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  RAPHAEL

  She looked at me with her dark brown eyes, fringed by natural lashes and gave a shy smile as she spoke. “I’m not quite as fancy. Brenna, Brenna Hellen.”

  Brenna. I could finally roll her name across my tongue. It was perfect. She was perfect. Standing before me under the soft light of a streetlamp provided her with an unintentional halo. It suited the moment.

  I motioned to my car, “It’s late. We need to get you home.”

  I wanted to say my home. I wasn’t sure I was prepared to take her anywhere that didn’t include me. Now that I had found her, I didn’t want to let her out of my sight.

  Eyes darting, she searched the street. “Thank you, but I have a ride already. It should be here any second.”

  “No, it won’t. He’s been paid and he has already left.”

  Her eyes widened. “ What? Why?”

  She couldn’t understand that now I had finally found her, I wasn’t going to allow her safety to be jeopardized ever again. That she even felt it necessary to carry that pepper spray, made my blood boil. I wanted to remove all fear from her life.

  “I didn’t want you getting into a car with some strange man. It’s not safe.”

  She tilted her head as she looked up at me, a smile tugging at her lips. “Aren’t you a stranger? I hardly know you.”

  I clasped my hand to my chest. “After we have just spent the night together? Brenna, you wound me.”

  She laughed at my theatrics and I could feel my heart fill with the sound. I knew I would spend the rest of my days working to hear it again.

  “Thank you, Mr. Dubois—”

  “Raphael.”

  Her cheeks flamed at my correction. “Thank you, Raphael, but I better not. I’ve angered Bobby enough tonight. I don’t need to make it worse.”

  I felt my fists clench involuntarily as my irritation with that weasel came back.

  “He does not make the rules.”

  Brenna shrugged, “He does for me.”

  “Not anymore.”

  It was a statement that brooked no argument.

  Brenna needed to understand that men like that were no longer a concern. That whatever that fool wanted no longer applied to her. Her days about worrying about what others wanted were over. All her worries were over. I was going to take care of her. She only need ask and it would be done.

  My driver opened the door to the car.

  “Come,” I said.

  Brenna raised a brow and didn’t move.

  “Get in, or I will carry you to the car myself.”

  “You wouldn’t—”

  “I would. You underestimate the intensity of my desire to hold you in my arms. I need neither dare nor challenge.”

  This time both brows shot up.

  “Really?” Brenna seemed to enjoy testing me.

  “Really.” I took a step closer to her.

  She gasped and then lifted her chin. Smoothing out her dress she walked past me to the car. I inhaled the sweet scent of her as she passed. I hadn’t even had a full drink this evening and I was feeling completely intoxicated.

  Brenna stopped before the straight-faced, steely gaze of my driver, holding the door. “Then I guess I better get in before we scandalize…”

  She stared directly at the poor man avoiding her eyes. He held out longer than I could have under her scrutiny.

  “Caleb, Miss.”

  “Well, let’s not embarrass Caleb. Shall we?”

  And like a queen, my queen, she slid inside the car like it had been her idea the entire time. I exhaled deeply and looked at Caleb, who was desperately holding in a grin.

  Yeah, it wasn’t the driver I was concerned about. If sweet Brenna could have read my lascivious thoughts, it would be she who was utterly scandalized.

  3

  BRENNA

  I couldn’t believe how the last 12 hours of my life had unfolded. I was even more surprised when Raphael offered to come with me as I visited my Gran. When I told him that I couldn’t see him until after I went to check on her, he had immediately offered to come with me. I was flabbergasted. It’s not like he was going to get laid at an extended care facility. He was genuinely interested. What kind of man wants to meet your ailing grandmother?

