Illicit Craving (Bend To My Will #5) (4 page)

“I don’t know what Kenyon thinks he’s doing,” Walsh said. “He’s cutting his own throat with this maneuver.”

“He has some motivation that overrides any consideration of profits for Williamson Imports, or his loyalty to his stepfather,” Jacob said.

“Any idea what that is?”

“No, not at the moment,” Jacob said. “But instead of crashing the event, and risking making a scene in front of my distributors, I have a better idea.” He smiled at his investigator.

“I have a feeling this is going to be good,” Walsh said.

“We have an advantage in that Daniel Kenyon isn’t aware that we know about the seminar.”

“True, so what do you propose?”

Jacob grinned. “What if he did know?”

For a moment the investigator pondered the question, then he smiled. “I see where you’re going with this. If Kenyon knew that you were going to crash the party, he’d be busted.”

“He can’t very well persuade my distributors to go against Rinaldi Imports, and take their business away from us, if I’m there to defend our position,” Jacob said. “Because we both know that what he is proposing is bad business. There is a reason importers exist, a service we provide. And if the distributors stop to think about it, they will see the folly of attempting to conduct business without us.”

“Brilliant,” Walsh said. “I’d love to see the look on Kenyon’s face when he hears that you plan to attend.”

“Well, you’re the best at what you do, Walsh, so
spread the word
.” Jacob stood up. “Get back to me on that, will you?”

And just like that, the tables turned. Daniel Kenyon’s plan could only work if he garnered a private audience. With Jacob there to plead the case for the importers, the distributors would see that they were being lead into a false solution.

Even a man as devious as Kenyon could see that. The man was criminal, and not to be trusted, but he wasn’t stupid. Walsh leaked the word that Jacob Rinaldi planned to attend the invitation-only meeting, and embellished a bit, by implying Jacob knew even more than he did.

Overnight, the rumor spread through the industry like wildfire, and when Kenyon heard, he immediately cancelled the event…until further notice. That was one problem solved, but it didn’t make the situation go away. Jacob was pleased that he’d headed off the disaster, yet Daniel Kenyon was still up to something. He wasn’t going to give up that easily.

If only Jacob knew what motivated the man, because he clearly didn’t have the best interests of the importers in mind. Whatever his reason for undermining the very business that supported him, it had to be powerful. That much Jacob knew. Yet he couldn’t fathom what that motivation was.

Chapter 5

Vivienne had been surprised when Jacob called midweek. There was no way to predict what he might do. Just when she thought she had him figured out, he’d do something unexpected. Despite all his talk of rules, and bending them or not, Jacob seemed to do what he wanted.

Vivienne liked that about him. It made him interesting and exciting. She only hoped he didn’t get too unpredictable, as she wanted to understand what went on inside his head and heart. It had been good to talk with Jacob, though.

They had chatted about normal things, just as if they were dating, which in Vivienne’s mind they were. Jacob could talk all he wanted about confining their activities to the playroom, but it hadn’t been that way for a while. Their relationship seemed to flow outward, encompassing other parts of their lives.

In fact, Jacob was awfully interested in what she did during the week, what she thought, and how she felt. No man had been that way before, and it was nice. He was interested in her, and although a bit possessive…okay, maybe a lot possessive…it was nice to know he cared.

The one thing Vivienne wished was that Jacob would share his emotions. He could claim that it was all sexual, or just a physical thrill for him, but she knew better. In the heat of passion, she saw something more behind those blue eyes of his.

She just didn’t know what to call it. Jacob certainly experienced pleasure, but he hadn’t confessed that it was anything romantic. Yet the fire that burned in his eyes, and the way his heart pounded at intimate moments, was a giveaway. He wasn’t as cold as he would have her believe.

Even the way Jacob kissed flooded Vivienne with emotion; once their lips touched they melted into each other. She had not asked why he’d refused to kiss for the first few weeks. It was clear that kissing affected him, more than he admitted. The touch of their lips disintegrated the distance between them, the fire of passion turning any separateness to ashes.

It made sense that Jacob would have abstained from kissing, but once imbibing he had been as eager as Vivienne. The romantic kisses, or unexpectedly sweet lovemaking, led her to believe that Jacob harbored emotions he hadn’t shared. Maybe he wasn’t aware of them, or couldn’t deal with them. As long as he stayed with her, Vivienne would be patient.

Since Jacob had called, the next day Vivienne considered calling
him
. After all, he had said that she could. But having permission didn’t make it the right thing to do. She should maintain some allure, so letting Jacob know how completely and utterly she missed him during the week wouldn’t do. She was a strong, independent woman who didn’t
need
a man. Or so she tried to convince herself. Yet Jacob inspired
need
, along with a plethora of other emotions.

