Alexander, Kortny - Love, Interrupted (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  * * * *

  Raiden was already dressed and sitting behind his desk when Hitomi finally emerged from the apartment wearing the clothes he had picked out for her. She had to admit the man had taste. Hitomi donned a crème-and-cognac-colored, sleeveless, belted heart dress and a cropped cognac leather blazer with matching heels. The sexy undergarments he’d left hanging with the dress were a lovely touch.

  Her heart warmed as she quietly stood in the door watching him work. She was proud of the business he had built. From what she had known about him personally as well as what she had found when she researched his business, Raiden didn’t rule with an iron fist. That’s why it was difficult for her to wrap her head around the fact that one of his employees would want to steal from him.

  “Hey handsome, how do I look?”

  Raiden looked up from his computer monitor and smiled. His eyes softened and her heart skipped a beat. Slowly standing, Raiden did not bother hiding his erection.

  “See what you do to me?”

  She smiled back at him.

  “You look beautiful, baby. Do you like what I picked out for you?”

  “Yes, I do. Still haven’t figured out how you knew my size, but then again, I don’t care. You have great taste, and you can dress me anytime.” Raiden now stood in front of her, giving her a tender kiss. “I would like to know where you managed to find this lovely ensemble.”

  Caressing her smooth cheeks, Raiden smiled at her. “I will never tell. A man has to have a few secrets in order to surprise his lady. ”

  “Okay, I’ll let it go.” Raiden took her hand and began guiding her in the direction of his private conference room located on the opposite side of his office. “I spoke with Heather and had her clear my schedule for a few days. I’m all yours.”

  “Mmmm, I will keep that in mind.” He held open the conference room door and motioned for her to go inside. There were stacks of papers as well as a telephone and laptop sitting on the conference table. “I think I’ve gathered all that you will need to get started. The laptop sitting on the table is set up with my password only. That way you will have access to everything without having to alert my employees as to what you’re doing.”

  As Hitomi walked around the table and glanced at the paperwork, Raiden continued giving her instructions.

  “Okay, one last thing. If I’m not around to answer your questions, only speak with Daphne, my executive assistant.”

  Hitomi walked back around to the door where Raiden stood and kissed him again. “All right, handsome, I understand all the rules given to me. Now get to work so I can begin.”

  Three hours later, knee-deep in clues, Hitomi didn’t hear the tapping at the door. She wouldn’t have heard the fire alarm if it went off. Whenever she began her search, whether for discrepancies or ways to improve a company’s performance, she made it a habit of keeping her MP3 player inside of her purse. She had her headphones on, blaring old-school Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Prince tunes while she worked.

  The sweet smell of peaches swiftly caught her attention. Turning off her music and taking off the headphones, Hitomi looked up to see who had walked into the room. Raiden. He stood inside of the conference room staring at her with a sexy smile on his face and the look of love in his eyes.

  “You’ve been working diligently for three hours straight. I thought maybe it was time for you to take a break, grab some lunch. I brought you some peach-blend white tea.” He placed the tumbler in front of her.

  Hitomi took a sip of the tea and closed her eyes as she reveled in the sweet taste. “Mmm, Raiden, this is delicious.” After a few more sips, she finally spoke again. “Did you want to order in or go out?”

  “Let’s get out of here for a little while and grab something light.” That was all the convincing Raiden had to do. Hitomi grinned up at him as she moved from her chair. “How would you like to be my standing lunch date from now on?”

  “I would really like that. Now hurry up and feed me. I’m starving.”

  * * * *

  After gathering more information to track the missing money, Hitomi had eventually gone back to working out of her office. She had begun sharing lunches with Raiden on a daily basis with lovemaking being the occasional dessert whether in her office, his apartment, or her condo. Tonight, she was oddly nervous about having dinner with Raiden and Kimi.

  The sun was beginning to set as Hitomi pulled into the circular driveway of Raiden’s two-story English manor estate. There were at least five acres of land. Hitomi was speechless as she took in the beauty of the home. A smile curved on her lips when she spotted a modest horse stable behind the house. She loved to ride.

