Dirty Little Secrets (3 page)

Chapter Five

Ava looked at the calendar on her computer. Already two meetings had been cancelled. Neither had been rescheduled. Ava pressed the intercom button.

“Karen, why did Dolphin Tours and Knight Photography cancel their meetings today?”

“Dolphin Tours said they found a more affordable company and Knight Photography might be merging with an international media company, but they may reschedule.”

“Karen, in the event Knight Photography calls back, tell them we will not work with them, now or in the future. We need people who know what they want.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Ava released the intercom button and leaned back in her chair
.
Ava had a hard time dealing with people who didn’t know what they wanted. Wishy-washiness annoyed her. She’d worked hard to build her business and the last thing she was going to accept was being jerked around by anyone. She’d put too much time and energy into building Hill Consulting into the powerhouse public relations and marketing firm it was.

Rubbing her temples, Ava released a breath. Sometimes being a businesswoman was not easy. Speaking of businesswomen, she had an important call to make. Picking up her office phone, she dialed.

“Marron Jewelers, how may I direct your call?”

“Ava calling for Gina Marron.”

“Good morning, Ms. Hill. I’ll put you right through.”

“Thank you,” Ava said.

Relaxing in her chair, she waited.

“Ava darling. Long time no hear,” Gina’s voice came over the phone in her familiar Southern belle drawl.

“It’s only been a month, Gina. Besides I’m sure you’ve been too busy to notice.”

Gina Marron was the owner of one of the premier jewelry stores in South Beach. Creating one-of-a-kind pieces, some of her clients ranged from members of the Miami Heat to multi-millionaire playboys buying trinkets for their flavors of the month. And from what Ava knew, business was booming for Gina.

“Maybe just a little. I did get quite a few orders from some of the Portland Trailblazers who were in town for their last game. That’s kept me pretty busy.”

“I’m sure. Too busy to call and apologize for recommending Bernard McKlowsky to me.”

“Bernard was recommended to me by several reputable colleagues.”

“I fired him.”

“You fired him? What did he do?”

“He suggested I invest in a bum company. Any idiot knows Jefferson Department Stores has been closing stores for the last ten years.”

“I can’t believe it. Poor Bernard has no idea he’s made himself an enemy.”

“You know the thought has crossed my mind that maybe he was a plant sent by someone who wants to see me fail.”

“Ava darling. Surely you don’t think I would be involved in something like that?” Gina asked.

“Of course not. But you can never be too careful when it comes to business.”

“You worry too much. Everyone is not out to get you, Ava.”

“That’s what you think.”

“Ava, is there something you’re not telling me?”

“Nothing for you to worry about, Gina.”

“If you say so.” She paused for a moment and then chuckled. “Listen, I’m having a little get-together this weekend. A select group of wealthy accomplished women. You have to come.”

“What kind of get-together?” Ava asked.

“A weekend at sea on my yacht with a few select gentlemen. Besides bringing your beautiful self, there is only one requirement, you have to wear a mask.”

“
Masks
?”

“You might appreciate the discretion, darling. The men I’m inviting are escorts.”

“Gina, are you smoking something?” Ava asked.

“Of course not.” Her husky laughter filled the phone. “Stop being such a prude. The agency these men work for has supplied men to everyone from political wives to A-list actresses on the red carpet. All of the men are young and in excellent condition and they’re tested regularly.

“All of the men sign confidentiality agreements so that whatever they do or who they do it with remains anonymous. And besides that, their number one priority is to see to a woman’s pleasure. They will do whatever you want. Now can you tell me that doesn’t sound appealing?”

Ava leaned back in her chair. As much as Ava hated to admit it, Gina Marron had a point. Men did stuff like this all the time. Hiring prostitutes. Having mistresses. Women at their beck and call to see to their pleasure. No one knew more about that than she did. She spent more years as a mistress than anyone should admit to.
But what was really so bad about spending a little time with a handsome younger gentleman whose only duty was to keep you satisfied?

“Well, Ava?”

“I’m thinking. I’m still technically in mourning.”

“You and I both know your husband was not faithful to you, men like that never are.”

“And yet, I’ve never been with another man, not in all this time. He repaid my fidelity with mistresses…”

“And I say again, sugar. Well?”

“Gina! This is not easy for me, even if my late husband was a cheating bastard. I’m still thinking.”

“What’s to think about? We’ll all be wearing masks. Our identities will be protected. And besides, you need to get laid more than any of the other women I’m inviting.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Ava asked.

“It means I know your husband is the only man you’ve ever been with and he was quite a bit older than you. It’s time you had a taste of a young, virile man.”

Ava burst into laughter. “You’re sure that no one will know my identity?”

“Not unless you want them to.”

“Then I guess I’m in.”

