Fire and Desire
“I don't know what you're talking about. Clayton Madaris didn't put me up to anything. I don't even know Dex's brother that well. I only met him once.”
“Then you have a lot of explaining to do. I want a name.”
Corinthians's anger reached boiling point. “Why should I give you my name when you haven't given me yours?”
The expression on Trevor's face indicated he was stunned by her statement. “I don't have to tell you who I am. This is my room, not yours. You're the one who shouldn't be here.”
Corinthians took a step forward, bringing her even closer to Trevor. The anger in her eyes grew. “Wrong, brother. My room is right through that door. We have connecting rooms and my company is paying for both. This room was strictly reserved for Dex Madaris and you aren't him. So you're the one out of place.”
“I'm Dex's replacement.”
“What?”
“I said I'm Dex's replacement. The name's Trevor Grant. I'm project foreman for Madaris Explorations. Dex couldn't make tomorrow's meeting, so I'm here in his place. All of this was cleared with your boss at Remington Oil.”
Corinthians's anger drained abruptly. Complete humiliation took its place. She tried to take a step back, but Trevor Grant wouldn't let her. He placed his hand around her waist. “Take your hands off me, Mr. Grant.”
Trevor gave her a crooked smile. “No can do. I won't run the risk of you fainting at my feet again. Now, where were we? Ah, yes, introductions.” Trevor's gaze held hers intently. “I'm still waiting on a name.”
“Then wait on.”
A mirthless smile curved Trevor's lips. “All right, so you want to play hardball. I think I'll just call the head honcho at Remington Oil and find out what is going on. Maybe he'll be able to explain why some half-dressed woman entered my hotel room wearing a robe full of condoms, claiming to be an employee of Remington Oil.”
Trevor's eyes darkened. “You can tell me who you are, or you can explain your actions to Mr. Remington himself. Got it?” he growled.
Corinthians glared up at him. “Yes, I've got it.” She then swallowed deeply. “May I have my robe back first, please?”
Trevor's brows narrowed. He gazed at her thoughtfully before saying, “No. I happen to like what you're wearing.” He continued to stare at her. “And don't pull some sort of stalling act. I'd like to have a name before midnight.”
Corinthians knew that from this moment on, she would despise this man forever. “I'm Corinthians Avery.”
Corinthians's thoughts returned to the present. Nothing had changed. She still despised him. And although she appreciated what he'd done for her earlier that day in McDonald's, she still despised him.
Who do you think you're fooling? her mind screamed. You didn't act like you despised him this afternoon in São Paulo. In fact, you'd been thinking maybe he wasn't so bad after all.
Corinthians let out a heavy sigh as her mind continued berating her. And you certainly didn't have any problems checking out his body in that shirt and those jeans. Surely you remember that shirt, the one that had fit so snugly across his broad chest and that had been tucked so neatly in his jeans. It was that same shirt you almost tore off him while he was kissing you in the hallway.
Corinthians inhaled deeply and stood. She was fighting a losing battle tonight with herself. What she needed was a long, relaxing bath. Then afterward, she would go over the reports for tomorrow's meeting.
She was determined to put Trevor Grant out of her mind for the rest of the night.
After taking a shower and toweling off, Trevor slipped a towel around his waist before leaving the bathroom.
Padding into the other room, he noticed the message light on his phone was blinking. He picked up the phone and called the front desk and found out the caller had been Dex. He smiled. He and the three Madaris brothers, Justin, Dex and Clayton, had been close friends since birth, growing up in the same neighborhood in Houston.
Trevor sat on the edge of the bed. After his decision to get out of the Marines, he had returned home at just about the same time Dex had returned from Australia where he'd been for two years working for Remington Oil. Dex wanted to go into business for himself and Trevor had agreed to be his foreman if he ever did. Within two years of that agreement, Madaris Explorations was formed. Now, nearly three years later, they were one of the most sought-after exploration companies in the country, especially after they had helped Remington Oil locate an oil basin near Eagle Pass.
