Male Android Companion Mackenzie McKade
Hollywood, California, 2095… Gia Easton has had it. After catching her exboyfriend/agent with her best friend, the beautiful actress is through with men, but not sex and especially not now. Her family is expecting to meet her latest squeeze and won’t take no for an answer. That’s why she’s standing before the new and improved line of Male Android Companions (M.A.C.). The Institute of Robotics promises the androids are as good as the real thing without the hassle or heartbreak. Satisfaction guaranteed! The starlet has just mistaken Marc Anthony Charleston, M.A.C.’s creator, as one of his humanoids. When she selects him to take home, he’s in no hurry to correct her misunderstanding. Besides, she’s getting more bang for her buck—and so is he.
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
Male Android Companion ISBN 9781419934674 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Male Android Companion Copyright © 2011 Mackenzie McKade Edited by Jillian Bell Cover art by Syneca Electronic book publication July 2011 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book. The publisher does not have any control over, and does not assume any responsibility for, author or third-party Web sites or their content.
MALE ANDROID COMPANION Mackenzie McKade
Male Android Companion
Chapter One Gia Easton’s feet screeched to an abrupt halt. The jolting movement jarred her teeth and left her body swaying. Wide-eyed, she gasped, but no air reached her lungs. For a moment her mind went blank. She wasn’t prepared for the sudden gush of air filling her airway as she was forced to face the heartbreaking scene before her. The two individuals she trusted the most in this godforsaken city were naked and fucking in her dressing room, on top of her makeup table no less. She blinked, trying to dismiss them, but the bright lights surrounding the mirror cast both her boyfriend and personal assistant in the spotlight. With one hand, Doug fisted Mary’s long blonde hair, tugging her head back so that her slender neck arched, her eyelids closed. His other hand grasped her rounded hip, fingertips pressing into sun-kissed skin while he stared down at the juncture where their bodies came together. The satisfied grin Gia had seen on his face so many times made her stomach lurch, dizziness threatened. She squeezed her eyelids together to block out the sight. This can’t be happening. Pulling a deep breath through her nose, she fought the resentment and bitterness building at an alarming rate. Instead of finding relief, she inhaled the musky stench of their deceit. The sting of betrayal was more powerful than she could stand. Her fingers curled into fists and memories rose behind her eyelids. Mary had been her closest friend since Gia arrived in Hollywood five years ago. They had roomed together, gone to auditions together. Laughed and dreamed together. For the first time, Gia had felt she had found a real friend. She had even given the woman a cushy job as her assistant. The thought dissolved when the blonde’s pouty lips parted on a moan, the feminine sound laden with passion and lust. Gia licked her suddenly dry lips. Her mouth felt like a barren desert. How long had their affair been going on behind her back? “That’s it, baby.” Doug began to thrust hard and fast between Mary’s thighs. “I want to hear you scream.” Tears swelled while a ball of acid stung Gia’s throat, making it difficult to swallow. The son of a bitch had spoken those exact words to her last night. Several quick blinks did nothing to drive away the welling emotion. Instead, she stared through misty eyes as a single tear raced down her cheek. With each pant, hard lines creased Doug’s forehead. His fingertips were white against Mary’s flawless skin. Ribbons of muscle bunched down his back, leading to a rock-hard ass. An ass Gia felt like kicking so hard that his balls jammed in his throat while she ripped out every strand of his chocolate-brown hair. 5
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Red-hot anger vibrated through her, heating her face and stiffening her backbone. He wasn’t worth the anguish clawing at her chest. “Fuckin’ bastard,” she growled, not caring if they heard. As she inched backward, her four-inch stilettos clicked against the marble floor. They must not have heard them when she came in, busy as they were. Startled, Doug’s head jerked up. His gaze connected with her stormy one, reflected in the mirror. “Gia.” Her name was a whisper on his cheating lips. Awkwardly, he stumbled back and spun around so quickly that it threw him off balance. He swayed in an attempt to steady himself. At the same time a tight cry left Mary’s kiss-swollen lips. As Doug took a step toward Gia, Mary scrambled off the table, knocking over an expensive powder compact. The cosmetic shattered on impact, glass scattering. A creamy cloud rose to thicken the air and the scent of lilacs filled the room. Gia had loved the flowery smell. Now the cloying sweetness, coupled with their betrayal made her sick. The only thing she found pleasing was that the bitch’s expression matched Doug’s—one of pure panic. A sensor flashed, filling the room with a bright light that triggered the automatic filters. Electricity sparked and sizzled, and then the familiar hum that indicated the cleansing that would extract all particulates from the air thrummed through Gia’s head. A robotic vacuum appeared from behind a trap door in the wall and the small, discreet cyborg zoomed toward the mess on the floor. Doug swung his head side to side, desperately scanning the room. What? Did he think Gia brought a camera crew in to immortalize her total devastation? Doug took a step and almost fell over the android’s hose, which was moving like a snake in search of glass and debris. “Baby. I-I—” Cautiously, he glanced around again. This time he grabbed a hand towel off the makeup table to drape like a loincloth over the part of him that Gia had the incredible urge to chop off at that moment. Cheating bastard. Her only satisfaction was that the hard-on he sported had lost its firmness with each second that passed. Once again, he almost tripped over the vacuum crossing his path as it made a beeline toward its hidden home in the wall. “Baby?” Fury pinched her lips. Her hot glare swept over Mary, who was trying to cover her assets with her arms and failing miserably. Then Gia pinned her anger squarely on Doug. “Don’t you ever call me baby again.” Her voice trembled with unleashed rage. “I’m out of here.” With a snap of her shoulders, she whipped around and headed for the door. “Gia. Dammit, Gia, wait.” She heard Doug’s feet shuffle across the floor in pursuit of her. “This isn’t what it looks like.”
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His hollow words brought her to a grinding halt. Slowly, she turned in disbelief. Animosity shivered through her as her brows rose and her eyes widened. “Not what it looks like.” Disdain hung on her every word. Then the air in her lungs escaped on a burst of laughter that held no humor. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Right?” “Ah, baby.” His voice softened. “Doll.” Beneath hooded eyelids, he gazed at her with a look Gia had once thought sexy. But now she saw him for what he really was—a lying, cheating, lowlife scoundrel of the worst kind. He took another hesitant step closer, shrugging. “You know how it is.” Oh my God. He did not just say that. Crossing her arms over her breasts, she lowered her chin, her glower not wavering. “No. I’m afraid I don’t. Maybe you should explain it to me.” He never took his eyes off her as she waited impatiently for him to play the “I’m just a man” card. Feigned remorse touched his pouty lips, lips she had spent hours kissing and teasing, but now all she wanted was to plant her fist in his kisser and call it a day. “She came on to me.” The minute the lie left his mouth, Mary’s eyes got as big as saucers. “That’s not how it happened.” Her outburst made Doug’s face turn a little green around the edges. What? Did he really think Mary was going down without taking him with her? Silly boy. Grabbing Gia’s robe off the hook on the wall, Mary shrugged into the garment as she closed the distance between them. “Gia. Please, I need to explain—” Gia’s outstretched palm silenced her personal assistant’s words as well as her approach. “I’m past explanations.” You know what? Make that ex-personal assistant. “You’re fired.” Gia didn’t need people she couldn’t trust around her, and she certainly didn’t need these two. “But—” Gia turned on her heel, dismissing Mary, desperate to get out of the dressing room and as far away from both of them as possible. Outwardly, she might have appeared poised and hopefully strong, but inside she was silently screaming. When her fingers folded around the doorknob, she made a last ditch effort to remain composed. She paused and glanced over a shoulder. “Doug, you’re fired too.” Her voice sounded eerily calm even to her. “Come on, baby. You know you can’t do that.” He took several quick steps toward her. The withering scowl she gave his hand as he reached for her stopped him cold. Stillness shimmered around them and then his eyes narrowed. “I’m your agent.” Low and hard, his voice became all business. “We have a contract.” She flinched, feeling the sharp slap to her pride. Had he ever really cared about her or had it always been business?
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“Gia.” This time he attempted to circle her wrist, fingertips grazing her skin before she jerked away, placing a wider distance between them. “What about Starlight?” The movie promised to be the film of the year 2096. Gia wanted the leading role so badly she could taste it. “Baby, I can make it happen for us—you,” he added quickly. “Baby, I need you.” The whine in his tone was like fingernails across a slick surface. It grated on her nerves, making the fine hairs on her arms rise. She growled, “Fuck the movie and fuck you.” Right now she couldn’t think through the red haze building in her mind. She had to get out of there. His broken chuckle sounded tight and strained. “You can’t just fire me.” “Well, I just did.” Money she had. Real friends were few and far between, especially in this business. Hell. What was she saying? Her entire life had been one big failure when it came to relationships. Doug was no different from her past lovers. None of her partners ever wanted more than to possess her. Exceptional beauty had been her gift and her curse. As she had learned throughout the years, a relationship based on physical appearance rather than inner appeal was destined to fail. Since high school, boys—men had been more attracted to her looks than anything else she had to offer. The unanswered million-dollar question remained. How could she find a man who was more interested in her intelligence and what lay in her heart than the size of her boobs? Gia mentally pulled herself together. “I’ll have my attorney contact both of you.” Yanking the door open, she stepped outside and pressed her back against the cool metal. A breeze feathered her long hair, chilling her as it swept over her nearly naked body, which reminded her that she still wore the silky black negligee she’d donned for the final scene of the movie she had just finished shooting. The material dipped as low in the front as it did in the back, hiding very little of her full breasts. Another brisk wind parted the slit in the gown, exposing an entire leg and hip. That’s when the first bright light blinded her. One after another, camera lights flashed, snapping and going off like an army of machine guns. “Look over here, Miss Easton,” someone yelled. On autopilot, she turned and another series of flashes erupted, leaving black dots burning her vision. What happened to the closed set? Where did these people come from? Probably another one of Doug’s media ploys, but this time it was blowing up in her face. Gia’s startled gaze whipped around the crowd, looking for her bodyguard, who she had dismissed earlier when she thought of spending a little time with Doug behind closed doors. Mary had beaten her to it.
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Every nerve in Gia’s body tensed. For the first time since her overnight fame, she’d forgotten about the paparazzi. Willing her frazzled nerves to soften, she forced a strained smile, but it slipped when Doug burst from the building in nothing but his teeny-tiny towel, which was flapping in the wind. He struggled with the scrap of cloth. Gia would have laughed if she wasn’t dealing with her own tattered emotions. Wrapped in one of Gia’s robes, Mary followed close on Doug’s heels, sporting a deer-inthe-headlight stare when she saw the cameras. The photographers went wild. An all-out frenzy. As a fiery orange sun dipped in the sky, camera lights exploded like fireworks. “Miss Easton, any comment?” A tall, blond man shoved a microphone toward her mouth while another one blurted, “Did you catch them in the act?” Gia’s heart beat madly. Perspiration threatened to bead her forehead. How the hell would she get out of this unscathed? She had to deal not only with the betrayal, but with the public knowing her humiliation. Everyone knew the darlin’ of the silver screen was dating her agent. Little by little, the fragile hold she had on her control began to slip. Unshed tears burned behind her eyelids. Doug had been the first man she had trusted in Hollywood. Lies. All lies. Gia shuddered, the tremor shaking her entire body. With as much courage as she could muster, she squared her shoulders and tossed back her long hair, smiling sweetly for the cameras. No way would she go down without a fight. Acting was her forte and this crisis just another scene in her personal messed-up movie. She could do this—she had to. “Awkward.” Gia kept the word light while she fought to keep her innocent expression from crumbling. Doug had professed his love, even promised to accompany her next weekend to her parents’ thirty-fifth anniversary. Love. She almost huffed out loud. What a fucking joke. A twitch teased the corner of her right eye. The spasm was hard to resist. She reached to smooth it away, but stopped midway. Everyone would be at the family home in Forest Grove, Oregon, to celebrate, including Aunt Clare, who nagged her incessantly about marriage and babies. Gia was the only one of her siblings who wasn’t married and settled down. “Does this mean your relationship with Mr. Temin is over?” one reporter asked. Gia calmly turned to Doug with a look of indifference while she ground her teeth behind her lips. “It’s true we have agreed to sever our business relationship.” Doug adamantly shook his head and the cameras caught the movement. As a barrage of paparazzi descended upon him, he and Mary disappeared back into her dressing room, which meant once more the media whirled like a pack of wild animals toward Gia.
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“What about your personal relationship? Does this change anything?” the blond reporter dogged her. Oh hell no. The more the merrier. NOT. Gia barely held back her sarcasm. What the hell did the man think? A woman close to Gia’s twenty-five years of age asked, “How are you feeling? Are you hurt? Mad?” She crammed her microphone in Gia’s face. A step backward put the much-needed space she had to have between them. Yes. Gia felt all those things and more, but those were emotions she didn’t care to share with a bunch of strangers or see strung across the tabloids. Instead, compelled laughter squeezed from her tight lips. “This is Hollywood, people. Nothing is what you believe it is. Please don’t forget that. Now if you’ll excuse me. It’s been a long day.” Another camera snapped, bright light causing her to stumble backward. Damn these people. All she wanted was a couple of minutes to sort through her tattered feelings. When a hand grasped her wrist, she tensed, jerking back before she realized her bodyguard held her. Antares looked down at her with jet-black eyes. “Miss Easton, do you have need of my services?” The android positioned his imposing six-foot-four frame between her and the hungry journalists who screeched to a halt. Their flashing cameras even paused when the bald-headed robot turned and narrowed his foreboding gaze on them. A sigh of relief filled Gia’s lungs. “Thank you, Antares. I have to get out of here,” she murmured while making a last-ditch effort to hold on to her composure. “As you wish.” Strength radiated from his powerful hand, which was now placed at the small of her back. Maneuvering her in front of him so he stood between her and the crowd, he guided her toward the limousine parked by one of twelve large studios that towered around them. Trans airliners moving swiftly on rails crisscrossing high above them continued to shuttle people from one mammoth building to another, while smaller versions of the crafts darted past on the ground. As they neared the car, a young woman appeared out of nowhere, her steps fast and determined, heading in their direction. As she approached, Antares snarled, the sound more animallike than human. The brunette abruptly stopped. Something close to fear widened her eyes. “I-I just wanted an autograph.” When Gia saw the telecom device in the woman’s hand, she placed a palm on Antares’ arm and looked into his cold, hard eyes. Sheesh. The man was solid muscle and good-looking in a dangerous sort of way. “It’s okay.” She stepped beyond his shelter and closed the distance between her and the eager fan. A movie clip played on the device she held. It was Gia’s first movie, the one that had set her career into motion.
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A heavy sigh pushed from her lips. Sometimes she wished she had stayed in Forest Grove, but other than her family there was little for her there. The fact was that locating a job in town hadn’t been easy. Every position she had ever held, the boss had either hit on her or, once his wife met her, she was immediately fired. Jealousy sucked. But through the ups and downs of growing up, she did manage a college degree in social sciences. An elective course in theater and a professor’s suggestion she consider a career in acting set her rethinking her course. In a last-ditch effort to find a place where she belonged, she packed her bags and headed to Hollywood. There she discovered her passion for acting. Gia reached for the device the woman extended and pressed the still button before she removed the attached pen. The picture froze on the bedroom scene with her and James Scott embracing. For a moment, she was taken back in time. She had been young and hungry for success when her break came. And, like the inexperienced girl she had been, she made the first cardinal error and fell deeply in love with her co-star. Of course his love had been merely lust. Gia pushed the ugly memory aside. “Your name?” “Beth.” The fan beamed. “I want to be just like you.” The dreamy stars twinkling in the young woman’s brown eyes weren’t hard to miss. Should Gia burst Beth’s bubble? Tell her that fame wasn’t all it was cracked up to be? Nah. She probably wouldn’t listen anyway. Instead Gia smiled and continued to scribble a message across the video screen. Someone yelled her name. She turned and another picture was snapped. A jet cruiser was heading straight for them. Two people straddled the hovercraft that floated above the ground, a driver and the blond man with the camera. Damn Doug and Mary. Their little escapade would cost Gia any moment of peace, and her pride, once their story hit the airwaves, which it was probably doing right now. Oh God. What would her mother and father say? To date they had understood about the embellished rumors or out-and-out lies that were the price of fame, but this one hit a little too close to the truth and it hurt. The limousine door rose like a bird’s wing in flight. She scrambled inside, smelling the heady scent of leather as she scooted across the butter-soft seats. When the door lowered, she heard the lock click. In seconds, her bodyguard was behind the wheel. Immediately the windows surrounding her blackened. Gia could see out, but no one could see in. A series of small explosions shook the car. She startled, catching her breath. “Sorry, Miss Easton. The auto-scan discovered several tracking devices. They have been disposed of.”
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Gia glanced up to see Antares’ handsome face reflected in the rearview mirror, but his black eyes were lifeless—cold. A flare of light caught her attention as another cruiser joined the first one pulling alongside the car. “Where to, Miss Easton?” “I don’t care.” She collapsed against the backseat. “Just lose them.” Tired and shaken, all she wanted to do was disappear. So much for the wrap party. She had no desire to put on a brave face or celebrate with cast and crew tonight. The engine roared to life and the climate sensor hummed as it sought out the ideal temperature for her. When Antares shifted the vehicle into gear and put his foot on the gas pedal, tires screeched. The force pressed her tight against the seat, increasing her anxiety. On the first turn, she slid across the seat, almost out of reach of the telephone. The tip of her fingers activated the speaker and a dial tone screeched. On another bend that flung her in the opposite direction, she managed to punch in her attorney’s number. The monitor lit up with the middle-aged man’s rounded face. The ruddiness of his nose and cheeks revealed he drank a little too much. The minute their eyes met, the toothy smile he’d greeted her with dissolved. His bushy brows tugged inward. “Gia, is something wrong?” She pressed the button that disconnected their visual feed, not wanting him to see the tears swelling. Clearing her throat, she held on to her anger, the only thing that would get her through this day. “I fired both Mary and Doug.” “What?” After she explained the sordid situation, she added, “I want all their belongings out of my house before I get home. Oh. And I need you to contact my publicist. Start damage control immediately. Have Karen leave me a voicemail on the path she decides to take. I don’t want to be bothered unless it is necessary.” “Of course. Do you think Doug or Mary will cause problems?” Larry asked. “Hell. Yes. But isn’t that what I pay you to handle? I want them silenced and out of my life. Make it happen, Larry.” With the press of a finger, the telephone went dead. On second thought, she deactivated the communication device. She didn’t want to speak to anyone, especially her mother or sister. Tension crawled across Gia’s shoulders—tiny knots that made her ache and clench her teeth so that her jaw pulsated. She rolled her head from side to side, listening to muscles pop before she jerked open the cabinet beneath the wet bar. She always kept a change of clothes in case of an emergency. While she changed into a pair of jeans and T-shirt, Antares took another left and then a right, trying to shake their pursuers. Sunlight blinked out, turning the day to night as she slipped on a pair of sandals. It took a second or two for her eyes to adjust and when they did she realized they had entered an underground tunnel. The cruisers were nowhere in sight, but that didn’t
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mean anything. Even without a tracking device, with satellite ground positioning it wouldn’t be long before they were once again in pursuit. The car’s descrambler would hold off their pursuers only until they found the right frequency. Gotta love technology. With each techno advancement there was someone out there with the means to get around it. As they pulled into a parking garage containing only a few cars, she looked around. “Where are we?” The area was dimly illuminated. Two guards stood sentry by a steel door outside a large gray building. There were no signs, nothing descriptive that gave her any hint as to where Antares had taken her. He glanced in the rearview mirror. “The Institute of Robotics. This is the back entrance of the M.A.C. Division.” “M.A.C. Division?” she repeated. Why did this sound familiar? “Male Android Companions.” When the car came to a complete stop, she slid across the seat. “Let me out of here.” She didn’t wait for Antares to open the door. Instead, she grabbed her keyless remote and activated a sensor. The door swung upward as she stuffed the remote into her pants. “You can lead the paparazzi away. I’ll catch a taxi.” Before she crawled out of the limousine, she snagged a pair of sunglasses. When she placed them on her nose, the garage darkened even more. Grabbing her favorite ball cap, she stuffed her long red hair beneath it. “Miss Easton, this isn’t wise. You need protection.” Antares had warned her just yesterday that she required additional security when she went out but she had brushed him off as he rambled off the mathematical probabilities of danger. No one wanted to hurt her. They just became overzealous at times. Shaking what security she did have probably wasn’t the brightest idea, but she really needed to escape, even if it was for a brief reprieve. She scanned the rustic concrete building once more. No one would look for her here; besides it appeared almost vacant with only two cars in the parking lot. “I’ll hide out in the Institute for thirty minutes or so and either call for a taxi or if you feel it’s safe enough you can return and pick me up. Now go before the vultures discover this location.” For a second she lost her bravado as she watched her limousine pull away. Maybe she should have thought this plan through. Gia didn’t even want to think about the gossip that would surface if they found her here. Dumped starlet turns to hot male robot for affection. The two guards at the door leveled their ominous gazes on her and she gave them the same scrutiny back. Yes. Gia had heard of this place. In fact, last night she had been intrigued by one of their commercials advertising a fulfilling sexual experience without the complications of a relationship.
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No emotional ties—just great sex, anytime she wanted it. Her own boy toy! “Maybe this is what I need,” she said half-jokingly. But the thought did nothing to ease the ache in her chest or the moisture blurring her vision. She wiped angrily at her tears. “You’re so not worth crying over.” Doug was history. Determined footsteps carried her toward the building. When she was about six feet away from the guards, the large metal door they stood next to opened and a man dressed in a three-piece business suit exited. “Welcome, Miss Easton.” Her jaw dropped. “How did you know—?” A Cheshire grin fell across his handsome face. “Our recognition cameras are the best around. When I saw your name—” He shrugged, extending a hand too soft to have done any real work. “I’m a fan.” As his warm palm met hers, she noted the surveillance equipment lining the roof and the identification pad embedded into the doorknob. So much for being incognito. “I’m Toil Roberts.” His grip grew snug. “I’m so glad that you are in the market for a M.A.C.” “What?” The gentle squeeze of his fingers around hers snapped her attention to his hand and then to his sharp brown eyes. “I’m not—” Whoa. Maybe she shouldn’t be too hasty. Maybe a M.A.C. was exactly what she needed. If the androids’ lifelike personalities were even half as good as the company claimed, no one would know the truth. Besides, what did she have to lose? Company was company and she needed someone or something to help her forget, at least for tonight. Gia eased her hand out of the blond salesman’s. “Yes. I’m very interested.”
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Chapter Two “Where the hell is that laser? It couldn’t have just walked away.” Marc Anthony Charleston scanned the marble showroom for the fourth time. The three-inch tool was nowhere to be found. Stepping behind the couch, he dropped to his knees and bent to peer beneath the sofa. As he moved to his belly, he reached blindly, fingers sweeping across the floor. Nothing. Yet there was no way losing his favorite tool would squash the excitement welling inside him. Today was the grand opening and the first release of this year’s models, the 2095 Ecstasy line. He had achieved what no other had—he had created the perfect man. Well. Perfect by the definition of a focus group of approximately three hundred women, a sample taken from across the United States. He just hoped the world saw his work for what it was worth. His inventions weren’t mere sex toys, but a huge advancement in science. Pride rose, warming his neck and spreading across his face. Each android had been designed not only to pleasure its owner, but Marc had programmed them to think and analyze situations and to react accordingly to service their clients’ every need. The sound of hollow footsteps brought his head up. The showroom wouldn’t open for another thirty minutes. Mrs. Oxford was early, which meant she was anxious. Dressed in jeans, a polo shirt and casual loafers, Marc wasn’t prepared to contend with the public or the prestigious customer. “I think you’ll be impressed with the twelve available models.” Toil’s voice thickened with heat—he was interested in the female. “We have every variety. With everything a woman could desire.” “Or at least the top twelve chosen by market research,” Marc muttered to himself as he remained hidden behind the couch. He heard the woman’s gasp of awe and knew she was impressed. Who wouldn’t be? Twelve good-looking men, some with ebony hair like his, others blond, brunet, and there was even a redhead who lounged around the intimate room designed for seduction. A crystal chandelier was dimly lit and over twenty candles dotted around the room, giving off a hint of cinnamon. Thick, heavy drapes caressed the darkened windows. Small couches built for only two and several plush chairs were arranged near the fireplace, with a bucket of champagne arranged on each side. On his hands and knees, Marc chuckled softly. Toil couldn’t be attracted to Mrs. Oxford. Even the best modern enhancements couldn’t hide that she was pushing sixty.
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The horny old broad was married and looking for a plaything, not a real man who would cost her everything should her better half discover her infidelity. This he knew because he had spoken to her personally. The woman planned to introduce one of Marc’s androids as the pool boy to her husband. Not the most auspicious beginning for one of his creations, but it would be a good testament of their ability to “pass”. “Tell me more.” The young female’s tone was soft, sexy and oddly familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it. One thing he knew, she was definitely not Mrs. Oxford. “Are they really lifelike? Enough to fool anyone? Even the press?” A satisfied grin tugged at the corners of Marc’s mouth. Countless hours of research had gone into every robot. He had personally seen to their training, during which he had learned a thing or two he was eager to try. Each one of the androids had been programmed to know exactly what a woman enjoyed and they knew all the ways to pleasure her. But more importantly, his creations had been programmed on current events, politics and any other imaginable subject. They had each been given occupations and a life history. Whoever the woman with Toil was, Marc would stake his reputation she would not be able to tell the difference between one of his robots and a real man. “M.A.C. guarantees that the 2095 Ecstasy model will be undetected as an android by anyone on the street or,” Toil’s voice dropped an octave lower, “anyone slipping between the sheets with one of them.” It wasn’t what the salesman said but how he spoke that confirmed for Marc the woman must be pretty. Toil only went for those who registered at least an eight on the beauty scale. “Whatever your fantasy…” The salesman paused. When he spoke again his voice turned husky. “Whatever your kink, the 2095 will comply. Troy.” He called the six-foottwo android’s name. Test markets had shown that the blond bodybuilder would undoubtedly be a favorite amongst most women. “Gentlemen, come say hello.” Marc began to rise as his hand touched something cold. The laser. He closed his fingers around the tool as Troy hummed, “My pleasure.” When Marc pushed to his feet, the client was hidden by the android’s broad physique, but he could see that she held a ball cap in one hand. “I don’t mean to be rude, but—” Nervous laughter spilled forth. “I-I mean the pleasure is mine, but he’s not exactly what I’d take home to meet the family.” So, she had an agenda—a man to meet the family? Marc was rethinking his earlier “pretty” assumption. She needed her family to believe she had a man. When the customer stepped beyond Troy, her back to Marc, his heart stuttered. Sexy. Soft, generous curves, a sensual sway to her hips that made it look as if she glided toward Alex, a brunet android dressed in a suit and tie. Elbow propped on the fireplace mantel, the android smiled invitingly. In a large chair next to him, Pierce, a more rugged-looking android decked out in jeans and a flannel shirt, rose to greet her.
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Each of the androids introduced himself and spoke with her briefly, but Marc’s gaze was pinned on her shapely body. When he realized what he was doing, he thought butter, laughing inwardly. That’s how his nephew had described his older brother’s girlfriend. “She’s butter. Got a great rack but—her face is uuug-ly.” Nathan’s smart-ass remark had Brandon throwing fists. Marc had to step between the two rascals to stop the fight. The memory came and went quickly as he pulled his attention back to the woman. One thing he did have to say about her, she had gorgeous hair. Full and long, the color of mahogany, it flowed down her back to rest at the gentle swell of her ass, which was wrapped in tight blue jeans. And what an ass. Just right for a man’s palms. She stood silently for a moment before spinning around. “I don’t know.” Pushing her sunglasses up and into her hair, she revealed the bluest eyes. Eyes Marc had admired before. In fact, on more occasions then he cared to disclose, he had not only stared at pictures of those eyes, but had also traced every curve of the statuesque starlet’s body while placing the movie on pause so he could breathe in her beauty. Gia Easton had been the leading lady in his nightly dreams. But something was off. Rolling the laser between two fingers, he watched her intently. The confident way she held herself on the silver screen was missing. Instead he swore her almond-shaped eyes held the weight of the world. The life-light that usually glowed around her was gone. Then again, artificial lighting and makeup could accomplish anything. On another twist, the laser slipped from his hands and pinged against the marble floor, the tinny sound drawing everyone’s attention, including hers. A quick, blasé scan of Marc’s person and Miss Easton pivoted back around. “He’ll do. Can you call for transportation?” Marc’s eyes widened with disbelief. “He’ll do?” he grumbled. A sudden flood of anger heated his neck, stinging his ears. Fuck this. His androids required more consideration then what she offered them. In fact, he deserved more than a cursory glance. Who the hell did the woman think she was? And what gave her the idea that he was one of the androids? “But—” Toil’s jaw dropped when Marc placed a finger to his lips. He’d just show Miss Gia Easton a thing or two. With her back to Marc, she folded her arms across her voluptuous breasts and leaned on a hip, taking a defensive stance. “What’s the problem?” “Uhhh,” Toil stammered. “Oh. Of course. Money.” Sarcasm rolled off her tongue. “Money?” Toil parroted her like a dummy. Behind her back, Marc shook his head and mouthed “no charge”. 17
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“No charge?” Toil jerked his attention from Marc quickly back to Miss Easton. “I mean, no charge.” Rolling his eyes, Marc shook his head again. Toil was a good salesman but he was losing it with this customer. Of course, Marc wasn’t the usual purchase and the situation was highly unethical. Miss Easton shot a glance in Marc’s direction and he stilled. “No charge?” A neatly groomed brow rose but plunged suspiciously when Marc smiled a grin he knew wasn’t sincere. She frowned, slowly turning toward Toil. “Since you are the first to own a 2095—” Toil shifted his feet. Marc swore he’d kill the man if he blew this deal. “It would be an honor if you would take— Ummm. Marc. Home with you.” He cleared his throat. “If he meets with your satisfaction then we can talk price.” Nice recovery. But then Marc tensed. What the hell am I thinking? Anxiety lit up his nerve endings. Clearly that was the problem. He wasn’t thinking. It wouldn’t be the first time his wounded pride got him into trouble. Fact is, he had reacted to her indifference and now there was no way out of the predicament he found himself in. It was as simple as that. A quarter-turn of her delectable body and Marc could see her porcelain features again. “Sounds reasonable.” Reaching for her sunglasses, she slid them down her forehead and nose to shield her eyes before she started to cram all that silky hair beneath the ball cap she placed on her head. “Of course, no one can know about our arrangement.” Toil raised his chin at the same time he straightened his shoulders. “Discretion is of the utmost importance to our clients and our company. No one will ever know about this arrangement.” No one could ever know. Marc swore the smell of a lawsuit hung bitter in the air. “Do I take him now or will you deliver him?” Her tongue slid between her lips, causing Marc’s body to tighten. Not exactly what he needed when he required all his faculties about him. Somehow he had to find a way out of this mess. Perhaps Toil could call her later and say there was a recall on the current “Marc” model. But before he could get Toil’s attention to recommend delivery, the salesman asked, “What would be your preference?” “I’ll take him now.” There was no hesitation in her answer. “The sooner we get to know each other the better.” So much for Marc’s idea, although the thought of getting to know her better did funny things to his body. Blood rushed to his groin and he almost groaned out loud. Did she have this effect on all men or was it just him?
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“Now, if you could arrange for transportation, I’m in a hurry.” Without another word, she walked away. Well, it wasn’t quite a walk, but a glide. The little sway in her hips caught both his and Toil’s attention. As Marc started to follow her, Toil grabbed his arm. “What the hell are you thinking?” Worry etched the salesman’s forehead. “This is bad. So bad.” “Relax, Toil.” It was easier said than done. Marc felt like his skin was on fire. Just the thought of holding the starlet in his arms burned him from the inside out, or was it his bent-out-of-shape pride? “Get me set up with the things we send out with all our units. Include my personal luggage that’s in the office.” After tonight, Marc’s plan had been to escape for a much-needed vacation, but he’d exchange Cancun for Gia Easton in a heartbeat, especially if it meant teaching her a lesson about the respect owed to his androids. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing?” A vein in Toil’s throat bulged. “What the impact to your reputation, this company, will be if your ruse is revealed?” Marc remained silent. Yeah. It could get messy. Then again it could be worth it. Without another thought, he followed his new owner toward the back exit. Sitting in a black unmarked limousine as it sped toward her house, Gia stared at her new purchase. He sat quietly across from her. When their eyes met he flashed her a roughish grin. What on earth was she thinking—an android? What had ever moved her to do such a thing? She wasn’t impulsive. Then again maybe she just needed someone tonight, someone who would hold her without judgment or ridicule. Thick emotion rolled through her like a big tidal wave. Tears built, but she’d be damned if she’d let them fall. The headline she was thinking of earlier popped back into her head. Dumped starlet turns to hot male robot for affection. Broken laughter spilled from her mouth. The handsome android raised one brow in question but didn’t make a sound. No questions. No trying to fix the problem at hand, which always seemed to be what a man attempted to do, when all a woman wanted was to express herself. She let her gaze roam over him once more. Yes. There were some definite pros to consider. No more watching how much she ate with her new M.A.C. No playing coy or shy. This arrangement could be perfect—she had nothing to lose and there was no holding back. Her deepest, darkest fantasies were at her fingertips. Then there were the cons. Even though on the surface he was the effigy of a man, and a gorgeous one at that, this hoax would never work with her family. How would he hold a conversation about current politics with her dad or sports with one of her brothers? Surely, her mother or younger sister Becka would see through the lie. Her mother, the newly announced president of their family-owned banks since Gia’s grandfather had retired, was used to
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seeing through lies. Of course Gia couldn’t even think about taking Marc to Oregon with her. And then there was the media. A sudden gust of air-conditioning feathered through Marc’s wavy black hair, which was short on the sides, longer on top. Clean-cut. All-American. The Institute of Robotics knew what they were doing when they packaged this model. His shoulders were wide, his chest thick and muscular beneath the tight polo shirt he wore. Even his jeans caressed sinewy thighs and narrow hips. Brazenly, she allowed her gaze to stroke his impressive bulge, something she would never have done to a real man. He shifted nervously on the leather seat across from her. When she looked up at his handsome face, she recognized lust. Desire simmered like a flame in his emerald eyes, making them glimmer. So real. Someone she would love to bring home to meet her family. He wasn’t flashy with the mark of Hollywood tattooed across his forehead like Doug but real, solid, a man’s man—a man a woman could trust. Trust. The thought pushed the air from her lungs in one fell swoop. Shoulders sagging, her control slipped. The moment she felt tears fill her eyes she looked away. Batting her eyelashes, she attempted to blink away the unwanted emotion. Dammit. Gia had to get past the heaviness in her chest. Doug wasn’t worth another tear. She had bigger problems ahead of her. Like how to explain why Doug and Mary wouldn’t be attending her parents’ party. Then there was Aunt Clare, who made her feel as though she was the black sheep of the family because she wasn’t married. And of course, Gia had never been able to hide anything from her mother, including a broken heart. Gia’s gaze went to the android once again. Fortunately, sunglasses hid her sorrow; then again, the robot before her wasn’t human. What would he care if she broke down and bawled her eyes out? Because that’s just what she needed, a good cry. She glanced at the driver before closing the window between the front and backseat, secluding her with Marc. What a mess. A weighted sigh pushed between her lips as she wondered what the chance would be that none of her family members had heard about the escapade at the studio. Lost in the little pity party she entertained, she jumped when a warm hand lay upon hers. “Are you all right?” Concern furrowed Marc’s broad forehead as he leaned toward her. Sniffling, she fought back the moisture beating behind her eyelids. “No. I’m not.” A wayward tear rolled down her cheek. It was silly, but she could really use her mother’s shoulder right about now, and for Doug and Mary to go straight to hell. She pinched her lips together. Her chin quivered.
