Suddenly Beautiful (Entangled Covet) (13 page)

Nikki snorted. “It’s not like he slept with me by choice. Demetria practically spoon-fed him Ambrosia.”

Stacey’s eyes rounded to the size of half dollars. “Is that what you meant by drugging?”

Nikki nodded.

Stacey looked like she was about to burst. “Do you know anything about Ambrosia?”

“Just what I’ve read in Greek mythology books.”

A whoop of laughter erupted from her friend. “Okay, check this out. On gods it makes them drunken sluts. They’ll bang anything that moves, but on their demi-offspring it only enhances what that person truly wants.”

“You mean Tor really did want to sleep with me?” Nikki sat a little straighter. “And all the things he said to me last night?”

“Those desires might have been so deep they would have never come out, but thanks to Demetria and her jug-o-Ambrosia, she inadvertently unlocked his feelings for you.” Stacey rubbed her hands together like an evil villain. “And get this, even if she’d been the one to escort Tor to his apartment, he wouldn’t have slept with her, because he doesn’t desire her.”

“Not that we know of.”

“Trust me, if he’d wanted to sleep with her he would have. There’s no denying she’s got strong mojo, but once she makes her conquest, she moves on to the next kill. She’s a serial ho. It’s in her nature.”

“Doesn’t Demetria know about the effects of Ambrosia on demigods?” Nikki couldn’t believe that her know-it-all enemy wouldn’t have learned everything about manipulation and used any powers she had at her disposal to get what she wanted. “I mean, she’s not stupid.”

“Oh, she knows,” Stacey said. “But she’s Narcissus’s niece. To her nothing in the universe is more powerful than her beauty. That narcissistic bitch can’t take no for an answer when it comes to men.”

“Could I have possibly snapped her heel with my thoughts?” A twinge of guilt tempered her anger at Demi. “Because I think I pulled a Darth Vader this morning.”

“I guess it’s possible.” Stacey reached for the bottle of wine and refilled their glasses. “Damn, I wish I would have been there for that.”

“So you think I’m responsible for her injury?”

Stacey shrugged. “Sure. I can make things happen when I’m emotional, why not you?” Her eyes brightened and she pointed at Nikki. “Let’s come up with some ways you can mess with Demetria.”

“I know she’s a bitch, but I don’t want to hurt her again. I feel horrible and ya know, I actually kind of feel sorry for her.”

“Tell me again how sorry you feel for her when she finds out you and Tor slept together.” She struck a pose that reminded Nikki of a rapper. “I guarantee she’s going to come at you with all she’s got.”

The idea of Demetria Mirrors declaring war against her put a sick feeling in Nikki’s stomach. Maybe she wasn’t as much of a fighter as she thought. Shouldn’t the daughter of Ares welcome confrontation? Azzura was probably to thank for her softer side. Nikki made a note to call her mother. “What do you suggest?”

Stacey clapped her hands in excitement. “What does Demi love most?”

That was easy. “Demi.”

“Exactly, so to hit her where it hurts, I say we focus on her image.” Stacey tapped her finger against her chin. “How about a unibrow?”

Laughter burst from Nikki at the thought of the drugging hag with one continuous eyebrow. “And no matter how much she tweezes, it keeps growing back.”

“Bushier,” Stacey added. “Oh, and butt sweats.”

Nikki shook her head. “What are butt sweats?”

“Exactly like it sounds. When she stands up she’ll have cheek marks on her skirt.”

“That is so gross…and so perfect.” They both began to laugh. “And a yeast infection.”

“That’s perfect.” Another fit of laughter hit Stacey and she gasped for breath. “I can see her now, rubbing her coochie against the edge of her desk or attempting a sneak-scratch during a meeting.”

The image had Nikki doubled over. Yes, she was going to have fun tormenting Demetria. It was the least she should be allowed for all the crap the bitch put her through. Their laughter slowly died. Now that they had revenge against Demi planned, it was time for Nikki to figure out how to handle her boss.

“What should I do about Tor?” A giddy high rushed through her. If what Stacey said was true, then Tor really did care about her—maybe more than cared—loved her. “Maybe I should make him a batch of heart cookies or buy a dominatrix outfit and force him to submit to me.”

