Beautiful Prey 2: The Storm Series (BWWM Romance) Page 13

  Natasha walked over to the rug, where Parker sat. He reached up and grabbed her hand, pulling her to sit with him. Natasha sat and crossed her legs. Parker filled another glass and handed it to her. She looked over at her friend, who was leaning against the wall with a dangerously angry expression on his face. Natasha couldn’t help but to think that if they were in a cartoon, smoke would be coming out of Malik’s ears.

  “Tash, you know that we love you, but don’t you think it’s time for you to talk about your family issues with someone other than Malik?”

  Natasha was immediately disturbed because she respected the fact that Parker and Malik were in a relationship. She fully supported their commitment to each other, and Parker had just basically told her that she was in the way.

  “I see. Okay, Parker. From now on, I’ll keep my personal bullshit to myself,” she replied, obviously offended.

  “No, love, that’s not what I meant. Let me ask you a question... Why do you think Gianni had you investigated? If you were nothing more than a one night stand to him, why do you think he would even bother?”

  Natasha simply shrugged, because she honestly didn’t know why Gianni would have her investigated.

  “I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but that man can’t keep his eyes off of you.”

  “Yeah. The same man that couldn’t be bothered to stay the night with me,” she rebutted.

  “Yes. And he’s been trying to make up for it ever since,” chimed Malik.

  Natasha looked over at Malik, and he no longer looked angry. On the contrary, he seemed to be in total agreement with Parker.

  “Un...be...lievable.” She hissed, not hiding her annoyance. “I can’t believe that the two of you think that it’s okay that Gianni, blatantly, violated my privacy.”

  “Honey, I’m not saying that it was ok. I’m just asking if you can figure out why a man, who isn’t interested in a woman, would give a damn about the details of her life?” Parker didn’t wait for Natasha to answer before he went on. “You don’t give men a chance to get to know you. And, if you feel like they’re getting too close for your comfort, you immediately find a reason, any reason, to push them away. Tash, Malik and I want you to be happy, and we’ll always be here for you. You clearly have the hots for this guy... Shit, I would. Why don’t you give him a chance to prove that he’s someone that you can open up to?”

  Natasha didn’t respond. She, instead, gulped a large amount of wine and contemplated everything that Parker said to her. Not so deep down inside, she knew that he was right about her. She did have a tendency to push men away before they got too close. The thought of sharing her nightmarish childhood, and eventually confessing that she was unable to have children, terrified Natasha.

  She had kept secrets her entire life, and old habits were hard to break.

  “I’m scared,” Natasha whispered, admitting what Malik and Parker were already aware of.

  Malik rushed over to Natasha and wrapped his arms around her. “I know, baby. I know. But, no risk–no reward. Promise you’ll stop running.”

  Natasha nodded. “Okay, but only on one condition... Ya’ll need to kiss and make up.”

  “Girl, please.” Malik chuckled. “This ain’t shit but foreplay to us.”

  CHAPTER 20

  GIANNI

  Gianni, along with the rest of his staff, worked diligently in the kitchen, trying to get dinner prepared and ready to be served by the wait staff. He was determined to keep busy so that he wouldn’t have to think of his disastrous attempt to get Natasha to open up to him. Gianni wished that he could turn back the clock, not knowing what possessed him to admit that he’d had John investigate her. He’d clearly put his foot in his mouth. Instead of getting closer to Natasha, he’d pushed her even further away. Still, he had no intention of giving up.

  There was something endearing about Natasha. She was a woman that Gianni could see himself committed to. She was shy but passionate. She was also very loving and generous, judging by the amount of capital that she sunk into Victoria’s dream. She was obviously fearless, since she had slaughtered a dangerous serial killer, saving the lives of maybe dozens of women, including her friend. Not to mention the fact that she was absolutely volcanic in bed. Gianni had never been the type to run from love and marriage. He always pictured himself with a family of his own. He’d just never found the right woman, a woman that he could trust. But, Natasha was definitely a woman that Gianni would cherish if given the opportunity. But first, he would have to convince Natasha to give him another chance. And, another chance he would get. That is if Amy successfully played her role. Everyone was leaving tomorrow, so Gianni had to make his move tonight. Not giving a damn what anyone else wanted, Gianni prepared, what Natasha said were her favorite dishes with his own hands. He imagined cooking for Natasha in the future fantasizing about feeding her in bed.

