The Couple who Fooled the World
Maisey Yates
The true meaning of Keep your enemies close Most women would kill to be on Ferro Calvaresis arm. The enigmatic Italian is one of the richest men in the world and at the top of his business game. Julia Anderson is not most women. Shes as rich as Ferro and twice as hungry. The only way to seal a major deal is for these two rivals to play nicelytogether.Yet neither expects the media to soak up their ruse so quickly or so publicly! But when the deal is won are the worlds hottest new couple beginning to believe their own lie?Maiseys imagination knows no bounds! Chloe, Retail Supervisor, Manchester www.maiseyyates.com
You wont stab me in the back during thiscaper?
I wouldnt call it a caper. Although it will require a bit offinesse.
Meaning?
This was the part she wouldnt like. The part that would have been easy with another woman. But Julia wasnt easy. She didnt respond to his flirtation. Didnt respond to Ferros charm. Charm he knew was lethal in most cases.
Well have to make our merging look organic.
And how do you propose we do that?
She wasnt going to like his suggestion, but that, in some ways, made it even more perfect. The more flustered she was, the more control he would have.
It would be completely expected for a couple to discuss a project and come to the conclusion that collaboration would be the best for all involved.
Her blue eyes glittered. Are you suggesting that wethat we feign some kind of personal involvement?
Youre sanitizing it, he said, smiling. Im suggesting we pretend were heavily involved in a scorching affair.
About the Author
MAISEY YATES was an avid Mills & Boon
Modern
Romance reader before she began to write them. She still cant quite believe shes lucky enough to get to create her very own sexy alpha heroes and feisty heroines. Seeing her name on one of those lovely covers is a dream come true.
Maisey lives with her handsome, wonderful, diaper changing husband and three small children across the street from her extremely supportive parents and the home she grew up in, in the wilds of Southern Oregon, USA. She enjoys the contrast of living in a place where you might wake up to find a bear on your back porch and then heading into the home office to write stories that take place in exotic urban locales.
Recent titles by the same author:
HEIR TO A DARK INHERITANCE
(Secret Heirs of Powerful Men)
HEIR TO A DESERT LEGACY
(Secret Heirs of Powerful Men)
HER LITTLE WHITE LIE
AT HIS MAJESTYS COMMAND
(The Call of Duty)
Did you know these are also available as eBooks?Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
The Couple who Fooled the World
Maisey Yates
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
CHAPTER ONE
IN TERMS OF design and usability, the new operating system is leagues above the competition. Julia Anderson turned and gestured to the high definition monitor behind her, the one that was currently projecting the interface of her computer screen to thousands in the audience, and millions watching on television and the internet worldwide. Its sleek, user friendly and aesthetically pleasing which, as we know, matters. Technology is not just about wires, its about people.
She smiled for the cameras, knowing she looked good. Thank God she had a personal stylist, along with a hair and makeup team these days. On her own she was hopeless. Shed been told so many, many times. But with a legion of people making sure she looked presentable, she could face the worldand it was literally the worldwith confidence.
However, design isnt everything. She took another breath and looked down at her computer. It has to be secure. The new firewall we have in place is more secure than anything else on the market. Its able to identify and block even the most sophisticated threats so that your most sensitive data is protected.
The screen in front of her flickered and a video popped up in the center, then enlarged to take up the entire monitor. She froze, all eyes on her, and on the gigantic display behind her that was showing the exact same thing she was currently looking down at.
Secure? I dont find it all that secure, Ms. Anderson. Maybe secure against the rare hacker who bothers to use An falas. Anyone running Datasphere software would be able to get right in.
Heat prickled on her neck. Her face. Ferro Calvaresi was a pain in her butt that would not quit. Though, in fairness, she was also a pain in his. And they were a mutual pain in Scott Hamlins. Basically they were a circle of techie annoyances to each other, but this, this was going way too far.
His face, his gorgeous, infuriating, chiseled face, had effectively taken over her presentation, his smug smile a gigantic display of a weakness in her firewalls she hadnt known about.
Hardly just anyone running Datasphere, Mr. Calvaresi, she said, trying to keep calm, aware that her humiliation was being broadcast everywhere. The launch of her new OS was the news of the day. The launch of every Anfalas product was the news of the day. And Ferro had just hijacked it. You practically need a masters in technology to run Datasphere. On the other hand, Anfalas computers focus on the user.
And your user just got hacked. I wonder if you have any banking information on here I might access?
She made an axing motion toward the guy running the feed between her computer and the screen and the screen behind her went dark, at the same time the audio for Ferro was cut. His voice was still coming out of her laptop, and his face was still visible to her.
And youre done here, she said, glaring daggers at the computer screen.
She looked back up. I apologize for the theatrics. You know how my competition can be. Its entirely possible hes trying to compensate for some shortcomings. There was a wave of nervous laughter through the room.
The press were jostling in the front row, but they knew better than to start flinging questions at her before the designated time. She was strict about that. She liked to make her presentations uninterrupted.
Grrrrr.
A new computer was supplied for her and she continued on with her demonstration. Of course, the wind had been taken out of the sails of the security portion of her speech, so she opted to skip on to the ultra high definition features of her new monitors, and to demonstrate the music and photo editing software, the things that hit really bit with her target market.
And when she was done, she opted to dodge the press. She dashed off the stage, cursing and taking a water bottle from the cooler in the back, then jammed her sunglasses onto her face and took her black leather bag from her assistant.
Car? she asked.
Out back. Press is being baited by a fake car out front. Thad picked something off the shoulder of her black T-shirt. Stray hair, he said.
Thanks. For everything. She wanted to cling to her assistant and cry right then, but Thad would scold her for smudging her makeup, and she shouldnt show that kind of weakness anyway. Because the weak were unceremoniously devoured, in life and in business, and she didnt show vulnerability anymore for that very reason. She knew that all too well.
What she would do was go home to her mansion on the seaside, look out the window at the view and eat a gallon of ice cream. Oh, yes, calories, here she came. And thenoh and then she was going to plot her revenge against Ferro Freaking Calvaresi.
She pushed open the back door and got into the limo that was waiting, closing the door tightly behind her.
Hi.
Her head whipped to the side and her jaw went slack. There was Ferro and his mocking smile, in the very male flesh.
What the? What are you doing in my car?
Its my car. These limos all look alike.
Well, what did you do with my car?
I sent your driver on. Told him you had a ride. And a meeting. With me.
Was that a meeting for me to punch you in the face for that stunt you just pulled?
Are we suddenly forgetting about what happened at my last product launch?
Julia bit the inside of her cheek. What?
All of the swag bags at the product reveal for Dataspheres new smartphone had your OnePhone in it. And then you had that slogan projected on the wall
OnePhone to rule them all. She laughed. It never gets old.
Its old.
Disagree. But anyway, the fact is, your presentation wasnt nearly as high profile as mine. A bunch of tech heads getting their specs fix. My presentations are events.
Only because you make a spectacle about every product you unveil.
Its my signature, okay? People like it. It caters to my clientele. Im a trend, Calvaresi. You should try it sometime.
