Irresistible (13 page)

Carina took advantage of her parents' previous commitments and caught up with friends. She called and checked in with Desirae every day. Carina and Jaxon texted often; rather than playing phone tag. It didn't matter anyway. All Jaxon wanted to do was complain about what they could be doing together if she'd spent the holiday with him; that or he'd want to have phone sex.

Carina stared at her smart phone wondering if she should be bothered that she missed Desirae more than Jaxon. Regardless she appreciated the effort he was making to stay in touch during the break.

Thanksgiving morning Carina got out of bed knowing that she'd be in the kitchen a good portion of the day. She didn't mind... it was tradition and the family was together. Carina pulled on her favorite yoga pants, a thin long-sleeve shirt and tied up her hair. She scurried downstairs knowing her mother was already preparing the big items. They worked together to make dishes while simultaneously making brunch.

Ignacio enjoyed a cup of coffee
while the women set the table. Diego hustled into the foyer just as the food was served.

"I'm on time right" he beamed. They laughed as Yolanda checked the oven. The family sat down enjoy
ing brunch together. Everyone feasted knowing this was their only meal until the formal dinner later in the day.

The men clear
ed the table just as the doorbell rang. Diego ran to answer the door. Carina stared at the foyer listening to Diego thank someone. He brought in a beautiful bouquet of pink and red roses. Diego looked at Carina and Yolanda. They both shook their heads.

"Isn't there a card with it?" Ignacio inquired. He hadn't sent flowers to either of his beautiful ladies.

Diego dug through the large arrangement and found the card, "Ah... muñeca, these are for you."

Carina's jaw dropped. Jaxon had actually sent her flowers on Thanksgiving?! Carina's heart battered against her ribs. They'd been arguing so much in the last week Carina hadn't imagined Jaxon pulling something like this off. She'd wanted to avoid mentioning Jaxon at all but this was the perfect way to introduce him to the family. Carina grabbed the card from Diego before he read it. She blinked in surprise at the unexpected name.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family

I'd love to see you again in the near future

Valentino DeLuca

"Who are they from hija?" Her mother asked. Carina looked up at her expectant family. She'd wanted to avoid talking about Jaxon but how the hell was she going to explain Valentino?

"From an acquaintance" Carina paused knowing that wouldn't be enough for her family. "He owns a prestigious club downtown and I got to know him through mutual friends." Carina held her breath praying they wouldn't ask for further details. Her parents allowed her freedom and flexibility. Although she was in college, Carina didn't want to disappoint them because of her poor decisions. Diego opened his mouth causing Carina to cringe. She knew her explanation wasn't enough for him.

"Like a bar" Diego retorted. Their parents' eyes widened with understanding.

Carina bit her lip. "Yes, it's one of those fancy places that have the red velvet rope to get in and a mile long wait. He had an exclusive Halloween party that was by invitation only. I met him at that time through mutual friends. We haven't spoken much since then. I'm surprised that he even sent these." Carina shrugged trying to defuse further interrogations.

"Does he send all his new acquaintances roses?" Diego challenged with brows raised nearly to his hairline. He was most certainly intrigued with this new development. Club owner meant wealth, lots of women, and potentially older man.

"I wouldn't know" Carina practically growled. "He doesn't even have my phone number. He must've asked one of my friends."

"Well, that was very nice of him" Yolanda hesitantly added. She too was wary of this unknown admirer. Carina hadn't spoken about any boyfriends in college but it didn't mean she didn't have one.

The ringing of Carina's phone interrupted the tension-filled silence. Carina swallowed the brick in her throat as she grabbed her phone. Now was not the time for Jaxon to actually call. She could barely explain Valentino to them. Carina blinked several times staring at the flashing screen. She'd saved Valentino's number into her phone because she'd discarded his business card. She didn't need Jaxon finding it and throwing a fit. The phone continued to ring as she stared at the flashing name.

"Aren't you going to answer that mu
ñeca? You've never ignored your phone before." Diego taunted. By the expression on Carina's face this was going to be good. If she walked away he planned to follow her.

