Crossroads 5: Show Me What Love Is (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  Chancellor couldn’t help but smirk. The other men looked at Ross.

  “Bethany, what are you doing? Why are you trying to take credit for this? I’m sorry, gentlemen. Perhaps we can discuss this at the meeting Monday in the office. I’m sure by then Bethany will be right on track of where she belongs.”

  He began to motion them to walk away, but the men weren’t budging. Not now, with Bethany standing there with her hands on her hips, looking ready to knock Ross on his ass.

  “No, I think coming here, being continuously exposed to your stupidity and lies, has finally taken a toll on me. I’ve done all the work. I’ve created all the ideas and put the hours, months into them, not you, and guess what? I’m taking those ideas, that creativity with me, unless you’re planning on rectifying this situation to my utmost satisfaction.”

  “We’ll discuss it Monday. Gentlemen.” He ushered the men away from her, and then she took a step forward, and Chancellor stopped her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed against her back close.

  “Easy, darling. I think you just shocked the hell out of him.”

  “I want to do more.”

  “Knocking him on his ass won’t make matters better. The blow you gave him will surely have its after-effects, and your pretty manicure won’t suffer at all. Come on. I’ll buy you a drink, and we’ll talk.”

  She looked up at him, but she didn’t pull from his hold.

  “I’m sorry you had to witness that, Chancellor, especially since we just met and all. It was bad timing, I suppose.”

  She lowered her eyes, and he guided her along the way, never letting his hand leave her hip or letting his arm stop pressing against her body. She was sexy, and he wanted to know everything about her.

  “Don’t apologize. I’m glad I stuck around, despite my disgust with those men and their business tactics. You did well. Ross didn’t know what hit him.” He waved a hand at the bartender, who made them two martinis and placed them down on the bar.

  “Oh, I can’t drink that. I’m not a big drinker.”

  “You need something strong. Don’t worry, Bethany, I’ll take care of you.”

  He winked, and as they both took sips from their glasses, their gazes locked, and Bethany never looked away from him, despite the fact that she was shaking. He hoped it was from the attraction she felt to him because, right now, he was already feeling both protective and possessive of the woman, and this wasn’t a normal occurrence for him.

  * * * *

  Bethany couldn’t believe that she just done that. She’d just told off her boss in front of several big clients and Chancellor Cummings. The Chancellor Cummings. He was wealthy, mysterious, and one of the most sought-after bachelors in the business world. He’d been on the cover of Fortune multiple times and has been a lead contributor to underprivileged high school seniors looking to advance in finance and business. Her boss had been trying to get Chancellor to become partners in the firm he established.

  Technically, she should be a partner in the firm, but she supposed that the possibility of that happening now was pretty slim. Hell, she may not have a job come Monday morning, but at least she was here tonight, and Chancellor had remained by her side, even if it was simply because he and his brother were good friends with her best friends’ boyfriends.

  She felt the effects of the martini pretty quickly.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, pressing closer to her. He ran his hand along her arm and looked down into her eyes. Chancellor was very attractive. He had that whole GQ thing going for him, the custom tuxedo, the diamond cuff links, and that slicked-back hair, but it was the deep green color of his eyes that drew her in, and she found herself flirting back with him.

  When he took her arm and suggested they get some air by the balcony, she held on to him tightly so she wouldn’t lose her balance.

  “You weren’t kidding about being a lightweight. It’s a good thing I’m here with you, Bethany.”

  She couldn’t help but be attracted to the man. He was super good-looking, the perfect specimen of male with muscles, a trim waist, and a fat wallet, but she didn’t do relationships. She certainly didn’t do one-night stands, even ones where she felt compelled to kiss every inch of the man like she did with Chancellor. Her past didn’t allow for such indiscretions. Besides, their friends knew one another. A one-night stand with Chancellor would come back to bite her in the ass before the end of the weekend.

