Stroke of Sapphire

Chapter Two

Sapphire wondered what in the name of God she’d been thinking to accept a date with Ivan Gregor. She’d met him through a mutual friend, more of an acquaintance really, and he’d seemed like a nice enough guy, if slightly self-centered. All he’d talked about the entire evening were his real estate deals, how much money he made and his new Manhattan apartment.

What in hell was she doing? She’d gone out on a multitude of dates over the past few weeks, all of them with seemingly perfectly nice men, but there wasn’t an ounce of spark with any of them.

None of them was Jake.

Tears pricked her eyes and she blinked several times to push them back. No way was she going to cry over Jake Knight. She’d shed far too many tears the week after he’d made love to her and left her. Thankfully, Topaz had been too wrapped up in work and her new relationship with John to notice. Sapphire had retreated to her jewelry studio where she’d spent more time curled up on her chaise lounge than actually designing or creating.

She missed him. There was a hole in her heart where Jake had resided. Since the first moment she’d seen him, she’d wanted him. He was tall with extremely broad shoulders, huge biceps and rugged good looks. And he filled out a pair of jeans in a way that should be illegal. His blond hair brushed the top of his shoulders and his icy-blue eyes didn’t miss a thing.

Funny how his twin brother didn’t do a thing for her, but put Jake in a room with her and all her senses flared to life and her skin practically tingled with excitement. He was self-contained and quiet, a thoughtful man, a man with secrets. She’d sensed that much about him over the months he’d been her bodyguard.

He’d actually guarded her twice and she’d had a hard time getting over him the first time he’d left and they hadn’t even kissed. This time they’d had mind-blowing, rock-her-world sex and Sapphire knew she’d never be the same again.

She could still picture him standing near the edge of her bed staring down at her, telling her he was leaving because he was too much for her in the bedroom, his sexual needs too intense. Translation, she wasn’t enough. It had devastated her.

“Sapphire, more wine?” Ivan was looking at her, a slightly annoyed expression on his face. Obviously, he knew she hadn’t been paying attention. Had he said something that required an answer? Other than the question about the wine, that is. She didn’t think so, but she couldn’t be one hundred percent sure.

She shook her head and forced herself to concentrate on the here and now. She ruthlessly shoved Jake Knight from her thoughts and smiled at Ivan. “No thank you, I’ve had enough.”

“Just a bit more.” He ignored her request and topped up her glass. She frowned at him. As the night had gone on, she noticed more and more his tendency to be overbearing and ignore what she said or what she wanted. This would be her first and last date with him.

The waiter strolled up to their table. “Can I get you anything else? Desert, coffee or tea?”

Sapphire opened her mouth to ask for coffee, but Ivan beat her to the punch. “No, nothing else. Just bring the bill.”

The waiter inclined his head. “Right away, sir.”

That was another thing she’d noticed. Ivan was abrupt with the waitstaff, bordering on rude. She really should have stayed home and curled up on her sofa with a good movie and a bowl of popcorn. Live and learn.

The waiter returned with the bill and she glanced away, letting her gaze travel around the upscale restaurant as her thoughts returned to the mess that was her life.

Her experiment over the past few weeks was a total bust. After Jake had shredded her feminine confidence with his abrupt departure, she’d taken a good long look at her life and decided she was way too boring.

She’d decided a change was in order and had moved into her own apartment. It only made sense since Topaz was moving into John’s place until their wedding. The happy couple was still trying to decide if they were going to get a new place or just continue living in John’s. The three sisters owned the apartment they’d shared together and had decided to sell it and split the profit, sending their sister Emerald’s share to her in her new home in Maine. The large, well-situated apartment sold almost immediately and she’d used the money to put a down payment on her own place. She’d also gone on a mini shopping spree, purchasing new clothes and shoes, and started dating.

But as of tonight, she was calling a halt to all of it. She couldn’t change who she really was and trying to do so wasn’t making her happy. Maybe she wasn’t enough of a woman for Jake Knight, but she liked herself just the way she was, or at least she had.

