Marie Kelly's Blog, page 9

Pirates Revenge (pt 1)

Chapter One

Lady Elizabeth Palmer sat silently on the upturned box.  Against her the young handmaiden buried her head into her skirts, the young woman’s whole body shaking uncontrollably as the noise of the battle raged above them.

The sickening smell of gunpowder filled the small space, choking the four people who sat there.  A thin nervous man and the young handmaiden coughed loudly, while the remaining two – both regal figures – held embroidered handkerchiefs before their noses and mouths, neither making a sound.

In the small space Lord Robert Palmer sat as composed as his daughter, not flinching as the booms of the shot slammed into the wooden husk of the ship, shaking it with every strike.  Beside him, Elizabeth Palmer gently stroked the head of the young girl, trying to sooth her before her hand stalled, becoming aware of the way her father glowered at her behaviour, stilling the comforting action.

While outwardly calm, inside she was terrified.  The sound of the dying screams of the men above filled her ears, the blood-curdling cries their last sounds testament to the carnage that was going on overhead.  As the volley stopped, new sounds reached their ears, the sound of grappling hooks as they hit the wooden decks along with the unmistakable sound of planks connecting the two ships.

Closing her eyes softly Elizabeth knew the worst had happened.  The crew had been unsuccessful in repelling the pirates and now they were being boarded.  Hearing the loud metallic sounds of steel on steel she knew that the pirates had a much greater advantage on close hand-to-hand battle, knowing that all was lost.  Looking over at her father, she saw his eyes mirroring the same thought, his cruel mouth set tightly, as she too remained still.  With just the sound of the young maid’s terrified snivels the small group sat, Elizabeth feeling both hopeless and fearful of what was to come.

Finally all grew silent, before a loud cheer was heard, the nervous Gerald making a small whimpering sound of fear much to the annoyance of the man beside him who threw the wiry man a fierce glare, the smaller man’s mouth clamping shut.  In silence the four waited, waited for their inevitable discovery.

When the door had been broken into, the pirates spilled in stunned as they looked in surprise at the scene before them, their dirty faces breaking out into lecherous smiles as they took in the two women, one sat proud her chin raised defiantly, the other cowering in abject fear.

Moving forward, they grabbed each of the occupants none too gently, dragging them unceremoniously from their temporary sanctuary.  The cruel men laughed and jeering, making comments which caused Elizabeth and the young Maria to blush, the first holding her head up proudly as the younger girl cried in terror.

As they were pulled onto the deck of the ship Elizabeth gasped at the damage and carnage before her, the shock for once showing on her lovely face.  All around the bodies of men lay scattered, men she had known, men who had only hours previous treated her with such respect, now dead.  In the middle of the carnage the remainder of the crew were on their knees their hands above their heads as they were surrounded by the brutal pirates who stood over them laughing and throwing insults at the defeated survivors.  With some relief she saw that the captain was one of those, somehow relieved that the kindly man was still alive, although for how long any of them would be alive she did not dare to even guess.

Her eyes flicked over the heavily armed men, all of whom where now looking in their direction.  Aware of the looks on many of the pirates’ faces as they caught sight of the two women she shivered with fear.  “Mr Smith…Look what we found”, the pirate holding her father cried laughing, his eyes glinting with cruel humour  “I think the captain is gonna be pleased”  There was a loud cry of laughter from the others, Elizabeth grabbing her young maid’s hand, seeing as the young girl seemed ready to collapse.

From the throng of men one moved forward.  His skin more olive than she was used to, his body rippling with muscles as he frowned down at the four before him, his expression thoughtful as his gaze travelled assessingly over each in turn.  The man she presumed to be Mr Smith finally spoke, his eyes resting on Elizabeth, as they travelled over her body as she held her head proudly, not allowing herself to waver under his scrutiny. “Ay Mr Bain…She looks like the captain’s type”

Elizabeth swallowed hard not to let the fear gripping her be seen, determined not to show any weakness before the brutal men, as she kept her chin held high.  Finally with a small nod he cried with a dismissive wave of his hand, “Take them down below to the captain’s quarters”

With this the four were once more pushed roughly forward, forced to step carefully over makeshift planks thrown between the two ships.  The women had found it most perilous, moving slowly so as not to trip over their long skirts, the young maid and thin man having to be threatened by the pirates as they shrank back from the terrifying small walk over the shaky planks.  Finally having reached the other ship they were pushed unceremoniously towards a bulkhead where they then moved down wooden stairs, only stopping when they reached a large door.

One of the men then moved forward as the others stood nervously, the first man knocking loudly on the solid door.  “What is it?”  They could hear the irritated sound of a man’s voice, the guard nervously licking his lips. “Captain…Prisoners sir…We found passengers down below”

After a second, the door was opened by a young man who peered out, looking surprised at the women before him, before opening the door wider.  The boy was much younger than most of the crew, and more gentle she thought.  His large intelligent eyes watched as they moved passed him into the room, not a person she would have expected to see amidst the brutish bloodthirsty crew.

Looking forward once more, she could see the room where they now all stood was large, more of a map room she thought seeing the large desk at the end of the room covered in papers and navigational charts.  They were directed to stand in a small group in the middle of the room, still some distance from the desk and Elizabeth became aware that a man sat in the shadows behind the desk, not able to fully make out his features.

“Captain”, the first guard spoke, his voice full of the obvious fear and respect he held for the man hidden in the shadows, “We found these passengers on the ship…Thought you might want to see them”  She heard a sharp intake of surprise from the Captain, before he spoke.  “You did well Mr Bain…very well”, the dirty bloodstained man smiling with pleasure. “Thank you sir”, he managed before the captain raised his hand silencing him.

Elizabeth frowned, surprised at the man’s voice.  She had expected his voice to be harsh, guttural like the rest of the coarse crew.  Instead she found it polite in tone, as though he had been brought up in a good home, this causing her to strain her eyes to gain a better look at the man shrouded in shadow.

“Send the young girl forward”, he commanded, one of the guards nudging Maria forward.  However this only caused the girl to cry out in terror and to grab at Elizabeth’s hand.  With a sound of annoyance another guard grabbed her by the arm, tearing her from her mistress’s grip and pulling her closer to the desk where she stood shaking violently, her whole body cowering.

The sound of the cruel laugh from the hidden man reached Elizabeth’s ears, as she balled her fists in anger, her teeth gritting tightly to remain silent.  “Pretty little thing”, the voice finally spoke, “I’m sure she will give much pleasure”

As Maria threw herself to the ground wailing with terror Elizabeth moved forward, her colour heightened in anger, as her father reached out a hand pulling her back, her mask of defiant coolness slipping.  “You coward”, she cried, “Leave her alone…She is just a child”

Her father hissed at her to be silent, his grip on her arm tightening painfully.  There was another movement, the sound of a chair being pushed back reaching their ears over the crying girl, and the footsteps of the captain as he moved around the desk.

He was tall, well over six feet, with a slim muscular build.  He wore leather breeches and an armless tunic which showed his well-sculpted arms.  Weapon belts were slung around his slim waist and across his broad chest, the many knives and weaponry glinting evilly.  His face was still partially covered by the hat he wore, angled slightly forward on his head.  As he reached the young girl, he hunched down before her, moving his hand to gently hook his finger under her chin.  Leaning in towards her he spoke soft words to her, as she made small snuffled noises, the tears stopping.  None of the rest of the group could hear the words, but the young girl was nodding, relief in her eyes, before he once more stood, this time leaning against his desk.

