Beyond the Velvet Rope (12 page)

“That wasn’t my fault,” Nico retorted. “No one can go to Fiji for just one week. Besides, didn’t I make that up to you?”

Elliot conceded. Nico had thrown him a birthday bash he doubted he could ever surpass. Elliot turned away from the glass wall to look at him. Nico was seated on Elliot’s couch, with an attractive black woman seated beside him.

He smiled at the woman. “What was your name again?”

“Janay,” she said.

“I can’t keep my eyes off you.”

Elliot smiled down at the lovely Janay. “I’ll give you two some privacy.”

Elliot left the office.

* * *

Thandie was hesitant to return to Babylon after what had happened last night. But to not go would be to lose face with Elliot. If she showed the slightest bit of weakness, there would be blood in the water. Elliot would attack like the shark he was. There was a high chance she would not come out unscathed next time.

She was still stunned by what had occurred in the Tower. She was upset with Elliot for taking advantage of the situation, and she was mortified by her reaction to him. She could not figure out the nearly hypnotic effect he had on her. She had never responded that way to any other man, and she believed Elliot knew this. He was far too confident in his effect on her. If given the chance, he would use it against her. Hadn’t he already?

For once, Thandie did not rush the girls to get ready. They could take all night if they wanted. She had no intention of arriving early. So far, her plan was working well. Now that the girls had met Elliot, they were going all out to impress him. Both were dressed in their most dazzling outfits. In contrast, Thandie chose to dress down, in black leather pants and blouse. There were no frills. She desired only to melt into the crowd.

By the time the girls were ready, it was well past midnight. The managers’ meeting had been concluded hours ago. At Babylon, the music was amplified and there was a decent-size line outside the crowd. The bouncer waved them through the line and held the door open for them.

She doubted she’d ever get used to the splendor of Club Babylon. Smartly, the club’s many themes altered the interior so much it was hardly recognizable from one day to the next. Tonight, the arena was darkened more than usual to give way to a brilliant laser show.

Len and Raja quickly put some distance between themselves and Thandie, which was fine with her. Thanks to their ostentatious outfits, it would be impossible for her to lose sight of them.

She surveyed the arena crowd. It did not take long before she spotted Elliot. He was easy to find. He drew people to him like a magnet. She had only to follow the small wave of people who trailed after him. At the moment, Elliot was leaning casually against the bar, entertaining a cluster of laughing sorority girls. The tallest of the girls wore a sash with Greek letters etched on both ends and the words “I’m twenty-one today” proudly scrawled in the center. The girl was a perfect distraction. Thandie was able to circle the dance floor and enter the VIP area unnoticed.

She spied Adam, but was unable to talk to him because he was attending to guests. She waved to him and headed to the upper level of the lounge. There, she found a nook along the balcony to view the lower floors. It was doubtful Elliot would notice her here. She settled into the spot and watched the crowd. There was plenty to see, and much to learn.

The Babylon waitstaff snaked in and out of the throng, taking orders and delivering drinks. Discreetly dressed security guards patrolled the room, on the lookout for any sign of trouble. Dancers effortlessly transitioned from the backstage to their elevated platforms.

Thandie told herself she was familiarizing herself with her new work environment, but the truth was she couldn’t keep her eyes off Elliot. He was truly the best show in town.

He was spending an unnecessary amount of time humoring the college girls, and he didn’t look interested in leaving them. They were much prettier than the girls she remembered walking around on her college campus. At some point, the girl with the tiara had placed her crown on Elliot’s head. Thandie rolled her eyes. The sonofabitch still managed to look sexy while wearing a headpiece! Didn’t he have other things he should be doing? Did he intend to spend the whole night amusing these eager-to-please youngsters?

Just as the thought occurred to her, she saw Elliot crossing the dance floor, the girls following closely behind. He held his hand out for support as he guided them up the staircase to his office. Thandie watched as he and Michelle shared a quick knowing look before Michelle blocked any future entry into Elliot’s office.