Carina nodded press
ing the 'accept' button. "Hello" she answered. She looked everywhere but at her family. This was awkward to the umpteenth degree. She never imagined breathing Valentino's name in their presence.

"Happy Thanksgiving beautiful" the velvety voice on the other line greeted. Carina gritted her teeth. Jaxon called her the same thing just in Spanish. Could they not get more creative?

"Happy Thanksgiving, Valentino! The roses are beautiful. How did you know where to send them?" Carina wanted to ask how she got her number too, but she suspected Sati was the culprit. Desirae would've mentioned running into the sexy club owner.

"I'm a resourceful man. Sati gave me your number and the rest fell into place."

Carina nodded although she knew he couldn't see it. She didn't dare move from where she stood. Her family watched enraptured as she continued her conversation with Valentino.

"Is the club open today?" Carina asked trying to make small talk before making an excuse to let him go.

Valentino's husky laughter sent shivers down Carina's spine. Diego's eyes narrowed as he noticed his sister's reaction. "No gorgeous. Even I don't make my staff work 365 days a year."

Carina laughed. "Are you spending the holiday with family
then?" Her fingers rubbed circles on the back of the card. It was thick, high-quality stock; nothing but the best when it came to Valentino DeLuca.

"Yes I am" he stated. "But I wish I would've gotten to see you before you left. It's been a few weeks. Did you forget me already?"

Carina bit her lip and shook her head. No one could easily forget Valentino DeLuca. He exuded sexuality and power. "I haven't. A lot's been going on at school and I haven't had a chance to stop by the club again."

Carina noticed his hesitation. They both knew that she hadn't called at all. But she couldn't explain that she was seeing Jaxon, not now while her family listened to her every word.

"Will you be back for New Year's?" He asked. Carina couldn't miss the optimism in his voice.

"We will be. Classes start right after that and I have major paper due."

"The VIP section will be reserved for you specifically. Bring the girls again if you want."

Carina battled the overwhelming excitement she felt along with some discomfort. She couldn't bring Jaxon to Valentino's club. It felt disrespectful. But she also didn't want to put up with Chelsea's jealousy that she was with Jaxon.

"Especially Sati" Carina teased. She wondered if Valentino considered them a packaged deal.

"She came to see me before she headed out for break" he casually responded.

Carina furrowed her brows. She swallowed the bit of jealousy that reared its ugly green head. Sati was available and Valentino had told them both to call anytime. She shouldn't be surprised about the hook up.

"That's good" Carina attempted to put as much enthusiasm behind her voice without sounding fake.

"She isn't you though" Valentino responded quietly. Carina wasn't sure what he meant by that. Hell, she wasn't sure if Sati got something more elaborate as her 'Happy Thanksgiving' tribute.

"Valentino, thank you again for the flowers; I'll let the girls know about the VIP invite. It's good to hear from you." Carina said trying to graciously end the call. She'd already been talking too long with him. Carina tried to ignore her restless family as Valentino said goodbye.

"My pleasure Carina; I hope to see you soon..." Carina hung up the phone and tucked the card away. She wasn't sure what to make of this. She needed to discuss it with Desirae.

"Well, he sounded nice" Yolanda beamed. The men looked like they wanted to murder the man on the other line.

"What VIP invite?" Diego demanded. Warning bells scream
ed within him. Carina wasn't saying much.

"Valentino invited me and my friends to the VIP suite for New Year's. Same thing like the Halloween event... invitation only" Carina shrugged trying to play nonchalant.

"How'd you get into the VIP suite the first time?" Diego inquired. He glared at his sister. He knew what many girls had to do to get into exclusive places or backstage at concerts. It left a sour taste in his mouth.

"The owner of the costume shop got us the invite. In exchange for us advertising her business she got us into the most exclusive party."

"How did you advertise her business?" Ignacio asked with a pained expression on his face.

"She got to pick each costume for us but we had the final say so. She did our hair and makeup. We just had to tell everyone where we got our outfits from. If we won a category that night we had to tell the audience."

"Did you girls win a category" her parents genuinely asked.