“You”, he pointed to Elizabeth ”come here”  With all the pride she could muster, she moved forward, her eyes flicking to Maria, seeing as the girl had calmed down, and was wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. As she came to a stop only feet from the captain, he pulled his hat off, dropping it onto the surface of his desk.

Quickly looking back, she heard the shocked exclamation of her father, the fear so evident in his voice,  “It can’t be…But you’re dead”  Frowning, Elizabeth looked at the man she had known her whole life, this emotionless man who had brought her up to never show fear or any weakness.  Now however, he was staring at the man before him with terror in his eyes, and for the first time she saw him shaking.  Her eyes once more flew round to take in the man who was having such an effect on him, the breath catching in her throat.

He was stunning.  Large black intelligent eyes with long lashes framing their darkness held hers, as he seemed to peer deep inside her, pinning her like a butterfly to a board.  His mouth, now curved into a cruel smile, was full.  His short hair, perfectly cut, unlike the rest of his crew, was thick, black and glossy, a small mustache shaped to a well groomed goatee giving him an exotic and sensual look.  Elizabeth had never seen such a handsome man, and she stared back at him with both surprise at his appearance and at the way her father was behaving.

Softly his voice washed over her, as he continued to hold her look, but directing his comments to her father. “Well well…Lord Palmer, and I assume the illustrious Lady Elizabeth Palmer”  Elizabeth’s eyes opened even wider in surprise, not understanding how he could possibly know their names, frowning slightly.

Behind her she had heard the shock still in her father’s voice as it shook, “But…it’s impossible…Are you some kind of ghost?”, causing Elizabeth to turn back to once more look at her father, seeing the pallor of his complexion and the way the sweat hung onto his brow as he stared in complete disbelief.  Her father had never been one for fantastical thinking and hearing him liken the man before her to a ghost filled her with foreboding and fear, her eyes once more darting to the man before her, seeing as his had never left her.

“You know each other?”, she managed weakly, seeing how the stranger stood so calm and composed compared to the panic which filled her father.  The Captain’s mouth quirked in a small smile, one full of harshness as he stood from the desk, towering over her.  Elizabeth felt a small tremor of awareness as he moved around her, fighting the urge to turn with him as he examined her in detail, his voice almost caressing, “You could say that Lady Palmer”, he started, “We used to be neighbours”  In total surprise she finally looked back at him, her brow furrowed, “Neighbours?”

 

Betrayed by the Billionaire (Pt 13)

Chapter Thirteen

His hands reached forward and grasped hers catching Sierra by surprise, the shudder at just this small touch pulling a moan from her lips as she stared at him, her look begging for release as he smiled, his head nodding gently.  “Yes…the past.  No more avoiding it Sierra.  We are going to talk about the past”

Sierra felt her stomach drop, fear flooding through her as inexplicable panic and her own insecurities filled her. “No”, the word fell from her lips, her hands bracing on the table to flee from him, “There are some things best forgotten and our past is one of those”  His arm moved forward, fingers curling around her wrist stopping her from rising from the table, his eyes determined and solemn.  “Yes.  How the hell are we supposed to make a future Sierra if we don’t deal with the past?”

She felt her legs buckle, her body shaking as she stared back at him, confusion and pain deep within her eyes.  “Future? What future?  You don’t do relationships Max.  We both know that.  You will get bored, just as you always have and then it is bye bye Sierra”

Max’s eyes narrowed as he shook his head, his tone clipped, “Don’t assume that you know everything about me Sierra…you don’t” With a snort she pulled her arm back from his grasp, not wanting him to see how hard she was shaking.  Her eyes shimmered with tears that she was frantically trying to hold back from falling as she glared back at him.

“Stop it Max! I am so fed up of you playing with me.  You forget that I lived through your betrayal once before”  As he made to talk she held her hand up to finish, her features fierce, “No! I am done.  I was a fool to get involved with you again…I should have learnt from the past”  As her voice faltered he groaned, his features softening with hurt radiating from him.

“Oh Sierra.  You never understood what happened…how could you? You were just a kid”  She gasped with anger, eyes blazing with fury.  “You always treated me like a child Max.  My mother had just died.  All I wanted to do was stay in the one place I had always known as home, and instead I was packed off to boarding school, discarded like some unwanted piece of furniture”

She felt her hand being grasped once more, pain in his dark eyes, a heavy groan forced from his mouth.  “No…It was not like that Sierra…There was no other choice” Looking back in confusion she shook her head, yanking her hands back from him, feeling the stinging heat of the tears behind her eyes as she willed them not to fall, not to let this man see how much he hurt her, both now and in the past, her voice husky.

“I know that I was a nuisance, but I could have…” He shook his head again, more determined, his mouth set grimly.  “No…I mean there really was no choice”  Giving a long groan he sat back in his seat, his dark eyes locked on and holding hers, before exhaling deeply his voice so soft, “We wanted you to stay.  My mother and I even approached child services… but they said no”

With wide eyes, her mouth dropped in stunned shock, “Y…You did?”, her words stuttered, look haunted, “Then why?…”

He shook his head sadly, “At the time my mother was going through some health problems and I was not even twenty.  They refused point blank for us to be foster carers, we were both considered unsuitable and because you were only fifteen they demanded that you be placed in a care home on the mainland”, a grimace filled his handsome features as he looked away, his features full of the memories of the past.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of you in some cold sterile building with people who could never appreciate you or care for you the way we did”, his eyes filled with his aversion to even the thought.  “It was one hell of a fight but I was determined for you not to end up there, so eventually they agreed that if you were to go to a boarding school, then that could be looked on as a suitable environment for a child”  Sierra’s eyes widened in stunned shock before she fixed him with a thoughtful look, her voice slow as she carefully considered her words.

“Where did the money really come from for school?”  Her eyes drilled into his, narrowing.  “The truth Max…I never saw any insurance policies in my mother’s personal paperwork”  He paused before sitting forward, his fingers entwining as his chin rested on them, frowning before giving another deep sigh, his look once more meeting hers.  “There was no insurance policy Sierra.  I put the money in trust for you”

Sierra slumped silently back against the seat for several seconds before dropping her head into her hands, a long groan of pain leaving her, “Oh God…I thought so badly of you”, she whispered, her voice full of pain.  All these years I have thought so ill of you and all you ever did was look out for me”

Pushing the seat back she turned from him, moving to the window, staring unseeing down at the bustling city below, tears streaming down her face, “You must hate me”, the words almost inaudible as her hands rose to cover her mouth to smother the sob.  She heard the sound of his chair scraping against the rich hardwood floor before his hands grasped her shoulders turning her to him, her head falling against his chest as deep heart-rending sobs broke from her.

Sierra cried for the past.  Cried for all the years she had hated. And finally cried for losing her mother that fateful night, something she had never allowed herself to do.  The realisation that he had not seen her as a nuisance to be gotten rid of freeing her from so many hurts as she clung to him.  When her body finally stopped spasming with the intensity of her sobs, he pulled her from him, looking deeply into her red swollen eyes, those beautiful eyes swimming in tears, his thumbs gently wiping them from her cheek.  She looked so young, so vulnerable, and Max wanted to hold her to him, to make sure that she was protected.  With quivering lips, her features filled with pain, “Y…You must hate me…All those things I said…thought”, her eyes dropping from his, the pain clear as he groaned his forehead dropping to hers.

