Never ‘Please’ / Just ‘Yes’

By D.J. Kolt

Ashley Williams, hotel heiress and rising musical entertainer is not available for romance. Her career is burgeoning. Nicholas Rossi, multi billionaire and rival of her family's hotel empire, has other plans for her. A family wedding brings the couple together. Love joins this couple to only have fate deal them a dangerous hand.
One of Rossi's hotel deals goes awry and causes Ashley's life to be in danger. Ashley is kidnapped as retribution for Rossi's business deal. Ashley has to do something to save herself and her family. Will her husband and family forgive her for what she does to save them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491826300

D.J. Kolt

Born in Chicago but living her adult life in South Florida, this romance loving author has traveled and incorporated her favorite places and characters she had met into her books. Having spent her career in the health care industry, D. J. Kolt decided it was time to write about love and romance instead of technical medical data. Enjoy her journey through love and romance with a tilt of intrigue.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

About The Author

Dan

Solo Per Ti

Tutti Mi Amore

Thank you to my Muses

Kathlene, Lisa Ann, Christal and Clover

CHAPTER 1

R eally, Ashley! You’re my maid of honor. I need you with me to meet all of John’s family. Especially his best friend. He is so formidable. He intimidates me sometimes. Change your schedule. I need you for moral support. Cassandra pleaded.

Cassandra was in no state to manage her wedding without the help of her cousin. Although Cassandra’s mother was at her side, that was part of the problem. Cassandra had limited input once her mother took over. Ashley had a knack of calming her aunt and maneuvering her to give Cassandra some space.

Ashley and Cassandra were the daughters of the two Williams brothers, Gianni and Luca, identical twins. The brothers grew up in America but had a strong Italian heritage from their mother. Their American father was involved in the hotel business. Once the two brothers were old enough, they learned the family trade. Eventually, they developed their own chain of luxury hotels throughout Europe and America. The Royal Suites were now five star rated hotels.

The brothers married and had four children each. Cassandra and Ashley were the youngest children of each family. The girls were even born on the same day. As children, they were inseparable. Everyone thought Cassandra and Ashley were twins, not cousins. Although Cassandra and Ashley resembled each other with large dark brown eyes and thick, full lashes and heads of flowing auburn hair, Ashley had more of her mother’s looks giving her a rounder figure and fuller breasts.

It was taken for granted if one girl was in trouble, the other wasn’t far behind. If one girl had a secret, the other one was sure to keep it and never divulge it to anyone. When one girl had a crush on a boy, the other one was her spy to make sure he didn’t have another girl friend. The Williams’ girls were always watching out for each other.

Their older brothers were the typical Italian older brothers, too. The girls were never far from someone’s watchful eye. As they grew older, one brother or one of the cousins was sure to meet any prospective date and give him the third degree. No one ever got fresh with the girls as it meant an entire family of brothers and cousins to contend with. It was even hard for the girls to get a good night kiss at the end of their dates; although, they did manage to sneak a kiss or cuddle in somehow.

Now, at 23 years old, both girls were on their way to success in their careers. Ashley Williams was a rising starlet, singer, dancer and all round entertainer. Cassandra, with an operatic voice, was receiving offers to sing major roles in opera houses in Milan and New York.

Cassandra met John Lucarri while auditioning for a role in ‘Carmen’ in Milan. John was the producer of the opera. He was so taken with Cassandra; he hired her, fell in love with her and proposed all within six months.

Ashley knew she would have to go to Chicago for the wedding in two weeks. This early jaunt for a three day weekend really interfered with her schedule. She had to be at Caesar’s in Vegas on Tuesday to start rehearsals. By Thursday, her act opened in the main theater room and continued the entire rest of the week before the wedding. She was stressed enough without this added weekend jaunt.

Ashley climbed aboard the aircraft and jostled her way to seat 3B. She hated flying-even in first class. She was one of the few people who preferred to check her baggage and not stow it overhead. It perturbed her that people were so inconsiderate of others by blocking the aisle and reaching over each other to place their carryon in the bin. At least, she was hoping to get a few hours sleep while in flight. With layover and flight time, she would easily be en-route seven hours.

Ten hours later, Ashley was fried and had a headache the size of Texas. After arriving at the airport at 5:30 AM to board the flight, she drew the short straw when she ended up sitting next to Chatty Cathy who talked non-stop for the first three hours. Ashley tried to remain polite as Cathy instructed Ashley in how to make a wedding quilt, cook homemade stew that would satisfy the hungriest of men and clip coupons that would save thousands of dollars over a year’s time. Then, there was an extended layover at Denver International Airport due to weather. Having to wait for the thunderstorm to blow over, Ashley vied for a place to sit with the other stranded and frustrated passengers. After enduring several hours of travel aggravation, Ashley definitely was in no mood to spend the evening with Cassandra’s future in laws.

