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  I give him a non-committal shrug and down a shot before answering. "And what if I say yes? I saw you here the other night with three women following after you like baby ducks. What would you want with little ole me?"

  He pours me another shot and leans in close. I avoid flinching. "You're the best looking woman in this club by a million. Plus, you're not afraid of me or trying to manipulate me."

  "And…" I quickly down another shot, covering the blush I can feel spreading across my face. "I can hold my tequila. I'd say you've met your perfect woman."

  At that, he throws his head back and laughs loud and long. Before I can capitalize on this, though, two of his men walk up. One gives me a nasty look. The other scans me head to toe and grins widely.

  "Time to go, boss. We have that thing." Another ugly look when he's done speaking.

  "Right. I'm sorry, gorgeous, but I have a private party to attend now."

  I manage a pout that I hope passes for sexy. "What a shame. I was enjoying our drowning of your sorrows."

  "Another night? I'd love to see you again."

  "I'll be here tomorrow night if you're around."

  He takes my hand and kisses it. "I'll make sure I am."

  #

  I follow the group outside at a discreet distance. There are so many other people milling around that they don't see me at all. Besides, Eduardo is at the front of the group, so he wouldn't notice me anyway.

  All of them pile into a limousine, and the driver shuts the door. I turn, looking for a cab, but don't see one. I scan both sides of the street and finally spot another cab. I try to flag it down, but someone swoops in before I can reach it. The cab takes off.

  Frustrated, I whirl around and slam right into someone's chest.

  "I'm so sorry, I—"

  I look up. Not someone’s chest. Xavier's chest.

  He's holding my arms to steady me and looking down at me with those intense eyes.

  "What are you doing here?" I blurt.

  "I'm guessing the same as you." He releases my arms but lets his hands linger there as his eyes wander from my neck to my toes and then back up again. I can feel my body tingling under his intense gaze. "Excuse me for staring,” he says. “I haven't seen you out of uniform yet."

  The way he says it sounds like a promise of things to come. I shiver despite the hot night outside.

  "Come inside. Let's have a drink." He gives me a flirty smile, and I want to drop the whole act and walk inside with him. And then follow him back to his lush hotel suite, and see what’s in the promise of that smile. But I have to follow the limo.

  Instead, I say, "I can't, Xavier. I need to catch a cab. Catch up to my friends who just left." I look around him but don't see any on the street.

  Before I can say anything else, he whistles and gestures to someone with his hand. Not ten seconds later, a cab pulls up directly in front of us.

  He opens the door for me, and I get in.

  "Nicole, next time I’m not letting you leave." He smiles.

  I can’t help but smile back. I can’t believe I have the strength to leave him behind. But I have to find out what happened to my brother, and this seems like my best lead yet.

  I shut the door and leave him standing on the street, regret burning in my chest.

  "Please follow that white limousine up ahead. I don't know the address where we're going and my cell phone died." The lie slips easily off of my tongue. I wonder if I'm just getting better at it or if it's in my blood. Maybe Eli and I had more in common than I thought.

  After a few minutes, I can't see the limousine anymore. Apparently neither can the cab driver.

  "Ma'am, I didn't see where they went after that last light. Did you happen to?"

  I shake my head. "Never mind. Just head toward North Beach. I'll give you directions when we're close."

  Tears sting my eyes, but I bite down hard on my lip and blink them away. I was so close tonight. I forced myself to keep my cool and did everything exactly right, including turning down a drink with Xavier, but in the end all I managed to do was lose my lead and end up on a cold trail. What am I even doing? Though I hate to admit it to myself, I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever find out what really happened to Eli. Maybe this was all a big mistake. Maybe all I’ll ever find is dead ends.

  But I refuse to give up. Not until I have my answers.

  Chapter Five

  Sunday rolls around and it's back to work. But Chad calls out sick, so everyone's in a laid back mood. Hailey told me Sundays were the slowest day of the week, and it makes sense. Once everyone checks out, there's not much for anyone to do except for housekeeping. Some of the drivers are teaching the girls to play poker while Carmen makes us a feast for later.

