Under Pressure [IAD Agency] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 2

  The event was in full swing by this time since he had arrived late, hoping that bidding would be over soon. Viewing a waiter close by, he started forward to grab a drink when a woman slammed into him.

  Instinct had him reaching out to grab her. He looked down into her smiling amber eyes, and the blood drained out of his brain straight down to his dick.

  Shit, where was his legendary control now?

  He was a man, not a love-struck teenager getting a hard-on at a woman’s touch.

  This woman was appealing, not his usual type, but as she stroked her hand down his arm, all he could think of was having those hand wrapped around his cock, sliding up and down on him.

  Bloody hell, she was a little thing. Probably someone’s trophy wife.

  No, no ring.

  Then a girlfriend brought here to impress and look pretty.

  And pretty she was.

  He waited for the expected tearful apology as he wasn’t in the mood to be charming any little debutantes tonight. Wait, how old was she? Her feisty response surprised him. Jason watched, fascinated as the temper fired in her eyes turning them to liquid gold.

  Arrogant ass, Jason thought with an inner chuckle.

  Perhaps this evening would not be a complete waste.

  Chapter Three

  Bella pushed open the door to the balcony. Jerking open her purse she took out a cigarette then the lighter and lit it, inhaling deep.

  “What a jerk,” she groused to herself.

  There were a few people scattered in groups around outside, but she made no move to join any of them.

  She desperately needed a moment alone.

  Bella was a mixture of emotions, still fuming from the anger that the stranger evoked but shaken inside from the confrontation. She strode to the end of the balcony away from the murmuring conversations and the lights pouring through the glass doors, around the plotted trees scattered here and there, to rest her arms against the railing. The sounds of the city were faint as she looked down to the streets far below. It was a crisp fall evening, with a cool light breeze that only hinted of colder weather to come.

  A perfect night.

  The knee-length bronze dress she wore was light. The silk panels flowing over her body in the breeze left her arms bare but came together almost in a scarf high around her neck. It was cover enough to hide the scars that were still there. At least some scars could be hidden and some would heal with time, she told herself immediately. She never bothered to wear hose, hating them, always stating that she would wear them when men were forced to wear them as well.

  Which would be this side of never.

  She shuffled from foot to foot on her three-inch stiletto heels, another one of her addictions that she allowed herself, but what the hell, she needed the extra height.

  As the anger faded, she felt the familiar feeling of basic unease she seemed to live with. It seemed that over the past year she had been a constant contradiction, never really sure of herself or what she was doing, and she hated it.

  She was back here in Chicago, home, to find herself again, to recapture what she had lost. Or what had been taken from her.

  But she still didn’t feel whole.

  Bella had grown up sheltered under the watchful eye of her three older brothers whose overbearing manner had done just the opposite of what they had intended. It let her develop a carefree, open attitude toward men and dating. She had casually dated, enjoyed sex, not that any of her brothers knew about, but always held her heart for the one. Most men she knew couldn’t stand up to her overprotective brothers, and those relationships had fizzled fast as Bella quickly realized that she needed someone stronger, someone to match her in every way.

  She held a special place in her family, had been their little spitfire. She had loved life, embraced it to the fullest. Growing up working at the bar they owned, Moretti’s, she had first developed her love of the food industry. She had been grateful for her family always encouraging her to follow her dreams. Bella had fought her way into one of the top culinary schools in France and her family had understood her need to go. Once she had graduated, she had traveled the world. Building a name for herself, she expressed a love for her craft that was appreciated by all.

  Then she had been approached by the owner of an elite hotel in New York City and offered a position as the executive chef, giving her free rein to revamp the menu at her discretion. With her being so young it was almost unheard to get such an offer, so of course she immediately had to accept. She had been caught up in the whirlwind of her career, loving the excitement of the fast-paced world she lived in. She had learned the price of fame all too clearly.

  It had almost cost Bella her life.

  She inhaled deeply again and blew smoke out in a steady stream that danced trails in the wind. A small click sounded right behind her, and a voice had her tensing up.

  “You realize that smoking is bad for you.”

  Caught off guard, her body went rigid. He had not made a sound during his approach. Bella turned around slowly to see the man from inside cloaked in shadow but knew instinctively that those dark gray eyes were staring straight her as he took a long pull of his own cigarette.

  On the defensive, Bella tried to be flippant. “Yeah, thanks for the service announcement, Captain Obvious. I seem to do a lot of things that are bad for me. And aren’t you one to talk,” she replied sarcastically with a little feminine snort.

  His face remained stoic, but she thought she saw a hint of amusement flash in his eyes as he stepped closer.

  “Where is your man?” he asked after a long moment of silence.

  Huh? She blinked, caught off guard again. “Who?”

  “Where is your escort for the evening? You shouldn’t be out on this balcony alone.” He took another step forward without seeming to move.

  He had a dangerous aura to him. Bella had a difficult time forcing herself not to take a step back, away in retreat, but she would not show this man any sign of weakness. She wanted, no, needed to stand her ground.

  “I wanted to be alone for a moment.” Bella wanted to cringe at the petulant sound of her own voice, but her chin came up in defiance.

