Seduction

By Jody R. LaGreca

Set on Long Island, New York, the young and beautiful Camille Casey regains her senses, only to find herself stripped in her bedroom, oblivious she had been violated. The slick, forty-year old Raphael Manex, insists he undressed her because she was sweating profusely. Their association begins when Camille comes across the engagement announcement of Raphael Manex and Tasha Brookes, her old best friend, who betrayed her by seducing her high school sweetheart.

In a ploy for revenge Camille lures Tasha's fiancé to her house to buy estate jewelry. Camille's scheme becomes complicated when she falls in love at first sight with the handsome Raphael and he entices her into a carnal obsession. A haunting tone is set when Camille meets Marianne Franz, a lonely, old widow who hires her to do odd jobs. Let the game of betrayal, revenge, seduction, and exploitation begin as you flick through the pages of SEDUCTION.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jody R. LaGreca
• Release date: Oct 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465833655

Jody R. LaGreca

Former fashion designer of couture evening wear and accessories, Jody R. LaGreca is now the author of ten novels. LaGreca's repertoire is vast including; Historical and Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Vampire Sagas, and Gothic Horror. Her novels appeal to both men and women and have unexpected twists and turns. Jody LaGreca has a BA in Writing/English from Queens College University of New York. She also graduated Phi Theta Kappa Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Apparel Design from NCC, State University of New York. Her poetry is internationally published in magazines and anthologies, including Midstream. She has been a featured author at the International Women's Writing Guild, Big Apple Conference in New York City. Jody LaGreca was born in Sea Gate, Brooklyn, New York and has been writing since the age of seven. For more information, visit http://jodylagreca.wix.com/suspense.

Book preview

Seduction

Jody R. LaGreca

Copyright © 2009 by Jody Riva LaGreca

Smashwords Edition

Also by Jody R. LaGreca

Afternoon Tea

Suburban Weird

The Gloaming

Fleshpot

Forever In Vein

Bloodless

Bloodlust

Love Edward

ISBN: 978-1-4658-3365-5

Copyright © 2009 by Jody Riva LaGreca

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-4415-1303-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This book was printed in the United States of America.

You may visit the author’s website at http://jodylagreca.wix.com/suspense. The author welcomes your email at [e-mail].

To my sweetheart James

"This novel is a mix of my college inspired mind and my adult mind, merged in a saga of vintage seduction, revisited . . ." Jody R. LaGreca

Chapter 1

The Wrath

The beautiful Camille Casey sat before the lit fireplace, perusing the South Shore Weekly, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. She turned to the Nuptial Section when her hands began to tremble with disbelief. Right before her eyes was the engagement announcement of Tasha Brookes, her arch-rival from high school, engaged to a Philadelphia jeweler and diamond dealer by the name of Raphael Manex.

Camille recalled seeing an ad in Vogue for the Manex Jewelry Showroom with artfully arranged estate jewelry, amidst a potpourri of dark chocolate and chocolate covered cherries with holiday tinsel. She hurriedly flipped through the latest issue to find two listings, one in midtown Manhattan and another in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Camille couldn’t help from smirking when the vintage jewelry her grandmother gave her sparked a ploy.

Her mind flashed back to two years earlier when Tasha seduced her high school sweetheart, Derrick Blakely. The ancient code of Hammurabi, An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth inspired Camille with, a beau for a beau. She dialed the Philadelphia showroom with a taste of triumph already, confident she could be quite the seductress herself.

May I speak with Mr. Raphael Manex? Camille asked with formidable purpose.

Who is calling? inquired the receptionist.

Just tell him a mystery woman, Camille cajoled, like it was a game where she could draw in unsuspecting players on a whim.

Mr. Manex, there’s a mystery woman on the phone, laughed the receptionist.

Well, hello, Tasha, how’s my little mystery woman doing? Raphael asked in a playful voice.

Actually, it’s not Tasha, Camille giggled coquettishly.

It’s not! Then you really are a mystery woman. Who is it?