Once arriving at O’Hare Airport, she had barely enough time to get her rental car and meet Cassandra at her apartment. Hopefully, she could grab a quick shower to help refresh herself.

Ash! I am so happy you’re here. I’m a Nervous Nelly. Unfortunately, we don’t have time to chat before dinner. John will pick us up in less than an hour.

Ashley could only groan. She quickly unpacked her simple little black dress, her lacy undergarments and accessories. After a record short shower, Ashley donned her dress; her make-up freshened, slid on her new three inch heeled Manolo Blaniks and headed for the living room.

Ah, Ashley. It’s so nice to see you again. Cassandra has missed you desperately. John greeted Ashley with a big hug and kiss on both cheeks. May I introduce you to Nicholas Rossi? He is my best man and my dearest friend.

How do you do, Nicholas, Ashley smiled and extended her hand. I guess we will be spending a little time together as I’m Cassandra’s maid of honor. Ashley couldn’t identify the feeling in her stomach as he riveted her with his gaze. It was like an electric current. Those dark black eyes with flecks of gold glimmered a warning of danger—they reminded her of thunder clouds before a storm. Ashley had never felt such a visceral reaction before.

He easily stood over six feet, with a muscular build so evident even through his dark blue well tailored suit. Thick dark brown espresso colored hair crowned a chiseled face with the trendy day old beard present. His smile was almost endearing with a little dimple in each cheek. Ashley approved of his elegant physical presentation. The bells and whistles started in her head BEWARE! Ashley remembered Cassandra’s words he is so formidable.

My pleasure, Nicholas responded. It will definitely be an occasion watching the two most beautiful women walk down the aisle towards us he said. So, will you be bringing a date, Ashley? Nicholas asked.

Wow! This guy gets right to the point. No subtlety here.

No. I figured I was going to be too busy to leave a date on his own with our family, Ashley laughed. Mr. Formidable gave a half grin.

Well then, I guess we can be each other’s date since we will be together most of the wedding day. Ashley wasn’t sure she could handle an entire day with this man. He had an air of self assurance bordering on arrogance about him. Ashley thought he was the type who would expect all your attention, and women were probably happy to give it to him.

I’m sure we will have reason to spend some time together, Ashley said dismissing him and turned to John. John, would you please help me with my pearls? I cannot seem to work the clasp. By the way, what time do we leave to meet your family? From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed the tight lip on that oh so handsome face.

We should leave now. You’ll remember my parents? My sister and her husband will be there as well as my mother’s sister, her husband and a few cousins. Cassandra has only met my parents. I wanted her to feel comfortable with the rest of the clan. That’s why I asked everyone to meet for dinner tonight.

As soon as hands touched her neck to clasp the pearls, Ashley knew it was not John who brushed his knuckles across her skin. She almost mewled at his touch.

Nicholas bent his head to whisper in her ear, Pearls suit you, Cara. I like the way they shimmer against your skin. I like the way your skin feels under my touch as well. He moved away to take Ashley’s coat from John’s extended arm and assisted Ashley putting it on.

As the foursome made their way onto the Chicago streets, Ashley thought how absurd for anyone to get married in November in Chicago. It was freezing outside. She had worn her leather coat with the fur trim but it was still cold. She couldn’t help but wrap her arms tightly around her. Even though she and Cassandra were born there, Ashley hadn’t lived in Chicago since she was eighteen. Ashley and Cassandra had attended the ‘Conservatorio di Musica’ in Perugia, Italy to study music after high school. After college, most of her time was spent between Los Angeles and New York. She wasn’t used to the Chicago cold anymore.

Nicholas noticed Ashley’s shiver. He automatically placed his arm around her shoulders.

Excuse me? Ashley startled.

Sorry. I saw you shiver. I only wanted to keep you warm. He still did not remove his arm.

Oh! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I’m fine. You needn’t bother yourself Ashley tried to step away.

No bother. He still would not relinquish his hold but pulled her closer to him.

How freakin’ bold of this guy. Ashley started to fume with his brazenness; although, she did have to admit that she was warmer. Maybe she would let him hold her this one time.

Once at the La Scala Restaurant, the atmosphere was less charged. Both Cassandra’s and Ashley’s parents were there with John’s family.

Ah, Bambinae!" Ashley’s father, Gianni, was the first to spot the girls. In a flurry of commotion, Cassandra, Ashley and John were being hugged, kissed and passed around like an antipasto salad.

Eventually, everyone found seats and settled for more subdued conversation as dinner was served. Ashley felt him before she saw him. The chair next to her moved and his large frame ensconced itself. I take it this chair is unoccupied. Ashley noticed the hint of an Italian accent. She turned to him.

Suit yourself. No one is sitting here. Are you from Italy? I detect remnants of the accent.

