Fifth Avenue Devil

Chapter 24

Twenty-Four

Nate

I 'm standing in Annalise’s immaculate penthouse, clenching and unclenching my fists. Annalise, the beautiful blonde bombshell who turned my world upside down, was much too drunk for me to fuck last night. There was some intense kissing, and I sucked her clit while she screamed my name, but that was it.

She’d left scratch marks on my upper back. Kitten, indeed.

After that, I played the gentleman and put her to bed. She begged me to fuck her. And my body ached to do so. But I still found my own bed and stroked my cock alone until I came. Then I did it again four more times.

Annalise will be the death of me, I swear. Suffice to say, I did not sleep well last night.

"Ready?" Annalise's voice jars me back to the present.

She’s standing in the front entryway, looking at me with this quizzical gaze. She’s dressed in the Valentino couture that I picked out for her. Floor length white sequins with these jaw-dropping slits cut up the thighs. We’re just going to a poker tournament but damn . I wanted her to dress to kill today. And might I say that I nailed it.

She looks divine .

The tension from last night hasn't left my body. I still feel jumpy, on edge. Something about this woman has changed me. She’s awakened feelings I didn't know I possessed.

Annalise is mine. And I’m going to show her off today, albeit not in the way that she deserves. I’m just taking her to a tournament, not to Bryant Park. It’s a shame with how she looks right now.

“Nate?” she prompts. “Are you okay?”

My mouth twitches. It’s funny that she would ask me that. Am I okay? I really don’t know anymore. "Of course," I reply. “You just look ravishing. Especially for someone who threw up this morning.”

Okay, so maybe I am still irked that she got so fucking intoxicated the night before. As if reading my thoughts, she smiles sweetly and teases me. "Sorry I was such a mess last night. You must think I'm quite the party animal."

"Hardly," I scoff, my tone betraying my annoyance. “You do look good though. Really good.”

I walk over to Annalise. She turns her face up to me, expecting a kiss. I grab her, pull her against my body, and growl as I kiss her neck. She giggles. “You’re such a beast, Nate.”

“Yeah? You’ll find out what a beast I am when we get home. I’m going to fucking ruin that pussy, Kitten.”

She arches an eyebrow, affecting surprise. “More than you did last night?”

“Way fucking more.” I set her down and slap her ass. “Now let’s go.”

We make our way down to my sleek black sports car. I can't help but glance at her petite frame and her golden curls that bounce as she walks. In the Valentino dress, she looks like a damn supermodel. Maybe a little short, but she’s got the charisma needed. A feeling of possessiveness claws at my chest. I’ve experienced that before with Annalise. But today the feeling is all I can think about.

She is mine .

The sensation is as unsettling as it is thrilling.

We drive up to the tournament, which is happening just on the other side of the Lincoln Tunnel at a trendy bistro on the water. When we get out, I toss the car keys to a valet. But I’m not really paying any attention. If the car were to be stolen and the cops asked me who the valet was, I’d be at a complete loss.

Today, I can hardly focus on anything but Annalise.

Her presence is both intoxicating and infuriating. She makes it impossible for me to concentrate, even on just the act of walking. We walk down the pier to where the bistro has set up an outdoor casino. But every little thing distracts me. My mind is filled with images of her nude form wrapped around mine.

"Earth to Nate," Annalise says, waving a delicate hand in my face. I blink, realizing that I've been lost in my thoughts again. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," I say. “I just didn’t sleep much last night.”

Annalise is mine. But I don’t want to say it out loud in a public space. That makes it seem too real.

She slips her hand into mine and wrinkles her nose. “Sorry. I’ll have to make it up to you later.” She gives me an innocuous glance, belying her words. I can’t do anything but smirk.

What is it about this woman that is making me question everything I thought I knew about myself? I’m rethinking my concept of desire. It's a dangerous game we're playing. I'm not sure I'm ready for whatever the consequences will be.

We enter an area with several tables specifically designed for high-stakes poker games. Plush velvet chairs surround the polished mahogany tables. Poker games like this are where deals are made and empires built.

Or, in Annalise’s case, they’re destroyed.

We grab a drink from the outside bar as I try to scope out the competition. Better to focus on that than my feelings for Annalise.

I ask for a rum old-fashioned, but when the bartender asks her for her order, my date wrinkles her nose. “Just a sparkling water for me. After last night, I don’t think I’ll be interested in drinking for quite a while.”

I smile. With our drinks in hand, we stroll around, checking out the set-up of tables.

"Playing poker and negotiating deals share the same core principles," I explain to her. "You need to be able to read people, bluff when necessary, and most importantly… know when to fold."

My brothers, Cash, James, and Grant enter the room as if on cue. All their eyes immediately go to Annalise. Like wolves stalking their prey, they close in on her, each vying to win her attention.

“Annalise! It’s so nice to see you again.” Cash immediately starts trying to separate her from me. He’s using the old introduction trick, where you shake both the woman’s hands and then pull her away from the man she’s with.

