Leah's Seduction: 3 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) (4 page)

Chapter 6

Since nothing had come up, Leah had nearly forgotten about Cody’s warnings. She was with Gianni, one of the most successful men in the fashion industry, while working for the competition.

She didn’t see a problem, since she didn’t intend to give or get proprietary information. Even though she knew Vadim wanted her to do so. He looked for ways for her to be near GR Showroom or its owner.

If she knew one thing, Leah knew Gianni had security procedures in both his business and personal life. How else could she explain the fact that he shared so little of the inner workings of his company? And he still wouldn’t confide in her about the past.

Information about Gianni was just not available unless he wanted it known. She’d asked him about his business empire a few times, and he had enlightened her on corporate security. In the competitive marketplace, apparently, salespeople often leaked details of upcoming offers. Usually, it was to gain the favor of potential customers.

Once the promotion started, the sales team had to know about it. But it wasn’t good practice to tell them in advance. Thus, any plans he had were either in his head only, or encrypted on his computer. Even a personal calendar could be a risk, because employees could easily see it.

What he had told her wasn’t much. It certainly wasn’t anything private. Leah assumed he had told her about espionage in general so she could protect her own business, and not be caught off guard. It had alerted her to possibilities.

As far as she knew, Vadim was still in the dark about her relationship with Gianni. Her boss pushed her for inside information about GR Showroom, which she would not give even if she had any. Yet he stupidly continued to push.

Obviously, Vadim did not know Gianni, his character, or his competence in business. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have bothered. But she never told him so. Instead, Leah pretended to listen and cooperate, while ever more alert to Vadim’s underhanded tactics.

One day Leah had worked on a program revision Vadim had requested. There was one item she wanted to go over with him, so she printed a copy and went to his office. As she walked through the showroom, Aida, the clerk on duty, said, “He’s out for a smoke.”

“Oh, no problem. I can wait.” Leah went inside his office and let the door partially close behind her. She debated whether she should just leave the folder on his desk, or wait. Vadim must have stepped out just moments before, as his computer screen was still lit up.

Spying wasn’t Leah’s normal inclination. But her boss had the upper hand, and would use any dirty tactic he could to get ahead. Curiosity and self-preservation drew her to the bright screen. Holding the folder to her chest, she walked around the desk.

Nothing too interesting. Just an email he was in the middle of replying to. Then she saw it:
Gianni won’t suspect
. Quickly, she scanned the rest of the text, and memorized the name of the recipient. Leah was afraid to touch the computer keyboard. Having seen too many movies, she didn’t want her fingerprints on the keys.

Her heart pounded, and she took a step away, wanting to get out before her boss returned. Leah glanced at Vadim’s desk. Under a pile of documents, there was a phone bill. It could have been Barrington’s, but it was not. Across the top edge, sticking out, it said:
GR Showroom
.

Vadim had the phone records of his competitor. What was next? Gianni’s cell phone records? Or maybe they were buried in the pile. Flustered, Leah dropped the program folder on her boss’s desk and left.

As she exited, Leah said to Aida, “I’ll come back. He will probably be a while.” Then, as calmly as she could, she went back to her office and shut the door. Leaning against it, she put her hand on her chest to steady her breathing.

It was important that Vadim not suspect. If he saw her in the state she was in, it would be hard to explain. Leah took several deep breaths, then locked her office door. She sat down, her legs feeling too weak to hold her.

It was clear Vadim was going behind Gianni’s back. Knowing her boss’s character, it didn’t surprise her. Although accidentally coming across the evidence had been a shock. Now the dirty deed had been dumped in her lap.

She would have to hide the knowledge from Vadim, although he would know she had been in his office. He would see the program folder, but the clerk would say she dropped it off. That’s all. Possibly, he would assume more, but not know for sure.

And he wouldn’t ask, because that would give him away. But she had to get out of the office. And it would be better if she was gone before Vadim came back inside. She needed time to recover, and plan.

Leah grabbed her purse and left her office, going the other way down the hall. Thank goodness for backdoors. Vadim would call her in shortly and find she had left. Not too mysterious, since it was lunchtime.

Exiting the building, Leah walked swiftly. The farther away she got, the better she felt. She would face Vadim once she had things figured out. The man she needed to talk to right then was Gianni. There was no chance she would keep silent about what she had discovered.

Her loyalty was first to the man she loved. It was inconvenient that she was employed by his competitor, a manager who had resorted to dishonest tactics. Leah was angered by the situation, but determined not to be caught in the middle.