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“Do you want to talk about it?” “Talk?” Her eyes gaped with surprise, unleashing several more tears. Before she could wipe them away, he raised a hand and smoothed a finger across each cheek. “Yes. Talk.” The softness in his eyes appeared heartfelt, as if he actually cared, and that made it worse for Gia. “I’m a good listener.” Tomorrow she would face a barrage of people, interviews. Some who would feel sorry for her, others who would revel in her loss. Neither would give her any comfort. Dammit. She didn’t want to cry, even in front of an android. A pregnant pause ensued between them. “Gia?” When he spoke her name, she inhaled sharply and then something inside her broke. On an exhale she began to ramble. “I’ve had one of the worst days of my life. Set delays. Wardrobe malfunctions.” The strap of her negligee had fallen down her shoulder, the adhesive holding the material in place had given way and her boob had popped out, requiring a retake of the scene. Not to mention her embarrassment. She might wear skimpy, even risqué clothing, but never complete nudity. And it had all been caught on film. Thank God her parents would never see it, unless it spread across the internet, which was a possibility. Acid churned in her stomach. This day was getting better with each second. “Script problems,” she continued. “Issues with actors. And to top it off,” she released a shuddering breath, “I found my boyfriend fucking my best friend on my makeup table.” She bit down on her lip to keep her emotions at bay. “Now the paparazzi know. It’ll be plastered across every news media if it isn’t already. My parents’ anniversary is in a week. They were expecting me. Doug—” Gia tried to hold back the wall of sentiment but it was useless. The floodgates opened wide. She was so entrenched in her pain, she didn’t even realize that Marc had moved off his seat and sat beside her until his thigh touched hers. Strong arms embraced her, holding her against a firm torso. “Sweetheart, don’t cry.” For a moment she forgot who or rather what Marc was and locked her arms around his neck, clinging to him. “I-I hurt.” Her voice broke in short gasping breaths. Her chest burned. She felt so alone, so betrayed. Not to mention homesick. The last five years had been hell being away from her family, and now this. She had no one to turn to or rely on. Her family loved her, but she couldn’t admit to another bad choice in her life, not even to them. God. She felt like a failure. “I know, honey.” Rocking her back and forth, he patted her softly on the back. “These things happen.” For the first time in quite a while, Gia buried her face into a man’s shoulder and allowed herself to grieve aloud, something she had learned to shield from the public
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and her so-called Hollywood friends. Even her childhood friends back home had become distant since her success, except for the ones who wanted something from her, and who needed friends like that? It dawned on her that she was truly alone. Other than her family, she had no one, and pride kept her from reaching out to them. The emptiness crowding in on her was too much to bear. “Shush, baby,” Marc whispered, comforting her as if she were a child. “It’ll be okay.” Gia wasn’t a fool. It wouldn’t be okay. If she moved home nothing would change. There would be no job waiting for her. No friends to welcome her back. Acting was her career and Hollywood was her home. Here her beauty was celebrated and opened doors for her instead of slamming them in her face. When the car stopped at a light, she was still shaking from the outburst but her tears had lessened. When she swallowed, her throat felt raw and sore. She snuggled closer, not yet willing to release the warmth and support the arms around her provided. “Do you love him?” Marc’s black-velvet voice caressed her as if it were silk sliding across her flesh. Sucking in a choppy breath, she looked up through misty eyes. Did she love Doug? Mary? Or had they been her only allies in a city where people were bought and sold and discarded in the blink of an eye? No one was who they pretended to be, including Doug. And there was that part of her that really wanted a relationship, someone to come home to, to share her dreams and aspirations with, and most importantly, someone who loved her. Not because she was famous, but because she was Regina Lynn Easton. Gia was so tired and confused. For the last eighteen months, she had gone from one set to another without a break. Perhaps she needed a vacation, time away from the rat race and the life she had carved out for herself. She needed simplicity. She needed her family. Pushing against Marc’s muscled thigh, she sat up, shaking her head. “No. Not really.” It would be a lie to say she didn’t have feelings for Doug, but love? No. “I feel more betrayed then anything. I trusted him.” And Mary. Gia sniffled and accepted the bar napkin Marc handed her. “Mary was my best friend. And then there’s the press.” Dabbing at her nose, she dragged in a ragged breath. “They’ll have a field day with this mess.” She paused, but only briefly. “I guess I’m angrier that the two individuals I cared for the most in Hollywood used and betrayed me.” Irony filled her short burst of laughter. “Of course, the fact that I was dumped for my assistant doesn’t sit well with me either.” There, she said it. Her pride had taken a blow and the world would know it, as well as her family. The embarrassment wasn’t something she cared to face any time soon. No. Scratch that. The embarrassment wasn’t something she ever wanted to face. With a single finger, Marc pushed back a tendril that had escaped her cap. “I can assure you your agent had no plans on dumping you.”
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Agent? She hadn’t mentioned Doug was her agent. How would an android be privy to that kind of information? “Uh. How did you know—?” “You have to remember he’s a man and most of us don’t think past the brain between our thighs.” He gave her a sheepish grin that she found so charming it erased the lingering question in her mind. Instead, she reached up and ran a palm over his smooth cheek. “You act and feel so real.” And smell good too. Like warm spice on a cold morning, his scent played havoc with her senses. Perhaps the M.A.C. Company added chemicals or man-engineered pheromones to the android’s cologne in order to attract women. It was sure doing crazy things to her. Her breasts felt heavier and she couldn’t help taking in his aroma again. I’m distraught, she rationalized. Nothing more. A smile crinkled the corners of his green eyes. “I’m about as real as you can get.” His chuckle held mild amusement. “I don’t even know where to begin with you,” she admitted unashamedly. He was an android and a damn good-looking one at that, but he wasn’t real. She looked away, staring out the window. Skyscrapers reached heavenward, the sky a mass of transit filled with small spacecraft and trans-airliners moving in streaks of color toward their destinations, while other motorized vehicles and hovercrafts moved steadily below. Would there ever be a man who would love her for who she was inside and not what she was? Insecurity crept in on silent feet, skittering across her skin. Marc smoothed a palm up her arm. “Perhaps we need to get to know each other better.” “What?” As she turned her head, he leaned in and brushed his mouth lightly across hers. Startled, she wet her lips, tasting him and the flavor of spearmint. Not bad. Not bad at all. He felt so real beneath the hand she rested on his bare forearm. Muscles rippled beneath his suntanned skin. “First we’ll start by taking these off.” Removing her sunglasses, his gaze locked on to hers. Something electrifying zinged between them—desire? She witnessed his slight flinch and he swallowed hard. Did he feel the charge too? Impossible. Robot, hummed in her mind. But before Gia could analyze her reaction to the android, he drew closer, so near that their noses softly skimmed each other. Her heart beat a rapid staccato. He caressed his palms down her arms to her rib cage, settling them at her waist. “You see, if you were my woman,” he angled his head, sliding his lips once more across hers, “I’d never let you out of my sight.” His pupils darkened to a deeper shade of green. A small, humorless smile curved his mouth. His grin and the dimple—in his 23
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right cheek only—were so sexy the air in her lungs caught. “You’d be mine forever.” The conviction in his voice sent a shiver up her spine. “I’d love you like a woman should be loved.” Wings of arousal softly stroked her belly and then clenched, sending the sensation lower. She felt herself grow damp and her eyes widened with surprise. Did it matter that he wasn’t real? At this point any man would do to vanquish thoughts of Doug and Mary’s betrayal. Gia cleared her throat, willing the flush of heat surely reddening her cheeks to disappear. “What would you know about love or what a woman really wants or doesn’t?” She attributed her reaction to the android to the turmoil of feelings raging inside her, not to the fact she was attracted to him, which was, of course, ludicrous. Sure, the android might have been programmed to locate a woman’s erogenous zones and how to insert tab A into slot B, but he couldn’t possibly possess the knowledge or the depth of emotion, the loving responses a woman wanted, no needed, in order to feel satisfied, fulfilled. Then again, he did hold her tenderly when she had her outburst. That sensual grin that made her go mushy inside curved his mouth. Sinful. Gia could see how another woman might be swayed by his good looks, but she was intelligent, something that most males overlooked in her. They always seemed to start at her face and stop at her breasts. “You might be surprised.” His knuckles glided along her jaw to her chin. “Women are not looking for a man who is too nice. You want someone you can trust but that will also provide you with mystery, adventure and maybe even danger.” Their eyes met and she swore he could see her, the real her. “You need someone who can take you outside your comfort zone, teach you new ways to love a man. You want the erotic without the judgment.” “Not even,” she huffed, lying to him as well as herself. How on earth could he know that there was a darker side to her, one that she had never admitted to anyone? This was bordering on ridiculous and a little scary. His fingers smoothed down her throat, leaving gooseflesh in their wake. Gia inhaled and slowly released the air in her lungs as she attempted to control the burn that simmered through her veins. Android whispered in her mind.
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Chapter Three Gia scooted down the seat but he followed her, trapping her between his hard body and the limousine door. “Why do you fight, or more importantly spurn what you feel?” Swallowing hard, she resisted the urge to tug at the neckline of her shirt. Did someone turn on the heater, because it was getting hotter than hell in the small confines of the car. Before she could comment, he continued, “You want a man who can show you a good time, who makes you forget about everyone and everything else when you’re around him.” He eased back a lock of her hair and then tugged down her T-shirt to bare a shoulder before he pressed his lips to the exposed skin. Electricity zapped every one of her nerve endings. She jumped at the jolts that contracted her womb. Slowly, he gazed up through half-lowered eyelids. “He has to make you laugh but at the same time feel desired.” His tongue rasped across her skin. “Loved.” Emerald eyes reflecting raw lust quickened her pulse. A warm breath fanning across her wet skin made her gasp. “Isn’t that what every woman wants?” she asked. Gia wasn’t any different than any other woman. And why was she even discussing this subject with him? Where the hell was the button or plug to turn him off before she did something she would regret, like strip the robot naked and make mad, passionate love to him? “Maybe. Maybe not. But we’re talking about you, not every woman.” When he looked at her in that sultry manner it was as if he saw past the outer layer, deeper, into her soul, and it scared the shit out of her. She inhaled sharply. “No. What I mean—” “Gia, you need a man who gets you.” He released her T-shirt and it slipped back into place. Instead of touching her, he turned those dusky green eyes on her. “You’re not happy and it has nothing to do with that ex-boyfriend of yours. You want more— need more in a relationship.” Again she huffed, but this time she stirred nervously. He couldn’t possibly understand her needs—wants. Dammit. He wasn’t even human. “My guess is your notoriety isn’t exactly what you expected either,” he paused, “or want. You have a love-hate relationship with your career.” She started to turn away when he grasped her forearms. “You want your independence. But you also want a
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man to take care of you. Someone who is caring and supportive. Someone who will truly love you and share your world.” Damn him. With a weak attempt, she tried to pull away again but he held her, drawing her even closer and forcing her to face him and the truth. She loved performing but hated that her life wasn’t her own. And she did want someone to love, and to be loved in return. Someone who would support her career. “If I were your man, no one would see that beautiful body but me. I’d make sure you were happy. I’d go to bed each night worshipping you.” His mouth moved seductively over hers. “Wake up each morning deep inside you.” Oh Lord. The knot in her throat thickened. No one had ever spoken to her like that, even scripted. He’s not real. But even as the reminder echoed through her head, it set fingers of arousal stroking between her thighs. Her breasts were heavy, nipples tingling. She knew almost immediately she was losing the battle for self-control. Eyes still hooded, he skimmed his nose along hers. “I’d touch you.” The warmth of his palm placed at her hip felt intimate—too intimate for a robot. “Taste you,” he breathed heavily, “everywhere.” A flood of liquid heat released between her legs. It wasn’t only his words, but his expression, hot and desirous. The way he touched her was compelling, mesmerizing. As if he were a magnet, she felt drawn to him. She raised her arms, wanting to hold him, but stopped midway, allowing them to float back to her side. Get a hold of yourself. He nipped at her bottom lip, his tongue soothing over the tiny sting. “I want to make love to you.” A red flag popped in her head but when he captured her mouth, all thoughts evaporated in a haze of desire. Once, twice, he licked along the seams of her lips, nudging lightly until she opened to allow him entrance. His forehead knocked off her ball cap, releasing her hair. Then his arms folded around her and he swept inside to devour her. With a glide of his tongue in and out of her mouth, he flicked several times against hers, leaving her with no choice but to reciprocate. The slow twirling of their tongues and the ease with which he smoothed his mouth over hers played havoc with her senses. When he backed off, perhaps allowing her to take the initiative, she whimpered softly, limp in his arms. She needed him to be the aggressor, to make her feel irresistible, wanted by a man—this man. As if he read her mind, Marc began to kiss her again, but this time with long, slow caresses that nearly curled her toes. She clung to him, desperate to experience what he offered in an attempt to assuage what happened earlier this evening. The way he drank from her mouth, tasting and tantalizing, was accomplishing that and much, much more. “You’re so beautiful.” His gaze slid over her face in a slow caress that made her breath catch. And then his mouth found hers again.
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Soft but firm, his mild exploration probed gently between her lips. Strong arms drew her even closer. Tilting his head, he deepened the kiss, passionately sucking on her tongue then flicking it several times with his to encourage her to do the same. With each seductive touch the spell he wove around her threatened to steal her control, or what was left of it. When the hem of her T-shirt rose and the heat of his palm skimmed across her exposed skin, she clutched at his polo shirt, crying out against his mouth. She didn’t know what had come over her. Maybe it was her wounded pride or maybe it was android magic, but with one jerk she had his shirt dislodged from his jeans, an action that surprised both of them, abruptly ending their caress. Heavy-lidded, she looked at him, sliding her tongue over her lips, stroking where his taste lingered. He stared back at her. The exchange between them was silent but fiery. Something inside her shattered. They both moved at once. Before she knew was happening, his shirt slid over tanned and sinewy muscles. Did she take his shirt off or had he? There was no time to think, only to feel, as his seeking hands brushed over her lace-covered breasts, sending tingles through their hardened tips. Gia’s mouth parted on a gasp. She arched into his touch, wanting—no needing more. “Marc.” His name was a mere whisper. “Mmmm. I like it when you say my name.” He smiled against her lips before smoothing a path of hot, moist kisses down her neck and along the edge of the scooped neckline of her T-shirt. Warm breath washed across the wetness, titillating her skin and making her crave more. Much more. “I want you. Here. Now.” The gravelly texture in his tone almost made her forget where they were, but a sudden bump in the road that bounced them against the seat reminded her. “In the car?” she squeaked and then released a nervous giggle. Car sex was one thing she had never tried. It was undignified. Two bodies twisting and turning in such small confines. How could that be fun or fulfilling, with a driver not more than three feet away? And Marc wasn’t even human. The front clasp of her strapless bra snapped, falling open and spilling her needy breasts into his open palms. When his fingers closed around her mounds, the heat in the cabin soared. Tiny flames of desire licked across her skin. Breathlessly, she threw back her head. “I don’t know if I can do this.” Then again, she didn’t know if she could stop. Everything inside her screamed that her shocking behavior was a result of Doug’s betrayal, of her need to wash his memory from her mind.
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Sinful fingers rolling her sensitive nipples were quickly erasing any preconceived notions she might have had about getting it on in a car, with an android. When he exerted pressure on her sensitive nubs, pinched, the sweetest ache burst through her breasts. Rays of hot sensation radiating through her globes headed south, fast and furious. Her stomach bunched. She gasped as shock waves vibrated through her core, releasing another flood of moisture. “Oh my god.” She squirmed, trying to assuage the throb between her thighs. How could a robot raise such a reaction in her? Gia lost her train of thought as Marc pushed her T-shirt up over her breasts and captured a nipple in his hot, wet mouth. A resonating moan pushed from her lips. Flattening his tongue against the peak, he licked and circled it before sucking—long, hard pulls that she felt clear to her pussy. When his teeth skimmed across the tender flesh, she threaded her fingers through his hair, holding him close. A tug at her jeans and the automatic fastener at her waist undid the button as her zipper made a whisking sound with its descent. She should stop him. Then again, he was an android. There would be no legal or emotional ramifications, no possibility of conception. Besides she was on birth control. With modern medicine, venereal diseases were a thing of the past. It would just be sex. Without a second thought she toed off her shoes. “Yes,” she hissed. In less than a heartbeat, she found herself wearing nothing but the T-shirt that rasped against her aching breasts. Boldly, or was it foolishly, she threw a leg over him, one knee on each side of his hips. Male satisfaction gleamed up at her. “Tell me what you want.” Her hands shook as she reached for his belt. “You.” Her body became one big itch, consumed by a craving to feel him fucking her hard and fast. The growl that rumbled in his throat was so sexy, but it was the way his nostrils flared and the fire sparking in his eyes as if they were rare gems that made her pant. Her fingers became all thumbs. For some damn reason, she couldn’t find the magnetic clasp on his buckle to auto-release his belt, much less curb the need overtaking her. Frustration rushed out on an exasperated exhale. Placing a hand over hers, he smiled. “Let me help you.” With no haste in his movements, he activated his buckle, his belt retracting into it before he reached for his jeans. While he took his sweet time, her womb squeezed, releasing another flood of need that sent shivers up her backbone and shook her. Faster. Faster. Knees pressed into the seat, she rose, urging him to shuck his pants, now. Instead, he leisurely raised his hips, brushing the denim against her sensitive folds as he tucked his thumbs into his jeans and achingly slowly began to push them down, dragging his skivvies with them. 28
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Gia held her breath. With each inch of skin revealed, her gaze followed the rope of muscles on each side of his abdomen that cut into a vee heading toward— “Oh my god.” Did she say that out loud? Still, she couldn’t take her eyes off the powerful erection arcing against Marc’s firm abdomen. Holy shit. She had struck the mother lode. As she pondered the possibilities of what she could do with a man like this, his fingers closed around his rigid cock. When his palm slid from balls to crown, her eyes widened. He pumped once, twice, setting her heart to beat loudly in her ears. She’d never seen a man touch himself like that. With each thrust of his hips, he pushed his engorged erection through long fingers, sending her arousal into overdrive. Wet didn’t begin to describe what was happening between her thighs. “Come here.” Low and sensual, his velvet-smooth voice raised goose bumps across her arms. Gia gulped down the air caught in her lungs. As she began to lower her hips, he said, “Stop there.” “S-stop?” she stuttered, confused and disappointed. How could he say “stop” when she was a breath away from feeling pure, unadulterated heaven? A mischievous grin fell across his face as he rubbed the head of his erection across the swollen folds of her sex. “Ohhh.” The airy sound represented everything she was feeling as it pushed from the O her mouth formed. With each sweep of sensation across her delicate skin her legs quivered. “Yesss.” She eased down but he moved his hand, taking with him the pleasure she sought. Damn him. He couldn’t do this to her. Another contraction hugged her core. Gia clenched her inner muscles in an attempt to ease the shudder rippling through her. “Please, Marc.” She needed him and if she had to beg—she’d beg. The lustful yearning in Gia’s sexy voice almost undid Marc. The throb in his dick intensified when he placed the head at her damp opening. He closed his eyes and reveled in the tremor that slithered through him. With a gentle thrust, he moved his hips back and forth, feeling her slickness slide across him like warm silk. The small catches in her cries stirred something deep inside him. Man. He shivered. Marc wanted to sink deep inside her, but he needed her as desperate as him. He wanted her to scream for him to take her, and to mark her so thoroughly that when she discovered his betrayal she wouldn’t sue his ass. And maybe, just maybe there would be something left between them, because he could get used to being held by a woman like her. The quiet whimper that parted her lips caressed his ears. He gazed up at her soft features. Yeah. She might be out of his league. But for now, this moment, she was his and that was all that mattered.
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Readjusting his hand, he skimmed his shaft across the bundle of nerves nestled between her thighs and played there for a moment. The sharp jerks she made each time he swept across her clit excited him, while at the same time hardening him into a heaven-hell state. “So wet.” And hot, or was that him? Heat simmered across his skin. Even his veins felt as if hot liquid surged through them. Raising his hips, he eased closer, separating her swollen folds with the crown of his erection. Blood rushed to his balls with a pulse that stole his breath. He fought the urge to bury himself deep. “Is this what you want?” he asked through clenched jaw. Her eyelids opened, reflecting smoky blue pools of need. “Yes. Oh God, yes.” Gia licked her lips, drawing his eyes to her luscious mouth. Before she discovered the truth about him, he’d have those lips around him. In fact, he would explore every orifice on her body before he was through. Leaning back against the seat, he released his hold on himself and clasped his hands at her waist. Rocking her along the length of his shaft, he had no doubt that she wanted him. Up and down. Slow and steady. Soft moans of pleasure fondled him like a hand gliding over his flesh. She squirmed against him. Her urgency built his need to take her but he held back, pressing his lips to hers. She tasted hot and wild and ready. The sting of her fingernails biting into his shoulders made his testicles draw tight against his body. A needle-sharp tingle shot down his cock. His jaw snapped together, breaking their kiss. Backbone growing rigid, he barely held on as she continued to move restlessly back and forth. Oh how the mighty had fallen. The heat of her sex was branding him, not the other way around. He couldn’t move—think. “Now,” she whimpered, arching her back. Her body undulated above him in sexy, sensual, mesmerizing waves. When a tremor assailed her, she shook, crying out his name followed by, “Fuck me now.” Marc was helpless to refuse her. On an upward glide, she angled her hips, capturing the head of his cock. Without further thought, he thrust, parting her folds to melt into heaven. “Tight.” So friggin’ tight. Her body was an iron fist gripping him. He was so damn hard, tender. She shifted, pushing him even deeper so that he hissed, attempting to ease the burn she ignited inside him. Marc looked down at the point where they came together and his vision blurred. Blood slammed into his groin unmercifully. He took a moment to breathe. When he finally could think past the pleasure-pain, he smoothed his palm across her satiny stomach, slipping his hands beneath her T-shirt and dragging the material up and over her head in one swift motion. Smooth, creamy breasts left him speechless and his mouth
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watering. He had to be dreaming, because the most voluptuous creature on Earth was naked astride him, rocking her beautiful body gently against his. Spearing his fingers through her silky hair, he cupped the back of her head and brought her down to meet his hungry kiss. Without prelude, he pushed his tongue past her lips, sliding it along hers, over and over. So sweet. He drank his fill. When her tongue darted into his mouth, he sucked it with long pulls he felt clear to his midsection. Ripping his mouth away, he raised his head, panting for air. Her knees tightened along his outer thighs. “More.” Her hands fisted his hair, clutching him to her as her lips captured his. Marc growled against her mouth, giving her what she demanded. Slanting his head, he deepened the caress, swallowing her soft cries as he slipped his hand between them. When his fingertips found the bud between her thighs, her arms folded around him almost desperately. She ground her hips against his and a throaty groan pushed from his diaphragm. Damn. She felt good. Her breasts were soft and firm, nipples diamond-hard on his chest as she rubbed against him. Wild and needy, her desire fed his. Perspiration beaded his brow as every tendon inside his body tensed. He was so close but he had to hold on. With a little more pressure against her clit, he flicked his finger back and forth rapidly. A keening sound rose as she bore down, riding him harder and faster, keeping rhythm with his hand. Her pants were choppy. Her gaze so intense it made him impossibly harder. When her inner muscles pulsated around his cock, squeezing, milking him, her eyelids drifted closed and another tremor shook her. Throwing back her head, she screamed—a harsh, startling sound that pushed him over the edge. Thrusting once, twice, his body stiffened, becoming a conflagration of sensations. Flames shot down his shaft. Heat licked at his balls. The surge of pleasure bordered on pain as it tore through him, shredding his control and turning him inside out and then back again. He came in a rush, filling her with his hot seed. His cock pulsated, throbbed, and then he groaned her name. Delicious aftershocks jerked her entire body. The violent contractions bearing down on him teased his sensitive organ. Gripping her hips, he held them together until the last shiver subsided and she fell limp against his chest. With each breath her breasts rose and fell, rasping against his skin, a sensual temptation. The scent of their lovemaking hung like an aphrodisiac in the cabin. Perfect. He embraced her. Both released a sigh at the same time and he smiled. For several quiet minutes they just lay in each other’s arms, the heat of their bodies cooling beneath the air-conditioning, which adjusted accordingly. The rough road occasionally jostled them, but other than that it was heaven.
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When she finally sat up, he smoothed his palms up her arms, laying his hands in the curve between her neck and shoulder. He could feel the pounding of her pulse next to his fingertips. “You’re so beautiful.” He swept his thumb across her cheek in a slow motion. Turning her head to the side, she kissed one of his palms. “Thank you.” Then she slid off his lap, falling against the leather seat, laughing softly. “I can’t believe we just did that. I’ve never had sex in a car before.” She smiled, biting down on her bottom lip. Her grin never wavered as she continued to watch him pull his jeans and boxer-briefs over his hips. She sighed again. “You’re worth every penny M.A.C. charges me.” Marc flinched. The incredible moment came crashing down upon him like a ton of bricks. Her words stung, leaving him feeling more like a gigolo than her lover. Of course he couldn’t forget, she thought him an android—not a real man. One who had gone out on a limb, put his reputation in jeopardy just to be with her, but more importantly, a man who could easily fall in love with her if given half the chance. Hell. What was he saying? He didn’t know where the thought came from, but for a year now he had been restless, something missing from his life. He was tired of coming home to an empty house, no one to share his dreams with or wake up to in the morning. “Miss Easton,” the chauffer’s low voice over the intercom system broke through Marc’s wonderings. “We are approaching your gates. If you will activate them, I’ll see you to your door.” After retrieving her thong and jeans, Gia pushed her hand into a front pocket to retrieve the keyless remote and beamed it toward the entrance. As she turned to face Marc again, she frowned. “Are you okay?” Where was his game face when he needed it? “Yes.” But he wasn’t okay. In fact, he felt like shit. If this was how a woman felt after a one-night stand, it sucked. As the car slowed, the gates moaned slowly open. Marc attempted to focus on activating his pants and belt but her comment had cut him like a dagger. Not to mention, he had truly deceived her, taken advantage of her grief. He had to put an end to this charade. “Gia.” Wiggling into her shirt, she finished pulling it over her head before responding. “Yes.” He glanced out the tinted window toward a line of fans and paparazzi contained by two guards along the fence line. He and Gia were from two different worlds. It would never work out between them. 32
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“I—” His gaze met hers and that electrifying sensation zinged through him once again, silencing him. Tell her, his conscience urged, but he couldn’t do it. “Never mind.” She paused. “You’re not going to get distant with me like a real man after a onenight stand, are you?” Is that what men did? He thought about it, remembering feeling that emotion more than once with several of the women he’d dated and ended up in bed with. Gia chuckled softly. “Judging by your face you’re guilty.” Hunched over, she stepped into her thong and then her pants. “Or perhaps you’ll tell me you’ve got a young female android waiting for you?” Her curvy hips shifted as she pulled up her jeans. He shook his head, although he was working on a female version of the M.A.C. “Good.” She ran her fingers through her long hair, attempting to calm that justfucked look, but it did no good. Her lips were kiss-swollen. Marc wet his own lips, swearing he could still taste her kiss lingering. Large red splotches appeared on her neck where his raspy five-o’clock shadow had rubbed. She smelled of sex—of him. Gia barely finished slipping her feet into her sandals before the limousine stopped before a statuesque colonial mansion with towering columns. The two-story house was beautiful, elegant, just like its owner. A large magnolia tree with big white flowers shaded a small wrought iron table with two chairs, giving the front yard a romantic and private ambience. Yellow hibiscus framed each side of the walls beyond the pilasters. In seconds, the chauffer opened the door and recognition sparked in his eyes. “Mr. Charleston,” he said hesitantly. Marc’s heart rose to his throat. The jig was up. The company’s new chauffer had been so infatuated with Gia when he had first picked them up that he had barely given Marc a second look. That wasn’t the case now, as he straightened his backbone and smiled. Marc’s face must have revealed his anxiety, because the young man’s grin diminished. He made no further comments, stepping back to open the trunk and retrieve Marc’s luggage. “Would you like me to carry your bags into the house?” “No,” Marc said a little too hastily, wanting to get away from the driver before he could say more. “I’ll take care of them. Just leave them at the door.” He extended Gia a hand. Her fingers curled around his. As she exited the vehicle, she glanced at the driver and then Marc. “Mr. Charleston?” She cocked her head, her brows dipping in question. Marc shrugged, releasing a tight burst of laughter. “I must look like someone he knows.” With a tug of her hand, he put distance between them and the chauffer.
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Gia turned toward Marc, looking up at him with those big, seductive eyes. “You know what?” Before he could answer, she continued. “I think I’ll use and abuse you all night long. Do you think the Institute will have any issues with that?” What could he say other than, “No, sweetheart. Do your worst.” Taking her hand in his, he escorted Gia to the front door. Again, she used her keyless remote and the large oak doors splayed wide. He released her to toss his garment bag over a shoulder before he grabbed a suitcase in each hand. As they entered the marble entryway a slender, dark-haired woman discreetly eyed Marc. The middle-aged housekeeper stepped aside and the doors automatically closed. “Good evening, Miss Easton.” “Evening, Leda.” Quickly Gia scanned the four entrances leading away from the foyer of the large mansion as if she half expected someone to pop out from around a corner. When a shaky breath escaped her, she continued. “Did my attorney call you?” Leda activated the locks, ensuring they closed completely before turning to face Gia. “Yes ma’am.” She smoothed her palms down her white apron, her black, mid-thigh uniform a contrast against her olive skin. “Have you removed everything that I requested?” “Yes ma’am. Everything.” Leda cleared her throat. “Mr. Temin has called four times. Miss Summers, twice. Your publicist telephoned and asked to be forwarded to your private message box. Antares is en route to the house.” So her agent was already calling to make amends. Marc could almost feel the tension build inside Gia as she wrung her hands. “Thank you. Please ensure the household knows that Mr. Temin and Miss Summers are not allowed on the premises. Which reminds me, have Antares verify that the new security system works. I don’t want anything or one on my property without my knowledge. Furthermore, I won’t be taking their calls or any from the media. Have everything forwarded to Karen. She can handle it until I have to.” “I have already taken those measures, Miss Easton.” Gia’s smile was genuine. “You’re a gem. Thank you.” Marc’s admiration for the actress grew. Instead of the spoiled diva he had expected, she showed kindness and respect for the housekeeper. “Leda, this is Marc,” she paused, “Charleston.” His heart thudded. This couldn’t be happening. Of course, he couldn’t ask for a better cover then his real name just in case anyone recognized him. Gia winked. “It’s as good as any other surname.” Oh if she only knew. Then she turned her attention back to the housekeeper. “Please make sure the room adjoining mine is prepared for him.” “That too has been taken care of,” Leda assured them.
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Marc was impressed with Leda as well as how smoothly Gia’s household appeared to be run. There was more to this woman than what met the eye. Discovering all her little idiosyncrasies would be a pleasure.
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Chapter Four Leda was efficient. By now she had probably erased any signs or memory of Doug and Mary from the entire home. Well, it wasn’t really a home, but an image Doug insisted on to lend authenticity to her success. In all honesty, she would have been happier with a cozy little ranch house outside Los Angeles or maybe a beach condo. No one needed this much room for only one individual with a staff of four and a host of guards. No, make that a staff of three, since Mary didn’t live here anymore and there would be no more overnights with Doug. Now her little family consisted of Leda, Vicki the cook, and a young woman named Lenora who Gia had recently hired to help Leda and Vicki with their duties. Lenora was a wiz with electronics, which everyone needed in this day and age. Most of the house and yards were cybernetic—from the synthetic grass, bushes and trees that needed no trimming to the automatic doors, security system and climate control. Even her bathroom had been designed to her preference so that when she took a shower or bath the water was at the exact temperature she preferred without needing adjustments. Her likes and dislikes were known, cataloged and fed into the main system of the house. She couldn’t ask for anything more, except for flawless companionship, and she had that now with Marc. Leda took several steps toward him. “Mr. Charleston, may I take your bags to your room?” “No, thank you.” Marc continued to hold his suitcases. “They’re quite heavy. I’ll take care of it.” Leda gave him a quick thankful smile. “As you wish.” She pivoted toward Gia. “I’ll inform Vicki there will be two for dinner.” Gia nodded. “I need a shower.” Without another word, she headed toward the escalator, which sensed her approach and activated, moving upward. “Dinner in about an hour, Miss Easton?” Leda asked. “That sounds—” “Make it two,” Marc interjected. A loud thump followed. Before Gia could turn around, he eased up behind her, pressing his chest and hips against her back. “Do you want me to join you? Wash your back?” The low, velvet caress of his voice made her turn in his arms, forgetting that they had an audience. Light laughter spilled from her mouth. “You won’t rust, will you?” With slumberous eyes, he lowered his chin so that their lips were almost touching. “Not if you keep my body well lubricated and serviced.”
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Gia’s pulse raced. When she remembered her housekeeper’s presence, heat spread across her cheeks. Without looking at Leda, she said, “Make it two hours.” “Very well, ma’am.” Marc glanced at the housekeeper. “I’ll come back for my luggage.” When the woman’s footsteps faded, Gia cocked a brow, pinning her gaze on Marc. “Lubricated and serviced?” The image painted by those two words made her nipples grow taut. “Next you’ll be asking me for a massage.” And she’d probably give it to him. He had been extraordinary in the car. Her body still pulsed with the aftereffects of their joining. She blinked hard. He was doing it to her again, making her forget that he wasn’t real. “Your hands all over my slick, oiled body.” A growl rumbled in his throat. “I could live with that.” The impressive bulge in his pants pressing against her belly set loose a million butterfly wings, light feathery sensations followed by a tingling in each of her nipples. With just a couple of sexy words, he could make her body burn. Unconsciously, she wrapped her arms around him. “You’re amazing.” And well worth whatever the Institute of Robotics decided to charge her. “Take me upstairs and undress me.” His hand smoothed down her back to rest on the swell of her ass while a long finger slipped beneath her waistband, wedging between the cheeks of her ass. “I’ll show you just how amazing I can be, especially with hot, slick oil.” Along with the wicked promise he gave her, he flashed one of those drop-dead grins she was discovering were hard to resist. Her heart flip-flopped, did a double twist and then plunged. Intertwining his fingers with hers, he brought the back of her hand to his lips. “Lead the way.” As she stepped upon the ascending steps, he pulled her back down and she fell into his arms. “I need to taste you.” The second his lips touched hers, the attraction between them erupted like a volcano spitting red-hot lava. There was no gentleness in his kiss, only a savage hunger. Their teeth crashed, tongues dueling—rough and possessive. It felt as if he wanted to crawl inside her. Gia’s pulse jumped again, taking off as if she were running a marathon. Marc stole her breath and messed with her mind. How was it possible that an android could stir such passion in her? His hands were everywhere at once, sliding across her body, tugging at her clothing. When his warm palms touched her now bare waist, she murmured, “Not here. Bedroom.” The last thing she needed was to provide her staff with something to talk about. Although she trusted her household, today had reminded her trust was an illusion.
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She stepped lightly on the escalator and he captured her mouth with a drugging kiss. Holding him close, she returned the same fiery urgency. She needed this. She needed him. Real or not, this man touched something inside her. A need she didn’t even know she had, and he made her forget about this afternoon’s betrayal. In the back of her mind, Gia knew she had to get them to the second floor and her bedroom before they both stripped naked and had sex on the escalator. They stumbled once or twice and almost lost their balance. Laughing like two teenagers, they finally made it to the top, a little worse for wear. Her shoes lay somewhere on the steps below along with both their shirts, now making their way upward. The steps stopped before they jammed. His belt was unfastened, retracted into his buckle, the zipper of his pants spread wide. An impressive erection pressed against his snow-white skivvies. She ran a fingernail up the curve of him and he yanked her back into his arms, his mouth finding hers once again. As he continued to bewitch her with his kisses, she shuffled her feet, easing him down the hall. Lights sensed their movements and spontaneously grew brighter with each of their steps. When they came to a stop before her bedroom she forgot about the sensor. As he pressed her hard against the door, it swung open, throwing both of them forward. In less than a heartbeat, he shifted his large frame, taking the brunt of the fall. With an “ugh”, she landed atop him and started to giggle. It felt good to laugh. “You think that’s funny?” The smallest hint of a smile touched his mouth, that deep dimple in his right cheek more charming than ever. “I wasn’t thinking at all,” she admitted. Who could think being kissed like that? Without waiting for the sensor to reactivate, he caught the corner of the door with his foot and shoved, closing it with a bang. As he rolled her over, a cry of surprise squeezed from her lips. His large body hovered over hers. With deft fingers he plucked the clasp of her bra and it came loose. “I’ll give you something to think about.” The way his gaze swept across her upper body made her womb clench. “You have gorgeous breasts.” Slowly, he smoothed his thumbs over each nipple while he kneaded her fullness. “Firm, but soft.” When he lowered his head, anticipation arched her back off the carpeted floor. He licked lazy circles around the already hardened peaks. “And tasty too.” Then he took an aching nub into his mouth. Hot. Moist. And so arousing. Gia closed her eyes, arching farther into him. “Yes,” she hissed. Long, sensuous pulls on her nipples were followed by incredible suction. When he scraped his teeth over her tender flesh, teasing strings of pleasure shot straight to her pussy. Moisture dampened her thong. A throaty groan surfaced from deep inside her. “God. Yes.” Weaving her fingers through his hair, she held him to her breast, cradling his head.
