More Than A Four Letter Word Read online

  More Than A Four Letter Word

  By

  Stephanie Jean Smith

  Published by Stephanie Jean Smith at Smashwords

  Hootyhoo Media Publications

  Copyright November 2012, All Rights Reserved

  This book is for mature audiences only it contains explicit sex and violence. This book is a work of fiction, the characters were created by the author and do not resemble anyone either living or deceased.

  Chapter 1

  Julian Ross has been staring at a photo of Clarissa Marks. She is by no means a beautiful woman, but something about her draws him like a lodestone. Her gorgeous milk chocolate skin, heart shaped face, and amber eyes make him long to have her in his bed. He didn't know why, but he's feeling unusually possessive about Clarissa, and he has yet to meet her. What is so remarkable about this woman that has him practically frothing at the mouth over her photo?

  Reading every scrap of information about Clarissa makes him want her more. Not many people graduate from high school at sixteen. Clarissa's brief sojourn at Columbia University, earning two bachelor's degrees, one degree in mathematics the other graphic engineering is equally impressive. Her unsatisfying career as a graphic designer for a small business acts as the catalyst for catapulting her to start her own business, Lariat Games.

  Acquiring Lariat Games has been foremost in his mind. The video game market is a cutthroat industry. For three years, Lariat's advance graphics and designs keep it relevant, making it tops in the field. "Why sell a successful company?"

  Ivan Roth watches his employer absorb the information on Clarissa Marks. Ivan has been in Julian's employ for nearly ten years, and he has never seen a woman intrigue him. "She plans to marry soon, taking a job as a security analyst for an insurance company in Georgia."

  Julian has trouble believing that Clarissa Marks would throw away a successful business and career to become a wife and data cruncher. This is a waste of her talent. The man she's marrying is probably some prick who cannot handle a woman with her intelligence. "What information do you have on her fiancé?"

  Ivan didn't show emotion upon hearing the anger in Julian's voice. "The information I have on her fiancé is in the second folder. His name is Lawrence Tate."

  Julian couldn't withhold the scowl from his face as his eyes peruse the photo of Lawrence Tate. He could see just by looking his photo that he is an immature "boy" still sucking on his momma's tit. He's spoiled and has an air of entitlement about him. A man like Lawrence would expect his wife to salaam every time he comes into the room.

  "No way is a woman like Clarissa Marks throwing her life away for this coosie!" She needs a real man. She needs a man who would appreciate her intelligence and accomplishments. She needs a man who would cherish her and be happy to walk by her side. She needs a man who would treasure her dedication. She needs a man like him. "What else do you have on the fiancé?"

  "He's a serial cheater. He has been in involved with Ms. Mark's sister for six months."

  "With her sister! There's no way in hell she knows about the affair."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "I have a feeling that a woman like Clarissa Marks is tremendously loyal, and she would expect her lover to be faithful too. She would leave her fiancé the moment she finds out that he is cheating. Once we've completed the negotiations with Lariat I want you to make her aware of her fiancé's indiscretions. After she denudes herself from this lying bastard of a fiancé, I'll be there to make Ms. Marks an offer she cannot refuse."

  Usually the VP of Acquisitions handles the buying and selling of business ventures. If Ivan thought it strange that Julian planned to manage the acquisition of Lariat, he kept it to himself. He has his doubts that Clarissa Marks would break her engagement because of infidelity. People marry for various reasons that have nothing to do with love. "I'll make it my first priority to disperse the damaging evidence."

  After Ivan's departure, Julian got his ex-partner Harland Bankert on the phone. Harland is a big wig on Capitol Hill. "I have an interesting prospect for your pilot program."

  Julian got up to look out the window. He likes this view of the Chicago River, watching the tourists take in the sights. He rarely found the time to relax and enjoy the sights around him. A true self-made man he is always looking for the next deal. For one second, he almost felt guilty for ruining Clarissa Mark's wedding. He had plans for Clarissa. She is perfect for his latest project, and if she ends up in his bed, he would not complain.

