Hustle Into Love - Chapter Nine, Part Two

Hey all,

Shall we see if Chantal can soothe Mace's temper?  Enjoy today's installment as we get to know everyone a little more.

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

Chantal grimaced at Mace’s furious bellow. She guessed he wasn’t quite ready to stop overreacting. At least not yet. She elbowed him in the ribs. “I was in the shower and—”

“This really better have a happy ending,” Mace interrupted, glaring at Eric. If possible, he held her even more possessively.

“Mace, shut up.” She rolled her eyes. “He was told I was still performing so he came up to wait. He surprised me, that’s all.”

“Lì really needs to relook at the security here.” Eric frowned, making him look even more menacing. “I got into the room with a credit card and a prayer.”

“You bypassed the lock?” Mace’s mouth dropped open. “How? Why?” He swore under his breath and glared at the other man. “What kind of security are you? Did you try knocking?”

“I did knock.” Eric looked sheepish. “But she must have been using her hair dryer. She didn’t hear me.”

Chantal nodded. “I had just finished when I heard him come in.” She lifted a shoulder in a careless shrug. “I thought it was you, but when I called out and got no answer—”

“—I had my tunes on and didn’t hear her.” Eric picked up the story. “Next thing I know, princess here is coming at me with a hair dryer.”

Mace snorted out a laugh. “I can just picture that.”

“I held it like a gun,” Chantal said primly. She knew they were both laughing at her, but it had worked, hadn’t it?

“Well, I promise that won’t happen again.” Mace frowned intently at Eric. “You and I will have a bit of a chat and see if we can find something a little more secure. For all the rooms.”

“Can do.” Eric nodded his head. “But Chantal’s my first priority. I’ll have to check her schedule first. Where she goes, I go.”

Mace’s frown grew darker. “That won’t be necessary all the time. When she’s with me, I’ll protect her.”

“Sorry, friend.” Eric was two hundred and twenty-five pounds of stubbornness. “But I stick to her like glue. That’s the way we work.”

“Eric—”

“Well, you’ll have to figure out another way to work,” Mace said angrily. Letting go of Chantal, he turned to face Eric squarely. “There’ll be times we’ll want our privacy, and we won’t get it with you lurking about.”

“Mace—”

“She pays me to lurk. It’s what I do best. Except break heads.” Eric cracked his knuckles. “I can give you a taste if you want me to.”

“Eric,” Chantal tried again, but was interrupted by an even more irritated Mace, who was fast losing his temper.

“Come on,” Mace invited. “I’ll show you a few moves that will turn you into a pretzel.”

“ENOUGH!”

Both men jumped at Chantal’s shout. They stared down at her with identical looks of surprise. 

“Both of you knock it off!” She stomped her foot then blew an errant strand of hair out of her face. “I’m not a meaty bone to be fought over. When and if I need a bodyguard, I will say who watches over me, and you’ll both have to deal with what I decide.” She turned to Eric. “You’ll have the duty whenever Mace is working or if we aren’t together for some reason. But there is no need for you to play chaperon on our dates. Mace is perfectly capable of protecting me.”

“Very capable,” Mace agreed smugly.

“But—” she tossed the caveat right in her lover’s face as she whirled to face him, “—there are times when the crowd is too crazy and too big to chance it. You know how you have those security people shadow us whenever we are in or around the casino? Well, now Eric can do that. He’ll be a second set of eyes for you when we’re together and things aren’t quite under control.”

“I don’t need the help.” Mace’s ebony eyes were furious. “I can take care of you just fine. You know that.”

“Easy, big boy.” Tiptoeing through the minefield of a man’s ego wasn’t the easiest thing on the planet to do. “I know you can. But—” she ran her hands up Mace’s chest flirtatiously, “—if you’re so busy watching my back, how will you have time to pay any attention to me?”

The fire in his gaze died a little. “Pay attention to you?”

“Yes.” She leaned up and nipped his lower lip, enjoying his quick intake of breath. “Won’t it be nice just to be able to enjoy ourselves and not have to worry about anything? You can spend all your time looking at me instead of watching the scene around us.”

Mace looked down at her for a long moment. “You’re handling me right now, aren’t you?” 

She gave him a sunny smile. “Is it working?”

Eric gave another snort of laughter. “I guess she told us both. Princess here always knows how to get her own way.”

“Is it a deal?” Chantal looked anxiously between the two men. They were both so important to her, and she hoped they would eventually become friends. They’d have to be if they were to continue to be a part of her life. But until then it was up to her to smooth the waters. “Mace? Eric? Shake and make up.”

With a shrug, the bodyguard put out his big hand. “I’m all right with it as long as you are, honey.”

Mace’s eyes narrowed at the endearment, but he took Eric’s hand and pumped it. “I just want her safe.”

The other man nodded. “That makes two of us.”

“Good.” Chantal blew out a breath and relaxed. Really, dealing with men could be so tiring. “Now that we’re all friends we can move on to more important things. Mace, we need to find Eric a room.”

“Next door.” Eric’s tone was flat. “I want to be close. Or—” white teeth flashed against his dark face in a wicked smile, “—I can just stay here…on the couch. It looks nice and comfy.”

