Seduced by the Bachelor Read online

  “I know, but I wanted to clean my desk and organize the case files before I left for the day. You know me. I always give a 100 percent to this firm.”

  Markos cracked up, but when Izzy frowned and folded her arms across her chest, he realized she was serious and swallowed his laughter. Tatiyana brought out the best in everyone, including Izzy, and he was pleased about the positive impact she’d had on his paralegal.

  Thirsty, Markos opened the mini fridge in the corner of the room, grabbed several bottles of mineral water and put them on the table. “Thanks for dinner, Tatiyana. That was very thoughtful of you.”

  “Yeah,” Izzy agreed, licking sauce from her fingertips. “Thanks! I haven’t had ribs this good since I was in the Big Easy three years ago.”

  “I love New Orleans. I was there last summer for the jazz festival, and I danced right out of my sandals.” Her eyes twinkled with happiness, and a fond expression warmed her face. “The music was on point, the crowd was lively and energetic, the food was incredible and...”

  Loud and animated, the women spoke about their favorite vacation spots, the hottest nightclubs in LA, reality TV and the upcoming Renegade concert. None of the topics appealed to him, but Markos learned several interesting facts about Tatiyana. She loved living in LA, she was deathly afraid of spiders and a die-hard Star Wars fan.

  “Do you have any plans this weekend?”

  Finally, a good question. Markos wanted to give Izzy a high five for asking the question on the tip of his tongue, but he contained his excitement and finished eating his food.

  “I’m going to finish my schoolwork, get a massage and hang out with—”

  “Khalid Hassan,” Izzy said with a smirk. “Don’t deny it. One of the cleaners overheard you two talking yesterday, so fess up. Where is he taking you on Saturday night?”

  Confused, Markos glanced from Izzy to Tatiyana. What the hell? Why were they talking about his newest client? The silver-haired entrepreneur had recently separated from his third wife, and Markos had agreed to represent him in his divorce. Convinced he’d misunderstood what Izzy said, he asked, “What did you say?”

  “Mr. Hassan has a huge crush on Tatiyana.”

  Scoffing, she rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “No, he doesn’t.”

  “Yes, he does,” Izzy insisted, snapping her fingers and swiveling her neck. “He invited her to go sailing on Tuesday, and he sent her a massive flower arrangement yesterday.”

  Intrigued, Markos leaned forward in his chair, desperate to hear more. He stared at Tatiyana, trying to read the expression on her face, but she gave him a blank look. He gripped his utensils. How could this happen? Why didn’t he know what was going on? It was his office! The businessman was putting the moves on his secretary right under his nose, but he’d been too busy with his other clients to see it. The thought of Tatiyana with another man—a skirt-chasing executive twice her age no less—sickened him, and when she dropped her gaze to her lap, Markos knew she was hiding something.

  “Izzy, go ahead. I want to hear more. What else has been going on?”

  “Oh, wow, look at the time. I have to go. My, ah, mom and I are going to the movies, and she’ll kill me if I’m late.” Izzy hopped to her feet, swiped her cell phone off the table and marched toward the door. “Bye. See you on Monday.”

  Then she turned and fled the office as if the Devil were in hot pursuit.

  Chapter 17

  Tatiyana coughed to clear her throat and wiped her cold, clammy palms along the sides of her pencil skirt. She wanted to throttle Izzy for blabbing to Markos about Mr. Hassan, but she smiled and waved as the gossip-loving paralegal dashed out the door. Thinking about what her colleague had said made Tatiyana want to bust a gut. As if she’d ever date a client! Moreover, Mr. Hassan was still legally married, and that was reason enough to stay far away from him. Add to that, he was a chauvinistic pig, and if he wasn’t the firm’s richest client, Tatiyana wouldn’t give him the time of day. But since she wanted to make Markos proud she treated the businessman with respect.

  “What’s going on with you and Mr. Hassan? Tell me the truth, and tell me now.”

  Irked by his tone, and his narrowed gaze, Tatiyana glared back at him. “I’ve done nothing wrong, so don’t yell at me,” she said, struggling to keep the lid on her anger.