Thandie shook her head. Her new boss was a player, to be sure. He toyed with women as if they were amusing puppets. It was unsettling to watch how easily he charmed his way between their thighs, and they didn’t seem to mind. They were all smiles hanging on to Elliot, happy to be in his presence. It was shameful. It was all the more reason to stay away from him. Elliot Richards was temptation personified.

Thandie gave a snort of resignation. Who cared if Elliot was screwing college girls in his office at this very moment? So long as she wasn’t on the receiving side of his advances, she was safe. She was here to do a job, and Elliot’s personal escapades were the least of her concerns.

* * *

It was a little past four o’clock in the morning. Thandie and the girls had arrived back at Warren’s home barely an hour ago. When they’d left the club, Warren was enthralled with a tall, leggy blonde, whom Thandie could only guess was a model. Florida apparently grew supermodels as plentifully as citrus fruit.

Thandie burrowed deeper under the bedsheets. She stared up at the ceiling, trying to get her thoughts together. The cool confines of the bedding were soothing against her skin. Thandie considered herself lucky to have escaped from Babylon before Elliot had a chance to corner her. Thankfully, he’d been too preoccupied with his college beauties to entertain thoughts of her.

Thandie’s nerves were in a state of disarray. She could not decide if she should be offended by Elliot’s show of interest in someone else, so soon after their encounter in the Tower, or if she should be relieved. If he was involved with other women, then it would mean he had no serious interest in her, which was what she wanted. Then why did seeing Elliot with another woman get under her skin?

She shivered every time she thought about the Tower incident. Her body was still burning from their encounter. Not for the first time, she wondered just what would have happened if she’d lingered in his embrace only a few minutes longer. Would they have had sex? Would she have enjoyed it?
Of course you would have,
a voice inside her head screamed. A man like Elliot didn’t gain a reputation like his without a little truth to it. He’d surely had enough practice.

She was far from being a virgin and normally considered herself quite proficient in the art of love. She loved the control, loved the look of desperation in her lover’s eyes as she rode him. But somehow, she knew Elliot Richards would be different. He would be much more resistant to being controlled. No, Elliot thrived on power, finding a person’s weakness and forcing them to submit to his desires.

She rolled over onto her side, searching for a cooler spot in the sheets. Closing her eyes, she tried to empty her mind, and rest. If she focused really hard, she might even be able to go thirty minutes without fantasizing about a tanned, silver-eyed devil in finely cut suits. Pulling her pillow into her side, she gave a deep sigh, pretending the goose-feathered duvet was Cam’s sleeping form. Sweet, reliable, uncomplicated Cam. His scent, his bare skin, his soft snore.

Her muscles began to relax as fatigue crept over her. Her breathing became slower. She hugged Cam tighter—a moan of contentment escaped her lips. And then Cam’s skin went dark, and well-defined muscles appeared. She looked up to see his normally handsome features had contorted into sharper angles, making him dazzle with new beauty. He blinked, and when his eyes opened they were no longer a warm shade of brown, but a hue of cool silver. His gaze burned her like shards of ice. And then he spoke.

“I’m more talented with my tongue.”

Thandie bolted upright, her heart beating frantically in her chest. She looked hesitantly beside her. With a sigh of relief, there was only a pillow at her side.

“Oh, thank goodness,” she whispered. “It was a nightmare.”

Chapter Eight

I
t had been casually mentioned, and within days it had erupted into a whirlwind of activity. Over lunch, while Thandie was texting with Amanda in New York, Warren made her jump when he threw down his newspaper and snapped his fingers. “We’ll have a party!” he said.

Thandie, who’d been interrupted from a rather lengthy text message, turned toward him. “A what?”

“A party,” he repeated, his face gleaming with excitement. “I’ll throw you and the girls a welcome party.”

Len and Raja, whom Thandie hadn’t even known were awake yet, ran into the dining room whooping and clapping their hands.

