The Marriage Mistake

Chapter Nine

Sawyer belonged in Vegas. Carina tamped down on her nervousness while he prowled across his office like a large jungle cat. He shook her hand and invited her to sit down, as if deciding to play with his food before taking a bite. And, dear God, he looked like he could bite. Sex vibrated around him in waves, but there was something deeper that scared the crap out of her. He reminded her of the blond vampire from True Blood, with golden-boy looks and seething amber eyes to hypnotize any helpless female. His lush lips held a cruel curve, and his face was a mass of hard lines with sharp cheekbones and a wicked scar that curved from his brow down his cheek. The scar only added to the dangerous appeal. He wore his hair extra long, almost like her brother, but not long enough to be held back with a tie.

She’d done her homework and knew all the basics. The man boasted a long line of successful hotels he took over and pumped full of profit. Then something happened and he moved on to the next challenge. The Venetian was his current toy he took quite seriously, but the rumor mill hinted he planned to unveil a chain of luxury hotels throughout the country. He traveled to Italy frequently, and Max seemed to know him as more than a casual business partner.

She took a seat across from the sprawling teak desk and glanced around. His office was housed on the top floor of the Venetian. Ceiling-to-floor windows displayed the city in its glory, and reminded her more of a suite than a workplace, with matching teak furniture, bookcases, and a wet bar. Gorgeous artwork filled the walls, an intriguing mix of raw landscapes and erotica. She studied the lines of a couple naked but in shadow, wrapped around each other. The simple sensuality stirred something inside of her until she longed to study the picture. He caught her staring and a blush stained her cheeks.

“Do you enjoy art, Carina?”

“Very much. I paint myself.”

He settled in the leather chair behind his desk and studied her with a thoughtful air. “Interesting,” he murmured. “Professionally?”

“No, I put it aside so I could finish my MBA. I miss it, though.”

“You should never deny a part of your soul. Eventually it will wither and die, or fester inside until you cut it out.” His face shut down as if fighting an image from the past. “Life is too short for regrets.”

“Yes.” The odd conversation rattled her. Holy crap, was that a king-size bed in the attached room? And why was she suddenly thinking he didn’t only sleep there, but did other things?

“I have many contacts in the art world. If you ever think of holding a serious show, let me know. My dealer can spot talent immediately.”

She gave a quizzical look. “You’ve never even seen my work.”

“I have good instincts.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Carina crossed her legs. His gaze snagged on the expanse of naked flesh from her skirt and slowly worked its way up her body. The appreciation in his eyes seemed to honor the woman inside rather than objectifying her body.

His gravelly voice reminded her of morning-afters and lots of nakedness. “It’s a pleasure to have this time with you. My assistant said you wanted to talk about the deal. Is Max joining us?”

She swiped her palms down her skirt, dug deep, and took the leap. “No, Max doesn’t know I am here. I’d like you to keep this between us.”

He cocked his head. She caught her breath and wondered if he had the ability to see into her soul. “How interesting. I would usually decline, since you’re not heading the negotiations, but you’ve intrigued me. I can’t promise to keep anything from Max, though, if I disagree with your intentions.”

She nodded. “Of course. I wanted to let you know I’m leaving Vegas and I’m off the deal.”

A shadow flickered across his features. “Did you get fired?”

“No, Mr. Wells.”

“Sawyer.”

“Sawyer.”

He remained silent but she gave him no further information. After a few moments, a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. She congratulated herself on winning the minor skirmish. “Is that all you wish to tell me?”

“The figure I gave you was incorrect. Max already told me he’ll walk from the deal if you insist on keeping to my assumption. There’s just not enough profit margin to take the leap in Vegas, especially when we’ll be competing with your in-house catering.”

He studied her. A strange awareness trickled through her. Almost as if he catalogued her secrets and decided whether or not to challenge her. He steepled his fingers together. “Does Michael know?”

“Not yet.”

“I see. So you are removing yourself from the situation in order to save the deal.”

“Correct. You can’t use my mistake against Max or my brother.”

“Did you think I would threaten your brother? Use you as leverage for gaining more profit? Urge him to stick to the figure or fire you?”

She lifted her chin and refused to cower. “Of course. You’re a businessman. If I were you, I would have called Michael and told him if they don’t give you that figure there will be no deal. I’d say his sister screwed up and now had to make good.” She paused. “If you push him on that issue, though, I will quit.”

