Phoenix Daniels- Beautiful Prey 3 Page 11

  Tammy's father was bringing his "lady friend" over for dinner, and Tammy was a bit nervous about meeting her. She hadn't seen her dad with a woman since her mother. And if he was bringing a woman to meet her, the relationship must have been getting really serious. Tammy had been praying for years for God to send her father a good woman to love and grow old with. And if this woman made her dad happy, she was already on Tammy's friend list.

  "Yeah, I am. I can't wait to meet my daddy's new girlfriend."

  "And you're going to be nice?"

  "Of course. I'm always nice."

  Luca chuckled and turned to walk away. Tammy averted her attention from his tight glutes and shouted at his back, "Hey! What's so funny?"

  "Nothing. I'm going to take a shower. Beat me there," Luca shouted over his shoulder.

  Tammy promptly stood to her feet, clapped the dirt from her hands and hustled inside.

  VICTORIA

  Victoria sat on the cushioned bench inside of her closet and slipped into her favorite black pumps. They were her favorite because they were not only pretty, but super comfortable. She stood and looked in the mirror, loving her "Jackie O" styled, off the shoulder, blue, belted sweater dress. Since she'd been cooped up in the house for over a month, she was grateful for any occasion that allowed her to dress up.

  Tammy's dad wanted to introduce his new love interest to his daughter, so Victoria suggested that they meet during a formal dinner party. As soon as she suggested it, she could see the light in Gianni's eyes. She'd given him the perfect excuse to do his thing in the kitchen. And Victoria, not having anything else to do, was happy to serve as his sous-chef, because, Lord knows that Natasha did not want any parts of the kitchen. Victoria walked out of her closet, laughing on the inside, thinking that they were the perfect couple. Gianni loved to cook, and Tasha love to eat.

  "Baby, why do I have to wear a tie in my own house?" Jack shouted, from the bathroom.

  "Because it's a formal dinner party. You wear a tie every time you go to the office, so what's the big deal?"

  "I'm at home."

  "Stop whining!" Victoria yelled at the bedroom door.

  Jack walked into the bedroom, took one look at Victoria, and stopped in his tracks. The way he looked at her always made her feel loved and desired.

  "Wow, you look beautiful, baby."

  "Thank you. And you're the sexiest man walking. Fuck the tie. You're fine as hell," Victoria declared.

  Jack tossed the tie on the bed and walked toward her. She couldn't look away from his sparkling blue eyes as he approached. She knew right then and there that they were going to be late for dinner.

  And they were.

  Their so-called quickie had lasted almost an hour. Victoria hurried to put herself together and ran downstairs. She stumbled into the dining room, grateful that Tammy's dad and his girlfriend hadn't yet arrived. She walked around the dining room table, rearranging the china, making sure that everything was perfect. She could hear her friends giggling, but she ignored them and continued arranging the table.

  Victoria felt hands on her shoulder and Tracy's voice in her ear saying, "Vic, pull your skirt out of your drawers."

  Victoria gasped and pulled out of Tracy's grasp. She backed against a wall and adjusted her dress. Thankfully, she didn't have to explain herself because the doorbell rang. Tammy rushed to the door, and everyone else followed.

  Victoria took a minute to fix her clothes before joining her family in the foyer to greet Tammy's dad and his girlfriend. She rounded the corner and walked into a room full of stunned expressions. She was wondering why everyone was acting so strange when she spotted Jack's assistant. Always happy to see Mary, she rushed to hug her.

  "Hey Mary!" she greeted her with excitement. "What are you doing here?"

  Mary returned Victoria's hug and responded with a chuckle.

  "I was invited."

  Victoria stepped back, furrowing her brow in confusion. She was also taken aback by Mary's appearance. Her auburn hair, no longer in a tight bun, cascaded past her shoulders. Flawless makeup and long lashes, complemented her vibrant blue eyes. She was wearing black slacks that accentuated curves that Victoria didn't know she had, and a silky blue blouse. And cleavage. She actually had cleavage. Mary had the sophistication of a woman in her early fifties, but as she stood before Victoria, she easily looked ten years younger. Victoria had always thought that Mary was pretty, but this Mary was actually... sexy. And then it hit her. Their Mary was Jean-Paul's lady friend. Victoria looked over at Jack. He was just as shocked by this version of Mary, and he was openly staring with his mouth agape.

