Chapter 1
Skylar Dupree wasn’t the risk-taking type, but neither was she the type of woman to falter once she’d made up her mind. The only other time in her twenty-six years she dared do anything remotely defying tradition was leaving law school. Yet that had been more for self-preservation. Her parents were pragmatic; she tended to be more easygoing and laid-back.
Skylar paused on the curved stone staircase of the thirty-five-room castle. Easygoing wasn’t going to cut it this time, not if she wanted to grab Rio’s attention.
Just the thought sent her heart rate skittering out of control. Rio could look straight through you with hard, unblinking black eyes. He exuded danger. Nothing seemed to bother him. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d seen him smile, and those times had been when he was with his closest friends, Blade and Shane. As far as Skylar knew, he’d never bestowed upon anyone else a smile, let alone his laughter.
The task she’d chosen for herself was scary. Since Shane’s marriage, Rio was head of security for Blade’s business as well as Blade’s personal bodyguard. Even Rio’s security team had a healthy fear of the man reported to be deadlier than a viper, and just as stealthy. She’d heard one of his men refer to him as “smoke” because of his elusiveness.
Skylar had flown in that Sunday afternoon from Navarone Resorts and Spas’s headquarters to go over the final preparations for a charity auction and ball to benefit the Music Department of St. John’s College, where Mrs. Grayson was chair. The auction was two weeks away. The big draw to get the right people to come was that the auction would be held in Navarone Castle, near Santa Fe, a place heretofore off limits to anyone but close family and friends.
Much had been speculated about the home of the billionaire, which had a real moat, a working drawbridge, a helipad, and a lake. Sierra, Blade’s wife, might have owned the castle before her marriage, but Blade ensured their privacy by buying up all the surrounding property within fifty miles. You might get on the property, but with its constant patrols, you were quickly escorted off, which gave Navarone Castle even more of an air of mystique.
Continuing down the stairs with her iPad clutched to her chest, Skylar stepped into the comfortable great room. Sitting in sky-blue leather chairs and love seats were Blade, Sierra, and her mother on one side. On the other were Shane and his wife, Paige. Rio, arms folded, standing by the immense stone fireplace, glanced up. Her heart did a fast jitterbug.
Rio looked incredibly handsome in a long-sleeved white shirt with the cuffs rolled back to show strong wrists. He had a silver watch on one arm and a wide silver band on the other. His jeans delineated the long, sleek muscles of his thighs and made Skylar’s mouth dry.
In Tucson he’d always worn tailored clothes, the same as Blade. Here, Rio was more casual. The curly black hair she’d dreamed of running her fingers through was held at the base of his neck with a silver clip. His bronzed, hard body was honed to perfection.
There was nothing in his midnight-black eyes that indicated he desired or felt anything at all for her. Skylar stared back at the flat eyes that seemed to see right through her and stiffened her spine.
One day he’d look at her with desire.
“Hi, Skylar.” Sierra rose from her seat and went to greet Skylar. “I’m sorry we weren’t here to meet you.”
“That’s all right.” Skylar smiled. She and Sierra had hit it off immediately. “I enjoyed looking around the castle again. You have a beautiful home.”
“Thanks.” Sierra glanced back at Blade. “We like it.”
Skylar’s smile increased. One place she’d bet was off limits was the grotto downstairs that was Sierra and Blade’s secret place.
“Please have a seat.” Sierra took the other woman’s arm. “Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you.” Skylar greeted everyone as she took a leather chair. Everyone spoke. Rio nodded.
“Is everything going as planned?” Ruth asked.
Skylar knew Ruth could have asked that question earlier, but hadn’t. Mrs. Grayson also didn’t let on she’d seen or talked with Skylar before. She smiled her thanks.
“Yes, Mrs. Grayson. In fact, we’re ahead of schedule. As planned, the auction will be by invitation only. Thanks to Lance’s help, a printed color catalog with the starting bid for each item has already been sent out.”
“Good thing,” Sierra interjected. “Because he and Fallon are off on their honeymoon.”
“Still discussing if she’ll be able to go scuba diving due to her pregnancy.” Blade glanced at Sierra. “She’s almost as strong-willed as another woman I know.”
“Aren’t you and Lance the lucky ones?” Sierra grinned and kissed Blade on the cheek.
Skylar cut a sideways glance at Rio. His arms remained crossed, his gaze somewhere over her head. He wasn’t going to make this easy. Back to the business at hand.