A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “You will go as far as that to save this deal?”

“Yes. And Mr. Wells—”

“Sawyer.”

“I don’t bluff.”

His lips twisted. “How intriguing. You have definitely complicated things.”

Relief coursed through her. Finally, she’d done something beneficial for the company. At least Max started with a clean slate, and her brother wouldn’t be put in an awkward situation. “I’m sure you will find an alternate plan. You seem to be extremely adaptable.”

“I will tell you this, Carina. Your mistake won’t hold up the negotiations moving forward.”

“Thank you.”

“Still, I think I’m owed something in this whole deal.”

“Excuse me?”

A smile played upon his lips. Her breath caught at the smoldering sensuality in his hooded gaze. “Be my date tonight.”

“What?”

“My date. Unless you and Max are an item?”

She shook her head a bit too hard. “No, Max and I aren’t together. Why do you want to see me?”

His tone held pure amusement. “You are a beautiful woman with guts. I’ll take you to dinner and then we’ll visit the club.”

Carina tried to figure out what the game was. He was extremely attractive but out of her league. Wasn’t he? She let out a snort. “Don’t think you can get me to spill more secrets.”

“You underestimate yourself. Seven?”

“I’m having an early dinner and seeing a show with Max.”

“Afterward, then. Ten.”

Again, he waited her out. The leashed sexuality beat from him in waves. Isn’t this exactly what she needed? A man who wanted her and wasn’t afraid to ask? Instead of sitting next to Max hearing Celine sing about unrequited love, she could be getting to know Mr. Blond, Tall, and Sexy . . . and perhaps making her future one-night stand a bit jealous?

He laughed and shook his head. “You are a delight. I haven’t had to work this hard to get a woman to agree to a cocktail in a while.”

“Drinks before dinner. In the bar. Six.”

“Done.”

She walked to her suite to shower and change for the evening, not sure how her biggest business mistake had scored her a hot date. She had one last night in Vegas before returning home and intended to make the most of it.

Screw Celine Dion.

Carina walked through the doors of the famous V bar and looked for her date. The sleek, sultry lines of the lounge fit her mood. Double-sided leather chaise lounges flowed through the bar, and crowds had already gathered to sip their popular martinis. Frosty glass walls encased the room in privacy. Perfect for a quick cocktail before her dinner with Max.

Immediately, she was led to the corner table where Sawyer stood to greet her. He favored black, and it was the perfect color for him. Lean and graceful, his hair hit his shoulders and framed the harsh features of his face. He held a dangerous aura about him that intrigued her.

She ordered a dirty martini and they engaged in small talk.

“How do you like Vegas so far?”

Carina motioned around her. “What’s not to like? I’ve been trapped in Bergamo my whole life, so this is like a gourmet meal after living on crackers.”

He smiled. “I’ve traveled to Milan many times and know your mother. I’ve always loved the tranquility of your home.”

“Bergamo is part of my soul. But I’ve lived with three older siblings who were overprotective, and it was hard to experience anything new and exciting. I’m enjoying my taste of freedom.”

“Freedom is a heady drink.” Those eyes gleamed with mischief. “Like the first hit of a fine wine. The taste is more explosive due to being contained for many years.”

She plucked an olive from her drink and slid it off the stick. His gaze followed her mouth in obvious interest. “You’re a poet, Sawyer Wells. Who would’ve thought? How do you know my mother?”

“We met years ago. She pulled me out of a delicate situation, and I promised her my loyalty.”

She lifted a brow. “Are you going to elaborate?”

“No.”

Carina grinned. “You must have read the handbook for women. We love a good mystery.”

“I thought you liked to fix us also. Save us from ourselves.”

“We do, but you rarely let us.”

A chill skated down her spine at the sudden flare of heat in his gaze. Oh, yeah, she was way out of her league. This man was a master of seduction and she belonged in training camp. Still, the heady banter and his sharp wit pulled her in, even as he scared the hell out of her.

“Are you going to tell Max about our date?”

The mention of his name yanked her back into reality. Her fingers clenched. “If he asks.”

Sawyer caught the motion and leaned in. The scent of woods and musk wrapped her in sensuality. “Tell me about your relationship with Max.”

“He’s my brother’s best friend. We grew up together and he followed Michael to New York to open La Dolce Maggie.”

“Childhood friends?”

“Yes. Why so many questions about Max?”