“No…How could you think I could ever hate you Sierra?  Don’t you understand?  I love you…I always have…since we were children…it has always been you”  Her eyes flew back to his, flicking over his face searching for some sign that he did not mean what he said, her voice full of disbelief.  “Y…You love me?…Even…But you hated me…I was a brat”  His head nodded against her as he pulled her in harder against himself.  “I have loved you with everything in me forever…Probably from the time a snotty little kid told me she could fight, could deal with the two bullies trying to steal her apples” Max gave a small chuckle before continuing, his tone softening, “When I saw you at the marina…I knew what was missing in my life…what I had missed all those years…YOU.  You were always the one who made me laugh…Who made me so mad I wanted to…”, another chuckle fell from his mouth, curving into a smile, “the one who made me feel alive”

Her laugh stopped him, as he too began to laugh, pulling back to smile down at her, “Why do you think I went down that lane after you that night?  You were right…I was jealous as hell.  Seeing that boy with his hands on you…God Sierra I nearly tore him apart with my bare hands”  Her hands rose to gently caress his cheek, a more mischievous look in her still blurry eyes,  “And I thought you just came after me to tell me what a fool I was…To prove that I was just a stupid kid”

With a small groan his head dropped to kiss her lips, his touch almost imagined, the kiss so light before he once more pulled back from her, this time his eyes more serious as he remembered that night.  “Then when we got to your house…and you collapsed…”  His words trailed away as pain once more filled her eyes.  “Sierra…I just wanted to hold you, gather you up and make all the bad things disappear.  I wanted to protect you…I wanted you to know how much I cared for you…that I would never let anything bad ever happen to you”

A small sad smile touched her mouth, sadness in her large eyes.  “And I thought that you wanted rid of me…That you found me a pain…I am so sorry Max”  Her voice broke as he dropped his head once more, this time his kiss full of heat and passion, her hands flying around his neck, fingers sliding up the nape of his neck to spread within the glossy black hair, a small shudder passing through him as his mouth kissed along her jaw. “I can’t lose you Sierra…Not again…Please tell me you feel the same”

Dragging herself from his hold she pulled in a shuddering breath, eyes flashing with the intensity of her feelings.  “I love you Max.  I have loved you since I was no more than a little girl”, her mouth curled into a large grin, happiness exuding from every pore.  Max was breathless with how beautiful she looked as his eyes danced with hers, neither needing to say more.

The knock on the door only just registered, the two turning to watch as it opened, Sean moving into the area.  His took took in the way the two stood so close together, Max’s hands draped loosely around her waist, hers resting on his shoulders.  Both looked flushed, Max even slightly dazed.  Sean felt the tightening in his stomach as he stepped forward, pulling a smile to his lips

“I guess you worked things out”, his soft words directed at Sierra before his gaze shifted to Max, a coldness coming to them, “If you hurt her Max…I will make you pay…You have been warned…And do not think this is an idle threat…I know people”

Sierra’s laugh broke the way the three stood, as Max began laughing too, his arms wrapped around her shoulder as he pulled her in tighter to him, joy radiating from both as Max nodded, respect deep in his eyes as he regarded Sean.  “You have my word Sean.  I will never hurt this woman”, his eyes looking down at her with such devotion, leaning down and dropping a gentle kiss on her lips as she looked up at him. “In fact, I have to apologise to you Sean…Looks like you will be needing a new assistant”, his smile full of intensity as he met Sierra’s questioning look.  “It is about time that my future wife and I both went home”

Sierra’s mouth dropped open, Sean’s features filling with disbelief his cry louder than he inteded  “Wife! Did you say wife?”  Sierra turned to look at the singer, gurgling laughter escaping her, “I believe he did”, before turning to Max, “Was that your idea of a proposal Mr Alessandro? Because it needs work”

With a loud laugh he turned her around before dropping onto one knee, love shining from him.  “Sierra Summers.  Will you do me the honour of being my wife, the woman I spend the rest of my life with?” Her large smile shone with happiness as he kissed her hand, his eyes holding hers as she suddenly felt her throat thicken, tears again blurring her vision, her head nodding as he rose, she launching herself into his arms.  “Yes.  Oh yes”  His mouth descended once more to claim hers, the kiss full of love, full of promises for the future…Their future together.

THE END

 

Betrayed by the Billionaire (Pt 12)

Chapter Twelve

Landing in New York, Max was whisked away by the chauffeur-driven limousine he had ordered to meet him from the plane.   Earlier it required pulling a few strings to find out where Sean and his entourage would be that day.  He quickly found that they were in New York but only received the information that he Sean was due to speak on a talk show that evening  along with the name of the hotel they would be staying on his arrival, allowing Max to book himself into a suite close by.

As soon as he dropped off his bag, he moved to the floor in which the singer was staying, stopped as he expecting by a large bodyguard, the man’s demeanor brooking no argument as he informed Max that he would not be allowed to proceed unless his name was on the approved visitors list.  Max however, was in no mood to be denied, demanding that the bodyguard inform Sierra Summers that he was there to speak to her.

Frowning, he could see the way the man’s look sharpened, almost as though he was expecting him, as he moved a little away, talking quietly into a radio before returning demanding Max remain where he was.  Pacing before the elevator he growled with frustration, only holding back as there did seem to be the hope based on the other man reaction that somebody was coming.  He could feel the nerves tautening his stomach.  What if she did not listen to him?…Did not believe what he had to say?  The sensation of panic was unexpected, Max steeling himself as he raised himself to his full height, pulling in every ounce of resolve.  She would have to…He would make her.

The ping of the elevator snapped his attention back to the corridor, his body stiffening as the doors slid open.  As Sean stepped into the hallway, his features dropped, eyes scanning the small area to see if she was moving out behind him, disappointment filling him before he fixed the singer with eyes set and determined.  “Where is she Sean?”, his voice clipped as the man he had known for years shook his head, coldness in his usually warm eyes.  “She doesn’t want to see you Max.  I think that you should leave her alone”

Shaking his head Max took a step closer to the other man, aware as the bodyguard stiffened. “Who the hell are you to make that decision…Let me speak to Sierra…NOW”

He could see the contempt fill his old friend’s eyes as he shook his head, his arm raised, finger pointing.  “She is my friend as well as my employee Max…and you…You couldn’t stop yourself could you?  Sierra isn’t one of those socialite cold fishes you normally date.  She has feelings…Feelings you stomped over…and I am damned if I am going to let you anywhere near her to hurt her again”

Max stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing.  In all the years he had known Sean, he had never heard him defend another person with such passion, seeing the way he stood before him, his fists clenched, his body stiff with anger.  In a disbelieving tone he stared at the singer stepping back slightly, his eyes showing his incredulity.  “You’re in love with her.  You are in love with Sierra”

Sean blinked, the anger melting from him as he fixed Max with still cold eyes.  “Is that so surprising?  Sierra is different.  She is loyal, generous and…”, his voice faltering as he scowled back, “And she sure as hell did not deserve to be used by a womanising bastard like you”

Max ran his fingers through his hair, his look fixed on Sean, his mouth straightening into a severe line. “Pot…Kettle Sean.  You cannot keep me from her…And do you really think that she is going to love you?”

