Seduced by the Heir(31)

"Open your eyes," Mr. St. Clair exclaimed through clenched teeth. "He's using you."

"Using me? That's ludicrous. What for?"

"Isn't it obvious? Surely you can't be that dumb."

His words were a slap to the face, a painful, crushing blow Paris never  saw coming. Her feelings were hurt, but she concealed her emotions.  Questions stormed her mind, one after another. Was Rafael right? Was it  time she put her foot down and regained control of her life?

"I won't stand by and let you soil my good name by dating that man."

"Dad, lower your voice," she whispered, glancing at the open door. "You're yelling."

"Of course I'm yelling! You're running around town with a shady businessman!"

Paris felt a scowl twist her lips. She loved her father dearly, even  when he was being unreasonable, but she'd had enough of his insults for  one day. Thanks to Rafael she was happier than she'd been in years, and  for the first time in her life she didn't care what her dad thought.

"Cancel," Mr. St. Clair demanded. "I mean it, Paris. Get out there and  do it right now, or you're going to see a real ugly side to me."

In that moment, Paris realized everything Kennedy had ever said about  their father was true. He wanted to control her, like a puppet, and was  determined to run every aspect of her life. Paris knew then, with all  certainty, that if she didn't stand up to him things would never change.

"This conversation is over," she said calmly, ignoring the nervous  quaver in her voice. "I don't need nor want your advice, and I'd  appreciate if you kept your opinions to yourself."

"Watch your tone. I am your father and you will respect me."

"Respect goes both ways." Paris picked up her purse. "Dad, I love you,  and I appreciate all the sacrifices you've made for me, but I won't let  you run my life anymore."

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to? This is my business-"

"And this is my life," she retorted. "I decide who to date, not you."

Then Paris did something she'd never done before. She snatched her blazer off the coatrack and walked out on her father.





Chapter 16

"That's the last time I take you to see the Backstreet Boys," Rafael  teased, playfully wiggling his eyebrows. "You screamed so loud during  the concert I still can't hear in my left ear!"                       
       
           



       

"I know you're not talking," she quipped. "You were singing and dancing,  too. Don't even try to deny it, because I recorded you on my cell  phone!"

Laughing, they clinked wineglasses and shared a sweet kiss.

Cheers exploded inside the Champagne Lounge. The restaurant had the  ambience of a high-end nightclub, and the enchanting music, sultry  lights and vintage decor made the establishment a hit among the  over-thirty crowd. Decorated in copper and ivory hues, the two-story  building was the epitome of class and sophistication. The atmosphere in  the bar was cheerful, the food was exceptional and the aromas wafting  out of the kitchen were intoxicating.

Paris grooved to the R and B song the live band was playing, rocking her  shoulders and hips to the beat of the soulful music. The Champagne  Lounge was her favorite place to relax at the end of a long workday, and  although her argument with her father earlier was still heavy on her  mind, she was having a great time with Rafael. They were sitting side by  side in their cozy leather booth, holding hands and sharing kisses.  This is heaven, she thought, snuggling up to her handsome date. What  more could a girl want?

"Do you want to get your picture taken with the Backstreet Boys?" Rafael asked.

From their corner booth, Paris could see a long line of attractive women  waiting outside the VIP area. She marveled at how giddy and excited  they seemed. "I'm a fan, not a groupie," she said. "I'm fine right here  with you, thank you very much."

He pressed his lips to her cheek. "Good answer."

Paris giggled when Rafael nuzzled his face against her neck. He was full  of surprises, both in and out of the bedroom, and she was eagerly  looking forward to returning to his place. Her heart overflowed with  happiness when he kissed her, and desire warmed her skin as his hands  caressed her legs. Instinctively, she arched her body toward him, moving  in close. "I had an amazing time tonight," she said, gazing deep into  his eyes. "Thanks for taking me to see my all-time favorite boy band. It  was a wonderful surprise."