Stacey held up her hands. “Slow down there, warrior princess. You’re getting your loving and your warring stimuli jumbled in a hot mess. You need to be smart about this. If you rush at Tor like you’re going into battle, he’s going to fight you at every turn.”

“You’re right.” She needed to be clever about her plan of attack. “What should I do?”

“I say dangle the carrot just out of reach for that stubborn mule.”

Nikki shook her head. “Meaning?”

“Meaning, let him see what he could have, but don’t let him have it. Give him a nibble but don’t let him have the whole muffin. Make him jealous that another kid on the block is licking your ice cream cone.”

“I like it.” Nikki took a sip of her wine and swallowed. As Tor’s assistant opportunities to seduce him were numerous. “Speaking of seducing, there’s somebody I want you to meet.”

A look of suspicion crossed Stacey’s face. “Who”

“Creed, the new creative director. I think you two would be great together. Nikki scooted a few inches closer to her friend. “He’s really good-looking.”

“What kind of good-looking are we talking about? He’s got a great personality and lives with his mother or twisted steel and sex appeal, underwear-model shit.”

“Definitely underwear model material.” She tapped Stacey’s knee. “And he wants to meet you.”

“Meet me?” Her friend leaned back, her gaze narrowing to a suspicious point. “Have you been matchmaking again?”

“Just a little, but I think you’ll like him. He’s successful and gorgeous, and is looking for something more substantial than one-night stands.”

“There you go, trying to make me into a respectable woman again. No, thank you.”

Nikki softened her gaze, letting her eyes round like those of a sad puppy, knowing the look always got Stacey to do what she wanted. “Please, just meet him.”

“Don’t do that.” Stacey tried to look away, but Nikki added a tiny pout. A low growl preceded her friend’s acquiescence. “Fine, I’ll meet him, but you have to be there too in case I want to bail.”

“Agreed.” Nikki took a drink of wine, hiding her smile. Stacey appeared tough and a little caustic to the rest of the world, but she was really just a big marshmallow inside. “I’ll set everything up.”

“Drinks, not dinner or lunch.”

“Fine, drinks, and I’ll stay the entire time.”

“The things I do for you.” Stacey scowled. “Now, let’s get back to you. As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted with your matchmaking, if you carry on, business as usual, Tor will take notice. He’s too alpha and not used to women dismissing him.”

“But that’s what he wants. He said things should go back to the way they were.”

“That’s what he says he wants, but Demetria already did the hard part for you.” Stacey tapped her temple with her finger. “No matter what he does, his feelings are out there. And don’t forget, you’re a demigoddess. Use what you got.”

“I don’t have great control over my powers.” Nikki glanced at the wall, unable to meet Stacey’s eager gaze. “I kind of cursed him with a perpetual erection this morning.” Her friend burst out laughing. “I didn’t mean to—didn’t even know I had.”

“Oh my god, I think I’m going to pee myself.”

“I’m glad you think it’s funny but it confirmed Tor’s reason for not dating demi-goddesses.” Her heart ached just saying it out loud. She really had messed things up.

Stacey waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter. It’s a proven fact that men want what they can’t have.”

Nikki contemplated Stacey’s advice. She was right. Tor wouldn’t fall for her willingly and he was a man that like a challenge. That was probably something no woman had ever given him. If she took her friend’s advice and he still didn’t succumb to her, then she would leave him in peace. Because no matter how much she loved him, she wouldn’t be with somebody who didn’t want her. “Okay, I’ll try it.”

Stacey held up her glass in a toast. “Here’s to Operation Cheesecake. Beautiful to look at in the bakery case, but even better to have in your own refrigerator.”

Nikki cocked a brow. “You’re hungry, aren’t you?”

“Starving, let’s eat.”

As they made their way into the kitchen, Nikki thought about how much her life had changed within twenty-four short hours. A speck of time to the eternal gods. But a lifetime of change for her. She now had two wars to wage: one defensive against whatever schemes Demetria would try, and one offensive to win Tor’s love.

