Ellena (4 page)

“Have lunch with me. You don’t have plans, do you?” he asked, and she had a funny feeling in her gut. She didn’t know this man at all, and she certainly shouldn’t have lunch with him simply because he was tall, dark, handsome, and very charming.

She pulled her hand away and glanced around them. “I don’t think so. I really don’t know you, Parker.”

“That’s why we should have lunch, so that I can get to know you.”

She hesitated and before she could begin her argument as to why it was a bad idea, Parker was strolling down the street, holding her hand, as he looked both ways before crossing the street. On their way to a small clam and oyster bar, she immediately noticed all the people who said hello to Parker or just simply got out of his way. One man gave Parker an almost fearful look, and when she turned back to see him watching them, she noticed the two men from yesterday.

“Parker, who are those men that are following us?” she asked.

He didn’t even turn to look.

“Security. Don’t be frightened. I’m a businessman and unfortunately have gained some enemies over the years.” He paused, wrapped an arm around her waist as he pressed his body closer, and stared into her eyes.

“No worries, Ellena, I will keep you safe.”

She saw the intensity in his eyes, but also something else. Her instincts told her to not trust this man and to get away from him, but another part of her found him intriguing, and since she didn’t live around here, what harm could come of this encounter?

They entered the restaurant and clam bar, and he immediately walked around the crowd of people waiting to be seated, straight for a private, empty table in the back. After a quick glance over her shoulder, she noticed the two men followed but kept their distance by taking up two spots by the end of the bar. From where they stood, they had a clear view of Parker.

“Hello, sir, how are you today?” the young man carrying the menus asked.

“Very good, Louis. You have everything ready?” he asked as if he had intended this lunch encounter way before bumping into her on the street. Again, Ellena’s gut clenched.
Was this man following me?

“Ellena, have a seat right here. I want you to enjoy this lunch and all its charm,” Parker said as he pulled a chair out for her to sit and then took the seat directly next to her as opposed to across from her. She wondered if he didn’t like to sit with his back to the crowds of people.

She glanced around, unfamiliar with this particular restaurant, since it had been years since she’d ventured out of Orchidea. She had been overworked, extremely stressed, and now was a time to enjoy life a little and have a short break from the restaurant.

“Might I suggest a few of my favorites from the menu?”

She nodded to him, and he in turn nodded to Louis, who stood nearby as if waiting on Parker’s beck and call.

The band began to play some upbeat music. She watched the men behind the large counter chop and dice fresh fish, oysters, lobsters, and shrimp among other fishes, and she began to relax.

It was after they shared some fresh jumbo and Creole shrimp stuffed with crab that she noticed Parker staring at her.

“Where are you from, Ellena?”

She swallowed hard. She wasn’t stupid, or at least not that stupid as to give away personal information about herself. She was just kind of foolish to be sitting here with a complete stranger who appeared to be a boss of some kind.

“I live in Baton Rouge.” She quickly turned toward the band and smiled as they played a fun tune.

“Really? I haven’t been to Baton Rouge in months. Where about do you live?”

She looked at him and felt her cheeks warm. She was embarrassed to lie to him, so she figured the truth would be best from here on out.

“Parker, I don’t know you. I don’t feel comfortable telling you all about me, including where I’m from. It’s nice that you invited me to lunch, but if you’re looking for something—”

He touched her hand and squeezed it, interrupting her thoughts as he leaned closer to her. She held his gaze. His dark eyes appeared angry, but she wasn’t certain that was how he felt. His eyes were just so damn dark they made her think of anger.
How odd
.

“I’m interested in you, Ellena. I’m trying to get to know you instead of ignoring the need and worrying about losing an opportunity to spend some time with you. I know we just met, but I’m a man of action. When I see something I want, I go after it.”

Her eyes widened and her heart began to race. She tried pulling her hand away, but he held it firmly. A flash of something evil crossed his face, and then he smirked a little as he tapped her hand and released it.

“Do not worry, Ellena. I won’t hurt you. Let’s enjoy lunch and our time together. I have a meeting in an hour. Then perhaps we can make plans to meet again.”

She didn’t respond, as the waiter Louis brought along some jambalaya and lobster biscuits.

They ate in silence. She saw the two men Parker had described as security begin to approach, but one hand raised by Parker indicated that he didn’t need their assistance or intervention. She also noticed one of the men moved his light jacket aside, revealing a revolver.

“Parker, I am so sorry to interrupt, but I just received word from Vegas. There may be a situation with the
Eighth District.”

Parker placed his finger over his lips and the man stopped talking. He looked at Ellena and then back at Parker.

Parker appeared very annoyed as he used the linen napkin to pat his mouth then motioned with his finger for one of the security guys to approach. The guard with the blond hair bent down as Parker whispered to him. Obviously, he didn’t want Ellena to hear him.

The blond took the man’s arm and escorted him away from the table.

Parker appeared angry for certain now as he made a funny expression with his mouth and took a deep breath before looking back at Ellena. She wondered what the man was talking about. The Eighth District included the police station, the French Quarter, the central business district, Harrah’s Casino, Canal Place, and Bourbon Street. Or perhaps by saying Eighth District, the man meant there was a situation with the police. Ellena panicked. Leon, Eloi, and the others would be pissed off if they found out she was hanging with some shady character. Especially after all the off-the-wall stuff her sisters went through.
Geesh, I’m acting like a sheltered child instead of a woman born and raised on the bayou with gators and voodoo priestesses. Shit!

“I’m sorry about that interruption. As I mentioned, I am involved with different businesses and sometimes the locals who are having problems think that those problems are mine. So, back to you. How long are you visiting my hometown?”

