Ingredients to Love Read online

  “You really don’t have to. I’ll make it if I take the subway instead of the cab.”

  “No can do.” He waved his hand and she turned to see the limo pull up. Parker and Lane walked to the car first.

  “A limo?”

  “Certainly you realize how wealthy I am,” he stated and she just stared at him.

  “Hard work pays off,” she replied. He eyed her over and helped her into the back seat as Parker opened the door.

  “That it does,” he said, thinking that surely wining and dining this woman would gain her trust and ultimately her body and soul. He licked his lips. She would be a great lover. She hid her body well but her curves were too noticeable to hide.

  “So what time should I call you tomorrow, so we can plan lunch or dinner?”

  “I have lunch plans, and I’m not sure I could do dinner. Another late night and early schedule Monday morning makes for an even more tiresome week than usual.

  “You work so hard. You said you have college loans, is there another reason you work so many hours?”

  She took a deep breath and exhaled.

  “I’m saving money for something special. So I work the extra jobs so I can achieve what I’m saving for faster. Even though it seems so unachievable right now.”

  “What is it you’re saving for?”

  “Oh, I’d rather not say.”

  “Why not? Perhaps it is something I could help you with.”

  Her cheeks blushed and she shook her head.

  “Definitely not telling you now,” she said, and Parker chuckled.

  “I think that’s a challenge to find out, Roberto,” Parker added.

  “Parker don’t encourage him. This is a lot for me right now. Accepting a ride from men I hardly know.”

  “A ride to work some crazy night shift when you’ve worked all week at the restaurant. I want to know why? What is it you’re killing yourself to achieve?”

  “My dream. My own bakery. Nothing too big, enough room to expand if I were so lucky to achieve a following. I have one now at the restaurant and at the bakery, I’ve saved a lot of money, but not enough to open a place here in the city. You of all people should know how costly real estate is, and even renting a place doesn’t seem feasible quite yet.”

  “I’m impressed, Alessa. You want to be an entrepreneur. That’s a big deal, with lots of challenges. Perhaps I can be of assistance if you let down your guard and give me more details.”

  “I don’t think so, Roberto.”

  “Why not?”

  “I won’t have you thinking that I’m using you, or want something from you. We just met. You seem very nice, but also experienced in way more avenues of life than I am. So please, if you want to be friends, don’t ask more questions about it unless it’s advice, not financial assistance.”

  The car stopped and he couldn’t help but smile at her.

  “Okay, advice only. I’ll call you tomorrow after eleven.”

  “Okay. Goodnight, and thank you for the ride.” She waved to Parker and Lane and then got out of the car with Roberto. He pulled her close and cupped her cheek.

  “I hope this doesn’t scare you, but one day I’m going to take you away from these burdens you have and spoil you rotten.”

  She chuckled and he narrowed his eyes at her.

  “A friend would be nice to have right about now, nothing deeper.”

  “We’ll see, Alessa. We’ll see.” He kissed her softly and then pulled back despite wanting to kiss her more deeply and knock her off her feet like she was doing to him. The woman was exceptional in so many ways.

  He watched her walk into bakery before he got into the car.

  “She is precious, Roberto. I mean, unexpected in so many ways,” Parker said to him.

  “What are you going to do?” Lane asked.

  “I don’t know. I’m in shock,” Roberto stated and rubbed his chin.

  “Perhaps you can seek your revenge, get that real estate, and win the girl,” Parker suggested.

  He stared at him and Lane.

  “I like her.”

  Parker and Lane chuckled.

  “No shit,” Parker said and Roberto smirked.

  “I may have a dilemma. I need to think this through. Tomorrow, I’ll spend more time with her and find out what I can to win her trust. This attraction is only going to grow stronger. I can’t have my woman working the night shift at some shit bakery. Changes need to be made, and hopefully she complies without the need for a little physical pressure.”

  “It sounded like Calvin was abusive.”

