Pride & Pleasure (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 1) (12 page)

She bent her head back, laughing. He overheard someone say that it was hard to believe that she had terminal cancer. Cringing, Victor accepted the drinks from the bartender and took a long sip of his scotch. Over the rim he caught sight of Avary. She had company. Sergio Santaz, of course. He had to make his rounds to the lovely ladies. Victor’s chest twisted, but he knew Avary would never be drawn in by the slippery ways of a womanizer.

Then he paused with his drink mid-air. Did Avary believe Victor was a womanizer? Damn, that was a possibility. How could he prove that he wasn’t? Suddenly that became very important.

Forcefully shaking off his sudden negativity, he took Avary’s drink to her. Sergio gave Victor a half-smile. “Victor. Nice to see you, my friend.”

Victor hid his scowl behind his glass, sipping until he counted to three. They weren’t friends, not since Sergio screwed Angelina, then broke up with her the very next day. If it hadn’t been that she’d begged her brothers to let it go, Ol’ Suave would have had five size ten shoes up his ass. “I didn’t expect to see you this evening.” Yeah, he guessed he sort of did. Over the years Angelina had forgiven Sergio and they’d worked closely on a few projects together, yet she’d gotten smart and had never fallen for his smooth ways again. Victor would make sure the worm didn’t overstep any boundaries with Avary.

Sergio chuckled. “I should go and visit Angelina. It was nice to meet you, Avary,” he took her hand and kissed the back of her knuckles.

Victor’s gut ached.
It’s not too late to still have a foot up your ass, bro.
He wanted to say the words aloud, but Angelina’s narrowed gaze targeting him from across the room reminded him that he’d promised to be the perfect gentleman. He could manage that for one night…

Yet, when it came to the lovely woman standing next to him, he couldn’t promise anything. He wanted to forego the party and take her upstairs so he could drink from her lips like a finely aged wine.

“Did I sense a tension between you two?” Avary asked.

“More like a volcano ready to burst,” he admitted.

“He seemed like a nice enough man.

“Exactly. Smooth operator. Before you knew it he’d be sweeping you off your feet.”

She blinked. “Give me credit. I’d have to want to be swept off my feet for that to happen. And I must say, you have a lot of nerve of preaching to me about a smooth operator.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He already knew what he was going to hear, but she deserved to be heard.

“You have done nothing but manipulate me from the second I walked through the doors,” she said softly.

“How have I tried to manipulate you, sweetheart?”

“You want to keep me guessing who you really are. So, tell me, are you the bitter, aloof Victor Knight? Or the kind man who puts other people first?” She lifted a thin brow.

“I told you not to believe anything my sister told you. She wants you to believe I’m a good guy. Maybe she’s hoping we’ll fall in love.”

Her eyes glinted and her tongue came out to roll over her bottom lip. “It wasn’t Angelina. It was Max’s daughter, Danni, who told me about the college fund.”

He was caught off guard, but recovered quickly. “You met my goddaughter, huh? I had to think of something to keep the girl concentrating on her schooling,” he muttered. “Free money always seems to work for even the humblest.”

“Go ahead, make an excuse, but I think you care, not only for Danni, but for Max too. No doubt, you have a tremendous amount of love for your sister. Now, I know you want me—”

“More than you can imagine, sweetheart.” His cock twitched. “It’s obvious you want me too.”

“That’s not what I was going to say,” she huffed. “Wow, some imagination you have. I’ll admit that I did want you, but upstairs, earlier, I wanted nothing more but for you to leave me alone,” she said through tight lips.

Lowering his head, he was within an inch of her ear when he whispered, “This’ll be the second time I’ve asked you not to lie to me. You’re not good at it, love.” He could see her bottom lip tremble.

“And if I lie again, what will you do? Fire me? I’m here for Angelina, remember? Or will you try to bully me with your heavy handed ways? You did say once that you always get what you want, but you should understand that I can’t be bought.” She turned, meeting his gaze head on. Her heated expression made his cock come fully alive.

“When have I ever tried using money to influence you, my dear? If it’s such a heart break to accept the money offered for your service, then kindly deny it.” He smiled.