A trend, huh? Why dont you ask acid-washed jeans how that worked out?
Im an evolving trend, she bit out. My products stay relevant. She leaned back in the seat and the car started moving. Where are we going?
My office.
Im done working for the day, she said.
No, Julia, you arent. Not unless you want to miss out on the chance of a lifetime.
I just had the chance of a lifetime in there. She looked down at her manicure. Her hands didnt even look like hers anymore. No more chips and glitter. Her rough edges were being polished away nicely. Well, the rough edges of her looks. The social thing was a bit harder. She could cover the geek girl up with paint and cool clothes, but she was still there. She could just never show that poor, weak vulnerable girl to the world. Never again. I get chances of a lifetime all the time. She looked back up at him. Chances most people never get. Why? Because I work hard. Because Im a genius, yes. But the hard work, too. That means, if I pass up this chance of a lifetime, another one will happen before dinner.
I wouldnt bet on it.
You seem so sure.
Ferro leveled his dark gaze at her, a smile curving his lips. Youve been contacted by Barrows.
How did you know that?
His smile widened. I wasnt sure until just now. But so have I. And so has Hamlin. Weve all been tapped to design the new navigation system for their fleet of luxury cars.
Have we? she asked, keeping her voice monotone. This offer had been about the biggest thing to hit since her One Phone had become the bestselling mobile device in the United States. A chance to have her devices in cars all over the world? A huge deal. Massive. And she was apparently dealing with stiff competition if she hoped to get it.
We have. And if you want it, I can help you get it.
I dont need your help.
His expression didnt falter. You do. Ive made you look incredibly vulnerable. A bit inexperienced and unprepared, even. You may need my help more than you realize.
She gritted her teeth. It was the v word she hated most. Catch.
What?
Catch, Calvaresi, whats the catch?
Youll be seeing a lot more of me, he said, winning smile firmly in place. Ugh. He was so annoying. And hot. Which was even more annoying.
Why? Because if you intend to pull more stuff like this, you can bet I wont be happy about seeing more of you.
Most women are very happy to see more of me.
Most women dont rival you for net worth and the position as head of the most profitable tech company in the world. Boom. Headshot.
Most women are also not such a spectacular pain in my ass. But Im willing to let it go for the greater good.
Greater good?
Ill be straight with you. I cant land this account. Neither can you. I lack thesimplicity that your technology has.
You arent user friendly.
I havent dumbed anything down to create mass appeal unless necessary.
Snob.
Anyway, he continued. I lack the tech necessary to make the navigational devices simple and smooth for the average driver. You lack the sheer power I possess. You know my processors are superior to yours and they last longer. Hamlin, well, he can provide a mediocre version of my processor and your interface. Not as good on either end, but his processor is better than yours and his interface is better than mine.
And you know this how?
Corporate espionage, how else?
Thats not right.
As if youve never done it to me.
She feigned a sneeze and looked out the window at the California scenery scrolling by. Rolling hills dotted with stucco walled-houses with red roofs and the jewel bright sea beyond. Even after seven years of living on the coast, the view took her breath away. It had been her new start to her brand-new life. A true reboot.
Thankfully it never got old since she needed a nice breathtaking view to distract her from Ferro and all of his questions and smiles and that spicy, masculine way he smelled.
Which was hard to ignore in the enclosed space of the limo. A lot of tech guys had a smell a bit like theyd been living in a cave. And some of them even had a permanent hunch from bending over the keyboard. Had she not hired an image consultant, she very well might have ended up that way herself. Because frankly, in her life, shed become much more concerned with coding than how she looked to the world. When shed tried on her own, shed always come out looking ridiculous. Without a consultant, she was hopeless.
But Ferro wasnt like that. He exuded a kind of easy charm and sex appeal that most people with his level of intelligence, including her, rarely bothered with.
Not that she could achieve sex appeal, even with professional help, even if she did bother, but it was a nice thought.
Ill take your silence as affirmation and move on, he said, his tone dry. I dont want Hamlin to get the account, mainly because I want it. Im sure you feel the same way about both of us.
Yes, she said, still scanning the shoreline, keeping herself distracted. The limo wound up the side of a hill and she whipped around to look at Ferro. I thought we were going to your office?
My home office.
She frowned. Why?
Im not advertising any kind of alliance with you until Ive had time to figure out how I want it to look.
For a man proposing a partnership of some kind you used the word I a lot.
Problem? he asked, one dark eyebrow arched.
Theres no I in team, Ferro, which you may have heard.
I hate clichs.
Theyre clich for a reason. Because theyre true.
Not necessarily, he said.
The limo pulled around a corner and up to a security box with a facade in the same white stucco that was on the houses. It was shrouded by palm fronds and large, flowering plants so that it almost faded into the lush background.
Ferro leaned out the window of the limo and placed his thumb on a scanner. His driver did the same. You, too, he said.
It wont recognize me.
I know, he said, and you wont be given clearance to use your print to open the gate. But I keep records.
Fingerprint records! Talk about paranoid.
Dont I need to be? he asked.
She shrugged and nodded in grudging agreement. Especially since she was one reason he should be paranoid. She wasnt above snooping for secrets. But he did it to her, too, dammit. Fair was fair. Or two unfairs made it fairor something.
Now, you. Print, he said.
She looked across the seat, across him and out the window. You want me to justlean over and do it?
A flicker of amusement sparked in his eyes. Yeah. Just lean over and do it.
Her cheeks heated and she did her best not to make eye contact or show him that hed disturbed her in any way. She was used to men. She worked with a lot of men, and shed gotten to the point where their innuendos didnt really bother her. Especially not when she had her armor on. The face she showed the world. The leather clad, boot-wearing, tough chick who took no prisoners in the boardroom.
Thats just who she would be now. Who she would remember she was now. He was trying to unnerve her. And she didnt back down. Ever. Not for any man.
She took a breath and leaned over, reaching past him. And came up short of the reader. She cleared her throat and edged a little closer, her arm skimming his chest. Her heart tripped and fell, sending a pang of something deeply disturbing through her body. Something that left her feeling a little breathless and shaky.
And there was the way he smelled again. Closer, she could identify the nuances to it. Spice from aftershave. Soap over skin. Clean, musky, masculine skin
At least, that was her assumption of what the smell was. She wasnt overly familiar with the scent of mens skin, but that was not anything she should be thinking about. And she way shouldnt be thinking about the way Ferro Calvaresis skin smelled.
Scan your thumb and run, youre regressing!
Regressing to that sad, longing teenage girl shed once been. Failing to fit in until shed stopped trying. And then her parents had started trying for her and things had gotten really bad. And then shed found out what could happen when you tried. When you were vulnerable and soft and trusting.
She shook off the memory, leaned in a bit more and tried to ignore it when the edge of her breast touched his biceps. She tried, also, to ignore the fact that her breath was jammed in her throat and she couldnt inhale or exhale anymore.
She extended her hand and placed her thumb over the scanner, the trapped breath exiting in a gust when it beeped and she could get herself back over to her side of the limo, with a bit of healthy distance between Ferro and herself.
