Terms Of Surrender

Terms of Surrender By Fawn Lowery

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Terms of Surrender Copyright © 2004 Fawn Lowery Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2004 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.Extasybooks.com

Dedication: To the talented editors and artists at Extasy Books

Tarot Card: The King Of Pentacles The personality of the King of Pentacles is a combination of the positive earth energy of the Pentacles suit and the active, outward focus of a King. He might as well be called King Midas as he turns everything he touches to gold (riches of all kinds). He finds opportunity everywhere and succeeds at whatever he sets his mind to. He is enterprising and adept. Whatever the task, he handles it competently, drawing on his wide range of skills and practical knowledge. He's a jack-of-all-trades--and master of all as well. His is always dependable and responsible. Others rely on him completely because he never fails them. He gives generously of his time and resources because he knows that by giving more, you receive more. He encourages others in their accomplishments and lends his support whenever it is needed. He has a steady and even temperament that adds an element of stability to any situation. When he has set a goal for himself, he pursues it with firm resolve until he's successful.

Fawn Lowery

Kent Solomon sat at his polished mahogany desk and watched the tall trim woman cross the carpeted floor toward him. She was April Malloy, one of New York’s most beautiful and wealthy women. She wore a pale blue Rene suit, matching pumps and a pound of diamonds, attractively distributed about her throat and ear lobes. Her long dark hair, the color of walnuts freshly shelled from their outer green husks, cascaded across her shoulders. It bounced playfully as she walked, her gait that of a woman with something on her mind. A slight smile toyed at the corners of Kent’s full-lipped mouth. Her hips swayed provocatively as she moved across the floor, a seductive vision that sent his mind thinking about sex. He wondered how she looked with the trappings of wealth peeled away. Surely there was silky flesh just waiting to be touched. He knew her from her reputation. She was a dogooder, a young woman who had inherited her father’s wealth, and his father’s before him. She lived in a sprawling house in the Hamptons, that wellheeled community that attracted the eccentric and those wishing solitude. He prepared to rise as she drew near. The show of watching her body move in that undulating motion 1

Terms of Surrender was coming to an end. But he hoped to watch it again. At some point in his life. She was beautiful, indeed. But a woman to be dealt with accordingly. As all women were. He sighed and pushed out of his leather desk chair. **** April watched him watch her, and the action seemed to invigorate her in more ways then one. For a fleeting second she felt her nipples begin to harden, taking on that characteristic feel of needing to be touched and fondled. She pulled in a steadying breath and tried to push the sensation away. Now was no time to let her senses lapse. Kent Solomon was one of the wealthiest men in the world and she needed to be on top of her game in order to speak with him. She almost verbally cautioned herself. For an entire week she had rehearsed what she would say, in the event she could get an audience with him. And much to her dismay, she had been able to set an appointment just that morning. It was more then she had expected, and it had almost upset her senses just thinking about it. She moved as quickly as her legs would carry her, across the amber colored carpet to the massive dark wood desk where he sat. At one point, she almost imagined him holding court, his royal highness, King Solomon, sitting in judgment. But he was judging, she reminded herself, her steps almost halting. Of all the men in the world, Kent Solomon was one of the most eligible males to breath air. 2

Fawn Lowery She tried to take in his appearance in a candid manner. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him to know she was pursuing him for her own benefit— sometimes a girl just liked to do things on the sly— but she didn’t want to convey the attitude that she would fall over if he smiled at her. He looked tall even from his seated position behind the desk, she thought, her eyes wafting over his full head of dark hair. His cheekbones were high and wide, giving his face an important look. His chin was dimpled and jutted forward just enough to imply power. And his brown eyes seemed to be framed with the most beautiful long lashes. She stifled a shiver that almost set her to creaming her panties before she pulled her eyes away. He rose then, and all pretence of the game was put aside. She’d have plenty of time to stare at him, once she got her business out of the way. Now, the most important thing was to get him to agree not to bid on the land laying adjacent to his industrial park. “Miss Malloy,” he said, rising and extending his right hand to April. April slid her hand into his and felt the heat of his palm, then that inevitable little jolt of electricity that confirmed she had just touched a handsome man. She put it off to a sexual thing, which it was, of course. Kent Solomon was even better looking up close and she could hardly deny the fact. But then, she supposed, he probably knew it too, given his history with women. And there had been many, according to the gossipmongers of the city, and the world, for that matter. There probably wasn’t a place on the globe 3

Terms of Surrender where Kent Solomon hadn’t been or wasn’t readily known . “Mr. Solomon,” she returned, her voice almost failing her. She slid into the chair he offered in front of his desk and tried to calm her nerves. She had certain things to say to him and each word was hugely important. “What can I do for you?” he inquired, returning to his chair. He folded his hands atop the desk and leaned forward so he could look at her. She was gorgeous and he could look at her all day, he admitted, trying not to grin. He loved to look at pretty women. And loved to feel them beneath him even more. He cleared his throat and warned himself about further thoughts along those lines. April gave him her best smile, the smile that said she was about to do him a favor. But of course she wasn’t. She was there to ask him for a favor. And she hoped he’d comply, if for no other reason then to be chivalrous. “I have plans to build a home for disadvantaged children,” she began, eyeing him critically. He had a face that was impossible to read. He had a poker face. It was a business strategy, she supposed. “And I understand the plot of ground adjacent to the industrial park will soon become available.” He stared at her. God! She was gorgeous. Those full lips would feel like heaven wrapped around his cock. And those breasts—they were straining at the front of her expensive blue suit. He shifted in his chair, trying to break into his own thoughts with a bit of sanity. 4

Fawn Lowery “And why are you telling me this, Miss Malloy?” he asked, raising his eyebrows in question. She shifted nervously in her chair, a movement that didn’t go unnoticed by Kent Solomon. He sounded sterner than she hoped he might. But then he was one of the world’s most successful businessmen, and she supposed he hadn’t gotten that way by posing as the pushover. “I don’t know if you’re aware of my philanthropic endeavors in the city—“ “I’m aware of who you are, Miss Malloy,” he said, smiling across the desk at her. She appeared a little on edge, he noted, watching her cheeks turn a lovely shade of rose. Maybe he should offer her a drink. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” He pressed a button on the edge of his phone and summoned his secretary, then requested coffee to be sent to the office, and then he resumed his stony stare across the desk at April. She was going to have coffee with Kent Solomon? No one would believe it, she thought, fighting the urge to cut and run. His brown eyes were devouring her piece by piece. No wonder she found it hard to tell him why she was there. She wondered if she could ask him to turn his back to her while she spoke. She almost laughed out loud at the silliness of her thought. The secretary was suddenly in the room with them and April took the few moments of time to gather her senses. For some silly reason she envisioned him saying no to her request for him not to pursue the land she hoped to attain. She thought about what she 5

Terms of Surrender would say next while the secretary, an older woman with a squat figure, went about serving them coffee. She eyed the white china cup with the delicate gold ring around its top and its small saucer when the woman set it on the edge of the mahogany desk just in front of her. She didn’t really want any coffee— caffeine had a strange effect on her—as did anything else Kent Solomon might offer her. At long last, for it seemed like a million years had passed since she came into the big office, the secretary finished her chore and took leave. They were alone again, she and Kent Solomon, and it was time to get on with her business. She shifted her body in the chair, catching the glance he sent her way as she uncrossed and then crossed again her legs. Were his eyes skimming along the length of her legs? “Don’t you like coffee?” he asked, reaching for his cup. April swallowed to ease her dry throat and picked up the dainty cup. She supposed she should drink the coffee just to be polite. Or to kill time, she thought, aware that his eyes were on her every move. She brought the cup to her lips and took a sip, then returned it to its saucer. It was black and hot, and strong enough to knock her out of the chair. “I came to ask you a favor, Mr. Solomon,” she began, pulling in a deep breath. She stared across the desk at him, aware that his eyes were on her breasts as they pushed against her suit coat. The thought that she was dressed wrong shot through her. She hadn’t intended on wearing anything that called attention to her body—the last thing she needed was to try and 6

