Black Pearl (6 page)

“So what are you going to do?” Mercedes asked Devyn as they talked on the phone during their lunch breaks. Devyn walked to a local park to eat her sandwich outside as she talked with Mercedes about what happened between her and Nikola.

Devyn shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just going to avoid him like I’ve been doing. I’m sure he’ll forget about me soon enough.” For the past few days, Nikola spent a great deal more time in Andre’s office than before. Each time he visited he made sure to stop and speak with Devyn. He would give little compliments on her hair or outfit of the day. He’d taken to calling her by her first name every chance he got, as if he derived pleasure from seeing the flush of arousal that passed through her whenever he said her name.

“Well, it doesn’t seem like that’s happening any time soon.” Mercedes countered. She was still out of town for her training. This was their first time talking since Friday night.

“He has a harem of women wanting to be on his arm. He’ll lose interest.” Devyn frowned at her own comment. The thought of Nikola losing interest in her, saddened her more than she cared to admit, and they hadn’t even had sex. That was how she knew she couldn’t go any further with him.

“I doubt it. I mean, I’ve seen you perform on stage, and if you weren’t already my best friend, I would definitely have tried to make my way backstage to feel you up.” Devyn laughed.

“Whatever. My sets have nothing on yours Miss Hoochie Coochie.” Devyn said referring to the provocative style of dance Mercedes often incorporated in her burlesque performances.

“Speaking of, are you performing again this weekend?” Mercedes asked.

“Saturday night is the Memorial Day Gala, so I’ll be attending that.”

The women talked for another twenty minutes before hanging up. Devyn finished her lunch and made her way back to the office. She thought about the gala this weekend. She purchased a royal blue floor length gown. The material was made of chiffon and the shoulder straps were adorned in gems that patterned in the shape of a flower, moving all the way down to the waist. There was a slit in the leg that came to a few inches above the knee. When Devyn tried on the dress she fell in love at first sight. She couldn’t wait to put it on, even though she didn’t have a date to the gala.

Devyn was distracted thinking about her gala dress, as she waited for the elevator. When it arrived, she stepped on just as two other people entered. Pressing the button for her floor, Devyn turned to ask what floor the other people on the elevator were going to, to press it for them and stiffened. Looking directly at her with a smirk on his handsome face was Nikola. The man next to him stepped forward to press the button for his floor. Devyn noted the man was getting off before both she and Nikola. She bit her lip to keep from cursing. She thought about getting off on the same floor with the other man, and just walking up the five flights to her floor. She peeked at Nikola, who was looking directly at her, as if he knew what she was thinking. The other man made small conversation with Nikola, who paid attention, but stole brief glances at Devyn. When they arrived at the fifteenth floor, the man got off, shaking hands with Nikola before exiting. Devyn prayed someone else would get on, but that hope vanished as the elevator doors closed, leaving her alone with Nikola.

The doors weren’t even closed a second before Nikola rounded on her. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said crowding her space.

“I… uh. No, I haven’t,” Devyn said as she backed up to the elevator wall.

“Oh, no?” He asked. Devyn shook her head.

“You’re training the new temporary assistant and instead of coming up to my floor to do it, you have her come down to you.” He looked at her knowingly. Devyn lowered her lashes. She didn’t respond because he was right. She had been avoiding him.

“The one thing you should know about me, Devyn…” He said as he pressed the emergency brake on the elevator. “…is that when I want something there is nothing or no one that can stop me.” He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him.

“And what I want is you,” he said before dipping his head to kiss her. He devoured her lips, taking in her moans, as he lowered his hands to squeeze her ass through the cream colored pants she wore. Devyn moved her hands to his chest to push him away, but was too caught up in the caress of his lips and the feel of his hands roaming over her body. Her hands moved up to circle around his neck. Devyn opened her mouth wider, granting him full access, and he took advantage. He stepped in closer, pressing her back against the wall. After long moments of kissing, Devyn broke away from the kiss, and stepped to the side, breaking Nikola’s grip on her.