  Once dinner was prepared, Gianni fixed his tie and replaced his dirty apron with a tailored black suit jacket. He intended to personally serve Natasha her favorite dishes. He watched as his servers presented the first course; apple crusted chicken over fresh spinach leaves topped with lime infused balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, to everyone except Natasha. For a minute, she seemed baffled, until Gianni strolled over to her table.

  He lifted the napkin from the table and gently placed it in her lap. He smiled and served her the first course. “Natasha, I will be personally serving you tonight.”

  And to his surprise, Natasha smiled graciously and thanked him. But what surprised Gianni the most, was how her smile made him feel. A rush of hope flowed through him as he made his way back to the kitchen.

  After dinner, Gianni stood close to the bar, sipping scotch from a rock–glass, trying not to watch Natasha’s every move when Jack approached him, with baby Jasmine draped over his shoulder. Gianni rubbed her tiny finger and admired the diversity in her features. She was a beautiful baby.

  Gianni asked, scanning the room, “Where’s Victoria? She disappeared right after dinner?”

  “She went to bed early. So me and my other lady are hanging out tonight,” Jack said, while softly rubbing Jasmine’s curly hair.

  “So... Victoria mentioned that she filled you in on Natasha’s financial status. And I know for a fact that you reached out to John Friday night. Tell me... How does it feel to want a woman that can buy and sell your ass?” Jack chuckled and turned to the bartender to order a drink. In Gianni’s mind, Jack was having entirely too much fun at his expense. It was evident when Jack turned back to him, sporting a goofy smile. It was time for Gianni to turn the tables.

  Gianni shrugged. “I love an independent woman. Oh, by the way... I took a walk through the trees earlier today.”

  Jack narrowed his eyes, and his smile instantly disappeared. “Is that so?”

  “Oui... Ass like a ripe plum. Ready for someone to take a bite from it.” It was Gianni’s turn to chuckle. Instead, he kept a straight face.

  “Donc, difficile de resister,” Gianni teased.

  “Well, it’s a good thing that you did resist. I’d hate to have to kick your ass. The fact that you’ve lived in France for ten years doesn’t make you stupid. When it comes to my wife, I will take you out. Don’t comment on her ass again.”

  Gianni laughed at Jack’s jealousy. “Cugino... I was talking about your ass... Mmm...Bello,” Gianni jested.

  “Stick to one language, asshole,” Jack quipped, before walking away.

  Before Gianni could lap in the pleasure of pissing Jack off, his mother’s frowning face confronted him.

  “I really hope you get this woman... You know that I hate scallops... Hmph.”

  Gianni laughed out loud and finished off his scotch.

  “I’m working on it, Mama.”

  He searched the room and found Natasha sitting at her table, smiling and nodding at Amy. His plan was in motion, and he needed to prepare, so he placed his glass on the bar, kissed Catarina’s forehead, and headed to the kitchen.

  NATASHA


  Natasha walked through the grass toward the fire. Amy had invited her to an after dinner bonfire that she and her friend, Mia, had planned. Natasha didn’t have many girlfriends, so she was looking forward to spending some time with Mia and Amy.

  Earlier, Natasha tried to work up the nerve to walk over to Gianni and thank him for serving her a dinner that was obviously prepared specifically for her, but her courage faltered. Still embarrassed about her meltdown, earlier that day, she didn’t know how to approach him. The most that she could muster was a smile every time he placed a dish in front of her. And judging by the lustful glances that he received from some of the women in the room, Gianni could’ve passed for dessert. He was certainly the sexiest waiter that Natasha had ever seen.

  Resigned to deal with Gianni later, Natasha walked past the fire and plopped down on a blanket, next to Amy. She was playing soft music, and there were trays filled with sliced pineapples, which were Natasha’s favorite fruit. A warm breeze kissed her face, and the dark sky was filled with stars. It was a beautiful night.