“Stop, Cash,” I intone. I put my arm around Annalise, feeling like she’s some precious gemstone, then introduce the other two. "Annalise, these are my brothers. You already know Cash. This is James, and the other one is Grant," I say, trying to maintain a semblance of control over the situation.

James gives her a mock bow and Grant a lazy wave. As they swarm around her, I can see the glint of apprehension in her eyes.

"Nice to meet you all," she says hesitantly. She’s clearly overwhelmed by their sudden interest. “All the Fordham brothers at once? I’ve really lucked out.”

“Getting us all in one place is a rare pleasure,” Cash jokes. “Seriously, though. Nate has told us a lot about you.”

“He’s being sarcastic,” says Grant. He clears his throat. “Er, if that wasn’t clear.”

“What is there to tell?” Annalise says. She looks at me, sucking in a breath. “Your brother has been teaching me in the ins-and-outs of being a CEO.”

“I just bet he has. At all hours, I imagine,” James says blithely. Grant hits him on the arm and James mouths, “Ow!”

Annalise tenses. Sensing her discomfort, I slip my arm down, letting it land protectively around her waist. I can create something of a barrier between her and my brothers. She rolls her eyes but doesn't protest.

"This is certainly an interesting way to introduce me to your family, Nate."

I feel the back of my neck heat. "We already planned to meet up here," I mutter. My grip tightens around Annalise’s waist. "I wasn't going to bail just because you needed saving last night."

A delicate blush creeps up her cheeks, making her look even more enticing than before. Shit, I think I embarrassed her. That was not what I was going for.

"Thanks," she replies quietly. I can't tell if she's being sincere or not. Before I can say anything, my brother saves the day.

“Anyone need a drink? I’m going to head to the bar,” Grant says.

“I’ll go with you!” Annalise blurts. “I could use some juice or something.”

He offers her his arm. She takes it and swans off with Grant, not bothering to look back.

Once they’re out of earshot, James turns to me. "She's too young for you, Nate," he warns, his tone harsh. “You shouldn’t even be sleeping with her.”

"Relax," I scoff, rolling my eyes. "I'm not going to marry Annalise. We’re both just having a little fun."

I resent his interference, but a part of me wonders if he's right. She is too young. She should be with someone her own age, someone also just starting out…

"Isn't that worse?" James counters, raising an eyebrow. "There's more than a ten-year age gap between you two. People will talk."

"Let them," I snap, my irritation rising. I don't need anyone else dictating my life choices, especially not when it comes to Annalise. “I’m still the richest motherfucker in this whole damn place.”

James rolls his eyes. “Uh huh.”

I can't help but feel chagrined by James's words. I glance over to see Grant talking animatedly with Annalise. I'm not worried about him hitting on her. Grant has always focused more on his passions, like robotics and AI, than on romantic pursuits.

But I wonder if Annalise isn’t using this as an opportunity to discover what skeletons I might be hiding in my closet. And with Grant’s obsession with telling the truth? He might just give them to her.

"James," I call out, motioning for my brother to join me. "Keep an eye on those two, will you? Grant can get intense when he talks about his projects."

"Sure thing, Nate," James replies with a nod. He makes his way over to them and cuts in on their conversation.

With that taken care of, I join Cash at the poker table. I’m trying everything in my power to regain control over the situation. But as the dealer shuffles the cards, my eyes drift back to Annalise. Her laughter fills the air. I swear I can smell her distinctive fragrance.

As the game heats up, I fold again and again. I just can’t pay attention for the time it takes to play a whole game. Is last night’s sleeplessness the cause?

Or is it something more?

"Your head's not in the game today, Nate," Cash teases me when I lose yet another hand. "I have a feeling that it has to do with a certain pretty blonde. Could it be that you’re in love? "

"Shut up," I snap, glaring at him. My heart races in my chest, though I refuse to explore the reasons why I have such a visceral reaction. "I'm just tired."

"From your night with Annalise?" he presses with a smirk. "It’s just that you've never had trouble focusing with a woman around before. Hell, we’ve been coming to this poker tournament for five years, and this is the first time that you’ve brought a date ."

"Enough, Cash." I grit my teeth.

My situation with Annalise is just a fling , I remind myself. It’s a temporary distraction from the cold, calculated world of business that we both inhabit.

I glance across the room and watch Annalise's eyes light up with curiosity as she listens to Grant talk. Most women would be desperate to leave by now because Grant likes to monologue about whatever nerdy thing he’s fixated on lately. But not Annalise. She is genuinely engaged, not merely listening to Grant’s endless stories.

Annalise’s patience and kindness make her all the more desirable to me. I can't help but wonder if my feelings for her run more deeply than I am willing to admit.

When Cash leans his head close to my ear and whispers, his voice almost compassionate. "Give it up, Nate. You're not fooling anyone. You’ve caught feelings for her."

I shoot him a stony glare. “For Archer Gellar’s daughter? I’m just sleeping with her.”

He folds his arms across his chest and shakes his head at my stubbornness. “I can’t believe that the most business-minded of my brothers is acting like a teenaged boy with a bad crush. It’s stunning to watch.”