“Just a few days. I need to get back to work.”

“What do you do?”

“I’m a chef.”

His eyes widened.

“Really? Is that why you were visiting with Frederick at Lustre?”

She began to respond and then realized, how would he know that unless his security guy really was following her? And why?

She crossed her arms in front of her chest, not realizing that the move showed off more cleavage than she wanted to this guy. The light green dress she wore was sleeveless and she had a bag and sweater for tonight if the temperature dropped. Right now she was hot and annoyed.

“How would you know that? Were you following me?” she asked him. He leaned back and smiled as if he had every right to do what he wanted. She had a feeling that this guy thought he was above the law. Who the hell was he?

“I may have had Dexter follow you to your location. I was concerned about your well-being, Ellena. You’re a beautiful young woman, alone in a city filled with criminals and thieves. Dexter ensured your safe trip to your dinner destination and your safe return to your hotel.”

She gasped then threw down her napkin.

“I don’t know who you think you are, Parker, but following me, considering that you’re a complete stranger, is creepy. I think I should go.” She stood up, and he stopped his men from making her stay.

“Ellena, understand that I am a man of my word. I told you, when I see something I want, I get it. Don’t play any games. If I come to you, be ready to accept.”

“As if, buddy. Not sure what you’ve been sniffing out here in the French Quarter, but where I come from, if a man acts like you, us women feed him to the gators. Maybe ya should think about that,” she said, her thick Cajun accent coming out in her fit of rage.

She grabbed her things and got the heck out of there.

Her heart was pounding inside her chest.
How the hell did I get myself into this?

Ellena walked as quickly as she could back to her hotel. She had a few hours before having to meet Frederick at Lustre for dinner. She needed some time to think about this situation. Should she call Eloi? Should she call Leon? Hell no. They would tear her a new one and tell her how foolish and un-streetwise she was. She couldn’t handle either man confronting her, never mind all the Rue men. Instead she opted for the easy way out. She would be sure that Parker didn’t follow her or have his men do it. She could lose them. She helped raise her sisters and run a business for their income. She could handle some street thug.

Mack Rue was sitting at the bar in Lustre taking a call from his business partner, Jerry.

“I just can’t make it. Liza is having contractions and we’re headed to the hospital.”

“That’s not a problem. Give her a hug for me. Good luck and keep me updated,” Mack said then hung up the phone and smiled. Jerry and Liza were great people. His brothers Ken and Torey loved their woman and were so nervous about the baby. He couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.

He closed up his phone and debated about what he was going to do. Stay and have dinner or just head home and grab something on the way. He heard a man yell out a greeting, and when he turned around, he saw Ellena. His heart pounded inside of his chest. She was here. After he and his brothers decided to let her be and then approach her after her return from a short trip in the Quarter, here she was.

He watched as the man, the owner of the place or at least main chef, hugged her and took her hand to lead her toward a table.

“Ellena,” Mack said. When she turned to look, she appeared just as shocked to see him as he had been to see her moments ago.

“Mack. What are you doing here?” She stood up on tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close. She made the move to greet him hello, and he would take any chance to get this close to her. He inhaled against her neck.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered. She shyly pulled away but remained holding his hand.

“Frederick, this is Mack Rue. He’s a good friend of mine.”

Mack reached out toward the hand Frederick offered.

“What are you doing here, Mack? Are you meeting someone for dinner?” she asked.

“They just cancelled on me. Their wife went into labor.”

“Oh, how wonderful. I’ve seen you here before. Is it the gentleman that usually dines with you?” Frederick asked.

“Yes, my business partner.”

“Well, why don’t you join us? Any friend of Ellena’s is a friend of mine,” Frederick said, and Mack immediately saw Ellena blush. She looked a bit surprised at Frederick’s offer but then she looped her arm through Frederick’s that he offered, and Mack followed them. He didn’t like how close Frederick was holding Ellena, and once he was alone with her, he’d find out the low-down to this trip.

* * * *

Ellena couldn’t believe that Mack was here. Quiet, gorgeous Mack, with his wavy brown hair and big brown eyes, looked so professional and businesslike in his dress shirt and tie. He wore dress pants as well and appeared very distinguished. He could be on the cover of GQ and was so different from his brothers. They were all unique. She wondered why when she started thinking about one brother, all the brothers come to mind. She released an unsteady breath. This was a good thing. She was feeling a bit nervous after her encounter with Parker today. Having Mack here made her feel safe.

“So, I have prepared some delicious things for you this evening, and considering how crowded it is, it is perfect that your friend Mack is joining you. I am swamped,
chère
. I was going to tell you that I couldn’t dine with you but hoped to make it to dessert.” He winked and she chuckled until she looked at Mack. He did not appear amused at all.

“Oh, that’s okay, Frederick. It was meant to be, Mack dining here and having his plans canceled. We’ll be fine, and I look forward to the meal.”

He winked at her then snapped his fingers as the waiter brought over two Sazeracs.

“So, how do you know Frederick?” Mack asked, and she immediately sensed his upset. Did he think that she was romantically involved with Mack?

“Mack is the son of a good friend of my father’s. I’ve known him for years and we’ve kept in touch, shared recipes and things.” She took a sip from her glass.

Mack moved closer to her, taking the seat right next to her.

“He likes you,” he said, his big brown eyes looking intense as she held his gaze. He was so sexy and she could smell his cologne and sense his manliness. She wondered if he had lots of muscles underneath his business attire.
Focus, Ellena. God, how do the Rue men make me so horny and so easily?