Hopefully her romantic endeavors wouldn’t turn into a Greek tragedy.

Chapter Ten

Spice and…

Nikki stood next to Tor at her desk going over the day’s agenda. It was hard to concentrate when he smelled so damn good. Every time he leaned close, she was reminded of an old world spice market or what she’d imagine the sands of the Sahara to smell like. Her elbow brushed his, sending butterflies dancing through her body. She didn’t react.

Business as usual.

The elevator door slid open, drawing their attention away from the task at hand.

Creed stepped out of the elevator car. He carried a huge cup of coffee from the downstairs shop and wore a smile aimed directly at Nikki. “Morning.”

Nikki never been so happy to see anyone. His presence would help divert her attention and give her time to fortify her weakening willpower to remain aloof.

Creed wore a royal-blue, button-down shirt, which he’d tucked into a pair of tailored charcoal slacks. The leather necklace was gone and instead he now wore a sleek black and brushed stainless steel watch around his wrist. That small change gave him an air of business confidence he hadn’t had before.

Nikki gave him a bright smile. “Morning, Creed. You look very handsome today.”

“You think?” He stopped and held out his arms, performing a single turn. “I remembered you saying how much you liked this color.”

She hadn’t said any such thing and she had to wonder if he was trying to make Tor jealous despite her previous refusal. At this point she’d take any edge she could get. “It’s my favorite.”

“I thought green was your favorite color?” Tor asked.

“It used to be.” She looked up at him and smiled. “It really depends on my mood.”

His brows pinched together. She recognized that look—analysis laced with consternation. The expression usually meant he was trying to puzzle something out. The way he tilted his head to the side and stared at her had always reminded Nikki of a robot assimilating data. She repressed the urge to rub the spot between his eyes and confess that green was still her favorite color.

Creed strode to where she stood and handed her the cup of coffee. “Cream, no sugar, right?”

Usually she preferred her coffee black and administered through an intravenous line directly into her vein, but the ginormous cup he handed her was a wonderfully inspired gesture, especially since they’d never discussed her coffee preference. “Oh, that’s so sweet.”

He gave a sheepish shrug. “Sorry, Tor, I didn’t know if you drank coffee. Otherwise I would have brought you one.”

“I don’t, but thanks anyway.” Tor’s answer cut through any further coffee chatter. “What can I help you with this morning?”

“Nothing. I just stopped by to see Nikki before I get to work.” Creed kept his demeanor cool in the face of Tor’s polite but businesslike tone. “My staff and I have a lot of things to finalize for the Goddess launch in two weeks.”

“How is that coming?” Tor said. Obviously he had no intention of giving her and Creed any privacy, which sent a little thrill of happiness through Nikki.

“I’ll send you the rundown of what the team planned before I got here and what we get accomplished today,” Creed said. “Oh, and I wanted to make sure you received Nikki’s contract.”

“Yes, legal brought it to me yesterday.” Tor looked at Nikki. “I was planning on going over it with you this afternoon.”

“Perfect.” Her voice sounded a little wistful, but dang it was hard not to stare into his topaz-colored eyes. “Maybe during lunch.”

“Or… you could try to fit it in later so I can take you to lunch.” Creed poured on the charm and winked. “Can I tempt you with that new Greek place around the corner?”

Man, he was really laying it on thick.

Before she could reply, Tor answered for her. “Maybe another time. We were just going over our schedule for today, and lunch will be the only time we can sit down without interruption.” He turned to her. “Sorry.”

She nodded and gave Creed her best apologetic look. “Sorry, but I do want to get the contract reviewed and signed.”

He gave a heavy sigh. “I guess I’ll just have to wait until Friday.”

“Fantastic.” She nodded and smiled. Friday after work was when she’d planned on introducing him to Stacey. Tor shifted next to her, his stance stiffening. “We can finalize things later this week.”

“Sounds good.” Creed clapped his hands together once. “Well, I’ll leave you to it, then.” He pointed at Nikki. “Call you later?”

Note to self. Give Creed my cell number when Tor is not around
. “Why don’t you call me tonight after work? I’ll have more time to talk then.”

