Dark Demands - Taken for His Captive Page 3

  Gina looked towards the group and catching the eye of the middle aged man Charlie had pointed out watched as he became more interested and beckoned the pair over.

  It was obvious that Carlotti had recognised Charlie and he smiled a greeting but it was the voluptuous blonde he had on his arm that had his attention as they approached.

  “Come on, we’ll join them,” Charlie insisted pushing her forward.

  Now Gina was really nervous. She rarely felt self conscious but this event was very different. These were top people from large companies and if asked about her own background she didn’t fancy answering any tricky questions about her recent past.

  But Charlie was so intent on joining this group she hadn’t time to argue the point with him. He greeted Planet’s MD like an old friend and then started the introductions.

  “This Dave Smithies, Ben’s right hand man in the States.”

  He was about Carlotti’s age and with a friendly smile he took Gina’s hand and shook it gently.

  “And this is Kyle Hastings, apparently he’s the one to watch, isn’t he Ben?” The group laughed and Carlotti clapped the young man with the attractive tousled, blonde hair on the back.

  “Well I think so,” he praised in a rich Italian accent. “Kyle is going to be my man in the UK,” he confirmed with another round of back slapping.

  Kyle Hastings was clearly embarrassed as Gina was sure she saw his handsome, young face flush slightly. She smiled and shook the hand he offered her noting the firmness of his grasp.

  “Charlie certainly kept you a secret.” Carlotti smiled once it was his turn and then openly leered down her cleavage as he took Gina’s hand. She had to practically prise it away from him as this powerful man held onto it for a little longer than was comfortable.

  “I’m merely an ex business colleague,” she insisted. “And one seeking work, at that,” she smiled.

  Carlotti laughed and seeing this as an invitation swiftly pulled a business card from his jacket pocket and handed it to her. “Give me a call if Charlie doesn’t come up with the goods or even if he does and you fancy something more exciting,” he drawled and winked at her.

  Gina smiled and taking the card thanked him politely. But she knew there and then that there was no way she could accept his offer. This man would be a nightmare to work for. He’d be another male boss who wouldn’t expect to have to keep his hands to himself.

  But before he could take the conversation any further a familiar voice interrupted from behind her.

  “Don’t miss me out,” an attractive Scottish lilt intoned. Neither Charlie nor Gina had noticed the tall dark haired man who’d followed them across the floor. But as he spoke Gina knew immediately who it was and felt her heart skip a beat.

  Matthew Dark, she thought, even more ill at ease now with the way the evening was turning out. What on earth was he doing here?

  “Well if it isn’t the lovely Miss Haddon,” he pre-empted Charlie’s introduction and taking Gina’s hand kissed the back of it lightly.

  As his lips feathered her skin she felt the same sizzle of electricity shoot through her body as she had earlier in his office but this time it was joined by goose bumps prickling her back. What was this? Why this reaction every time he came near her?

  She desperately wanted to snub him, to step back, give him a disinterested look. but she couldn’t. The effect he had on her was too powerful and rooted to the spot all Gina could do was scan him up and down and gasp. He looked gorgeous dressed, as he was, in a beautifully fitted dark suit with a frilled shirt and bow tie. Expensive attire that sat on his tall, broad frame perfectly and he had that familiar smelling cologne he wore emanating from him again.

  “Tell me Gina, are you stalking me?” He questioned seriously, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion as she looked up at him in dazed amazement.

  Those eyes again, those deep, dark unfathomable eyes, they were all she could think of as they held hers fast in their questioning grip.

  Then by way of explanation he added. “This is the second time our paths have crossed today. And given what you wanted from me earlier that can’t just be coincidence? I’m right, aren’t I; you have deliberately come here tonight hoping to see me?”

  Benito Carlotti’s eyes darted from Dark to Gina before settling on the Scotsman with open hostility. He obviously knew Dark and anyone watching these two men would guess from the vibe between them that they disliked each other and would assume that this hostility was down to fighting for customers in the same market. But anyone who knew them both better would know the truth, and know that it had nothing at all to do with business rivalry.

  Gina hurriedly shook her head she needed to gather her wits, and fast. “No of course I’m not stalking you,” she insisted. “And after your shabby behaviour earlier why on earth would I, Mr Dark?” She retaliated, pleased with herself for sounding so convincing. “When I saw you this morning I’d no idea I’d even be here tonight,” she added looking to the others for some support.

  “You’ve got your answer, Dark, so why don’t you do us all a favour and leave the young lady and my friends alone,” Carlotti interrupted annoyed at his sudden appearance and much to Gina’s relief.

  But ignoring him Dark gave her a look that said he plainly didn’t believe her and shaking his head he tried to take her arm, the one that was still clutching Charlie Spence.

  “You bad boys’ still fighting over the ladies,” a female voice interrupted from out of nowhere, a sexy, Italian voice that instantly had the attention of all the men in the group. She smiled a greeting and placed a possessive hand on Charlie’s arm and removed Gina’s from it in the process.

