Two Hearts: Beyond Control (Two Hearts Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  “Yeah, I’m feeling better.” I slipped my phone back in my dress.

  Ben pointed out an exit beyond the bar to a rooftop patio. “It’s cold, but that’s probably the only place that will be quiet enough to hear.”

  “She can borrow my jacket.”

  My heart skipped at the sound of Nico’s deep voice. I tried but couldn’t take my eyes off him as he approached carrying two drinks. There was something inherently sexy about a confident man in a suit, but I had a feeling Nico looked incredible no matter what he wore . . . or didn’t. I sucked in a quiet gasp, pulling a hand to my chest. Get a grip, Danni.

  “Your choice of poisons, I believe.” Nico smiled and leaned past me to set a very large strawberry margarita on the table.

  I took a slow breath, intending to calm myself. It only managed to fill my head with his potent scent. “I’m surprised you remembered.” My voice shook. I returned his smile but couldn’t look into his eyes. “Thank you.”

  He placed his tumbler filled with an amber liquid next to my drink before removing his jacket, his eyes fixed on me the whole time. “My pleasure.”

  Jen stood watching, her arms folded across her chest. “So this is Nico?”

  I could barely resist laughing at my younger sister’s parental tone, but I managed to stay composed and introduce them.

  She accepted his jacket and pinned me with a wary look before leaving. “I’ll hurry back.”

  Nico didn’t move. His gaze slowly skimmed every inch of me, burning me with its intensity. A lopsided grin spread across his face, complete with the single dimple that added to his charm. The easygoing confidence I admired seemed to be returning.

  Without saying a word, he grabbed a chair and dragged it to mine. As he settled in across from me, he took a long, leisurely drink from his glass.

  “What happened to your date?” I reached for my drink, watching him from the corner of my eye, and hoped my question sounded casual enough.

  Just because I was curious, it didn’t mean Kendra could be right. Why would I be jealous? A snort of laughter slipped out just thinking about her crazy idea.

  Nico rested his arms on his thighs, both hands wrapped tightly around his glass. He absentmindedly swirled the liquid inside. “You look . . .” He lifted his head to glance at me again and took a deep breath before continuing. “Wow. Absolutely amazing.”

  He let out a low groan and straightened in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m here alone. That girl . . . she’s just someone . . . just some girl I know. She’s not important.” His eyes locked on mine as he leaned forward again. “What about you?” His voice had a slight edge to it. “Your husband wander off again?”

  “Will’s away. On a business trip.”

  I stirred my drink, concentrating on the tiny rivulets left behind by the straw, while sneaking an occasional peek at the incredibly gorgeous man in front of me. Looking at Nico was sort of like looking at the sun. If you stared too long, you’d get burned . . . or something like that. I took another long sip and a brief glance.

  He narrowed his eyes, giving me a suspicious look. “Hmm. Well, that’s too bad . . . for him. But it means I don’t have to worry about you chasing me off before he comes back this time, so it’s a good thing for me.” He leaned closer, reaching out to brush a curl from my face. “And maybe you’ll even relax enough to look at me.”

  A trail of heat remained where his gentle fingers touched my cheek then skimmed along the side of my neck and shoulder.

  He took another slow drink from his glass, draining the last of its contents, and placed it on the table. He scrubbed a hand across his face, making it difficult to understand his mumbled words. “Dammit. I’m not playing this well.”

  I stood to push past him. “This isn’t a game, Nico.” He reached for my wrist, but I pulled it away and continued to the rail near the stage.

  Nico followed and stood behind me, reaching past me on one side to grab hold of the post. His chest occasionally brushed against my back as I watched the crowd dance.

  I was trapped.

  “Turn around, Danni. Look at me.”

  I shivered as his warm breath caressed my ear, his low voice rumbling through me.

  “You can trust me. I promise I won’t hurt you.”

  I turned slowly, expecting him to step back and give me some space, but he didn’t move. Seconds ticked by, my eyes locked on his solid chest, his broad shoulders, the dark stubble that covered his jaw.