Fawn Lowery persuade Kent Solomon that she might exchange his favor for one of her own. “I think we’re past that, Miss Malloy,” he said in reply. He took another sip of his coffee and looked at her over the rim of the cup. She was nervous, he noted, a bit of a smile pulling at his lips. But she had no reason to be. He liked what he saw and saw no cause to hurry their meeting, which was the main purpose he had suggested the coffee. Perhaps he should set her mind at ease by conveying the message that she had nothing to fear from him. “I read about your charitable donations quite often in the newspaper,” he said, watching her reaction turn from nervousness to one of gratitude. “What was it you mentioned you wanted to build?” “A home for disadvantaged children,” April said, trying to shake the uncomfortable feeling gathering in her stomach. Any second he would tell her he had no interest in her cause. “I hope to purchase the grounds lying adjacent to your industrial park on the West side of the city.” “You mean the twenty acres owned by the Westmoreland family,” he tacked on. It wasn’t a question, April noted. He was well aware of the land and who owned it, or previously owned it. The last heir of the Westmoreland family had just passed on. Now the land officially belonged to the city, and they could do whatever they wanted with it. “I intend to speak with the city about the grounds in hopes that they will sell it to me,” she said, and then halted her words when Kent Solomon leaned 7

Terms of Surrender across the desk to look at her again. She didn’t like the sudden look of discord on his handsome features and knew any second now the meeting would be over. “What do you expect of me, Miss Malloy?” he asked, his brows drawing together. Surely the pretty lady wasn’t asking for money to fund her project, he thought, amused but guarded. April pulled in a long breath. It was time to get to the point, she decided. And he would either say yes or no. “I’m here to ask you not to try and acquire the land, Mr. Solomon.” He chuckled audibly, and leaned back in his chair. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a visitor such as you, Miss Malloy,” he commented, glancing at her. Then he laughed deep in his throat. His laughter was humiliating, and engrossing at the same time, April admitted. He was absolutely the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on and the mere sight of him laughing only added to his irresistible appeal. He had the most gorgeous white teeth and that little dimple in his chin—well, it called out for April to touch it. “I don’t mean to imply that I think your request is humorous, Miss Malloy,” he suddenly said, halting his laughter and turning to face her. “And I apologize if that’s what’s you’re thinking.” April smiled at him, her stomach knotted in a tight ball. It wasn’t that she didn’t know her request was on the unorthodox side, but she hadn’t expected it to sound so damned funny to him. “I feel that my project is more important then you adding another business to your industrial park, Mr. 8

Fawn Lowery Solomon.” She sounded a bit cross, he noted, seeing the glint of anger in her large blue eyes. They were the color of the ocean, he realized, and their depths were quite inviting to his male psyche. His thoughts suddenly, and quite surprisingly, took a turn toward the erotic. April Malloy was definitely making her presence felt in his mind. “I know of numerous children in need of such a facility, and I came here in good faith to bargain with you over the ground—if necessary,” she said, halting her words before they completely got out of hand. She hadn’t meant to fly off the handle, but the instant he chuckled at her request, her temper kicked into overdrive. “I’m certain you have only their best interest at heart, Miss Malloy,” he said, his tone soothing. “But you realize the plot of ground lies within the boundary lines of my industrial park.” “Yes, I’m aware of where the ground lays, Mr. Solomon,” she informed him. Her temper suddenly jumped to attention, but he kept silent, not calling attention to it, however the slight flush on her cheeks caught his gaze. The color enhancement only served to intensify her beauty. He suddenly pushed out of his chair and strode across the office to the liquor cabinet. The lady could shake his professional reserve—if he allowed her to. He moved past her with a dignified grace, she noted, tuning her head slightly and watching him. Any second he would tell her he didn’t give a damn about her little project and order her out of his office. 9

Terms of Surrender She needed to smooth things over—soothe the savage beast, so to speak. “I didn’t mean to sound so abrupt,” she explained, twisting round in her chair to see him better. She had quite a nice view of his back, she noted, her eyes sliding over the expensive fabric of his Armani suit. His shoulders were a mile wide—and that tight ass — “Are you a gambler, Miss Malloy?” He had to right things with the lady, he told himself. He had offended her with his cavalier attitude, even though he hadn’t meant to. He poured himself bourbon and turned to look at her. What he wouldn’t give to see her without her blue suit. He tried to make his eyes meet hers, but he felt compelled to stare at her long shapely legs crossed at the knees instead. “I don’t believe I understand what you mean, Mr. Solomon,” she replied, her arched brows drawing together in a perplexed frown. He returned to the desk in the room, but he didn’t resume his seat behind it. He perched on the corner nearest April’s crossed legs. He took a sip of his drink, then levered his brown eyes on her. “Have you ever heard of the card game known as poker?” he asked. “Yes,” April replied, meeting his brown gaze. A tremor of sensual awareness rippled through her. He was so close that she could smell his expensive cologne, a fresh woodsy aroma that beckoned to her senses. “I’ve heard of the game.” “Are you a betting woman?” he asked, smiling down at her. His smile was disarming, she decided, keenly 10

Fawn Lowery aware of the racing of her pulse. “I don’t believe I am,” she answered, wondering where their conversation was going. He finished his bourbon and set the glass on the desk. “I’m prepared to make you a deal,” he said. He looked her square in the eye, controlling his emotions as he stared into the clear depths of her blue eyes. “One hand of poker and the winner bids on the ground.” “One hand of poker?” April repeated, mulling over the idea. “I’m not sure I understand,” she added, trying to read his expression. That poker face loomed down at her again. He pushed himself off the corner of his desk and returned to his chair. Once seated, he opened a drawer on his desk and removed a deck of playing cards. He tossed the pack onto the desk. “One hand,” he said. “You never know. You might be lucky.” “And I might lose,” April admonished. “Oh, I don’t think you’re the losing type, Miss Malloy.” April smiled at him, her full red lips pursing in a condescending grin. “I hear that everything you touch turns to riches, Mr. Solomon,” she divulged. “So surely you will be the victor.” “There’s only one way to find out,” he encouraged. He picked up the deck of cards and slid them from their box. He shuffled them, then paused and arched an eyebrow at April. “Are you willing to chance your luck?” he challenged, a smile pulling at his lips. He wanted the land as much as she did, she 11

Terms of Surrender realized, but he was giving her a chance—a fool’s chance, she thought—to take it from him. What did she have to lose? She had already gotten the notion that he wasn’t willing to go along with her plan to build the children’s home amid his industrial park. “I suppose I am,” she voiced, scooting to the front of her chair. “Strip poker,” he said, and began dealing the cards. “Strip poker!” April shrieked. He was smiling like the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland, she quickly realized. And she was suddenly put on guard. How had she let things progress to this state? He paused, his hands holding the deck of cards in mid-air. His gaze skittered over her face. Her blue eyes were perhaps larger and more focused then before; her cheeks a little pinker; and her lush body quite rigid in the leather arm chair. “You sound surprised,” he said in jest. He resumed his shuffling of the cards, his gaze momentarily returning to the chore. “But I believe it’s too late to renege on the deal.” April drew in a deep breath. Time was of the essence. She either went along with Kent Solomon to play the single hand of cards, or got up and walked out of the office. Perhaps, she dared to think, he was calling her bluff. Perhaps he was goading her to leave. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. True, she had forgotten to account for his shrewdness where business was concerned. He hadn’t gotten to be one of the wealthiest men in the world by playing the fool. 12

Fawn Lowery She settled back in the chair, at ease with her decision to go along with the card game. If she lost, well, then she’d remove her clothing—but if she won—she’d be the one to collect the bounty. And she had her heart set on building that home for the children. She bit on her bottom lip, drawing the rosy flesh between her snow-white teeth and nibbling on it thoughtfully. The action didn’t go unnoticed by Kent Solomon. “Nervous?” he asked, his tone curious. “Haven’t you shuffled those cards enough?” April asked. She had made up her mind to get it over with so she could get on with life. “Anxious?” he said, chuckling slightly. “Of course, I’m anxious. Aren’t you?” He pinned her with his brown gaze. “You have no idea how anxious I am,” he said in a low tone. He could feel himself getting sexually aroused just knowing he might be the victor. He cautioned himself about being too overzealous. This was business, after all. Should the lady win, which he doubted she would, she could be a potential threat to his business status in the world. Many would laugh at the notion of building a home for disadvantaged children amid the confluence of great industry. “As a matter of curiosity,” he began, halting his hands once more. He smiled when he noticed the short intake of breath she drew in when he paused his hands. The lady was indeed anxious as hell. “Why would you want to build this project of yours right in the middle of my industrial park?” April allowed herself a moment of total authority. 13