Her new shoes hurt her toes, she felt her blouse showed a bit too much cleavage and her skirt was about two inches too short for comfort. She was more of a jeans-and-T-shirt girl anyway. When she did dress up, she favored flowing feminine dresses and skirts and more sensible heels, not short skirts and low-cut blouses.

She felt totally fake and phony, not herself at all. Jake might have been the catalyst for this abrupt change, but she had only herself to blame for following through. No one had made her do it.

Ivan was talking again about his latest real estate deal. Honestly, she hadn’t heard half of what he’d said tonight, but one thing was obvious—he loved talking about himself and what he saw as his accomplishments. Nothing wrong with that, but he hadn’t asked her one question about herself or her work.

When he wound down enough to reach for his wineglass, she offered him a smile. “I need to get going. I have an early meeting in the morning.” Not really a lie. She was supposed to meet Topaz at their favorite bakery for coffee to talk about her sister’s upcoming wedding plans. They hadn’t spent any real time together over the past few weeks—a quick phone call here and there, and her several fast trips into their boutique Sisters’ Jewels didn’t count.

Sapphire hadn’t wanted to talk to anyone about what had happened between Jake and her. But her older sister knew something was wrong. Topaz wasn’t being put off any longer and had demanded they meet.

Ivan frowned and inclined his head toward her still-full glass of wine. “Aren’t you going to finish that?”

She shook her head. “I told you I’d had enough.”

He lowered his glass to the table where the base made a sharp cracking sound. Ivan wasn’t happy with her. Well, he’d have to get over it. Not that it mattered. She had no plans to see him after tonight.

A shiver raced down her spine and she turned, peering around the room. If she didn’t know better, she’d say that someone was watching her.

Then she inwardly chuckled at herself. Of course there might be someone watching her. The restaurant was filled with people.

“Of course we can leave if you’re ready.” That quickly, his entire demeanor changed and he became a charming companion once again, all signs of his previous annoyance gone. She had a feeling the man she was seeing was the one he showed to the world, like a mask he wore when dealing with most people. She had a sinking feeling the real man was much different.

He smiled, stood and came around the table to help her with her chair. His fingers slid down her back when she stood. It could have been an accident, but Sapphire didn’t think so. She didn’t believe Ivan did anything without having a purpose or goal in mind.

It was only early May, but the days had been warm and she’d only worn a light jacket over her outfit. Ivan lifted it from the back of her chair and held it as she slid her arms into the sleeves. His fingers brushed her nape and she had to fight the urge to lurch away from him. Instead, she casually took a step to the right, turned and offered him a casual smile. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Ivan placed his hand on the small of her back and urged her through the restaurant to the front door. She quickened her step, trying to keep ahead of him so he wasn’t so close, but to no avail. He simply lengthened his stride to keep pace with her. Out of the corner of her eye she caught movement off to her right, but got distracted when Ivan’s hand slid down to the curve of her ass.

She walked faster, practically running, leaving Ivan behind her. The quicker she could get home, the better.

He was going to break Gregor’s goddamn hand. Jake wasn’t far behind the couple as they strolled down the busy New York street. The bastard had touched Sapphire’s fine ass as they’d been leaving the restaurant. It had taken all his considerable control to keep from leaping on the guy and pounding him into the ground. He still hadn’t completely dismissed it as an option.

And what the fuck was Sapphire thinking to let the guy get away with it? Okay, that wasn’t quite fair. He’d seen the way she’d jumped and hurried ahead of Ivan. He’d have much preferred if she’d turned around and slapped the guy’s face. But that wasn’t her style.

She needed a fucking keeper.

When he realized how much he was swearing, even if it was only inside his own head, he tightened the reins on his temper. How much he swore was a good gauge of how angry he was.

Jake kept to the shadows as he followed them through the boisterous groups of people all out taking advantage of the clear, cool night. The bastard was using the crowded sidewalk as an excuse to put his arm around Sapphire’s waist.

No doubt in his mind that Gregor was expecting to get lucky tonight. Gregor was the type to spring for an expensive meal and expect to be paid back for it in sexual favors. The guy oozed entitlement and elitism, thinking himself above everyone else, including the law.