“I’ll make the room next door available,” Mace said instantly. “It’s very comfortable.”

“I’m sure it is.” Eric’s shoulders shook with restrained laughter as he watched Mace head for the phone. 

“Stop baiting him,” Chantal said under her breath as they both listened to Mace make arrangements for the key to be delivered. Luckily the room was unoccupied, but Chantal knew Mace would have had the guests packed and moved within minutes if he’d had to. “He’s possessive enough without you making it worse.”

“I like him.” Eric threw his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “Not a wimp like some of them were. This Mace acts like he could hold his own, and he really seems to care. How’d ya meet?”

Surprised, she glanced up at her friend. “Didn’t I tell you? He’s Lì’s brother.”

Eric’s mouth opened and closed several times “You’re shitting me. Really? You mean that’s baby brother?”

Chantal giggled. “Shhh. I’m not supposed to call him that anymore. Obviously, he’s not my baby brother.”

“Thank God for that!”

“Yes,” came Mace’s amused voice. He finished his call and stepped to the connecting door between the two rooms. “I often do.”

“I should hope so, man.” Eric watched as Mace unlocked the door with a master key and pushed it open. “But don’t belt me if I slip. Hell, she’s got us all calling you that. We’ve been doing it for years.”

“If I’ve told her once—” walking over, Mace pulled Chantal gently away from Eric and into his arms, “—I’ve told her a dozen times. How I feel about her isn’t a bit brotherly.”

“Ummm.” Chantal looked up into Mace’s dark eyes, seeing the glint of lust burning in them. In a heartbeat the place between her legs went damp. “Eric. You must be tired. Go to bed.”

Eric blinked at the order then a grin split his wide face. “Yes ma’am. I’ll knock on your door in the morning. About eight?”

“Eight’s fine,” Mace answered for her. “Now go away, Philips. I’ve got tonight handled.”

The bodyguard snickered again.  “I’ll bet you do.” Grabbing up his duffle bag, Eric sauntered into his room, closing the door firmly behind him. But the lovers didn’t even notice. They were too busy staring at each other.

Mace brushed his hand over Chantal’s damp hair. “We still have all those people downstairs, waiting for us in the theatre. You’re supposed to make an appearance.”

She rose up on her tiptoes so her lips were only a hair’s breath from his. Her breasts brushed teasingly against his chest. “I appeared on stage. Isn’t that enough.”

“Works for me.” And without another word, Mace crushed his mouth down on hers.

~*~

Whew!  I've got a feeling next week is going to be a hot one!  Bring your fan with you and let's get toasty!

Hugs and I'll see you on Tuesday! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Nine, Part One

Hey all,

Are you ready to see who's lurking about in Chantal's apartment?  What does he want from her and why did he break in?  Take a deep breath and read away!  And enjoy!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

Chapter Nine

“Don’t shoot!  I’m unarmed.”  

The deep voice stopped her in her tracks and she blinked.  Chantal did scream then.  With delight.

“Eric?”  Forgetting she’d moments before been terrified, she raced over and leapt into the man’s arms.  “Oh, God!  What are you doing here?  I didn’t expect you until next week.”

“You said come…I came.  Found an earlier flight.”  Her faithful bodyguard hugged her tightly.  “I just got in.  Someone said you were performing, so I came up here to wait.”

“Damn it!”  Suddenly she remembered how frightened she’d been.  She punched him in the arm.  “You scared the hell out of me.”  

The big man looked abashed.  “Sorry.  Had my tunes on.” He held up a pair of headphones.  “Didn’t know you were here until you came at me with the gun.”  He looked down at the hair dryer on the floor and snorted.  “In the shadows that damn thing really did look like a gun.”

“But how did you get in?”

Eric shrugged his massive shoulders.  “Security sucks.  I could have picked your door with a fucking toothpick.”

She snickered, so happy to see him she didn’t worry about the pointed reference to her safety.   “I’ll tell Mace.  How is Diane?  And the kids?”  She grimaced.  “Shit.  Is she mad at me for taking you away?”

“I owe her a long weekend in the mountains, but she’s cool with it.  She understands.  Always has.”

Chantal nodded.  “You picked a good woman.”

“Don’t I know it.”

She hugged him again.  “I’m so glad you’re here.  Things have gotten a bit complicated, and I needed someone I could trust.”

He cradled her face in his big hands.  “You know I’m always here for you.  I love you.”

“I love you, too.”  She hugged him again, hard.  “Finally, things will get back to normal.”

Of all the sights Mace had expected to see when he came through the door, it wasn’t seeing his lover, dressed only in her bathrobe, in the arms of another man.  Their surprised faces turned his way, and the man—who was the size of a small mountain—shoved Chantal behind him and curled his hands into fists the size of hams.  

He glared at Mace.  “Who the hell are you?”  

Jealousy, anger and pain fought for supremacy.  Mace took a threatening step forward.  “You son of a bitch,” he snarled.  “Get your bloody hands off her or I’ll do it for you.”

“Mace!  Stop it!”  Chantal pushed away from the other man and stared wide-eyed at him.  “What do you think you’re doing?  Haven’t we had this conversation before?  If I didn’t want his hands on me, they wouldn’t be.”

