Where There's Smoke (13 page)

“No problem, Vee,” Veronique said, unwittingly using her nickname. “You saved one of my favorite men. We all owe you.”

Chapter 12

Vianca stood on the patio of Smoke's condo looking at the water, and listening to the night crickets and insect sounds. Fernando had finally answered his phone. He’d misplaced his charger. After she updated him on Veronique’s actions, he’d become quiet. Experience taught her to wait. He wouldn’t be rushed.

“Vee, I’m thinking about retiring.”

Her heart dropped, she gasped as a nauseous feeling invaded her being. Digging deep for patience, she attempted to speak normally.

“Really? Why?”
No she screamed. I'm not ready to handle life alone.

He sighed. “I’m tired. I want to settle down, create a family.” She’d known he’d met someone he cared for but he never spoke of it and she didn’t pry.

“You got somebody lined up?” She softened her voice, not wanting him to hear her pain of his abandonment, or the fear of being alone again.

“I met Samantha a coupla years back.” His tone was weary. “Whenever I’m in town we get together. The last time, she wasn’t available and it bothered me. A lot. So, I need to piss or get off the pot.” He chuckled. “I don’t want to get off the pot. I like her quite a bit. But being on the road, away from home, is no way to start. I figure I'll find a nine to five or something that keeps me close to home.“ His voice warmed as he talked about his plans.

With an aching heart and watery eyes, she released him in her heart. “I’m happy for you, Fernando.” She wiped the moisture from her cheek. “I hope she realizes she’s getting a good deal.”

“I’m the one getting a good deal.” He paused. “She’s a blonde.” Vianca straightened.

“What?” Her eyes dried as she calculated what his comment meant. “She’s gringa? White?” Her eyes widened.

“Yes.” Neither spoke. Fernando was her first cousin. Their fathers were brothers. No man in her family had married outside their ethnicity in fifty years, it was considered taboo. “I know she’ll be snubbed by the rest of the family, but I’d hoped you’d stand by me in my decision.”

Shame engulfed her. Fernando had been the one to rally around her when she lost her job, miscarried her baby her last year of high school. He’d listened to her cry when Anna played her in college. In short, he’d been her older brother. “Of course, Nando. You don’t have to ask. I was surprised, that’s all.”

“Good.” His voice lightened. “What is happening with you and Smoke?”

“What? There is no me and Smoke.” She said bending over the rail, trying to keep their conversation quiet.

“Vee, I knew you were attracted to him at the cabin, and I don’t believe you haven’t made a move.” He laughed at her expense. Heat ran up her face as she glanced toward the sliding door. “How’s his place?”

“Nice.”

“Just nice? The man couldn’t keep his eyes off you and you were no better. I hope this stuff with the pictures is settled soon, so you can see if there’s anything there.” She stared at the phone, a frown marring her brow.

“Are you trying to set us up, like a couple?” She couldn’t believe it, he’d punk’d her.

“Not really and don’t get huffy,” he said placatingly. “I just noticed the chemistry between the two of you and made a suggestion. Since both of you wanted to spend quality time alone with the other, you agreed. Everybody’s happy, right?” He sounded so smug, she wanted to slap him.

“Yeah, everybody’s having a fucking party.” He laughed at her snide comment. She hung up on him. Minutes later, his announcement reverberated through her. She shivered at the bleak prospects of her future. What would she do without Fernando? Did she have the drive to go solo? For years, her work had been her comfort. Nando once told her she used it as a crutch to prevent her from dealing with her hang-ups. Perhaps he was right.

Vianca sat on the balcony overlooking the water, fear of her uncertain future lodged in her throat. It’d been years since she’d been on her own. She’d forgotten the mechanics of running an office, dealing with clientele and people in general. She owned up to the fact she was not a social person. After being semi-self-employed for so many years, she was stumped what to do next. No way would she let on to Nando her uncertainties. He’d finally found someone who made him happy. He deserved it more than anyone she knew. No doubt his father would be upset with his choice. Family get-togethers would be explosive. Chuckling, she could see her short round aunt pulling Fernando down by his ear to talk sense in him.

Wiping the useless tears of self-pity from her face, she turned her face to catch the breeze.

