Breaking His Rules Page 15

  “Yes, sir,” I said with a beaming smile. We were going to get along fine.

  He rolled his eyes and headed toward his customer while crying over his shoulder, “Sir makes me sound like an old man. Call me Brad.”

  I didn’t have a chance to call him anything, because the crowd packed into the place like sardines shortly before happy hour started. It had been a while since I’d worked in a restaurant atmosphere and I found it refreshing—learning the menu—exchanging quick stories with the other waiters and waitress as they dropped off our food orders or picked up their drink orders.

  I checked my phone in fifteen minute intervals surreptitiously beneath the counter, but Damon wasn’t responding to my text. Shoving the phone in my pocket, I ran a hand through my hair and blew out a slow breath. He must be busy. That was it. My neck ached with tension and I rubbed it absently for a minute.

  “Hey,” Brad said, bumping me on the shoulder. “You okay?”

  I nodded and checked the next incoming order before grabbing a beer mug and pouring a draft. My gaze followed the flow of the amber liquid as it slid down the glass and a rich foam formed on top.

  “Damon was lit last night and let a few things slip to his favorite bartender,” Brad said, leaning in closer. “He’s always been my favorite patron, you know. But don’t ever tell him that. Anyway.” He took the mug from my hand and smiled. “I’ve got this one. You go take care of our special guest at the end of the bar. Let me warn you though—he has a big ego—you know, from all the ladies swooning over that voice of his. Promise me you’ll hold it together.”

  My head snapped up and Brad blocked my view of the seats reserved for those rare souls who possessed enough balls to take on Sydney in dueling pianos.

  “Be cool,” he whispered.

  My stomach was a riot of mixed emotions. Excitement. Fear. Love. How was I supposed to be cool when I had no idea where Damon’s head was right now? He hadn’t responded to my text. But he was here. Asking for me.

  “Okay,” I said, licking my lips. “I’ve got this.”

  CHAPTER 16

  Beguiled

  Brad stepped aside and Damon’s perfect face came into view.

  He unbuttoned his black suit coat and lifted a questioning brow, silently beckoning me. His eyes bored into mine and I was drawn like a moth to the flame by his hypnotic dark blue eyes. So vibrant and full of mischief. Tingles vibrated along my skin from his carnal stare. This man knew what he wanted. And so did I. This scene had played out once before between us at Midnight Blue, but I was determined to do it right this time.

  My knees grew weaker with every step that brought me closer to the man I wanted to spend forever with. Drawing courage from the sparkle in his eyes, I grabbed a menu and came to a stop directly in front of him.

  “See anything you want?” I asked with a knowing smile as I slid the menu in front of him.

  He ignored it, never allowing his gaze to stray from mine so there was no mistaking the meaning of his words. “Most definitely. Grey Goose martini. Dirty.”

  His voice was as smooth and rich as aged brandy. It rippled over my body, sending delectable shivers across my skin. Again. Only better than the first time because now I knew exactly how dirty he liked to get.

  My lips twitched and I gave him a once-over. “That’s the best way.”

  Reaching underneath the counter, I grabbed the necessary utensils and then collected everything I would need to create the perfect dirty martini. Before long, I had the olives pitted and gnashed thoroughly in a tumbler.

  His smile was radiant as he leaned in and said, “You’re new.”

  “Yes, sir.” After pouring the gin, vermouth, and olive brine over plenty of ice, I stirred the contents in the jar before fine straining the mixture into a martini glass. One blue cheese stuffed olive as garnish and his drink was served. “Taste that. I’ve been trained by the best, you know.”

  Folding my arms, I stood back to assess his reaction. He lifted the glass to his full lips and sipped, letting the liquid fill his mouth and wash over his tongue.

  “That’s a damned good martini,” he said with a wink. He crooked his finger and I leaned over the bar, gazing into his loving eyes. “What time do you get off tonight? I’d like to take you to my place and make love all night long.”

  I threw back my head and laughed, basking in the warmth of the moment. Damon stood so abruptly his stool tipped over. He ignored it and slipped behind the bar to tug me into his arms. His mouth slammed down on mine and it took a full minute before it registered that the entire bar had exploded in whoops and hollers.

  “You had me shaking in my boots for a while,” I said, resting my forehead against his. “Does this mean you still want me, too?”

  “More than the air I breathe, angel.”

  His lips brushed over mine and he gazed at me with such adoration, I thought I might burst.

  “Hold that look!” He cradled my cheek and grinned. “Right now, I have a duel to win.”

  The rest of the night flew by as I listened to the best entertainment Chicago had to offer while serving up drink after drink. Damon nailed the trifecta and I cheered along with the crowd as he took his bow.

  “Stop drooling, woman!” Brad elbowed my rib and tossed me a look of utter disgust. “You promised to hold it together, yet here you are, swooning with the rest of the ladies.”

