Leah's Seduction: 2 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) (2 page)

Chapter 3

Flights out of Chicago were delayed due to weather, and Gianni’s private jet hadn’t landed in New York until after eleven at night. The short trip had been fruitful, so was worth the inconvenience. He hadn’t made up a story to tell Leah, and had just said he had business to take care of.

Fortunately, she didn’t press for details, content with the fact that he had a business to run and couldn’t be expected to tell her everything. There were few who knew much about the inner workings of the GR Showroom empire. And none but Gianni knew everything.

It was better that way. Safer. A few times early in his career, Gianni had trusted when he shouldn’t have. But he had learned quickly. Now his security was tighter, and that had paid off. He had some promising ventures developing, and he didn’t want his competition to have any advance notice.

He had been busy and working late. Leah didn’t know he was back, as he hadn’t taken the time to text her. Not that he couldn’t have found a few minutes to do so. But he thought it better for her to have some time away.

They’d be together soon enough, and continual contact might have encouraged her in a direction he preferred to avoid. The arrangement they’d agreed on was working. And although Gianni had missed her, and would have liked to talk to her, he didn’t.

After a late night, he rose early and took time to go to the gym. He had a lot waiting for him at work, but he needed to blow off some steam. And it was a requirement to stay fit. Dealing with business pressures would be impossible were it not for his fitness, both mental and physical.

Gianni kept control in his life. He liked it that way. Lifting weights and honing his body was in keeping with that. Others in the business might let themselves go, but that wasn’t smart. His health was important. And he worked to perfect his muscular form, just as he strove to excel in business.

Since he hadn’t known when he’d return to New York, his cook wasn’t scheduled until later in the day. So Gianni had his driver stop at one of the neighborhood restaurants for breakfast, just off Park Avenue. He had an omelet with orange juice, then got coffee to go.

On the way to the showroom, Gianni sipped his hot coffee and reviewed some notes. He had a meeting scheduled with his operations manager that morning. It should be productive. There were a lot of new plans to go over, which could lead to increased sales.

Joshua Miller was waiting when he arrived. His manager had been with him since the beginning, and Gianni valued his input. When he entered, Joshua ended the call he was on to give his full attention to his boss. He straightened his jacket and sat back in the chair.

Gianni looked at his sharply dressed employee. Joshua tended to wear suits even when they weren’t called for. But he made even the tailored wear look trendy. They fit his lean form, and he accented the outfit with an ever-changing array of shirts with matching ties. The look wasn’t old-fashioned, but always the latest in men’s fashion. With his blue eyes and longish brown hair, casually styled, he attracted the ladies. But it hadn’t interfered with his efficiency at work.

Gianni stood in front of his executive chair. “A lot coming up, Joshua.”

The operations manager sat straighter in his chair. “As I would expect. Your trip went as planned?”

“Yes, and it’s time to set things in motion.” Gianni sat down and immediately began going over specifics. There was no need for idle discourse about personal matters. If there was anything to know, Joshua would tell him. Otherwise, they got down to business.

Going through some of the insights Gianni had recently gained, he watched his manager’s reaction, seeing that he approved. Joshua was sharp, which was why he was in a position of trust. It was to be expected that he’d recognize business leverage when he saw it.

After forty minutes, the salient details had been covered. There was more to do, but Joshua needed to read some documents and get up to speed, before they discussed it further. And Gianni had other things to address that morning. There was always something pressing; that was just part of the business.

Joshua didn’t make a move to leave. “Before we end, I’d like to bring Dawson in.”

The mention of his security guard put Gianni on alert. Bringing him into their meeting could only mean there was vital information to discuss.

Gianni nodded. “Yes, please. Go ahead.”

They didn’t have to wait long. Dawson had clearly been expecting to be called in. His brown hair was a bit longer and shaggier, giving him an edge. But his blue eyes were as unyielding as ever.

“Take a seat, Dawson. It appears there is something I should know.”

The security manager didn’t flinch or show any emotion. As stoic as ever, he sat in a chair, his buff body filling it. “I do have news. I had to fire Harrington.”

Gianni didn’t hide his surprise. “Cole?”

“Yes, unfortunately, he betrayed us.”