As much as Jake itched to pound the crap out of the guy, he knew in the long run that was the wrong approach. He had some research and surveillance to do over the next few days. The cops might not have the manpower and resources to watch this guy, but he did. If Jake had his way, in a matter of days, Ivan Gregor would have his hands much too full trying to stay out of a media firestorm filled with scandal and charges of corruption to even think about Sapphire Jewel.

Men like Gregor usually took one look at a guy like him and dismissed him as nothing more than muscle, brawn with no brain, but he’d used that perception to his advantage many times before. No doubt about it, he was built to protect, but he also had a high IQ and understood computers and how they worked. More than that, he understood people—what motivated them and what they desired most. He couldn’t wait to get at his keyboard and start digging deeper into Ivan Gregor’s life.

But that was for tomorrow. Tonight was all about getting Sapphire home safe and sound. No way was he letting Gregor enter Sapphire’s apartment building. Unbeknownst to her, Jake had checked out her new place when she’d moved in. It had good security, but could be better.

Thankfully, she only lived six blocks from the restaurant and, since this was New York City, they would walk. It was a nice evening for a stroll, not too warm and not too cool. He frowned as he watched Sapphire hurry down the sidewalk and noticed she was limping slightly. Damn high-heeled shoes. She wasn’t used to wearing them that high. The things were like walking on toothpicks.

He wanted to scoop her off her feet and carry her. Yeah, like she’d let him do that after the way he’d left her. He’d be lucky if she didn’t start yelling and take a swing at him when she finally saw him. Not that he’d blame her.

And why didn’t that bastard Gregor notice she was in pain?

Sapphire’s feet were screaming by the time her building came into view. She sent up a silent prayer to the heavens in gratitude for making it home, even though she knew she’d have blisters. It was a lesson she wouldn’t soon forget—never wear new shoes on a date when you’ll be walking.

She’d gotten a cab there to meet him, not wanting him to pick her up at her apartment. It paid to be cautious, even if a friend had vouched for Ivan. But he’d insisted on walking her home, and she was quickly coming to realize that he expected to get his own way. She’d decided to let him walk her as far as her building. No way was she letting him come inside.

She stopped outside the double-glass door, grateful for the bright foyer lights. “Thank you for a lovely dinner.” She smiled and offered him her hand.

He frowned and glanced down at her extended hand. “What the hell is this?”

Now it was her turn to frown. “This is me thanking you for the evening.” She couldn’t even say it was an overly nice one. Ivan Gregor was losing more of his shine by the second. She had a feeling his charm was something he put on like a cape to hide his true self.

“I’m coming up.” It was a demand, not a request.

She shook her head. “No, I’m sorry, you’re not.”

“I paid for an expensive meal. You owe me.” He wasn’t joking. He really expected her to have sex with him because he’d bought her supper.

She reached into her clutch for her emergency money and pulled out a hundred dollar bill. “If that’s the problem, then here you go. That should cover my share. If it doesn’t, just let me know and I’ll send you a check.” When he didn’t take the money, she tucked it into the pocket of his jacket.

All she wanted was for this date to end. “Good night.” She turned her back on him and inserted her key in the outside lock.

A heavy hand landed on her shoulder and yanked her around. Ivan’s face was red and his green eyes glittered with anger. For the first time this evening, fear snaked into her consciousness. This man was more dangerous than he appeared. He might be wearing a designer suit, but he was anything but civilized underneath it.

“It don’t think so, bitch.” His fingers bit into her shoulder hard enough that she knew they would leave bruises.

“Let me go.” Their voices were pitched low and no one passing them on the street would see more than a man and a woman talking.

“You owe me and I plan to collect.”

Sapphire slapped her hands against his chest and tried to push him away. She managed to shove him back a few inches, but he grabbed her other shoulder and yanked her against him. His mouth descended but she turned her head aside and brought her knee up quickly. Wearing a short skirt had one plus—it enabled her to move her legs freely and quickly.

Ivan barely jerked back in time to keep from getting smashed in the family jewels. His expression darkened and Sapphire swallowed hard, getting ready to scream for assistance.

