Flawless - Manhattan Knights Series Book One Read online

  We follow Jason toward the bar where there are a few guys chatting and laughing, with their backs to us. He gives the tallest of the men a friendly nudge. The butterflies are back, alerting me to the familiar dark hair and lean body I was not expecting to see tonight.

  Seconds later, my eyes are fixed on the ice-blue that’s been haunting my dreams all week. He breaks my gaze - heat rising in my body as I watch his eyes devour me, lingering for a long moment on my legs. When his eyes finally meet mine, I’m practically panting. The sound of Jason's voice distracts me.

  “This is my friend and investor, Alexander Rhodes. You’ve probably heard of Rhodes Industries? That’s this charmer, these are a few of his partners in crime, Carter and Logan. Logan and I go way back.”

  It’s like an Adonis Anonymous meeting in here. These guys are completely stunning, and all in different ways. I’m probably biased, but Xander is definitely King Adonis. While checking out the handsome buffet in front of me, I don’t even register Jason telling me what they all do for a living. When I look back to Xander, his fists are clenched at his sides and the look in his eyes is glacial.

  “Miss Tate, how nice to see you again,” his tone cold.

  At this point it becomes obvious to the entire group that we know each other. I anticipate having to explain my embarrassing moment earlier in the week, but he wraps his arm around my waist and asks to speak to me privately for a moment. As we walk down a hallway toward the kitchen he tightens his hold, stopping only when we’re far from the crowds. He presses me up against the wall. Every nerve ending in my body burns with his proximity.

  “Did you like what you saw back there?”

  “What do you mean?” I whisper, confused.

  “My friends, Miss Tate. I saw the way you were looking at them. Do you want me to put in a good word for you?” His voice is cold and unforgiving.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I don’t appreciate lying… and I don’t share.” That riles me - I am not a liar.

  “If you must know, Mr. Rhodes - I did notice that your friends are good looking, because I’m not dead. And if you didn’t have such a huge ego, I would tell you that I was also thinking that none of them even come close to how handsome you are. More importantly - I am not your possession to share or keep to yourself.” I pause for a moment to catch my breath. He doesn’t respond. “What’s wrong, Mr. Rhodes, cat got your tongue?”

  He’s staring at me, the beginnings of a smirk lifting the corners of his delicious looking lips. “Far from it. I’m just thinking about your naughty little tongue, and how nice it’s going to taste, and the things you’re going to do with it.”

  He’s so incredibly close, everything inside me is screaming, begging for him to kiss me. The smell of him invades my senses, the look in his eyes making me weak at the knees. He reads my mind.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Miss Tate, but not here. The first time I kiss you is not going to be in a room full of people.” He laces his fingers with mine and pulls me back into the restaurant. This guy is so damn full of himself, and I don’t know why, but it’s sexy as hell.

  When we return to our friends, they clearly notice us holding hands, but no one mentions it. Xander is obviously not a man to be messed with. Addi is busy flirting outrageously with his friends, but stops long enough to give me a sly wink and a smile. She approves. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad!

  The rest of the evening is spent chatting and laughing. Xander and I don’t talk much, but he ensures I’m by his side, in constant contact. Every now and then he leans in, so that only I can hear, and compliments me:

  “That dress should be illegal.”

  “Your legs are killing me right now.”

  “I can’t wait to run my hands through your gorgeous hair while I kiss those sumptuous lips of yours.”

  Every word he whispers has a direct line to ‘little Lil.’ My body hums, a delicious ache building in my stomach and between my thighs, in anticipation of our first kiss.

  By the end of the night, Addi is pretty cozy with Xander’s friend Carter. He’s hanging on her every word and she’s just being herself – gorgeous, sexy, and irresistible. Xander offers to drive them home but Carter says he’ll make sure she gets home safely. I take her aside and give her my usual safe-sex lecture, but she just kisses my cheek and tells me not to wait up.

  After thanking Jason for inviting us, and saying our goodbyes, Xander places his hand on the small of my back, leading me out to a waiting town car. I recognize his driver David from the other night, giving him a small smile as he opens the door for me.