Her words slapped him in the face, and his rage drained away leaving only pain behind. He stared at the couple across the room as his world crumbled around him. Thoughts scrambled around in his head. Had he been right before? No…he didn’t want to believe it. Could it be he was just one more in a long line of rich conquests? Apparently so, since it was painfully clear she was moving on to someone else. He glanced down at the bouquet of red roses he held and tossed them on a nearby table. “Then obviously I’m interrupting something. Excuse me. I won’t bother you again.”

He turned to go, his emotions already sliding into numbness.  Was this sick and empty feeling what his old girlfriend had experienced when he broke it off with her?  God, he hoped not.  He didn’t wish this pain on any one.  Loving someone hurt.

“Mace!  Wait!”  

Refusing to turn back, he continued towards the door, his heart bleeding…his stomach twisted in knots.  But before he could turn the doorknob, Chantal was there in front of him, her golden eyes flashing with something akin to fury.

“It isn’t what you think.”

Their gazes met and he didn’t see guilt or shame in hers, only anger and a tiny bit of fear.  He shook his head.  “I knocked, but I got no answer.  I see now I shouldn’t have come in.  I just didn’t expect you to have a…guest.”

Chantal stomped her foot.  “If I were you, I’d shut up now.  You’re making an ass out of yourself.”

Anger pushed past the pain.  He grabbed her shoulders, ignoring the other man’s growl of warning.  “I know what I saw.”

“We may be a couple,” she hissed, “but you have no right to act like this.  What you saw was one of my favorite people on the planet—Eric, my personal bodyguard—hugging me hello.”

He stopped shaking her and only stared.  “I beg your pardon?”

She rolled her eyes.  “I hate it when you get all aristocratic with me.  Damn it, Mace.  I thought you’d learned your lesson about jumping to conclusions without all the facts.”

“Wait.”  Mace shook his head, confused.  “Go back to what you said before.  Who is he?”

Chantal jerked away and straightened the gaping collar of her robe.  “He’s Eric Philips, my bodyguard slash head of security.  He’s been with me since I first danced at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas.  Almost ten years.  When you got so freaked out about Hui Sun and the security around here, I sent for him.  I know you told me things had settled down and Sun had backed off, but Eric was packed and ready so I told him to come when he could get a flight.  I knew having the extra protection around me would make you feel better.  And—” she walked back to the hulking man waiting by the window, “—just so you know.  He’s married with two delightful daughters of his own.”

“Christ.”  Mace’s stomach twisted again.  This time in embarrassment.  He’d really put his foot in it this time.  But there was relief as well, and with that relief came the shame he’d assumed something so horrible in the first place.  Evidently, he still had some issues about Chantal to deal with.  He cleared his throat.  “I thought—”

“I know what you thought,” she interrupted.  “You should know better.  Haven’t we gotten past all that?  Don’t you know who I really am?”

Now there was hurt in those fabulous eyes, and he felt even worse.  Without thinking about the mountain standing behind her, he strode forward and pulled her into his arms.  “I do know you.  I’m sorry.  I’m a bloody idiot.”  He sighed.  “A jealous bloody idiot.  You know I’m trying not to be a caveman, but when I saw you like that…”  His voice trailed off.  “I am sorry.”

She sniffed audibly.  “I don’t know if that’s enough.”

 Mace glanced up at the cocoa-skinned man who was still glaring at him.  He offered a rueful smile.  “If it helps, you can pound on me for awhile.”

Eric’s brown eyes narrowed, but then he visibly relaxed.  “Naw.  The boss doesn’t like violence.”

“Don’t be too hasty,” Chantal muttered.  “Maybe you can beat some common sense into his head.”

Mace flinched.  It looked like she wasn’t quite over her mad.  “I said I was sorry.”

The big bodyguard laughed.  “We did look cozy, princess.  Can’t really blame him.  A man looks after what is his.”

“And—” Mace chanced dropping a kiss on her unpainted lips, “—at the risk of you ordering a pounding, I will say I definitely consider you mine.”

Chantal glared up at him.  “You think you’re being charming right now, don’t you.”

He nodded hopefully.  “I brought you roses.  Don’t forget that.”

“Damn it, Mace,” she said again.  “You know you’re the only one I want.  How could you think—”

“I didn’t think,” he interrupted, cupping her soft cheek with his hand.  “I reacted.  That’s where I went wrong.  How I feel about you…”  He slid a look at the avidly listening Eric and shrugged.  “Sometimes it overwhelms me.”

Her tense body trembled in his arms.  “It overwhelms me, too.”

Mace brushed his lips over hers.  “Forgive me?  I promise to try harder not to be a caveman.”

She sighed, and his eyes closed in relief when she finally relaxed against him.  “I forgive you.  I really wish he could have pounded you first, but I forgive you.”

Eric snickered.  “Guess you forgot to tell me you had a boyfriend.  Diane will love hearing all about this.”

“Diane’s his wife,” Chantal explained as she wrapped her arms around Mace’s waist.  She looked back at Eric. “And I didn’t have much chance, what with you breaking into my room and all.”

