Romance: The Tiger's Hired Mate: BBW Tiger Shifter Romance Standalone (Spicy Shifters Book 2) (4 page)

“Amanda is an art dealer,” Joshua replied, before Amanda could say anything.  “We met in Rome when I was looking for suitable pieces for my collection.”

“Oh wonderful, then you must know Gerald Kondrake, the art critic.  He’s already arrived.  I can let him know you’re here.”

“We’ll make ourselves known when we’re ready, thank you Rebecca,” Joshua said airily.   “We’re all going to be stuck in this wretched place for two weeks, plenty of time to become utterly sick of the sight of each other.”

Rebecca nodded.  “Of course, sir,” she said with a knowing smile.  “I hope you have a good stay Amanda, and if there is anything you need don’t hesitate to call on me.  I’m always on hand.”

“Just don’t take any of her tall tales to heart,” warned Joshua, nudging Amanda’s arm with elbow.  “I forgot to tell you Rebecca escaped from a mental hospital before coming to work for me.”

“It’s a vital requirement for all Tarran Conglomerate employees,” quipped Rebecca.

Amanda burst out laughing, genuinely entertained by the banter.  Her anxieties and insecurities were ebbing away, and she had seen another, completely unexpected, side to Joshua.

Fresh optimism bloomed in her, especially now she’d met Rebecca.  The woman seemed to be very genuine and open, not at all like the self-serving careerists that she had encountered in the past.  Maybe things would really turn out better than she had first thought?  She certainly hoped so.

“Why did you tell Rebecca I was an art dealer?” Amanda asked him after they had exchanged greetings with the rest of the welcoming committee and were walking toward the hotel, well out of earshot of anyone else.

“Why not tell her you’re an art dealer?” Joshua asked nonchalantly.  “It’s a very interesting profession.”

“Well, for a start I know about nothing about art.  What am I going to do with someone starts asking me questions?”

“Google like crazy and just talk like you know everything there is to know.  It’s how I get by.”

Amanda let out a laugh.  “You’re a little different to me.  Seriously, I’ve no idea what I’m going to do.”

“Consider it a test of your resourcefulness, Miss Brooks.  I certainly hope you won’t flake out on me.”

Amanda felt a pang of disappointment.  Joshua’s cold demeanour had instantly returned now they were away from the public eye.  He no longer had to pretend that he was interested in her, and the point was rammed home when he loosed his hand from hers.  The loss of his close proximity was almost painful.

“You don’t have to worry about that, Mr. Tarran,” she replied in a formal tone, deciding to play him at his own game.  “I’m as versatile as you when it comes to hiding my true feelings.”

She saw the muscles in his jaw tighten, but he said nothing.  They carried on in silence through the hotel’s well tended gardens toward a wide portico that led into the building proper.  Amanda mentally berated herself for being so snarky. 

She was letting this situation get the better of her, and she had to keep her emotions in check.  It didn’t help that she still found Joshua extremely attractive, and their brief physical contact at the airfield had only helped fan the flames.  She realised she was now longing for the next time that they touched.

Her roiling mind was distracted however when they entered the Shere Khan.  She stared around the huge vaulted hall she now found herself in with a renewed sense of wonder.  A wide, domed ceiling of glittering crystal lighted the whole space, and the white marble floor gleaming with a polished sheen stretched out beneath her feet. 

As she and Joshua walked across it, she gawped at the exquisite boutiques, luxury shops and fashionable bars that lined the walls either side of her.  They teemed with hotel guests, who were idling away the hours at these many lavish distractions.  Amanda’s eyes darting to and fro as she recognised politicians, movie stars and celebrities, all ambling around like regular people. 

“I can’t believe who is here,” Amanda said in a hushed whisper, her amazement overriding her reluctance to make conversation with Joshua. 

“I can tell that by your saucer wide eyes,” was Joshua’s droll reply.  “Do you think you could tone the drooling down a little?  You’re supposed to be one of them, not some country hick.”

His harsh words stung Amanda, and she had to take a deep breath to stop from lashing out.  The arrogant jerk certainly knew how to push her buttons, and that was an extremely bad sign.  “You have my sincerest apologies.  I’m afraid I’m not as cultured as you.  For a country hick like me this is pretty full-on.  I mean, most of these people are just images on the TV screen for me.  It’s hard for me to see them as just regular guys.”