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“Mmmm.” The delicious sound he made vibrated against her skin, prickling the flesh across her arms. One hand cupping the globe he fondled, his other hand glided up her thigh, slipping between their bodies toward the activation button of her jeans. Her zipper fell in a quiet hush. When his hand slid beneath her thong, touching bare skin, she raised her hips to push into his palm, needing what he offered. “Are you ready for me?” His fingertips grazed the juncture of her thighs until he stroked the moist folds of her pussy. “Wet?” Heat radiated from his touch, a flickering flame. As he pressed a single finger against her clit, a moan escaped her, soft and needy. She liked where this was heading. Her inner muscles tightened and more desire released as he continued downward to caress the length of her before a finger disappeared inside her. The single dimple in his right cheek deepened. “You are wet. Hot too.” And getting wetter with the sensual caress of his voice. Not to mention the stroke of his hand. Another finger joined the first. Again and again, he worked them slowly in and out. Gia closed her eyes and let the heated sensation roll over her. His touch was sinful, plunging into her slick depths. “Look at me,” he growled. Her eyelids rose to the intensity of his gaze. “I want you to see who is touching you.” Marc removed his hand and grasped the waistband of her pants. In one fluid motion, he yanked her jeans and thong from her hips and down her legs. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the clothes aside. Bending her knees in front of her, he slowly spread them wide, baring her for his pleasure. Cool air stroked her wetness. The carved, sensual lines of his mouth tipped into a grin of male satisfaction, sending a shudder through her. “You’re amazing.” He pressed his thumb down relentlessly on her aching clit. Her mouth parted on a moan. If felt so good. She raised her hips, wanting the pressure to deepen. When he slapped the engorged bud hard with two fingers, Gia nearly came off the floor. Pleasure and pain twisted together so tightly she gasped. White-hot lightning sizzled through her veins. And this time she swore her toes curled for real. “Marc!” His name was half-scream, half-plea. Gia had never felt anything so wicked and wild. Another sharp slap against her sensitive organ and her breath caught. It took a moment before she could breathe and when she did, all she could get were short, ragged pants. What was he doing to her? She writhed beneath him. “Me,” he said with a rumble of conviction that brooked no debate. “I’m the one whose touch you scream for.” He jabbed his fingers deep inside her again, skimming 39
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across the delicious spot that made her itch for that moment when her body would shatter with ecstasy. “Because tonight you’re mine.” Gia’s pulse was throbbing in her ears, her body in total meltdown. The man would get no fight from her, especially if he kept turning her inside out. If he wanted her to be his—then she was his. All. Night. Long. Her hips rose again to meet his thrusts. God. He fit her perfectly, filling her and bringing her closer to the release ebbing and flowing through her channel. When her sex contracted and squeezed him, she heard his swift intake of air. “That’s it, baby. I like it when your pussy sucks on my fingers, the way it did my dick earlier.” A hard spasm sprang out of nowhere, raking its claws throughout her. “Please, Marc.” Gia didn’t know how long she could hold out. Each time he entered her, his thumb caressed the tender bud between her thighs. “I need you inside me. Now.” “Not yet.” He eased back on his knees, the movement robbing her of his caress. Immediately, a sense of emptiness and disappointment encompassed her. “I’m not ready.” The bulge in his jeans and the large damp spot on his skivvies said differently. Easing up, she placed her weight on her elbows. She looked through heavy eyelids. A soft smile touched her lips as she slid her tongue between them. “Are you sure?” There was a purr to her voice she didn’t recognize. With a single finger, she dragged the nail slowly up his rock-hard erection until she tugged his underwear down so the mushroom head was revealed. Pearly drops of come glistened at the small slit. Once again, her tongue grazed her lips, eager to taste him. Would he taste the same as a real man—react the same? She’d never been particularly good at this, but would he even know the difference? When she ran a fingertip through the milky essence, the heat in his gaze blazed brighter. Oh yeah. He enjoyed that. The elastic band snapped when she released his briefs. He flinched but never looked away as she brought her finger to her mouth. Slowly she pushed the digit between her lips, tasting his essence, salty and masculine—all male. With a sleek motion, she rose to her knees. “Son of a bitch.” Marc pushed to his feet, staring hungrily at Gia’s mouth. He had been in control and just like that she tore it out of his hands. The starlet had turned out to be everything he had dreamed of and more. He could barely get his lungs to work properly as her silky fingers slipped beneath the waistband of his jeans and started to pull them down his legs, briefs and all. When they pooled at his ankles, he toed off his shoes and kicked his pants to the side.
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Thick, brownish-red tendrils of hair flowed down her back as she tipped her face up and smiled. A soft, sensual expression that revealed she knew exactly who held the reins now. Bewitched, he couldn’t get over how exquisite she was or the fact she knelt before him, naked and willing to take as well as to give pleasure. Spearing his hands into her silky hair, he wrapped the mass into his fists and urged her forward. When her delicate hand circled his shaft, his jaw snapped tight. Her gaze never left his as her lips parted and she swiped her tongue in a long, slow curl around the bulbous head. As if he were an ice-cream cone, she licked underneath where he was so sensitive that his knees buckled, threatening to give way. A twinkle glimmered in her eyes as she swallowed him. God help him. He threw back his head and hissed like a snake before he returned his gaze to her mesmerizing blues. Gia’s mouth was hot, wet and so damn tight. The sight of her sent a rush of blood to his balls, making them so full he was afraid they might burst. It didn’t help that she kept a slow, steady rhythm with the bob of her head. The pressure of her lips and the sinful movement of her tongue as he slid in and out of her precious mouth were so arousing his hips jerked. If he lived through this night it would be a miracle. “Fuck yeah.” He rocked his hips against her. Little gasping noises grabbed his attention. She gagged. Eyes wide and watery, she didn’t pull back or try to release him. He eased his hold on her head and she dragged in a shaky breath around him. “Relax your throat and breathe through your nose.” When the muscles in her throat loosened and she began sucking him again, he thrust forward, going deeper and further into heaven. “Oh, hell yeah. Just like that. Suck it, baby.” The air in his lungs burned, matching the tiny flames licking at his scrotum. Then she swallowed, her throat squeezing him tight. Fire shot up his cock. He ducked his head, tensing. A shiver raked over him. “Ohhh. Sweetheart, wait.” It took every ounce of strength to hold back his raging orgasm. “Get on—” Another tremor stole his words. He didn’t dare breathe or he’d lose it. “Hands. Knees. Now.” The urgency in his raspy voice couldn’t be hidden. He needed to be inside her. Slowly, she shifted her body so her heart-shaped ass faced him. “Like this?” Through feathered lashes the temptress glanced over a shoulder. She was killing him and what was worse—she knew it. Standing behind her, he dropped to his knees. His hips bucked against her, rubbing the hard length of him along the curve of her ass. Smoothing a palm over the soft skin, he couldn’t help raising his hand and bringing it down with enough force to sting.
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A tight shriek and she drew her head up, her shock obvious. But when she looked back at him there was fire in her eyes and a smile upon her face. “You’re physical, aren’t you?” Oh, hell yeah he was physical. What was even better was that his woman liked to be spanked, an awareness that heated his blood. The minute their gazes locked he knew there was restrained passion burning deep inside her, and he planned to be the one who unleashed it. Gently he smoothed his palm over the handprint forming on her bottom, stirring the blood, knowing she would soon feel the prickly sensation that would follow. When he struck her again, she moaned, a soft cry of pleasure that shook him to the core. He couldn’t help it. He bent low, nipping her ass, forcing another cry from her lips as his tongue bathed the sting. “Marc. Please.” The plea in her trembling voice shattered what was left of his resistance. With one hand he grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her head back so that her slender neck arched gracefully. The other hand he used to guide his throbbing cock to her entrance. Parting the swollen folds, he slammed into her. Her body welcomed him, clamping down with an iron grip. Tight. Warm. Moist. And so fucking right he shuddered. Again and again, he pistoned forward. The sounds of their bodies slapping together and her little cries were so hot he thought he’d come apart at the seams. The room filled with their scents mingling together. Pleasure rippled through him, raising his balls into the shelter of his body. He could stay buried inside her forever. Releasing her hair, he burrowed his fingers into her hips, guiding her back hard and fast as he plunged forward, surging deeper each time. The head of his erection rubbing against her cervix was driving him crazy, and then she tensed. Her silky heat closed around him, milking him with an intensity that threatened to throw him over the edge. She jerked, tossing her hair back. “Oh God. Yes.” Her scream echoed in the room. Her arms quivered, shook. For a moment he thought they might give out on her. The grip he had on her hips firmed, steadying her. One last time, he reared back, hips thrusting forward, then held their bodies tightly together. Lightning ripped through him with the ferocity of a storm that stole the air from his lungs. His skin prickled and his sight dimmed. A gush of cum released, tearing from him a low, satisfied groan that felt as if it came from his soul. Each powerful jerk of his cock unraveled him, so that when the last one died he found he couldn’t move. Gia slid forward onto her belly, stealing the warmth of her body and exposing him to a cool breeze that whispered across his still throbbing cock. Rolling onto her back, she stretched like a lazy kitten and smiled up at him. “Mmmm. That was wonderful.”
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Lowering himself beside her, he took her into his embrace, held her close. “No. You were wonderful.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. They lay in each other’s arms on the carpeted floor, their breathing labored as the aftermath washed over them. Neither spoke until a sated sigh broke the silence. Through half-shuttered eyelids, she glanced up at him. “Ready for that shower?” Marc was a fool giving up the opportunity to make love to her again, but there were several things he had to take care of. “Why don’t you go and relax. I’ll grab one in the other room.” “Are you sure?” Her satiny palms smoothed down his back and lower to caress his ass. “I’m getting used to having you around.” She squeezed playfully. The temptation to join her was almost too much, but this might be the only time he had to slip away. Marc kissed her tenderly on the lips before he rose to his feet and assisted her up. When they were both standing, he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Her hands were warm against his chest. She was so beautiful. Passionate. His mouth found hers. He could taste himself on her lips, tongue. The memory made his body stir. No woman had ever moved him like she had. She pushed her hand between them, folding her fingers around his firming erection. “Are you sure you won’t join me?” The sensuality in her voice was hard to resist and so was the teasing tug she gave his cock. Her skin was so soft beneath his palms brushing up and down her arms. He pulled her to him and kissed her once more before she stepped out of his arms and walked away. The sexy sway of her hips mesmerized him. He would never tire of watching her. When the bathroom door closed behind her, he padded across the room, locating his pants. Once he pushed open the door to the adjoining room and stepped inside, he was surprised to see his suitcases lying on the bed. “Leda.” He closed the door behind him and strode toward his luggage. With a twist of his fingers, he snapped open a bag, reached for his cell phone buried amongst his clothes and quickly dialed Toil. “M.A.C. Division, how can I help you?” the salesman answered. “By telling me how we’re doing.” Marc kept his eyes glued to the door between his room and Gia’s. “Marc? Where the hell are you?” Toil’s voice sounded muffled as if he were cupping the receiver so no one could hear him. “Heaven.” A grin curled the corners of Marc’s mouth. “Fuck. I figured that.” Silence spread across the phone lines. “You’re going to get us into deep shit.” Toil paused. “Is she as good as I’ve dreamed?” Better. But Marc wasn’t one of those men who bragged, so he remained silent. “Not fair. If you’re pulling me into this masquerade, then I deserve to hear every immoral and sordid detail.” “Focus, Toil.” The grin on Marc’s face grew. “How’s business?”
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“We sold out by nine o’clock. Six backorders, which means you really should get back here and get to work. Tell you what. I’ll take your place.” Marc chortled. “I’m sure you would. Listen to me. No one can know about this arrangement. As far as you know I’ve already departed for my vacation.” “What? You’re staying? With her?” “Yes.” “Have you told her the truth?” Silence stretched between them. “This has disaster written all over it, my friend.” When Marc once again didn’t respond, Toil added, “But what a way to go. Be careful.” “I will. I’ll have my cell phone with me if anything comes up. Later.” Before Marc buried the telephone beneath his clothes, he placed it on vibe. His gaze was drawn to the door between him and Nirvana. “What the hell.” With a great big smile he headed toward her bedroom.
***** Gia had arranged for their late dinner to be served on the balcony in the privacy of her bedroom. Two candles sat on a lacy tablecloth, flickering in the soft breeze, adding to the ambience of the star-studded night. Distant laughter and music touched her ears. Somewhere down below, one of her neighbors was barbecuing, adding to the juicy scent of the feast before her. Glancing across the table toward Marc, she placed the cool rim of her flute against her bottom lip and sipped at the champagne. The last bite of food on his plate disappeared into his mouth. Android or not, he had a hearty appetite. All of the seared prawns were gone, as well as the braised short ribs with root vegetables and pearl onions. For a moment, she wondered where he packed all that food, and how exactly did he dispose of it? Uhhh… Not going there. Picking up his napkin, Marc dabbed his mouth before settling back in his chair. A contented expression spread across his face. “Ahhh.” He stretched, loosening the sash around the satiny black robe he wore that matched hers. The sides fell apart, giving her a good view of his impressive broad chest. “Good?” Her glass nearly fell over as she set it upon the table, but she righted it just in time. “Delicious.” He scrutinized her barely touched plate. “You didn’t eat much. Something wrong?” His expression fell. “I’m sorry.” “No need.” Before dinner she had returned Karen’s telephone call. The picture of her, Doug and Mary outside her dressing room had been plastered across the nine o’clock news. The cat was out of the bag. “I had to do a quick interview with my
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publicist and speak with a billion reporters.” Well, not a billion, but even one of the intrusive journalists was one too many. “My dirty laundry has officially been hung out for everyone to see, including my parents.” Her mother’s call had come in shortly after Gia’s shower and Marc’s incredible backrub that included warm oil and another tumble between the sheets. As expected, her mother was beside herself until Gia, in an attempt to ease her mom’s mind, mentioned Marc, her new boyfriend. Before she knew it she had promised her mother that he would be accompanying her to Oregon. Of course, she couldn’t take the android home. Even if her sister and mother fell for his good looks, her father and brothers would see through the façade. Marc’s backbone went rigid as he straightened in his chair. Reaching across the table, he placed his warm palm atop hers. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Is there anything I can do?” “Make it all disappear?” she said, half joking, but in reality she wished she had never taken Doug up on that one lonely night after fifteen hours of filming. What she needed now was for the public to forget about her, Doug and Mary, but she worried that wouldn’t happen anytime soon. “I wish I could, honey.” She sighed. “Me too.” Picking up her dessert fork, she stabbed at the tiramisu sitting by her water glass, but she couldn’t bring herself to eat any. “According to Antares, the number of paparazzi outside the mansion has grown tenfold.” She forked the dessert once more, tearing it apart. “Twice he caught a photographer scaling the wall. They even managed to drop a robotic camera over the fence.” She could just imagine a host of security guards chasing after the small mechanical menace. Her new system should have stopped anything from crossing her property. A barrier of hedges and tall trees hid the mansion from seeking eyes, but not from those individuals intent on taking to the sky. She cast her gaze upward. Fortunately, no invasion had approached from above tonight. In the past, a silencer copter and a miniature duplicate of a plane had silently snuck up on her and she hadn’t discovered its presence until it hovered right above her. Would they ever leave her alone? Gia sighed again, already knowing the answer. Invasion of privacy was with the price of fame. “Are you happy with your life?” Marc asked. “Happy?” She pulled her hand out from beneath his, suddenly feeling selfconscious. Did she even remember how it felt to be happy since she left Oregon? “At first, yes. Everything was new and exciting. I hate to sound superficial, but it was nice being the center of attention.” Yet lately she wanted something more out of life. Peace and quiet and a family topped the list. “I guess I expected to have my cake and eat it too. Attention when I wanted it. Privacy when I didn’t.” She shrugged nonchalantly. “The money’s good.” 45
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But for how long? She had instructed her accountant to invest a majority of her funds, most of it through the family bank, so even after her looks and body failed her, she would be financially stable. Still, money wasn’t all there was in life. If her previous relationships were a picture of what was in store for her, the house, white picket fence, husband and a handful of children was out of her reach. A celebrity’s life wasn’t cut out for such fairytales. Something she hadn’t paid attention to when she’d charged headfirst into this career. “What do you want out of life?” “Want?” She stared down at the mess she’d made of her dessert and set the fork down on the table. What she really wanted this minute was to stop talking about this depressing subject. Looking up, she came eye to eye with Marc and her body heated. She licked her lips, remembering the taste of him on her tongue. Reality seemed not to exist when she was with him. “I want to know what a M.A.C. can teach me that I don’t already know.” A slow, sexy smile curved his mouth. God. She loved that dimple. Pushing to his feet, he moved around the table and took her hand. His lips were warm against her knuckles as he looked down at her beneath heavy eyelids. “You’re not too tired?” Exhausted was more like it, but she replied, “No.” Fatigue wasn’t relevant. After today’s events she wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. Marc might as well wear her body out so that when sleep came maybe her mind would be too debilitated to dream. “What do you have in mind?” His lips found their way to hers. Soft and inviting. As he moved them, featherlight over hers, he said, “Making all your fantasies come true. So what are they?” Just the idea warmed her body and made her nipples pucker with anticipation. “My fantasies?” No one had ever asked her that question. Not that she’d dare speak her darkest dreams aloud. He nipped at her bottom lip and her stomach fluttered softly. “What do you dream about?” His tongue laved the sting, making the ripples in her belly tighten. “Tell me what heats your body, makes you wet with just a thought.”
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Chapter Five Gia’s pulse jumped. Heat rushed up her neck, spreading across her face like a brushfire. In her last movie, the world of bondage and domination had been introduced to her up close. It had been pretend and no sex had been involved, but it had still aroused her to be tied up with the thought of being helpless and at the mercy of another. She swallowed nervously. Even the thought of the strange lifestyle made her hot, brought out forbidden urges that stirred something primitive in her. Strong arms folded around her, held her close, held her securely. “You’re safe with me, Gia.” He paused. When he spoke again his tone had dropped an octave. “Tell me.” His breath teased her skin. “What is your passion—your erotic, sexual passion?” The silence between them lengthened and stretched. He placed his palm over her left breast, the heat of his touch burning through the thin material of her robe to radiate deep into her skin. “Relax, baby. Your heart is beating too fast.” He smoothed his cheek against hers. “Tell me.” His voice held a low, wicked fascination that sent a chill up her spine. “No,” she murmured. If her fantasy was revealed, the world would discover that she secretly wanted to be bound, teased and to climax beneath the skillful hands of a man who knew how to pleasure a woman—namely her. He slipped his hand beneath her robe, found her breast and slowly began to fondle the full globe. His wicked fingers found a sensitive nipple and gave it a tweak. “Tell me.” Her mouth parted, sucking down a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She stared into his mesmerizing eyes. God, he was so good-looking. Sexy. And undeniably enticing. What would it hurt to step outside the boundaries of normal? Marc was an android, not human. He was programmed to please her. Hadn’t the salesman said, “Whatever your kink, the 2095 will comply”? If worse came to worst she’d have Marc reprogrammed. Was that even possible? Gia hesitated for a moment longer. Inhaled and exhaled. “I want to be overpowered, bound and helpless, at the mercy of my lover.” Her heart crashed against her chest, pounding with her confession. She sucked in another breath and raised her chin a little higher as she steeled her shoulders, expecting a sound 47
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of disgust or worse, laughter. Hell. She half expected the sky to open up and lightning to strike her dead or at least to be punished in some way for her wicked thoughts. A pregnant pause followed. No laughter or repulsion greeted her, just the gentle breeze feathering back her hair. In fact, she could have sworn Marc’s eyes shimmered with a heat she felt sliding across her flesh, awakening every nerve ending. She licked her lips. “I’ve wondered about it. What it felt like.” There. She had expressed her deepest, darkest fantasy. The intensity in his gaze thickened. “How far do you want to go with this, Gia?” How far? What did he mean? “Experiment behind the bedroom doors, or do you want to venture outside the comfort of your home?” When he released her breast, the ends of her robe fell together. He brushed a tendril out of her eyes before threading his fingers through her hair to cup the back of her head. “I can show you a world you never knew existed.” Anxiety tightened every tendon and muscle in her body. She swallowed hard. “No one can know about this.” Absolutely no one. His hand firmed on her head, dragging her closer so that their mouths were a breath away. “No one will,” he promised. His kiss was featherlight, just a whisper across her lips. “I can take you to places where identities are concealed.” The low, husky cadence of his voice sent goose bumps across her arms. “Maybe we should start slow,” she heard herself say, while deep inside his words stroked a flame that threatened to ignite into a bonfire. A shiver raked through her and her pussy contracted, arousal dampening her thighs. Her nipples stung with her heightened excitement. Temptation was sinful. He released her and took a step backward. “Strip.” It wasn’t a request but a command that she felt move through her veins, hot and wild. She felt her eyes widen. “Here?” Her gaze darted around the balcony and then across the neatly groomed yard shrouded in shadows and patches of moonlight. “Here.” He reached down and cupped his groin through the parted robe. “Now.” Gia couldn’t take her eyes off his hand as his fingers circled his rigid cock peering through the slit of his robe. He moved his palm from balls to tip. She reached for the sash of her robe. “What if we get caught?” Even before he answered she was shrugging out of the garment, a pool of silk at her feet. “You have to trust me to keep you safe. Trust is the cornerstone of BDSM. Without it you have nothing.” A cool gentle wind swept across her nudity, stirring her arousal. “How do you know so much about this…this subject?”
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He thrust his hips, his erection moving through his tight grip. A pearl of come beaded from the small slit. “Remember, I’m trained for pleasure.” She inhaled a shaky breath. “Yours or mine?” Gaze fixated on him, her mouth watered for the taste of him while her hands itched to yank the robe off him and have her way with him. “Both. Through my pleasure you will find yours. Now get on your knees.” A smile touched her lips as she knelt. The polished wood deck beneath her skin was hard and cold, sending a shiver through her. Yet it was being naked in the night and the possibility of being caught that provided an extra edge of excitement, which in turn released another tremor. Removing his hand from his robe brought the ends together, hiding him from her view. Slowly, he closed the distance between them. The vision before Marc was better than he had ever dreamt. Gia’s full, succulent breasts rose and fell softly. Dark desire in her gaze flickered in the candlelight as she stared up at him. It was unbelievable that he, a geeky scientist, would be the one to introduce this beautiful woman to bondage, dominance and even perhaps sadomasochism. Everybody had sexual fantasies that involved at least some degree of pleasure-pain. She’d enjoyed his spanking and her eyes had glistened with desire when he slapped her clit. The image of the way she cried out and arched into him flashed in his mind. Blood, hot and needy, surged into his cock, filling his balls to the point they pulsed with an ache that made his jaw snap together. All his androids had been trained beneath his careful watch. BDSM was not a lifestyle he wished to live, but every once in while it was fucking hot and he’d played plenty. He couldn’t wait to see Gia bound for his pleasure. “Put your hands behind your back.” When she complied, he loosened the tie around his waist, pulling the strap from its constraints as he shrugged and the robe dropped to the floor. He stepped behind her, watching the tremor that shook her entire body as the silk of his sash snaked across her wrists. He tied them loosely before moving around her. Naked and standing before her, he couldn’t wait to feel her hot, wet mouth on him. The thought made his cock jerk with anticipation. It didn’t help when her gaze grew stormy with need and her tongue slid sensually between her lips. You’re killing me, baby. Legs shoulder-width apart, he inhaled and inched his hips closer. “Touch me.” Resting on her knees, she raised her gaze to meet his in a heated exchange that stole the chill from the evening breeze. She leaned forward, her lips parting. Achingly slow, she flattened her tongue against his hardness and licked from his sac along his pulsing vein. Sparks of fire followed the warm, moist sensation. When she swept over the sensitive crown, he hissed a breath. Her eyes sparkled with laughter, and he knew she knew that control was illusory. It could change hands in a mere heartbeat. 49
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“Again.” Marc didn’t have to repeat himself as she caressed another long path, and then took the crown into her mouth, sucking. He took a step backward. One, because the thrill of her mouth moving on him was almost too much for him to endure, and two… “I did not give you permission to take me into your mouth. You have earned a punishment. Stand.” She furrowed her brows, frowning as she pushed to her feet. “Punishment? I thought that’s what you wanted.” Hell. Yes. That was exactly what he wanted. Her talented mouth teasing him until he couldn’t take it anymore, but tonight was for fulfilling her fantasy. Marc didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he worked at untying her and then positioned himself before her once more. “The directive was for you to touch my cock, not take me into your mouth. From this point on, you must ask to speak and earn the right to pleasure me. Now go inside and lie upon the bed.” She pinched her lips together and fought the smile surfacing but he glimpsed it before she turned and walked through the open French doors. As he watched her naked hips sway seductively, his heart skipped a beat. He had never seen a more exquisite woman. Taking a deep, calming breath, he stepped inside. Lying on her back, her mahogany hair surrounded her like a halo. She had one arm tucked beneath a pillow, the other by her side. One knee was bent, giving him a bird’seye view of the treasure between her thighs. Moist, pink flesh he couldn’t wait to taste. He stood at the footboard of the four-poster bed a little longer before he turned and disappeared into the adjoining room. Rummaging through one of his suitcases, he located three silk ropes and a set of nipple clamps he hid in the palm of his hand. Without delay, he returned to find her exactly the way he’d left her. Gia glanced at the bindings he held. If the sight of them moved her, her expression gave no hint. Her breasts rose with a deep breath. She didn’t make a sound as he circled her ankle with one of the ropes. When he gave the end a gentle pull her legs parted. A sharp intake was the only sign of anxiety she revealed. Once fastened high on the bedpost, so her leg was raised midway off the bed, he did the same to her other ankle, leaving her spread wide and vulnerable. At his mercy. The blood in his groin pulsed, creating a sweet ache. He placed a knee upon the bed, which moaned beneath his weight. “Give me your hands.” She hesitated only a second before offering them to him. As the rope slid across her skin, she trembled. He knew her nervousness would only heighten the experience. After he secured both her wrists together, he raised them over her head and tied them to the headboard, leaving a little slack so that she wouldn’t be uncomfortable. Then he eased back on his haunches and marveled at his work. His pulse raced. She was beautiful. A banquet of pleasure that made him impossibly harder. 50
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He leaned over and whispered, “Are you frightened?” “Yes,” she hissed. “Do you want me to untie you?” Her smoky eyes gave away her desire for him to continue. She swallowed hard. “No.” Moving off the bed to stand, he couldn’t help the smile that rose. “That’s my girl.” Marc would never hurt her, but he would love her so thoroughly she would never be the same. With a single finger he started at her palm, dragging the digit lightly down the inside of her arm and past the swell of her breast. He watched with delight as goose bumps rose. When he caressed the delicate curve of her waist, she flinched, jerking against her constraints and trying to get away from his touch. She was ticklish. His grin grew but he didn’t stop teasing her until he reached her ankle. With gentle fingers, he began to rub the joint, moving down her foot, firming his touch at her instep before he paid special attention to each toe. Her facial features softened. She released a quiet sigh. He had found another of Gia’s erogenous zones. Her feet. Bending over her, he laved each toe with his tongue before blowing lightly upon them. Then he took the largest digit into his mouth and sucked. A long hiss eased between her teeth. “Marc. Please.” Her whimper changed to a sharp inhale. “Oh.” She arched in pleasure, sliding her hips seductively across the bed. “I need you inside me.” As she looked at him through hooded eyes, she released a breathy moan. So fucking sexy and inviting, but he had only begun. “You have earned another punishment.” In all honesty her cries and pleas were a turn-on heating his body. He couldn’t wait to feel her warmth surrounding him. Her brows pulled inward. “Why?” “You spoke without asking permission.” He leaned over her, letting the nipple clamps dangle from the connecting chain held between his fingers. “Do you know what these are?” Remembering not to speak, she shook her head. “These are nipple clamps. Punishment for your two acts of disobedience.” She swallowed hard but remained silent as she watched him with an intensity he felt burn across his skin. As he drew nearer, her tongue nervously moistened her full lips. Cupping a breast in one hand, he squeezed the vise open and slipped it over her extended peak. When he released his hold, a strangled cry pushed from her diaphragm. Her back shot off the bed as she swallowed a greedy grasp of air. Her face was a compilation of pain and pleasure as she moaned. The next clamp was fastened without 51
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a sound from her, but a tremor shook her entire body. He grasped the chain that connected the two devices and gave it a little pull, forcing another whimper from her throat. Need struck him like a fist to the groin. He barely held back the groan that was perched on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he moved closer and laved his tongue over each of her nipples before he worked his way back to her feet. Several minutes were spent nibbling and cherishing her feet and toes, and then he began to massage her legs, kissing a path up and down each one of them. The inside of her thigh was exceptionally sensitive as her hips rose, inviting him to sample the nectar that glistened on her pink folds. Something he fully planned to do as he inched closer and closer to the mark. “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed against her moist core. Another moan eased from her mouth. “May I speak?” He loved the desperation in her voice and the way she struggled and pulled against her bindings. “Yes.” He flattened his tongue along her slit. Squirming beneath his assault, she cried, “Let me go. I need to touch you.” He didn’t respond. He couldn’t. Gia had no idea what the sight of her spread wide and helpless did to him. There was something primitive, untamed stirring below his skin—so hungry for her that it was difficult for him to think clearly. Like a cat savoring a bowl of cream, he licked a slow, long path across her wet folds. “Mmmm,” he hummed and took another taste before flicking his tongue several times over her engorged clit. “Oh.” She flinched, jerking her wrists and lifting her hips toward his mouth. He grazed the bundle of nerves with his teeth and her reaction was a sweet cry of passion. She pumped her hips encouragingly. He chuckled. “So impatient.” Crawling onto the bed until he was positioned between her thighs, he placed a palm on her flat stomach, smoothing his hand down farther. “So beautiful.” Marc eased his body down upon hers, thrusting forward so the length of his erection pressed tight against her wet pussy. He raised his ass so that his cock caressed her nether lips. Wet. Hot. She felt so good. “Marc, please,” she whimpered. The ache between his thighs intensified. It took an act of God to pull away from her. “You earned another punishment.” Marc reached up and with both hands he released the clamps. Gia released a scream. She jerked against her bindings. Soft mewling cries seeped from her lips as tears softly fell. He knew that blood was rushing into her nipples, the sharp pinpoint sensations giving her a high like she had never felt before. 52
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Disposing of the clamps, he eased up to his knees and ran his palms again across her tight abdomen to her luscious breasts and cupped them. He grazed his thumbs over the extended peaks and she groaned. “Did you know your nipples are diamond hard?” He pinched them and she bowed into his touch, releasing yet another cry that thrilled him. “Sensitive too.” He leaned over her to capture one in his mouth and sucked, long and unyielding, until he released it with a pop. “Speak? Please?” Instead of answering her, he lavished her other breast with the same attention. “Dammit, Marc. Untie me,” she growled. “I’m dying here.” “That’s the beauty of bondage and dominance.” A tremor snaked up his back. “You only think you can’t take any more.” As he spoke, he sat back on his haunches. “Now, let’s see just how much you really can endure.” Leaning down, he slipped his hands beneath her ass and raised her hips to meet his mouth halfway. Tenderly, he kissed her pussy before he slid his tongue across the folds, watching the play of emotions across her face. Mmmm. She tasted sweet and feminine. His cock twitched and his jaw clenched with a sudden sting of desire. She jerked her wrists, but the rope didn’t give. “Please?” Once again he ignored her. Instead, he blew a stream of air over her moist core and her entire body tensed. He paused, allowing her body to cool and relax. “No,” she screamed, fighting her bonds in earnest. The broad tip of his finger circled her entrance and then probed deep inside her. She groaned then released a mewling sound as he curled his finger and stroked her Gspot. Her hips shot up from the bed. She writhed, tossing her head from side to side. “Pleasssse?” Her plea sent more chills up his spine. Her inner muscles tightened and released around him. He knew she was on the verge of climaxing. When he didn’t make any moves to satisfy her she actually snarled. It was so hot he almost lost it. Fire ripped down his cock. He had to hold his breath to keep from coming. Still, he released a squirt of semen that dampened the bed beneath him. When he slapped her engorged bud hard with two fingers, her hands flexed and then clenched into fists. He waited a heartbeat longer and then made the next strike sting. “Do not climax until I say,” he warned. She blinked hard, giving him a look that said he was crazy. Yet her mouth opened on an inhale before she slowly squeezed the air from her lungs. With each slap against her clit, her breaths became more ragged. Her cries more desperate.
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“Fuck this,” he murmured to himself as he pulled his hand back. There was no way he would last much longer. Breathing hard, he slowly blanketed her body with his. His throbbing erection nestled at her sex. Another pang shot through his groin. He held back the growl building in his throat. He slid his palms up her arms until he held her wrists and then angled his hips so that just the bulbous head of his erection entered her. “Is this what you want?” The level of harshness in his voice surprised him. He had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted Gia. She broke down all his willpower. Her eyes widened. Not saying a word, she nodded. With one firm shove he filled her completely. They moaned in unison, both motionless. Then he ground his hips against her cradle, seeking that deep, sweet spot. When his dick touched her womb, he eased out and then slammed into her, over and over. In and out. Fast and furious. Perspiration dampened his hot skin. His breathing was harsh and ragged. The slapping sound of their flesh coming together was heady but it was the wet, slurping slide of her body milking his cock that sent his mind reeling. Strong muscles clamped down on him and she screamed out his name, bucking beneath him. The ride was more arousing than he ever thought possible. The momentum behind each violent thrust was more animalistic than human. Each time his tender balls struck her ass, bittersweet pain raked through him. The tingling at the base of his groin coiled tighter and tighter, threatening to explode. An invisible force seemed to rip her back off the bed. Her mouth parted. “Oh. Oh. Oh God. Marc!” Wildly, she thrashed beneath him. “Come for me, Gia.” Ripples moved over him in shock waves as one contraction after another assailed her. Growling, he continued to pound into the heated suction of her hungry pussy until the squeeze and pressure was so intense, hot liquid burst from the small slit in his cock, bathing him in flames that swept through his body like a raging wildfire. He tried to breathe but there was no air left in the room. Stars burst in the blackness that had become his mind and then the most unbelievable sense of pleasure flooded him. Air rushed his lungs and he collapsed atop her, his head nestled in the curve of her neck and shoulder. The rapid beat of her heart joined the musky scent of arousal, sweat and sex that lingered in the room. He could have lain like this all night, but Gia had already been bound too long. His arms shook, threatening not to hold him as he inched his way off the bed. Casting one more appreciative gaze across the woman tied to the bed, he quickly unfastened her wrists. Gia brought her arms down with a moan. When her feet were untied, she glanced up at him with a sexy smile. “That was amazing. I think we’ll have to do that again.”
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She bent and stretched her arms and legs, working out the kinks he knew would be there. Marc loved watching her body move, so lithe and graceful. Her nipples were pink and swollen to match her pussy. The sated expression on her face, he had placed there. He crawled back onto the bed and took her into his embrace. He inhaled the sensual scent that was all her. “You were incredible.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. She looked up at him and captured his mouth. When the kiss ended, she snuggled into him. “And you’re the best I’ve ever had. Thank you.” Marc was taken aback by her appreciation. She thought him an android and still she spoke of gratitude. Not to mention, she was willing to pleasure him when she didn’t have to. Already he could sense a give and take between them that he hadn’t felt in the majority of his other relationships with women. And then she cuddled so close to him, as if she really enjoyed being with him. Yes. There was much more to Gia Easton then the gorgeous woman on the silver screen. She was a woman of passion, of caring, of love. Someone who he could enjoy spending time with beyond the bedroom. Marc sighed, closed his eyes and fell asleep with a smile on his face. Gia watched the android snoring softly beside her. Lying on his stomach, he had one leg draped over hers and a large palm cupping her breast. His broad, muscular back rose and fell with each gentle breath. Earlier she had heard his heartbeat as he held her close. It simply amazed her. Marc was so much like a real man that M.A.C. should be commended on their creations. Since she had met him she had yet to discover a flaw in his actions or speech that would betray his cover. As the salesman had promised, there were absolutely no telltale signs between the sheets. In fact, Marc had satisfied her beyond her wildest dreams. She had found herself wanting to please and pleasure him just to see rapture upon his handsome face. Still, he wasn’t real and she desperately wanted someone to love who could love her in return. Slowly she eased from beneath his touch and crawled off the bed. Locating her robe, she pushed her arms through the large sleeves and knotted the sash before tiptoeing to the French doors. They creaked as she wedged them open and slipped into the night. The twilight morning air was brisk, urging Gia to pull her robe tight around her as she took a seat in a lounge chair. Bending her knees to her chest, she tucked her feet beneath the robe and gazed into the velvety sky. Which star held her dream? Could she find someone who was grounded and dependable and fit into the lifestyle she had carved for herself, because in reality she enjoyed performing?
