The Irresistible Bundle (126 page)

"Regardless" the detective barks. "If Ms. Rivers presses charges against your client I will have to act accordingly."

"Of course" Mr. Wright smoothly states. His calculating stare makes the detective shift in his seat. The asshole isn't the unbiased hand of the law. Is it possible for Chelsea to already manage to give this bald motherfucker some head while she was laid up in that hospital bed? Or has she banged certain men of authority to ensure she always has one in her pocket?

"Give me a few minutes to verify this information" the detective bitterly replies. I can't help it. I smile and wink at the stupid fucker further pissing him off.

"Quit your shit" Valentino ruefully smiles but shakes his head in disapproval at me.

"He's an ass" I declare even though I suspect the prick has someone watching from that annoying mirror.

"Even so" Nicholas sighs. "Let's not antagonize the man. The last thing we need is for you to get arrested for some stupid bullshit."

"The attorney representing Ms. Rivers should be here shortly" my so-called attorney announces to the room at large.

My eyes zero in on the blonde hair, nice physique, and startling blue eyes. Fuck me. Are all the Wright men built the same? My eyes travel down to his dress pants looking for the distinctive bulge.

Nicholas laughs while Valentino shakes his head. "Seriously you just went there?"

"What?" I ask with all the doe-eyed innocence I can muster. "He's related to Jaxon, right? Just looking to see if all the Wright men share the same physical characteristics."

"Please don't tell me I've been summoned to one of Jaxon's previous conquests" Attorney Wright bemoans.

"Nope, just the best friend of Carina; if you're related to Jaxon you must've heard her name a time or two" I wink at the hot suit. His crooked smile wets my panties even while I'm treading in deep doo-doo.

"This all makes sense now" he smiles broadly. The fucking light came on upstairs for him.

"Richard and his attorney are also in route" Nicholas adds.

"Great we're having a fucking reunion" I mutter. I don't mind all the testosterone in the room but the reality is slowly suffocating me. I majorly fucked up. The fucking Dean is with his attorney. School. I can't get expelled.

"Breathe" Valentino starts to touch me but pulls away. Ten points for the big man. He's finally understanding when and when not to make contact with me.

"I'll do anything" I plead to the room at large. I don't even fucking care that someone else might be watching from that mirror. Wait... What if fucktard Pearce is there? What if Father's bastard spy is listening in?

"Can you turn off the speaker or whatever?" I flail my arms toward the oversized mirror. I don't give a shit if they can see me falling apart but I'll be damned if they're privy to listening in on this conversation.

"Already done" Mr. Wright assures me.

"I can't get expelled" I grab Valentino's sleeves. "I'll serve time before I'm kicked out of school and have to go back home." I know I sound crazy but the truth is worse than me going to jail or the loony bin.

"Not happening" Nicholas kneels before me inserting his body between my parted legs. He never touches me but his presence is enough to ground and soothe me. Valentino watches our entire interaction cataloging every movement. Nicholas and Valentino are alpha males, dominant in their own way. Valentino's touch sears, soothes, and dominates while Nicholas can fucking own you with just a heated stare and a few chosen words.

"Trust in us" Valentino stays close but doesn't make that final contact.

"I want to" I admit. I bite my lip wanting to say more but I can't. I don't want them to see too deep into me. I don't want anyone to uncover the ugly layering me or tap at the fissures and cracks of my tattered soul.

"Thank you" Nicholas and Valentino reply. A knock at the door straightens all our spines. We all stand as Dean Richards and another man enters the room.

The Dean comes straight to me, completely taking me by surprise. I figured he'd be wicked pissed at me since I probably threw their entire strategy out the door the moment I hit Chelsea. Instead he fiercely embraces me completely unaware of my "no touchy" sign blaring from all angles.

"Are you alright?" He whispers against my cheek. The Dean has always remained professional and at a distance despite everything we've been through.

"I fucked up. I'm sorry" I choke out the words. I hate having them disappointed with me. I'm not alright but there's nothing these amazing men can do to fix that.

"I'll never repeat this again but I am so glad you kicked her ass" he whispers for only me to hear. Just as quickly, Dean Richards pulls away, walking over to Attorney Wright. They man-hug exchanging small talk while I try to recover from the Dean's words. I expected a tongue lashing. I expected anger. But not a verbal high-five...

