to great lengths to make it clear that it was none of my—” “I never saw her. I didn’t even know she flew out.” Lucas’ voice cracked, the emotion he was feeling evident. “Why didn’t she stay and tell me about the baby? I would have come home. You know that. I would’ve dropped everything to be with her.” “Maybe Gloria has more to answer for than you realize.” A look of distaste crossed Lucas’ face. “Gloria? Nah, Joanna would have nailed me to the wall—” “Would she? You had a big fight that no one was allowed to talk to you about, you weren’t talking to each other, Aunt Sylvia had just died and she was pregnant. Think about it. If ever there was a time when Joanna would have been vulnerable, insecure and not able to ream your ass the way you certainly deserved, it would have been then. Joanna wouldn’t fly all the way to Hong Kong to tell you she was pregnant and simply change her mind. Gloria must have played out some scene for Joanna’s benefit. Just like she did for you.” “God, Rigo. What have I done?” “Made a complete ass of yourself again,” Rigo quipped. “It’s not funny. I never told Joanna about Gloria. I let myself become distracted—” “You arrogant pissant. Are you a complete moron on top of everything else? Don’t answer that. You promised—” “I tried to tell her but—” “Your cock got in the way? She refused to listen to you or you were just too embarrassed to admit how gullible you were?” Lucas had the good grace to look abashed during the silence that followed Rigo’s statement. “I was a complete ass, Rigo,” Lucas said finally. “You’re right. I didn’t want to admit to Joanna how foolish I’d been before I put that bitch in her place. Damn it, Rigo, it’s not like I actually had an affair.” “Maybe not, but that fact makes Gloria all the more dangerous where Joanna is concerned.” “Ah hell, Rigo. Cory’s probably got Stacey in my office right now.” “I’ll handle it. Follow Joanna to the hospital. I’m sure she’ll go there with Maggie and the baby. Janice will know which one… Lucas, you need to fix this before it spirals out of control and this time, come clean about Gloria.”

***** Megan Joanna Donovan came into the world on Joanna’s desk thirty-five minutes after the ambulance pulled up to the reception desk. The paramedics arrived in time to 129

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assist Maggie as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, eight pounds, six ounces and twenty-one inches long. Patrick Donovan and Dr. Jackson cheered happily through the speakerphone, having been present in sound, if not body. The sounds of pounding slaps and congratulations going in the background made Joanna smile. Patrick was glad that the delivery was over but more than a little upset that he had missed yet another birth because of his wife’s stubbornness. Maggie countered by telling him that she would have been home alone if she hadn’t gone to work and pointing out that at least Joanna was present and he had gotten to be there on speakerphone. Patrick laughed, conceding to his wife’s illogical logic, and then proceeded to tell Maggie how much he loved her. Megan’s birth had been so powerful, so moving, that Joanna felt on top of the world, her emotions doing a complete one-eighty from only an hour ago. Oh, how she ached to hold Lucas’ child in her arms. She went out to Maggie’s desk to look for him, wanting to fling herself in his arms and shout with joy at the top of her lungs, but he was nowhere to be found. She needed to find him and tell him the rest of her story. It was time to come clean with the whole truth, not just what her anger had allowed. Frowning, she called around, searching for him before finally giving up, deciding she would wait in his office until he showed up. He would eventually go back there and, if nothing else, she could enlist Abby’s help to track him down. The ringing telephone stopped her. “Joanna Di Angelo.” When had she started saying that? “Bill. What’s up? I know Maggie just had her baby in my office… What? Are you sure? Okay, I’ll meet you there in ten.”

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Chapter Fourteen “Bill, take the rest of the guys and canvass this floor. Remember, these people are executives, so come get me once you find the computer.” “Do you want us to shut down the port on the switch?” “No, give Laura a chance to do her job. We don’t want to tip anyone off if we don’t have to.” “But—” “Trust me. She’s good. She’ll get what we need if we can’t confiscate the device. In the meantime, page Kendricks and let him know what’s going on.” “Hi, Abby,” Joanna said, walking across the hallway. “Hey, you’ve got the whole gang with you today.” “Yep, we’ve got a renegade computer chattering away on the network.” “Another virus?” “Looks like it. We’ve narrowed it down to a switch port and this floor but no one knows where the data jack is so we’ve started a computer-by-computer search. What’s your data jack number?” “What’s a data jack number?” “Never mind, it’s probably under your desk.” “Jo, I’m an old woman…” “Let me.” Joanna crawled under the desk and came back out. “Nope.” “Good thing you have slacks on today,” Abby smirked. “I thought Harris retired.” “That old goat won’t retire until you crawl under his desk in that skirt again. He constantly tells Fritz that he should send you on over.” “Dirty old man.” Joanna chuckled. “Harmless. He’s still the most outrageous flirt I know. HR should crack down on him but I have a feeling that the females on this floor would revolt if they did. How are Maggie and the baby doing?” “Oh, Abby, it was so unbelievable…” Joanna gushed before telling Abby all about Megan’s birth. “Abby, do you know where Lucas is? We had this big fight right before Maggie went into labor.” “Jo, I’m sorry I don’t know where he is. He’s supposed to be in his office handling negotiations with Cory but he seems to have disappeared. I tried calling him but his cell goes right to voicemail.”