“How so?”

“He was insecure with email traffic.”

Leaning forward, Gianni asked, “Emails were hacked?”

Dawson shook his head. “Not even anything as sophisticated as that. We would have known. IT monitors our data transfer continuously, as you know. The website that they use to determine if an email address has been hacked would reveal any such activity right away.”

“So if we weren’t hacked, then what?”

“I verified that our main email, and no associated accounts, had been compromised. So we can feel secure there.” Dawson moved in his chair, and his thick muscles flexed. “I observed suspicious activity. At first it was only a feeling.”

Gianni waited. Joshua didn’t say anything, although clearly he already knew what had happened.

“I checked Cole’s computer, and the emails in the Sent box had been deleted. There were other clues that he was hiding activity. But he didn’t stop to think. If he had, Cole would have known that all emails go through our server. So deleting them at his station didn’t prevent me from seeing them.”

Dawson paused before going on. “I dislike being the bearer of bad news, but he was forwarding proprietary emails.”

“Where?”

The security guard shrugged. “Good question. They went to an untraceable email address.”

Gianni had a bad feeling about this. “And we don’t know who was the intended recipient?”

“Correct. It had to be that he was funneling data to the competition.”

“Which doesn’t narrow it down much.” Gianni shook his head. “There are thousands of showrooms in the city.”

“Unfortunately, it will take more digging to find out who hired him.”

Though suspecting the answer, Gianni asked the question anyway: “And how do you know he was hired?”

“He admitted that part when I confronted him.” Dawson looked disillusioned. “Apparently, money buys loyalty.”

“Not the first time.”

“But that money went into his account. And it came from somewhere. So it’s only a matter of time until we uncover the source.”

Gianni knew that personal banking information was private. But he also knew his security department had many resources. So he didn’t question the man’s certainty that more information was forthcoming.

Dawson looked at Gianni. “I fired him. I had no question you would do it when you returned. So I saved you the trouble.”

“Good call. We can’t have a traitor on premises.” Gianni furrowed his brow. “We do background checks on all employees. What did we miss?”

“Maybe nothing. Cole may not have had anything in his history to indicate he could be bought. Yet, given the right price, he was obviously vulnerable.” Dawson leaned back in his chair. “But the way we are structured, he didn’t have access to anything sensitive. What he shared didn’t hurt us.”

“But it could have.”

“Not too likely, considering that Cole wasn’t in a key position.”

“What concerns me is the attempt.”

“Yes, and that is what I’ll pursue. Who was behind this?”

Gianni rubbed the back of his neck. “Exactly, because if they try once, they will try again. And next time, they might be more clever.”

“Yes, we dismantled one tactic, as lame as it was. But others might be ongoing. Who knows? Cole might have been a decoy to make us think we plugged a leak, when it was only a minor threat.”

Joshua spoke: “We’ve increased the screening of new hires. There are some innovative techniques that assist with knowing an employee’s strengths and weaknesses. Beyond just their suitability to the job, it sheds light on their moral character and expected reactions to stressful situations.”

Gianni nodded. “I approve. Anything we can do to keep things tight.” He was glad, and not for the first time, that he had two men he could trust. At least he had that, in the midst of a cutthroat industry.

He stood, and they did too. “Okay, gentlemen. I think we know what we have to do. Keep me advised.”

Gianni booted his computer, and reflected on the state of his business. He hadn’t mentioned Chicago. It was too soon for that. And the fewer who knew about it, the better. Even those he trusted. After being in business, Gianni knew that even those he trusted had limits. He wished he weren’t so cynical, but life had proven to him that he had to be.

Gianni worked through lunch, not breaking until he had to go to a meeting with some buyers. It was mid-afternoon by the time he slid into the back of the limo and the driver headed toward the hotel. Food would be served in the conference room. It always was for buyers.

Etiquette was vital in buyer persuasion. Not that sales were assured by that alone. Gianni followed the pleasantries with presentations of cutting-edge fashions, new trending designers, and opportunities the buyers salivated for. Then he closed the deal.

Having had so much practice, it was second nature for him. Thus, for the duration of the drive, he didn’t review his notes or think about his presentation. He looked out at the city streets packed with pedestrians, and thought of Leah.