“You okay?” Smoke asked walking forward. Fascinated, she watched his smooth strides, the byplay of the exterior lights on his dark, muscular flesh. Her mouth watered for a taste of him. Instead of answering, she reached for him.

He took her hand, brow raised in question. She licked her lips and folded to her knees touching the tips of his toes. He said nothing, but the change in his breathing let her know he was down for whatever she had in mind. Untying his sweats, she inhaled the masculine fragrance that hadn’t left her since he’d taken her last night. Damn, had it just been last night? Smoke was fast becoming an addiction.

His hand touched the top of her head, encouraging her. Gently, she wrapped her hand around her prize and licked the fat tip; her tongue teased his slit, lapping his tasty cum. Moans escaped her at the delectable juices she received as she took more of him in her mouth. Smoke fisted her hair and pumped slowly in and out, controlling the erotic rhythm. It drove her mad. She loved when he took control. Her hand reached for his waistband, wanting to touch more of him. His hand covered hers, stopping her progress. She vacuum sucked him twice and backed away leaving him heaving for air.

“I want more,” she demanded huskily, her hand on his waistband. He palmed his cock, stuck it back in his pants and leaned down. She expected him to explain his objections, and had a few comebacks prepared. She didn’t expect him to pick her up and carry her inside. After the shock wore off, she laid her head on his chest, smiling at his runaway heartbeat. She purred deep in her throat. Feeling feminine, she nibbled his ear, enjoying the shudder that wracked his body.

“I’ll give you all you want, but it’s not for everybody, just you,” he spoke next to her ear. The bedroom door slammed behind them. He placed her on the bed, backed up and started to strip. Panting like a bitch in heat, she watched as each piece hit the ground until nothing covered his beautiful flesh. Catlike, she crawled across the bed toward him, hand outstretched, needing him. He moved forward, stood at the edge of the bed and looked at her.

“Strip.” She hadn’t realized she was still clothed and pulled her top over her head. “Slow down.” His voice brusque. She glanced at him, the rapid rise of his chest, his clenched jaw and flared nostrils told the story of his state of mind. A thrill zipped through her. What woman wouldn’t be flattered bringing such a specimen to the brink of his control? Searching her memory bank for a slow striptease routine, the best she came up with was a music video she’d seen a few years back. Standing slow, she shimmied her shorts down her long legs and kicked them to the side with flourish, needing to improvise; she slid her bra-strap down on one side, and then the other. His eyes followed her every move, hungry, ready to pounce.

Peeling down the bra cup down put the girls on display; she licked her fingertips and stroked the dusky nipples. His eyes zeroed in on her fingers. Her other hand moved south, he watched the slow descent. Her finger grabbed the top of the elastic and pulled downward. His eyes narrowed on her exposed pussy. One finger rubbed between her lips.

He snapped.

She didn’t see him move. He landed on top of her, snatched her finger and sucked it deep into his mouth before sucking her breasts. The heat was incredible. She moved beneath him trying to make contact with his hard cock. He grabbed her hair, and kissed her into submission. He breathed for them. She quieted under his hand, glorying in the feelings shooting through her body at his touches,

“I want to taste you,” she breathed when he moved from her mouth.

“Not now, later.” He reached down, and tore her panties from her legs. “You’ve been a bad girl, Vee, teasing me like that. I plan to teach you a lesson.” He pulled her legs over his thighs and surged forward. Her mouth opened, no sound escaped as he plunged deep, hard and long inside her pussy. After the initial shock of his fullness, her body joined the party. Pleasure unlike anything she’d experienced unfurled within her. Rising, lifting, her back arched as she tightened. Her toes curled as her release ripped through her. Smoke covered her mouth as she screamed like a banshee. Surely, her heart would gallop out of her chest.

Moments later, her body floated back to reality. Smoke watched her. Jaw clenched. His eyes radiated promise. She shivered. Her womb clenched. Veins protruded from his neck. He held her hips still. Seeing him so primitive, so raw, so close to the edge, brought her to the precipice. Her fingertip trailed between her breasts and teased her nipple. His nostrils flared as he watched. She baited the Lion and knew it. His fingers clenched around her hips. She tightened her vaginal muscles. His eyes closed for a moment. Her hips rotated on his hard cock. He felt so good.