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Entertaining others gave her a sense of fulfillment, of belonging. It provided her, as well as others, the opportunity to escape, sometimes to laugh, to cry and to experience new things. Beauty was only her outer shell and would fade in the future, but her ability to beguile an audience was something she cherished and hoped would follow her into her golden years as it had with so many of the great actors and actresses. If only she didn’t have to deal with the bullshit, the politics and people like Doug and Mary who wanted to drain her of both her money and energy. If only they could see her for who she was and not her appearance or as a free meal ticket. Real friends didn’t do that to each other. Gia rested her chin on her knees and looked longingly across the horizon. Yes. She was pretty much like everyone else. She wanted it all. Family. True friendship. A successful career. A home filled with the pitter-patter of children. And the man of her dreams. She glanced back through the French doors and stared at the naked man stretched across her bed with a sense of yearning she had never before felt. There was something special about the android. He was compassionate. Kind. Affectionate. And she couldn’t forget good-looking and sexy as hell. He embodied everything she had pictured when she thought of the man she would marry and make a home with. Someone who she could share her deepest, darkest dreams and aspirations with, who in return would trust her with his. But were her ideals only fanciful? Was there truly a man like Marc out there for her?
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Chapter Six Marc had given Gia three days of pure ecstasy inside and outside the bedroom. Sometimes they loved quietly and tenderly, other times he had taken her mind and body into their darkest recesses. She had learned more about pain and pleasure than she had ever imagined. As she slid the black silk thigh-high stocking up her bare leg, she released a sated sigh. Even the continuous calls from Doug, Mary and the press couldn’t dampen how she felt. Staying away from the television and any news media helped. For the first time in a long time she felt alive and happy. In fact, she was beginning to believe she could take Marc home to Oregon and pass him off as a real boyfriend. He was amazingly well-versed about every topic she broached. From politics to sports and entertainment, he knew the latest stands and had an opinion on most subjects that was both thoughtful and logical. She smiled. Taking him home just might work. “Are you ready?” His velvet-smooth voice gave her chills. Tonight he was going to take her to a dungeon. She bit her bottom lip nervously as she rose from her makeup table and turned to stand before him. Her breath caught in her throat. It should be a crime to look as good as he did in black leather pants, boots and no shirt. He almost looked like Zorro with the black domino and full cape he wore. In his hand he held a wispy, feathered domino that matched the red corset and panties he had told her to wear. “You take my breath away.” The truth shone in the gleam simmering in his eyes. Short, broken laughter burst from her mouth. “I’m not sure I can wear these panties.” They rose high on her hips, but that wasn’t the problem. They had a split in the crotch that no one could see unless she bent over or spread her legs. Still, the lacy material gave her the most vulnerable sensation. She looked down at them and realized that the cherry-red color would be hard to match, but she might have something close to that shade to cover up with. With a finger placed beneath her chin, he raised her gaze to meet his. “Wear them for me.” “Marc—” His kiss stole her objection. Masterful and arousing, he had discovered that she had a weakness for his caress, which she hated. Well, not really. The truth was she was helpless when his lips touched hers. “Not fair,” she murmured against his mouth.
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His hand slid between their bodies, disappearing between her legs. When he parted her folds and slipped a long finger inside her, she whimpered softly, melting inside. His touch was magical. “I never said I played fair.” His deep, seductive tone set her hips to thrusting back and forth. “One orgasm and then we have to go.” Placing her palms on his shoulders to steady herself, she rocked against his hand. “Maybe we should just stay home.” “Gia.” She loved the rough, commanding voice she had come to know as his dominant tone. The man was amazing. Dammit. There she went again, but it was so easy to forget he wasn’t human. And Lord knows she had searched high and low for any sign that would reveal his true nature—that he was an android. But he was as male as male could be. He even left the toilet seat up. After almost falling in one night, Gia requested Leda set the toilet on automatic so that after several minutes the lid would descend by itself. His finger caressed her clit several times, stealing her thoughts before delving deep inside her once again. When another finger joined the first, her knees almost buckled. “Take me to bed and fuck me,” she whispered. He had the most annoying habit of ignoring her suggestions and proceeding with what he wanted, like now, as he continued to pump in and out of her moist slit. “Marc?” “Shhh, baby, or I’ll end it now,” he murmured against her ear. He wouldn’t dare stop in the middle of pleasuring her. Then again, he had done it before to punish her. “Let’s—” He pressed on her G-spot and she went off like a Roman candle. A firework explosion couldn’t compare to the lightning zinging throughout her. A particularly strong contraction bore down on her and her knees gave way. The four-inch red stilettos she wore slid out from beneath her. Marc barely caught her before she went down. “I hate you,” she whined, clinging to him as waves of sensation washed over her. Her pussy pulsed and wept and made her feel alive. He chuckled and assisted her to her feet. “No you don’t.” She wanted to release him but wasn’t quite ready yet as another shiver raced up her spine. “I should hate you.” “I know.” He brushed her lips with his. “Now stop being a baby and let’s go.” He picked up her mask, which must have fallen when he rescued her. Helping her put the domino on, he arranged her hair so that the long brownish-red strands flowed freely. “I have a surprise for you. Wait here.” He left her bedroom through the adjoining door and when he returned, he had a mid-thigh silver-fox coat draped over his arm. He held it up, encouraging her to put it on. 58
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“It’s beautiful, but where did you get it?” Or more importantly what did it cost her? She wasn’t too keen on him freely spending her money. He must have seen her reservation because he frowned. “I borrowed it from the institute. We have an extensive costume department at our disposal.” Relieved, Gia stepped into the coat, the fur closing around her body making her want to squirm with delight. She was going to have to get one of these. “We need to go. I’m excited to see what you think of The Cave.” He quickly ushered her out the door and into the hall but then he stopped, taking her into his arms. “Did I tell you how beautiful and sexy you look tonight?” Gia shook her head, looking into his sultry eyes. There was something more there that she couldn’t identify. Before she could say anything he captured her mouth again. It was a long, slow kiss that made her feel as if she were floating on a cloud of ecstasy. When the caress ended, her lips were still puckered. Her eyes remained closed as she waited for another kiss that never came. “We better go.” “Huh?” Through a daze of desire her eyelids rose as she peered through the small slits in the mask. He grinned. “Go. Now.” Her chest rose and fell with each heavy breath. “O-okay.” At the bottom of the escalator, he paused and turned to face her. She stepped down until they were eye level. “You are looking forward to tonight. Right?” Gia forced a smile. “Yes. Although I have to admit to a little anxiety wearing this outfit in public. What happens if someone recognizes me?” He cupped her waist with his warm hands and plucked her off the bottom step to stand before him. “Trust me. I’ve taken care of everything.” Snaking his arm around her shoulder, he urged her toward the front door. When he opened it there were six identical limousines parked out front that strange people, each robed and masked, where piling into. “You plan to lead the media on a merry chase.” She liked his way of thinking. “The third car is ours. I asked Antares to take one of the other cars so the press wouldn’t mark us by his presence.” When he handed her inside, the door closed and the windows darkened to pitch black. The roar of the engine startled her. “Easy, sweetheart.” Marc placed his hand on her thigh. “Tonight is for adventure.” “Adventure?” she huffed. He leaned in to her and captured her lips. Firm but tender, his kiss stole her resistance like it always did. She was putty in his hands. When the caress ended she snuggled into him and sighed.
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As the gates scraped open, each limousine passed through. The media went wild dashing off on hovercrafts and other vehicles to trail a limousine. Gia looked over her shoulder to see a Learjet cycle with two people onboard following them. “I should have known it was too good to believe.” “Patience, my love. Our driver is skilled in subterfuge.” Confidence rang in Marc’s voice. Within ten minutes, their chauffeur had dodged the paparazzi, taking one turn and then the next at speeds that would have curled Gia’s hair if it wasn’t already hanging loose in long ringlets. They even went through a crowded mall parking garage. Another ten minutes and the vehicle turned into an underground parking lot. Gia stared into the darkness, feeling each bump and turn that pushed her against Marc. In the distance, a dusty light appeared. Beneath it stood two men dressed in black suits guarding a single door attached to a rather old building weathered by time. She noted quickly that there were no windows—no method of escape except through that particular door. Of course, maybe there was another door she couldn’t readily see. Apprehension slithered across her skin as the limousine pulled to a stop before the building. “Marc, do you think this is a good idea?” He smiled beneath his domino. “Yes. A wonderful one in fact.” He grabbed her hand as the car door rose and they stepped onto the asphalt. The driver’s window groaned open, but only by a mere slit. Marc murmured something she couldn’t hear and then the window rose. He did the same to one of the guards at the door and the other man wave a hand before a sensor to allow them entry. Oddly, elevator music played as they stepped into a lobby-like room with a counter and a woman behind it dressed in a conservative black suit. She smiled. “Master Quinn, it’s so good to see you again.” “And you too, Bella,” Marc flashed the woman a soft smile. Master Quinn? The young brunette knew Marc? How? “May I take your coats and cloaks?” Marc helped Gia out of the fur and then spun his cape through the air before handing it to the clerk. In return, she handled him a digicard. He slipped it into his pocket. Gia leaned into him. “How does she know you?” “I did my training here.” Placing a warm palm at the small of her back, he urged Gia forward down a hall. With each step her trepidation rose. Not a good idea, whispered through her head. Still, there was something heady about the unknown, about the way her silky panties caressed her pussy, drawing her attention to what she was and wasn’t wearing. As she tightened her grip on Marc’s hand, she was thankful for the feather domino she hid behind.
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Her eyes widened as they approached two more guards. These men were not dressed in suits—far from it. They each wore skintight leather pants. One had a massive quantity of chains crisscrossing his bare torso while the other had piercings in each nipple that a gold chain hung from. The one with all the hardware opened the door and a flood of music, of laughter, of moans spilled out, making every muscle in Gia’s body react, tighten. When Marc escorted her into the room her jaw dropped. Everywhere she looked, people were dressed like her and Marc, and some were stark-ass naked or wearing only a collar attached to a leash. To the right, a kneeling woman with nothing but strips of leather wrapped around her breasts that crossed to circle her upper thighs was giving some man head. Her moans were vocal and wet as she slid her mouth up and down the man’s erection. The way he looked at her with fire in his eyes made Gia swallow hard. “You won’t ask me to do that?” Her words were a mere whimper of protest. “No, honey. At least not here.” Gia almost died when his hand slipped between her thighs and he discovered her wetness. The grin on his face widened. Okay. So she was aroused as well as shocked. Who could blame her? The place screamed of sex. The musky scent lingered in the warm air. Without a word, he moved her forward until a lean, muscular man stopped before him. “Master Quinn.” He extended his hand to Marc. Marc grasped the blond-haired man’s hand. “Master Demon.” The man Marc called Master Demon slid a hot gaze up and down her body and she could almost swear she felt his touch. “Exquisite.” Gia didn’t miss the large bulge in his leather pants or the heat in his blue eyes. A scar ran diagonally across a six-pack abdomen many men would die for. The stomach— not the scar. Yet it lent a dangerous mien to the man. “She is that and more,” Marc responded with an air of pride. “Will you be auctioning her off?” Auction? Oh shit! Marc wouldn’t dare—would he? Gia snapped her frightened gaze to Marc’s lustful one. He firmed his hand at her back. “This one is mine.” There was a bite of possessiveness to his response. “I see.” Master Demon swept his hungry gaze over her once more. “Pity.” Then he smiled a predatory grin. “If you tire of Master Quinn you can find me here, Little Red Riding Hood.” When he turned and walked away, Gia sucked in a breath of relief. “Marc, maybe we should go.” He pinned her with a hard glare. “Do you trust me?”
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Did she? “Yes,” she murmured, before she realized she’d spoken aloud. “I’ve rented a private playroom. Just you and me.” His low growl made the muscles in her pussy squeeze tight. “We’ll have to progress through this room in order to get to ours.” And so they did. In one corner a woman was hogtying a man. Lying on his stomach, his arms and ankles bent behind him, the agony on his face clashed with the bliss clouding his brown eyes. When the dark-haired woman moved with skill, pulling the ropes to make him cry out, he came with an ecstasy-filled moan. As the woman stepped aside, the man rose into the air without use of chains or suspension cords. That’s when Gia realized he hovered over an anti-gravity chamber. Everything that came into contact with the flow of the air joined the man. The next alcove was another gravity chamber, but this time a naked couple were engaged in intercourse while floating in space. Heat raced across Gia’s cheeks but she couldn’t tear her eyes from the sight. As the man and woman turned upside down, Gia tilted her head, wondering how they could maintain contact in that awkward position. Marc had the nerve to laugh at her as he urged her forward. In another corner, a woman was strapped to what looked like a cross. She wore a full black leather suit with a multitude of zippers. The ones across her breasts were splayed wide so that her nipples were bared. Gia shivered at the sight of the nipple clamps attached. She knew the pleasure-pain those little vises induced. When the man standing next to her tugged on the chain connected to each clamp, the woman groaned a deep, throaty sound. Moisture dampened Gia’s thighs. She squeezed them together as she walked to keep from moaning herself. Yes. Everything here was beyond her imagination, but she couldn’t deny that there was something hot and arousing about the scenes. Even the screams coming from a woman somewhere behind them were laced with sensuality. Marc weaved her through the throng off to a row of doors as if he knew exactly where he was going. When they stopped before a blue door a chill raced up her spine. What would she find behind it? Marc’s breathing was already labored. He could sense Gia’s excitement. Yes, she was frightened, but that was expected, even desired. It would make the moment she came so much sweeter. “Ready?” he whispered close to her ear and felt the tremor that snaked through her. “Yes.” Her answer was soft, breathless. Slipping the digikey from his pocket, he scanned it across the sensor pad and the door slid open. He entered first, turning to face her as he pocketed the key. He needed to see her expression when she entered.
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Marc wasn’t disappointed. As she walked into a nineteenth-century dungeon complete with holograms of people in varying stages of sexual torture, she gasped. Her eyes grew as large as saucers at the screams, growls and soft cries. Even the musky scent of sex filled the room. She stared at the wall of torture devices and the table next to a wooden restraint device, and then at him. “Marc?” “Do you trust me?” he asked again. She bit her bottom lip, worrying the piece of flesh caught between small white teeth. “Do you want to go home?” She shook her head. “No.” With her hand in his, he brought it to his lips. “That’s my girl.” Then he led her toward the obscure piece of equipment near the wall of toys. “Sit down on this board and then slide your bottom down so your back rests against this other board, locking your arms behind you to hold on.” Her body would sag between the two boards, and then the fun would begin. When she complied, he strapped her ankles and her arms. The minute he began to move the contraption, the cutest shriek of surprise pushed from her lips. He flipped her over onto her abdomen and she landed against a padded board as her head went downward and her ass rose into the air. A tight giggle slipped from her lips. “You know this isn’t very dignified.” Long auburn hair swept the floor, hiding her face. “No, baby, but it’s sexy as hell. You’re wide open to me.” And she was. The split in her panties revealed her pink nether lips and even her clit, peeking out from beneath its hood. “Are you comfortable?” Broken laughter met his question. “What do you think?” He couldn’t help chuckling. “Okay. Let me rephrase that. Do you hurt?” “No. But I think that man over there is staring at me.” Marc looked over his shoulder to see a bear of a man was indeed watching her. The raw lust in his eyes set even Marc on edge. Maybe the whole realism scene he wanted to portray was too much. He reached for the digikey in his pocket and ran his thumb over the disengage strip. The imagines filling the room flickered and then dissolved. He turned back around to the woman before him. “Better?” She nodded. Leaning down, Marc planted a soft kiss against her moist pussy and was delighted when she sighed. Hell. There was nothing stopping him from tasting her. He slid his
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tongue along her slit and she pulled against her bindings to no avail. When he pushed his tongue between her folds to taste her, she cried out his name. “Please. I need you inside me.” “You’ll have to earn that pleasure.” The feminine scent of her arousal was driving him mad. “Did you like it when I spanked you?” Put my hand mark on your ass? “Yes,” she groaned, wiggling. “Please, Marc. Fuck me and then you can do anything you want.” Anything? Intriguing and appealing. But for now he wanted to discover Gia’s limitations. There was a thin line between pain and pleasure and they’d been skirting around it. He planned to find her threshold tonight. Picking up a six-tail flogger, he lightly drew it over her thighs, ass and then the tender skin of her pussy. Her sex tightened and released. The movement was enough to send a rush of blood straight to his groin. He fought the groan surfacing. When he could suck air into his lungs again he snapped his wrist. Gia gasped and flinched but didn’t say anything. With practiced flicks of his wrist, he bathed her thighs in stings, moving across her ass, relishing her broken cries. Slowly he rubbed his palm over the warm surface, knowing that by stimulating her bloodflow, the feeling would intensify. “Oh my God,” she choked. “Ow…ow…ow… It feels like needles penetrating my skin.” “You okay, baby?” “No,” she said sharply. “I need you to fuck me, Marc. Now.” He chuckled with pleasure. This time when he struck the leather against her ass, he put muscle behind it. A real scream rent the air. He struck again before she could catch her breath and then shoved a finger deep inside her. Damn. She was hot and wet. “No more. No more,” she panted before releasing a deep, throaty groan. His cock hardened to the point he had to activate his buckle and unzip his pants. The freedom sent a charge of heat to his balls and stole his breath. “Marc, please.” Kneeling beside her, he gently pushed back her hair and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “You can take more, baby. I know you can.” “I need you inside me now.” Her eyes were misty, a sob strangling her. He wiped at her tears with his thumb. “A little more,” he encouraged. “You’re stronger than you realize.” “More?” She paused and then nodded, surrendering to his pleasure.
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When he stood behind her again, Marc almost lost it. Her thighs and ass were crisscrossed with strap marks, a heady blush, but it was her glistening sex that called to him. He smoothed the ends of leather slowly across her flesh and she shivered. Each time her pussy flexed and released his erection thickened, grew impossibly harder in anticipation. This time he flicked the flogger lightly across her delicate skin. “Oh my God!” She jerked hard enough to rattle the hinges. “Marc.” Another gravelly groan followed that sent sparks igniting in his groin. She squirmed, her sex even wetter than before. Damn. He wanted to take her here—now. Sliding a finger over her swollen folds, he could feel the quiver that shook her. “It hurt, but you liked it, didn’t you, baby?” “Ahhh… No. Yes.” To help her decide which it was, he pressed softly on her clit, which swelled beyond its cover, eliciting another moan from her. “One more and then I’ll give you what you want.” “Marc, I— Yes. Please.” Again, he lashed her sex with the sweet, sweet sting of the flogger. When she yelped, he pushed his pants down mid-thigh and moved up behind her. Positioning his cock at her hot entrance, he thrust into her scorching sheath. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe. When he finally found his voice, he said, “Fuck, baby. You’re so hot.” Scalding hot and so wet it made his mind whirl. The second he eased back and then plunged forward, she shattered around him. Her strangled mewling sounds touched something inside him. He didn’t have a moment to think about the sensation, because from out of nowhere his climax slammed into him, almost rocking him back on his heels. He burrowed his fingertips into her hips as red-hot fire tore down his cock. The burn was bittersweet until it released, tossing him into ecstasy. Marc could do no more than moan, deep and long. It took everything he had to stumble back from her warm haven and rotate the equipment so that she was upright. He needed to release her, but before he did he tasted her lips. Still unsteady, he unfastened her wrists and then her ankles, assisting her to stand. Gia collapsed into his arms, boneless. “You okay, honey?” He placed her atop the table, using it as a crutch to keep them both upright. “That was amazing,” she hummed. Marc smiled, brushing back her hair. “Can you walk?” The smile she returned was weak as she peered through heavy eyelids. “I don’t think I’ll ever walk again.” “Then we’ll continue our play lying down.”
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Sweeping her up into his arms, he carried her toward the makeshift bed across the room. Before he set her down, he quickly disposed of her clothing, including those sexy red stilettos. Gently, he laid her upon a huge pillow of feather down. Manacles attached to the floor by chains were at each corner of the bed. She whimpered softly as he fastened them to her ankles and wrists. He replaced her domino with a leather blindfold. She called out his name. Her tongue flicked between her lips. “What are you doing?” He brushed his knuckles across her satiny cheek. “You’ve just been purchased by a sultan to be included in his harem. You must be prepared for his pleasure. The blindfold pleases him.” “A sultan?” She giggled. As Marc rose he continued, “I leave you now in the hands of my most entrusted eunuchs with instructions on how I wish you to come to me.” “Huhhh?” She paused, tilting her head as if she listened for his footsteps. He smiled, knowing that when one sense was taken away the others were magnified. “You’re not really leaving me, right?” He didn’t respond. Instead he padded lightly to the table where the items he had specified awaited him in a box. Before he returned, for added effect, he activated the door so that it opened and closed. “Marc,” she croaked, jerking against her bindings. “Dammit, Marc. Answer me.” Shucking his pants and shoes, he knelt between her thighs and reached for a warm, wet sponge. The second he wiped across her breasts she gasped. “Hmmm. Marc? If you’re not Marc would you go get him?” Damn. She was hot. The image before him made his cock stretch and thicken. A remarkable occurrence in light of the fact he had just climaxed about as hard as he ever had. Blood surged into his balls, filling his sac with a sweet ache as he continued to cleanse her body. When he placed the sponge between her thighs, a high-pitched shriek greeted him. “Please.” Her desperate cry lingered. After seeing to her bath, he squeezed oil upon her body and began to work it into her skin, paying special attention to certain sensitive areas. “Oh. My. God.” Her breath left in a rush. The scent of almonds teased his nose. “Shhh… You must obey at all times if you value your place in the Sultan’s harem,” he whispered against her ear, giving away his identity. The tension in her body relaxed, melted beneath his caress.
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“What a good concubine you are.” Marc couldn’t help it. He ran his fingertips along her moist slit before sliding two digits deep inside her. “Your master wishes you wet for him.” He continued to finger-fuck her until she squirmed beneath him, releasing soft whimpers that drove him mad with desire. The throb in his groin bordered on unbearable. Draping his much larger body over hers, he guided his cock to her moist entrance. With one thrust, he buried himself deep inside her and groaned as she arched, screaming. Then she shattered around him. Her inner muscles hugged and milked him, pulling him closer and closer until he could do no more than to follow her. Red-hot rays ripped down his pulsing erection. The release was sweet, sweet pain that morphed into the most unbelievable pleasure he had ever felt. Caught in a kaleidoscope of sensations, he allowed himself just to feel—the softness of the woman beneath him, the rhythm of his heart beating and the glow of heat that filled him. How much time elapsed he had no idea and didn’t care. The only thing mattered was being here with Gia and sharing in this experience together. “Mmmm… A bath and bed sound wonderful.” Her voice had a dreamy air about it. “You’re right it does.” Languorously, he shifted his weight and the oil made him slide off her. He raised her blindfold. Heavy-lidded, she gazed up at him and smiled. “Take me home, Sultan.” Home? Now why did that single word make him grin ear to ear?
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Chapter Seven Gia held the coffee cup to her mouth and inhaled the rich scent before she gently blew. The steam dissipated in the breeze sweeping over the deck outside her bedroom where she and Marc had chosen to have breakfast. Last night had been exciting and hot. Something she had never thought to experience. But night after night of this type of excitement would be too much for her. Gazing over her cup, she took in Marc’s disheveled state and grinned. He had a stayed-up-all-night-fucking look that she had helped put there. His silky hair begged her fingers to roam through it. The dark shadow on his chin and jaw said he needed a shave. He yawned and she fought the urge to do the same. Both were tired when they received the call to breakfast. Neither were ready to rise and attend, but they had. She set her coffee cup down without even tasting it. God. He looked good enough to eat. The only problem… Gia was falling for an android. When it happened or how it happened she wasn’t sure. It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t rational. Yet he made her feel more like a woman than any man ever had. They talked and shared intimate moments that felt so right. She had been more honest with herself in the last couple of days then she had in the last several years. Still, Marc wasn’t human and he never would be. Gia knew this. Yet she had no idea what to do about it. He took a bite of toast, chewed and swallowed. “Something wrong?” Oh hell, yeah. But she might as well take one thing at a time. The most pressing issue was her parents’ anniversary. Gia had mentioned her dilemma last night after they came home from the dungeon. When she didn’t answer, his chair scraped across the deck and he rose, moving around the table. In seconds she found herself in his arms, his lips pressed to hers, sipping from her mouth as if she were a fine wine meant to be savored. Every time he kissed her she dissolved in his arms, craved for the caress to never end, but it always did. When they parted she sighed, the sound filled with both longing and sadness. Maybe the best thing to do was return Marc to the Institute after their trip to Oregon. Her chest squeezed with a heaviness that forced her to take a deep breath. Gia stepped back out of his embrace, needing space between them. “I want to discuss this weekend.” “Sweetheart, are you sure there isn’t anything wrong?” 68
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Sweetheart? Marc spoke the endearment as if there were real feelings behind it. That just made it harder, because everything between the two of them was wrong and there was no righting it. She couldn’t fool herself. Funny thing was, she couldn’t regret this time with Marc. He had helped her define exactly what she wanted in a man. What she wanted in life—like a husband, a family, and a career. For meeting him and discovering more about herself and her wants and needs, she would be forever grateful. “Gia?” “Ummm. I don’t feel right deceiving my family, but I can’t deal with their questions.” Or their disappointment. She left those last three words unspoken. They had been thrilled her relationship with Doug had moved to the point she would bring him home with her to meet her family. Of course, the replacement of Doug with Marc had been a surprise, but she had no other choice. “I need for my family to believe that we are mad for each other—happy.” There was that stinking word again. Happy. Could she truly find happiness? “My Aunt Clare nags me incessantly about marriage and babies. Of course Mom and Dad want me to find a man and settle down too. I’m not up to worrying or discussing this subject this weekend, especially with what happened with Doug and Mary. I need you to distract my family. Can you do that for me?” Taking her hand, he pulled her back into his arms. He looked so handsome in just a robe that was slightly parted to give her an eyeful of his incredible chest. “If you want your family to believe I’m in love with you, then it’s as good as done.” Soft but firm lips touched hers and then curved into mischief. “Maybe we should practice a little more. Want to go to bed?” Laughter burst from her mouth. “You’re insatiable.” Another cool breeze ruffled the hem of her robe. He nibbled on her bottom lip, trailing kisses from the corner of her mouth down her throat. “You’re too exquisite to resist.” “We can’t. We have too much to talk about.” Even as she said it, she arched her neck, giving him more access. He nibbled, tongued and caressed the length of exposed flesh. “Why don’t you slip into something a little more comfortable, like nothing at all. I prefer you naked.” He flashed her one of his drop-dead smiles that showed off his dimple. “I’ll do the same. While you talk I’ll give you a massage.” Sliding his hand down her back, resting his palm on the swell of her ass, he kneaded gently. “You mean you’ll distract me.” She pushed his hand away and stepped out of his embrace. His eyes widened with feigned innocence. “Me?” His boyish tone was so charming, she thought about stealing one more kiss, but stopped short of returning to his arms. The android was dangerous to her heart.
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Playfully, she slapped him on the shoulder. “What am I going to do with you?” “I have a few suggestions, all which involve us being naked—maybe ropes, blindfolds and whips. You enjoyed last night, didn’t you?” “Yes, but I couldn’t live that lifestyle. The whirlwind of sensations BDSM offers is like fire and ice, so intense.” She caressed his rough cheek with her palm. “Sometimes I prefer the softer side of sex.” “You mean those quiet moments when I can hear your heart start to race.” He brushed his hand up her arm and chills followed in its wake. “Your sharp intake of air—” His lips smoothed up her neck until he nibbled at her earlobe. “That tells me I touched you in just,” his tongue traced the shell of her ear, “the right spot?” His softened voice slid across her skin like two sticks rubbing together creating heat and sparks and fire. Her pulse sped. Even her breathing picked up the pace. Dangerous, rang through her mind just before she heard herself say, “Yes.” Without a second thought, she reached for him, her fingers working at the knot in his sash. Their lips touched and electricity splintered between her thighs. She lost all control, common sense, when it came to Marc. They should be discussing their plans for this weekend. Instead the urge to feel him took over as she pressed her palms against his chest, stroking. His taut abdominal muscles quivered beneath her touch as she slipped lower to wrap her hand around his rigid erection. God. This man was too good to be true. His hips came forward, his cock sliding in and out of her grasp while he cupped her cheeks in his palms and kissed her so tenderly that for a moment she thought her heart would stop. “Marc?” “Hmmm…” he hummed against her mouth. “We really need to—” He deepened the kiss and Gia melted into his caress. He tasted of coffee and something darker and seductive. With each thrust of his cock, he mimicked the action with his tongue. When they paused between kisses to breathe, it took all her willpower to unfurl her fingers and release him. “Talk,” Gia murmured, even though her heart wasn’t in it. Still, she braced her palms against his chest and gazed into his sultry eyes. Talking—no kissing, that’s what they needed to do. Without another word, she stepped reluctantly away from him, turned and sashayed through the open doors into her bedroom. As she walked deeper into the room, the doors shut with a bang. Startled, she pivoted to see Marc standing naked. A wickedly delicious grin met hers. Like a predator stalking his prey, he moved toward her.
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The heady gleam in his eyes instantly fired her blood. All of a sudden the room became too hot, her skin too warm. The robe she wore was oppressive, her hands fell to the sash around her waist, fingers clawing and loosening the knot. “We have to talk.” She almost laughed at the lack of persuasion in her voice. It didn’t help that she wore nothing beneath the robe that she shrugged off her shoulders. The soft material drifted to her feet. At least she had the good sense to say, “Promise me. We talk now, sex later.” Beneath half-lowered eyelids he mimicked her. “Talk now. Sex later. Got it.” His cock arced hard and ready against his solid abdomen. The impressive length and girth made her mouth water to taste but she had to stay focused. Marc climbed up on the king-size bed. Fluffing the pillows, he leaned against them and the intricately carved headboard. Spreading his legs wide, he patted the space between his thighs. “Come here.” On her hands and knees she crawled across the bed, stopping before him. “Talk,” she said weakly, when what she really wanted to do was drop to her belly and take him into her mouth. “Talk.” He made a circle with his index finger. “Turn around.” When she did as he requested, he pulled her up against him. His large palms began to massage her tight shoulders. “So, what is it I need to know?” “You mean other than you make me horny?” She giggled nervously, shifting her thoughts to his large hands doing amazing things to the tension buried within. “Mmmm. I like my woman horny. You’re so tense. Relax, baby.” He found a particularly hard area at the base of her head and began to rub it with his thumbs. Inhaling, she attempted to relax and forget about how good his hands felt on her skin. “I was born Regina Lynn Easton. My siblings refer to me as Gina. Doug—I mean my ex-agent—suggested I drop the ‘n’, changing my name to Gia for publicity reasons.” “Gina.” He paused. “I like that better.” His fingertips found another hitch in her muscles, this time in the side of her neck. “Mmmm. That feels good.” She tilted her head, closing her eyes as she continued. “My mother’s and father’s names are Elaine and Paul. I have two older brothers.” She flinched with a sudden spark of pain that quickly turned to pleasure. “Oh yeah, right there.” His fingers hurt so good. “Scott is the eldest and then Parker. I also have a younger sister, Becka. All three are married. Only Scott and Parker have children. One each, both girls.” Gia shared with him Sylvia’s and Shelley’s ages, then she went into a little more detail about her siblings’ spouses, Carrie, Faith and Victor, respectively. “Perfect couples. Perfect marriages. I’m the black sheep of the family, according to Aunt Clare.” “I doubt that. You are a strong, intelligent woman. It’s because of your strength and intellect that you have avoided making the wrong commitments.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Do you really see me like that?”
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“I do. You’re more than a pretty façade, Gina. People only need to really ‘see’ you to realize there is more to you then what meets the eye. Look what you’ve done on your own—who you’ve become.” Gina? She liked hearing her given name upon his lips. But the most important element of what he had just said was that he saw her as a person. She faced forward again. One who had a brain and knew how to use it. He had been the first to see her, other than her family. Her thoughts went back to the immediate question at hand. How to fool her family? Marc smoothed his palms up her rib cage, his hands cupping her breasts. With a featherlight touch, he began to massage them. Again, she looked over her shoulder. “What are you doing?” “Distracting you.” He rubbed his thumbs over her nipples and they hardened beneath his touch. “You’re getting tense again.” She couldn’t help it. Going home was a mixed bag of emotions. Oregon was home. It was where she had grown up. She loved her family—needed them. But they hated the fact that she lived in Hollywood. They thought her career was a source of her unhappiness, but her discontentment had started way before her career had been established. Her failed relationships with both men and women had always been the crux behind her sorrow. Of course now her unsuccessful relationships hit the media faster than she could call her folks with details. The lies were the worst. Hey wait. The truth sucked too. “Stop it,” he grumbled. “Stop what?” “Biting your bottom lip and thinking too hard.” He slid a thumb across her abused lip. “It will be fine. I’ll make it all right.” Something in his tone made her believe he could do just that. He dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder. “Fine.” She inhaled a weighted breath. “We need to come up with a plausible life story for you.” “I’ve got one,” he said, matter-of-factly. Leaning on a hip, she met his gaze. “You’ve got one?” “All of the models are programmed to have a past, as well as a present. How else would they—we—fool the public?” “That makes sense.” Spinning around, Gia came face-to-face with him. “So, Marc Charleston, tell me about yourself.” She crossed her legs Indian-style, giving him an eyeful of all that pink delicious flesh between her thighs. Gaze narrowing in on her, he reached for her, but she slapped his hands. “Focus.” The temptress flashed him a coy grin. “Okay. Let’s see.” He pondered what he would say. Guess there was nothing better than the truth. “Born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, I graduated Harvard with 72
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a science degree and moved to California to work for the Institute of Robotics. Both my mother and father have passed due to an accident. They were both scientists working on a spaceship bound for the moon when it exploded.” For a moment, a case of nerves silenced him. What if she recalled the accident? Maybe the truth wasn’t such a good idea. It was obvious that Gia still believed she was talking to an android and not a man who had both his parents ripped from his arms at an early age. “I was sixteen. My two older brothers raised me. The three of us are still close.” If not for them, Marc would probably not have attended college. It was his brothers’ love of science that helped him get past the loss of their parents. Marc owed his siblings everything. “Sam and Elliot are both electrical engineers. Sam and Chelsea have two sons, Nathan is twelve and Brandon is thirteen. They are responsible for the gray streaks in my brother’s dark hair.” He laughed before he could stop himself. Clearing his throat, he continued. “Elliot and Cathy can’t have children. Both my brothers reside in Boston. We get together on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I try to visit them at least two more times throughout the year.” Gia leaned forward as if she were taking in everything he said. “I’ve never been married, focusing more on my career, until lately.” He ran his fingers through her silky hair, bringing the strands to his nose. She used something fruity, exotic on her hair. Visions of the ocean and swaying palm trees, their naked bodies lying on the sand, brushed his mind. “S-something has been missing from my life,” he admitted before he knew it. Her sculpted lips beckoned to him and he pushed to his knees, taking her face in his hands. “I want someone in my life. A wife. Children.” Dipping his head, he captured her mouth. Someone like you. “Niagara Falls,” she whispered against his lips. “I’ve never been there before.” Showering small kisses across her face, he muttered, “The economy has taken its toll on the city, but it is still beautiful and one of the United States’ top ten tourist destinations and, of course, the honeymoon capital of the world, besides the moon.” She eased back, sitting on her calves. “Don’t mention that last detail to Aunt Clare.” “Moon?” “No. Honeymoon capital.” He hauled her back into his arms. “I won’t.” Her warm body pressed to his felt so soft and pliant. His cock stirred against her mound. He kissed the tip of her nose. “My brothers are protective over me, but they would love you.” “I’d enjoy meeting them someday.” Once again, color rose in her face. Gia pressed her palms against his chest and gave a little push. Frustration ran across her face. “I can’t believe I said that. It’s a good story, Marc. Believable.” Her chest heaved. “Now, where and how did we meet?”