“You’re not a country hick,” Joshua said in a low voice.  “I shouldn’t have called you that.  I’m sorry.”

Amanda looked over at him in surprise.  Joshua’s face was unreadable, and his eyes were hidden behind his shades, but he seemed to radiate with an emotion she’d never seen in him before.  Was it shame?

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, deciding to build some bridges between them.  “I am sorry for being so star-struck.  I’m just going to have to get used to being around all these glamorous people.”

“You don’t have to be in awe of them,” Joshua said.  “They’re no better than you.  In fact, in a lot of cases you’re more worthy of adulation and respect than any of these grasping losers.  They’re nothing special, and neither am I.”

“I wouldn’t say that about you,” Amanda replied with feeling.  “Rebecca seems to think you’re a pretty swell guy.”

Joshua stuck out his lower lip again, in that cute, naughty boy way.  “Rebecca’s biased.  I helped out her dad once when he was in a mess.  As a result, she is insanely loyal to me.  Don’t get me wrong, she’s a phenomenally hard worker and I wasn’t just talking bull when I said that she’s vital to the running of the Khan.  I’d be lost without her.”

Amanda was touched by his obvious affection for the manageress, but the spectre of jealously she’d felt when he’d kissed her at the airfield resurfaced with a vengeance. 

“Perhaps you should have asked her to be your pretend girlfriend?” Amanda said carefully. “You have such a good rapport and a real connection.  She could pull it off much better than me.”

Joshua gave a resolute shake of his head.  “Me and her are not like that.  She’s like a sister to me.  I needed to be with someone who challenged me.”

Amanda raised her eyebrows, not sure what to make of that.  She was just about to do some more digging now that he was in a better mood, when he abruptly stopped and pointed across the hall to a pair of elevators.

“We’ll take the elevator up to the suite,” he said brusquely.  “I don’t like being round all these fake people longer than is necessary.”

Amanda nodded, and went with him in the direction he indicated.  “Is that what Natasha is?” she asked, keeping her voice neutral.  “Fake?”

“Natasha is many things,” Joshua replied cryptically.  “When you meet her you’ll be coming up with far more descriptive appellations than fake.”

“To be honest, I’m really dreading it,” Amanda said.  “It’s really starting to worry me.”

“You’re right to be worried,” Joshua said unhelpfully.  “She’ll try and tear you apart the first chance she gets.  That’s why we should get up to the suite and have some relaxation time before she swoops down on us.”

Startled, Amanda looked up and around at her surroundings.  Joshua smiled thinly.  “She can’t really fly.”

“But she’s already here, at the hotel?” Amanda said all her instincts now back on red alert.  She was still buzzing about making such a good impression on Rebecca, but she needed time to prepare for the next social onslaught.

“Yes, she’s here.  By now, her army of minions will have scuttled off to inform her I’ve arrived.  We’d best hurry before she comes in for the kill.”

They stopped in front of the stainless steel elevator doors.  The stylised image of a growling tiger head had been expertly worked in gold onto the metal.  “You’re really certain she’s here?” Amanda asked.

Joshua nodded.  “I’ve picked up her scent.”

Amanda frowned at him.  “What does that mean?”

“Laugh.”

“What?”

“Laugh,” repeated Joshua in a flat voice.  “Pretend I’ve just said something devastatingly witty and clever and you cannot contain your amusement.  Hurry up, people are looking at us.”

Amanda mustered a laugh which she hoped didn’t sound too forced or make her look like a complete dork.  “Like this?” she asked in an undertone.  She made sure to keep a wide smile on her face.

“Perfect,” replied Joshua.

With lightning speed, he slid his hand round her waist and pulled him to her.  Her heart leapt as his face was suddenly thrust close to hers.  His warm breath, fresh and minty, lapped over her lips.  Unable and unwilling to pull away, her skin tingled as he brought his forehead down to brush against her fringe. 

The tip of their noses met as he gently gave her an Inuit kiss.  Amanda brought her arms up to embrace him, running her fingers down his strong, toned back and losing herself in the moment.  His hand lazily stroked the bottom of her spine, provoking an inferno of desire at the very core of her being.  She let out a throaty gasp.