  “Exactly, and she was weak, broken down from being drugged that night and not knowing what was happening. She’s vulnerable, controllable, and actually a very sweet, caring woman. What more can a powerful man like me ask for?”

  Chapter Four

  Alessa was still a bit tired but she felt this nervous energy since waking this morning. She knew that Roberto was going to call her at eleven to make plans for dinner or to get together. She was nervous, unsure, but maybe a little excited. He was a handsome man. A bit older, though, but she didn’t mind if he was sincere and honest. She feared trusting people still, but she could see herself trusting him.

  She glanced at her watch and smoothed down the black skirt she wore and green long sleeve top that accentuated her breasts. The dip wasn’t too low in the front, and she wore a small emerald heart in gold that landed right before the cleavage. She thought she looked good, classy, and was glad the skirt required a thin belt. It was a little big, proving the last few months that she lost more weight. She noticed she could see her ribs a bit more and she would have to be conscious of eating better throughout the day and hopefully the stress and worry wouldn’t take its toll on her body.

  When the doorbell rang she knew it was Prince dropping off her supplies she left at the club yesterday. Then he would give her a ride to wherever Gisella wanted to meet for lunch. When she opened the door, she was shocked to see Cobra, Roman, Lenox, and Ziek. She stared at them, looking way up into their eyes and then shook her head as if trying to physically clear it. That instant rush of lust, desire, and attraction so deep she felt every body part react.

  “What are you doing here? I thought Prince was coming?” she asked and opened the door wider as they carried in boxes and cases of her supplies.

  “He had something else to take care of for Fedarro and Collin,” Ziek said to her.

  As they looked her over and around her apartment she closed the door and then stood next to it and stared at them. Oh God, they were in her apartment again. Making it smell like their cologne, encasing the place with their masculinity, the power and sexiness they emitted. Jesus, look at them. Lenox with that dark black hair and serious expression, his business attire as usual, suit, tie, and all business. She glanced at Ziek, wearing a long sleeve shirt that accentuated the muscles on his chest and arms, she could see the definition. His dark eyes held hers.

  Roman stood there with his hands in his pockets, a black blazer, white button-down shirt with the first few buttons undone and that serious expression enhanced by sexy beard. Cobra. Oh lord, Cobra, bald, with massive, thick muscles, a man who looked ready to kill. He was pissed off. Probably for having to drop off her shit. What the hell was Gisella thinking?

  “How are you?” Ziek asked her, looking her over.

  She moved from the door, trying to act like they didn’t scare her, turn her on, make her tongue-tied, but she stuttered with her words. They did that to her. They affected her singly but quadruple…she was a mess or nerves and emotions.

  “I’m good. Thank you for dropping off my things.”

  “You’re welcome. You know we would do anything for you, Alessa,” Lenox said, gazing over her body.

  “I appreciate that. We’ve been friends for a while,” she said, accentuating friends. She started to walk toward the kitchen where Roman stood.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” she asked. She noticed Cobra standing there breathing thr
ough his nostrils.

  “We’re good.”

  “Uhm, did you want to head over early to meet Gisella?” she asked and went to go grab her bag, but Roman snagged her wrist, making her gasp. He squinted at her.

  “Don’t look so scared. Don’t you know by now we would never cause you pain?” he asked her so seriously and she felt confused, on alert.

  “What’s this?” Ziek asked, pushing around her table of bills.

  “Hey, that’s my stuff. What are you doing?”

  “Is this why you’re working so much, and the night hours at the bakery? You’re in debt?” Ziek asked

  “What?” Cobra asked, speaking for the first time, and it sounded so deep and harsh in tone.

  “No. No, I’m not in debt. Those are my college loans,” she said, pulling her wrist from Roman, who released her only to follow as she stepped closer and pulled the bills from Ziek’s hand.

  “Uhm, I don’t know what you’re doing here and why you’re looking at my personal stuff. Can we leave now? I have plans later.”