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“Thanks, I guess I’ll have to wait—” Joanna stopped talking abruptly as she heard the husky laughter coming out of his partially opened office door. “Who did you say was in there with Cory?” “A Mr. Stacey and his client, Ms. Samson, I think.” “Swanson?” “Maybe. Lucas’ calendar only has the Stacey name on it. The woman’s kind of a slutty redhead. She slobbered all over Cory. It gave me the shivers just watching her. I can’t imagine why men like her—” “Abby, that’s Gloria from Hong Kong in Lucas’ office. Gloria Swanson.” “Good God, Jo, why would Gloria be here?” “That’s exactly what I want to know,” Joanna muttered, before walking to the door and pushing it slightly to peek inside. “The big jerk neglected to mention this during our fight.” “You can’t go in there, Jo—” Abby exclaimed. “Sshh, I’m not going in. I just want to hear what they’re talking about.” “Mr. Di Angelo disputes your client’s claim and won’t pay her a cent more than what she’s already getting in salary and perks.” “Mr. Thompson, what your client did to Ms. Swanson was ruthless. He used her to generate business. He got off on watching his business associates have sexual relations with her, he had sexual intercourse with her himself, resulting in pregnancy, and then he discarded her when he no longer needed her.” “Your claims of training and videos suggest a plethora of paternity candidates. Why should we believe that Mr. Di Angelo is the father?” “Mr. Thompson, my client has a DNA report identifying Mr. Di Angelo as her child’s father,” Mr. Stacey stated confidently. “How exactly is that possible? Mr. Di Angelo did not agree to a DNA test.” “Nevertheless, we have one.” “Let’s get down to the bottom line. What’s your proposed settlement offer?” “Two million dollars, US, in a Bermuda bank account, a lifetime tenancy for my client and Mr. Di Angelo’s son in the family’s south of France estate, including a full staff to maintain the property and a full time nanny to help with his son’s care. I think…” Mr. Stacey named an amount that had Joanna gasping, “…is appropriate as the only heir to his fortune, after which we’ll open discussions for the sexual harassment case.” “Mr. Stacey,” Cory started then snorted. “Even if you can prove Ms. Swanson’s paternity claims, I doubt very much that Mr. Di Angelo would agree to those terms. He already has a wife and there’s sure to be other children.” “Really? That’s very interesting… I hear his wife can’t carry a baby to term. Miscarried the last one, I believe. And now there’s that unfortunate cyst that took one of

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her ovaries… No, I don’t think another child is likely unless he’s fucked another mistress or divorces the brat and remarries,” Gloria commented, looking straight into Joanna’s eyes and smiling before she turned her attention back to the men. “Bitch,” Abby said under her breath. “Jo, it’s not true. Lucas wouldn’t do that to you.” “Quiet, Gloria knows we’re listening. She’s talking to me, not to Cory,” Joanna said, refocusing her energy on the conversation. “Ms. Swanson, I’m sure the details of my client’s martial situation do not concern our current discussion.” “Doesn’t it? I thought we were discussing Lucas’ heir. Surely, whether or not his wife divorces him once she learns that I’ve given birth to his son is relevant to this conversation. If there aren’t any other children, then… Well, I’m sure you know where I’m headed,” Gloria trailed off, allowing the conclusion to speak for itself. “Larry, play the video for Mr. Thompson. He’ll understand after he sees it what kind of monster he’s representing.” Gloria glanced at Joanna and winked. Joanna watched from the doorway as her worst nightmare came to life on the overhead projection system. Her face turned white and nails bit into her hands as she came to terms with her husband’s on-screen betrayal. A very naked Gloria was on her hands and knees, licking Lucas’ shoes. Some old, middle-aged slob had his cock hanging out of pants and then there was Lucas standing in the middle of it all. “Master, please forgive me,” Gloria implored, “but Ambassador Henderson wasn’t quite done when you arrived.” “Di Angelo, you are one lucky bastard. Gloria’s quite the little gal. Would you consider selling your slave to me?” “Slave?” “Oh, that’s right you don’t call her that. Your assistant, then. How much to let me hire her away from you? Come on, Di Angelo, with your skills I bet you could train another one in nothing flat. I’d make it worth your while.” “Gloria’s…a valuable commodity. One whose value cannot be easily determined. But her discipline is lacking… I couldn’t possibly allow you to hire her until her skills are perfected,” Lucas said. “Do you need to see more, Mr. Thompson? My client has an entire library of these training sessions, she has a DNA report verifying paternity and you just saw Lucas confirming that Gloria was acting as his representative. A jury is sure to find—” “Hello, darling. Are you ever going to come in or were you planning on standing outside the door like a child, eavesdropping on her parents having sex?” “Jo, it’s a lie. I don’t know how but Lucas isn’t like that—” “Leave off, Abby.” Joanna walked into the room, her demeanor icy cold. “Why, darling, I didn’t realize there were any parents in the room, only bitches in heat.”

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Gloria laughed gleefully. “Oh, sweetie, I see you’ve developed some claws of your own. How delightful.” “And I mistakenly thought that bitches like you only showed your face in hotel rooms or dark, sleazy bars… Could you give us a minute, Cory, Mr…?” Joanna turned her head to look at the opposing council. “Mr. Stacey.” “Yes, Larry. Joanna and I go way back, don’t we, dear?” Gloria said, shooing him with her long manicured fingers. Tension swirled around the room like smoke. The lawyers looked from one woman to the other and back again, clearly not sure that leaving them alone was wise. “Gloria, I don’t think it would be prudent—” Mr. Stacey started. “I’ll waive it, Larry. Just give us a few minutes. Joanna’s an old friend.” An edge entered Gloria’s tone. “We promise that this conversation will be just between us girls, won’t it, sweetie?” “Jo, Lucas wants—” “Cory, Mr. Stacey,” Joanna interrupted softly. “Gloria’s right. Kindly get the HELL out of this office and shut the fucking door on your way out!” When they hesitated, she said in a very loud voice, “NOW!!!” “Oh honey, you do have a way with men, don’t you? Lucas always referred to you as one of the boys,” Gloria remarked snidely. “I can certainly see why. You do have a way with them.” “From what I gather you so do you. What do you want, Gloria?” “I believe my lawyer has already laid out the terms quite nicely for paternity. Then there’s the sexual harassment case…” “Money? All this for money. Is that why you played out that scene in his suite, for money?” Gloria’s smile turned smug. “Ah yes, the hotel room…with that wonderful bed. I still remember the feel of those sheets. What do you think the thread count on those was? Two, three thousand? My…” Gloria taunted before taking a deep breath, “…the good old days. I’m finding it so difficult to sleep with less now that I’ve had the best. Luckily I’ll be back where I belong soon.” “Lucas left for Tokyo two days before I arrived.” “Maybe, but it doesn’t mean that he wasn’t controlling my every move. My offer still stands though.” “Offer?” “My claws.” Tracing the red nail along the neckline of her dress, her hand stopped to caress her breast as her fingers closed to pluck at a nipple. “You remember how Lucas loved my claws. I’d be happy to use them on you. Nipple to nipple…cunt to cunt and, of course, Lucas is welcome to watch or even join us… I’ve been dying to experience this bratiness he used to rave about before he had me.” 134