“I personally called everyone to ensure they received the catalog and still plan to attend.” Skylar pulled out the guest list and stood to give it to Rio. “This week, four of the invitees asked if they could bring a guest. It was to be expected that some would ignore the one-month time limit to invite a guest. I know you’d want to check the people out before I committed.”
He crossed to her in his effortless stride that reminded her of a stalking cat. Long, lean fingers took the list without looking at it. “Thank you.” His voice held no inflection.
Trying not to sigh, Skylar retook her seat. She needn’t have bothered wearing a tangerine-colored dress that complemented her complexion and hazel eyes. However, she wasn’t giving up.
“The items will be arriving by special courier or delivery service starting Tuesday. I’ll be here to check and sign them in. I’ll return each day until we have all the items in place,” Skylar told them. “We’ve already selected the room where they’ll be displayed.”
“That’s too much trouble,” Sierra said. “It would be easier and make more sense if you stay here.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Blade said.
“I couldn’t,” Skylar said, surprised by the invitation. While they were planning the auction, she’d always flown in and out of Santa Fe.
“We have plenty of guest rooms.” Sierra leaned against Blade. His arm immediately circled her slim shoulders. “We’re leaving for a new Navarone property in the morning; you’re welcome to stay here.”
Skylar didn’t know what to say. She was very aware that a lot of trust had gone into the invitation. If Rio stayed, she might run into him more. The thought had no more than materialized when she discarded it. She was not going to impose on Blade and Sierra’s kindness to go after Rio.
“It won’t be any trouble,” Skylar finally said. “I don’t mind the trip.”
“We won’t take no for an answer,” Blade told her.
“You’re staying and that’s final,” Sierra said firmly as if the matter was settled.
“Please.” Ruth leaned forward in her seat. “What you’re doing is to help my Music Department. We’ll benefit from your hard work. I’ll always be thankful. You could have passed when I asked if you had any ideas on how to raise funds. You didn’t. You even offered to take vacation time to help.”
“I appreciated the professionalism, but as I said then when you mentioned what you would be doing, using your vacation time won’t be necessary,” Blade said, his gaze direct.
Sierra patted his knee. “He’s even gotten over being a little miffed that you thought you had to ask. He forgot all men are not as wonderful as he is.”
Blade smiled at his wife, then Skylar, and she breathed a bit easier. She well remembered the harsh look on his face that day in his office. She hoped never again to see it directed at her and remained silent.
“Stay,” Blade said. “It would make up for my poor behavior.”
Blade wasn’t above apologizing. He just seldom had to. Shane had a grin on his face as he held Paige’s hand. No one had to tell Skylar that Blade’s love for Sierra and hers for her mother were the reasons behind the apology.
Skylar recalled Ruth’s words, No man should walk alone. Her gaze went to Ruth again as she wondered if she was trying to give Skylar a gentle push in Rio’s direction.
But as Blade’s bodyguard, he went with him everywhere or was at least nearby. Was he staying this time? She had her answer seconds later.
“To ensure the auction pieces remain safe, Rio is staying,” Blade told her.
“I should be going with you.” Rio unfolded his arms, his attention on Blade and Sierra.
Sierra lifted both hands in a fighter’s stance. “Don’t worry, Rio. I promise to take down anyone who looks suspicious.”
Shane was the only one who laughed. He ignored his wife’s nudge.
“You checked out the island; the men there were trained by you or Shane. You and Shane made sure my name is buried so no one outside the company knows we own the property,” Blade reminded him. “From the vantage point on the island you can see a boat miles away. We’ll be safe.”
“That’s why I should be there—to make sure.”
“I want you here.” Blade rose to his feet and went to Rio. “This is important to Mrs. Grayson. There’s some valuable merchandise coming. I trust you to ensure it’s kept safe.”
Rio remained silent. Skylar’s eyes and everyone else’s were on Rio and Blade. No one, absolutely no one—outside of Sierra—went against Blade’s orders. She sensed Rio might be the second. Protecting Blade and Sierra was more than a job to him.
Shane went to the two men. “I’ll fly down with them and check it out.”
Rio’s gaze slowly tracked to Shane’s and stayed there for a long moment before returning to Blade. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll begin checking on the list.”
Skylar blew out a breath as Rio’s long strides took him from the room and up the stairs to the command center on the second floor of the castle’s front wing.
“You shouldn’t tease him,” Ruth said to Sierra.