They continued up the driveway and another gate barred the way. The limo stopped and her heart fluttered against her breastbone like a caged bird. Are you kidding me?
He shrugged. This one just uses a code.
He keyed it in on the screen of his phone, a phone that she noticed wasnt as sleek or fast as the one her company had just released, and the gate opened.
Neat, she said.
Does your phone link up to home security?
No. But it has really cool gaming apps.
How is it that your phones are outselling mine? he asked, dark brows locked together.
Did you not just hear me say the words really cool and games? Thats how.
There is no practical use in that.
Right, and practicality is fine, but the vast majority of people do not have security that screams Im paranoid.
And how is your security? he asked.
It screams Im paranoid. But I dont need to control it from my phone.
He lifted his phone. Admit it, though, its verycool.
All right, fine. It is.
This is all making my case very nicely for me. The limo pulled up in front of a massive home, more reminiscent of an Italian palazzo than of the other homes that were set into the hill side.
What case is that?
Ferro opened his door and got out, then rounded to her side, opening the passenger door for her. He leaned in and she caught the scent of him again. Her heart tripped over itself again. And then he offered her his hand.
Stuff it, Calvaresi, this is a business meeting. She got out of the car, avoiding his touch, and leaned past him, closing the door herself. If you wouldnt do that for a male business rival, dont do it for me.
I shall make a note of the fact that my touch disturbs you.
Disturbs me? Your touch nothings me. But I wont have you engaging in subtle power plays here. Tell me what it is you want so I can get back in the limo and make my way back down Fort Ferro and back into civilization. Im in serious need of some wine at this point in the day.
Then come in and have some, he said. Because this isnt going to be a brief meeting.
Oh, no, it is, because I can already tell Im not going to like what you have to say.
You wont like it, but you arent stupid. That means youll listen.
Does it?
Yes. My case is this. You have something I need, I have something you need. The only way were going to get this deal is by joining forces.
I would rather be thrown into the fires of Mount Doom.
Noble. But it isnt going to get you your deal. Working with me will.
Wrong. It will get me half a deal.
Its better than no deal. And its better than Hamlin getting the deal.
And why am I more okay with you getting the deal than Hamlin? she asked. She knew Scott Hamlin was a big-time jerk, she wasnt unobservant and the word about him that she heard was never good. Shed hired people whod come from Hamlin Tech for low level positions and their view of their ex-boss was never flattering. But then, she imagined people who were let go at Anfalas had bad things to say about her and her executives.
Shed scalped a few of Ferros employees, too, and the word tyrant came up once or twice. And, if she was asked to sum up Ferro Calvaresi, nice guy wouldnt be her words of choice.
But, neither of them had ever been accused of sexually harassing employees or female tech bloggers, either. Hamlin was a chauvinist pig with a capital oink, in addition to being generally unscrupulous. And if there was one thing she could not stand it was jackass men who thought they were entitled to a womans body just because they were men, or because they paid her wages, or whatever lame excuse they came up with to justify their behavior.
So, yeah, for that? She wanted Hamlin to fry. But she wasnt going to come off as too eager to Ferro, either.
The fact that you have to ask proves that you arent very familiar with Hamlin.
Im pretty familiar with you and Im not especially fond of you. She looked down at her watch. An extravagant, custom-made piece with her patented OnePhone interface built into it, and started the stopwatch. You have one minute to convince me to go in, Calvaresi, or I walk.
Sorry, cara mia, I dont work that way.
So you arent even going to try?
I only have one thing to say on the subject. Better the devil you know than the devil you dont.
CHAPTER TWO
IS THAT SUPPOSED to intrigue me?
Annoyance coursed through Ferros veins and the blame rested squarely with Julia Anderson. But then, it often did. The woman was a menace.
And she was continuing the trend. No one spoke to him like this. No one treated him like this. But then, very few people were so close to being equal with him. Julias company had come up from nowhere five years ago and had fast gained worldwide popularity. Anfalas was dedicated to bringing the technology fantasies were made out of into reality.
Needless to say, her vision was a popular one. Creative vision combined with an aptitude for all things tech that came naturally to her in a way he hadnt witnessed with anyone butwell, anyone but himself. It made her quite formidable.
Though she fancied herself more formidable than she was. Shed proven that without a doubt today. Acting as though she could turn his offer around on him? Assume the power in the situation?
Not likely.
It was, he said. And it did.
Did it? She crossed her arms beneath small, perfectly formed breasts and tilted her head to the side, blond hair cascading over her shoulder in a wave. She was dressed in all black, her signature look. Ridiculous when they lived on the California coast, but he imagined she thought it made her look like a badass.
In his estimation, it made her seem like a pale, spindly, wannabe-goth chick, but she hadnt asked his opinion.
There has to be a reason youre breathing so hard, he said. Its either interest in the project or inme. He flashed her his best smile, the one he knew for a fact made women melt in their overpriced shoes. He had the attraction game down to a fine art. He was an expert in enticement. Ironically the women hed always worked to entice hadnt truly needed it, but they liked to play like they did. Liked to be seduced. It made them feel desired, and when a man could make a woman feel desiredhe ended up with all the power and no need to strong-arm.
Well, its not interest in you, so we can check that off the list, she said, her lips tight.
Hed honestly thought as much. Julia seemed to have a serious aversion to him. But he could use that against her just as effectively as he could use a feigned seduction. There was always an in with people. Always a vulnerability. A weakness.
Except with him. Not anymore. Eventually a weakness was hit at too many times and it healed over with scar tissue far too thick to penetrate again. Ironic, how a weakness could develop into the hardest point to breach. But it had happened in his life.
So it must be interest in my plan. In which case, I would ask you to come inside where we might speak privately.
You have security that rivals the Pentagon, Im pretty sure were private anywhere on your property.
I never take chances.
Is paranoia a cultural thing?
What?
Are all Italians similarly paranoid?
Perhaps if they grew up on the streets of Rome. That has a tendency to make you a little paranoid. A little paranoid. A little lawless. It had a way of searing the conscience so that all the bad decisions just rolled off like water.
Well, not quite all of them. But that was all right, too. Because some lessons needed to be remembered.
All right. Well. I can see how that might make you a bit morecautious. More so than me becausethe suburbs of Ohio arent exactly mean.
Now that weve gotten the basic information easily found in our bios out in the open, would you like to come in and hear what I have to say?
She squinted, blue eyes glittering from behind a thick fringe of lashes. Not especially. But I will.
So, I do intrigue you.
Dont let it go to your head.
This way. He put his hand on her lower back and he felt her tense beneath his touch. She was certainly jumpy around him. No melting. No lingering looks. The woman didnt respond in the way other women did. It would make her more difficult to manipulate. More difficult, but not impossible.
Would you do that to a male colleague? she asked once they were through the double doors of his home and in the spacious antechamber.
Cant say that I would. But you are not a man, so stop asking me to treat you like one.
I want to be treated like an equal.
Was that somehow not treating you like an equal?
Iwellyou were treating me differently.
Different is unequal in some way?
Did you ask me here to debate gender politics or are you going to show me to your study and give me your spiel?
