INDISPENSABLE: Part 2 (7 page)

“Brock. This is an unexpected visit.”

“There’s trouble within the company. My former legal head is gunning for me. I don’t trust him, and I was worried he might target Sarah, so it’s a perfect excuse for a jaunt away.”

“She’s beautiful.”

“She is. Too beautiful really.”

“For you? Never.”

“I’m not a nice person, Pierre. You know that.”

“That’s not true. You have issues. We all have issues. Now might be the perfect chance to let them go.”

“If only it were that easy.” Brock really wished it was.

“Nonsense. What could be easier than loving a beautiful woman?”

“Letting one love me.”

Pierre shook his head. “Well, the lady has chosen her gown. It’s very formal. Are you going to wear a tux?”

“Yes. I’ve bought out the entire restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower for us tonight.”

“A grand gesture. You do like her a lot.”

“She’s very special to me.”

“I have your measurements. Nothing looks like it’s changed there.”

“Thanks, Pierre. I appreciate you opening up after hours.”

“For friends, it’s no problem. Now the lady is wearing pink, you choose a tie and handkerchief. I’ll match the rest. White shirt?” Pierre brought him a range of ties in varying shades of pink.

Brock chose the lighter of the pinks. “Yes, white would be great. I’m not sure a pink shirt would be me.”

“What is it about her that scares you, Brock?”

“Sarah is a tough, no-nonsense business woman. The best I’ve seen in the courtroom. She’s not afraid to call me on things, and she isn’t into buttering me up. She’s brave, and yet she can’t see it. But inside she’s fragile. I don’t want to hurt her.”

“Perhaps that is her choice as much as yours.”

“She wants things I can’t give her. She needs things I can’t give her.”

“Yet, here you are.”

“Indeed.” Brock took his point, but he had reasons to be here tonight, and if he could do nothing else he could give her this time.

“Here, go get changed.” He handed the clothing to Brock. “Your lady will be ready soon. For what it’s worth, I think you should give yourself a chance and just be happy.”

“It’s not that simple. I have Heather, and her mother.”

“That was a long time ago, Brock. You’ve paid your dues.”

“Having my baby at such a young age, she sacrificed so much. I was the one who didn’t want it terminated. At fifteen. What did I know?”

“You made it work. Left school and worked. Built your empire. What more could you do?”

“I don’t regret that. Never would. Heather is a vibrant, intelligent young woman. I can’t imagine life without her. But Sarah deserves marriage. I can’t give her that.”

“You know, there is such a thing as divorce.”

“How can I? How can I ask Heather’s mother for a divorce, after all she’s given up to have my child?”

“You’ve never lived together as husband and wife. What would she be losing?”

“A family unit. Her family has never spoken to her since she told them she was pregnant. She has no one.”

“She has Heather, and I’m sure she’ll always have you. You’re being a martyr over this.”

“No, Pierre. I’m not. I’m doing what’s right. What my father would’ve done.”

“Does Sarah know?”

“She knows Heather is my daughter.”

“You should tell her.”

“I know. I will. So much has happened this past week or two, I couldn’t.”

“The longer you leave it, the worse it will be. Sarah deserves the truth.”

Brock didn’t answer. He knew Pierre was right. How could he just blurt it out? When he’d given her these few days, he’d talk to her. Sure they’d shared a lot, but neither had really opened up.

It was shaky ground, but he’d been hated by many for his decisions, and he guessed Sarah Beaumont would be one more to add to the list eventually.

It was just that her hatred would cut deeper than the others. Perhaps when they were both through with these agreements, and it was all out in the open, they might still be civil to each other.

That was more than he deserved, but he needed to be hopeful of something. Otherwise he could just smash the whole world in the face.

He had to give her these few days and honor his signature on that paper of hers, as she’d honored his. The suit fitted like a glove.

Pierre decked him out with all the bits and pieces. Then, he stood back to admire his work. “Perfect. You two are going to turn heads tonight.”

“I’m hoping to avoid that. The last thing we need is the media getting onto us.”

“I’m sure you’ll have organized all the privacy you need.”

“Never can tell. But we only need a few hours, and then we’ll fly to my home.”

“Come, try on some shoes and choose. Then have some champagne while I go check on Sarah. We’ll meet you back in here as soon as we are done. I have to do her hair and makeup, so perhaps an hour. She has a natural beauty, so I won’t ruin her with excessive cosmetics.”

Brock watched Pierre leave. He’d been trying not to think of the whole marriage thing. He should’ve just said something when Sarah had been asking about Heather. He’d selfishly kept quiet. The way she’d been with him. The way she’d touched him, held him, ignored his plea to stop, and made him come. Brock wanted her so badly. It was the hardest thing to let go, and just have an orgasm like that.

No one ever got there with him. But Sarah was different, like a drug he couldn’t say no to. But he’d have to say no eventually. He’d have to tell her the truth and watch her walk away. He drank down some champagne. Right now he had to get his melancholy ass into gear and put a smile on his face. This was Sarah’s night. One she’d remember forever. One he’d remember forever.