Next to them, the elevator doors slid open.  Joshua nuzzled her like an affectionate kitten and planted a soft, real kiss on the top of her head.  Then, in a heartbeat he had released her, retreating back into his own space.  Amanda stood staring at him, quivering like a new born lamb.

“Nice work, Miss Brooks,” he said as he stepped into the elevator.  “You might shape up to be very good at this.”

Still radiating with wild sensations, Amanda followed him dumbly into the elevator compartment.                 

Chapter 4: Natasha

“Will you just relax?” Joshua griped.  “You’re making me nervous now!”

Amanda stopped pacing and scowled at him.  “How can you expect me not to be nervous?” she demanded, her voice frayed with anxiety.  “Do you have any idea the awkward position you’ve put me in?”

“You knew you’d have to talk to her when you took this assignment on,” Joshua countered, his tone maddeningly neutral.  “I really don’t see what the big deal is?”        

It’s a big deal because I’m way out of my depth, and everyone is going to see me for the massive fake I really am! 
She wanted to blurt the truth out loud, but couldn’t bear exposing her vulnerability to Joshua.  Showing weakness would be an admission of failure.  “I just wanted more time to prepare, that’s all,” she said instead.  “I’m not that good an actress.”

A heavy silence descended on the couple, and Joshua turned away from her and stepped out onto the sprawling, roof top terrace.  Velvet night had draped over the island, and the terrace looked out onto the thick swell of rainforest.  Amanda was drawn to its comforting darkness and grudgingly went out to join him. 

The night sky stretched out above her, a canopy of glittering stars and from below came the faint din of music and voices as the guests partied away.  It was a strange combination of peaceful solitude and wild hedonism, but the two seemed to compliment each other.  Like Joshua, the hotel was a morass of contradictions.

“I didn’t mean to snap,” Amanda said in a conciliatory tone.  The pleasant surroundings and the soft caress of the evening breeze calmed her temper.  “Things are just getting to me.  That’s all.  I mean, we only got here six hours ago and I’ve not completely slept off the jet lag.  I wasn’t really expecting to have dinner with your ex as soon as I woke up.”

If Amanda was being really truthful, her anger came more from Joshua’s behaviour than the prospect of finally meeting the infamous Natasha.  After the intimate clinch in front of the elevator earlier, Joshua had again become aloof and business-like.  Amanda, on the other hand, had been a bundle of raging hormones and it had taken some doing to get under control again. 

When they reached the palatial suite of rooms that were reserved for Joshua’s private use, he had brusquely directed her to one of the huge bedrooms and told her to get some sleep, before retreating to his own quarters.  Before leaving her alone though, he had nonchalantly informed her that they would be dining tonight with Natasha, her brother and her future husband, and that Amanda needed to be awake again at five to get ready.

The shock had knocked all thoughts of sleep out of her, and she fretted for quite a while before the soft embrace of her king-sized bed gently carried her off into oblivion. 

When she woke a couple of hours later, her clothes had been unpacked and hung up in the expansive walk-in wardrobe.  A refreshing shower in the private bathroom had refreshed her spirits and soon after one of the hotel staff, a stylist called Rashid arrived to fix her hair. 

The luxury and personal attention made her feel a lot better, and she was thrilled at the classy updo hairstyle Rashid provided for her.  It complimented the long, royal blue evening dress she’d selected along with the understated silver necklace and matching earrings.  Checking herself out in the full length mirror, she felt a much needed confidence boost, and felt ready to take on whatever the world could throw at her.

When she’d emerged from her bedroom into the well-appointed living space, Joshua was still secreted away somewhere and she had to wait another hour for him to join her.  By the time he sauntered out of his quarters, looking dapper in his dark grey blazer with matching shirt and dress pants, she had managed to work herself up into a state of wild panic.

The situation hadn’t been helped by the way Joshua callously played with her feelings.  He was heart-stutteringly gorgeous and ice-cold arrogant, and she didn’t know how long she’d be able to keep going before a major meltdown occurred.

“It’s my fault,” he said quietly, his sardonic disdain fading away again.  “I sprung the dinner on you without thinking.  I never consider other peoples’ feelings.”