He hadn’t seen her in days. It had been long enough. Being with her would be just the release he needed. The stresses of deals, buyers, and employee issues would dissolve into the background once he had Leah in the same room with him.

She excited him, and yet he’d only just begun to lead her into his lifestyle. He thought of her reactions, and how her blood heated each time he deepened the experience. He’d only skimmed the surface with her. It was time to take it further.

Resisting his natural urge to plunge ahead, he took a moment to contemplate if she was ready. Going too fast would undo all the progress he’d made with her. It might scare her, and Gianni didn’t want that. But success was mostly in the approach.

Many things could be accomplished if led into properly. And he was expert at that. The thrill of that progression was an adrenaline pump for him, as it was the challenge woven into the conquest that made it what it was.

Her pleasure and happiness were important to him. It had to be that way. That was the only way it would work. The fact that he received as much as he gave was not the point. As long as he stayed in tune with her feelings and responses, plus took care to stop if needed, there shouldn’t be any reason for undue inhibition.

Thoughts of Leah naked and panting in his arms came to mind. Memories of her feminine scent, and the way she whined when she couldn’t take any more, stirred his arousal. Visions of her melting from his caress made his cock hard, and the urge to have her clouded his senses, diverting his attention from business to pleasure.

He had to get his mind off Leah if he planned to be able to focus at the meeting. And if he didn’t wish for his arousal to be evident to all present. He needed to talk to her soon. That would help. For now, he would be all business. But the instant the meeting let out, he would call her. Gianni looked forward to spending the evening alone with her, and it couldn’t come soon enough.

Chapter 4

As a fashion model, Kyra had to take care of her figure. Her livelihood depended on it. Pilates allowed her to achieve tone without bulk, and she’d introduced Leah to the techniques. Sometimes they went to the Manhattan studio together, and participated in small group classes.

Leah had never been athletic, but she’d done yoga when in college. She jogged, but often lacked the motivation. Pilates was inspiring and energizing. She was grateful Kyra had told her about it. Especially now that she was with Gianni, because she wanted to look her best.

After work, they met for a class. The intensity of the moves took Leah’s mind off the earlier stresses of the day, and she even forgot about the clash with her boss. It felt good, and as her muscles moved and stretched, she relaxed.

When the class was over, they changed and went for a drink. The exercise routine hadn’t allowed for talking, and they had much to catch up on. They took a cab to a local bar they liked, and ordered Manhattans. In the dimly lit lounge, they sipped their cocktails.

“You have to tell me everything,” Kyra said. Her dark hair was twisted in a bun on top of her head, and her blue eyes were rimmed with navy eye shadow. Even post-workout, she looked stunning and photo ready.

“You first,” Leah said. “You said it’s been crazy. More crazy than usual?”

“Kind of, I guess.” Kyra took a sip then put the glass down. “It’s my life, you know. Rushing from one show to the next. Often I’m nearly late, but I still have to look my best. Trying not to trip in high heels while gliding over slick walkways. It’s insane.”

Leah held her glass in both hands. “Sounds dangerous.”

“It can be. I make sure the soles of my shoes have a rubber surface. I found these things I can stick on the bottoms.” Kyra picked at a mini pretzel, but didn’t eat it. “I want to make a living, but I don’t want to risk my life.”

“Yeah, that shouldn’t be part of the bargain,” Leah said.

“Really, I’m kind of used to all that. Not that it can’t get to me sometimes.”

Leah knew there was more. Kyra had relayed the challenges of modeling before in their conversations. But her expression revealed distress, maybe sadness.

Kyra folded her arms. “Dating sucks.”

“It’s not working out with…who was that new guy?”

“Otto? No, it’s not. The Russian thing was kind of cool. And he is handsome. But he started treating me like shit.”

Leah lifted her brows. “What did he do?”

Tears welled in Kyra’s blue eyes. “He hit me.”

She said it so simply, as if he’d stood her up or something. “God, Kyra.”

“Yes, he was an asshole. I told him to take a hike. No second chances there.” She paused. “My looks…what if he would have hit me in the face? I can’t show up to jobs with a black eye.”