  ***

  Clarissa and her lawyer Max Palento wait patiently for the arrival of representatives from Rosscom. She loves the executive conference room; it is nothing short of spectacular. It is close to the elevator bank, keeping visitors from venturing too far into the offices at Lariat. Clarissa held all of her momentous meetings and negotiations in this room.

  The ornate walls have a pearl gray circular geometric covering. The circular conference table is an excellent piece of artistry in black granite with a copper skirt. The black traditional high back executive chairs with a beautiful Mahogany finish surround the table. The artworks are original paintings by a local artist whose work liters the walls at her condominium.

  She met with Aaron Melcher, VP of Acquisitions and his attorney Daniel Hall last week. She could tell by his demeanor that he finds the traditional structure and arrangement of the executive conference room impressive. Clarissa set him up in here so he could study the annual reports for the last three years. She gave him a tour of the property and the game labs.

  Rosscom isn't the only organization interested in acquiring Lariat Games, but it probably wants it the most. As far as Clarissa's concern, today's meeting is just a matter of sealing the deal. Her assistant Wanda ordered a lavish continental breakfast of rolls, bagels, juice, coffee, water, and the various fruit tray that make her mouth water. The deep red strawberries were ample and sweet. Clarissa hopes that the meeting would commence before she makes a pig of herself.

  "Clarissa you know that it's not necessary for you to attend this meeting."

  Clarissa gives a reassuring smile to her godfather and her father's best friend. Max's pleasant demeanor and grandfatherly appearance give his opponents the impression that he's a pushover. As one of the prime contract lawyers on the eastern coast, he makes it his duty to keep her abreast of the subtle nuances of contract law. "I'm proud of Lariat, what kind of owner would I be if I leave you to handle the negotiations."

  Max thought Clarissa is making a colossal mistake in selling the company. He also didn't approve of her fiancé either. He's been around a long time, and he recognizes a playboy when he sees one. If Lawrence Tate makes Clarissa happy, who is he to complain? "Are you sure you want to sell? Lariat has been holding its own in the gamer world. You can secure a good manager and stop by when your creative streak wants to be set free."

  "Max it's time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life. I want to be here, this is the second revision of the purchasing agreement. We can go back and forth on this forever, and I want the transaction to take place before my wedding."

  "Ah you detect a situation in the wind. This isn't uncommon; I hear that Rosscom has played hardball with many companies. One good thing in your favor, this isn't a merger. You're selling Lariat of your own free will, which tips the scale in your favor."

  "I figure that Rosscom wants the three new video games I have in pre-production."

  "I don't consider those games as bargaining chips. The games should be included in the acquisition."

  "Actually the games don't belong to Lariat; when I create a game I do so as a contractor. So legally Lariat doesn't own the games until they're a finished product."

&nbs
p; "Well, Madam President you may just have your bargaining chip after all." Their conversation ends when Wanda ushers the representatives from Rosscom into the room.

  Clarissa stood as the VP of Acquisitions, Aaron Melcher, his attorney Daniel Hall, and a large dangerous looking man she hadn't met before waltz into the room. "Good to see you again Aaron and Daniel."

  "Good to see you again Clarissa. This is my boss and CEO of Rosscom, Julian Ross."

  Clarissa holds out her hand for the newcomer to shake. He envelopes her hand and she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Nice to meet you Mr. Ross, let me introduce you to my lawyer Max Palento." Julian releases her to shake Max's hand, and she immediately felt the loss of his touch. Clarissa spares a glance at Max. He stuck out his chest, with male bravado; he's sizing up Julian like an old wolf checking out the new alpha male of the pack. She wonders if men realize all the non-verbal signals they project.

  Aaron Melcher has the appearance of a senior executive, but on closer inspection, it's obvious that he's a hands on guy, not a desk jockey. His shirt is a bed of wrinkles, his tie is stained, and his unruly hair looks as if he'd been running his hands through it incessantly. To Clarissa's surprise, Aaron takes a back seat as Julian leads the negotiations for the purchase of Lariat.