  TAMMY

  Tammy curiously watched Victoria and Jack's weird reaction to her dad's girlfriend. It was obvious that they knew the woman, and they were obviously fond of her. So she waited patiently for them to shake their bewilderment. And when it seemed as if they never would, her dad, thankfully, stepped forward and introduced them.

  Tammy noticed the way her dad looked at Mary as he made the introduction. His admiration for her was obvious. Apparently, she made him happy. Mary seemed warm and kind, and she had a sweet, genuine smile. But, although she was pretty, Tammy was a little surprised that she was white. She smiled at her own thoughts.

  Daddy's down with the swirl.

  "It's nice to see you again, Monsieur Beauvais," Luca said, with an outstretched hand.

  "Bonsoir, Luca. Please call me Jean."

  "Qui," Luca agreed. "Votre femme est belle," he added.

  "Qui. Merci."

  When Tammy looked at Jack, then Mary, they were sharing conspiring glances. Tammy would bet money that Mary was fluent in French. But she wasn't about to tell Luca. Instead, she flew into her dad's arms, happy to see him. He gave her a big bear hug and told her how much he missed her. As she reveled in her dad's warm embrace, Luca approached Mary.

  "A pleasure to meet you," he greeted, with a kiss to Mary's hand.

  "Likewise," she responded, politely.

  Jack announced that dinner would be served after he and Gianni's parents arrived and that it was officially cocktail hour. As Victoria ushered them into the parlor for drinks, Tammy was determined to find out who Mary was, so she caught up to Natasha.

  "How do they know her?" She whispered.

  "She's Jack's assistant. Very sweet lady."

  "Oh."

  Tammy was relieved by Natasha's endorsement. For a long time, she'd wished that her dad would find a nice lady to settle down with.

  During drinks, Tammy discovered that they'd met at Storm Enterprises over four months ago. It was one Saturday that Victoria had David over for a playdate with Jasmine. Apparently, Victoria had needed to take care of something at work and Mary volunteered to watch the children. When it was time for David to come home, Tammy's dad went to pick him up. That was when he met Mary, and according to him, was struck by cupid's arrow. Tammy watched the two of them together. They were openly flirting, and even a little frisky with one another. In Mary's presence, her dad seemed younger and more energetic.

  When the twins arrived with their wives, the laughter and libations continued until Gianni announced dinner. The lot of them filed into the dining room. Tammy had to give it to Victoria; the table setting was exquisite. She took her seat, next to Luca's empty chair. Tammy had noticed that Luca's presence, for most of the evening, had been sparse. And when he finally sat next to her, he seemed tense.

  "Is everything okay?" she whispered to Luca.

  "It's fine; just business."

  Luca reached under the table and rested his hand on Tammy's thigh. He leaned in and whispered to her, "You look beautiful tonight, Tamara."

  He placed a sweet kiss under her ear, and Tammy blushed. The kiss was reminiscent of the way he kissed her earlier in the shower. She placed her hand over his, and the warmth of his skin, the strength in his touch, and the masculinity of his scent was all so comforting. Tammy sought that comfort often. During the delicious dinner, she touched him as much as possible. Luc
a was an incredible consolation for being trapped in the house for over a month because even a house as big as Victoria's seemed to be getting smaller by the day.

  NATASHA

  "Do it!" Jonathan urged.

  Natasha giggled and shook her head, refusing her father-in-law's request. But, Jonathan just wasn't the type of man that took no for an answer—that, apparently, was both a Storm, and Savelli trait.

  "If you do as I request, I'll tell you the surprise that I have for you all," he persuaded.

  "Come on Tasha! Do it!" her drunken family urged.

  Natasha looked to Gianni for aid, but he only smiled, making Natasha fend for herself with a room full of pushy men and women.