“I won’t sleep with you,” she whispered, but the sparkle in her eye told him she didn’t quite believe her own words. “I’m sure Selena will gladly work her magic.”

“I have half a mind to strip you naked and bend you over my knee.” He took a tendril of her hair and wrapped it around his finger. “A good swat on that nice ass would do you a bit of good.”

She exhaled. “How dare you!”

He let the wisp of hair drop. “How dare I? Come now, sweetheart. You can’t hide the glint of curiosity filling your pale blues. I think it’s you who can’t decide if you’re the innocent cellist or the naughty musician. Admit the truth. You’d like my touch on your bottom, and other delicate places.” He subtly ran his fingers down her bare arm and clasped her slender wrist.  “I’d like to run my fingers over every soft curve and explore you with my lips and tongue.” He lifted his hand, brushing his fingers along her cheek, not caring if people saw. “I’d spank you into submission and you’d beg me for more.”

“Never,” her voice trembled, but she leaned into him.

“Don’t worry, sweet Avary. I’d never physically hurt you, in bed or out. I only offer you pleasure. I offer you heaven.” She jerked back and some of the wine sloshed out over the rim of her glass, landing on her fingers. “I’d like to lick the wine from your hand but imagine the rumors. I don’t want to cause too much of a stir, considering the evidence of my attraction for you is already obvious by the tenting of my slacks.”

“You’re—you’re…” Her lashes came down to sweep across the top of her cheeks.

“What, baby? Spit it out. Unless you want me to forego propriety and suckle your fingers amongst all of these fine people.”

Her cheeks were almost as colorful as the wine in her glass. She opened her mouth but a loud ding made her snap it close.

“Saved by the bell.” He smiled and saluted her with his glass. Seeing her flush only made him want her more.

“Please, may we hear Avary play before we retreat into the dining room?” Angelina asked.

Avary looked so forlorn and fragile standing there, looking at him, her eyes too big and her mouth quivering. Maybe he’d gone too far with her. Maybe he’d allowed lust to send him over an invisible boundary. She was a virgin for heaven’s sake. He didn’t want to scare her—only love her. Yes,
love her
.

“Come, love, let me take you to the chair.” Victor held up his arm. He wondered if she would deny him, but she didn’t. She snaked her fingers around his elbow and he could feel the quivering. All eyes were on them as they crossed the room. He bent and whispered, “Don’t be afraid, my love. Show these people the angel I know is in there.”

With a slight nod, Avary sat down. Once she was seated, she lifted her chin, meeting his gaze for only a second before she looked across the crowd, giving each of them a half-smile. A different Avary came to the surface, a more confident woman as she held her cello. He’d been anticipating this moment, probably more than his sister who could barely contain her excitement.

Taking his glass of scotch, Victor strolled to the back of the room where he could watch Avary in private. She settled the cello at the wide V between her legs, and her expression came to life. Tendrils of hair fell from the chignon, brushing her flushed cheeks and he ached to drag the wisps back so that he could see her face, watch her closer.

She held the bow in her hand, her slender fingers clutching it with such care, with such love that he was almost jealous. Jealousy? Where did that emotion spring up from? He’d never been this way with anyone. Never cared.

The strum of the bow against the strings released a magical sound, vibrating his chest. His heart kicked up in speed and he could barely breathe. She flicked her wrist and played, her hand working deftly as longing filled her eyes. Her lips pursed as if she called for a kiss. Not one person didn’t have their attention on her. Not one person didn’t realize that she told a story of heartbreak and triumph.

At first the tune was soft, her expression soft, but then the tune took on a darker rhythm, her lips moving beautifully. He wanted to kiss those lips, he couldn’t deny. How had he been able to reject her last night in the kitchen? He didn’t think it’d be possible to do it again.

His breaths matched the beats of the music and he was in awe. She was a treasure that had been lost in the shuffle. He suddenly wanted to help her, wanted her to play for everyone’s pleasure so they could see how lovely her music was.