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“You bitch! There’s no way Lucas would touch something as vile as you,” Joanna exploded but quickly reined her emotions back in. “You lied about that day in his hotel room and somehow you’re lying about this. “ “I heard about your little challenge. Quite clever of you to snag his interest that way. He always loved a good chase…” Gloria stated confidently as she walked around to Lucas’s chair and dragged her long red nail back and forth across the black leather. “I didn’t expect to see you here after I heard about today’s little fight. You certainly have more staying power than I gave you credit for. “ “I belong here. Lucas is my husband.” Joanna’s eyes narrowed. “Not for long, darling, because I have the one thing Lucas wants more than anything—his son.” A malicious smile lit her lips as a calculating gleam entered her eyes. “Too bad about your baby, sweetie, but nature has a way of taking care of its mistakes. A less virile man than Lucas might accept…your situation…but then I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Am I, darling?” “You bitch! My husband would never settle for something as crass as you.” “Settle? Darling, he hardly settled. I made him extremely happy until your miscarriage. But then he became racked by guilt and sent me away.” “He only found out about my miscarriage today.” “Did he? Sorry, I must have misunderstood his reasons for sending me away—” Gloria said triumphantly as she mentioned a date within a month of Joanna’s miscarriage. “You can check the HR records to verify when he let me go…” “I thought you claimed he kicked you out when you got pregnant and now you’re claiming that it was because of my miscarriage. How is it possible that he considers you disposable and yet will welcome you back with open arms?” “That’s the crux of things, isn’t it? Lucas just doesn’t seem to be able to make up his mind where I’m concerned. He fires me but continues to pay me a salary. He discharges me when I’m pregnant but he desperately wants a son.” “And yet he’s denying paternity. Gee, Gloria, your game seems to need a little work. You can’t have it both ways. Either he wants his son or he doesn’t. That’s assuming there’s even a little tyke running around needing a father.” “Oh darling, you are so naïve. Your husband is ruthless and nasty and as dirty as they come. He trained me to please him.” “Bitch!” Gloria cackled. “Has he fucked your ass yet? I loved it with him. Not many men are that talented or have the equipment to back it up, but he does. The feelings were delicious as he reamed that weapon of his into my ass. So dirty, so nasty… He was such a good Master. He knew how to make me beg, tormenting my breasts while he fucked me. Has he talked to you about getting your nipples pierced yet? It was the one thing I had to refuse him. I wasn’t sure how it would affect my ability to breastfeed. I’m sure he’ll forgive me once he suckles from my breasts again. Did I mention that my milk is

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flowing and that it’s so luscious? He’ll go wild… Can you imagine the two Di Angelo men suckling at the same time?” “I don’t know what you hope to gain in being here but I want you to leave.” “But darling, either I leave here with a settlement or I go to court. What do you think Lucas will say about your tirade before negotiations are finished?” Silence greeted the comment as Joanna struggled to contain her emotions. Oh God, it was such a nightmare. Looking around the room, Joanna tried to collect herself. Gloria’s claims just didn’t feel right, even after watching the video and listening to her spew her poison. Something was wrong. Lucas had been too unemotional. Gloria was too confident, too knowing. She even knew details of her medical history, their sex life. This wasn’t some common slut bent on blackmail. Besides she trusted Lucas. She knew the man he was and he simply wouldn’t do this. Think! Joanna’s eyes went to the laptop. Replay that video, Gloria’s claims, what had she said…what’s the missing link? There had to be something. AG255d. 255, that means something. “So that’s why she’s here,” Joanna mumbled to herself as an idea came to life. “I beg your pardon.” “So you should. You see I know the real reason you’ve suddenly scurried from under your rock and it has nothing to do with my husband and everything to do with me.” “Darling, I don’t scurry and it’s time for Lucas to be introduced to his son.” “Did I tell you I have a new job? Actually it’s been a hobby of mine for quite some time,” Joanna said, ignoring the question. “At first you blew me away. I’ll admit I was devastated by that little scene you played out for me in the hotel room. But—” “Scene, darling? I didn’t lay a scene out for your benefit. Why would I bother? You’re just an incidental player trying to make it into the big leagues.” “Why, darling, it’s such a disappointment to know that you’ve underestimated a female opponent. Men are so predictable and easily outmaneuvered once you have them by the balls, aren’t they?” “I’m not sure I know what you mean.” “Then let me enlighten you.” Joanna’s mind whirled as she considered the possibilities, allowing her thoughts to follow the threads. All the clues were there. All she had to do was pull them together. In the meantime, she could use what she was sure of. “You see, I designed and implemented the corporate e-mail system five years ago. So I know how the system works, inside and out. In fact, I set up a special little archival system for the executives’ mail system in case anything had to be recovered for legal purposes.” “This is all very interesting but I don’t see where you’re headed.” “Don’t you? Well, you’ve probably gotten a little complacent with your successes so I’ll spell it out. I worked closely with Data Communications as they developed the IP