He could see the discomfort stir in the other man’s eyes as he swooped, his need to see the woman they talked about strong.  “If you love her Sean, then do what is right for her.  Do you really think that I would have flown all the way out here to see her if she was just some passing fancy? You know me better than that.  Ask yourself what is best for her…Not what you want…What Sierra needs”, his voice breaking slightly, “even if it is just closure”

Sean stood for several seconds, Max holding his breath as the man before him seemed to be warring with indecision.  Finally however, he stepped back, nodding softly to the bodyguard as he once more moved back to the elevator, his tone still cold “Fine.  For Sierra’s sake I will let you speak to her”  His look flicked down the tall man before him, his voice a snarling warning.  “But don’t expect her to be forgiving Max…Sierra is not the kind of woman to be treated that way”

Max held down the retort on the tip of his tongue, taking a deep breath.  He was getting to see Sierra…That was all that really mattered; also he knew that it had taken a lot for Sean to let him anywhere near her, respect filling him for his old friend.

Sean led him into an opulent sunny living room, decorated in golds and creams, the furnishing grand and expensive.  With a final glower Sean demanded he wait there before moving from the room.  Taking a deep calming breath he moved to look out of the window.

Outside, the bustling city seemed to flow in an almost rhythmic motion, cars and people moving determinedly to their destination all having a place to go, the suite high enough to drown out the sounds.  The small click of the door once more closing pulled him around, his eyes meeting Sierra’s, heat filling him at the mere sight of her.

Sierra sidled into the room, her nerves at breaking point.  When Sean informed her that Max was there, that he was waiting to see her, she had felt sick, pain slamming deep into her.  Why was he doing this?  Why had he come all of this way just to taunt her?  Her first instinct had been to run, to refuse to see him.  However, Sean had taken her into his arms, a sadness about him.  “Speak to him Sierra.  I would never have let him up if I didn’t think that you both needed to speak.  Hear him out…In the time I have known Max…I have never known him to chase after a woman”

Sierra had felt the tears once more rise to her eyes as her head shook, a low moan of pain leaving her. “I can’t…I just can’t Sean”, her voice merely a whisper as he pulled back to look into her beatiful vulnerable face, his thumbs gently wiping away the tears which flowed down her cheeks.  Raising his eyes he swallowed, fighting the desire to kiss her, to make everything OK.

“You have to Sierra”  Her brow furrowed at the solemnness of his tone and words.  “I won’t pretend that I don’t care…I do.  But you need to deal with this.  If you don’t then no man will ever be able to push past the ghost of Max Allessandro…you will never be able to care for anybody again”  With a sad curl of his lips he pulled her back against him.  “And I really want you to be happy…with or without Max…or maybe even one day with me”

Sierra sniffled, her head shaking, “It is over with us Sean…Max used me…He is incapable…”  The rest of the sentence was lost as Sean stepped back, a sad, almost resigned look on his face.  “Perhaps Sierra…But maybe there is more going on than you know.  One thing I have learnt is that you cannot always believe what you see in the papers…”

Sighing deeply he took her hand, leading her gently to the room he had left Max.  “Do what makes you happy.  I will be waiting to hear from you”

His words made it impossible to run, Sierra knowing that she had to face Max, to confront him about what he had done, her stomach flipping knowing that it was not just the immediate past but his betrayal of her ten years ago, this bringing out the nervous insecure internal child.

Looking at the man standing silhouetted against the midday sun, her resolve almost left her as she felt the all too familiar need for him.  She hated that everything in her wanted to run to him, to feel his arms envelop her and to let him fool her once more, to tell her that things were going to be all right.

The door closing saw him turn, his dark eyes clashing with her brown ones, electricity sizzling between them both.  Gripping her hands she swallowed nervously, “Hello Max…I wish you hadn’t come”  She saw the small muscle on the side of his jaw tighten as he stepped towards her before seeming to pull himself together and stop, his look searching hers.  “We need to talk”

Sierra could feel her hands tremble as she waved him towards a table and chairs, needing some distance between them.  Moving with him she took the seat opposite, her voice cold, not aware of the bleakness deep within her expressive eyes.  “Then talk.  Although I think you are wasting your time.  We had a good run…Let’s just leave it at that”

Max scowled, fighting the desire to rise and pull her into his arms, demanding that she retract the comment, surprising and frightening himself with the strength of his caveman response to her.  Only the shadow of pain deep within her eyes kept him seated as his hands delved into his shirt pocket.

She watched as he unfolded the piece of newspaper, her mouth firming as she recognised the story of the previous night, her eyes flying to his in accusation, no longer able to maintain the calm exterior.  “You came to gloat!”, simmering fury in her voice, her body stiffening as he shook his head.

“No…To explain”  Sitting back, her arms folded protectively around herself Sierra glared at him, the tears she was fighting so hard to hold back balanced precariously on the edge of her lids, her voice tight. “Save it Max.  I want you to go”, an almost defeated sound in her voice as she looked away, her words almost inaudible, “Just go”

Shaking his head he sat forward, his finger stabbing the picture.  “This is not true Sierra…It is not what it seems”  Her snort of derision resulted in a growl from him as he pushed the story before her.  “I had no idea she was coming.  She and I have dated on and off sure…but that was in the past.  Do you really think I would have invited her when you were supposed to be with me?”

Sierra flicked her look to the picture, bitterness deep in her voice.  “I have no idea what goes on in your head Max.  But you certainly do not look like you were fighting her off”  Giving an exasperated sigh he shook his head.  “Actually…that is exactly what I was doing.  She blind-sided me Sierra.  She came at me and pushed herself forward for a kiss.  The photographer saw an opportunity and took it….but I neither instigated it nor allowed it to continue.  Believe me, that kiss lasted as long as it took for me to pull her off me”  His voice changed, became gentler.  “I am with you…Do you really think I would ruin what we have for…”, his hand waved towards the picture, “this?”

Looking once more at the picture, Sierra could see the way his hands were braced on the other woman’s hips, not in a caress, but flattened, ready to push away.  Savaging her lips, for the first time she felt doubt, her head turning to look out of the window, confusion filling her before once more turning to meet his eyes.  Could she have been so wrong about him?

Max held his breath watching the myriad of emotions fleeting across her lovely face.  However, he felt the chill of fear as her eyes finally settled on him, her look resolute.  “OK…I believe you” His brows puckered, sensing that all was not right as she continued. “But…perhaps it is for the best that we just go our separate ways”  Hurt surged into him as he shook his head, “No”  Sierra ran the tip of her tongue over the softness of her lush lips, nodding her head, “There is so much more between us Max…the past…It is just best”

His hands reached forward and grasped hers catching Sierra by surprise, the shudder at just this small touch pulling a moan from her lips as she stared at him, her look begging for release as he smiled, his head nodding gently.  “Yes…the past.  No more avoiding it Sierra.  We are going to talk about the past”

 {concluding installment 28th Jan}

Betrayed by the Billionaire (pt 11)

Chapter Eleven

The knock on her door snapped her attention back to the present, her hand rising to dash away the silent tears which spilled down her pale cheeks.  “C…Come in”, her voice sounded stronger than she felt, her lips curving into a forced smile as Sean appeared.  “OK-  just came to say goodbye and thanks for dropping everything to come to my rescue…but got a hot invite from Letterman to talk about my …” The singer’s large grin dropped from his face as his eyes took in the woman sitting silently before him, a woman who was trying so hard to look professional and in charge while her eyes shone with unshed tears, despair in her look.