“He did what?”

~*~ 

Oops!  Methinks Chantal should have stopped while she was ahead!  LOL  How will she calm the savage beast that is Mace?  Tell me what you think in the comments below and I'll see you on Thursday for the answer.

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Eight, Part Four

Hey all,

Hmmmm... Today's installment was a total surprise.  Didn't see this coming at all.  Enjoy!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~ 

* * * * *

“That’s it, Dié,” Chantal encouraged.  “A little higher with the kick…yes…perfect!”  She nodded in approval.  “That’s exactly what we want.”

“This is a very difficult routine, Madame,” Dié panted out.  “But I will not let you down.”

Chantal grinned.  Little Dié was without a doubt the hardest worker she’d ever trained.  And it showed.  Within the last week, since it had been announced the small dancer was their new lead, Dié had not only learned the dances Chantal had been doing, but was working on several new ones.  The girl had the raw talent and the drive to succeed, and Chantal would make sure her newest protégée would go as far as she wanted in the dance world.

Call it giving back…call it working towards a future, but it made her remember what Lì had done for her.  So, it was only right she pay it forward with another deserving dancer.

“Should I do it again?”

Dié’s voice brought her back to the present.  She glanced over at the sweating dancers all standing tiredly onstage and took a quick look at her watch.  “Yeah.  We’ve got a few minutes left, but let’s do Larger Than Life, instead.  The BSB version.  We’ll start with that this evening.  It highlights everyone.”

“Are you going to dance tonight?” Bryan asked.

She nodded.  “Yes, but it’s a private gig.  One Mace set up for some charity—I forget which.  I’ll be doing that in one of the small theatres, not on the main stage.”

“My aunt is on the charity’s invitation committee,” one of the other dancers—Jaio—offered.  “Many important people are coming.”

Intrigued, Chantal cocked her head.  When he’d asked her to dance, Mace had said it was for a worthy cause, but at the time she’d been distracted by his lips tugging on her breast.  She’d forgotten what the charity was if he’d ever mentioned it. 

Ever since their first night together they’d been inseparable.  The only time they were apart was when they were working, and even then the man showed up at the oddest times.  He was an inventive lover, and her lunch breaks turned into lovemaking sessions that kept her limber and satisfied all through the long afternoon workouts.

Though she still kept her own suite at the hotel, it was rare when she didn’t wind up in Mace’s bed for the night.  And while in the past that type of intimacy would have terrified her, with Mace it just seemed right.   She’d decided she was addicted to the taste of his lips.  With a smug sigh, she pushed the thought of his kisses out of her mind and smiled at the Asian woman.  “What charity it that?”

“CATW.”   Jaio giggled at Chantal’s blank look.  “The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women.”

“Hmmm.”  Chantal narrowed her eyes.  “I remember watching something at immigration while I was waiting on my work visa to be processed.  It made me sick to my stomach.  All those poor girls.  Kidnapped and brutalized.  I guess it’s a problem here just like it is in other countries.”

Jaio nodded.  “Yes, Madame.  It got worse with the coming of the casinos—prostitution became a countrywide concern—so last year the government started a program to put a stop to it.”

“It is a terrible thing,” Dié agreed in a whisper.  “My neighbor’s cousin was taken right off the streets in Hong Kong.  They still do not know what happened to her.”

Shaken, Chantal stared at the dancer.  “God, Dié, that’s horrible.  I’ve heard of it, but I had no idea it was so widespread.”

“It is not something spoken of.”

“Don’t want too much bad press, I’ll bet.”  Chantal shook her head in disgust.  “But now that you mention it, I’ve heard reports on CNN and such.  Some celebrities have taken notice and spoken out.”

“And your dancing will call attention to it as well.”  Jaio gave a satisfied smile.  “You are a famous celebrity, too.”

Chantal blinked.  “I guess I am.”  She laughed.  “I sometimes forget I have pull.  But I think this is a great way to use it.  If I can help even one woman, I will.”

“There are young men taken for labor and prostitution, just like they take girls.”  Bryan looked grim.  “Many are just children when they are kidnapped or sold into slavery.”

Shuddering, Chantal wrapped her arms around herself.  “That breaks my heart.  Kidnapping is bad enough, but sold?  By who?  Their families?”  At the young man’s nod, she shook her head.  “I promise you I’ll dance until my feet bleed.  It’s the least I can do.  I just hope it will make a difference.” 

“You are the famous Chantal.”  Dié’s eyes were filled with admiration.  “They will listen.”

Chantal took a deep breath.  She still wasn’t comfortable with hero worship.  Shaking herself, she put the dark mood away.  “From your mouth to God’s ear.  But if we’re going to impress anyone, we have to practice.  So let’s line up and work on that first number.  All right?”

* * * * *

She supposed she had impressed those she’d danced for. She’d chosen several numbers, starting with the crowd favorite—her prayer dance, then going on to both traditional Chinese folk dances and some standards she’d done both in America and France.  In the back of her mind the whole time was the conversation she’d had with her dancers.  She wanted to knock her audience’s socks off—and get them to open their checkbooks.