  She released his arm and took a breath of fresh air. It was chilly out on the veranda, despite the small heaters in the corners warming it slightly. She couldn’t believe her thought process. Never would she consider such a thing. She didn’t date. She reminded herself why as she ran her hand along her hip and the scar that was beneath her dress where she’d had surgery because Curran ruptured her spleen when he beat her nearly to death. She shivered unconsciously, then felt Chancellor wrap his jacket around her shoulders.

  “Oh, that’s okay. You’ll be cold,” she said, looking up into his green eyes. He grabbed the lapels and pulled her closer.

  “I’m not the least bit cold, Bethany. Not with you this close to me.”

  He moved his face a little closer, and she feared he might try to kiss her so she lowered her head.

  “I’m sorry, Chancellor, but I think we should head back inside. I’m going to call it a night.” She went to leave, but he held her in front of him, eyes squinted, a shocked expression on his face. Hadn’t anyone ever denied Chancellor Cummings something before?

  “Are you serious? I thought we were getting along so well.”

  “We are getting along well, but I really don’t know you. It’s been an emotional, upsetting night, and to tell you the truth, I’m going to have to face the fact that I more than likely lost my job tonight. I’ll need to find work.”

  He reached up and caressed her cheek. She couldn’t help but to close her eyes and relish the feel of his masculinity and warmth. He was so sexy and good-looking, and she could smell his cologne, so enticing and delicious. She could imagine what it would feel like to belong to man like Chancellor and to smell his cologne from snuggling and making love. She popped her eyes open, and he cupped both her cheeks.

  “Don’t deny what we feel.”

  “Chancellor, I don’t date.”

  “Neither do I.” He looked at her lips.

  That statement took her aback. He was a player, a man who could get any woman he wanted. She would be a toy, something for now. He could be abusive, controlling, like Curran. She didn’t need that, especially not with a statement like he’d just made. He wasn’t right for her at all. So why wasn’t she shoving him away and getting the hell out of there?

  “Then that’s an even smarter reason to leave right now.”

  She stepped back, and he took her hand.

  “Let me walk you out, to make sure that you’re okay.”

  “I’m a big girl, Chancellor. Thanks for the drink and the support.”

  “I’ll see you around, then?”

  “Doubt it,” she said and walked away back inside, then stopped and turned. She found him right behind her.

  “Changed your mind?” he asked, looking hopeful with that debonair smile.

  She pulled the jacket off her shoulders. “I nearly left with your jacket. Thank you again.” She handed it to him, and he held her gaze, looked her over in the dress she’d wanted to impress with, and she headed out, but not before feeling other eyes upon her. As she turned to the right, she caught sight of her boss, Ross Harris, but she never expected to see the man who stood next to him. Cristano Chicatiro’s right-hand man, Davis. That was her ex-boyfriend’s cousin. What was he doing here?

  A quick glance over her shoulder and she saw the expression on Chancellor’s face. He looked angry. His eyes squinted, his lips formed a thin line, and he stood there watching as her boss waved her over. She had two choices here. Just keep walking, pissing off a high-profile individual like Chicatiro and worrying about the consequences later, or head ov
er there and continue to act tough and not get drawn in by any muscle bullshit.

  One look at Davis and she knew she needed to go over there. She didn’t need to make enemies with his kind of people. Besides, he had paid her medical bills after his cousin nearly killed her, putting her in the hospital for three weeks.

  Taking a deep breath, she slowly took her time walking over. She gave Ross the evil eye, and he cleared his throat.

  “Bethany, there’s someone I had intended for you to meet tonight before things went astray.”

  She gave him a hard stare. “Ross, I have nothing more to say to you. I said everything before.”

  “Leave us.”

  She heard the deep, firm voice and turned around to see Cristano. She was shocked. She looked from him to Ross and Davis.

  “Take a walk,” Davis told Ross, and immediately the wimpy little weasel did, leaving her with Cristano.