Sawyer studied her. “Has he claimed you?”

She sputtered on her next sip. “Excuse me?”

“Are you sleeping together?”

“No. But I’m not sure why it’s your business.”

“There is no question you should be afraid to ask, Carina. You’re not only beautiful, but intelligent. A dangerous combination. I want to make sure you’re free.”

His rich tone wrapped her in possibility. This man wanted her. Why wasn’t she swooning and inviting him to her room? Damn Max. Somehow, she was still stuck on her childhood crush, and it only pissed her off.

“I’m free. And I’m tired of talking about Max.”

He reached out and snagged her hand. A pleasant jolt vibrated through her, but nothing like the intense belly-dropping excitement when Max touched her. Not that she was thinking of Max.

“So am I. Though I may need to release you to let you keep your dinner date.”

She tilted her head and her hair slipped over one shoulder. “But not yet.”

A smile touched his lips. “No, not yet. What do you paint?”

“Portraits. Family members, babies, animals. I love looking beyond the surface of people and trying to capture something they never see. Reminds me of how my sister-in-law describes her photography.”

“I can’t paint a stick figure, but I can appreciate. I remember my first trip to Italy and getting drunk on the art. I was almost arrested at the Uffizi Gallery because I wouldn’t leave.”

“Yes, I’ve haunted the gallery my whole life. The first time I laid eyes on the Sistine Chapel I sobbed like a baby.”

“You never wanted to paint professionally?”

The longing washed over her, fierce and raw. The more she realized her future with La Dolce Maggie, the more her soul cried out for something different. Carina hesitated, not sure how much to share with him. “Yes, but I never believed in myself enough.”

Sawyer nodded. “I know how that feels.”

The silence between them throbbed with the lure of friendship and the possibility of more.

Carina smiled. “Now, tell me about the glamorous world of hotels.”

They talked for the next hour until it was time to meet Max for dinner. Sawyer clasped her hand within his. “Carina, I’d like you to join me afterward. I’ll show you the club and we can go dancing if you’d like.”

Carina hesitated. Her need for Max battled with the temptation before her. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

“I’ll be in Tao waiting for you. You decide.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek and left her.

Her past fantasies warred with her present.

Time to choose.

Carina made her way back to the lobby where Max waited for her. The look on his face when he spotted her set the tone for the evening.

His jaw dropped. His gaze took in her outfit, and his features tightened. “You can’t wear that,” he whispered in fury. “For God’s sake, Carina, that dress is, that dress is—”

“Hmm, a simple ‘you look nice’ would have been appropriate.”

The moment she spotted the Versace dress she’d gone nuts. An elegant crisscross of straps wrapped her breasts up in a wicked game of peekaboo, until the beholder had no idea what was fabric and what was flesh. The skirt nipped in at the waist, then fell to the floor in a series of jagged cuts, and the peachy color complemented her olive skin. A quick trip to the spa took care of her Brazilian wax, and even though she’d screamed, the pain had been well worth it. She left her hair down loose and wore only a thick gold cuff around her wrists, reminding her of a sexy slave girl.

His current speechlessness made the price so well worth it. Even better when she finally turned.

He hissed in a breath. The fabric in the back started at the curve of her buttocks. She’d begun the evening with a naughty game she intended to win. She tossed her next comment over her shoulder. “If you don’t like it, you can always take it off.”

He didn’t say a word.

The Canaletto restaurant was filled, but they were immediately ushered to a cozy table outside near St. Mark’s Square. The gorgeous cream colors and glowing lights gave an air of intimate elegance, and overlooked the Grand Canal where gondolas floated past and murmurs of low conversation drifted in the air. Feeling as if she was transported to Venice, Carina relaxed and ordered a glass of Montepulciano and enjoyed the earthy richness on her tongue. Anything was better than allowing it to loll out of her mouth like an idiot.

Why did he always have to look so . . . perfect? Where Sawyer was all raw sex and darkness, Max reminded her of a polished playboy, with an easy charm and elegance bred in his bones. His suit had been replaced with a dark blue silk shirt, casual slacks, and low-heeled leather boots. His Vacheron Constantin watch gleamed burnished silver around his wrist as he reached for his wine and took a deep swallow.

