Pick of the Litter Read online

  "Thank you."

  He tapped his forehead and then turned and left.

  "What did you get?” Terry asked. “Who are they from?"

  Marissa pulled the paper off the flowers, sighing at the spicy scent of the huge red roses interspersed with tiny white blooms of baby's breath. “Oh, they're beautiful."

  "A dozen red roses in a crystal vase,” Terry purred, dipping her nose close to one bloom and breathing deeply of the scent. “You lucky girl, you. Who sent them?"

  Marissa pulled the small card off its holder, drawing it from the crisp white envelope. “Lukah,” she whispered, her cheeks blooming the color of the flowers.

  "The hero?” Terry's eyebrow arched, going into the thick fall of blonde hair of which she was so proud. “Wow, you must have made quite the impression upon him. What did you do at his house?"

  "I took a bath, almost got eaten by a panther, petted another one and let him sleep with me."

  "You let Lukah sleep with you?"

  "No, the panther slept with me."

  "The man has panthers?” Terry shook her head. “I thought you were kidding me. Are they in cages?"

  "No, he lets them run.” She reached for the box, lifting the gaily wrapped package and shaking it carefully. It thumped a bit, but that was all. Reaching for the lid, she pulled it open, laughing when she saw the small stuffed animal lying inside. It was a panther, black with silky fur and big amber eyes. She picked it up out of the box, burying her face in the fur. “It's so soft."

  "There's something else in here,” Terry said. She pulled out a thick chain of gold, the weaving intricate, tiny amethysts shining from the strands. “Wow, this had to cost a mint. Who is this guy?"

  "Oh, I can't accept that,” Marissa sighed, her fingers brushing over the weaving in the same manner she'd touched Lukah's. “It's too expensive."

  "Yeah, but you could try it on,” Terry urged, holding it out to her.

  "I could do that, couldn't I? It wouldn't hurt to see how it looks before I send it back to him, right?"

  "Definitely. But you'd better hurry, Mar. The mad rush is about to start."

  People had been streaming by the desk, most of them workers who were employed in the many offices and agencies of the building. The doors were about to open for business and that meant the phones would be ringing off the hook and people would be stopping by with questions. They would be busy from the very first moment until it died off a bit around noon.

  Marissa held the necklace up to her throat, unclasping the heavy chain. It settled against her skin as if made for her. “Fasten it?” she asked Terry.

  The gold shone against her skin, the amethysts making her eyes look less gray and more purple. It fit well with the uniform they were made to wear, black slacks or skirt and a dark purple short jacket that buttoned up the front, exposing just enough cleavage to tempt, but definitely not enough to be crass. Dark purple short-heeled pumps went with the outfit, as well as a black name badge with their names scrolled in gold.

  "It's very pretty. I think you should wear it today. Can you imagine Shawna's face when she sees it?"

  Shawna was the girl that came in at noon, when three were necessary to hold down the front desk. She'd managed to snag one of the rich lawyers on the top floor and was always showing off the gifts he'd bought for her.

  "Yeah, and I didn't even get bent over a desk to get it,” Marissa said sarcastically. “Oh, I shouldn't have said that."

  Terry burst out laughing. “Well you did, and it was true, so don't feel bad."

  The phone rang and Marissa reached out to get it, sweeping the box and paper under the desk and out of the way. They were busy until just before noon when Shawna came in.

  Marissa unplugged her headset, pulling it carefully out of her red curls and sighing. “I can't believe the questions today,” she said, rubbing her ear. “Hey Shawna, how was your weekend?"

  "Edward took me to dinner at the Abstract. You know, that new restaurant that has the six-month wait for reservations?” Shawna preened, fluffing her short blonde curls before pulling back one side to expose a tiny, shell-like ear pierced by a huge diamond earring. “He bought these for me."

  "Very pretty.” Marissa reached down and picked up her panther, finding the box and putting him inside. Then she slid the box next to the roses before opening her drawer to get out her purse and lunch.

  "Oh, are these for me?” Shawna smirked, reaching out to touch the bright red blooms.

  "No,” Terry said, quickly hitting the mute on her phone. “They're Marissa's. She met someone this weekend. Check out the necklace,” she added, before going back to her call.

