His Ultimate Demand

Time for a subject change.

‘Where to now?’

‘The champagne mixer in the Blue Dungeon. Then we’re leaving,’ he clipped out.

‘I thought we couldn’t leave until the lock down was lifted tonight?’

‘I’ve asked for a special dispensation from Zeus,’ he said, his gaze on the downward-moving arrow. They were sinking deeper into the bowels of the building. Ruby felt as if she were disappearing into Alice’s Wonderland. ‘The dispensation should be coming through on your smartwatch any minute now. Let me know when it does.’

‘The owner’s name really is Zeus. Seriously?’

‘You don’t find my moniker incredulous.’

‘That’s because...’ She paused, unwilling to voice the thought rattling through her head.

‘Because?’

She shrugged. ‘The Warlock suits you, somehow.’

He faced her fully, his gaze raking her face in that intensely raw way that made her feel vulnerable, exposed.

‘In what way does it suit me?’ he asked silkily.

Because you mesmerise me with very little effort. Ruby cleared her throat.

‘You’re obviously a genius at what you do.’

‘And you think my success stems from sorcery?’

She shrugged. ‘Not in the chicken bones and goat sacrificing sense but in other ways.’

One hand rose, trailed down her jaw to rest on the pulse pounding at her throat. ‘And will I be able to sway you into my bed with this potent magic of mine?’

‘No.’

His smile this time was genuine. And devastating to her senses. ‘You sound so very sure.’

‘Because I am. I told you, I don’t mix business and pleasure.’

His smile dimmed. ‘Would this have anything to do with your ex-almost-lover?’

‘I believe it’s a sound work ethic,’ she answered.

Once Narciso had left her on her own, she’d replayed the events of last night and this morning. Shame at her behaviour had charged through her, forcing her to quickly reinforce her crumbling self-control.

Letting her feelings run wild and free was not an option. Heartache and devastation could be the only result if she didn’t get herself back under control.

‘So you intend to let him win?’ Narciso queried softly.

‘This is my choice.’

‘If you say so.’

She had no chance to respond before the doors opened and they entered the most surreal room Ruby had ever seen. Blue lights had been placed strategically on the floors, walls and ceilings of a huge cavern. And bottles of champagne hung on wires, their labels combined with the words QV Macau.

‘What does Q Virtus mean?’ she asked.

His smile was mysterious. ‘I could tell you but I’d have to—’

‘Oh, never mind.’ She turned as an excited murmur went through the crowd.

Six acrobats clad in LED-lit costumes swung from tension cables from one end of the room to the other.

She couldn’t help her gasp of wonder at their movement. ‘Oh, my God.’

‘So that’s what it’ll sound like.’ The wicked rasp was for her ears alone. His warm breath tickled her ear, sending a tingle right to her toes.

‘What what will sound like?’

‘Your gasp of wonder when I’m deep inside you.’ His lips touched her lobe and she jerked at the electric sensation.

‘Since that’s never going to happen, you’ll just have to keep guessing,’ she replied.

He merely laughed and plucked two glasses off a sterling-silver tray that dropped down from the ceiling as if by magic. ‘Champagne?’ He passed her a glass.

She took it simply for something to do besides staring at his gorgeous face, which had transformed dramatically from his earlier formidable demeanour. He clinked glasses with her and raised his in a toast. ‘To the thrill of the challenge.’

‘I won’t participate.’

‘Too late. You threw the gauntlet. I accepted. Drink your champagne. That’s a five-thousand-dollar glass you’re holding.’

She stared down into the golden liquid before answering. ‘I don’t really drink that much.’

‘I guessed as much. Another souvenir from the ex?’

The pain of the memory scythed through her before she could guard herself against it. She shook her head.

‘Why don’t you drink, Ruby?’ His voice was hypnotic, pulling on a cord deep inside that made her want to reveal everything to him.

‘I don’t like the loss of control it gives me.’

Silver eyes narrowed. ‘Something happened to you?’

‘You could say that.’

‘Something bad?’

‘Depends on your definition of bad. Someone upset me. I thought getting drunk would solve the problem. It didn’t. It made it worse.’

‘Who was it?’

‘My father—’ She stopped as she realised how much she was revealing to him.