She had no way of knowing if Mason was involved, or if he even knew what Vadim was up to. Leah would need to rely on Gianni’s judgment. Although she didn’t know the specifics, she was aware Mason had let Gianni down before. Prior experience with the man should help guide them.

A quick text to Gianni determined he would be free in about twenty minutes, and could meet her for lunch. For that, Leah was grateful. She wanted to speak with him before returning to work. She chose an Italian place they had been to before, and he agreed to be there as soon as he could.

Leah had chosen the upscale restaurant, as it seemed like a place where they could have some privacy, and not be overheard. More of what Gianni had told her came back:
“Casual conversations, both inside and outside the office, may be the most overlooked source of valuable information for competitors
.
”

How easy it would be to listen to a conversation at a nearby table. It seemed farfetched, but Leah knew it wasn’t. If Vadim was working behind the scenes to deceive, he could have her followed just as easily. Although he didn’t have unlimited resources, so she didn’t think it likely.

It was smart to be careful, though. Vadim had been careless. Leaving information out in the open, even just long enough for a smoke, was foolhardy. Of course, he didn’t expect employees to betray him. But that was the point. Not expecting it was a weak point in security.

Leah ordered a bottle of wine while she waited, knowing they would be there for a while once she relayed the news. The server poured some for her, and left a basket of bread. She wasn’t the least bit hungry, with her stomach knotted up as it was.

Before long, Gianni came in, looking confident and unsuspecting. He wore a gray shirt with tailored slacks, and had his hair gelled up in the front. By the look of him, he was ready for a photo shoot. Or better yet, about to sweep her off her feet and carry her off to his bed.

He walked toward her, a gleam in his eye. Leah felt better just having him near. “Gianni.”

“Hi, baby,” he said. “Nice surprise. I didn’t expect you to ask me to lunch.”

“Well, it has been an unusual day.”

His expression darkened.

“You better pour yourself some wine first,” Leah said. “This may take a while.”

Gianni filled his glass and took a drink. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

Leah was just about to launch into a dissertation on what had happened when the waiter arrived. “Would you like to order? Or do you need more time?”

Gianni glared at him. “We will let you know when we are ready.”

His curt reply startled the waiter, but he regained composure quickly. “Very well, sir.”

Leah drank some of her wine while Gianni studied her.

“Remember you told me to keep an eye on Vadim? That you didn’t trust him?

Gianni shook his head. “Sure. Why? What’s happened?”

Leah recounted the events, trying to remember as much detail as possible. Her voice was shaky, and she was unable to disguise her anxiety. Gianni listened intently until she was finished. Unable to think of anything more, she waited for his response.

“Designer’s Edge International?”

“That’s what it said.”

“It makes sense now. I’ve had a couple of meetings with Byron Clift, their representative,” Gianni said. “The man has been unusually inquisitive. It’s normal to want to verify the credentials of a company you intend to do business with.”

“But it’s more than that?”

“I think so.” Gianni frowned. “It’s a tactic I’m familiar with. If a buyer can make it appear a deal is in jeopardy, often salespeople will reveal sensitive information.”

“Why?”

“They do anything to persuade a buyer. And trained corporate spies know how to pose as interested buyers, and how to drag out a purchase negotiation until they get the information they seek.”

“So you think Byron is such a person?”

“I’m guessing he is.” Gianni shook his head. “But he doesn’t know
me
, if he thinks such a ruse will work. I’ve seen it before, and not only would I
not
reveal anything, my sales personnel are trained to spot such techniques.”

“So it won’t work anyway.”

“That is not what concerns me.” Gianni took the last few sips of his wine, and refilled his glass. “It’s the fact that Vadim is behind it. He’s a slimy one, and won’t stop. If one angle doesn’t work, he will go for another.”

Leah was relieved she had Gianni on her side. He was confiding in her more than he had before, which was encouraging. “How do you know he’s slimy?”

Gianni laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Before Mason hired him, Vadim applied at GR Showroom.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, but we didn’t hire him. I screen my employees and do extensive background checks.” Gianni leaned back in his chair. “He’s not a man we would hire.”

Leah held her wine in both hands, hoping he would elaborate.

“The man is a crook. He is ex-military…Russian. And our information indicates it’s not the first time he has been involved in espionage.”

“You can find that out?”

“It’s not easy, but I hire the best in security. It’s worth it to me. Let’s just say I learned the hard way.”

Leah wondered if he was referring to the history he had with Mason, but hesitated to ask.

Gianni’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, Vadim sells his skill to the highest bidder. But you can only do that so long before your reputation follows you.”