"The attorney for Ms. Rivers will be here at any moment" Mr. Wright brings our attention to the center of the room. "Has anything changed from the last time we spoke? Are we all agreed?" He looks between Dean Richards, Nicholas, and Valentino. That just pisses me the fuck off. What am I chopped liver?

"I advise we bring Desirae up to speed before she castrates someone" Valentino chuckles. He always thinks it's cute when I'm pissed off. Wait until my wrath focuses on him. Cute my ass!

"Maybe we should negotiate anger management into it." Nicholas smirks, earning a low growl from me. The others chuckle but don't agree. Thank fuck.

"In exchange for Chelsea not pressing charges and testifying against Pete she'll be granted immunity, sealed disciplinary records on her transcript, an easy transfer to another school of her choice, covered medical and moving expenses. Her tuition and attorney fees will also be paid." Nicholas calmly states.

"That's fucking expensive" I retort, "And more than the bitch deserves."

"Regardless" Mr. Wright states, "It keeps you out of jail, gets Ms. Rivers away from all of you, and we can successfully prosecute Ms. Lobos' assailant."

"Where is the money coming from" I'm not letting this go. If Father's paying for it I need to develop a plan. Maybe I can strip for a week and earn enough money to fly to some remote island and fall off the face of the planet.

"Your father is not involved in any aspect of this and we aren't asking him to repay us in any way; even if he offers." Nicholas replies.

"Especially if he offers" Valentino adds.

I stare unaffected. I'm glad to hear it but they still haven't answered my question. Dean Richards' shoulders slump as he realizes they can't placate me with this bullshit. I need to know who I owe and what specifically. He looks at the other men in the room and I can tell they're having a silent conversation between them. Oh fucking well... I'm not leaving and I'm not dropping it.

"I've negotiated the sealing of her records. Nicholas is paying her tuition. Valentino and Marco are paying her attorney fees and moving expenses. Jaxon took care of your representation. The Lobos family is paying her medical expenses."

"That's unfair!" I shoot out of my seat. I know the Dean put his reputation on the line with this but the actual monetary cost is the heaviest for the Lobos family. At least with Nicholas and Valentino I can repay them through labor.

"That wasn't your decision to make" Nicholas steps forward. He's vibrating with power making it hard not to squirm beneath his potent gaze. "Ignacio insisted; something about you being like a daughter to them and you defending Carina. Valentino and Marco planned to pay for it but Ignacio wouldn't have it. You're free to argue with the man but he makes negotiating with you a walk in the park."

Tears scald my throat and eyes.
Like a daughter to them.
Why did that saying have to invoke such conflicting responses? It's unbelievably humbling to be considered a part of the Lobos clan. I want to be worthy. But it also reminds me that my own parents don't care or love me enough to bother. I
was
someone's daughter but it wasn't enough for them. I didn't merit or receive the unconditional love that other families showered upon each other. I'd caught glimpses of devoted couples and their adoring children. I couldn't relate. But the Lobos family valiantly and constantly tries to show and teach me.

"What can I do?" Most of this is because of me, maybe not all of it but enough.

"You can stay out of jail" Dean Richards raises his brows. I nod in agreement. Easy-peasy; well most of the time anyways.

"I'd like to apply my wages from
Hedonism
and
Scandalous
to the amount you paid in her tuition. And I'll gladly do whatever necessary for you and Marco too." I state to Nicholas and Valentino. V rolls his eyes but doesn't agree or disagree.

"We'll discuss later" Nicholas states. His tone doesn't permit any commentary. I look him in the eye seeing he's being serious. Nicholas is actually the easiest to payback. I have to find a way to do the same with the Lobos family.

"I take it back" Dean Richards interjects. He's the last person I expected to recant his statement. My chest tightens wary about what he wants in exchange. The Dean's never had sex with any of us but I've seen his raging hard-on plenty of times to know he's physically attracted to us. Old Des wants to strut up to him and purr that she's at his command but I'm not that girl anymore. I've worked hard as hell to become someone better.

"I expect you to work your way up to the Dean's list just like Carina and Jaxon are and I want a solid and worthwhile major from you. Not this communications bullshit you've currently got."