  “With Roberto Simi?” Cobra snapped at her. She swung her head to look at him.

  Her lips parted.

  “Yeah, heard you were with him last night at Club Olivia. Care to explain how you met him and wound up becoming friends? Which I hope that’s all it is, for your sake,” Cobra snapped at her.

  “Cobra,” Lenox warned. She gulped.

  She just stared at them. Roman placed his hands on her shoulders and massaged them.

  “How do you know him? How did you meet?”

  She turned to look up at him and face him. She placed her hands on the table behind her for support as she leaned back and gazed up at him.

  “I met him at work. At Marchianno’s.”

  Roman stepped closer and placed his hands on her hips.

  “And last night, was it a date or did you meet him by coincidence?”

  “Why do you want to know?” she asked.

  “Answer him,” Cobra commanded.

  She turned to look at him, but Roman gave her hips a little shake to focus on him.

  “Honey, answer me.”

  “By coincidence.”

  “Don’t see him again,” Ziek stated from behind her.

  “What? Why? What do you mean?”

  “He’s not a good man to be around,” Roman told her and looked over her breasts, making her heart race and her nipples harden. She prayed he couldn’t tell what he did to her.

  “Why are you doing this? He’s a business man, a nice guy, and we’re just friends.”

  “I don’t like it,” Cobra snapped.

  “We know of him, Alessa. He’s not trustworthy. We would prefer if you stayed clear of him and obey us.”

  “Obey you?” she asked, feeling shocked. Was this some sort of control over her? Who were they to do this? She heard Collin and Fedarro say such things to their woman, Gisella, but she didn’t belong to these men. She gulped.

  “You can’t make demands on me.” She went to move and Roman gripped her tighter.

  “Please listen to us and accept what we say and order for you to do.”

  “No,” she said.

  “Alessa, he could hurt you, especially when he finds out you’re important to us and we know you,” Roman added.

  “I’m confused. You know him how? Through business? Like he’s connected, or an enemy?” As she said enemy, her eyes widened at the serious expression in Roman’s eyes. “Why would that have anything to do with me? Even if he knew we were friends and had friends in the same circle, it wouldn’t get him anything. Not information I don’t know.”

  “That isn’t a chance you should take,” Ziek told her.

  “Well, I’m just friends with him. We’re meeting for dinner later.”

  “Dinner?” Cobra asked.

  She gulped as Roman released her as she moved away from him.

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” Lenox asked.

  “Because he asked me to and wants to spend time together like friends do.”

  “He wants you in his bed,” Roman barked at her.

  She felt offended, and her cheeks heated. Why were they acting so concerned and like they cared for her as more than a friend of their boss’s girlfriend’s friend?

  “It isn’t like that.”

  “You don’t know what men think. What they want from a woman as sweet, vulnerable, inexperienced as you are, Alessa,” Ziek added.

  “I’m not stupid, but thank you for basically putting me down for not being so experienced when it comes to men. Surely you know what you’re talking about, considering the multitude of women you four keep,” she said to them, and then regretted it once it left her lips.

  “Multitude of women we keep?” Lenox asked through clenched teeth.

  “Is that why you won’t admit to how you really feel about us?” Ziek asked her.

  “Ziek,” Roman reprimanded.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked, and her voice cracked. Could they know she had a crush on them? Fantasized about having them? They could totally take advantage of that.

  “When you were drugged that night, and we stayed here watching over you, you said things. Did things, Alessa,” Ziek said to her. Suddenly she felt heated, and by the hungry, dark looks in their eyes, she could only imagine what things she said and did. God, did she maul them, try to force herself on them, or tell them she wanted them?

  “It’s okay. It was the drugs, but the truth came out. The way you feel about us,” Lenox told her.

  “Oh God.” She covered her mouth with her hand.

  “It’s okay,” Ziek said to her.

  “No, it isn’t okay. It’s embarrassing, and not knowing what I said and did, or rather not remembering it, is upsetting.”

