Seducing the Enemy's Daughter (7 page)

“S
ometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if my mother had lived.”

Sam’s soft voice drifted through the darkened room. Her back nestled into Brady’s chest and he knew this intimate moment was about to get even more so. His heart was softening toward her even though he’d tried to steel himself.

Even so, he still had an agenda. Sam couldn’t, wouldn’t, get in the way of his takeover plan. He knew, though, he wouldn’t be able to keep his feelings for Sam out of this mess. He’d tried.
Dammit, he’d tried, but Sam was a stronger force than he could handle.

He couldn’t think about that now. Right now, he had to ignore the jab of guilt and keep trudging along with his plan of demise for the Donovans.

Moonlight flooded her spacious bedroom. All was quiet. No cell phones, no e-mails, no meetings. Right now, nothing existed but Sam.

“I often wonder the same thing about my mother,” he confessed. He’d never, ever discussed his family with a woman. Especially in bed.

“It’s hard growing up without them, isn’t it?” she asked.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yeah.”

“I like to think she’d be proud of me.”

Brady smiled in the darkness. “I didn’t know your mother, but I’m sure she would’ve been.”

“How do you know?”

He ran a finger down her side, dipping in at her waist and back out at her hip. “Because I know the woman you’ve become and I have to believe all the good in you stems from her. I have no doubt your mother is looking down on you with a smile on her face.”

Sam turned in his arms. “I hope so. I only had her for a short time, but I miss her every day.”

Because she was opening up, Brady kept the
focus on her instead of talking about his own loss, reliving the nightmare. “Can you tell me about her?”

“She was beautiful.” Sam’s eyes misted, though a faint smile adorned her lips. “I remember her long blond hair. I loved brushing it and wishing my hair would be like that someday. She had a rich smile that would light up any room. And she cared. She truly cared about people and tried to put others’ needs ahead of her own.”

Brady tucked a stray tendril behind her ear. “Sounds like someone else I know.”

Bright blue eyes came up. “I’ve been told we look exactly alike. My father used to tell me how beautiful she was.”

He didn’t want her happy memories destroyed by thoughts of her father. “Go on about your mother.”

“She stayed at home to care for me and Miles while my father worked.” She laughed. “My father was always at work. The only time I saw him was when we’d have parties for his colleagues or around the holidays. Mom always made sure we never wanted for anything, and we didn’t. At least, I didn’t. Since Miles is older than me, Dad would take him to the office sometimes, but I stayed home with Mom. Occasionally, she’d go into the office
and help him with some paperwork, but for the most part, she stayed home.

“We’d make cookies or watch a movie. Sometimes she’d take me shopping. When I showed interest in dancing, she signed me up for dance classes.”

Silence filled the room. Brady didn’t coax her. He knew discussing this was hard for her. After all, he’d lost his mother when he was eleven and his own father only six months ago.

“One day we were running late for my class, and she was speeding,” Sam said softly. “The weather was beautiful. The sun was shining and I was so happy because we were going to go get a puppy after my class. I was going to name him Baxter. But we never made it.”

Brady continued his journey over her silky skin, hoping to relax her. “You don’t have to tell me.”

A tear escaped, sliding down to her hairline. “A car pulled out in front of us,” she continued on as if she hadn’t heard him. “I just remember my mother screaming then the sound of metal against metal. I was in the back, but I can still see the look in my mother’s eyes in the rearview mirror just before we hit the other car.”

Brady’s heart ached for Sam. As she struggled to form words, he stroked her bare shoulder.

“She didn’t die until we reached the hospital. There was internal bleeding,” Sam explained with a sniff. “I only had a few minor injuries. Cuts, bruises, a broken collarbone from where I jerked against the seat belt. I overheard the doctors say I was lucky to be in the backseat.”

“But you didn’t feel lucky.” It wasn’t a question. Brady knew both the little girl and the woman sitting beside him had survivor’s guilt.

“No,” she whispered. “Why did she have to leave me? I needed her. I need her now.”

Just as he pulled her into his embrace, she broke. Sam buried her head in his chest as sobs tore through her.

