Only Me

By GiCynda Turner-Pierce

Sienna Sinclair never thought that when she ran from her unwanted fiance' that she would be running right in to the arms of another. She had decide a long time ago never to be like her mother. She had big dreams and there wasn't a man in any of them. However Liam Pierceson would be the man of any woman's dreams. Just not hers.
Paul Newlyn has just been given the gift of a lifetime. Too bad for him his gift has decided that she doesn't want to given. In a last ditch effort to win her over he decides to give her a gift of his own. A gift that could prove to be the biggest mistake of his life.
Liam Pierceson high powered business attorney has never been afraid to fight for what he wants and with Sienna Sinclair he is sure that this will be a fight to the death. Every time he takes a step forward she makes him take two steps back, but there is just no way he will give up on this witty island beauty. He likes a woman that can keep him on his toes.
Read on as the story unfolds on the woman that refuses to claimed and the two men hell bent on have her as his own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GiCynda Turner-Pierce
• Release date: Mar 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301944583

GiCynda Turner-Pierce

GiCynda Turner Pierce lives in Charlotte, NC. She lives with her Husband Alvin, their son, two daughters and their dog Ziggy.She was raised in Davidson, NC. Her hobbies are gardening , gourmet cooking, reading, and chasing her two year old. GiCynda started writing at age the young age of 12, consequently that is around the same time she picked up her first romance novel. From that point on the world of romance was open to her. She couldn't get enough of writing or reading. She has written poetry, short stories, finally branching out to writing a novel. GiCynda enjoys reading all types of romance novels including sci-fi, urban, and african american. She loves all types of music and anything artistic or creative. Pure and simple GiCynda is just an ordinary wife and mother who happens to write books on the side.

Book preview

Only Me

By GiCynda Turner Pierce

Copyrighted 2013 by GiCynda Turner- Pierce

Smashwords Edition

Table Of Contents

Table Of Contents

Contact the Author

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

Contact the Author

Contact GiCynda Turner- Pierce

mailto:[e-mail]

Check out other published works

http://www.gicyndaturnerpierce.weebly.com

Dedication

To My Loving Husband and wonderful children,

I love you all so very much.

To my readers I do this all for you.

Prologue

This was her last ditch effort to postpone the sham of a wedding her father had arranged against her wishes. Frances Sinclair was a hard man to deal with, especially so when you were his wife or worse his daughter. She wasn’t sure if her father would go for her plot but she had to at least give it a try. She needed to get as far away from Barbados as she could. Granted she wasn’t sure that Charlotte North Carolina was far enough but it would have to do until she could come up with something else.

Sienna checked her appearance in the mirror. This was a role she wasn’t going to enjoy playing but if it had the desired effect then it would be worth it. She stood up from her vanity and headed to her closet for her shoes. She just had to make it through dinner and then she could very well find herself on a plane to Charlotte by afternoon tomorrow.

Sienna made her way down the long hall of her family home. The warm Barbados air drifted in through the open doors that lead out to the courtyard. She entered the large dining room where she found her father, mother and unwanted fiancé seated. Her father looked displeased at her tardiness, her mother Moira wore the same vacant expression she always seemed to wear when she wasn’t shopping.

Forcing herself she made eye contact with Paul. Paul Newlyn her father’s long-time friend Richard Newlyn’s son. After his father passed away Paul inherited his family’s chain of luxury resorts. Soon after Richard’s passing her father got the brilliant idea that they should merge their hotel chains and become one. Paul was initially against the idea. That is until her father decided to use her as a bargaining chip.

Richard Newlyn would have been completely against this entire thing. The merger the marriage the whole nine, not the he didn’t love Sienna on the contrary he had adored her. He would have abhorred the idea of her father using her for gain. Everyone had known how Paul felt about Sienna. He didn’t love her he lusted for her with a need that clouded his judgment. Sienna had no desire to be with any man, least of all Paul Newlyn. Her father had ruined that for her.

Paul had always been best friends with her oldest brother Hanif. Hanif would no doubt side with her father on this whole arranged marriage thing. To Hanif and her father, as well as Paul women were nothing more than objects, possessions. Her mother was of no used to her she would never defend her. She was too afraid that she might have to return to her humble beginnings. She would never jeopardize her spending allowance to save Sienna. The only person that would argue her case was Saphyr her other brother he was in Miami and she was sure he father hadn’t informed him of his plan.

Sienna gave a gentle smile of apology before taking her seat next to Paul. She said a silent prayer to the almighty the he would keep his hands on top of the table and to himself. Her prayers went unanswered as he brushed her bare shoulder with the back of his knuckle. Sienna suppressed a shudder and tried to force a smile instead of the grimace that was undoubtedly on her face.

I’m sorry I’m late everyone. Sienna said taking Paul’s hand and laying it softly back on the table. He smiled at her actions.