And because Dex was a very generous employer, that venture had given every employee of Madaris Explorations a heftier bank account.
Trevor smiled. Because he'd had the good sense to invest in Dex's company, he'd made a lot of money. And thanks to the vast investment knowledge of Jake Madaris, Dex's wealthy uncle, over the past couple of years, he had watched his funds nearly triple. Some people would probably be surprised to discover just how much he was worth.
Money never fazed him. He lived comfortably, not flashy. And like Dex, he enjoyed the outdoors, and the physical labor of a job. Head foreman of Madaris Explorations was definitely his calling. And since the arrival of a new baby, Dex had passed more and more of the company's duties to him so that he could spend more time with Caitlin and their two daughters, Jordan and Ashley.
Trevor shook his head. Dex didn't have a clue how Corinthians felt about him. He considered her a good friend, nothing more. And Dex knew nothing about the hotel room incident. It was Trevor's and Corinthians's secret. Her fainting from shock that night had proven she honestly hadn't known Dex had gotten married. But now that she knew, Trevor couldn't help wondering if she would one day make an attempt to sabotage Dex's marriage. She hadn't made a move in that direction so far, but that didn't necessarily mean she wouldn't.
Before picking up the phone, he glanced at the connecting door. His side was unlocked just like he'd told Corinthians. It would be up to her to make the first move. But a part of him knew that she wouldn't.
He shook his head, grinning. The spitting sparks of fire that he'd seen in her eyes before she had slammed the door in his face had actually turned him on. He knew that whenever he did get her into his bed, the heat from her fire would torch him to flames. And like he had told her, he would not be a substitute for Dex. She would know with whom she shared the bed. Pleased with that thought, he picked up the phone to return Dex's call.
“Madaris here.”
“Hey, man, it's Trevor. What's up?”
“Not much. I just wanted to touch base with you before tomorrow's meeting. How are things going?”
Trevor glanced again at the unlocked connecting door. “As well as expected. I've gotten in some sightseeing time. I've taken in a soccer game. This is a pretty nice place.”
Dex laughed. “Don't get attached to it. You're needed here.”
“Don't worry about any attachments. I'm getting homesick already.”
“Have you seen Corinthians Avery yet? I understand she's Remington Oil's representative.”
“Yes, she's here, and yes, I've seen her.”
“And?”
“And nothing. The woman and I don't get along.”
“Yeah, so I've noticed, and I don't understand it.”
Trevor shook his head. Dex actually believed Corinthians was a prim, proper, well-bred woman and a real lady saint.
“There's nothing to understand,” he finally answered. “She and I don't see eye-to-eye on a lot of things. In fact, we're like oil and water.”
“That bad?”
“Worse. How're Caitlin and the girls?” he asked, deciding to change the subject.
“They're fine and send their love.”
He smiled. “Tell them ditto from me. And how are the newlyweds?”
“Clayton and Syneda are fine. They moved into their new law office a few days ago. Can you imagine the two of them sharing office space?”
Trevor shook his head. Clayton and Syneda disagreed on just about everything. “No, I can't imagine it. I'm still in shock at the thought of them being married.”
“You're not the only one. Take care, man.”
“You do the same, Dex.”
Chapter 6
Corinthians wondered how she managed to get through the entire day of the research summit without making a complete fool of herself, which she was sure she'd do after walking into the meeting room and seeing Trevor.
He'd been standing across the room talking to another man. Dressed in a dark blue suit, he looked suave, virile and sexy. He'd actually looked like he had walked directly off the cover of a magazine. And when he'd turned and looked at her, meeting her gaze with those deep, dark eyes and forcing her to remember the kiss they had shared the night before, she had almost come unglued right then and there.
She had tightened her fingers on the handle of her briefcase to hide her shaking hands, but it hadn't worked. In defiance, she lifted her chin and met his gaze for a long moment before finally conceding that for once, she could not maintain the disturbing contact and outstare him. Lowering her gaze, she had taken a seat at the table. Luckily for her, there had been an empty chair sandwiched between others that were already occupied, as well as those directly across from her. She'd sighed knowing that at least he wouldn't be sitting close by.