He knew, without a doubt, that no one had held her and let her cry this out. Nobody had been there for this little girl when she’d needed someone the most. Certainly not Stanley Donovan.

Years of emotions poured from her. The helpless feeling that swept through Brady only made him angrier with Sam’s father and brother. And angry with himself. He didn’t want Sam to hurt anymore, but he knew she would once all was said and done. So what right did he have to offer consolation now?

Had anyone been there for Sam when she’d needed them? Had Stanley grieved alone at the
loss of his wife? Had he ever bothered to talk to Sam about the woman they both lost?

Brady wasn’t sure what he would’ve done if he hadn’t had Cade to lean on. And vice versa.

Minutes, maybe hours passed before Sam lifted her head. “I’m sorry for that.”

Brady stroked her damp hair away from her face. “Crying? If you ask me, you’re long overdue for an emotional meltdown.”

“Did you have an emotional meltdown when your father passed?”

Images of throwing his glass of bourbon against his bedroom wall and cursing everything and everyone around him filled his mind. “I did. People deal with death differently, though. But I had Cade and he had me.”

She settled her cheek against his chest and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I guess I just needed to talk about her. You’d think I’d be used to life without her.”

“She was your mother. I don’t suspect you’ll ever get used to being without her. I never have.”

“The older I get, the harder it is to cope. I want to make the right choices in life, but I don’t have anybody to give me advice or listen when I need to talk.”

Brady kissed the top of her head. “You have me, Sam.”

“For how long?”

He didn’t bother answering.

How could he when he was unsure himself? What started out as a vendetta was slowly turning into something less sinister…at least where Samantha was concerned.

He gathered her close and prayed he would make the right decision for Sam. It was becoming more and more clear that Sam was going to get caught in the middle of this ugly war. It was only a matter of time before she became a casualty.

Brady ran a hand down his face and glanced back to the computer screen where he’d pulled up the San Francisco newspaper. The headline was still at the top of the page. Easing back in his leather chair, he dialed his brother’s office line.

The second his brother picked up, Brady said, “News sure got to the paper fast.”

Cade sighed. “I can’t believe they’re already making the announcement.”

The headline of the paper continued to stare back at him: Donovan Heir Takes Control.

The caption was complete with a picture of Miles with a smug grin.

Of course, this piece of news wasn’t so new to Brady or Cade. They knew of the change in positions and the fact that Sam’s father was retiring, thanks to the ever so clever snooping of their assistant, Abby.

It didn’t matter who sat at the helm of the Donovan empire, Brady intended to crush them.

“This does take the Kauai property into a different direction,” Cade said.

“Not necessarily,” Brady countered. “We knew this announcement was coming. Actually, Sam may need me now more than ever.”

“Had she mentioned this to you before?”

Brady shook his head. “No. Honestly, I doubt she knew until the last minute.”

“So, she’s nothing like the Donovan men?”

“They’re polar opposites.”

Cade let out a low whistle. “She’s got you, doesn’t she?”

“No.” Brady shut down his laptop and came to his feet. “I think I’ll make a call to the new CEO and offer my congratulations.”

Cade laughed. “Let me know how it goes.”

Brady disconnected the call and dialed the Donovan offices, which happened to be close to his own San Francisco office. As he waited for the
receptionist to put his call through, he gripped the receiver so tight he heard a slight crack.

“Miles Donovan.”

Brady walked to the open patio doors and leaned against the door. He took great pleasure in being at the resort when his enemy on the other line had no clue.

“Miles. Brady Stone. I hear congratulations are in order.”

“What do you want?”

“Just to say I hope you run the company better than your father did, for your sake.”

“Is that a threat?” Miles demanded.

“Not at all.” Brady breathed in the fresh salt water. “But just because you’re in charge now doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to keep Lani Kaimana.”

“Oh, I’ll keep it, Stone. I’m not surprised you’re trying to get that back after your father’s death, but don’t waste your time. I’m in charge now and I intend to keep everything that’s mine.”

Brady rubbed his smooth chin. “Well, good luck. You may be in charge, but I have an ace in the hole.”

There was a slight pause on the other end and Brady wondered if Miles had heard him. He waited another few seconds.