This was the tricky part. Carina didn't want to disclose what everyone was wearing. She revealed the partial truth. "Yes, I won 'most historically accurate' for my cave woman outfit. It was made with real fur; styled just like many history books stated and the boots were real animal skin. Our group of eight won 'crowd favorite' and we were known as 'Yvette's 8'. Yvette is the owner of the shop. We did her proud."

"Muy bien!" Her mother proudly beamed. Diego raised his eyebrows knowing that Halloween parties with college age kids weren't as innocent as Carina just made it sound.

Carina finished clearing the table thus ending the conversation. Her father and brother sat on the couch to watch football as Carina texted on her phone. She informed Desirae of her flower delivery and quickly scurried to her room to let her know what transpired.

Carina knew it was too good to be true. Diego hadn't pressed any further about Valentino after their Thanksgiving dinner. Thinking she was in the clear she headed to bed. It was almost midnight when her phone beeped with an incoming message.

Diego: What's his name?

Carina stared at the phone for a minute. She tapped the screen irritated. She could play dumb or just get it over with.

Carina: VALENTINO

Diego: Full name asshole

Carina scowled at the phone. Diego was obviously irritated.

Carina: Valentino DeLuca

Diego: How old is he?

Carina: IDK

Her phone immediately rang. Carina answered it already knowing this was going to be a long night. "Yes Diego..." she sighed.

"How do you not know how old he is?" He demanded.

"We're not dating Diego." Carina snapped. That was absolutely the truth.

"What's the name of his club?"

Diego was relentless. Carina scrunched her face grateful that Diego was on the phone and not in person. This was the question, aside from any inquiries about Jaxon, that she was dreading. Carina didn't know why the hell he'd decided to name the club by its chosen name. No doubt that Diego would automatically assume it was a sex club.

"Club 69" she muttered.

"What" Diego shouted. Carina pulled the phone away from her ear. She shushed him praying that he couldn't be heard throughout the city. Really what did Diego think that she was still a little girl?

"I'll talk to you later" he growled abruptly hanging up. Carina stared at the phone in disbelief. This was not going to go well and he didn't even know about Jaxon yet.

Carina fell into a restless sleep. Her trip was almost over and she didn't want to end things on a bad note with Diego. He was one of the most important people in her life. She couldn't tell him everything but she wanted to make him feel more comfortable about the situation.

Carina went downstairs to breakfast. She swallowed her disappointment when she learned that Diego was having breakfast with friends. He'd spent every waking moment with her since they'd arrived. She fought the tears that wanted to fall. How could he be angry with her for associating with a club owner?

Carina's parents headed out for their annual Black Friday traditions. Carina passed and texted Diego. He didn't immediately answer. Carina slumped her shoulders in defeat and headed upstairs. She was leaving the next night. Carina meticulously packed her bag and grabbed a few things from her closet including a few more dresses and a selection of tops. Carina boxed several shoes with the intention of mailing them to her dorm. A girl could never have too many shoes. Carina stared at her phone willing it to do something. Jaxon hadn't contacted her since the day before and Diego hadn't yet responded to her text. She wanted to text Desirae but her roommate was busy with charity work.

"I thought your flight was leaving tomorrow" Diego softly stated from the doorway.

Carina looked up startled. She hadn’t heard the front door open. "It is... I just wanted to get everything ready with plenty of time." Carina shrugged. She looked at Diego. He was quiet but not angry. "Are you still mad at me?"

Diego's eyes widened with surprised. "Why would I be mad at you?"

Carina shrugged again. "You didn't eat with us this morning."

Diego's expression softened. He walked into Carina's room and wrapped her in his arms.
She wasn’t related to him by blood but she was his little sister and best friend. "I promised my friends that I'd go out to breakfast with them one day before heading back. Figured today was the best day since I was here all day yesterday and we both leave tomorrow."

Carina nodded. That made sense. Diego wasn't one to hold a grudge.

"I'm hanging out at Griffin's place today... want to come?"

Carina smiled, relieved that they would spend their last day together. Carina hadn't made much of an effort to see her high school friends but they hadn't either. She thought she'd feel a sense of loss with the drifting friendships but Carina found that what she had with Desirae was far richer than any friendship she had throughout high school.
It didn’t matter that she still had lots to learn about regarding Desirae’s life.