The latter. He walked down the marble halls, appreciating the opulence of his home with each step he took. Appreciating that it was his.
Hed spent too many nights on cold cobblestone not to appreciate it. And too many other nights in soft beds that belonged to other people. And honestly, in the end, he wasnt certain the cobblestone wasnt the better option.
The hall opened up into another room with a broad arched doorway, one that reminded him of old buildings in Italy. Places that were far too grand to allow him admittance. So hed built them for himself, now that he could afford them.
Antique furniture that cost more simply because it was old decorated the room, another possession hed acquired simply because he could. Same with the marble busts and old vases. Things hed bought because, before, they were things that museum docents and shopkeepers wouldnt even let him look at.
Now he owned them. Now he owned whatever he wanted. The cost of it had been high enough that he felt entitled to reminders.
Julia sat in the biggest chair in the room, maroon and wingback. She crossed one slim, leather clad leg over the other and leaned back, tapping her patent black stiletto heel on the hard floor.
Spill it, Calvaresi.
I want to partner with you and present our plan to Barrows. We can land the account together. And, I have it on good authority, we will easily remove Hamlin from the equation forever if we play our cards right.
What?
To which piece of the statement?
All of it. But start with Hamlin.
Hes on the downward slide. Hes in so much debt that the only thing that could possibly save Hamlin Tech at this point is a major new account. Barrows. If we dont partner on it, odds are, he gets it. And the bigger picture here, Julia, is not so much you or I getting the account as it is being able to get rid of a key player in our industry.
Thatswell, its dastardly, is what it is.
Id twirl my mustache if I had one, he said, his tone dry.
Im serious, why bother to take Hamlin out?
Is it your goal to be more successful than him? To steal his customers and cut into his market share?
Yes, she said.
Well, its my goal, too. Its my goal to do it to you, too, but I can put that on hold because I see an opportunity here. Frankly Hamlin is a bastard, and while Im not the nicest guy I dont have sweatshops throughout Asia, or harass my female employees.
So youre just going to play like youre swooping in and saving the world from Hamlin Tech and all the evil it commits?
No, he said, crossing his arms over his chest, but its another reason hes an enticing target. The main reason is that I want to be the last man standing.
And why should I enable you to get one step closer to your goal?
Because it takes you one step closer, too.
So we charge in together, then when the enemy is destroyed we turn our weapons on to each other? She uncrossed her legs and tilted her head to the side, finely groomed eyebrows arched.
Exactly. Is that a problem?
Im not sure. She folded her hands on her lap and leaned forward, resting her chin on them. She was an interesting woman. All limbs and pale skin and hair, brimming with a kind of uncontainable energy that always seemed to vibrate beneath the surface.
As long as were working together, were working together.
She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and Ferro felt a strange, answering jolt in his gut. She was a lovely thing. The sort who had no idea just how lovely. She would need a lot of flattering words, a lot of touch, nonsexual touch, in order to open up. In order to enjoy an encounter with a man.
He mentally castigated himself for the direction of his thoughts. This wasnt the time. And assessing women like that, figuring out what they really wanted, how he might go about fulfilling that, wasnt part of his life anymore.
He hadnt looked at a woman like that in years and he wasnt sure why he did it now. He wasnt after a girlfriend, mistress or woman-for-hire which meant there was no point. It wasnt that he didnt feel attraction, simply that it registered in his body and nowhere else.
Maybe because she was a puzzle. Something about her didnt fit. The energy, for one. She worked so hard to play it down, but she could hardly sit still. Then there was the dont-touch-me black clothes. He imagined they were meant to make her look confident, but in his mind, it only betrayed the fact that she wasnt. She was wearing armor that was far too easy to recognize as such.
But no matter how intriguing, he wasnt going there with her. He would not revert to the man hed been trained to be. Hed escaped that. He used it when it suited him, not when it didnt. He wasnt on a leash anymore.
Meaning you wont stab me in the back during thiscaper?
I wouldnt call it a caper. Although, it will require a bit offinesse.
Meaning?
This was the part she wouldnt like. The part that would have been easy with another woman. But Julia wasnt easy. She didnt respond to his flirtation. Didnt respond to his charm. Charm he knew was lethal in most cases.
But not in this one. Interesting. It made her so very interesting. It always had. No one else went toe-to-toe with him. No one, not even Scott Hamlin, would dare pull such public stunts the way she did. Shed pushed him to start doing the same. Shed forced him to act. So very interesting to meet someone who had that kind of power.
But it was in his control now.
Well have to make it look like ourmerging
This is not a merger, she bit out.
For the project, he said.
Fine, she said, barely civil. Go on.
Well have to make our merging look organic.
And how do you propose we do that?
In some ways, the fact that she wasnt going to like his suggestion made it even more perfect. Anything he could do to tip the balance of power further to his favor was only good. And the more flustered she was, the more control he would have. It would be completely expected for a couple to discuss a project and come to the conclusion that collaboration would be the best for all involved.
Her blue eyes glittered. Are you suggesting that wethat we feign some kind of personal involvement?
Youre sanitizing it, he said, smiling. Im suggesting we pretend were heavily involved in a scorching affair.
Julia exploded from the chair and started pacing the room. Thats insane. As if I would everAs if you wouldAs ifAs if!
You find the idea so offensive? He crossed the room and sat in the chair shed just been occupying.
I find it unbelievable. After the stunt you pulled today do you really think anyone would believe that you and I
Theres a fine line between hate and lust, cara mia.
Maybe if you have a disconnect between your brain and your nether regions.
And many people do.
She looked down, then back up, hands planted on her hips. Thats crazy.
Do you have a better idea? Why should Barrows have any confidence in our ability to work together if we present a proposal out of the blue?
She flung her hands wide. Because were awesome!
Awesome doesnt score points in business, Julia, and this is where being like me has an advantage over being like you.
Like me as in young, extremely smart, creative and
Green. Untried. Untrained.
And what about you, Ferro Calvaresi, graduate of the school of hard knocks?
No, she wasnt a woman to win over with seduction. But when she was challenged? She couldnt resist fighting back. Hard knocks? Have you been reading my unauthorized bio?
Color stained her cheeks, crimson against the pale white of her skin. No. Its a common expression.
And its also in the front jacket of the book. My rise to success from the seedy underbelly of Rome. Fantastic reading. If you like a fairy tale.
It was almost amusing that she, along with the rest of the world, had jumped at the chance to read about his sordid past. And it was sordid, no mistake, no denying. A good thing for him, the book only scratched the surface. Sure there were whispers, whispers that were close to the truth, but no one really knew.
I have no idea what book youre talking about.
I think you do, but you can have your lie.
She was all but bouncing in place now, her knee flexing in time with something in her head. Probably the horrible names she was silently calling him. Fine. I read it. Know your enemy and all. The Art of War. See? Im on top of stuff.
Its like your mommy and daddy got you a CEO boxed set for Christmas. Did you also get a worlds best boss mug and a zen garden?
Make your point, or I walk, she bit out.