  Making her way up the cobblestoned walkway, she gasped when the front door suddenly swung open.

  “You made it!”

  “Hey, beautiful girl.” Kimi rushed outside and took Hitomi by the hand and brought her into the house. It amazed Hitomi how quickly Kimi took to her. She had heard a few horror stories of friends dating people with children, and things didn’t flow as smoothly as they had for her and Kimi. Seeing Kimi just as excited as she was made the butterflies in Hitomi’s stomach slowly calm down and disappear.

  “Wow, Kimi, your house is beautiful.” They bypassed the massive living room that Raiden clearly didn’t use. Instead, Kimi guided her to the left toward the kitchen where Raiden was happily occupied.

  “Thanks. Come on. Daddy is cooking.”

  It seemed as if every room was bigger than the next. The kitchen was spacious and amazing. The refrigerator blended with the cabinets, all covered in maple wood. The island was wide enough to include a sink and long enough to eat meals on, too. Watching Raiden stirring the sauce in the pot was sexy as hell. There was nothing better than knowing your man knew his way around a kitchen. This man started a fire within her every time she saw him.

  Wiping his hands on a nearby towel, Raiden walked over to Hitomi and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I see you made good time. You look beautiful. Why don’t you have a seat in the family room, and I will finish up in here.” She adored the goofy grin he was sporting as he watched her. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, thank you. Are you sure you do not want me to help?”

  “Daddy is a great cook. Come on, Hitomi. We’re missing SpongeBob.”

  “You heard the boss, Hitomi.” Raiden could not control his laughter. Kimi was beyond outspoken.

  “Can’t turn down SpongeBob.” She winked at Raiden as she followed Kimi into the family room to the right of the kitchen. This room was where Raiden and Kimi clearly spent most of their time together. And it didn’t hurt that she had a clear view of Raiden.

  * * * *

  Raiden could not pinpoint when it actually happened, but he knew something was different about the way he felt for Hitomi. At the last minute he decided to have a quiet, comfortable dinner at his house. He and Kimi were going to cook for Hitomi. At least that was the plan.

  As it turned out, he cooked while Kimi clung to Hitomi the moment she opened the front door. Kimi was absolutely fascinated at how Hitomi could fashion her hair into a bun with her chopsticks. They sat and giggled on the sofa as Hitomi tried to show Kimi how to do it. While he prepared the shrimp and broccoli Alfredo, he stole glimpses of Hitomi and Kimi being silly together in their own little world. The sight of Kimi comfortably talking and playing with Hitomi was comforting and reassured his feelings for her.

  Although Raiden had never had this experience before, Kimi’s opinion mattered more than he ever thought. Any woman he brought into his home and around his daughter would have to have her seal of approval first, no matter how much he liked her. And from the looks of things, Hitomi was way past the approval stage with Kimi.

  Once they sat down to eat dinner, Kimi pretty much controlled the conversation. Neither of the adults minded one bit. It gave Raiden the chance to revel in how good Hitomi looked in his home. Having her here made him feel complete, and he loved that feeling.

 
Chapter 8

  The conversation between the three was interesting enough. Raiden explained to his daughter, who was a princess and a tomboy, the difference between roughhousing and defensive moves on the soccer field. Oftentimes, he would catch Hitomi staring at him with love-filled eyes, as if she was looking through to his soul. Whenever they would lock eyes, she would smile sweetly at him, blushing, and then continue eating. It went on like that until they finished dinner.

  By the time Raiden and Hitomi had cleaned up the kitchen, Kimi had returned from taking her shower. Hitomi had prepared Kimi’s hot chocolate as instructed while Raiden went to the family room and put on one of Kimi’s favorite movies, Monsters, Inc. Settling down after finishing her hot chocolate, Kimi climbed onto the sofa, placed one of the throw pillows in Hitomi’s lap and propped her sock-covered feet snugly under her father’s legs. The actions between Hitomi and Kimi seemed like a normal routine they went through every night. Trying not to get caught staring once again, Raiden saw the calm alleviation in Hitomi as she sat on the sofa with Kimi’s head on her lap. Hitomi gently stroked Kimi’s hair until she fell asleep.

