Untamed: Bad Boy Fighter Romance (Fighting for Gisele #2) (12 page)

Micah guided her to the seating where they’d left their drinks. He put his arm around her and held his bourbon in the other. His expression was neutral, but Gisele could see in his eyes that he was wary of Alek.

“I’d like to propose a toast to my lovely sister, the birthday girl. Happy birthday, Gisele!” He lifted his glass, and clanking sounded in the space as the guests toasted to her. She looked up at her brother and smiled.

Then the band began to play the happy birthday song, and the crowd sang along. Gisele hadn’t expected that, so it was a little embarrassing. She accepted it with as much grace as she could muster, and when they were done singing, she shouted, “Thank you, everyone!”

Following that, Gisele went over to make a wish and blow out her candles. It seemed a bit childish, but it was her birthday. The cake was a multilayered yellow cake with white and blue frosting. It was covered in flower designs and wished her happy birthday in huge blue script on the top.

When she stepped up to the table, a server lit the candles. Taking a deep breath, Gisele made her wish, then blew out all the candles. The crowd shouted and clapped, then the waiter began cutting the cake.

She hoped her wish would come true: that her birthday was the doorway to the normal life she wanted so badly. She wished it would carry her away from the crime and violence she’d grown up with, toward a life more of her choosing.

It wasn’t that much to hope for, and Gisele saw no reason why her wish wouldn’t come true. She smiled up at Micah, and he kissed her sweetly. Whatever future she had, Gisele envisioned Micah as part of it.

Gifts in all sorts of bright wrappings were piled up on a table in the corner. Instead of opening everything then, she decided to open her presents later, then send out thank-you notes. Part of Alek’s gift had been the elaborate party and the rental of the villa for the night. There was another wrapped present from him, which she guessed was probably jewelry. That was what he usually bought for her, not knowing what else to get for a woman.

There was even a package from Yuri that had arrived from Chicago last week. He had remembered her birthday, and probably asked one of his staff to buy something appropriate. Gisele didn’t have a close father/daughter relationship with him, but she appreciated the thoughtfulness.

If it had been her real father, he would have called her, or attended the party. Andrew Shelton had been a kind, loving man, and a good father. But Gisele shouldn’t be overly critical; her Russian father did his best.

Gisele caught Abby’s arm as her friend crossed the room with a drink in hand. “I’ll open your gift later. Is that okay?”

Abby gave her a quick hug. “I hope you like it.”

Gisele hugged her back. “I like it already.”

The one gift she was most curious about was the one from Micah. When he saw her looking, there was a sparkle in his eyes. She was sure it was something good, but he’d given her no hints, despite her goading and teasing.

Until well after midnight, guests ate, drank, and danced. Gisele was giddy over all the attention, and exhilarated about finally turning that magic age. Song after song, Micah danced with her, and each time he held her close, Gisele’s pulse sped up.

Micah’s touch, the look in his eyes, and everything about him affected her. He was a man that one didn’t turn away from. Having found him, Gisele didn’t want to lose him, and wasn’t sure why she even considered the possibility.

Maybe it was that he liked living on the edge, and she feared that he wouldn’t want her once she embarked upon her new life. That was a possibility, but Gisele was convinced what they had ran deeper than that. She was sure Micah wouldn’t bail at the first sign of trouble, and hoped she was right.

It struck her that she should have wished that Micah would stay around. That would have been a better use of a birthday wish. Yet that was something that should happen of its own accord. Micah would stay because he chose to be with her, and no amount of wishing would alter that.

Micah ran his finger down the length of her nose. “You should be happy, so why do you look like the world is about to end?”

Gisele laughed. “I am happy.” She put her arms around his neck. “It’s just…I feel different, I guess.”

“Well, you look
beautiful
.” Micah kissed her, and Gisele folded against him. Being in his arms made all her cares fall away. She yearned for his strength, and pressed closer.

Very late the party began to wind down, and guests filtered out, saying goodbye and wishing Gisele a happy birthday again. She didn’t see Vik, and supposed that he’d left earlier. That was just as well. After a night of drinking, an encounter with Micah wouldn’t have gone well.

Abby and Luke came over to say goodbye before they left. They gave Gisele a big hug in turn. “Thanks so much for helping to make my party great,” Gisele said.

“I don’t pass up a chance to drink and dance,” Luke said, then smiled. “And I’m glad your party was good for you.”

