Golden Seduction Read online

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

  www.ellorascave.com

  Golden Seduction

  ISBN 9781419912023

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  Golden Seduction Copyright © 2007 Taige Crenshaw

  Edited by Helen Woodall.

  Cover art by Syneca.

  Electronic book Publication September 2007

  This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  Golden Seduction

  Taige Crenshaw

  Dedication

  To my mother, who has always been my number one fan. Although you are no longer with me I know you are smiling down at me getting published. To Marilyn, my sister and second mother, who has always believed in me. To my lunch buddies who listen to me ramble on about my writing ideas.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Food Network: Television Food Network, G.P. Cable Program Management Co

  General Hospital: American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

  King of Cups

  The King of Cups is depicted on a throne resting on a stormy sea and with a golden fish hanging from a chain around his neck. There is a dolphin and an anchored ship behind him. The King of Cups is considered to be kind, gentle, loving and he intuitively understands people. He is compassionate to people and will help if he can. He loves deeply. His family or people come first. For them he’ll work, sacrifice and do just about anything. The King of Cups will fight to protect those he considers family. Their needs come above his own.

  Aleneic is the King of Cups and he takes on his duty with reverence and love. He is a man who has been tested and all he holds dear has been taken from him. Yet he has kept his wisdom and kindness. In Golden Seduction he is given the one thing he has never thought to feel again—hope that things will be different. Aleneic must make choices that will affect not only him but also all those around him. In a world vastly changed from what he has known Aleneic will find a woman whose belief in him will humble and ultimately change him.

  Chapter One

  With extreme caution Laila Brooks closed the door, resisting the temptation to slam it. Dropping her bag and keys on the table, she moved the mail and package she held to her left hand, reaching up with her right to punch in her code on the keypad on the wall next to the door. The alarm beeped as it activated. Walking down the hall deeper into her apartment, she stopped by the entrance to the living room. Reaching up, she slid the hidden panel open.

  “Activate, Thane, approval Brooks, L.”

  A pale yellow light scanned her face then paused over her eyes. The light changed to purple.

  “Thane activated. Welcome home, Laila,” a sensuous male voice said.

  “Hello, Thane. Bring up comp one and three please. Search for sightings of Aphrodite’s Girdle,” Laila replied absently.

  Turning, she moved into her spacious living room, clicking on the lights in her apartment as she went. Reaching the chocolate brown couch, she sat in corner and placed her mail and the package on the table in front of her. Slumping back, Laila closed her eyes. Tiredness seeped into her. It had been a difficult day at work. Usually she loved what she did but lately she was feeling restless. Everything seemed to be getting on her nerves. After almost blowing up at her boss, she had left work earlier than she usually did, thinking it best she work from home. She didn’t know what had her out of sorts. Sitting up, Laila took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. Replacing them, she glanced over at the calendar on the table beside her. Realization dawned as she looked at it.

  “Shoot, my birthday is coming.” Staring at the date, Laila realized it was only two weeks away.

  She shook her head, wondering how she hadn’t realized it before. This feeling of discontent always happened just before her birthday. Laila usually shrugged it off and was able to cope. She knew what this feeling stemmed from. Shutting down the thought before it could form, Laila leaned forward and picked up her mail and package, put the mail on the couch next to her and looked at the package. A smile curved her lips as she saw the sender’s name on it. Laila reached for the phone on the table next to the couch, picked it up and dialed.

  While it rang she opened the package.

  “La, what’s up, girl?” a husky voice asked.

  Laughing, Laila replied. “Ya, not a thing. Just got home from work.”

  Sonya Cyrus’ chuckle came over the line. “How are things at Rarities Incorporated?”

  “Busy as usual. When will you be back?”

  “The job has been extended another month. I should be back at Rarities then. I’m sorry I’ll miss your birthday, La. I sent you something.”

  Looking down at the open box, Laila reached inside and took out what was there as she replied. “I already got it, that’s why I called.”

  “You did? Crap, they were supposed to send it on your birthday. Don’t open it until then.”

  “Too late.” Looking at it, Laila frowned as she continued. “Tarot cards. Why did you send me tarot cards?”

  “I figured since we had started to check them out we can actually learn them. They are not just tarot cards. Open the wrapping.”

  Laila peeled off the wrapping and was caught by the design on the back of the cards. It was in intricate hieroglyphics and etched in gold.

  “It’s beautiful.” Tucking the phone against her shoulder, Laila turned over the deck. “Wher—”

  Laila trailed off, gasping, captivated by the sight of the man from the card. His face was strongly masculine with chiseled sun-kissed features—a broad forehead, full slightly crooked nose, sharp cheeks and firm chin enhanced his appeal. His long dreadlocks were pulled back in a ponytail with a crown resting on them while his lanky muscular frame was covered in an open vest of indigo with matching fitted slacks that hugged his hips, showing every delicious detail. There was a necklace with a fish around his neck and he held a scepter in his long masculine fingers. It wasn’t his face or body that captivated her. It was his eyes, which were a vivid rich blue that seemed to change as she looked at the card. It reminded her of the depths of the ocean when she went deep-sea diving. Although she knew he wasn’t real, his eyes seemed to be aware. Shaking off the fanciful thought, Laila traced a finger down his face on the card.