  Gina almost gasped when she saw the statuesque brunette standing beside them. She was heavily made up but quite beautiful and dressed in a figure hugging, very short black dress that displayed her full curves perfectly.

  “Mr Dark,” she smiled seductively at the Scotsman. “Sir,” she smiled again and flitted her long black lashes at him provocatively. “How lovely to see you,” she purred looking at him with an appreciative smile. “You’re such a very naughty man,” she pouted. “You will frighten our guests away,” then she turned and gave Gina a haughty look down her perfect, straight nose and added. “Don’t forget why we’re here, darling. It’s Benito’s birthday, it’s him you should be giving your attention to,” she added looking Gina up and down again. “So please be nice to him, for me,” she pleaded, kissing his cheek and running her hand along his arm.

  “Of course, you’re right, Lisa,” Dark allowed. “Give me half an hour or so and we’ll catch up,” he promised placing a hand around her waist and patting her behind. “You look lovely, as always,” he added softly and kissed her cheek again as she left the group.

  As she went she turned and met Charlie’s eyes for a few seconds then smiled at him, rather like the cat that got the cream, before she minced away in her ultra high heels.

  Gina stared after her with mixed feelings, intrigue because no one had attempted to introduce her and a flash of jealousy because for one heart stopping moment Gina had thought she might be Dark’s date. But whoever she was she obviously knew Dark, Carlotti and Charlie very well. She looked at the Scotsman her face full of questions but he simply took hold of her arm and addressed the others.

  “Excuse us for a few minutes, gentlemen,” he said. “But I need to have a private word with Miss Haddon,” he announced.

  Then gripping her firmly he guided Gina towards the French doors and out onto the terrace, leaving both Carlotti and Charlie thunderous at his interference. But neither of them tried to stop him and simply watched as Gina swept off at his side.

  Having him so close made Gina quiver with nerves. She couldn’t understand why except that he was touching her again and the heat of his hands on her bare skin was having an intoxicating effect on her senses.

  “You’re very rude,” she challenged, trying for some semblance of being in charge of her reactions. “I’m here with a f
riend,” she said, nodding back towards Charlie, “so whatever you want it’ll have to be quick. I’m hoping he’s a prospective employer,” she emphasised, giving him a knowing look and trying to dispel any other ideas he might have. “He was on your list so as you can see I’ve wasted no time.”

  “I wish you luck, Gina he said. “And working with Charlie Spence you’ll certainly need it,” he told her with a wry smile. “He wasn’t your best choice. Surely you saw that I’d crossed him out and for very good reasons.” he whispered. “You must know about his reputation with women,” he warned. “And if you need any proof of his intentions check at reception. Did you know he’s made a reservation for tonight, a double room?”

  No, Gina didn’t but she’d take that one up with Charlie later. She gave him a sarcastic smile back and looked up into his handsome face. “Don’t worry I can take care of myself, Mr Dark.”

  Dark smiled and shook his head. ”Just be very sure, Gina. The man’s a rogue.”

  Gina rolled her eyes at him. “And you are very different, I suppose,” she posed with more sarcasm. “The man who thinks he can write his own employment laws and treat women like second class citizens. Your tactics appal me, Mr Dark. But if you really think he’s that unsuitable you could just reconsider and employ me yourself,” she added. “And of course if you did it would prevent all that nasty business to come with the sex discrimination people.”

  The threat was a bluff but she watched the fleeting look of doubtful amusement cross his face and took a sip of the champagne she was still clutching. It would do no harm to let him think she’d actually done as she’d threatened earlier today.

  “So despite your poor opinion of me and my employment methods you still want that job?” He shrugged and leaned against the terrace wall with his hands in his suit trouser pockets. “I think that after such harsh criticism of my methods you have to be either very desperate or very stupid, Miss Haddon.”

  “I’m neither of those things, Mr Dark,” she shot back at him. How dare he think her stupid, was there no end to this man’s cheek? “Like I’ve said before I need a job and you know I’ve been cheated so I think the very least you owe me is a change of mind.”

  “Are you sure that’s all it is? Are you quite sure that you don’t have an ulterior motive for wanting this job?”

  Gina’s big blue eyes flew to his face searching it for any clue that her cover might be blown, and he knew her true identity, but surely it was too soon.

  “You see despite your protestations I still think your presence here tonight is more than just coincidental. So tell me Gina, what is it you’re really after, is it the job or is it me?”

  Gina’s eyes blazed her answer as she shook her head furiously at him. But nonetheless she had to admit that having him think she fancied him was better than him knowing her true reasons for being here.

  “Delude yourself if it helps, Mr Dark. But you know that job should have been mine today. And I’m here tonight with Charlie because he was kind enough to invite me and anyway from I’ve just witnessed between you and the brunette I’d say you’d already got your hands full.”

  “Worried that Lisa is a rival,” he asked smugly?

  “No, I’m not, because I’m not chasing you and I’m not in the least interested in your love life.”

  Pity,” he smirked again as if enjoying a private joke. “Because my love life, as you call it, is really very interesting indeed.”