“Who said I was teasing?” Sierra lifted innocent eyes to her mother.
Ruth shook her head once, then stood and pulled a set of keys from the pocket of her denim skirt. “Come on, Skylar. I’ll drive you to your hotel to get your things.”
Sierra stood, her arm going around her mother’s waist. “Since I’ve seen how Skylar packs, I’ll send a driver with the SUV.”
Ruth smiled at Sierra, then Skylar. “She likes clothes as much as you do.”
“You never know what you might need.” Sierra spoke to Skylar. “We’ll wait dinner for you.”
Skylar smiled. Sierra and her mother weren’t taking no for an answer. “I graciously accept. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
* * *
In less than fifteen minutes Skylar had checked out of the Casa de Serenidad Hotel. Thank goodness she had been so anxious to get to the castle that she hadn’t begun to unpack. Outside, she climbed into the SUV, and they headed back to Navarone Castle.
Skylar wasn’t the impatient type, but she was anxious to get back. She wondered if Rio ate with his men or Blade and Sierra. Everyone had someone, except him. But he didn’t seem to need anyone. He certainly wasn’t afraid to speak his mind—to anyone.
“Back again,” the driver said, startling Skylar out of her deep thoughts.
“Thank you.” She got out of the vehicle and walked to the back. She almost winced at the amount of luggage being unloaded. Besides the large trunk, she’d brought five large suitcases. It had taken her weeks to decide what to wear in the hope that Rio would stop looking through her and be just a little bit interested. With him staying and checking in the merchandise with her daily, it might just happen.
“Mrs. Navarone instructed me where to place your luggage. Please, go on in.”
“Thank you again, Jefferson.” Skylar picked up her overnight kit.
“I can take that as well.” The driver closed the back. “Don’t worry, Eli is sending someone to help. Besides, we’re both used to helping Mrs. Navarone load and unload for trips.”
Skylar placed the case on the stone driveway and laughed. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”
The driver tipped his hat. “No problem.”
Skylar went up the steps and rang the doorbell. There was a key pad for a code, but she didn’t know it.
The door opened. Eli Patterson, the house manager, stood there in his black suit, freshly starched white shirt, and shiny leather shoes. Of medium height, he had a lined, fatherly face and a balding head.
“Hello, Mr. Patterson,” Skylar greeted.
“Hello, Ms. Dupree. I’ll assist with your luggage,” he told her. “Mr. Navarone asked that you see him in his office as soon as you returned. This way.”
Unsure of what was going on, she followed the house manager past the wide foyer, then left to an arched door at least fifteen feet tall. Opening the door, he stepped aside.
Thanking him, she entered the office, an immense room lined with bookshelves, a fireplace, and tall windows with silk burgundy draperies. On the slate floor were handwoven area rugs. Blade sat behind an antique mahogany desk with ball-and-claw feet. Her eyes narrowed on seeing Shane and Rio standing on either side of him.
“Thank you for coming, Skylar. Please have a seat.” Blade indicated the chair in front of his desk.
Skylar sat down in the straight-back chair, upholstered in a deeper shade of burgundy than the curtains, demurely crossed her legs, and placed her clutch in her lap. She’d learned not to jump to conclusions just because she was summoned by Blade, and not to ask questions.
“One of the men on the list you gave Rio is Sherman Tennyson, a venture capitalist. Several months ago, Tennyson used my name to entice backers into buying property. The deal folded.” Blade’s black eyes hardened. “A lot of good men lost money. Tennyson put the word out that it was my fault.”
“No.” Skylar’s voice was barely above a whisper as she placed her hand on her galloping heart. People who made huge mistakes at Navarone were out the door.
Shane picked up the story. “Blade has been able to overcome the lies, but Tennyson lost a lot of his credibility, along with money he could ill afford to let go.”
Blade’s fist clenched on top of his desk. “Tennyson hates my guts, and the feeling is mutual.”
Skylar came to her feet. “Mr. Navarone, I just checked to ensure he had the funds to purchase if he chose. I apologize.”
Blade waved her apology aside. “There’s no need. You foiled Tennyson’s plan.” He leaned back in his chair, the sides of his mouth kicking up. “You didn’t just okay the names as he probably expected because the auction is in two weeks and he has money. Instead you had the foresight to give Rio the list of names before committing. You did well.”
“I agree,” Shane said. “Good thinking.”