  “Glad you made it... Bubbly?” Amy was handing Natasha a glass of champagne.

  Natasha accepted the glass and took a sip.

  “Thanks, but what happened to Mia?”

  “She’s on her way. She’s stealing tequila from the bar,” Amy responded with a giggle. “Sooo…what’s up with you and Gianni?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Doesn’t look like nothing. Honey, Ray Charles can see that Gianni has it hot for you.”

  “He scares me,” Natasha admitted.

  “Natasha, he’s a really good guy and he obviously wants you bad enough to join the wait staff. Never thought I’d see the day.” Amy chuckled.

  Before Natasha could respond, a pair of well-tailored pants were in front of her, she looked up to discover Gianni standing over her. With his penis so close to Natasha’s face, she couldn’t even begin to control the dirty fantasies that were playing out in her head.

  “Hi,” he muttered.

  Gianni dropped to his knees, which put them eye to eye.

  “Hi. May I sit with you?”

  Natasha patted the blanket and Gianni sat.

  “What are you ladies up to?”

  “Just a little bonfire, and a lot of bubbly,” Amy responded, holding up her glass.

  She poured another glass of champagne and handed it to Gianni.

  He took the glass and asked, “Do you mind if I join you?” The question was directed to Natasha. She looked to Amy, who was now standing and avoiding eye contact with her.

  “Of course you can. I’m gonna go and see what’s taking Mia so long. I’ll be back in a minute,” she said over her shoulder as she jogged in the direction of the cottages.

  Natasha watched her disappear, before turning to Gianni.

  She asked, already knowing the answer, “I’ve be set up, haven’t I?”

  Gianni confirmed her suspicion with a nod.

  “I have dirt on her. She has to do my bidding.”

  “That’s mean,” Natasha scolded.

  Gianni shrugged. “That’s life.”

  Shaking her head, Natasha couldn’t suppress the giggle that escaped.

  “You’re a bad man, Gianni Storm. So... Was the plan to get me alone?”

  “Yes.”

  Natasha wasn’t upset since she needed to talk to Gianni anyway. She downed the rest of her champagne and handed him the empty glass to refill.

  “Gianni, thank you for dinner. You know...cooking my favorite things. And thank you for serving me. You make an excellent waiter by the way.” She smiled at her own joke. As well did he.

  “And... Even though I don’t appreciate you digging into my private affairs, I’m sorry that I snapped the way that I did.”

  Gianni nodded and handed Natasha a full glass.

  “I’m sorry that I did that. I just couldn’t get you out of my head. I needed to know you, and you wouldn’t talk to me. Natasha, I know that I messed up. Please, give me another chance to get to know you. I won’t mess up again.”

  “Okay,” she said, sounding romantically defeated. “But, we gotta take it slow.”

  “Slow? It’s been over a month,” Gianni argued.

  “Yes it has, Mr. Storm, and that was your fault.”

  “Touché, Miss Walker. Well, how about another date?”

  “I’ll let you know. I’ll call you when I’m free.”

  Gianni looked as if he’d just been slapped. He clearly wasn’t accustomed to women that didn’t fall at his feet. But Natasha had every intention of taking Catarina’s advice, and she definitely wasn’t planning on making it too easy for Gianni. They drank more champagne and Gianni talked about the date that she had yet to agree to. Natasha, once again, found herself comfortably enjoying Gianni’s company.

  CHAPTER 21

  VICTORIA

  Victoria drifted in and out of a dream as Jack created a trail of kisses from her breast to the begging bundle of nerves between her legs. Yet, she was still at ease. Normally she would be overexcited by the attention that he was giving her body, but tonight, all was not well. As Victoria attempted to relax and accept the lip service that she was getting, she couldn’t pinpoint the reason behind her feelings of dread. Nevertheless, she moaned Jack’s name aloud. When she heard the moan that was returned, it was confirmed that the person between her legs was not her husband. Victoria distressfully fought, in her sleeping state. She forced her eyelids apart and focused in on her environment. Victoria immediately relaxed when she discovered that she was in bed, in her cottage. She was beginning to feel secure, and his kisses, no matter how strange, were successful in arousing Victoria. He continued to passionately kiss her body, but still, she felt as if something wasn’t right.