‘Ah, sì. Fathers. It’s such a shame they’re necessary for evolution, isn’t it?’ Although his words were light, his eyes had taken on that haunted look she’d glimpsed this morning in his kitchen.

Out of nowhere came the overwhelming urge to take his pain away. ‘I can’t believe we’re standing in one of the most spectacular rooms I’ve ever seen, discussing our daddy issues.’

‘You’re discussing your daddy issues. I have none.’

She frowned. ‘But you just said—’

His mouth tightened. ‘I merely expressed a view on evolution.’ He took a large slug of his drink and set the glass aside. ‘Come, the show’s about to begin.’

He walked her deeper into the room, to an even larger space where a stage was brightly lit in hues of blue and green.

Several more acrobats struck different poses from their ropes but as the oriental-themed music filled the room they started to perform as one. Immediately she recognised the world-renowned group whose exclusivity was reserved to royalty and the crème de la crème of A-listers.

The fluidity of their movement and sheer talent taken to hone such an awe-inspiring performance kept Ruby mesmerised for several minutes, until she noticed Narciso’s renewed tension. A glimpse at his profile showed a tense jaw and tightly pursed lips.

She debated for a second, then took a breath.

‘It’s okay if you don’t want to admit to having daddy issues. I lived in denial myself for a long time,’ she whispered, aware several guests stood close by.

‘Excuse me?’ he rasped.

‘I could apologise but I thought we were...you know...sharing.’

‘I don’t share, Ruby. At least not in that way.’

‘Listen—’

‘You’re missing the show,’ he cut across her.

Forced to curb her reply, she resumed watching the show, aware that he grew tenser with every passing minute.

A particularly daring acrobat surged right over their heads. Narciso’s hand tightened around hers. Thinking he was reacting to the spectacular display, she glanced at him, to find his gaze fixed across the stage, on the man who’d confronted her less than an hour ago.

In that instant, the resemblance between them struck her hard. Their similar heights, their silver eyes, the proud, arrogant way they viewed the world. How could she not have seen it until now?

‘Oh, my God, he’s your father.’

He stiffened and glanced down at her with cold, grim eyes. ‘He’s a man whose DNA I happen to share. Nothing more.’

Applause broke through the crowd as the show finished in a crescendo of dives and leaps choreographed so fabulously, she couldn’t help but clap despite her shocking discovery.

They were father and son. And they hated each other with a passion that was almost a separate being every time they were within feet of each other.

She wanted to know what had placed such a wide divide between them but she held her tongue. She had no right to pry into anyone’s life. Her own baggage was enough to be dealing with. After fighting for so long and so hard to get away from the noxious environment her parents chose to inhabit, the last thing she wanted was for someone like Narciso Valentino to dredge it all up.

The smartwatch on her wrist beeped twice.

Narciso glanced down at it. ‘We’re leaving.’

Her heart climbed into her throat, and she fought the snap of excitement fizzing through her. What on earth was wrong with her? She couldn’t be secretly thrilled with the thought of being alone with this man.

Could she?

Within minutes their cases were being loaded into the trunk of the stretch limo that stood idling in the underground car park, with a smartly dressed driver poised at the door. She slid in and Narciso joined her.

The moment the door shut, she wanted to fling it open and dive out. She’d thought she was venturing into the unknown by coming to Macau.

By agreeing to go to Belize with The Warlock of Wall Street, she was really stepping into an abyss.

‘I...don’t think I can...’ She stopped. What was she doing? She’d forced herself to endure a TV show after Simon had convinced her it was the only way she could fund Dolce Italia.

She’d plunged herself into the very environment she’d grown up in and actively detested just so she could establish her independence. Now she stood on the threshold of seeing it pay off.

‘Having second thoughts?’ he asked as the car rolled up a ramp and exited into bright mid-afternoon sunshine.

‘No. I’m not,’ she insisted more to herself than to him.

‘Good.’

The smartwatch emitted several discreet beeps. ‘What’s it doing?’

‘It’s erasing the evidence of my activities here.’

‘Wow, you’re not part of the CIA, are you?’

‘I could be if spies are your thing.’ He gave another of those wicked smiles and her mouth dried.

‘I’ll pass, thanks. Although I’m curious what you have to do to belong to a club like that.’ She took the watch off and examined its multifaceted detail.