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“M.A.C. You were looking for a sex toy and I was available.” With a shove, she pushed him back upon the bed. Laughter spilled from his mouth. He tried to grab her wrist but she was crawling away from him too fast. “That’s not funny,” she whined. “But true.” The grin she attempted to hide burst free. “Yes. But we can’t tell my parents that.” “So, what will be the sleeping arrangements at your parents’ home?” Marc didn’t want to spend a minute separated from her and the thought of tiptoeing to her bedroom sounded a little juvenile, but he’d do it if he had to. “Mom and Dad are open-minded.” Gina crawled out of the bed to stand next to it. “Besides, I’ve got to keep an eye on you. I wouldn’t want any of my cousins picking up on my boy toy.” “Boy toy?” Was that how she really thought of him, even after all that had passed between them? The blow to his ego was difficult to take, but he had to remember she thought of him as an inanimate object, something to pleasure her and help her get through this weekend, not the man he was. He climbed to his feet to stand about three feet away from her. As she walked toward him, the heat of her body called to him. He met her halfway. Tipping her chin, she stared up at him, her mouth pulled into a thin line. Her forehead furrowed. “I envy my brothers and sister and their spouses.” Her blue eyes turned misty as she breathed a heavy sigh. “They laugh together. Share their hopes, dreams. Children. A home. Things that seem so far out of my reach.” Her shoulders sagged. “Sometimes I wish—” The pain welling in her eyes tugged at his heartstrings. The world saw Gia Easton as a woman who had it all, beauty, fame and money. What she really wanted was friendship—companionship—someone to love her. For a moment she was quiet. Then she cupped his face, guiding him toward her mouth. Her kiss was tender, almost reverent. “Why can’t you be real?” Her whisper was so soft he barely heard her. Marc’s heart stuttered. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. “Kiss me like I’m yours,” she choked. This time when her mouth touched his something inside him burst wide open. She wanted him. Could it be possible that she, a renowned celebrity, would even consider this geeky scientist? Sliding his tongue along the seam of her lips, he thrust inside. Gia was all fiery heat. Her feminine taste was a drug making his senses spin out of control. He kissed her over and over again. She whimpered against his mouth and he drank the sound. When they parted both were breathless. Her pebble-hard nipples rasped against his chest. Eyes slumberous and sexy, she rubbed her silky body up and down his. “If you were real, I’d marry you in a heartbeat.” 74
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Marry? Him? Blood rushed to his cock, making him impossibly firmer as his chest squeezed. Fear and excitement played tug-of-war with his emotions. He was a man—real. Before, commitment had always been the enemy. Yet the thought of devoting his life to Gia— no, Gina—had a beautiful ring to it. Through feathered lashes, she scanned his face. “You and I would make beautiful babies together.” The weariness in her eyes wrapped around him. “How many children?” Marc found himself asking—and really wanting to know. Leaning into him, she brushed her lips across his. “Two. A boy and a girl. And a Cairn Terrier.” She chuckled, the girlish sound softening his heart. “I’ve always wanted a dog since I moved away from home, but it seemed ridiculous and cruel with the schedule I keep to get one.” Absentmindedly, he nibbled on her neck before raising his head. “Where would you want to live after we were married?” Damn. He was falling into this fantasy as well. “Oregon,” she replied with no hesitation. “I love the trees, the mountains and water. In an hour or so we could be at the ocean clamming or we could run or hike for miles undisturbed. At times I just silently sit and watch the wildlife. It truly is a beautiful place. Do you like to fish?” A nature lover? From watching her slink across the silver screen and listening to her interviews, no one would guess that her privacy meant so much to her. He liked that and so much more about her. She was intelligent and easy to talk to. Marc couldn’t remember the last time he felt like sharing parts of his family with a woman. And this woman made him laugh, smile and want so much more than a couple of weeks with her. “Yes. I enjoy fishing, but I haven’t had the opportunity in a long while. The last time I fished I had Brandon and Nathan fly out and we took a trip to Alaska.” But the vision in his head at the moment was one of Gina sitting between his thighs, sitting on a grassy bank, both of them with fishing poles in their hands. “Alaska?” Unexpected sarcasm rose in her tone. She shook her head, disbelief rimming her eyes. “You’re good. You almost made me buy into your story.” She glanced up at him. “I guess since we’re pretending, what about you? Where would you live?” “Wherever you want to live would be home for me.” His answer shocked him, as well as Gina judging by the drop of her jaw. God help him. He was falling for her. Hell. What was he saying? Since the first time he’d seen her on the silver screen he had wanted her. Of course that was just a fantasy—this was reality. Even if he had a chance with her he’d blown it. Once she discovered his deception, there would be no chance of him ever making her his. “Really?” There was a dreamy texture to her voice. “I think that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.” 75
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Marc doubted that, but if she promised to be his, he would build her a mansion in the green forests of Oregon or a beach house on the ocean, anything her heart desired. And she could fill it up with all the children and dogs she wanted. The thought remained unspoken. A huff of air left her lungs. “I’m doing it again. How pathetic am I?” Moisture filled her eyes once more. As one large tear rolled down her cheek, she swiped at it angrily. “I—” She choked back the words. “You know… I just forget sometimes.” She spun around, her back to him. “I think we have enough to convince my family we’re legitimate.” Gina’s sadness overwhelmed him. The urge to take her into his arms and comfort her was strong, but before he could reach for her she stepped away. “I need to pack.” Moving across the room, she pushed a button on the wall unit that opened the partitions to a large walk-in closet. Exquisite gowns hung on one side, casual wear on the other. A Ferris wheel of shoes rotated and in between them were drawers. When she moved her hand in front of one of the drawers it opened. Sensor activated. Marc stepped into the closet, easing up behind her and pressing his naked chest to her back. “Packing can wait, sweetheart.” Brushing her hair aside, he bared her shoulder for his mouth, kissing a path up the length of her neck. “Come to bed. I want to be inside you.” For a moment silence lingered between them. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Blindly, she stared at the open drawer that held lingerie. “One minute I’m okay. The next…” She drifted off, releasing a ragged breath. “It’s true that the best way to forget a man is to lose yourself to someone else, but—” A tremor raced through her and he folded his arms around her to quiet it. Turning in his arms, she snaked her hands around his waist. “You’re not real.” A surge of guilt rushed through Marc’s veins. His lies were the reason for the confusion tugging at her brows. If only he had introduced himself, maybe he might have had a chance with her. “You do things to me—” Sucking her bottom lip into her mouth, she bit down. “I let my guard down when I’m with you. Tell you things I’ve never admitted to a single soul.” Once again, tears swam in her eyes. “And you make me feel things I’ve never felt with another man. You make me forget Doug, but you also reveal the emptiness in my life and what I’m missing in a man, a real relationship.” What a sorry-ass bastard he was. “Gina, what if I was human? Would I really stand a chance with you?” Because he wanted to be her man. He wanted to go to bed each night and wake up each morning in her arms. He wanted to make her dreams come true. “It’s a moot point, Marc.” Releasing him, she jerked a clean robe off a hanger and walked past him, straight toward the intercom in her bedroom. “Leda, could you please come up and help me pack?” 76
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“Right away, Miss Easton.” The housekeeper’s distinctive voice burst from the small white box against the wall. Gina pushed her arms through the sleeves of the satiny white robe. Her silence was as good as a dismissal. On leaden feet, she returned to the closet and started to yank clothes off hangers and out of the open drawer. Slowly Marc backed away. Somewhere in the scheme of things he had fucked everything up, including his chance with Gina. Yet confessing his sin now would ruin her visit with her family. He disappeared into the adjoining bedroom and quietly shut the door. The only choice he had was to continue the charade. After the weekend, he would tell her the truth and hope that she could forgive him. He needed to contact Toil and make arrangements for their trip to Oregon. Although Marc had met her security detail, he would prefer his own. What ruse could he and Toil come up with to get Gina to accept the Institute’s jet and protection?
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Chapter Eight Gia woke to a warm body pressed against hers, one arm slung around her waist and a knee wedged between her legs. A slight tug of her hair and she turned to find Marc wide awake and running his fingers through her hair. “What are you doing?” The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver through her. “Watching you.” “Why?” “Because you’re the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.” She eased upon her back. Splaying his fingers wide across her flat stomach, he smoothed a palm up her rib cage to brush the underside of a breast before he cupped her fullness. Gia’s belly clenched. “Now what are you doing?” “Seducing you.” With his thumb and index finger, he rolled her nipple into a hard peak. Fingers of desire danced between her thighs. “Is it working?” She opened her mouth to respond just as she caught sight of the clock in the corner of the large television screen that took up most of the wall across from the bed. In bright neon green, it announced nine o’clock. “Oh my god. We’ll miss our plane.” She tossed back the comforter, knocking away his hand as she started to rise. Marc wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back down upon the bed. “Stop it,” she said. As she made another attempt to rise, he pinned her arms above her head, a muscled thigh across her hips. “Dammit, Marc. Let me go.” “Transportation hasn’t arrived. We have time for this.” With his free hand he plucked at one of her nipples. “And this.” Adjusting his hips, he draped them over hers, climbing atop her. “All you have to do is lie perfectly still, I’ll do the rest.” Marc’s morning hard-on pressed against her pelvic bone. For a moment the bulge drew her attention, but then the fact that they would be leaving soon pulled at her. “I need to—” His lips stole the words from her mouth with a long, slow kiss that screwed with her resistance. Nibbling on the corner of her mouth, he eased her legs apart with a knee before laying his firm erection against her damp folds. “Nice.” Trying to dislodge her wrists from his hold, she squirmed, sliding along the hard ridge between her thighs. 78
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His chuckle was a deep blend of amusement and lust. “Hold still.” Dipping his head, he circled a nipple in his hot mouth and suckled for a moment before he broke the suction with a pop. The warm air he breathed over the moist skin made both peaks draw up taut. Breasts heavy with need, she inhaled his earthy aftershave, which told her he’d already risen and prepared for the day and then returned to her. The knowledge and the rich scent of him warmed her blood and stirred her arousal. Rays of electricity burst through her core. A flood of moisture anointed her thighs, her need building into a slow burn. Angling his hips, he positioned his cock at her pussy, allowing only the broad head to enter and tempt her. Then he eased inside her with a slow, hard stroke. The full, tight sensation of him buried deep inside her was amazing. Each of his thrusts was met with one of her own. Gia found herself smiling. This is how a woman should wake each morning. In the arms of a man who couldn’t keep his hands off her. M.A.C.’s marketing strategy had been clever. Give a woman a taste of the good life and she’ll pay any price to keep their product. But Gia had stepped beyond the boundaries and fallen for Marc. He found a sensitive spot and she gasped, arching beneath him. If her family knew or the press found out she’d be completely and totally humiliated. Once again she had to push her thoughts away and focus on the man who held her and dropped over the top of her so that their bodies came together before he took her mouth with his. Mimicking the slow steady pace of his hips with his tongue, he fucked her mouth with a tenderness that squeezed her chest. When the caress ended, he worked his way down her throat, nuzzling her neck before kissing a path across the hollow of one shoulder and finally to the swell of a breast. He cupped her. “I love your breasts. Soft. Warm. Made for me like your body is— you are.” He licked her nipple and then bit the tip, sending shards of fire through the peak. Then he drew the nub into his mouth and sucked with long pulls. Gia closed her eyes and savored the moment, but it was over way too soon. Releasing his hold, he licked and caressed his way back up her body to find her mouth once more. Without hesitation, she parted her lips and invited him in to taste her. Their tongues slid provocatively along each other as they sipped from each other’s mouths, the intensity between them growing like a slow, imminent wave that strengthened with each thrust of their hips and their passionate kiss. A contraction bore down on her womb, alerting her to the first signs of her rising orgasm. She wiggled beneath him, trying to find that special area that would carry her to heaven.
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“Please, Marc,” she gasped, jerking her hands. He let her go. As soon as she touched him, muscles rippled beneath her palms. She clawed her fingernails across his back, flexing them as another spasm erupted. “Fuck. That’s hot,” he cried out, bowing his back against her raking talons. “Mark me, baby.” God. He was right. It was hot and his reaction even hotter. Gia knew there would be red, angry stripes down his back and she didn’t care as she dragged her hands across him again. She wanted to mark him. As silly as it sounded, she wanted him to be hers. Liquid heat pooled inside her along with a desperate need to appease the ache between her thighs, which was building with alarming speed. Keening sounds slipped from her taut lips. Her inner muscles bunched, released and then tightened again. Panting, her body undulated beneath his. He laid his forehead against hers. His fiery stare met hers. “Damn. It feels as if your pussy is sucking me deeper.” Gia heard his sharp intake of air. Hooking his arms beneath her knees, he spread her wider, slamming into her with a force she swore struck the very core of her being before he ground his hips into her. His cock enlarged, swelled, stretching her even more. “Come for me, Gina.” To hear her real name on his lips undid her. Moaning and writhing, her arousal soared with the exquisite burn surging through her veins. He thrust again and the pulsing ache inside her reached a crescendo before splintering in all directions. Gia screamed. Stars burst behind her eyelids. No air remained in her lungs. She was drowning in ecstasy and clinging to Marc as if he were an anchor. Exerting more pressure against her inner thighs, he slammed home once again. His body quivered and then he stilled. A throaty groan echoed in her ear as he climaxed, joining her. The warmth of his seed filled her, setting off another series of spasms that almost stopped her heart. It was too much and not enough. She would never tire of this man. Loosening his tight grip on her legs, he collapsed and rolled, taking her with him as pleasure continued to curl through her. He buried his face into her hair. His breathing was broken pants, matching hers. Gia sighed. Lying in his arms, she felt cherished, wanted and for once in her life, content. The sudden rattling of the French doors to her bedroom jerked her upright and out of Marc’s arms. Her gaze flew to the doors as her heart started to pound. Marc smoothed his palm up her thigh. “Relax, honey. That’s just our ride.” 80
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Relief filtered through her. That’s right. Talk about timing. Mr. Roberts from the Institute had called last night to inquire whether she would be leaving the state with their android. When she informed him she did have plans to go to Oregon this weekend, he insisted that the Institute’s security and jet be used. Since Marc was legally the property of the Institute, if she wanted him to accompany her, she had no other alternative but to agree. “Get dressed.” He sat up, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. “The sooner we leave the more likely we won’t be followed. You can shower in the sphere before breakfast.” Gia watched his powerful, naked body move across the room. Gorgeous. And all hers. In reality who needed a man? Gia rose quickly, heading toward the bathroom. After she dressed in jeans, a light cotton pullover T-shirt and walking boots, she exited the manor to find Marc speaking with Antares. A strange aircraft she had never seen before other than in pictures hovered two feet above the ground. The long, sleek, silver disc-shaped helio-sphere had no wings or rotor or even doors that she could detect. As her gaze skimmed across the shiny surface, midway up the craft something began to vacillate, reshape. A small portion of the ship began to melt. Like liquid mercury it flowed to the ground, morphing into a solid ramp. As soon as the entrance was revealed, one of their bodyguards began to load their luggage. Stunned, she stood speechless when Marc turned and smiled. He opened his arms and she walked into them as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do. Antares pinned his dark gaze on Gia. “Miss Easton, do Mr. Charleston’s plans meet with your approval?” “Yes, Antares. The Institute has provided everything we will need.” The frown on Antares’ hard mouth revealed his stance. “You need to know the press activity has picked up since last night’s headlines.” “What headlines?” she asked. Marc tightened his hold on her. “Apparently the media has gotten wind that there is a new man in your life.” “Crap.” The happiness she had felt only moments ago vanished. No matter how one tried, secrets got out. It would only be a matter of time before the truth of Marc was discovered and then her life would be raked across the coals. And it was too late to turn back now. Marc dropped his arm around Gina’s shoulder. “Honey, we should leave now.” With a palm in the small of her back, he assisted her up the gangplank. Once she was seated and buckled in, he sat next to her. 81
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“Oh. My. God,” she said in awe as she looked around the plush sphere. The craft was bigger than it appeared from the outside. There were no pilots. The ship had only to be programmed, their flight pattern was already logged into memory. A couple of their bodyguards sat in a separate room along with their luggage. But her expression of wonder was due to the fact that the walls of the helio-sphere appeared almost invisible in places, like windows, so that it felt as if she had only to stretch her arm to touch the sky, buildings and the world itself. Marc had to admit it was amazing. When the aircraft began a quick vertical ascent, she reached over and grabbed his hand. He winked at her and she smiled weakly. Veering sharply in a horizontal pattern, the craft moved fast and low over several estates before it rose into the sky. The tactical move was used to confuse those on the ground about which home it actually came from. “Did you call your mother?” he asked. “Yes. Dad will be waiting for us at the airport.” When Gina mentioned her father, her features softened. “We won’t be going to the airport. The helio-sphere will take us to your parents’ house.” “Oh. Okay. Then I should call Dad.” “Here. Let me get you an open line.” Marc pressed a button on his armrest but nothing appeared to happen. She cocked an eyebrow in question. “Elaine and Paul Easton, Oregon.” When he spoke their names a ringing sound came as if out of nowhere. Surround sound made even him unable to determine where the peal came from. When the videophone was answered on the other end, a holographic picture appeared of a man with gray streaked through his chestnut-colored hair. He sat behind a desk as if he had been working on the computer when the call came in. Gina eased up in her seat. “Hey, Dad.” The fifty-something man smiled, lines forming around his mouth. “Hi, sweetheart.” “We won’t need a ride from the airport. Marc has arranged for the helio-sphere to take us directly to the house.” “Good.” His smile dissolved. “Have you watched the news today?” Gina’s shoulders sagged. “No, but I’ve heard.” “Well then, you be careful.” “I will, Dad. Bye.” The hologram vanished. Marc hadn’t had time to research her family, so he’d be going in cold on this meeting. The thought twisted the knot in his stomach.
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What if they didn’t like him? What the hell was wrong with him? He was thirty-two and had met several women’s families, but for some reason this felt different. “Tell me about your family. What does your father do?” “He’s in the forestry, a fireman. So are my brothers. Becka and Vic are both ocean biologists.” “Your mom?” “Is the best cook in all of Oregon,” she said with a broad grin. “And she’s the new president of Struma’s National Bank.” The kink in his stomached balled up. “By any chance is your mother related to the retired president of that bank?” “He’s my grandfather. You sound as if you’ve heard of Struma’s National Bank and my grandfather.” Oh yeah. Marc nodded, feeling the space around him start to close in. He knew Chad Struma, an astute elderly man with lots and lots of power and money. Their paths had crossed at several charity dinners and even once on the golf course. His institution provided personal banking, credit card services, insurance and retail financial products across the United States for many companies and people, including Marc’s. He was about to admit that the gig was up when Gina moved closer. “Grandpa is under the weather. Mom said he wouldn’t be attending their party. I thought perhaps we could visit him on Sunday before we head back to California.” Marc mentally wiped his brow, knowing he had dodged a bullet. “Sure. If that’s what you want.” It wouldn’t be too difficult to think up a reason not to escort her to her grandfather’s home.
***** Gia didn’t even try to suppress her anxiety as the helio-sphere made a vertical landing in a wooded area of her parents’ ninety-acre ranch. Oregon was home, which meant a whirlwind of relatives and questions. Marc’s presence would quell some of those questions and stir up others. She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. Marc must have sensed her case of nerves, because he wrapped his hand around hers and smiled softly. A multitude of thoughts invaded her head. How would her family receive Marc? Could they pull off a relationship that didn’t exist? Gia startled when her ears popped. After seesawing her jaw, her hearing cleared again so that everything sounded louder than before, or maybe she was just a little more sensitive than usual. She moved restlessly against Marc. “Gina, everything will be okay,” he reassured her.
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Looking into his warm, caring eyes she could almost believe him. Almost. As one of the security guards from the back entered, the medium-size, dark-haired man didn’t look happy. His broad shoulders were rigid as he stopped before them. There was something dangerous in his dark eyes. “Miss Easton. Mr. Charleston. Apparently someone has tipped off the press. They are already surrounding the exterior fence.” Exasperated, Gia’s head fell back against the leather seat. “I can’t believe this. Doug.” She shook her head. “It had to be Doug.” Of course, Mary could be blamed as well. Then again did it matter which one? What was done was done. Marc unfastened his seat belt and rose. “So what’s the plan, Norton?” “Ground security has been increased. A Range Rover is en route to take you to the house. Miss Easton’s father is aware of the situation.” Norton turned to Gia. “I’m sorry, Miss Easton.” Unfastening her seat belt and rising, Gia mustered a halfhearted smile. “It’s okay.” Turning to Marc, she fought back tears. “If they see you the press will discover your identity. Maybe not today, but they will. Maybe I should go this trip alone.” It was the last thing she wanted, but probably the smartest decision she’d made in a long time. Marc dismissed Norton with a nod and then reached for Gia, pulling her into his embrace. “Are you trying to ditch me?” Gia met his feigned grin with a frown. “No, but what if they find out the truth?” It would ruin her. Bittersweet emotions beat behind her eyelids. “They won’t.” He kissed her tenderly. “I promise. Now let’s get out of here.” Why, against her better judgment, she allowed him to escort her off the heliosphere, she’d never know. All she did know was that she wanted to believe him, especially since she wasn’t ready to give him up—not yet. Marc clasped her elbow and assisted her down the gangplank where a large, closed-in Range Rover awaited. They climbed inside and waited until the luggage was loaded and the other security guards slipped in behind them. As the vehicle drove over the rough terrain, a memory rose. Gia and her siblings had roamed every inch of this land. While Portland had evolved like all the other large cities, Forest Grove, twenty-five miles outside of town, had attempted to hold on to its roots, keeping everything more low-key. Even her parents had allowed their land, this part of their world, to stay pure and untouched. Within this small haven there were no skyscrapers, no ground-and-sky transit systems or artificial landscape. Only the smell of pine and the natural scent of the earth, springs and wildlife, which greeted her as she watched a deer jump across the creek just before the Range Rover disturbed the water and splashed through it. When the vehicle broke through the wooded area, it slowed, moving down the long driveway that twisted around a thick grove of trees and then coming to a wide opening
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where the two-story colonial home Gia had grown up in stood. She swallowed hard, praying that this weekend would be a success for her parents. Activity buzzed all around the house. Several small children were playing croquet on the emerald-green lawn. Evidently, her father had activated the GPS system within the game because when a small boy struck his mallet against the ball, it moved swiftly and accurately through the hoops. Across the grounds, two other children swatted badminton racquets at the shuttlecock flying over the net. It was clear by the way the wind carried the shuttlecock that the GPS system was inactivated. The old-fashioned games had continued to be favorites of her family’s throughout the years. Four large white canopy structures had been erected as they had been to celebrate Becka and Victor’s wedding two years ago. If the arrangement was the same and Gia’s memory served her right, two of the pavilions had tables and chairs beneath them. One had a makeshift dance floor that opened up to a fountain on the property when it wasn’t in use. Even with the windows up she could smell the delicious aroma of a barbecue in progress. But what made her choke up was her parents standing on the steps of the house watching them as they approached. In fact, just about everyone stopped what they were doing and stared as they approached. Marc rubbed his palms up and down her bare arms. “Breathe, sweetheart.” Easier said than done. Still, she managed to fill her lungs before the car came to a halt and the doors sprang open. The guards exited first, then Marc. He held out his hand and she accepted his assistance. “Aunt Gina.” A tight, high voice yelled her name. Gia turned to see Sylvia and Shelley running toward her. The seven- and five-yearolds were as different as night and day. Sylvia had dark brunette hair like her mother’s while Shelley’s was blonde. Both children cleared the yard in record time, throwing themselves into her open arms. “Did you see me?” Shelley chirped. “I hit the birdie.” Gia opened her eyes wide. “I did see you. That was fantastic.” Sylvia shook her head, frowning. “She missed, Aunt G.” “Shhh…” “Oh honey, I’m so glad you’re home.” Her mother’s voice turned Gia away from her nieces. “Mom.” A smile touched Gia’s lips. As she folded her arms around her mother, she smelled oatmeal cookies. “I’ve missed you,” Gia whispered, fighting back tears. “So you must be my little girl’s new beau. Marc, I believe.” Gia released her mother in time to see Marc and her father shaking hands. “Marc Charleston,” Marc clarified. “Paul Easton, and this is my lovely wife, Elaine Struma-Easton.”
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Gia’s mother took Marc’s proffered hand. “Mr. Charleston.” “Please, call me Marc.” The loving expression on her father’s face pulled at Gia’s heartstrings. “Come here, baby girl.” Her feet felt as if they had wings as she flew into his open arms. Six feet of towering strength, even at fifty-nine her father was in shape. Yet she noted that more gray streaked his chestnut hair. He held her so tightly for a moment she couldn’t breathe. When he released her something close to concern raced across his eyes. A shadow that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. Gia had no doubt where her acting abilities came from as he smiled at her. “Child, it is about time.” At the sound of her Aunt Clare’s scratchy voice, Gia cringed. “Do you have any idea the worry your parents have been through?” So it begins. The happiness Gia felt only seconds ago deflated like a popped balloon. She hadn’t been there two minutes before the berating of her dear old aunt started. Some things never changed. “Well, she’s here now and that’s all that matters.” Gia was thankful for her mother’s attempt to quiet Clare, but her father’s sister always seemed to want the last word. Five foot two, the old battle-ax pinned Marc with an eagle-eyed glare. “I don’t see a ring on her hand.” Her gnarled fingers rose, palms on her narrow hips. Marc reached for Gia, pulling her into the shelter of his arms. “Believe me, it’s not because I haven’t asked.” Yikes! Gia forced herself not to react. Inwardly she was screaming, shit, shit, shit. Her plan had been for Marc to act enamored with her, not in love. She didn’t miss the glance her mother and father shared or the smirk on her aunt’s wrinkled face. “Regina, you should marry this nice young man and return home and have babies. Stop this tomfoolery.” “Clare,” Gia’s father grumbled. Gia almost burst out laughing, or was she on the verge of crying? If only her nosy aunt knew. She had just suggested that her niece marry an android, and for children? Well, if she married Marc there wouldn’t be little ones running about. A tug on Gia’s shirt pulled her gaze down to the small blonde at her feet, looking up. “Are you getting married, Aunt Gina?” “Not anytime soon, Shelley.” The child’s innocent gaze traveled from Gia to Marc. “Is he your boyfriend?” Sylvia elbowed Shelley. Shelley frowned at her cousin. “What?” “Shhh…” Sylvia frowned. “Momma said we weren’t supposed to ask that.” 86
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From the mouths of babes. Marc winked at both girls. “Yes, I am.” The two little munchkins broke out in giggles. “Girls, go play,” Gia’s mother said before turning her attention back to Gia and Marc. “Maybe the two of you would like to freshen up before you face the crowd?” “Thanks, Mom.” Gia didn’t forget to hug her aunt. Eww… The woman smelled of mothballs, or was it formaldehyde? While Gia and Marc followed her mother into the house, Gia’s father began to speak with the four guards who had melted into the scenery as Marc had promised. “Marc, pay no never mind to Clare. She’s old and crotchety.” Gia’s mother continued, “Honey, I’ll have your dad speak to her.” Oh if only that would squelch her aunt’s nastiness. Watching the interplay between Gina and her mother as they quickly caught up on family matters was bittersweet. It had been a while since he’d thought of his own mother and father. His chest squeezed with a sorrow he’d thought long past. A scream down the hall caught his attention as well as Gina’s and Elaine’s. When a carrottop woman ran into the room, she pressed the back of her hand to her forehead and feigned a faint. “I can’t believe it. The famous Gia Easton—here—in my house.” Unbridled laughter burst from Gina’s lips. “Marc, this is my baby sister, Becka.” The woman’s hand fell to her side. “Ohhh… Nice,” she hummed, scanning Marc from head to toe. “Becka!” Elaine yelped. A look of utter shock stole her pleasant expression. Becka extended her hand. “Hi.” She pushed a pair of glasses up her nose. “Hi,” he returned, taking a moment to scrutinize the woman as she ran to Gina and hugged her furiously. Young and smart. High-energy. Pretty, but not as striking as Gina. Gina had more of her mother’s features. Even beneath the creases time had placed in the older woman’s face, at a slender five-nine, Elaine Easton would have been a classical beauty in her younger years. He smiled into the timeless glimpse of what Gina might look like at the same age. But there was something more. Marc could see intelligence masked behind a set of gentle cornflower-blue eyes. “You okay?” Becka asked Gina. “Mom spilled the beans about Doug and Mary. Oh wait…” She paused. “I heard it on the ten-o’clock news.” Gina rolled her eyes and shrugged. “I’ve told you guys before you can’t believe everything you hear or read.” Although Gina brushed off the incident, Marc knew how much control she had to exert to manage her casual attitude. He moved up behind her, circling her waist with his arms to lend moral support.
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She flashed him a weak smile. Becka and Elaine both stared at them. “Let’s leave these two alone.” Elaine linked her arm in Becka’s. “No need to hurry. The barbecue will be going for hours.” She leaned in and kissed Gina’s cheek. “I’m so glad you’re home.” “Me too, Mom.” When the door closed, Gina turned in Marc’s embrace. “Why did you have to insinuate that you’ve asked me to marry you?” “It just came to mind.” Where it came from he had no idea, and that was a little scary. “Well, there’s nothing we can do about it now. Uhmmm… Thank you,” she said against his lips. Marc rubbed his nose along hers. “For what?” He kissed her softly. “Everything.” Before she could say anything else, he stole a kiss. She snaked her arms around his neck, parting her mouth to allow him entrance. He slid his tongue along hers. She tasted of family and a future just out of his grasp. Several hard thumps on the door pulled them apart. “Is everyone decent?” a man called out. A grin crept across Gina’s face. “Parker?” The door sprang wide and a brown-haired man in his late twenties entered. Gina ran to him and he plucked her off her feet, twirling her around the room. “Gina, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” Behind the athletically built man a blonde-haired woman waltzed in. Faith was her name if Marc remembered correctly—Parker’s wife. Where he was tall and muscular, his wife was small and delicate, a wisp of a woman that a strong breeze would blow away. She came to stand beside Marc. “Hi, I’m Faith.” “Marc Charleston.” He chuckled as Parker set Gina down and then pulled her hair and she shrieked playfully. “They’re close?” “On good days. Remember, they’re siblings.” Faith moved toward Gina. They hugged and immediately started chatting. “So you’re Marc Charleston?” Parker’s large hand jutted out to meet Marc’s. The man’s forehead furrowed. “Have we met?” Marc froze midway through the handshake. “I don’t believe so.” Parker grip tightened as he took Marc’s measure. “Hmmm…” He eased his grasp and then he grinned, watching his sister and wife with something close to pride in his eyes. “Hey, I heard we had a celebrity amongst us,” the low baritone voice met them before another man entered. This one looked a lot like Parker, but where Parker 88
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appeared warm and welcoming, he did not, his gaze carefully sweeping the room, taking in everything all at once. Gina met her brother at the door and he swallowed her up in a big bear hug. “Scottie.” She tweaked his side and he jumped, releasing her. “Getting a little thick around the middle aren’t you? What is Carrie feeding you?” She hugged him again. At the mention of her name, the man’s dark-haired wife sauntered through the door. “Now don’t you be teasing him. Not everyone can be slim and trim and the darlin’ of the silver screen.” If there was any jealousy in the woman’s tone, Marc couldn’t detect it. Carrie moved close to her husband and sister-in-law and was welcomed with open arms. In fact, they all seemed to get along quite well. As Carrie drifted toward Faith and Parker, Scott leaned down to Gina. “You okay, sis?” His quiet tone told Marc that he meant the words for her ears only. “Yeah.” “Not real convincing for an actress.” His keen gaze examined her as though she were beneath a microscope. “Hey.” She quickly stepped away from him. “I want you to meet someone. Scott this is Marc Charleston. Marc, my eldest brother, Scott Easton.” The tender expression the man had for his sister disappeared. Marc extended his hand and for a moment he thought Scott would refuse him. Gina nudged her brother into action and he took the proffered hand. Once again, Marc found his character scrutinized, but this time he read a warning in the intense blue eyes of Gina’s older brother as his hand closed with a death grip. “Honey?” Carrie placed her palm on her husband’s biceps and he released Marc. “We need to check on Sylvia.” Scott slung an arm around his wife and one around Gina. “Come on. Let’s go get something to eat.” Gina flashed Marc a look that he took as an apology. Then she wiggled out from beneath her brother’s protection, moving to Marc’s side. “We’ll be down in a little bit. I need to change.” “You look fine to me,” Scott grumbled before glaring at Marc. Marc, on the other hand, smiled in return. Carrie shook her head. “Come on, big fellow. Let’s see what delicacies await us.” As they all filed out the door, Gina turned to Marc. “I’m so sorry.” “You don’t have to apologize. Your brothers are looking out for your welfare.” Her brows tugged together. “I’ve never seen Scott like that before, so rude.” “Protective,” Marc clarified. “With all the headlines about you, your entire family is probably wondering what the hell is going on, and then you show up with me.”
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Gina snuggled close to him, her hands smoothing up his chest, stirring every nerve in his body. Through feathered lashes, she gazed up at him. Marc cupped the back of her head and leaned in to capture her mouth. The whimper she released thrilled him, but he knew exactly what she was doing when her tongue slipped between his lips. Gently, he took a step back, breaking the caress. “You’re delaying the inevitable.” Yet he did have to agree. Taking Gina to bed sounded more fun than having another pissing contest with Scott. In fact, having her tied to that large four-poster bed sounded even better. Maybe a little sultan play. He could tease and love her all night long. Her coy smile was sexy. “How’d you know?” “Sweetheart, I know everything about you.” He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her thoroughly before swatting her on the ass. She yelped, laughing. “Okay. Okay. I’ll go change.” As she rummage through a suitcase and then headed for the bathroom, Marc took a moment to survey his surroundings. The room was large, feminine. The curtains and matching comforter were cream with white eyelet lace. Even the light oak furniture had a womanly touch to it. He’d already noticed the king-size bed, but there was also a dresser and mirror, a tall armoire and a table with two chairs that sat near the window. The furnishings were elegant but simple. Pictures hung throughout were of Gina and family members on what looked like vacations. Marc especially enjoyed the one where she looked about sixteen in a bikini lying on the beach, a starlet pose that gave him a glimpse into the dreams she had made reality. Now if only she would allow him to make all her other dreams come true.