“But Mason still hired him?”

“Yes, he did.” Gianni seemed thoughtful. “I’m just sorry you are involved in this. I would have preferred to keep you out of it.”

“I certainly didn’t expect this,” Leah said. “But maybe I can help.”

For a few minutes, Gianni was silent, and Leah waited. She wasn’t sure how to deal with the circumstances, so let him work it out. It was comforting to know he would need to include her in whatever he planned.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” Gianni said. “You pretend as though nothing happened.”

“That won’t be easy.”

“No, it won’t. But it is the best way.”

Leah nodded.

“If Vadim thinks his plan is working, or still has the potential to, we can use that to our advantage,” Gianni said. “For now, be the dedicated team member you have been thus far. Let him think nothing has changed.”

“And then what?”

“Let me work on that. I’ll meet with my security chief. I have an idea about how we can turn this to our advantage.”

“You’ll tell me when you figure it out?”

Gianni took her hand. “Yes, of course. I wouldn’t leave you in a precarious position. As long as Vadim isn’t aware we know, there is no threat to you.”

“You think he would hurt me if he knew?”

Gianni shook his head. “No, that’s not Vadim’s style. He might fire you, or try to turn you to his side. But violence isn’t a part of it.” He squeezed her hand. “If I thought there was I wouldn’t allow you to return.”

Leah looked across at Gianni, knowing that he cared. That meant a lot. “Okay, well, I’ll stay out of the office today. I need time to settle down if I’m going to play my part. I have some work to do away from the showroom, so I’ll attend to that.” She took a deep breath. “By tomorrow I’ll be ready to face him.”

Gianni kissed her knuckles. “I know a way to relax you.”

Her skin tingled, and Leah smiled at him. “I bet you do.”

His blue eyes pierced into her. “I’ll have the limo pick you up at six. I’d like to see you tonight.”

Leah warmed under his gaze, heat flooding her veins. “I’d like nothing better.”

Chapter 7

When the driver came by for Leah that evening, Gianni had already been in the limo. Dinner reservations were at a tavern serving French cuisine. Inside, fresh flowers were everywhere, adding to the beauty of the restaurant. It was lovely and romantic.

They had a table by the window, and ordered cocktails to start. Gianni suggested one made with cold-brewed coffee, bourbon, and allspice. It was as delicious as it sounded. “I’ve never had a cocktail made from coffee before,” Leah said.

“Different, isn’t it?”

“Very.” Leah studied Gianni while he glanced at the menu. “You’re spoiling me.”

He looked up. “How’s that?”

“All these upscale restaurants. I won’t be able to eat microwave dinners or brownbag lunches.”

“You shouldn’t have to.”

He really meant it. Gianni’s lifestyle fit him, but Leah was still growing accustomed to it. She didn’t know if it would ever seem natural. She felt like a pampered princess when she was with him. And she was really starting to like it.

“Anything worked out about what happened today? Did you talk to your security chief?”

Gianni nodded. “Briefly. We scheduled a meeting for Monday with Joshua, my operations manager.” He took a gulp of his drink. “We will get it figured out. It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

He said that, but it didn’t stop Leah from being concerned. She would have to face Vadim on Monday. At least she had the weekend away from the office. And even better, she had the evening alone with Gianni.

The drinks went down easily, and Gianni asked the waiter to bring a bottle of the Chardonnay from Argentina. He thought it would pair well with the main course, a buttery poached lobster. Leah was content to let him choose, since she hadn’t been to the restaurant before, and the menu was extensive.

While waiting for their meal, they nibbled on goat cheese crostini, and sipped the delicious wine. Leah held the bottle to take a better look at the label. “You have me interested in wine.”

“That’s a good thing.”

She turned the bottle to read the description on the back label. At the bottom she saw:
Rinaldi Imports
. “One of your father’s imports?”

Gianni nodded. “I recognized it, so I knew it would be good.”

“Do you see your parents much?”

“When I can,” he said. “It helps that they live in New York, but I travel a lot. My father understands that. International travel is part of his business, too. Although he stays at home with my mother more, now that Jacob is running things.”

Leah had seen a framed picture of Vico and Sophia Rinaldi on Gianni’s mantel, and there was a definite family resemblance. “Jacob is younger than you, right?”

“Yes, he is.” Gianni rolled his shoulder. “I suppose the family business goes to the oldest son, but I wasn’t interested.”

“And Jacob is?”

“He always has been. My father groomed him from his youth.” Gianni looked away, as if thinking. “I guess it just wasn’t for me. But I admire my father. He inherited the company from my grandfather, and has done well with it. It looks like Jacob will do as well.”