Now, as she peeled off her show costume and took a quick shower, she could only hope she’d accomplished her goal. The crowd had responded quite favorably.  Especially for an Asian audience of adults.  They weren’t known for wild applause or shouting, but the nods of approval along with the steady clapping was enough to make her smile in relief.

As she toweled off, she thought of Mace.  He’d been the perfect host, mingling with the charity goers and then later introducing her on stage.  He’d made her grin by calling her, “an American treasure of art and culture transplanted for a time to Macanese soil.”  And his knowing wink as she’d blown him a kiss had made her go warm in places she had to concentrate hard to forget.

Slipping on her silk robe, she brushed through her long hair and then creamed off the worst of her stage makeup.  It was time to go mingle, and though she usually enjoyed that part of her job, knowing why they were doing it had put a shadow over her usually bright countenance.  For the life of her she couldn’t understand why it should be necessary in the first place.

Human trafficking.  How could one person do that to another?  To a vulnerable woman, or even worse, a helpless child?  What kind of depraved monster thought it was okay to humiliate and use a fellow human being like that? 

As she was chewing on those horrible questions, she heard the door to her suite open.  She froze for a long moment before relaxing with a frown.  “Damn it, Mace.  You could knock.”

There was no answer, and the back of her neck prickled in sudden alarm.  “Mace?  Is that you?  If it is, this isn’t funny.”

It was still completely quiet, the only sound the soft click of the door as it closed.  Her heartbeat sped up, and instinctively, she grabbed her hairdryer, the only thing she could use as a weapon.  Silently, she tiptoed out of the bathroom and down the hall.

Easing around the doorjamb, she peeked into her sitting room.  Her heart pounded harder as she saw the huge shape of a man standing near the sliding doors, silhouetted against the lights of the city.

Anger and fear flashed through her.  How dare someone break in?  God, what would he do to her?   She was trying to decide whether to scream and run for the door or hit him over the head with her hair dryer when suddenly the man jerked something from around his head and turned to face her.

 

 ~*~ 

Well... Like I said, a surprise.  Who is it and what will he do to Chantal?  Find out on Tuesday's installment.

And if you haven't already, please make sure you head over and read my full length free read at my TMDRA Blog.  Truly Madly Deeply is a great sexy story about love found in a very unexpected place.  And don't forget to sign up for the contests.  The first one ends in only a couple of days!

Also, is anyone having trouble getting the feedburner email posting that should come out each time this blog goes live?  My notification has stopped as has a couple of other people.  I'm not sure what's going on, but if everyone is having problems, I need to know so I can get it fixed.  If you are having this problem, please email me at womanofthewind1@yahoo.com with the addy you signed up under.  I'll see what I can do.  Thanks!

Hugs and I'll see you on Tuesday! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Eight, Part Three

Hey all,

Just when I thought things were settling down a little...  Shall we see what kind of trouble Mace is in now?  Enjoy everyone!!!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

Mace slowly got to his feet and nodded for Meihui to shut the door.  “Sun.  I’m surprised to see you here.  What can I do for you?”

The older man stepped forward.  “I have come to speak to you about Chóngdé.”

Inwardly groaning, Mace shook his head.  “We’ve had this conversation once before.  Nothing’s changed.”

“This I know.”  Hui Sun switched to Cantonese.  “That is why I have come.”

“I don’t understand.”

Hui Sun motioned to the chair in front of the desk.  “May I?” 

Mace nodded warily and then sat as well.  “Why are you here?  It’s been almost a month.  You must know by now I’m not going to change my mind and let Chóngdé dance, even if Chantal allowed it, which I assure you she wouldn’t.”

“I told you what would happen if you did not follow my request.”

Thinking of the problems that had beset the casino after he and Chantal had gone toe to toe with Hui and his daughter, made Mace clench his jaw in remembered anger.  Missing shipments, staff quitting without notice, unexplained shortages in supplies…the list went on.  All due to the poisonous influence of the man sitting across from him.

But he’d handled it.  No one was going to try anything against Lì’s casino on Mace’s watch.  “I know what you told me, and I know what the results were.  But it didn’t work, did it?  The Golden Tiger is still doing just fine, and Chantal’s new dance act is pulling them in.”

Hui Sun inclined his head.  “This is so.  You have done well against great odds.  My reach is far, and I would not hesitate to ruin you for what you’ve done to my daughter.”

“Do what you will, Sun, but Chóngdé isn’t getting a second chance.  And no amount of threatening me will do you any good.  I made a promise to Lì and I intend to keep it.”

The older man looked politely curious.  “Just what promise did you make to your brother?”

Mace ground his teeth together.  It was the only way to keep his temper.  “I swore to him I’d keep the casino going.  Not only that, I’d help turn it into a moneymaker.  And with Chantal’s expertise, we’re doing just that.”

“Ahhh…Ms. Montgomery.  Do you think she was right in firing my daughter?”

In for a penny, in for a pound.  Another one of his grandmum’s famous sayings.  “I’m sorry, Hui, but yes.  She doesn’t have the talent, and unfortunately, she doesn’t have the right attitude either.  Chóngdé learned a hard lesson about the real world and her place in it.”

“And you think this is my fault.  As a father I have indulged my daughter too much.”