  I volunteer to take any food deliveries since I need to keep myself busy. Eduardo and his group didn't show up to the club Saturday night¸ so I have no new information. All day I've been trying to figure out a way to get close to Eduardo, but besides hanging out at the club, I haven't come up with anything brilliant.

  Carmen lets me know I have a delivery, and I leave the poker game to pick up my tray. "Where am I going this time, Carmen?"

  She grins and winks at me. "You don't need directions for this one."

  Great. Xavier. I have no idea what to even say to him.

  Carmen must read the worry in my silence. "He asked for you specifically. You must have made an impression."

  I'm not sure that's a good thing. "He's nice. We talked about art when I was there last."

  She just nods and gives me a knowing look. "Don't worry about hurrying back. You're due for a lunch break anyway." Then she hands me two large picnic baskets. One of them is cool to the touch. Something in ice.

  Now that I know my way around a bit, I can take the carts if I want instead of waiting for a driver. Besides, they're all so busy with their poker game— and flirting with the girls— that I'm not sure any of them would want to take me anyway.

  When I get to Xavier's bungalow, there's a note on the door to come in and head out to the pool. My heart races as I tuck the note away, but I keep my chin up and steel myself as I walk toward the French doors that face the back.

  Each bungalow has its own private lap pool and spa. The area is landscaped to be thick with tropical plants and give the guests the feeling they're alone on an island, and with foliage so dense it forms a privacy fence, they essentially are. Guests can pretty much do anything they like in the pool area without worry that people in the neighboring villas will see. I'm acutely aware of this as I realize that Xavier is swimming laps in the pool alone, and that he's ordered a meal for two.

  He notices me when he comes up for air, and a big smile spreads across his face. "I was hoping you had a shift today."

  "Really? And why is that?" I can’t help the flirty tone that creeps into my voice. Keeping myself in check, I begin to unpack the picnic baskets on the poolside table and wonder if this lunch is meant for me.

  I hear him get out of the pool and the slap of his wet feet on the concrete. "I thought it would be nice to have lunch together."

  "Do you often have lunch with the help?" The words come out more harshly than I intended, but I don't regret them. Lobster and champagne aren't going to make me become one of his Fisher Island conquests.

  "Uh, no, I…" His voice trails off.

  I turn to him and see a closed expression on his face, his brows drawn together. He seems legitimately upset by what I said. It's the only thing that keeps me from staring at his bare chest again.

  "Look, I'm sorry, Xavier. That didn't come out right." I take in and let out a deep breath. "I've had some…family issues over the last few days. It's got me on edge."

  "No, I get it. You probably see me and think all kinds of terrible things. But I can honestly tell you that the only person I've ever had lunch with was the person who runs this place, and he's not exactly my type."

  I can't help but laugh with him. He resumes drying off, and I go back to setting out the meal. I
n addition to perfectly steamed lobster with butter and lemon, there are roasted red potatoes and French green beans, a citrus arugula salad, crusty rolls, and a thick slice of dark chocolate layer cake for dessert. In the cold basket is a bottle of champagne that probably costs as much as a pair of designer heels, and two bottles of mineral water, one regular and one sparkling. I glance at Xavier, who seems to be awaiting my approval. I smile and nod, taking in a majestic view of his body while I’m at it. My mouth is watering, and it’s not just from the food.

  Xavier pads over to the table. He's put on one of the soft robes with the hotel crest over the heart. It's hard not to think about him wearing nothing but swim trunks underneath.

  "So, will you make me the happiest man on Fisher Island and have lunch with me?"

  "How could a girl resist a proposal like that?"

  #

  It's hard at first to relax and enjoy the meal and the company. I keep thinking about how I should stay on task. Xavier is not part of my mission.

