His Wicked Pleasure (17 page)

              “Only when I like talking to intelligent people Sir,” said Declan with a smile.

              “I always knew there was something about you,” laughed the commander but there was an edge of fatigue to his laugh.

              Making their way to the briefing room, Declan walked over to the area he was using for his desk, turned on the computer and heard, “Morning. Stopped off and picked you up coffee and some breakfast.”

              “Thanks,” said Declan as he glanced over and took the welcoming coffee from Paul. Looking at his friend, he knew instantly that he suffered the same way.

              “Any idea how long we’ll be gone?” asked Paul as he looked off into the distance.

              “I have no idea. It’s a special reconnaissance mission, there’s no telling how long or even what we are up against,” Declan responded while rubbing the back of his neck. “It really depends on how bad the situation actually is.”

~*~*~*~

              Lorie handed her sister a bottle of water as the two of them sat at the huge table in the conference room of Rossi Co. “This was a very long day,” said Lorie taking a huge gulp of water. Placing the water bottle down on the conference room table, she massaged her temples and squinted her eyes in disgust. “I can’t believe what some of your ex-employees had to say.”

              “I can,” said Kristie looking at her watch. “Why don’t we iron out what it is you want to do with your new venture?”

              “Do you think I can be a part of Rossi Co.? Your company represents affordable fashion. I’d like mine to be affordable evening wear.”

              Kristie sat there thinking for a moment and smiled. “I think that would be a great idea.”

              “Me too,” cheered Lorie grinning from ear to ear.

              Kristie stood up, collected all the exit interviews and placed them in one manila folder. She closed the folder, and walked towards her office. “I have one more thing to do. Follow me.”

              They walked towards the opposite side of the building and stopped in front of a messy desk, cluttered with papers and folders, some even on the floor. Kristie cleared her throat. “Delores. Delores Maxwell.”

              Turning her computer away from the attention of Kristie and Lorie, the woman gave a fake smile and sat up straight.

              “Looks like a hurricane and tornado came to this part of the building,” said Lorie with disgust. Turning her head to look at her sister, she mouthed, “What the hell?”

              Choosing to ignore Lorie, Kristie smiled at Delores kindly. “Meet me in my office as soon as this mess is cleaned. I need to speak with you.” She turned, not giving another look back, and sashayed straight to her office where she sat down. Lorie followed behind her and closed the door.

              “Tell me that you’re finally getting rid of Delores Maxwell. She’s a straight up mess,” said Lorie with disgust. “You are aware that she’s been linked to Sebastian since our high school days. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was her you found in the closet screwing him.”

              “She’s all we have right now Lorie. Remember, we’re adding a new company to Rossi Co.”

              An hour later, a soft knock sounded at Kristie’s door. “Enter,” called Kristie from her expensive desk. “Oh Delores, so nice of you to join us.” Kristie shuffled a few papers and pointed her hand to the available chair as she waited for Delores to sit down.

              Kristie watched the woman as she tapped her fingers on her desk and stared blankly at the woman sitting across form her. Taking a breath and letting it out slowly, she looked over at Delores and asked, “How long have you been working for Rossi Co.?”

              “Eight months now.”

              “I believe it’s time for a promotion,” said Kristie with an even voice. “You are now the Director of Human Resources.”

~*~*~*~

              The following two weeks were extremely busy for Kristie. Most of her days were spent behind closed doors in her office. Every password within her company was changed and it was decided that all financial matters would be handled solely by Kristie or her family.

              “Miss Rossi,” said Stefan into the intercom.

              “Yes.”

              “There’s a Mr. Bauer here to see you.”

              “Send him in,” said Kristie. She was excited that he was here and did her best to tidy up her desk.

              “Kristie,” said Wolf Bauer with a smile. “I know I don’t have an appointment.”

              “Nonsense,” said Kristie ushering the handsome, older gentleman to a seat. Turning to her assistant, she said, “Please bring us some scones, one strong coffee for Mr. Bauer and a cup of tea for me. Thank you.”

              “I heard a rumor around town that you’re interested in purchasing a magazine. Is that correct?”

              “It’s correct. Daniella’s birthday is in three days and it would be awesome to give her something she’d excel at,” said Kristie smiling over at Wolf.

              “Want to buy my wife’s magazine? She’s bored with it and has moved on,” said Wolf laughing.

              “You’re kidding? Do you think the readers would accept a name change and new owner?”

              “Only if it’s a Rossi that purchased it,” said Wolf accepting the coffee and scones Stefan brought into Kristie’s office.