  Cristano was older than her by at least fifteen years, a man in his forties, attractive but hard. His eyes showed no expression. They were just dark and unemotional, until he looked her over and stepped closer, reaching out his hand to take hers.

  She froze, and he nodded, then brought her hand to his lips. “It’s been a long time, Bethany.”

  He pressed his lips to the top of her hand, and she bit her tongue and tried to act calm when she was really a little concerned. She had every right to feel intimidated but reminded herself that it wasn’t a personal situation that had brought them to this moment. Instead, it was business, and she hoped that Ross wasn’t getting involved with anything illegal. That would give her even greater reason to quit and move on. However, everything she’d read or heard over the years about Cristano indicated he invested in things or companies that made him money and others that were going under.

  Seeing him did make her think about Curran and how he’d abused her for months. She had been weak and stupid then and thought Curran would take care of her and treat her right. Curran had never been right in the head, and trying to ignore her gut instinct and the pull to get out from under him quicker had cost her everything, almost her life, too.

  She felt her heart begin to race just thinking that Curran could be here in this building, never mind in the same city.

  Cristano gave a soft smile.

  “You’ve matured into a gorgeous woman. You’re doing well, health-wise, too?” he asked, and she knew he was referring to her injuries from years ago. She nodded.

  “You’re probably wondering what I’m doing here.”

  She shrugged. He raised one of his eyebrows at her, and she felt intimidated, but then he winked.

  “Come, have a drink with me.” He placed his hand against her lower back as he guided her toward the bar.

  “I was actually getting ready to leave,” she said, slowing down as he continued to pull her along.

  “Don’t be silly. It’s been, like, four or so years since we’ve seen one another. You’re gorgeous, Bethany, and you look incredible. I’m happy for you.” He pulled her to the bar.

  A quick glance to the right and she noticed Chancellor was no longer there. It was funny, but she’d felt safer when he was around. Now she felt exposed and vulnerable. So silly. She straightened out her shoulders and took a deep breath as she told the bartender she would take a club soda.

  “Not drinking?”

  “Not tonight. It’s been a stressful evening.”

  “I heard that Ross was stealing your creative ideas and passing them off as his own. No need to worry about that ever happening again.”

  “Oh, really? Why is that?” She took a sip from the club soda.

  “Because he answers to me. I own a larger percentage of stock in the company than his father does. That means I set certain rules that are to be followed. You know how it works.” He took a sip from his rum and Coke, and then licked his lips as he looked over her cleavage.

  “Well, I don’t think it really pertains to me anymore, Mr. Chicatiro. I’m pretty sure I’m no longer going to be working with Ross.”

  He reached out and ran his finger along her chin, tilting it up toward him. “There’s no need to worry about that, Bethany. Your job is secure, and starting Monday morning, you’ll be running the campaigns for Donald Lawson and Treck Bonds, as well as the business of a close friend of mine. It involves a series of high-end restaurants.”

  “That’s not in my job description, or salary, for that matter, so I don’t think we have anything to discuss,” she said, turning her cheek so his fingers dropped from her chin.

  He leaned back, licked his lips, and held her gaze as he reached out and pressed his hand over her forearm.

  “Bethany, I don’t want anything from you. Seeing you here, learning of your success, has brought me great happiness. Remember, I saw you in the hospital.”

  She shook her head and felt the tears fill her eyes. She would never forget that nightmare and how the pain had been so bad she even wished for death.

  He gave her arm a tap. “No need to bring up bad memories. Just know that I haven’t forgotten about you or what you went through. I know it was rough, but you moved on and fought for a great life. You’re successful, and you’ve accomplished so much. Knowing that you’re the one doing the promotional work behind this new business venture gives me peace of mind. It’s hard to trust people these days. They’re always looking for a way to steal out from underneath you. You know?” he asked, and she would have loved to tell him that engaging in criminal activity wasn’t a means to staying out of trouble or a way of dealing with legit, honest people. What did he expect? Loyalty?