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Chapter Nine Surrounded by family, Gia should have felt at ease, but it was just the opposite. The subtle looks she received not only from her immediate family members but cousins, aunts and uncles were enough to make her skin crawl. With all family get-togethers it seemed there was always someone who supplied fodder for gossip. Guess it was her this time. Oh wait. Hadn’t she been the topic of discussion two years ago too? Scanning the crowd, she spied Marc with her nieces. As she approached, Sylvia was intently explaining the rules of badminton. Gia smiled at the grin he wore. “Can I play?” Gia asked. “Sure,” Shelley chirped. “Here.” She pushed the old-fashioned racket in Gia’s hand. Blonde ringlets bounced as the little girl ran to where additional equipment was stashed. “Whose team am I on?” “Mine,” Shelley yelled, returning. “When the birdie comes to you, Aunt Gina, you have to swing. Okay? Now stand over there.” “Okay.” Quickly Gia moved to the location her niece pointed to. “Ready?” Sylvia raised her racket. When everyone acknowledged their readiness, she tossed the shuttlecock into the air and batted it over the net. There was a slight breeze in her favor and it carried the birdie right to Gia. She swung, striking and returning it. The game was on. Marc moved out of the way to allow Sylvia to intercept the shuttlecock, only swinging when she was out of reach. He even gave up his serve to allow Sylvia more playing time. Gia marveled at how at ease he was with the children. When Marc and Sylvia won the game, he swept the child off her feet and swung her high into the air, both of them laughing. “He’s good with the girls.” Gia’s mother eased up beside her. Evidently, she had been watching them from the sidelines. “Has he ever been married?” “No. But he has two nephews.” The lie came easily. “Soooo… Is it as serious as he alluded to earlier?” Serious? If only Gia could confide in her mom, but she knew the fallout would be monumental. She shrugged. As always her mother didn’t push the issue, allowing Gia to come around in her own time, which might be a very long time in this case. 91
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When Marc came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, she startled. He hugged her tight and for whatever reason the world righted. Well, except for the interest that gleamed in her mother’s eyes. “Mrs. Easton, thank you for allowing me to invade your special occasion. By the way, congratulations.” “Thank you. It’s a pleasure having you join us. And please, call me Elaine.” She turned to Gia. “The Seattle Seahawks are playing San Francisco. Parker said to send Marc in to join them.” Yikes! Football? Sports and politics. Dangerous topics. “Do you like football?” she asked tentatively. “Love it.” Marc responded with way too much enthusiasm for her comfort. “Lead the way.” Leaving her mother behind, they walked toward the house. “Do you really know anything about football?” Sports, hunting and fishing were everything to her family. “I do. Trust me.” Trust me. Such easy words to say—hard to do. “The Seahawks are my family’s favorite team.” “San Francisco is mine.” There was a cockiness to his tone that pulled Gia to a screeching halt just outside the door. “Marc?” But he had already stepped inside, heading toward the cheers and laughter. Shit. Shit. Shit. This had catastrophe written all over it. As she entered the large, circular video room behind Marc, Parker tossed an open beer toward him. He caught it dead-on, not spilling a drop. Tipping the bottle to his lips, he took a long drag and then crossed the carpeted floor that muffled his footsteps. The curved walls were aligned with luxurious theater chairs designed for comfort and also for viewing at any angle. Passing by several unoccupied chairs, Marc plopped down in one right next to Scott, surprising Gia. The friction between him and her eldest brother couldn’t be mistaken. As she wondered if Marc’s choice of companionship was intentional, an itchy sensation spread across her skin. Gia hovered next to Marc, squealing when he reached over and pulled her onto his lap, earning a frown from Scott. Marc handed her the beer and she took a swig. Slowly she scanned the occupants. Everyone with even a mild case of testosterone was in attendance, which included some of the younger boys and an aunt or two. What could she say? A low grind sounded as a panel in the middle of the ceiling slid open and the television projector emerged. A spotlight shone down and dust motes floated in the beam. The surround-sound speakers rumbled and for a moment the crowd grew silent. Then a hologram formed, displaying the pre-game announcers chatting around a table and the prattle in the room continued. 92
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Scott slid his narrow gaze from her to Marc. “What do you do for a living, Charleston?” “I work for the Institute of Robotics.” Gia’s eyes widened. Marc wouldn’t dare. Scott looked away, feigning attention on the picture before them. “Janitor?” She ground her teeth, wanting to berate her brother, but thinking it best not to in front of a crowd. What had gotten into Scott? He never treated anyone with such disrespect. Marc chuckled but there wasn’t any humor in the low, ominous sound. “I’m a scientist.” Scott harrumphed in disbelief. “Scientist?” “Yes. I’m the creator of the latest models of the Male Android Companions,” Marc offered smugly while Gia almost swallowed her tongue. No. No. NO. This was not happening. How would she ever remember all these lies? And how dare Marc tread so close to the truth of where they met? Gia took another drink of the bitter ale and then another. Hell. She tipped the bottle up and drained it dry. “Hmmm…” Scott eased back in his seat. “Been working there long?” “Since college.” Marc pinned his gaze on the hologram, which showed clips of each team’s prior games. Other than the television, silence reigned—all eyes seemed to be focused on him. Last week’s game between the Seahawks and Cardinals filled the room. A young boy jumped up from his seat, blending in with the three-dimensional picture. With a big grin on his face, he ran after the football player carrying the ball, stopping only when he smashed into a coffee table. The crash pulled everyone’s gazes from Marc to seven-year-old Joshua, who started to cry. When he realized he’d captured everyone’s attention he thought differently about weeping and dried up immediately. His father, one of Gia’s cousins, pulled the boy backward out of the center of the room. “I saw the advertisement the other day.” Parker moved up behind Marc and Gia, handing her another beer as he took the empty from her. “Can’t really be a market for such a thing. I mean, what woman would want an android when she could have the real thing?” “Like you, bro?” Scott snickered. “Well. Yeah.” Parker flexed his biceps, which was pretty impressive even to Gia. “I’m prime-cut, USDA male.” “And married,” their father stated frankly. He sat on the other side of Scott pretending to watch the pre-game, but she knew his sharp attention was on the interplay between Marc and her brothers. How did she know this? Because he was that type of man. Nothing escaped his regard, especially a stranger introduced into the family. 93
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“We sold twelve units within three hours and I have a backorder of six.” Marc jumped when she pinched him on the side. He frowned. “What?” She giggled nervously. “Quit showing off.” “Baby, it’s the truth.” Gia flexed and curled her fingers. She felt like strangling him. Why didn’t he just keep his mouth shut? Thank goodness the announcer introduced the two teams and they began lining up for the kickoff. But that’s when the real fun began. San Francisco received the ball and Marc almost threw her off his lap as he started to cheer for the receiver. Gia tensed, every muscle and tendon bunched. Except for the play-by-play commentary from the television, a dead hush filled the room. All steely eyes were on Marc but he didn’t seem to notice, he was so intent on watching the runner successfully weaving through a mass of oncoming Seahawks. Gia almost cheered when the runner’s luck ran out. “Damn,” Marc yelled when the 49er became buried beneath a mob of navy-blue uniforms. “That was a hell of a catch.” He turned and she saw him fighting a grin. “Don’t you think, Scott?” The little devil was teasing her brother. Parker was the first to catch on and then her father as they burst into laughter. Several others in the room followed. When Scott realized Marc’s reaction was for his benefit, he chuckled softly. “Sis, your man has shit for brains, even if he is a scientist. Thank God he had the good sense to snatch you up.” Gia took her first real breath since they’d entered the room, pulling it deep into her lungs. Snaking her arms around Marc’s neck, she relaxed against him. He held her near until the ball was snapped and the game resumed. The noise in the room rose with the excitement. The comfortable rivalry in the air actually appeared to make the game even better for her family as they threw Marc insults and he returned them admirably. Everything was working out. Then why did tears threaten to fall? She squirmed in his arms. This is exactly what she had dreamed of, except that their arrangement was a ruse. Gia glanced at Marc and felt her chest tighten. He would never be part of their family—couldn’t. During a commercial, he leaned into her. “You okay?” “Yeah. Sure.” Even to her the taut smile she plastered on her face felt weak. Concern darkened his eyes. Dammit. She wasn’t fooling him. “Do you want to go outside?” he asked. “Yes. No. You stay here and watch the game.” Gia started to rise but felt his arms close around her.
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“You need me.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. How did he do that? Yes. She needed him or at least someone like him. He was perfect except for the small fact that he wasn’t human. “I haven’t seen Mom and Becka in so long. I think I’ll join them. You stay and watch the game.” He slid his warm palm down her bare arm, causing goose bumps to pebble her arms. Every inch of her ached to feel him against her, to have him hold her as if he would never let her go. If only— Her heart squeezed as he gripped her hand. When the room exploded into loud cheers, Marc’s gaze darted to the hologram. “You sure?” Gia nodded and pulled out of his grasp before quietly drifting toward the door and letting herself out. Outside wasn’t much better than inside. Sylvia dodged Shelley in a game of tag. Children ran all over the ground like ants. Their laughter and screams filled the wide-open space, reminding Gia of what she didn’t have. In the distance she saw Aunt Clare pinning her keen gaze on her. Quickly she looked away and headed for the line of trees promising escape. It had been so long since she had filled her lungs with the clean scent of pine. A forest of fir trees shot upward some seventy-five to a hundred feet, threatening to block out the sun. Vines and other foliage draped the trees, shrubs and ground. Serenity promised to take her into its embrace. Gia’s intrusion on nature as she walked through its folds had several birds skittering from their nests. A squirrel scampered up the rough bark of a tall Noble Fir. The branches swayed beneath his weight each time he pounced from limb to limb. A rabbit twitched its nose as it watched her from some underbrush. In the distance, the rush of water caressed her ears. The creek that ran through the property had been her favorite spot when she lived here. Approaching the rippling stream, she dragged in a weighted breath. Life here had been simple as a young child. Why did growing up have to be so complex? Beneath her leaden footsteps, twigs snapped and dried leaves crackled. As she sat down upon the cushy ground of pine needles and mulch, she pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them. Only a week ago it had felt as if she was on the right track heading for happiness. Now she felt overwrought, out of sync. It didn’t help that she was amongst her family, who had found their other halves to make them whole. Would she ever find someone like Marc, who could rock her world behind bedroom doors and provide her with love beyond them? Someone who could make her remember the simple things in life? Family. Love. Children. And what about her career? If she did find the paragon of her dreams, would he insist she give up acting? Resting her chin on her knees, Gia watched the water cascade over the rocks and fallen branches. “Marc,” she whispered his name. What was she going to do about him when they returned to California? 95
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The 49ers won by a field goal. Marc kept his gloating to a minimum and basked in the success he had achieved winning Gina’s brothers’ acceptance. Her father, although hospitable, had not yet let him penetrate the barricade around him, but Marc would. If he could gain acceptance from her family, maybe when this all blew up in his face he would have their support. As the group filed outside in one big boisterous crowd, Marc glanced around. He located Elaine and Becka rounding up the children, but Gina wasn’t with them. “She’s hiding.” It was Parker’s lovely blonde wife who appeared from somewhere behind him. She gazed across the ribbons of yellow, orange and red streaking the sky. “When it gets too much for Gina, she disappears into the woods.” Too much? Had something happened? “Does she hide often?” Faith shrugged, but the truth was in her eyes. She cared for Gina. “It will be dark soon. Maybe you should find her. Look down by the creek.” Then she gave him a tender smile and directions before she walked away. The second the trees swallowed him up, the daylight dimmed in the cooling evening. The height of the trees and the thick vegetation gave the place an almost melancholy air. Twigs and brittle leaves snapped beneath his feet as he moved deeper into the forest. When the tickling sounds of flowing water touched his ears, he headed in that direction. A sparkling stream rushed over rocks and fallen tree trunks covered in green moss. Something jumped, making a splash and drawing his attention down the way. A fish. Near where the water rippled in circles, Gina sat quietly on the bank. Her beauty pulled him to a halt. His heart fluttered. If she only knew that with just a word she could wrap him around her little finger. For all his adult life he had wondered what it would feel like to want a woman so badly he would do anything to keep her. Had he found that woman in Gina? When he took a step, something crunched beneath his foot. Her head rose and she glanced his way as he approached. Getting to her feet, she wiped leaves and pine needles off her backside. “Game over?” Damn. The woman had a gorgeous ass. “Yes.” “I’m afraid to ask who won.” She paused and then shook her head. “You don’t need to say anything. Your shit-eating grin is answer enough.” Her gaze swept over him as he stopped before her. “Well, at least they didn’t kill you. That means either the margin wasn’t significant or you kept your mouth shut.” “Three points.” He pulled her into his arms. “A field goal.” Marc’s groin tightened with her soft, musky scent. 96
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Their eyes met, locked. For a moment time stood still. Then she pulled out of his embrace. “We should probably get back.” “What’s wrong?” The air thickened around her, putting invisible distance between them he didn’t understand. Holding up her arms, she spread them wide. “This. Us.” “Did I do something wrong?” The events of the day since they had arrived ran through Marc’s head, but he could think of nothing amiss. “No.” The terse chuckle that left her mouth sent a chill up his spine. “You’ve done everything right. You’re perfect.” Her arms drifted to her side. “That’s the problem.” She turned from him and started to walk away. “I don’t understand.” Gina pivoted. “You make me want what I can’t have.” She clutched her hands to her chest as if she was begging him to understand. Frustration rose swiftly. “What do you want, Gina?” Marc closed the distance between them but didn’t reach for her. “I’ll give you anything within my power.” “You.” She swallowed, her eyes misting. “I want you,” her voice faltered, dropping an octave, “to be real.” Marc’s heart slammed against his chest. His mouth went dry. The buzzing in his ears made it difficult to believe what he’d just heard. “Gina—” Before he could spill his guts and tell her the whole sordid story, heavy footsteps stopped him. “There you guys are.” Parker trudged through the forest toward them. “Mom wants everyone back at the house to get ready for dinner in an hour.” He looked from his sister to Marc and frowned. “Something up?” Gina blinked and when her eyes opened her game face slid into place. She smiled as if she were looking into a camera and batted her wet eyelashes. “I’m just so happy to be home.” Marc could almost believe the joy in her voice. Linking her arm through Marc’s, she pulled him toward her brother. Then she wove her free arm through Parker’s. “And I’m hungry.” On the way back to the house, Gina and Parker chatted about his job. Her tone was light, happy. Yet her arm was rigid through Marc’s. Did her brother recognize her tension? As Marc recalled Gina’s words, apprehension slithered across his arms. Gina wanted him. He should never have lied to her. It was time to tell her the truth. He hesitated, stumbling. She glanced at him, her forehead furrowing. “How long have you been a fireman?” Marc kick-started the conversation to distract Gina. Parker answered his question and then continued to ramble on, while Marc heard only half of what the man said. Did Gina really know what she wanted? Or did she only want what she thought was unattainable? 97
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Would she truly want him once she learned the truth? Marc had betrayed her. Lied. It didn’t take a scientist to know she would be angry. But maybe, just maybe, she’d experience happiness and relief, willing to give him a second chance. Okay. Maybe he was kidding himself, but what else was there? Noting two security guards in the shadows of the tree line, Marc nodded and they began to follow. There was no doubt in his mind the men knew where Gina was at all times. They were well trained, which is why he’d made sure they had accompanied them. Faith was waiting at the French doors when they arrived at the house. Parker released Gina and took his wife into his arms, giving her a playful kiss. Her brother’s eyes met Faith’s and both of them smiled. The tender interplay between the couple made Marc’s chest tighten. Would he ever have that kind of love? He glanced toward Gina and the softness on her face gave him the feeling she was wondering the same thing. “We better get going.” Faith eased out of Parker’s embrace. “Your mother said we have to dress for supper.” “Arghhh…” Parker moaned. “Really?” “Really,” Faith confirmed. Gina headed for the stairs. “Guess we’ll see you in the dining pavilion.” As she moved onto the escalator, Marc followed behind her. He needed to tell her the truth, but not here—not now, amongst her family and their celebration. Perhaps on the helio-sphere on their return to California. At least if they were fifteen thousand feet in the sky, she couldn’t run away from him. Once inside the spacious bedroom, she disappeared into the bathroom. He heard the shower flowing. For a second he thought of joining her, until the door between them closed with a click. Knowing the feeling well, he couldn’t blame her for wanting some space. He’d use the spare bathroom down the hall to get ready. A heavy sigh pushed from between his lips as he walked toward the window and peered at the dying sun slipping beyond the treetops. He couldn’t help but ponder how a person’s life could change in a heartbeat, because if he didn’t know better, he’d have to say somewhere between the time she stepped into his showroom and now, he had fallen in love with Gina. Marc turned away from the window, gathered the items he would need and walked out of the bedroom. Dressed for dinner, Marc stepped outside the main house. Lights glistened like sparkling diamonds in the nearby trees while larger bulbs lined the edges of the biggest white tent, illuminating the exquisite event. Beneath the canopy, each table seated ten and was adorned with white and black linen, fine china 98
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and crystal, and centerpieces with a spray of baby’s breath and red roses. Center stage of the marquee was a makeshift dance floor that several couples were already making use of, drifting in each other’s arms to the music of a band in the back of the room. Marc barely heard the gentle melody over the blend of voices and laughter. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Gina’s parents had gone all-out. At least six androids mingled throughout the crowd, carrying trays laden with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Marc couldn’t help wondering if her family celebrated birthdays and holidays the same way. With just him and his brothers, most events were more subdued, held for the immediate family. Family gatherings had livened up since their marriages and his nephews entered the picture. A gentle breeze enhanced the scent of pine wafting in the air as a female robot dressed in a long black gown approached. “Good evening, sir. Your name?” The smiling blonde was beautiful but her blue eyes were lifeless. Nothing like his M.A.C. models, who could register any emotion. For a moment, he thought about asking who her creator was, but thought differently. “Marc Charleston,” he offered. “This way please.” The sway of her hips lacked the fluidity, the sex appeal, of a real woman—a woman like Gina. The thought of her sitting before her makeup table while the designer ran her fingers through gorgeous hair had him scouring the crowd. She had recommended he join the party while she finished dressing. It wasn’t unexpected when the android hostess escorted him to the family table. Gina’s mother and sister had yet to arrive, but her father along with her two brothers stood nearby chatting with drinks in their hands. Each wore a black tux that rivaled the one he wore. As he neared the group, Marc saw their gazes sweep past him and a hush fell over the room. He couldn’t resist glancing over a shoulder to see what had grabbed everyone’s attention. The vision before him stole his breath. Marc pivoted slowly. Standing in the entrance, Gina was bewitching. Head held high, she shone brightly like the starlet she was. Her hair was swept up in a cascade of auburn ringlets. A wave of pride rose and crested, holding him in its warm embrace. The emerald-green strapless gown she wore hugged every curve, caressing her hips and stroking her legs as she walked toward him. But what made his heart beat faster, his groin tighten, was the split in the gown that displayed one shapely, elegant leg. A leg he intended to have wrapped around his waist tonight. Damn. She was breathtaking. Familiar heat simmered in her eyes as she glided in his direction. His heart fluttered at the coy arc of her full lips. The magnetic field that surrounded him each time she was
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near drew him forward. Each delicate step she took toward him made his body react, tighten. The tie around his neck felt too taut, as did his pants. In the space of a second, no one existed but her and him, that is until Sylvia and Shelley rushed past him, and their connection was broken when Gina looked down to greet them. “Aunt G, you’re so pretty.” Staring up at Gina, Sylvia’s girlish voice was filled with awe. Shelley rubbed her hands up and down the silky material of Gina’s gown. “So soft.” “Thank you.” Gina hugged her nieces one at a time. “And look at you two. Why, you look like little princesses.” Both girls wore identical sleeveless dresses with matching colored sashes. The only difference was that Sylvia wore blue and Shelley’s dress was a light pink. While Shelley whirled about making her skirt inflate, Sylvia said, “They were a present from Grandma.” Marc closed the distance between them, standing before Gina when she looked up and slowly rose to her full height. He let his lustful gaze skim over her. Tonight he would peel that slinky gown inch by tantalizing inch down her luscious body before making mad passionate love to her. “You’re a vision of loveliness.” Bringing her hand to his lips, he noticed the diamond tennis bracelet circling her wrist that matched the simple but elegant necklace and earrings she wore. No rings adorned her fingers. With a little luck, his wedding band would take care of that. Gina slid her tongue between her lips. “You look quite debonair yourself.” Marc’s mouth watered with the need to kiss her. But two sets of inquisitive eyes were pinned on them. The girls’ ear-to-ear grins stopped him. A lucky star must have been shining on them because the arrival of the young ladies’ mothers and grandmother forced them to squeal with delight and make haste to greet them. Marc took the opportunity to pull Gina into his arms. “I need to kiss you.” Gazing deep into his eyes, she breathed, “Here?” on a provocative sigh. “Oh yeah, sweetheart.” He dipped his head a mere whisper from her lips. “Right here.” “What’s stopping you?” Her warm breath taunted him. “About a hundred people,” her father stated roughly, then opened his arms to greet his approaching wife. He gave her a chaste kiss, pulling her into the shelter of his body. The prettiest blush spread across Gina’s cheeks as she stepped out of Marc’s embrace. “Mom. Dad.” “Gina, you’re gorgeous.” Elaine smiled proudly. “They make quite the dapper couple, don’t they, Paul?” “Very handsome indeed, but nothing can compare to your beauty, my dear.”
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With a hand through the air, Elaine brushed off her husband’s compliment, even though the look they shared was so private it almost felt wrong to witness it. Marc glanced at Gina. Where he thought he’d find happiness he met sorrow. Her eyes were even a little misty. Before her parents could witness her sadness, he leaned into her. “Dance with me.” Blinking back unshed tears, she pulled her gaze to his. “What?” “Dance with me.” Without awaiting a response, he grabbed her hand and led her through the crowd, not stopping until he felt the wooden dance floor beneath his feet. Then he took her into his arms. Her svelte body fit perfectly against his. Their eyes met and they began to move to the slow, seductive rhythm caressing his ears. Cheek to cheek, he inhaled her powdery essence. “What’s wrong, Gina?” He slid his hand across her back, touching silky bare skin. His wayward fingers traced the low dip of the gown. “I don’t know. I—” “May I cut in?” The low masculine voice had Marc expecting one of the Easton brothers seeking a dance with their sister. As they eased to a stop, he glanced over his shoulder, unprepared when Gina whispered, “Doug.”
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Chapter Ten Holding Gina a little tighter to him on the dance floor as her ex stood before them, Marc quickly scanned the room for his security team. His four men, dressed to blend in with the crowd, were stationed around the perimeter. Their eagle eyes took in the room as if nothing was amiss. Dammit. Marc would have their hides for allowing this man entrance. For a moment, he, Gina and Temin stood in the middle of the dance floor while couples drifted around them. No one spoke until Gina’s anger cracked like a whip. “What are you doing here?” Marc felt her tremble in his arms as Temin took his measure. His mouth hardened into a cruel line when their eyes met, disappearing when he glanced back to Gina. “I was invited.” The dark-haired man waved an invitation between them. Anger and jealousy collided, flashing red-hot up Marc’s neck to singe his ears. The reaction caught him off guard. It didn’t help that the man was staring at Gina with a male hunger he knew too well. To make matters worse, Marc’s competition looked as if he’d walked straight out of Hollywood. Not a wrinkle in his tux or a hair out of place. Lean and fit, he was the epitome of culture and grace, but Marc knew differently. The man was a son of a bitch. Temin held out his hand. “May I? Have this dance?” Fire flashed in Gina’s eyes and she stared at the man as if he had just grown an extra appendage. “You’re kidding, right?” A rumble vibrated in Marc’s throat. Shifting his body, he put himself between Gina and her ex. Raising a hand, he signaled the guards. Immediately, Norton and Harrison pulled away from the walls and started toward them. The two guards’ ominous approach made Temin’s eyes widen and he took a step backward. Shoving his hands palms outward, he rattled, “Hey, man. I didn’t come for any trouble.” “The hell you didn’t.” Marc jerked his head in Temin’s direction. “Escort him off the property.” As the two guards eased closer, Temin stumbled trying to avoid their clutches. “Gia.” The worm began to squirm beneath Norton’s and Harrison’s hands closing around his biceps. “It’s Starlight,” he nearly yelled. “Starlight?” Marc didn’t miss the surprise in her voice. Apprehension slithered across his skin. What the hell was Starlight?
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The guards looked to him for direction. Marc gnashed his teeth together. What would be so important that Gina would even think of listening to a man who had betrayed and humiliated her? Gina’s tense features eased but didn’t relax. She glared at Temin but spoke to Marc. “Tell them to release him.” “Are you sure?” She nodded sharply. Only then did Marc notice that all eyes were on them. Even the band had stopped playing. Gina’s Aunt Clare inched her withered frame closer as her gnarled fingers worked on adjusting her hearing aid. Parker and Scott stood beside their father and mother, concern etched on all their faces. Marc raised his head, his cold-as-ice gaze touching Temin’s face. He didn’t even attempt to hide his animosity. “It’s time for you to leave.” Temin flinched but quickly recovered. “Gia, could we speak, privately?” The emphasis on the last word sent Marc’s ire spinning. “No way in hell—” Gina gripped Marc’s arm, halting him. He hadn’t even known that he’d taken a step toward Temin. Marc’s fingernails bit into his palms as he clenched his fists by his sides. She squeezed his arm. “Please.” He couldn’t believe his ears. Gina couldn’t be contemplating listening to the man’s lies or letting him back into her life. The second thought made a whirlwind of emotions slam into his chest. He couldn’t lose her. Her grip loosened. Her hand dropped to her side. “Just let me talk to him.” “But—” “Please.” Her eyes begged him not to take this further. Against Marc’s better judgment, he capitulated, when what he really wanted to do was slug Temin so hard he’d be seeing stars until next week. “Release him.” Temin shrugged out of the guards’ grasps. Tugging his jacket back into place, he straightened his tie. The smirk Temin shot Marc was almost his undoing, but the presence of so many had him taking a breath and trying to ease down the fury swirling inside him. What in the hell was she doing? Gina shifted her head to the side and several muscles in her neck popped. Add to that the prickling of her skin and she was about to scream with pent-up anxiety. Doug deserved nothing better than to be tossed out on his ass. Yet he had said the one thing that he knew would entice her. Starlight.
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The movie was the talk of Hollywood and New York. It promised to be next year’s best motion picture. If she secured the leading role, she could write her own ticket. The downside was she would have to deal with Doug. Maybe she could speak with the producers. Yet none of these options would be conceivable if she didn’t speak with him first. “Gina?” Marc’s terse tone jerked her attention. Her breath caught at the anger in his eyes. If she didn’t know better she would have thought he was jealous. Of course, once again she was being an idiot. Marc couldn’t be jealous. He wasn’t real, but Starlight, her career—they were both real. She had no other choice but to listen. “It’s all right.” Why she reached up and smoothed her hand over Marc’s cheek to comfort him she didn’t know. “I’ll be right back.” Gia narrowed her sight on Doug. “You’ve got ten minutes,” her voice dropped, “before these nice gentlemen escort you out.” The big doe eyes he presented her pushed an exasperated breath from her thin lips. He cocked his head. “A little privacy. Please?” “Over here.” Gia lead the way out of the tent, stopping beneath a lighted tree only twenty feet away from the entrance. She saw both security men and Marc hovering in the opening. Turning her full attention to the man before her, she said, “Talk, Doug, and make it fast.” He eased up before her. “Baby… I’ve missed you.” His sappy tone didn’t penetrate her hardened shell, it only put her further on edge. “You’re down to eight minutes,” she snapped. Releasing a feigned sigh, he began to speak. “I got a call from the Starlight producer, Thomas Solar.” He paused for effect. Gia didn’t know if it was excitement or apprehension that now danced across her skin. Either way she found herself holding her breath as she cocked a brow in question. “It’s yours if you want it.” Then he did something that completely disarmed her. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “We did it, baby.” So taken aback by the news was she, she had yet to find herself. When she did, she shoved him away. “We? There is no we.” She glanced back at the entrance of the tent in time to see Marc’s back as he stomped off toward the house. Gia wanted to go to him, share the fantastic news, but first she had to deal with Doug. “Baby, I’m so sorry.” Doug reached for her again. Shunning his grasp, her eyes widened. “Sorry? Puleeze…” Doug drew his shoulders back, his backbone rigid. “You wouldn’t have this opportunity without me.” “What?” Gia raised a hand, waving security over.
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The minute Doug saw the guards approaching, his composure crumbled. “Please, Gia. There’s nothing between me and Mary. Not like what you and I had. Can’t you forgive me?” Forgive him? Not on your life. Norton eased up beside her. “Miss Easton?” “Would you please escort Mr. Temin off the property?” She turned, stopping to glance over her shoulder. “Doug, my attorney will be in contact.” As Norton and Harrison once again grabbed hold of Doug, he snarled, “I’ll ruin you.” Gia slowly pivoted. Instead of anger or fear, she found her center and gifted him with one of her award-winning smiles. “No, you won’t. There’ll be plenty of money for everyone, including you.” That was the only thing that she regretted. The lying bastard would still profit off her work, but it would end here—now. “Doug, I trust you won’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” He wouldn’t let an opportunity like this pass him by, would he? It was a piece of this pie or nothing. His silence was all the confirmation she needed. Without a second thought, she turned and started to walk toward the house in search of Marc. Swinging open the front door, she made a quick sweep of the room. No Marc. As she moved through the room, one of her mother’s maids meandered by. “Carolyn, did you see Mr. Charleston?” The rotund, dark-haired woman paused with a pitcher of tea in her hand. “I believe he went upstairs, Miss Easton.” “Thank you.” Lifting the hem of her dress so that her heels wouldn’t catch, Gia hurried toward the escalator and stepped upon it. Funny. But Marc had been the first person to come to mind to share this moment of triumph with. Her breath caught midway up the stairs. If she didn’t know better she’d say she was falling in love, but how could that be? As she approached their bedroom, she heard something hard tumble to the floor. She eased through the slightly ajar door. Her jaw dropped. What the hell was going on? Marc threw a can of shaving lotion into his suitcase before he crammed a pair of pants atop it. “Uh. Going somewhere?” She moved farther into the room. He didn’t look at her as he continued to push clothing with no never mind to their condition into his bag. “Home,” he finally grumbled. “Home?” she repeated. Where to? Her home in California? Back to the Institute? Nothing was making sense. Gia couldn’t quite comprehend exactly what was going on, but it didn’t take a genius to see Marc was madder than a wet hen. Then it dawned on her. “Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. You’re jealous.”
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He paused for moment before slamming the lid down on the suitcase. Raising his razor-sharp gaze to meet hers, he took a step toward her. “Hell yes, I’m jealous. What did you expect? The minute Temin steps back into your life you welcome him with open arms.” “I. Welcomed. Him?” The words caught in her mouth. “Gina, you’re a great actress, but give it a rest.” Sarcasm dripped from his mouth. Now she was getting mad. “Just what do you think went on out there?” He ground his teeth. The tendons in his neck bulged as if they would burst at any moment. “I—” His gaze narrowed. “I saw you two hugging.” “Hugging?” A burst of disbelief in the form of laughter spilled from her lips. “Uhhh.” Her palms lit on her hips. She leaned slightly forward. “Did you see my arms around him?” Marc offered no response, but the brittleness in his expression lost a little of its edge. She could almost see memories race before his eyes. Still no answer. Her brows furrowed. “Did you also see me push him away? Uhmmm. No. You didn’t. You turned tail and stomped off like a child. Not to mention, he’s gone and I’m here—with you.” What the hell was going on here? Was this their first fight? Before she could even analyze his anger, he asked, “You’re not going back to him?” Resigned, she threw up her hands. “Oh my god. You’re kidding, right?” Then she shook her head. “Your hardheadedness and stubborn streak is indeed a man’s trait I could do without. Why would you think I’d ever go back to that lowlife? Especially when it’s you I want.” Crap. She’d said that last thought aloud. “Me?” She gave him her best “duh” expression. “God help me, but yes.” She sank down onto the bed. “I can’t get you off my mind.” Gia raised her gaze to his as he advanced. “I know it’s silly. I know we can’t have a real relationship, but… I think I’m falling in love with you.” Why did the words feel so right when it was impossible? Tears stung her eyes. Lips pressed tightly together, she shrugged, feeling helpless as she gazed up at him. “I don’t know what to do about it.” “Nothing.” He pulled her into his embrace. “Just let it happen.” Gia buried her face in his jacket, smelling his earthy essence that seemed to anchor her in this fantasy world she was falling into. “That’s easy for you to say. They’ll just reprogram you for the next woman in your life.” “There won’t be another woman in my life.” His vow rumbled over her.
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Easing back, she saw the truth on his handsome face, but she knew differently. No way could they keep this charade up forever. Someday she would have to let him go, and when she did her heart would break. “Hey, Gina, you up here?” Parker’s voice preceded him into the room. “Mom’s holding dinner up for you guys.” Concern flashed in his eyes as he glanced from her to Marc. “Everything okay?” There was a slight pause before he said, “Why do I get the feeling that I’m always interrupting something important?” “Because you have the uncanny ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Gia teased, trying to cover up her lingering emotion. “Well, I’m hungry and you know how Mom is.” Parker stopped at the door, waiting for them. Marc wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Gia felt his warmth, his support. It cocooned her like a blanket. “Parker, you’re always hungry.” Even as they headed for the door, she saw Marc look longingly toward the bed. Yes, crawling beneath the covers with him sounded like more fun than facing a yard full of people with a million questions. Plus, she had yet to share her news with Marc. “Ha. Ha.” Parker stepped aside, poking her in the side as she walked by. Gia jumped and swung at the same time, her hand striking her brother’s shoulder. “Ouch.” With a scowl on his face, he rubbed the offended spot. “Are you two always like this?” Marc asked. “Sometimes worse,” Parker answered with a grin. No one spoke as they moved through the house and finally stepped outside. Just before they entered the pavilion, Parker sidled close to Gia. “Is Temin out of the picture for good?” “Yes.” She glanced at Marc and his grip around her tightened. Without a doubt, she knew Doug was out of her life, but she still had no idea what to do about Marc. The party was a raving success. One congratulatory drink in honor of the anniversary couple and Marc and Gina had silently slipped away to their bedroom. The window was cracked open, letting in the fresh pine air along with a mixture of music and laughter. Marc glanced at the clock on the bureau flashing midnight in neon green. By the sounds below, the jamboree showed no signs of nearing an end. Naked, he stretched out on the large bed, enjoying the feel of the cool sheets beneath him. Gaze narrowed on the bathroom door, his mind wandered back to Gina’s announcement. She had been so thrilled with the news of Starlight. Excitement had glistened in her eyes and heightened her rapid speech. Marc had responded in kind, but he was no fool. Her success would be their downfall. She would be swept away in a sea of fame while he would be left behind drowning in what-could-have-beens. Inhaling a weighted breath, he slowly released the air from his lungs.
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In truth, Marc hadn’t expected any more than a whirlwind relationship that would end badly once his secret was revealed. Unfortunately his shame and regret gnawed unmercifully at him. What had ever possessed him to think he could pull this off and step away unscathed? He needed to come clean and see if there was any way to salvage what they had together. Before they were interrupted by her brother earlier, she had admitted to falling for Marc, even loving him. She had appeared so helpless, so aghast at the possibility of having feelings for an android. Yet he had to remember she loved what she thought he was, not what or who he truly was. A man capable of returning her love. Still the question remained. Could they get past his deceit, as well as Starlight, and develop a life together? His thoughts dissolved into a mist of arousal when Gina opened the bathroom door and stood dressed in a sheer black negligee. The diaphanous material stroked her curvaceous figure, hiding little of her full breasts and the small patch of hair at the apex of her thighs. His heart did a somersault and then skipped a beat while his cock stirred to life, firming. The hardening felt amazing, stimulating all of his nerve endings so that they tingled beneath her scrutiny. Tomorrow. He’d confess all tomorrow. Tonight he would love her as she deserved to be loved. Rolling onto his back, he eased up the bed, pillows propped behind him, one knee bent. Her hips swayed seductively on her approach, black heels silent across the carpet. A whisper of a smile touched her pouty lips, lips that called to him. His mouth watered to taste her. His palms itched to touch her. Through half-shuttered eyes, her gaze caressed him head to toe. The spark that flared beneath her heavy eyelids when she scanned his erection shook the primitive side of him. He couldn’t wait to take her—make her his. Pure, unadulterated sex moved toward him, heating his blood to a slow burn. With each step she took, he realized that sometime during their liaison he, too, had fallen in love with her. Not like infatuation or star admiration or even a fantasy, but the kind of emotion that thickened his chest, made him ache just thinking of not waking with her in his arms each morning. “Gina—” She pressed a finger to her lips. Without a word, she crawled atop the bed, slinking toward him as if she were a cat on the prowl. She nibbled on his big toe before closing her mouth, swirling her tongue and then sucking.