  “I need a job, nothing else so get of that pedestal you’ve stuck yourself on and see what’s going on in the real world,” she seethed back ignoring his last comment.

  She was still fighting back, pity, Dark thought still very intrigued by her. But could he push some of those barriers down? She obviously needed the job so that must give him a big advantage, he reasoned. But apart from that he knew she fancied him. He recognised the sparks and knew that so did she.

  “So enlighten me, what is going on the real world, as you put it,” he asked? “But whatever it is I’m sure there’s still room for a talented young woman like you to make her way. Surely it can’t be that difficult for someone with your assets to get yourself another job equally as good as the one I’m offereing,” he put to her. “So tell me, Miss Haddon, what’s this really about, just why are you chasing this particular job and harassing me?”

  “I’m not harassing you, how dare you suggest that,” she fired back. “I’ve already said the fact that I’m here tonight has nothing to do with you so accept it and stop flattering yourself.”

  Dark frowned; she was turning out to be more of a challenge than he’d imagined.

  “I don’t think your attitude is helping. In fact if you want my advice, you are doing this all wrong.”

  “Well I don’t want your advice, Mr Dark, just that job,” she reminded him with a flash of angry blue eyes.

  “Well then, like I said, curb the attitude,” he advised. “Because if I was you I’d behave very differently. I’d take meeting me here as a great opportunity and I wouldn’t waste it by arguing.”

  “And just how would you handle things, go on then tell me, give me the benefit of this great wisdom of yours,” she put to him sarcastically.

  “I’d see it for the lucky break it was and determine not to leave until the deal was done,” he paused. Now he had her attention.

  “I’d go for a softer approach and ditch the confrontation,” he smiled raising those dark brows. “I’d use all my powers of persuasion, perhaps a little flattery but above all I’d try to impress me.”

  “And what if I don’t like the sound of any of that? What if I just stand by my qualifications and experience and tell you you’re making a big mistake, could you still be persuaded to change your mind then?” She queried.

  “No, Miss Haddon I afraid that’s not how it works. If I’m going to change my mind then I want something in return, that’s only fair. Like I said you would have to impress me,” he paused again watching the puzzlement on her face. “And I’m not easily impressed so you could find it difficult. But I’m sure we can work something out, don’t you?”

  He was staring at her again with those mysterious dark eyes. She’d no idea what he was expecting her to say or what he was thinking.

  “I think you’re playing with me, Mr Dark. And I think your suggestions are very questionable and I don’t believe you’ve any intention of offering me the job, not in a million years,” she threw back at him. “You made that quite clear this morning.”

  “But what if I said I’d make an exception in your case?”

  Gina gave him a doubtful look and shook her head.

  “Think about it, think about that job you’ve apparently set your heart on,” he tempted while those chocolate eyes roamed slowly over her body before settling on the deep cut neckline of her gown.

  “OK, go on then, tell me, what exactly would I have to do?”

  “Are you really telling me that a resourceful young woman like you has no idea how to impress me, Miss Haddon?” He asked amused at the bewilderment on her face. “Well perhaps I should have made myself clearer. What is it that most men want from a woman they find attractive and are in a position to wield power over?” He continued.

  He watched her step away from him and stiffen, shock, anger or just sheer embarrassment, he couldn’t tell. But the proposition was plain enough. He wanted her and she wanted that job. A fair trade, Dark thought. Well it might have been if his offer had been genuine. But he was loosing patience now. This little lady was getting to him, her determination to resist, the way she always wanted to broker an argument rather than demur to his will, Dark felt the need so much it hurt. He wanted to take her, take her hard and show her who really had the upper hand and do it in a way she’d not forget.

  “So do we understand one another now?” He asked still watching her. “Because if we do then you need to get started.”

  “What do you mean, get started,” she frowned stepping backwards from him. “What is it you expect me to do
?”

  “I expect you to start impressing me, Miss Haddon,” he told her patiently. “Come here and I’ll explain,” he invited smoothly holding out his hand.

  Gina had no idea what was really going on but she knew that Dark was playing some weird game with her. But what harm could it do if she went along with him for a little while longer, she wondered? There were plenty of people within earshot if things got tricky so when he reached for her and took her arm she let him pull her closer.

  “Good, now lean against the wall,” he instructed twisting her around and pushing her back before taking her face in his two hands.

  “Part those lovely lips and look at me,” he smouldered. “Now I’m going to kiss you and you will kiss me back and you won’t struggle, is that agreed Gina?”

  This was almost like a dream, he was looking at her with those gorgeous eyes and his mouth hovered so very close to her own. What was she supposed to do? Was this real? Gina blinked, but nothing had changed, he hadn’t disappeared in a puff of smoke so this wasn’t a dream, she thrilled. Matthew Dark was going to kiss her. Gina’s insides seemed to dissolve into a sparkly fizz of heady excitement as he came closer. Despite deploring his attitude she couldn’t help feeling the way she did about him. Her body burned with excitement and every nerve end tingled with wild anticipation at what was going to happen next.