Duplicity E-Book

Cecile Tellier

• Herausgeber: Cecile Tellier
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Maxx Robertson had his share of troubles and chaos in his life. Owning a specialty bar and being a man with many secrets meant he had to be always alert. What he hadn't prepared his life for was a four-foot-nothing-sized trouble magnet.  He'd never met anyone who was so unaffected by things that would send most women running.
Zowie James didn't expect her new boss to be as sexy as his bar. He is mysterious, dangerous, and everything she's been trying to avoid. Zowie quickly becomes involved in a series of strange events at work.
Danger, lies, and secrets abound. Zowie has had some challenges in her life, but she is not prepared for Maxx's complications. Some secrets can't be overcome, and some are deadly.

Leseprobe

DUPLICITY

CECILE TELLIER

Copyright © 2023 by Cecile Tellier

Cover Design @ FuriousFotog

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

CONTENTS

1. -Maxx-

2. -Zowie-

3. -Maxx-

4. -Zowie-

5. -Maxx-

6. -Zowie-

7. -Maxx-

8. -Zowie-

9. -Maxx-

10. -Zowie-

11. -Maxx-

12. -Zowie-

13. -Maxx-

14. -Zowie-

Also by Cecile - Collision Course

Preview - Collision Course

ChapterOne

-MAXX-

When I thought about the saying that something would be the death of me, I had no genuine concept of what it meant. That is until I met her. All four foot nothing and lighter than my bike bag on an easy gear day, I knew my battleship was sunk the minute those too-big-for-her-face brown eyes focused on me. My reputation was that of being an all-around prick, which made my being in great shape a necessity. I never lacked attention from those attracted to me, and I wasn’t shy about ignoring it most of the time.

I visited Hell’s Belles daily to ensure the place was running smoothly and to make sure no one was trying to fuck me out of anything. It had been the first purchase I had made after I’d begun making serious money. I was well known as a very untrusting, micromanaging, hard-ass employer. Providence was small, but business was good. I treated my employees well and made sure they made living wages. That didn’t mean I forgave stealing, lying, or laziness.

I opened the front door just as this tiny woman came from behind me, aiming for the same door. I looked down too late, and she bumped forehead first into my elbow. Given her expression, I have no idea why it affected me more than her.

“Excuse me.” Muttered the mousy blonde-haired petite woman staring back at me.

She made no move to skirt around me, and I was too busy staring down at her to react normally. “Yeah, sure.”

I finally stepped back after realizing this staring contest was happening, and neither of us seemed willing to blink. I held the door open for her and motioned for her to proceed. I followed her into the main area and watched as she removed her coat and hung it on the staff hanger before heading behind the bar. She wore a pair of skintight black vinyl pants that rounded her curves. Her top was a red long-sleeve crop that showed the smooth skin of her stomach and cleavage. I sat down and watched as she got ready to work.

“Are you new here? I’m Maxx. Sorry, I almost took you out. I’m not normally too zoned out to notice someone, even if they’re elbow height.” I quirked a grin to the side at my attempt at humor.

Lifting her head, she watched me without expression before nodding. “I’m not usually unaware of elbows either. I’m Zowie.” She watched me as if expecting something.

“It’s nice to meet you, Zowie. I like that name.” I meant it. It was unusual but also fit her somehow. Her large brown eyes looked up momentarily as if she wasn’t sure I was being genuine.

“Let’s just say people have been known to yell “Wowie” when I enter the bar,” she muttered before looking back down.

“Well, maybe that’s because they’re impressed. Or maybe they want to be.” I tried to lighten the suddenly somber mood and failed. She shrugged and began serving the regulars who came in for a happy hour. She was friendly and charming and had already memorized many of the regulars’ drink preferences.

The club was quiet, but I knew the DJ would soon start playing, and the masses would come to dance. I also knew upstairs, in the VIP rooms, there would be more personal activities behind closed doors. I didn’t provide the live entertainment, merely a discreet place where those with a penchant for kink could come.

I wondered if my new bartender knew what went on beyond those large and ornate closed doors. Deciding to find out, I leaned over the bar and yelled. “Have you been given a tour yet?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.” She responded while tossing her hair back and pouring a mixed drink with some flair he didn’t think she had.

Realizing she had no idea I was the owner, I grinned and stood from the bar. As I turned around, my assistant, Jerald, rushed in. “Did you know that Richard and his gang of douchebags are brewing something again? I swear they keep trying, and something bad will happen one day. We gotta make a deal with them.”

Instantly feeling my mood go dark, I growled, “I do not “make a deal” with the low-level criminals. I refuse to give them money they are not entitled to just because they want control over any competition in the area. Fuck them. They want problems, they can bring whatever they got brewing, and I’ll stuff it up slick Rick’s ass like I always do.” I had intercepted and thwarted many attempts to burn my club down, pay off officials to close it, and most recently offer to become partners. I didn’t need their financial “help.” I would be damned if I’d give them money to leave me alone.

“Okay, man, but shit’s getting out of hand already.” Jerald continued talking.

I shook my head and gave Jerald a look that had the man wisely backing up. “We do not fucking give them so much as a dime. We also don’t discuss this in the middle of the bar. You know better. Next time you do, that will be the last time you’re employed here, and you’ll be lucky to walk out the door without being carried.”

“Yeah, I get it… I’m just worried.” Jerald didn’t wait for a response but returned to the security office.

I hated that I was in this predicament with Rick, but I refused to cower or pay the man off when it was in no way beneficial to me to have a deal or partnership with the lowlife. As someone constantly in control out of necessity, I wouldn’t say I liked the idea of someone attempting to take over my territory. My other side liked it even less and wanted to respond impulsively and in bloody ways. Looking back at the bar, I noticed Zowie’s eyes on me before she returned to the customers. I didn’t have any doubts she had figured out I was the owner or someone in charge now and that she was frightened if the expression on her face was to be believed. She had no idea how right she was to be scared. If she knew my true nature, she’d be even more terrified. The smell of fear had me fighting off the urge to shift, and I knew I was too close to the surface to hang out around her or anyone else.