From Rio there was nothing. Trying to keep from looking at him, she retook her seat. “Should I call Mr. Hampton, the man who had asked if Tennyson could attend?”
Blade’s smile was like the sharp edge of a knife. “I’ll take care of it. That’s all.”
Eternally thankful she wasn’t the unfortunate man, Skylar came to her feet. “I’ll go change for dinner. Good-bye.”
“Good-bye,” Blade and Shane said.
She told herself not to turn, but a force stronger than her will had her glancing over her shoulder at Rio to see if there might be a spark of admiration. She saw nothing but eyes devoid of warmth. Unconsciously she narrowed hers before turning to leave the room.
Stubborn man! He might not know it, but he’d only made her more determined!
Chapter 2
A little after six Sunday evening, Rio debated going downstairs to dinner. If he did, he’d be subjected to Skylar’s haunting hazel eyes following him everywhere. He’d never run from anything. The idea that he was considering it now, and because of a woman he could pick up with one hand, set his teeth on edge. The problem was, she also made his body hard.
Cursing under his breath, he stepped from a cold shower. What was it about her that he couldn’t dismiss, couldn’t ignore?
Absently, he ran the large bath towel over his body. He’d better find his answer. Being around each other for the next two weeks would be unavoidable. He planned to be there for the deliveries as well. They were expecting more than one and a half million dollars in paintings, jewelry, and other donated items. He wanted no doubts, no questions if something expected didn’t arrive or arrived damaged. Each item would be documented and verified in multiple ways. Cameras would be on, but film could be altered.
He knew this was important to Mrs. Grayson and her students and, as Blade said, there was no way to sneak onto the island. Even at night the sound of an engine carried. They’d be safe. He wasn’t sure about himself. He reached for his black boxers. The threat of physical injury had never bothered him, and it didn’t now. There was something much more dangerous here.
Snatching his shirt from the hanger, he pulled it on then stepped into his slacks. There was nothing to do now but see it through. The day had never arrived that he couldn’t outthink a woman. He slipped on his Italian loafers.
Opening the bedroom door, Rio quickly bounded down the stairs and into the small dining room. Blade and Sierra sat at the head and foot of the table. Next to Sierra was Skylar. On the other side was Shane, between Paige and Mrs. Grayson.
Rio almost faltered when Skylar’s hungry gaze collided with his. He wished she’d stop that.
“Good evening,” he said, his steps slowing on seeing that the only seat left was the one next to Skylar. The place for the third chair had been moved, and a serving cart was there in its place.
“About time,” Shane said. “Paige is starving.”
His pretty wife simply looked at him. He kissed her on the cheek and grinned. She shook her head and smiled back. Skylar had watched the exchange. Paige loved and respected him too much to correct him about teasing Rio.
“Martin outdid himself as usual for Sierra,” Blade said. “He would have left long ago if it wasn’t for her.”
“He’s irreplaceable and we all benefit,” Sierra said. “Especially since I can’t cook.”
Laughter came from around the table as Rio took his seat and stared across at Ruth Grayson, another woman who made him uneasy, but for an entirely different reason. He pulled his napkin into his lap as she said grace.
He lifted his head and stared into her eyes when she finished. She stared back. You never knew what the woman was thinking. She was ruled by love, and that made her unpredictable. When he’d helped save Sierra’s life when she was kidnapped, he’d gotten on Mrs. Grayson’s marriage hit list. She had married off all five children, just as she’d predicted. To this day Sierra believed she’d picked Blade by herself. Rio wasn’t sure if Blade knew the truth, but Rio and Shane did.
If that wasn’t enough, she’d turned her attention to Shane. He’d caved like the rest before him. There were others as well, but she could take Rio’s name off the list.
Murmurs of appreciation and compliments went around the table as the chef and his two helpers served them prime rib roast, red potatoes, and broccoli with hollandaise sauce on fine china. Homemade yeast rolls were passed around the table as Martin looked on with pride. He’d been the executive chef at the Mansion in Dallas until Blade had hired him away from the famous five-star hotel.
“You never cease to amaze and delight,” Sierra murmured after tasting the beef. “We’d be lost and starving without you.”
“Thank you, Sierra.” Martin bowed his head and withdrew.
Rio picked up his fork and hoped Mrs. Grayson wasn’t planning anything. As he’d told Shane, home and hearth wasn’t for them. Shane hadn’t listened. But Shane knew where he came from. Rio didn’t. Skylar could send out signals until all that beautiful hair on her head turned gray; it wouldn’t do her any good. He wasn’t looking back.