  As the other men help themselves to refreshments, Julian's gaze rests upon Clarissa. His photo of her didn't give her justice. The curls clinging to her head make her eyes appear bigger. Her genuine smile at the introduction had him clutching the table for support. Her plump lips dare him to steal a kiss. He waits for everyone settled down, then he gets down to business.

  "I apologize for our tardiness, so let me get straight to the point. Ms. Marks after reviewing your counter proposal I have some changes I want to incorporate. According to the current draft, you want us to keep the current staff for at least but not less than two years. In exchange, you will offer three video games that have not gone into production. Why should Rosscom even consider such a condition?"

  Clarissa's has to clear her head from the haze; Julian Ross is one attractive man. He reminds her of a much younger Benjamin Bratt from the movie Catwoman, except he's taller, harsh looking, and has a bit of sin. She is by no means Halle Berry, but she would wear a Catwoman suit for his pleasure.

  Oh lord, where did that come from? She's marrying Lawrence in a couple of weeks, and the last thought on her mind should be sexing up another man. Yes, Julian Ross is a damn sexy man. From the smirk on his face, she has a feeling he knows it and uses his sex appeal advantageously.

  She forces her mind back to the business at hand. "Who are we kidding Mr. Ross? Lariat beat Rosscom in the gamer market for the last four years. You want the games I have on the table and my original staff. This is an excellent opportunity for Rosscom to get back on top."

  Ross gives Clarissa a sly smile. He knows she's right, so it actually comes down to money. "We have a particular interest in the three games, you have in pre-production. You are the principal designer. What guarantee do I have that Lariat would continue to provide premium games?"

  Rosscom isn't just buying her games he would gain access to all her creative staff. In the video game market, you're only as good as your last game. "Mr. Ross I'm one of five game designer's we also have the leading visual artists and engineers in the industry."

  "Yes, I'm aware of that. Lariat has been so successful because you are at the helm. What can I give you to stay on as CEO of Lariat?"

  "You have any number of managers who can step in and run Lariat successfully. If your agreement to acquire Lariat Games is contingent upon me staying with the company, it's time to conclude negotiations. I no longer have the desire to own or manage a business. I want Lariat Games to merge with a company that will take care of my employees. If Rosscom is not that company, there are others who have an interest." Clarissa closes her portfolio and stares at Julian putting the ball in his court.

  Julian couldn't hold back his smile, "Don't be hasty, Ms. Marks. We both know what's at stake, so let me lay it on the line. I'd agree to the provision of retaining the current staff if you sign a contract disengaging from the market for at least seven years."

  Clarissa ponders the agreement. How did she feel about being driven from the field for seven years? Creativity doesn't die, nor would her interest in the gamer industry. "I agree to everything except the seven year rider. For any future games I may create, I would allow Rosscom first right of refusal."

  Julian holds out his hand to Clarissa. He gets what he wants at little additional cost to Rosscom. He only hopes that his other plans for Clarissa go this smoothly. "Ms. Marks you have a deal. Daniel should have the changes drafted by the end of the business today. It's a pleasure doing business with you. I think it's a good idea to transfer the reins of operations starting Monday. I also hear that congratulations are in order. I wish you all the best with your upcoming wedding."

  Clarissa shakes his hand to close the deal. "Thank you Mr. Ross. I'm looking forward to starting my new life."

  "Please call me Julian. Clarissa I would like to take you out to lunch if you're free."

  Clarissa knew that going to lunch with this dangerously sexy man would be stupid on her part. "I'd love to, did you have anything specific in mind. If not, I could have Wanda call a caterer, and all of us could have lunch in the conference room."

  With briefcase in hand, Aaron heads for the door. "Sorry, I have to decline. Daniel and I have some work to do before the end of business today. Nice seeing you again Ms. Marks and congratulations on your wedding."

  "Thank you Aaron. It's marvelous seeing you again Daniel."