My point is that youve had success easy and young. She bit her lip, like she was holding back words she wanted desperately to speak. Words that would be designed to castrate him, of that he had no doubt. Because of that success, youve never had to deal with the realities of setbacks. Of how business works. Of the nuances of it. You didnt have to court the press, they came to you. You havent had to turn scandal around and make it work to your advantage. Havent had to twist lies around so that theyre close enough to the truth no one will examine it all too closely, but I have. I know what were dealing with here. I know the manner of man Scott Hamlin really is, and I wont hesitate to take him out completely.
You say that like I dont know that manner of man, she said, her tone frosty. Im a woman in a mans world. Tech is a boys club, Calvaresi. Theres practically a No Girls Allowed sign on the door. Ive been dealing with men all my life who want to take from me, who think they can just take from women. I do know about men like Hamlin. And youre right. He deserves nothing less than total professional destruction.
He would do nothing less to us. Hes tried to, or didnt you know?
What?
You look shocked.
I am. Hes never tried to do anything to me.
You think not? Well, hes the man whos seventy percent responsible for my unauthorized bio, which you are familiar with. And hes also responsible for the IRS rechecking all of your returns last year.
How did you know about that?
Its getting tiresome but Ill say it again. Corporate espionage. He watched her expression change, watched her skin turn a deeper pink. He really had made her angry now.
Who do you have in my company?
Who says I have anyone in there? Now.
Ferro
I never confirm anything. I dont deny it, either, so you might as well not waste your time trying to get either from me.
Fine. So you say hes trying to take us down.
Yes. And if you were more scandalous he may have succeeded.
She frowned. Excuse me? Youre extremely scandalous and he didnt succeed with you.
Ferro shrugged. Because I know how to play it.
Is this where neither confirm nor deny comes in?
Absolutely. My point is, Julia, you need to play this my way. Because while I appreciate that youre a tech wunderkind
Im twenty-five. Im not that young.
Nearly ten years his junior, and even younger when it came to life experience. Julia didnt look tired yet. But she would. Life had a way of doing that to people. Especially people thrust into the spotlight.
Lucky for him, in many ways, hed come in worn down and tired. And at least now he had a bed that belonged to him.
You are young, he said. And the fact that you dont realize it only highlights that fact. And while that is its own kind of amazing, its own achievement, it is not what I have. Maturity.
You? Ferro Calvaresi? Youre playing the maturity card? You justhijacked my presentation like aapillaging tech pirate and now youre trying to tell me youre mature?
He gave her his most practiced smile, smooth, genuine, a smile no one could find fault with. A smile he never felt at all. I show the world what I choose to show the world.
You think I dont?
I think your armor is thin, cara.
He expected her to make some sort of snitty denial. Say she didnt wear armor. She didnt, and that was to her credit.
You tell me then, she said, slowly crossing her arms beneath her breasts, her blue eyes never wavering from his, what do you think we need to do?
We need to make the world believe that all of our hostility has melted away into an attraction, an attachment, that we cant deny. We need to make them think weve fallen head over heels into, if not love, bed.
And you think that will work? She was blushing. He couldnt remember ever seeing a woman blush. Or anyone for that matter. Everyone hed ever known had seemed born jaded.
He hadnt been. He could remember a time when hed been young. When hed felt hope. Optimism. Passion.
Hed learned. Hed learned that there were no bonus points for getting through life without mud on your hands. Sometimes you had to get dirty climbing out of the gutter, but at least you were out, even if the filth clung to your skin for the rest of your life. Even if it made you hard and old before your time.
I know it will.
How?
The press, the public, are predictable. We show up at a public event, well make headlines around the world. The seed will be planted, when we pitch our design to Barrows, it all suddenly makes sense.
She flicked her hair back over her shoulder and shifted her weight, one stiletto clad foot out in front of her. But wont Hamlin see it coming?
Not necessarily. I said it would make sense. I didnt say it would be predictable. Im banking on his own ignorance to be his downfall in this. He would never partner with a woman. Hell assume I wont, either.
She chewed her bottom lip, another show of that insecurity she kept concealed by all her hard black clothing. If this were a seduction, he would touch her face now. Just her cheek. Tell her it would be all right. She would respond to that.
He gritted his teeth. Well? You were quick to remind me you had limited time, Julia. I am a man with many commitments and I cant stand around waiting for you to make a decision that should be a very easy one to make.
She extended her hand and he gripped it. She was so petite, fine-boned, her fingers long, slender and clinging to his with a firmness that surprised him. She was indeed a businesswoman.
You have yourself a deal, Calvaresi.
Gratified to hear it, Anderson.
We work together on this project, she said. No touching that isnt strictly necessary, no funny ideas about things heating up behind the scenes, and no espionage.
The espionage happening in her company was well in place, information already being fed to him on a regular basis. And he was sure shed done the same to him. Fair play during their normal operations.
This agreement changed things. But he imagined as long as he didnt look at it during the duration of their agreement, it would count as him following the rules. Or maybe not. But hed never been one for rules. I think I can handle all of the above.
And when its over, its over. If I have a chance to get you in my crosshairs even thirty seconds after our work together is done, Ill do it and Ill pull the metaphorical trigger without hesitation.
Back at you, he said, releasing his hold and dropping his hand back at his side, ignoring the slight burning sensation that skated over his skin.
Until then, I suppose we have to play nice.
Ferro smiled, and he watched the color in Julias cheeks darken again. Now that, I cant promise. Im not all that nice.
CHAPTER THREE
ARE YOU BUSY tonight?
Julia frowned as she heard the voice that was coming over her personal cell phone. How did you get thisoh, never mind. Let me guess, you crawled through the ducting in the building and rappelled down over my desk and hunted until you found my phone, then you stole the number and went back the way you came.
No. What a waste of energy. I called and got it from your assistant.
Julia glared daggers at Thad through the wall. Why would he do that?
He assumed that a call from me would be important. And since I am now your lover the way he said the word made Julias skin feel prickly I will of course need to contact you day and night.
She hated that he was right. She hated that shed agreed to all this in the first place, but she really, really wanted the Barrows deal and if she had to make a deal with the devil to get it, well, she was willing.
Not happily willing, but willing. Once the account was landed, Ferro wouldnt be her problem. It wasnt as though theyd be working closely together on the creation of the navigation system, not after the initial design phase.
She could survive him. She could deal. At least in this she had control. It wasnt like being dressed up in the worlds most horrific prom dress and being sent off with a guy who was being paid to be your date. No, she had a stake in this. She had power. This was all about the big picture and, regardless of what he thought, she understood business.
Right, right. And why did you need to know if I was busy?
I was wondering if you might like to go to a movie premiere with me.
A premiere? For what?
Cold Planet is coming out tonight, and I have an invitation for Ferro Calvaresi and Guest.
For a second, she forgot to play cool. She forgot who she was talking to. No way! That movie looks amazing.
You think?
Its like every sci-fi dream from my childhood come to life on the big screen! It was too late to pull back her overenthusiastic words. She was always doing things like this to herself, even now that shed been coached on how to behave in public by professionals.
