Harlequin Kimani Romance September 2014 Bundle: Seduced by the Heir\Secret Silver Nights\Someone Like You\Indulge Me Tonight (31 page)

Over and again. Slow and then faster. Then more, until both were bathed in a thin sheen of sweat.

Then from behind.

Then Monique on top.

Then the pleasure of her mouth on him, taking him in—licking, stroking, sucking, squeezing—feeling him squirm and moan in satisfaction.

A final time he mounted her, determined to make her peak once more. Wanting to leave her so satiated that she could not move.

“Give it to me,” he whispered, quickening the pace as she moaned and squealed. “I want all of this. I want all of you.” He palmed her cheeks, going deeper, bonding them closer, until Monique's body shook with the force of her climax.

She fell back on the bed, totally whipped.

He rolled off and gently placed the cover over her nude body.

“I think I've relieved your stress,” he whispered against her ear. “Now I can sleep peacefully. Good night, love.”

When she awoke the next morning, Niko's visit felt like a dream. But her body, and the lingering scent of love and chocolate, told her otherwise.

After a long shower she felt ready to begin her day: happy, energized and stress-free.

Chapter 22

F
or the next three months, Niko and Monique settled into a workable if somewhat unorthodox arrangement. In Paradise Cove, they went about their separate business. Having crisscrossed the town of just under four thousand residents many times over, and with campaign ads running on not only community but also local stations, Monique turned her attention to the cases in which she was involved. Niko focused on handling the legal affairs for Drake Realty Plus, along with other corporate clients. As mind-blowing as the night had been when he'd come over, at her request it hadn't happened again. So on those occasions when both of their schedules were free, they returned to the condo in San Francisco for cozy dinners, stimulating conversations and uninterrupted lovemaking. It was as exasperating as it was exhilarating. The more Monique had, the more she wanted. When it came to private time together, there was never enough.

The same couldn't be said for public encounters. In a town this size, it was inevitable. Especially this Labor Day weekend, when the town held an annual event called Days of Paradise. Lance said that it was by far the biggest event of the year: parades, a fairground and a formal ball. Monique knew that she and Niko would be in the spotlight. And undoubtedly under the microscope. She'd have to be extra careful not to let her feelings for him show.

On her way to the parade, she rang her mother, prepared for the chiding that came with each call.

“About time we heard from you,” her mother scolded, though Monique swore she could feel happiness seeping from the speakers. “You're going to run yourself ragged.”

“I have been busy. But it's slowing down somewhat. I've been able to devote more time to my clients. And guess what. Today, I'm going to be in a parade!” She shared what she knew about the annual event that celebrated the town's incorporation. “People from neighboring towns attend, as well. There's not much ongoing entertainment, so this is a big deal.”

“You sound happy, dear.”

“I am. I balked at first, but now I'm looking forward to it. I'll be riding in a white convertible, wearing a white suit. I stopped at the cowboy hat that Lance suggested.”

“How old is Lance?”

“Lance is married, Mom.”

“Oh. I just hate to think of you in that town all alone.”

“Margo's here. And the people are friendly.”
And I'm in love with the man I'm running against.
No, that sounded crazy in thought, let alone voiced out loud.

“How is Emma? Has she had the baby yet?”

“She's not due for a few months. I need to give her a call.”

“When you talk to her, tell her I said hello. What about Rob? Have you talked to him lately?”

“Yes, and he's doing well. The business is growing and it's baseball season. He's enjoying two of his favorite things.”

“Your dad's here, Monique. Do you want to talk to him?”

Monique neared the park where the parade would begin. It appeared that all of P.C. had already arrived. “I'd love to, but I've arrived at the parade route and need to call Lance. It looks as though I'm one of the last to arrive. Give Dad my love. I'll call him tomorrow.”

Lance found her before she could dial his number. They weaved through the throng of people to a side street where four brand-new convertibles gleamed in the morning sunshine. They were identical except for the colors: red, white, blue and black. The other candidates were already there. Niko, dressed casually in a black button-down and jeans, spoke as she passed.

“Don't forget to wave,” he joked. “But remember to hold on.”

She greeted the other candidates and met the driver for her car. Soon, they were on their way, heading down Main Street. Monique smiled, waved and tossed candy to the children lining the street. It was amazing to her how many faces she recognized and people she knew, when a few short months ago, they were strangers. After years in Los Angeles, she'd thought she'd go stir-crazy in a place this small. But the slow pace and simple life were growing on her. She'd run for mayor because it was what her godfather had wanted. She'd win because this little town was beginning to feel like home.

* * *

Niko was distracted, but he went through the motions: smiling, waving, calling out friends. He'd rarely missed this celebration and had been in the parade more times than he could remember. But this time was different. All his life he'd lived in this town. Soon, he'd be running it.