  “So nice to see you again, Miss Tate.”

  “Thank you, David.”

  I slide into the plush backseat, making sure not to show more than I should in this short dress. Once I’m settled, Xander climbs in next to me, leaving no space between us; his thigh brushing against mine, sending jolts of pleasure pulsing through me. Oh my God, if I ever actually kiss this man, I might explode with sensory overload. In saying that – there are worse ways to go! He cuts short my daydream, asking how I know Jason.

  “We go way back, I’ve known him since school. Addi’s known him her whole life. I moved to New York when I was sixteen and she took me under her wing; her friends became my friends, and the rest is history.” I’ve inadvertently opened a door I didn’t mean to.

  “Why did you move to New York?”

  “My dad died when I was fifteen. We lived on a ranch and my mom couldn’t manage it without him, so she sold up and we moved to be closer to my grandparents.” He interlaces our fingers once again.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Lily. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a parent. Even at the age I am now, I know I’d be devastated. It must have been awful for you at that age. What happened?” Tears well in my eyes, and I’m powerless to stop them.

  “I can’t… I…”

  He pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me.

  “It’s ok, Lily. You don’t have to tell me. When you’re ready, I’ll be here if you want to talk.” The last time I felt content in someone’s arms, it was my father’s, and that realization scares me. I never really recovered from his loss, and the thought of letting another man give love and that sense of security is something I avoid. I don’t think I would survive that kind of loss twice in one lifetime.

  I try to pull away, to put some distance between us, but he won’t let me. He just holds me close, understanding my need for quiet. I know I have to stop whatever this is between us before I get hurt, but for tonight, I just want to enjoy the bubble we’re in, where nothing else matters and I feel more relaxed than I have in years.

  When we pull up outside my apartment, our bubble is burst. I crawl out of his lap and grasp the door handle.

  “Allow me.”

  He walks round to my door to help me, so graceful and at ease with his own body. He definitely works out… a lot. He’s ripped in all the right places. Noticing every delicious inch of him isn’t exactly helping with the ‘distance myself plan.’

  He insists on accompanying me to the entrance of my building and when we reach the vast glass doors, he reminds me he’ll be picking me up at 10 a.m. for our date. I’m surprised.

  “I didn’t think you’d want to go out tomorrow because we saw each other tonight - especially after my outburst in the car. Not the best impression to make on a guy.”

  He lifts my hand to his lips, gives me the lightest kiss. My heart just skipped a beat. His lips feel amazing on my skin; so soft, but firm.

  “Of course I want to see you, can’t you see how captivated I am by you?”

  He’s so intense, and it’s hot as hell, but we’ve only known each other for a few days, and have only been in each other’s company for a matter of hours. I don’t understand what this GQ model, businessman wants from me. He can have anyone he wants.

  “You already agreed to spend the day with me, Miss Tate, and I’m holding you to it.
I’ll be here at ten.”

  He kisses my hand one last time, lingering for a moment, as if he’s breathing me in before he leaves. I feel lonely all of a sudden. How can you miss the presence of someone you hardly know? I feel like part of me just left the building with him, and a chilling unease settles in the pit of my stomach. Having strong feelings for someone as unobtainable as Xander Rhodes, will only end badly for me.

  I resolve to tell him after our date tomorrow that it would be wise if we don't spend any more time together. It's for the best, but as I drift into a fitful sleep, I dream of ice-blue eyes, warm embraces, and a contentment beyond compare.

  I need to get ready for my date with Xander and I have no idea where he’s planning to take me, so I send him a quick text.

  Me: Dress code for today? Where are we going?

  Mr. P: Anything you wear will be perfect. Casual is fine. I’m not telling, it’s a surprise. Xander x

  I can do casual. My hair still looks good from last night. I just need a quick shower, minimal makeup, and some jeans that make my ass look good.

  I’m chewing over the various conversations from last night when I remember Jason assuming that I’ve heard of Rhodes Industries. I guess the company Xander works for must be a family business. So, like every self-respecting woman my age, I decide to do a quick Google search on my date for the day.