  “I’m not sure I’ll be going back there. I haven’t decided. Quitting has been something I’ve been considering for months.”

  “With bonuses, plus an increase in salary, never mind full benefits and paid vacations, you’d be out of your mind not to take this offer. From my understanding, you’ll be getting paid like the CEO, CFO, and way more than Ross.”

  She swallowed hard. How could she pass up this opportunity? It wasn’t as if she technically worked for Chicatiro. She worked for the company he had stock in.

  “You’re not my boss, though? I mean, I answer to Ross’s father and their staff?”

  “I’m an investor. I give my money and make a big profit if things go well. I hear you’re establishing quite the reputation in the business. This will be a positive for both of us.” He pulled his hand back and raised them, palms up. He looked at her again. “But no pressure here. Do what you feel is necessary, but know that Ross is no longer a problem.”

  She nodded.

  “We’ll be in touch. I hope to get the call that you arrived bright and early Monday morning to start gathering your staff. Have a good evening.” He nodded and then walked away.

  Bethany sat there a moment and tried to calm her breathing. All her life, she’d struggled to make ends meet. She went from eating one meal every couple of days to maybe getting two in a day. In the last several years, she’d worked hard to get to this company and establish herself as a creative, hard-working consultant who thought outside of the box. She could do this job for the company. Ross would lay off her, and she could show everyone what she was made of.

  She was tired of feeling as though she could never get ahead and that people could walk all over her. This was a chance to succeed. It didn’t matter that Chicatiro was involved with the company, that he wanted her personally taking care of the promotion and advertising for the new restaurants he spoke of. It was a one-time thing. She still had her other opportunities and her name to establish. She didn’t owe Chicatiro anything, and as long as she kept it that way, then she would be just fine. She had to be. There was no one she could count on but herself. That was the reality of her life.

  As she headed out of the room, leaving Chicatiro’s side as some people came over to schmooze him, she walked toward the stairs and spotted Chancellor, and boy, he didn’t look happy.

  She had a funny feeling in her gut, and she debated ignoring him
and walking right past, but the man did something to her. He aroused her, intrigued her, and made certain body parts practically jump from her clothing, eager for his touch, but the choice was made for her as Chancellor took her hand and brought her to the side of the hallway. He pressed against her, and she gasped as she gripped his forearms. “Chancellor?”

  He stared down into her eyes. He looked so intense, as if he were angry with her.

  “Do you have any idea who that man was that you were talking to?” he scolded, and instantly, she felt that protective shield go up, that barrier that helped her deal with macho, chauvinistic men who thought they had every right to talk down to women.

  “What’s it to you?” she countered. It appeared that he bit the inside of his cheek, as his cheeks sank in, and then he exhaled.

  “Bethany, that is a very bad man you were talking to, a man capable of things. You know him. How?”

  She swallowed hard. She thought of telling him exactly how she knew Chicatiro, but why would she confide in a stranger, in a man known to have his share of women and who flaunted his money?

  “I know of him, Chancellor. He invests in companies and helps them to make money, or he buys them out and resells them for a profit.”

  “Is that what he’s doing with Ross’s father’s company?”

  “No. He’s investing in the business. He owns a series of restaurants in the area and farther north.”

  He stared down at her lips as he pressed a little closer. She was so aroused by him, it was insane. How stupid could she be? Hadn’t she learned her lesson about men? They were aggressive, demanding, insisted upon having control, and if they didn’t get their way, then they struck. Hard.

  But as powerful as those memories and the pain were, it seemed that Chancellor’s presence, the feel of his body pressed against hers and the aroma of his cologne were more powerful indeed. She inhaled as he pressed a little closer. He seemed to take a breath of her, too, as their gazes locked. He was tall, well-built, and had an air of sophistication, arrogance, and toughness about him that warned her he was not a man to reckon with.