  I giggled and leaned my head against his shoulder. “Couldn’t help it. It’s that smooth baritone. Does it to me every time.”

  Brad scoffed and folded his arms over his chest. “Get out of here before you make me puke. I can handle the bar myself for the rest of the night.”

  “You’re sure?” My gaze strayed to Damon and back to Brad.

  “I’m sure,” he said as he pushed me toward the end of the bar where Damon stood waiting for me.

  Damon grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd, graciously accepting congratulations and pats on the shoulder as we passed by. Sydney stopped us at the door to pull me into a brief hug.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  I smiled and laughed out loud as Damon swept me into his arms. Stefan waited at the curb and shut the car door firmly behind us after we were settled in.

  Crawling onto Damon’s lap, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on tight. His musky scent enveloped me in a sweet embrace and I melted into him. He rubbed my back without saying a word. We sat holding each other for some time before I lifted my head and ran my fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes and purred.

  “Brandy would be jealous of the way I’m petting you,” I said, nuzzling his lips. “That was quite a purr.”

  A husky chuckle rumbled in his chest as his lips grazed over mine. “I seem to recall you giving Brandy a run for her money. Should I make you purr again tonight?”

  “By all means.” I rubbed against him provocatively. His cock twitched to life and he groaned. “I missed you so much, Damon. No more secrets between us. Okay?”

  He licked his lips and pushed his groin into mine. “No more secrets.”

  “Good, because I want you to tell me about your agreement with Giovanni.”

  He chewed his bottom lip and glanced away, making my heart flutter with fear. What had he agreed to that was so bad he couldn’t even look me in the eyes? Damon was rich and I couldn’t imagine him batting an eye about writing out a check. So there must’ve been more than money at stake.

  “Damon, what’s wrong?” I captured his chin and turned his gaze back to mine. “Giovanni called me and promised to leave me and my family alone. I’m not naïve enough to think he did it out of the goodness of his heart. And I’m guessing it was done at great cost to you. I need to know what you did to make him back off. Maybe now that my father is out from under Giovanni’s thumb, I can ask him to repay you.”

  “Stop worrying about it,” he said, lacing his hands through mine. “It’s all good. I didn’t come to an agreement with Giovanni with an expectation that you or your fa
mily would someday repay me. You’re finally free of him. That’s all that matters.”

  I brought his hands to my cheek. “What did it cost you?”

  Holding my breath, I nestled against his hand and waited for his response. Torturous seconds ticked by. My mind was a blank slate. I simply couldn’t fathom what Giovanni would want from Damon in exchange for leaving me alone. Did he need Damon to find an investor for his latest venture? Or perhaps he wanted Damon to switch liquor suppliers?

  “Midnight Blue.”

  My head jerked back and I shook my head, crying out. “No!” Tears flooded my eyes and his face swam before me. It couldn’t be true. “No, Damon, no. Please, not that. It isn’t worth it. Please, don’t do it. I can deal with Giovanni.”

  He wiped away my tears with his thumbs and brushed his lips over mine. “Shhhh…it’s already done and I have no regrets. Developing another nightclub is simple.” His eyes held mine and the corner of his mouth turned up. “But you’re irreplaceable.”

  His words were meant to soothe me, but he had breathed life into that nightclub. And his pride in being the owner lit up his face whenever he worked the floors, mingling with his guests. It must’ve been painful for him to sell it. And he’d done it without any guarantee that we would find each other again. He chose me over everything. A lump grew at the base of my throat. Cradled in his loving arms, I cried enough tears for both of us.

  “I’m so ashamed of myself. How could I have ever compared you to Giovanni or my father?” A shudder ran through me and Damon tightened his hold. “You’re generous, unselfish, loving.”

  He kissed my head and rubbed his face against my hair. “Feel free to keep going.”

  I slapped him on the shoulder and gazed up at him with a smirk tugging at my lips. “And you’re all mine.”

  “Amen to that!” His eyes glistened in the dim light of the moon shining through the windows. The car slid to a smooth stop and he grinned.

  “Are you going to take me upstairs and fuck me now?” he asked.

  “Oh, that mouth of yours.” My grin widened as I unlocked the doors. “All night long, baby.”

  EPILOGUE

  About Three Years Later

  As the last note of “Let It Go” faded into the empty room, a sharp kick pummeled my ribs and I grunted. Damon stretched out a hand and rubbed it over my belly as he waited for another kick. When it came a second later, his eyes widened in wonder and he leaned down to kiss my mouth.

  “She loves music,” he said with a devilish grin. “A girl after her daddy’s heart. Should I play it again?”

  I snorted and pressed his hand tighter against my belly so he could feel the way our baby’s foot pushed from one side of my stomach to the other as she switched positions. The sensation was so unique and beautiful that it left me speechless.

