Reclaiming Nicola (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  Reclaiming Nicola

  Nicola Bourdeaux is Victor's ultimate woman. She's smart, beautiful, and the sweetest person he's ever met. But when a rival firm gets a hold of confidential information and Victor loses a major lawsuit, he accuses Nicola of betraying him. His mistake leads to a major blow-up and break-up.

  Victor Weise is Nicola's ultimate man. He's intelligent, handsome, and the most arrogant man she's ever met. But when Victor accuses her of betrayal, Nicola is determined to a make a fresh start. She accepts an offer for a teaching position out of state, convinced she needed to get as far away as quickly as possible.

  But before she leaves, she gets a request to visit the Weise residence. Hoping to gain some closure, Nicola accepts. But Victor has some tricks up his sleeve.

  Will one afternoon be enough for Victor to reclaim Nicola?

  Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING

  Genre: Interracial/Short Stories

  Length: 7,700 words

  RECLAIMING NICOLA

  Anika Hamilton

  EROTIC ROMANCE

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

  ABOUT THE E-BOOK VERSION: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to one LEGAL copy for your own personal use. It is ILLEGAL to send your copy to someone who did not pay for it. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book.

  RECLAIMING NICOLA

  Copyright © 2008 by Anika Hamilton

  E-book ISBN: SBS-160601-B003

  First E-book Publication: August 2008

  Cover design by Jinger Heaston

  All cover art and logo copyright © 2008 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  DEDICATION

  To my mom, Marie, for encouraging me to write.

  RECLAIMING NICOLA

  Anika Hamilton

  Copyright © 2008

  Chapter 1

  When Nicola arrived at the Weise residence, the hustle and bustle normal to the household was strangely muted. She heard no loud chatter. No one chased after Victor’s niece Simone. No robust laughter. Not even the clatter of pots and pans signaling the preparation of the evening meal.

  Ringing the doorbell, Martin, the household butler, promptly answered her call. He allowed her to enter, directing her towards the family room and bidding her to make herself at home. However, instead of his usual smile for her or even the benign pleasantries he imparted on others, he hurried off to continue with whatever chore she had interrupted.

  That more than anything else was odd to her, he’d always seemed to like her, respect her even. But considering she had no more ties to the Weise family, maybe it wasn’t too strange after all. She and Victor weren’t involved with each other anymore. She had no more claims on this household or anyone inside it.

  She realized this moment must mark the first step, the severance of the tethers tying her to this family. Pausing on her walk to the family room, the question flitted through her mind. Or did it mark the completion of the detachment? Neither assumption comforted her one bit.

  Nicola felt very uncomfortable coming back to this house. Everything good had begun in this house, and everything bad had ended here as well. But since she wouldn’t be entering this residence again after today, this moment would represent her final goodbye.

  Since receiving the invitation, she’d wondered why she’d been asked to come here in the first place, even though she’d been unable to refuse. She knew nothing else needed to be said between them. Victor had made it perfectly clear the last time they’d been together.

  Victor didn't trust her.

  He didn't want her.

  He didn't need her.

  Those few simple sentences summed up the tirade that led to their break-up two weeks prior. So why she showed up today would be anyone’s guess.

  Hey, maybe she harbored closet masochistic tendencies.

  Smiling at her own thoughts, she shrugged off her 'woe is me' attitude and entered the family room. She stopped inside the archway, eyes perusing her most favorite room of the whole house. The entire family gathered here at least once per week, talking and laughing, and catching up on the week’s activities.

  The handsomely decorated room housed a custom designed fireplace and mantel, dating back to the early nineteen hundreds. The fireplace dominated the wall directly in front of her, the mantle boasting a wide array of photos depicting the lives and loves of the Weise family. She had hoped one day a picture of her and Victor would hold court there as well.

  But that would never happen now.

  A large couch faced the fireplace, the cushions plush and comfortable. Two armchairs rested to the left of the room, separated by a small coffee table. On the right, a loveseat made its home. In the very center of the room, another coffee table ruled. This one had a bottom shelf which held a keepsake chest for the albums depicting other precious pictures and moments for the family.

  This room held a lot of happy memories for her and one very bad one. She and Victor had been together for a year and half. She’d originally believed they would be married, living a blissful life with the whole ‘happily ever after’ thrown in the middle but she’d been so wrong.

  Shaking her head, Nicola tried to dispel those unhappy thoughts. She approached the armchairs, situating herself at one of them when a whirlwind of kid-sized proportions rushed into the room. Thankfully, she’d been prepared to take her seat because the little body barrelled into her chest, bowling her over.

  "Auntie Nica, Auntie Nica." The small sweet voice said.

  Momentarily losing her breath, Nicola was overwhelmed by the child’s enthusiasm. Inhaling deeply, she laughed softly, hugging the little bundle to her.

