Suddenly Beautiful (Entangled Covet) (2 page)

“I’ll be at my desk if you need me.” Nikki turned to Demetria and made a shooing motion.

A sneer curled Demetria’s pouty red lips. Clearly, she was as excited as Nikki to sit at the same dinner table together. “Are there any legal matters you need me to assist with, Ms. Stephanos?”

“Why, yes, dear, there is,” Tor’s mom said.

Demetria’s sneer turned into a smug smile. “Of course, that’s why I’m here.”

Bella dug in her purse and pulled out a rectangular slip of paper. “Can you take care of this, my dear? I got a speeding ticket last night.”

Nikki bit her lip in an effort not to burst out laughing.

“Of course.” Demetria plucked the ticket from Bella’s hand, pivoted, and strode toward the door. She lifted her nose in the air and brushed past Nikki. “Let me know if you want my hairdresser’s number.”

“Right, and you let me know if you need that stick yanked out,” she muttered under her breath, trailing behind Demetria and willing the woman’s hair to catch on fire. Unfortunately, nothing happened. One day, that witch was going to fall off her five-inch spikes and break something.

Please let me be around when that happens.

And the dinner meeting would likely be the time since Nikki couldn’t fathom spending an evening across the table from Demetria fawning all over Tor and not stab her with her own shoes.

…

The door clicked shut, and Tor gave an exaggerated sigh. “What do you want, Mother?”

“Good gods, Toraos, I just stopped by to check on you. Is it impossible to believe I’m a concerned mother?”

“We both know the answer to that.” His mother was nothing if not concerned, but only about herself. Rarely did she
just
stop by. There was always an ulterior motive. “I have a new cosmetic line to get off the ground.” He set the file aside and stood. “That takes time and sacrifice.”

“It doesn’t have to, you know.”

He pinned her with a stare. “And I’ve told you I have no desire to”—he waved a hand—“magic my way to the top.”

She stood, making a clicking sound with her tongue. “That’s too bad, dear.”

The room transformed and Tor found himself standing next to his mother inside a huge nomadic tent. Arid heat enveloped him, burning his skin. The flaps of canvas snapped in the desert breeze as unlit brass braziers swung from the tent supports above an array of colorful carpets that lay strewn across the shifting sands of the floor. The bellow from a camel wafted through the opening of the tent, as did the smell of heat and animal only found in the blazing desert and a light shower of sand.

Tor took a deep breath, searching for patience. “Very funny, Mother. Return me to my office.”

Her lower lip rolled down in a sulk. “You used to be so fun when you were a boy. Ready for any adventure.”

“I’m not a boy anymore.”

In an instant, they were back in his office.

“Obviously.” She took a few steps toward him. “But life isn’t all work. Promise me you won’t forget to have fun.”

Concern from his mother always made him uncomfortable. In the past, she’d wielded the parental card like a weapon, manipulating him to do her will. When he was younger, more naive, he’d wanted to please her. It didn’t take long to realize his mother’s needs always came first. He no longer trusted her in the most simple of matters, which made being in business together very tenuous.

He maneuvered away from her, placing the desk between them. He’d found that the best way to avoid any woman’s trap, including his mother’s, was to stay out of range, both physically and emotionally. The only woman he wasn’t suspicious of was Nikki—safe, plain, dependable Nikki. Always there when he needed her. The only thing she wanted from him was a paycheck. It was the perfect relationship.

His mother propped her hands on her hips and glared. “You’re not sleeping with Demetria, are you?”

He settled into his office chair, leaning back to stare at his mother with boredom. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no.”

“Good.” Her stance relaxed. “I’ve never cared for her. Too much like her uncle, Narcissus—always staring at herself in the mirror.”

“Right.” He refrained from pointing out his mother’s streak of conceitedness. “And our family is such a monument of virtue.” Tor had only met his father once. He was some middle-aged surfer who wandered the earth in search of the perfect wave. Not exactly the role model he’d needed as a boy. Not to mention his mother was Aphrodite, freakin’ goddess of beauty. “Talked to Dad lately?”

“No.” She cocked her head. “What about Nikki?”

“What about Nikki?”

“Are you sleeping with her?”

“No, I’m not sleeping with her.” His eyes widened at the ridiculous suggestion. “Though she’s very attractive, she’s my assistant.”