He watched her hands move and he had a bittersweet ache in his groin, his cock twitching in response. He wanted her fingers on his body, exploring. He wanted to show her how precious she was, make sweet love to her.

“Oh, brother you are in big trouble,” Angelina said from beside him.

He hadn’t even realized he had company. “Why do you say that?”

“I haven’t seen you look at a woman like that before. I do believe she has you enthralled.”

“You’d be right.” He didn’t find the need to deny the truth.

“Just be careful. Having one’s heart broken is never easy.”

He turned his gaze on Angelina. “I have no intention of breaking her heart.”

“I wasn’t talking about her heart, Vic. I was talking about yours. She seems the type that loves so openly, with all that she has. Proceed with caution until you can give her what she needs.” Angelina kissed his cheek and left him alone.

Victor wouldn’t have his heart broken. He never invested his heart…

CHAPTER SIX

Avary felt alive.

She sat at the massive dinner table and her gaze naturally fell on Victor who was sitting at the end, broodingly sipping from his wineglass. He hadn’t said anything to her since she finished her performance, but occasionally his gaze would meet hers and an unspoken message passed between them. Was he back to being the aloof man? She couldn’t forget how he’d threatened to spank her, and for the life of her, why didn’t she feel repulsed? Why did her inner thighs tremble and throb? She wasn’t so naïve that she didn’t understand the games that went on in the bedroom. She’d never once believed that Victor was mainstream when it came to lovemaking. Was that the draw he had with the model, Selena? Did she like it dirty? Did Victor spank her? Or did he just tease Avary?

Rubbing her temples, she blew out a long breath. Why did she care what Victor liked behind closed doors? He’d said himself that he was the hawk after his prey. She didn’t want to become his prey—she wanted…what?

Her heart swelled. Her palms turned clammy.
Oh brother!

Why couldn’t she not want him? Why couldn’t she force the tingles from her nipples and the throbbing from the apex of her thighs? She was realizing something more with each second passing. She’d never be satiated until she had him inside of her. Curiosity had her every nerve ending, every cell, sparked at attention.

“She looks like her old self,” Sergio said as he leaned his head closer. Somehow he’d gotten the seat next to her, which probably had Victor seething.

Avary followed Sergio’s attention. Angelina was glowing. She was laughing. Her eyes were bright and her smile brighter. “She’s beautiful. Inside and out.”

“I hope I’m not overstepping a boundary, but are you and Victor together?”

Avary naturally swept her gaze back to Victor who was scowling at her. “No, we’re not.”

“I guess it is obvious that he doesn’t like me,” Sergio chuckled. “I deserve his anger.”

She lifted a shoulder then let it drop. “He’s protective over Angelina.”

“And over you, it seems.” He wagged his brows.

Avary wanted to deny the accusation, but Victor was giving her and Sergio the stink eye. “It’s his personality,” she muttered.

“Just be careful. Selena has her nails sunk deep into his back, and the Knight fortune. Don’t underestimate her desire to be the queen of this castle once Angelina is no longer here.” Wrinkles appeared around his eyes and Avary realized that he did care for Angelina.

“I’m afraid she has no worry where I’m concerned. I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning.” She sipped her wine, intentionally not looking at Victor to see if he still watched her. “Yet, if Selena truly wanted Victor and he wanted her, I don’t see why Angelina would interfere.”

Sergio sighed. “Before Angelina was diagnosed with cancer the first time, she feared that Victor would make the mistake of asking Selena to marry him because they were becoming closer, or so it seemed. But when Victor turned all of his attention toward his sister, to help her through the treatments, it was rumored that Selena became jealous and sought out Angelina’s fiancé, Dante, and…well…the rest is history. Angelina broke off the engagement.  Let’s just say, there’s no love lost between the two women, and as long as Angelina is living, Victor would never marry Selena.”

Avary downed her wine. “Selena was jealous over Victor’s sister? That seems very immature and heartless.”

He shrugged. “Not necessarily jealous, but intimidated maybe. Selena had her eye on the prize and didn’t like that Victor sided with Angelina. I have a feeling Selena already has the fortune spent.”

