Authors: LeTeisha Newton
God must have been looking out for her because the elevator chimed and the door slid open. Still smiling, Tatiana stepped off, walking to her office with her head held high and a switch in her hips. She’d be damned if she’d that little twit ruin her day. They might have been friends before Friday, but now they were competitors and Tatiana wasn’t going to let that woman think she was going to win, even if it was a possibility.
“Stop it,” she hissed at herself. Aaron would slap her silly if he heard her talking like that. She was supposed to think like a winner until she got Clyde right where she wanted him. Thinking she was going to lose to Sharice was not the route to go. She ignored it all. Sitting down at her desk and getting to work was the only thing to do.
She had her head so far into work that by the time Sharice breezed in and out, much quieter than she had been on the elevator, Tatiana hadn’t really heard her. It probably worked in her favor, but she had barely noticed.
Clyde’s schedule was an assistant’s nightmare. The man had anywhere from three to four meetings a day, time permitting, and she had to shift some here and there, depending on priority and what Clyde felt meant more. To add to it, he had trips, presentations, buyers, and merchants to deal with as well.
It also seemed that her office took in his bitchy exes, who all seemed to want to come back to a place of honor with him. If they called her and asked enough questions, they’d get a chance to keep showing up wherever he was. At one time, Tatiana made a game of making several show up to the same philanthropist events. One time, Clyde had returned to work, quite obviously happy about his night with the three women, as he told his VP. That was in Tatiana’s first three months of working. She’d never done it again. Her heart just couldn’t take it.
Now, having had him, her heart was finding it hard to talk to the other women, more so than she’d ever thought. Then she’d gotten a glimpse what she wanted with Clyde, and she had no idea what the reality was. Now she did know, and the thought that she was anything like those women ate at her. She wasn’t going to be like any of them. If she could reach through the phone and choke them all, she would do it. Beat the hell out of them and then sit back and laugh when they cried about their careers being ruined. She would do it for free. Gladly, because she would never be like them.
Chapter Six
Aaron slid through traffic quickly. He loved feeling the power of his 335i around him. So it was an older model. It was his and he loved it. Something about the car spoke to him. The pickup, the sound, the lines, and the rumble, silent yet felt. It was something that always kept his darker spirits. He supposed he couldn’t to be too angry that he had been going to meet his maker just a few short days ago, when it would have happened in his baby.
Of course he was happy that he wasn’t going to die just yet. He wasn’t ready and he knew it. It was why he was on his way to Mansil Enterprises. If he knew his charge as well as he thought he did, he was sure that she hadn’t completely followed his advice. As such, he was going to go into that building and check on her. Lunchtime was a good time.
Once inside he took the elevator up to the thirtieth floor. The designers had done well. Industrial lighting warmed the modern space. Once he left the elevator, his custom loafers stepped on rust-colored carpet, which was plush and thick. The automated, three-panel glass doors slid open with a
whoosh
and the receptionist area was a study in golden neutrals. Beige seats, accented by dark wood tables, were intimate and inviting.
Everything together created a calm environment before traveling through to where one could very well lose their company after a meeting. It was a smart, calculating move. One that Aaron couldn’t help but admire. Clyde was a corporate raider at the end of the day.
Aaron’s own store was designed to inspire fantasy. The windows were darkened to make someone feel like they were going into another world. Once inside, the startling white walls, blocked ceiling, and floors made Aaron think of Cinderella’s castle, complete with strategic placements of mock towers, the color inside all came from the items in the store. They were the focus. They were the important part. Mirrors lining the back wall allowed his clients to model what they tried on as often as they wanted.
Aaron understood designing for a reason.
A smartly dressed blonde looked up at him with a broad smile on her face. He watched her catalog his Z Zegna suit, Thomas Pink tie, and manicured appearance. He knew he looked like money, and as Aaron, a wealthy man who was up for grabs. He’d worked hard to get where he was. As sole proprietor of The Fairy Drag Mother, both online and in store, he’d made good money with little time for much else. Selling to some of the most famous drag queens of the world—who he refused to name, bad for business—he was well off.