“So?” She leaned a hip against his desk. “I sleep with my assistants all the time.”

“Too much information, Mother.” He covered his ears with his hands. “Plus you know I’ve sworn off demi-gods. Do I have to remind you of the week I spent as a stone statue after I broke up with Medusa’s niece? To this day I can’t stand pigeons. Or what about that nutcase nymph who went bat shit after our fling and cursed me with a nearly incurable case of jock itch?” He released his head and held up one hand, ticking off each finger. “Never again will I date demigoddesses, goddesses, nymphs, satyrs, wood sprites.” He switched to his other hand. “Trolls, witches, banshees, sirens, or any other magical creature. They’re psycho. And even if Nikki doesn’t know she’s a demi-goddess, she’s still one and capable of far worse than jock itch should things end badly. Not to mention I’d be out my favorite assistant.”

“Yes, yes, you’ve regaled me with your extensive list too many times to count.” She shook her head. “But you can’t base your future love life on a few unfortunate experiences.”

“‘Unfortunate experiences’? Try humiliating, emasculating—and painful. Never again.”

“Fine. I get it.”

He folded his hands in front of him and rested them on the desk. “Really, because no matter how many times I tell you this the information doesn’t seem to sink in.”

She harrumphed and stood. “Well, it’s not natural. You’re the son of Aphrodite. Sex is in your blood.”

“I’m not interested in one-night stands anymore. As a matter of fact, I’m not interested in a relationship at all. They’re too messy and I have a business to run.”

“I won’t always be around to look after you, Toraos.”

“If only that were true.” He pierced her with a stare. “It might have escaped your attention, but you’re immortal. You will
always
be around.”

She shrugged. “Maybe I’d like to hear the patter of tiny feet. I might be a goddess, but I’d still like grandchildren.”

“Then go bug one of your other kids. Surely one of them wouldn’t mind being a baby machine for you.”

She harrumphed. “None of them are talking to me.”

“Shocker.”

“Is wanting to be part of your life so bad?”

“You are never just a part of my life. You insist on controlling my every move.” He narrowed his gaze. “Butt out.”

“Fine, but I think you should seriously consider Nikki. She’s from good stock.”

“Ah.” Tor nodded and pointed at his mother. “You’re trying to get back in Ares’s good graces, and you think me hooking up with Nikki will achieve that.”

Her eyes rounded with false innocence. “That is a horrible thing to say. I genuinely like Nikki and couldn’t give a satyr’s ass about ever speaking to Ares again.”

“Good, then we’re done with this conversation.” He leaned forward and stared at his e-mail in-box on the monitor, praying she would leave. “Have a nice day.”

“You are an ungrateful child.”

“Man, Mother. I’m an ungrateful man.”

“You know, Toraos, things change. You may think you’re in control, but I still own Kythera Cosmetics.”

“Is that a threat?” He’d lost track of how many times she’d threatened to take the company away from him, but she’d yet to act on her warning.

“All I’m saying is that your perception is skewed. One day you could lose the most precious thing in your life.” She strolled to the door and glanced over her shoulder at him, resting her manicured hand on the sleek silver handle. “And I guarantee, you will not have even realized how priceless it was until it’s gone.”

He slowly shook his head. “What is it with you gods and your riddles? Can’t you ever just come out and say what you mean? Lose what? This company? You? No matter what, I will be just fine.”

“If you say so.” With a sly smile, she turned the handle and opened the door.

He stood and followed her into the outer office. “Healthy, adult conversations, Mother—you should try it sometime.”

She ignored him. “Good-bye, Nikki. Don’t let him work too hard.”

Nikki stood and walked to the edge of her desk. “I’ll try, but he’s pretty stubborn.”

Aphrodite performed a half pivot and looked at him, waving a perfectly painted finger at Nikki. “See how well she knows you. You’d better keep her around.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Ms. Stephanos.”

She patted Nikki’s cheek. “We’ll see, sweetie.”

Tor ground his teeth. Why did he let his mother push his buttons? Probably because she represented everything he worked so hard against—privilege, superiority over the lesser beings, crazy inbreeding. He wanted no part of the fantasy world she lived in.

The elevator bell rang and Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, stepped inside as if entering a royal carriage. Nikki moved to stand beside him, and they silently watched the elevator doors close,
finally
ending his mother’s visit.