* * *
It was all Skylar could do to eat and carry on a sensible conversation with Rio sitting next to her. They’d never been this close for any length of time. She thought of the movie scenes she’d seen where women took off a shoe and rubbed a foot against the side of a man’s leg. Or other parts of his body. She blushed. She wasn’t that brave. Yet.
She leaned forward to pick up her water glass and swayed the tiniest bit toward Rio. He smelled delicious, like man and soap. She wanted to lean closer to his hard, lean body. Heat shot through her.
She bobbled her water glass, took a hasty gulp, and choked. That would teach her to lust after a man while drinking.
Sierra, sitting at the end of the table, patted Skylar gently on the back. “Are you all right?”
Embarrassed, she tucked her head and mumbled, “Yes.”
“What time are you leaving again, Blade?” Mrs. Grayson asked.
Skylar sent the woman a look of appreciation for getting the conversation started again. She’d better pay more attention to what she was doing than to the silent man beside her.
“Around nine tomorrow morning.” Blade braced his forearms on the table. “The plane is scheduled to leave at nine forty-five from the airport. We’ll refuel in Atlanta and continue on to the island.”
“We’re taking the chef and Blade’s houseman with us.” Sierra sipped her sparkling water. “But don’t worry, Skylar, the house manager will be here as usual. One of the downstairs maids will take over cooking duties.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Sierra.” Skylar placed her glass on the table. She might get to eat with Rio again. “Thank you. And I’ll keep you informed as to how the bidding goes. The Web site will start accepting bids at midnight tonight. I expect a flurry of interest for the offerings from your relatives and friends. They were extremely generous and accommodating.”
Ruth nodded and looked at Paige. “One of the board of regents told me, if her granddaughter doesn’t win the bid to meet your brother and sit in on a recording session with him, her life was over.”
Paige beamed with pride. “Who would have ever thought when Zachary was learning to play all those instruments and driving me and Mother crazy, he’d be so famous and popular?”
Skylar smiled. “Rolling Deep, aka Zachary Albright Wilder, is the top music producer in the country. He’s even more sought after since his and his wife’s album, A Father’s Love, went triple platinum. Laurel’s solo performance on the violin will also be a hot item.”
“Zachary’s desire to produce Laurel’s next album is what brought them together,” Paige told them.
“But it wasn’t easy for them,” Shane said.
Paige turned to him and cupped his cheek with her palm. “Nor for us, but love found a way for them and for us.”
“Add our names to that list.” Sierra tipped her head and lifted her glass toward Blade.
He lifted his glass to her. “Sometimes there’s only one chance, one choice.”
Skylar couldn’t help glancing at Rio. He was calmly eating his prime rib as if all the talk of love and devotion meant nothing to him.
“I’m blessed to be surrounded by talented and loving people.” Ruth looked at Rio. “Everyone deserves that special someone their heart can’t refuse or deny.”
Rio lifted his head to meet her gaze, then placed his knife and fork on his plate. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Skylar masked her disappointment that he was leaving by cautiously drinking her water. The man couldn’t even take time to finish his meal. Was he that against love?
“Rio needs to take time to have a little fun.” Sierra made a face. “He knows he has competent men, but he personally checks the perimeter of the house nightly before he allows himself to go to bed.”
“He’s a man who takes his responsibilities seriously,” Blade said. “I’m glad to have him.”
“I’ll always be thankful to him, and to you, Shane, as well,” Mrs. Grayson said softly.
Shane tipped his head.
Skylar got the feeling that she was missing something, but then Blade’s chef entered the room rolling a glass-topped silver cart. She felt worse on seeing huge slices of lemon pie, probably as delicious as they looked. The meringue was at least six inches high. Rio had missed his dessert. She didn’t like the idea of him going without. She’d just have to do something about it.
* * *
Two hours after he’d left the dining room, Rio entered the house again. He’d checked with each sentry posted on the grounds, those in the guardhouse, and the ones by the drawbridge that was always down.
Rio’s foot hit the bottom step of the stairs. He stopped, sensing more than seeing a small figure going up the stairs. Even in the dim light from the wall sconce at the top of the flight, he recognized the tantalizing shape of the woman he’d been trying to forget.
“What are you doing?”