“Is he married?”

“Not yet, but he has been with the same woman for a while. They travel frequently. But they are in New York, too, since the main office of Rinaldi Imports is located here. Sometime when they are in town, maybe I can introduce you.”

Leah was flattered. If Gianni would introduce her to his family, that should mean something. “I’d like that,” she said.

The lobster arrived, served with a side of snap beans, and the meal was delicious. Leah watched Gianni eat, admiring his sophistication. Even enjoying a meal he was impossibly sexy, and her mind drifted to other things besides food. And from the look in his eyes, Gianni had the same thing on his mind.

*****

Gianni’s condo was exceptionally quiet. He turned on some music, and adjusted the lights. All through dinner he’d thought of having Leah alone. Being with her wasn’t new, but it was exciting. Each interlude he took her deeper into her desires, and his.

Leah stood in front of the window, with the nightlights as a backdrop. She’d worn one of the dresses he had bought for her in Amsterdam, and it pleased him. Her hair was piled high, and he was glad to see she had taken the time to style it.

“You’ve changed,” he said.

“How do you mean?”

Gianni pulled her into his arms. “You let your beauty shine through. You don’t try to hide it.”

“You’re good for a girl’s ego.”

“Come,” he said, leading her to the bedroom. For some reason he was more impatient that night. Apricot panna cotta had been served for dessert, and Gianni had fed it to her spoonful by spoonful. It had been a sensual experience.

Watching her lips wrap around the spoon had made him think of many things those lips could do. He’d been hard before they left the restaurant, and Gianni was anxious to satisfy his urge. Holding her hand, he walked her down the long hallway.

Leah gazed at the rooms as they passed, and her eyes lingered on the one locked door. She hadn’t asked about it yet, which was probably just as well. The master bedroom had recessed ceiling lights. But they were hardly needed, as the bright city light illuminated the two walls of windows.

The bed was the centerpiece of the room. The headboard was intricate metal, and the footboard was only one wooden rod, connected at each end to metal loops. He smiled at seeing it, thinking of what was to come.

Leah could sense his impatience, because she drew back a little when they entered the room. “It’s okay, baby. I’m just looking forward to having you tonight.”

Her shoulders relaxed, and she smiled.

“Come here,” he said.

Leah stood before him, and he looked into her soft brown eyes. Then he placed his palms on her cheeks and leaned down to kiss her. She tasted of apricot and wine. Gianni pressed into the kiss, raking his tongue against hers.

She boldly placed her hand over his pants, and dragged her palm over the lengthy swell of his erection. Gianni moaned into her mouth, and encouraged, she squeezed. Pulling back, he looked at her sternly. “Did I give you permission?”

The change in tone brought her back under control. “I want you naked and standing at the end of my bed.” He took a step back. “I’ll return in a minute.”

Gianni hadn’t been gone more than a couple of minutes, but when he returned Leah was naked. She stood at the end of the bed, looking down. Beautiful. The side view gave him a good look at her figure.

Although he admonished her when she was critical of her shape, Leah still harbored some embarrassment at her nudity. It was a bit of shyness and self-consciousness, which he found adorable. But he didn’t plan to tell her that.

Her full breasts and the soft curve of her belly tantalized him. Setting the ice bucket on the table, he stepped close to her. Gianni could hear her breathing, an endearing, soft pant, and his cock pressed harder against his briefs.

“Very good,” he said, and could see the joy reflected in her expression.

He stripped off his clothes and tossed them away. Then, standing behind her, Gianni wrapped his arms around her waist. “I have something new planned for you tonight.”

When Leah pressed her head back against his chest, her consent was clear, as well as her desire. He knew she wanted to touch him by the way she pressed her ass against his shaft. But it wasn’t time to give her that pleasure.

Gianni guided her to bend over the wooden pole along the end of the bed. It was just the right height, coming up to the tops of her thighs. He held her wrists in his hands, and with her bent over the end of the bed, he spread her arms wide.

“Stay like that for me,” he said.

Her long hair fell across the sheets, and he moved it to one side so he could see her face. Leah was completely exposed, with her ass up. “Spread your legs more,” he said. She did so, giving him a full view of her pink pussy.

Leah was there for him, waiting for him. And the longer he gazed at her in such a vulnerable position, the more turned on he became. From behind he stroked the silken skin of her inner thighs, and she whimpered.

“Yes, baby.” He placed his palms on her ass, felt the firm roundness, and gently squeezed. She squirmed just a little. He spanked her twice sharply, knowing it would arouse her. Leah made a sexy sound deep in her throat.