              Kristie smiled at Stefan and took her tea. She sat back and drank it to give herself a moment to think. “Are you sure your wife wants to get rid of the magazine?”

              “She’s the one that sent me over here,” said Wolf with a huge smile.

              “Do you have the figures with you now?” asked Kristie tapping her pen on the desk nervously.

              “Yes. Everything is in this folder. If you have any questions, you can contact my accountant or attorney,” said Wolf standing up.

              “You’ll be hearing from me either way by tomorrow,” said Kristie as she walked Wolf out.

              “Thanks Kristie. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

~*~*~*~

              Declan gave orders to two of his best scouts to set up surveillance and collect as much information on the enemy as possible while he and the rest of his team focused on special operations.

              The scent of metal, sulfur, and death hung in the air like a thick canopy and, no matter how much training he has, he can never get used to that smell. Checking on his men, he signaled for them to move a few more feet forward.

              His two scouts returned and, without hesitation, the mission began. The moment Declan’s men arrived, shots were fired and a thick cloud of smoke hindered the enemy’s vision. Flashes of light were seen as one explosion went off after the next. Declan immediately gave the order to light the place up and while that was done; him and two of his men took out each and every person attempting to flee the scene.

Chapter Sixteen

              Kristie spent the rest of the day meeting with her attorneys and accountants. After a lot of discussion, it was decided that the magazine would be a perfect fit for Rossi Co. Once everything was signed, Kristie walked into Lorie’s office, closed the door and took a seat at Lorie’s brand new, mahogany desk.

              “We did it.”

              “We did?”

              Kristie smiled at her sister and tossed the folder on her desk. “It’s ours.”

              “Is this what I think it is?”

              “Yes. We are changing the name from Yvonne to Daniella,” said Kristie.

              “I love it. Even better, Daniella will love it.”

              “We’ll give it to her at her birthday bash. She’ll be so surprised.”

              “She will. We need to celebrate, besides, I’m starving,” said Lorie rubbing her flat belly. “Let’s go to the Grill. My treat.”

              Making their way inside, the girls sat at a small table in the back and ordered. Kristie looked over at Lorie and said, “I really miss Declan and can’t wait for him to come home.”

              “I know what you mean. But the cards and flowers they are having sent to us is such a wonderful touch. Makes me smile whenever I receive something.”

              “They really are. I love reading my cards and the flowers are so beautiful,” said Kristie sitting back.

              “As tough as they are, they seem to have a weakness for us.”

              “So it seems.”

              Lorie paid the bill and the girls decided to head home. As Kristie pulled into the driveway, Lorie sat up and looked straight ahead. “Is that?”

              Kristie looked in the direction Lorie was pointing and slammed on the brakes. Before she could cut the ignition, Declan walked over, opened up the door, and pulled her out.

              “I’ve missed you,” said Declan in a husky voice. Lifting Kristie into his arms while she wrapped her legs around his waist, he whispered, “I’m taking you home to my house tonight and making love to you all night long. My probation is over.”

              Kristie felt the heat of his words as they sent a million tiny chills down her body. Kissing him was the only option at that moment since she didn’t have a witty come back. Feeling something large press against her, she pulled out of the kiss and said in a seductive voice, “Is that a rabbit in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”

              Not able to control his smile, he put her down and said, “You’ll be finding out soon enough.”

              “Oh my,” said Kristie with bright, red cheeks. “I don’t know now. That thing seems unfriendly.”

              Lorie heard her sister and choked, “Kristie. What’s gotten into you?”

              “Nothing,” said Kristie as she turned and pulled her purse out of the car after Declan put her down.

              “Yet,” said Declan rubbing his bulge against her behind.

              Straightening up, Kristie moved her hair to hide her blush and thought Declan was a feast for all five of her senses. How could it be possible that a man could look as sexy as him after plotting and possibly killing more than one enemy? He’s definitely super human. He stood there with a look in his eyes that somehow managed to reach into her soul, tugging at her as it pulled her in.

              Reaching out her hand, she touched his muscular arm and closed her eyes, envisioning her body underneath his in sweet, succulent passion. Clearing her head, she smiled a radiant smile and said in a sweet voice, “Welcome home. I’m so glad you’re here.”

              Declan pulled her body flush against his and whispered, “I can’t wait to feel how happy you are and show you just how happy I am to be with you.”

              Kristie’s body heated up again and if she were being honest, she’d be the one dragging his delicious body upstairs, straight to her room, where she could have her way with him. Rather than saying another word, she took a breath, held out her hand, and walked towards her front door.

              “Wait,” said Declan pulling Kristie into his arms again.

              “What?” asked Kristie as she looked into his dark chocolate eyes.