But that hadn't stopped him from getting to her. During the meeting, their glances would periodically meet, weakening her defenses, making her forget how much she didn't like him, and making it hard for her to concentrate on the proceedings.
After the meeting, the only thing she wanted was to leave as quickly as possible. She stood and began gathering up her things. Without looking up she knew the exact moment Trevor came to stand behind her. She could feel the heat of his body transfer to hers. Her pulse raced and her hands began shaking again. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself as she haphazardly tossed her notepad and pen into her briefcase and closed it with a click.
Her heart was pounding intensely as she turned around and quickly noticed everyone else had left and she and Trevor were the only people remaining in the room.
“Mr. Grant. How are you today?” she asked professionally, yet coolly, detesting the attraction she felt for him. Her body was getting warm all over, and even warmer in certain places.
Trevor drew his brows together at the formality in her tone; he didn't like it one bit. He raised his gaze to the ceiling, then lowered it to the floor before it came back to hers. He leaned forward, bracing both hands on the table and neatly pinning her in.
“A warning, Corinthians. The next time you call me Mr. Grant and not Trevor, I'm going to do something about it. Something similar to what I did last night, but this time I'll go a little further.”
Corinthians's cheeks became heated from just imagining just how far he would go. She then berated herself for even thinking about it. He couldn't go any further than she let him. “Don't count on it,” she snapped.
She glared up at him. His face was so close to hers that she could inhale the masculine scent of his aftershave, and see the even lines of his shaven chin. She was tempted to reach out and touch his skin to see if it felt as warm as it looked. She knew he had to be at least in his midthirties, but there were no wrinkle lines anywhere. His features, although ruggedly handsome, still had a smooth, unmarked appearance.
He smiled. “Oh, but I am counting on it. In fact, I'm doing more than just counting on it. I'm looking forward to it, especially after spending a night like I did last night. I didn't get much sleep for thinking about you and remembering how you felt in my arms.”
A shiver passed through Corinthians. He would be the last to know it, but she hadn't gotten a good night's sleep, either, remembering that very same thing. “Please don't,” she said in a soft plea.
Trevor had no intentions of granting her that request. Last night his dreams had been worse than ever. Before last night he could only imagine how she tasted. Now he knew. The real thing was even better than he'd imagined. And knowing she was bedded in the room next to his hadn't helped matters. Before morning he had taken two cold showers.
“I can't help it,” he said honestly, stubbornly and not too happily. He met her gaze directly. “I want you.”
Corinthians felt her insides jolt. Her warm body suddenly got hot, aroused. She became angered because once again he had echoed her own sentiments. And they were feelings she was not ready to face. “That's tough because you can't and you won't have me. Ever. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get by and you're blocking my way.”
He gave her an easy smile, one that made her knees go weak. She got an uneasy feeling he had taken her statement as a challenge. He straightened his stance. “Sorry,” he said moving aside. “I didn't mean to detain you.”
Corinthians grew more and more tense as she headed toward the door. In her haste to depart, she looked up just in time to avoid colliding with Armond Thetas as he entered the room. He looked to be in his midfifties and considered extremely handsome for his age. He was also known to be a very wealthy man. His oil company was one of the few located in South America.
“Ms. Avery, I'm glad I was able to see you before you left. The organization committee has planned a dinner party tonight in honor of all attendees. It will be held here in one of the banquet rooms. Then tomorrow, everyone is invited to my villa located in Buzios for an overnight stay. A chartered plane will transport you there and bring you back. I have made arrangements for a chartered bus to pick everyone up from the hotel tomorrow morning. You will be returned to the hotel in the afternoon of the following day.”
Corinthians smiled. She knew that Buzios was a very nice and expensive resort area that jutted in the Atlantic on the Cabo Frio Peninsula. The community contained million-dollar villas that were nestled along one of the seventeen idyllic beaches set among sandy coves. She had seen photographs of the upscale resort area that had numerous fine shops and excellent restaurants. As far as she was concerned Mr. Thetas's invitation for an overnight stay was a special treat, one she planned to take advantage of.