“And you think Victor wants to marry Selena? I was under the impression their relationship wasn’t anything like that.” She hated the feeling of regret building in the pit of her stomach.

“Things change, but at one time it was thought Victor and Selena would tie the knot. Some thought they suited each other well. Let’s face it, he isn’t the warmest, fuzziest of people.”

Avary blinked. “He keeps people at arm’s length, but he has a kind heart.” Why did she feel the need to protect Victor? Maybe she felt the desire to tell the truth. She doubted many people understood him.

The waiter stepped up next to Avary. “Would you care for more wine, ma’am?”

“Yes, please.” She held up her glass.

Sergio turned his attention to the woman on his other side and Avary was grateful for the time to absorb what he had said about Selena. Avary stabbed a piece of potato with her fork and popped it into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully and washing down the food with a gulp of her wine.

She was even more confused now than ever. Victor had brushed off his relationship with Selena as nothing. Was he lying? Would he do that to Avary? It was important that she was careful to gauge her emotions around him. Overlooking the obvious could be easy when persuaded by his charm. As much as she knew that he liked power and control, she didn’t see him lying.

Several times she’d felt Victor’s attention on her, but she’d managed to refrain from staring at him, or giving him any satisfaction in realizing how much she wanted to stare.

“Avary is a pretty name.,” Sergio asked once the woman beside him took leave.

“I was named after my grandma, Ava.” Another long sip of the wine. It was tastier the nearer to the bottom of the glass she got. Sergio waved for the waiter to refill her glass. “Are you trying to get me drunk?” she laughed.

“Drunk? No, of course not.”

Whether he knew it or not, she was a complete lightweight. Her gaze went to Victor who was still watching her with narrowed eyes. She was uncomfortable. Was that his purpose? Frustration slithered down her spine. She turned her cheek and watched as Angelina leaned in toward the attractive man sitting to her left. She wore a serious expression and the area between his brows were scrunched together. “Who is that sitting next to Angelina? The man she’s speaking with.”

“That’s Albert Forrestor. The Knights’ attorney,” Sergio answered.

Avary continued eating her delicious meal and drinking her wine. Dessert came and went, Avary feeling more relaxed than she had in a long time.

Dinner was finished and people stood up from the table, some remained, chatting about the coming political election and Avary decided she’d leave the heated conversation. She stood and her head spun.
How much wine did I drink?

She pushed her chair back and made her way out of the dining room, glancing at Victor, of course, but only a quick peek.  He could just continue talking with the man on his right. Come tomorrow Avary would be long gone.

Heading down the hall toward the bathroom, she had to pee. Once she stepped into the room, she looked at her reflection. So this was what drunk looked like? Flushed and red-cheeked. Irises big. Not very pretty.

Pulling her panties down, she sat on the toilet and her head swum, and yet, she hadn’t quite reached the point of feeling bad or even sloppy drunk. She just felt like she had no worries.

Standing, she leaned against the wall as she pulled her panties back into place and then the dress.

Fresh air would be the best thing for her.

She made her way down the hall feeling her stomach turn. She slipped through the front door, unseen by anyone, and sucked in the cool night air and her head cleared—some. She stared up into the night sky, following the twinkling stars like a dot-to-dot puzzle. The moon was amazingly bright.

She slipped off one heel, and then the other, and felt herself wobble. Instead of falling on her ass like she’d planned, she fell against an iron hard chest. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and she wanted to scream but it didn’t come. She swung around and came face to face with the one man who could intensify her alcohol level in her bloodstream. “Victor? What are you doing?” her voice sounded breathless.

One corner of his mouth lifted and he didn’t bother releasing his hold on her. “Too much to drink or too much of Sergio’s flirting?” he said in a lowered voice that made her skin tingle.

She smiled weakly. “I’m fine. Sergio was fine too.”

“I bet he was,” he murmured. His eyes turned dark and his jaw steely. “I knew I shouldn’t have allowed you out of my sight for a second.”