Nikki faced him and opened her mouth to speak, but stopped, her eyes narrowing. She brushed his shoulder instead. “Is that sand?”

Tor spun and stormed back into his office. “It’s nothing.”

Despite his mother’s best efforts, he
would
keep his life normal and god-free. But she was up to something, he just hoped he saw it coming when it finally did and could duck out of the way.

Chapter Two

Nikki reclined in one of the padded chairs in Kythera’s executive dining room, enjoying the view of the new creative director.

Creed Killion turned out to be much younger and far better-looking than she’d anticipated. His hair was short and messy, like he’d spent the day on the beach. A braided leather choker hung around his neck, and he wore a geometric white-and-orange shirt that could only be described as bohemian. Creative types were so cool. Though not nearly as handsome as Tor, he certainly turned heads.

Poor Demetria didn’t know where to ply her womanly wiles. Though always sniffing around Tor, the lure of fresh meat seemed almost too much for her to ignore.

She’d gone all out in a skintight black dress that displayed her breasts in their most appealing light. As always, the attorney had donned her signature heels. This pair was black and glistened in the low light. The heels were so narrow she could spear a fish with them if she ever found herself stranded on a desert island. Now
that
was an appealing thought.

Tor looked as handsome as ever in a black silk jacket and pants. His tan skin accentuated the white of his shirt and brought out the topaz in his eyes. Memories of his naked torso on display earlier flitted through her mind.

Nikki raised her wineglass to her lips in an attempt to tamp down the lovely image of him, but stopped, realizing it was empty. She reached for the golden bottle near Demetria only to have her snatch it away.

“This is nearly empty.” Demetria cradled the bottle against her chest and glared before dumping the rest of the amber liquid into Tor’s goblet. “Try the other one.”

Jeez, greedy much?

Creed held up the bottle of merlot. “May I pour for you?”

His smile melted the effects of Demetria’s frigid treatment, and Nikki decided she could get used to being looked at the way he was staring at her now. “Thank you.”

She held out her glass, and his fingers skimmed seductively along the neck of the bottle to steady it as he poured, making her wonder if Creed Killion applied the same techniques to other activities in his life. Her appreciation for the company’s newest addition doubled.

She lifted the glass to her lips and let the rich tang coat her tongue. She smiled and said, “So Creed, have you had a chance to peruse the new Goddess line overview?”

He relaxed against the back of his chair. “I have. It’s very impressive.”

Demetria folded her arms on top of the table and leaned in, pushing her boobs up. “Well, that’s what you get when you work with Tor.”

Nikki mentally sighed, wishing just once they could get through a conversation without the other woman working it to her advantage…or turning it into a hookers-r-us moment.

“I’ve been following Kythera for several years. The company has had steady growth and the marketing strategies have been spot-on. I’m confident the Goddess line will garner equally impressive results.”

“How can we miss, with you joining us?” Nikki lifted her glass. “Welcome to the team.”

Creed tipped his head in appreciation. “Thank you. I’ll admit there weren’t many things not to like in the generous offer I received.” He held her gaze, a sexy smile playing around his mouth. “Even now, I’m pleasantly surprised by the hidden perks.”

Okay, he was definitely flirting with her. A flush spread across her cheeks. And now she was blushing like a tween at her first R-rated movie. His smile widened. She set her glass on the table, but when she pulled her hand away, the goblet toppled over, sloshing red wine down the front of her green camisole.

“Crap.” Nikki jumped back, knocking her chair over. “I’m so clumsy.”

“I’d say.” Demetria laughed. “Maybe we should cut you off.”

Creed handed Nikki his napkin. “Dip it in your glass of water and then soak you blouse in soda water when you get home. Maybe you can salvage it.”

“Thank you.” She took the cloth from him and blotted her shirt. “Handsome and handy.”

Creed winked at her. “I have other talents, too.”

“Any plans yet?” The briskness in Tor’s tone snapped Nikki from their playful exchange. He’d been so quiet at the table, Nikki was astonished to realize she’d forgotten he was there. Maybe there
was
a cure for her crush, and it’s name was Creed.

“Plans?” Creed asked.

“For the line.” Tor’s gaze cut to Nikki and back to Creed in a way that felt a lot like chastising. “Inspiration for the future campaigns?”