  "Terry...” Marissa sighed, only to stop when her friend just waved a hand at her.

  "Really, Marissa, you must tell me everything."

  "There's isn't much to tell. He's a very nice man."

  "Thank you, Marissa. I think you're very nice also."

  Marissa jumped, hearing Lukah's deep voice coming from behind her. She spun in her chair to face him, her hand coming up to cover the necklace. A welcoming smile was accompanied by a rosy blush and she found herself cursing her fair skin once more. “Lukah, uh, what are you doing here?"

  "You're Lukah Alexandros.” Shawna had her hand against her chest, hoping to draw his eyes to the daring amount of cleavage she exposed. Her lawyer had money, but nothing close to the Alexandros fortune. “My name is Shawna Marley, Lukah. I may call you Lukah?” she asked with a tiny twitter of laughter.

  Lukah nodded, but his eyes returned to Marissa. “I couldn't wait until Friday. I was hoping to invite you to join me for lunch. You haven't eaten yet, have you?"

  "N-no,” Marissa stuttered, her heart fluttering in her chest. He looked absolutely scrumptious, his dark hair loose around the shoulders of his suit jacket. The very expensive suit fit his wide shoulders and lean hips superbly and she knew it had to have been made expressly for him. It was dark gray, almost black, the jacket buttoned over a black shirt and a gray and black striped tie. “I only have half an hour though, Lukah."

  "Take mine,” Terry offered quickly. “Think of it as my way of apologizing for the mistake the other night. I can eat my celery sticks and answer phones at the same time."

  "Are you sure?” Marissa grinned.

  "Absolutely. We wouldn't want it any other way, would we, Shawna?” Terry nudged the curvaceous blonde with her elbow, earning her a scowl and a grudgingly given nod.

  "Of course we don't mind,” she said, a sickening note of sticky sweetness in her tone. “Enjoy your lunch with my blessings."

  "Thank you,” Marissa said stiffly, though her eyes grew warm as she gazed down at Terry, mouthing a quick thank you as she picked up her purse.

  "Thank you,” Lukah said, lifting Terry's hand and bringing it to his lips to drop a very formal kiss upon her knuckles. “You are a true friend."

  Then he reached for Marissa's hand, tucking it in his arm and putting his hand over it as if she might try to pull away. Marissa looked back once as they walked toward the wide glass doors that led outside. Terry was staring at her hand and then looked up at Lukah, a wide grin upon her lush lips.

  * * * *

  Abstract at lunch time was busy with an elite crowd that had Marissa's head spinning as Lukah drew her through the tip-tilted doors. It was brilliantly decorated, bright colors in abstract patterns on the walls and in the carpets, even at the maitre d's stand. The backs of the wide, well padded benches were cut into different shapes and tall enough to create a feeling of intimacy.

  A small crowd stood waiting for reservations in the front lobby. More were seated in the cozy atmosphere of the bar. Lukah walked past all of them.

  "It's so busy,” Marissa said quietly, feeling a bit out of her element. “We'll never get back in time."

  "Of course we will.” Lukah patted her hand, smiling down at her. “That necklace looks exquisite on you."

  Marissa blushed, trying to stammer a thank you when a man came rushing up to them,
bowing before them. “Mr. Alexandros, sir, what an honor. We weren't expecting you today. Your usual table is ready, sir, if you'll come with me."

  "Your usual table?” she asked him as he guided her ahead of him.

  "I eat here a lot,” he said, waving the maitre d’ aside and seating her himself. “May I order for you?"

  "Please?” Marissa looked around, amazed at the celebrities she could see from where she was sitting. “Just remember, I have to be back to work in less than an hour,” she teased.

  "I'll get your waiter for you right away.” The maitre d’ backed away from the table, Marissa waiting for him to bow as if Lukah were royalty.

  "Do they always treat you this way?” she asked him.

  "Yes, it can be quite annoying. Were you impressed?” he asked, a smile upon his lips and a glint of mischief in his amber gold eyes.