Where the hell was this going?  Mace stared at the other man in guarded confusion.  “I do.”

“You believe,” Hui Sun said with a sigh, “that my daughter is spoiled and arrogant.”

How could Mace answer that question?  This was getting more and more ridiculous.  What was Hui Sun playing at?  “You know your daughter better than I.”

The other man laughed.  “A very political answer.”

Mace smiled politely.  “Thank you.”

“I would have liked to have you for a son-in-law.”  Hui Sun cocked his dark head.  “I do not suppose you’ll change your mind?”

“I’m sorry.  No,” Mace said decisively.  “My interests are…elsewhere.”

Hui Sun’s eyes narrowed.  “I see.  The beautiful Chantal, I suppose.  My daughter was correct.”

“Leave Chantal out of this.”  Mace fought back the anger.  He knew it would only make him lose face.  “You want to take someone on, I’m here and ready.”

The older man lifted his hands in protest.  “No.  You do not understand.  I have not come here to threaten you, but to make amends.”

“Excuse me?”  Mace leaned back in his chair, astonishment streaking through him.  “You want to apologize?”

Smiling gently, Hui Sun shook his head.  “I will not apologize for trying to help my daughter.  She is family.”

“All right.  I think I understand that,” Mace said slowly, even though he was completely confused.  “Then what amends are you talking about?”

“You are a young man and honorable.  As I stood for my daughter, you stood for your brother.  I respect you for this.”

Mace’s eyebrow winged up in surprise.  “You respect me?”

“Yes.”  The other Asian’s eyes twinkled.  “You surprised me, D'Avranches.”

Shaking his head, Mace wondered when he’d stepped through the looking glass.  The most feared businessman in Macau was saying that somehow Mace had surprised him?  Earned his respect?

“Ahhh, now you are the one who is surprised,” Hui Sun chuckled.  “Is that not so?”

“I have to admit I am.”  Mace rose and strode over to the small wetbar in the corner.  “Tea?  Or something stronger?”

Hui Sun nodded.  “I would enjoy a good scotch.  I believe your brother has a bottle in the lower cabinet.”

Even more surprised, Mace pulled out a bottle of Aberfeldy 21.  “I didn’t know this was here.”

“It is Lì Yeung’s hidden stash.”  Hui Sun took the crystal glass Mace offered and sipped.  He sighed approvingly.  “So delicious.  A little smoky.  A hint of vanilla and licorice.  I thank you.”

Mace poured a generous splash for himself.  “How did you know about the bottle?  I didn’t think you and Lì were friends.”

“Perhaps not friends, but not enemies either.”  Hui Sun smiled.  “I have sat in this chair many times.”

Feeling his temper slip a notch, Mace took a deep breath.  “Then why try and destroy the casino.  If you and Lì are drinking buddies, that seems wrong somehow.”

Hui Sun frowned.  “Perhaps the translation is wrong.  Bud-dies?”

Mace suddenly realized he’d been so shocked, he’d slipped back into English.  He switched to Cantonese again.  “My apologies.  I was asking why you tried to hurt Lì if you are close enough to drink together.”

The older man sighed.  “I did not want to, but she was very upset.”

“Chóngdé?”

“Yes.  And as you know family—”

“Family comes first,” Mace growled in disgust.  “So now you’re here to say no hard feelings?  Let bygones be bygones?  You cost us a lot of money.  I had to bring people in from Hong Kong and England to help out since the locals were afraid to stay.  I had to have food shipped in on private carriers who weren’t intimidated by you.  Hell, I had to order things all the way from Europe because the suppliers wouldn’t do their job.”

“Yes.”  Hui Sun looked properly regretful.  “You did an excellent job of keeping the casino going even after I did all I could to make it fail.”

Mace just stared at him.  Sun actually sounded sorry.  “I don’t understand you at all.”

“D'Avranches, I am a businessman and a father.  Sometimes one responsibility collides with the other.  You will learn this someday when you are blessed with children of your own.  But as a businessman, I know when it is time to fight and when it is time to stop fighting.”  Hui Sun smiled beatifically.  “It is time to stop.”

“Because I stood up to you?”

The older man inclined his head.  “Because fighting you is costing me time and money.  And no matter how many tantrums my daughter throws, I can see I will not win this battle.  You will not date her and you will not allow her to dance.”

“No, I won’t.”  Mace shrugged.  This was the oddest conversation he’d ever had.  Most competitors wanted to slit your throat when you bested them, not sit and drink twenty-one year old scotch.  Another way Asians were different from the rest of the world.  They were so bloody polite.  “I’m not sure what to say.  I did what was right and I’d do it again.”

“And that is why,” Hui Sun agreed, “you have earned my respect.  You are an honorable man, and your brother would be proud of you.”

Unthinkingly, Mace rubbed at the tightness in his chest.  “Thanks.  I hope so.”

Hui Sun finished his drink and stood up.  “I will let it be known that The Golden Tiger is once more an honorable place to work.”

Might as well meet the old bastard half way.  For Lì’s sake if nothing else.  Mace offered his hand.  “Thank you.”