  “Well hello, my little one.” Nicola might not want kids of her own, but she loved all the little ones in this family. Those little monsters wouldn't have it any other way, practically worming their way into your heart and taking root.

  Giving her a big smacking kiss, Simone greeted Nicola in her usual exuberant manner. Simone was the only daughter of Victor’s older brother, Vaughn. Vaughn, a single parent since Simone’s mother ran off after her birth, loved his daughter deeply. A well-adjusted child, Simone never lacked for guidance, whether female or male, with a family this large.

  "And how are you today, my little one?" Smiling, Nicola waited for the chatter her question prompted. She loved Simone's chatter. It made her think of Christmas and happy and joy and laughter.

  It even made her want to have children of her own...well almost.

  "I went to big girl school today, Auntie Nica. Ms. Emmy told me that I am very precocious. I tried to tell her the word is precious, but she wouldn't believe me." In a whisper, that only a five-year old would think was quiet, she continued, "Ms. Emmy doesn't know how to say the words right. But I'll teach her. I'm very smart, you know."

  "Yes, my little one. You are very smart." Nicola tried not to laugh...too hard. What else could one say after a pronouncement like that? Ni
cola continued to listen to Simone and imagined for a short time at least that the Auntie moniker really applied to her.

  Nicola had met Victor because of Simone. Simone had been a student in her class and Victor had been given permission to get her from school one evening.

  They’d instantly hit it off, finding very little in common, but really liking the differences between each other. Nicola enjoyed their talks together, liked being the student instead of the teacher.

  They spoke of their separate lives, their hobbies, their likes and dislikes. Somehow, she had found a common ground with Victor, fitting together perfectly. They had made it work for a while. But not anymore.

  "My best friend at school, Sandra, is very smart too, Auntie Nica." Nodding enthusiastically, Simone continued. "She told me her brother kissed a girl last week." Lowering her voice, Simone put her hands on either side of Nicola's cheeks leaning in closer. "On the lips, Auntie." Simone sounded positively scandalized.

  "Really. And why did Sandra spy on her brother?"

  "Well, she said she didn't mean to spy on him. She just wanted to ask him to take her to the park. So she went into his room and although the door was locked, she really needed to go. You see, that day she needed to meet me at the park.” Simone touched her chest, swinging her arms all over the place as she spoke with her hands as well.

  “So you see it was very important. But when she went into his room, he was kissing a girl.” Simone never stopped to take a breath through the entire retelling.

  Smiling, Nicola opened her mouth to ask a question when Simone looked above her head. Someone else must have entered the room throughout their little talk. Nicola started to turn around, but Simone’s next words stopped her movements.

  "Hi, Uncle Victor," Simone said not even needing to draw a breath to change conversation direction. "See I told you I could keep Auntie Nica busy until you came."

  "Yes, you did honey," Victor responded. The deep bass of his voice caused Nicola to shiver. His voice still had the power to turn her on. “Exactly what I needed Simone.”

  "I did good, hey?" Simone shamelessly fished for more compliments from Victor. Nicola tried not to recall that at one time she would also use the same tactic on Victor, angling for any word of flattery he offered. At least, until their recent blow up and break up.

  “Bye, Auntie Nica.” Set up by an infant, Nicola thought. She shook her head, Simone was one smart cookie. She probably shouldn’t be surprised, but she couldn’t help it.

  The whole family was smart. Lawyers, doctors, authors, even the stay-at-home moms succeeded in their chosen profession. They were all extremely talented. No doubt about that.

  Nicola gave Simone one more hug, "Bye, you little minx."

  "See ya later, Auntie Nica." And with a goodbye kiss, Simone approached the exit in pursuit of her next self-assigned mischief. Her little body breezing out, hair flying, feet pounding, arms pumping, eyes unwavering.

  She stopped briefly by her uncle’s side and gave him a kiss. “Bye, Uncle Victor,” she said, leaving Nicola and Victor alone.

  Nicole felt drained after that exit. As if she was the one moving at Mach Two and not Simone. She kept her seat for a moment longer, not really wanting to deal with Victor at that moment, not completely prepared to face him.

  “Hello, Nicola.”

  Chapter 2

  Moment over, Nicola got to her feet, turning to face the next member of the Weise family to grace her presence. The actual reason for this visit, the reason she no longer belonged to this family.

  "Victor." She kept her eyes firmly locked onto his nose. Close enough to appear as if she met his eyes, but far enough so she didn't have to read the expressions flickering in his eyes. Also, restricting her eye movements didn't hurt in protecting her from visually feasting on his body.

  "You look good." She took pride in the compliment, his words making her happier than they should. He shouldn’t have that kind of effect on her anymore. Damn, she really was a masochist.

  "Thank you." She tried for a small smile, definitely not returning the compliment, even if it would be entirely warranted. "What did you need to see me about, Victor?"