Normal people didnt get so excited about movies. Geeks did. It made people uncomfortable, and no one else was really that interested. That was what her mother had told her. Daily. From the time she was a five-year-old girl who talked about how she wanted to make the navigation controls on a spaceship from a futuristic movie and put them into cars someday.
Shed been embarrassing for her parents. Rattling on about strange subjects constantly, no filter for her excitement and enthusiasm. Making her normal had been her mothers lifelong goal. Shed wanted it enough that shed bought Julia a prom date when shed been sixteen.
That had been the end of it. The end of trying to be normal. But shed learned something even more important that night. There was no protection in normal. But showing who you were? Making yourself vulnerable? That was the biggest mistake of all.
Shed come out of that night, that horrible night, stronger. And when shed taken off that ridiculous pink dress, the one shed spent hours choosing, shed put armor on instead. Armor shed been wearing ever since. On that, Ferro was right. She didnt really like that Ferro was right.
Still, even with the armor she had some rough edges to smooth out. She tried hard not to wave that geek flag too high. Not anymore. She had a public face that was so much more socially acceptable, and it helped her get by in the media without having to take too many pot shots.
Which was fine with her. Shed had quite enough growing up.
Stupid bitch, I was doing you a favor. No other guy will ever touch you.
She shook off the memory. It didnt matter. Those words, the touch of his hands, the way they seemed to linger, didnt matter. Shed moved on. Moved forward. Shed kept her head down and worked hard, free from caring what anyone thought, not after all that.
It was why shed succeeded. And with all her money, shed hired her consultants, consultants whod helped make her look like a kick-ass video game heroine, whod helped her learn to speak with poise and confidence.
She wasnt vulnerable now. And while Giddy Excited Julia was allowed to jump around inside of her over movies and games, she was not allowed out to play.
Well, he said, I happened to have provided some of the software used for the highly sophisticated special effects, which landed me with the invite.
She closed the door on her memories and focused on the presents. Right, I was a little jealous about that.
But you dont have the tech for this sort of thing.
No. I make technology for regular people, she said, swiveling her chair in a circle. Anyway, I really get to come? She would go chained to Ferros leg if she had to. It was way too fun to pass up. She would go even if they werent partnering on the Barrows deal together.
Yes. Formal dress. Though, it is a sci-fi film, if you wanted to do a gold bikini and a slave collar, I think that would be acceptable attire.
Har, har, Calvaresi. Anyway, thats Star Wars. Cold Planet is an entirely different mythology. Its based off of this first-person shooter game and She clamped her mouth shut. She was doing it again. And Im hardly going to a public event in a costume.
Youll have to tell me more about mythologies at the premiere.
She was sure he was making fun of her. She basically deserved it at this point. It was one thing to get in front of a room full of people and make a scripted speech, but still, even still, social interaction had the potential to be painfully awkward. She was out of practice. If shed ever been in-practice.
Sure, she said. What time?
Ill pick you up at five. We have to walk the carpet, then we get to view the movie.
Wow. So a lot more social interaction on the docket. Goody. Neat.
You sound thrilled.
About the movie, yes.
Great, see you at five. He hung up and she leaned back in her chair. Then she scrambled forward and hit the intercom on her phone. Thad.
Yes? Her assistants voice came through the speaker.
I need a dress. A hot one. Get Ally on it, please. And I need to get my hair done.
Formal? And by when?
Yes, and I need to be waiting out front of the building at four-fifty.
Thad sighed heavily. She knew she was asking the next-to impossible, but she also knew if anyone could get it arranged, it was him. As you wish.
Great. Thank you. You rock. I have to go. She pushed the off button and rested her chin on her desk, her hands on her lap. Then She took a breath and straightened. She was going to be fine. She wasnt going to think about how ill-equipped she was to show up at a Hollywood premiere on the arm of a man like Ferro. She wasnt going to think about how likely it was that she would drop a shrimp cocktail into her cleavage during the party.
No. She was going to sit back and let the professionals she hired to make her camera-ready do what they did best. If nothing else, she would look good. She would look strong.
Money might not buy happiness, but it bought an image that made it possible for her to go out in public.
And yes, she was Ferros date. But it wasnt a date-date. Thank God. The last time shed had a date it had been an unmitigated disaster. And that guy hadnt been Ferro sex-on-a-cracker Calvaresi.
Not that she was all that familiar with sex. On a cracker or otherwise. But Ferro was. Her face got hot when she thought of some of the more revealing parts of Ferros unauthorized bio. Yes, shed read it. And it made it hard to look the man in the eye.
He wasnt just hot. He was the kind of man who made women lose their minds. Who inspired respectable members of society to throw off the bonds of convention and flaunt him at social gatherings. Hed been the much-younger stud of a few women back in his home country, setting off scandalous headlines and dissolving marriages.
Of course, that was assuming that version of his life was true. And that was assuming a lot. And as Ferro had said, he never confirmed or denied.
She took another fortifying breath. Great. Fine. She could do this. Tonight, she was going to be yet another rumor to add to Ferros list. And she wouldnt confirm or deny.
When Ferros limo pulled up to the curb in front of Julias high-rise, he was genuinely stunned by her appearance. She was utterly captivating in a long black dressthe woman didnt seem to own another colorthat skimmed the gray sidewalk. The sleeves were long and full, like a kimono, and the neck high, revealing very little of her pale skin.
Her blond hair was pulled back in a low, messy bun, her makeup done all in shades of pale pink and gold. Her lips were painted the lightest rose, and it created the strangest curiosity in him. A fascination with what they might look like darker, flushed with arousal. Strange because he never felt curious about those things. He knew all about sex. There was no mystery left.
Hed opened the door and let her into the limo, and then both of them had spent the drive down the interstate on their mobile devices, finishing up the days interrupted work.
When they pulled up to Graumans Chinese Theatre, the streets were already blocked off. Ferros limo was given immediate access, and they were let out near the end of the red carpet. This sort of thing had never been his favorite aspect of fame. The fortune was his biggest draw. These events did very little for him. Giving fake smiles to even faker people ranked low on his list of things hed like to do with his Friday night.
Julia had the most purposeful look of boredom on her face hed ever seen. Like she was forcing her lips to stay pulled together, forcing herself not to smile. She was stiff, walking with her head held high, her posture overly straight.
But beneath all of that, she was vibrating under the surface. Energy was pouring from her in waves, though he knew no one standing far away from her would ever be able to tell. But he could feel her shaking.
She seemed to like a spectacle, her presentations were so ostentatious it was unreal, but then, she was in control of them. The press played by her rules in those situations. Perhaps that was the cause of her unease now. It wasnt her security keeping the fans at bay. The press werent being held to her guidelines.
He pulled her to him, lacing his fingers through hers. Were ready to walk the carpet. He could feel her fingers trembling in his. Relax, he said. We arent the A list. We wont be mobbed.
Ive seen pictures snapped of you while you were getting coffee at Roasted. Youre mobbed frequently.
Yes, but not when there are movie stars around. Come on. Anyway, if we are mobbed, our purposes will be served even better. He tugged her along and when they stepped onto the carpet, he turned his smile on full.