  Holy. Frigging. Shit.

  Xander doesn’t work for Rhodes Industries - he OWNS it. I am way out of my league here. As I read on, it becomes apparent that he’s a savant with more money than God. Rhodes Industries owns what seems like half the commercial real estate in Manhattan. Not only does he make a fortune leasing premises, he also invests in a number of companies, helping transform them into something bigger than they ever would have been on their own.

  It’s a staggering achievement for anyone, especially someone so young. I’m not sure how old he is, but I would guess late twenties. Thoroughly intimidated by his business achievements, I slam my laptop shut, afraid to look any further.

  The phone rings and I glance at my watch - 10 a.m. to the second. The doorman informs me that Xander has arrived. I tell him to send him up, and unlock the front door before grabbing my jacket from the closet and heading back to the living room.

  My breath just evaporates.

  He’s standing in the doorway of my apartment, leaning his broad shoulders against the wall, with his toned arms crossed over his chest. I drink him in.

  He’s wearing a white T-shirt that highlights his muscular arms and abs to perfection. There’s not a morsel of fat on him. Over that is an open tailored black shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, sinewy forearms. I don’t know how he does it, but even arms are sexy. The way he’s leaning against the door makes his T-shirt lift ever so slightly, revealing a hint of that mouth-watering V muscle heading down into the low waistband of his jeans. Oh. Fuck. That’s hot. He has on black fitted jeans and charcoal grey biker style boots with the laces loose. This is not the businessman I met this week; he’s more reminiscent of a bad boy model, giving me a panty-melting smile.

  “You look beautiful today. Are you ready to go, or are you going to stand there with a sexy as hell look on your face that says you’re going to rip my clothes off any second?” I can’t answer. I’m gob-smacked by how amazing he looks, and as soon as he says those words, I’m picturing stripping him and seeing every… last… inch.

  “Miss Tate, I will not be responsible for my actions if you keep looking at me like that. I’m trying to be a gentleman here, so please, get your sweet ass over here and let’s go before I lose the small amount of control I am currently exercising.”

  I grab my keys, my cheeks flushed with a little embarrassment and a lot of arousal. As I brush past him, he gently takes my hand and leads me to the elevator. His large, warm hand fits perfectly with mine.

  When we step outside into the bright New York sunshine, I spy a familiar face walking toward us.

  “Addison Warner. Doing the walk of shame.”

  She gives me the biggest grin and bites her bottom lip. “Who said I’m ashamed. I had a fabulous night. Tell Carter I said ‘Hi’ when you see him.”

  Xander smirks. “I will pass along your regards.” His voice lowers. “Thanks again for helping me out yesterday.”

  She smiles. “No problem, Casanova.” Raising her eyebrows, she stares him down. “Just remember you owe me, and remember what I told you about my girl here.”

  With a massive hug, she tells me to have a great time and cut loose for a change, then disappears into our building.

  As I turn my attention back to Xander, I notice the most expensive looking car I’ve ever seen - double-parked right outside the doors to my building. Of course he doesn’t abide by the rules the rest of us do! “Really… a sports car. Could you be anymore cliché?” Shit, shit, shit. I need to control my brain to mouth filter. I can’t believe I just said that out loud.

  He lets out a belly laugh. “Don’t hold back. Say what you really think.” Shit. “You are right, though. This is a Ferrari 458 Italia. The word cliché was invented for this car, but I just can’t bring myself to care. I fucking love it. I wanted a Ferrari when I was two years old. It’s the first thing I bought when I made my first big deal. Just wait until you take a drive with me, you’ll understand when you feel the engine purring beneath you.”

  How can a car make me horny? There is most definitely something wrong with me. He opens the passenger door and the moment I sink into the leather seat, I have a bit of a crush myself. He slides into the car with the elegance of a dancer. It’s a joy to watch.

  He starts the engine and I swear it sends a jolt straight to my lady bits. He has a massive grin on his face, like a little boy at Christmas.

  “See, I told you.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “Touché.”

