Ellena (5 page)

She held his gaze. “He’s just a friend, Mack.”

“Does he know that, Ellena?” He took a sip from his glass. She couldn’t help but watch his firm lips as he took a sip of the drink, or the way he licked his lips and held her gaze. Her pussy felt like it spasmed. Her breasts felt full.

“Ellena?”

“I don’t know what you mean, Mack. We’re just friends. I’m here because I wanted a break from all the chaos. The last few years have been stressful, and now with Illeanna and Angelina around more as partners, I could take the time. I’m only here a few more days.”

He reached under the table and placed a hand on her knee. Her legs were crossed, and she was grateful, as she felt her pussy pulse with need.

“I worry about you. You need to be careful around here.”

She swallowed hard. Boy did she find out about that the hard way. She wondered if she should tell Mack about Parker then opted not to. He was touching her and now caressing her knee and thigh.

“You look beautiful, Ellena. Thank you for allowing me to share dinner with you.”

She looked up at him and could see that desire in his eyes. He wanted her as much as she instantly wanted him.

“I would never let you dine alone, Mack.”

He smiled. “So tell me about this trip of yours. What are you trying to accomplish besides trying new recipes and relaxing after years of stress?”

She smiled. “I’m going to the spa tomorrow. I’ve never gone before. I also want to find some new recipes to bring back to Aubert’s, but so far, I already make a lot of these things. I guess with what Illeanna has brought from that upscale restaurant she used to work at, we don’t need much more.”

“Well, was there something specific you wanted?”

“I was looking for another quick meal. With all the tourists coming through and shopping at Secret Pleasures, they’re on the go and don’t necessarily want to sit down for an hour. We’re trying to offer fast meals and extended dining.”

“It’s a great idea and is definitely working. Jerry told me just the other day how some clients of his dined at Aubert’s. They were impressed.”

She smiled.

“That’s nice to hear.”

Just then the waiter dropped off some appetizers.

“What is this?” Mack asked.

“This is something that Frederick thought you would like, Ellena,” the waiter said. She had gotten to know him the other night when she was there.

“Okay, I remember this. God, it’s been ages,” she said.

“Well, it’s Creole shrimp with smoked mozzarella pizza.”

“This would be great as a quick meal, huh, Mack?” Ellena asked, and he smiled at her. The waiter left and Ellena served them both up pieces. She loved the taste and remembered when her father had made homemade pizza like this.

“Yikes! I can’t believe I forgot about this. My dad used to make this pizza all the time and different ones, too.”

“Really?” Mack asked then took a bite. They both looked at one another as they shared a similar expression.

“This is good, Ellena. This may be exactly what you’re looking for.”

“Yes, I think you’re right. God, Frederick is a piece of work. He’s reminding me of our youth.”

“You’re still pretty young, sweetheart,” Mack said.

“I know. Sometimes I just feel old and tired,” she admitted.

She felt his fingers against her cheek once he placed her hair behind her ear.

“You’ve done a lot for your family. It’s time to start thinking about you a little more.”

She knew what he meant as she held his gaze. He leaned closer, and in a flash his lips pressed against hers.

It was a short, sweet kiss, and boy did she want more.

“Mack.”

“Let’s just enjoy our time, Ellena. The night is young.”

She smiled at him and nodded her head. She was completely comfortable with Mack, but she couldn’t help but wonder what his brothers might think. After all, she’d had a little fling with Troy in the back cellar of the restaurant. Not sex, but close enough that he made her come from the strum of his fingers alone. She felt her cheeks warm.

“Where did you get those earrings?” he asked, and suddenly she felt guilty.

“Oh, I got them at one of the vendors.”

“They almost match the color green in your eyes. Good choice.”

She smiled then took another slice of pizza. So did Mack.

* * * *

They talked through the meal, and Mack was grateful that Frederick was unable to join them. He was truly enjoying this alone time with Ellena. As he caressed the back of her neck and ran his fingertips back and forth across her bare shoulders, he felt her tense then relax.