  Raiden turned off the television, scooped Kimi out of Hitomi’s arms, and headed for the stairs. Hearing her footsteps, Raiden turned around with a smirk on his face. “You don’t have to come with me, sweetie. I will be right back. Just need to tuck my little princess in.”

  Looking toward the floor, Hitomi spoke in a whisper. “May I please come? I will be very quiet.”

  Raiden looked into Hitomi’s eyes and realized she didn’t want to be alone.

  “Please, Raiden.”

  The sadness in her voice wasn’t lost on Raiden. Something was going on with her, and he wanted to know what it was. Now wasn’t the time to discuss it, but he knew he would definitely bring it up later. Another topic for the list of questions he was afraid to ask. He didn’t think she would want to watch Kimi getting tucked in, but the look of loneliness and longing in her silvery-gray eyes when she looked up at him almost knocked the wind out of him. Knowing that she wanted to participate in this part of his life made the entire night even more special. How could he ever tell her no?

  “I couldn’t think of anything better than you joining me in tucking Kimi in.” He gently stroked her cheek then climbed the stairs as she followed behind him.

  After tucking Kimi in and descending the stairs, Hitomi casually laced her fingers through Raiden’s as she continued to look straight ahead. Taking a quick glance at Hitomi, he saw the contentment on her face. Raiden felt it necessary to say nothing. He gently squeezed her hand instead. She was guarded with him but wide open with Kimi. He didn’t understand why.

  Ever since our first lunch together, you’ve occupied most of my thoughts. You’re going to have to open up to me, Hitomi. I’m already growing too attached to you.

  * * * *

  Hitomi was not sure what would happen if she stayed now that their chaperone had gone to bed. Overwhelmed with emotions, she was unsure what was going on with her mind, body, or her heart at the moment. The one thing she was sure of was that she felt a part of her was missing ever since she and Raiden had that first lunch together. It was an element she didn’t think she’d ever have the courage to want again. As she retrieved her purse, she secretly prayed he would kiss her. Unsure of the boundaries set in his home, Hitomi would prefer he made the first move.

  “It’s getting late. I’d better get going,” Hitomi declared as she searched for her keys inside her purse. Great stalling tactic.

  Raiden stood watching her with a look of confusion. That was a good sign because she was feeling the same way. Was he afraid to ask her to stay or did he want her to leave? Kimi was upstairs fast asleep, but Hitomi didn’t know what the rules were.

  The one thing she was certain of was she wanted to be with Raiden. She really wanted to stay. She wanted more time with him. The need to be with him was overwhelming. She never knew she was capable of feeling this way about another person. “Okay. I’m glad you came over for dinner. And seeing how much fun Kimi had with you, I’m sure it’s safe to say she was glad you came as well.”

  Hitomi held her purse in one hand, and her keys in the other. This way she wouldn’t do anything stupid with her hands. She reluctantly walked toward the door with Raiden behind her. “Thanks for inviting me. I had a great time.” She stopped a few steps from the door and turned to look Raiden in the eyes. “Thank you for allowing me to watch you to tuck Kimi in. It really meant a lot to me.” A small smile tugged at her lips.

  “Anytime Hitomi. You’re always welcomed here.”

  She turned and reached for the doorknob. “Hi…” Hearing her nickname, she’d barely turned back around before Raiden gently cupped her face and kissed her. It was slow, deep, and passionate.

  Hitomi continued to stare at him as if she wanted to say something but didn’t. She was lost and felt as if she were about to make a fool of herself.

  Raiden broke eye contact first as he reluctantly reached around her for the doorknob. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to rush you. I know you have boundaries.” He shook his head and opened the door.

  Hitomi closed the door, never taking her eyes off of him. She dropped her keys and purse and slowly eased her hands up his chest, smiling as his muscles flexed, over his shoulders, and around his neck, pulling him to her until their foreheads touched. “Kiss me again.”