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addressing scheme for our global IT strategy and I found it interesting that, when I tracked Lucas’ e-mail usage and overall system access, the IP addresses weren’t what I expected to see when I lined it up with his travel records. You were good but you covered the tracks too well. I got this tingle in the back of my neck.” “Honey, I think you have me mistaken for someone else. I’m just a secretary. I don’t have any secrets and I don’t get hired for my computer skills.” “Honey, don’t kid a kidder. I know talent when I see it. Lucas is a complete technophobe and couldn’t create an e-mail rule if I handed him step-by-step instructions. Yet his electronic footprints seem to be in all of our systems—systems that he would have no reason to access because they fall outside of his scope and he hates to turn his computer on. Still, I didn’t get suspicious until I noticed those auto-generated rules in his e-mail deleting anything I sent him or he tried to send me. Then I started digging. If it hadn’t been for my cheating husband, darling, your activity would have gone unnoticed.” “Sweetie, what a vivid imagination you have. I’m just a secretary who was having an affair with your husband. Who do you think a jury will believe? A scorned, cuckolded wife or a woman bearing the fruit of her husband’s love. You’ll look like a woman out for revenge after her husband ends his charade of a marriage to be with the woman bearing his son. How long do you think he’ll stay with you?” “Darling, cut the crap. I’ve been tracking your activities for weeks…maybe even months. My new friend, Laura…I did mention Laura to you, didn’t I? She’s the new security expert on my team, compliments of my husband’s interest in Stegography. We placed a mark on your system.” “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” “You’ll just have to trust me, darling.” “I don’t think so. The scandal if I reveal those videos would bring down this company and destroy your husband. Besides I still have a DNA report that verifies that your husband is the father of my son.” “Eventually he’d recover but then your cover would be blown. You see, I’m a vindictive bitch and if you don’t back off, I’ll make it my personal crusade to take you down. The one thing I know about hackers is that they like to leave their calling card on a system. I know what to look for to find yours and I’ll go to every corporation that will let me in its doors and evaluate their security system for them for free. How long do you think it will be before your handlers dispose of your charms because you’ll be too hot or because they believe you’ve betrayed them?” “I knew you were a good game player, darling, but your imagination is outstanding. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Do what you think you have to but I’m willing to bet that your husband will not be so caviler when it comes to this company and his reputation or the reputations of his associates. Go ahead.” “I’m going to have to confiscate this laptop then.” “What!” 137

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“It’s an unauthorized device plugged into my network and my team will need to evaluate it for potential threats. We’ll probably need to verify that no corporate information is found on the hard drive as well.” “You can’t do that.” “Really, darling, you work here, right, still getting a salary and some perks… Then you know that you are still bound by the corporate information agreements that you signed. The laptop is mine. And I’ll have security search you and your lawyer for flash keys before you leave.” “The laptop belongs to Mr. Stacey and he has client-attorney privilege.” “Then he shouldn’t have plugged into my network. He didn’t need to do that in order to use the projection system…but you did. What, were you having a little trouble now that all the executives’ passwords were force changed and then there’s the new VPN we’re deploying. We did a complete security audit. I know Lucas wasn’t your only schnook. And, darling, key loggers are illegal in this country without a court order. We found those when we started replacing the laptops.” “Where’s the proof? If what you claimed was true, I’d have been arrested the minute I walked through the door.” “Arrested…how trite. You don’t think I’d do something as tiresome as putting you in jail. That mark on your system can’t be removed. The developer hasn’t even released that information to the FBI but they’ve proved that it works. A virus checker won’t find it and you don’t know when I placed it on your system so you can’t simply restore from backup. I suppose you could just get a new hard drive.” “You bitch!” Gloria snarled, a mask of hatred and anger replacing the cool, calm facade. Gotcha. “Yes, Lucas does so love my new claws, darling. I really should thank you for bringing that side of my personality to the forefront.” “You—” “Now, now. Ladies of your caliber mustn’t stoop to that type of language…” Joanna said tauntingly. “He loves me, you know. No matter what proof you bring to the table, I know he would never do that to me. He didn’t father your child. I know it here.” Joanna used her hand to cover first her heart, then her forehead. “And here. You can’t shake my convictions in my husband but I’m willing to have a DNA test done to prove it.” Joanna held up a finger. “Ah, at my discretion and choice of venue. I’d hate for you to hack into the system.” “And what will you do when you find out that Lucas is the father of my son?” Joanna ignored Gloria’s comment and continued. “But you don’t want that, do you? That would give me proof to offer the other men who are paying you to hide their guilt. Darling, this is checkmate.” “You haven’t won anything.” “Maybe not, but this particular round belongs to me.”

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***** “You’re still here,” Lucas said, walking through her office threshold. “Little Megan is beautiful. Maggie told me her middle name is Joanna.” “I didn’t feel up to leaving once I sat down.” “Rigo tells me that Gloria is dropping the paternity and sexual harassment suits.” “Yep.” “And that you’re responsible.” “Yep.” “Joanna, would you turn around and look at me?” “Why?” “I’d like to know why,” Lucas said quietly. “And to explain.” “Why is simple. Gloria’s our hacker.” “If you knew that why didn’t you say something sooner.” “I didn’t know it until her computer was plugged into that data jack in your office and I put two and two together. I bluffed my way through it and it panned out. I was lucky,” Joanna said with a big sigh. “As far as explanations are concerned, I’m waiting to hear what you come up with.” “I can explain. Gloria…” “Gloria? What exactly would you like to tell me about her? That she manipulated you…or maybe you’d like to hear how she manipulated me. Or perhaps you’d like to tell me how you forgot to mention that she was suing you in a paternity case or maybe you’d like to explain how you’ve suddenly decided that a family isn’t important anymore when just hours ago you were bemoaning the fact that I was denying you…again.” “Joanna—” “No, I don’t want to listen to it right now,” Joanna said quietly before turning back to look at the swans outside her window. “Please, listen to me. I know I have should told you about Gloria but my pride wouldn’t let me. I didn’t want you to know that I’d been such a fool. I never touched her.” “You think that makes it any easier to take? I believed in you. I listened to her spew her poison and I never doubted you. But you don’t trust me. You threw away our marriage the first time because of your pride and arrogance and you haven’t really changed… You practically gave Gloria the green light to go ahead and pants you. Well, I’m done. I won’t do this anymore.” “I trust you,” he stated emphatically, swinging her office chair around to face him. “Do you? You don’t trust me enough to know when it’s time to start a family. You don’t even trust me enough to have a real conversation about it. You yell, you demand, but you won’t talk about it. And I didn’t trust you enough to tell you about my 139