“We shouldn’t do this,” she said, stepping further away to put some distance between them.

“Why not?” He asked curiously. “I know you’re not married. You don’t have a boyfriend do you?” He asked as if that was the only reason they shouldn’t become involved.

“N-no but that’s not why–”

“Then why not?” He asked and Devyn paused.

“Because you’re my boss,” she answered

“Andre is your boss,” he reminded her stepping closer.

“Go to the gala with me,” he said catching her off guard.

“What?” She asked confused.

“Go to the gala with me. Be my date.”

“I can’t and besides – don’t you have a girlfriend or a date already?” Nikola smiled.

“No. I don’t have a girlfriend or a date. So come with me.” Devyn knew there was no way she was showing up to the gala on the arm of the CEO of the company. That would get people talking for sure.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” He asked, pinning her once against the wall.

“Nikola,” she whispered as he began to pepper kisses down her neck.

“I love the way you say my name. Say it again.” He commanded as he bit her earlobe.

Without even thinking Devyn did as told and whispered his name. As Nikola continued to suck on her neck, Devyn opened her eyes and they landed directly on the camera at the top corner of the elevator.

“Oh God,” she said, pushing Nikola away.

“What’s wrong?” He asked with a concerned look on his face.

“There’s a camera,” she said pointing to the camera and squeezing around Nikola to press the latch to unlock the elevator.

“No one saw anything.” Nikola neglected to tell her he and only his chief of security had access to any video feed from the elevator camera.

“I have to go. I have work to do,” she said over her shoulder, releasing the emergency brake.

Devyn moved closer to the door, willing the elevator to move faster. Nikola stood behind her with his hands in his pockets, staring at her ass as she bounced nervously from on foot to another. When the elevator door opened Devyn bolted for her office.

Nikola smiled, knowing that she wouldn’t be running for long.

Excel’s Memorial Day Gala was held at The Georgia Aquarium. Devyn arrived just after 8:00 p.m., by the car service that Nikola ordered for her, even though she insisted she didn’t need it. She presented her employee badge and entered the aquarium to see a number of big names milling about. Pressing a hand to her hair, which she blow dried and put in a goddess braid around her head, with a few curls hanging on each side. She saw a few co-workers and went over to say hello and ask if they saw Andre. She wanted to check with him to make sure nothing needed to be taken care of. Devyn found Andre with his date for the evening on his arm. She was a dark haired, Latina woman, whose name Devyn vaguely remembered as Maria or Maritza.

“Hi Andre. I won’t keep you. I just wanted to make sure everything was going well.”

“Hi Devyn. You look beautiful. Yes, everything is fine. Don’t worry about anything. You’re not on the clock tonight. You remember my date, Maria,” Andre said gesturing to the woman on his arm. Devyn greeted the woman, and she smiled back.

“All right, I’m going to go mingle.”

“Before you go, you haven’t seen Nikola have you?” Devyn stiffened.

“Uh, no. I just got here a little while ago though.”

“I was just asking. Mama was looking for him.” Devyn nodded and excused herself. Devyn mingled with a few employees from different departments throughout the evening. She danced with a few of them. Just as she was leaving the dance floor, she spotted Iris.

“Devyn.” Iris waved. “You look beautiful, dear,” she said as she embraced Devyn, placing a kiss on her cheek.

“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. You look great yourself.” Devyn took in Iris’ dark blue Carolina Herrera gown. The dress was strapless, and form fitting at the top, flowering out at the bottom, with shimmering beading around the front. Iris Collins was beautiful.

“Thank you, dear. Are you enjoying yourself?” Iris asked.

“Yes, of course.”

“Have you seen the silent auction is doing so well? Come let me show you.” She wrapped her arm around Devyn’s pulling her towards the other side of the room towards the silent auction set up. There was a large range of items from art pieces and one-of-a-kind jewelry to tickets for a weekend getaway. Devyn had helped to organize and sort all the items. She knew the cost of each of the items and silently tallied their expected donations so far. This year’s gala was looking to be a big success.

