Conflict of Interest Read online

  CONFLICT

  OF INTEREST

  ORCHARD INN ROMANCE SERIES

  - BOOK 2 -

  A. M. KUSI

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, organizations, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental. Any trademarks, product names, service marks, and named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are only used for references.

  Copyright © 2019 by A. M. Kusi.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, distributed, stored, transmitted in any form or by any means, or adapted without the prior written consent of the author and publisher.

  ISBN-13: 978-1-949781-07-6

  ISBN-10: 1-949781-07-0

  Published by A. M. Kusi

  [email protected]

  Visit our website at www.amkusi.com

  Editor: Anna Bishop of CREATING ink & Tricia Harden of Emerald Eyes Editing

  Sensitivity Edit: Renita McKinney of A Book A Day

  Proofreader: Sara Wilkins

  Cover design and formatting: Archangel Ink

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  Other Books by A. M. Kusi

  The Orchard Inn

  (Book 1 in The Orchard Inn Romance Series)

  Her Perfect Storm

  (Book 3 in The Orchard Inn Romance Series)

  Luna and Sol: A Forbidden Love Story

  (Standalone)

  For a complete list of all our books, visit:

  www.amkusi.com/books

  “The surest way to lose your self-worth is by trying to find it through the eyes of others.”

  – Becca Lee

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peek of Book 3 - Her Perfect Storm

  Thank you

  About A. M. Kusi

  Also by A. M. Kusi

  References for the information quoted from the Cancer Center

  It is okay to live a life that others don’t understand.

  - Unknown

  Chapter 1

  Jaxton Harris pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The room was lit by one massive multi-tiered crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the high ceiling. White paper lanterns floated over the rest of the room, adding a dim ambiance. The live band was playing jazz music, and the lead singer had a sexy, smooth voice. The smell of fresh floral arrangements on the center of each table mixed with the various perfumes of fellow partygoers. The glitter of expensive jewels and sequin-clad gowns was only amplified by several large mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows in the large ballroom.

  Jax walked in, as he adjusted the uncomfortable mask on his face. He didn’t know why he even bothered coming to these types of events. Charity.

  A few double takes from other guests made him avert his eyes to the bar. He needed a drink. Being one of the very few black men at this masquerade ball meant he would most undoubtedly be confused for the help at least once.

  “Whiskey, neat,” Jax said to the bartender. The man grabbed a glass and filled one finger of whiskey in it before handing Jax the amber liquid. Jax swallowed it down in one gulp, welcoming the burning sensation in his throat. He slammed the empty glass onto the white marble bar top that matched the giant ballroom’s floor. “Another. Three fingers this time.”

  He surveyed the room, seeking the best way to serve his time at the function. Several men in tuxedos flaunted their expensive watches while introducing their fellow business acquaintances to whoever was most likely their flavor of the month, or trophy wives. He couldn’t make out who most of them were from the masks they wore. Several tables were filled with guests enjoying gossip. Gold-rimmed china place settings were piled high with expensive fare. There was more silverware at each setting than any one person would ever need. But proper etiquette—like the difference between a salad and a dinner fork—was something he’d had to learn to make it to the top. Well, almost the top. He would get there soon enough. He just had to follow his plan and stay focused.

  A sea of women in silky sparkling gowns and red lipstick parted, and Jaxton caught a glance of one in particular, wearing a barely there black gown with a dangerously low V backline. Her brown hair was cascading down her bare skin. Jax admired her curvy ass as she walked through the giant French doors out onto the balcony. Her hand, painted with nail polish that was as black as her dress, was holding an almost empty champagne glass. Seeing an opportunity, he headed towards her, swiping a fresh glass from one of the waitstaff circulating the dining room with a tray full of champagne flutes.

  Jax emerged on the dark balcony, searching for the mystery woman. It was a warm Friday night in June, and there were only a few guests outside. He spotted her facing the view of the Boston skyline, taking the last sip of her drink.

  “I thought you could use a refill,” he said, extending the glass to her.

  The woman turned and met his gaze. Her brown eyes ignited a fire inside him. She set her empty glass on the edge of the balcony before accepting his offering. Instead of the champagne flute, she grabbed his glass of whiskey, bringing it to her lips and taking a sip.

  “Thank you.” She turned and looked out towards the skyline once more.

  Jax wasn’t sure what just happened. Did she think he was a waiter? Anger heated his body. She wasn’t worth his time. As he headed back into the ballroom, she spoke.

  “Giving up so easily?” she asked in a husky voice.