“Thanks, I'd love to attend the dinner party, and I'll look forward to going to Buzios in the morning.”
The older man's face beamed. “Wonderful. Just pack an overnight bag.” He then glanced over at Trevor. “What about you, Mr. Grant? Will you be joining us?”
Corinthians turned and looked at Trevor. A part of her hoped to heaven that he had other plans and would not be joining them. Evidently he read her thoughts because he gave her a smooth smile before saying, “I wouldn't miss it. Please count me in.”
Armond Thetas nodded. “I'll look forward to seeing you both tonight. Good day.”
After the man left, Corinthians turned back to Trevor and glared at him. Her anger flared when she saw the smile that lit his eyes. Clutching her briefcase more firmly in her hand, she headed for the door. She didn't miss the sound of his deep chuckle as the door swung shut behind her.
Rasheed Valdemon stepped from behind his desk and faced the man who had delivered the bad news to him. He raised an arched, angry brow. “What do you mean you still don't have Ms. Avery? I was counting on you, Santini. Now twice you and your people have disappointed me.”
Raul Santini came to his feet in defense of both himself and his men. “It's not as easy as you think to snatch an American woman off the streets of Brazil. These things take time. Do you have any idea of the repercussions we'll face if the North American government finds out about your plan and connects us to it?”
Rasheed looked long and hard at his old friend. During their teen years, the two of them had attended a private academy in France. Santini's father was an ambassador from Argentina. “You agreed to help me, Santini.”
“And I will. At least I will try, Monty,” Santini replied, calling Valdemon by the name his friends had given him at the academy. “But just like you have to be careful to protect your country, I must do the same for mine, my friend. I can't take any unnecessary chances.”
Rasheed sighed deeply and ran a hand over his face. “You have nothing to worry about. I told you that in the very beginning. American tourists disappear in foreign countries all the time, and the only people who make any noise about it are their families. They soon quiet down once they see their government won't do anything. Some tourists have been missing for years. Americans traveling abroad are on their own.”
“But this isn't just any American, Monty. Ms. Avery is the sister of a United States senator.”
“So what? As far as I am concerned, we'll be doing Joshua Avery a favor. He can't seem to handle her anyway. I'm sure that initially there may be some sort of an investigation, but in time, that, too, shall pass.”
He came and sat on the edge of his desk and faced his friend. “Remember that if I succeed in this, your country will be rewarded greatly. You know me well enough to know that I never forget my friends.”
Santini sighed, knowing that was true. Valdemon had secretly helped his country on a number of occasions. While at the academy several of them, all sons of important political figures from various nations, had formed a pact, a secret cartel. If there was anything one of them could do that would benefit the other's homeland, then they would do it. He had called on his friends in the cartel several times. However, this was the first time one of them had called on South America for help.
“We would have grabbed her yesterday had that man not shown up,” Santini finally said, breaking the silence.
Rasheed blinked at the unexpected news. He stood. “What man?”
“The American who arrived before my men could do anything. And according to them, the man seemed to be a close friend of Ms. Avery. Possibly even her lover. He handled her with too much familiarity to be anything less.”
Rasheed frowned. According to Joshua Avery, his sister was not romantically involved with anyone. “And your men couldn't handle one man?”
“Not this particular man. He's had extensive military training.”
Rasheed's frown deepened. “And how do your men know that?”
“Because he wears the ring.”
“What ring?”
“The Force Reconnaissance ring.”
Any military man, no matter what country he was from, had heard about the Force Recon group. They were an elite, highly skilled, specially trained group of men in the United States Marine Corps. A special breed of warriors, they were a close-knit group, almost like a brotherhood, who proudly wore their signet rings to prove it. To anyone else's observant eye it would look like just another signet ring. But to another military man, no matter what branch of service and no matter from what country, that ring had significant meaning.
“Are you sure?” Rasheed asked quietly, thoughtfully.