‘It involves a lot more than chicken bones and goat sacrifices, I can assure you.’

Against her will, a smile tugged at her mouth. Letting go, she laughed. He joined her, his perfectly even teeth flashing in the sunlight. The deep sound echoed in the enclosed space and wrapped itself around her.

Danger! Her senses screamed again. But it was a seductive danger, akin to knowing that extra mouthful of rich, decadent mousse was deadly for you but being unable to resist the taste.

And she’d quickly discovered that if she let herself fall under his spell, he would completely bypass her hips and go straight to her heart.

‘Here, take this back.’ She held out his watch, stressing to herself that she didn’t miss having something of his so close to her skin.

‘Keep it. It’s yours.’

‘Are you serious?’ she gasped. ‘But what about its value—’

‘I wasn’t thinking of its monetary value when I offered it. And if you’re thinking about pawning it, think twice.’

‘I meant its sentimental value to you, of your visit here? And I’d never pawn a gift!’

‘I’m happy to hear it. As for sentiments, I prefer mine to be warm-blooded.’ He took off his mask and laid it on his knee. ‘Luckily, I have you.’

The statement sent equal parts of apprehension and excitement through her. She slowly slid the watch back onto her wrist, and watched as they approached the Pearl River. Luxury super yachts in all shapes and sizes lined the marina.

The limo drew to a stop beside a sleek speedboat and Narciso helped her out. The driver held out a leather case, its velvet inside carved in the exact shape of his mask. Narciso placed the mask inside, shut the case and handed it to the driver.

Seconds after their luggage was loaded, the pilot guided the boat towards the open river.

‘I’ve spent a lot of time asking you where we’re going but I need to ask you one more time.’

‘Don’t you trust me?’ he asked with a mockingly raised brow.

‘No.’

He laughed again. And again, the sound tugged deep inside.

‘We’re heading to the airport. My private jet will fly us to Belize.’

Nodding, she watched the disappearing skyline of Macau City. It’d earned its name, Vegas of the East, but there was also soul in this place, and in other circumstances Ruby would’ve loved to explore a lot more.

She turned to find him watching her. The hunger was back in his eyes, coupled with a dangerous restlessness.

‘What?’ she demanded when she couldn’t stand his intense scrutiny any longer.

‘I came here for a purpose. You succeeded in swaying me from that purpose. I intend to find out why.’

‘Was that purpose to destroy your father?’ she asked before she thought better of it.

He immediately stiffened. The breeze rushing over the water ruffled his hair. He slowly scythed his fingers through it without taking his eyes off her.

‘Among other things.’

‘But you decided to spare him at the last minute.’

‘A very puzzling notion indeed.’

Her heart hammered as his speculative gaze rested on her lips.

‘I don’t think it’s puzzling at all. I think you knew exactly what you were doing.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘And what would that be, O Wise One?’

‘You were extending the thrill of the chase, delaying the gratification of the kill blow.’

‘How very astute of you.’

‘So what were the other things?’

‘Perdono?’

‘You said among other things.’

His gaze drifted down the neckline of her black tube dress, again a tighter fit than she would’ve preferred. ‘What do you think?’

‘According to online sources you have an IQ of a hundred and forty-eight.’

‘It’s closer to one-fifty but who’s counting?’

Her mouth pursed. ‘It also says you’re a rampantly rabid playboy who thinks about nothing else but the next woman he intends to sleep with. It’s a shame you’ve chosen to use all hundred and fifty to chase skirts.’

He grinned. ‘No, I only use one hundred and forty-eight. I need the other two to walk and talk.’

She rolled her eyes even though the corners of her mouth curved. The boat pulled up to a jetty, beyond which she could see several planes parked on tarmac.

Narciso’s plane was the same silver shade as his eyes, with a black trim that made it stand out among the other jets.

He lived a life of extreme luxury and decadence, while making people like her jump through hoops to claim what was rightfully theirs.

‘What’s wrong? You’re frowning.’

‘You’re asking me to spend time and energy claiming something that should be already mine. I’m trying to see the fairness in that.’

‘Something about going the extra mile? Doing whatever it takes?’ he mocked, but his eyes held a flash of warning. ‘Get on the plane, Ruby.’