"But I'm not a nerd like Jaxon and Carina" I whine. I know I'm pouting but still. Those two live and breathe academics. They don't have to study as hard or motivate themselves to finish a paper. The brownnosing shmucks have their assignments done several days before the actual deadline.

Suck ups.

Nicholas and Valentino have the decency to try coughing instead of laughing. I think I've shocked Attorney Wright but Dean Richards isn't having it.

"Desirae, where do you see yourself five years from now?" The room silences as they realize he's still being serious.

"Anywhere but home" I whisper. Valentino pulls me into him kissing the top of my head. He understands my answer but the others don't.

"The only way you can guarantee yourself that is by developing an action plan and a contingency plan too. If those fall through you keep planning. You keep trudging. You have so much potential Desirae. The only person holding you back is you." Dean Richards approaches. He pulls my chin up. V never lets me go and I'm grateful for that.

"Now what are you going to do about that?" He quietly asks. He doesn't wait for my response because I really don't have one. I need to though...

"Gentlemen, let's go out there and finish this." Attorney Wright states as he grabs the doorknob.

If they're making this sacrifice for me and Carina, the least I can do is give it my all. So while the men negotiate my freedom and Carina's peace of mind; I begin to develop an action plan for my education and my future.

NEGOTIATIONS

~ DESIRAE ~

"Let's discuss business" Nicholas barely waits for us to enter the foyer before he's ushering us into his office. Valentino doesn't object but he also doesn't look like he agrees with Nicholas.

Doesn't matter either way to me. Once Chelsea's attorney presents her the final documents to sign it's all a done deal. I'll be safe from seeing any jail time and my freedom has nothing to do with Father or Mr. Pearce. Pete and Chelsea can kiss my freckled ass.

Valentino pulls one of the staff members aside. I slow down to hear what he wants from them; ever prepared Valentino requests for a hot meal to be delivered to Nicholas' office. I've been so up and down about everything that I can't even remember the last good meal I've eaten. Guilt weighs me down as I stare at this fine specimen of a man. Not only is he one good-looking hot piece of ass and good in bed but he has a great heart and loyal to the end; such a rare find.

"I don't think I tell you enough" I curl into his big strong chest before finishing my confession. This man could be a player, a heartbreaker, a sex-god. Instead he's everything a girl's ever dreamed of. Valentino is the book boyfriend girls lust after while sitting and talking about over wine and sweets. "I love you in my own special way." My voice cracks unable to finish articulating my thoughts. I'm not a mushy, emotional girl so this is damn near impossible to get out. V will never be my man but he will always be one of the few loves of my life. His soft black curls beg to be touched; his twinkling brown eyes and warm smiles... They don't belong to me but I cherish them nonetheless. I love him in the way I'll never allow myself to love someone else: unconditionally and freely. There's no risk with him. He belongs to my best friend and their other lover and I'm okay with that. It's what makes loving him easy and safe.

"Let's go guys" Nicholas impatiently calls from the reception area. Although Leticia balances between the estate and the nightclubs it isn't enough to shorten Nicholas' monstrous to-do list. Members always demand to speak to him directly never compromising with anyone else.

"Food will be here shortly" Valentino announces as we enter the room, as if that's going to stop the big broody bear from snarling at us.

Nicholas goes to sit behind his desk but Valentino stops him. He motions for all of us to sit in the cozy corner. I hesitate while they casually sit down. The desk meant we'd be talking business. Cozy sofas mean an intimate setting. My lungs shrink in size not wanting to cooperate with his silent demands.

"I think we need to know a little more before we discuss anything else" Valentino begins. I don't want to but saying so would be me acting like a petulant child.

"I think it's pretty straightforward. I no longer receive any wages and everything gets credited towards the balance I owe you" my petulant inner-child wins.

"Tell me about your father and the connection with Mr. Pearce" Valentino quietly requests.

My stomach drops to my ankles appalled that V even thinks this is such a simple request. It's anything but... Does he think because he asked quietly that it would soften the blow? It's not like once he knows my story he can save me.

"You don't have to start at the beginning" Nicholas suggests. They don't fool me with their passive-aggressive approach. Nicholas and Valentino patiently wait me out like it's so easy to break me. What they don't realize is that I'm a fucking pro.