  Markos gripped his glass so hard, his knuckles turned white. “I’m going to ask you one more time. Are you dating Mr. Hassan?”

  “Fine, quit twisting my arm! It’s true. He’s my one true love, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him, his ex-wives, his adult children, his entourage and his massive ego.”

  He cracked a small smile, and Tatiyana knew he was trying hard not to laugh. “Markos, I’m disappointed in you. I can’t believe you think I’d date a married man.”

  “Over the years, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly at LA Family Law, but I’m glad you’re not romantically interested in Mr. Hassan. He’s a client and not the right man for you.”

  “He asked me out, but I declined. End of story.” Meeting his gaze, she spoke in a strong, confident voice. “I’d never do anything to embarrass you, this firm or Staffing Unlimited, so mixing business with pleasure is out of the question.”

  Releasing an audible sigh, he sat back comfortably in his chair. “It’s good to know I’m not the only one around here getting the cold shoulder.”

  “Don’t worry,” she said with a playful wink. “You’re not.”

  Markos stared at her, and heat flooded her body. Goose bumps tickled her forearms, and it took everything in her not to dive into his lap and smother his face with kisses.

  “Do you ever think about our weekend in Tampa?”

  Are you kidding me? All. The. Time. For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the wonderful, magical time we had. Parting her dry lips, she pushed the truth out of her mouth. “Yes, of course. I had a great time with you and your family.”

  He looked proud, as if he’d hit a hole in one on a championship golf course. “What did you enjoy the most?”

  Tatiyana hesitated, didn’t know how much to share, but she saw the earnest expression on his face, sensed he wanted her to open up to him, and did. “Making love to you at the R&B Summer Jam concert,” she confessed. “You?”

  “Our last night together. You blew me away, Tatiyana.”

  Explicit images bombarded her mind, warming her all over. He’d licked maple syrup off her breasts, drank Merlot from her navel, played between her legs until she’d exploded in ecstasy, and even now, weeks later, her body tingled at the memory of his touch.

  “I wish you’d been honest with me about who you were, and what you wanted.”

  “I wanted to tell you the truth, but I knew if I did you wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

  Markos shook his head. “You don’t know that.”

  Yes, I do! Tatiyana opened her mouth to argue, to remind him how he’d treated her mom and sister when they met with him in July, but he took her hand in his, gently stroking her fingers, and she lost her train of thought.

  The desk phone buzzed, but Markos didn’t move. His eyes were on her, watching her, assessing her, giving her hot flashes and heart palpitations. Tatiyana wanted him to touch her everywhere—her breasts, yearned to feel his hands under her dress, palming and squeezing her ass—but she knew hooking up with Markos would be a mistake. Tatiyana didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize Jantel’s meeting with the mayor, and feared if she slept with Markos again she’d be weak for him—

  Ha! barked her inner voice. Too late! You’ve been weak for him since the moment you met, and your body quivers every time he looks at you.

  Masking her emotions, Tatiyana pretended his touch didn’t faze her, but it did. Her mouth was dry, thirsty for his kiss, and desire scorched her flesh. Moving closer, he flashed a
sweet, boyish smile, and her heart melted like an ice-cream cone in the sun. Tatiyana liked that Markos wasn’t a player, that he was a perfect gentleman who honored and respected women. He was too busy racking up wins in divorce court to chase Hollywood starlets, and when he wasn’t pulling all-nighters at the firm, he was taking his nephew to the zoo, teaching him how to fish, or playing soccer with him at Discovery Park. Once a week, Matteo and Jordana stopped by the office to visit with Markos, and Tatiyana enjoyed spending time with his sister-in-law and his adorable nephew.

  “Do you have any plans this weekend?” Her voice wobbled, sounded foreign to her ears, and her hands were shaking so hard she couldn’t pick up her water glass. “Are you coming into the office again, or finally taking a well-deserved break?”

  “My brothers were supposed to take me to Palm Springs for my birthday, but Immanuel has a business meeting in Washington he can’t get out of, and Dante’s home sick with the flu—”

  “Tomorrow’s your birthday? No way! Why didn’t you say anything?”