The plan was simple. Use her time over dinner to seduce him. Unfortunately, she realized he decided to play his own game: memory lane. “Remember the time you brought that guy home from school and Michael and I followed you to Sam’s Cafe?” He shook his head as if pretending to remember. “We hid in the bushes and when the dude leaned in to kiss you, Michael jumped out. Scared him so bad he left you there, so we had to take you home.”

The image still stung. The humiliation of having Michael stalk her with his sidekick seriously undermined her dating life. “And your point is?” she asked dryly.

“Sorry, just remembering how overprotective your brother is. That’s all.”

Point taken. By throwing her big brother into the conversation, it was a definite seduction killer. Also a direct reminder of the stakes involved. She needed to up her game. Carina took another sip of wine, licked her lips, and smiled. “I had a date with Sawyer this evening.”

He stared at her. The stunned expression on his face soothed her confidence. “What are you talking about? Sawyer asked you on a date?”

“Yes.”

He gritted his teeth in masculine temper. “When?”

“I went to see him in his office. I told him I was stepping out of the deal due to my mistake, and that the figure I gave was impossible.”

A vicious curse escaped his lips. “You were supposed to let me handle it.”

Carina lifted her chin. “If I make a mistake I fix it, Max. You should know that about me by now.”

He rubbed his forehead. “I do. I just wish you didn’t feel like you always have to take on the world by yourself in order to prove you’re worthy.”

The statement hit her full force. He did know her, more intimately than any other man. “Well, it’s done now. Sawyer agreed not to let my blunder affect the negotiations.”

“Did you feel you had to go out with him? Did he pressure you?”

“No. I wanted to.”

He jerked back. “Sawyer is out of your league, Carina. Stay away from him.”

He may have repeated her own thoughts but it still pissed her off. “You don’t know what league I play in any longer. How long have you been friends?”

“Long enough to know he’s not right for you.”

“Then who is?”

He practically brooded at the direct challenge, focusing his attention on his wine. She hoped for a bit of jealousy to throw him off, but once again, he backed off from a challenge by hiding behind a twisted sense of honor. “Let’s change the subject, shall we?”

“Sure. I got a Brazilian wax today.”

He choked on the piece of bread in his mouth. Eyes watering, he lowered his voice. “Are you kidding me? Don’t talk about stuff like that.”

The sweat beading his brow told her he was uncomfortable in other aspects. “Why not? If you insist on topics of conversation that portray me as a little girl, I guess I have to remind you I’m all grown up.” She winked. “Wanna see?”

A flush crept up his cheek. “No. And don’t let anyone else see, either.” He shifted in his chair. “You’re playing a screwed-up game with me and you’re not thinking of the consequences.”

“Let’s go over the options then, shall we?” She put up her hand and ticked off the items with each finger. “We’re both consenting adults. Attracted to each other. It’s only for one night. And we move on. What’s the problem I’m missing?”

The waiter set down matching plates of Chilean sea bass baked under a hard salty crust. The Yukon potatoes were chopped and served tableside, dripping with oil, garlic, and herbs. She speared a flaky piece of fish and moaned over the gorgeous texture and crisp skin. “Damn, this is good,” she said.

“I know. The polenta is cooked perfectly. Try it paired with the tomato.”

“Okay.”

They ate in reverent silence for a while, each lapsing into a food-induced coma of pleasure. Finally he roused himself and took up the conversation. “Let me tell you all the reasons we shouldn’t have an affair.”

“One-night stand.”

“Whatever. First, your brother trusts me to protect you and I would lose his loyalty. Second, our mothers know each other and they’d freak. Third, you technically work for me, and that could blur the lines between us in business.”

“Michael and our moms will never know. Our work relationship won’t be affected since I’ll be with another division. Why shouldn’t we indulge ourselves? Wouldn’t it be better if you were my first sexual experience rather than someone I don’t know?”

Anger spit in waves around him. “Don’t throw away your virginity for some society crap that tells women to seize the day. It should be special, with someone you love. Not used on a physical fling with no future. The answer is no. You can argue and cajole and tempt me all you want. I am not going to sleep with you or engage in a short affair that could ruin our whole foundation. I won’t risk it.”

Raw need burst from her belly and strangled her. It wasn’t going to work. Her one-night fantasy was just that—a fantasy. Deep down, she just wasn’t worth the risk to him. Another experience that told her she wasn’t the type of woman to drive a man so mad with desire he’d break the rules. Even half-naked and throwing her pride away. Dear God, even her seduction attempts were centered around a logical conversation of assets and liabilities for an affair. Humiliation burned. She craved to crawl into her bed, pull the covers up over her head, and cry. Just like she’d done so many times in her past when she realized Maximus Gray could never want her in the crazy way she did him.