“A party!” Len exclaimed.

Raja jumped in jubilation. “Where?”

Warren spread his hands out. “Here, of course.”

Thandie shook her head in disbelief. “Warren, why in the world would you throw a party for us?”

“Why the hell not?” He frowned at her, unable to believe anyone would question the idea of a party.

“You’re insane,” Thandie said. “We go to a party every time we go to Babylon.”

“Yeah, but that’s different.” Warren waved his hand carelessly in the air. “That’s business.”

Again, Thandie shook her head. Warren’s thinking process was beyond her. She had little time to spare these days. She was quickly learning what Miami’s nightlife had to offer.

In less than a week, she and the girls had attended two red carpet events, three social galas and visited four competing nightclubs. It was exhausting work. After spending six days straight traveling from one party to the next, the last thing Thandie wanted to do was attend another party. She didn’t have the energy.

“You’re certifiable, Warren,” she said.

“That wouldn’t be the first time I’ve heard that,” he chuckled.

“When are you going to have time to plan a party?”

“I’ll make time,” he laughed. “When have you ever known me not to find time for a little revelry?”

“Forgive me for being skeptical.”

“We’ll have it next Monday,” he announced.

“That’s only four days away, including today,” she pointed out.

“Plenty of time,” he assured her. “The club will be closed, so everybody from the staff can come. I know this great little bistro that can do the catering. It’ll be perfect.”

“I’m not so sure it’s a good idea,” she warned.

“Okay, Negative Nancy,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I won’t ask for your help, but you are required to come.”

The girls were so taken with the idea, they looped their arms around his neck and planted loud kisses on his cheeks. His eyes lit up and she knew if Warren died this very moment, he would have done so with a smile on his face.

“Okay, okay. Plan your party, but we—” Thandie pointed to the girls and herself “—have work to do. And this work is attached to a sizable payoff. Please try not to be offended when I tell you those responsibilities outweigh your party plans.”

“Thandie,”
Len said with a dramatic whine. “Show a little gratitude. He’s offering to throw you a party, not give you a root canal.”

“I’m just being a voice of reason. We’re here to work, not party.”

Raja’s hand shot up into the air. “Who votes to ignore Thandie and focus on planning our party?” Len and Warren’s hands sprang into the air. “Looks as though you’ve been outnumbered, Thandie.” And in a voice reminiscent of her boss’s, Raja added. “Try not to be offended.”

Len giggled and Warren clapped his hands and started listing off things he wanted to include.

Thandie shook her head and left the room. She doubted anyone noticed her absence, for they were again jumping up and down with excitement.

* * *

An hour later, Thandie and the girls piled into the SUV and headed toward South Beach. It would be another long day. They had all been long days. There never seem to be enough time to accomplish everything. There were always phone calls to make, emails to follow-up on, booking agents to persuade and hotel rates to negotiate.

And then there was the research. Not an overly difficult task, however it demanded time and a fair amount of patience. Being unfamiliar with Miami, Thandie had to invest a few days to acquaint herself with the city.

The feat would have been much easier if she could clarify the expectations. Unfortunately, she was avoiding Elliot like the plague. Not that he noticed.

Thandie’s elaborate plan to be too busy with work to think about Elliot, let alone see him, was a failure. She was annoyed to learn from his smug assistant Romero, Elliot was currently out of town. When she’d discovered he was in Italy of all places, with someone named Nico, she had difficulty silencing a colorful string of profanities. Even if she had questions about the project, he would not have been available to answer them. Not that she was anxious to see the man. In fact, she felt just the opposite. Be that as it may, Elliot would have to approve her proposal before she could move forward.

Having no idea when Elliot would return, Thandie pushed onward. She was determined to complete the proposal.