Nikki couldn’t help but wonder if she’d done something to irritate Tor. Setting the napkin on the table, she settled against her chair, determined to get back on Tor’s good side. After refilling her glass, she took another sip of wine and pulled away from Creed’s interesting gaze.

“I have several ideas churning.” Creed tapped his index finger against the table. “But I think one of the more interesting campaigns I’ve been mulling over is just what you’re looking for.”

“My, Mr. Killion,” Demetria purred, “you work fast.”

“You know how us creative types are, Ms. Mirrors. We’ve always got something in the hopper in case the perfect project arises. Makes it very difficult to get to sleep sometimes.”

“Please, call me Demi.” Her tongue flicked out and ran along the length of her bottom lip. “I’ve got just the cure for your sleepless nights.” She sat back, hooking her arm over the back of the chair, and slowly crossed her legs.

Nikki cleared her throat at Demetria’s suggestive tone. Did the woman have no shame, and why wasn’t Tor giving Demi his glower of disapproval? If her behavior wasn’t embarrassing, Nikki would eat her sensible flats.

“And what might that be, Ms. Mirrors?” Creed asked. His reply held more amusement than reciprocation. Nikki bit her lip to repress a smile.

Obviously picking up on his lack of interest, Demetria changed tactics. “Kythera Cosmetics’ orientation package, of course. Nothing will lull you to sleep like policies and procedures. I should know—I revamped most of them last month.”

Nikki took another long tug on her wine and swallowed. “Aren’t you handy?”

Demetria gave her a catty squint with an extra dose of what Nikki called dog-butt lips. “More than you’ll ever know.”

“I’d love to hear your ideas, Creed.” Tor ignored the women’s exchange and lifted his glass, his gaze sliding to Nikki. “Do I have any time in the morning?”

She dug in the pocket of her blazer and took out her phone to quickly scroll through his calendar. “You have a meeting with Demetria at nine, lunch with the head of product testing at eleven, and an appointment with your tailor for your tux fitting for the Goddess line gala the rest of the day.”

Tor seemed to consider this news as though it were a bid for a hostile takeover of his company. “I’ll reschedule with legal. Does nine tomorrow work, Creed?

Demetria straightened. “You’re canceling our meeting?”

“Rescheduling.” Tor drained his glass and ran his tongue around its rim as though he couldn’t part with a single drop.

Nikki’s eyes rounded at the unsophisticated action. Tor was never a big drinker, and definitely never less than perfectly refined at all times. Something was definitely up with him tonight.

He eventually set his glass down. “There’s nothing pressing, is there?”

“Well, no, but—” Copper curls sprang about her head with each indignant shake Demetria gave.

“Good.” Tor cut off any further argument. “Nine?”

Demetria gave an irritated grunt and slumped back against her chair.

“Nine works great for me.” Creed turned to Nikki. “You should be there, too.”

She started to tell him that she was usually around, but Tor beat her to it.

“She’ll be there. She’s always there when I need her.” He eyes tracked down her body and back to her face, as if seeing her for the first time. “Always.”

She wasn’t sure if the statement had been a compliment or verbal slap. He stared as if he wanted to brand her like a cow. Though she was seriously crushing on her boss, he didn’t own her. Nikki turned to Creed and smiled. “I’ll be there.”

“If you’ll excuse me.” Demetria shoved her chair away from the table and stood, striking a supermodel pose and attempting a seductive smile, which in Nikki’s opinion fell flat. “I’m going to the ladies’ room.”

Nikki refrained from pointing out that the attorney was no lady. Creed returned Demi’s smile while Tor ignored her completely, instead picking up the golden bottle and tipping it on end. He scowled at the three drops of liquid that fell into his wineglass.

“I’ll just get rid of this.” Demetria leaned over and snatched the bottle from his hand. With a flip of her hair, she sauntered out of the executive dining room.

Tor pulled his gaze from the quickly departing Demetria and what was apparently his favorite bottle of wine ever to instead trail his gaze down the wet shirt covering Nikki’s breasts. She shifted and crossed her arms, heat flushing her face at the sudden attention.

After a few seconds, he turned to their guest. “I’m sorry to cut this meeting short, Creed, but I’m afraid I’m not feeling like myself tonight.”

“Are you ill?” All of her irritation with him fled. Nikki stood and moved around the table. Without thinking, she pressed her hand to his forehead. “You do feel a bit warm.”