When he opened his eyes, the look he gave her was demonic with intent. Before she could utter a sound, he moved back, flipped her over to her stomach, pulled her up by her waist and resheathed himself. Pulling her up by her hair, she was on her knees in front of him, back to front, his hand on her breast and the other moved to her cunt. The sensation so exquisite she moaned.

“You like teasing me, huh?” he ground out as his fingers played with her clit and the other pulled her nipple. Pleasurable pain sent her reeling. She needed more.

“Please...”she panted.

“Please what?” He brought her close and then backed off. She bucked in frustration, He played her body as if it was an orchestra, and each touch brought forth a different sound, a different need, a different response.

“Please fuck me?” she groaned and tried to move. He held her hips still.

“When I’m ready and not before. You’ve got a few things backwards, Vee.” He bit her ear while bending her forward. “I’m in control here. I control your pleasure, and your pain.” He pulled out of her slightly and smacked each cheek three times. The burn felt so good, she backed into it. Wiggling her hips for more. He read her like a book, knew what she needed and gave it good.

“Awww,” she screamed when he slammed into her. Smoke held her tight stroking her fast and deep. She caught a glance of him in the mirror and trembled at the passion on his face. Arching up, she backed into him as he stroked her spot. Her breath caught. The spiraling sensation grew. Eyes closed, she tried to prolong the feeling.

“Open your eyes,” Smoke demanded through slitted eyes, without slowing. “Remember who fucked you tonight.”

Was he kidding? No one had ever met her needs on so many levels. She’d never forget him or this night. Before she could nod or respond, her body exploded and she froze as her walls milked his cock. He roared and stiffened above her. His body shook and landed on her back taking them both down. he rolled to the side pulling her close. She felt his heart racing through her back, His hand palmed her breast, no doubt getting a read on her pulse.

“Damn, girl.”

“Damn good,” she said closing her eyes.

Chapter 13

Denise sat at the front desk answering questions for a potential client on the telephone when two men walked into the building. Immediately, she pushed the button under her desk alerting Carlos and Joe, who were in the back, that someone suspicious entered the building. She smiled at the men, holding up one finger as she finished her conversation.

Heart racing, she disconnected the call and looked at the polished men who stood in front of her desk. “Good morning. How can I help you?”
Where the hell is everybody
? A smile pasted on her face.

“Yes. I'm told a Bernard Jones works here?”

“Who?” She frowned in concentration. They'd thrown her off guard. She didn't recognize the person. Shaking her head, “no one works here by that name.”

“On your company website, Bernard “Smoke” Jones is one of the owners.” The man stared down at her, the other stood behind him, watching the halls while listening to their conversation.

“Oh, you mean Smoke.” She smiled.
Who the hell were these guys.
“I didn't know his name was Bernard.” She knew, but had forgotten when they asked. “Yes, he's one of the owners.” She looked at each man, committing to memory as much as she could about them. In their black suits, white shirts and black ties they reminded her of the Men in Black. The man in front of the desk reached inside his coat pocket, pulled out a card and handed it to her.

“Would you tell him Special Agent Cross and Special Agent Whiteside are here to speak with him?” Excitement rippled through her as she looked at the cards from the FBI agents. She wondered what exactly they were here to investigate. At that moment, Cherise walked in the front door with her mom, Veronique, followed by Ross, Smoke, Vianca and then Winston.

Denise blinked rapidly.
What the fuck
? Veronique glanced at the men before smiling at her. She waved everyone down the hall and strode to the desk. Denise strove hard to keep the plastic smile on her face.

So it begins.

“Good morning, Gentlemen,” Veronique held out her hand. Each man shook it in turn. “I'm Veronique Walters, attorney for Mr. Jones and Ms. Marino.”

“Special Agent Cross,” the first man said, turning toward Veronique. The other man, who'd been silent, shook her hand. “Special Agent Whiteside. We have some questions for Mr. Jones and Ms. Marino.” He stopped and looked down at Denise. Veronique glanced at her and winked.