Many people couldn’t imagine having that kind of money, but he could. He understood men like Clyde. Knew how they worked and who they rubbed elbows with. He was no millionaire, but he was pretty damn close. Give him a couple more years and he would be. Of that, he had no doubt. Until then, he knew how to make it
look
like he was, and, if the pretty little thing in front of him was anything to go by, he was doing a good job.
“Welcome to Mansil Enterprises. Can I help you?”
“Yes, actually,” Aaron began, leaning over the counter. “Mrs.…”
“
Miss
Sharice Duboir. Very nice to meet you,” she added, lifting her hand for him to shake. He took it in his, kissing the top softly and bowing over it before standing back up.
“Well.
Miss
Duboir, is Tatiana Henderson available?”
“Tatiana?” Sharice said a quizzical look on her face. Aaron wondered if Tatiana played the wallflower at all times. If so, he would have to fix that. Things weren’t going to work like that anymore.
“Yes. Tatiana. You know. Beautiful, smart, and one-of-a-kind?”
“Well, yes. I am her assistant. She is on a conference call right now, would you take a seat?”
“Never you mind, I see her coming this way now,” Aaron finished, seeing Tatiana’s lithe form come around the corner. That the little twit at the front lied to him was evident. Her answering red blush served to make him want to give her a little payback. When Tatiana didn’t think anyone was watching she walked with her head held high, shoulders back, hips swaying in a way that said ‘I’m here. Look at me.’ It was when she got in front of people whose opinion mattered to her that, for some reason, she lost it.
“Aaron,” she started when she saw him. Before she could say something that would ruin his payback plan, he pulled her into his arms for a fierce hug and kissed her lightly on the lips, gripping her chin when she went to turn away.
“What the—”
“Let’s go somewhere we can…talk,” he said to her. She frowned at him but turned to lead him away.
“Sharice, hold my calls until Aaron leaves, thank you.” Aaron almost cheered for her. Unknowingly she’d help his little play. He could swear he heard grinding teeth behind them as they left the front and slid into Tatiana’s office. Her design mirrored the front room.
“What was that, Aaron?” she asked immediately after she closed the door.
“Who is this Sharice?”
“She’s my assistant. She was working as a receptionist before until she was promoted to working for me. She enjoys the front area, though, so we left her up there. No use paying for a second body that is not needed. You didn’t answer my question.”
“She’s a little guy crazy, huh?”
“Yes, she can be. Just this morning I found that Clyde was definitely on her menu. She wanted to know how he was. She heard us in the office.”
“The bitch.”
“Took the words right out my mouth.”
“Well, my intention was to make her a little jealous since she seemed to be looking at me as possible material. Now that you tell me that, well, the second part of my reasoning is even better now.”
“Okay. What’s the second part?”
“She wants Clyde. Guaranteed she’ll be talking about my entrance. A little jealousy goes a long way.”
“What if it backfires?”
“It won’t. Just trust me, okay. A man never wants to think a woman just moved away from them when
they
aren’t ready. Even if he was ready to go somewhere, he won’t be now.”
“I’ll take your word for it. So,” she said then, sitting back on her desk in front of him and crossing her feet at the ankles, “what are you doing here, Aaron?”
“I came to see how my little charge was doing on her mission.”
“Well, you’ve wasted your time.”
“How so?”
“The target isn’t here. He went on a ‘vacation’ Friday after I left him and hasn’t come into the office yet. All your work has been for nothing, as of yet.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I am not sure where he is. I’ve had to readjust his meetings with his VP and catch up on a ton of paperwork. I’d ask you to lunch, but I don’t think I’ll be able to leave anytime soon. I’m sorry you came all the way out here.”
“No worries. I think my visit was still able to accomplish some things. Besides, there’s a nice little place I need to go check on. The FBar is big out here, and I have to go check on some of the girls.”
“I’ve heard of it, never gone.”
“You should. We just may make it a date. I won’t keep you. I just wanted to check in. Go ahead and get back to work. Tonight we will have to plan your outfit for tomorrow. You must always be ready.”
“Thanks, Aaron. I’ll see you later.” The door opening stopped his reply.
