The Accidental Mistress by Sienna Mynx

close?
    "Well, Zuri? I'm waiting."
    "Here's my counter offer."
She cut him off. "The Baptiste are smart business people. They only
suffered misfortune because of the hurricane but so has all of
Martinique. The republic is slow to rebuild, and as for business
owners, well as you know we stand on our own. I want you to agree
to a partnership. A very profitable deal for your company, if you
consider the rich cosmopolitan appeal of this
island — "
    "Get to the point."
    "The Baptiste will obtain financial backing
through Montague with a 60, 40 split of ownership in favor of their
interests of course."
    "Really?" Christophe said amused, wiping his
hand down his face. "Now why would I approve such a outlandish deal
for a fledging hotel?"
    "Because Montague needs us."
    "This I have to hear." said Christophe.
    "Although Montague is doing well in the
States, the company has long ties to France. Think of the political
climate with the Martinican's who believe they will never have any
independence thanks to the sovereign rule. To make this deal will
make you a champion of these people and a caring French
businessman. It would soften your image."
    "I'm an American businessman. I pay a staff
of public relations people to handle our image."
    "There's more. You get me. For two weeks,
while we finalize the deal, and legitimize the funding. You will
have all of me on your terms."
    "Why do the Baptiste inspire such sacrifice
from you, Zuri?"
    "They're hardworking, honest, good people.
They treat me with respect. Something you know nothing about. Think
about it, or destroy them, and we part here, which is easy for a
man like you."
    "I will admit that I was a bastard then. I
am sorry for it. But the business deals I make are never done in
bed. You are making a mistake in thinking that you can play games
with a man like me."
    "I suggest you sleep on it, Mr.
Montague."
    "So you become my whore and I ultimately pay
the tab to the Baptiste?"
    "Don't call me a whore!"
    "Don't act like one."
    Zuri slapped him. The sound echoed like a
firecracker in the room. Wild fury blazed in her eyes. He lost his
head. He wanted to apologize, but the words didn't form.
    "I hate you!" She stomped out of the room
for the door but he caught her, turned her to face him. "Not so
fast sparrow. Who are you really? Time for answers."
    "Let me go!" she shouted. "I scream and they
will come rushing in here!"
    Zuri was several inches shorter. Up against
him she had to remain on her toes. She pushed at his shoulders but
his face descended for the kiss and she gave up her lips like a
good girl. It was brief, but decadent. She shoved him off with more
strength than he thought someone of her stature could summon.
    He lost his head. He knew he should
apologize. And then he didn't have too. She stepped to him again,
captured the sides of his face and to his delight offered her lips
by brushing them with his. There was no turning back.
     
    Zuri hadn't thought what kissing this man
would do. In one smooth move he trapped her arms behind her back,
manacled them in one hand, and covered her mouth with his.
Certainly she hadn't thought this one through. She struggled
against his smooth invading tongue that swept over hers. She was
crushed against his broad unyielding chest. He tasted of strength
and frustration. He tasted like a dream, and she was once again
hopelessly his. Her mouth accepted the dominance of his darting
tongue and soon she chased it with her own. Her belly melted
against the stiff ridge of his belt. She drifted on the promise of
a satisfying seduction. Zuri’s eyes fluttered shut as her body
became alive, vibrant, and pliant. Then reality snapped like an
overstressed rubber band.
    Zuri broke the kiss first. She wiped at her
mouth with the back of her hand, pretending disgust. "Times up. Ten
minutes is all you asked for."
    "The hell it is!" He bracketed her hips with
his hands and lifted her so that her legs went around his waist,
her back to the wall. He met her