Skylar shrieked, whirled around, and lost her balance. He quickly covered the distance and caught her by the arm to keep her from falling. She stared up at him with wide, frightened eyes. He tried not to notice the heat of her tempting body burning though her thin pink robe and gown, and failed miserably.
“I asked you a question.”
She moved the cloth-covered plate closer to his face. “It’s lemon pie. You—you didn’t eat dessert. I—I thought you might be hungry. I was going to leave it outside your door.”
Lemon pie wasn’t what he wanted. Looking into her beautiful eyes that had gone from frightened to needy, he realized he wouldn’t even have to ask. She was his for the taking.
He took the pie from her unsteady hands. “Go to bed. Now.”
Skylar turned and ran up the stairs. He didn’t move until he heard her door open and slam shut. That’s right, keep running for both our sakes.
* * *
In her room, her back pressed against the door, Skylar’s breathing was as off kilter as her heart rate. She hadn’t expected to see Rio. As she’d told him, her plan had been to leave the pie by his door.
Initially he’d scared her. She’d quickly become embarrassed because she’d been in her thin nightgown and robe. However, as he held her against his strong, coiled body, fear and embarrassment had turned to a growing need to press closer to his arousing warmth.
She gulped.
Just before he’d taken the pie from her and told her to go to bed, she’d finally seen emotions swirling in Rio’s dark eyes, a fiercely burning desire that made her shiver, her skin heat. Yearn.
She shivered again. She might have taken on more than she could handle.
* * *
The next morning, Skylar wasn’t surprised not to see Rio at breakfast. She was almost glad. She wasn’t sure she was ready to see him again. She was still a bit unsteady from the night before. If the man could shake her that much with a look, what would happen if he kissed her?
“Skylar, are you all right?”
Skylar jumped and stared at Sierra, who stood by the open back passenger door of the SUV that would take them to the airport to board their private jet. From the odd way Sierra was staring at Skylar, she must have zoned out. “Sorry, I have a lot on my mind.”
Sierra glanced behind her. “I’ll say.”
“Call me when you finish the recon,” Rio said.
Skylar’s gaze snapped back to Sierra, but she was already getting in the SUV with Paige. Blade and Shane were talking with Rio a short distance away. Had Sierra meant Rio? Skylar felt her face heat. Had she been that obvious?
“The house will run as smoothly as if you were here,” Eli, the house manager, said. “Don’t worry about the auction merchandise. The staff won’t reveal anything.”
Skylar breathed easier. Sierra had meant the auction. Her secret was safe.
“I know, Eli,” Blade assured the older man. “Let’s go, Shane. Rio, I’m depending on you. You’ve never let me down.”
“And I never will,” Rio replied.
Skylar stepped back as Blade and Shane got into the SUV with the tinted windows. She waved good-bye. Behind their vehicle was another identical black SUV. She watched until the first one started across the drawbridge, then she turned for the house. She wanted to look at the Web site again. As she’d expected, bids were already coming in when she’d checked it after getting out of bed. The regent’s granddaughter might be disappointed. Rolling Deep’s bid was already at twenty-five hundred dollars.
“Ms. Dupree, I need to see you.”
Skylar was so annoyed at Rio for still being so formal with her after scorching her with his eyes last night that she didn’t let her mind think he meant anything but business when he said need. She faced him with cool eyes and a cooler voice. “Yes.”
He held out a key and inclined his head toward a black BMW SUV in front of the nine-bay garage. “You’ll need transportation.”
“Thank you.” She took the key and continued into the house, wishing she could look back and see his face. Two could play his game.
* * *
Shortly after twelve, Skylar was on her way to meet with the president and board of regents of St. John’s College along with Mrs. Grayson, the chair of her Music Department, and other professors in that department. Thankfully, the BMW had an excellent GPS system. Twenty-five minutes later she waved at Ruth standing on the sidewalk in front of the music building and continued to the parking lot across the street.
As she drove in, a young man waved and beckoned. Skylar parked in the spot he indicated, directly across from the music building. She climbed out and extended her hand to the smiling man. “Hi, that’s what I call service. Skylar Dupree.”
He blinked, stared. Skylar kept her hand extended. She got that look sometimes from men because of her hazel eyes. If she was all that, as her sorority would say, she wouldn’t have so much trouble getting Rio’s attention.
“I believe they’re waiting for us,” Skylar said, trying to get things moving.
“Oh.” He flushed and grasped her hand, pumping it a couple of times before releasing it. “Ah, I’m Greg Harris, I’m to escort you to Professor Grayson.”