Creed made a pistol with his fingers and pretended to fire at her. “It’s a date.”

Finger guns were never cool—never, and Nikki repressed the urge to roll her eyes.

Tor had been silent during their exchange and remained so for several seconds after the elevator doors had closed. Finally he said, “You two seem to be hitting it off.”

“Yes, he’s very nice.” She walked around her desk and set down her electronic tablet. “And a brilliant creative director.”

Another few seconds passed until Tor replied. “So, are you seeing him?”

His direct question took her by surprise. “Define ‘seeing him’.”

“Romantically?”

She struggled for a way not to lie without blowing her ruse. “Friday night will be our first date.” It was the truth, though she conveniently left out that
our
meant three, not just the two of them—. “Why?”

“I don’t think getting involved with someone you work with is wise. It always ends badly.”

“Your opinion is acknowledged.” She leveled her stare at him. “But who I see really isn’t any of your business. You’ve made it perfectly clear you’re not interested.”

He pitched his voice low and leaned in, resting his hands on top of her desk. “It doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.”

Gods, he was so damn sexy. Now that they’d made love, the images of him naked and turned on came unbidden. She slowly rose and leaned toward him, making sure to push her boobs together and give him an eyeful of cleavage. Her lips stopped a breath away from his. He didn’t retreat. It would be so easy to kiss him. The vibe he projected seemed to beg her to, as if he wanted her to take the choice out of his hands. But then it would still be her doing the pursuing. She coyly nibbled on her bottom lip. His eyes focused on her mouth and then slid lower to her chest. His breathing hitched. She had him. He was definitely interested. Now to pull the carrot away.

“You can’t make love to me for hours, tell me I’ll always be yours, then decide it was a mistake and still believe you have any say in my personal life.”

He retreated a few inches. “You’re making a mistake.”

“Then…” She reached out and zigzagged a fingertip along the vee of exposed skin on his chest. “Do something about it.”

It took another few seconds for Tor to regain his composure. His Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed, and his lips parted a fraction. The beat of her heart quickened. Would he admit they should be together?

Then the moment passed, and he straightened. “That would be an even bigger mistake.”

Disappointment crashed around her but she held it together. With a shrug, she smiled and lowered herself into her chair. “Then business as usual.”

It looked like he wanted to say more, but instead he exhaled and shoved his hands in his front pockets. “Exactly.”

“All righty, then.” She folded her hands together and smiled. “If you don’t have any other
work-related
tasks for me, then I need to put together the notes for your afternoon meeting with legal.”

“Of course.” He backed toward his office. “I’ll let you get to work.”

“Thank you.” The elevator door swung open again and a short man wearing a camera around his neck stepped out of the elevator. He lifted the camera to snap off a couple of shots.

“Can I help you?” In no way did Tor’s tone convey his willingness to assist the man.

The whirr of the man’s camera sounded several more times before he lowered it and pulled out a small notebook. “Herbert Longberger from the
Inquisitor
.” He held his pen at the ready. “Is it true Miss Triano is pregnant with your child?”

“What?” Nikki jumped to her feet. “Who told you that?”

Without saying a word, Tor strode across the office and manhandled the camera from around Herbert’s neck.

“Hey.” The man swatted for his camera, but Tor held it out of reach with one hand. “That’s private property.”

“As is Kythera Cosmetics.” Tor glared at Herbert. “I could have you arrested for trespassing.” With one hand he maneuvered through the camera’s settings and deleted all the pictures at once. “I suggest you leave—now.”

“I got a tip you and your assistant had a bun in the oven.” Herbert stopped his flailing, a greasy smile turning up the corners of his mouth. “Care to comment?”

“Who told you that?” Nikki rounded her desk to stand next to Tor.

“I can’t give up my sources.” The man’s gaze tracked to Nikki’s belly. “You don’t look pregnant.”

“Because I’m not, you idiot.” She knew exactly who the paparazzo’s informant was. It looked like she’d be commencing Operation Butt Sweat-Unibrow after all.

“But you two are in a relationship—right?” He pointed a stubby finger at her and Tor. “I know what I saw when I walked in.”