Terms of Surrender “What better way to call attention to the plight of the children?” she countered. It gave her great satisfaction to say those words to one of the world’s most important men. He was silent for a moment, staring at her. “I’m not a tyrant, Miss Malloy.” She saw a tiny little muscle in his jaw flex and knew she had touched a nerve. “Would you have agreed to help me acquire the ground—had I not come begging you to stay out of the bidding for it?” she put to him. “Hell no,” he quickly answered. “And neither would any other businessman,” April said, her temper trying to surface again. “Which is exactly why I chose to do the project in the first place.” He gave the cards a final shuffle, and then placed them on the edge of the desk for April to cut. He watched her as she stretched out her right arm and grasped the cards mid-way. She had lovely hands, long slender fingers and tiny-boned wrists. “I don’t believe a home for disadvantaged children belongs in the industrial section of the city. Perhaps a location on the outskirts of the county would be better suited.” “I’ve considered as much,” she divulged. “But the land is very expensive, and hard to acquire. I’m counting on government funds to help me finance the construction and the city will undoubtedly give me tax breaks.” “You might be counting your chickens before they hatch,” he said, shaking his head. “Your organization 14

Fawn Lowery is tax exempt. The city doesn’t have to lift a finger to help you.” “But they will and I’m counting on it.” He leveled his gaze on her. “What do you know that I don’t?” he asked, laughing. She was beginning to relax, somewhat, he noticed. Perhaps their conversation was helping. Or perhaps he should offer her a drink, something besides coffee this time, just to make certain she turned loose her inhibitions. He suddenly set the cards down on the desk and pushed out of his chair. “How about a martini?” he suggested. “How do you like them? Dry?” “Yes. Dry is fine,” April heard herself say. Why in the world would she accept anything with liquor at a time like this? He mixed the drinks in a matter of moments and returned with one for each of them. Then he resumed his seat and took up the deck of cards. Presently, he placed one card before April, face up, and one card in front of him, face up. “Hmmm,” he remarked. “The king of spades. You have a fighting chance.” “I thought the cards were supposed to be dealt face down,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. She gave him a condescending smile. “In this case, there will be no bluffing,” he remarked, smiling shrewdly at her. “When you lose, and I win, I want you to be able to see all the cards.” “Don’t be so certain you’ll win,” she advised. Once more she scooted to the edge of her chair. The vermouth in the martini was burning her throat. She was a fool for taking it, but then maybe it would dull 15

Terms of Surrender her senses if she lost. Silently, she berated herself for having such thoughts. She wasn’t going to lose. There was too much at stake. He dealt another card to each of their hands. She gained a nine of hearts and he got a ten of diamonds to go with his jack of diamonds. He glanced at her and smiled. “You’re one confident—“ “What?” he cut her off, his tone teasing. “You weren’t going to call me any nasty names, were you?” April finished her drink and held out her glass. “Fill it up,” she demanded. He immediately put aside the deck of cards and took the glass from her outstretched hand. He deliberately brushed her fingers with his own, sending a shard of heat racing along his arm. Perhaps he should have offered her the liquor in the first place. She was feeling quite warm, she realized. She ran one hand along the curve of her throat, feeling the moist sheen of sweat the liquor had caused. She never could drink. Why had she gulped the martini? Because I’m afraid of losing! she silently screamed. He returned to the desk with a fresh drink for April and she willingly took it and raised it immediately to her lips. Beautiful, he thought. There’s nothing more enjoyable then being in the presence of an inebriated woman—especially when he held the upper hand. He dealt the third card. April was dealt a four of spades and a two of diamonds fell to him. He couldn’t help but gloat. So far he had three diamonds 16

Fawn Lowery to April’s king high. “You can forfeit the game at any time,” he offered. “Like hell,” April said, her words slightly slurred. She suddenly set the empty martini glass on the edge of the desk. “Was it your plan to get me drunk?” she demanded of him. He laughed out loud. “I’m not pouring the liquor down your throat,” he reminded. “Well you might as well be,” she replied. She felt quite languid and in the back of her mind she wished she were at home in bed. She could certainly go to sleep—what with all the warmth she was feeling and the fact that her legs seemed limp as noodles. “I’m cutting you off,” he announced picking up her glass and setting it aside. He surveyed her with a lazy brown gaze. He hadn’t intended on her getting drunk. Perhaps a bit woozy, but not drunk. A naked drunk woman was not to his liking. He smiled at the thought. Winning the game would be so pleasurable if she were sober and willing. He suddenly put the cards aside, making April glance at him in surprise. “What are you doing?” she asked, leaning toward the desk. “The game isn’t over.” “I think you need to sober up first, then we’ll continue,” he announced. He rose from the desk and came round to her. Reaching down, he took hold of her right arm. “Come with me,” he said, lifting her from the chair. “I’m putting you to bed.” **** 17

Terms of Surrender There was an entire bedroom suite just off the office and Kent guided April through the door, his arm around her waist, her right shoulder fitted into the niche formed by his collarbone and neck. She felt warm and soft nestled in his grasp and it was all he could do to keep from allowing his hands to caress her back and hips. April wanted to object to going with him, but for some silly reason she found herself unable to voice any objection whatsoever. In fact, he was pressed so tightly against her side that she could feel his warmth penetrating her suit. It was quite pleasurable and for the life of her, she couldn’t help admit that she liked the feel of him so near her. She got a whiff of his fragrance and suddenly her lungs pulled in the manly aroma. He guided April to the wide bed in the room. A chocolate-brown spread covered its surface and a bevy of ivory colored throw pillows were piled against the brass headboard. It seemed almost out of place in the room since she noted that all the other furnishings were heavy wood of some sort, oak, she thought, though her eyes were quite bleary. The moment she sank onto the bed she realized it wasn’t an ordinary bed. It was a waterbed and suddenly she felt her stomach pitch with the motion the surge gave her body. At once she wanted to stand up and verbally voiced her wish to do so. “You need to take a nap,” he said, pressing her down once more on the bed. “Do you take all your women to this bed?” she suddenly blurted out. 18

Fawn Lowery “On the contrary,” he said, laughing out loud. “You’re the very first woman to be in this bed.” “Really?” she inquired, feeling somehow that she was getting an honor of some sorts. She relented then and allowed him to lay her down. He pushed a pillow beneath her head, even went so far as to fan her long dark hair out across the covering, then he released her, and she watched his back as he returned to the office. At once she found herself alone in the big room. She turned her head on the pillow and looked about. It was dim inside, with heavy drapes drawn across a double window at one end of the room. And it was quiet. She couldn’t hear any sounds whatsoever. But then, she reminded herself that the office was on the top floor of the building. She didn’t want to sleep, and momentarily she sat up on the side of the bed. What kind of a fool did he think she was? She raised both hands and raked her fingers through her hair, bringing the reminder of his hands on her tresses when he laid her down on the bed. He had been so tender with her. Or was she imagining things? Hell! She was drunk, wasn’t she? She flopped back on the watery softness of the bed, feeling her brain give in to a dizzy spell. Why had she accepted the martinis in the first place? She should have been better informed of Kent Solomon’s tactics before she approached him with the idea of asking him to resist buying up the ground she so wanted to own. She stared at the ceiling of the room. Should she take a nap, she wondered. She closed her eyes and decided to take a brief respite. 19