His car was right behind Monique's. A beautiful sight. She was excited, and it showed. Her smile was contagious and people were drawn to her warmth. She tossed her hair, exposed that part of her neck that he loved to nibble, turned to the side and the outline of her breast gave him pause. He shifted his gaze and his thoughts. He turned and looked again. Was that...?
No, couldn't have been. She would have told me.
The band reached their spot and began to play, and the thought was forgotten. It wouldn't come up again for the rest of the busy day.

* * *

In the wee hours of the morning, he called her. “Are you up?”

“Yes.”

“You looked beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you know how hard it was for me to watch other men dance with you, hold you and flirt as they looked into your eyes?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I do, because of all of the ladies you spun around the room.”

“It comes with the job, love.”

“I know.”

“It looks like you enjoyed yourself.”

“I did, immensely. The parade was fun, the picnic was nice and tonight's ball was absolutely beautiful. I might pass on tomorrow's activities, though. This festival wears you out.”

“Hey, when it's the only excitement in the year, you go full on.”

“I see.”

“The people love you. I saw how they interacted with you on the route. Here I'm thinking I'd outshine everybody, the old pro and all. But you're a natural.”

“I believe I'm hitting my stride. Next month's debate is the last major public event before the election. Are you ready?”

“Of course.”

“Buddy's a straight talker, but Dick... I'm going to have to watch him.”

“I wouldn't worry about him. When shooting the breeze, he can talk your ear off. But he isn't as prolific in controlled settings.”

“I think he'll hold his own.”

“Babe, the craziest thing happened today. I'd forgotten about it until now.”

“What?”

“During the parade, while looking and waving and everything, I could have sworn I saw that guy you dated.”

“Rob?”

“Yes.”

“No way.”

“Yeah, that's what I said. Next time you talk to him, tell him he has a twin.”

“They say we all do.”

“You know I want to come over.”

“I know. I want it, too. But I'm too paranoid. My neighbors are nosy.”

“Then come over here.”

“Maybe we can go to the condo next week.”

Niko groaned. “Man, I'll be glad when this election is over and we can go public.”

“You'll be satisfied being the mayor's man?”

“Ha! No, baby. It's you the mayor will satisfy.”

“On that note, good night, Niko.”

Her sarcastically delivered comment brought out the throaty chuckle she loved. “Good night.”

Chapter 23

T
he residents of Paradise Cove filed into the crowded auditorium at city hall. It looked as though all three-thousand-plus residents had come to hear the candidates make their case for becoming their next mayor. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, not surprising considering that this was the first mayoral election in over a decade and the only time these candidates would debate.

Monique, Niko and the other two mayoral candidates, Republican Dick Schneider and Libertarian Buddy Gao, exchanged small talk while waiting inside a backstage room. Their assistants and a few city officials were also milling around. Niko was keenly aware of how good Monique looked, all conservative and professional in a navy suit, low-heeled navy pumps and pearls, while remembering how wild and receptive she was the other night when he'd pinned her against the shower wall with his powerful penis. Knowing the embarrassing situation that might occur from his line of thinking, and the desire that would only increase if he neared her, he turned to Dick, standing just a few feet away.

“I'm looking forward to debating you, Dick. This way we can clear up some of the rumors your camp has been fueling regarding my wanting to increase taxes for all the citizens of Paradise Cove.”

Dick smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. “Come off it, Niko. All of America knows that the only way you Democrat and independent types know how to raise money is to increase taxes.”

“Do you really think it fair that those in our tax bracket don't share just a bit more of the financial burden for projects that will improve the quality of life in our town? We've been blessed to have more. Giving a bit more should not only be our obligation, but our pleasure.”

Dick's eyes slid from Niko to just beyond his shoulder. “Speaking of pleasure, that's a fine filly over there.” His voice was barely above a whisper as he slyly ogled Monique. “Too bad she's using that pretty head of hers to compete in a man's world.” His eyes slid back to Niko's face, filled with daring.

Niko stayed calm, a huge feat given the fact he wanted to punch Dick in the face. His anger was mixed with a little guilt, though, given the thoughts that had crossed his mind just moments ago.

“Spoken like a true chauvinist,” Niko finally answered. “However, I'm sure your female supporters would find this comment revealing, as do I. Someone with these dated, off-putting views has absolutely no place in public office.”

“I hear she keeps questionable company, too.”

The hairs on the back of Niko's neck stood up. “Oh?”

“That young man she brought here...and the fire.”

“Besides the fact that he worked at the school, I don't understand the connection.”

“That doesn't surprise me. I don't apologize for upholding the traditions upon which this country was founded. Men were born to lead—women, to follow their leads. Of course, this is just a personal opinion I'm sharing with a friend. My political views are completely different.”

“Dick, I've known you half my life. Both of our family roots run deep in Paradise soil. Yes, our families belong to the same clubs, and yes, we've shared lunch a time or two. But make no mistake about it. I am not your friend.”

Niko smiled before he walked away. It didn't quite reach his eyes.

Bryce cut him off as he neared the door and followed him into the hallway. “What was that about? Most people wouldn't notice it, but I can tell that the man under that cool veneer is about to explode.”