She blinked. “What? I’m an adult and can handle myself. I certainly don’t need a babysitter.” She attempted to push him away, but he wasn’t moving. One hand remained on the small of her back and the other rested on the space between her shoulders. He was a wall of hard muscle and she should be frightened, but instead, she felt an overwhelming sense of security. His breath was warm and smelled like wine. It was nice.

“Apparently you do. I saw how you stumbled out here,” he said tersely.

For some reason his words evoked anger instead of reality. “Are you stalking me now?”

“Stalking?”

“You stared at me all through dinner and now here you are, coming to my rescue that I most certainly do not need,” she stammered.

“Don’t pretend you’re not flattered. Better me than Sergio.”

“Flattered? Why are you jealous of Sergio?”

He chuckled. “Jealous? Now, now. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?” He lifted his hand and entwined his fingers in the tendrils of hair at her cheek. “Sergio isn’t who you want.”

“Release me,” she muttered.

“Will you be able to stand?”

“I’m a little woozy,” she admitted. Suddenly her stomach was on fire and her heart beat a hole through her chest. It was all his fault. She would have been fine if he’d left her alone.

“Ah, shit!” he pushed through clenched lips.

“Look, I’ll be fi—” Before she could finish her sentence, he was wrapping one arm around her waist and another behind her knees, lifting her into his arms. “Put me down!” she squeaked.

“And let you fall miserably on your face? No way in hell,” he grumbled. He started for the front door.

“No. I can’t bear to have anyone see me, not like this.” Warmth spread from the root of her hair to the tips of her toes. She wasn’t that drunk after all because she could still feel humility.

“Okay then,” he answered. “We’ll go through the side door. No one will see us there.”

He carried her across the lawn, around the house, and because it was quite a long walk, it took a while. She leaned into him, feeling his body harden with each step he took and his even breaths. Her fingers ached to explore him. Curiosity bubbled up inside of her on what he must look like under his clothes, how large he was…

She turned her cheek as they stepped through the door. She couldn’t look at him, ashamed of her behavior. “I can walk now,” she whispered.

He put her down, her shoes hooked on one finger, bouncing across her hip. He continued to hold her until he was certain she was steady on her own two feet.  “We can take the back stairs.” He snaked his arm around her waist and he led her down a narrow corridor to a back set of stairs that wound around to the second floor. The house was so large she could get lost, however, she knew he wasn’t taking her back to her room. “Where are we going?”

“To my room.”

She stopped in her tracks, digging her bare heels on the polished floor. “Excuse me?’

A smile danced at the corner of his lips. “Relax. I have carbonated water and aspirin that’ll make you feel better.”

She wanted to argue, but water and aspirin sounded too good to resist. And another part of her, larger than she wished, wanted to see his bedroom.

“Come on. Let’s get you well again.” He dropped his arm from her waist and took her hand, entwining their fingers. His were large and wide, warmth spread from his palm into hers, crawling like fireflies in her veins and settling in her chest, massaging her heart.

“I’m sorry, Victor.”

He looked down at her. “For what?”

“Last night in the kitchen. Now getting drunk and making you miss your sister’s party. The list is growing I’m afraid.” Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back. She didn’t want to add wallowing to the proverbial list.

“You must stop apologizing so much. I believe you saved me from the party. Like I told you before, I’m not into these social events. Now you getting drunk is another matter altogether. It’s not safe to drink as heavily as you did when your body isn’t used to alcohol,” he said dryly. “I don’t want your sister thinking I’m a bad influence.”

She chuckled. “I don’t think she’d think that. She’d probably congratulate you for loosening me up.” She swept her hand nervously down the skirt of her dress.

“What would she say if she knew I was taking you to my bedroom?” He lifted a brow.

She moistened her bottom lip. “Live a little.” She couldn’t be anything but completely honest.

“Really?”

“Really. She thinks you’re the next best thing to sliced bread.”

“What do you think, Avary?” Her name seemed to float off his lips in a hypnotic melody. Was she imagining this?

She brought her chin up, daringly meeting his gaze. “You’re terrible at first impressions, but I can see why women like Selena are infatuated with you.”

“Can we please not mention her name again?”

“Feeling guilty?”

“I have no reason to.”