It was well worth the wait. He said while openly perusing her body. Sienna was unable to contain the shudder this time. The disgusting way he looked at her made her feel naked and dirty. As God as her witness she would never marry this man. She didn’t care what it cost her father.

Just make it through to dessert she reminded herself and then lay your cards on the table. Get the hell away from the crazy people who had somehow managed to actually spawn her, and run. That was her plan. She just needed to make it stateside and then she would find a traveling dance company. That was the only way she would be able to survive. She didn’t have any money of her own.

If she tried to leave the country on her own her father would cancel all of her credit cards before she could even purchase a plane ticket out of here. So her only choice was to pretend to go along with this arranged marriage for the time being. Sienna felt a cold clammy hand on her thigh and she cringed. This was going to be a long night.

Sienna nearly jumped for joy when one of the servants placed a plate of her father favorite coconut cream pie in front of her. It was finally time to drop the bomb. She had rehearsed this conversation in her head a thousand times during dinner. Staring into her slice of pie Sienna cleared her throat.

Father, Paul? She said hoisting her pie laden fork into the air and making eye contact. I have decided to agree to the marriage. Paul looked ecstatic while her father on the other hand gave her a look that said she didn’t have a choice in the matter. On one condition.

What condition might that be my sweet? Paul asked. Sienna thought he would probably agree to anything so long as he got to call the young, sexy Sienna Sinclair his wife, her father imperceptibly shook his head no.

That you allow me an opportunity to familiarize myself with the family business. I mean. She hurried on before her father had a chance to stop her. I am an heiress to a multi –million dollar hotel and resort chain and I am about to married Paul Newlyn who has hotels all over the world, yet I know nothing about running one.

Frances was preparing to object. Sienna, you’re a just a girl what could you possibly know about running business. He chuckled to hide his ire. Pretty girls don’t belong in business. They belong on the arm of a businessman. Look at your mother. Frances gave her mother a fleeting glance. The most he had probably looked at her in a month since the new housekeep had arrived. She has always been content to stay out of the more complex matters of Sinclair Luxury Hotels and Spas.

Sienna fought not to roll her eyes. If her father was trying to dissuade her he was going exactly the wrong route. Her mother was the last person that Sienna would ever hope to model herself after. Sienna dreamed of bigger and better things that didn’t involve a man. EVER. It was time to lay it on thick. Perhaps if she could rope Paul in she could make this happen.

Father, it’s our family’s legacy. I really would like to learn more. Besides I’m sure that Paul doesn’t want an air head for a wife. She looked at Paul and reluctantly placed her hand on his forearm. That was the ticket Paul’s grin could put the Cheshire cat to shame.

Oh let her go, Frances what harm could it do. She’s right I would like for her to have some knowledge as to what we do. That way she can appreciate all of that money she’ll undoubtedly be spending and she can teach ours sons to appreciate it as well. Paul said giving her thigh a squeeze under the table. Sienna decided it would be counterproductive to give him a dirty look. She tried to smile instead and ignore the creepy crawly feeling her skin had suddenly gotten.

Frances gave a great sigh. This man was the biggest idiot that ever walked earth he thought to his self, but if this meant Sienna would marry Paul more willingly then so be it. He wasn’t really looking forward to forcing the strong willed girl down the aisle. Don’t get him wrong if it came to that he would. Come hell or high water she was marrying that fool sitting next to her groping her under the table. She didn’t have a choice. She was a woman after all.

Paul was making a mistake by letting her get her way so early, but that was his problem. Just what hotel would you like to run, Sienna?

The one that has its grand opening next month.

The one in downtown Charlotte. Paul nodded appreciatively. That’s perfect she’d really get a feel for what it’s like to run the place. She could deal with the final details and the grand opening. Sienna you will be running back in a week, begging me to marry you.

She did roll her eyes this time. She caught sight of her father and noticed the little vein ticking above his right eyes. He was angry with her for this little stunt, but it was either this or be married in a few weeks. And how long do you think it will take for you to get a feel for things? Frances asked through clinched teeth.

A year. She said barely above a whisper.

Absolutely not. Paul and her father both spoke at once though she could scarcely hear Paul over her father’s shout. It was the first time her mother had moved throughout this entire conversation. The woman jumped violently and cringed away from her husband of the 44 years.

I am sorry my dear. Paul said holding up a hand to calm Frances. You may only have six months. Then you must return here to start planning the wedding. Sienna nodded. She would have to work diligently to find a dance company in six months and earn enough money to be self-sufficient.

Chapter One

Welcome to Charlotte North Carolina where the local time is approx. 4:30 pm. We will be taxiing for a few more minutes, so please remain in your seat with your seatbelt fastened until the captain has parked us at the gate and turned off the seatbelt sign. Use caution when retrieving your personal belongings from the overhead bins, as contents do shift during flight. On behalf of your Captain, we thank you for flying with us today. We hope you have a great day in Charlotte.