Amanda offered him a sympathetic smile.  “It doesn’t matter now.  I’m ready for her.”

“I can always say you’re not very well,” Joshua offered, “still sleeping off the jet lag or something.  You don’t have to see her until tomorrow after the wedding.”

Amanda was genuinely touched by this belated attempt to placate her, but now she’d worked herself up she couldn’t unwind again. 

“It’s fine.  I’m curious about meeting her, though it seems odd that she and Ashley would be dining together on their wedding night.  Isn’t it bad luck for bride and groom to see each other before the big day?”

“Natasha isn’t much frightened by superstitions,” Joshua replied, “and Ashley just does what he’s told.  She insisted we all have dinner together before tomorrow weeks ago, and I had no real objection.  Now she knows I’ve brought you to the wedding celebrations, she’ll be desperate to check you out so she’ll want to be here tonight more than ever.”

“She’s in for a big disappointment,” Amanda said sourly.  “I’m nowhere near her league.  I hope you’re ready to get laughed at, I know I am.”

“You’re head and shoulders over her,” Joshua said with sudden feeling, “don’t ever do yourself down.”

There was a pure rawness in his voice when he said this that brought Amanda up short.  She looked at him curiously.  Joshua was looking down at his feet, a sad expression on his face.  Once again, the veil of arrogance had dropped, and he was showing his gentler, more compassionate side.  Amanda couldn’t be really sure if it was just an act, a manipulative trick to get what he wanted, but she much preferred him this way.

“I’ll try not to,” she said.  “Come on, we best get ready for the onslaught.”

Joshua’s sparkling blue eyes lit up and he gave her a boyish smile.  “Lead on, Miss Brooks, I have no doubt you will perform superbly.”

Amanda laughed, feeling the tension lift.  In one fluid movement, Joshua had linked arms with her and they walked back into the suite proper.  Similar to his office in New York, Joshua’s private domain within the Shere Khan was mostly wood and had an old fashioned feel to it. 

The huge living space was held aloft by thick pillars that had been shaped to resemble tree trunks, sweeping upwards to the peaked ceiling with its sturdy rafters.  The polished wooden floor was bedecked with woven mats and scattered with easy armchairs and sofas that looked like they belonged straight out of the Gilded Age.

A long rustic dining table with high backed padded chairs had been set out before a large stone fireplace.  Leading off from this central area were several private apartments, two of which were Joshua’s and Amanda’s respectively, as well as a large kitchen where staff were busy preparing the forthcoming meal. 

The suite was also equipped with a games room that came with a pool table, gym equipment and gaming consoles, while a hot tub and large pool were installed out on the roof terrace.  All in all, it was a self contained reflection of the slivers of Joshua’s personality Amanda had so far glimpsed; heavy seriousness laced with an edge of boyish playfulness.

Joshua’s Blackberry, which was resting on the dining table, suddenly let out a warning din, making her jump a little.  Joshua picked up the device and put it on speakerphone.  “Yes, Rebecca?”

“The axis of evil is on its way up,” Rebecca’s wry voice replied.

“Thank you, Rebecca,” Joshua drawled.

He switched off the phone and gave Amanda an encouraging smile.  “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” she replied.

They walked over to the elevator and waited for their guests to arrive.  Amanda rehearsed her greeting, and mentally sifted through all the small talk topics she’d prepared beforehand.  Following Joshua’s not-very-helpful advice of scouring the internet for everything she could find on art dealing, Amanda now tried desperately to recall as much of the data she’d called up on her phone as she could. 

Hopefully their guests tonight would not be that well-informed, but she wasn’t going to risk taking any chances.  As she attempted to remember the details of that exciting new gallery opening in Paris next month, the elevator doors abruptly slid open.  Amanda’s eyes widened and her mind became a blank slate.

“Natasha,” Joshua said sweeping past Amanda with a wide smile fixed to his face.  “You look fantastic.”

He’d get no argument from Amanda.  At five foot nine, she was a paragon of statuesque beauty.  Her lean, well proportioned body was poured into an exquisite cocktail dress of vibrant red and the gold necklace and earrings she wore were fit for an empress.  Her hair was the colour of gold platinum and worn loose to cascade around her bare shoulders.  Eyes of steel grey scanned the room with calm assurance, before spearing Amanda where she stood.