Gianni put his hand over the red mark where he’d slapped her ass, feeling the warmth. Then he spread her ass cheeks, and Leah stiffened. “It’s okay,” he said. She relaxed a little. He pressed his thumb on her puckered opening, knowing that sometime he would go farther. But for that night, he only planned to tease and excite.

He ran his fingertips through her cream. “You’re so wet,” he said. “I like that.”

Then he reached into the bucket on the table for an ice cube. He touched it to her ass, and Leah flinched. “It will be cold,” he said. Then he ran it between her legs, over her outer lips, and she moaned.

As she adjusted to the temperature, he moved the ice away. Using a dab of lubricant, he greased his thumb and rubbed it between her ass cheeks. “Does that feel good, baby?”

She whimpered. “Yes.”

Gianni got another long, slender ice cube, and traced around her asshole. Leah’s moans grew louder. Then he slipped it inside, holding one end and moving it with short strokes. She arched her back, and pushed her butt up higher.

“Naughty girl,” he said. “You like this, don’t you?”

Leah groaned through heavy panting, but no words came.

“Answer me.”

“Yes. I like it.”

Gianni tossed the half-melted ice cube on the table and got another. He repeated the process, and watched Leah’s face flush with excitement. “Some other night this won’t be ice. It will be my cock.”

She shuddered, and he thought she might come. “How would you like that?”

“I would.”

Gianni would too. But not that night. He dropped the cube and wrapped his arms around Leah’s waist. Slowly, he pulled her upright and held her in his arms. “I’m not done with you yet. So don’t think I am.”

Her breathing was ragged. “I hope not.”

Gianni turned her to face him. “You did very well, baby. You deserve to come, don’t you?”

“Please,” she gasped.

He lifted her into his arms and carried her around to the side of the bed. He sat her on the edge and stacked pillows behind her. Leaning back, she was then at an angle facing him. Leah stared at his swollen cock.

Gianni would wait. He wasn’t done with her yet. Reaching to the bucket, he retrieved another cube and held it over her. Leah’s eyes widened. He touched it to one nipple, and then the other. With her eyes half closed, she threw her head back.

“Yes, baby, you are going to come.” He circled her nipples with the ice, loving how red and stiff they were. Her skin was melting the ice. He dropped that cube and went for another. “Spread your legs wide for me.”

And Leah did. He ran the cube down each thigh, then over her belly. She ground against the sheets. “More?”

“Oh, God, yes.”

Gianni ran the cube along her slit, and she jumped at the feel of the cold. Then he swirled around her clit, careful not to touch the tip. “Now, baby,” he said. “Come now.” Leah’s panting was loud, and she cried out at his command.

He swirled the ice as her muscles stiffened and her abdomen flattened. Then she exploded. Gianni tossed the ice and pressed his finger over her clit, giving her the pressure she needed to make the climax more intense. As she peaked, he cupped her sex to feel the tremors going through her.

When she relaxed against the pillows, Gianni stroked her cheek. Leah opened her eyes and licked her bottom lip. “Fuck me,” she said. “Please fuck me.” The way she said it pushed him instantly to the precipice, and any restraint he had crumbled.

He put his hands under her to pull her closer to the edge, and Leah wrapped her legs around his hips. She leaned up and grasped his cock in both hands. “I need you,” she said. “I need you inside me.”

Gianni angled his hips, and Leah touched the tip of his cock to her wet tissues. But she didn’t hesitate. Rocking her hips up, she took his length all the way, in one sweeping motion. Gianni moaned loudly. “Jesus.”

He held her waist and, standing beside the bed, Gianni fucked her hard. With her legs around him, she dug her feet into his butt to pull him closer. “More. I want more,” she said. Her pussy tightened around him like a vise, and his shaft throbbed.

Gianni prided himself on control. But he had none. Panting heavily, he fucked hard and fast. When Leah screamed out, and her inner muscles convulsed, he knew she was climaxing again. All rational thought left him.

The center of the universe was his cock inside her pussy, and the sweet sound of her scream. Gianni came so hard he had to press his knees against the bed for support. The orgasm pulled everything out of him, and the protracted pleasure left him weak.

“Oh my God,” he said. “Leah.”

When he could move, Gianni pulled out and grabbed a towel for her. Then he sat on the bed and held her in his lap. The night had gone exactly as he had intended. For a while. Then it had spun out of control. The effect Leah had on him was difficult to put into words. But he felt it. Like he had not felt anything before.