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miscarriage or my hopes and dreams… I can’t do this again. I want you to move out. I want that unconditional divorce you promised I could have.” “Joanna, don’t do this to us. I love you.” “I know but it’s not enough anymore. Get out of my way,” she growled, getting up from the chair to move to the window and gaze out. “I used to believe that love could conquer anything but I was wrong.” “It can get us past this if you let it.” “Can it?” “Give me another chance. We have so much to build on.” “Yes, we do but we could have so much more… Do you know why I said yes?” “Yes?” “When you asked me to marry you.” “You loved me.” “Of course, but I had so many doubts. We had this long-distance relationship that was more like a fairytale than real life. You were the handsome prince who would fly in and take me on a whirlwind tour… We dated for three years before we got married and two years later I'm handing you a whisk and I still don't know if you know how to cook. What does that say about the strength of our marriage?” “Joanna, please look at me.” “I said yes because of that silly little song and because you got all of my kids and their parents to help you propose. Remember little Joaquin, his face covered in red paint from the Paint-a-Thon with my initials on his calves. The whole thing was so sweet. Just like a fairytale once they started to sing my song.” “Song? What song?” “You don’t even remember, do you? Don’t you see? It wasn’t a sign, just wishful thinking on my part.” “What song?” “You Are My Sunshine. Now do you remember?” she demanded furiously. Her next words came out as a whisper, her emotional state apparent on her face. “My dad used to sing that to me all the time. He even sang it to me in the car while the paramedics were trying to get us out with the jaws of life. I thought it was a sign. That it was his way of letting me know that he approved of you as my husband, but it was just a coincidence and my mind desperately wanting to believe in fate.” “God, Joanna. I didn’t know.” “I was driving the car when the drunk driver ran the red light, hitting us from the side. Mom died instantly… I used to blame myself for their deaths. There was so much blood. I remember screaming and screaming. My dad was stroking my hair and kept saying, ‘baby, sweetheart, please don’t cry. I love you,’ and then he sang You Are My Sunshine until I calmed down… Right before he died, he said, ‘I love you, Joanna. Be

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happy and always try as hard as you can to be as good as you can be.’ Love shouldn’t be this hard, Lucas. I don’t want to live like this anymore. It’s just too hard. I want you to go. Please…” The words of You Are My Sunshine were barely audible when he first started singing but with each stanza his voice strengthened until finally the song could be heard down the hallway through the closed door. The tears rolled freely down Joanna’s cheeks as she shook her head ‘no’ but Lucas kept singing the verse again and again until the dam burst and Joanna fell to the floor, crying her eyes out. Lucas dropped to his knees, gathering her in his arms and brushing the hairs from her tear-soaked face as he gently kissed her brow. “I’m sorry, Joanna, but I can’t let you go without a fight because I love you and I know we can have so much more than we do now. I screwed up but I can’t let you go, I won’t… Damn it, Joanna, give me another chance. Please, I know I don’t deserve it but I’m begging you…” That started another wave of crying. Lucas brushed her hair back from her face, cooing gently until the tears subsided. “Please?” he asked humbly, once she stopped. “Okay,” she sniffled, “but only if I get to have another challenge.” “I accept,” Lucas answered without hesitation.

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Epilogue Joanna surveyed the racks of designer gowns that filled her office with a look of shock. Her office had been empty when she left for her last meeting but now it was filled with Chloe and her entourage. “Joanna. Oh good, you’re finally here,” Chloe said as she waved her into the office while continuing the conversation on her cell phone. Joanna’s eyes narrowed while Chloe chatted away happily on her cell phone as if this were nothing out of the ordinary while her entourage pulled Joanna’s body this way and that, using tape measures to write down her dimensions. “I was getting a little worried that we wouldn’t have enough time but you’re here and, well…” she said finally, tapping her watch. “Yep, it’s a little tight but we should still be able to make it. Vicki should be here any minute.” “Vicki? My hairdresser?” Joanna asked. “Chloe, if you don’t tell me what’s going on, I’ll kick you and this mob out of my office.” “Stop kidding around.” Chloe sent Joanna a searching look before continuing cautiously. “The foundation kickoff event is tonight. It starts at six. You’ll need to hurry if you’re planning to make the ceremony.” “What ceremony? Chloe, what the hell is all this?” “The new foundation that Grandfather is unveiling tonight. Surely you know about that. It was announced in the corporate newsletter last month. Lucas didn’t tell you? You didn’t get an invitation?” At each negative shake of her head, Chloe looked more perplexed. “Well, isn’t this interesting? No wonder he said it was a surprise.” “Where did all this stuff come from?” “The Oval Room, of course. Lucas worked his magic and got the department to send over a few dresses in exchange for tonight’s publicity.” “It probably doesn’t hurt that you’re the Senior Personal Shopper, does it?” “Maybe not…” Chloe said, laughing, “But Lucas has been a very busy man. Grandfather is sending over a selection of the family jewels from the vault in the next hour to complement whatever dress you choose. Vicki’s services today are free because Lucas asked her and her salon to do the makeup for the Di Angelo Cancer Research fundraiser later this month at the ‘U’,” Chloe said, chatting away excitedly, but at Joanna’s hostile look, asked, “Is he in trouble?” “What do you think?” “But Jo, it’s for a good cause.” “So…”