The dream wafted away in a cloud of smoke, almost like a mirage. Max gazed at her with concern. The same damn look he always gave that could never satisfy or scratch the surface of her darkest fantasies.

Maybe someone else could.

An image of Sawyer flashed in her mind. A man interested in her like a woman, not a childhood friend. With him, she may be able to experience everything she craved. Maybe it was time to take the leap into the unknown. She was so tired of going to bed night after night alone. Lonely and unsatisfied at twenty-six years old. How sad was that?

Slowly, she blotted her lips with the napkin and forced a smile. “I guess your decision is made.”

“Trust me, this is best for all of us involved.”

She nodded. “Understood. There’s one thing you must promise me though.”

“What?”

Carina lifted her chin and met his gaze. “Let me go.”

He blinked. “I’m sorry I upset you, cara. Please don’t tell me I’ve lost your friendship. It means everything to me.”

She forced back the tears that burned her lids. “You’ll never lose me completely. In a way, I think I’ll always be a part of your life. But I can’t play this game anymore. I need to move on and make my own choices, on my own terms. Tonight, you made the decision to cut the ties between us. You lost your right to tell me who to sleep with.”

He gritted his teeth and leaned forward. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to disrespect yourself in order to get back at me.”

A humorless laugh escaped her lips. “Dio, how arrogant. And you have every right to think that, because I’ve given you so much power. But not anymore. I won’t sleep alone tonight. And that’s not because I’m disrespecting myself, you bastard. It’s because I’m finally claiming what I’ve wanted for a long time. A man who makes me explode with pleasure and can take me places I crave to go. A man to hold me and give me orgasms and share the night with. You gave up that right tonight.”

“Carina, don’t.”

She pushed her chair back and stood. “If you have any respect for me at all, you’ll leave me alone. I deserve that, Max.” Carina put her napkin down. “Thank you for dinner.”

“Wait.”

She paused. Seconds ticked by. The sounds of the busy restaurant flowed around them, the click of silverware and glasses, the ringing of laughter, the slide of the boats cutting through the water below. She waited as he seemed to struggle with his demons. A muscle in his jaw ticked.

A turning point hung between them. Her heart pounded and she waited for his final decision. His carved features twisted into a tortured expression and he opened his mouth. His words hung in the air like a cartoon balloon, blank until the artist sketched in the final ending.

His mouth closed. He gave a curt nod and she gazed at an unemotional stranger who made his decision.

“I won’t bother you again.”

Her throat tightened but she kept herself together. When she walked away, she refused to look back.

What had he done?

Max stared at the jumble of plates on the table and clutched at the edges of his sanity. He grabbed his wineglass, drained the rest of the liquid, and signaled for a refill. The evening turned into a disaster and he wasn’t even sure why a crazy panic pumped through his veins.

He’d made the right decision. Fuck, the only decision. There was no way he could take Carina to bed for one night, claim her virginity, and go back to business. Why couldn’t she understand that?

I’m not sleeping alone tonight.

Sawyer.

Her final words haunted him. Would she seek his friend out to prove a point? Was she attracted to him? What did she mean by “dark desires” or “fantasies”? His fists clenched in his lap as an array of images taunted him. Carina naked with another man. Carina moaning, head thrown back, biting down on that lush lower lip as some stranger pushed inside of her. Carina murmuring another man’s name.

He fought the rage and madness and reminded himself to calm down. First off, she talked a good game, but he doubted she’d go through with it. She’d probably flirt a bit, dance, maybe even kiss someone to satisfy her curiosity. All he needed to do was keep his distance and an eye on her. He wouldn’t interfere, and she’d never spot him.

When her experiment ended, they’d go back to New York and maybe things would calm down. She’d date some nice man who was worthy of her and didn’t have any hang-ups. Someone nice and younger and respectable. Not an older, jaded, screwed-up male who had commitment issues like him. Being with her in any capacity was a guaranteed disaster. He’d hurt her and would never be able to stand himself. He’d lose Michael’s friendship, respect, and his career.

A one-night stand just wasn’t worth it. Not even with a woman who soothed his soul and made him crave to be a better man.