‘Or what?’

‘Or you lose everything. Because I won’t renegotiate and I despise being thwarted.’

Her feet remained leaden. Her instinct warned her she wouldn’t emerge unscathed if she went with him.

‘Is this how you do business? You strike a deal, you renegotiate, then you renege?’ he demanded.

‘Of course not. I’m only here because your company reneged on the deal it struck with me!’

‘A fact I’m yet to verify. The quicker you get on the plane, the quicker this can be resolved.’

She had no argument against that. And the reality was she’d come too far to turn back. And there was the small problem of Simon’s loan shark lurking in the background.

Taking a deep breath, she started to mount the steps. Recalling something he’d said, she twisted and nearly collided with his lean, muscular frame. The steadying hand he threw around her waist burned through to her skin. This close, without the hindrance of his mask, she could see how his envy-inducing cheekbones and long eyelashes framed his impossibly handsome face.

‘What did you mean about being thwarted?’

‘Sex, Ruby. I meant sex. We’re going to have it together. It’s going to be spectacular and, yes, I know you’re going to protest. But it will happen. So prepare yourself for it.’

She was still reeling from the raw, brazen words hours later as she tried to doze in her fully reclined seat two rows from where he conducted a teleconference call.

She had no idea how long the flight to Belize would take. She had no idea what the temperature would be this time of year.

In fact, her mind was empty of everything but the words Narciso had uttered to her on the steps of his plane.

Punching her pillow, she silently cursed herself for dwelling on it. It was never going to happen. She’d have to be ten kinds of fool to repeat what she’d nearly gone through with Simon—

‘If you punch that pillow one more time, it’ll give up its secrets, I’m sure of it.’

She twisted around and found him standing beside her seat, one hand held out.

‘Sleep is eluding you. Let’s spend some time together.’

‘No, thanks.’

He dropped his hand and shoved it into his pocket. Ruby tried not to stare at the way his shoulders flexed under the snow-white T-shirt he’d changed into. ‘Please yourself. But if you end up serving me food that I find abhorrent because you haven’t done your homework, you’ll only have yourself to blame.’

The challenge had the desired effect. Pushing aside the cashmere throw the stewardess had provided, she went after him.

He smiled mockingly and waved her into the club chair opposite his.

Ruby smoothed her dishevelled hair down, and activated her tablet. ‘Okay, shoot. What’s your favourite food?’

‘Life offers such vast richness. Having favourites is severely restricting.’

She sighed. ‘This isn’t going to be easy, is it?’

He shrugged. ‘I take entertainment where I can get it.’

‘Okay, next question. Any food allergies?’

‘Peanuts and avocado.’

Her head snapped up. ‘Seriously?’

‘I don’t joke with my health, amante.’

She noted it on her tablet. ‘How do you feel about Sicilian food?’

‘I’m completely indifferent.’

She looked up in surprise. ‘Really? Most Sicilians are passionate about everything to do with their homeland.’

‘Probably because they have a connection to be passionate about—’ He stopped suddenly and his jaw clenched.

She watched him try to rein in his control and her chest tightened. ‘And you don’t?’

Tension gripped his frame. ‘Not for a long time.’

Her tablet dimmed, but she didn’t reactivate it. The flash of anguish in his eyes snagged her attention.

‘Because of your father?’ she pushed.

His eyes narrowed. ‘Why does this interest you so much?’

The question took her aback, made her ask herself the same thing. ‘I...I thought we were making conversation.’

‘This is one subject I prefer to steer clear of. Capisce?’

‘Because you find it upsetting.’

He cursed under his breath and raked back his hair as that stubborn lock fell over his forehead again. ‘Not at all. The subject of my father fires up my blood. I just prefer not to discuss it with near strangers.’

Despite cautioning herself to stick to business, she found herself replying, ‘Haven’t you heard of the saying make love not war?’

‘Why do I need to choose one when I can have both? I’ll make love to you and I make war with Giacomo.’

‘For how long?’

‘How long can I make love to you? Is that another challenge to my manhood?’

‘I meant your father, and you know it.’

‘I intend to keep going until one of us is in the ground.’

She gasped. ‘You don’t really mean that, do you?’