“Sierra?”  His tone was now full of concern, a frown on his handsome forehead as he moved quickly towards her, squatting down and taking her frozen fingers in his.  “What is it?” He could see the battle raging within her as she raised her eyes heavenward, her hands gripping his tightly before she seemed to gather herself, once more finding the control she so badly needed, her eyes still full of grief, but now also anger.  Clearing her throat slightly she pulled a wavering smile to her mouth “I think I made a mistake Sean….I think that my holiday is over….I want to come with you”

Sean’s frown deepened as his voice become firmer.  “What happened?  Yesterday you seemed so happy…What changed?”

With a small sob she pulled a hand free, lifting the paper and letting him read the story, his look taking in the picture as his features became stony.  “That b…”, stopping himself as he once more took in the devastation on her features.  Leaning forward he pulled Sierra into his arms, her unresisting body falling against him as more sobs racked her, Sean holding her tightly to himself, soothing his hand down her back and hair as he whispered encouraging words of comfort, Sierras heart breaking.

For several minutes he held her, allowing her to release the hurt and pain, before she pulled back, her hand reaching for a handkerchief as she dabbed at her eyes, grief etched so clearly on her lovely features, her lips quivering so vulnerably before her eyes met his.  “I can’t believe I let him do this to me again”

Scowling, Sean lifted more of the small perfumed handkerchiefs from the box and pushed them gently into her hand.  “Again?  I knew that the two of you knew each other…but you dated before?”  She shook her head telling him the story of the night her mother died, he not interrupting, listening attentively as her voice grew so bitter.  “He took me into his home, became the one person I could rely on…my rock.  Then when he grew tired of having me around he forced me off the island…out of his home”  Her lips curled with contempt.  “I was fifteen, still struggling to deal with what had happened with my mother and all he could think about was himself”, an unhumerous half-laugh was torn from her lips.  “I suppose I was cramping his style…being the hero suited him for a bit…but he got bored quickly…and now…seems he has been playing with me again.  I suppose that he thought I was a challenge”, her head dropped as more tears squeezed out of her eyes “He likes to win…and didn’t I just make it so easy for him?”, self-disgust filled her voice.

Sean rocked back on his feet, his eyes confused.  “I know that Max has his issues…but I would never have thought…”, his mouth closed as she flashed him a warning look, anger now once more heating the depths of her brown eyes.  “Max Alessandro is a selfish, thoughtless man who plays with people’s emotions.  He does not care about anybody else but himself…does not care who he hurts…is incapable of love”

Her eyes dropped as she realised she had said too much, her hand pushing the tendrils of hair which fell over her face nervously back behind her ear watching as Sean regarded her seriously, a touch of sympathy deep in his eyes, his voice soft.  “You fell in love with him”, not a question – a statement.  Opening her mouth to refute his words their eyes met, Sierra once more feeling the tears blur her vision as her mouth snapped closed, her head nodding minutely.  “What a fool huh?”, her hand once more wiping away tears as they fell, her voice almost a whisper. “Truth is I think I fell in love with him when I was fifteen…but I hid it behind the anger of what he did…the way he betrayed me”  Her voice broke softly, pain tingeing the words. “But he couldn’t even leave me with that anger could he?…No…He had to strip it away and make me love him…and then betray me again”

Her eyes rose to Sean’s.  “He used me again…I need to get away from him Sean…I can’t let him see what he has done…please”  Sean took both her hands in his, his look serious.  “We are leaving in ten minutes Sierra…and nobody not even Max Alessandro will get near you if you do not want them to”

Sierra could feel the way her heart swelled at her employer’s words, at the caring in his eyes. “Thank you Sean” His hand lifted as he ran the back of his fingers down her cheek, his knuckles so gentle against her skin. “Max is an idiot.  Any man who could have your heart would be blessed…he is the loser here Sierra”, an almost sad smile drifted onto his lips.  “You know there was a time I hoped…”  Sierra looked back at the singer in surprise, realisation hitting her at his words, a small groan ripped from her.  “Oh Sean…I didn’t know”  His smile widened, still holding sadness, but also acceptance. “I know you didn’t…all you ever saw was the spoiled singer…the ego…the little boy who didn’t know which country he was in without you…but I have always cared about you Sierra”

As her head dropped, guilt filled her, his finger hooked under her chin, lifting her head to once more look back at him. “And now it is my turn to show you that I am not that spoiled brat…and to take care of you.  I know you do not love me Sierra”, continuing surely as her mouth opened, her eyes full of guilt “and that is OK…but I am going to look after you and help you get through this”  His eyes drilled into hers, “OK?”  Nodding her head, a warmer smile filled her features .“OK”, she repeated as Sean dropped a gentle kiss on the end of her nose before rising in one fluid movement, his voice more authorative than she had ever heard.  “Good…then get dressed because this show leaves in ten minutes”

Within seven minutes Sierra was dressed, moving towards the door having not brought much with her.  With a grimace she had already known that she was going to have to go on a shopping spree, not prepared to return and retrieve her clothes from the island or his mainland apartment, once more chastising herself for being so trusting.  The ringing of her mobile pulled her to a stop, pain slamming into her as she saw Max’s name flash on the screen.

Savaging her bottom lip she stared at the flashing screen – was he phoning to gloat, or to let her down gently, to explain that things were over because she was surplus to requirements?  Her finger hovered over the answer button, unsure whether she was able to hear his voice without breaking down, only her own pride finally making her press the button.  Standing taller, she determined not to let him see how much he had destroyed her, not give him the satisfaction of once more seeing that he had broken her.

Answering the call she held back the gasp as his sensual voice washed over her.  “Good morning babe…I am at the airport and missing you…I will be there in four hours…are you meeting me or should I expect you in to be waiting naked in our room?”

Sierra could only stare in disbelief at the call, her mouth dry as she gripped the phone.  He was unbelievable.  Had the model had to leave already?…Was he still playing her?  She felt the coldness seep deep within, her voice as businesslike as she could make it.

“Hello Max”  She could feel his hesitation, his tone becoming more wary, “Everything OK Sierra?”  With the phone clenched tightly in her hand she forced an answer, “I’m fine.  However, I think that perhaps you should cancel your plans” His gasp from the other side brought more tears to her eyes as she fought to keep control.  “Sierra…what the hell are you talking about?”  She could hear both the confusion and panic on his voice. “I mean that the holiday is over Max.  It is time I went back to work”

His tone became quieter, “But yesterday…”  She managed a small laugh, “We both got caught up in the moment Max…Said things that we didn’t really think through…It is just better this way…So good bye…Thanks for the holiday”, as she pulled the phone from her ear she could hear his voice calling her name, she ending the call as tears once more flowed down her cheeks.  The ringing of her phone showed him trying to call back, Sierra blocking the call and refusing any more contact from him.  Pulling herself to her full height she stuffed the phone back into her pocket stepping proudly out of the room, unaware of the way her lips quivered and tears slid down her distraught features.

At the airport Max could feel as his whole body froze, the overnight bag he carried slipping from his shocked numb fingers.  He had risen from the coffee table ready to move to his departure gate when he phoned Sierra and now his legs buckled under him as he dropped back into the chair, his eyes staring at the small device clutched in his hand.  Quickly dialing her number again, he felt the hurt slam into him as she refused his call.  What happened?  The previous day she had seemed so happy, things between them seemed so right.

He felt the coldness creep into his chest as realisation hit him.  She planned everything.  He believed that she had moved on from ten years ago, from his having to force her from his home.  With his stomach clenched he groaned.  She played him.  She wanted revenge for the past and she used him, making him know how she must have felt when she was abandoned.  Running his hand over his face he moaned.  She had no idea what happened…none, but the cold-bloodedness of her actions twisted his insides.  How could he have been so wrong about Sierra Summers?