“What’s the matter, Miles? Worried?”

“You don’t have squat. You’re just running off at the mouth.”

Brady shrugged, knowing the gesture would come across in his tone. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He hung up feeling better about the business, but sick to his stomach that he’d inadvertently used Sam.

Granted, from the beginning he’d always planned to use her as a conductor, but now that he’d done so, there was a sudden ache in his chest.

Brady turned away from the beauty of the white sand and frothy waves. He couldn’t admit, even to himself, that the night with Sam had been too intense, too close to his heart. She’d somehow managed to chisel her way around the steel wall he’d erected around his emotions.

But what could be done now? He didn’t intend to back down and the damage was already done.

There was nothing to do but stay on target.

S
am knew her father blamed her for the death of Beverly Donovan. If only he knew the impact his harsh words over the years had had on her.

She’d overheard him one night talking on the phone, to who she didn’t know. He’d said if Bev hadn’t been in such a hurry to get Sam to her dance class, she wouldn’t have died.

Little did her father know, her mother had been miserable for the past couple years of their marriage. Sam had discovered a journal her mother had kept. Within the thin pages, Bev had remarked time and again how she wished her husband would
be as loving as he used to be, not work as much and pay more attention to Sam.

Sam had never picked up on the tension, if there was any, between her parents. Perhaps her mother would’ve left her father, perhaps not. Beverly Donovan was a strong, incredible woman and Sam wanted nothing more than to be just like her.

She already had the looks part down pat. But Sam wanted her mother’s love of life; she wanted that vibrancy people saw when her mother would enter a room.

The chirping of her cell phone jarred her from her thoughts.

She didn’t want to talk on the phone. She wanted to go see Brady. After two weeks of not being with him, she wanted to scream.

He’d told her Cade had to be out of the office for a few days, so Brady needed to return to San Francisco. Business was most definitely his life. Sam just hoped she was part of it, too.

Fastening her last gold hoop in her ear, Sam grabbed the phone from her nightstand and answered. “Hello.”

“Sam.”

Her excitement dropped. “Miles.”

“Have you had any guests within the last week
or so question you or the staff on the status of the resort?”

She rested a hand on her hip. “I haven’t and the staff hasn’t said anything. Why?”

“I’m almost certain that our main competitor is going to be making an appearance in an attempt to gain information to take the resort from us.”

Horror filled Sam. “I won’t let that happen.”

“You may not be able to stop it. If something doesn’t seem right, call me or Dad.”

“Yeah, right. I can handle this, Miles. I will call you if I discover someone is pumping the staff for information, but I’d rather walk over hot coals than call Dad and explain I need his help.”

“Samantha, be reasonable.”

She sighed, not wanting to hear any more. “I have dinner plans. I have to go.”

She hung up, pleased that Miles thought enough about her to include her in the business, but horrified at the thought of the beautiful place being taken from her. She’d come to think of this as her home, her life.

The knock on her door brought her back to the fact Brady was here. She was more than eager to see him again, make love to him again.

With one last glance in the mirror, Sam gave
a nod of approval at her strapless white dress and gold T-strap sandals.

By the time she opened the door, she was as giddy as a schoolgirl.

“Hi,” she greeted him.

His eyes raked over her, thrilling her and making her want to forget the restaurant entirely.

“You look amazing,” he whispered as he stepped over the threshold.

She’d barely gotten the door closed behind him before he spun her around and crushed his mouth to hers, wrapped her in his inviting embrace and made her knees turn to rubber.

She couldn’t deny the fact he could make her forget her own name with just the touch of his lips.

But before she could even wrap her arms around his neck, he’d released her mouth, but not her body.

Dazed, Sam fluttered her lids and focused on him. “What was that for? To prove we’re still combustible?”

Moist lips tilted up into a smile. “That was because you looked like you could use something to take your mind off whatever put that sad look in your eye.”

Sam ran her hands over his crisp navy blue
dress shirt, settling on his hard pecs. “Your tactics worked. But let’s not discuss my personal issues. You’re here now and I’m dying to get you naked again.”

He kissed her once more. “You have the best ideas.”