  Ziek pulled her close and looked down into her eyes.

  “It doesn’t have to be upsetting.”

  She stared at his mouth. Felt that deep pull toward him, but it was stupid to act on it. She knew what types of men these were. They didn’t date or commit. They prowled, maybe not every night or every week, but they didn’t remain committed to one woman. Surely they wouldn’t want to be bound like that to someone so sweet, as they described her.

  “Maybe we can spend more time together,” he said and reached up and stroked her hair. She felt his palm slide from her lower back to her ass, before he pulled her closer.

  She pressed her hands against his chest, stopping him.

  “Ziek. Don’t. I’m not even your type. I don’t want some one-time fling, or to be a new adventure for you guys. That isn’t me, and you should know that.” She pulled from his arms and stepped away.

  “We don’t think of you in that way at all,” Lenox said to her.

  “It seems that way. Listen, I’m not interested in anything complicated right now. I’m too busy with work.”

  “We can help you out with that. You’re working so hard, and you’re losing weight, and look tired,” Ziek said.

  “Thanks a bunch.”

  “It wasn’t an insult. It is a concern for your health and wellbeing,” Roman added.

  “I’m fine right now. I appreciate the support.”

  “And these bills? This working hard and now meeting Roberto, has he offered to take care of you and to take care of these bills, too? Is that why you’re with him?” Cobra asked.

  “What? No! How could you think that? I just met him.”

  She felt so insulted, it wasn’t easy to blow off at all. Is that what Cobra really thought of her, or maybe women in general? That they were after something? That they wanted men’s money?

  “A rich, attractive man with power, ability to persuade, starts paying attention to you, making promises, wanting to be part of your life, easing his way in, and you think he isn’t after something more?” Roman asked, apparently feeling just as Cobra did.

  “Could it be he likes me? Says the right things, seems sincere and honest, and hasn’t shown me any reason to think he has ulterior motive
s? Maybe he’s attracted to me and it’s so intense that he wants me for me and nothing more? Perhaps he isn’t afraid to commit, or have a steady girlfriend he could spend time with and support? Is that so far-fetched?” she asked and didn’t know where those words were coming from or why she was challenging men who could make her disappear, but she did.

  Roman reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her against his chest.

  She gasped, and gripped onto his forearms as she stared up into a very intense, hard expression.

  His hand eased up under her hair, those eyes, that beard, the fierceness and strength of him aroused and shocked her.

  “You want honesty? You want me to bring down the walls, the arguments against what feels right, and be open? Why the fuck not?” he said and pressed his lips to hers and kissed her.

  Alessa was stunned by his move, and more so by the feel of his hands exploring her body while his tongue and mouth explored hers. They were moaning, rocking their hips against one another, and then suddenly her ass was on the table, his thighs pressed her thighs open and he lowered her down to the table. He was ravaging her mouth, cupping her breast under her top and she tilted her torso up.

  When he moved his mouth from her mouth and lifted her top higher, shoved up her bra and began to suckle on her breast she cried out.

  “Oh God, Roman! Roman!” she screamed his name, as the sensations of his beard scraping against her ribs and breast as he suckled hard and made her come. She shivered and shook.

  “Let me in. Jesus, let me the fuck in there,” Cobra demanded in that deep, hard tone of his.

  Roman moved to the side and Cobra was immediately between her legs then cupping her cheek with one large palm and her breast with the other.

  “You’re so fucking sexy, Alessa. Damn, your body is exceptional.” He lowered down and kissed her. Hard, plunging his tongue into her mouth. She ran her hands up his shoulders then to his head as he released her lips and lowered to suckle a breast. “Cobra! Oh God, this is crazy. You need to slow down.”

  “Fuck slowing down. We all want this. We all have feelings for you, and you have them for us,” Lenox said as he and Ziek joined them by the table. Cobra suckled harder and then ran a palm up her thigh to her ass.