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“Jesus.” Jonathan snatched off his reading glasses as he watched the gorgeous, black woman enter the mansion through his computer screen.
She glided behind Tran in a sexy, white blouse that hung off her shoulders and flowed at her slender hips. In wide-legged white slacks and stiletto sandals, she made her way through the entrance hall, enchanting Jonathan with every step.
He stroked his knuckles, a momentous throbbing gripping his pelvis. “Mm.”
Tran led her through the house and outside to the garden.
Jonathan switched his computer to the home page, mind racing to figure out what flower she liked. Usually he could tell right off by looking at a woman but from what he heard of Lydia, she was as unpredictable as her sister was.
Tran walked in, interrupting Jonathan’s trance. “Lydia’s here. She’s waiting in the garden.”
“I was watching her.” Jonathan stood, staring at the computer though her image was no longer there. “She’s stunning.” His body quaked. “What’s she like?”
“She doesn’t like you.” Tran half-shrugged. “That’s more than obvious.”
“How can she not like me when she doesn’t know me?” Jonathan walked from around the desk, moving his fingers along the top of it. “I love a challenge though. Deidra’s told me so many fascinating things about Lydia. She’s a woman who loves adventure.” He straightened his crisp, black shirt. “I wonder what makes her tick.”
“Well, if anyone would find out, it would be you. Shall I get Deidra?”
“Wait, a few minutes.” Jonathan passed Tran, tapping Tran’s arm as he did. “I’d like a little time with Miss Lydia Quarter alone.”
****
After gathering the seven assorted roses, Jonathan hurried through the garden to his sensual guest.
Lydia observed the waterfall with her arms crossed and her straight tresses blowing in the light breeze as if she were on a photo shoot.
He tiptoed up behind her, straightening the collar of his shirt. “Hm.” He moaned, enthralled by her aggressive yet sweet perfume. “For you.” He held out the roses from behind her back.
She turned around, batting her thick eyelashes, heavy with mascara.
“Are you aware of what each of these roses represent?”
Her little nose went up in the air, face void of enthusiasm but he vowed to change that.
“We have the dark red rose.” He handed it to her, and she took it with reluctance. “Which means, unconscious beauty. Now let me explain.” He touched the red petals. “This one fits you because, well, you’re very attractive but I doubt you know just how irresistible you are.”
She sniffed it, still no smile or hint of impression.
“Here’s the white rose.”
She took it, spinning it in her fingers.
“Purity and innocence.” He caressed the white petals. “You’re well-rounded in every sense of the word but still have a hint of innocence to you and it’s a beautiful thing.” He held up the yellow rose. “It means joy and friendship.” He gave it to her. “I hope that’s what comes out of this meeting.”
She sighed, rolling her eyes.
He cleared his throat. “The orange rose. The one I believe is ignored which is a shame. It means—”
“Desire,” she said in an impassive tone, making his eyebrow lift. “The coral rose is modesty, and the pink rose is grace.” Her lips glistened with light-lavender lipstick. “Does this rose thing impress women?”
“It’s the first time I used it.” He got closer, sniffing her. “See, I try not to use the same tactics on women because women are different and unique.”
“I’m not impressed.” She snatched the roses from him and threw them on the grass. “Next?”
“I didn’t expect that.” He looked at his beloved roses by her feet. “You don’t like roses?”
“I don’t like you.”
“May I ask why not?”
“Maybe if I had a year, I’d be able to tell you.”
He smiled. “You forgot this one.” He referred to the lavender rose but snatched it away when she reached for it. “Know what this one means?”
She shrugged.
“Love at first sight.” Jonathan gave it to her. “You can throw it on the grass if you like but take the meaning to heart.”
“So you’re in love with me now?” She grinned, and he thanked God to get a reaction even if she mocked him.
“I’m not in love with you.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “But, I am intrigued, attracted and miffed.”
“Why miffed?” She sniffed the lavender rose but kept it unlike the others.
“I can’t figure you out.”
“I suppose you can figure out any woman.”
“No.” He winked. “I couldn’t figure out Deidra either. In fact, she’s been here three months and I still can’t figure her out.”
“This is entertaining and all...” Her gaze fell to his shirt. “But, can you please tell my sister I’m here because this place gives me hives?”
“You don’t like my garden?” He laughed, holding his arms out. “Don’t like my mansion?”
“Your home is spectacular.” She still lacked emotion. “But, I’ve seen bigger and better.”
“In your travels?” He raised an eyebrow. “I’d love to hear about them some day. I’m not shocked you can’t stay in one place too long. A woman like you needs something to stimulate her mind but stability can be a good thing, Lydia.”
“Get my sister out here or I’m leaving.”
“Why don’t you like me?” He squinted. “I’d think you were too intelligent to make an opinion based off rumors.”
“It’s based off this cult—”
“It’s not a cult.”
“And, how you manipulate women to do what you want and it’s sick.”
“It’s not a cult.” He huffed. “It’s a community.”
“I don’t give a damn what you call it, Mr. Wild, I’m not having this shit, okay? My sister doesn’t belong here and I’m gonna make her see it.”
“She’s a grown woman.” He backed up, shaking his head. “She made her own decision.”
“You kidnapped her and gave her something.”
He cackled, leaning his head back. “Did Winston tell you that?”
“It’s the truth.”
“Lydia.” He touched her hair. “You’re so wrong. You’re seeing things from the outside perspective. Here, we have our own ways of looking at things.”
She pushed his hand away.
He tucked in his lips, grinning.
“Mr. Wild.” Her sexy mouth formed a sarcastic smile. “I’m not like these other women who fall all over you. Just let me have my sister and leave her alone forever.”
“Forever’s a long time.”
She walked to the bench with the decorative carvings and sat, crossing her legs.
Jackpot.
“Why did you walk away?” Jonathan approached her. “Is it because you’re trying to distance yourself?”
Her eyebrows lowered, and she took on a bothered expression. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re afraid if you get too close you might see why a woman would want to stay here with me.”
“You think I’m stupid, don’t you?”
He gazed into her consuming eyes. “You’re afraid of me.”
“Please.” She stood, making an unconvincing chuckle.
“You’re afraid and flustered and irritated.” He counted on his fingers. “Little old me brings out these emotions in you? Wow. I’m flattered.”
“Fuck off.” She headed for the trail.
“I’d rather fuck you.”
She stopped in her tracks, turning her head. “What did you say?”
“You heard me. I want you.” He shrugged. “Can’t you tell?”
“What’s the real game?” She marched toward him, her average-size boobs jiggling. “Are you trying to throw me off so I won’t tell Dee to leave or are you thinking you have a shot with me?”
He straightened his pants. “Deidra’s the woman I wanna be with.”
“Then what the hell are you flirting with me for?”
“I lust for you.” He touched her cheek. “Just because I love one woman means I can’t want another? See, that’s not how it works here.”