  “We have got to come back here this summer.” Jen’s voice rang out beside me, snapping me from my daze. “That patio is amazing. It’s this beautiful garden, complete with a stream and waterfall—on the roof of a city building.” She pulled off Nico’s jacket while she rambled on about plants and lighting and cozy seating areas. A crease formed between Jens’s brows as she paused, looking between Nico and me. The rush of words she didn’t say were all clear in her expression. “Everything okay here?”

  Nico cleared his throat and seemed to regroup. His voice was calm. Relaxed. “Yeah. Everything’s good.” He gave me a playful wink then collected his jacket from Jen’s arms, folding it in half before he moved to drape it over the chair he’d been sitting in a few minutes earlier.

  He returned, carrying my margarita. “We were just talking about her husband’s business trip and how it’s too bad he couldn’t be here. Right, Danni?”

  I gave a noncommittal nod while I sucked down the rest of my drink.

  Ben stepped in front of me and touched my arm. “Hey, sorry to interrupt,” he shouted. “I need to get back for our next set. It’s good to see you again, Danni. You look beautiful, by the way.” He turned his full attention to Nico and slapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Stay out of trouble.” The stare that followed told me there was more to that message than the casual taunt implied.

  Ben caught Kristi by the waist on his way past her. She giggled as he lifted her petite body and spun her around, kissing her when he returned her feet to the ground.

  “I expect to see you ladies on the dance floor,” he said, pointing at each of us as he walked away.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dance With Me

  We watched Ben weave his way through the crowd, dodging several women’s attempts to grab him. They screamed his name, along with a few propositions, as he hopped up on stage. Their reaction didn’t surprise me—he was almost as hot as Nico. But a quick glance at Kristi’s face told me she hadn’t anticipated the attention and wasn’t at all happy about the situation.

  Ben looked up at our section as he strapped on his guitar, a huge smile on his face, and tipped his head toward Kristi.

  She grabbed Jen and me as the band started playing, tugging us toward the dance floor. “Let’s go, ladies.”

  I needed some distance from Nico, a chance to regain control of my traitorous body. Heading to the dance floor with the girls would be the perfect escape.

  As Kristi pulled me along, I waved over my shoulder and shouted to Nico, “Gotta run. Thanks for the drink. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  “Get a move on, Kendra.” Kristi blurted out the demand without slowing to wait for her. “Plenty of hot guys on the dance floor for you to hit on.”

  The determined look on Kristi’s face was almost comical. She danced her way through the crowd until reaching the front of the stage, hips swaying as she turned in a slow circle.

  Ben moved closer, beaming with his approval.

  “That’s more like it.” A satisfied grin filled Kristi’s face. “I need to make sure the only suggestive moves my man’s watching are mine.” She looked past me and waved a hand in the air. “About time you . . . oh.” Her smile faded. She twisted her lips and shifted her eyes to me.

  I turned to follow Kristi’s line of vision. Kendra was walking toward us with Logan and Nico following close behind. Damn!

  We all danced as a group, Kendra keeping her promise of grinding on Logan.

  I did my best to avoid Nico, but
he occasionally made it clear that he wasn’t dancing alone by taking my hand or shifting behind me with his hands on my hips. The provocative way he moved that sexy body of his and the flirtatious expressions on his face when our eyes met were chipping away at my willpower, melting my self-control.

  I needed to be responsible, force myself to think about something else. Okay, I can do that. And what could be more responsible than thinking about Will? I closed my eyes, trying to imagine him here—not exactly the best plan. I lost my balance and fell against Nico.

  Mental note to self . . . keep eyes open when mixing alcohol, dancing, and stilettos.

  Nico didn’t seem to mind. He pulled me closer for a hug, his mouth pressed to my ear. “I knew you’d fall for me sooner or later. Guess I just had to be patient.” He laughed and released me, but his smile didn’t fade.

  Maybe I couldn’t imagine Will here because he didn’t really like to let loose and dance. If he’d had enough to drink and I begged relentlessly, sometimes he’d join me on the dance floor. Even then . . . well, there was just no comparison between his tense movements and Nico’s relaxed sensuality.

