Chapter 5

She was in the middle of a heated discussion with one of the partners inside her office when the receptionist sent the call through.

"This is April."

"You sound even sexier over the phone."

She placed her hand over the mouthpiece and told Derek she had to take the call. Waiting until he had left the office and closed the door, she responded, her heart hammering inside her chest.

"Who is this?"

His deep chuckle tugged a smile from her. "You have not called, and I am beginning to feel rejected and tossed aside."

"What do you want?"

"Why don't we go for dinner, and I remind you of that."

"The answer is no."

"I am outside your parking lot, and I must warn you that I will stay put until you come out."

"Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Absolutely nothing."

"I am not going to dinner with you."

"I will grab takeout and return to your place."

"In other words, you want sex."

"I do. I also would like to see you, so two problems solved right there."

"And if I say I don't want to see you?"

"I would have to spend some time changing your mind. What are you in the mood for? Thai? Mexican? French? Italian?"

"I have work- "

"It's almost seven, and like I said, I will be waiting in the parking lot. And if you are not out by seven thirty, I am coming in."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Now, see what you have done?" he said mildly. "You are daring me, and I am rising to the challenge."

She fumed silently but already felt her heart thudding in anticipation of being with him again. "Okay, okay. But if you think you can dictate- "

"Thai or Chinese?" He interrupted her smoothly.

"Thai."

"That's my girl." He murmured approvingly, sending shivers along her spine.

"I am not your girl."

"Aren't you darling?" He asked softly before hanging up the phone.

Replacing the receiver, April leaned back in the chair, a soft smile touching her lips. She had been thinking about him since they had spent time together. And her resolve to get rid of his card had not happened.

Instead, she slipped it inside her bedside drawer, telling herself she would get rid of it later. Now he was out in the parking lot- Sitting forward, she turned off her device and secured the documents she had been working on. The partners were still here; they would notice him if they left.

The Collins family was not a group that went unnoticed. She did not want to bring attention to herself by announcing that she saw one. Or whatever they were doing.

Making her way to the elevator, she heaved a sigh of relief to realize it was empty. She made it out into the lobby and the parking lot without incident and saw him getting out of his vehicle.

"Stay put." She ordered, walking swiftly over to her car. Sliding in, she backed out and headed for the entrance. When she glanced into her rearview mirror, it was to see him right behind her.

It was still light out, and the air was balmy enough for her to wind down the window. Ignoring the tremors in her hands and her heart racing, she concentrated on the office buildings whizzing by. The quaint township was lovely, and she enjoyed working in the middle.

Her head jerked to attention when she heard the horn behind her as he sought to get her attention. She stopped on the side of the road and waited for him to come to her.

"There is an excellent Thai place right here. Want to come in with me?"

He leaned against her door, allowing her to whiff his expensive cologne. He was not wearing a suit, and his shell-pink shirt was unbuttoned at the throat. The sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing strong, tanned arms covered with dark hair. The knowledge of those arms wrapped around her was making her weak.

"No."

"I called ahead and told them I would pick up. I ordered the chicken Patay. You are going to love it."

"I have had it before."

"I will be right back."

She watched as he strode off toward the restaurant, his long legs eating up the distance. Flexing her fingers on the wheel, she stopped to wonder what she was doing. She had expected him to forget about her and move on to someone from his society, but he had been the one to make a move.

It did not mean she was contemplating a relationship with him. But nothing was wrong with having a little fun. He was out of her league, and she would not kid herself into thinking it would ever be more.

She had a tremendous amount of baggage carrying with her and could not hope to put that on anyone, certainly not a man like Antwan Collins. They were attracted to each other for some inconceivable reason, and she would run with it for now.

That he had not suggested they go to his place this time was proof enough that she did not belong in his world.

He came out, holding two large paper bags as he entered his vehicle.

*****

"Just put them in the kitchen- "She led the way, sliding out of her heels and preceding him into the room. Her hair was severely drawn back into an elegant chignon at the nape of her neck, and the polka dot dress had a cinch-in the waist and a flared skirt that made her look like a child playing grown-up.

"What- "She gasped as he grabbed her from behind.

"I would like a proper greeting." His lips grazed her flesh as he trailed a path along her neck. "And to accuse you of torturing me by not calling." She was about to answer when he started nibbling, and she lost her thought. Leaning back against him, she tilted her head to give him better access.

Turning her around, he cupped her face, his eyes turbulent. "I want you." He breathed. "Ever since I left here Saturday morning, I have been hungry for you."

"You cannot say that to me." She whispered, her fingers curling into his shirt.

"I just did. What are you going to do about it?" he trailed hot kisses down her cheek and the sides of her lips, his hands tightening around her waist. "I want you right now, right here."

"No- Oh!" Her head drifted back as he unhooked the buttons of her dress and cupped her breasts through the lace of her bra. She had not bothered to wear any stockings today because the day was so hot.

Sliding his hands up her thighs, he felt an incredible jolt at the feel of her bare, silky skin. Pushing her back onto the stool, he peeled her panties down, dropping the material on the floor. His eyes met hers as he reached into his pocket to take out the box of condoms.