  A grin brightened his eyes. “I just did.”

  “I wish I’d known earlier. I would’ve bought you a gift,” she said with an apologetic smile. “It’s not too late. What do you want? A watch? Personalized cuff links? Golf clubs?”

  “None of the above. Just you.”

  Tatiyana laughed, but when Markos took her hand, she froze. He kissed her palm, brushing his lips ever so softly against her flesh, and a moan rose inside her throat. She wanted him, but Tatiyana steeled herself against his touch.

  “Come with me to Palm Springs.”

  “Markos, that’s crazy. I work for you.”

  “Who cares? I don’t give a damn, and neither should you. We’re adults. We can do what we want, when we want.”

  His me-against-the-world attitude was a turn-on. Adrenaline filled her, giving her a rush, but Tatiyana squelched her excitement. It was hard to keep her body in check, to stay strong when Markos was caressing her hands and gazing at her with those dreamy, bedroom eyes, but she had to resist his advances. She didn’t want her female colleagues to hate her, and if word got out that she’d slept with Markos, they’d turn on her like a pack of angry wolves. No, she had to keep her hands to herself. No matter what.

  “We can drive down tonight,” he proposed.

  Leaning in close, he draped an arm around the back of her chair. His gentle caress along her shoulders was as intimate as a French kiss.

  “What do you say? I’m game if you are.”

  “But I don’t have any clothes or toiletries—”

  “I’ll buy you everything you need when we get there. Problem solved.”

  Tatiyana clamped her lips together to trap the word yes inside her mouth, and deleted it from her thoughts. “I can’t.”

  Markos cocked an eyebrow. “Why not? You’re always preaching at me to slow down, to live in the moment, so I’m taking your advice. You should, too.”

  “I wish I could, but I have a paper to write and a quiz to study for. They’re both worth 25 percent of my grade, and if I do poorly my 4.0. GPA will suffer.”

  “I was on the honor roll in university. I can quiz you in the car, and we can work on your paper together tomorrow.”

  Tatiyana considered her options. She’d never been one to play by the rules, so why start now? Watching him, she felt something she’d never experienced before—raw, primal hunger—and wanted to act on her feelings. His caress aroused her, and when he brushed his mouth against her cheek, her body tingled. Markos was a hottie with a heart, and Tatiyana desired him more than anything. One weekend, she thought, excitement rising up inside her. No one will ever know.

  And if they did? So what? It was her last week at LA Family Law, and Tatiyana couldn’t think of a better parting gift than spending the weekend in Palm Springs with her favorite attorney. She wanted Markos, and she was tired of ignoring her attraction.

  “Help me celebrate my birthday in Palm Springs. I promise you won’t regret it.” Cocking his head to the right, he flashed a bad-boy grin. “You know you want to. Just admit it.”

  Hiding a smirk, she cocked an eyebrow. “When did you get so cocky?”

  “When you had your way with me at Applause Nightclub.”

  “You loved it and you know it.”

  “Of course I did. There’s nothing better than making love to a passionate, sensual woman who’s comfortable in her own skin, but I’m not inviting you to Palm Springs to hook up. I enjoy your company, and there’s no one else I’d rather spend my birthday with than you.”

  I wish he wasn’t tall, dark and handsome, she thought, her resolve crumbling. It would be so much easier to resist him if he wasn’t so good-looking. Deep down, Tatiyana sensed she was making a mistake, that she’d live to regret sneaking off with Markos to Palm Springs, but she wanted to celebrate his birthday with him, and refused to feel guilty about throwing caution to the wind. “I’ll come, but you need to help me with my schoolwork, okay, Mr. Honor Roll?”

  Markos nodded and saluted. “Scout’s honor. You have my word.”

  “Then let’s get out of here. Palm Springs, here we come!” she said, linking arms with him. “Markos, this is going to be the best birthday you’ve ever had.”

  “I know. I’m spending it with you, and there’s no greater gift.”