He believed her to be warm, smart, kind…but he was wrong.  Beneath that beautiful facade beat the heart of a cold calculating manipulator.  Grabbing his bag he once more rose, pushing down the feelings which tried to swamp him.  He should think himself lucky that she had shown herself for what she really was before… His lips set grimly as he stalked purposefully towards the exit.

Passing a table, an open paper strewn across the surface, his eyes focussed on the image as he halted abruptly.  Moving to grab the sheets he scanned the words, his eyes growing wider and wider with each one as the image of himself kissing Adele mocked him.  Dropping the paper he sat, his mind in turmoil.  Sierra had seen the report, deep down he knew it.  She thought he had once more abandoned her.  Pulling out his mobile he once more rose, making phone calls as he quickly changed his travel arrangements based on information which he was finally able to acquire.

Seated in business class, he sat back, his eyes looking sightlessly out of the small window as he reflected over his actions.  Not going over the past had been a mistake.  It had been his hope that the facts of the past would come out when she was able to understand what happened, but he now knew that by not dealing with their past he had not allowed their future to grow on a more solid foundation.  He should have told her what happened, knowing that it was his own guilt that kept him from talking to her.  When she needed him most, he had not been able to help, he had sent her away.  He groaned, knowing that she had suffered for that decision.  Taking a deep breath he knew that the two had to face the past and he vowed that she would hear what he had to say.

{next installment 21st Jan}

Betrayed by the Billionaire (pt 10)

Chapter Ten

The following day everybody left, the crew by boat to the mainland and Sean on his Cruiser, once more leaving the two alone.  This time however, she did not have work to keep her busy, the two spending each day wandering around the island, Sierra enjoying rediscovering the home she had left so many years ago, happy to see that not much had changed.  Max had taken her on long horse rides and spent hours teaching her how to scuba dive until she was proficient enough to keep up with him, the two never tiring of the other or running out of things to talk about.

Given his position of authority and wealth, Max was used to having everybody around him agree with him and jump when he gave commands.  However, Sierra had always been the exception to that rule in his life, from the first time he had met her when a cocky little 12-year-old to the gorgeous woman she had grown into, and he revelled in the many heated discussions they would have, each one always ending in bed.   The sex, he had to admit, was amazing.  For an innocent, she quickly learnt how to please him and her sense of adventure drove her to experimentation that blew his mind.  With a happy smile on his face he remembered the previous evening when she surprised him with body chocolate and a wicked grin.

After two weeks he asked if she would like to accompany him to a ball on the mainland, his presence expected at the charity his mother had founded.  Sierra was overjoyed at being his date for the occasion, especially as it was such a public venue, Sierra knowing that Max’s love life was closely followed by the paparazzi, as was Sean’s.

They had moved into his apartment on the mainland, luxurious with every modern convenience.  She had been surprised how personal it was, even more surprised to discover that he now spent more time in the large apartment than on the island.  Patting his hand with sympathy she saw the sadness in his eyes knowing that it must remind him of his mother, her death still so raw.  Taking her hand in his he kissed her knuckles knowing that she knew exactly how he felt, remembering the night he brought her back home with him, a knowing smile on her lips.

“Your mother was a great strength to me when I needed it” her voice soft as Max nodded back, Sierra seeing the way his eyes misted over, her arms moving around him as he kissed her.  He pulled back until their eyes locked “It means so much to me having you here Sierra”, his words full of such an honesty that she groaned, rising to once more bring their lips together.  Their lovemaking was slow, languorous, each giving the other strength with both bodies and something more, something ethereal, until he rose over her, surging deeply within her tightness, neither prepared to break the penetrating hold of the others look.

Just as she saw the fire in his turn from smoulder to blazing inferno, he felt himself drown in the soft brown depth of hers, his thrusts becoming frantic as she clung to him until together they both reached the peak of pleasure, tottering on the edge until together they plunged over, each crying out, Sierra unaware as she screamed out his name, his mouth dropping to kiss her, both of their hearts hammering at the intensity of their shared experience.

Slumped over her, Sierra wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling his damp neck, his masculine smell enveloping her senses, her lips kissing him as she licked the salty moisture, the realisation swamping her that she loved him.  She loved Max.

Max stirred, feeling the way Sierra stiffened under him, pushing himself to the side, his eyes suddenly so full of concern, “What is it?…Did I hurt you?”  Her heart swelled at his concern as she shook her head, biting her lip.  How could she be so stupid as to fall in love with Max.   It was inevitable that he would get tired of her, throw her out.  Just as he had ten years ago when he blindsided her, he would one day – probably soon – ask her to go, expect her to return to her old life.

“Tell me”, his words pushed into the fog of pain which descended on her, her stricken look filling him with panic. “Sierra…what happened?” Dragging in a deep breath her eyes rose to look above him, avoiding his eyes, something so frantic stirring within the heart of hers.  She needed in that moment to tell him, to once more open herself to the hurt he would heap on her, knowing that he would reject her feelings, but needing to bare her very soul to this man, to be completely honest with him.  The words sat on the tip of her tongue, those words of love just as her mobile phone burst into life, the sound making her jump as she groaned, lifting it.

Listening to the voice on the other side, Max watched as her back tensed.  For a moment he had known that she was about to say something important, something which made his stomach clench, holding his breath in expectation.  As her phone rang, disappointment flooded through him before he frowned instinctively knowing something was very wrong.

He watched as she dragged a shaky hand over her brow, resignation and worry warring with each other as she turned to look at him, shutters falling over her so expressive eyes, coldness eating at his stomach.  “I understand.  Tell him I will be on the first flight.  Tell him he only talks to his lawyer”

Sierra took in the scowl which filled his features, his questioning eyes wary as she turned to the side, allowing her hair to fall like a curtain, covering her face not allowing him to see the way her eyes stung with tears which she refused to allow to fall, her teeth savaging the bottom lip as she fought to pull a more professional mask on, to hide the swirling emotions within, thankful for the phone call which had stopped her from making the biggest mistake of her life: declaring love for Max Alessandro.  What had she been thinking?

“What’s wrong?…What is it?”  His words pulled her back to reality as she took a deep breath, once more in control.  “Sean has been arrested…he got into a fight.  They need me back to deal with the fallout” Making to stand, his arm shot out stalling her as his hand moved forward to capture her chin, Sierra surprised to see doubt and apprehension in his features “For how long?  Will you return?”  She swallowed as her look flitted over his handsome face.  She needed to get away from him.  Put as much distance as possible between them before he tore her apart.  Max was not someone you fell in love with.  He was a player with a short attention span and Sean’s arrest gave her the perfect opportunity to escape from him, to save herself.  She should have told him the holiday was over, that it was time to go back to work, but instead she held his look, stunned to see something deep within the blackness of his, something which clenched her heart.  Did he care?

Her answer was almost a whisper, her mouth suddenly so dry, “Do you want me to return?”  Pain filled his features as he sat up pulling her harder to him “I don’t want you to go…Of course I want you to return” Sierra could feel the lightness fill her.  Max wanted her to stay, that must mean something, perhaps even that he…cared.