“Fabulous. Fantastic. You will not regret this, Ava. We are going to have a sinfully good time this weekend. So pack light. I’m sure none of us will need many clothes. And be at my place around seven Friday night. Limousines will be taking us to where the yacht is docked. The men will be on board awaiting our pleasure.”

“Sounds like a buffet,” Ava said.

“That’s the idea, sugar. So wear something sexy. A nice little cocktail dress to start the evening and I’ll see you Friday. Don’t chicken out.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. Once my mind is made up I don’t tend to change it.”

“Great. Talk to you later, darling.”

Ava ended the call. Trust Gina to come up with something beyond outlandish. But then again, Gina had been outlandish ever since the first time they met a little over five years ago. Vivacious, intelligent and carefree, but a bulldog when it came to her business, Gina had been the one to really take her under her wing and showed her how to be a businesswoman in a man’s world.

But not only that, Gina had taken the time to get to know her as a person. To encourage her to step out of her husband’s shadow and establish her own independence, but more importantly not to lose herself while pursuing that independence.

It hadn’t been easy for Ava to open up, but Gina had been persistent and with time they’d become friends, enjoying shopping trips, and dining at some of the finest restaurants in town. Gina had broken down her walls and they’d become fast friends. Ava had even made Gina Maia’s godmother. Without Gina’s friendship, Ava wasn’t sure she’d have been able to handle everything that had happened as well as she had.

She was going to a sex party. It didn’t matter in what terms Gina tried to couch it, Ava was well aware what this weekend was really about. A group of powerful women with young, handsome men to do their bidding. Who wouldn’t take advantage of something like that? Ava knew firsthand how difficult it was to find a man not intimidated by a strong woman. This weekend could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

It had been a little over six months since Joseph’s death. She was a widow yes, but still young and full of life. There was no reason she shouldn’t have a little fun. Ava’s phone rang. She picked it up.

“Yes?”

“Ms. Hill, there’s a gentleman here to see you. Says his name’s Angelo.”

“Send him in.”

Ava stood up behind her desk. She smoothed down an invisible wrinkle on the cream-colored wrap dress she was wearing. Quickly she turned and appraised her reflection in the mirror
.
Satisfied, she sat back down in her blue plush leather chair and waited. Finally her office door opened and in walked a tall, olive-skinned man with chocolate brown eyes, wavy black hair and a wide smile. Ava gritted her teeth and pasted on a smile she’d long ago perfected.

“Angelo, this is a surprise.”

“I hope a pleasant one. Now how about a hug for your favorite brother-in-law?”

Chapter Six

Ava sat across from Joseph. The ten-thousand thread count white tablecloth stretched out between them. The restaurant was dimly lit, and the people around them talked in low whispers. The patrons all seemed to be the same sort. Men of all ages sat in various spots around the establishment. And with every man was a much younger woman. Ava was sure that some of the females were even younger than her eighteen years.

“You look amazing. The hottest broad in here tonight.”

Ava’s eyes met Joseph’s. He licked his lips as he stared at her. She gave him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was well aware of what he saw when he looked at her. She’d spent most of the morning at a salon being primped, fluffed and dyed to please her new “protector.” Her natural brown hair had been dyed a golden honey blonde. Extensions had been added in for more fullness and length. Her eyebrows had been arched and dyed the same color. When the salon owner had told her she had orders for a Brazilian wax for Ava, she’d tried to back out. But there was no way the owner would dare to disobey Joseph Martelli.

Biting on a towel stuffed into her mouth, Ava had dared not to scream as the hair was ripped from her most private regions.

Afterwards a personal buyer had taken her shopping for underwear, bras, lingerie and evening attire. Beneath Joseph’s gaze she wore one of them. A V-cut gold lamine dress with a plunging V-neckline that showed off more of her breasts than she was comfortable with. A thin rhinestone-studded bar provided her the only source of modesty.

A thin gold choker and studs accentuated her outfit. Ava thought she looked like a real-life Oscar statue. She did not approve. Wearing so much makeup, she hadn’t recognized herself when she looked in the mirror.

The truth was evident. She was now a whore. A bought-and-paid-for whore. Joseph Martelli’s whore. And she had yet to lay on her back. But it was coming. Tonight it was coming. She’d just turned eighteen. Joseph was not going to wait any longer. Especially not after he’d spent all this money getting her prepared to his satisfaction. It was time to pay the piper. And the sad thing was, she was absolutely certain neither Roger nor her mother, Cynthia, appreciated her sacrifice.

“Well, well. Long time no see.”

Ava looked up. An Italian man with milk-chocolate brown eyes and a feral smile stood over their table. Joseph rose.

“Angelo. About time you got here.”

She watched as the two men embraced, clapping each other on the back before shaking hands. Angelo looked down at her. His gaze was predatory. Like an eagle studying its prey before it swooped down for the kill. Ava wanted to jump up from the table and never stop running.