  The answer was easy. A good man, a keeper. Raphael was exactly that. Not only did he have an incredible heart, it was paired with one incredible butt. I gave my head a shake. I promised myself I would focus on Gran and not be distracted by the gorgeous man that was tagging along. It was damn hard though. I kept thinking of his fingers as they had teased mine in the car on the way home last night. He refused to cross any lines, but I wouldn’t have complained if he did. He had built such an anticipation in me that, by the he had chastely kissed me goodnight, I was ready to rip off his clothing and show him that unlike him, I was a woman of very little patience.

  I managed to play it cool in his presence, but alone in my bed, with thoughts of Raphael in my mind, it was the quickest I had ever reached climax. Lord, help me if I were to ever actually feel his hands all over my body.

  When his car pulled up to the flower shop and Raphael stepped out in another perfectly tailored suit and spotless shoes, I took a deep breath. The combination of that dark wavy hair and those entrancing blue eyes were enough to make a girl swoon, and I was not immune.

  His whole face lit up when he saw me. I didn’t understand it, but I sure wasn’t going to complain. Feeling this cherished was addictive.

  “You look lovely this morning.” He waved away his driver, Caleb, as he helped me in.

  “Thank you, but looking at you, I’m am feeling underdressed.”

  A frown briefly flickered across his face. “You are perfect. I have an afternoon of meetings ahead of me.”

  I wasn’t convinced he was right, but I enjoyed his reassurance and his sincerity.

  I noticed a gorgeous bouquet of flowers on the seat and a delicious looking box of sweets.

  “They’re beautiful!” I could see he was pleased by my reaction. My only concern was the treats. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but Gran’s health was most important.

  “We may need to leave the food behind. I hate to be rude, but Gran is on a careful diet. It’s hard to get food into her these days, and as much as I know she would love those, it won’t be good for her.”

  I expected Raphael to be hurt, but he smiled and grabbed my hand. “Not to worry. These are special goodies.”

  “Special goodies? What exactly does that mean?”

  He started to laugh, “No, no! I’m backing a company that is making these. They are made especially for patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. They are little jelly drops. They are 90% water. It’s helps to keep them hydrated and they taste delicious.”

  If I had been on the fence before, Raphael had, in one fell swoop, knocked me completely off and on to his side. I couldn’t believe that someone could be this thoughtful. He must have listened to every word I had said about my grandmother last night. His thoughtfulness regarding Gran was beyond expectation. I had thought his face was gorgeous, but I now realized that it was his heart that was the most beautiful thing about him.

  “That’s genius. I mean really amazing. I have never heard of such a thing, but it’s brilliant. You, Raphael Dubois, may be the sweetest man I have ever met.”

  His smile at my words gave me goosebumps. I was falling hard for the wonderful man beside me.

  “I could provide you with a list of people who would disagree. But I will take this view you have of me over geriatric drug dealer any day.”

  His low chuckle sent a ripple of pleasure through me. I thought if I died in this moment, I would leave this world a happy woman. I was happy to spend any moment I could with Raphael. I couldn’t get enough. If our destination had been anywhere other than Gran’s, I would have gladly derailed our plans and thrown myself at him in the back of the car. Caleb’s dignity be damned.

  I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand.
I wasn’t sure exactly what that was, but it mostly involved not embarrassing myself with my desire for Raphael. It became that much more difficult when he placed his hand on my exposed knee.

  Ever so slowly he began to move the material up an inch at a time. The touch of his fingers on my bare skin caused me to shiver. My breath caught. I looked over to Raphael and could see the corners of his mouth twitch. He was definitely enjoying himself. His thumb began to swirl on the outside of my knee as his wrist subtly edged the hem of my skirt higher. I longed to lean into his touch and let my knees fall open, but I needed to be able to walk into Gran’s room, and Raphael’s touch was already turning my legs to liquid. I clamped them tightly together instead. It was a fool’s choice. The added pressure only increased my desire.

  The low laughter that rumbled from Raphael’s throat, was soon joined by my own. There was no disguising what both of us were feeling and what our bodies wanted.

  “You’re incorrigible,” I whispered.