  But the temperature is perfect, the sky is full of puffy, white clouds, and the food is absolutely superb. And honestly, I haven’t been able to really let go and enjoy myself since Eli died. I need to start living again and this seems like the best time of any. And since it's such a laid back work day, I even agree to some champagne.

  "Did you catch up to your friends the other night when you left me broken-hearted on the side of the road?" He sighs deeply and then grins, unable to hold his pout. Again, I can't help but laugh. He's making it very difficult to stay away from him and completely taking me away from the sad thoughts that usually overwhelm me during quiet moments.

  "Unfortunately no. I ended up going home." I spear a piece of potato and pause with my fork in the air. "I'm sure you found someone to ease your poor little heart. There were plenty of gorgeous women at the club Friday."

  "I actually went home as well." At my raised eyebrow he adds, "Alone."

  "But weren't you just getting there when I ran into you?"

  "Yes, but I missed the people I was planning to meet up with. I didn't feel like tracking them down somewhere else."

  He picks up a piece of lobster with his fingers and dips it in the melted butter. As he brings it to his lips, he glances at me and doesn't look away until after he licks his fingers.

  I mentally shake off the image and go back to my food.

  "It wouldn't have been a fun night anyway," he shrugs.

  "Oh? Why's that?" I take a sip of champagne and fight hard to swallow it when he responds.

  "I put the only woman I wanted to spend time with into a cab."

  I'm not sure how to respond to that. My ability to banter with him apparently only goes so far.

  He fills the silence for me. "I didn't picture you as a party girl."

  "Well, there are a lot of things you don't know about me." I don't necessarily mean it as flirty, but I'm pleased to see my brain has switched back on. I have to stay sharp to match his confident charm.

  "Very true. I'd like to know more. Like what you like to do when you're not working or hanging out at Ultra."

  "Is there somewhere else I should hang out?"

  "You could always hang out here."

  I smirk. "This place is so gorgeous, I just might take you up on that."

  "Ouch!" He fakes being stabbed in the heart. "You only like me for my villa? That stings, Nicole."

  "Well, it is a pretty amazing villa." I lean back in the chair and sigh. "I can't imagine living like this all the time. It’s magical. You must work a lot." The implications of what I just said suddenly hit me, but instead of calling me out on my rudeness, Xavier answers my question.

  "I do work hard, but the perks are worth it."

  "I never even asked. What business are you in?"

  “I’m an investor.” He takes a sip of champagne before responding. "I worked my way up from nothing, and I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but now I have secure investments in a lot of different companies.”

  “Sounds like you’re sitting pretty, then,” I say.

  “I don’t know if I’d say that,” Xavier shrugs. “The truth is, it’s a tough job with a lot of long hours, and it’s not always fun, so I like to take some time out to enjoy the benefits of that hard work as a reminder of why I do what I do."

  His eyes are far away now. I wonder if he’s lonely, if he’d like to be less lonely, but I quickly banish the thought before my brain goes to all the wrong places. He might like me, but that doesn’t mean he wants to be with me.

  "Speaking of that, I should let you get back to enjoying your perks." I stand up and start to put the dishes in the baskets. "I'll have someone come get this shortly."

  "You should stay. Have a swim with me."

  I smile at him. "Sounds nice, but I have to get back to work."

  "Carmen told me you could stay. Said she's your boss today since everyone's out."

  Carmen's going to get an earful when I get back to the kitchen.

  "She told you that, huh? She should have planned better and brought me a bathing suit to work."

  "Who needs a suit?" He grins.

  I laugh uncomfortably. "Sorry, I won't consider skinny dipping until at least the fourth date."

  "So this was a date?"

  My skin flushes, and he laughs. "You're very sexy when you blush, Nicole."

  "Says the man who always seems to be half-dressed when I see him."

  "If you'd rather, I can be undressed when I see you next."

  The perfect temperature outside isn't doing anything to keep me cool.

  "Okay, lover boy. Let's table this discussion until a moment when I'm not having to go back to work with a bunch of gossips."