“What you saw was me and my assistant talking about today’s schedule.” Tor shoved the camera into Herbert’s stomach and moved forward, crowding the man back into the elevator. “Leave.”

Nikki picked up the phone and dialed security’s extension. “A short man with a camera and an ugly yellow jacket will be getting off the elevator in a minute. Please escort him from the premises and make sure he doesn’t return.”

She pressed the phone back onto its cradle, not waiting to hear the guard’s answer. Tor reached in the elevator and punched one of the buttons. As the doors slid shut, he released the camera and stepped back, sealing Herbert inside.

“Can you believe the nerve of some people?” Nikki plopped back down in her chair.

Tor turned and stared at her. “You’re not, are you?”

She furrowed her brow. “Not what?”

“Pregnant.” He approached her desk. “You’d tell me, wouldn’t you?”

“No, I’m not pregnant.” Though now that he said it, she supposed she could be. They’d used protection in the elevator, but the rest of the night had been free loving. “This is one of Demetria’s tricks.”

“But—” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “You’d tell me if you were, right?”

Would she tell him? The thought of having Tor’s child sent a thrill through her, but a child wasn’t the reason she wanted him to be in a relationship with her. In an effort to avoid directly lying to him, she answered his question with a question. “It would be a little difficult to hide, don’t you think?”

He was silent for a few seconds and then nodded. “All right.”

Nikki watched Tor turn and walk into his office. A pent-up breath escaped her chest, and she collapsed onto the back of her chair. She couldn’t be pregnant—could she?

…

Numbness stole through Tor. The thought of Nikki possibly being pregnant with his child was something he hadn’t contemplated. What kind of father would he make? A horrible one, he was sure.

With no role model when he was growing up, he didn’t have the faintest idea how to raise a child. He shook off his growing fear and took a seat at his desk. Nikki was right. This was one of Demetria’s tricks. He’d known she was going to do something, but spreading rumors about Nikki being pregnant was even more devious than he believed she could be.

Tor’s thoughts turned to the new creative director and his interest in Nikki. Sure, Creed was a hell of a nice guy, but interoffice romances rarely worked out. Never mind the fact that she was a demigoddess. How did she plan on handling that little bit of information?

Unable to sit still, he rose and walked to the windows. He stared out, lost in his thoughts, but saw nothing beyond the glass. She’d seemed dead set on having a relationship with
him
after their night together.

How could she switch her feelings over to Creed so easily? It just wasn’t like Nikki to go off with the first man she met. That thought gave him pause. How would he know what she was and wasn’t like? He’d never taken the time to get to know her. Not really. Big deal, he’d remembered her favorite color had been green at one time. There was no reason she shouldn’t be with a man who showed interest in her. She deserved to be happy.

He recalled what his mother had said about Nikki harboring feelings for him. If that was true, maybe hooking up with Creed wasn’t so much about Nikki liking the creative director as it was about her decision not to waste any more time pining for her boss.

Images of her and Creed laughing together, of him making love to Nikki, of her moving on with her life, turned Tor’s breakfast sour.

He tapped his hand against the outside of his thigh. Well, there was nothing to be done about it. He’d given her his opinion, and she had politely declined. She was justified in telling him he didn’t have any right to meddle in her life since he’d insisted they keep their relationship strictly business. Only Tor wasn’t sure that’s what he wanted anymore. Perhaps his mopey indecision was a residual effect from the Ambrosia. Hopefully in another day or two his body would adjust and his moods would sort themselves out.

Work always made him feel better. He needed something to focus on instead of the temptation sitting in the outer office. He slid into his chair and opened a few documents he needed to finish before his meeting. As CEO of Kythera Cosmetics, there were a thousand things he needed to finalize before the grand gala in less than two weeks.

A new e-mail popped into his in-box. It was from Creed. The message was labeled “Prelim. Shots—Nikki.” He clicked on the message and opened the attachment. Dozens of images spilled across his screen. He stared openmouthed at the gorgeous selection Creed had chosen to send him. They ranged from sultry to playful. The camera loved her, and Tor couldn’t look away.