Terms of Surrender

**** She had gone willingly into his bedroom, he thought, his eyes on the door separating the room from his office. But she hadn’t been as drunk as he gave her credit for. She hadn’t fully leaned into his body when he walked her across the floor, nor had she felt as limp in his arms as he thought she might when he lowered her to the surface of the bed. Maybe the lady was playing him, he dared to think, a grin of epic proportions spanning his mouth. He had known of April Malloy for some time now, and he had admired the work she did in the city and neighboring communities. But when it came to dealing with her on a business level—well, he wasn’t prepared to lose to her. He never lost at anything. And he had no intentions of starting the practice now. He checked the gold Rolex on his wrist. He had missed an appointment because of his playing with April Malloy. But then perhaps it had been worth it. He had gotten a bit of insight into the lady and her thoughts about humanity. So she didn’t particularly like big business. So what else was new? Most people dealing in charitable endeavors only courted big business in order to get contributions. April might as well have asked him for a contribution. For all intentions she had beseeched him not to acquire the land she wanted to build her project on. Wasn’t it the same thing? Hell, yes. He had a few odd things to take care of before his secretary left for the day. He left his desk and strode 20

Fawn Lowery into the adjoining office. A stack of papers graced Helen’s desk, but she was nowhere to be found. He glanced at his watch again. Where had the day gone? Perhaps he had spent more time with April then he thought. He shrugged one shoulder. Well, maybe it would be worth it. He saw her exiting the bedroom when he returned to the office. She straightened her suit and fluffed her long hair across her shoulders. She didn’t appear unsteady on her feet. Perhaps it was time to resume their game. He smiled and crossed the room to meet her. “Feeling better?” he inquired. He came at her from the left and suddenly he seemed almost on top of her. She pulled in a quick breath and reached out with one hand to touch the front of his suit coat. Her fingers reacted to the feel of the expensive fabric and were hesitate to withdraw, which brought his attention totally to her hand. He covered it with one of his and directed her into the chair she had previously sat in. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you,” she said, trying to get a grip on things. Maybe she had gotten up too soon. Perhaps she should return to the bedroom for a time longer. But no, there was the matter of the game to finish. Kent rounded the wide desk and slid into the padded leather chair. “Shall we resume our game?” he asked, staring at her. April pinned him with her blue gaze. “How do I know you didn’t stack the deck while I was absent?” she asked. 21

Terms of Surrender He acted as though he were taken aback. His eyebrows shot up on his forehead and he gasp in a quick breath. April laughed slightly, and stared at him. “You don’t trust me?” he asked, clearly surprised. “Let’s just say that I have a lot riding on the outcome of this little game,” she replied. She crossed her legs and began swinging one foot, awaiting his rebuttal to her accusation. “Very well,” he said, gathering the cards from the desktop. “We’ll start over. Is that alright with you?” “Absolutely,” she agreed, keeping a close eye on his movements. “Would you rather deal?” he asked, offering her the deck of cards. “Yes. I think so,” she replied, accepting the cards. She hadn’t held a deck of cards since she was a kid and used to play Old Maid with her cousin Tommy. If she remembered correctly he always won, too. Nevertheless, she took the cards and began to shuffle them, her eyes paying close attention to her actions. Kent sat back in his big leather desk chair and watched April. Of all the damn things. She didn’t trust him. But then he should have figured as much. April dealt the cards, giving Kent an ace of hearts to begin with and herself a two of clubs. Silently she cussed her decision to question his honesty, but then she gritted her teeth and continued. The next cards revealed a seven of hearts for him and a three of clubs for her. It was the third card that raised her hackles. She dealt Kent an ace of diamonds and herself a jack of 22

Fawn Lowery clubs. “How many cards do we get?” she asked, her voice slightly shaky. The writing was on the wall, she admitted. She was more then likely going to lose. “Five,” he said in a calm voice. “Why don’t we do seven?” she asked, looking up at him. He laughed out loud, then threw back his head and laughed louder. “It’s not funny!” April yelled. She quickly flipped out the next two cards. A queen of hearts for him and a measly nine of diamonds for her. “Honey, it’s all in how you look at it,” he assured her, his tone still filled with laughter. “There’s only one way for me to look at it,” she replied, her fingers gripping the cards. She swallowed the acid retort on her tongue and looked at him through her lashes. “Can we do seven cards, please?” “When you ask like that—I suppose so,” he replied feeling his reserve shake at her display of coyness. Damn! The lady was sexy. “Thanks,” she said and dealt another two cards. The first card to leave her fingers landed next to Kent’s pair of aces. Of all the damn luck! She dealt him a third ace, the ace of spades. “Shit!” she spat. “We can stop anytime,” Kent offered confidently. “We’re not stopping until we each have seven cards.” “Well, okay. But don’t try to persuade me to let you have any more then seven.” He watched her sweat, literally. And smiled. He would definitely enjoy watching her take her clothes 23

Terms of Surrender off. And then… April looked at the assortment of cards lying on the desk before her. Then at the man seated across from her. He was enjoying this bit of tomfoolery, she realized. He was having a good time at her expense. But then she only had herself to blame. She had sought him out. She felt a bit of relief when she gave herself the fourth ace. At least he wasn’t getting it, she told herself. Quickly, she hurried to finish the dealing of the cards. The pain of not knowing was driving her insane. Her nerves were frayed and her head was beginning to throb. April hurried to deal the sixth card to each of them. Kent received the queen of diamonds, giving him a full house. And she dealt herself a fourth club, the ten. “I have five clubs,” she mumbled, her eyes trying to ignore the full house Kent held. “Sorry, honey. A flush doesn’t beat a full house.” “I know that!” she spat, her senses reeling. She was going to have to strip for Kent Solomon! What in heaven’s name was she going to do? “There’s one card left to deal,” she muttered, her fingers sweating on the deck she clutched. Kent let out a long sigh and settled himself comfortably in his chair. “Good luck,” he wished her with a low chuckle. He was looking forward to the end of the game—perhaps more so then anything else he’d ever dreamed of. The realization almost startled him. He turned his gaze on April. He had known her less then three hours and already he was developing feelings for her. Was that possible? Was it possible 24

Fawn Lowery that he could have feelings for a woman he had just met? He drew his brows together in contemplation. He’d never actually been in love, though he’d thought about it many times. Trouble was, most women were attracted to his money more than to him as a person. “Okay. This is the last card,” April announced, her voice filled with dread. Suddenly she looked across the desk at Kent. “Isn’t there an alternative to this … this madness?” “Madness?” he repeated, laughing. He loved every second of it and couldn’t help but show it apparently from the look of pure anger on April’s lovely face. “A gambling woman would have already dealt herself a winning hand.” “I told you I’m not a gambler,” she reminded. “But you must be, else you wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be playing this game.” “This was your idea, remember?” she said, her eyes latching onto his. He was looking at her in such a way that ignited her blood. He was having lewd thoughts of her undressing before him and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. Damn the luck! “I was giving you a fighting chance to cut me out of the picture, April.” His voice did sexy things to her name, and she noticed immediately that he didn’t use her last name, nor did he call her Miss Malloy, as he had previously. She guessed he was practicing being familiar with her—since she would soon be standing naked in front of him. She stifled a shiver that started at the base of her spine. Quickly, before she lost her nerve, she doled out 25

Terms of Surrender the last two cards, and then almost fainted when she saw what she had done. The queen of spades fell to Kent and the lowly three of diamonds fell to her. “I win,” he announced in a happy tone. “Take off your clothes, April.” **** April stared across the desk at Kent. He was smiling so broadly she didn’t see what kept his face from splitting apart. “You can’t be serious,” she said, hoping for all she was worth that it was all a ruse. He leveled his brown gaze on her. “Oh, honey, I’m completely serious,” he assured her. He pushed out of his chair and rounded the edge of the desk. “We had a deal, remember?” April wracked her brain looking for an ethical way out of the situation. They were adults after all. Maybe there was some other way of compensating him. But what? She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nibbled on it thoughtfully. What if she offered him money? “How much?” she blurted out. He cocked one eyebrow at her, then tipped his handsome head and smiled at her. “Honey, no price can be put on this.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m waiting.” “This is, perhaps, the silliest thing I have ever done--“ she began, staring hopefully at him. “Hmmm,” he said and nodded his head. “From my position, I find it quite amusing.” “Amusing! You find me amusing!” 26