"I see you are prepared."

"I did not want you to have any excuses for us being together. Want to put it on?" He asked huskily.

She started to say no but took it form instead and removed it from the foil.

"Pinch the top. Yes, that's it." He could feel himself bursting into flames as she carefully rolled the thin rubber over his engorged member.

Taking her time, she rolled it until it was at the base of his sex, her fingers nearly driving him crazy.

"Oh, sweetheart." He whispered. Lifting her against him, he drove into her, fingers digging into her hips. The shock of him so deep inside her had her crying out, her hands wrapping around his neck, her body arching. She had never done anything like this before. Marcus had been a stickler for having sex on a bed inside the bedroom.

This was something different and so exciting that she could scarcely stand it. Lifting her head, she brought his face down, her lips mating with his frantically. Antwan felt his heart thudding inside his chest and his body shuddering.

This was the first time she had initiated anything, and it incredibly affected him. Driving into her, he hastened her pleasure, realizing that he was not going to last very long.

*****

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" He asked mildly as he tucked his fingers under her chin and opened her lips. "I am feeding you." Easing the piece of curry chicken between his teeth, he mashed his lips against hers so she could take it into her mouth.

"I am not an invalid. I can feed myself." She muttered as she chewed. They had finally made it up the stairs and into her bedroom, where he had undressed them both. He was ticking all the right boxes, and it was scaring her. He treated her like a princess, something she had never experienced.

She was accustomed to selfish men all her life. Her dad had chosen his drug habit before his family, and Marcus had thought it was amusing to be with a virgin. He had admitted that much to her after the relationship was over.

But here was this incredibly handsome and very wealthy man catering to her. She wanted to cry because she knew it was not going to last. And she was not going to be able to let him in.

"What's the matter?" He was so attuned to her that he could sense the sudden change in her mood.

"Nothing."

Tilting her chin up, he simply stared at her, forcing her to talk to him.

"What do you want?"

His thick brows lifted. "I believe that's obvious."

"Well, it's not." She tried to twist away from him, but he held fast. "We are not suited, and I already told you I do not want a relationship."

He nodded. "What do you want?"

"Just sex. You are very good at what you do, and I have decided I might as well avail myself of your remarkable body. But this cannot go anywhere else."

"You think my body is remarkable?" He asked with a glint in his eyes.

Rolling her eyes at him, she tried again to move away. "You know it is. Look, we don't know anything about each other- "

"I have two nephews and a niece." Letting go of her chin, he scooped up some more meat and automatically fed it. "Marissa was adopted formally by my brother when he fell in love with her mother. Now they also have a son."

At the mention of the little girl, April felt her heart turning over. "He just adopted her. Just like that?"

Antwan nodded. Picking up the glass of water, he handed it to her. "He met Chandra in court while defending the man who had defrauded her father." He smiled at the memory. "And he never stopped until she agreed to go out with him."

"What did your parents and the rest of the family think about him adopting another man's child?"

He gave her a curious look, which made her look away. "They fell in love with Marissa; we all did. Andre and Chandra were in love with each other, so naturally. Andre wanted to adopt the child."

"And the biological father?"

"He died before Marissa was born."

"I see." Tilting the glass to her lips, she took a sip. "I read somewhere that your brother's wife was a pharmaceutical rep."

"She was."

"And your family accepted her."

"They have, yes. Just like they will accept you- "

"Don't!" She could not believe that, for a few minutes, she had been experiencing hope. It was a foolhardy endeavor, and she was angry that he had inadvertently given it to her. "Just go."

Taking the glass from her, he put it away and turned her to face him. "That's not happening."

"I don't want a relationship. And it's time you get it through your head." She told him angrily.

"What are you hiding, April?" he asked her quietly, making her feel like the biggest bitch on the planet.

"Nothing. Just leave. You got what you came here for, so there is no need to stick around."

"Something I said is upsetting you, and I would like to know what it is."

"I am not upset. I am just tired," she lied. Tears burned the back of her eyes, and she realized, to her horror, that she was hoping for something she could not have.

"That's not it."

"Are you planning on playing lawyer?" She sneered.

"Probably." His hands cupped her face. "Whatever it is, I am here and not going anywhere."

"I don't want you here."

"That's tough because I am not leaving."

Glaring at him did nothing to shake him. Giving up, she moved into his arms and buried her face in his chest. Holding her to him, Antwan closed his eyes briefly as he held her. He would like to think he was making progress but knew he had a long way to go.

*****

"Give me a minute." Andre held up a hand and issued some rapid instructions over the phone. "Listen, Basil, I know this is not something you are readily comfortable with, but it is the only option open to us."

He listened for a minute and jotted something down. "The bank extended the loan options, and your company can extend the business.

Now, if you go ahead with that expansion, you are opening yourself to an overhead that will strain your profits to the max." he listened again. "Think about it and get back to us." He hung up and gestured for his brother to enter.