“Hey, Sapphire. Great to see you.” Like a dark avenging angel, Jake Knight swooped out of the night, appearing from seemingly out of nowhere. Relief swamped her. She might be angry with him, but right now she was glad to see him. He was the lesser of two evils. Better the devil she knew than the one she didn’t. Besides, as angry as she was with Jake, she knew he’d never physically hurt her. He might shred her heart and damage her self-esteem, but he wouldn’t harm her. Ivan had already proven he had no problem with manhandling a woman.

“Who the hell are you?” Ivan demanded.

“Jake Knight. You?”

Sapphire compared the two men, noting how Jake seemed to dwarf Ivan even though her date was only an inch shorter.

“Ivan Gregor.” He said his name like everyone in the free world should know who he was. Then he drew back his shoulders and practically sneered at Jake’s plain black jeans and black shirt that he’d topped with a leather jacket. “I’m her date. You?”

Jake slung his arm around her and pulled her into the curve of his body. “Me, I’m practically family. Her sister is marrying my brother. Which reminds me, babe, we need to discuss the latest change in the wedding plans.”

Sapphire didn’t know whether to laugh or to stamp on Jake’s foot with one of her new spiky heels. Ivan, on the other hand, looked about ready to have a stroke his face was so red.

She jumped into the breech. “I really should be going, Ivan.”

“I’ll call you,” he said stiffly.

She shook her head. “I don’t think that would be wise.” The way he glared at her made her very happy for Jake’s presence. Her shoulders still throbbed from where he’d grabbed her and she knew she’d had a lucky escape tonight.

“I’ll call you,” he repeated. He swept Jake with a glare filled with disdain and fury.

Jake only smiled and gave him a short wave. “Have a good evening.” He used the bulk of his body to block her from Ivan’s view, for which she was extremely grateful. She didn’t want to see the nasty expression on his face. She inserted her key into the lock and opened the door.

“Let’s go up to your place and talk about the wedding.” Jake stepped into the foyer beside her, letting the door close and lock behind them.

Now Sapphire was totally confused. Why would Jake want to talk to her about the wedding? He put one hand on her back and urged her toward the elevator. Even though she told herself not to look, she couldn’t keep from glancing over her shoulder. She caught sight of Ivan on the other side of the glass, watching them. His expression wasn’t pleasant at all. In fact, he looked downright enraged.

Another shiver snaked down her spine as the elevator door came open and Jake ushered her inside. When the door slid shut, he removed his hand and took a step back. Stupidly, she felt bereft and abandoned. But he’d already abandoned her, she reminded herself.

“Thank you for getting rid of Ivan,” she began, but stopped speaking when she got a good look at Jake. He was furious. She could see it in the slight tick under his left eye and the taut muscle in his jaw. Funny, she wasn’t the least bit afraid of him, not like she’d been of Ivan.

Jake stared down at her, legs splayed, hands on his hips. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Ivan stood on the sidewalk and watched as Sapphire disappeared into the elevator with the ruffian with more brawn than brains. He knew the type well. That she’d go upstairs with a man like that and not with him was infuriating.

How dare she! She’d smiled at him prettily all evening long, flashing her cleavage and long legs, batting her eyelashes at him. She was begging him to fuck her, promising him his due, only to renege at the last minute. She’d learn that no one cheated him in a deal. No one. He’d have restitution one way or another.

Her protector might be around tonight, but he wouldn’t always be there. Of course he wouldn’t. There was no way she was fucking a guy like Jake Knight. It was obvious the man had no culture or breeding and he certainly didn’t know how to dress.

No, Sapphire was simply playing hard to get. She was nothing more than a tease. He’d have to show her the error of her ways and then he’d move on. He never allowed a woman to become a permanent fixture in his life and why should he? There were so many of them just waiting to be fucked, and most of them could be had for the price of a good dinner and a few glasses of wine.

It was laughable that Sapphire thought herself any better than the rest of them. His phone rang and he pushed her out of his mind, for now. He looked at the number and smiled. He’d been waiting to hear from this particular city official. “Hello, my friend. Do you have good news for me?”