Abby grinned and took Luke’s hand. “We’ll be off.” She leaned toward Gisele. “Call me. I want to hear everything.”

Gisele thought about the night ahead. She would call Abby when she had the chance, but she doubted she’d tell her everything. The thought of an entire night in the villa, alone with Micah, made her feel warm inside. There were some things that just couldn’t be shared, even with a best friend.

The servers and staff began cleaning up, while the band packed up their gear. Alek came over and hugged Gisele. “It was a good party, don’t you think?”

“Yes, it was the best party,” Gisele said, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so much. You’re a good brother.” She witnessed an unfamiliar emotion in his expression. Could it be that her brother would really miss her, now that she wouldn’t be around all the time?

Alek glanced over at Micah, who stood next to Gisele. He nodded. “Good evening, Micah.” After a beat, he said, “Take good care of her.”

Micah didn’t smile or offer to shake his hand. “I plan to,” he said, and put his arm around Gisele’s waist.

Alek disappeared, leaving them alone with the cleaning crew. “Shall we go outside?” Gisele said.

Micah led her out into the warm evening, and they sat on the terrace looking out at the nightlights of Vegas. He put his arm around her, then feathered his fingertips on her bare shoulder. In the beauty of the surroundings, still high on champagne and frosted cake, Gisele looked up at the man beside her. Micah was heart-wrenchingly handsome, and impossibly sexy. She had no will to resist him, and hadn’t since the first moment she’d seen him.

Chapter 12

The entire evening, Micah had wanted to peel the sexy gold dress off Gisele. The shimmery fabric wrapped around her luscious figure, pushing up her breasts, tightening at her waist, and outlining her curvy hips.

The partiers, relatives, and the cleanup crew had left, so they were finally alone on the terrace. Music played through the outdoor speakers. Gisele’s skin was soft, and sensation coursed through his veins as he let his fingertips drift down her arm.

All-consuming physical need took over, and Micah pulled Gisele onto his lap. Her sweet feminine scent enveloped him, and he crushed her to him. With an animal growl, Micah put his palms on her cheeks and angled his head, fitting his lips to hers.

As he deepened the kiss, Gisele responded in kind. He was lost in the lip-bruising kiss she shared, drawing her tongue in his mouth and sucking her deliciousness. The touch of her lips fanned the flames of Micah’s desire, until it was the blaze of a forest fire, need that couldn’t be controlled.

Gisele desperately pushed her tongue against his, moaning into his mouth. Micah traced her inner thigh, his hand slipping under the hem of her dress. Her arousal dripped down, wetting his fingertips. In a fierce motion, Micah grabbed the bottom of the dress and shoved it up to her waist. With one hand on her hip, he guided her up, then yanked her panties down with the other.

Gisele frantically undid his pants button and slid down his zipper. Micah lifted off the chair and pulled his pants and briefs to his ankles. Her firm ass settled back onto his thighs, and she gripped his thick cock in her fist. It felt too damn good, making pre-cum drip out his knob and down the sides of his swollen shaft.

Still sitting sideways on his lap, Gisele lifted up, and Micah angled his aching erection into her. As she lowered, her hot pussy engulfed him, tightening around him like a glove. She fit him so well, and Micah groaned as he plunged deep.

Pulling her close, Micah covered her ravenous mouth with his, taking all her breaths inside him, devouring her with abandon. His hands were lost in her hair, and his fingertips grazed the swell of her breasts above the top of her dress, the feel of her velvet skin making his heart beat faster.

Gisele dug her fingernails along his scalp and thrashed her tongue against his. Micah pressed his thumb to her sex, making circular motions over her tight little clit. She whimpered into his mouth and her heat clenched around him.

As her sex throbbed hard around his cock, Gisele panted and whimpered against Micah’s lips. A powerful orgasm ripped him apart, with Gisele pulsing over him in a climax of her own. Breathless, she whimpered, making sexy sounds deep in her throat.

When Gisele relaxed against his chest, Micah put his hand on the back of her neck and held her there. Then he pulled her dress off over her head and undid her bra, gazing at her naked beauty. She kicked off her high heels and stepped out of her panties, while Micah shed the rest of his clothes.

Nude except for her jewelry, Gisele sat on his lap and touched his cheek. “You make me feel so…wonderful,” she said, in a soft voice.