"I wish you didn't have to go back to Atlanta." Rafael took her hand in  his and gently caressed her fingertips. "Are you sure you can't stick  around a few more days?"

"I can't. I've already extended my trip once. If I miss Kennedy and  Anthony's anniversary bash next weekend they'll never forgive me."

"Can I be your date? I don't know if you've noticed, but I clean up pretty good."

"Oh, I noticed," she said, in a singsong voice. "And so did every woman  in here. You caused quite a stir when you entered the restaurant, Mr.  Morretti."

"That's because you were on my arm."

Paris laughed. "Aren't you going to Miami to visit your family?"

"Yes, and I want you to come with me."

Shocked and confused by his words, she gave him a blank look.

"We can spend a week with my family in the Magic City, then head to  Atlanta for your sister's anniversary party. Sound like a plan?"

"Meeting your family is a big step," she reluctantly said.

"I know, but I'm ready to take things to the next level, and I hope you are, too."

"Aren't you worried about giving your mom and dad the wrong impression?"

"Paris, my parents know all about you."

His words stole her breath. "They do?"

"Yeah, I spilled the beans last weekend when they drove in from New  York." He brushed an errant strand of hair away from her face and wore  an impish smile. "My father Google searched you on his cell and was  impressed with your bio on the Excel Construction website."

A smile claimed her lips. Paris was proud of what she'd accomplished at  her father's company. Although being a senior executive wasn't her dream  job, she always strived to do her best.

"My mother thinks you're a beautiful, accomplished woman, and I have to agree," Rafael said.

"Did your mom like Cicely? Were they close?" Paris blurted out.

"They never met."

"But you guys dated for almost a year."

Rafael shrugged a shoulder. "I know, but we were never that serious."

Questions rose in her thoughts, rousing her curiosity. Paris started to  speak, but lost her train of thought when she spotted a familiar face at  the bar. It was a man from her past, someone she hadn't seen in years,  and he was staring at her with a cold, fixed regard. A violent shiver  tore through her body. Oh, no, what is he doing here? And why is he  giving me the evil eye?

Guilt was a tricky emotion. Paris had done nothing wrong, but she felt  guilty for sitting with Rafael in the Champagne Lounge. The waiter  arrived, asking if she wanted another strawberry mojito, but Paris  didn't speak. Memories of sobbing mourners, a gray casket and an  inconsolable widow invaded her thoughts. A bitter taste filled her  mouth, one so thick and acrid, she felt sick to her stomach. It hurt to  breathe, to swallow, and all she could think about was that fateful  night in January, three years earlier.                       
       
           



       

* * *

"Baby, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Rafael took her hand. His question was met with silence. He heard Paris  sniffle, then saw her eyes cloud with tears. He struggled to make sense  of how their intimate conversation had taken such a drastic turn for the  worse. Following the route of her gaze, he scrutinized the dark-skinned  man in the striped shirt and black pants. He looked smooth, like the  kind of brother who could talk himself out of any situation. Though a  scantily dressed woman hung from his arm, his eyes were on Paris,  sharper than laser beams, and a sneer twisted his lips.

"I have to get out of here. Can we go now? Please?"

"Sure, let me just pay the tab."

Rafael took out his wallet, dropped five hundred dollars on the table  and stood. Offering his hand, he helped Paris to her feet and then led  her through the crowded dining area. They walked out of the restaurant  and past the long line of people waiting behind the red velvet rope.

"It's a gorgeous night," he said, holding her close to his side. "Let's walk down First Street. I have something to show you."

They strode down the block, past high-end department stores, five-star  hotels and luxury apartment buildings. Rafael was lost in his own  troubling thoughts. He wanted to ask Paris about the gentleman back at  the bar, but sensed it was not the right time. Her eyes were sad and she  seemed as if she were in another world. Very unlike her. One of the  things Rafael loved most about Paris was her zest for life and her  ability to laugh at any situation. He hated to see her upset.