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“I thought this challenge thing was over.” “It is but apparently this is his showstopper.” “Showstopper?” “Never mind.” “Oh… Is he a dead man or what?” “Or what,” Joanna said quietly before breaking out into delighted laughter. It’s about time. She’d been waiting for his big coup all summer, trying to get Abby and Maggie to defect back to her side. This was bigger than she expected, although she could only imagine what he could pull off at an official event. “Can I watch? It was so fun to see him taken down by Claudia’s brunch brigade and your Arabian Night fantasy dinner.” “Playing both sides?” Chloe laughed and said in her best southern belle accent, “Why, were you referring to little ol’ me? I’m just an innocent bystander, who would like to beg for some personal lessons.” “Give it up, Di Angelo! I’ve been on to your little manipulations for months. Don’t think that I won’t be there to help Claudia with your downfall.” “Come on, your challenge was an exercise in true sexual torment and frustration. I’ve never seen my brother work so hard for a girl and get nothing in return… He did get nothing, didn’t he?” Joanna sent Chloe a secretive smile as she headed for the door. “Wait! Where are you going?” Chloe looked horrified as Joanna stepped out into the hallway. “We wouldn’t want Lucas to get too complacent in his little game, now would we?” “Jo, there’s not a lot of time to pull this all together. You promise to come back right after reading him the riot act?” Chloe asked with a hopeful tone. “Yes.” “Pinkie swear?” Chloe asked sharply. “I know how easily the two of you get distracted.” “I swear. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t miss tonight for the world.”

***** “I think Joanna might be a little mad,” Rigo teased, grinning as they walked through the carriage house. Rigo was still amused by Joanna’s whirlwind efforts outside Lucas’ door. The entire room had hung on every word until Lucas walked back in with a look of chagrin and her lipstick on his face. The reconciled couple continued to provide such lively entertainment even though their challenge was over.

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“You might be right,” Lucas replied. The silly grin he wore after Joanna’s appearance this afternoon refused to leave his face. “Does she suspect?” “No. It’s nice to be one step ahead of her for a change.” “Your skin.” “I know, it’s a good thing I have a thick hide. Did you get it?” “In my briefcase. Not your normal style, are you sure this is what you want to use?” “Yep. I’m sure. Will Mickey be here?” “All set. So I guess this means the two of you have managed to work things out?” “Except for that damn dog of hers, I think we’re good. Can you believe that she refuses to kennel the mangy mutt?” “Lots of people have dogs that aren’t kenneled.” “Lots of husbands don’t have to fight for space in their wives’ beds either.” “You’re kidding.” “I wish I were. The dog has it made. Cuddling, the kisses.” “You’re not jealous of a dog, are you?” “Not really, but you don’t know the stuff I have to contend with. He howls, Rigo…howls whenever I make her scream.” “You’re that good, huh?” “Stop it. Have you ever made love and had a dog scratching at the door and howling to get in? It’s a tad distracting.” “So lock him in the basement and be done with it.” “That’s just it, after we’re done…the dog sleeps with us.” Rigo laughed. “Lucas, if you were half as resourceful as you think you are, the dog would get his own bed in his own room.” “Not until I’m done traveling—” “She’s blackmailing you?” “Why do you sound so surprised? Either she comes with me when I travel, I stay home and send someone else or the dog’s place in bed is secure.” “Why don’t you keep her occupied so she won’t notice that he’s gone missing or—” “You think I haven’t tried?” Lucas said on an exasperated sigh. “Or you could bribe the dog with some juicy morsels from the kitchen.” “That mutt is totally loyal to her and he growls at me if I try to move him from his spot on the bed.” “Some hot stud you are, thrown over for a dog.” Rigo laughed. “I thought you were a better man than that.”

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“Just you wait, Rigo. The woman who steals your heart will make the hoops Joanna made me jump through seem like child’s play.” “If you hadn’t been such a stupid cur, none of the hoops would have been necessary. You had her in the palm of your hand the first time around. She only gave you what you deserved.” “Downfall, Rigo. I will be there for your downfall and I’ll even help the woman bring you to your knees.” “If she has half of Joanna’s style and body, I’ll take the hoops… Don’t screw up again, Cuz, otherwise I may just offer to take your place.” “Not a chance. Let’s go find the old man and let him crow some more. He’s sure having fun with this surprise. You’d think he had taken lessons from Claudia.”

***** “Kat?” Joanna exclaimed in surprise. “Wow. Would you look at you? I hardly recognized you.” “What, you think we artist types don’t know how to hobnob with you big hoitytoity society types. Maybe you thought I’d wear combat boots to your big event.” “My big event. Do you know what’s going on? The most I’ve been able to get out of anyone is that Fritz has created a new foundation. It must be something close to his heart because he’s holding the event here on his estate.” “You don’t know?” At Joanna’s negative nod, Kat replied, “I’m impressed. The big guy is more than a pretty face. If Brad hadn’t invited me I wouldn’t even be here. Your big goof of a husband didn’t invite me… I take issue with the slight.” “Hold that thought, did you just say Brad…as in Brad Templeton…my Brad?” “You said you weren’t interested so he’s not your Brad. He’s not mine either but the golden boy’s body is a fine work of art that I’d like to mold.” “Kat, you didn’t?” “Not yet, but I’m considering it. He’s a total flirt and he did bother to track me down and ask me out. Men like him don’t usually bother with the petunias of the world—they stick with the roses.” “Petunia, my ass. If ever there was ever a prickly rose it’s you, oh great chameleon of the stage. Did you ever stop to wonder whether or not he recognized you after that lascivious display you treated us to?” “Lascivious? Why don’t you just say hot and lusty like the rest of us?” “Cut the crap, Kat. Hot and lusty doesn’t even begin to cover that dance you performed. Not that I’m not thankful, Lucas was—” “It was nothing out of the ordinary.”