"Okay let's talk about why you don't want to go back home." Valentino goes a different route. I'm sure Carina and Diego have mentioned my aversion to home. The person who said home is where the heart is should be shot.

"My father can't control me when I'm away from home" I simply state. It's a complete truth without all the hairy details in between.

"Parents can be overprotective" V digs. I narrow my eyes knowing he's prodding me. I won't take the bait. I won't take the bait. "You can't be upset with him about that."

"No I couldn't be upset with a father wanting to protect his daughter" I agree. "But when a father barters his daughter to his business associates..." I let the sentence hang there while looking towards the erotic art on the wall. I really don't want to elaborate and Valentino already saw my reaction when I realized Mr. Pearce was here. Shouldn't that be enough?

"So Mr. Pearce" V waits for me to finish.

"He was my father's first business negotiation" I numbly state.

"And the longest standing" Nicholas astutely observes.

I nod, unable to voice anything else. This is worse than standing naked... Wait that isn't really a nightmare for me... This is akin to getting prodded with a hot branding iron. I'm all about pleasure pain but just outright pain is evil. Father, Pearce, and McNamara are all evil.

Nicholas blanches. It doesn't take a genius to realize that he's fitting the fucked up pieces of my puzzle together and they paint an ugly picture. "He's the one you spoke about during truth or dare" Nicholas mumbles as he recalls my answer to how I lost my virginity. I want to feel some kind of shame or guilt but I can't. I only feel loathing and hatred for the man who stole my innocence.

"Yes" I look between both men. If they want to get to know the fucked up side of me they were in for a treat. "Father bartered my intact hymen to become the favored business associate of Mr. David-the-bastard-Pearce."

Nicholas looks away. His hands are balled into tight fists. I'm not sure if he's disgusted with me or wants to beat the shit out of the bastard like I do. Valentino pulls me into his arms refusing to let go even when I'm stiff as a board. I don't want his pity and comfort. I've had years to deal with the shit that's been thrown my way.

"I am so glad you didn't tell us this before" V murmurs into my hair. I pull back surprised at his words, and a little hurt. I know I'm all kinds of fucked up but I thought V of all people would be more compassionate.

"Why" Nicholas asks for me.

"Because you'd probably be bailing me out of jail right now if I'd known this before. Seeing Des' reaction I suspected he was someone from her past but if I had any inkling that he was this kind of bastard I would've tried to kill him."

"Well, let's not go around spouting your intent to murder this man in case something does happen to him" Nicholas sighs, exasperated with V. I wrap my arms around his solid torso loving the walls of muscle and hot skin. I've never known home before but this warm feeling whenever I'm in V's arms has to be something close to it. Although we've had mind blowing sex it was more for pleasure, never about love.

I don't recommend most girls having sex with their best friend unless they intend to take their relationship to another level but I'm not most girls. My best friends are in love with each other and they trust me enough to include me in their sexual trysts. That trust, that kind of love changed me, cemented me. I'd never touch Carina the way Sati did because that isn't my cup of tea. Knowing my bestie, I might just fall in love with her pussy like Sati and the guys have. No, I prefer watching and knowing they'd never shun me.

"So what happens when you finish your senior year of college" Nicholas brings the conversation back full circle.

"One of several scenarios" I reluctantly admit. It's time to stare down reality and make her my bitch. I've tiptoed around her for too long. "I'm contemplating going for my Master's but I have to ensure I can pay for it. I'm seriously considering what the Dean said."

"Good girl" V kisses my temple giving me courage to admit the rest out loud.

"If I drop out of school at anytime I have to go back home.... If I go back home" my voice cracks slightly but I swallow and keep going. "I can't get access to my trust fund until my 25
th
birthday so my father basically owns my ass until then. He's the one paying for my school right now. You guys might've saved me but I won't know until this semester's over. If he doesn't pay for the spring semester then I'm SOL."

My throat tightens at the thought. I hate being under his control. He hasn't called since "the incident" but it doesn't mean he isn't planning and manipulating. The truth is that they all have saved me from owing Father but it doesn't mean that I'm free. I technically have my junior and senior year of college left and he can take it all away in a snap. He doesn't give me enough money to save up to pay for classes myself. All the money I earn from Nicholas goes to my emergency stash if I ever have to disappear. If I used it up and he still managed to drag me home I'd be screwed.

