Page 42 of Vicious Intentions

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew she was singing a song from decades before, The Rose was a signature piece for another entertainer. But the way the girl handled the various octaves reminded me of what an angel from heaven would sound like.

As the song concluded, my drink was presented. In the quiet before the storm of applause, I drew the waitress closer. “What is her name?”

“Rose.”

“How perfect.”

“You don’t know who she is?” the girl asked. When I said nothing, she seemed flustered. “Only the most famous singer out today. You should look up her band Halo on Tiktok or Instagram. However, at least in my opinion, she’s what makes the band special, and we’re lucky to have her.”

I pulled out a business card, handing it to the girl. “I’d like to arrange a short meeting with her. I assure you that Mr. Cross would approve.”

She glanced at the card, her body stiffening. “Oh, my gosh, Mr. Augustine. You should have told me who you were.”

“Why?”

“We were all instructed to provide you with a perfect stay in our resort. I could have found you a seat up front.”

I laughed. Cain had certainly wanted to make an impression. “It’s fine. Just see what you can do about arranging a meeting.”

“Yes, sir. I’m certain she’ll be eager to meet you.”

As the girl scampered away, I returned my attention to the beautiful woman on stage taking her bows. My cock had stirred for the first time in as long as I could remember. The fact that Rose had managed to entice me in such a short period of time was something I couldn’t ignore. I sipped on my drink, yanking my phone from my pocket. While I used social media every day, I wasn’t the kind of man to peruse either Instagram or TikTok for anything other than business.

I typed in her name and was shocked at how many followers she had. As I scrolled through the pictures and videos, my balls tightened. The woman was exquisite in every way, sultry and dazzling. My breath was caught in my throat, which was even more unusual.

Why did this girl have such an effect on me?

The entire band had left the stage, the lights lifting in the auditorium. It was obvious by the fact people were beginning to leave the room that the show was over. I drummed my fingers on the table, hoping that Rose would take a chance meeting a stranger.

The waitress returned a few minutes later, a smile on her face. “She’s agreed to meet with you in her dressing room. I’ll show you the way.”

I left my drink, trailing behind the girl to a door on the opposite side of the auditorium. It led to a private hallway, several of the band members roaming the corridor along with reporters and other people offered the privilege of being backstage.

She rapped on a door that had no name attached, giving me a hard onceover after she did. I had to wonder what Cain had told his employees.

“Come in.” The voice was just as sultry as I’d heard on stage.

The waitress opened the door, allowing me in, then closing it behind me. Suddenly, I was alone with a superstar. I didn’t see her at first. Then she eased from behind a panel where she’d changed clothes. Now, she wore jeans and a simple blouse, appearing even more inviting than before.

I wasn’t the kind of man to be awestruck by anyone, but I found it difficult to say the right words. She stared at me, her eyes opening wide, almost as if she was trying to figure out where she knew me from. I’d remember a gorgeous creature like her. She was tall, yet I dwarfed her voluptuous body. She wasn’t skin and bones like so many rock stars, her curves meant for a man’s hands.

My hands.

I could tell the attraction was instantaneous between us, a smile finally curling on her lips.

“Mr. Augustine,” she half-whispered.

“Thank you for seeing me, and please call me Hunter. I’ll feel old otherwise.”

“A man who tracks his prey. To what do I owe the honor?” she asked, still studying me with cautious eyes, remaining where she was. I could sense her apprehension, and rightfully so. I was a bad man who was curious if I could convince her into being seduced.

The thought crossing my mind was as surprising as the fact that I’d asked to meet her in the first place. I could have any woman I wanted. I’d been photographed with some of the most beautiful women in the world on my arm for various functions. However, almost all had been for show and little else. I had several female friends who acted the part of my love interest when requested. For some of them, the nod of being on my arm had allowed them to climb the social ladder.

Uncomplicated suited my needs as well as theirs. Perhaps I was as arrogant as I’d been called on more than one occasion, but I’d had my share of women vying to marry into wealth and power. I wanted no part of an arranged marriage as had been proposed to both Cain and Cristiano by their families.

Maybe somewhere under my black heart, I believed in the sanctity of love.

“Yes, I capture and keep the prey I hunger for. I won’t lie to you, Rose. I enjoyed the portion of the concert I was lucky enough to see, and I prefer being around beautiful women.”

---