I’m Camille Casey, an old friend of Tasha’s from high school. We were always making phony phone calls back in the day so I couldn’t resist the ‘mystery woman’ bit, she chuckled. "I just saw your and Tasha’s engagement announcement in the South Shore Weekly. Luckily I remembered seeing your ad in Vogue since Tasha and I lost touch years ago."

Another old friend of Tasha’s, I should have known, Raphael laughed. They’ve been coming out of the woodwork ever since the engagement announcement. Tasha loves reconnecting with old friends. Listen, there’s going to be a surprise birthday party for Tasha on February 25th at her parents’ new house in the back of Lawrence at 80 Causeway. A lot of her old friends will be there. Show up at around eight o’clock if you like, it will be an extra surprise, Raphael said offhandedly.

Thanks for the invite. I would love to. I was just wondering. I noticed you sell estate pieces. I have some beautiful estate jewelry my grandmother gave me that I’d like to sell. I was thinking you might be interested.

I would be happy to take a look. Just set up an appointment, and bring them into one of my showrooms, Raphael replied in a businesslike manner.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable to carry valuable jewelry around with me. Do you ever come out to Long Island?

Do I ever come out to Long Island? Raphael snickered. I’m back and forth from the Island all the time going to estate sales in Hewlett Harbor.

Next time you’re out this way maybe you could stop by my house to take a look at the pieces.

Sure, I’d be happy to stop by, and see what you have. As a matter-of-fact I’ll be out on the Island in two weeks from Sunday. Why don’t you give me your address.

914 Oxford Road in Hewlett, Camille replied with a lilt.

I know where Oxford is. Let’s see, I can drop by at around six o’clock on Sunday, December 18th. Will you be around?

I’ll be there, Camille replied with certainty. Oh, and please don’t mention your detour to Tasha. I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise party by her expecting me.

Not to worry, my lips are sealed. Actually there will be a few other surprise guests that day, or should I say ‘mystery women.’ They shared a chuckle.

Camille hung up; pleased she had convinced him of her good intentions, while conning the innocent Raphael into swearing to secrecy. She kicked back her heels when the fight she and Tasha had two years ago reverberated in her head.

****

It’s not my fault Derrick confessed he likes me, and he didn’t know how to end it with you.

"Was that before you invited him in and seduced him or after? Talk about being a back stabbing slut!" shouted Camille.

"Look in the mirror before you start judging me. I’m your best friend as long as I walk in your shadow. Everything is always about how wonderful you are! Frankly, I’m sick and tired of you gloating over your twenty-two inch waist."

"It’s not my fault you pig out on brownies and can barely squeeze your big rump into a size ten jeans, you jealous bitch!"

"Just so you know, Derrick likes my rump, and thinks you’re an anorexic stick figure!"

****

The evening of Raphael’s arrival was a chilly one, with fresh snow chalked upon the windowpanes. According to the hour, he probably entered into the vicinity and was trying to single out Camille’s house. The numbers out in front were rusted beyond recognition. The porch light blew out ages ago, but it made no difference now since a blackout accompanied the storm.

Camille waited in malicious stillness. The night rambled on with a veil of frost. Suddenly through the wind; she heard knocking upon the front door. She slowly edged the door ajar to distinguish a tall, shadowed form standing on the porch.

Is that you, Raphael? Camille asked in a breathy voice.

Yes, Raphael answered hesitantly.

The candle she held to guide their way became extinguished by a gust of wind. They became shadowed silhouettes. The black night enhanced the hallway to further darkness. Through this confused web of almost acquaintance, almost stranger, Camille bid Raphael’s entrance.

Please come in, and don’t mind the blackout. The electricity has been off since the snowstorm began, Camille said in her usual sultry voice.

****

Raphael exhaled a breath of relief. Entering such an eerie habitat could make anyone think they were perhaps the target of a hoax. Especially considering he dealt in large sums of money.

Be careful, it’s an obstacle course in here. We’re in the middle of moving. Here, just take a hold of my hand. I’ll lead you upstairs where there’s candlelight. Don’t worry, I can see in the dark, Camille giggled flirtatiously.

She led Raphael by her honey warm hand which melted deliciously into his. The moment Raphael welcomed her impeccably manicured hands he feared he would be putty in them. They were astonishingly soft from her rituals of dipping them into hot gloves.