“And who might this be? You holding out on me, bro?” he said.

“This is Ava.”

“Ava? A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. She felt his tongue brush across her skin and she fought the impulse to jerk her hand away. Her eyes flew to Joseph.

“Ava, honey, this is my younger brother, Angelo.”

Ava gave Angelo a curt nod before carefully withdrawing her hand from his grasp. No need to make trouble when there didn’t need to be. Angelo and Joseph sat down at the table, Angelo’s eyes on her.

“I never knew you liked brown sugar,” he said with a nasty smile. “I thought all you liked was an old-fashioned Italian girl,” he said.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little variety, is there?” Joseph asked.

“Not at all,” Angelo said still gazing at Ava.

“She’s a real looker, ain’t she?” Joseph said proudly.

“She sure is.”

“And as pure as the Virgin Mary.”

Joseph’s brother licked his lips. “Is that so?”

Ava swallowed as both men regarded her. Their eyes were locked firmly on her. Beside her, Angelo stroked his upper arm slowly. He leaned closer to her. Ava held her breath, fearing that he would dare to kiss her.

“You wouldn’t be up to sharing, would you, brother?”

Ava’s mouth fell open and her eyes widened as she looked at Joseph. Her heart thudded in her ears as she waited for his response.

“Not this time. Not my Ava.”

The glint in Angelo’s eyes cooled and he leaned away from Ava. She released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She was safe for now. Protected from the lust of Joseph’s brother as long as her protector desired her. Although she was oblivious to what it took to please a man, she had no choice but to try and learn quickly. Because Ava was sure that if she displeased Joseph in any way, he wasn’t likely just to end their arrangement and let her go on her merry way.

A man like Joseph Martelli didn’t just let you walk away. She knew that firsthand. If she dissatisfied him, she was certain her next stop would be in the bed of Angelo Martelli. And from the look in his eyes, she knew that was a place she didn’t want to be.

Ava jolted back into the present. Angelo was older now. After all, it had been nearly seventeen years ago when they’d first met. There was just the faintest flecks of grey in his inky black hair, but his gaze remained the same. Hungry. Hungry for her even after all these years.

“Are you sure that would be appropriate?” Ava asked with false politeness.

“Ava. You’re Joseph’s widow. What could possibly be wrong with a hug between in-laws?”

She raised a brow at him. There was no desire in her to be anywhere near her brother-in-law, much less touch him.

Just give him the hug, Ava. Don’t let him feel like he can intimidate you. You’re not the same scared little girl he met so long ago.

Slowly, Ava rose. Taking her time, she smoothed down the skirt of her dress before walking around her desk to where her brother-in-law stood. His hungry gaze devoured her.

Angelo opened his arms and she moved into them. His arms closed around her, holding her much closer than she liked. She could feel the bulge of his erection pressing against her. Ava’s hands barely touched his back as they hugged. She fought her gag reflex as she felt his nose brush her neck.

“You smell so good.”

“Thank you,” Ava said, quickly stepping out of his embrace.

He raised a brow, before his eyes moved up and down her body.

“After all these years, you’re still a looker. Hottest piece of ass Joseph ever had.”

The dormant knot of tension in Ava’s neck flared to life. She resisted the urge to reach up and massage her neck.

“That’s how you refer to your brother’s widow? A hot piece of ass?” Ava asked.

She turned her back on Angelo and walked back to her desk, trying her best to get her emotions under control. Angelo Martelli got under her skin. He always had and she was pretty sure he always would.

“You know I didn’t mean anything by that. Take it as a compliment.”

“I can assure you that there are more flattering terms you could have used to compliment me, but what can I expect? After all you’re just an old-school Italian. You don’t know any better.”

Sitting down, Ava crossed her legs, a genuine smile on her face. A small frown turned down the corners of Angelo’s face. She’d hit a nerve. Good. He sat down in the chair in front of her desk. From the way he tugged on the collar of his suit, she was sure that facing him as an equal and not just as simply a woman was something he wasn’t used to and certainly didn’t appreciate.
Too damn bad.

“Please forgive my ignorance. Things were a lot different in my day. The things we said. The things we did.”

“I’m sure. So tell me what brings you by? This is your first time at my office, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is. I’m glad I came. Joseph talked so much about it. How proud he was of you for starting your own business. A real powerhouse broad, he called you.”

“I’ll always be grateful to him for allowing me to run my business. I don’t think most men in this life would’ve approved.”

“You’d be right about that. In past times a woman belonged in the bedroom or the kitchen, but never outside the home and certainly not owning a business. It was unheard of.”

“Well thank God for modern times. So you’re here because…”

“Do I need an excuse to stop by and check in on my sister-in-law? Joseph is barely in his grave… I wanted to see how you and Maia are getting along.”