  Ugh! Focus, Danni. Will . . . Will . . .

  His meetings for the day should be finished by now. I wondered if he missed me, what he was doing. Probably not trying to distract himself from adulterous thoughts.

  I pulled my phone from my dress and pressed a button, eager to see a message or missed call from him. Nothing.

  Cheers erupted as the band finished the debut of their original song, snapping me from the heartsick daze I’d drifted into.

  Kristi grabbed my arm and pressed a hand to her throat. “I’m parched. Let’s take a break and grab a drink.”

  “Sounds good.” I nodded. The last thing I needed was another drink, but I could definitely use a break.

  She tapped on Kendra’s arm and motioned toward our table while I reached for Jen, intending to pull her with me. But Nico caught my extended wrist, his gentle fingers wrapping completely around it with just enough pressure to stop me in my tracks.

  Ben’s deep voice echoed through the room. “Thank you. We’re gonna slow things down, do a little Coldplay for you now. This one’s from a few years back. It’s called ‘Sparks.’ ”

  His head shifted toward us as he stepped back and adjusted his guitar. It was too dark to see his eyes, but I could feel him watching. Judging. The music began, a sultry rhythm.

  “Stay. Dance with me.” Nico’s voice recaptured my attention.

  Logan stepped closer. He clapped a hand on Nico’s shoulder and attempted to tug him away from me. “Nico. Come on, man, you don’t want to do this.”

  A worn, weathered edge marked the practiced tone of his voice. He’d clearly been down this road before with his best friend.

  Nico turned, without releasing his hold on me, and shrugged away from Logan’s grasp. His face tensed, and he narrowed his eyes at him. “I got this.” His voice was firm and decisive. Dismissive.

  Logan seemed to expect his reaction and didn’t back down. “You think you got it. You’re drunk, Nico, and you know what’s gonna happen? You’re gonna fuck things up. And then I get to deal with your shit about it for however long it takes you to screw your head back on.”

  Nico paused, his head bobbing as he considered Logan’s words. After taking a slow breath, he continued in a calmer voice. “It’s all good. I’m good. I’m just going to dance with my new friend, nothing more.” He smiled at me and relaxed his grip on my wrist enough to brush his thumb across my skin.

  The simple movement ignited a tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach.

  “Right, Danni?”

  The two men stared at each other in silent conversation until Logan held up his hands and stepped back, shaking his head. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” He glanced between Nico and me. “Both of you.”

  Logan called past me to where my friends and sister stood watching. “Care to join me, ladies?” He motioned toward our table then walked away without waiting for their response.

  Kristi hesitated. “I think we should stay with Danni.”

  “She’s a big girl. We don’t need to babysit her.” Kendra draped an arm across Kristi’s shoulders. “Let’s go find Logan, and you can have another drink while you lust after your insatiable sex machine and pity all the slutty bitches who think they’re going home with him tonight.” Before ushering Kristi away, Kendra gave me a wicked grin. “Have fun, sweetie.”

  So much for sticking together and having my back.

  Jen lingered, pausing in front of us. “Danni?”

  Her face clearly expressed concern over leaving me alone with Nico. She was the only one who knew how deeply conflicted my feelings for him were. She also knew this wasn’t the path I’d chosen, regardless of my husband’s apparent lack of interest.

  “I’ll be right there. Go ahead.” I touched her arm, gave my best reassuring smile, and sent her away. Don’t leave me.

  Nico turned his attention to me, his eyes searching mine. He extended his free hand and waited for me to accept it. “It’s just a dance, Danni. What are you afraid of?”

  You. Me. That look in your eyes. The way it makes me feel. The truth. My chest constricted, closing in on my lungs and making it difficult to breathe.

  He continued to wait patiently, his eyes pleading.

  I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat and opened my mouth to respond, turn him down, but nothing came out. Every cell in my body screamed this is a huge mistake as I placed my hand in his and allowed him to pull me against his solid chest. I couldn’t stop myself—didn’t want to—and caved to the overwhelming need to know how it felt to be wrapped in his strong arms.