“I’ll be fine.” He gripped her hand and drew it away from his face, his thumb gently caressing her palm a few times before he released her hand and stood. “I think I just need to lie down.” He held out his hand for Creed to shake. “I look forward to tomorrow.”

“Nine o’clock, I’ll be there.” Creed shook Tor’s hand and turned to smile at Nikki.

Tor’s voice came out gravelly and a little terse. “Nikki, will you walk me to the elevator? I’d like to discuss a few things about tomorrow.”

She stared into his unwavering expression, slightly confused and once again irritated by his surly manner. “Of course, Mr. Stephanos.”

“Should I wait to walk you out?” Creed shrugged. “Perhaps we could share a cab.”

Again Tor cut her off, “This may take a while, but I’m sure Demetria would appreciate an escort.”

“Of course.” Creed’s smile faltered. He sat again and poured half a glass of wine. “Might as well finish this off while I’m waiting.”

Discussions with Tor were usually quick and to the point. Maybe Creed would still be around when she finished—she certainly hoped so. She gave him a wide smile and held out her hand, hoping it conveyed her apologies and interest.

“Coming, Nikki?” Tor turned the corner, not checking to see if she followed or giving her time to reply.

She gritted her teeth. What in the heck had gotten into him? He usually didn’t bark commands at her. Why was it that the one time in more months than she wanted to admit, a guy finally showed interest, Tor decided to have a psychotic episode? “He’s usually not like this. I promise.” She pulled back her hand, her smile tightening. “See you tomorrow, Creed.”

“I look forward to it.” He held up his glass in a salute.

She turned and walked with as much dignity as she could muster, knowing he was watching her.
Don’t trip. Don’t trip.
She rounded the corner and jumped, nearly running into Tor, who waited on the other side of the wall. “God, you scared me.”

His fingers wrapped around her upper arm and he started to walk across the hallway to the bank of elevators, semi-dragging her with him. “You seemed to have hit it off nicely with Creed.”

She did a little skip to keep up with his long strides. “He’s a nice guy. I think he’ll fit in well here.”

“Do you?”

She leaned away from him, trying to gauge if he was sincerely interested in her opinion or not, but the lighting had been turned down, making it was difficult to see his face. Was he angry? His tone said he certainly wasn’t happy. “Is something wrong?”

“What could be wrong?” His hand slid from her arm to rest on her waist. “I just don’t like my assistant flirting with the new boy.”

“I wasn’t flirting.” Well, maybe she had been a little bit, but never once in the six years she’d worked for Tor had he ever shown concern in her private life or interests. What was he up to now? His fingers splayed against her lower back, pulling her a little closer to him. Her ire melted and warmth spread through her, sending butterflies up into her chest. It was odd and exhilarating to have him touch her.

Contact had been minimal up until now, an elbow brush in the car, finger touches when handing him files, but nothing beyond that. A strange notion hit her. Was he jealous? She tested out the idea. “But it might be nice to go on a date if he asked. I think we have a lot in common.”

His hold tightened. “Do you?”

Okay, something was definitely wrong. His hand stopped pushing her along and began a tiny stroking motion against her waist, and a tremor of pleasure skated through her. She struggled to wrap her mind around the fact that Toraos Stephanos was jealous, which meant he must be interested in her. Wait, did it mean he was interested, or just being an overly possessive boss who was afraid of losing his underpaid, overly fervent assistant?

He stumbled and fell against her. Whether on purpose or accident, the hand on her waist made a bold move upward to her breast.

“Whoa there.” Her reaction was swift but futile. The man was strong and his hand determined. A zing of desire shot through her when his fingers found her nipple through her jacket. “We—uhhh.” His thumb pressed against her, drawing her to a tight peak. What had she been going to say? With Herculean effort, she pushed his hand down to rest at her waist. He stumbled again. “Are you drunk?”

He mumbled something she couldn’t understand into her hair. Of course he was drunk. He’d just fondled his assistant. To prevent him from falling, she wrapped her arm around his hips. If she could get him into his private elevator and upstairs, he should be okay.

“We’re almost there.”

“Your hair smells good.” He nuzzled her ear and sniffed. “Like rain and sunshine.”

“Well, I did just switch shampoos.”

This night had shot from a four to a seven on her bizarre meter. He was so close and felt entirely too good pressed against her.