“I’ll see you tonight then. I can’t wait to pay up.” I gave him a flirty kiss and left. I have a feeling I may just be in way over my head with this man.
***
ZANE
A few moments after Mia left, Winter knocked on my door. "I know you're about to leave, but there’s a woman here to see you."
I peered over Winter’s shoulder and noticed Jessica in the reception area. There was no way the bitch was sane, standing there as if I asked her to be there. No fucking way. She's got the nerve to show up here at my office.
"She seems desperate to see you." Winter grimaced apologetically.
It was time to cut her loose again.
“Jessica."
She tensed slightly at the hard tone I gave her name. Literally, I was spitting her name out with nothing but disgust dripping from my tone. I walked over to her, took her by the elbow and pulled her inside the empty conference room, away from listening ears.
“I want you to tell me why in the fuck you are here.”
“Because, baby, I know you miss me and I needed to see you again. I miss you.”
I had to give the bitch credit; she honestly believed I wanted her. That I'd take her back. After what she did to me, there was no way I'd take her back. She wasn’t genuine. She was a crazy bitch, and I knew there was nothing but calculating, crazy scheming underneath her façade.
“Are you stupid, for fuck’s sake? Please tell me you’re just dense and missed the fucking part when I told you we are over. You having some kind of trouble accepting that, Jessica?"
She flinched but she recovered quickly, sliding her body up against mine. “You want me, Zane. You need me. I know your needs and I'm the only woman who can satisfy them.” She laughed and reached out to place her hand on mine, but I stepped back and watched her arm fall lamely by her side.
“Listen to me, and listen to me real good, Jessica. I will not repeat this shit again. You and me, we are done. Completely and never going to fucking happen again done. My dick isn’t coming anywhere near your pass-the-parcel pussy. I don't know why you think you can just waltz back into my life after you do the dirty on me and expect me to accept you back. You're wrong. Dead-set wrong. What we had is over. Never. Happening. Again over. Now, get the fuck out of this complex or I'll have you thrown out."
I never gave her a chance to respond. Turning around, I stormed past Winter's desk without a backward glance at Jessica. "Make sure she leaves or call security," I instructed Winter.
"Yes, of course."
I headed out of the building, ready for my night with Mia.
Chapter Twelve
ZANE
When I returned home, it was almost six-thirty. Darkness was beginning to set in as I drove home. I loved the view of all the vineyards at that time of the evening. The Barossa was a truly exquisite place to live in. It was dinner service at The Barossa Barrels and patrons were starting to come in by the dozen.
My manager, Pete, had everything under control. I quickly avoided any staff who wanted to discuss anything as I raced upstairs to my apartment to get ready. Usually, I had a quick chat with Pete over a drink, but that night I had another thing on my mind. And that one thing was the exotic Mia Brunetti.
Was I being a selfish bastard for sneaking upstairs? I didn’t care. I spent extra time on my appearance, shaving and trimming my goatee. I had a cleaner come in once a week but I did a quick tidy-up of the apartment, changed the sheets, and cleaned the bathroom.
I never gave Mia a specific time to arrive, but I was constantly checking the clock. Where was she? I was feeling a bit nervous initiating a virgin. The phone rang, disturbing my train of thoughts. I was half-afraid to answer it, thinking it might be Mia calling to cancel. But it was my mother, grilling me on looking after myself. As I listened to her chatter, I looked out the window and saw a car create dust plumes on the gravel road. Mia had arrived.
“Ma, my phone is ringing; I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I hung up and watched Mia through the surveillance camera. My heart kicked into double time. I’d never been the type for unbridled affection with anyone besides my mother. However, I wanted to rush out to meet her and swing her into my arms, peppering her sweet face with kisses just to hear her laugh. Although she brought me extreme pleasure, I sure as hell didn’t want to appear too eager, too desperate.
So instead, I made my way downstairs and slouched against the wooden post, waiting for her to enter and pretending to be in deep conversation with Pete. I heard her light footsteps which echoed across the room. I could sense her near me. Counting to ten, I then turned to face her. I smiled, giving her a hot head-to-toe appraisal. She was dressed casually in a short, black skirt and body-hugging T-shirt emphasising her generous breasts. Her black wedge sandals were sexy as fuck, but I experienced a twinge of guilt because she looked so young.