"You look troubled. Does this have to do with Slater's IPO?"

"No. That's being taken care of as we speak."

"I did not see you at breakfast this morning, but your niece wanted to show you the bathing suit we picked up at Disney. It had her favorite character all over the fabric." Andre eyed his brother curiously. "One would imagine you spent the night away from home."

"One would be right." He stretched his legs out, taking one of the plush chairs in front of his brother's massive desk. Andre was a senior partner and would be managing partner one day, and his office reflected his subtly elegant style. An enormous fireplace took up an entire section of the wall.

"Who is she?"

"Someone I met almost two weeks ago."

"I see." Leaning back in his chair, he trained his impassive gaze on the younger man.

"She is hiding something."

"And you know that how?"

Antwan smiled slightly. "You are forgetting that I inherited the genes. I am a damned good lawyer, brother, and I can read people, just like Alex and you."

"As well as dad and mother." He nodded. "It sounds as if you are interested in this woman in a special way. It's not just a physical relationship."

"No." he shook his head. "I have spent a few nights with her and want to make it permanent."

Andre laughed softly. "The Collins' way of doing relationships. What do you think she is hiding?"

"I don't know anything about her. I have told her about my family, giving her the opening to tell me about herself."

"And?"

"she told me she is not interested in a relationship. That it's just sex."

"But you know better."

"I do," Antwan responded with a sigh. "She questioned me at length when I told her you formally adopted Marissa."

Andre's eyes sharpened. "You think she has a child?"

Antwan nodded. "She is incredibly inexperienced, and she inadvertently admitted that she had only been in one relationship."

Andre's eyebrows lifted. "Do you believe her?"

Antwan chuckled grimly. "It was like pulling teeth to get her to admit it."

"And you are of the assumption that this relationship culminated in her giving birth. Are you sure the dad is not in the picture?"

"I am sure."

"Why don't you come right out and ask her?"

"And have her telling me she never wants to see me again?" Antwan scoffed. "I cannot afford that."

"The other option is to get our excellent P.I. team to find out what she is hiding."

"I was afraid you were going to say that."

"You know me too well." His brother said lightly. "Are you prepared that there could be more to the story?"

Antwan felt fear skittering through his body. "Such as?"

"I don't know. She could be married."

"No." He shook his head decisively. "She is not."

"Or she might be involved in a nasty custody battle."

"I don't care. I happen to be a lawyer."

"You are from a family of excellent lawyers." He was assured. "Before we put the team to work, I wouldn't be doing my job, first as your brother and then as one of those excellent lawyers saying that once the genie is out there, it cannot be shoved back inside the bottle."

Antwan smiled at the analogy. "Was that the story you read to Marissa last night?"

Andre nodded ruefully. "My daughter insisted on hearing it twice. I have been trying to get her to read ‘The Law in simple words,' but she is not buying it, and her mother threatened me with bodily harm if I sneaked another law volume into her room again."

They both started laughing in solidarity. As soon as the laughter subsided, Antwan asked the question. "Any regrets?"

"None. She is my daughter, and it does not matter that she was not from my seed. She is my daughter in everything except for not being her biological father. I do not love her less than I love Antonio. Does that answer your question?" He asked his brother quietly.

"It does."

"And I have to say you might be jumping the gun. What if this woman does not want to be with you?"

"Her name is April." Antwan ignored the painful thumping of his heart. He was determined to get through to her, even though she was constantly putting up these roadblocks. He had threatened her by saying that he would camp out in the firm"s parking lot where she worked if she did not agree to see him tonight.

"My damn life does not revolve around you." She had raged at him. "I have other things to do aside from being your sex interest."

"Is that what you are?"

"That's what this is, and I would like you to accept that."

"Here is the thing, darling." He had told her implacably. "I am not willing to accept it, and I am determined to show you that this is not just sex. I will not stop until you get it through your head that this is something much more." She had glared at him and not said anything more.

"How many times did Chandra throw up resistance?" He asked pointedly.

"Good one." Andre chuckled. Leaning forward, he pressed a button. "Hazel, please get the head of the P.I. team on the line and have him come to my office."

"Where is her place of employment?"

"Balder, Krane, and Fulton." He watched in amusement when his brother's thick brows shot up in surprise.

"She is a lawyer?"

"COO."

"Hmm." Andre shifted the gold fountain pen between his fingers as he stared at his brother. "That particular law firm has been on our ass for the past year trying to poach several of our clients. She, of course, knows who you are."

Antwan stared at him with narrowed eyes. "What are you saying?"

Andre shrugged. "You know what I am saying."

"Why don't you spell it out?"

"All right, the timing is suspect. You just happen to meet this woman right when we are in a battle with a particular client."

"And you are implying that April is sleeping with me to get an edge. Do you know me at all?"

"I do know you, brother, and how big your heart is. I am simply pointing out that this woman could be trying to get inside information- Dammit, Antwan, sit down!"

"Go to hell! I am not a goddamned moron, and I happen to know when someone is playing me."

"Then I hope to God that this April is genuine."