Camille led him up the pitch-dark staircase, and through a narrow alcove, leading into her bedroom. The illumination of over a dozen hot-pink candles spotlighted her beauty. Barely twenty, Camille looked a bit older. She possessed an extra spark of mischief which separates the real beauties from the imposters. Her blonde hair was long and luxurious, like a silken forest, shimmering in golden tones. Her green eyes smoldered in sorcery, capable of hypnotizing a man with barely an effort.

Raphael looked too stunned to speak. He became fixated upon her beautiful face. Camille offered a welcoming smile of ivory teeth as pristine as an ad for tooth whitening. Raphael broke his stare. His defenses dropped only to be greeted by her glossy lips. He was still no safer. Her bee-stung lips beheld the magic of sensuality. Each word she spoke mysteriously beckoned a kiss.

It’s a pleasure to meet you. Camille reached forward to shake his hand. The warmth of humanity emanated from both.

The pleasure is likewise, Raphael uttered, seeming caught off guard. I must say, this is a very interesting house. I felt like I was entering a maze of sorts. Doesn’t it trouble you to find your way around in the dark? Raphael studied her intently with a look of amusement in his eyes.

No, I know every nook and cranny of this old house, Camille giggled. Believe me; it looks better with the lights off. At present everything is topsy-turvy.

Sit, she offered him a seat and accompanied him upon a burgundy twin chair, streamlined in rich velvet.

You said you’re in the process of moving, where to?

Actually I live with my grandparents, and they’re moving to Florida. I plan on finding a place of my own somewhere in town. Moving to a retirement community with my grandparents isn’t exactly my idea of the latest hot spot. Camille rolled her eyes.

Not yet, but in another hundred years it might be, Raphael smirked. "So if you don’t mind my asking. Where are your parents?

Camille looked downward; obvious it pained her to discuss it. My parents—died in a plane crash—when I was three.

All became quiet while their thoughts meshed.

I’m so sorry to hear that. It must have been very difficult for you.

All of a sudden the lights flickered back on. There, I can see you a lot better, Camille exclaimed.

Actually, I was getting used to the candles. Raphael’s dimples came alive as he smiled.

****

Camille could not help but notice the newspaper clipping did absolutely no justice to his appearance. Raphael’s face had good bone structure. The hard edge of his jaw line won out over any remaining boyishness. He appeared to be at least thirty-five, and extremely worldly. It surprised her Tasha was engaged to a man of his age. Considering he was much older than what she was accustomed to.

In fact Camille became so sidetracked by his manliness and charisma, she almost forgot all about the jewelry. On recall, she reached over to her phone. It was a relic from her teenage years, with hot pink rhinestones glued onto the receiver. She opened the jewelry box beneath it which contained the pieces she wished to sell. She unveiled a pearl necklace with a heart shaped pendant encrusted in diamonds, an amethyst ring with pearls encircling the stone, a platinum and pearl bracelet, and a regal diamond necklace.

How much are you asking for them? Raphael’s coffee-colored eyes became intense as he eyed them.

Make me an offer, and we’ll take it from there, Camille coolly replied.

Raphael examined each piece with his jeweler’s loop. Afterward his face became businesslike. I’ll give you ten thousand in cash for the collection, he said in a clipped tone.

Camille smiled at his bid. All right, it’s a deal! She felt thankful she had the foresight to get an appraisal by a trustworthy, family jeweler. She felt delighted Raphael offered an extra five hundred in her favor.

I have the money in an attaché in my car. I’ll go out and get it.

****

Raphael soon returned with a brown leather attaché. He counted the hundred dollar bills one by one. He handed Camille the ten grand with cool confidence. Raphael proceeded to carefully place the jewelry inside a special compartment of his attaché.

So tell me, where is there to eat around this town on a Sunday night? Raphael flashed a devilish smirk.

"There’s a nice restaurant called Justin’s on Central Avenue. It’s around the corner from the yogurt shop. They have excellent food."

The downside of traveling to buy jewelry is dining alone. Do you feel like joining me for a bite? Raphael lifted his burly brows.