Nicholas sits back, strumming his fingers on his thighs. Watching him distracts me from my bitter reality. Nicholas is amazing to watch and interact with. He's so tightly coiled all the time. The few times I've seen him fully let loose were panty soaking and gut wrenching moments. There's a beast just beneath his skin but he never allows me to see it. Carina's hinted at getting a taste of it on occasion but I suspect that Andrea would be the best one to ask. The little minx hasn't admitted it to me but I know she and Nicholas are some sort of item. I've got money that she's his sub but I'm not asking and she's not offering any information.

"You know I hired you and Carina with specific intentions" Nicholas begins.

I nod recalling his proposition when the summer began. Admittedly it was the best summer I've ever had even though I was technically working the entire time.
Hedonism
is my sanctuary, my haven, my paradise. I rule the lower realm and feel like a fucking celebrity whenever I prowl the halls of the main and upper floors. Men bow to me, beg for me, and worship me.

"We were hired to increase membership and add that bit of naughtiness to the nightclub."

"Correct" Nicholas rubs his chin while intently staring at me. The wheels in his head turn but I have no fucking clue where he's headed with this. My brows furrow trying to recall the membership numbers discussed at the last staff meeting.

"You and Carina have exceeded expectations" Valentino adds sensing my concern.

"So much so" Nicholas interjects, "That I want to make you a partner."

I think my jaw literally becomes unhinged falling to the floor. Partner? Nicholas has owned this sex club for several years now. It's tremendously successful without any major competitors within hundreds of miles. Not just anyone can join or even
ask
to join. It's by invitation only and members can make suggestions but it isn't guaranteed that their friend, family member, or business associate will get the exclusive invite. Hell, even celebrities, musicians, and big-wigs aren't guaranteed admission. Nicholas allows some flexibility in member guests but the same individual has a maximum number of guest entries no matter if they're able to find more than one member to bring them.
Hedonism
is just that fucking awesome.

"Breathe" Valentino whispers in my ear. Damn, he's said that a lot in the last 12 hours. It's a good thing he's so close to me. My lungs might be screaming for oxygen but my brain is still in oh-shit land. "Care to elaborate Nic?"

I gasp for air while nodding my head in agreement to V's suggestion. Yes Nicky boy talk to me. Ok, I'd never say
that
out loud but I can talk all the shit I want inside my crazy head.

"We've seen a dramatic increase in membership pertaining to the dungeons and that has everything to do with Desirae. I've flirted with the idea for the last couple weeks and have been playing with various scenarios and numbers. As a partner I'll put you in charge of the dungeons and any and everything having to do with it. I'd like you to train a few more Doms and if you want to order any new implements, furniture, etc. it'll be all up to you. We can discuss a salary with benefits or if you'd rather receive a direct cut from the annual member dues... either way is a viable option."

"But she can still dance for
Scandalous
right?" Valentino inquires. My lips twitch in satisfaction. I love performing on the stage with the girls. As much as I love Nicholas' offer I don't want to give the other things up.

"Absolutely" Nicholas agrees. "We can hammer out all the details. I'm even willing to provide you with tuition reimbursement if you change your major to something more business, operational, or finance related. Since you've already been working for me I can reimburse your current semester once it's over and you've shown me your grades."

"But my major is still" I splutter.

"Change it immediately" Nicholas butts in. "As long as your major is something conducive to the club business then we're good to go. I'll have Leticia handle the paperwork. I'm contemplating discussing something with Carina as well. I understand that Leti needs to focus more on Valentino and Marco's clubs and I respect that. I'd rather not look for someone else when I have you two."

"Thank you" I state somewhere between mystified and humbled. Nicholas' offer could solve everything for me. If he pays for this semester and Father reneges on paying for the upcoming semester then I don't have to go home. I can just use these funds and apply each semester reimbursement to the upcoming balance. Not only that, I'd have more than just a summer job, I'd have a fucking career; a partnership in an already developed and successful business. I never have to go back.

"But school has to remain your priority" Valentino interjects somewhat over-protectively.

"Of course" Nicholas rolls his eyes but I needed to hear that. Because at the end of the day I always still have to have a backup plan...