Riveted. Part 1

Riveted.

Kathryn Kelly.

Dominic is beyond p.i.s.sed when he learns the CEO of a company he's just invested a ton of money in has stolen some of his confidential files. Files that contain information worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Taught by his ruthless father to stomp the compet.i.tion, Dominic's first reaction is to go after Blaine and kick his a.s.s. But when the man goes into hiding, Dominic decides to take out his revenge on a more convenient target--Blaine's little sister.

Held captive for a ransom she knows won't ever be paid, Olivia decides she must find a way to soothe Dominic's savage nature and obtain her freedom, while hiding the truth about her partic.i.p.ation in her brother's scam. But when Dominic takes her to bed and makes love to her, Olivia begins to wonder if she should rethink her decision to escape. Being tied to Dominic's bed isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Reader Advisory: This story has graphic s.e.xual language and scenes-no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!.

Dedication.

To Paige h.e.l.ling, I promised you lighter. Here it is. To Eloisa James, thank you for being you.

Chapter One.

There wasn't much in life Dominic Luca sought to accomplish and failed to achieve. Now, he had to find a way to murder Blaine Bradford without penalty.

Pacing in his hotel room, Dominic paused in front of the window, glancing down at the shadows of palm trees and buildings at the foot of Ca.n.a.l Street. Dusk's colorful skies had graduated into an indigo night.

Dominic conceded Bradford was above average, but the a.s.shole had more luck than sense. Either that or he'd been tipped off to Dominic's discovering his crime. Where the h.e.l.l is Bradford? Dominic wished he knew. It would save him time and frustration, but so far, neither he nor his men had been able to track Bradford down.

The sonofab.i.t.c.h had hacked into Dominic's proprietary files, the ones with his negotiations and detailed plans to expand Dominic's corporation. If not for one small mistake Bradford had made as he'd spoofed Domamill's system during the subsequent theft of company files, Bradford would've gotten away with the hacking. Thank G.o.d for that error. Dominic cringed, thinking of the havoc that would've been wreaked if things had gone smoothly for Bradford. No one would've been the wiser until Bradford produced Dominic's expansion plans, financial data, targeted companies to acquire, and company data. Instead of Dominic being a silent partner in Bradford Industries to save it from sinking, Blaine could've used the data for capital gain and sank Dominic's firm, too.

Dominic gritted his teeth and gripped the windowsill, sincerely wis.h.i.+ng he was squeezing Bradford's neck. Part of the reason Dominic had come to New Orleans was to go over company policy with Bradford, now that Dominic had bought into the a.s.shole's corporation. Dominic had been in the car, halfway to the meeting, when the head of his IT department had called him with the news. The f.u.c.king ingrate. Dominic had already invested a lot of money to turn the man's company around, even agreeing to keep Blaine as CEO and president. Though the takeover hadn't been hostile, it hadn't been completely mutual either.

A knock on Dominic's door tore his attention away from the streetcar barreling down the tracks that divided the lake-bound and river-bound sides of the street. Devising his next move, he went to the door and opened it, revealing Albert, one of his bodyguards.

"We think we've found him, sir," Albert offered, jumping to the heart of the matter. He rarely smiled and preferred being a lone wolf. His taciturnity matched Dominic's.

"I don't pay you to think. I pay you to know."

Albert's face and bald head reddened, but he offered Dominic a tight-lipped nod.

"Where might Bradford be?"

"Not far from here, sir. At a charity auction where his sister is partic.i.p.ating. Whoever bids on her gets to take her to lunch or dinner and her bid proceeds go to her chosen charity."

"Bradford has a sister?" Dominic asked, the details of this benefit gala unimportant to him. This woman's interests held little interest to him. For that matter, she didn't matter either as long as he got his hands on Bradford.

"Apparently, sir."

"Did you find out much about her? Her age? Is she married? Have children? Does she have a connection to Bradford Enterprises?"

"We don't believe so, sir. As far as we know, she isn't married and we're unsure of her age. We didn't have time to gather much information about her. We thought you'd want to know as soon as possible."

So Bradford had a potential weakness. Dominic needed to investigate this further, see firsthand how he could use this woman against her a.s.shole brother. Perhaps I should attend the event. "What time does this auction begin?"

"It starts in half an hour, sir." Albert s.h.i.+fted his weight and cleared his throat. "The fact that he has a sister comes as a surprise."