Needing to feel more of him, Sam moved her hands around to his back, lifted the hem of his shirt and slid her fingers along smooth, taut skin over well-toned muscle. A low moan escaped him, vibrating through his chest.

With a smile on her face, she glanced up. Brady’s eyes were closed. Sam placed small, short kisses on his neck, his chin, his jawline.

Suddenly, as if he couldn’t take another second, Brady shoved her back against the door and lifted her dress. “You’re a little minx,” he growled.

With her body burning with need, she unbuttoned his shirt, slid it off his shoulders and made quick work on his belt, button and zipper.

Then, in one swift move Brady yanked her bikini panties. The tear pierced the air a split second before his hands found her most intimate spot. Spreading her legs wide, she granted him the access they both desperately needed.

He slid his finger over her center, penetrated
her, and she cried out. Bucking her hips, she held on to his bare shoulders.

“More. I need more.”

Brady removed his hand, gripped her waist and lifted her so her body wedged between the door and his chest. “Wrap your legs around me.”

The second her ankles locked behind his back, he drove into her. The fullness of him had her tilting her hips once again, eager to take all he could give.

Brady caged her body, leaving her no room to move. He was in complete control and she loved it. For once in her life, she liked being controlled by a man.

Hips pumping, warm breath ragged in her ear, Sam couldn’t get enough of this potent man. He consumed her every fiber.

All too soon, she felt herself rise. She tried to increase the pace, wanting to get to her release, but Brady remained in charge.

“You’re ready, aren’t you?” he purred in her ear.

She couldn’t piece together a response, instead she bit her lip and whimpered. Just then Brady moved in such a fast, frantic pace, Sam knew he must be close to his own release.

She turned her head, capturing his lips with
her own. Tongues mimicked bodies as they rose together and held on for the climax.

They shuddered together, lips still fused as one. Nothing ever felt so intense, so perfect. Once the tremors ceased, Brady kissed her softly and eased back until her feet were once again on the carpet.

When he slid his hands up under her dress and removed the flimsy garment, Sam didn’t protest. She didn’t have the energy to. She’d never been taken in such an urgent way before, as if he couldn’t live another minute without touching her.

The idea of being desired so much had her body humming for more all over again. What had she done to deserve this attention, this affection from such a remarkable man?

“We need to freshen up again,” he murmured against her ear.

“But we have reservations.”

He nipped at her chin. “I’ll change them.”

“I’m too tired,” she protested as he scooped her up and headed toward the bathroom.

“Then I’ll just have to do all the washing.”

They dined in a romantic corner booth complete with candlelight. Brady, though, was having a hard time concentrating on anything other than the way Sam’s bare shoulders looked in her strapless
white dress. She’d pulled her hair up, leaving some tendrils down to dance around her tan shoulders.

She looked like a woman who had been thoroughly loved.

He’d seen the looks men had passed her way when they’d entered the restaurant. Jealousy didn’t take over, though. No, Brady was glad they were looking. She was his, and he was proud of her.

Since when did he think of Samantha as his? If he didn’t put a stop to these emotions he would fall for her.

“I’ve been thinking about going ahead with the spa,” Sam said, drawing him back to the conversation.

“What?”

“I think we need to go ahead with the plans for the day spa.” She rested her slender arms on the table. “I’ve already been in contact with a contractor. Would you mind looking over the plans he sent?”

“Not at all.”

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Was he?

He faked a smile and nodded. “Fine. Just thinking about work. My brother is holding down the office until I return.”

“You’re lucky to have him.”

Brady couldn’t deny that. “We’ll look over those plans after dinner. Moving ahead with this major renovation will put more of a rift between you and your father.”

Sam’s eyes misted. “Since he’s not in charge anymore, I don’t think he has room to criticize. Besides, my brother doesn’t need to know every decision I make.”

He reached up, covered her hand with his. “Your father hurt you with this new change in positions.”

“I should’ve known I would never be considered for anything more than a hotel manager.”

The way she put herself down and expected to be overlooked was heart-wrenching. How could he make things better for her and still gain control over the resort?

He couldn’t. Which meant he had to choose.