“Hi, Greg. Thanks for meeting me.”
“My pleasure.” Greg grinned. “All I can say is I’m glad I’m a music major.”
“I’m sure she’s glad to have you as a student as well,” Skylar replied and took the paved path across to the street, then crossed to meet Ruth. She was dressed in a beautiful dove-gray suit with silver earrings and high heels instead of her casual clothes. She’d been dressed similarly when she’d visited Skylar and asked for her help. She could be as fashionable as her daughter when she wanted.
Skylar extended both hands and hugged the other woman. “You look fabulous.”
“Sierra, Morgan, and Pierce’s doing. They think I have to have as many outfits as they do.” Mrs. Grayson leaned closer. “Days like this are the only time I need them.”
Skylar lifted a brow. “A tough crowd?”
Mrs. Grayson hooked her arm through Skylar’s. “Not in the least. It’s just good to remind them that I could always run with the big dogs, even before my children married well.”
Skylar chuckled. “No wonder Sierra is so outspoken and independent. My mother and grandmothers are the same way. You’ll meet my maternal grandparents at the auction. My paternal grandparents are in Europe on an extended holiday, but both are very interested in bidding on your daughter-in-law Phoenix’s sculpture.”
“That’s good to hear. You’ve worked very hard on this,” Ruth said. “You’ll be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine.”
Skylar glanced at Mrs. Grayson, thinking once again that she’d missed something.
The women walked through the door Greg held open, nodding their thanks. He passed them and continued down a long hallway. Students clutching books, cell phones, and backpacks passed them.
“This brings backs memories.” Skylar gazed at the pictures on the wall, stopping at one with Sabra Raineau Grayson surrounded by smiling young people. “Your daughter-in-law is a beautiful and talented woman. The bid to sit in the front row on the opening night of her new Broadway play and have dinner with her later has already reached over a thousand dollars.”
“Probably Pierce. My son trusts Sabra, but not the man who might take her out.” Mrs. Grayson tsked. “It took some hard talking on her part to get him to leave his name off the dinner engagement.”
“I understand Sierra met Blade when she took Sabra’s place at another auction because she had recently married Pierce.” Skylar continued down the hall. “Isn’t it wonderful how a chance meeting can lead to love?”
“Isn’t it.” Ruth stopped a couple of feet from where Greg stood in front of double doors. “But there’s something also to be said for allowing love to grow over time.”
Skylar jerked her head around to stare at Ruth, but she’d already released her arm and continued to Greg. When she looked back at Skylar, she wore the same warm, friendly expression she always did. Skylar chastised herself for being overly sensitive about Rio. She had to stop this. Sierra, and now Ruth.
Just because Ruth had said No man should walk alone didn’t mean she knew Skylar had the hots for Rio. Yet as she entered the room full of people waiting for her, she couldn’t quite be sure.
* * *
Skylar pulled away from St. John’s College two hours later, a full hour longer than had been scheduled for her to explain the auction. Everyone there had been excited and grateful. She thought the reasons for the lengthy meeting were mostly to do with the delicious food that Brandon Grayson, owner of the renowned Red Cactus restaurant, had unexpectedly showed up with, and the regents and other teachers angling for invitations to the auction.
Ruth became the woman of the decade when she passed out the coveted invitations to the regents and to her staff. Rio had cleared all of them weeks ago. For a moment Skylar and Brandon thought they would hoist his mother into the air.
Ruth had been right about one thing: Those were some very big dogs there. The regent whose granddaughter wanted to win the bid for Rolling Deep was the president of one of the largest banks in the area. The silver-haired woman had topped the bid to three thousand dollars. Her eyes had been narrowed at the time. Skylar and Ruth had shared a smile. The woman didn’t plan to lose.
Skylar’s contentment with the event faded in the slow traffic out of Santa Fe. The new cook said she’d serve at six. It wasn’t likely Rio would show up for the dinner. And if he did, he’d ignore her as usual.
But he hadn’t last night, a small voice said. So what? He could have reacted that way to any woman in her nightgown; it didn’t mean his reaction had been for her. This morning when she saw him on the castle grounds, he’d been his stoic self.
She eased on her brakes as the green light turned to yellow. The car on the other side of her went through the light. She heard the screeching of brakes and glanced into her rearview mirror. That’s all she needed. Rio would have a fit if the BMW was in an accident.