“I’m so glad I came here tonight and that Jerry cancelled. I had heard that you were around the French Quarter but had no idea where you were staying. I have to be honest, Ellena, my brothers and I thought about finding you and helping you to understand that we want you.”

She turned to him, her eyes appeared glossy, and he wasn’t certain if it was from the Sazeracs or from some emotions she felt from his words. He just knew that tonight, sitting here with her, talking, and enjoying the atmosphere, he wouldn’t handle a rejection.

“I know, Mack. You, Leon, Troy, and Roy have been so patient. I know I was cranky a lot and treated you badly by pushing you away, but I was so stressed out and worried about my sisters. I’m the oldest and it’s my responsibility to take care of them.”

He reached up and laid his palm against her cheek as he held her gaze. Her green eyes were stunning, and her petite features and femininity made him feel protective and possessive at once.

“You can start to let go of that, Ellena. Angelique, Mikayla, and Illeanna have their men to take care of them now.”

“I still have to worry about Angelina.”

He rubbed his thumb along her lower lip as he stared into her eyes.

“She won’t be single long. She’s tough, just like the rest of you Auberts,” he said and smiled.

She released a sigh.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Wow, that was easy. I thought I’d have to fight you on it, too.”

She pressed her hand against his chest in a joking manner then looked serious. He inched closer.

“I want to kiss you again.”

She licked her lower lip, and he pressed forward, kissing her deeply until they heard someone clear his or her throat. Ellena and Mack chuckled as Frederick stood there with a bowl of fresh berries and cognac.

“Dessert, or will you be having dessert elsewhere this evening?” Fredrick teased as Mack kept his hand on the back of Ellena’s neck, caressing her skin.

“That looks good. Everything was wonderful, Frederick.”

“I am happy you enjoyed the evening.”

“Could you bring us the bill? I’m stuffed and it’s a beautiful evening for a walk,” Mack said.

“Ah, no bill. It is on the house. It was a pleasure sharing some meals with you, Ellena, and catching up.”

“Thank you, Frederick,” Ellena said as she stood up and accepted a hug and kiss from Frederick.

Mack could tell the man was disappointed. He was once again glad that fate stepped in and helped him to be in the right place at the right time to win the woman he had dreamt of having for years.

They finished off the berries and headed out of Lustre. The crowds were a bit rowdy tonight, with the food and merchant festival in full force.

“Did you bring your car?” she asked.

“No, I parked it near the police station. It was a nice evening and I was stuck inside the office for most of the day and decided to walk the four blocks.”

“Well I’m staying at the hotel Barisque, right near there.”

“Nice. They have a great spa there.”

“I’m looking forward to it tomorrow.”

He took her hand, and she accepted it as they strolled down the streets. She noticed that anytime people got too close to her or some rowdy people approached, he’d tuck her closer against his side. He definitely had muscles, and Ellena could feel the indents and dips of his waist as he pulled her close.

They stopped a few times to check out some items on display. Mack told her about work and about expanding the business he and Jerry started a year ago.

“I’m director of finances now as opposed to just a measly accountant with a head for business besides numbers. I like investing in other companies, helping to restore them financially and then selling them. Jerry and I make a great team, and now we’re pulling some of our colleagues into the business to take some of the stress off of our own lives. I hope it will work out well.”

“That sounds wonderful. You mentioned earlier that Jerry’s wife was in labor. Did you get an update?”

Mack glanced at his phone, and just then Ellena caught a glimpse of Dexter. She felt her chest tighten.

“No word from him yet. Maybe it was a false alarm,” Mack said as he pulled her closer and they continued to walk down the street. A block later there was no sign of Dexter or the large crowds.

As they approached a darker area of the streets, Mack noticed some guys following them. She glanced around only to be reprimanded by Mack.

“If I tell you to run, you do it. Do you hear me? You run down the block and to the right. That will take you to the back side of the police department.”