“This is great. Looks like we may meet our goal of exceeding last year’s donations.” Devyn told Iris. Iris looked as if this news pleased her.

“Look who decided to show up,” Iris said and Devyn turned. Her body went rigid at the sight of Nikola in his Brioni tuxedo, perfectly tailored for his body. The tuxedo jacket was dark blue with black lapels, paired with black pants, a white button down shirt, and a black bow tie. He looked like walking sin.

“Hello, Mama. Hello, Devyn.” He smiled a dazzling smile and Devyn’s heart pounded as he pressed a kiss to Iris’ cheek and then hers.

Iris eyed the move but remained silent. “Nicky, Devyn and I were just looking at the silent auction. She was saying we look like we may do even better than last year.”

“Is that right? Well, we couldn’t have done it without her help.” Nikola turned his gaze to Devyn. Before Devyn could respond another man joined them. He was obviously of Latin heritage, with his golden colored skin, dark black hair, and big brown eyes that sparkled with mischief. He was about the same height as Nikola, and dressed just as impeccably. 

“Oh Raul! I’m so glad you could make it!”

“Hello, Mama Collins. How are you?” The man named Raul kissed her cheek and embraced her. He looked at Devyn.

“Raul, this is Devyn Williams. She works for Andre and helped arrange all of this tonight.” Iris made the introductions.

“Devyn, this is Raul Santiago, Nicky’s best friend and my third son,” Iris said smiling.

Smiling, Raul stepped closer to Devyn taking her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of her palm. “I thought I knew all the beautiful women that worked for Excel. I see you’ve been keeping secrets. Some friend you are.” Raul said looking over at Nikola, teasing his best friend.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Williams.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Santiago.”

Raul snorted. “Please, my father is Mr. Santiago. Call me Raul.”

“Only if you call me Devyn.” She retorted, smiling at his flirtation.

“Then it’s a deal.”

“You can let go of her hand now.” Nikola interrupted tightly, making Raul’s smile grow even wider.

“Such a spoilsport. Been like that since college,” he teased.

“I wasn’t sure if you were going to make it in, Raul,” Iris intervened.

“Yes, well, I almost had to cancel but business went smoothly, so here I am.” Raul’s family had been one of the original founders of one of Brazil’s largest banks. After getting out of the military he went into the family business, just like Nikola. The two men remained best friends despite the distance, often having their companies do business together. Raul also worked in security and had connections to a number of private security firms around the world.

“Isn’t that great, Nikola?” Iris asked.

Nikola grunted at the way, Raul continued to eye Devyn. “Yeah, great.”

“Devyn, would you care to dance?” Raul asked, much to Nikola’s chagrin. Nikola might be a playboy, but Raul wrote the book on playing the field. The thought of him trying his moves on Devyn angered Nikola.

“Um, sure,” Devyn said as Raul grabbed her arm and escorted her to the dance floor. Nikola watched the pair walk away. His fist tightening when they stopped and Raul pulled her in close, swaying to the music.

Iris quietly watched the tension build in her son’s shoulders and smiled.

After a few dances with Raul, Devyn excused herself to go to the restroom. Devyn chose to use the second restroom that was closed off from most of the guests. Flashing her employee ID at the security guard, Devyn was let through. She quickly relieved herself and checked her reflection in the mirror, retouching her lipstick. Exiting the bathroom, Devyn proceeded down the hall and rounded the corner, right into a strong chest. An arm grabbed her to keep her from falling.

“Oh, excuse m–” She stopped as she noticed who she bumped into.

“Hello Devyn.”

“Marcus.”

She said surprised at seeing him again after so long. With dark brown skin, full lips and brown eyes Marcus was definitely an attractive man. Standing at 5’11” and a physique he worked hard to keep in shape, he knew most women found him attractive too. It was something he constantly reminded Devyn of during their relationship.

“What are you doing here?” Devyn asked.

“What, I’m not good enough to be here?” He asked defensively.

Stepping back, Devyn shook her head. “No, I didn’t mean it like that. I was just surprised to see you.”