  He met my gaze and winked. “You’re correct.”

  I looked to Caleb; whose eyes were firmly on the road ahead, then back to Raphael. His mischievous expression had me shaking my head.

  “You really can’t help yourself, can you?”

  “What?”

  “Being irresistible.”

  He gave me a ridiculous look of contrition and asked, “Shall I stop?”

  He damn well knew the answer, but I responded anyway.

  “Never.”

  RAPHAEL

  I left Caleb with Brenna to ensure that she got home safely when she finished her visit with her grandmother. I was glad I had gone with her. She had been so concerned that her grandmother’s condition would make me uncomfortable. Brenna would be shocked if she knew the things I had seen in my life. Meeting the woman who had loved and looked after Brenna all these years was a gift. I hoped that Brenna would soon learn how important family was to me. My brothers and I would have given anything to have even one of our mothers back. Brenna’s commitment to her grandmother only solidified for me that I had found the right woman. Our loved ones were to be cherished.

  The facility her grandmother was staying in was clean and I appreciated all Brenna had done to afford the upkeep, but I was here for her now. For both of them. I would ensure that her Gran was moved to the best residence in the city. Receiving the best care that money could buy. Brenna would never have to worry about paying those bills again. Going forward her only concern would be spending the time she wanted with her Gran.

  I would have my people make that happen right away. If it mattered to Brenna, it was important to me. We were one now. We faced this world together.

  That also included her working the poker game. Those nights were now a thing of her past. She didn’t need to work anymore, and she sure as hell didn’t need to work anywhere that made her part of the entertainment. The lustful gazes and unholy thoughts of those men were no longer permitted. She was mine.

  I would have someone let that weasel Bobby know immediately. He didn’t deserve to hear it from her. She was now off limits. Despite Brenna’s earlier concerns, Bobby’s needs and wants were irrelevant. He was nothing. Neither of us needed to think of him again. That wasn’t up for negotiation.

  Brenna had agreed to attend a charity function with me tonight. When I told her that it was a masquerade ball, she had been excited, then hesitant. She was concerned she would have nothing appropriate to wear. I reassured her that she would be well taken care of. Before Caleb took her home, there was one stop first. Expecting her agreement to my evening’s plans, I had already made sure that Brenna would want for nothing.

  I wanted her to feel like the goddess she was to me. I had Madame Zara close her boutique for the day in order to outfit Brenna for the ball. She was to be treated like a queen. My queen.

  I cursed the meeting that I had lined up for the afternoon. I already hated any moment away from Brenna. She invaded all of my thoughts. Spending time with her was like a drug I couldn’t get enough of. I looked forward to riding that high for the rest of my life. I wasn’t sure I could wait until this evening to see her again, but I also knew how important it was for a woman to feel her best when preparing for a night out. I would have much preferred to have Brenna dressed as Lady Godiva and neither of us leave the house.

  Thinking of a naked Brenna, had me immediately hard. To feel those soft curves and warm flesh beneath my body. Her heat, becoming one with mine. Mon Dieu, it will be near impossible for me to keep my hands off her tonight. If that deliciously buxom woman gives me even the slightest invitation, I might ravish her on the dance floor. Audience be damned.

  Brenna was in my blood, and I had no intention of releasing her.

  4

  BRENNA

  The afternoon had been a dream. Like something I had only read about in books. Raphael had ensured that every possible detail had been covered. Madame Zara had shown me a world of fashion and fabric I never even knew existed. I had spent my whole life trying to fit my body into clothes meant for the masses. To have something that held in and clung to every curve I owned was a surreal experience. I didn’t feel any of my usual anxiety when preparing for a night out. Everything was made just for me. Even my unruly curls had been brought to heel. For the first time in my life, without hesitation, I felt beautiful. I had Raphael to thank for that.

  The look on his face when he picked me up, was enough to fill my heart for the years to come. To feel so appreciated, so treasured, was a gift that all women deserved. I just never thought it could happen to me.