  "You're no fun." He grins. "But we are picking up where we left off next time."

  I wave him off and nod. "If you don’t mind, I'm going to borrow your washroom to freshen up before I go back to work."

  "Of course. I'll be here, enjoying the perks. Sad that you're not with me."

  When I get into the bathroom, I slide down onto the travertine tiles. My body is one giant nerve, waiting for release, but I'm not about to give it what it wants here. The temptation would be too great to call him into the room.

  The cool temperature of the floor seeps into my skin, and eventually I start to feel somewhat approaching normal. I haven't been affected this much by a man this soon before. He's like a drug that I know I shouldn't taste, but I can't help but want. And he’s made no secret of the fact that he wants me too. But there is no way he doesn’t have a girl in every city and I don’t want to be just another one in a long line.

  I’m fighting it as much as I can, but I don’t know how long I can hold back.

  #

  Xavier is on the phone when I open the bathroom door. As I walk into the living room, he looks up at me quickly and then turns away.

  "I said I'll deal with it. I always do, and you know that." He hangs up and throws the phone onto the couch. I try to diffuse his frustration with a smile.

  "I'm going to head back, but thank you for lunch."

  He doesn't respond, just keeps his back turned. I watch his shoulders move as he breathes shallow, angry breaths.

  Xavier is standing between me and the front door, so I move past him. If I turn around and look at him right now, I know I won't be able to force myself to leave.

  But he takes care of it for me. He takes my arm and pulls me to face him. We lock eyes and he quickly walks me backwards until I hit the wall. His body slams into me as he goes for my mouth.

  The kiss is hot, his tongue playing aggressively with mine. His hands grip my sides, and I link mine around his neck, burying them in his thick, dark hair. I pull him closer to me. I need him to kiss me like I need oxygen. Deeper, harder.

  My body throbs. When he starts kissing and nibbling a trail along my neck, it's almost too much. Then he undoes the top two buttons on my shirt.

  In a second, my bra is pushed down and he pulls one nipple into his mouth,
licking and sucking on it, his teeth grazing it and sending electric shocks straight to my clit. I let out a moan, and feel him grow hard against me. I gently graze the back of his neck with my nails as he sucks softly.

  "You like that? I've been thinking about these gorgeous breasts all day. While you were setting the table, I imagined coming up behind you and grabbing them. Would you have liked that?"

  "Yes," I whisper.

  "Do you know what else I imagined?”

  He doesn’t wait for me to answer, but takes my moans of pleasure as invitation enough. He pushes himself closer to me, his tongue hot and wet on my nipples, and every bit of contact pushes me farther over the edge.

  I'm panting for breath, so overcome with aching need for more of him. I've completely forgotten why this is a bad idea. I don't care. I just know that I have to have him.

  He takes his hand and gently runs his palm over my ass as his tongue and teeth nip my neck. My nipple is still peeking through the top of my shirt, and he takes his other hand and pinches it, reminding me that I am exposed.

  He makes quick work of the buttons on my shirt, opens it up, and unhooks my bra. He leans over me and resumes kissing, sucking, and lightly biting my tits. The cool air and his mouth on them has my nipples so hard and swollen that they're almost painful. But when he tweaks them and then pinches them softly, I make noises I didn't know I could make. I start to mewl and purr like a kitten as he ravages my chest with his mouth.

  I love the feel of his tongue on me, the skin of his back as I hold him to me. I need more, and I can't stand it.

  "Please." The ache in my voice matches the ache in my body.

  "Please what?” His eyes are dark with lust.

  I swallow hard, my throat gone dry. “I want…” But I can’t say it.

  “You want me to fuck you?" he growls.

  "God, yes."

  Without warning, he picks me up, and I wrap my legs around his hips, pulling his erection right against my throbbing clit, only thin layers of fabric separating us. My body starts to spasm, but stops when he sets me down on the edge of a table and the connection is broken. I moan my displeasure and arch my back to try to connect again. But he has other plans.