"So it does," Dominic agreed, although if Bradford had behaved, interest in his sister would've been nonexistent. "How does she look?"

Albert flushed. "We aren't sure."

"I'll find out myself. I've attended enough of these f.u.c.king events to figure out who's who. Good work."

"What about his sister, sir?"

She could be useful in getting Bradford to see the error of his ways. Bradford might be an a.s.shole, but even a.s.sholes protected their families if a threat arose against them. Not that Dominic intended to hurt the lady. He'd just insinuate it so Bradford complied with Dominic's request to return his files and his money.

Dominic shrugged. "What happens to her depends on her brother's cooperation."

"Yes, sir. We'll keep a tail on her-"

"No need, Albert. I'm going to the event."

"Sir?"

If Dominic weren't so annoyed, he might have laughed at Albert's shock. Everyone knew charity functions bored him to tears. "Bradford might be there to support this woman, so I'm going to the event. We need to get a move on as soon as possible. I'm calling Scanlan to make sure he has the plane ready for takeoff once we get a.s.shole." Dominic would arrive at the function late. He didn't intend to return to the hotel, so he needed to alert his pilot, pack the little clothing he'd brought with him and settle his tab with the hotel. Meanwhile, he also needed to devise a plan to retrieve Bradford without anyone noticing. Any other intentions Dominic had depended on Bradford's att.i.tude and responses. Yes, Dominic wanted to choke the f.u.c.k out of Bradford, but murder wasn't his style. If Bradford turned into a special case, then he didn't need anyone seeing him forcing Bradford to go with him.

"Even if Bradford's in attendance, do you think he'll willingly go with you?"

Dominic appreciated Albert's perception. "We'll find a way."

"Sir, I don't know if this is a good idea. There will be a lot of witnesses."

"I don't remember asking your opinion. If there's a chance to find Bradford, I'm taking it. I've been in this G.o.dd.a.m.n hotel room to lull Bradford into believing I'd backed off." If he would've joined the hunt, Dominic wasn't sure if someone would've alerted Bradford that Dominic was looking for him, so he'd allowed Howie and Albert to do it. "Wait for me downstairs in the lobby," he said. "Be ready to move when I am. That'll be all for now."

He started to turn away but Albert stopped him.

"We do know her name, sir," he said.

Why did the admission sound so begrudging? "Which is?"

"Olivia."

Offering a brusque nod, Dominic saw Albert out, antic.i.p.ating the moment he got his hands on Bradford, with this Olivia's help or without.

Where are you?

Pressing the send b.u.t.ton on her phone to deliver her text message, Liv rocked back on her feet. She stood one girl away from having bids placed on her for a charity near and dear to her heart. At the moment, though, she wanted to locate her boyfriend in the audience. He'd promised to bid on and win her. It was their three-month anniversary and they planned to make love tonight to celebrate. In antic.i.p.ation of her deflowering, she'd gotten on birth control three weeks ago.

Liv had more than her ninety days as Garth's girlfriend to rejoice about. Her paid tuition had secured her acceptance to Louisiana State University for the fall semester. She'd taken her first monumental step toward her goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.

The cherry on the frosting, however, was Garth's promise they'd indulge in hot s.e.x, champagne and chocolate. He'd already given her one lesson on pleasure, making her touch herself while he watched, teasing her to distraction. Her body ached for release from the constant state of arousal she now experienced. So, where was her soon-to-be lover? Tonight, he'd promised they'd go straight for the final exam. Not wanting to appear completely ignorant about positions and technique, she'd given herself s.e.x Ed 101 by reading erotic blogs, watching a few online p.o.r.n videos, and purchasing s.e.x manuals, flavored oil, handcuffs, blindfolds and satin ties.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Olivia Bradford." The voice over the loudspeaker blared, startling her from her thoughts. "She practices Zen and Tai Chi. Recently accepted into LSU."

So recent, in fact, Liv hadn't even mentioned it. She scowled, balling her fists. Blaine must have told the committee, making her wonder what else her brother had blabbed about.

The spotlight haloed her and Liv squinted against the bright glare as her eyes adjusted. Regrouping, she glided out of the shadows, determined and proud.

The dim lights concealed the elite of New Orleans, dressed in their finest. Every now and then, someone s.h.i.+fted and a gemstone glittered in the glow from the candlelight. Whispers fluttered through the air and she stood straighter, drawing from the well of tranquility she was learning through Zen.