Early on Thursday, while at her desk slogging through emails, Vivienne’s phone vibrated. She lifted it to see that it was Jacob.
Twice in one week…remarkable
. “Jacob, you’re calling early in the day.”

“Good morning, baby.”

Vivienne smiled. “I’m starting to like these calls.”

“I was afraid of that,” Jacob said, “but I called because my schedule has changed.”

“It has?”

“Yes, I don’t have that seminar tonight…it has been…canceled.”

Vivienne wasn’t about to argue with that. “So you called to let me know?”

“I called because I have tickets to the Gershwin to see
Wicked
.” Jacob paused. “Are you free tonight?”

The only time Vivienne made plans, at least those that she wouldn’t reschedule, was if she was going out with Jacob. She couldn’t imagine what else he thought she’d be doing. “I don’t have any plans at all. And I’ve seen
Wicked
several times. Each performance was amazing.”

“I assumed you had seen it,” Jacob said. “But I also know you enjoy shows more than once.”

“Absolutely, and that one is no exception,” Vivienne said. “I’ve seen a couple of different performers play Glinda. It’s always a bit different.”

“I realize this is a little last-minute,” Jacob said. “I just didn’t know that I’d be available tonight.”

Vivienne noticed that he was being polite. Jacob had many sides to him. “I’d be delighted to go with you.”

“I’ll be by to pick you up at six, and after the show we can go to dinner.”

It was good that Jacob no longer balked at dates, because this certainly qualified as a date. “That sounds fine. I assume you are dressing up?”

“Of course, it’s the theater.”

“Just checking.”

“I’m at work, so I’ll just see you tonight, then.”

The phone went silent, and Vivienne stared at it. He had really called, two days in a row. And he was taking her to a Broadway show. It made her day. She went out to chat with Michele and told her about her plans for the evening.

“You lucky girl,” Michele said. “I saw
Wicked
once with my mother. I loved it.”

“I’ll let you know how it is tonight,” Vivienne said. “The actress Katie Rose Clarke performs the role of Glinda in the current shows. I’m excited to see her, as I’ve heard great things.”

“So have I,” Michele said. “You can leave a little early if you need to. I can cover.”

“Since Luke is off today, you’ll be alone. Are you sure?”

Michele waved her hand in the air. “Of course, it’s no problem.”

“Okay, I’ll do that, then. Thanks.”

The rest of the day sped by, with Vivienne’s attention more on her date with Jacob than on work. Finally, at four she wrapped it up. She wasn’t doing anything productive, anyway. “Okay, I’m out of here,” she said, waving to Michele as she headed out the door.

“Have a great time.” Michele grinned then went back to work.

There was no way not to have a great time, going out to the theater with Jacob. Now she just had to figure out what to wear. Vivienne walked briskly, anxious to get to her apartment and get ready. She glided through the lobby and greeted Jason.

The doorman smiled at her. “You seem to be in a good mood,” he said.

“Yep, I’m going to see
Wicked
tonight and then to dinner.”

“A night out…great,” Jason said. “I’ll let Jacob in when he arrives, then.”

Vivienne giggled just before the elevator door shut. As soon as she was in the apartment, she started going through her closet. She wanted something special to wear, a dress that wasn’t too conservative. Jacob liked sexy, so she rifled through her options to choose the right one for the evening.

Since Jacob hadn’t taken her out
that
often, Vivienne came up with a dress that he hadn’t seen before. It was lime-green satin, strapless, and short but not too short. She’d bought it on a whim, not knowing where she’d wear it. And the lovely garment had been in her closet since then. She paired it with ivory leather high heels and a strand of pearls.

Normally, Vivienne’s hair defied styling, but she managed to twist it up in the back and secure it like an elegant bun. Tendrils spilled down the sides, all the way to her shoulders. It was definitely a sexy look. She dabbed Joy on her wrists and behind her ears.

Although she often wore a variety of perfumes when she was with Jacob, depending on her mood, this occasion called for something special. The bottle was emptying faster than she’d like, since she tended to wear it during the week. It always reminded her of the day Jacob had bought it as a gift.

There was a noise in the living room, so Vivienne stepped out into the hall. It was Lana, just home from the restaurant. “Wow, you look gorgeous,” she said. “What’s the occasion?”

“Jacob is taking me out.”

“I’ll say…and not just to grab a burger.”

Vivienne laughed. “No, we’re going to see
Wicked
and then have dinner.”

“Well, that dress is perfect,” Lana said, heading toward the kitchen. “And if I don’t see you, remember that Trace and I are leaving tomorrow.”