Julia did the same, waving at the crowd lining the velvet rope that partitioned the masses from the golden few, hand-selected to enter into the realm of the elite. Very often Ferro felt like he still had more in common with those behind the rope.
She walked a bit ahead of him, her steps nervous and quick, and that was when he noticed the back of her dress, or rather, the lack of it, for the first time. It was cut low and wide, a swath of white skin on show from her shoulder blades down to the indent of her back, just above the curve of her butt.
It was the shock of it that made him want to touch. He was sure of that. He was a man far too jaded by his past to be aroused by a wedge of skin. Far too jaded to allow himself to be aroused at all, unless it was late at night and he needed a sleep aid. And yet, he found that he was. That fascinated him nearly as much as her exposed skin.
Slow down, he said, pulling her back to his side.
Sorry, she said, a smile still plastered on her face. Nervous.
Dont be. Just remember, theyre all here to see you. Youre the one in the enviable position. Youre beautiful. Successful. Everyone out there would love to be here. They would trade places with you in a heartbeat. The words came, easy and without much thought or sincerity. He was good at giving compliments. At giving women exactly what they desired.
At keeping his mind somewhere else entirely, even while he gave all of his body. A perfect disconnect.
Her smile altered subtly, became more genuine. That was a nice thing to say.
Its true, he said, without pausing to think if it really was.
Ferro! Julia!
Julias head whipped around in the direction of her name. She noticed that Ferro kept his movements much less spastic, kept his emotions better hidden. But she was having a much harder time with it. Shed trained herself to keep her reactions and emotions much more veiled than this, but shed never been to a movie premiere before. And this movie premiere was a fangirl paradise, which, she admittedly was.
Back before shed decided being herself wasnt worth the pain, she would have been lining the streets with the crowd. Probably wearing some kind of Space Fleet Academy uniform.
The flashbulbs were directed at them now and she just smiled and hoped, feverishly, that she didnt have leftovers from lunch in her teeth or a false eyelash stuck to her cheek or anything similarly horrifying.
Ferro, for his part, was immaculate in his dark suit and tie, short hair in perfect order. The man simply never looked anything less than composed and pressed. Shed bet he didnt go home and put on a gigantic sweater and yoga pants after a long day of work. He probably wore a black silk robe andnothing underneath.
She nearly choked.
Are you on a date? one of the reporters shouted over The din.
Ferro simply smiled and said, If you have to ask, perhaps Im doing it wrong.
Jeez. The man oozed charm. Shed never seen him not at ease. Even when shed pulled off her great OnePhone caper and messed with his product launch, his public face had remained completely smooth.
Julia, any comments?
We better be. I dont want to have to pay for my own dinner. That earned her some laughter and she was gratified that shed managed a witty response. Especially since half of her brainpower was being used up to focus on the heat that was coursing from her palm, where Ferro was holding her hand, up her arm, to her breasts, making her nipples, of all things, tingle a little bit.
Ferro waved and she did the same, and they walked on, into the ornate theater where they were ushered to their seats. Ferro released her as soon as they were in the dark.
And again, Julia felt like she was in danger of getting whiplash from the recognizable faces surrounding them. I think thats
Dont stare, Julia, its rude.
She shot Ferro a deadly glare he probably couldnt see in the darkness. Sorry. I forgot we were being blas. And she shouldnt have forgotten. Anything else was way too revealing and embarrassing.
Youll get to the point where you dont have to remember. Trust me.
You think? she asked, looking sideways at him in the dark.
I know. Youre lucky life hasnt knocked it out of you yet.
She leaned back in her chair. You have no idea what life has taken from me, she said. For the second time in the same day, she thought back to that long-ago prom night. Why was she thinking about it so much? She never thought about it. Shed moved on from it. She was fine. Bruises healed. And the stuff that didnt? It had helped her realize that you had to be strong. It had been when shed stopped trying to fit in, when shed stopped being so afraid to be unusual. Shed just started owning it then. And it had been the key to her success.
She wasnt sending out any thank-you cards to the jackass whod assaulted her, but she wasnt wallowing, either.
Id venture to say you know less about mine than you think you do, Julia, he said, his words darker than the theater.
I read the bio, she said.
He chuckled, a sound that lacked humor and warmth. As I said, you know less about me than you think. Just because its in print, doesnt mean its the whole truth.
The End of the Tech World As We Know It?
The headline screamed up at Julia from the newspaper, just delivered to her tablet. Ferro was already in her office, sitting in the chair in front of her desk like he had every right to be there.
Not exactly the headline we anticipated, he said.
Ya think? She skimmed the article, her stomach sinking. Either a sharp blow to progress or a cheap publicity stunt, she read out loud.
Because if were sleeping together we wont be competing, and if we arent competing, will we be on our game?
I have a lot of words rolling around in my head right now and theyre all filthy, she said, standing up and pacing up and down in front of her office window. What are we going to do? Its everywhere. Its trending on Twitter. Theres a Facebook page, Calvaresi, a freaking Facebook page devoted towhat are they calling us? She leaned in and skimmed the article again. JulErro. For the love of Darth.
And for everyone rooting for this little enemies-to-lovers tale
There are just as many rooting for us to go down in flames. Thisthis is a lot bigger than we anticipated, isnt it?
Ferro wished he could say hed anticipated just this, but the simple fact was, social media was hard to anticipate. The press was one thing, the civilian-run news machine? Something else entirely. And the simple truth was, this had gone way outside the tech world, thanks to the internet, which was run by the masses. Who were entirely unpredictable.
Yes, he said. It is.
The feeling of claustrophobia he felt now, the feeling of being trapped, he didnt like it. A trap of his own making. And it wasnt the first one hed ever been in. He knew all about this. About going so far down a road there was no way to turn back. That you just had to push through, keep going, because youd gone too damn far.
Fine, she said, continuing to pace. We continue on, and we make it the biggest spectacle ever. And when we blow it up, we make it huge. The biggest media explosion ever. And well always be more interesting after this. Think about it, when you hijack another one of my presentations, just think how newsworthy it will be when were exes? Hypothetically. Dont hijack one of my presentations again.
Julia might be wearing armor, but she was a tough woman. Smart. Brilliant even. Of course, he said, well be expected to spend a lot of time together. A lot. The visibility is too high. Were going to have to give them something to talk about, because if we dontif we get caught in this
Were in trouble.
Putting it mildly.
Okayokaywhats the plan then?
Theres a charity event tonight. I was planning on skipping it and writing a check, but I think we should make an appearance, dont you? As a couple.
Julia looked like she was going to say something, but she hesitated.
Come on, Julia, he said. Dont wimp out now.
Im not wimping out!
Then why do you look like a deer caught in the headlights?
Because the other day we were sworn enemies and if I never had to see you in person it suited me just fine. Nowtwo outings with you in a row? I could live without that.
Maybe this is why tech, and business in general, is traditionally a mans game, he said, not meaning a word he was saying but knowing it would give Julia the kick she needed. Maybe its because women are too ruled by emotion.