Thus, she and the girls submerged themselves in the momentous task of gathering information. By day, they made endless calls, verifying the schedules of potential entertainers and high-profile guests. By night, they split up their schedules; putting in early appearances at Babylon before heading out to scout competing clubs. It was a grueling schedule. Even Raja and Len, with their bountiful energy, began to whine after a few days. By the end of the week, Thandie had a detailed project plan ready for review.

In a show of appreciation for their hard work, she gave the girls the afternoon off. This was music to their ears, as they would be free to roam the streets of Miami unsupervised.

Late Sunday evening, Thandie put the finishing touches on the proposal, dressed it in her firm’s signature portfolio packaging, and arranged for the girls to deliver it to Romero, who would relay it to his employer. Thandie imagined it would sit on Elliot’s desk collecting dust, anticipating his return to the city. Until then, all she could do was wait.

On the day of Warren’s party, Thandie indulged herself by sleeping late. She’d managed to keep Len and Raja out of her hair by having them run miscellaneous errands, although she had the sinking suspicion they were helping Warren plan his spontaneous house party.

Warren’s home had quickly become a reservoir for cleaning supplies, flower arrangements, lighting fixtures, and sound equipment. By early afternoon, there were party planners, decorators and caterers crawling all over. True to his word, Warren hadn’t bothered her once for help. In fact, she’d gotten the feeling he enjoyed the project; it seemed to give an outlet to his youthful energy.

By now, Thandie was too busy to notice the constant eruptions of noise from the lower level of Warren’s home. The DJ he’d hired was performing a series of sound checks, decorators were making the finishing touches, and the caterers were preparing the buffet. Len and Raja were in a state of giggles, teasing Warren whenever possible and taking turns flirting with the DJ.

Thandie, for the most part, remained locked in her room. Amanda had called earlier, and it had taken her a solid hour to calm her down. When she had finally hung up, Thandie needed a nap. She slept for two hours before being awakened by knocking on her door.

“Thandie?”

“Come in,” she said sleepily.

Raja eased into her room, closing the door quickly behind her to block out the noise. Wearing a strapless black dress with her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, she looked very pretty.

“You should come downstairs. The decorator did a kick-ass job.”

This made Thandie laugh. “A kick-ass job? Aren’t you a little old for such descriptions?”

“I’m only twenty-three!”

Thandie arched her brow at the girl.

“Fine,” Raja surrendered. “I’m twenty-six, but don’t tell Len.”

“My lips are sealed,” she promised.

Raja brightened. “Thanks, boss. By the way, Warren sent me up here to ask you nicely to get ready. The party starts in two hours.”

Rolling out of bed, Thandie stretched. “Okay. You’ve done your dirty work. I’m up.”

“Want some help?”

“No, thanks. I’ll be down soon.”

Once Raja left, Thandie began washing up. She opened the closet and pulled out a garment that was so whisper thin, it floated in the air. Unlike the flashy outfits she wore for work, this gown would cover her from head to toe in a cool shade of gray lace. The material was lined with delicate nude fabric, giving the illusion the owner of the dress was wearing nothing beneath.

Thandie had never worn it to any of the clubs she worked because she’d always thought the coloring too delicate, and the length too formal. However, for a house party in tropical surroundings, it was perfect.

She slid into the dress and rummaged through her jewelry bag for a pair of simple stud earrings. Following Raja’s lead, she pulled her hair away from her face, tucking rebellious tresses behind her ears. By the time she was applying her lipstick, she could hear the first group of guests arriving.

Now completely dressed and accessorized, she surveyed herself in the full-length mirror. She admired the way the dress clung to her body like a second skin, before falling into a pool of lace around her stilettos. There was a high slit on the right side of the gown, nearly snaking all the way up to her waist. It would be the only visible skin shown tonight. For several minutes, she debated about whether to wear panties or not. The dress was lovely, yet very thin. She could see the slight indention of her thong along her hips. With a sigh, she lifted her skirt and pulled off her panties, grumbling to herself that no one but her would ever know.