  “Okay. But, only if Gianni plays," she relented.

  And since Gianni was already sitting at the piano, she figured that he was all for it. She also knew that if he was playing, she'd be singing his favorite song. And sure enough, Gianni began to play Etta James' "At Last." It was their song. Watching him play it with such passion, was inspiring. Natasha poured her soul into their song, ensuring that Gianni knew that her serenade was a tribute to him. Instantly, for Natasha, there was no one else in the room, except for her and her tall, beautiful, loving man. She sang to him with a tear threatening to escape. Gianni was her very salvation. He had given her a love that she'd never dreamed of, and a family that she never thought that she could have.

  She proudly belted out her declaration of love. And when it was over, she barely heard her family applaud. Because, she was drowning in pools of emerald; the irises of the man that had revived her soul; a man that has provided love and security that was, in her mind, unprecedented. Only after she finally heard the appreciation from everyone in the room did she look away from him. She looked to her father-in-law and smiled. She was grateful that he loved her like a daughter. His smile was satisfactory, seemingly happy with her performance. Natasha had poured her heart out in song, and Jonathan cheered with glee. He was proud. And his pride gave Natasha satisfaction. He was happy with his son's choice... her. And she was happy with her family. Even though her mother and father could never be replaced, Catarina and Jonathan were the parents that she wished she had so many years ago.

  Natasha turned to Gianni. "You play beautifully."

  "Thank you. I have to do your beautiful voice justice."

  Natasha leaned over the piano and kissed his luscious lips. She ran her fingers through his black silky hair that had gotten even longer.

  "Awww so cute," Amy shouted, before turning to Jonathan. “Okay Uncle Jon, what's our surprise?"

  Jonathan chuckled.

  "Well... we've decided to get you ladies out of this house. We're taking you to Iles Reveuse."

  "The island!" Amy shouted, jumping to her feet. "Dream Island?"

  Natasha turned to Jonathan and asked, "What's Dream Island?"

  "It's a private island about ninety miles off the coast of Morocco where I built a small resort. There, you ladies can move around safely. I know that you're tired of being cooped up in this house."

  Clearly Amy was familiar with the island because she was absolutely giddy.

  "Wait... you own an island?" Victoria asked.

  "No, I don’t. You do. I just built the resort. Jack owns the island."

  "What?!" Victoria asked, looking at Jack.

  "We own an island," Jack confirmed.

  Natasha watched Victoria, and although she was smiling, she wasn't at all elated.

  "When do we leave?" Amy asked.

  "In two days."

  Chapter 17

  VICTORIA

  Victoria ignored the excited chatter of the rest of the women and walked over to the bar. She was pouring bottled water into her glass when Jack walked up. She stared into her glass, refusing to look at him.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Nothing."

  "Victoria," he persisted, lifting her chin and forcing her to look at him. "What is it?"

  "You own an island," Victoria muttered. "There are people starving all over the world, and you have your own island."

  "Oookay?"

  "I'm just saying... you're part of the one percent; capitalism at its best. You're living the good life while the rest of the world lives paycheck to paycheck. I mean... people are starving out there."

  Jack looked at her as if she had completely lost her mind. He tilted his head and studied her a few seconds before asking, "Am I supposed to feel bad for being wealthy?"

  Not giving her a chance to respond, he added...

  "Victoria, I didn't start out this rich. Everything that I have, I worked really hard for. I do what I can for the world's hungry, but I won't allow you or anyone else to make me feel like shit for having money."

  Jack turned to walk away but stopped in his tracks. Noticeably irritated, he turned back to Victoria.

  "Oh and by the way... You drive a one-hundred thousand dollar car. Like it or not, you're part of the one percent as well. And anytime you don't want it anymore just let me know."

  With that, he walked away, leaving Victoria feeling like an asshole. She didn't know why she was picking a fight with Jack. His money had never mattered to her before. Maybe she was upset because she was sick of being a prisoner in her home, or maybe it was because she had no knowledge about Jack owning an island. Then again, it could just be the pregnancy hormones.