They shook then the older man turned towards the door.  “I will tell my daughter of my decision, but she will not be happy.  She is still very angry.  With Chantal Montgomery and with you.  She has a tendency to want her own way.  And Chóngdé—as you said—still has much to learn about the world.”

“Just tell her to stay away from both of us.  It would be better for everyone.”

Hui Sun nodded.  “Yes.  But my daughter is headstrong and in her anger she might do something foolish.  I will do my best, but I suggest you stay alert for any trouble.”

“I will.”

The other man pulled open the door then turned back to Mace.  His eyes were almost envious.  “Your Chantal…she is filled with a special huǒ, is she not?”

Grinning at the words, your Chantal, Mace nodded. “Yes.  She got a fire that burns hot, but she’s got a tender heart, too.”

“You are in love with her.”

Mace stiffened, but saw only envy and pleasure in the older man’s face.  Hui Sun might be a cold-eyed warlord, but it was obvious he had a heart.  “I am.”

“Then I wish you well, and may the Gods favor you and your lady.”

The door closed behind the other man, but Mace didn’t see it.  He, Chantal and The Golden Tiger had been granted a reprieve.  So why did it still feel like they were still standing under the Sword of Damocles?

~*~

Well...that was unexpected.  I thought Hui was going to be the bad guy in all this.  Maybe it will be smooth sailing for Mace and Chantal.  At least for a while.  Do  you think Hui's on the up and up?  Or should our lovers watch their backs?  Let me know in the comments below.

And, please forgive me for not letting you know this sooner.  Because I pre-posted ahead of time, I totally forgot to do the monthly comment drawing.  I'm very sorry.  But...here is the winner of January's contest.

SharonJM

Send a note to me accepting your free gift at womanofthewind1@yahoo.com with your snail mail addy so I can send you your prize.  Congrats and we'll see who wins again next month!!!

I'll be back on Thursday with another great installment.  And don't forget to check out all the awesome free reads, contests and fun going on over at my newest endeavor....Truly Madly Deeply Romance Authors!!!!  Free Reads of all kinds!   And I'm up first!!!!!

Hugs,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Eight, Part Two

Hey all,

It's been an wonderful night, and I think both Mace and Chantal realize it's the beginning of something special.  But what will the morning after hold?  Let's take a look and see.  Enjoy!!!

Hustle Into Love

~*~ 

* * * * *

When Mace opened his eyes late the next morning, he knew he was alone in bed.  He tensed, but then immediately relaxed when he heard the shower running in the adjoining bathroom.  Chantal’s sultry voice was belting out the words to the Frankie Valli hit, Oh What A Night, and when she sang about sweet surrender and the rush of the night spinning her head around, his body hardened again in a quick flash.  Suddenly, he wanted her desperately.

Tossing the covers back, he grinned.  It had been one hell of a night.  Making love with Chantal had been everything he’d thought it would be and more.  And if he could get into the bathroom quick enough, he’d show her it could be one hell of a morning, too.

And it was.  Making love in the shower was hot and wet and quick and had left them both limp as ramen noodles.  But the thought of Chantal’s slick wet body against his had sent his lust spiraling, and he’d been in the shower and inside her within seconds of opening the door.

It had been hard and fast and utterly satisfying, and when afterwards she fussed at him for attacking her, he’d only grinned and slapped her on the ass.  Her half-hearted grumblings hadn’t worried him.  He’d seen the passion and delight in her eyes as he’d made love to her.  So with a whistle, he’d wrapped a towel around his waist and headed out to the small kitchen to make some coffee.

He didn’t drink the bitter brew, but he knew Chantal did, and he had it waiting for her when she stepped out of the bedroom.

“Is that coffee?” she groaned, reaching for the cup.  “God bless you.”

Watching her suck it down, he shuddered.  “That stuff will kill you.  Better a nice cup of tea.”

Chantal rolled her eyes.  “Lì’s tried, your mother tried, even your grandmother gave it a shot, but it’s no use.  I’m not a tea drinker.  I doubt I ever will be.”

Mace sighed.  “Americans.  Don’t know what’s good for you.”

“Do too.”  She gave him a sultry look.  “I’ve got you, haven’t I?”

Warmth speared through him, and he pulled her into his arms.  “Maybe American’s aren’t all stupid.”  Plucking the coffee cup out of her hand, he set it on the counter and gave her a long, deep kiss.  “Let’s go back to bed.”

She snorted and tried to push away.  “What are you?  A rabbit?  Half the day is already gone, and I’ve got work to do.”

He suddenly realized she was dressed.  “Work?  You’re going to work?”

Her eyes softened.  “Mace.  I was kidding about bringing in provisions.  We can’t stay here forever.”

  Lifting her hand, he nibbled on her fingers.  “I’m the boss, and I’ve decided today is a holiday.”

Giggling, she shook her head.  “You’re crazy, you know.  And as much as I wish I could take the day and stay with you, I can’t.  I’ve got appointments and rehearsal.”

“But I want to be with you,” he grumbled.  “Why’d you set all that up anyway?”

Her eyebrow winged up.  “Well, next time I toss caution to the wind and let a man I’ve been lusting after for weeks take me back to his room, I’ll make sure I don’t have anything scheduled the next day.”