Again that flash of pain, gone before it’d even formed. ‘Sì, I do.’

‘You know, he called you poison.’

This time the anguish stayed for several seconds, shattered his expression. Her heart fractured at the pain she glimpsed before his face settled into neutral indifference. ‘He’s right. I am poison.’

His unflinching admission made her heart contract. ‘What happened between you two?’

‘I was born.’

* * *

Narciso watched her try to make sense of his reply. She frowned, then shook her head. ‘I don’t understand.’

He wanted to laugh but the vice gripping his chest every time he thought of Giacomo made that impossible. He rose and walked to the bar at the mid-section of his plane. Pouring two glasses of mineral water, he brought one to her and gulped down the other. ‘That’s because you’re trying to decipher a hidden meaning. There is none. I was born. And Giacomo has hated that reality ever since.’

‘He hates being a father?’

He paused before answering, unwilling to utter the words he hadn’t said aloud for a very long time, not since he’d wailed it as a pathetic little boy to the housekeeper who’d been the closest thing he’d known to a mother.

‘No. He hates me.’

Shock darkened Ruby’s eyes.

He sat back down abruptly, and willed back the control he’d felt slipping from him since he’d walked into the poker den in Macau last night. He glanced up and saw sympathy blazing from Ruby’s face. The rawness abated a little but, no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t shake off the unsettling emptiness inside him.

He swallowed his water and set the glass down.

‘Enough about me. Tell me about your father.’

She stiffened. ‘I’d rather not.’

‘You were ready to share just a little while ago.’ He settled deeper into his seat and watched her face. And it was a stunning face. The combination of innocence and defiance in her eyes kept him intrigued. She didn’t hide her emotions very well. Right now, she was fighting pain and squirming with a desire to change the subject.

The sudden urge to help her, to offer the same sympathy she’d just exhibited, took him by surprise.

Dio, what was wrong with him?

This woman who’d flown thousands of miles after him was an enigma. An enigma with daddy issues. He should be staying well clear.

He leaned forward. ‘Since you seem shocked by the depth of my...feelings towards Giacomo, I’m assuming your feelings towards your father are much less...volatile?’

Those full lips he wanted to taste again so badly pressed together for a moment. ‘I don’t hate my father, no. But I prefer to keep my distance from them.’

‘Them?’

She fidgeted. ‘You’re going to find out anyway. My parents are Ricardo and Paloma Trevelli.’

Her stare held a little defiance and a whole load of vulnerability. ‘Sorry, you lost me.’

A delicate frown marred her perfect skin. Again his fingers ached to touch. Soon, he promised himself.

‘How come you own several media companies and yet have no clue what goes on in the world?’

‘My line of work doesn’t mean I compromise my privacy. So your parents are famous?’

Her eyelids swept down to cover her expression. ‘You could say that. They’re famous celebrity TV chefs.’

‘And their fame disgusts you?’ he deduced.

Blue eyes flicked to his. ‘I didn’t say that.’

‘Your voice. Your eyes. Your body. They all give you away, Ruby Trevelli.’ He loved the way her name sounded on his lips. He wanted to keep saying it... ‘So you despise them for being famous and cashing in on it. Isn’t that what you’re doing?’

‘No! I’d never whore myself the way—’ She stopped and bit her lip.

‘Do they know you have this view of them?’ he asked.

She shrugged. ‘They’ve chosen a lifestyle I prefer not to be a part of. It’s that simple.’

‘Ruby...’ he waited until her eyes met his ‘...we both know it’s not that simple.’

Shadows chased across her face and her mouth trembled before she firmed it again. Before he could think twice, he reached out and touched her hand.

She swallowed hard, then pulled her tablet towards her. ‘How many people will I be catering for at your event?’

He told himself he wasn’t disappointed by her withdrawal. ‘Are we back to all business again?’

‘Yes. I think it’s safer, don’t you?’

Narciso couldn’t deny the veracity of that. Dredging up his past was the last thing he’d intended when he’d boarded his plane. And yet, he resented her switch to all-business mode.

‘If you say so,’ he replied. ‘You think you can handle a VIP dinner?’

‘I believe in my talent as much as you believe in your abilities as the Warlock of Wall Street. If I say I’ll rock your socks off, I will.’