"Pay attention to your damn cards," I growl. I refuse to let him see how much his words have affected me.

I put all my focus on winning the next hand.

The room seems to close in on me as I lose anyway. I’m usually so good at reading everyone, but it seems that I’ve lost my touch.

As I open my mouth to excuse myself, a couple walks down the pier, arm in arm. I stand up as I stare at them.

My parents are here. Jesus fucking Christ, like I need this kind of trouble today.

Douglas and Celia Fordham scan the tables. When they locate me, my hackles instantly rise. I'm already questioning everything about my relationship with Annalise. The last thing I need to add to the mix is their scrutiny.

Cash notices my parents too. “Shit. I thought they were still on their year-long trip through Europe.” He coughs into his hand. “Heads up.”

My parents are bad news. They are in the US very rarely, but when they are present, they throw everything into chaos.

“I see them.” I push back from the table. “Do me a favor and head them off. I’m going to get Annalise out of here before Mom and Dad rip her to shreds.”

“On it.” Cash stands up and makes a beeline for Mom. “You’re already done traveling? How time flies!”

I reach Annalise's side, gripping her arm firmly.

“Hey, Mom and Dad are here,” Grant says.

I make hard eye contact with him. “I’m going to escort Annalise out.”

Annalise looks bewildered. “What?”

"Come with me," I whisper harshly.

Annalise’s eyes widen slightly in surprise. But she doesn't protest as I lead her away from the tables and hurry toward the exit. "Is everything okay?" she asks.

"Fine," I lie, forcing a tight smile. "I am just hoping to help you escape–"

“Nathan!” My mom shouts.

I freeze in place, my mind going blank.

“Fuck,” I mutter.

Licking my lips, I turn around. My parents are walking toward me. My mom looks Annalise up and down with a calculating glance.

I grit my teeth. The last thing I want is for them to see any cracks in my fa?ade.

“Nathan, darling,” Mom says. “It’s too late to run, I’m afraid. We’ve arrived.”

Her accent is very posh and British. She has short dark hair that’s stylishly shot with gray, and she wears a loose black caftan with pink roses embroidered on it. Dad looks like exactly what he is: a wealthy man in a herringbone sport coat and khakis, who would always rather be playing golf than be wherever he is.

"Annalise," I say with a sigh. "I'd like you to meet Celia and Douglas. My mother and father."

The frosty tone of my introduction is a testament to my agitation.

Mom's cold gaze sweeps over Annalise. Her mouth curls into a tight smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "You can call me Mrs. Fordham. How do you do?"

"It’s a pleasure to meet you both," Annalise replies. She inclines her head but makes no move to shake hands. She seems confident and unbothered, impressing me despite my agitation.

"Annalise is a business associate," I interject. I’m eager to establish some boundaries before my parents start prying.

"Really?" my father chimes in, his eyebrows raised. "She seems a bit too young for you, Nate. To do any kind of business with, that is."

My jaw clenches. I struggle to bite back a retort.

Annalise jumps into the fray and easily laughs at my father’s comment. "Age is just a number, Mr. Fordham," she assures my father. “Nate has been tutoring me in all the skills I need to run my father’s business.”

"Is that right?" my mother asks. Her gaze narrows. "I can’t imagine what form that tutelage takes. Can you, Douglas?"

The implication alone ignites a fire within me. It’s a fight to keep my expression neutral. Instead, I simply nod and say, "Well, it was lovely seeing you both, but I have a meeting to attend."

“On a Saturday morning?” Dad chortles. “I’ll just bet you do.”

"Don't let us keep you." My mom smirks and looks at me. “Darling, while we are in town, we should have lunch. I’ll have my assistant call yours and set something up.”

“Uh huh,” I say, not committing to anything. “I’ll see you both later.”

Gripping Annalise's hand, I guide her away from my parents and down the pier. The wait for the valet feels everlasting. My chest tightens each minute until we get into the car. I rub my chest and take a few deep breaths.

“That was… interesting,” Annalise says. She looks at me, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

I shake off her touch and start the car. “I’m fucking fantastic.” I peel out with a squeal of tires. Annalise scrambles to put her seatbelt on. It’s not until we’re back in the tunnel that I feel the tightness in my chest ease.

"Your brother Grant seems like quite a character," Annalise says, attempting to lighten the mood with conversation.

“Yeah?” Annoyance flares within me. I snap, "You should just date Grant then."

Her eyes widen at my outburst. She levels her gaze at me and scans my face. "Is that what we are doing?" she asks softly. “Dating?”

My teeth grind together as I struggle with my response. My pride twists my words, making me lash out. "All you are to me is a hot piece of ass, Annalise."

I see hurt flash in her eyes before she quickly hides it behind a mask of indifference. "I would like to be dropped off at my building. It’s on the way to yours.”

Glancing at her, I furrow my brow. “I’m not done with you yet.”

Silence stretches between us. The sound of her phone buzzing shatters the moment. Her hand darts into her purse. She checks the caller ID and frowns as she answers.

"Mom?" Annalise's voice is breathless. She listens for a second before she lets out a curse. “Oh, god.”