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  Sonya’s voice jolted Laila, making her snatch her hand away. Flipping through the cards, she saw that there were women and different sexy men depicted on the various cards. Returning to the picture of the man, she pulled her eyes away.

  “Where did you get them?”

  “In a little shop here in Rio. It had a lot of unique things. When I get back we’ll find someone to teach us to use them. Anyway I’m le…”

  Absently she listened as Sonya continued to speak. Her eyes kept going back to the card. She wondered which card it was. From her limited knowledge of tarot and the crown on his head she figured he was a King of some kind. Tracing her finger down his chest on the card, Laila stopped herself and leaned forward and placed the card on the table in front of her.

  Focusing back on Sonya, she heard her ask, “How’s Renaldo?”

  Glancing around, she didn’t see him anywhere. “I brought him from upstairs. He was getting lonely in your apartment all alone.”

  Getting up, she
wandered toward the window and looked out at the quiet Harlem street. She absently noted the sun was going down, washing the whole area of brownstones in a warm glow. Turning away from the window, she looked at her spacious living room, trying to find Renaldo. Not seeing him, she wandered across the room. She looked at the card again. As she was reaching for the cards she stopped. She heard a sound farther down the hall, off from the living room.

  Laila followed the sound past the kitchen and formal dining area. Laila heard the noise again. Turning away from the stairs leading to the upper level, she went down the hall. She stepped inside her office. Laila took in all the computer equipment, screens and other things there. It was a geek’s idea of heaven with all the latest electronic gadgets and toys. There were even things here that were not on the market. Things she had built exclusively for Rarities Incorporated’s use, her own personal projects and most especially Thane. She had worked long and hard to build Thane, a fully functional freethinking computer system. She had strived to go past artificial intelligence into a whole new realm. She hadn’t fully achieved all she wanted with Thane but she was close. She continued to work on him. She saw the screens to the left and right of the main console was running the data she had requested. Walking over, she looked at it.

  “La, where is Renaldo?” Sonya’s voice had an edge to it.

  “Oh sorry, I got distracted.” Laila turned away from Thane and went back to the door.

  “I bet you were working on Thane again. I swear if you put as much effort into finding a man you would be having wild uninhibited sex.” Sonya’s voice was exasperated.

  “I don’t want a relationship,” Laila shot back.

  “Please, who’s talking about a relationship? Find a man and just have sex. Knock off some tension.”

  “Humph. You’re one to talk. When was the last time you were with anyone?”

  “A month ago,” Sonya answered rapidly.

  Stopping suddenly in front of the door before exiting her office, Laila was surprised. She hadn’t known Sonya was seeing anyone. Since they were co-owners of the brownstone together it seemed strange she hadn’t seen her with anyone. Even though Sonya lived on the top two floors of the brownstone while she lived on the bottom they were close and in and out of each other’s home often. She didn’t even know if she had any siblings. She had no idea who her parents were. She was an orphan. Sonya was the closest thing she had to family and they shared their momentous occasions together.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” Laila couldn’t hide the hurt in her voice.

  “Why would I tell you? You’d only get huffy that I tweaked Rohan a little.”

  “What? You messed with Rohan?” Looking up at the ceiling, Laila wondered how much damage she did.

  “Uh-huh, don’t even think about messing with him. I only messed around with his VR functions. Now I really should be offended that you don’t think I can do anything on your precious baby you gave me. We both manage a team together in Rarities. Yes, you are the best but I’m no slouch myself.” Sonya’s tone was matter of fact.

  Wincing, Laila replied. “You’re such a liar. We’re both on the same level. Being humble doesn’t suit you.”

  Sonya laughed. “I’m not the one who built two super-systems that surpasses anything anyone has ever seen. I appreciate that you gave me Rohan. He’s such a stud.”

  Narrowing her eyes, Laila held the cordless phone to her ear and continued out the door then turned left down the hall. “What did you do to Rohan?”

  “Added a sex program to the VR. Maybe you should do the same to Thane.” Sonya’s tone was devilish and teasing.

  “God, you’ve been having sex with a computer.”

  “No, I’ve haven’t been humping a machine. But I’ve been having imaginary yet fulfilling sex with a computer program I invented. You should really try it.” Something in her tone made Laila glance back.

  “Please tell me you didn’t mess with Thane.”

  “No, I didn’t mess up Thane.”

  Laila walked into her entertainment room. The noise hit her first. With a glance up at the huge projection-screen television she saw that House was on.

  As she walked across the room to the couch and then around it, she looked down. “There you are. Your mommy is on the phone.”