Fawn Lowery He shook his head at her. “You misunderstand, April. I mean amusing in the sense that you were willing to gamble to get what you want. All in all, you’re quite the business lady.” “Fuck you!” she mumbled and turned her eyes away. “Excuse me?” he asked, not quite certain he had heard her correctly. “Did you just say--“ “Never mind! I admit defeat,” she conceded. She reached her hands to her left earlobe and began removing her earring. “I suppose you want me to take everything off.” “Of course. To the winner go the spoils,” he said, his amusement clearly showing. He perched on the corner of his desk while he watched April, still seated, begin to remove her jewelry. Her stomach was on the verge of being upset but she tried her best to steady her thinking. Just take off the suit and get it over with, she told herself. And vow never to get into a situation such as this ever again. The office was rapidly succumbing to the waning light of day and Kent could clearly tell April was hating every second of his ogling, but, had he lost to her, she would have gloated. His gloating was just merely redirected. He watched her remove the dainty gold bracelet from her right wrist. But when she reached the diamond-encrusted watch she wore on her left wrist, she begrudgingly extended her arm to him for help. He took hold of her wrist and spun the watch round so that the clasp was on the top of her arm, 27

Terms of Surrender then he purposely took his time opening the lock, all the while his fingers were mingling with her warm flesh and he was growing more aroused by the moment. April couldn’t help but like the feel of his fingers working in such close proximity to her fragile wrist. His touch was light as a feather, yet undeniably sensual as he carefully opened the tiny gold clasp and released the watch from her arm. She watched as he laid it gingerly on the corner of his desk next to her earrings and necklace. His touch still lingered on her wrist seconds after he pulled his hands away. “Well, we’re all out of jewelry, aren’t we?” Kent remarked, his tone low and husky. April smiled and started removing her pumps. It was getting quite impossible to stall, she admitted, slipping off the final shoe. Perhaps she could beg him to reconsider. No, she decided, glancing at him. He was having too much fun at her expense. Her fingers slowly rose to the buttons on her suit coat. Painfully slow, she began pushing them through their buttonholes. With each movement she felt her pulse quicken, and when she reached the final button, she felt the chill of the room against her bare skin. The front of her suit coat opened to reveal her lacy, pale blue bra and she thought she heard a breath catch in Kent’s throat. Quickly, she raised her eyes and locked gazes with him, all too aware of the lusty look in his brown eyes. “You’re beautiful,” he breathed, hardly able to contain himself. He purposely remained seated on the desktop, aware that his emotions would override his 28

Fawn Lowery sense of decency if he dared move closer to her. “You’re insufferable,” she responded. He laughed slightly, his brown gaze centered on the expanse of creamy flesh visible through the opening of her top. His senses were on fire as he wafted his gaze across the rise of her breasts pressing over the top of her bra. Surely they would overflow his hands. April slowly pulled away her suit coat, pushing it off her shoulders and dropping it to the floor at her feet. A tiny shiver shook her body and all at once she glimpsed Kent on the verge of moving her way, as though he sought to protect her. On guard, she took a step back, putting distance between them and almost stumbling over her clothing. She was exquisite, he admitted, but then he had thought as much the moment he laid eyes on her. Her long hair cascaded across her bare shoulders and onto the crest of her breasts. April’s fingers went to the zipper of her skirt and started to release it, her eyes seeking out the amber carpet in front of her feet. If she could be any place in the world—it would be as far away from Kent Solomon as she could possibly go. In the next instant, the zipper was released and her skirt was sliding along her body to puddle softly around her feet. Unceremoniously, she stepped out of it and pushed it aside with one foot. She stood before Kent clad only in a lacy bra and a matching bikini panty. His lower jaw dropped open and for an instant he lost all ability to think rationally. He’d never seen a 29

Terms of Surrender woman as beautiful as April. Nor had he desired one more. He felt his cock swell and was forced to change his position on the corner of the desk. For the life of him, he had never met a woman that shook his reserve to the core, not like what he was experiencing now. The low light in the room bathed April’s smooth skin in a soft glow, illuminating the soft contours and gentle swells of her body as she stood there in the middle of the large office. Kent drank in the sight of her, filling his male senses with her exquisite female form and fighting the urge to go to her, to use his own hands to finish removing her clothing, to caress her nude body, to take her back to the bedroom where he had persuaded her to lie down earlier. How incredible it would be to press his own naked flesh against hers, to feel her warmth seep into his very pores, then to be privy to claim her, to brand her as his own with his body. He pulled in a shaky breath. “Hasn’t this gone far enough?” April asked, her voice trembling. “You’re not naked yet,” he remarked, his tone so low she could barely hear his words. April pulled in a long breath, but then she realized how her breasts heaved with the action and vowed not to ever do it again. Her body felt on fire, both from Kent’s fiery gaze on her skin, and the rush of embarrassment her stripping was bringing about. She told herself to hurry and get it over with—then run from his sight and never look back. Maybe he wouldn’t tell all his business associates. She shuddered to think that he might betray her 30

Fawn Lowery confidence, but then she didn’t really know him. They were strangers and he bore no allegiance to her. Good grief! She thought silently. She raised her hands and grasped the hook between her breasts, set to release her bra. Kent shifted his weight on the edge of the desk. Any second now his senses would be treated to an exquisite sight. A small smile pulled at his lips. He pinned his eyes on April’s hands as she slowly released the front closure of her lace bra. It wasn’t that he was completely unaware of her discomfort—but she had played the game—and lost. Besides, they were past that now. April’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment as she peeled the bra from her breasts, and then dropped it beside her feet. She kept her eyes lowered to the carpet directly in front of her feet. She didn’t need to look up and see Kent Solomon ogling her body. She could feel the heat of his gaze on her bare skin. She almost screamed at the intrusion. “Nice,” he said in a husky tone. “Real nice.” “Don’t expect me to say thank you,” April muttered, her tone angry. He chuckled and pushed himself away from his desk. His movement brought April’s head up and her blue eyes latching onto his face. He didn’t want to distress her anymore then she already was, but … There was a look on his face that could only be described as pure lust, she realized, sucking in a quick breath. She stood there, in the center of the room while he came toward her, his hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks. She noticed then that he had 31

Terms of Surrender removed his suit coat and loosened his tie, perhaps to get comfortable for the show. She gritted her teeth. Wouldn’t this ever be over? He circled her body, appraising and caressing her with his brown gaze, and then he halted his steps in front of her. Mere inches separated their bodies. April pulled in a quick breath and raised her eyes to stare at him. But the look he aimed at her shook her reserve as nothing else ever had. “Finish,” he said in a low tone. “I—“ “Tsk tsk,” he warned with a slight smirk. He stood looking at her, accessing her beauty with his brown eyes. She was a goddess, he decided. She was a beautiful goddess that could easily steal his heart away. His thought briefly shook him, made him realize how much he wanted the woman standing before him. And if she weren’t so concerned about his eyes looking at her body, she could easily realize his plight. The front of his slacks were becoming quite revealing with the rapid rise of his cock. April knew there was no sense in stalling any longer. She had lost the bet—lost the chance of gaining the ground she hoped to acquire. There was one piece of clothing left on her body and he was anxiously awaiting its removal. Humiliation burned through her as she raised her hands and hooked her thumbs in the thin lace of the panty at her hips. In the next second, she was pushing the soft fabric along the length of her shapely legs and allowing it to slide down the calf of her legs to hang about her ankles. With one quick step, she flicked it aside. She 32