Micah pulled her close and ran the tip of his tongue around the shell of her ear. Gisele closed her eyes and he kissed her warm lips. Then he carried her inside to the massive bed, to make love to her, for real. He couldn’t get enough of her, so didn’t even try.

But he did savor every taste of what Gisele had to offer, and Micah strove to give her the pleasure she deserved. For many long, delicious hours he touched and caressed her, then, losing all restraint, fucked her hard.

Gisele was equally passionate, insatiable no matter how intense the encounter. She was a woman like no other, and Micah wrapped her in his arms, taking what she willingly gave. The night seemed timeless, the intimacy powerful. Very late, when Gisele nestled into his arms, Micah buried his face in her hair and closed his eyes. He was already dreaming of her before he fell asleep.

*****

The next morning, there was no sleeping late. Gisele had to prepare for one of the most important days of her life. Since Micah knew about the safe deposit box, he recommended that she look at the contents ahead of time. That was a wise suggestion, so Gisele had arranged it with the attorney.

Since her father had employed the law firm for her benefit, Gisele had control. The attorney was instructed to get in touch with the local banker, and authorize her to open the safe deposit box. But at Gisele’s request, he’d made the arrangements for her to go to the bank that morning, without mentioning the appointment to anyone else.

If Alek should ask, both the attorney and the banker would simply say that Gisele had been denied access until the following day. The excuse was some legal jargon, with an explanation that there was strict procedure on these matters. The prearranged statement was: “The box will be available to her on Tuesday morning when the bank opens.”

Gisele feigned disappointment over the delay, and Alek had fallen for it. She’d told him that she would stay at the villa to enjoy the amenities, of which there were many. “The spa is top-notch,” her brother had said. “Linger at the villa for as long as you like. It is your birthday, after all.”

Alek’s plan was for her to return home Monday evening and travel to the bank with him the next morning. It had been agreed all along that, for her safety, he would accompany Gisele to the safe deposit box on the day she finally opened it. She’d seen no reason to argue the point.

On Monday morning, Gisele took extra precautions by setting the villa phone on don’t-disturb mode. She bought off the spa receptionist and the masseuse, who would vouch for her, and say she’d been there for services, should anyone ask.

All Gisele’s birthday presents were still piled on a table. She hadn’t found an opportunity to open them yet, and that morning she had butterflies in her stomach. She’d open them later when she was calm and could enjoy her gifts.

Dressed casually, Gisele sat with Micah on the terrace nibbling breakfast. She sipped her coffee and wiggled her toes under the edge of his pants, against his calf. “Nice celebration last night,” she said.

Micah’s expression told her that he would take her right back to bed, given the slightest encouragement. “It was…very nice.”

Gisele warmed inside, remembering the night with Micah. He’d been raw and wild, as untamed as he was in the boxing ring. And now, in the face of the unknown, it was so good to have him at her side. Micah wasn’t one to back off from a fight, or fear an opponent. He boosted her confidence, as she knew he wouldn’t abandon her, even under the direst of circumstances.

“I’m relieved that I won’t have Alek standing over me when I see what my father has left for me.” Gisele twirled her hair in her fingers. “I hope after all this time that it’s not a letdown.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about that,” Micah said. “Since we don’t know what we’re walking into, I’ve asked Zeke to meet us, and escort you to the bank.”

“You make it sound like a spy movie or something.”

“Need I remind you that you are involved with the mob, and that your father worked for them?” Micah said. “I don’t mean to be fatalistic, but whatever is in that box interests them. So caution is called for.”

Gisele sighed. “I know. I just hope nothing bad happens.” She looked at Micah. “I wish my life was…”

“Normal?” Micah said.

Gisele laughed. “Yes…
normal
.”

Micah took her hand. “Let’s see what’s in that box, make sure you’re safe…then we’ll talk about normal.”

After breakfast, Gisele got ready to go. She intended to be there when the bank opened. The suspense was killing her, and she wanted to get the event over with. Zeke was waiting downstairs as promised, and he shuffled them into a nondescript car to drive to the bank. Having the bodyguard along added a layer of protection that Gisele didn’t object to.

After they parked and went inside, Micah and Zeke agreed to wait for her in the lobby. No one would come in or out without them seeing, so it was all right for her to proceed to conduct her business.

Micah put his palm on her cheek and kissed her. “It will all be fine,” he said. “I’m here.”

Gisele hugged Micah, then headed toward the desks on the main floor. The banker was expecting her, and after verifying her identity, the middle-aged man led her to the room where the safe deposit boxes were.