She blew out a breath and glanced out the window. Eli Patterson, the house manager, stood in front of a bar with another man. The stranger had his back to her, but he was around six foot two in a gray suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly.
She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but from the man’s wild gestures they were arguing. Her suspicions were confirmed when lifted his hand and pointed his finger at Eli. The house manager’s face blanched. The bigger man took Eli’s arm and hustled him into the black Lincoln pulled up beside them.
Poor man, she thought. No one should be bullied. She wasn’t the only one having a bad day. The light changed and she pulled off.
* * *
Skylar ate dinner alone as expected, but refused to give in to the melancholy that had gripped her earlier. Perhaps it was seeing the house manager an hour ago with his head down. The bully was probably kicked back someplace having a great time, just like she was probably the farthest thing from Rio’s mind.
She stabbed her citrus salad and nibbled on a piece of lettuce and orange. Keeping her head down wouldn’t get her in Rio’s arms. She wasn’t sure what would, but there’d be no more feeling sorry for herself.
Her shoulders straightened. She wasn’t half bad looking, had a good sense of humor, and was intelligent enough to have worked her way up to director of events in fourteen months. Most men would be thrilled to have her. She dug into her salad with renewed gusto. Before the night of the auction, Rio would be, too.
* * *
Tuesday morning, Skylar dressed in a calf-length black skirt with a five-inch slit above her knees on one side and paired it with a white crepe blouse with long flowing sleeves. On her feet were toeless four-inch heels. Each time she moved, the skirt shifted against her skin and a glimpse of her leg, covered by sheer black stocking, was visible.
She put her hair in a chic chignon. Around her neck was the double strand of pearls her parents had given her when she graduated from high school. She put on her pearl ear studs, grabbed her iPad, and left the room.
Her first confirmation that she had achieved her goal of looking sophisticated and sexy was when one of the guards on the stairs stopped in his tracks as he saw her. She smiled. “Good morning, Eric.”
“Ah, Skylar.” His eyes roamed appreciatively over her face. “You look very nice.”
“Thank you.” She folded her arms around the iPad. “A woman always likes to hear that.”
He opened his mouth, his smile growing, then his shoulders straightened and the smile faded. “Please excuse me.”
“Of course.” Skylar stepped aside to let him pass, but in such a way that she could look back up the stairs. She wasn’t surprised to catch a glimpse of Rio. She continued to the small dining room for breakfast and took a seat. She wasn’t trying to make Rio jealous or get his men into trouble; she just wanted him to notice her as a woman.
“Good morning, Ms. Dupree.” The cook, Mary, placed a glass of cranberry juice and a glass of water by the place setting.
“Good morning, Mary,” Skylar greeted. “What are you going to serve me that will tantalize my taste buds and make me have to work out?”
The pretty young woman beamed. “Eggs ranchero. My family loves it when I cook it for them.”
“I’m sure I will as well.” Skylar placed the cloth napkin in her lap as the cook rushed out of the room. She was reaching for her juice when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Slowly her gaze lifted to Rio’s. It was all she could do not to lean back, away from the force of his hard gaze.
“The first delivery is scheduled to arrive in twenty-eight minutes.”
Before she could comment, Rio left as quietly as he’d come. Skylar sagged in her chair, then sat up and glanced at her watch. Eight fifty-seven. She wasn’t going to be late. It was her responsibility to check each delivery to ensure it matched her master list and see that it was placed in the designated spot.
“Here you are, Ms. Dupree.” Mary set the plate on the table.
“It looks fantastic. Thank you.” Skylar blessed her food, then picked up her fork and began to eat. If Rio thought he could rattle her, he had better think again.
She forked in another bite. Rio was incredibly gorgeous with the body of a Greek god, a noble bearing, the instincts of a seasoned warrior. Women were drawn to the mystique that surrounded him. It was exhilarating to be near a man that exuded that much power. When he turned those cold black eyes on you, you were snared and immediately knew you might find endless pleasure in his arms—but there was also danger. Continue at your own risk.
Rio might have thrown her at first, but she was made of sterner stuff. Her ancestors were Moors, Creoles, and free people of color. Some were warriors as well. Others had toiled in the hot sun, done backbreaking work, all with the goal of achieving wealth and independence. They hadn’t had it easy, but each generation had accomplished more than the next. No Dupree or Carrington—her mother’s maiden name—ran from hard work or a challenge.
Game on!
Copyright © 2013 by Francis Ray.