Fawn Lowery had successfully stripped out of her clothing in front of Kent Solomon—and now the deal was officially over and done. April jerked her eyes up to meet his and felt her pulse thunder. The look he was aiming at her almost made her knees buckle. He still had his hands in his pockets, so she didn’t fear him touching her, but somehow he managed to convey the thought that he wanted to take her to bed and sate his lust. She moved suddenly, intending to stoop and grab her panties, when he caught her wrist in one hand. Then he was pressing against her naked body. His hands pulled her into the solid length of his frame and his hands skimmed along the bare smooth skin of her back and hips. “No, this isn’t intended to—“ “Hush,” he ordered, his breath hot on her cheek. His head descended to hers and momentarily his lips were pressing atop hers. The heat of his body bore into her flesh and April couldn’t think beyond her surprise. She kissed him back and when she felt his tongue beckon to her, she opened her mouth and allowed him entry. His hands pressed her form into his suit-clad body and the unmistakable feel of a hard cock pressed against her abdomen. This isn’t supposed to happen, she thought to herself, as the feel of his mouth sent her senses reeling. His clothing felt foreign to her sensitive flesh and momentarily she had the notion that she wanted to feel his body bare and pressing against hers. It was an overwhelming sensation that shot wildly though 33

Terms of Surrender her mind and when she felt Kent deepen the kiss, she knew he was thinking along those lines as well. She lost all sensation of time. She only knew that she was naked and being devoured by Kent Solomon’s mouth. She briefly heard him moan deep in his throat and then he swept her off her feet. The next thing she was aware of was Kent laying her down on the waterbed and climbing atop her body. He had shed his clothing at some point, but April couldn’t be certain of when. She only knew that she wanted him to make love to her, to sate the burning desire raging inside her body. She allowed him to kiss her mouth, to cover her face with hot, moist kisses as he worked his way down to her heaving breasts. When he sucked one hardened nipple into the wet confines of his mouth she nearly went crazy. She clasped his face between her palms and held it gently while she savored the sensations he brought to her body. He was so hard his balls were beginning to ache. He needed release but she was so desirable that he hated to end the foreplay. But then the urge became too great, and he mounted her exquisite body with only the thought of orgasm in mind. April opened herself up for him, splaying her shapely legs wide on the waterbed and urging his body to hers with both hands. She was on fire inside and needed the climax she knew he would give her. No thoughts beyond self-gratification filled her brain. She had allowed him to bring her to near frenzy with his attention to her naked body and now that the time was right, she wanted to feel him inside her. 34

Fawn Lowery He aimed the head of his hard cock between April’s legs and gave a quick shove, entering her body with a force that shook them both. April let out a soft mew and grasped his buttocks in either hand, urging him to satisfy her completely. They began to move and April arched her back and closed her eyes as the sensations began almost immediately. She felt the fullness of him inside her, reveled in the mighty thrusts that he lunged into her body, and at the onset of her orgasm she opened her eyes and saw that he was gazing down into her face. A strange feeling coursed through her, but she didn’t have words to describe it, nor did she want to at the moment. The climax bore down on Kent as he realized April was on the brink as well. The thought that he had managed to bring her to the same measure of intensity as he was feeling gave him a lusty rush that urged him to thrust faster. The orgasm crashed through April, making her yelp out loud and dig her nails into Kent’s thrusting buttocks. She felt the spiraling tingles course along her limbs and send her senses spinning out of control. He felt the orgasm gather in his belly and explode along his limbs... God! He had needed that release— had been drawn sexually to April since she first walked into his office. He felt elated that he had gotten the opportunity to make love to the beautiful woman. He found her mouth with his and kissed her deeply, thrusting his tongue inside her sweet mouth and tasting her most secret recesses. **** 35

Terms of Surrender

April roused in the bed, alone, and opened her eyes. She was naked and in Kent Solomon’s private bedroom, off his luxury office. She took a moment to remember what had happened, and then she bolted upright in the bed, making the surface move gently beneath her body. She surveyed the room with a quick glance. Kent was nowhere to be seen. And for a second, she was glad for his absence. She levered herself off the bed and walked toward the closed door of the room. Perhaps he was out in the office—but did she really want to see him? After what had happened between them, she felt embarrassed to face him. She grasped the doorknob and gave it a turn, then pulled the door open a bit. All was quiet, and empty, she realized as she poked her head through the opening. Kent wasn’t in the office and she let out a breath of relief. She hurried to make her way across the room to where her clothes were laying. Quickly she dressed, intent on getting away before he returned from wherever he had gone. She didn’t really care. The thought of reliving the sexual interlude she had shared with him was more than she really cared to go into just then. She just wanted to escape and make her way home. Then, when she was safely behind closed doors, in familiar surroundings, she would berate herself for being such a pushover. She peeked outside the office before she raced along the hallway and pushed the button on the elevator. She hoped for all she was worth that she didn’t run into Kent before she managed to exit the 36

Fawn Lowery building. She was breathing heavily from hurrying by the time she stepped from the elevator into the lobby of the building and spied the night guard. He aimed inquiring eyes in her direction, but she waved one hand at him and rushed past his station, heading for the front entry. And, to her surprise, he didn’t come after her, merely buzzed the door open so she could leave. **** Kent balanced the hot coffee and donuts in the cardboard tray on one palm while he let himself into his office. April was sleeping and he planned to awaken her, and then feed her breakfast in bed. He knew then they would talk about what had happened between them and he wanted to make certain he chose the right words when he confessed his reasons for his actions. He saw immediately that her clothes were gone and thought perhaps she had taken them into the bedroom to dress, but when he opened the door and saw the empty room, he knew she had fled. He leaned his body against the bedroom door and let out a weary sigh. She was probably thinking he had used her and then left her to her own devices. Well, it wasn’t true, and he had to tell her what their night together had meant to him. He returned to his desk, glanced forlornly at the deck of cards scattered across its surface, and retrieved the phone book from a desk drawer. He’d find her and call her, then make a date to meet with her. He felt almost confident that things would work 37

Terms of Surrender out between them. The phone rang and rang at April’s home, until finally a servant answered. It was then that Kent realized what time it was. Good grief! He thought. The woman had him completely bewildered. He quickly apologized and hung up, knowing how disturbing his call must have been to the poor maid. He spent the remainder of the night pacing the floor of his office, wondering how he could fix things with April. Every plan he came up with seemed to have a dire fault. He raked one hand through his thick brown hair, and then massaged the back of his neck. He felt tense. He needed a massage. But his thoughts raced to April and her soft body, her round breasts and her shapely hips. And oh, the way she moved beneath him. Could heaven be any sweeter? **** April entered her home and went straight to bed. If she could wish the events of the afternoon and evening away, she would. Unfortunately, she had neither the ability nor the want to. Despite the humiliation she had initially felt when she stripped out of her clothes, she found Kent Solomon quite compelling. He stirred an inner emotion—and a sexual awareness that most men had never breeched. The memory of him was locked in her mind. The later part of her thought made her pull in a quick breath. She had liked what Kent Solomon had done to her. She had liked the sex they shared. And after all, it had been the both of them performing the 38

Fawn Lowery act. Perhaps he had been the one to start it—but she had not made any sign of wanting him to stop. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep, then finally got up and went downstairs for breakfast. Today was the day that the ground became the property of the city and they opened bids on it. Today was to have been the day she placed her bid and bartered with the city administration to have ownership. But that was no longer an option. Kent Solomon had won the right to bid on the land and she had lost. Damn the luck! “Luck,” she muttered out loud. There was no such thing. Or at least she didn’t have any of it. She drew her brows together in thought. Perhaps Kent Solomon had luck. One would think so from his show of success. He could be called Midas, and in some circles she thought he probably was, since everything he touched turned to gold, or in his case, riches. She told herself to forget about building the children’s home on the land she couldn’t possibly get and look for another location. Perhaps she wouldn’t be able to make the point of the children’s plight so blatant to the world, but she could follow through with her plan to build the facility nonetheless. She felt dejected because of losing to Kent and wondered if he had already put in his bid on the ground. She considered calling the city offices to inquire, and then rejected the idea. Why add insult to injury? She had lost the bet fair and square. But then, she decided, it had been Kent’s idea to play cards. She rose from her writing desk and walked to the window in the room. The dreary sky mirrored her mood. Autumn was rapidly approaching and soon 39