  “It could be a boy, you know,” Mason said, striding into the room. He leaned over and kissed my cheek before shaking hands with Damon.

  “Gosh, I hope not,” I said with a mischievous grin. “He’ll never live down the name Mary Ann. We promised Damon’s mother to name our first child after her and I intend to keep that promise.”

  Mason blanched and I laughed so hard I was sure I wet my panties.

  Damon chuckled and rubbed my knee lovingly. “First female child. If it’s a boy then we’ll have to try again. Can’t say I’d be too disappointed about that.”

  “Enough!” Mason growled. “That’s my sister. I’m sorry I brought it up. Anyway, dad’s on his way and I saw Sydney and the crew in the parking lot. I’m sure they’ll storm through here any minute.” He took a deep breath and sighed. “It smells amazing and I haven’t eaten all day. Cook went all out for our celebration.”

  There was no time to reply because my niece and nephew raced into the dining room and launched themselves at Uncle Damon as Sydney and her husband, Jack, brought up the rear with my father in tow.

  It had taken the better part of a year before I could truly forgive my father for the heartache of his betrayal with Giovanni, and it likely would’ve taken even longer if Damon hadn’t prodded me along. His mother’s death was a sad reminder of how precious little time we have on earth to enjoy time with our loved ones. My father was trying hard to make up for lost time. And I wanted my baby to know and love her grandfather.

  The quiet room was suddenly filled with giggles, shouts, and conversation. Damon caught my eye and winked as he tickled his niece under her arms. I grinned shamelessly back at my husband, full of the knowledge that I was loved. The baby kicked again as if to say she wanted to participate in the goings on. I smiled and held back the tears glistening in my eyes. There was a lot to celebrate. We were all under the cozy roof of Let It Rayne to commemorate Mary Ann Baxter and share in the joy of being one big family.

  It filled me with a sense of peace to know she got her final wish. In a surprising gesture of love, my father signed over the deed of the restaurant to Mary Ann and she spent many happy hours restoring the menu to its former glory. But she kept the name and made us promise to meet once per year on the anniversary of her passing to celebrate the beauty of life and love.

  And that was what we did, returning to New York each year on this day to join together with my family and Damon’s. Our life was still in Chicago where we were busy putting the final touches on a new business venture—already proclaimed by the media to be the new hotspot in downtown Chicago—The Grey Goose.

  The End

  APPENDIX

  Midnight Blue – Rules We Live By – Non-Negotiable

  Rule #1: Don’t sleep with the patrons. Smiling and flirting is encouraged to enhance the customer experience. But check your libido at the door. Offenders will be terminated immediately. No exceptions.

  Rule #2: No dating or intercourse with coworkers. Relationships between coworkers invites drama. We don’t do drama here.

  Rule #3: Dress to impress. High heels for ladies and dress shoes for men.

  Rule #4: Thou shalt use a jigger so as not to waste the house liquor.

  Rule #5: Do unto others as you’d have done unto you. Leave the bar the way you’d like to find it. Clean. Organized. Stocked.

  Rule #6: Place used uniforms in the bin for cleaning by the house. Do not wear your own clothing. Do not take uniforms home. Under any circumstances.

  Rule #7: If you see an empty glass, pick it up. Always. Regardless of whether or not you served it.

  Rule #8: Leave your baggage at home. While at Midnight Blue you will smile and interact pleasantly with all customers, at all times. No exceptions.

  Rule #9: No rings of any kind, unless they are in your ears (one set only). Your heart may not be free, but that can be our secret. Let the patrons dream a little.

  Rule #10: If you have a tattoo, good for you. Not good for business. Keep them hidden at all times.

  Rule #11: Women will wear attractive makeup at all times. No raccoon eyes. No electric blue eye shadow. Men will not wear makeup, no matter how attractive you think it looks. You get the point.

  Rule #12: No obnoxious hair colors or hair styles. If you’re into pink hair or Mohawks, they’re accepting applications down the street at Mickey’s Madhouse. Live and prosper. There.

  Rule #13: Employees report to their stations one hour prior to opening to complete the items on the pre-opening checklist. You’re done early? Do it again. Employees also must complete the closing checklist prior to evacuating their area. You’re receiving a paycheck. Just do it.

  Rule #14: Spouses or significant others may not visit with you during working hours. You’re here to work, not play house. Violating this rule will result in immediate termination. No exceptions.

  Rule #15: Honored guests will be treated with the utmost respect and catered to at all costs. Disrespecting an honored guest will result in immediate termination. No exceptions.

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  About the Author

  R.C. Matthews is the author of contemporary romances featuring bold, sassy heroines and magnetic alpha heroes. Warning! The chemistry between her characters is off the charts hot, so read at your own risk. She resides in the Midwest and is surrounded by men: her husband and three sons. During her free time you’ll find her watching The Walking Dead, reading a fabulous book or hanging out with her family.

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