“It's what I get for trying to be friendly with a determined adversary. It was clear Dick was trying to push my buttons.”

“Looks like he succeeded. What did he say?”

“Nothing important. Right now, I need to focus. How much time do we have?”

His answer came around the corner as the stage manager neared them. “Places in five minutes, gentlemen,” she said to them before going inside the door to inform the other candidates.

Bryce turned to Niko. “Are you sure you're all right?”

“I'm fine. Has our marketing collateral been distributed?”

“There's not a soul in the building who doesn't now have a bumper sticker, Drake for Mayor pamphlet and miniature flag.”

“Great.”

Both men turned as those inside the room filed out. Niko gave Bryce a nod and fell in beside those heading to the stage.

Minutes later, after the national anthem had been sung and the welcome given, the moderator for the night's debate went over the rules. The irony wasn't lost on Niko that the moderator was not only a woman but a bit of a celebrity. Born and raised in Paradise Cove, she'd graduated college and was now enjoying a stellar career in journalism, most recently as a correspondent for MSNBC. So even though the town boasted just under four thousand people, there was a certain city sophistication to this small-town affair.

“The questions put before you tonight come directly from your constituents,” she continued. “They were chosen to cover a wide spectrum of topics and to get to the heart of the matter of why one of you should occupy the office of mayor for this town. I will start to my far right, and thereafter each of you will be given the opportunity to answer. Please keep your comments to two minutes.”

After a few more instructions they were ready to begin. Niko had researched and studied well. No topic caught him off guard; the questions were fairly typical regarding education, quality medical care, issues regarding city-owned properties and taxes. As expected, he and Dick came down on opposite sides. Dick basically repeated what he'd said backstage. Niko, however, hadn't shown his hand behind the scenes and, after Monique and Buddy had commented, hit him with a full deck of accurate information.

“It's one thing to quote something incorrectly and another altogether to be blatantly misleading. Mr. Schneider would have you believe that I want to raise everyone's taxes when he knows this is simply not true. I have been very clear in my plans to provide this city with a top-of-the-line educational system, state-of-the-art medical facilities and continued road, sewer and other repairs and other improvements as our city requires. As my grandmother used to tell me, money doesn't grow on trees and neither, Mr. Schneider, will the funds to improve our city. What I've laid out is a fair and straightforward way where every citizen can contribute their equal share, based on their financial ability. If your income falls below a certain amount, you won't be taxed at all. For others, like Mr. Schneider, for instance, and myself, who've been blessed with greater incomes, we will shoulder greater responsibilities. I believe this is only right. I hold fast to that part of our Pledge of Allegiance that says ‘to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all'!”

He punched the air for emphasis, waving his miniature flag. It could not have been coordinated any better had they rehearsed for days. As one, everyone holding a flag held theirs up and began waving, a sea of flag-holding hands swaying across the stadium. Anyone walking in at this moment would think this election night instead of a debate—one where Niko won!

After quieting the audience, the moderator posed the next question.

“As Paradise Cove continues to grow, the need for affordable housing has become a major issue. While the average median income here is in the six figures, and most are home owners, the growing number of employees hired in service positions need reasonably priced places that can be rented. How would you address this problem? Mr. Schneider, you're up first.”

“Paradise Cove prides itself on being one of the most beautiful and friendliest towns in all of Northern California, if not the state. We are also very proud to have one of the lowest crime rates in the country. I believe this is because our town consists of hardworking, God-fearing families who've earned the right to enjoy the life they now have and don't want to worry about an undesirable element moving into the city to rob them of not only their possessions, but their peace of mind. I'd recommend that those seeking rental properties take advantage of the very nice apartment complexes already available within a five-to-ten-mile radius.”

Light applause was mixed with a growing murmur throughout the crowd. Obviously everybody had an opinion on what Dick had just said.

“Thank you, everyone,” the moderator said, deftly handling the excited audience. “Quiet, please.” Once the noise abated, she turned to Monique. “Ms. Slater?”

“Every city should have affordable housing, period. That Mr. Schneider would suggest otherwise, especially as our population continues to grow and become more diverse, shows he is sorely out of touch with the needs of this town. But I'm not as bothered by that as I am by the presumption that poor people steal or that people who rent care less about their property than home owners. Rather than worrying about an hourly worker who might rob one of his properties, I'd focus on people seeking power by robbing citizens of their basic right to decent houses and stealing their ability to live the American dream.”

The applause was spontaneous, with several people standing as they cheered. Throughout the auditorium, miniature American flags were waved back and forth. Even as Niko delighted in Monique's intelligent retort to Dick's tomfoolery, he was also well aware of how she'd just connected with the hearts of those in the room, who were cheering her on with the flags that he'd given them.

All of the loving had almost made Niko forget that Monique was a strong contender. Looking out over the crowd made him remember. With only a couple of months of campaigning remaining, it was time to pull out all the stops. He'd always known better than to underestimate her, but in that moment, it had just gotten real.