Carina changed into
slim fitting teal-colored jeans and a grey boat neck sweater. Diego waited as Carina slipped into matching wedges. She followed her brother out of the house and into his car. They drove in companionable silence to his friend's place.

Several cars lined the driveway
of a beautiful property. It was barely midday and the place looked like there was a party going on. Carina bit her cheek hoping this wasn't going to be a drunk-fest by late afternoon. Diego wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulders. Their time together was winding down. Luckily they had winter break and she was coming home again. Perhaps he'd extend their time together and follow her for a few days. Diego wanted to meet the new people in her life.

Diego opened the door without knocking. "Is this where you're staying?" Carina asked. Why else would he just waltz in somewhere unannounced? She tried to stifle the gasp at the luxurious home. His friend was obviously very wealthy.

"Yeah... Lots more room here than at dad and mom's place." He smirked. They laughed in agreement.

"Yo Diego is that you" a voice called from another room.

"Yeah" Diego called back following the voice. He motioned for Carina to follow. The driveway had several cars but the place didn't sound like anything big was happening. Carina's first impression of that many cars was an automatic party but now that she was inside she could see that there was plenty of space to just hang out.

"Wait till you see what your little sister has been up to" the voice crowed. Carina stiffened as Diego sped up. He practically dragged her with him. Carina followed Diego into the room dreading what had been dug up. She knew for sure that her karaoke performance was online but she wasn't sure what else. This was one of the reasons why she hated social networking sites. Nothing was sacred nowadays.

"Griffin" Diego growled. "Meet Carina"

The room full of people gaped as she entered. Carina flushed bright red. She bit her lip wondering what the hell they'd found. There couldn't be a sex tape between her and Jaxon. Why did they look at her with awe?

"You've been a busy girl" Griffin teased. Diego pushed his friend out of the seat. Carina hesitantly followed. Several groups sat around laptops. Carina looked around in dismay realizing that everyone was on the same page. Club 69 apparently had a professional website with pictures from the Halloween bash. Carina grudgingly remembered posing for pictures.

Diego choked as he saw Carina's Halloween costume. "You made your outfit sound innocent." He accused.

"I said it won historically accurate" Carina responded tartly. She was not going to be reprimanded by Diego, especially in front of all his friends.

"This says 'Yvette's Irresistible 8' not what you told mom and dad."

"Do you really think I'm going to tell them that? Notice that I'm one of the most conservatively dressed Diego!"

"You barely have anything on" Diego scoffed. He couldn't believe his sister's audacity. That scrap of material couldn't constitute as an outfit. She showed a hell of a lot of skin!

Carina growled in frustration. "Let's take a look shall we. Shall I introduce them as I did to the club owner?"

Diego curtly nodded. "Well then boys... meet Ariel the alluring mermaid, Desirae the divine dominatrix, Beatriz the tantalizing Playboy Bunny, Andrea the sensuous Goddess of sex, Chelsea the hellacious Naughty Nun, Melissa the vixen school girl, and Sati the sensual belly dancer."

"How'd you introduce yourself?" Griffin teased ignoring Diego's fuming demeanor.

Carina shrugged. "I told them my name and costume and welcomed any suggestions for my moniker."

The group laughed. They continued to scroll through pictures. Carina heard the gasps as they saw the lack of costumes on some and the level of skankiness on others.

"Is this Valentino?" Diego asked. Carina looked at the picture he point
ed to. She wanted to melt into a puddle on the floor. The picture showed Sati on one arm and Carina on the other. Valentino looked handsome and powerful with the two dark-haired beauties by his side.

"Yes" Carina replied. Diego continued to stare at the picture. It was obvious from the background that the party had dwindled to few patrons.

"What were you doing with him?" Diego tilted his head. The rest of her group was not in this picture. The two women in the photograph were exquisite beauties. Diego had no doubt what was on that man's mind.

"Headed back to his place to have a threesome" Carina replied. Her expression dared him to say something.

The room howled with cheers. Griffin offered Carina a beer but she declined.