“I’m here working security. I work part-time for a firm.” He answered.

“Oh. Um, well, it was good to see you. Take care,” she lied trying to step around him. He stepped in front of her.

“That’s all I get. ‘
It was nice seeing me?
’”

She didn’t know what he wanted. “I’m not sure what else to say,” she responded truthfully.

“How about ‘
How are you?
’ or ‘
How have you been?
’” He said looking her up and down.

“How have you been?” She asked more to appease him rather than actually caring about the response.

“I’ve been good. I see you’ve been good as well. I saw you dancing with that guy. Is he your date?” He asked with a hint of anger in his voice.

“No, I just met him tonight.”

“Of course. None of these rich guys here would want you for their woman—not publicly anyway.” Devyn recognized the familiar verbal insults he used to throw her way when they were together.

Clearing her throat she tried to end the conversation, “I’m going to go now, Marcus. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Devyn stepped around him to walk towards where the rest of the guests were when he grabbed her hand and spun her around.

“Don’t walk away from me. I’m not done talking to you.” Devyn saw the flash of anger in his eyes and grew nervous.

“Marcus, please let go of my arm.” His grip tightened on her arm.

“Seems like you have a hearing problem. She asked you to let go.” Both Devyn and Marcus spun around to see a very angry Nikola walking towards them. Devyn’s eyes widened shocked at seeing the rage in his eyes.

“Who the hell are you?” Marcus asked incredulously.

“I’m the guy that’s going to make you regret the day your mother ever met your father if you don’t let her arm go.” Marcus let go of Devyn’s arm putting all his attention on Nikola, sizing him up. Devyn stepped back.

“Are you okay?” Nikola looked at Devyn. She nodded.

“Yes, I’m fine. It was just a misunderstanding.” Devyn tried to calm Nikola’s anger.

“What are you doing at this event?” Nikola looked at Marcus as he pulled Devyn behind him. Marcus noticed the protective stance and a muscle in his jaw ticked.

“I’m with Harrison Security Firm,” he stated confidently.

“Well consider yourself fired. You can leave now,” Nikola said authoritatively.

“You can’t fire me. I–”

“Wrong. You work for the security firm I hired to protect my employees and you end up assaulting one. You’re lucky I haven’t stomped your teeth down your throat,” Nikola said angrily stepping closer.

Devyn placed a hand on his arm. “Nikola, please. It was just a misunderstanding. I’m sure Marcus is sorry. Right Marcus?”  She asked looking at Marcus, trying to ease the tension of the situation. Hearing Devyn defend this man only angered Nikola even more.

“Marcus is it?” He asked and Marcus nodded.

“Well, Marcus, consider yourself fired. You have two minutes to leave. I’ll inform your employer of your behavior tonight.”

Knowing he was defeated, Marcus relented and walked away without another word or retort.

Devyn blew out a breath and turned to Nikola. “I’m sorry about tha–”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry about. Do you know him?” Nikola asked still angry and wanting to know the man’s relation to Devyn.

Devyn nodded. “Yes. He’s, um, he’s my ex.”

“Are you two still involved?”

“No. This was the first time I’ve seen him in a year and a half. I didn’t know he was going to be here.” Nikola let out the breath he’d been holding. He wanted Devyn and did not want to deal with any feelings she might have for an ex.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Then let’s get back to the gala,” he said, placing his hand at the small of her back as they walked back down the hall. On the way back, Nikola stopped to speak with a security guard, ensuring that Marcus was escorted out of the building.

“Dance with me.” Nikola commanded in a low voice, grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the dance floor. He circled one arm around her waist pulling her in close. Devyn swayed in his arms as she inhaled his cologne. She fought hard not to close her eyes and lay her head on his chest, remembering they were still at a work event. Devyn looked up into his blue eyes and everyone else in the room faded away.

“That was the second man I wanted to kill tonight over you.” Blinking out of her trance, Devyn looked questioningly at Nikola.

“What?”