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Damn. Did she even realize what she did to him? What he would give to have those precious lips wrapped around another appendage of his. He fisted his fingers to keep from reaching for her. The lascivious gleam in her eyes as she pressed soft kisses at his ankle made his pulse leap. Warm, moist caresses moved over his calf before she advanced farther along his leg, dragging her silky hair across his skin to send a tremor up his spine. When she reached his inner thigh, she nipped him—marking him. The love bite startled him, but added something raw and erotic to the moment. It was like throwing fuel onto the fire igniting inside him. His body went up in flames. Blood surged wildly through his veins, slamming into his balls. When she licked a path over them he sucked in a breath and held it. Only when her delicate hand cupped his testicles, massaging them gently, did he manage to breathe again. His cock jerked in anticipation of feeling the warm cavern of her mouth. Through thick, long lashes she looked up his length until their eyes met. Held. The pull between them couldn’t be denied. It was electrifying. He half expected her to purr. Marc knew he felt like it when she flattened her tongue along his shaft and bathed him with her heat. “Gina. Please.” His plea was answered with a soft stream of feminine laughter sliding across his flesh like silk. “Sweetheart, fuck me with that beautiful mouth. Now.” “Now?” A low, vibratory sound revealed her pleasure. “God. Yes. Now.” When her full lips parted, he raised his hips and she took him in. Hot. Moist. For a moment, he closed his eyes and savored the tightness of her hold, the fever of her caress moving up and down him. As her teeth scraped his tender skin, he hissed, eyes opening to watch his erection disappear once again beyond the depths of heaven. The visual of her head bobbing between his thighs was every man’s fantasy. His fantasy. “Yesssss…” he hissed, drawing breath. “That feels so fucking good.” While she sucked and tantalized him, her fingers stretched and played with the thin flesh of his sac. The woman was a master, his body a slave to her ministrations. Marc reveled in the feel of her mouth, tongue and teeth. Then she swallowed. The squeezing sensation nearly jerked him out of his skin. It was beyond anything he had ever experienced. Muscles clenched. Taut, so friggin’ taut. Shards of lightning exploded at the base of his cock, forcing his bent leg down upon the bed. He gritted his teeth, wanting, no needing, to ride the exquisite sensation to its end. His fingers speared her hair, closed around her head. He held her motionless while his hips rose and fell, as slow as he could manage without gaining his release. In and out and in. Over and over. Her hair tickled along his legs and his sac. The moist, sensual sounds she made sliding across his cock were hot, her soft whimpers even hotter.
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Slower and slower he moved until he swore he couldn’t take it anymore. Except for the head of his shaft, he extracted himself from her mouth. Willfully, he withstood the swirl of her tongue around the crown. Still, he wasn’t prepared when she pressed against the small slit and sucked. Marc’s toes nearly curled. Shards of desire zigzagged through him. His control and mind almost fled. “Stop. Oh God. Gina. Stop.” His erection swelled even more, the throbbing of blood pulsing madly through him. If she didn’t halt her exquisite torture, he wouldn’t be able to hold back any longer. With the last strength left in him, he eased out of her shelter, dragging her cool body atop his. The silk of her negligee was the only thing between them until he reached for the hem and wiggled it up and over her head. When she had removed her heels he had no idea, didn’t care. Nestling his cock between her thighs, he released a sigh that she captured with a hungry kiss. Tasting himself was arousing. She nipped at his bottom lip before thrusting her tongue deep into his mouth. He held on, sucking and angling his head to take all of her. As their tongues dueled, he rolled them over, wedging a knee between her legs to part them. With one plunge he slid between her swollen folds and once again found a little slice of heaven’s warm embrace. God, she was wet. A flash of pride struck him as her inner muscles seized around him. When he stroked the back of her pussy, he breathed in her gasp. Their lips still connected, their tongues struggling for supremacy. A deep groan formed in his chest and he tore his mouth away to stare into the dreamy eyes of the woman he loved. Did he dare say the words? They were on the tip of his tongue. Oh hell. What did he have to lose? Thick emotion threatened to choke him. He had never confessed this sentiment to another woman before. “I love you.” Gia’s body melted with the deep chord in his voice. She smoothed her palms over the solid surface of his back, shivering not from the chill in the room but the array of feelings assailing her. Marc declared his love with so much passion and conviction she could almost believe he meant it. She needed to believe it more than anything. When his hand closed over her breast and his teeth tugged at her nipple, she moaned. With his mouth raising havoc, she threw all restraint out the window and whispered, “I love you too.” He stilled. The ensuing silence was broken by a growl that rumbled deep in his throat. Cool air flowed over her breasts. He crawled to his knees, pushing a pillow beneath her hips 110
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before strong hands grasped her legs, raising them until he locked his fingers around her ankles. Then he spread her impossibly wider, baring her for the masculine hunger that burned in his expression. A flush singed her cheeks. No one had ever revealed her in such a way or gazed at her with such ardor. It was both embarrassing and arousing. “You’re mine,” he stated unequivocally. All her misgivings evaporated on the musky air between them. A rush of welcoming desire flooded her core. The need to have him buried inside her, filling her completely, was so overwhelming, for a moment she couldn’t speak. Gia weakly smiled past the lump in her throat and blinked back tears. “Yes. I’m yours.” She would be his as long as possible. Still holding her legs in the air, he pulled her tight against him, pressed against the ache of her moist sex. Skin to skin, everything inside her screamed with delight as her body accepted every inch to sheathe him. Moving her hips in a tight circle, she felt the coil inside her tighten. Then he began to make love to her with a slow, sensuous rhythm that turned her liquid in his embrace. Closing her eyes, she smoothed her palms across her heavy breasts, finding their tender peaks. Fingers closing around the tips, she squeezed. Sweet, sweet pain shot through them, making her back arch off the bed. “Damn, sweetheart, that’s hot.” Gia opened her eyes to see Marc staring at her fingers dancing across her nipples. His nostrils flared. Eyes growing dark with lust, he increased the pace of his hips. “More. Touch yourself.” She pinched her nipples again at the same time his cock bounced against the back of her pussy, hitting a spot that made her entire body quiver. “More, Gina.” More? Trailing a hand over her belly, she passed the small patch of tight curls and swiped a finger across her clit, making herself shiver. Breathless, he groaned, “Yeah, baby, that’s it. Play with yourself.” Propping her heels against his shoulders, he grasped her hips and fucked her harder, faster. Powerless to stop the wild hunger whipping through her body, she moved her finger over and over the bud. Her panting sighs turned to whimpers. She wouldn’t last long this way. Even now her spasms made her pussy throb. Rays of sensation filtered throughout her body. Slipping her hand farther down, she circled his cock with her thumb and index finger. Slick and wet, she squeezed and then ran her fingers up and down his length as he thrust inside her. A primal groan of satisfaction roared up from somewhere inside him. “Son of a bitch! That’s incredible.” His fingers bit into her skin. The thump of their bodies together was more than music, it was pure ecstasy. Marc was right. It was incredible. He was incredible. 111
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Gia shifted restlessly beneath him. Her breasts ached, nipples stinging. Her body had become a furnace, a flame ready to ignite. His hips pumped faster, his balls slapping against her ass, stroking that sensitive spot between her slit and her anus. He grunted, thrusting harder and she felt his control slip. Bucking beneath him, her hand squeezed tightly before she released her grip and pinched her clit. She tensed a split second before her scream of pleasure echoed through the bedroom. Vision dimming, she shook as each contraction sent shocks throughout her body, her hand falling away. Marc reared back and drove forward before he ground against her swollen clit, sending another series of spasms crashing through her body. Her inner muscles clenched greedily around his cock. Her tattered cry mixed with his as her sex tightened and released, milking him. A minute later her legs fell from his shoulders, dropping slowly to the bed. He collapsed atop her. His heavy weight trapped her, but she had no complaints. Both their bodies were moist and hot from their loving. Her heart pounding in her ears matched his beating wildly beneath his chest, lying against hers. A smile curved his lips. He pressed them to her forehead and then rolled off her. “I could live like this forever.” He pulled her into his arms and she snuggled close. So could she, but how long was forever? Neither of them slept as they lay wrapped in each other’s arms. Moonlight filtered through the break in the curtains. Outside Marc could hear the last of the die-hard partiers whooping and hollering. Several people appeared to have had one too many drinks tonight. The music had ended thirty minutes ago but that didn’t stop a man who couldn’t hold a tune as he belted out a song Marc had never heard before. Gina giggled. “Sounds like Faith will have her hands full tonight.” “Parker?” “Parker,” she confirmed. “I like your family,” Marc said before he realized it. She cuddled closer. “I get the feeling they like you too.” Smoothing his palm down her bare back, he wondered about her father. “Your dad hasn’t said much.” “He’s a wait-and-see kind of guy. He’ll withhold judgment for a while longer.” Gina slid her silky leg up and down Marc’s. “Your mother?” “Only positive comments from her.” He twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers and then buried his nose in the silky mass, inhaling her sweet scent. “Sister?” “Other than thinking you’re sex on a stick? I haven’t spoken to her much.”
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“Sex on a stick?” He chuckled. Gina nudged him in the side. “Don’t be getting any ideas. Remember you’re mine.” It thrilled him to hear her say that. He pressed his lips to her forehead and held her a little closer. Hopefully, tomorrow she would remember the endearing words they had exchanged this night. Except for the flutter of a couple of people below, silence filled the space between them. His eyelids were heavy, falling as sleep approached. “Marc?” “Huh?” She hesitated, releasing a soft sigh. “Never mind. Go back to sleep.” “I’m not sleeping.” In fact, he was wide awake now. Clearly, something was nagging her. “We’ll talk tomorrow,” she insisted. Tomorrow planned to be a hell of a day. One he would rather not confront, but knew he had no choice. Either Gina would be his forever or she’d send him packing. There was no doubt in his mind he couldn’t walk away. If he had to pursue her ’til the end of time, he would. Another woman would never satisfy him. He wanted—no, needed Gina.
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Chapter Eleven Beneath the large pavilion, a smorgasbord of food from a variety of cereals to Belgian waffles and custom omelets made by a chef behind a grill was available. The juicy aroma of sausage and bacon wafted in the crisp morning air laced with pine and the sweet scent of flowers arranged on each table. Gia sliced into her eggs Benedict, the rich hollandaise sauce oozing from the sides, and took a bite. Chewing, she smiled at her mother and sister as they took a seat beside her. “Marc with the others?” Becka asked. Several of the men had risen early to go fishing. Before speaking, Gia took a drink of water to wash down her breakfast. “Yes. They left at dawn.” Several hours after she and Marc had finally gone to sleep. How he rose this morning she’d never know. It had been chilly and way too early for her liking. She disliked it even more when she realized she would be deprived of his warmth next to hers. Over a cup of coffee, her mother looked at Gia. “He seems very attentive to you.” Another grin found its way to her lips. “He does, doesn’t he?” In his arms, she had found a small slice of happiness. No matter what Marc really was, he made her feel special. Nibbling on a piece of dry toast, her mouth full, Becka glanced between Gia and their mother. “So is he the one?” Gia wanted to say yes, but her better judgment swooped in at the last minute. “No. Just entertainment for a while.” The realization washed the joy from her soul, leaving an empty hole. If this was love—it sucked. How could she give him up? He was everything she had ever wanted. Well, except he wasn’t human and there would be no children. Dammit. She didn’t want to think about this right now. A male android with cold blue eyes and blond hair, holding a tray of juices and pitchers of coffee and water stopped by their table and her mother shooed him onward before he could interrupt. “Don’t let Aunt Clare hear you say that. After last night’s event with your agent, she has Marc on a pedestal and wedding bells ringing,” Becka warned. “Great. And that’s former agent.” That’s all Gia needed to deal with. Thank God they were leaving tomorrow. The thought of having Marc all to herself back home was appealing. Could she hide him in her mansion so that no one was the wiser?
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“Clearly, he thinks you’re the one.” Her mother blew the steam from her coffee and then took a sip. “It’s star infatuation. He’ll get over it.” But would she? Even now all she wanted to do was be by his side. He was a drug in her veins. She had to have him. Yet what if the media discovered the truth? The thought made her stomach roll. Time was against them. Even if she kept him under lock and key, while she aged, grew wrinkled and gray, he would still be in pristine shape, never getting older or fat. Gia pushed her plate away, suddenly no longer hungry. “Grandpa!” Becka yelled, getting up from her chair and moving toward him. “I thought you were ill?” She walked into his open arms. “Mom, he doesn’t look well.” “Ill? Me?” His voice shook. Gia noted his pale complexion. He was dressed in tan khakis and a brown polo shirt, and his hair had thinned since the last time she’d seen him. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was shrinking in height too. Her mother rose. “Dad, are you sure you’re all right?” He frowned. “Stop all this fussing, Becka.” He planted a kiss on her cheek before receiving his daughter. “I’m as fit as a fiddle.” Their mother gave him a squeeze and released him. Stepping forward, he turned his sharp gaze on Gia. “Come here, my little shining star.” Gia moved to her feet and stepped into his embrace. “Grandpa.” Breathing in his subtle cologne, memories raced through her head. He had always been supportive of her career. Maybe that’s because he had told her once that she could always come home. He leaned close to her ear. “Everything okay?” “Fine,” she lied. Holding her at arm’s length, he openly scrutinized her. “Lies. They are wallowing in your eyes.” “Oh Grandpa.” Gia’s smile didn’t come close to reaching those lying eyes he referred to. “Nothing to do with that Charleston boy, is it?” he grumbled. Gia flinched. “Why would you say that?” And who had been talking to him about Marc? “I guess I didn’t mention that your grandfather knows Marc personally. Plus, he has accounts with our bank.” Her mother pulled a chair out and motioned for her father to sit down, while Becka went to the breakfast bar to retrieve him a plate. Gia nearly swallowed her tongue. “What?” Oh God. 115
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There was an actual Marc Charleston out there. Well, of course, there would be. The world was a huge place. But what were the odds that her grandfather would know the real Mr. Charleston and that he would have accounts with their banks? Grabbing the back of the chair to steady herself, Gia attempted to regroup. “How? I mean—” She cleared her throat. Slowly she sank into her chair. “How do you know Marc?” “I met him at the Klondike Charity Auction and played golf with him once about two years ago. Our paths cross occasionally at other charity functions, and I knew his parents when they were alive.” He glanced up at Becka as she set a plateful of fruit and eggs before him, along with a cup of steaming coffee. “Thanks, sweetie.” “Welcome, Grandpa.” She took a seat next to him. “His parents?” Gia repeated, unable to keep her disbelief from seeping into her voice. Her mother as well as Becka flashed worried looks in her direction. This couldn’t be happening. The minute her grandfather was introduced to her Marc their lie would be known. “Elaine, you remember those two scientists, husband and wife team, that lost their lives when their spaceship exploded? I believe they were headed to the moon on an expedition.” He picked up his coffee and took a careful sip. “Good people.” He shook his head. “Sad situation. Marcus was so young.” Gia tensed. Damn the Institute. They had stolen another man’s identity. Wait. She had chosen Marc’s last name. Yet this couldn’t be a coincidence. Her heart palpitated as though it would jump out of her chest. Something smelled fishy and it wasn’t the kipper on her grandfather’s plate. “Uh, Grandpa?” Gia picked up her water glass and took a drink that went down like acid, or was that bile starting to burn its way up her throat? “How long do you plan to stay?” “I’ll be here until tomorrow.” He picked up a piece of watermelon and took a bite. “That is if your mother has a bed for me to rest these weary bones?” “Of course, Dad. Your room is always ready.” “Good. That will give me time to catch up with Charleston and ask what his intentions are.” The old man gave Gia a playful wink. Gia attempted to make herself smaller, sinking down in her chair. Holding her breath, she tried not to think what would happen when her grandfather and Marc met. Maybe they could leave tonight, before there was any encounter. “You all right, Gina?” Becka asked. “Huh? Y-yes. I’m fine. Just tired. I must have partied too hard last night.” “Uh… You and Marc were the first to leave. Maybe it wasn’t the partying that kept you up all night, but that gorgeous hunk you’re with.”
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Her grandfather cocked a brow, narrowing his sight on Gia. Heat flared across her cheeks. “Becka.” Their mother’s voice dropped an octave. “Now, no one made note of your and Victor’s absence or for that matter the boat rocking in the lake.” “Mom!” A blush suffused Becka’s face. She ducked her head, looking intently at the remainder of her breakfast. Gia took the opportunity to shift everyone’s eyes off her. “Becka and Vic always have liked the water.” The chilly expression Becka cast Gia made her chuckle. “Is this true, Becka?” “Grandpa! We’re married and…” She prattled on, but her voice was white noise to Gia. Her gut was telling her something wasn’t right. She snuck a peek at her mother who was chatting with her father. Evidently her mom hadn’t seen a picture of the real Marc Charleston. A clap of thunder made her as well as everyone else beneath the large tent jump. Nervous laughter filled the area. Great. A summer storm. Gia hadn’t noticed the scent of rain or the graying clouds that were more than obvious now, blocking out the sun and dimming the area so that the lights in the tent flickered on. The pavilion’s side panels were moaning as they slipped into place, blocking out the wind that had kicked up, sending the android waiters scurrying to catch napkins caught in the breeze. In seconds the heaters would turn on and warmth would dissolve the chill in the room, but not her bones. The entire congregation would be trapped together. That’s all Gia needed. To be sequestered in this area unable to escape. She was dying to get on the computer to take a look at the real Marc Charleston. At the first sign of clouds gathering, Paul Easton had recommended they pack up and head back to the house. Lightning zigzagging across the sky had been known to change direction and start more than a few forest fires. It wasn’t safe. Even though a light sprinkle began, Paul appeared to be lagging behind. Did the man want to talk? Marc dropped back from the crowd. “So android development is lucrative?” Paul shifted his fishing pole to his other hand. Scott sidled up to them. His expression said he wanted to hear Marc’s answer. “Very lucrative.” He didn’t expand on his answer. “I’m curious,” Scott said, “do you think this is just a fad with women?”
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Marc shook his head. “No. Women are really no different than men. There are a number of reasons why women are lonely or dissatisfied, looking for other entertainment or companionship.” Scott harrumphed. “There can’t be that many similarities.” “You’d be surprised. Not enough sex in or out of marriage. Self-esteem. Revenge or payback for past wrongs.” He shrugged. “You know, an eye for eye or Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Some feel neglected or underappreciated. Their mates emotionally withdraw. Lack of intimacy. Bedroom boredom. Of course, just like men, some women want to wear the ‘bad girl’ emblem for the night.” “So your units cure all their woes?” A hint of sarcasm rose in Scott’s tone. His father reprimanded him with a single scornful look. “No. I provide a product that serves many needs. How one chooses to use them is up to that particular person. In reality, there is so much more to my androids than pleasure, but who am I to knock pleasure?” “What about Gina? She’s been hurt too many times and taken advantage of,” Paul stated bluntly. “What’s going on between the two of you?” The young Mr. Easton’s directness took Marc aback for a moment. He’d better tread lightly. “We’re exploring the possibilities. I care very deeply for your daughter, but there is no denying that we live different lifestyles. I guess it’ll depend on the paths we both take in the future.” What he really wanted to say is that he loved her and that if she would have him, he was hers forever. The remainder of their return passed in silence, especially since the rain had increased and all of them picked up the pace. Marc was out of breath by the time they reached the house. He stomped off the mud on his shoes before entering. The large dwelling was unusually quiet. Little activity was about except for a few of the staff who noted the footprints they were leaving on the clean marble floor. In a split second a small robot appeared, working quickly to remove all tracks. Paul sidestepped the small unit scurrying around. “In case of bad weather, Elaine has arranged games beneath the pavilion. We can clean up and join them. I’ll see you out there.” Without delay, Marc stepped upon the escalator. The unexpected weather had messed up his plans to sneak away with Gina and talk, really talk. Maybe the rain wouldn’t last long. At the top of the stairs, he headed for the bedroom assigned to him and Gina. Without pausing, he entered the bathroom and turned the shower on before toeing his shoes off and stripping out of his soaked clothing. The warm water felt soothing flowing down his body. The only thing missing was Gina. The thought of her made his cock harden. He closed his eyes, imagining her there with him. Their bodies pressed together, her lips on his. His soapy hand smoothed down his abdomen until he cupped himself. Damn. He was missing her. 118
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He opened his eyes and quickly washed and rinsed before grabbing a towel and drying off. In no time he was dressed in a pair of black pants, a thin sweater and dress shoes. The bedroom door closed quietly behind him as he stepped into the hall and made his way down the stairs. A maid met him at the living room door with an umbrella. “You’ll need this, Mr. Charleston.” She held the door wide. “Thank you.” He pushed a button and the umbrella unfolded. As he neared the tent, he heard streams of laughter. It appeared the weather had not dampened everyone’s fun. On his approach, the door swung wide and he strolled in. “Charleston.” Marc turned and his heart fell to his feet. He looked eye to eye with Chad Struma, retired president of Struma’s National Bank and, more importantly, Gina’s grandfather. Marc shook the man’s hand. “It’s been a while.” His stomach knotted. “Too long,” the shrewd man said, taking Marc’s measure. “How are your brothers?” Marc fought not to search the crowd for Gina. “They are well, sir. And you?” Maybe she wouldn’t see him speaking with her grandsire. Wishful thinking, but that was all he had to hold on to. “A small case of bronchitis.” He coughed and then cleared his throat. “Not bad otherwise. Retirement is agreeing with me. Elaine tells me your business is doing well.” Elaine? Of course, the new president of Struma’s National bank had probably performed a complete workup on him and his financials and family. The knowledge should have aggravated him, but he couldn’t blame Gina’s family for looking out for her interest. Too many people were willing to take advantage of her. At least her family wouldn’t believe he was after her money. “The Institute is doing very well. We have just released the new models.” “Good. Glad to hear that. Let’s take a seat.” As they began to walk toward an open table, the elderly man narrowed his sight on Marc. “I hear you escorted my granddaughter here.” Marc should have known this was coming. Struma was never good at beating around the bush. “Yes sir, I did.” Struma stopped before his chair. His expression was blank, unreadable. “And?” Marc swallowed hard. In reality there was no reason to lie. If things worked out to his liking, then he planned on marrying Gina, if she was receptive to his offer. “Truthfully, I am enamored of your granddaughter.”
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With a shaky hand, Struma pulled out a chair and nearly collapsed into the seat. “Does she share your feelings?” Did she? Yes, if last night was any measure, but after she discovered his betrayal it was anyone’s guess. Marc sat across from Gina’s grandfather. “I believe she will need to answer that question for herself.” “What question?” A shiver slid down Marc’s spine. He hesitated before glancing around to find Gina standing behind him. She drifted between them and Marc took a moment to study her. Her backbone was rigid. Not a good sign. He mentally squirmed beneath the heat in her eyes. Then she turned and her fury dissolved as she faced her grandfather. Without a doubt, Gina was giving the performance of a lifetime. Warmth spread across the old man’s face. “Come sit by me, baby girl.” Before she took her seat, she gifted her grandfather with a kiss on the cheek. “So you both know each other?” She avoided eye contact with Marc. “Charleston and I go way back. As I said earlier, I knew his parents. They were patrons of our bank. Charleston and his brothers have remained with us throughout the years.” “Isn’t that lovely?” Not a note of sarcasm rang in her words, but Marc wasn’t a fool. He had been caught in flagrante delicto, red-handed. Gina knew the truth. “Now, missy, Charleston was sharing with me his feelings toward a particular granddaughter of mine. I was wondering if that granddaughter shared his sentiment.” She chuckled lightly. “Grandpa, you know I would never kiss and tell.” A spark ignited in her eyes when she turned her icy glare onto Marc. “Tell me more about your relationship with my grandfather. It seems there is a lot about you I don’t know.” It took everything Gia had not to scream until her lungs burst into flames. Once again a man had betrayed her. For a woman who thought herself intelligent, she had been so very stupid. All the signs were there. For one thing he snored, not badly, but snored all the same. A perfect man would not snore. He ate, drank and used the facilities regularly. Duh! Where had her head been except up her ass? And then there were his tender expressions, both caring and cherishing. The way he held her, kissed her, made love to her—all lies. She’d lay a bet that the jealousy he had shown when Doug had arrived the day before was false as well. Hell. The man was a better actor then she was.
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Humiliation made her tremble like a leaf thrown about by the wind, but on the outside she remained calm, even a little detached, sitting between Marc and her grandfather at a table beneath the large tent. No one else seemed to notice how thick the air had become or that the temperature beneath the canopy had climbed as her family continued to play charades, sonic twister and electronic card games. Except Marc, who was beginning to perspire. Small beads of sweat dampened his forehead. His troubled expression was one of dread, like a man who had been caught with his pants around his ankles. Satisfaction crept in to join her anger. He reached for her hands, which were folded atop the table before her. Subtly, she turned to her grandfather, dragging her hands away before Marc could touch her, knowing that she would crumble if he did. Her composure was brittle at best. “Grandpa, you look exhausted.” And he did. Not only was he pale, but his breathing was labored. He also appeared to be cognizant that something wasn’t right between her and Marc. Forehead furrowed, he looked suspiciously between the two of them. “Would you like me to escort you to your room?” “Thank you, baby girl. Perhaps lying down for a while would be best.” Gina stood, as did Marc. Purposely she presented him with her back and busied herself with assisting her grandfather to his feet. He leaned on her as she put an arm around his waist. His comforting cologne wrapped around her and for a moment she was a little girl again. Safe. At home. Then reality stole the sensation away. Without looking back, she grumbled, “I’ll be back.” Just enough heat entered her words to stop Marc from following them. Still she could feel his gaze burn down her back. As they approached the exit, a servant provided them with an umbrella and the door swung wide. Misty rain still fell, but it wasn’t the torrent it had been earlier. Gia felt thankful for their good fortune, because her grandfather’s steps were feeble, a mere shuffle, unsteady. For a moment, her own problems dissolved. “Grandpa, are you all right?” His weak smile didn’t comfort her and he seemed to know it. “Just under the weather, baby girl. I’ll be fine in no time.” He paused. “What about you?” “I’m okay—” He shot her one of his quelling looks that said she had better not be lying to him. “Charleston didn’t tell you that he was acquainted with your family?” Damn her grandfather for being so insightful, but he would literally have apoplexy if he knew the whole truth. “No. He didn’t.” At least her answer would cease further questions for now. “Does it really matter? Gina, he’s a fine man.”
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No. That part of his deceit hadn’t moved her as much as knowing that she had confided so much, even revealing to Marc her darkest fantasies, her fears and her desires. She barely withheld the harrumph that built and dissipated within. To make it even worse, she had admitted to loving him. Tears threatened, but with help from the rain she managed to conceal them, barely. How could he do this to her? He knew how Doug and Mary’s betrayal had affected her. She trusted him. Loved him. Frantically, she tried to pull herself together. “No, Grandpa. Not really. I just don’t like secrets.” Or lies. What a fool she had been. Anger spiked again when she thought of how Marc must have had a great laugh at her expense, not to mention the suave salesman who sold her M.A.C.’s creator instead of one of his androids. Well, she sure as hell hoped they enjoyed themselves, because when she got home she was contacting her attorney. Oh God. “What’s wrong, Gina?” Crap. Her anxiety must have shown. “Nothing, Grandpa.” Except that Marc Charleston could ruin her with the knowledge he had. He must have realized that his secret was safe. No way could Gia go to an attorney without condemning herself. If word got out that she secretively attended a BDSM club, or that he had duped her into thinking he was an android, or a million other little things she had never shared with anyone else, she would never live down the embarrassment, the shame. Not to mention the notoriety of it all might even hurt her chances of securing the leading role in Starlight. Her career. Her life. Both could be ruined. The chance to work for a director who was a legend and to experience the role of a lifetime would be gone. The emotion and depth of character in this movie was something she had never before attempted. She wanted it so badly she could taste it. And then there was her heart, or more appropriately the void that now lingered in her chest. Assisting her grandfather into the house and to a room that was on the bottom floor, she ensured he was tucked in bed before she exited. Numbness consumed her. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the door. How could she have been so blind? No wonder it was so easy to believe he was real, because he was. The memory of the chauffer’s recognition of Marc that day when they had arrived at her mansion popped into her mind. Even her mother and
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grandfather’s knowledge and acceptance of him made Gia feel that much more a fool. Hell. Her family thought he was great. Then again, they didn’t know the truth. “Can we talk?” Marc’s deep voice forced her eyes open. Gia nervously licked her lips. “We have nothing to talk about.” Her heart pounded so hard against her chest she thought it would explode. He reached for her but she jerked away, skirting past the door and him so that they would not disturb her grandfather. She couldn’t bear for him to touch her. “Please, Gina.” “Please? Ha ha,” she muttered, feeling bile crawling and burning up her throat. The bitterness seemed apropos to how she felt staring at the man who had deceived her and then stolen her heart. She swallowed the hard knot of self-disgust. “The laugh…” Her lips pinched together. By a mere thread she held on to the tears that begged to fall. “Is on me.” A mocking smile appeared. “This should make interesting conversation in the future for you.” “Don’t belittle what we have.” “What we have?” Her words came out breathlessly. Gia closed her eyes again, refusing to look back over the days they’d spent together. Still the memories of his kiss, the way he held her—made love to her, rose. Her head began to shake back and forth as if she could vanquish those tender thoughts. Lies. Nothing but lies. Eyelids rising, she squared her shoulders and whipped past him, then pivoted on her toes, coming face-to-face with him. “W-what did you hope to gain from this ruse? The right to say that you slept with Gia Easton? Or that you could bring me to my knees now that you know every one of my dirty little secrets?” “No! How can you think that after all we have shared?” His voice softened. “Gina, can’t you see I want you? Love you.” Gia shook her head in disbelief. Love? What the hell was it anyway? “Please, Gina, listen to me. That day you came into the showroom I was mesmerized.” “Starstruck?” Contempt poured from her mouth. “Yes.” His shoulders drooped. “Starstruck if you want to call it that, but there was so much more.” His eyes brightened with emotion she couldn’t allow to affect her. “You baited me.” “Me?” Disbelief washed away some of her anger. “Now it’s my fault?” “Yes.” He shook his head. “No. It was your comment that day.” “My comment?” What was he talking about?
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“He’ll do.” He hesitated, but only briefly. “My pride sometimes gets in the way. You were so nonchalant, so unimpressed, that I felt my androids required more consideration. I deserved more consideration.” The weight in her chest thickened. “Just like a man.” “Yes. A man.” He took a step toward her. She fought not to step back, to hold her ground as he continued. “Not an android. Not a machine.” Another step closer. Her pulse jumped, raced. “Me, Gina. The man who fell in love with you. The one whom you fell in love with.” Blinking back tears, she clenched her hands. Damn him. She could never trust him. Gia inhaled, releasing the breath slowly. “I want you to leave. Now.” That was the last thing Marc wanted to hear as he stood before Gina in the middle of the vacant living room. Weariness pulled at the corners of her lips. He had put the pain radiating in her eyes there. The realization cut him like a knife. He had fucked up, big-time. Without a doubt, he should have told her sooner, never deceived her in the first place, but it was too late. “I’m sorry.” Marc spoke his regret aloud as if that would make a difference. He held his breath, hoping that there was a chance that she could forgive him, give him one more opportunity to prove himself worthy. The condemning expression in her misty eyes was her response. Silently, she turned toward the door leading outside. He hung his head, hearing the door, swollen from the weather, pop open and then close with a bang that rang goodbye. He couldn’t move—couldn’t think. The only woman he’d ever loved had just walked out of his life and it was his fault. He had created this misunderstanding, this mess. When his mind finally kicked in, started working again, he whispered, “No.” It couldn’t end here—like this. Moving hastily to the door, he jerked it open. Dammit. Through the soft falling rain, Gina ran toward the woods, her father following her along with two of Marc’s security personnel in pursuit. Finger and thumb pinched together, he placed them between his lips and released a shrill whistle that made the guards pause. They turned around. Marc beckoned Norton with a wave of his hand. The man said something to the other guard before he headed toward Marc, the other traipsing after Gina and Paul. As Norton neared, he must have sensed something was wrong because his footsteps hastened. “You wished to speak with me?” “I’m leaving Oregon today.” It nearly broke Marc’s heart to say the words. “I want you and your men to stay and ensure Miss Easton’s safety. I’ll send the helio-sphere back tonight for your departure tomorrow.” 124
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Norton nodded. “Yes sir.” Marc inhaled, releasing the air from his lungs with a heavy sigh. “Make sure she arrives home without difficulty.” A frown rose on the guard’s face. “Boss, is everything okay?” “No.” Marc didn’t even attempt to hide his sorrow. He knew his eyes were bright with emotion, because a dark emptiness overtook him. Gina was gone. “Just make sure she’s safe.” Before Norton could ask another question, Marc stepped back into the house. The door closed behind him as he headed for the escalator. Standing in the bedroom he had shared with Gina, regret struck him like a blow to his gut. She was everywhere, her essence a ghost threatening to haunt him forever. The worst was her scent, which hung lightly in the air. Emotion rose so quickly, he pinched the bridge of his nose to keep it at bay. Would she ever forgive him? Would time heal the damage between them? Or would their different lives pull them even further apart? As he reached for his suitcase, someone stirred behind him. Hope rose, dying quickly when he glanced over a shoulder to find Gia’s mother watching him. “Going somewhere?” Elaine asked. Laying the bag on the bed, he steeled himself. “I’m leaving.” He walked over to the dresser and started pulling out his clothes. A moment of silence lingered. “Is something wrong?” He could hear concern in her tight tone. “I’ve hurt her.” He swung around, ready to receive the woman’s scorn, but she only looked at him in that motherly way. “She’ll need you,” he said, throwing the clothes into the suitcase before reaching for his garment bag. “Where is she?” “The woods. Maybe by the creek.” His feet pounded across the room toward the closet. “Paul is with her now.” Or that is what he assumed. Disappearing inside, he gathered his pants, shirts, suits and ties, hoping that Elaine would be gone by the time he moved back into the room, but it wasn’t to be. “Do you love her?” she asked softly. Marc stopped where he stood. The truth burned behind his eyelids. “Yes. But she’ll never forgive me…” he managed to say before his voice failed him. “Do you deserve to be forgiven?” What kind of question is that? He stomped toward the bed, tossed his clothes on it and stared down at the mess he’d made of not only this wardrobe, but his life. “No.” Raising his head, he looked at Elaine. “I’d do anything to change the events of that day, but I can’t.”
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The woman who looked so much like Gina nodded as if she understood, and then she turned to leave. “Elaine?” The woman glanced over her shoulder. “Tell her I’m sorry…” A deep straining sadness welled inside him. Inhaling, he held his breath, releasing, “And, that I love her,” on an exhale. Before she could see his pain, he turned away. Clearing his throat, he began shoving his clothes into the bags. When the door closed he was alone. Truly alone.
***** Out of breath and blinded by tears, Gia staggered to a halt before the rushing stream. Frogs croaked nearby, but they were just white noise. Her head was filled with memories she tried to forget. Angrily, she swiped at the waterworks that refused to stop flowing down her cheeks. When nothing slowed them, she raised her face to the gray sky, closed her eyes and allowed the trickle of cool drops to mingle with her tattered emotions. Anger, humiliation and grief warred inside her. She sniffled, attempting to rein in the tears. Her breakup with Doug or any other man hadn’t left this hollowness, this wretched pain that burrowed so deep into her bones she wondered if she would ever be able to shake it. “Gina?” Her heart stuttered. God. Not now. She couldn’t face Marc. Not in this condition. Slowly she turned around, but it wasn’t Marc. An unladylike snort surfaced. Her chin quivered. “Daddy.” A troubled expression greeted her as he opened his arms and she flew into them, nearly knocking him down. He stumbled but embraced her tightly, securing them both. As she buried her face into her father’s shoulder, more tears surfaced, falling one right after another. In the hush of the forest, Gia cried, allowing her father to comfort her. For the longest time, no words were exchanged between them. She continued to weep while he held her like he had when she was a child. In the protective shelter of her father’s arms, she could almost believe he could take the pain away—make everything better. But unlike the many other times he had consoled her, everything would not be okay—not this time. Marc had betrayed her. How much time passed, she didn’t know. The next thing she realized, her mother had joined them. “There, there, sweetheart,” her mother cooed, patting Gia softly on the back. Silence stretched between them until her mother spoke again. “You love him, don’t you?”
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“No.” The blatant lie was muffled against her father’s shoulder. Gia knew she wasn’t fooling her parents when her mother eased her out of her father’s arms. Elaine’s soft hands cupped Gia’s face, empathy swimming in her mother’s moist eyes. “Momma.” Gia choked on the endearment. “Love isn’t supposed to hurt like this.” “Oh Gina.” A tender chuckle rose. “Loving someone isn’t easy.” Her mother pulled Gia into her embrace. A pregnant pause followed before she said, “Honey, I spoke with Marc.” Oh God, no. “He appeared genuinely saddened. He said to tell you he’s sorry and that he loves you.” The knot in Gia’s stomach twisted another turn. “What did the bastard do?” her father growled. “Paul.” The censorship in her mother’s tone quieted Gia’s father. Easing out of her mother’s arms, Gia inhaled a shaky breath. “I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to go home.” She looked from her father to her mother, hoping they would understand. There was no way she could go about the family and pretend that everything was all right. “Would you mind too much if I left tonight?” “Gina, can you forgive him?” her mother asked. “No, Mom.” Gia fought for a smile that didn’t quite make it. “I just want to go home.”