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“Really…well, I’ve never seen you strip down to a gold sequin bikini in a restaurant before.” “New costume, new routine. Not a big deal.” “So which one do you really want?” “I don’t know what you mean.” “I’ve seen you dance, Starzy, and that was—” “Like you were paying attention to anyone but Lucas—” “Oh no, you don’t. That dance was erotic. I’ve never seen anything more impassioned from you, not even when you were at the Orpheum.” “Give me a break, it’s how I dance. Speaking of which, I’d like to talk about that tango display with Lucas. I heard it was smokin’!” “Where did you hear… Oh no you don’t! Don’t think you can change the subject, Ms. Starzy. I want to know which man makes you burn,” Joanna demanded. “I’m here with one of them now and he’s a gorgeous piece of manhood, so what do you think?” “Okay, don’t answer. Let’s talk about what part you’re playing tonight. I see the jetblack hair with the hot pink streaks has been lost to the mahogany color you’re favoring this evening. Not giving in to convention tonight for my sake, are you, darlin’?” Joanna asked with a smirk, imitating Kat’s rich widow persona. “Or maybe all this is for Brad? Or maybe, and this is my personal favorite, maybe you’re hoping that the hair color will trigger Rigo’s memory of you and that this overall high society look will appeal to him.” “You know me better than that.” “Do I? I’m not so sure. Either you’re lying to me or to yourself.” “I’ve been to big premieres. I do know how to present myself for an occasion.” “I know.” “Besides, the pink clashed with my the color of my dress, which by the way was eight bucks at the Salvation Army store off of Highway 7. Such a beautiful Vera Wang. The shoes—” “Let me guess—” “Yep, Malanos. Every woman should have at least two pair.” “You didn’t get those shoes at a thrift store. What did they set you back? A few hundred dollars?” “A bargain price, but you’re right, Nordstrom’s semi-annual shoe sale. Don’t be surprised if my next pair is from the dollar rack. I keep telling you, you’re shopping at the wrong places. Take that dress for instance—” “Free.” “Free…really? Damn. I can’t believe I need to take lessons from you.” “Lucas.” 146

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“Ah, a man after my own heart. Do I finally get to have a real conversation with a man worthy of a Joanna challenge, not that the mud wasn’t appealing the last time I saw him.” “It can be arranged if you tell me what he has planned?” “Sorry. No can do. Brad would only tell me enough to tantalize me into coming but, if you take a look around, I think you might be surprised by what you see.” Joanna’s gaze swept the room, stopping briefly once or twice as she tried to recall a few names. A perplexed look marred her face. There was something but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it… Her eyes widened as a thought occurred to her. Then her head shot around to survey the room once more. “I know every person in the room. Kat, what’s going on?” “Not a clue.” “Kat,” Joanna growled warningly. “Maybe a little. Look. Claudia’s arrived.” “Forget Claudia.” “But I have to go and say hi.” “Since when are you so chummy with Claudia?” “I’m not but she is my date’s mother. Have to make a good impression even if it’s just to fuck her bouncing baby boy.” “Kat, the things that come out of your mouth. What would your mother say?” Joanna admonished as a slight blush made its way up her neck. “Let’s call a spade a spade, shall we? And you know, I’d never say that in front of Mom but you, on the other hand, still rise to the occasion. How can you still blush after everything you told me about your sex life with Lucas?” “You’ll be careful with Brad, right? He’s a tried-and-true playboy and I don’t want you to get hurt.” “Darlin’, I’m a big girl. I appreciate the thought but I know how to take care of myself.” “You talk a big game, Starzy, but you’re just an old romantic looking for love. You wear that heart of yours on your sleeve. Be careful, okay?” “Stop it. I’ll be fine. Now let’s go see if Sara and Joe are here yet? I want to find out when their gallery opening is.” “What about Claudia?” “I can fuck her baby boy some other time.”

***** Clink, clink, clink. 147

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Walter “Fritz” Stangl tapped the silver spoon lightly on the crystal to get everyone’s attention. “Welcome and thank all of you for coming to celebrate my new Foundation. This venture has a very special place in my heart. You see, my grandson, Lucas, came to me a while back and asked me if I would be interested in helping him fund a foundation. I thought at first that he would honor his mother, my daughter, Sylvia, and help in the battle against cancer but he surprised me. He wanted to honor not only his mother but his wife, Joanna, and their combined efforts to make a difference. “Joanna and my Sylvia believed that, whenever possible, donating time and sweat are just as important as donating money, that having a personal touch makes everything seem more real to the givers and the receivers. The dynamic duo joined together to set my Foundation managers on their ears. Didn’t they, Harvey?” Fritz said with a laugh. “Oh, the stories I could tell about the trouble these two women got into… That’s why we’re here…to honor my daughter and my granddaughter…and the man who inspired them both with his selfless giving. He did so much with so little and I’m ashamed that my contributions seem so very small in comparison. Lucas, would you come up and tell this crowd about the tireless efforts one man made to give back to his community.” Lucas rose and went to the podium. “I’ll be honest with you, if it wasn’t for Joanna, I probably wouldn’t notice the world outside my office door. But tonight isn’t about honoring her, it’s about honoring the legacy of an ordinary man with extraordinary ideals and strength of character. For those of you who never met Charles Lovejoy before his unfortunate death, you missed out on a man full of dignity, compassion and courage. He believed that all children should be given an opportunity to soar to greatness. Every day at three o’clock he would leave work to go home and tutor the children in his housing project. I should mention that he didn’t have to live there anymore, he had more enough money to buy his own house somewhere nicer…safer. But he made a commitment to himself and the children. On his salary, he managed to rent one of the vacant apartments in his building, buy some study guides and textbooks and open his own library. Occasionally other volunteers would stop by to help but he was there every day for three hours to help anyone, parent or child, whoever walked through that door wanting his assistance. He never sought praise or kudos for what he was doing. Most people didn’t even realize the level of his commitment. He just went about his daily life as if what he was doing was a perfectly ordinary thing to do. Two years ago, I got an inspiration. What would happen if a foundation could be created to replicate Charles’ efforts? It wouldn’t be the same as what Charles had done but then corporate sponsorship can never replace the vision and commitment of a single individual. A few months ago, my vision started to come together into reality and now we are almost ready to begin. Please give a big round of applause for the person 148