Gisele hadn’t owned a box before, and gazed at the walls of metal doors, each requiring two keys to open. She was nervous and excited, but tried her best not to reveal her emotions to the banker. When she withdrew the safe deposit box from its drawer, he showed her to a private room.

“Take your time,” the banker said. “This door locks behind me, so you won’t be interrupted. When you are finished, just buzz and I’ll return to assist you.”

“Thank you,” Gisele said, and watched him leave. Then she sat in a chair and stared at the metal box. She’d made such a big deal about it that she was all worked up. It was her inheritance, all that her father had left her. There was no reason that opening the box should be frightening, yet it was.

When Gisele reached for the latch on the front, her hands shook, and she took a moment to still them. After taking a breath, she opened the lid. Inside was a letter from her father. She leaned back in the chair to read it.

If you are reading this letter, it means that I am no longer with you. I love you, sweetheart, and I regret leaving you on your own. I can’t be there to look after you, or to enjoy your company. I know that you’ve grown into the beautiful young woman I knew you would.

Tears formed in Gisele’s eyes, and she wiped them away. Her heart ached for her father, and reading the letter intensified the loss. But he had loved her, and his thoughtfulness touched her deeply.

I’ve left you an item that will secure your future. The law firm that has assisted you thus far has a branch that will connect you to a bank in Switzerland, so you can acquire it.

Gisele reflected on her father’s foresight. Andrew Shelton had been a brilliant man, and he’d found a way to care for her, even from his grave.

The second page of the letter proceeded to caution her about how to proceed.

As long as you have what I’ve left for you, they won’t hurt you. The item is rare, and too valuable for the mob to disregard. You are the only person with access, so they will ensure nothing happens to you until they take possession or you are safely away.

The text was alarming; Gisele was in danger. Her father made that clear with his warning. As if that wasn’t enough, the next passage rendered her dumbstruck.

I assume the Danilovs have stayed close by, but you must also watch out for the Kovalenko family. They know what happened, and will attempt to retrieve the item first.

Gisele was stunned. She had dated Viktor Kovalenko for years. She’d let him touch her, befriended him, and more. The letter stated that his family was involved in all of this, that they were part of the treachery. Yet she had trusted Vik.

The man hadn’t dated her due to any personal attraction, but only because Gisele had something he wanted. That realization was degrading…and infuriating. How dare he? She had believed him, had even felt bad for rejecting his proposal of marriage. Yet he had really been assigned to keep an eye on her, and to pounce at the right time. Being her husband would have made that so much easier. At least she’d thwarted him in that ploy.

Gisele pressed the letter to her forehead. Her world was crumbling down around her. She wasn’t able to trust her Russian family, anymore. And now, she couldn’t trust Vik either. That was why he’d hung around. He hadn’t really wanted her; he had been part of the evil plot against her. She felt abandoned, betrayed.

Gisele continued reading.
I’ve left you something that will buy your freedom
.

Chills ran up her spine. What could that be?

If you are reading this letter, then you are alone. No other person has access to your safe deposit box, nor would they be allowed into the private viewing room. I made certain of that.

Gisele glanced at the door, immensely relieved that it was locked tight. She needed a few minutes to recover. All of this was more than she’d anticipated.

When you leave the room, you must pretend that you don’t know all that you do. Maintain your silence until you take possession of what I’ve left for you. I’m not there to protect you, but I’ve created a ruse that offers a plausible path to safety. Still, be very cautious.

Gisele trembled as she read the next part.

The last page of this letter provides an account number for $500,000 I’ve left you. That is what you should show to the others when you emerge from your privacy. It is a decoy and intended to divert their attention. Hand it over to Yuri, and it will buy you time. I love you, my darling daughter, and pray for your safety.

Gisele’s wits froze; she was too stunned to cry. This couldn’t be happening. This was not what she had expected.

Inside the box were her parents’ wedding bands, and a sealed envelope. On the outside was printed:
For Gisele Shelton only
. She opened the flap and took out the note, riveted to its message.

After you read this note, relock it in the safe deposit box. Once you know what I’m about to say, you’ll be at risk. You must contact the banker the lawyer will put you in touch with, as soon as possible. I cannot stress enough that you must do so outside the watchful eyes of the mob. How you achieve that I leave up to you, my smart, clever daughter. You are a grown woman and I have faith you will overcome the threats that surround you.