The master of ceremonies, Mr. Charles, fell silent, because she'd listed only a few accomplishments on her bio. She didn't want to land in jail so she couldn't very well claim hacker and thief on her resume. The other girls from wealthy backgrounds had time to volunteer and earn community hours and go on shopping sprees whenever the urge hit them. They didn't have brothers as crooked as the Tower of Pisa.

The silence stretched Liv's already taut nerves. She scowled at Mr. Charles, wis.h.i.+ng he'd encourage a bid.

"May I have an opening bid of one thousand dollars?" he said, acting like a mind reader instead of a jerkwad.

Hostility radiated from the guests like a dangerous nuclear device. Was it because she was Blaine Bradford's sister? No, half-sister, not that they knew. They believed he was as wealthy as they were. By extension, they believed Liv to be just like the other rich girls, whose families were power players, entrepreneurs, politicians, entertainers and athletes. No one knew Blaine teetered on the edge of bankruptcy after destroying the Bradford empire with singular focus. He should be grateful to Liv for getting what he needed to save his a.s.s, though Liv knew better.

She thought he'd at least be here. As thanks, he could've attended the event he'd insisted she partic.i.p.ate in. Realizing she hadn't seen her brother since the night before last, she frowned.

"One thousand dollars for Miss Bradford, sister of Blaine Bradford, CEO and President of Bradford Industries."

Grumbles. Murmurs. Shuffling. Blaine evoked all those reactions, so Liv related.

Whether or not Blaine-or her boyfriend, Garth-attended, her charity of choice, a local cancer society, was a good one. Someone should open their wallets and cough up the starting bid. A small commotion captured Liv's attention and she craned her neck to glimpse the ident.i.ty of the three people filing into the room. Thanks to the c.r.a.ppy lighting demanded for this dinner and auction, she couldn't discern if the newcomers were male or female.

Mr. Charles cleared his throat. "Can I get one thousand dollars for Miss Bradford? Her cause is a good one. Breast cancer research. Anyone can bid. Man or woman. Young or old. The winner gets to escort Miss Bradford to lunch or dinner."

Unlike the fuss from moments before, Mr. Charles statements quieted everyone. Silence reigned. Absolute, deafening silence. Annoyance a.s.sailed Liv. Images of the various ways she'd murder Garth rolled through her head. Tai Chi balanced her and aided her serenity but it strengthened her too. She might've practiced both Zen and Tai Chi for only a few weeks but she was sure she could take down Garth.

If Blaine didn't keep himself surrounded with security, she'd murder him as well for putting her in this predicament in the first place. But he had an amazing sense of self-preservation. With Bradford Industries sinking fast, he'd needed another cash infusion, beyond what he'd received from a new business partner. The check Blaine had waved in front of her for her college fees prompted Liv to agree to Blaine's request for hacking. Without proof that he could, and would, pay, she would've stayed far away from his illegal activities, instead of spending long hours cracking Domamill Enterprises' system. Finally, after weeks, she got in successfully. The moment she did, Blaine began hovering over her, demanding more files than they'd originally talked about and rus.h.i.+ng her to get it done. Of course, she hadn't wanted to linger on the company's system. The longer she'd dallied, the greater the chance for the IT department to pick up on her activity. Not surprisingly, Blaine had refused to listen when she told him the hacking could be traced if she made one small screw-up. In which case, she'd be spending her time in a prison dorm rather than a college one.

Liv was glad the whirlwind of rehearsals and preparations for tonight were over. Gladder still she'd played her cards just so and gotten what she wanted. It hadn't been easy. Not at all. She'd done her time as her brother's maid, cook and computer expert.

Stop sweating, Liv. Everything is going to be fine.

She and Karen, her BFF, planned to go to Hilton Head tomorrow afternoon once Liv and Garth parted company. After almost two years of h.e.l.l, she could live like a fun, fearless, college freshman. She would be finished working for her a.s.shole brother to repay him for her mom's hospital care. She'd slaved away for him and before Liv realized it, time had flown by and the hours she could've spent working to earn money for college had been used serving Blaine. When she'd gone to him with news she wanted to fill out her college application, he'd sworn to help her with school and promised he'd come up with a reasonable repayment plan. Even now, she cringed at how she'd felt discovering Blaine's true regards toward her. They'd bargained for two entire days. His initial idea had Liv being an escort to some of his business a.s.sociates. Then he'd suggested she keep his bodyguards entertained.