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responsible for opening my eyes to the world outside and the one who will be making sure that the Charles Lovejoy Foundation becomes a far-reaching reality, my wife, Joanna Benson Di Angelo.” “I should kill you for springing this on me.” “But you won’t.” “No, I won’t… I’ll probably fuck you senseless later,” she whispered, dropping a trail of tiny kisses along his jaw. “Charlie and your mother would have loved this. Did you know that your mother used to go down to help him before she got so sick? He concentrated on the kids but she concentrated on the women. She said it was her responsibility to give these women the confidence they needed to go out and take on the world.” “She finally told me about it right before she died, otherwise, I had no idea what the two of you were up to. You humble me. My accomplishments over the last few years seem trivial compared to the difference you’ve made.” “I didn’t do that much and your donations to our causes went a long way throughout the years.” “Donations! You mean make up bribes, don’t you?” “I rewarded you for your giving nature, didn’t I?” “I think you might have shortchanged me. I’ll have to collect a penalty fee from you.” “A penalty fee, hmm, sounds intriguing. Should I be worried about what you’ll ask for?” “That depends on whether or not I can convince you to take a stroll in the gardens tonight.” “I’d say it’s a little cold outside and I wouldn’t want to ruin my borrowed dress.” “Consider it yours.” “Tsk, tsk…you weren’t thinking of buying this dress for me, were you, Challenge Loser?” “I don’t remember losing You couldn’t stay out of my bed.” “Technically it’s my bed that you can’t seem to stay out of, despite Chip’s objections.” “Brat—” Lucas growled warningly. “Speaking of challenges, there’s no way you pulled this off without money and it’s too big of a gift, even for me.” “The money was already set aside long before you challenged me or I even consciously realized that I wouldn’t let you go without a fight.” “What do you mean?”

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“I mean…this Foundation had to be part of the deal in order for me to agree to take over. It seems I was plotting even then to get you back and hoping the gesture would be enough to get us in the same room together.” “I don’t need these big gestures from you but it means a lot. Why wait so long to spring it? You know once I challenged you that you could have used this to your advantage.” “I liked your torment better. It was just the two of us. The Foundation would have taken your attention away from me. Speaking of which, don’t even consider administering this yourself. You are going to hire someone and do hands-on advising.” “Well, maybe, if you make it worth my while.” “I made your entire challenge worthwhile. Admit it. You weren’t nearly as immune as you appeared and you were consumed trying to figure out my big surprise.” “Maybe a little.” “Come on. I was driving you crazy and you loved every minute of it.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Liar…I’ll have to show what happens to little girls who lie to the men they’re about to fuck senseless.” “I’ll look forward to my punishment and promise to take it like a big girl but first I have a challenge for you.” “Another one?” Lucas groaned. “Doesn’t the Foundation get me a little break from your devious mind?” “You did agree but if you’re willing to forego being the center of my existence—” “I know I’ll regret this but what did you have in mind?” Joanna laughed huskily before whispering in his ear. “You’re sure?” Lucas asked, pulling back to seek her eyes. “No doubts? Then yes.”

***** “Everything work out the way you hoped?” “Everything but our grandbabies.” “But they’ll come when it’s time.” “Yes, they will. That was a beautiful tribute, Fritz. Sylvia would have been pleased.” “I know. It’s hard to imagine my daughter working down in the HUD houses but she did. Once I met Charles I understood. So much passion and commitment. His death was a big loss for his community.” “Who will head the Foundation?”

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“Joanna will have the final decision… Why do you ask?” “Just curious.” “What are you up to, Claudia? I recognize that look in your eyes and you can forget any more help with matchmaking. I’ve done my bit.” “But it turned out so well… This isn’t about matchmaking, it’s about saving someone’s life and turning it around.” “The Foundation needs to help save lives not to save the life of one appointed to help those in need.” “What if it could do both? What if, by helping her find herself, we get a leader who makes your tribute and Charles’ dream into a reality? Isn’t that worth the risk?” “This is a multimillion dollar foundation that Lucas and I have personally contributed to. We’ve also garnered other contributors. This is nothing to toy with. You can’t simply drag someone in off the street because you want to help her find herself.” “We’ve had this argument before but what if I can get Joanna to agree? Would you oppose the appointment just on principle or would you give her a chance?” “Your girls’ circle would help?” Claudia eyed Fritz, knowing that he had purposefully chosen that word to get a rise out of her. “Yes.” “And this individual is fully qualified for the position?” “Well…” “Claudia, can she do it or not?” “I believe so.” “A probationary chance.” “Thank you.” “Don’t make me regret my decision but you still have to get Joanna to agree.” “She’ll agree.” “You won’t bulldoze her.” “I’m sure once she hears my idea she’ll be more than enthusiastic.” “Six months. If Joanna agrees, tell her she has six months to pull it all together, otherwise we bring in candidates for the interview process… I’m only agreeing to this because I know Sylvia and Charles would have given you this opportunity.” “That wasn’t so bad.” “No… Now about our other grandchildren…” “What about them?” “Isn’t it time you set your attention to ensuring our families’ legacy? Chloe and Brad are not getting any younger.” “Are you telling me I’ve been neglecting my matchmaking responsibilities?” “Well, we still don’t have any babies running around the place, do we?” 151

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“Then I should really be getting back to work, shouldn’t I? Any thoughts on which one should go under the microscope first?”

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About the author Brash, bossy, opinionated, fanciful, flirtatious, waggish and generally one big pain in the you-know-what. Willing to have heated debates on all sides of an issue just for fun. Warning: If you don’t hold up your end of the discussion, you might find me arguing your position for you. Keystone belief: Storytelling is the greatest creation of humankind. All other human endeavors get their cornerstones from this. Most fervent desire: To have the floor-to-ceiling library that the Beast shows Belle as a room in my home and the time to enjoy it. Be nice to me and I might even lend you a book sometime. AQ Fredrichs welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1337 Commerce Drive, #13, Stow, OH 44224.

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