Sienna waited for the seatbelt sign to turn off before she unfastened her seatbelt. Grabbing her carry-on out of the overhead compartment she exited the plane heading for the luggage return. Forty-five minutes and six suitcases later she found herself in the backseat of a yellow cab leaving the Douglas International Airport. She had managed to complete the first step in her master plan. Getting out of Barbados, she mentally ticked it off on her checklist.

Sienna glanced at her watch 5:20 pm, peak traffic hour she would be lucky if she made it to Sinclair Grand Hotel within an hour. Her stomach rumbled she was cold and underdressed. The first thing on her list of things to do was to go shopping. She didn’t own clothes suitable for this cold weather. Late November weather in Bridgetown, Barbados meant temperatures in the mid 80’s and 70’s. Here in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina it was a blustery 56 degrees and dropping as the sun went down.

Needless to say in the light knit sweater and knee-length pencil skirt she was wearing she was freezing. The cold steel grey sky above looked ominous as clouds slowly crept across the horizon from the west. Perhaps this was a sign. Maybe she should hop on the next flight back home, before any damage had been done. No there was no turning back the life she had left in Barbados wasn’t a life she wanted to live. Best to stick to her current mindset.

Sienna was so preoccupied with her internal musing that she hadn’t realized that the cab had stopped in front of the Sinclair Grand Hotel. She checked her watch again only 30 minutes had passed. Apparently she hadn’t been watching the cabby’s speedometer either.

We’re here Miss. The cabby said with a slight accent.

Looking at the meter Sienna opened her purse and pulled out a credit card and swiped it in the card machine that hung from the passenger seat headrest. She waited for the receipt to print and then signed the slip of paper. The cabby helped her get all of her bags out of the cab and onto the curb. A staff member immediately approached her to collect her bags and load them onto a trolley. Thank god she thought, at least the hotel had been staffed.

The night she had sprang this idea on her father and Paul at dinner there had been an argument to end all arguments after Paul had left to return to Paris for a grand opening of one of his own resorts. Her father had been furious. He was sure that Sienna had something sort of scheme planned. Of course she denied it. Before she had gone to bed that night her father promised the he would make regret ever making this request. She was arriving here fully expecting the entire hotel to be empty and unstaffed.

She could only wait and see what sort of dastardly plan her father had in-store for her. She hoped that her family’s name meant more to her father than getting even with her. The bellhop led her to the front desk with her luggage in tow. The hotel was beautiful with its contemporary modern furniture and urban chic design. Soft earth tones were everywhere she turned. It was in complete contrast to the Bahamian décor of the family hotels she had previously visited. When she usually vacationed it was always at one of their beachfront properties.

The change in atmosphere was soothing. She was instantly feeling an invisible weight being lifted off her shoulders. The smiling lady standing behind the front desk was finishing up a phone call when she walked up. She typed a few more words on the computer before hanging up the phone and turning her attention to Sienna.

Good evening Miss how may I help you?

Good evening. I am Sienna Sinclair. I believe you were expecting me. Sienna said smiling politely.

The woman’s eyebrows rose slightly. Um yes Miss Sinclair we weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.

Sienna had a strange feeling that her father had told this woman that she wasn’t coming at all. Well the joke was on him and her because she was here and she had no intentions of leaving any time soon. Sienna could feel her ire beginning to surface and this poor woman really hadn’t done anything wrong except listening to her philandering, misogynistic, overbearing father. Sienna gave the woman a stiff smile it was the best she could muster at the moment.

Is there a room available for me? Sienna asked.

Oh yes ma’am we have a suite all ready for you it’s on the 25th floor Jamie will take you up. The woman behind the counter indicated the bellhop that was pushing her luggage on the cart. She handed Sienna a key.

By the way. Sienna said as she turned to walk away. What’s your name?

Clara Sanders.

Well good evening to you Miss Sanders.

Once inside the presidential suite on the 25th floor Sienna tipped Jamie the bellhop and had him leave her bag by the front door. After he had left the room Sienna could finally breathe. She was free. Sienna walked over the far wall that contained several large windows that over looked the downtown Charlotte Skyline. The grey sky had darkened to a more threatening color. Rain was definitely in the forecast.

Sienna needed to shop. She was not prepared for this type of weather. So much for this being the south. As far as she was concerned she may as well have been in the northeast. Her Caribbean blood was freezing just looking out the windows. Sienna unpacked her suitcases and then called the concierge downstairs in the hopes that they could tell her where she could find some more appropriate clothing and perhaps a good meal.

Front desk. The voice on the other end of the line announced. Sienna recognized the voice as Miss Sanders.

Yes this is Miss Sinclair, I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find some weather appropriate clothes and a nice restaurant. I want to get myself settled in before I jump into things tomorrow? The woman on the other end hesitated. Miss Sanders?

When she still didn’t speak Sienna became a tinge frustrated. Let’s clear the air Miss Sanders. Sienna spoke through clenched teeth. "I am sure that my father has most likely told you all sorts of things including to give me as much trouble as possible. Let me tell you now that things will