  Our arrival caused a stir in the ballroom. I could see several interested looks from the men and far more jealous eyes from ladies. Both were new experiences for me. If I were being honest, I might have even liked it. My whole life I had been on the outside looking in. To see these beautiful, powerful women wishing they could take my place was secretly satisfying. I knew I would be jealous of any girl lucky enough to be on the arm of Raphael.

  Raphael mentioned his brothers should be here tonight, and I was interested to meet the men he had grown up with. They sounded like something out of a story book. Four boys growing up in a French bordello, spending their time getting into trouble in the back alleys of Paris. To go from nothing to titans of multiple industries was a journey that was nothing short of incredible. I think that my Gran would have loved to have met the women that raised them. He explained how important family was to him and how important it was to protect that bond. I don’t think I could have fallen any harder for any man.

  As the music started, Raphael led me to the dance floor, and put his right hand against the small of my back. I could feel his touch burning through the silk of my dress. It lit a fire inside of me. He pulled me in close, so that the plump swell of my breast was firmly against his chest. The heat between our bodies intensified as my nipples hardened with the friction of the fabric of his tuxedo.

  I thought I might be embarrassed, but I was not. Tonight, I was someone else. Someone who didn’t question her own sexuality. Someone who revelled in the attentions of her man. Perhaps it was the woman I was always meant to be. Tonight, I was a goddess, and I belonged to Raphael.

  The piercing blue could never be concealed by any mask and his eyes never left mine as we swirled through the crowded dance floor. We moved as one. The slightest pressure of his hand guiding me. I felt like I was floating. The room was full, but there was only Raphael for me. Two people, but one body. Connected in a rhythm of music and desire. I felt like I was on top of the world and standing beside me was the most handsome of men. Strong and sexy, ruler over all we saw, and it was me he chose to be at his side.

  He leaned in; his lips pressed to my ear. “You have no idea how beautiful you are to me. The whole room is watching you and I want them to know you are mine.”

  He quickly turned in time with the orchestra as he captured my lips with his. His mouth, hard on mine. I was lost in his touch, in his taste on my tongue. Raphael didn’t care that the room
would be witness to our intimacy. He wanted them all to see, and I wanted it too. Let them all know that we were one.

  As he released my lips, our eyes met in a connection of need and hunger. He spun me over to the French doors that opened to a private balcony. Pushing through, he led me to an intimate corner.

  I wanted him to take me right there. Even through my mask, my face must have conveyed my need. Suddenly his hands were everywhere. His touch singed, my body erupted in flames of desire.

  “Raphael, please.”

  “Oh, my sweet, Brenna. How you do please me. Mon Dieu. Every inch of you, so soft. I want to sink myself into you and never leave your depths.”

  I gasped, as his lips caressed my neck. “Yes, please. I want—”

  I didn’t finish. Raphael groaned and dipped his head down, lowering the silk of my décolletage and taking my hardened nipple into his mouth. The flicking of his tongue providing enough imagery that I could feel a warmth between my thighs in response. I nearly wept with my need.

  I wanted him to pull up this dress and spin me around. I wanted to feel his hard length at the entrance to my heated core, and then slam deep inside me. Filling me. I groaned and thrust my hips against his.

  He lifted his head from my breast and cradled my face with his hands. “You even taste sweet. Do you have any idea what you are doing to me?”

  “If it’s even close what you’re doing to me.”

  He growled. “I want to taste all of you. I can smell that sweet honey and I want it on my tongue. Now, Brenna. I want you now.”

  I couldn’t speak. My mouth had gone dry, and all I could do was nod my acquiescence. A fire lit in his eyes and he dropped to his knees. I could feel the edge of my dress lifting over my ankles a soft breeze and his mouth following its rising trail. My hands clenched the balcony rail as my legs nearly gave way. He was taking his time and I nearly climaxed in anticipation.