  Jax stopped and turned around, staring at her. She was confident and relaxed, still gazing at the view of city lights. Maybe he did want to play her game. He took a large sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling his mouth, before walking towards the mystery woman again.

  “I never give up.”

  She turned to face him. Her mask was black with gold filigree and ancient roman details across the top.

  “I like your disguise,” she said, motioning her hand to the black and silver mask he had chosen that covered most of his face.

  “I like you,” he said, admiring the low V cut in the front of her dress that accentuated her perfectly full breasts. Lust and desire churned in his belly, stirring and growing with each second.

  “Hmmm. Forward,” she p
urred.

  Her voice smoldered with possibility. His hands itched to touch her. “Dance with me?”

  After draining the last sip of amber liquid, she set the empty glass on the balcony. He watched, mesmerized as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. Vibrations of need rippled through him as they collided. His hands wrapped around her small frame, pulling her closer. Red and blue flames of tension licked the air between them as they swayed to the music.

  Jax had been hot in his stifling tuxedo before, but with her hands against the exposed skin of his neck, he felt like he might combust. Reaching both hands to the curves of her hips, he brought her body closer to his as he grinded against her. He needed more. The woman in his arms was sexy and the mask only added to her allure. He couldn’t see her face except for her honey-brown eyes and dark purple lips. It was enough to ignite his body with a fierce longing like he had never known. He wanted to suck and bite those plump lips until all the purple lipstick was gone. Something inside him was banging in his chest, a warning clamoring around in his ribcage, drowned out by the roar of lust.

  She shivered in his arms as if she were having a similar reaction. Her breasts pressed against his chest, as fantasies played out in his mind of all the ways he could take her. His hands grazed her bare skin, fueling the blistering greed, aware that she was nearly naked under the silk. Jax wanted desperately to find out. He wished he could strip it off with nothing between them until his skin was against hers. He searched her eyes, scanning for any sign she wanted him just as badly.

  “Are you here for business or charity?” he asked.

  “Pleasure,” she challenged, looking into his eyes. “You?”

  He smiled and said, “A little of all I suppose.” Her smile was not lost on him. “Do you live in the city?”

  “Hmmm…yes and no,” she answered cryptically.

  Jax furrowed his brow. “Care to elaborate?”

  “Let’s make a deal; you get to ask me three questions and I’ll answer them. I get to ask you the same.”

  “Anything?” he asked, several naughty questions suddenly coming to mind.

  “Absolutely anything. Nothing is off limits.” It was almost as if she were daring him.

  “Okay, deal.” Jax agreed.

  “You go first,” she said.

  “Are you single?” Jax might be okay with the occasional hook-up or casual fling, but he was never one to encroach on someone else’s relationship.

  “Yes. Are you?”

  “Always. Are you turned on right now?”

  She licked her lips and looked up at him before answering, “Soaked.”

  The desire to take her right here on this balcony while everyone watched, was damn near overwhelming. He was hard, straining against his zipper. He swallowed, trying to regain control of himself. “It’s your turn,” he managed.

  “What is the wildest thing you have ever done?” she asked.

  “Uh…” Jax had to think about her question. He hadn’t done anything crazy in his life. He had strict parents, who would beat his ass if he ever got out of line. Being black in an almost all white school meant he’d had more pressure thrust upon him to ‘behave’ a certain way.

  Even in college he didn’t get too crazy. After realizing how boring his life seemed, he got creative with his answer. “I’m hoping that tonight will be the wildest, craziest thing I’ve ever done. Maybe you can help with that.”

  She smiled and laughed. “I like your answer. Last question.”

  Jax grinned. “What’s your fantasy?”

  She blinked twice, the only tell that she was surprised by his question. He guessed if he removed the mask she was wearing, he would see a tinge of pink on her creamy skin.

  “You want to know my fantasy?”

  “Yes,” he said, feeling like it was getting more difficult to breathe by the second.

  “I want…to be tied up.” She moved her lips to his ear and whispered, “I want to be so completely out of control that I have no choice but to enjoy every minute of it. I want…” She trailed off, her breaths increasing, thrusting the swell of her breasts into his chest. “I want you to take control until I beg for you to stop.” She pulled away.

  There was no longer any doubt. She wanted to spend the night with him too. Jaxton had never been so turned on in his life. He might actually die if he didn’t get this woman alone.

  Her lips parted in invitation as she stared at his mouth. He leaned and kissed her. A warm sensation flooded his body, instantly seizing control. He deepened the kiss. Sliding his tongue in, coaxing, tangling with hers like two hot flames flickering to life. She met his hunger with her own urgency. She tasted like whiskey and the promise of sex. Her hands gripped his neck tighter as she grinded, against his body. Jax wanted her. He needed her. Now.