“You’re a filthy liar, Joshy,” Natasha purred in a voice of silken honey.  “I look absolutely hideous.  I have not slept for four days.”

“You’re a lucky guy, Ash,” Joshua said, grinning knowingly at the scruffy, dark haired man at Natasha’s side.  Amanda recognised him straight away as Hollywood hot property Ashley McKenzie.  She’d had such a crush on him after that superhero movie he did a while back, but seeing him in real life she now felt a slight pang of disappointment.  He was much shorter and more haggard-looking in the flesh.

Ash blinked at Joshua, a bemused look on his unshaven face, before he gave him an inane grin.  “Yeah, man,” he said in a sleepy voice.  He lurched forward and gave Joshua a big hug.  A look of shock flitted across Joshua’s face but quickly vanished.

“Good to see you, buddy,” he said diplomatically.

Finally releasing Joshua from his bear hug, Ashley stared around him like he didn’t know where he was.  Amanda noted how red his eyes were and was just about to say hi to him, when he suddenly spotted her first.  Without warning he gave her a bone crunching hug.

“Hey babe,” he said, finally releasing her.  “I’m Ash.”

“I know,” Amanda said a little breathlessly.  “I’m a big fan.  I loved you in Cosmo Squad.”

Ashley stared blankly at her, before grinning like a happy child.  “Oh yeah, I was in that.  They gave me superpowers, but I don’t really have superpowers.  It’s just special effects.”  He trailed off and gazed vacantly around the room.  Suddenly his eyes widened in pleasure.  “Elephant!” he exclaimed, and pointed excitedly over at the large decorative elephant statue that served as a table stand.  “Oh, I love elephants,” he said, drifting over to it.  “They’re my favourite.  Can I stroke it?”

“Um, sure,” replied Amanda, shooting an uncomprehending look at Joshua.

“He’s probably stoned,” Joshua said conversationally, “or on mushrooms.  Judging by most of his onscreen performances, I’d say he’s high on a pretty permanent basis.”

“Ashley, don’t break that!” Natasha snapped.  She sighed theatrically, and her attention focused back on Amanda.  Amanda suddenly felt like she was caught in the sights of a big game hunter.

“You must be Amanda,” the other man next to Natasha spoke up for the first time.  He was sleek and handsome, dressed in a wine red shirt and black dress pants.  He had the same cut-glass features and sharp eyes as his sister.  This was undeniably Toby Grant, Natasha’s younger brother.  He stepped forward and gave her a seductive smile.  It sent goose bumps all along Amanda’s skin.  “I told you she was gorgeous, sis,” he added, glancing back at Natasha.

“Amanda.”  Natasha rolled the name around her mouth like it was a particularly fine wine.  “Your hair looks amazing,” she said warmly, coming over and giving Amanda a hug.  It wasn’t as smothering as Ashley’s, but it had enough affection behind it to take Amanda off her guard.  It felt like she was greeting an old school friend rather than a complete stranger.

“Thank you,” said Amanda politely, awkwardly returning the embrace.  “You look fantastic too, though that’s a given.  I’m pleased to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Natasha replied, parting from the other woman.  Her voice was light and gentle, but Amanda didn’t miss the sarcastic undertone.  “Joshy’s been keeping you safely under wraps, but now I’ve got you all to my self.” 

She suddenly paused and glared at something over Amanda’s shoulder.  “Ashley!  Get off there!” she said in a barking tone, before resuming her sweetness and light routine with Amanda.  “I want to hear everything about you, babydoll,” she said huskily, running her soft fingers along Amanda’s arm.  The touch made Amanda’s stomach do a back-flip. 

“Joshy says you’re an art dealer, right?  Excellent!  You’ll know all about that wonderful new gallery opening in
Ménilmontant
?  Of course you do.  You need to tell me all about it, and help me pick out pieces for our new home in Malibu.  Daddy bought a mansion for me as a wedding present, and I need someone with taste to help me furnish it.  Toby!  Get Ashley to stop doing that!  Yes indeed Amanda, we are going to have so much fun tonight.” 

* * *