  JACK

  Realizing that he was clutching his glass with enough force to break it, Jack finished the last of his scotch and sat the glass down on the cocktail table. As of late, Victoria had been borderline infuriating. He understood that she was tired of being confined to the house, but her attitude was causing him to lose patience. She went from hot to cold in a matter of seconds, and Jack was ready to shake the shit out of her.

  Despite being agitated, he continued to play host for the rest of the evening. And when the last of their guests had left, he headed straight for his office. He wasn't in the mood for another sparring match with Victoria. Unfortunately, his attempts to avoid her were in vain because when he walked into his office she was sitting behind his desk.

  "Victoria, I'm really not in the mood."

  "I'm sorry, baby. I'm a super bitch. You didn't deserve that. You've given me a good life, and I need to let you know just how happy I am with you and our life. Jack, you're a good man, and I love you."

  Jack instantly softened. Victoria was the love of his life. There was nothing that she could do to make him so angry that he wouldn't accept an apology. He had no disillusions about his love for her. But, that's not to say that he didn't want to throttle her every now and then.

  But instead of throttling her, he walked around his desk and pulled her into his arms. "I love you too, Victoria."

  He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead and led her around the desk.

  "Come. Let's go to bed."

  Hand in hand, they went to their bedroom. Victoria went into the bathroom to ready the shower while Jack undressed. He went into the bathroom and stepped over the pile of clothes that Victoria left on the floor and joined her in the shower. They washed each other in silence, and when they were done, they dried each other’s skin. Jack tossed Victoria's clothes in the hamper, sure that she wouldn't have. Victoria was no neat freak.

  Still silent, they climbed into bed. Jack immediately sought the comfort of her touch. He pulled her close to his body and held her tight, taking advantage of the warmth that she provided. As he held her, he realized that no words needed to be said. She was his lifeline; the very air that he breathed, and he needed her, as all human beings needed oxygen to survive. So he fell asleep, clinging to the one thing that ensured his existence.

  Chapter 18

  TAMMY

  Tammy packed the last of David's things in a suitcase and placed it by the door for Luca to load it into a car. David was more than excited when she told him that they were going on a fun vacation. Tammy was maybe a little envious of his childlike innocence. He had absolutely no idea that they were all
in danger, and Tammy intended to keep it that way. It was her job to protect him from the ugly side of this world.

  Luca entered the room, and even though her back was to him, the goose bumps forming on her arms gave him away. From behind, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her face. Tammy closed her eyes and rested her head against him. She loved that he was so affectionate. Although she had to admit that it wasn't something that she expected from a man with such a dark, intimidating persona.

  "Etes-vous pret ma belle femme?" His deep sexy voice sent chills through her.

  "Oui monsieur. I'm more than ready."

  Luca gave her one last peck before freeing her from his hold. He grabbed the bags by the door and Tammy followed him out. As they made their way through the house, Tammy’s eyes never left Luca. Between his powerful gait, massive back, and his muscular ass, he was magnificent.

  They stepped out of the front door, and almost all of them were outside waiting.

  "Where's Vic?" she asked Jack.

  "She had an important meeting with the Chairman of the Sickle Cell Foundation. We'll be flying up with my mom and dad on Friday."

  Tammy nodded and lifted David into the backseat of one of the three SUVs designated to take them to the airport. Amy and Mia climbed in, followed by Luca. Gianni and Natasha, along with his parents and little Gio, got in another SUV. And Jack and Joseph chose to stay behind and fly with their wives. Luca got out and, apparently, convinced Jack to send Jasmine with them because he hijacked her from Jack's arms and placed her in the vehicle. They waited a few minutes for Jack to pull a car seat out of another car and place it in the Escalade. Once Jasmine was secured in her car seat, they took off for the airport.

  *************

  Tammy leaned over the rail, staring into the clear blue water, allowing herself to be hypnotized by the sea's rhythmic waves. The bottom of her sundress danced in the warm breeze. Since there was no place to land on the island, they were on a yacht that Luca chartered to transport their clan from Morocco to Jack's private island.