“Are you here to see me?”
Aaron had never heard that type of near growl from a man’s lips before. And what a sexy set of lips they were. Said bombshell was standing in the doorway, eyes like ice, and focused right on him. Aaron stood to his full height in the face of Clyde’s six-foot-plus frame. He could fairly see the man bristling before his eyes. Damn, the man was sex on wheels.
“
He’s not yours, Aaron.”
“Well, duh, Tinkerbelle. I can still look.”
“Hello, my name is Aaron. It’s nice to meet you,” he stated, reaching out to shake Clyde’s hand. After a moment, Clyde returned the grasped, nearly painfully. Aaron swallowed a whimper.
“Clyde Mansil. Are you here to see me?” he asked again. Aaron was sure that Clyde knew that he wasn’t here to see him. He didn’t doubt that little Miss Hot Pants had told him he was here to see Tatiana. Jealousy was a wondrous thing. But, hey, two could play that game.
“Yes, actually. I do need to speak with you. Tatiana,” he turned and said then, “I’ll see you at home tonight.” That last barb tossed, he followed a silent Clyde out of the office.
Clyde spoke not a word as he motioned for Aaron to come in and closed the door behind him. His room was about power. Not softness or warmth. He hadn’t gone for intimacy. He’d gone for “I rule the world.” It was darker. A palette of black, slate, and chrome surrounded him. The black walls were accented with chrome squares. His large view windows brought in much needed light. The desk, chairs, and wood treatments were also black. A slate carpet brought the focus to Clyde’s large, high-back chair behind the mountain of a desk.
“What are you to Tatiana?” Aaron asked, sitting in a seat and not bothering to turn and look at Clyde. Clyde came around the desk and sat in his own chair.
“Ask her.”
“I have. She’s says you are nothing but her boss, and, at times, her friend. I want to know if there is something more.”
“Who are you to ask?”
“Someone important.” Oh Aaron loved this.
“Important? Never heard of you.”
“Just means you’re not important. That’s all I needed to know. You have a good day.” Aaron stood and then moved to leave.
Five, four, three, two…
“You know I had her right against that door you’re staring at, crying out to me. I took her on the carpet right under your feet. I am more important than you think. Frankly I am the only thing important from here on out. When you walk out that door, you walk out of her life. Period.”
Bingo!
“Bravo.” Aaron laughed, clapping uproariously. “Bravo, bravo, bravo. I see that Tatiana hasn’t found a weak man. For that, I am glad.”
“Excuse me?”
“I am her friend. That is all. Most times she calls me Coco,” Aaron finished, tossing Clyde a look and blowing him a kiss.
“You’re…”
“Yes. She has the completely wrong equipment for me but that is neither here nor there. I’m here to help you.”
“How exactly are you supposed to do that?”
“You want that woman. Don’t give me the I-don’t-care act. I’m not buying. If you want her, I can help you.”
“I don’t need your help. I have been doing quite well, as I’m sure you know.”
“Are you sure about that?” Aaron asked, lifting one brow. He saw a muscle tick in Clyde’s jaw, another growl permeating the room. Aaron shuddered, wondering what the hell it was.
“Do you hear that?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Clyde said dismissivey, tossing his hand. “And as far as T is concerned, yes I am sure.”
“I wouldn’t be, if I were you. Let me help you, or you won’t get what you want.”
“What makes you think I haven’t already gotten exactly what I wanted? I’ve had her.”
“And I bet you can still taste her on your tongue. Can still feel her in your hands. Too bad. You don’t act right and someone else is going to take your place very soon.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Do you want my help or not?”
“I’ll pass.”
“Then she will too and you’re probably too late anyway. Leaving on your little vacation was most likely the right move.” Aaron didn’t wait to hear Clyde’s answer. He could only plant so much. The both of them were bullheaded. Tatiana needed to get on the ball, and Clyde needed to leave his need to be free alone. If neither did, this would never work. Failure was not an option for Aaron. His very eternity was in the balance and he wasn’t going to let it happen. Not like this.
Hopefully, his conversation would make someone to make a move. He really didn’t care who.