  “Put the phone on speaker then next to Renaldo.”

  Doing as she said, Laila sat next to Renaldo on the couch. Her attention between the TV and Renaldo she watched as the Siberian Husky barked in response to Sonya’s voice. They were actually having a conversation. When Sonya started to tell him all about her trip and the things she had bought him, Laila tuned out, focusing on the show. She had no warning.

  “Umph. Christ, Gertrude, don’t jump on me like that, you’re heavy.” Laila winced as she kneaded her leg, then settled Gertrude, her mixed tabby cat, in her lap.

  Gertrude let out a rolling purr. Knowing what that meant, Laila reached over, scratched behind her ear and stroked down her back. Glancing back at the screen, she was engrossed again in moments.

  “Laila,” Sonya’s voice intruded.

  “What?”

  “I’ve got to go. They are calling for more info. I can’t wait for this job to be over. How are the renovations coming?”

  Laila knew she was asking about the brownstone next door they had recently bought to create a home lab to continue with their personal projects. “It’s ready to go except for getting the equipment.”

  Sonya sighed then said, “At least something is going right. Don’t get Renaldo hooked on General Hospital again. I had a hell of a time weaning him off it the last time.” Sonya hung up.

  Laila turned off the phone. Looking at Renaldo, she grinned. “We won’t tell Mommy it’s too late already, will we? Let her find out herself.”

  Laila laughed then leaned back in the couch to watch the show. Gertrude jumped up onto the arm of the couch and walked around to hang over her neck. Renaldo tried to climb into Laila’s lap but only half of his body could fit, he was too big. He barked.

  Rubbing his coat, Laila looked at him briefly. “She’ll be home soon. Now watch House solve the case.”

  He nodded his head and settled his head in her lap, turning to watch the show. Forty-five minutes later Laila left them watching TV as she went out the door and down the hall. She should have been working already, not getting caught up in TV. At her office she paused and looked down the hall toward the living room. Debating with herself a minute, she continued on. She wanted another look at the cards.

  Say it right. You want a look at the man again. No one has turned you on in a long time.

  Silently she could admit it to herself. She was turned on. Just the thought at looking at the card again made her nipples stand at attention and her heart race in anticipation. Laila bit her lip as she walked down the hall. At the mouth of the hallway she stopped, silently cursing herself. She needed to go back to work on finding a clue on how to find Aphrodite’s Girdle. The case she was helping to research for one of the Rarities Incorporated agents was not going well. It was frustrating her that they couldn’t find any leads on it.

  Besides continuing to work at upgrading and building Rarities Incorporated computer systems with the most exclusive software and research information, she also liked to research the tricky things that her research team couldn’t find. The co-owners of Rarities only used the team she and Sonya jointly managed on specialized assignments. The other research sectors were used to handle things of this world that were not so difficult to find. Although their team fell in both the research and the computer development sectors she loved combing through the computers or being buried in Rarities’ extensive library.

  They might be considered computer geeks and didn’t get to do the glamorous part as the Rarities field agents did—the actual retrieval of the lost items, creating them or protecting them—but they were still a part of the team. When her research provided valuable help to a Rarities field agent she still got a thrill out of it. Sh
e knew that Sonya and the other members of their teams did also. This latest search for Aphrodite’s Girdle had them stumped. Her mind on what other sources she could use to get a lead, Laila stepped into the living room and walked toward where she had left the cards. Glancing up, she stopped suddenly at the sight of a man with his back to her, sitting on her couch.

  Chapter Two

  The man’s hair fell in dreadlocks down his back. It reminded her of the man from the card. Shaking off the fanciful thought, Laila continued forward.

  Groaning, Laila asked. “What happened now? I just left Ra—”

  She trailed off as he turned and looked at her. It was the same man from the card. His eyes were even more vivid than depicted in the card and they impaled her with their intensity. Laila’s breath caught as she once again took in his features. They were even more devastating in person. When she had seen him sitting there she had assumed he had come from Rarities Incorporated. She was used to unexpected visitors popping in. Rarities was made up of all kinds of supernatural races. The owners were Zuri Majis, very powerful respected warriors. They had personally warded her house against any malicious intruders.

  At the time, a few years ago, she had thought it was strange then realized that they did the same for any non-supernatural employee of Rarities. Although the human clients they worked with didn’t know what most of Rarities agents were, all Rarities employees knew that assignments could turn dangerous. Since she knew he wasn’t from Rarities Laila figured she knew who had sent him. Laila knew Sonya would expect her to get all huffy and kick him out. Eyes locked with the man, she walked over to him and around the couch. Standing in front of him, she noted that even from his sitting position he didn’t even have to look up far to continue to hold her gaze. He had to be well over six feet because she was five feet eleven. He had a closed expression on his face. Stepping forward, Laila quickly straddled him and locked her hands behind his hair. He didn’t move and his expression didn’t change. Smiling, Laila leaned in and kissed him.