He repeated himself. “That was the second man I wanted to kill tonight over you. First, my own best friend for flirting with you, and that asshole ex of yours.” Devyn smiled and dipped her head.

“What was that smile for?”

“It’s nothing. Just that my best friend refers to him the same way.”

“The asshole?” Nikola questioned. Devyn giggled.

“Yes, that’s exactly what she calls him.”

“Sounds like your friend and I would get along.” He paused staring in her eyes as they swayed to the music.

“You look stunning tonight” He said raising his hand to run his thumb along her jawline. Devyn gasped and tried to step back but Nikola’s grip around her waist tightened.

“Nikola, we can’t.”

“Can’t what?” She looked at him exasperated.

“We can’t do whatever you were about to do.”

“And why not?” He questioned.

“Because we’re in public. This is a work event.”

“I’ve noticed.”

Devyn sighed.

“Come home with me tonight,” he said looking in her eye. Devyn stopped moving.

“Nikola,” she said softly.

“Yes, that’s the sound I want to hear you making later on tonight while I’m between your thighs, deep inside you,” he said beginning to sway to the music again, holding her.

Devyn’s panties instantly moistened hearing Nikola’s words. She swallowed at the look of desire she saw in his eyes. As the song ended and people began leaving the dance floor, he leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“You will be leaving with me tonight and before the night is over, you will be screaming my name. Don’t try to run again. It will only make me angry, once I catch you.” He stood to his full height. Devyn’s chest heaved up and down.

“I’m going to go check on our guests. I’ll find you before the announcements,” he said before turning and walking away.

Devyn stood in the spot he left her trying to control her breathing. The image of her naked, writhing beneath Nikola as he thrust deep inside her, ignited her entire body. She briefly closed her eyes in an attempt to calm her arousal. Opening her eyes, she realized she was still standing in the spot he left her in, and was the only single person on the dance floor. She turned to a waiter who was passing and grabbed a glass of champagne, needing something to cool her still flaming core. Swallowing the bubbly liquid she began exiting the dance floor towards the table of co-workers she sat with earlier. She made her way to the table and chatted with them for a few minutes, before she felt a hand at her back.

“Sorry everyone, but I have not had the pleasure of dancing with one of the most beautiful women in the room tonight. You all don’t mind if I borrow her for a few minutes, do you?” Devyn looked up to see a smiling Andre. She looked around him.

“Only if your date doesn’t mind,” she said playfully.

“She will be fine. But I won’t if I don’t get at least one dance with the one person who made this event the success it is,” Devyn rolled her eyes as Andre stuck out his hand.

“I am hardly the one who put all of this together,” she said giving him her hand and following him to the dance floor.

“You and Nikola seem to be getting on well.” Devyn grew nervous at his comment.

Did he know that she and Nikola had something going on? She didn’t even know what to call it. They’d kissed a few times and done other...
stuff
, but they weren’t lovers, were they? Did Nikola tell Andre about them? She certainly didn’t want word getting around the office. Gossip was rampant in any office, and she tried to keep her personal life to herself. Then there was how cliché it all was—an administrative assistant having some sort of office affair with the CEO of the company. She didn’t want people in the office talking about her as if she was some sort of gold digger just looking for a rich bachelor to come along and take care of her. She also didn’t want whatever was going on between her and Nikola to affect her working relationship with Andre. They got along very well and in spite of his charming personality, she knew his flirtation was innocent.

“I mean, you two at least refer to each other by your first names now. I told him it wasn’t a big deal to call our employees by their first names and allow them to do the same, but you know him. Well, maybe you don’t know him, but he’s a bit of a stickler when it comes to what’s appropriate in the office…” Andre continued to ramble on and Devyn breathed a sigh of relief. It seems he didn’t know what was going on between her and Nikola.

Devyn had every intention of keeping it that way. She did not plan on going home with Nikola tonight. She would just avoid him for the rest of the evening. Considering how busy he was, and how impatient everyone was to speak with the CEO of Excel, she had no doubt he would be too preoccupied to notice her slipping out at end of the evening.