Terms of Surrender the surroundings would be draped in Mother Nature’s panoramic beauty. She let out a long sigh. Any other time she would have welcomed the drizzle and chose the time to spend reading or answering correspondence. But she felt especially down and she knew her time with Kent was to blame. Unable to resist any longer, and thinking if she called about the land, and learned that Kent had placed his bid, she would know for certain that any and all chance of her buying it was lost. She picked up the phone and placed the call to the city building, drumming her polished nails on the surface of her desk while she waited to be connected to the proper office. Five minutes later, a voice came on the line and April requested information about the land. “The Westmoreland acreage? That ground was sold last month.” “There must be some mistake,” April said, puzzlement blanketing her mind. “There’s no mistake,” the voice informed her. “Kent Solomon purchased the ground from the surviving heir and--“ April hung up the phone before the voice could finish speaking. She felt utterly stunned—and madder than hell. Kent had tricked her! He had tricked her into stripping for him— “No,” she said aloud. “He must have stacked the deck against me.” But she knew that wasn’t so because she had dealt the cards herself. She began to pace the room, her strides long and brisk. She had been tricked and she didn’t like it one 40

Fawn Lowery bit. But how could she get back at him? How could she make him pay? Tears suddenly sprang to her eyes. How could she have let such a thing happen? Why hadn’t she checked with the city that morning before she went to see Kent? She raked her fingers through her long dark hair, frustrated. How could she have been so misinformed? She suddenly halted her pacing and grabbed a tissue from the box sitting on the corner of her desk. Dabbing the tears from her blue eyes, she tried to settle her nerves. She had gone through the humiliation of having to take her clothes off in front of Kent for nothing. There never was any property to gain—and he had known it all along! She felt used. And worse yet, there didn’t seem to be anything she could do about it. But then, did she really want to? She had fled his bed while he was out doing God only knew what—and she would be embarrassed to face him again. Well, she conceded, the matter was over. But she would never forget the man she had slept with, or the way he had satisfied her body. The maid suddenly tapped on the office door and then poked her head inside, announcing April had a visitor. She let out a groan and considered for a moment on having the visitor sent away, but then she finally relented. After all, she couldn’t spend the rest of her life regretting her time with Kent Solomon. She only hoped he didn’t talk about it to anyone. Oh! She felt mortified just imagining him doing such a thing. April left her study and walked down the hallway 41

Terms of Surrender to the front entrance of the mansion. As she neared the alcove she spied Kent standing in the living room, his back to her. And for a split second she felt happiness at seeing him, and then she wondered why she should have such a reaction. Hadn’t she just been wishing the whole thing had never taken place? She approached with caution, and on quiet feet. In fact, she was in the room before Kent was aware of her presence. “You cheated me,” she said in a tone that related her knowledge about the ground. Kent whirled round to face her; his brown eyes quickly grabbed on to her blue gaze. He smiled slightly, and then shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t think either of us got cheated,” he said, then winked one brown eye at her. April felt her cheeks flush, but she didn’t drop her gaze from his. “You already owned the ground I came to beg you not to purchase. How do you explain that?” He shrugged his shoulders again. Damn! The lady was demanding. And to think he had come to see her to make amends. “I had every intention of giving you the ground—had you won the card game.” “Liar,” April spat. “And were those cards rigged?” He threw back his handsome head and laughed loudly into the room. “It’s not funny!” April yelled over the sound of his amusement. “I demand a rematch!” He stopped laughing immediately and leveled his gaze on April. April felt suddenly shaken inside. Sometimes she 42

Fawn Lowery spoke before she thought things through. “A rematch? You mean you want to play strip poker again?” A slanted smile graced his handsome face. “Yes. And the deed to that parcel of ground will be the prize.” He shrugged his shoulders again. “And what if you lose again?” he asked. “What will I win—besides seeing you strip again?” April looked at him and thought for a moment. “If you win, you get to keep the damn property, Kent.” He smiled broadly. It was worth almost anything to play with April again, he admitted. After all, his senses were consumed with the lovely lady. “I have an idea,” he offered, cocking his head at April. She looked at him with a leery blue gaze, her arched brows rising on her forehead. “What’s that?” she asked in a cautious tone. “If I win, which is entirely possible, you know,” he began, and then chuckled when he saw her reaction. “If I win, you have to strip for me and come away with me for an entire week.” “An entire week!” April repeated in a raised voice. Her stomach tipped at the possibility of spending time with him—but the mere thought of the duration of one week sent her senses somersaulting out of control. Kent shrugged his shoulders. “Longer?” he inquired, a smile arching his lips. April shook her head and didn’t bother to answer. “Do we have a deal?” he asked, his tone pressing. 43

Terms of Surrender He offered her his right hand to shake. “I don’t intend to lose twice,” she responded. She thrust out her hand and clasp his, then regretted touching him at all. He grasped her hand firmly and pulled her quickly against his chest. In the next instant she found his arms around her waist and her breasts pushing quite sensually against his shirtfront. “You never know,” he whispered. He lowered his head and covered her lips with his and April let a low moan slip from her throat. The memories of last night suddenly assaulted her senses and for an instant all was totally lost in the wonder of his kiss. She felt like warm quicksilver in his arms, pliable and willing. Her hips leaned into his and suddenly his cock began to firm. Her breathing quickened and he was keenly aware of how her breasts heaved against his chest. He wished they were naked so his hot body could meld with hers. God! She was the woman of his dreams! April felt her senses jar with the assault on her mouth. Her arms were holding him so tightly about the shoulders that she felt his body to be a part of her own. How could that be? How could she fall for a guy so quickly? It was beyond reason, yet it was happening and she was all too aware of it. And she saw no reason to stop it. The realization shot through her insides, sending her emotions spinning like a hurricane. “Where are your cards?” Kent asked, pulling his mouth from hers. The sooner he got the game over, the sooner he could be with her sexually. My God! 44

Fawn Lowery His body was out of control! Already his cock was so hard he was having trouble keeping it in his pants. April’s eyes flickered open. He had all but made her forget everything except how good it felt to be in his arms. “Cards?” she repeated, then felt her cheeks flush. “I suppose there might be some in the game room,” she murmured, pushing out of his arms. She crossed the floor to the door and called for a servant to check the room for a deck of playing cards, then turned back to look at Kent. He had removed his suit coat and was in the process of rolling up his shirtsleeves. “Five cards this time, April. I want this game to be over quickly,” he informed her, a lusty look in his brown eyes and a slanted smile on his handsome face. She nodded her head and then turned to retrieve the deck of cards the maid carried into the room. “Shall we go to your bedroom?” Kent asked, cocking one eyebrow at her. “I’m sure the servants won’t mind seeing you in the buff,” April answered, crossing the room to the sofa. She took the cards from the pack and began shuffling them on the surface of the glass coffee table. “But what will they think when they get an eyeful of you with nothing on but a smile?” he countered, sliding onto the couch beside her. “I have no intention of losing,” April reminded him. “Should I be on guard?” he asked, chuckling. April gave him a condescending smile and began dealing the cards. All five, face down. Then she placed the remaining deck on the coffee table between 45

Terms of Surrender their hands. “You can draw no more then three cards and the best hand wins,” she instructed. He cocked an eyebrow at her. “And here I thought you weren’t familiar with the game!” he admonished with a chuckle. “Pick up your cards and shut up,” she ordered. In an instant, she was tossing three of her original five cards on the table and requesting three other ones, much to Kent’s delight. “I’ll have one card,” he announced, discarding a single card from his hand. April felt sweat pop out on her forehead. Holy cow! It couldn’t be happening again! She almost groaned out loud when she looked at her cards. The only damn thing she had was a pair of fours. “Well,” Kent asked, his tone jubilant. “What do you have, honey?” “Don’t 'honey' me,” she remarked. He laughed and held his cards out for April to see. “I have a pair of jacks. Now show me yours.” **** April climbed the stairs slowly, in no hurry at all to reach her bedroom because then she had to take her clothes off for a second time for Kent Solomon. Plus, then she had to pack a bag and go off with him for a whole week. The whole episode flooded her mind with different feelings. Her hips moved nicely as she traversed up the winding staircase, Kent thought, his brown gaze 46