  "Well I can't stay either; I'm needed back at the office. Come walk me to the elevator Clarissa." Max grabs his things and nods to Aaron and Daniel as they leave. "Congratulations on your new investment Mr. Ross."

  Julian shakes Max's hand and watches as Max grabs Clarissa's arm, escorting her out the door. The mere thought of another man touching Clarissa annoys him. Max seems too casual for just a lawyer. It didn't matter that Max is old enough to be Clarissa's father. Julian wants Max to keep his old man hands to himself. He should have taken the time to wonder why the notion of another man touching Clarissa should make him angry. He helps himself to some fruit before patiently waiting for Clarissa's return. He would present his lure before her during lunch hoping to hear from her by the end of the week.

  Clarissa and Max make small talk as she walks him to the elevator. "I'm very proud of you Clarissa."

  "Whatever for Max, I didn't do anything impressive back there."

  "You recognized that Julian Ross planned to drag his feet, and you put a stop to it his shenanigans. You're not the scary young woman who has a dream of starting a company one day."

  "To secure my future games I think Julian would make more concessions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been ready to take over operations of Lariat so soon. I grew up a lot over the last five years. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I won't miss the daily grind of owning a business. My employees' jobs are safe, and that's all I honestly want."

  Max didn't know how to advise Clarissa about Julian Ross without sounding like her father. "Clarissa I just want you to be careful around Julian Ross. That man's a hunter, and he watches you as if you are his prey. You have to be careful around a man like that, or he'd be inside your panties before you can blink."

  Clarissa felt the warmth of embarrassment leap into her face. "Uncle Max! We're just going to lunch. The agreement has been sealed there's nothing else for him to settle." She gives Max a hug and dismisses his warning. "You worry too much."

  "I may be old, but I'm a man. Julian Ross practically licks his lips every time he makes eye contact with you. Don't let his good looks fool you." Max kisses her cheek. "I'll see you at the wedding."

  "Thanks for all your support Uncle Max! I couldn't handle the negotiations without you. I'll see you in a few weeks."

  Clarissa got her purse out of her office. She's glad that the
negotiations with Rosscom were over. Everybody's still has a job, and of course, she would receive a handsome profit. Lariat Games has been her baby for the last five years, but she's getting married. Clarissa doesn't want to spend 60-80 hours working in an office anymore. It’s time for her to settle down, enjoy life, and raise a family.

  With the profits from selling Lariat and her condominium, Clarissa and Lawrence would have plenty money to build their own home in Atlanta and have a little nest egg in the bank. Everything is going swell; Clarissa's new job with World InfoSecurity starts several weeks after they return from their honeymoon. Ozark Pharmaceuticals promise to move Lawrence to the Atlanta office where he'll be the executive director in charge of risk management. Just think, in a few more weeks, she would be Mrs. Lawrence Tate.

  When she returns to the executive conference room, Julian Ross is on the phone. He nods to her as she approaches and quickly cuts his call short. His eyes did a slow perusal from her legs to her eyes. She could sense his interest in her. It's as if he were psyching out an opponent rather than a man's interest in a woman. Julian makes her feel as if he's sizing her up for purchase. "Well Julian I'm ready if you are."

  "I'm more than ready Clarissa. The real question being, are you ready for me?" Julian follows her out the conference room into the waiting elevator.

  Julian's hand rests on her back as he walks with her to his car. His driver opens the door for them. Max's advice makes her think that she's playing way over her head. Julian didn't come to Orlando to seal the deal; he's here to recommend a whole new deal. She would be gentle when she turns him down because nothing and no other man can come between her and her fiancé.

  ***

  Chapter 2

  Julian's driver takes them to Gargi's Lakeside, a popular Italian restaurant near downtown Orlando. The hostess stands there drooling and uses her power to attract his attention. Julian seems to take it all in stride as if it were his due. He's use to beautiful women making fools of themselves for his attention. Clarissa can't understand women who behave in this manner. She remembers her father telling her that if a woman behaves like a cheap trick a man would use her like one.