“Yes, I’ll be thinking of you,” Vivienne said. “I know you’ll have a great time.”

“And I want a full report on how the show is, and on
Jacob
.”

Vivienne smiled. “I’ll tell you all the juicy stuff.”

Lana grinned. “I’m counting on it.”

The doorbell rang, and Vivienne opened it to let Jacob in. He took a moment to gaze at her. “You are beautiful,” he said, then noticed her roommate. “Hey, Lana.”

“Hi, Jacob, good to see you. I hope you enjoy the show tonight,” Lana said.

“Thanks, and have a good time in Hudson. You know I gave Trace the day off on Monday.”

Lana giggled. “Very generous of you.”

“That’s me, Mr. Generous.” Then Jacob turned to Vivienne. “Are you ready to go?”

Vivienne took his arm. “I’m ready.”

When they were out in the hall, Jacob pushed the elevator button, and looked over at her. “You really do look beautiful,” he said.

Jacob should talk. He wore a deep blue jacket over a pale blue shirt and tailored slacks that pulled taut over his thighs when he walked. Vivienne couldn’t see his nice butt, since the jacket covered it. But later in the evening, he wouldn’t have it on. No need to cover up one of his best features. “You look pretty good yourself.”

*****

At the Gershwin, there really were no bad seats. But Jacob had secured tickets for the orchestra section, right in the center. Vivienne was close enough to feel as if she was on stage, which was exhilarating. “How did you get these tickets at the last minute?” she said.

Jacob just shrugged. “I have my ways.”

On the elaborately decorated stage was a huge map of Oz, with the Emerald City glowing in neon green, hanging like a curtain. Surrounding it was a modern art creation, composed of metal cogs and wheels. There was a giant, smoke-breathing dragon, complete with horns and expansive wings above the stage.

“I’m surprised you haven’t seen this before,” Vivienne said. “This show has been described as Broadway’s biggest blockbuster. And it’s been running for years.”

“Maybe I didn’t have anyone I wanted to take to see it.” Jacob’s blue eyes sparkled.

“Well, I’m delighted to be here.” Vivienne looked at the playbill, with a picture of Glinda the good witch whispering into Elphaba’s ear, her bright green face capturing the page. The musical was told from the perspective of the two witches in the Land of Oz.

“Do you know this story?” Vivienne said.

Jacob smiled at her. “I’ve read it’s about Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good.”

“And so much more,” Vivienne said. “The two witches are so different, and it’s a constant struggle, even a rivalry over a love interest. It starts before Dorothy arrived in Oz.”

Jacob put his arm around her. “Sounds intriguing,” he said. “If I get lost, I’ll whisper in your ear.”

Vivienne playfully slapped the side of his thigh. “Okay, I’ll shut up. But you’re going to be really impressed.” She remembered the show as theatrical artistry, with stage-width art, thousands of green fairy lights, and colorful crossbeams bouncing through smoky haze.

The show was more than two hours long, with only a short intermission, yet Vivienne was enthralled the entire time. The stage, the music, and the performances were all fantastic. It even had the levitation scene where Elphaba rose above her critics, which was just as dramatic as the other times she’d seen it.

Jacob seemed to enjoy it too. Whenever she looked over, he appeared engrossed. And despite his joke about not following the story, he didn’t whisper any questions to her.

It was late by the time they got out and went to Azalea for dinner. The restaurant had white linens, flowers on the tables, and a high, open ceiling. Even though she had to work the next day, Vivienne was in no rush to get home. Swept up in the magnificence of the Land of Oz, she was still partly in the show, with the music playing in her head.

Jacob ordered a bottle of Chianti Classico, and munched on bread while waiting for it to arrive. Lunch seemed like a long time ago, and Vivienne was really hungry. “I think I’ll have the veal-stuffed ravioli,” she said. “How about you?”

“Filet mignon sounds good.”

The waiter returned and poured the wine. Vivienne sniffed the deep red wine then sipped. “This is delicious. It has a sort of berry aroma, but it rolls over my tongue like silk.”

Jacob sipped his. “You’re starting to get the hang of this wine-tasting stuff.”

“Well, being around you, it was bound to happen.” Vivienne turned the bottle around to see Rinaldi Imports, Inc. printed on the bottom edge of the label. “It’s one of yours.”

“Yes, it is,” Jacob said. “I’m glad you like it.”

Vivienne looked across at him, her heart filling with emotion. Jacob could be so darned romantic, and so impossibly sexy. His hair was just messy enough to be touchable, his jaw strong, and his chiseled chest filled out the blue shirt. His jacket was draped over the back of the chair.

“What?” Jacob said.

“Just you.”

“What about me?”