“Maia and I are well. Thanks for asking.”

“That’s good. I was wondering how Maia was adjusting with her father being gone.”

“She’s doing better than can be expected, but Maia’s resilient. She reminds me so much of her father. Speaking of Joseph, I’m glad you stopped by. There’s something I need to ask you.”

“Sure. I’m all ears.”

Do you really want Angelo in your business?
The answer to that was a firm no. But she needed answers or at least to know what she was dealing with. And she was sure that Angelo knew where all the bodies were buried so to speak.

“Did Joseph have a son?”

The question hung in the air between them. Angelo’s fingers formed a steeple over his mouth. There was a glint in his eyes. He knew something.

“Ava, where is this coming from?”

She slammed her fist on her desk. “Stop with the games, Angelo, and answer my question. Does Joseph have a son?”

“Ava, this kind of talk, it’s not proper. Not things a wife should hear. Not with our lifestyle.”

“Angelo, your brother is dead. I have a right to know. I need to know. So stop this omertà stuff and tell me the damn truth.”

Angelo scowled. Lowering his hands, he leaned forward.

“Fine. You want the truth. The truth is that before you even came into the picture, Joseph had a string of women around Miami. Even when you came under his protection, there were still other women. After you two married, I can’t say. I got the impression he wanted to settle down and be committed.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. I’m well aware that fidelity was not a character trait your brother possessed and I don’t care. What I care about is a man bold enough to show up at my home and demand a share of the inheritance that belongs to my daughter,” Ava said.

Angelo waved his hands. “Wait a minute. You knew about Joseph’s extracurricular activities?”

“I’m not stupid. I know exactly what you wise guys are all about. No looking for the white picket fence and happily ever after. My arrangement and subsequent marriage with Joseph was about business, plain and simple. He provided me financial stability and I was a nice piece of arm candy who gave him a child. There was no love involved.”

Angelo rubbed his hand over his face. He regarded her shaking his head. A small smile crossed his lips. “You’re some kind of broad. It’s hard to believe you’re the same girl I met seventeen years ago.”

“Times and people change. Now, are you going to answer me or is it time I dismiss you and get back to work?” Ava asked.

“First I want to know who the prick is who showed up at your house.”

“He said his name is Dominic…Martelli. Showed me a picture of him, Joseph and his mother Carmella. Claimed it was taken three years ago and that Joseph was his father.”

Ava watched Angelo’s face. He remained silent before he briefly glanced away. She saw his Adam’s apple bob. The butterflies fluttering in her stomach stopped. For the first time since the incident, she felt a measure of peace.

“He’s Joseph’s son, isn’t he?” she asked.

“He could be.”

Three simple words. Words that could change her life if she let them. No way that was going to happen.

“I figured as much, but that doesn’t change anything. Maia is the heir to Joseph’s fortune and you control his territory. Case closed.”

“I’m sorry, Ava.”

“What’s to be sorry about? Your brother was a rolling stone who couldn’t keep it zipped up and he had a kid with someone else. It wasn’t like he loved me.”

“Ava, he did love you.”

“Bullcrap, Angelo.”

“No. Listen to me. Of all the women my brother messed with you are the only one he constantly praised. The only one whose intelligence he admired. The one he chose to marry. He loved you, Ava. I know he did. Him possibly having a bastard son doesn’t change that.”

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t need you to lie to me. I’m a big girl. I can handle the truth.”

“I’m telling you the truth. My brother loved you. I wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

“Whether he loved me or didn’t is irrelevant. What is relevant is the fact that this man who could be his son is showing up demanding a share of my daughter’s inheritance he is not entitled to.”

“Listen, I don’t know what the boy is thinking. Joseph provided well for him and his mother. I’ll talk to Carmella. Get her to talk some sense into him.”

“You’d better because if he shows up again, he might end up with a bullet between the eyes. I don’t give a damn who he is.”

Angelo laughed. Despite the tenseness of the situation, Ava found herself relaxing. She had nothing to worry about. It didn’t matter if Angelo chose to get involved or not. She was more than capable of handling one angry person.

“Spoken like a true Martelli. Your old man would be proud.”

Ava leaned back in her chair. “I seriously doubt that my dear departed husband would be happy with me threatening to kill his illegitimate son.”

“That’s one thing we’ll never know.” A smile returned to his face. “You know, Ava, a woman like you has to need companionship. You’re still young and beautiful. There could be more children in your future.”

He didn’t know when to quit.

“And what makes you think I’m lonely? I’m creating an empire. I don’t have time to worry about things like that.”

“You still have a heart, Ava, businesswoman or not.”

“Maybe, or perhaps I buried it with my husband.”

“I don’t believe that. Just think about it. I know any man would be lucky to have you.”