Again the voice inside her sneered, mocked her.  You thought that before.  You believed he wanted you around, and look what happened.  Pulling from his hold, her head dropped as she battled with the raging emotions within.  “I…I have to get back to work…Sean needs me…I need to go now Max”, adding seeing the way his features dropped, “B…But if you want me to come back…”

His relieved smile shone from him as he nodded “You…still want to be with me Sierra?”  Raising her eyes once more to his she nodded, not aware as her doubts shone so clearly from her “If…If you want me to be”  His arms once more enveloped her, his mouth kissing her hair as his arms caressed her back.  “I don’t want to be separated from you…Not for a moment”

Once more putting her at arm’s length, he smiled, that boyish heart-stopping smile which had her stomach flip-flopping “I will come with you…We will go together.  When you have finished doing what you need to do…we can return together”

Sierra could feel the love for him shining from the smile she gave him, before groaning gently.  “You can’t…the fund raiser.  They need you here” Max paused, his brow furrowed in deep thought.  Duty and the memory of his mother demanded that he attend, that the event be presided over by the Alessandro family.  He knew how much the charity relied on the money which was generated from the night, his mind formulating alternatives as his hand caressed her shoulder “OK.  Then tomorrow I will join you” Nodding, she could feel the way her eyes swam with tears of joy.  Max wanted to be with her.  He must care.

The rest of that day passed in a blur.  She was able to catch a flight within two hours, Max insisting that he accompany her to the airport.  He had pulled her into his arms, his kiss bone-melting before looking at her “I will see you tomorrow…Miss me” With a smile she pressed a kiss to his mouth nodding her head.  “Every second”, she responded, seeing the fire which instantly sprang to his eyes.

Sean’s arrest had made the front page.  However, Sierra was surprised to discover that far from being at fault, his actions had been noble.   Having jumped in to stop a man from hitting a woman, he had been arrested for pushing the would-be attacker after the man recognised him and insisted on the police being called.  It did not take her long to organise for his release, especially when the officials of the town found out all of the facts, embarrassed that the singer had been treated so shabbily in their town.

Moving into the prison to accompany Sean and his lawyer to the hotel they had booked, she found him wearing the drab prison uniform.  Her mouth quirked, shaking her head seeing that already he had customised the boring costume, dropping the pants to his hips and turning the bottoms up to his knees, the top now turned back to front with the prison name emblazoned on his chest.

“I leave you for a couple of weeks and you get yourself arrested” Her words were spoken with humour, her lips twitching as he grinned back at her, his arms opening in an innocent posture.  “What can I say Sierra…I missed you” Sean rose and pulled her in for a hug.

Leaving the prison the press had been waiting for the singer, their car pulled up as close to the exit as possible.  Sean however, in his usual flamboyant manner, took time to pose for the cameras joking that he might use the uniform in his next video as the press lapped it all up, Sierra holding back the smile – only Sean could turn a disaster into a publicity photo-shoot.

The next day she woke early, excitedly looking forward to Max joining her.  She smiled remembering the stunned surprise on Sean’s features as she informed him that he would be arriving that day, his expression becoming thoughtful as a slow smile spread over his face, “I see” his only comment.

Sitting drinking her coffee, she chuckled reading the headlines.  The large picture of Sean grinning as he joked about his incarceration made her shake her head as she read the story.  Flicking through the rest of the paper, her fingers tightened as she froze, pain slamming into her a long moan of ripped from her lips as tears sprang to her eyes.  There Max had been photographed at the fund raiser, his arms on the shoulders of a woman as he kissed her, the other woman plastered against him.  The sob tore from her throat as she read the headlines which screamed out at her from the page “Max Alessandro and the future Mrs Alessandro?”

She scanned the story, reading of the on-off relationship between Max and the supermodel that even she had heard of, along with the story of how the two had been inseparable since her surprise return the night of the fund raiser. Betrayal tore through Sierra.  So she had only been a distraction for him, something disposable until the woman he really wanted turned up.  Dropping the paper she moved to the window, her arms wrapped defensively around herself.  She had done it again, she had opened herself up to him, and he had used her, destroyed her.  Heart-broken tears streamed down her face.

{next installment 14th Jan}

Betrayed by the Billionaire (pt 9)

Chapter Nine

On the final day of the shoot they awoke, this time Sierra surprised not to find Max beside her, her head lifting, as her eyes scanned the room looking for him.  Seeing him stood dressed by the window,  she allowed her eyes to once more drink in the handsome figure he made stood so still, his hands pushed deep into his pockets, a dark smouldering look on his features as he stared unseeingly out of the window.

“Max?” Her soft throaty voice pulled him around, his eyes falling on her luscious body hidden within the silken nightdress, wrapped around the cotton sheet which did not hide the curves of the figure he had come to know so well.

“What’s wrong?”  Her tone held concern as he moved back over to the bed, sitting beside her and dropping his head to kiss the softness of her mouth.  “Nothing….nothing is wrong”, he replied, his eyes scanning her face as her hands flew around his neck, the kiss deepening as with a grimace he wondered why he bothered to dress.

Pushing her back against the pillow his fingers plucked the sheet from her hands, slowly dragging it down her body, his instantly tightening with lustful heat as she watched him from under long lashes, her lips slightly parted.  As her nipples under the thin material beaded under his gaze, his mouth dropped to cover one, the suddenness of his actions eliciting a gasp from her as her spine curved in silent offering.  “God, you are so beautiful, inside and out”, his words vibrated through her skin as her hands weaved through his hair.  The feel of him sent even more jolts coursing through her, his all too familiar smell filling her nostrils as she purred softly.

Sierra could feel as he pulled his clothes off, her own feverish hands helping him as his mouth moved to follow the outline of her neck, jaw, cheek and finally her mouth, his tongue plundering the softness of hers, demanding more.

His hand pulled the silky top down over her slim shoulders, the slip pulled under her firm pouting breasts, Max growling as the material forced them together, the nipples hardened peaks as his mouth dropped once more to cover one, then the other, a gasp torn from her lips as she arched her back closer to him.  With another growl he gripped the fragile cloth between his hands and ripped the material apart, his caveman actions sending instant wet heat to pool deep within her belly.  His frantic need for her forced a groan to leave her lips as she dropped her hands to slide them along his side around to his back, his skin goose-bumping under her fingertips.  One hand moved to push her legs apart, his long fingers exploring the wetness of her as she moaned and panted, begging him to make love to her, not caring that she was pleading, only partially aware as he pulled the nightstand open, retrieving protection from within.

Sierra could feel his need, as now both naked, her hand grasped the hardened heat of him, feeling as his body stiffened, the lapping tongue stilling before his teeth nipped the raised peak sending a shiver through her.  “I want you”, his voice was full of barely contained passion, she nodding frantically, needing him too.  “If I don’t get deep inside you soon…I am going to explode”, his raw words were like sandpaper against her skin making her throb harder.  Nodding, her eyes flitted open as his head rose, their eyes locked as she saw the molten desire deep within his.  As he pulled away, his heat leaving her, she opened her mouth to protest wanting him back, before he grasped her hips, flipping her onto her stomach, his hands caressing down her spine, his lips following the curve of her back as she quivered, whimpering as her body instantly trembled, her hands fisting the soft sheets.