  "Oh, definitely. You have me all a twitter.” She laughed, sitting back a bit as their waiter reached the table, greeting Lukah with the same deference as the maitre d'. Lukah spoke to the man in Greek and he left the table, returning with glasses of icy water.

  "I thought you wouldn't want wine with lunch since you have to return to work. I hope water is all right.” He reached out, pushing a strand of her curly hair, worn pulled back from her face today. Sliding his fingers delicately over her bruised cheek, he tucked her hair behind her ear. “If you want something else..."

  "No, water is wonderful.” She lifted her glass and took a sip, relishing the cold water as it wet her suddenly dry mouth. The sensation of his touch shivered through her and she felt a thrill of excitement. Glancing around, she noticed several women staring over at them, interest in their eyes as they gazed at Lukah.

  "I want to apologize, Marissa,” Lukah said suddenly, drawing her attention back to him.

  "For what, Lukah? You've done nothing that deserves an apology."

  "I couldn't wait to see you again. I should have waited until Friday, but I thought I might persuade you to take pity upon me.” He smiled, reaching across the table and taking her hand that was resting on the bright tablecloth. “Am I forgiven?"

  "If I said no?” she asked, her sassy side showing.

  "Then I'd have to deluge you with flowers until you said yes."

  "They were beautiful,” she hedged, turning her hand so that her palm pressed against his. “And while I love getting flowers, you really shouldn't. Especially this necklace, Lukah. It had to have been expensive. I really can't accept it."

  "If you won't take it now, I'll hold on to it so that you can have it later. Marissa, I don't want you uncomfortable around me. But this piece seemed as if it were made for you. I saw it and...” he shrugged his broad shoulders, “it reminded me of you."

  Their waiter returned with two plates. The center of each was heaped with a small helping of fettuccini. A white sauce mixed with shrimp and lobster and crab covered the homemade noodles.

  "I hope you like seafood.” He reluctantly released her hand.

  "I love seafood,” she said, suppressing a shiver as his fingers trailed over her palm.

  She ate, the food melting in her mouth, flavors mixing and harmonizing upon her palate like a grand symphony. “Oh, this is good,” she sighed.

  "The chef here is a culinary magician."

  They talked as they ate, Marissa becoming more comfortable with him, opening up as one course melded into the next. Finally, she pushed her plate aside and sat back in her chair. “I'm stuffed,” she said, eyeing the rest of the chocolate mousse regretfully. “This was wonderful, Lukah. Thank you."

  He reached out, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “Thank you for coming with me. I hate eating alone, especially when I could be out with you."

  "Do you say these things to every woman you go out with?” she asked, for his words seemed so sincere, ringing with truth.

  "The women in my clan would laugh me out of the room if I said these things to them,” he admitted. “I enjoy that I can say and mean them with you.” He gazed into her heather-colored eyes, seeming to lose himself in the purple-gray iris. “You bring this side out of me, Marissa."

  She flushed, cursing her fair skin silently. “Are you sure you aren't too good to be true?” she whispered.

  "I want to be good to you,” he said softly, stroking her hand with his. Their gazes locked, heat flaring between them, causing Marissa's lips to part as the air seemed to grow thick around them.

  She stared at him, lost in the sensations he created with the simplest of touches. Marissa wondered what his lips would feel like against hers, the strength of his arms around her, holding her to him. She could almost feel his hands upon her body, stroking her, making passion blaze between them. Unconsciously leaning closer, she licked her lips, hearing his moan.

  He moved closer to her, rising slightly to lean over the dishes between them, his eyes dropping to her lush lips. “I want to taste you,” he whispered, coming even closer.

  "Lukah! How wonderful to run into you here."

  Lukah cursed in his native language when he heard the voice. “Lucinda, go away,” he growled, sinking back into his chair.

  "Darling, is that any way to treat me?” The tall brunette sighed, tossing her head to let her satiny hair spill over her shoulders, which were bare but for the tiny straps that held up her sun dress. “Especially after everything we've meant to each other."

  "You're my cousin, Lucinda. That's all you are and all you ever will be. Don't try to upset Marissa by playing your immature little games.” He refused to rise as she came up to the table, his eyes scornfully running over the thin material of the dress, knowing that every man there had his eyes glued to her long tan legs that seemed to be endless. Of course, the five inch heels helped make them look that way.