  “It is not safe for you to be out here, in the dark by yourself.”

  “Umm, hello, we are not exactly standing in a dark alley. And besides, I can take care of myself.”

  “Can you now?” He raised a brow.

  Bella felt her temper rise, and it had her snapping. “So now you think I’m too young to drink, I shouldn’t smoke, and what, I need a keeper? Do you always insult people like this when you first meet them?”

  “I believe it was you who did that first. Although I appreciate your efforts in providing a champagne shower. Since you failed to introduce yourself after you ran into me, I presume that task is left up to me.” He bent his head slightly in a nod, like a king to his subject.

  That did it.

  “If you hadn’t acted like such a pompous ass, perhaps I would have,” she fired back.

  She was surprised as his eyes flashed with fire.

  “And I did apologize,” Bella reminded him over the rim of her glass as she took a sip of the cool champagne to ease her dry throat.

  His eyes had turned molten silver for a moment, so quick she thought she might have imagined it. His serious expression made her think that it was probably a play of the lights and not any actual emotions.

  “Well then, I accept your apology.” He was staring at her, and his unblinking gaze seemed to be trying to peer into her very soul.

  Careful, she thought.

  This man gave away nothing and that made him dangerous. He was big, too big. Bella found herself stepping to the side, moving closer to the light. He was an imposing figure, but even so, she couldn’t help the attraction she felt.

  Staring back at him, Bella realized that a smile would alter his face from handsome to heart-stopping gorgeous.

  Whoa, where did that come from? She surprised herself with that fanciful
observation.

  Even without showing emotions, his intense stare was getting to her. Damn! Lust pooled tightly inside her as she felt herself getting wet. She had not felt this strong a sexual pull from a man in, well, hell, ever.

  Too bad he was so arrogant. Old Bella would have had no problem jumping this guy, but this new Bella, did she dare?

  She saw his eyes narrow, and she couldn’t help but take a step in retreat.

  “You look familiar, but I know we haven’t met before. I would have remembered you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I bet you say that to all the ladies.”

  “I do not lie. And I don’t need to use pedestrian lines to attract women.”

  “Really,” Bella drawled out. She didn’t know what had come over her. Every time she opened her mouth, she couldn’t help but bait him. It was like taunting a wild animal. He was dangerous and certainly not someone she wanted to push, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

  He opened his mouth, but Bella was saved by whatever scathing remark he was going to make when someone called her name.

  “Bella, there you are!” Liz hurried up to them waving her hand. “Of course when I couldn’t find you I thought to look out here. Oh! I apologize for intruding. Bella, who’s your friend?” Liz asked curiously, offering a bright smile.

  He continued to look at Bella with that aggravatingly serious look on his face. “I believe your friend thinks my name is ass, don’t you, love?”

  She let a chuckle escape. “It was arrogant ass, if I remember correctly.” Bella’s obvious amusement sparkled in her eyes. “Liz, I would like you to meet…”

  He shifted so the light played across his face as he turned to face Liz.

  Liz let out a horrified gasp but quickly recovered and held out a graceful hand with a beaming smile plastered on her face, her green eyes glittering with shock and amusement. Nerves had Liz babbling. “Oh my, you are Jason MacBain, aren’t you? Mr. MacBain! It’s a pleasure to have you with us tonight. My name is Elizabeth Trenton. I’m one of the chairs for the Children’s Foundation, and I am so glad you could personally attend this evening. The sculpture you have donated seems to be the most coveted piece of the entire collection up for auction tonight. I cannot thank you enough for your generous contribution!”

  Standing next to Jason, who towered over both women Liz was still shorter at around five nine with heels. Her straight blonde hair was held up in an elegant twist, and her peach chiffon dress showed off her body to perfection. Jason didn’t seem to notice, not taking his eyes off Bella any longer than to murmur a polite hello.

  Jason took her hand and replied with a regal nod. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Trenton. Indeed, that is good to know. I was worried that I would have to buy it back tonight if no one wanted to bid on it,” he easily quipped before immediately shifting his attention back to Bella.

  Liz also turned to Bella with wide eyes, silently asking for the entire story leading up to the strange introduction later. Bella knew that Liz would rip into her later for insulting what she had come to think of as the prize patron of tonight’s event, but right now she didn’t care.

  Bella wanted to groan.

  She completely didn’t see this one coming. He hadn’t come after her because he was attracted. He came out after her to babysit her.

  Jason MacBain. Her brother’s friend.

  Not to mention that Bella’s friend Tara had just taken a job working for him. He wasn’t a stranger. Of course this gorgeous man who had more money than God wasn’t chasing after her.

  He was babysitting her.

  Liz looked at Bella in question when she saw the anger simmering in Bella’s eyes. Liz wanted to know if Bella needed help to make an escape or if she wanted to be left alone with Jason, the indecision evident on her face. Since Bella had moved back to Chicago, Liz had been very protective of Bella. In the old days, that had been the opposite, with Bella taking the lead and looking out for Liz.

  But Bella didn’t look like she needed rescuing.

  She looked pissed.

  “Bella, umm…Tony was looking for you inside,” Liz said, strategically giving her an out. Jason’s jaw clenched at the mention of the man’s name. Bella couldn’t help but notice, and was surprised by his reaction.