  I sit back, enjoy the ride, the company, and the sense of ease I feel when with him. I ask a few times where we’re going, but he isn’t going to give it up that easily. I’m surprised by how natural it feels to be alone with him. I’m usually nervous on first dates, but something about Xander and the way he seems genuinely interested in everything I have to say makes him so easy to talk to.

  I realize while we're talking that we’re dressed in similar outfits. Black jeans and a white T-shirt. We match. When I point it out, he moves his hand from the steering wheel onto my thigh.

  “I like it. Everyone will know that we’re together.”

  I can’t think straight when he’s touching me, and he makes no attempt to move his hand back to the wheel. We drive for a while in silence, make a snack stop, (I’m surprised he lets me eat in this car) and start chatting back and forth again until we arrive in the Hamptons.

  “Do you have a house here? Is that your devious plan, to lock me away in your beach house?”

  He gives me a wonderfully wicked grin.

  “As tempting as that sounds, I have other plans for you today. I know I’m a walking cliché, so you’ll be surprised to find out that I do not, in fact, own a property here. My friend Carter that you met last night has a nice beachfront property and kindly gave me the keys for the weekend.” Weekend? What the Hell? Sweat forms on my brow at the prospect.

  “I thought we were only here for the day?” My heart threatens to burst straight out of my chest, it’s beating so fast.

  “We are. Don’t worry. I said he gave me the keys for the weekend, not that we had to stay for the weekend. Although... I could be persuaded if you ask nicely.” He has a sinfully sexy, cocky grin. Oh. My. God. I am not equipped for this. I’m a virgin for crying out loud. Starting to panic slightly, I divert my attention to our surroundings and try to clear my head.

  Not long after my almost panic attack, we pull up in front of a gorgeous house, right on the beach, with a wrap-around porch and windows everywhere to take advantage of the view.

  It’s a picture-perfect dream house.

  Xander switches off the engine and jumps out o
f the car to come and open my door, taking my hand to help me out. He laces his fingers with mine and leads me past the house, down to the beach. I’m speechless when I see what’s waiting for us.

  There’s a beautiful white tent, like a mini marquee on the sand; a table set for two with the same arrangement of roses he sent me. It’s absolutely stunning. There’s a waiter ready with a bottle of champagne on ice, waiting to serve us lunch.

  “Xander, this is… oh my God… I’m lost for words.”

  He pulls me toward the table and holds out my chair. I hear him asking the waiter if everything has been arranged as requested, and he’s assured that everything will be to his liking. I figure he’s talking about lunch and don’t give it a second thought.

  The food is delicious - seafood chowder with freshly baked bread and a wonderful, fruity champagne. The view is beyond amazing and the conversation flows easily. Dessert is my favorite, vanilla cheesecake, washed down with another glass of champagne. The bubbles are starting to go to my head. I make a mental note to keep the drinking under control; I need to keep my wits about me.

  “How did you know that vanilla cheesecake is my favorite?”

  “I have my ways.” He raises his eyebrows, a wicked grin touching the corners of his mouth.

  “What else do you know about me?”

  “Definitely not enough, I want to know everything.” Wow.

  “You don’t want to unleash the crazy, mister. There’s no putting it back in!” The sexy look he’s giving me right now is really turning me on.

  “Trust me when I say this, Lily, I will take anything you want to unleash on me. I welcome it, actually.” I’m nervous and excited as butterflies take flight in my stomach.

  How can he make anything sound dirty, and hot?

  “Would you like to take a walk along the beach with me? We can stretch our legs and walk off lunch”

  “I’d like that.” I can’t take my eyes off him.

  He stands from the table, holding out his hand. As I take it, the now familiar buzzing returns and I relish the touch of his skin against mine. We leave our shoes behind and walk along the waterfront, taking in the view, listening to the waves. Xander points out some of the nice restaurants and tells me some funny stories about his antics with Carter when they’ve spent time here together. It’s lovely to hear him talking about his friends, and he doesn’t seem so intimidating - not so much the business mogul - just a beautiful man, young, and fun to be around.