  She pulled back the comforter and gasped, surely her eyes were playing tricks on her. “Bitch, what are you doing?!”

  “Just let me make you feel good. You’re so beautiful. I can make you both happy, if you give me the chance. Please, just lay down. Let me make you feel good,” Caroline purred.

  “Are you insane?! Get... GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!” Victoria kicked Caroline hard enough to send her flying from the bed. As Victoria frantically searched for something to cover her nakedness, Caroline scrambled to her feet. She settled on a pair of Jack’s boxers and his T–shirt.

  “Jack was MINE! You took him from me! I was willing to accept your Black ass in order to get my man back. God, I wish you had just stayed your ass on the poor black side of town,” Caroline hissed.

  Her blonde hair had fallen into her flushed face. Shaking with uncontrollable rage, Caroline looked totally insane. At that moment, Victoria knew that it would only get worse. She’d have to get a restraining order as soon as they got back to the city. But first things firsts, Caroline was about to get a proper and poor Black ass kicking.

  Now dressed in Jack’s oversized underwear, Victoria lunged at Caroline, missing her by inches. Her long blonde hair flew wildly as she ran out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Victoria quickly stepped into a pair of running shoes. She had every intention of catching the crazy bitch. She hit the top of the stairs in just enough time to see Caroline bolt out of the front door. Victoria made her way down the stairs and out the door. She ran from the front porch, looking in every direction for Caroline. Suddenly, she came into view and Victoria took off after her. Although Victoria took the time to slip on running shoes. Chasing Caroline without a bra was hardly easy. Her swollen lactating breasts bounced uncomfortably with every step. Victoria could see a couple feet in front of Caroline. As luck would have it, she was running right into Gianni and Natasha. Victoria was overjoyed, because she was in a boxing match with her breast, and she was losing.

  “Tash! Tasha!” Victoria yelled across the lawn until she got Natasha’s attention. “Get that bitch!

  Without another word, Natasha ran toward Caroline, but Caroline change her direction. Victoria thought

  that she would get away until Natasha
kicked off her shoes and took off after her. All of a sudden, Natasha reached out, grabbed a handful of Caroline’s hair, and yanked. When Victoria walked up, Natasha had Caroline pinned to the grass. She was screaming obscenities and racial slurs, in an unsuccessful attempt to provoke Natasha. Unfortunate for Caroline, she made the mistake of spitting at Natasha. Something in Natasha’s eyes changed. They instantly went dark and Victoria could see Natasha’s control slipping. She looked at Caroline’s saliva on her shoulder, then back to Caroline. Fear flashed across Caroline’s face and she turned white as a sheet. Natasha punched her face so hard that Victoria thought her neck would snap. Caroline was flailing her arms and attempting to fight back, but she didn’t stand a chance. Natasha punched her repeatedly until blood leaked from her nose. Caroline gave up her attempts to fight back, and Victoria feared that if she didn’t stop Natasha, she would kill her.

  Gianni stood quietly to the side and watched the beating that Natasha inflicted. He looked over at Victoria and nodded in Natasha’s direction, a silent indication for her to pull Natasha off of Caroline. Victoria frowned, knowing that he was right.

  She stepped behind Natasha and gently grabbed her shoulders, but Natasha continued to punish Caroline. Victoria had to wrap her arms completely around Natasha, place her in a bear hug and drag her away from Caroline. Victoria sat in the grass with her arms around Natasha. She could hear Caroline’s whimpers and cries for help.

  Searching for sympathy, Caroline looked up at Gianni. “Help me, please.”

  Gianni studied Caroline for a few seconds, before walking over to, a now calm, Natasha, who was still imprisoned in Victoria’s arms. Gianni stared down at the pair and Victoria could only picture what the two of them looked like from his point of view. Gianni pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

  He kneeled in front of Natasha and wiped the saliva from her neck and shoulder. “See you at breakfast?”

  “Yes,” Natasha agreed.

  He stood, tossed the handkerchief on Caroline, and walked away. Victoria released Natasha and Caroline crawled a few feet from Natasha, before staggering to her feet, and running away.