  "You weren't saying that the other night,” she smirked. “Who is your little friend, darling?"

  "Excuse me a moment, Marissa,” he said, not rising to her bait.

  Marissa watched with wide eyes as Lukah rose, grabbing his cousin's arm and dragging her to a small hallway near the back of the dining area. He disappeared from sight and their waiter hurried to the table, refilling her water glass and asking if they wished for anything more.

  "Where does that hallway lead to?” she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

  "The owner's office and the kitchen, Miss,” he said. “Mr. Alexandros doesn't use his office often. He prefers that Nashe handles the business part of the restaurant as well as the kitchen."

  "Wait a minute, Lukah owns Abstract?"

  "Of course. It is one of many restaurants he owns, though he takes special interest in this one because his cousin is the head chef here."

  "His cousin?"

  "Yes, Nashe Wolfe. Mr. Alexandros was very excited when Chef Wolfe could take the position as head chef. You've tasted his food. Spectacular, isn't he?"

  "Wonderful,” Marissa answered distractedly, her eyes on the hall where Lukah had disappeared. She didn't know why she was so upset at finding out that he owned Abstract. She'd seen his house, she'd seen his cars and the clothes he wore. He had to have money to own a home the size of a small state. So why did she feel as if he'd lied to her?

  * * * *

  Lukah pushed Lucinda into the office, his anger easily read upon his face, his eyes glowing in the semi-dark of the room. “I've had it, Lucinda,” he growled, his voice deepening as he fought the change.

  "You've never had it, Luc, even though I've offered enough times.” She smiled, of her lips twitching in a feral manner as she watched him with hungry eyes. “You could have it, though. Right here, right now.” She brought up one hand, drawing it across the bodice of the dress that strained to hold her impressive curves. Cupping one breast, she moaned softly. “I'd love to give it to you."

  Lukah snarled. “When will you get it that I'm not interested?” He turned, walking to the phone and picking up the receiver. Hitting two buttons, he waited for the other end to be picked up.

  "Uncle ..
. Yes, she is here.” He smiled suddenly. “Oh he is, is he? I'm sure Lucinda will be excited to hear that. Allow me to give her the wonderful news?"

  "What?” Lucinda asked warily, her hand dropping away from her body.

  "Dimitri is off to pick up your fiancé from the airport. Your father says the wedding will take place within two weeks and you'll be returning to the clan with your mate.” Lukah didn't even try to hide his glee at the news, even when Lucinda screeched, rushing to the phone and taking it out of his hand.

  "No, papa, please,” she begged, her seductive tone completely gone.

  "Enjoy your conversation,” he chuckled, walking out of the office and shutting the door behind him.

  "Problems, cousin?"

  "Nashe!” Lukah turned, taking his cousin's hand in a warm welcome. “Nothing that I couldn't handle. Come, I want you to meet someone."

  Nashe stared at him a moment before bursting out laughing. “You had me there for a moment, cousin. It almost sounded as if you wanted to introduce me to a female."

  Lukah grinned at his cousin, enjoying his laughter after the short battle with Lucinda. Nashe was his double, with a few differences. His hair was short, a sprinkling of gray at his temples. His eyes were an almost shocking green, that trait coming from his mother's clan. He had a weathered look due to spending half of his life in the wild, exploring the other side of his “nature". He could easily be mistaken for Lukah's older brother.

  "I do,” he said simply, watching the expression change on Nashe's face.

  "You've brought a human female here and want to introduce her to family? It must be serious.” Nashe eyed him carefully. “Is she..."

  "She might be,” Lukah grinned. “She just might be."

  * * * *

  Marissa paid the cab that brought her back to work, her head spinning. She couldn't quite accept it all. What would a man like Lukah Alexandros want with her? She headed into the building, catching sight of her reflection in the mirror-like surface of the glass doors.

  She wasn't ugly or homely, but she came no where close to being as beautiful as Lucinda Alexandros. Her face was too long, her skin too white, flushing easily. Her hair was her best asset, thick and naturally curly, hanging down over her shoulders when she left it loose.