"You're serious about this" Diego replied quietly. "You mentioned the name Sati when you talked to him yesterday."

"I'm no virgin Diego" Carina replied. She wasn't willing to say she wasn't an innocent. Diego looked like he couldn't handle much more.

"Hey look, Carina's on YouTube!" Someone called out from a nearby group. Carina nodded knowing what this one should be about. Diego looked at her with dismay, dreading what would be revealed.

"Damn you got a set of pipes" the same person exclaimed.

"Thanks" Carina muttered. She wasn't generally shy about her singing but these were Diego's friends. Griffin hooked up his laptop to the big screen TV and played her song. Everyone watched with quiet rapture as she belted the emotional ballad. Carina looked away knowing that she might cry if she stared long enough. Jaxon was right; she was pouring her heart out with this song. The message was infinitely clear.

"Was that dedicated to Valentino?" Diego asked as he approached Carina. She shook her head. Diego was so far off base he didn't even know it.

"Hey, who's Jaxon Wright?" Griffin asked
the mouse froze over the link with Jaxon's name.

Cold dread ripped through Carina. This was not good. Why the hell would someone link Jaxon's name with her performance? They could all talk shit but to actually link them via the World Wide Web was a whole different ballgame. The picture with her, Sati, and Valentino was child's play compared to what the internet could reveal about Jaxon.

"Nobody" Carina spluttered. She attempted to get to Griffin but he was too fast. He clicked the link and scrolled through various options. Jaxon Wright had pages of information about him. The first few links were regarding his social networking sites. Others were about his rowing accomplishments. But it didn't take much digging to see the more interesting links affiliated with Jaxon. Countless images showed him in party scenes; never with the same girl. A video footage caught their attention. Griffin clicked the link and the room fell silent watching it.

The scene showed a small room. Jaxon and some of his entourage were passing through when a girl squealed with excitement. One of Jaxon's goons was recording everything with his cell phone. They knew just being in Jaxon's proximity guaranteed worthy footage. The girl came into view.

Carina cursed loud enough to get Diego's attention. He looked between the TV and his sister dreading what was about to be revealed. Carina wasn't the girl on the screen but it didn't mean that she wouldn't be too far behind. She just confessed to having a threesome with that club owner.

"Is this about to get a hell of a lot worse" Diego hissed. He didn't need everyone watching if Carina was about to make an appearance on the screen.

"I'm not the star of the show if that's what you're asking Diego. Might as well watch it now with me here" Carina replied flatly.

Griffin looked torn between stopping the footage and proceeding. The decision was made for him. Carina watched as she now recognized the skank, Catherine, on the screen. She begged Jaxon to fuck her as she stripped. His hyena pack howled as Jaxon hesitated. Carina saw it, if only briefly. Jaxon really wasn't interested but he couldn't say no to his goons. He smirked at the hussy as he unzipped his pants. Carina chortled as she saw that his dick was only semi-hard.

"You're gonna have to work for this honey. Doesn't look like you've impressed Jaxon much..." Pete's voice gloated behind the scene.

Carina shook her head in disgust. This obviously wasn't the first time he'd performed in front of his entourage. She swallowed hard knowing what was coming all too soon. The camera did a quick sweep as the hallway filled with eager spectators. Pete stood right next to the camera man.

Carina looked around the room. The guys were obviously eager while some of the girls looked uncomfortable. Diego gave her a puzzled look trying to understand why her name was linked to this footage. He wouldn't have to wait for long.

As the room watched in silence the TV screen projected the heavy breathing of the spectators in the hallway. Catherine was sloppy and loud. She obviously didn't give good head. Irritated, Jaxon pulled her face away. Carina winced as she heard the 'pop' as Catherine the skank's mouth disconnected from his semi-hard erection. Jaxon turned Catherine around and made her touch her toes. The crowd cheered, causing Jaxon's dick to harden. Carina couldn't look away. He had an opportunity to put a rubber on. He had a chance to walk away. But he chose neither option. Instead, Jaxon thrust into her bareback. Carina closed her eyes fighting the bile that threatened to come up. Diego and his friends would soon get to experience her humiliation.