  She broke the kiss, and breathlessly asked, “Last question. Want to get out of here?”

  It was as if she had read his thoughts. “Yes,” Jax said without hesitation. “I have a room?” he suggested.

  “Perfect,” she agreed.

  He grabbed her hand, admiring the sly smile spreading across her face as she bit her bottom lip. He had plans for those lips, and he wouldn’t stop until every last bit of the lipstick was smeared onto some part of his body.

  He pulled her hand through the crowd of guests just as a keynote speaker stopped the music and tapped on the microphone. Jax didn’t care. There was only one thing on his mind in that moment, and it overrode his senses. He had one goal and his target was set on this mystery woman like a heat-seeking missile. He led her to a private elevator and used his black key card to activate it, then pushed the button for the penthouse suite he’d reserved for the night. Jax turned to look at her, and she met his gaze. He still held her hand, a tease when he wanted to touch and explore every part of her naked skin. The sexual tension was making it hard to breathe.

  No longer able to restrain himself, Jax picked her up in one quick motion so that her legs wrapped around his body before his mouth smashed onto hers. She moaned into his mouth as he deepened the kiss. She grazed her teeth along his bottom lip and he groaned before the elevator dinged and the doors opened. He carried her through the spacious entryway to his suite.

  “Drink?” he asked.

  “Bedroom,” she answered.

  “I knew I liked you,” he said, carrying her past the dimly lit living room and kitchen, and into the master bedroom. He flipped the switch for the gas fireplace, thankful that he had left the ambient music playing on the built-in sound system.

  Jax set her down. She stood in front of the bed, facing him. Her breasts swelled with each quickened breath. A flicker of hesitation flashed in her eyes before she smiled and reached behind her neck, pulling the straps of her dress undone. Blinded by white hot lust, his eyes locked on her in awe and fascination as the silky-smooth dress slipped to the ground. Exposing her bare body, it confirmed his suspicions: she was absolutely naked underneath the dress. She stood perfectly stripped except for her face hidden by the mask. Aphrodite sent straight from Mount Olympus. His eyes caressed and memorized every inch of her curvy body: the peaks of her breasts that he wanted to suck and palm, the juicy thick thighs that he couldn’t wait to wrap around his body again, only this time, naked.

  “I think I may be in love.”

  She laughed. “Your turn.”

  Jaxton didn’t waste another minute. He tore off the bow tie, and threw his jacket onto a crumpled pile on the floor. He put his cuff links in his pocket and started to unbutton his shirt, but only got one undone before she spoke.

  “May I?”

  Jax looked at her nearly black eyes and nodded.

  The mystery woman stepped out of her black heels before moving closer. She was a full foot shorter than him, and he liked that. She ran her hands up his chest to the buttons and started to undo them
expertly. How many men had come before him? A foreign feeling burned in his stomach. He shook the thought from his mind. It didn’t matter because she was his for tonight.

  Jax took the opportunity to run his hands down her hips and around the curve of her ass, fueling the ache that throbbed in his pants. Her skin was creamy perfection. She pulled the white starched fabric from his body revealing his toned abs and tattooed arms. She gasped and licked her lips.

  “Do you like what you see?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Mmm hmmm.” She moaned, biting her lip again.

  His body ignited, needy and desperate. No longer able to restrain himself, he was powerless with the savage need to possess her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, his mouth at war, sucking the offending lip before raking his teeth against it. She whimpered as she ran her hands over his shoulders and down his abs before undoing his belt. He could smell the same primal urges on her, and he had a feeling that he would never be the same after tonight. Warnings echoed in his mind, but his own greed for pleasure overrode them, drowning them out the second his pants fell to the ground. He stepped out of them, falling on top of her on the bed. He still had his briefs on, but she remedied that soon enough.

  They were a sensual knot of mouths and tongues, hands and skin. Twisting and tangling together in frantic, frenzied gasps, nips, and caresses. She was his drug, and he her addict.

  He kneaded her breasts with his palms before using his mouth on one of her erect pink nipples. His hand skated down her soft belly to the wet, hot juncture between her thighs, feeling her arousal, coating his hand in it as he found her sweet spot. She shivered and gripped his shoulders tighter, as if she too was afraid of this energy between them. Her moans created a map of her pleasure, guiding him. It made him want to give her more, to give her everything, to become an expert in her desire.