Sure, I’d be happy to join you, Camille replied with a lilt.

Do you have to check with your grandparents first?

No, they’re away in Florida for the winter.

Raphael’s eyes slanted in shiftiness at the mention of her grandparents’ whereabouts. Camille could feel the unspoken energy in the air, when a man has chemistry for a woman. She stood up, dressed in a pair of jeans purchased from the Victoria’s Secret catalogue. Her derriere appeared perfectly rounded, and capable of rivaling the shapeliest Las Vegas showgirl. She couldn’t help but notice Raphael steal a peek and instinctively eye her up and down.

He helped her on with her mink jacket which had jeweled buttons, compliments of her grandmother. I’ll tell you, I’m glad my grandparents have decided to finally sell this old house. It’s obviously too much for them to upkeep, she said with discomfiture.

Camille led him past a myriad of rooms veiled by dust and darkness. Many of the rooms had been stripped down to a bare mattress. The remaining antiques appeared shabby in their haphazard display.

Camille was now thankful the porch light had blown out since her grandparents’ house was an embarrassment to the well-manicured community. The flaking of paint appeared pitiful against the winter landscape. Thankfully the snow hid patches of earth, too bare to even provide the luxury of weeds come spring.

Unfazed, Raphael revved his black Mercedes. How much are your grandparents asking for the house? I might be interested in buying it myself if the price is right.

I’m not sure. The real estate lady at Hewlett Realty is taking care of those details, Camille answered with reservation.

Do me a favor, could you please find out, and let me know. Tasha and I have been discussing moving out to the Five Towns since she wants to be near her folks.

Believe me, my grandparents’ old house won’t be Tasha’s idea of marital bliss, Camille snickered.

It would basically be the property I would be interested in. If I were to buy the house, I would tear it down, and build a new one to Tasha’s taste. Don’t get me wrong. I love big, old houses, and could see your grandparents’ house has a lot of potential. I’m into antiques and eclectic mixes, but unfortunately, Tasha only likes brand new. What can I do? I have to make my fiancée happy. Raphael shrugged his shoulders.

My tastes are similar to yours, Camille said with cunning. "I can tell you one thing. I’m sure my grandparents wouldn’t be interested in a buyer who would want to tear down the house. It’s sentimental to the family. Believe me; if I were in the position to buy the house, I would in a hot second. I would have it renovated, but without a husband it would be unrealistic. Leave it to Tasha, she always vowed she would find herself a rich husband who would buy, build, and design her dream house. I guess she knew what she was doing when she became engaged to you." Camille smiled as Raphael became stone-faced.

Chapter 2

The Snowstorm

Camille and Raphael were greeted by Justin’s festive arrangements of white Christmas lights, shimmering against the winter sky. The cold winds slapped their faces as they scrambled over to the restaurant. They entered into a tiny vestibule where they could get a bird’s eye view of an attractive crowd, dining and drinking in a Manhattan like atmosphere.

A dapper hostess greeted the pair with a cheery smile before leading them to a cozy table for two, tucked behind an alcove of glass alongside the bar. They searched the menu which had so many choices Camille’s head was spinning.

Order whatever you like, Camille.

I can never make up my mind when it comes to food. Everything looks so good. Maybe I should just get whatever you get.

Do you like seafood?

Yes, I love seafood.

Okay, then just sit back and leave it to me. I’ll hook us up.

A tuxedo-clad waitress came over to retrieve the order. We’ll have a bottle of Lafitte Rothschild, a double order of mussels, two Caesar salads, two orders of lobster tails with drawn butter, and two sides of spaghetti with marinara sauce.

How does that sound, Camille? Raphael asked, while the waitress penned down the order.

It sounds wonderful. Lobster tails are my favorite!

A basket of warm bread soon arrived. They have the best bread here. Camille offered a piece to Raphael before taking one.

The ambiance of the restaurant pulled them into another world. With the light of a candle set at their table, an aura of romance enveloped them. It was written in the air as plainly as print in a book. Camille tried to read between the lines from Raphael’s body language, finding him extremely attentive. Glasses of wine were poured in abundance, and the two of them began to relax.