  “Oh? I’m surprised my brother would bother,” Bella said, forcing a smile. “Why would he need to, when the two of you are babysitting me?”

  Liz was silent.

  “What?” Bella asked innocently as she finished her cigarette and gulped down what was left of champagne in her glass. Someone called for Liz at the doorway as Bella set the empty glass on a nearby table.

  Liz hesitated and looked from the door back to Bella. “I have to get back inside. I think the bidding is coming to a close. I just came out to see how you were doing. To say hi.”

  Bella relented when she saw the sincerity in Liz’s eyes and heard the hurt in her voice. She reached out and squeezed Liz’s hand in a silent apology. “Go back in. Do your thing. I plead temporary insanity. You know how parties like this make me crazy.” She forced a smile. “I’ll see you later.”

  Liz smiled back at her then turned back to Jason. “Thank you so much for your help tonight. It was nice to finally meet you.” She held out her hand once more and thanked him again, heading back inside with a glance over her shoulder. Bella caught her silent message.

  Jason’s intense eyes were fixated on Bella as he moved in closer to her. “You were upset. What upset you?”

  Her look said “get real” without a single word.

  “Tell me what upset you.”

  “No.”

  He frowned. Bella could tell that this man wasn’t used to hearing that word.

  “You’ll tell me eventually.”

  She gave a delicate shrug. “Whatever. Believe what you want.”

  She was glad that he relented for the moment. There was a battle of wills between them as he studied her in the silence and she found herself holding her breath. Finally he seemed to sigh without making a sound, letting the moment pass.

  “Bella, the name suits you.”

  “Thanks.” She shivered at the intensity of his gaze.

  “We should go inside. You’re cold.”

  “I’m fine.”

  Jason reached out to move a lock of her hair off her face and she tried to stop herself from flinching but couldn’t quite hold back the telling motion. His eyes narrowed slightly as if her flinching from his touch had upset him.

  “Are you afraid of me?” he asked softly.

  Shit.

  Bella wanted him, but she was frightened. She looked up at Jason and met his gaze, caught off guard at the tenderness she saw there.

  “No…I mean, well, umm, of course not. It’s just, I don’t know you. And I don’t like being touched.”

  He had seen the desire there in her eyes, but sensed her hesitation…her wariness. No matter how hard she tried to hide it from him, he knew. But that wouldn’t stop him from going after what he wanted. And he wanted her.

  “Well, lass, you better get used to it. I’m going to be touching you a lot,” Jason’s deep voice purred.

  Oh my God.

  Bella could feel her body heat at his words. His voice was like liquid sex flowing over her. She couldn’t think clearly, his presence taking over her senses.

  “You…you don’t mean that.”

  The frown was back on Jason’s face. His eyes were hard, piercing stones drilling into Bella.

  Insulted, he growled, “I do not lie.”

  Bella made a move to back away again, but he crowded her up to the railing.

  Jason saw something flash in her eyes that had him forcing his anger back. No, he wouldn’t hurt her, but someone had. He could tell by the way she moved to shield herself. He felt an uncharacteristic primitive rage settle inside of him at the thought of anyone hurting this woman standing in front of him. Overcome with a need to put her at ease, he softened his voice as he gently brushed the
back of his fingers over the smooth perfection of her cheek.

  “Tell me, sweet lass. Tell me what you’re afraid of.”

  Bella tried turning her nervousness to anger, but it didn’t work. To her chagrin, her voice shook. “Stop crowding me.”

  He silently studied her with his watchful gaze. He wanted to ease the panic that he saw her trying to hide from him. He knew he should step back, leave her alone, but he couldn’t force his body to move. Like taming a small, trapped animal, Jason tried to put Bella at ease by willing his body to relax. He kept his breathing deep and even, and was deeply pleased when her own breathing seemed to slow to match his.

  “I won’t hurt you.”

  Bella tilted her head to the side. She was silent for a moment, and he could tell she was trying to work something out in her head. He had never before wished to know someone else’s thoughts so much. Usually good at reading people, to his utter frustration this petite beauty remained a mystery to him.

  Finally she spoke. “Are you honestly going to tell me you’re attracted to me?”

  He was absolutely shocked by the scorn in her voice. Lust rose up in molten waves as he stared into her golden eyes. Eyes that matched the molten bronze encasing that gorgeous petite body that his hands all but ached to touch.

  His nostrils flared and he leaned down, his arms enclosing around her to brace on the railing at her sides. “Oh, I’m attracted all right…and so are you.” Before she could deny it, his lips covered hers.

  It was a gentle kiss, yet it froze her in place as if he were holding a gun to her head.

  * * * *

  Bella felt drunk with lust.

  Heat speared into her core, and her hands came up to grip tightly onto his jacket. As quickly as it started, he pulled away, leaving her unbalanced, so she gripped tighter. His arm wrapped around her waist to hold her to him. To her surprise, his embrace didn’t frighten her but rather made her feel protected. The warmth coming from his body easily chased away the chill she had been feeling after standing out in the cool night air, and to her surprise she had to stop herself from snuggling closer.