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Chapter Twelve Five weeks had passed since that dreadful day in Oregon. Gia sat slumped in a chair watching the sets of Starlight emerge. Crevices appeared in some of the smaller boulders allowing ferns and other vegetation to push through their surface. Moss crawled over rocks and tree trunks as if it was alive, seeking, searching for a place to rest. Night flowers pushed up through the grass, the feathery petals fluorescing beneath ultraviolet lighting. The thermostat had been lowered, cooling the air to set the mood for the next scene as ribbons of fog began to form. Was the scene real or a threedimensional hologram? Dressed in a costume of sheer, iridescent material clasped at one shoulder by a golden brooch and cut so it flowed sensually down to her ankles, a shiver assailed her. Rubbing her palms up and down her naked arms, she released a heavy sigh. She should be happy, but… Another deep exhale pushed from her diaphragm. Several days after Gia had returned to Hollywood, she had met with Starlight’s producer and her attorney. Doug wasn’t quite out of the picture yet and it grated on her that he would receive a percentage of the profits. But her attorney was working on their final separation. Gia would give anything not to hire a personal assistant, but she knew it was impossible. She needed help, even if she didn’t want it. Later today she and her attorney had several interviews with potential candidates. This time she would be more particular and make sure their relationship stayed in the confines of business. As for Marc— “Miss Easton?” The soft voice of her makeup artist caught her attention. Tracy approached with a brush and palette in her hand. She shifted from one foot to the next, trepidation in her youthful gaze. “I need to apply a little more makeup beneath your eyes.” Had Gia been that hard to deal with over the last couple of weeks, to put the wariness in the young brunette’s eyes? Did she really have to ask? Last night after filming, she had overheard the boom boy whisper something derogatory to one of the cameramen. He used the words prima donna in reference to her, which Gia had never been. Yet there was no denying she hadn’t been herself since returning to Hollywood. Still, she couldn’t be that bad—could she?
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Tracy lightly dabbed at the dark smudges and bags that never seemed to go away beneath Gia’s eyes. Sleep had eluded her. When she did doze off, dreams of Marc haunted her. The thought slid under her skin, sending a tremor through her. “Are you finished?” Gia snapped. Tracy eased back. “I’m sorry, Miss Easton, but—” Gia’s eyelids slid closed. “No, Tracy. I’m sorry. Please continue.” Okay. Maybe she was as bad as the rumors suggested. Clenching her jaw, digging her fingernails into the armrest, she waited until the woman eased back before she opened her eyes. “Thank you.” To Gia’s shame, the flat expression of appreciation lacked sincerity, but she couldn’t help it. Tracy’s smile was hesitant at best. Without a word, she slipped away. Dammit. Gia couldn’t go on like this. Rotating her head side to side, she listened to muscles and tendons pop. She was so keyed up, she worried whether she could make it through the next scene without blowing it—all because of a man. A man whose memory continued to haunt her. Dismayed, she shook her head, but squared her shoulders and sat up straight, composing herself. She had no one to blame but herself. It had been her decision not to be notified if Marc called or arrived outside her home or studio. The truth is she couldn’t bear the thought that he wouldn’t attempt to contact her. What she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her, except it did hurt like hell. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. Gia should have known better than to act out of anger only to risk damaging herself more than the source of her pain. Within the span of five weeks, everything had changed. She couldn’t sleep, she’d lost ten pounds and she’d evolved into a raving bitch, both at work and at home. “Gia, are you ready?” Jerked from her wonderings, she glanced up at Thomas Solar. The most sought-out producer in the United States had asked for her as his leading lady in this production. She should be thrilled, but she couldn’t muster the enthusiasm. Funny how the excitement had dimmed from when Doug first delivered the news until now. Starlight was just another movie and she was just another actress in the long list in Hollywood and New York. Tom extended her his large hand. “Luv, is something wrong?” His English accent and charming good looks did nothing for her. Nonchalantly, she scanned his broad forehead and the curlicue of dark hair that graced it. There was really nothing special about him, except that he held her career in his palm. A puppet master. He pulled the strings and she danced to his tune.
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What a life. Without hesitating, she took his hand and allowed him to assist her to her feet. What she hadn’t expected was to end up chest to chest, hips to hips with the man, looking up into his lustful brown eyes. “Dinner tonight.” The thickness in his brogue revealed he was looking for more than a dinner partner tonight. Are you kidding? Gia barely kept the words contained as she slid out of his embrace. This was not what she needed, another man from Tinseltown knocking at her door. Her life was already a mess, her emotions a disarray, walking the thin line between love and hate. Managing a small smile, she stepped back. “Dinner?” She paused, allowing sufficient time to pass to give him the impression she was actually considering his offer. Gia wasn’t a fool. Offend the producer and she was asking for more trouble than it was worth. “Oh!” Feigned disappointment raised her perfectly sculpted brows. “I’m so sorry. I have a meeting with my attorney tonight.” Tom stepped closer, forcing her to take one backward. “Can’t you get out of it?” She placed a palm on his muscled chest. “Wasn’t it you who insisted that I find an assistant as quickly as possible?” Gia tossed his own words back at him. “Maybe another time—another night.” His invitation hung between them like a sensual trap she wasn’t willing to get snared in. Still, she couldn’t outright turn him away. “Maybe.” It was the best she had to offer. Pulling back her hand as he attempted to grasp it, she rushed off before anything else could transpire between them. She needed to focus on the upcoming scene. Her character was a fairy queen longing for love lost. The dramatic irony hit so close to home, sadly it would make it all too easy for Gia to relate to. At the border of the stage, she stopped and took a breath, finding the similarities within her that aligned with her lonely, tortured character. Both of them had tasted love, betrayal and loss, but in Crytaline’s case she would rediscover the man of her heart—Gia would not. Happy-ever-after endings weren’t for everyone, especially her. In the background, she heard chatting, cameras shifting, people taking their seats, and then quiet surrounded her. When the director yelled, “Action!” she raised a slippered foot and entered the set. White filmy fog swirled around her knees. The long gown she wore slid like silk, soft and sensual across her skin, to brush the ground. Artificial moonlight made the material shimmer with the soft colors of the rainbow. Head down, she allowed the heaviness in her heart to sink to her feet, making each step appear weighted, difficult. Sorrow reached up and pulled her deeper and deeper into character.
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When Gia reached the agreed upon mark in the choreography, her shoulders fell. Slowly she raised her face to the dark sky and the single star that glowed brightly. Marc. Light and airy, his name whispered in her mind, causing the muscles in her face to harden to stone. For a brief moment, she stood as still as a statue. Her pulse beat a frantic rhythm, pounding in her ears, while the emotion in her chest became thick and daunting. The brittle composure she held crumbled on a strangled gasp that parted her trembling lips and made her chin quiver. Pain and suffering roared up inside her, building at an alarming speed. Tears sprang from her broken heart, blooming in her eyes before silently rolling down her cheeks. Gia remained unmoving, shadowed in the glow of that one star that represented hopes and dreams—impossible to reach—her own will-o’-the-wisp. When the director yelled, “Cut,” her tears began to fall like raindrops. Blinking, she tried to stop them, but it was no use. Not even the clapping and praise slowed them. It felt as if a boulder sat on her chest, making it difficult to breathe. People crowded around her, congratulating her on her performance, but she couldn’t break the link between her and her character. “Excuse me.” Gia weaved in and out of the throng, hurrying off set, heading toward her dressing room. Breathless, she pushed open her door and bent at the waist, attempting to calm herself. It took a moment to regain her composure, and when she did, the first thing to penetrate her senses was the strong scent of roses. The flowery aroma made her head rise. She straightened to her full height, staring through a veil of tears. In the center of the room, a large pearly vase stood three feet tall with an array of long-stemmed red roses, petals spread wide to reveal their beauty, while a single white rosebud lay cuddled in the middle. A gold card hung from the streaming white ribbons circling the vase. On leaden feet she drew closer. The moment her fingertips stroked the card, the red roses shrank to form perfect buds surrounded by green leaves, while the white rose’s stem inched taller, standing out from the rest. Yanking her hand back, she watched in disbelief as white, snowy petals began to bloom, forming into the most perfect rose she had ever seen. Something bright and shiny caught in the reflection of the overhead lights and speckles of colors danced across the walls. Gia stepped closer to examine the center. Her breath caught on a gasp. Inside the satiny flower sat a large stone—a diamond, maybe four to five carats in size. She reached for the precious jewel, but didn’t realize it was a ring until it lay in the palm of her hand. Shocked, Gia glanced back at the vase and the dangling card. Who would send her such an expensive gift? With trembling fingers, she opened the card only to discover it was blank. A spark of brilliance flashed from the center of the white rose and a weakened hologram shot
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from the middle of the flower to the floor before her. Gia startled, almost jumping out of her skin and releasing the card. As the translucent image continued to grow in strength, she moved closer and closer until it formed into a three-dimensional figure—Marc. Gia’s heart fluttered. Trepidation slithered across her flesh. Did she have the strength to resist him—even his hologram? Dressed in a black tuxedo similar to the one he had worn that night at her parents’ house, he was staring at her. Sexy eyes of emerald green sent a shiver throughout her. The image appeared so alive—so real—that her heart jumped into her throat. And then a soft smile spread across his face. That single dimple creased his right cheek as his mouth turned sensual. Like all the times before, something inside her melted. Dragging in a shaky breath, she cursed her reaction. “Gina.” His deep, low voice sent her senses reeling. When his perfect image flickered, Gia gasped. She stepped closer as if her mere presence could stop him from disappearing. As the picture grew steadier, she released a tight breath and then once again damned herself for her foolishness. “The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection—the image of the woman who has captured my heart and soul, who now holds the key to my happiness.” Pulse racing, she closed one hand around the ring so it bit into her palm. Gia couldn’t let him do this to her. She wouldn’t believe his sweet, sweet words that even now slowly began to fill the emptiness she had felt the moment they had parted in Oregon. “The white rose represents innocence and purity. I have broken your trust and diminished the value of our relationship. For that I am deeply, deeply sorry. Yet,” he continued swiftly, “the white rose is also associated with new beginnings and marriages. It is a symbol of honor and reverence and an expression of remembrance.” Marc’s hologram appeared to move closer. Gia could swear she heard him breathing. She felt his touch as if he were smoothing his hand lightly across her cheek. Even his masculine scent seemed to come out of nowhere to wrap around her, holding her in the illusion. “That isn’t real,” she mumbled beneath her breath. Nothing about Marc was real. Nothing. “Do you remember our time together?” His tone lowered, teasing her resolve. Something shimmered in his eyes as if they were precious gems trapped beneath glass. Gia swallowed hard, mentally struggling against his magnetic pull. He had betrayed her. He didn’t love her. Yet it would be a lie to say she didn’t remember. Each day she spent yearning for something—someone—she couldn’t have. Her nights had become hellish, a fight to forget and move on, but she had failed, miserably.
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The truth was she loved him. Missed him. Again Gia felt his phantom touch. Unconsciously, her head fell backward, allowing his caress to soothe her battered soul. Dragging in a breath, she raised her gaze to his, then stiffened and stepped away. “Gina, I can’t forget the scent of you, the touch of your skin, the arch of your body or your soft whimpers and cries when I make love to you.” His voice dropped to a mere whisper. Almost as if he stood behind her, his lips pressed against her ear. “Allow me to honor and revere you as you deserve.” The image before her slid to one knee. He held out open arms to her. “I love you, Gina. Say you will forgive me, that we can start anew, as husband and wife. Marry me.” What? Gia couldn’t have heard him correctly. Did he ask her to marry him? The hologram vanished. Silence reigned. Alone, she stared at where Marc’s image had once stood and felt emotion crash down upon her. Marc moved in the shadows, hoping his presence wouldn’t be detected. The set was like a beehive buzzing with activity. Bribing the guard for entrance had been harder than he expected. The clincher had been one night with one of his androids— satisfaction guaranteed. By now Gina was probably watching his hologram. He eased up against the door, listening until he heard himself say, “Marry me.” Slowly he eased the dressing room door open. Her back was to him as he slid the lock into place. Her shoulders rose and fell lightly as she choked back soft sobs that reached into his chest and squeezed. God. He wanted to take her in his arms, hold and kiss away her pain. But before he could reach for her, she sniffled. “Is that it? S-sorry. Forgive you? Marry you?” Heat rose in her tone. “You betrayed me. Deceived me. Hurt me.” “I know,” he said quietly behind her. She stopped in mid-sob and made a surprised, choking sound. Her head jerked up, her backbone rigid. She whipped around. Red puffy eyes widened at his presence. Marc wasn’t prepared for the wretched pain reflected within. Had she suffered too? For a moment neither spoke. That familiar electricity zapped between them. A whimper seeped between her thin lips. So she felt it too. It didn’t take long for her to recover. A breathy inhale filled her lungs. With the haughtiness of any diva, she raised her chin, narrowing her eyes. “W-what are you doing here?”
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Now that he finally stood before her, Marc couldn’t get his mouth or brain to function. For days he had planned this moment, step by step, played “what-if” scenarios in his head over and over. He even knew what to say and do if she flung the ring in his face, which thankfully she hadn’t—yet. When he found his voice it cracked. “I-I had to see you. Talk to you.” “Well, you’ve done both now.” Turning away, she took two steps and then retraced them. “Here.” She held out her arm, fingers flexing to display his ring in the center of her palm. When he made no move to take it from her, she frowned, avoiding his gaze. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Don’t do this to me.” A small glimmer of hope burned in his gut. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t hurt, and it was definitely pain he heard. “Please, Gina. Hear me out.” Before she could respond, he continued. “I know I deserve your anger but I love you. You have to believe that.” Marc waited a heartbeat for her retort. When it didn’t come, he threaded his fingers through his hair. “I can’t eat, sleep or concentrate. When I do fall asleep I dream of you… In my bed. My arms. I feel your body so close to mine our hearts beat as one. We breathe as one. And then I wake…” He avoided glancing at her outstretched hand, holding his ring, the symbol of his love. “And you’re not there.” He chuckled but there was no humor, only the misery that had held him prisoner for five weeks. “I can’t go on like this.” He dared a step closer. With a knuckle beneath her chin, he raised her gaze to meet his. No tears were present in her eyes, but emotion pricked his. Her face was a block of cold stone, unyielding. A wave of melancholy swept over him. He’d misread her. She hated him. “Gina. Sweetheart. I miss you so much I can’t tell anymore when one day ends and another begins.” He reached for her, holding her at arm’s length. Her hand drifted to her side. “Don’t you see I’m no good without you? You complete me. Make me whole. Please say you’ll give me another chance.” Silence stretched between them so tight he felt the air became fragile, ready to shatter at any moment. “You hurt me,” she murmured. He closed his eyes briefly. “I know. I’m sorry.” Moisture rimmed her eyes. A single tear fell. Holding his breath, he eased her into his arms. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she fisted his jacket and buried her face into his shoulder. Exhaling, he placed his chin on the top of her head. Closing his eyes once again, warmth filled him as her body molded to his. So right. So perfect. After a moment of inhaling her essence and reveling in the feel of her, he kissed her forehead and then rubbed his cheek against hers. 134
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Gina tipped her chin up, looking him squarely in the eyes. Marc couldn’t read what flickered in her hardened gaze but it felt ominous, as if she contemplated his worthiness. Unleashed strength rose; he felt it ripple through her. “Don’t ever deceive me like that again.” Marc took her warning to heart. “Never. I promise.” Again the hush of the room fell around them. If he did nothing, he would lose her for sure. So he did the only thing he knew to do. He pressed his mouth lightly to hers. A small, chaste kisses to determine her state of mind. Marc knew the second she surrendered, that primitive moment of triumph when her full lips softened. When she returned his caress, chills raced across his skin. He tightened his embrace. His tongue nudged, once, twice for entrance. Elation flooded him when she welcomed him and he swept inside to taste heaven once more. Between one heartbeat and the next, desire ignited. What started as a mild exploration turned hot and hungry, fast. Tongues dueling, he captured her soft whimper. Felt his body swell with need. He dislodged the pin at her shoulder and the silky material slid down her body, leaving her standing before him in nothing but her slippers. Once again, Gina was in his arms. Need grew, unfurled and stretched. Like a powerful beast, it sank its claws into him. He would have tonight to make sure she never left him. Standing naked before Marc, Gia knew she should hate him, but she couldn’t think past the feel of his lips soothing tender kisses down her neck or the promise of a lifetime clutched in her hand—his ring. Five weeks of lonely nights, of tormented days, were in the past if she dared to believe. God help her. She wanted this—she wanted him. Caught between wanting to laugh with joy and weep with relief, she welcomed his kisses—his caress. Warm and moist, his mouth burned a path straight to an aching nipple. Her back bowed in anticipation, goose bumps rose across her skin. When his lips closed around the swollen peak, a primal cry parted her lips. Shards of sensations splintered through her breasts, shooting downward to tighten low in her belly. She had to touch him. With ease, she slipped the ring on her finger before stabbing her hands through his hair. She held him near while he suckled her nipple with long, hard pulls that turned into nibbles. As he scraped his teeth across her tender skin, she mewled softly. Her pussy contracted, releasing liquid heat. Her body felt inflamed, hot and needy.
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All she could think about was the girth of his cock as he slid into her, stretching and filling her. The thought released another of wave of desire, making her crave the feel of him between her thighs. “Marc. Please.” Palms cupping her breasts, he gazed up at her through heavy eyelids. “What, sweetheart?” The sensual sight made the blood in her veins simmer to near boiling. “I need you. Inside me.” “Soon. I need to taste you.” Her fingers were still locked in his hair as he knelt before her. His gaze was pinned to hers as he slowly kissed a path up the inside of her thighs. When his lips skimmed over her pussy, her knees almost buckled. “Marc!” “Patience,” he murmured against her sensitive flesh. A masculine chuckle followed that shivered through her core. And then he raised one of her legs, draping it over his shoulder and spreading her wider. His eyes were the deepest shade of green she had ever seen as he stared at her exposed sex. His nostrils flared. He inhaled. A growl rumbled in his throat. Pressing a thumb inside her, he licked a scorching path from her perineum up to her swollen clit. He sucked and teased the engorged bud, forcing one after another ragged sobs from her until her knees threatened to buckle. Just when she felt her body grow rigid, he steered her leg off his shoulder and stood. Gia wavered, unsteady, watching his every move as he peeled his jacket off before jerking his tie free and reaching for the buttons on his shirt. His broad shoulders and muscular torso made her stomach clench. He toed off his shoes as his shirt hit the floor. Her gaze followed his hands as he activated the buckle and his belt retracted. The bulge between his thighs was impressive, even more so when he dragged his pants down and removed his socks. Oh God, he’s going commando. Gia’s mouth watered to taste him. She eased her hand down his stomach, farther into the mound of hair, but his fingers closed around her wrist. “No, baby. Not this time.” He stood before her, gloriously naked, cock hard, arcing against his abdomen. His chest moved with shallow breaths while her pulse sped and her heart pounded wildly. Gia had missed him so much. “Come here,” he whispered. She was lost to deny him.
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Marc felt like one big knot of emotion. He couldn’t hide the trembling in his hands as he reached for her. When his arms closed around her, he inwardly released a sigh of relief. Cupping her ass, he raised her off her feet. Gina didn’t need him to tell her what to do as she locked her legs around his waist. A couple of steps and he had her back against the wall. Her arms circled his neck. Angling his hips, he thrust upward, parting her moist folds and sinking into her warmth. “You’re mine, Gina.” His voice was a low rumble against her ear. He felt her response, her tremor. “Forever,” he added. Easing back so that he was nearly free of her sheath, he drove back in, relishing the tightness. The wet embrace of her body nearly undid him before he even got started. She was so hot he didn’t know how long he’d last. He wanted it to be hours but it had been too long, he had teased her for too long, enduring the bittersweet anticipation along with her. Heat and pressure began to build at the base of his cock. Marc willed the heady sensation back with a hiss between clenched teeth. He wanted to take her slow, love her like she deserved, but every cell in his body was screaming for fulfillment. His dick hardened into a steel rod. He swore beneath his breath. She writhed against him, making soft sounds of encouragement. Through feathered lashes, she touched her lips to his. “Fuck me, Marc. Take me now.” Her sensual request forced him to take a deep, steady breath before he pulled back and entered her, again and again. He slammed his body into hers with a primal need to conquer and claim her. Sweet, sweet pain exploded in his testicles as they slapped against her ass. The scent of their loving was an aphrodisiac that overwhelmed him, threatening to devour him. It didn’t help that her nipples were hard beads rubbing against his chest, her fingernails scoring his back as her pussy became unbelievably snug around him. Wedging his legs farther apart, he withdrew and then flung his hips forward, burying himself to the hilt. Gina cried out. Before she could catch her breath, he fucked her hard and fast. She bucked against him. Her inner muscles contracted and flexed, milking and holding him in the depths of her haven. A roar filled Marc’s head. Blood rushed to his groin. A fiery mixture of love, pain and desire spread furiously throughout his body, paralyzing him. Liquid heat, gathering in intensity and strength, thundered down his shaft, releasing with a force that nearly ripped him off his feet. He closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her body rippling around him as he joined her. With each jerk of his cock, a shudder raked through him. In the aftermath he collapsed against her, face buried in the crook of her neck. Her breathing was still labored, matching his. Their hearts pounded in unison. He stayed
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deep within her until he began to soften. Only then did he release her legs and let them drift to the floor. Marc took her mouth in a slow, passionate caress. When his tongue delved between her lips, she sucked it into her mouth, giving as much as receiving. Breathless, they broke apart. The sated look in her eyes warmed him. He pressed his forehead to hers. Raising her hand, he smiled before he kissed the ring circling her finger. “So does this mean you’ll marry me?” Lost for words, Gia stared at the diamond on her hand. It glowed beneath the lights, beautiful and glistening. She hadn’t been thinking when she put it on. Hell. She hadn’t exercised her brain from the moment she turned and saw Marc standing before her. Gia glanced up at him and her heart skipped a beat. Undeniable love shone in his soft expression, or was she seeing what she needed to see? More than anything she wanted to scream yes, to grab on to everything he offered, but she didn’t trust herself. Her bad judgment had gotten her into one too many sticky situations. “Marc—” Gia tugged at the ring but it wouldn’t come off. Frowning, she tried again with no success. He flashed her one of his drop-dead smiles. “It’s a sign.” A stream of uneasy laughter burst from her mouth. “It’s stuck—not a sign.” Rotating the ring, she attempted once more to remove it but it was firmly attached to her finger. “Believe what you want, but we were meant for each other.” He raised her hand to just a breath away from his mouth. “I love you, Gina. I want you as my wife. I want to go to bed each night buried inside you, wake each morning with you in my arms. I want to share my life with you, have children, grandchildren. I want you to meet my family. I even want to harass and tease your brothers on which football team is better.” His lips caressed her knuckles and the ring. “Say you’ll marry me.” In her mind, Gia tried to dismiss his words, words that had touched her so profoundly she felt the love inside her grow, not diminish. She didn’t want to love him or need him as badly as she did. Her gaze rose to his lips, a hunger rising such as she’d never felt before. “Kiss me.” “Kiss you?” Marc repeated. His cock jerked, thickening. He pulled her into his embrace and incredibly, she felt his need come alive again against her stomach. “I’ll do more than kiss you.” Once again, she found her back against the wall. Strong hands cupped her ass, lifting. In seconds her legs were locked around him. His erection was velvet steel
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against her pussy, waking her arousal in a slow, tightening coil. Breasts heavy and swollen, her nipples tingled. She rocked against him, needy. One powerful thrust and he filled her to the hilt. Then he covered her lips with his and began to move inside her. He pleasured her with his mouth, his tongue, mimicking what his body was doing to her below. His warmth seeped into her skin, heating the chill that had filled her for so long, his love a power so seductive she became lost within it. “Marry me.” His lips were featherlight against hers. “Yes,” she hissed. A short, rough sound echoed in his chest. “Yes?” His mouth curved into a triumphant smile before he captured hers again in a kiss that tasted of passion, of love and forever. At that moment, Gia knew her decision had been right. Freed of her inhibitions, she let their fevered pleasure sweep her away.
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Epilogue
Four months later… The final scene of Starlight was coming to an end. Gina sparkled as brightly as the magical setting surrounding her. A forest of large oak trees draped in emerald vines and nocturnal orchids intertwined with other colorful flowers gave off a sweet scent. Beneath a bramble bush, a rabbit twitched his ears. An artificial full moon hung against an ebony sky dotted with thousands of stars. But it was the woman bathed in a soft glow of light that held Marc’s attention. Standing on a cushion of green moss, she spoke her final words and then bowed her head, dipping into a graceful curtsy. A roar of thundering applause exploded, cheers following. Overwhelming pride filled Marc. He clapped and marveled that this exquisite creature was his wife. She had chosen him to love. Before she rose, the film crew rushed her. Happiness danced in her eyes as she greeted their onslaught of congratulations. Buried in the shadows, Marc didn’t attempt to intrude on her joyful moment. This was her world, a world where she belonged. Through the crush of people, his wife scanned the room. He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face when he realized she sought him. Their gazes touched and his chest tightened. Her sensual smile was meant for him alone. Its warmth seeped into his heart. She was dressed in her fairy gown of sheer, iridescent material clasped at one shoulder by a golden brooch, the same one she had worn the first time he had seen her after their trip to Oregon. Like then, she took his breath away. There was something ethereal about her appearance that forced memories to the forefront of his mind. In her dressing room, he had dislodged that pin, the silk shimmering down her body leaving her naked and his pulse speeding. His cock stirred, firming against his zipper. Subtly, he moved his hands before him to hide the obvious, but not before her knowing grin deepened. Damn. When would the new wear off? The woman was killing him. Day and night, he wanted her—craved her. With just a word, a simple look from her, his libido soared. But maybe that was what love was all about, a staggering desire to share his life with Gina—forever. Amidst the overflowing chatter, melodious laughter rose, stroking him with a gentle caress. Gina was amazing. She spoke to everyone who approached her but kept shooting small glances his way as if she couldn’t bear to be away from him. He knew that feeling, because it seemed like forever since he’d held her in his arms. It wasn’t long before she excused herself.
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Weaving through the crowd, she headed straight for him. Hips swaying, eyelids heavy, she sensually slid her tongue over her full lips and stopped before him. The tingling in his groin built, not helping his current problem. “Stop that.” He groaned. “Stop what?” He saw through the innocent flutter of her lashes. “You know what. The way you’re looking at me.” As if she wanted to devour him. Leaning into him, she brushed her lips over his. “It appeared to me you might need a hand?” Marc sucked in a breath. “What?” Her gaze dipped south to the bulge between his thighs. Her voice dropped an octave. “With that.” A rush of liquid desire coursed through his veins. “Wretched wench.” Marc pulled her into his arms, his lips close to her ear. “Baby, I’ll take a hand, a mouth, anything you are willing to—” “Am I disturbing anything important?” Gina’s new agent, Georgia Brown, sidled up to them. Short and bookish, she wore an ear-to-ear grin beneath a nose that was a little too long. “You’re not going to believe what just passed over my desk.” Gina twisted in Marc’s arms, leaving them wrapped around her waist. “What?” “A script for an historical film and, Gia, it was written for you. In fact, the producer called and the leading part is yours.” The woman’s excitement beamed across her face as the news tumbled out of her mouth. Before Gina could respond, Georgia continued. “But we’ll have to leave in a week. England. What do you say? Should I call the producer? Make travel arrangements? Are you coming along, Marc? Damn. I hope we can tie things up with your attorney and Mr. Temin before we leave.” After their small wedding two months ago at her parents’ house, Gina’s ex-agentslash-boyfriend finally realized that wooing her wasn’t an option. Like the parasite he was, he was using their contract to stay in her life. It had been Georgia who had showed them the loophole in their agreement. Doug would soon be history, as would Mary, who had moved back home to Cincinnati. Gina shook her head. “I have to pass.” As she glanced over her shoulder at Marc, he heard her disappointment. “Remember we’re taking a month-long honeymoon starting tomorrow.” “Sweetheart.” Marc gazed down into her crystal-blue eyes. “Spain is close to England. We could change the location and kill two birds with one stone.” “Really?” “Gina, I know when an opportunity presents itself you have to jump on it. I also know what your career means to you. And there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching you perform.” He gave her a hug and then let her go.
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“Wonderful,” Georgia beamed. “I’ll make all the arrangements. Oh. Oh. Oh.” Her eyes widened. “There’s more. Terry Livens wants a meeting with you.” Her eyes gleamed. “He wants to offer you the lead role in a series that he’s considering.” “That’s great, but—” When Gina paused, Marc and Georgia’s concerned expressions matched. “Well, I-I,” she stammered. “I was thinking about starting a family after we returned from our honeymoon.” There was an edge of vulnerability in her tone Marc found so endearing. Her gaze rose to meet his. “I mean, only if you want to too.” “Oh is that all?” Georgia heaved a breath of relief and swiped a palm through the air. “Honey, remember this is Hollywood. Everything is done with cameras, mirrors, lights and clothing. As long as you’re healthy and able to work, no one will know the difference. Even if you’re as big as a house. Which I’m sure you won’t be,” she quickly added. A family? Emotion caught in his throat. “You want to have a baby?” She nodded. Excitement welled inside him but he hesitated. “I thought you’d want to wait.” “No. I mean. We can wait if you want.” He laid a palm on her stomach. “I can’t wait until you carry my son or daughter.” Gina went on tiptoes and softly kissed Marc. “Let’s go.” After entering her dressing room and slipping out of her costume, Gia shimmied into a full-length evening gown that shimmered as if it were made of golden flecks. Holding up the hem, she slid her feet into a matching pair of stilettos. She glanced in the mirror, checking her long red hair and gave it a fluff with her hands before moving around the vintage tri-fold French dressing screen. As she scanned the dressing room, a nostalgic moment clenched her chest. This had been home away from home for some time, but now she had a real home with a husband and maybe soon a little boy who would be the image of his father or perhaps a redheaded girl who would have Gia’s eyes. She laid her palm on her flat abdomen and smiled at the thought of Marc’s child growing inside her. “You’re beautiful.” Marc eased up behind her, circling her waist with strong arms. She leaned back, soaking up his warmth. “Happy?” “Yes.” She would be even happier if they could skip the celebration party given in her honor and go home. He looked so handsome dressed in a black tuxedo and a white shirt that contrasted his suntanned skin deliciously. Marc’s dark hair was combed back, his eyelids heavy. His sexy expression made her heart stutter. How had she gotten so lucky? Warm breath washed across her neck and her flesh prickled. Firm but soft lips slid across her skin as his teeth nibbled and teased the sensitive area behind her ear. 142
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“I love you,” he murmured. Gia turned in his arms, their noses touching, their mouths a breath away. “I love you too.” Briefly he kissed her before giving her a squeeze. “Let’s get out of here. Get this party over so we can go home.” Grabbing her hand, he led her toward the door. As they stepped outside, her black limousine pulled up and Antares got out. The android tipped his head and then activated the doors, which sprang upward. Gia climbed in, adjusting the folds in her gown before Marc followed. “We need to call our families to let them know we’ve changed our plans.” “Can you take off work for several months?” Gia couldn’t bear the thought of an ocean between them. Even with faster-than-light travel being what it was, she couldn’t bear being away from him. He remained quiet for longer than was comfortable. “Marc?” “We’ll have this next month together, but I’ll need to return to the States to oversee the build of the Institute’s backorders.” She bit her bottom lip. “Maybe I shouldn’t take this job.” The door closed softly and the dark-eyed android slid behind the steering wheel. “Lexar Hotel?” “Yes. Please.” Conflicted, she dropped her gaze to her folded hands laying in her lap. Marc draped an arm around her shoulders. “You’ve already made a commitment. We’ll work through this. I can fly back and forth when time permits.” “Distance kills a relationship.” Gia didn’t need to tell him that. All he had to do was listen to Entertainment Daily, which provided the scoop on all celebrities’ lives. In fact, their wedding had been plastered across the sky waves. Las Vegas even provided two-to-one odds on how long their marriage would last. It was disheartening. “Not ours, sweetheart.” He kissed the top of her head. “I promise I’ll do whatever I can to minimize our separation.” Sighing, she snuggled into him, inhaling his clean scent spiced with a woodsy cologne. She couldn’t believe she was married to such an understanding man. Now if they could actually make it happen. They pulled up to the hotel entrance where a massive crowd had already gathered. Cameras flashed. Onlookers attempted to see into the dark tinted windows of their vehicle. Marc and Gia waited until the door opened. A familiar roar erupted, echoing in Gia’s chest, but this time she wouldn’t be walking alone. Marc got out, extended her his hand, and she smiled.
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As they strolled arm in arm down the red carpet, she leaned in to him and whispered, “I rented a hotel room—the honeymoon suite.” Then they entered the large ballroom and she was swept away by a group of admirers. Time passed and each time she attempted to make her way back to Marc someone else would sabotage her. The sultry come-hither expressions he gave her from across the room promised a night of passion, heating her body with anticipation. Patience had never been a virtue she possessed. Wetting her lips, she motioned with a jerk of her head toward the door. Marc winked his acknowledgement. Before anyone else could stop her, Gia slipped into the hallway. She didn’t have to wait long for Marc to join her. Like two errant children, hand in hand and laughing, they raced toward the elevators. Alone in the closed-in structure, she tipped her chin to receive Marc’s passionate kiss. Taking several steps, he pinned her against the cool steel and ravished her mouth. She was breathless when they reached the penthouse floor. As the door to their suite slid open, she kicked off her heels and faced Marc. Neither she nor Marc paid attention to the elegance of the room, the dimly lit chandelier or king-size bed that awaited them. They had eyes for only each other. Marc began to unravel his tie. “Remove your gown.” Reaching behind her, Gia activated the fastener and her zipper fell in a hush. The hunger in his steamy glare made her hand tremble. With a slight shrug, the silky material slid off her arms, baring already heavy breasts, then slinking past her hips and legs before pooling around her ankles. Naked. Marc’s jaw dropped in surprise. “You wore nothing beneath that gown?” Through lowered lashes, she gazed up at him. “Uh-huh.” A growl echoed from somewhere low in his throat. Feverishly he worked to remove his coat, tossing it to the floor. As his heavy footsteps closed the distance between them, he fumbled with his shirt. In a heartbeat, Gia found herself wrapped in his arms, his mouth plundering hers. He tasted of brandy and forever. When his tongue slid alongside hers, she sucked on it with long pulls. When Marc had removed all his clothes she had no idea, but in mere seconds the heat of his nude body was pressed into hers. His rigid erection bit into her belly. She made a small adjustment and felt his hardness against her moist pussy. “Thank you,” he whispered close to her ear. Rocking her hips back and forth, she savored the feel of him. “For what?” “Forgiving me.” Marc eased back so that their gazes met. “Why did you?”
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“You mean besides the fact that I love you?” She smoothed her palms up arms of steel until they were locked around his neck. “Honestly, I quite lost myself in your apology. Not to mention that kiss.” Her gaze fell to his lips. “It was hard to hate you after that.” Well, there was also the fact that she had been miserable without him those five weeks. “Now, husband, shut up and kiss me.” He did just that and so much more. With one thrust he joined them together and began to focus on making all Gia’s dreams come true.
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About the Author A taste of the erotic, a measure of daring and a hint of laughter describes Mackenzie McKade’s novels. She sizzles the pages with scorching sex, fantasy and deep emotion that will touch you and keep you immersed until the end. Whether writing contemporaries, futuristics or fantasies, this Arizona native thrives on giving you the ultimate erotic adventure. When not traveling through her vivid imagination, she’s spending time with three beautiful daughters, a devilishly handsome grandson, and the man of her dreams. She loves to write, enjoys reading, and boating and jet skiing top her list of summer activities. If mischief is in order—Mackenzie’s your gal! Mackenzie welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at
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Also by Mackenzie McKade A Tall, Dark Cowboy A Very Faery Christmas Dead Awakening Destiny’s Touch Echoes from Heaven Ecstasy 1: The Game Ecstasy 2: The Charade Forbidden Fruit Return to Wonderland 1: Lord Kir of Oz with Cheyenne McCray Return to Wonderland 2: Kalina’s Discovery with Cheyenne McCray Sand Angel
Print books by Mackenzie McKade A Tall, Dark Cowboy Ecstasy 1: The Game Ecstasy 2: The Charade Return to Wonderland 1: Lord Kir of Oz with Cheyenne McCray Return to Wonderland 2: Kalina’s Discovery with Cheyenne McCray Sand Angel White-Hot Holidays Volume 1 anthology Wicked Winter anthology
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
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