God. He filled up his glass and drank again. He heard a ringtone in his jeans pocket. This was a brand new phone and sim card he’d gotten, and only Jason had the number. He’d forgotten all about it. He’d asked Jason from legal to call him with news of Rick. Brock wanted to hear he’d been arrested and was in jail.

“Hello.”

“Mr. Devlin.”

“Do you have good news?”

“I’m afraid not. They had nothing to hold him on.”

“Damn it!”

“We did all we could.”

“I know. I know. But we are at least out of the country, and he can’t get to us physically.”

“That much is still under wraps.”

“It better stay that way.”

“It will if I’m the only one who knows.”

“You are.”

“Good. I’ll call back tomorrow. Everything is running fine. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not. I just want Rick out of the picture. I’m not sure what it’s going to take.”

“Me neither.”

“I’ll have talks with him when I get back.”

“Good luck with that. He wants to ruin you over this.”

“That won’t happen. My businesses are locked tight.”

“I’m not sure he’s going to target your business.”

“All the more reason to be sure he knows nothing else, and you are the only person who knows everything, Jason.”

“It’s safe with me, Mr. Devlin.”

Brock disconnected the call. Damn Rick to hell and back. That man was a pain in his ass. He should’ve seen this coming. Brock needed to finish this once and for all before Rick went any further. There was something about a desperate man he didn’t trust.

It was about time he did some digging on Rick and found his Achilles’ heel. He looked at his watch. Almost eight. He’d told the restaurant nine, so the timing was perfect. He wondered what Sarah would look like.

The door opened, and Pierre came back in. “Sarah had her own hair and makeup almost finished. I hardly had to do anything. Brace yourself. She is stunning.”

Pierre stepped aside and a vision of pure loveliness walked in. Brock felt the shockwaves clear to his bones. He couldn’t even speak. He stared at her. She was just perfect. The pink a perfect shade, and the jewelry was diamond but delicate and feminine.

Sarah’s big eyes stared back. “Do I look alright?”

“God, Sarah. You are so beautiful. Just perfect. I could never have imagined how perfect you would look.”

She moved forward like a pink cloud floating on air. The dress clung everywhere it should and the bodice showed enough cleavage to be daring, but not so much that the imagination didn’t get engaged.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“I wish I could.” Brock also wished he could strip her bare of everything and make her body his for the night, have it glowing the shade of pink only he could make it. But this was her night, her way, and he knew he was going to be wrapped around her little finger all night.

He couldn’t wait.

“Brock, you didn’t reserve this whole place just for us?”

“You said you wanted to see the Eiffel Tower.”

“Like any other tourist, not like I’m the Queen of Sheba. Do you know how to do anything normal?”

“That’s the lesson I’m here to learn isn’t it? Under your tutelage?” he smiled and filled her glass with bubbly.

Sarah felt her face warm. She’d have to work on the blushing thing. It was a little late to be coy with him. He just heated her from inside out, she couldn’t help it. “I’m not sure you’re even capable of doing anything in an ordinary way.”

“This is your night, Sarah. Your twenty-four hours. I’m making sure you remember it.”

“I certainly need to remember not to tell you any of my fantasies anymore.”

Brock put a crestfallen look on his face. “Fantasies are my speciality. You’re no fun.”

“Stop it. I love this whole thing, but it is a little over the top. You don’t do this all the time I hope.”

“Not at all. Tomorrow we’ll romp on the beach with the dogs, get all hot, sweaty, and slobbered over, and I won’t even shower.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

Brock laughed, and Sarah smiled. She was really enjoying herself. “Your tux looks divine by the way.”

“I’m glad. Do you dance?”

“Do you?”

“Not a lot, but I’ll be happy to tread on your toes if you wish.”

“No need. I couldn’t bear to get these sparkly shoes dirty on Pierre.”

“They’re yours.”

“What? No.”

“And the sparkles, same as the jewelry, and the ones on your dress, diamonds.”

Sarah almost spat out her wine. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not.”

“And I’m not taking these home. What am I going to do with them? I’ll never wear them again.”

“I’m sure we could find a time.”

“No. This is a one-time deal, then it’s back to business as usual. I have work to do. I can’t just be jaunting all over the place.”

“We have business here. In several countries actually, so it can be justified. There may even be times you need to travel alone.”

“I still won’t need this lavish outfit. We must return it.”

“Pierre won’t hear of it. This is now your dress. He won’t let anyone else wear it.”

“I don’t care.”

“You are messing with my romance zen.”

“Fine. But we’ll discuss this tomorrow.”

“As you wish. Now let’s order. I’m starving.”

Sarah looked at the menu. It was in French and she had no clue. “I would if I could read it.”

“I’ll read it for you, or just order for you.”