After a final once-over, Thandie went downstairs. She was impressed. When Warren Radcliffe threw a party, he threw a party. The room was lit by hundreds of candles, and with the curtains pulled back to allow a picturesque twilight view of the ocean, the setting was beautiful. The terrace doors were open, allowing a pleasant breeze to flow through the rooms. Balanced by smooth, jazzy melodies, it was the perfect setting for seduction.

There were already fifty guests there. Miami’s finest socialites had come out to play. Spotting her across the room, Warren came to her side, kissing her cheek. “There you are, Thandie. You look lovely.”

“Thank you.” Looking around the room, she said, “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“You think so?”

“I love it, Warren. Forgive me for ever doubting you.”

He laughed. “I aspire to impress you.” Claiming two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, he handed her the refreshment. “Here’s to old friends in new places.” He clinked the tip of his glass with hers and took a sip.

Just then, a large group of newcomers entered the living area. Thandie looked around the room and spotted most of the Babylon staff and a dozen pretty twenty-something girls.

“Warren, who are these women you invited?”

He shrugged. “Haven’t got a clue, but God bless them for coming. Pardon me, kiddo. I see a guest who needs my attention.”

She watched him rush off to flirt with a tall, thin girl who looked too young to vote. Laughing to herself, she made her way out to the terrace, where a few people had gathered. Immediately, she spotted Adam Parr. He waved her over, kissing her lightly on the cheek.

“You certainly can be counted on for the wow-factor,” he said. “You look hot.”

Thandie smiled. “You look pretty nice yourself.”

“I try,” he said with a wink. “So how has your visit been so far? Staying with Warren has got to be entertaining.” They both looked across the room where Warren was doing a very suggestive salsa dance with his new lady friend.

“I’m afraid everything about Warren is entertaining,” Thandie said under her breath.

“Beautiful and diplomatic,” he teased.

“Careful, Adam. I’m easily swayed by flowery words.”

“I’m easily swayed by loose women. But who’s counting?”

They laughed.

Adam stopped a passing waiter to replace their now-empty glasses with fresh, fizzing flutes of champagne. “How’s the proposal coming along?”

“It’s finished,” she said triumphantly.

“I don’t know how you did it so fast,” he said with a shake of his head. “The last PR agent for Red Door took a month, and Elliot still laughed at it.”

“Let me guess,” she said in a forced cool voice. “The agent was a man.”

Adam smiled to himself. “You wouldn’t have known it from the way he started crying. Wailed like a woman. Poor fellow. He was in over his head.”

Thandie gave a weak smile and fought the sensation to run back to her laptop and double-check her work.

Adam’s gaze flicked to someone behind her and then he smiled. “Excuse me, Thandie. I see a friend of mine. Will you be all right by yourself?”

“Of course,” she assured him.

Thandie watched Adam as he crossed the room. In all honesty, she was saddened to see him go. Aside from Warren, Adam was the only friend she had in Miami.

She was just about to introduce herself to a couple standing nearby when she heard someone call her name. She turned to see Rex Barrington making his way to her side. She smiled as he approached. He was dressed in a dark gray suit and black dress shirt which was unbuttoned at the neck. He looked very nice, she thought. Not nearly the handsome radiance of Elliot Richards, but nice all the same.

“You look splendid,” he said, greeting her with a light peck on the cheek. “Of course, I’m sure every man in the room has told you so. That dress—really compliments you.” He visibly blushed the moment the words left his mouth.

Thandie thought his embarrassment was endearing. “Thank you, Rex. I was just thinking how nice you look tonight.”

With obvious relief, he smiled. “How are things going so far?”

“I haven’t been chased off yet, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“That’s good news. We need a pretty face around here.” He gave her a nod before scanning the newest group to step onto the terrace. “I never get a chance to see you at the club. By the time I hear you’re in the building, you’ve already left.”

“Not enough time in the day,” she said with an apologetic lift of her shoulders. “I’ve been busy working on the proposal.”