Jealousy slapped him hard.  He jerked her close, making her gasp.  “The only man you’ll toss caution to the wind with is me!”

“Wow!”  Chantal’s mouth dropped open in surprise.  “You really can be a caveman.  But it’s kinda cute on you.”

Incredibly, he felt his face go red.  “I—”

“Mace,” she interrupted as she touched his cheek.  “You know very well you’re the only one I want.”

“I’m sorry.”  Pushing away his embarrassment, he bent and kissed her. “But I’m feeling pretty damn possessive of you this morning.  And I’m not sure that’s wrong.”

Her lips quirked into a smile.  “I didn’t say it was wrong.  In fact, I sort of like it.”  Her eyes narrowed.  “To a point.”

He lifted his hands.  “Point taken.  As long as you understand why I said it.”

“I do.” She went up on her tiptoes and kissed him lingeringly.  “But right now I have to go back to my room and get changed.”

“Lunch then,” Mace entreated, a part of him shocked he was begging.  But he’d been telling the truth when he’d said he didn’t want to be without her.  “A late one since it’s almost noon.”

“Make it four o’clock tea,” she teased as she treated him to a last kiss.  “A good healthy tea with real food.  I’ll even drink the stuff, just for you.”

Laughing, he went with her to the door.  “I can do that.  The Venetian serves a great high tea in the café near the casino.  Shall I meet you in your office, or the rehearsal hall?”

“The hall.  I’ll be showing Dié her new role as lead and starting on another dance as well.”

He kissed her again, wishing he could pick her up and carry her back to his bed.  “I’ll miss you.”

Her eyes caressed him.  “And I’ll miss you.  Think of me?”

“You know I will.”

“Good.”  She gave him a saucy smile and ran her hand down to his crotch and squeezed.  “Because I’ll definitely be thinking of you.”

* * * * *

Remembering her parting shot had Mace adjusting his cock several times during the day.  But he didn’t care.  The world was beautiful.  Things were great.  He was happy.  And it was all because Chantal finally belonged to him.

Oh, he knew she probably wouldn’t appreciate the wording, but he couldn’t help it.  His feelings were primitive towards her.  A part of him wanted to run down to the rehearsal hall, toss her over his shoulder and carry her away to where no other man could even look at her.  He had a feeling watching her dance now would be even more difficult.  Because she was so sexy, so desirable, he knew what all those other men were thinking.  Hell, he’d been right there with them.  Wanting her, needing her.  Going to any length to have her.

He rubbed his eyes and swore lightly.  The fact he did have her only made him feel a little better.  He knew as a performer, Chantal belonged to her audience, too.  Having to share that part of her would take a little getting used to.

But he’d seen the look in her eyes when he’d acted the caveman.  She’d liked the fact he was possessive, so if he could just make sure he didn’t go too far, he had a feeling instead of getting angry when he started to scratch and grunt, it might draw them even closer.

He’d already decided he was in it for the long hall.  If he’d thought he was in love with her before, he was sure of it now.  The night they’d spent together only whetted his appetite for more.  They were a perfect fit, their arguments almost as enjoyable as what they’d shared last night.  Oh, she had faults, he wasn’t blind to them, but they didn’t matter nearly as much as the wonder he felt when he held her close.  And the fun he had when they talked and laughed together made it clear that in or out of bed, she was the one he wanted to spend time with.

Granmum had been so right.

It was obvious his grand gesture of the night before had spread like wildfire though the whole casino.  His assistant grinned knowingly at him, and servers tittered behind their hands when he did his daily walk through.  One of the chefs offered to make him a special treat and deliver it to his rooms.  An aphrodisiac that would make his lady insatiable.

Mace figured it would be ungentlemanly to tell the man Chantal already was.

Everywhere he went, people smiled at him, whispered and giggled or just flat out congratulated him as if he’d won the lottery.  But then again, he was trying to win something pretty special.

If he was lucky, he would win Chantal’s heart.

There was a knock on the door and his assistant poked her head through.  The look on her face made him go tense.  “What is it?”

“You have someone to see you,” she whispered.  But before she could tell him who, the door flew open.

Hui Sun stood in the doorway.

~*~  

Oh boy, this isn't good.  Trouble just walked in the door.  I wonder what will happen now?  I guess we'll have to wait and find out on Tuesday!  

But while you're waiting, check out another FREE READ I'll have available over the weekend.  My newest fun endeavor...

A brand new free read every week by a different author and I'm up first with an urban fantasy short that's literally out of this world!!!  

My story is called Truly, Madly Deeply and here is a quick blurb...

Starlight, Starbright, First Star I See Tonight.

Wishing upon a star can make all your dreams come true. And when Ilona finds herself in a terrifying situation, she wishes that the man of her dreams would come and save her. Imagine her shock when Sirius, the brightest star in the sky answers that wish. And what happens next makes her most delicious fantasies come true.

With 26 different authors and many different genres, it can't miss.  We have contests and prizes galore for our readers--all going on right now.   It will be a blast, so please come and join us at http://trulymadlydeeplyromanceauthors.blogspot.com/

Hugs, and hope to see you there!

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/