Max positioned himself between her legs, before pushing himself deep within her body.  She was tight, so damn tight and responsive, he having to pause, fighting the need for release, his face showing the struggle it took as he felt the tingling heat demanding release.  Taking deep breaths he found some control, his hips moving gently to begin against her.  Under him, Sierra wriggled and writhed in ecstasy, the feel of his weight over her back new, along with the way his breath fanned across her ear his mouth whispering soft sensual words, words telling her how beautiful she was, how much he wanted her, needed her.  Each one only added to the maelstrom of sensations building, spiralling, rising until they flooded over her engulfing her as she screamed out his name, her climax ripping through every fibre of her being.  As darkness momentarily took her she collapsed limply onto the bed only partially aware as Max raised the tempo, a guttural roar of relief forced from him before he took one more thrust, his body pushed against her as his cries joined hers.  His own release quickly followed hers as he surged within Sierra, both of their bodies still spasming while her name was wrenched from him, he collapsing over her, both panting heavily as they fought to drag in lungfuls of air, both stunned with the intensity of their lovemaking.

Finally Max rolled from her, flipping onto his stomach, his head turned as was hers, both smiling at the other, their eyes soft.  As their breathing slowed down from the wild tempo to a manageable rate, she stirred softly, “Now tell me what is really wrong” Max smiled knowing that she of all people had always been able to read him better than anybody else.  Lazily drawing his finger along her arm he gave a deep sigh moving to kiss the top of her head gently.

“Today is the last day of the shoot Sierra” She froze beside him, the thought one which had been filling her mind all the previous day, not prepared to admit as the old anxieties arose within her, wondering if he expected her to leave the next day.  Trying to sound as upbeat as possible, while her stomach lurched painfully, she gave a small non-committal shrug.

“What are your plans after today?”, he prompted softly.  She felt her throat constrict as she moved from him, grabbing her wrap from the bottom of the bed and rising  “I…I don’t really know.  I just assumed that I would be going back with Sean”, an almost hurt look came to her features before she flicked him a half-smile.  “I would not like to outstay my welcome”, the attempt at levity feeling sour on her lips, as her head dipped trying not to show the pain within or the way the tears seemed to rise scalding the back of her eyes.

However, Max had moved quickly to her side, pulling her around, catching the pain, a small moan leaving him, “Thank God”, his words filling her with surprise as she stared back at him in disbelief.  How could he be so cruel she thought, anger flaring within as she tried to wrench free from him, Max holding her tightly, Sierra unable to look at him.

“Don’t worry I wasn’t going to cramp your life-style”, she bit out, swallowing the lump which rose to her throat, Max hauling her even harder against himself.  “I meant… Thank God you care too”, his soft voice making her head fly up to his.  “I want you to stay Sierra…You never did answer my question, but I would bet that you are due holidays and Sean doesn’t really need you right now”

Sierra had been stunned by his words, her expressive eyes full of that shock.  Running her small tongue along suddenly dry lips she was been only able to stare at him, her voice coming out in a hoarse whisper,  “Y…You do?”  His head bent to kiss the corner of her mouth, his voice soft against her skin “Oh yes, very much so”

Sierra paused, feeling the small glimmer of hope unfurl within her stomach, before she nodded against him, hearing the intake of breath from him, his head pulling back to smile so warmly at her.  Then he kissed her, a long lingering kiss full of heat and fire as he slowly walked her back towards the bed, the knowledge of how close he had come to losing her spurring him on to new heights.

As they once more lay in the other’s arms, the afterglow of their lovemaking enveloping them both, he kissed her head softly.

“Thank you for staying”, his words pulled a sweet serene smile to her lips. “You are most welcome…You will let me know when you get fed up with me”  Max lifted himself slightly to rest on the heel of one hand, a smile on his lips, “Are you telling me you are going to stay that long?  Because I can’t see me ever getting fed up with you”

He saw the way her eyes closed as she seemed to be fighting with some internal demon, Max instinctively knowing what.  However, before he could speak she rolled from him, her back to him as she gave a half-laugh, the sound forced even to his ears, “Well I suppose you can handle having me around for a couple of weeks” With a frown he clamped his mouth closed, sensing that now was not the time to push what had happened in the past.  She had agreed to stay for longer, and right now that was a start, one that could be built on.

Later that day, Sean was surprised when she requested a holiday, even more so when she was unable to give him a date for her return.  He regarded her carefully, a note of concern coming to his handsome features.  “You know Sierra.  I am all for you cutting loose and having some fun.  But don’t have any expectations with Max.  You might think I have a lousy reputation with women…but his is not much better”, surprising her as he gave a rueful smile, “Truth is I kind of see you like a sister…and I really don’t want you getting hurt”

Sierra stared at the man who had been her boss for three years, a smile playing on her lovely lips, “I never knew you cared”; she smiled, trying to hide the surge of emotion that swept over her.  Sean flicked her chin gently, “Yeah…Well don’t go telling anybody, don’t want people getting the impression that I give a damn”   Chuckling, she gave him a small wink ,“Your secret is safe with me”

The following day everybody left, the crew by boat to the mainland and Sean on his Cruiser, once more leaving the two alone.  This time however, she did not have work to keep her busy, the two spending each day wandering around the island, Sierra enjoying rediscovering the home she had left so many years ago, happy to see that not much had changed.  Max took her on long horse rides and spent hours teaching her how to scuba dive until she was proficient enough to keep up with him, the two never tiring of the other or running out of things to talk about.

Given his position of authority and wealth, Max was used to having everybody around him agree with him and jump when he gave commands.  However, Sierra had always been the exception to that rule in his life, from the first time he had met her when a cocky little twelve-year-old to the gorgeous woman she had grown into, and he revelled in the many heated discussions they would have, each one always ending in bed.   The sex, he had to admit, was amazing.  For an innocent, she quickly learnt how to please him and her sense of adventure had driven her to new experimentation that blew his mind.  With a happy smile on his face he remembered the previous evening when she surprised him, naked clutching only a jar of body chocolate and a wicked grin.  Yes, life was good.

{next installment 27th December}

The Billionaire’s Blackmailed Heiress

To give her mother her dying wish Mina Lane must deal with the enigmatic and dangerously seductive Nikos Dupris. Only he can give her access to the Villa her father and mother shared while her mother was the mistress of Nikos’ hated step-father. He however is in need of help himself, help that only Mina can provide and using her mother’s situation blackmails her to save his business. Both distrust the other, yet can they fight the growing attraction they are trying so hard to ignore.

Blackmailed For The Billionaire’s Pleasure

Three years ago Craig Kent and Kira Black had spent a whole summer together before, with no warning he had abandoned her, forcing her to return to the UK heartbroken. Now he was blackmailing her to be his mistress for the week… to use her as he saw fit… to be his sex toy. She had determined not to once more fall for his charms, but despite her best attempts it had not taken long before she was as much in love with him as she had been all those years ago.

But she knew that at the end of the week he would once more throw her to the side just as he had done three years earlier the reason still as much a mystery to her as it had been then. However, Kira had her own secret, one which she would do anything to keep from him.

Kidnapped the Wrong Sister

Mistaken for her sister, Diona Brown had been tricked into visiting the island home of the Billionaire Nikias Dranias, who planned on keeping her there as his prisoner to stop his brother from marrying the woman he believed to be no more than a gold digger. However passion had quickly flared between the two, and now Diona had found that she has to escape to not only save her sister but also herself from the enigmatic and distrustful Greek.

Blackmailed Merger

When Dante Durant once more appears in Samantha Trey’s life, it is again to manipulate and use her. However this time Samantha knows what is going on and is determined not to allow the charismatic and gorgeous Greek to play with her heart as he did when they first met.  Blackmailed into a marriage to the one man she had ever loved she must protect her heart and also the secret she keeps which keeps the hatred for him burning deeply within her. But will she really be able to walk away from him again as she had so many years ago, and will he let her.