Shaking her head, Leah agreed. “I’m glad you dumped him. That’s just terrible.”

“It was terrible. One minute we’re arguing, and the next I’m on the floor.” Kyra took another sip. “And it hurt.”

“I just never expected that.”

“Me either. Although I knew about his temper.” Kyra shrugged. “But to get physical…that scared me, Leah. Fortunately, he backed off. Tried to apologize. But I’m done with that.”

Setting her drink on the table, Leah lifted her hands. “Absolutely. If he’d do it once, he’d do it again.”

“Why can’t I find a nice guy?” The look in Kyra’s eyes bordered on desperation.

“You will.” Leah was distressed that her friend had to go through such abuse. “You are stunning. You can have your pick. You know that, don’t you?”

Kyra sighed. “It sounds so easy. But it’s not.” She took a gulp of her drink. “Why do I attract the hitters?”

Leah had no real answer. “They are just bullies. There are just a lot of them out there, that’s all. It’s not you, Kyra. Don’t think that.”

“It’s hard sometimes.” She seemed to brighten a little. “What about you? How was Los Angeles?”

Leah felt her cheeks warm.

Kyra’s eyes got big. “What?”

“Gianni.”

Her friend’s excitement was evident. “Yes. Tell.”

“He was there, you know. And we were in the same hotel.”

Kyra grinned. “You got something going?”

“You could say that?”

Her friend’s eyed widened. “Wow, Leah.”

“Yes, wow. You have no idea. The guy is a total hunk, and I can’t believe he wants me.”

Kyra waved a hand. “I can. You’re beautiful, and so smart.”

“And you’re my friend. So thanks. But I may be out of my depth.”

“How do you mean?” Kyra asked.

“He’s just so…experienced.” Leah rubbed a finger through the fog on her glass. “Like,
very
experienced.”

“Hmm, you watch it, girl.”

“I’m trying, but I have no hope of resisting. He’s just so…hot.”

“I’m happy for you,” Kyra said. “Just be sure to talk to me if things go off the rails, though.”

Leah looked at her, unable to conceive of such a thing.

“Promise?”

“Sure. I won’t let that happen.” Leah reflected on how Gianni had treated her so far. “He’s been good to me. I don’t think there’s a problem.”

“So, what are you worried about?”

“I just hope I can keep up.” Leah hesitated. “You know with…everything.”

Kyra smiled. “I think Gianni can handle things.”

Leah laughed and finished her cocktail. They flagged the waiter for refills.

For a while they drank in silence, just relaxing in the dark, away from outside pressures. But Kyra still looked kind of down.

“Are you still thinking about Otto?”

Kyra shook her head. “No. He was just a loser. I’m over him.” She looked away. “I heard something sad today. It kind of freaked me out.”

“What was it?”

“Another model I know…knew. Her name was Raina. She was beautiful, successful. But, you know, the stress of this job gets to some people.”

“How do you mean?”

Kyra looked into Leah’s eyes. “She committed suicide, Leah. It’s awful. She jumped from her upper-story apartment window. Right here in New York.”

“What a terrible way to go.” Leah shook her head. “That’s a horrific story.”

“Yes, it’s shocking. I didn’t know her
that
well. But still. It makes you wonder if the money is worth all this stress.” Kyra rubbed her temple.

“Yes, I can see how it would. But you seem to handle it well. Don’t you?”

“I do. I think. But you hear something like that and it gives you pause. I mean, I met Raina. I
worked
with her.” Kyra lifted her glass and took a big gulp. “You’re right. I’m probably okay. It’s just the men that make me crazy. But I’d have those issues anyway.”

“You don’t have issues, Kyra. They do.”

Kyra smiled. “You’re good for my self-esteem.”

Leah was about to respond when her phone vibrated. She glanced down as the screen lit up, and saw that it was Gianni. “Give me a sec,” she said, and stood to walk to a less noisy place.

In the lobby, Leah tucked into a corner. “Gianni?”

“Hi, baby.” The sound of his voice made her heart stop.

“Are you back in New York?”

“Yes, I just got in last night. But it was too late to call.”

“It’s so good to hear from you.” Leah knew she sounded overly excited, but she didn’t care.

