Page 20 of Dark Temptations

Daniel’s face darkened. “Now, why in the hell would you do that? Is my daughter not good enough for you?”

Xavier shook his head. “Hell, no. I’m not good enough forher.”

“Why?”

“You know me. I’m not one of those pansy-ass businessmen we have to deal with. I need to be in charge and am rough sometimes.”

“Have you ever hurt a woman?” Daniel asked.

“Hell, no. But the women I’ve seen in the past have been … bigger and stronger than Ariana.”

Daniel snorted. “I guarantee my daughter is stronger than you think.”

“She’s so damn innocent, Daniel.”

Daniel nodded. “In some ways, she is, but she grew up with me as a father. Don’t you think that toughened her up a bit?”

“So, you’re saying you’re okay with me dating Ariana?” Xavier asked.

“As long as you don’t break her heart, then yes. I admire you, boy. We’re a lot alike as far as ambition and temperament.”

Daniel glanced up at the door when he heard heels clicking on the floor coming their way, and then back at him. “Your time’s up. Good luck.”

Chapter Nine

In all the time Xavier had known Daniel, he had never met his wife. He told him she didn’t like to intrude on business and had her own things to do.

The woman that walked into the office left him speechless. She was as tiny as her daughter Ariana and just as beautiful. They looked so much alike that they could have been twins, except the mother had light-blonde hair, whereas her daughter had black hair like her father. He would have guessed the color was from a bottle, but for some reason, he didn’t think so. Maybe it had to do with the light color of her eyebrows.

She walked directly over to Daniel. She stood beside his chair, placed a hand on his shoulder, and smiled down at him. Daniel picked the hand up and kissed her knuckles.

“Hello, baby. I bet you’re here to meet Xavier.”

The woman turned her bright-blue eyes on him, making him straighten in his chair.

“Yes, I am. My name is Janessa, and I’m Ariana’s mother. Daniel has told me about you in the past. My husband thinks highly of you, so because of that, I won’t kick you out.”

Xavier didn’t know what to say. He just knew the woman made him nervous. “Yes, ma’am.”

Xavier saw Daniel’s smile of encouragement.

“I will tell you this. You’ll have me to deal with if you hurt my daughter.”

Xavier nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“So, we understand each other?” she asked.

Xavier nodded.

“Good.” She smiled, bent down, and kissed Daniel on the cheek. “I will leave you to your business.” She looked at Xavier again. “I’d invite you to a family dinner, but I don’t think Ariana would appreciate it. Have a good day.”

Both men silently watched the woman walk out of the room and exhaled.

“Do you see now?” Daniel asked. “She’s scary as hell when she wants to be.”

Xavier pressed the heel of his hand to his chest. This whole situation was managing to fuck up his emotions. How could a person simultaneously feel apprehension, happiness, frustration, apprehension, and relief? This situation was so out of his realm of knowledge. He felt out of control and didn’t appreciate it.

Xavier stood. “Look over the proposal and get back to me. I have a lot to do at the office.”

---