  Chapter 18

  The mansions on Southridge Drive, an exclusive area in Palm Springs known for its well-heeled residents, were impressive, but Markos’s estate was the largest one on the block. Decorative lights lit up the exterior of the ten-bedroom mansion, giving it a warm and welcoming feel, and potted plants, tropical flowers and marble statues beautified the grounds.

  Staring out the windshield of Markos’s SUV, Tatiyana gawked at her opulent surroundings. They’d spent the past hour talking and flirting as they drove along the interstate, but as he parked on the cobblestone driveway, Tatiyana wanted to pinch herself. She was with Markos at his swank Palm Springs estate, and it was more beautiful than a resort. The mansion had a modern design, the lawn was immaculately groomed, fruit trees perfumed the night air with their savory scent, and when Tatiyana stepped out of the car and saw the mansion up close, her eyes widened. “This is some house.”

  “You think the exterior is impressive? Wait until you see inside.” Markos opened the trunk, took out their shopping bags and activated the alarm. Ninety minutes after leaving LA, they’d arrived in Palm Springs and made a pit stop at a local department store. There, they’d purchased everything they needed for the weekend. “Are you okay? You look shell-shocked.”

  Embarrassed, she wore a sheepish smile. “To be honest, I am. I’ve never seen a mansion up close before, let alone been inside one, and I’m dying for a tour.”

  “As you wish. You won’t get far in your Louboutins, though, so let’s grab a golf cart.”

  “What do you know about Louboutins? You’re a workaholic who has no time to eat, let alone shop, so I’m shocked you know who the French designer is.”

  “I spoil my sister when she’s in LA, so we’re always on Rodeo Drive.”

  Spotting a two-wheeled electric board, adjacent to the triple garage, Tatiyana eyed it with interest. “Whose Segway?” she asked, touching the handle.

  “I bought them for my teenage cousins when they visited from Venice last summer, but my landscapers use them from time to time.”

  “Can I?”

  “You’re wearing heels. It’s not safe. You could hurt yourself.”

  “I won’t. I’m a pro!” Kicking off her shoes, Tatiyana shrugged off her blazer and tossed it on the hood of the SUV. “Problem solved. I’m good to go.”

  Seconds later, they were rolling along the lush, green grass, side by side. Markos pointed out the guest quarters, the swim spa and the tennis courts, and when Tatiyana challenged him to
a game, he laughed. “You should quit while you’re ahead. I beat you at darts, and golf, as well.”

  “It’s not my fault I lost. You distracted me.”

  Markos stopped his Segway, stepped down and took her hand. “How?”

  “You know what you did,” she said with a knowing look. “Your charming ways and effusive praise threw me off my game.”

  “Is it my fault that you’re the most beautiful woman in LA, and I like to compliment you?”

  “Just LA?” Tatiyana gave him a shot in the arm. “Jerk!”

  Laughing, he hugged her to his side and kissed her forehead.

  “What is that?” she asked, gesturing to the dimly lit building behind the bronze fountain. Made of brick, it had arched windows and wooden lion statues on each side of the door.

  “My man cave.”

  “A man cave? You don’t need one. You live alone.”

  “Yes, I do. When my relatives visit, I hand over the keys to the main house, grab my briefcase and make a beeline for my home away from home,” he said with a laugh.

  His caress along her shoulders and hips was as distracting as hell. Being in Markos’s arms, snuggled against him, was amazing, better than a chocolate sundae with a cherry on top, and she reveled in the moment. We’re not in Tampa, but it sure feels like it.

  “I love when my family’s around, but they’re a handful, especially my kid sister.”

  “What do you do in your man cave?”

  “Smoke Cuban cigars, eat junk food and watch old mobster movies.”

  Tatiyana snapped her fingers. “I knew it!” she joked, pointing at his face. “You’re a buttoned-up attorney with a wild streak, aren’t you?”

  “I’m a Morretti. It’s in my blood.”

  Taking her hand, he led her across the yard. As they walked, Markos talked about the history of the property, the female architect who’d spearheaded the project and his favorite features of his custom-made home. He opened the door, flipped on the lights and stepped aside to let her enter. “Welcome.”