  He released my wrist and pressed his palm to the small of my back, the heat of his touch radiating through me. I closed my eyes and relaxed into him, breathing in the crisp scent of his cologne mixed with the intoxicating scent that was purely Nico.

  Our bodies moved in time with the seductive tune Ben’s band played as his raspy voice sang out the poignant lyrics.

  Nico’s chest lifted in a deep inhale. His warm breath caressed the side of my face when he spoke, his voice regaining its familiar soothing tone. “See, Danni? Just two friends sharing a dance.” His fingers flexed against my back before sliding to grab my waist, pulling me tighter against him. “Perfectly in control.”

  His heart beat harder against his chest as if trying to escape, or maybe it was mine. Blood coursed through my body, pulsing deep in my core and waking unfamiliar sensations that were best left dormant.

  Nico released my hand, allowing it to drop to his chest. The gentle brush of his fingers as they skimmed the length of my arm, then across my shoulder, sent an electrifying shiver through me. He let his hand come to a rest at the base of my neck but continued stroking my exposed skin.

  My emotions raged out of control. I was completely enveloped in Nico’s embrace, consumed by him. The music faded to a muffled hum, and the other couples disappeared. Nothing existed beyond Nico and me. In that moment, nothing else mattered.

  I lifted my head to search his face. Hunger. Desire. Need. His eyes mirrored my feelings.

  I hesitated, moving my hand from his chest to touch the side of his face with trembling fingers. The rough surface did little to mask the gentle warmth of the man beneath it.

  His eyes closed as he leaned into my touch.

  I continued exploring, my fingers weaving through the lush texture of his jet-black hair and pulling him closer as I stretched on my toes to close the distance. I forced my eyes to stay open, watching his troubled face. My heart raced. I paused then brushed my lips across his.

  Nico’s body tensed at the contact. His hand slid from my waist to my hip as his arms tightened, pulling me closer. The full length of my body pressed into his warm, muscular frame, discovering the enormous effect I had on him.

  His eyes remained closed—a conscious effort, I decided. Was he hiding from me? Or from himself?

>   I pulled in a shaky breath and covered his mouth with mine, moving my lips gently against his. My grasp on his hair tightened as I strained to be closer to him. Letting my tongue skim along his lower lip, I tasted a hint of the scotch he’d been drinking earlier.

  You’re drunk, Nico. You’re gonna fuck things up. I pushed Logan’s words away as quickly as they surfaced. For the first time in my life, I didn’t want to care about responsibility or consequences. I only wanted to feel. And nothing else had ever felt this amazing.

  Nico’s soft moan vibrated against my lips. “Danni.” His single word a whisper before he returned the kiss, gentle at first then becoming more fervent. When his lips parted on a ragged breath, I seized the moment and let my tongue slip past.

  He welcomed the intrusion, pulled me in deeper. Releasing his tight hold on me, he raised his hands to frame my face, the possessive gesture luring me further into this sensual dream.

  Cool air brushed against my abandoned mouth. Nico had pulled away. His forehead rested against mine, his breaths erratic.

  “Christ, Danni. I don’t . . . I didn’t . . .” He gave a muffled groan of frustration, running a hand through his hair. “I’m . . . I’m so sorry.”

  Sorry. The kiss of death. My senses returned to me. Couples surrounded us on the dance floor. The band had moved on to a different song. Humiliation. Disgrace.

  Betrayal. Oh, God! What have I done!

  Distance. I needed distance from him. Now.

  Fighting back tears, I pushed away from Nico and turned to run, wobbling on my damn stilettos.

  He caught my waist, saving me from further embarrassment at least, but I pushed him away.

  I kicked off my shoes and stooped to grab them. “Freakin’ slut heels. You sure earned your title tonight.”

  Nico called after me as I raced toward the patio exit, bumping into several people along the way.

  The brutal January air assaulted me like a harsh slap across the face, one that I fully deserved. I leaned against the brick building, letting my head fall back against the hard surface. A deluge of tears streamed down my face, but there could never be enough to wash away the damage I’d done tonight. The weight of the situation was suddenly too much for my legs to bear. I collapsed, my back scraping along the rough brick wall.