He'd wanted to turn her into a wh.o.r.e on his behalf. Looking back, she couldn't understand why she'd been so shocked. Clearly, there was no love lost between her and Blaine. If she'd ever doubted it, his suggestions had removed all uncertainty.

Once she pointed out that if anyone discovered Blaine Bradford's sister wh.o.r.ed herself out it might reflect badly on him, he'd backed off. Just as they'd reached an impa.s.se, he'd come up with the hacking idea. If she didn't serve some purpose for him, he had no use for her. He would've put her out of his house and left Liv homeless. He was a big d.i.c.khead like that.

She'd debated her options. Accept Blaine's latest job. Find a sugar daddy. Get a job as a stripper. Put off school for another year or two and work full-time in another menial job to save what she could. With stripping, she worried about her safety. Foregoing college again ran the risk of life derailing her plans, in which case, she'd never receive her degree. Her mom's intentions for Olivia hadn't included earning money any way she could to eke by.

"This is a cause near and dear to Miss Bradford's heart. Her mother pa.s.sed away from breast cancer thirteen months ago."

The words caught Liv's attention and she drew in a sharp breath, losing the smile plastered on her face. She blinked hard, her throat hurting with the effort not to break down into sudden sobs. Mr. Charles exploited her mother's death with cool detachment. Not only hadn't she given him permission to reveal such a thing, she hadn't ever mentioned how and when she'd lost her mother.

Blaine. Her face burned and she eyed the gleaming stage floor. Blaine's connections had gotten her on this stage, so of course he felt ent.i.tled to blab about her personal life. a.s.shole.

"A thousand dollars. One is all it takes."

Nothing. Not a peep. She'd never expected such a reaction, otherwise she wouldn't have put herself in the position of being on this stage, even to repay Blaine for his help. If not for her new motto of no regrets and no more running away, she would've wished she'd never turned to Blaine. But Liv had held out hope that with chemo and good doctors, Connie could beat the cancer. In the end, it had only prolonged the misery and made Liv beholden to her brother.

Once her mother died, Liv had considered skipping out on Blaine. He was an a.s.shole and she hadn't placed many boundaries on how she'd repay him. But she was done running. Her mother had kept them moving from one place to the other. As the end drew near, however, Connie had been filled with regrets and Liv didn't want the same for herself. She didn't want to be on her deathbed, wis.h.i.+ng she'd made different choices.

Mr. Charles cleared his throat-again. He was a tall, stern man, his reddish-blond hair going gray. He adjusted his horn-rimmed gla.s.ses and straightened the papers on his lectern. The glare he directed at her made Liv rock back in her imitation Bettye Mueller heels. She wrestled with her temper, restraining the urge to flip the man off.

Another tedious moment pa.s.sed before the spotlight moved away and focused on the blonde next to her. Unlike Liv, in her strapless black gown, the other girl sparkled in red sequins and diamond jewelry.

"Ahh, Miss Andrea Wallingford, ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Charles purred. "A true New Orleans jewel."

Liv's phone buzzed and she winced, sure the noise of an incoming text message could be heard right down in the French Quarter.

"Fifty thousand dollars for Miss Bradford." The commanding voice didn't belong to Garth or Blaine. Garth's was a little less cultured and Blaine's much more condescending.

Liv froze, her sharp intake of breath drowned out by the rising voices in the crowded ballroom.

"I beg your pardon, sir?" Mr. Charles sputtered. "What did you just say?"

"Fifty thousand dollars." The man enunciated each word, allowing no room for misinterpretation or refusal. "For Miss Bradford."

None of the other girls had brought in as much for their bids. Liv grinned, pleased to her toes, not caring that a stranger, instead of Garth, had flung out the number.

"Olivia Bradford?" Mr. Charles' skepticism grated. He made it sound as if she wasn't worth fifty thousand dollars. "We've moved on, sir. The opportunity to bid on her came and went a few minutes ago. Would you care to bid on Miss Wallingford?"

"No."

Implacable. The one word gave Liv the impression power and autocracy filled the man. And he wanted her. Tension knotted her stomach and she floundered at the sheer force of his tone.

"Sir-"

"I want Miss Bradford," he echoed, as if he'd read her mind.

He made the statement sound lurid and s.e.xual.

"You want Miss Bradford for fifty thousand dollars?"

"For however much it takes," he murmured in a silky baritone.

Her curiosity jolted her and Liv took a step forward, wanting to see this man.