“Read it out, and do not try and feed me frog or snail. Your life won’t be worth living.”

“You’ve discovered my dastardly plan.”

“Funny.”

“What don’t you like, apart from the country’s delicacies?”

“I’m not really fussy. I don’t want anything I haven’t had before because the last thing I need tonight is an upset stomach.”

“Yes, a green complexion doesn’t quite fit with the outfit I guess. How about quail?”

“I love quail.”

“And fish?”

Sarah nodded.

“Let’s leave dessert until later. When we get home.”

“Home?”

“I have a place here.”

“Of course you do.”

“You’ll like it. It’s…humble, cozy, and the dogs are there.” Brock’s smile lit up his face.

“You like it there, too.”

“I do. But it will be even better to share it with someone I like. And…you’ll be impressed…no staff. I do it all for myself.”

“A man of many talents.”

“I hope you can cook,” Brock said.

“I’ll manage.”

“You will? A home cooked meal? That would be the best.”

“I’ll do my best. Tomorrow night, we’ll eat in.”

“What else will we do?”

“If you play your cards right, I’ll let you do the dishes.”

“Let’s eat, all this dirty talk has me wanting to soil up that pretty gown of yours.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

Brock had the dangerous glint in his eye. The one that sent shivers to her core. “If it wasn’t for the fact that I’d signed your agreement, it would’ve already happened.”

“You’d better hurry up and order because I have plans for dessert that you won’t want to miss.”

He reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. Sarah turned hers over and held his hand.

“You are beautiful. Thank you for joining me in my grand gestures.”

“Thanks for wanting to make it a dream come true. It really is.”

“You, Sarah, are a dream come true.” He stood up and leaned in to kiss her lips so softly she shivered.

Sarah wanted that kiss to deepen. She needed to be close to him right now. The waiter came over, and Brock sat back down and gave him their order in French. Now that was sexy. The music was slow and lovely. Sarah swayed in time and sipped her drink.

Brock stood up again and held out his hand. “Mademoiselle. Would you do me the honor of this dance?”

“I’m game if you are.” Sarah place her hand in his and stood up.

“That dress is too fantastic to hide under the table all night.”

“That’s true. Lucky the music is slow, so I shouldn’t kill myself in these stiletto heels.”

“I’ll be sure to catch you.”

Sarah drew in a long breath. This was what she’d wanted, all those years ago as a young girl. She’d imagined it to be like this…with the man she loved, the man she would marry. The ideals of that child had long since shattered. But inside some of the shards remained lodged deep in her heart. That hopeless belief that love was real and that love was out there for everyone who looked for it.

Brock led her to the dance floor and took her in his arms. They swayed together. Holding each other close. Sarah wished it could be Brock. She wished in that moment that this was real life. It wasn’t. But it was real for this moment, and this moment, this whole night, was hers.

She slid both her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his shoulder. Brock kissed her forehead and put both arms around her, drawing her in. Neither spoke of anything. Sarah didn’t need words to communicate how she was feeling to Brock.

He got it, too. She could tell. He’d opened his feelings to her. Opened them for her. Pierre had said Brock always had secrets, but she hoped whatever they were Brock would share them with her one day. Perhaps she would share all of hers, too. The dark days under the cloud of addiction.

Nothing could be further from where she was now. Even her wildest imagination back then wouldn’t have put her here, dripping with diamonds in the arms of a billionaire bachelor. The seedy streets were full of terrible things, desperate things, things she wasn’t going to think about right now.

Here was Brock, and he held her so close. She refused to ruin that with nightmares of a past she couldn’t change. She wasn’t that person anymore.

The waiter appeared with their entrées. “If I wasn’t so hungry, I’d stay right here,” Brock said.

Sarah’s stomach growled on cue. “I’m sorry. Excuse me.”

“Say no more, my princess. Let’s eat. I just hope my white shirt survives the sauce.”

“Drip it on your chest. I’ll lick it off later.” Sarah smiled.

Brock pulled her to him and kissed her hard on the mouth. Not gentle. Demanding, punishing, a kiss of ownership. She answered that kiss with a desperation of her own. Their tongues met and danced in passion. His hands pulled her roughly against his body.

Sarah reached into the hair behind his head and pulled him deeper into the kiss.

He pushed her away, suddenly. The danger flashed through his eyes. His hoarse whisper filled her ears. “Be careful. I’m a heartbeat away from taking you on the table in full view of the staff here.”

“Pity this is my time then. That might’ve been quite enjoyable. But I guess we’ll never know.” As she walked off, she let her hand drift across the front of his suit pants, and his erection jumped at the contact.

Sarah went and sat at the table. “This looks delicious. I can’t wait.”

Brock sat down again and glared at her. “When I get you home…”

“When you get me home, you’ll be damn well doing what I say. And a big part of that will be making me come. Now eat. You’ll need your strength.”

Brock picked up his entrée cutlery and smiled across at her. “Bon appetite.”