  Hitomi had been craving Raiden ever since the first time she spent the night with him at his apartment. After that sizzling kiss he had laid on her, Hitomi felt as if her mind were battling her heart and body. Her mind reminded her of the deal she made with herself not to get involved with anyone ever again. Her body, well her body wanted, no, needed to be touched. Her heart…well it wanted Raiden. She agreed with her heart.

  She was screwed.

  Once again, he cupped her cheeks, but this time it would be to hold her steady. Unbeknownst to Hitomi, she’d just invited him to devour her mouth. This time, he lightly traced her lips with his tongue.

  She moaned with pleasure.

  He smiled and then sucked her bottom lip. When he pulled back she saw the raw hunger in his eyes. Leaning in, he brushed his lips against hers. She parted her lips and sucked his tongue into her mouth.

  Raiden let out a low growl.

  This time, Hitomi smiled, never breaking their kiss.

  Raiden walked her backward until her back pressed against the door. She was grateful because she didn’t know how long her legs would work if he kept kissing her. Reluctantly, he broke their kiss. They were both out of breath.

  “I don’t want to stop, Hi.” His breathing was shallow as he rubbed the pad of his thumb across her lips.

  Hitomi could only stare. She knew the hunger and need for Raiden shone in her eyes. Nodding her head yes would suffice.

  Picking up her purse and keys off the floor, Raiden placed them on the small table near the front door. He grabbed Hitomi’s hand and headed down the hall to his study. It seemed like a long time since the last time they had made love, and she could not wait a moment longer.

  * * * *

  “Take your clothes off.”

  Bolting the door, Raiden dimmed the small lamp that sat on a side table. Only the two of them were in the study, but he looked up anyway in Hitomi’s direction. The voice, raspy and sensuous, didn’t sound like her. Yet he silently complied as he curved his lips with approval. The way she watched him undress made him so hard it hurt. Once naked, he started to walk toward Hitomi, only to be halted by her outstretched hand.

  “Stop,” she whispered as she pushed him back against the door. “You promise not to move?” she asked teasingly.

  His little minx was seducing the hell out of him, and he loved every minute of it. “I promise,” he answered as his eyes burned with desire.

  Making love to her again was all he could think about. He did have rules in his house, but Hitomi was his woman whether she realized it or not. He would make love to her whether Kimi was ho
me or not. At the moment she stared at him with so much desire in her eyes that he would follow her lead no matter what it was.

  He loved that Hitomi was giving him orders. It made his dick harder. Now if he could manage to control himself and not devour the luscious woman standing in front of him. She was smiling at him as if she were calculating the wicked things she wanted to act out.

  When she pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor, Raiden thought his legs would give out. She wore a skimpy black bra and it was held together with a simple pink bow. He knew that if he pulled on that bow her soft breasts would tumble forward. The thought alone made him growl deep in his throat.

  Willpower. He had never heard of it.

  “Damn, you look good enough to eat,” Raiden moaned through gritted teeth.

  Giving him a sexy smile, she kicked her sandals off and slowly pulled her jeans down and tossed them to the side. The matching black panties were held together on her hips with matching pink bows. One tug and her wet, glistening pussy would be bare and in full view, but not yet. When she stood up, giving him a moment to drink in the sight of her, Raiden could barely compose himself.

  “Double damn!” He began walking toward her.

  Hitomi gave him a tsking sound of disapproval, and Raiden reluctantly went and stood back against the door. Craving this woman was an understatement as pre-cum dripped from his hard, swollen cock.

  Seduction. A naughty, knowing look was on Hitomi’s face as she slowly made her way to stand in front of Raiden. “Do you realize how sexy you are? How much you excite every part of me? I have to constantly control the need to touch you,” she murmured as she kissed and nibbled his earlobes. The touch of her tongue on his lips halted any response he was going to voice.

  Instead, Raiden could only produce moans of passion and desire. He wanted this woman, but the rules were for him not to move. I’m going to come if she doesn’t hurry up.