Fawn Lowery pinned to her ass. She wore rose-colored slacks and a soft cotton knit sweater of a pale pink and her soft voluptuous curves belied the clinging capabilities of the fabrics. He drew in a deep breath, anxious to get her alone on his private island for the duration of an entire week. He smiled broadly. The lady just couldn’t play cards, which pleased him immensely. “Where are we going?” April inquired, turning to face him once they were inside her bedroom. “How should I pack?” “Bring your toothbrush,” he said, giving her a wink. “On second thought, I have extra toothbrushes. You don’t even need a bag.” She smiled in spite of things. He had all intentions of keeping her naked and in bed for the time they were together. Not a bad idea, she thought, her pulse suddenly picking up speed. He was moving toward her then, his hands reaching out to take hold of her sweater. In one smooth move he raised his hands and pulled the soft knit over her head, freeing her lace-clad breasts to his hungry eyes. Her hair bounced about her shoulders and landed across one side of her face, but his hand was there to brush it back past her earlobe. His fingers skimmed the smooth contour of her left cheek and lingered for a moment near the edge of her lips. His brown eyes caressed the satiny smooth skin of her face, traveled over the surface as though she were a fragile piece of porcelain and perhaps the slightest wavering of his glance might somehow mar the perfection. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world, 47

Terms of Surrender April,” he said in a whisper tone. “I’ve never met anyone like you,” he continued, his voice very low and vibrating through her body like a welcoming chord. She thought about his words and they settled inside her. There were things she wanted to say to him too, but she thought perhaps it might be too early in their relationship. She thought he might think she was merely bowled over by his wealth and status in the business world. “I want you in my life, April,” he said, his finger moving to trace along her lower lip. He bowed his head and replaced his fingertip with his lips, kissing her softly before pulling back and looking down into her blue eyes once more. April suddenly felt compelled to shed the remainder of her clothing, to be completely naked in his presence. She wanted to feel his hard body melding with hers. She reached round to unhook her bra, only to find her fingers melding with his as he took complete control of undressing her. In seconds, they were both naked and on the big bed where only hours earlier April had wrestled with her feelings. All things aside, it was better with Kent there nestled against her body, his powerful muscles pressing into her softness, his hard cock standing tall and ready in his crotch. April reached her hand down to feel him, heard him gasp when she tightened her fingers around his hard cock, and then smiled as he groaned loudly when she began to move her hand up and down along his hot length. 48

Fawn Lowery “You excite me like no other woman ever has,” he confessed, pulling her beneath his body. In the next second he was entering her and possessing her for his very own. April arched her back and opened herself up for his thrusting cock. In a moment he would bring her to climax and they would savor the feelings each would bring to the other. And that week lying ahead of them would be solidified with the promise of incredible sex. He thrust into her body, holding her rounded buttocks in either hand while he guided his cock between her legs. His mouth fed on her lips and devoured her nipples until they were ripe little clusters aching from his attentions. Then the orgasm bore down on him and he tried to hold off until April was near. “It feels delicious!” she said in a breathy whisper. “I’m coming, baby!” he exclaimed, his speed increasing. **** April settled in the cream-colored leather seat of the private jet and turned to watch Kent as he settled beside her. She had not brought a bag, or even her toothbrush. The idea of going away with Kent for the entire duration of one week without benefit of clothing or utilitarian belongings added a special aura to the adventure. He turned his head and smiled down at her. She was gorgeous in the red Rene pants suit and her 49

Terms of Surrender glorious dark hair splayed across her shoulders in a shimmering halo. He could hardly wait to run his fingers through it, to capture it in his palm and feel its silky softness. He drew in a long breath. He had never had such thoughts about a woman before. Perhaps because he had never encountered one that he thought he could fall in love with. He felt calm with the admission. And he felt good about his budding relationship with April. “Where are we flying to?” she queried, her blue eyes caressing his face. “Trust me,” he returned, his hand capturing hers. “I suppose I have to,” she said, her mind filled with thoughts of the adventure. She was very excited and could hardly wait to see the place where he was taking her. She had never met a man quite like Kent before. Businessmen were a dime a dozen in her line of work. They were all willing to donate to charity— in one capacity or another. But Kent was the exception. He had great wealth, yet he didn’t seem to flaunt it. They drank champagne and talked while they were on the flight and once the plane taxied to a standstill, they disembarked and got into a black limo for the final leg of their journey. April marveled at the surroundings. Once, soon after take off, she thought the jet headed out to sea, but she couldn’t be certain. Now she knew for sure that they were on an island somewhere in the ocean. They were driven a short distance to a beautiful yellow brick house and a bevy of servants greeted them when they exited the car. April’s jaw dropped 50

Fawn Lowery open. The house was low and sprawling with a large circle drive and thousands of flowers adorning its front façade. The inside was spacious and decorated in a Spanish motif. Kent took her hand and led her in the direction of the master suite, and she giggled softly under her breath as she allowed him to pull her along the wide corridor snaking throughout the mansion. “What will the servants think?” April voiced in a whisper. They’ll think I finally found a woman to love, he thought, and then he pulled up short and caught April by the forearms. It was time he made his feelings known to her, if she hadn’t guessed already. “I’m falling in love with you, April,” he confided. She watched his lips as he spoke, her ears wondering if she was hearing him correctly. Could a man as powerful as Kent Solomon be falling in love with someone like her? She was the complete opposite of all he stood for. She gave money away— while he strived to make it. She reached out one hand and placed it against his chest. His heart beat against her palm in a steady even rhythm. He was very real, she decided, a silly note striking her mind. Perhaps it was time she was truthful with her own growing feelings as well, she decided. “I think I’m falling in love with you, too, Kent,” she returned. She shook her head, sending her long brown hair sprawling about her shoulders. “I’m not sure--it’s too early,” “It’s not too early to speak of love and feelings, 51

Terms of Surrender honey,” he cut her off. His hands squeezed her upper arms, relaying his feelings for her. “I think I love you already, April. I really do. And I’m not a man who jumps to conclusions easily.” He paused and drew in a deep breath. “When you walked into my office, and made that inane request of me—I thought maybe I’d been set up by a colleague at first, but then, when we played strip poker and you lost—” “Kent,” she said in a slight groan. “Do you need to remind me?” He chuckled at her. “April, any other woman would have told me to get screwed—they wouldn’t have undressed for me--“ “I never thought of going back on our bargain,” she confided. “But then I never thought I’d lose the bet.” She laughed suddenly. It all seemed funny to her then, funny and quite wonderful, considering what was coming out of it. “I happen to know the business world is dog eat dog, but I also believe that if you give more—you’ll receive more.” April’s brows drew together in perplexity. Kent suddenly released her arms and reached into his suit pocket. He extracted a folded piece of paper and thrust it into April’s hands. “Here, I want you to have the deed to the ground in the industrial court. Build your children’s home, April.” “Kent!” she exclaimed, opening the paper and spying her name on the deed. “You’re giving me the ground? But I thought you didn’t want the children’s home built near your industrial park.” “I’ve had time to think about it. Maybe you’re 52

Fawn Lowery right. Maybe having it there will call attention to the plight of the children. I admire your conviction and your fortitude, honey.” He was saying such nice things to her, and his eyes were filled with adoration. Her heart jumped in her chest. She was indeed falling in love with him. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him as tight as she could. “A week to love you won’t be nearly enough,” she whispered. “I know. I feel the same way, April. We’ll just have to continue the games, don’t you think?” His tone held a multitude of promise. And April thought about the games they had already played. She was always the loser at cards. She chuckled at the memory. But then, had she really lost anything at all? She took his hand and resumed the trek down the hall toward the master bedroom suite. The End

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About the Author

I

’ve been living my dream of writing for pay for fifteen years, but when I’m not at my desk, I enjoy riding motorcycles with my husband Dave. We’ve toured the lower forty-eight states and had many wonderful adventures. We have plans to visit Alaska and Hawaii in the next two summers. When I’m not traveling or writing, I enjoy reading and taking long walks with my sweetheart.