Camille, you mentioned before you would like to buy your grandparents’ house if you had a husband. If you don’t mind me saying so, it seems to me an attractive lady like you would have more than enough boyfriends than you know what to do with. Raphael eyed her intently.

There’s not a man shortage if you know what I mean, Camille said with knowing intent. But they’re all so immature and unsuitable for marriage. Well, there was this one guy who held a special place in my heart. Tasha knew him also. If anyone could have been the one, it would have been him. But I don’t want to get into all that since it became—so ugly.

You’ve already piqued my curiosity; you must tell me what happened! Raphael insisted with a penetrating stare.

First I must tell you with reservation that the breakup with my fiancé is the reason Tasha and I haven’t seen each other or spoken for the past two years. So I don’t think it would be a good idea to get into all that now. Camille reveled as suspense overtook the table.

Raphael leaned in toward her. Come on, you’re not going to just leave me hanging. That’s not fair! Raphael exclaimed, before he poured them another glass of wine.

It would be in bad taste for me to say something derogatory about your fiancée, so I must plead the fifth. Besides, it happened a long time ago when we were young and foolish, and I’ve gotten past it.

Maybe, but unfortunately I’m not going to get past my curiosity. I can’t continue my dinner until I know what happened! Please, you must tell me, really you must!

****

Raphael persisted with his interrogation until they were well into their second bottle of wine. All right, Raphael, I can see you won’t let up on this, but you have to promise me it will be kept confidential.

You have my word. Raphael’s eyes became glazed with intrigue as he zeroed in on her.

From the time I was fifteen to eighteen, this guy Derrick Blakely was my high school sweetheart. We began to talk about marriage at the end of our senior year. Camille lowered her eyes knowingly. Derrick gave Tasha a ride home from our high school graduation party when I was home sick with the flu. To make a long story short, Tasha invited him inside, and things got romantic. Afterward they began to date each other. It was difficult for me since I not only lost my boyfriend, but I also lost my best friend, Camille’s lips became terse at the remembrance. While the pleasure of divulging it gave her a sense of power.

Raphael’s face registered disappointment as Camille went on, Believe me, I don’t hold it against her. She did me a favor. Derrick was a jerk anyway. Please, whatever you do, don’t mention this to Tasha. I wouldn’t want to rehash old wounds. I’m glad Tasha found happiness. She was smart to choose a mature man. College guys are lacking in finesse, that’s for certain, and as for high school guys, what do you expect?

It sounds like a painful chapter in your life. I think it’s wonderful how you can overlook what happened, many people are not as forgiving as you. Actually it’s big of you to want to rekindle your friendship with Tasha again after that kind of hurt. Raphael’s face became serious.

"Well, Tasha might have been the one to facilitate the break-up of me and my boyfriend, but I can’t blame it entirely on her. Derrick was obviously anxious to try his luck with her. Excuse

Reviews for Seduction

[whiskeyinthejar-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is one I probably would have rated a little higher if I had read it years ago but the hero is stealing historical artifacts from Egypt and then selling them to dealers that either sell them to private citizens or British museums. It gets brought up a lot and the hero's attitude in the beginning towards it just left a bad taste in my mouth. "But isn't it illegal to do all this digging?" "Technically, yes, although it depends." He grinned at her, and the firelight cast his face in amber glow and black shadow, making him seem more wicked than ever. "If you bribe the proper officials, you can get away with anything." "Really, Trevor," she said, "it's all right to steal, if the bureaucrats are on your side?" "If I didn't do it, someone else would." His grin faded, and he looked away, idly poking the fire. "I suspect your father would understand that. He grew up in poverty. But I don't suppose that sort of logic would cut any ice with someone like you." "What do you mean, someone like me?" "Have you ever been without money, Maggie? Have you ever known what it was like to live hand- to-mouth? To be completely on your own with no money and not many ways to earn it? Well, I have, and I can tell you it's no summer picnic on the Thames. It's no exciting adventure. It's just hell, pure and simple."Depending how you feel about the above quote, would probably decide how well you took hero and thus, how well you will enjoy the story. Cringe-y was my lasting thought.