“I just got out of a meeting, but I’ll be wrapping it up for the day. I’d like to see you tonight.”

“Sure. I’d love to.”

“I’ll have the limo pick you up in an hour. Dinner? At my place?”

Leah felt weak. “Of course.”

Ending the call, Leah rushed back to the table. “That was Gianni.”

Kyra raised her eyebrows.

“He’s picking me up in an hour. I have to get home and shower.”

“Of course. Just take off. I’ll be fine here. I’ll finish my drink then I can catch a cab.”

Leah leaned over and hugged her friend. “I’ll call soon.” She stood and paused a moment. “Remember what I said. It’s not you who has the issue. You just need to find the right guy.”

Kyra smiled and squeezed Leah’s hand. “And you remember too. Don’t let that guy mess with you. I don’t care how hot he is.”

“Okay. Promise.” Leah blew her friend a kiss as she turned to leave. She didn’t have much time to get ready. And she wanted to look her best for Gianni.

It was good that Leah had consumed one and a half drinks, as it calmed her nerves. Despite the alcohol, she was shaky by the time she reached her apartment. It hadn’t even been a week since she’d seen Gianni, but it felt like forever.

She was as excited as if it was a first date. Leah wondered if she would ever take seeing Gianni as a normal occurrence, but she didn’t think it was likely. He was sexy as hell, and there was no way to quell the anticipation she felt.

What to wear was an issue. Gianni liked for her to dress in a flattering way, but her choices were limited. Leah thumbed through her clothes, not encouraged. She should have asked Kyra to help. But she couldn’t keep borrowing. A shopping trip was the solution, but that would have to be another day.

First she showered, deciding to think about what to wear afterwards. The hot water ran over her shoulders, and Leah imagined Gianni’s touch. Soon she would see him, and feel him again. Her nerves were on edge, in a good way.

In Los Angeles, she hadn’t had time to premeditate her encounters with Gianni. Everything had been more spontaneous. Now that it was planned, even if it were last minute, she felt tension. Leah wanted to please him, and floundered about exactly what his preferences were.

Realizing she didn’t know for sure, Leah had another look in her closet. Near the back was a dress she hadn’t worn in ages. She’d thought it was too sexy. Funny that she used to think that. It didn’t seem so bad now. Pulling it out, she held it up and looked in the mirror.

It might be okay, especially with the right accessories. The driver would be there to pick her up soon, so she had to make it work. The simple black dress was made of clingy material and hugged her curves. The neckline didn’t show too much, but was low enough to hint at cleavage.

It was the back that required boldness to carry off. It was cut deep all the way to her low spine. Having it on reminded her of why she’d been shy wearing it before. Her sister had encouraged her to buy it, otherwise she never would have.

With her black heels and a delicate gold necklace, Leah looked classy enough to meet Gianni. He hadn’t said dinner was formal, but she didn’t want to show up in casual wear. That didn’t feel right. The dressy look boosted her confidence, which was what she needed.

The bell rang just as she was ready, with her coat over her arm. Leah opened the door for the driver. He was as tall as Gianni, but more thickly muscled. She could tell he had broad shoulders even under his coat. His brown hair was close-cropped, and he had a neatly trimmed mustache.

“Miss Ivers?”

“Yes, you must be the driver.”

“You can call me Roston.”

“All right.” Leah let him help her with her coat, and they went down to the limo. Sitting in the back seat alone was a little overwhelming. It felt like she should be someone important, not just a woman going to meet her date.

But Roston was reassuring. He left the privacy window down, and consulted her on what music to play. It almost felt like being with a friend. Except he cut such an impressive figure, unlike any friends she’d had. He didn’t smile too much, but his tone was friendly.

There was a bar in the limo, and Leah was tempted. But she didn’t want to arrive at Gianni’s condo a little tipsy. Since she was already a tight knot of nervousness and excitement, it was best to pass on drinking for the moment.

The prospect of seeing Gianni was enough of a high. It occurred to her that he was unpredictable. Despite the number of times they’d been together, Leah didn’t know what to expect. Each time was different, something new. That was one of the things that attracted her. But also something that put her on edge.