“I'm positive. The two men who reported back to me are former military men with the Argentine government. They would know.”
Rasheed's mood darkened. “This changes nothing. I won't be satisfied until I receive the news that Corinthians Avery is on her way to Mowaiti.”
“And the American protecting her?”
“He's your problem. You deal with him.”
Santini shook his head. “You're taking a big chance, Monty.”
“Am I?” he challenged. “Can you say you wouldn't do the same to save your country if given the chance, big or small?”
Santini thought about his love for his own country and knew there was nothing he wouldn't do for his people. “No.”
Rasheed smiled. He knew his friend understood. He walked over to him and touched him on the shoulder. “Once I have Ms. Avery and she finds oil, Mowaiti's troubles will be over. Out of friendship and honor, please continue to help me on this.”
Santini nodded. “I will.”
Trevor glanced around the crowded banquet room. Most of the people present had attended today's meeting and represented more than fifty major oil companies from around the world. They were people who were well-trained in scientific and technical skills in ways to extract oil reserves. The purpose of the all-day meeting had been to share as much of that knowledge as possible without leaking any company secrets.
He couldn't help but be proud of the way Corinthians had handled herself. He hadn't missed the look of admiration and respect in a number of the men's eyes. She had done something a lot of them had yet to do, and that was to use her vast knowledge and skill to locate an oil basin. As far as he was concerned, that said a lot for someone who was the only female head geologist in the group. When she had given her presentation, a lot of eyes had been on her. Some, he'd noticed, for reasons other than the information she was providing. Her physical beauty had entranced them. And he had to grudgingly admit, he hadn't liked it one bit. At first he had convinced himself that he hadn't cared that other men were looking at her with male interest. But later he'd been man enough to admit he'd lied to himself.
He had cared. More than he had wanted to.
He was reaching for another glass of wine off the tray of a passing waiter when the room suddenly became quiet. He turned to see what had caused the silence and felt his stomach tighten. Corinthians stood in the doorway and she looked absolutely gorgeous. Trevor took a quick glance around the room. Some of the men were openly drooling. His anger heightened. You would think they had never seen a beautiful American woman before. Even Armond Thetas appeared spellbound.
Trevor's gaze hardened as he looked at Corinthians again. A sudden knot formed in his throat. He himself had seen numerous beautiful American women, but never like this. She had really outdone herself tonight. He blinked once, then twice, to make sure he was seeing straight. She was dressed in—of all things—a virginal white, flowing evening gown. The gown's color was a stark contrast against the dark hue of her skin. But the combination of coloring made her look absolutely stunning, breathtaking.
Trevor glanced back around the room. A number of the men, although married, had not bothered to bring their wives with them on this trip. They were the main ones slobbering at the sight of Corinthians. The sight was totally disgusting.
His gaze moved back to the doorway. He could gather from Corinthians's expression she had also noted the fact that she was on display. She stood transfixed in place, scanning the group as if to make up her mind whether or not she really wanted to enter a den filled with salivating wolves.
Trevor noticed she kept glancing around the room as if looking for someone. He suddenly realized she was searching for him. He was surprised, given the on-going feud between them. He quickly reached the conclusion that to her way of thinking, he was just one more brazen, salivating wolf among many, but he was the one Corinthians assumed she could handle.
What the heck, he would let her assume whatever she liked, he thought, moving toward her. And he would let the people here tonight assume whatever they wanted to think, he thought further, picking up his pace. A few seconds later he was standing directly in front of Corinthians. He immediately saw the look of both relief and gratitude in her eyes.
For the space of several timeless moments, he didn't move. Then he leaned slightly and brushed his lips against hers in way of an affectionate greeting, effectively telling everyone present that Corinthians Avery was already taken.
Corinthians had seen the kiss coming, but hadn't had time to prepare herself for it. Although Trevor had barely brushed his lips against hers, her body had begun tingling all over. When he straightened his tall form, her gaze covered him from head to toe. If she thought Trevor had looked handsome in his dark suit at today's meeting, he looked doubly so in his white dinner jacket and dark slacks.