He knew it wasnt true. Because hed beenhe didnt even know what to call it. Shaped, molded, by women who hadnt cared what their actions meant to the emotions of a teenage boy. Hed spent years surrounded by women who saw people only as pawns. People of both genders were more than capable of acting based on selfish desire. Of using people to meet their ends.
But his words would push Julia. He knew it. Knew it was a hot button for her.
Are you saying I cant do this? she asked.
Youre the one who looks like she has a problem. Im willing to make this work. Are you? Or are you just giving me lip service here?
She narrowed her eyes. Im going to ignore the potential double entendre there.
If it suits you.
Fine. You have yourself a date for tonight. Ferro?
Yes?
Uhwhats the charity? He had a feeling that wasnt the question shed intended to ask.
For homeless youths.
Great. Ill bring my checkbook.
CHAPTER FOUR
CHARITY EVENTS WERE the scourge of Ferros existence. A shiny, gorgeous hotel ballroom, filled with internally ugly people who possessed an unnatural amount of self-importance. People who manipulated and used the less fortunate for their own pleasure during the day, but showed up to things like this to show their altruism to the press.
He could well remember the first time hed been in a room like this. Hating who he was with. Hating that he had to smile and fawn and do whatever it was hed been paid to do. No matter whether he wanted it. No. The tabloids, the author of his bio, they really had no idea of the depths hed been to.
He looked at Julia, who was holding on to his arm like it was a live eel, the smile on her face anything but easy, and he wondered if he had become no better.
No. This benefitted Julia, too. It was an exchange.
Like sex for money? Hell, no. This wasnt the same.
Why was he even thinking about it? He rarely did. But it happened more since Julia and he had struck their unholy alliance. No one knew the truth. They believed, of course, that hed slept his way to the top. Hed been spotted with some very wealthy older women in his younger years. But they didnt know the truth.
The rumors clung to him, disgusted him. Because of the ring of truth to them. But he would walk the same path a thousand times to end up where he was today. He just went on, proving his right to be in his position with his continued success.
Regret was for the weak. And he wasnt wasting any time on it tonight. Or ever. He was shutting it off. The way hed shut off the feelings of bone deep hunger and cold hed experienced as a child on the street. The way hed shut down the shame and pain when hed been lifted up from that gutter where hed been and brought into a glittering, hideous world that had asked for his soul in exchange for food and a warm bed. In exchange for eventual success.
The way he shut desire down now, to avoid ever thinking about that time in his life.
Tonight, for this, he would shut off what little conscience he had left, and go forward. Because it was the best thing to do. Because the end always justified the means. Always. And because he was no longer the boy hed once been. He was the man with the power. And that meant he would win in the end.
As they moved through the room, a wave of whispers followed. Everyone was watching them. Everyone was interested.
Try to relax, he said to Julia.
I am relaxed.
Which leads me to the conclusion that you genuinely dont know how to relax. Youre tense. Youre practically shivering.
She looked down at her hands. I have a lot of energy.
Is that so? Then perhaps we should put it to good use. He shifted his hold on her and laced their fingers together, drawing her out toward the high gloss dance floor.
Why? she asked, her tone petulant.
Why what?
Why the dancing? She looked genuinely worried now, all that tough-chick bravado gone.
Because the headline will be sensational. He drew her up against his body and felt her frame tremble beneath his touch. It wasnt attraction. He was well familiar with women being attracted to him. She lookedscared. Im not going to bite you, he said.
I know. She looked around. But Im going to look stupid.
Follow my lead.
He began to step in time with the music, guiding Julias movements. She clung to his shoulder, her nails digging into him through the fabric of his jacket. He was familiar with that, with long nails pressed into his skin, a memory from his past. But this, again, was different.
She stumbled, the heel of her shoe harsh on his toe, even with his custom leather shoes to cushion the blow. Her face turned pink. Sorry.
Its fine. He kept on moving, and she stumbled again, the color in her cheeks deepening.
This isnt really my thing, she said, looking over his shoulder, at the people behind them. People are staring.
Most of them probably like our Facebook page. Were infamous now, not just famous.
Werent you already?
He smiled. Yes. Welcome to the dark side.
Im not sure I like that Ive joined you here.
So, youve always kept your conscience clean before your association with me?
She looked down. Of course.
Do I make you feel dirty, Julia?
She lifted her head, her eyes round, face pink. Hed succeeded in shocking. In putting her off balance. He didnt know why he needed to do it. To prove that he was still in control? Maybe. The control felt tenuous with her in his arms, her skin soft beneath the palm of his hand.
But this was just a game. Like every other sexual game hed ever played. He had a part to play. It had nothing to do with him, with what he wanted. It didnt even matter what she wanted. It mattered what the press wanted to see.
And they wanted a show. A show he was going to make sure they got.
Every association Ive ever had with you has made me feel like I had a little dirt on my hands now that you mention it.
Id ask you how it feels to sell your soul for money. But I already know.
Her eyes widened, her mouth dropping open. She looked sosweet. Not in personality, but like her flavor would be that of a fine dessert. He wondered.
Hell, he didnt have to wonder. It was time to put on the show. Not because he was wondering about her lips, but because he couldnt have her standing there, staring at him with a guppylike expression on her face.
He stopped, then put his hand on her cheek. Her skin was soft. Warm. Then he leaned in, and she stiffened, just a bit, beneath his touch. Come with me to the terrace. Its much more private. He moved his hand up and down her back in a smooth, lingering caress before releasing her from his hold and taking them both off the dance floor, across the room and out the doors that led to the secluded balcony that overlooked the ocean.
What are you doing? she snapped when they were outside.
Im sparing you the dancing embarrassment, and giving the public what they want. Whats better than being seen on the dance floor? Being seen sneaking off of it for a little privacy. He looked back in the ballroom and noticed that their movements had been followed by a woman who was now watching them far too closely to be mistaken for a casual observer. We already have the attention of the paparazzi. And, if Im not mistaken, a woman taking pictures with a OnePhone.
Ten points to me.
He took a step toward her and she retreated, her back butting against the stucco wall of the hotel. Kiss me, he said.
What?
Were out here on a darkened terrace, there is only one possible reason for such a move.
Is that so?
Yes. I want you. I cant keep my hands off you, and I had to remove us from civilized company so I could give in to my fantasies and have my way with you.
Oh?
Yes. Julia, the only thing that could push two storied rivals into each others arms is the kind of lust that doesnt follow the rules. A kind of passion that defies logic and reason. The kind that would see us rushing off the dance floor to somewhere we could be alone.
Julias mouth and throat had gone completely dry. No man, ever, had looked at her with the kind of intensity Ferro was focusing on her now.
Her prom date, Michael, had viewed her with a weird sort of anger and aggression. Even as hed been forcing kisses on her, it hadnt been because of lust or attraction, but some need to dominate. To own her.
The attempted rape had had nothing to do with him wanting her sexually. Hed been violent. Hateful and insulting. Frightening.
Ferro wasnt looking at her like that. He was all heat and interest, intensity. Desire. Like he was looking at her, really looking at her. And the thing was, she knew it was part of the game. She knew that Ferro turned the charm on and off like a tap, that he had all this down to an art.
.
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