“Shit, Mack, do you really think we’re in danger?”

“I’ve lived around these parts long enough, sugar. This don’t feel right.” Just as Mack said the words, they heard one of the guy’s voices.

“That one sexy piece of ass, mista. She should be wit a real man,” the guy said. Mack began to stop, but Ellena tugged his arm.

“They’re trying to get you to confront them. Ignore them,” she whispered. Then the whistles started and suddenly one of the guys was grabbing Mack.

In a flash, Mack, dressed all businesslike and appearing timid, was in a ready stance.

“Now, you boys ain’t talking to me and my woman, are ya?” he asked, and the three men circled them. One of the men grabbed at Ellena’s skirt. She yelled and jumped out of his way and straight into another guy. That guy grabbed her around the waist. His forearm was wedged under her breasts.

“Let go of her,” Mack stated and they laughed. Mack went to push the guy holding her, and the third guy pulled out a knife.

“Come on, pretty boy. I gonna welcome ya to New Awlenes,” he said in a thick accent.

“No, I think I welcome you.”

Ellena wasn’t sure of Mack’s capabilities until he jumped toward the one guy, kicking him in the jaw, sending him flying to the ground. From there he kicked the knife out of the other thug’s hand then forearmed him to his throat. That guy landed in a pile of garbage cans making a hell of a racket. Ellena head butted the guy holding her, causing him to loosen his hold. He took a swing at her, missed, then shoved her down to the ground just as Mack attacked. The sound of sirens filled the night, and people began to come to the scene wondering what was going on. The three men took off, cursing and yelling.

“Ellena, are you okay? Are you hurt?” Mack asked. When she went to move, she felt the cut against her upper thigh.

“Let me see.” He gently moved the material of her dress to the side, revealing her thigh. He cursed.

“I should of killed them fuckers.”

“Stop, Mack, I’m fine. You were amazing. Thank you,” she whispered as the patrol car pulled up. She felt her hands shaking. She was so worried about Mack, but he was definitely prepared and well trained. It impressed her and also aroused some other parts of her body.

She shouldn’t have been surprised to see Leon Rue and his partner Jessy Berdoux arrive on the scene.

“What the hell is going on? What happened?” Leon asked as he knelt down next to Ellena and spoke into his radio.

“Let me see, honey. Do you need an ambulance?” Leon asked and she absorbed his big, wide shoulders and how intimidating and authoritative he looked right now in uniform.

“Don’t be silly. It’s just a scratch. I’ll wash it out at the hotel.”

Leon looked up at Mack.

“Good thing you were here, brah. How did that happen anyway?” Leon asked then stood up and reached down to help Ellena stand up. She cringed from the burning ache on her thigh.

She listened and Mack told them about meeting at Lustre and about the guys following them. They both gave a description, and Leon and Jessy had a feeling they knew who the guys were. Mack told Leon where she was staying and that he would walk her back there and look over her cut. Leon promised to stop by, too.

“You don’t have to. I’m fine really.”

Leon cupped her cheek with his hand as he stared down into her eyes. “Sugar, you could have been hurt badly. I’ll see you in a little bit. My shift is over soon. I’ll stop by and see for myself that you’re fine.”

He brushed his thumb across her bottom lip, and she found herself nodding her head and accepting his statement.

Mack held her around her waist as they entered the hotel lobby. Her heart was pounding as she glanced up at him a few times, noticing how firm his jaw looked and how his eyes seemed to focus on everything going on around them. She felt so protected as she leaned in against him. Her belly quivered at the feel of his large hand pressed against her waist. She was completely in tune to his masculinity and sex appeal. She had never felt so hungry and sexually aroused before. Was this normal after being nearly assaulted by thugs and saved by a male friend? Shit, a male friend. Her thoughts were anything but friendship and holding hands. She wanted to feel his lips against her skin. She wanted to explore his body he hid so well beneath his executive attire. She just wanted him, anyway and anyhow.