  He came around the couch to stand directly in front of her, invading her personal space as usual. But unlike previous occasions, even though her body craved this closeness, her heart couldn't handle it.

  Retreating a few steps, Nicola pretended interest in the picture window directly to the left of his right shoulder. She’d stared out that window countless times, the scenery unchanging over the past year.

  "That's my Nikki,” he mused, “always to the heart of an issue." Nicola inhaled deeply to stop her heart from racing. Not only did he use the nickname he’d tagged her with, but the bitterness evident in his voice at their last encounter was suspiciously absent.

  Finally meeting his eyes, the sincerity she saw shining from them stunned her. "Ok, Victor, what are you up to?" She became guarded, mistrustful of his intentions. She knew she shouldn’t have come. Her love for him made her insufficiently equipped to fight her attraction to him. "Why the sudden change in attitude?"

  Shaking her head, she took another step away from him, "It doesn't matter. None of that matters now. Just tell me what I'm doing here." She needed to leave this place and Victor’s presence.

  She looked to the picture window again, the view centering her, helping to clear her mind, so she could effectively participate in this conversation. Returning her eyes to him, she realized he’d invaded her personal space again. She must really be out of it because she hadn’t detected his movements.

  Attempting to circle the coffee table in the center of the family room, she only managed to bump into the damn thing, off-balancing herself in the process. In two steps, Victor reached her side, catching her and halting her fall.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tightly into his body. Lifting her off her feet, her legs dangled off the carpet. She matched him perfectly, their bodies having been made for each other, designed to fit together flawlessly.

  Her breath hitched. "Tha...thank you,” she stuttered, pushing against his shoulder but he did not put her down. “Ahem. I’m okay now, Victor."

  One touch and he ignited her. Her nipples pebbled, her heart rate accelerated, her breathing grew choppy. She wanted to burrow deeper into his arms and to push him away. She needed to stay with him and to run as far away as possible from him.

  But more than all of that, more than her next breath, even more necessary than her very life was Nicola’s need for him. She wanted him. Unequivocally. Absolutely. Unquestioningly. She missed the taste him, the flavor of his musky skin. Her tongue ached to suckle his cock, to lick his nipples. Her pussy craved to stroke him, to feel him moving within her.

  She yearned for his mouth on her body, drinking up her juices, marking her breasts with his teeth. She wanted him to restrain her as he took his pleasure of her, and give her pleasure in return.

  Shuddering, she reminded herself that those pleasures were lost to her now. He didn’t belong to her anymore and traveling down that road only led to more hurt for her.

  She definitely needed to move on with her life. She had finally settled on the fact that she would have a future without him. So why was he trying to make her forget? He acted like they hadn’t broken up or as if the past two weeks hadn’t happened. His arms surrounded her as if he still cared.

  Victor dipped his head, placing his slightly parted lips against hers. He breathed through his mouth slowly, dragging her breaths into his body, inhaling her exhales.

  Nicola unconsciously mirrored his actions, her lips touching his and breathing him in. An intimate gesture, the intent became clear as awareness intruded. She took his breaths into her body, his very essence invading her, becoming a part of her again. His actions, in fact, both their actions were exceedingly arousing to her.

  Strangely enough the gesture didn't anger her, it heightened her desire for him, exciting her. Flicking out her tongue,
she licked along his lips, hoping she’d forgotten his flavor and therefore exaggerated its effects. Surely her memory of him couldn’t be accurate.

  Her mind went blank at the first swipe of her tongue. Oh God! She’d been wrong, so wrong…and absolutely right. His taste was divine, like whiskey, or at least the way she thought whiskey would taste.

  Smooth and potent, she took a sip of his lips and one more and another and another, until she was sure she would fail a breathalyzer test from a severe case of inebriation. She drank him in, loving this bit of intimacy between them.

  On the next pass of her tongue, she encountered flesh equally moist and subtly rough. His tongue had come out to play. She moaned at the contact. Sweeter and richer, here his flavor was even more.

  She meant to pull away but her will was weak, her desire great. Nicola’s need for Victor was intense, too intense for her to handle, much more than she could deny.

  When the kiss final deepened and reached its zenith, the completion marked a true kiss. A kiss more interesting and hotter and wetter than she could ever imagine, filled with her husky moans and his deep groans.

  Her tongue tangled with his and fought for dominance. She explored his mouth, discovering the hidden treasures. She became intoxicated, reveling in the moment, feasting with teeth and lips and tongue.

  Air, a necessity and a travesty demanded that they separate. Pulling apart, their lips clung together as they rested their foreheads against each other.

  Nicola's arms wormed their way around his neck. They wouldn't obey her command to let Victor go. In fact, they tightened around him, bringing him impossibly closer, proving that they were made to keep him close.