No. Like you, I’m American. From New York, actually. My father is from Italy. He grew up in the Lake Cuomo region. My mother is a native New Yorker. My parents were introduced at a family wedding and the rest is history as they say. Parla Italiano?

Si. Parlo Italiano.

Va bene. That’s good. We can converse in Italian when we want to have private words. Save this seat for me, Ashley. I wish to speak with your father a moment.

What in God’s name does he want with my father? Oh, well. At least he isn’t bothering me, Ashley thought.

When Nicholas returned to the table where Ashley was sitting, he moved his chair closer to her before he sat down. So, tell me Ashley, is there a man in your life? You are very beautiful and your body calls for a man’s touch. Is there someone I must compete with for your affections?

Ashley tilted her head as she looked into those dark pools he had for eyes. She could get lost in them if she had a mind to. No, Nicholas. I happen to be flying solo at the moment. My life is a bit of a whirlwind. I don’t even know how to fit romance in right now.

Such a shame, Cara. You are made to be romanced. You have innocence about you—even with all your sophistication. Maybe you need a man to seduce you and make you fall in love.

Ashley gave a weak laugh. It was best she didn’t speak. Her voice would only be a squeak as her throat was feeling dry and tight. Nicholas was so close to her she could feel his breath on her cheek. The hairs on her neck stood on end. She could feel the goose bumps on her arms. Her nipples chafed against her lacey bra. She was losing her composer with him this close. She smelled his musky, woodsy after shave. She could feel the heat from his body. His taught, muscular thigh was touching hers.

Nicholas was sitting so intimately near to this woman he wanted to make his exclusively. He had to fight the urge to pull her to him and kiss her senseless. He wanted to claim her and make her know only him. Nicholas sat back in his chair. He needed to regain control of his emotions. His manhood was straining in his trousers making him uncomfortable. He could almost taste this woman. He wanted her beneath his body, making her writhe in pleasure. He wanted her to call his name as she climaxed. Then, he wanted to make her climax again. He hadn’t felt this unleashed physical desire so strongly before. With all his previous amours, he pleased his partner and reached his own pleasure. Most of the time, he was happy to send them home at the end of the night or he pretend regret leaving their apartments due to an early morning meeting. With this little vixen, he would chain her to his bed. He would never tire of looking at her, touching her, loving her. She took his breath away!

On the way back to Cassandra’s apartment, Nicholas folded himself in the back seat of John’s Infiniti G37. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in the front seat? Cassandra could have sat with me like she did when we were going to dinner. Ashley eyed him wearily.

I wanted to be next to you. I wanted to ask if I could see you again.

You will see me at the wedding.

I know that, Ashley, he said exasperatedly. I want to see more of you—a lot more."

Oh, God! Ashley could only stare at him. His eyes flashed like lightening as he bore into her. Why did he want to see her? He obviously was a Greek god—or in this case, an Italian god. Tall, dark, devastatingly handsome with a body that was making it difficult for her to concentrate, even breathe. Thoughts of him had her squirming in her seat. She really didn’t have time for flirtation even though he already was ingratiating himself into her head.

Ashley. I’ve asked you on a date. Will you go with me?

Ah, thank you, but I really won’t have time. My family has activities planned for tomorrow. I’m leaving Sunday to return to Los Angeles. I also have an engagement to sing next week in Las Vegas.

So, I will have to meet you in Los Angeles or Las Vegas if I wish to see you. He stated more than asked.

Nico, I am not able to see you, Ashley whispered as she seemed not able to catch her breath. Why was she having such a hard time turning down those eyes and that mouth when it was so persistent and sexy? His maleness exuded from his body. She hadn’t had this ‘twitching’ in her sex for a long time.

No one calls me Nico, he paused and then said, I will only allow you to call me Nico. Maybe soon you will be calling me Nico—in my arms.

Freakin’ hell! What has he got in mind?

Nicholas. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call you Nico. It just came out of my mouth. Please understand. I cannot see you. I am trying to build my career. I’m finally getting offers and I can’t date now.

I wasn’t forcing you. You do have to eat—and sleep. I want you to do that with me. I will find you and will wait for you to finish working. Allow me to take you home Sunday. We can get to know each other on the flight to California.

Nicholas. Please.

I want you to call me Nico. And never please. Just yes. I have my own plane and we can fly directly without anyone else bothering us. I want to do this for you, Ashley. You have to learn that I will take care of you and protect you—always.

Oh, my God! What is he talking about?

Nico, thank you but no.

As soon as they arrived at Cassandra’s apartment, Ashley flew out of the car and had the doorman let her in without ever turning around to see Nicholas watching her in mild humor.

Nicholas breathed a sigh and thought to himself, You are mine Ms. Ashley Williams. I asked your father for your hand tonight. He said if I can win you he will give his blessing. No one will love you as I already do.

CHAPTER 2

A shley arrived at O’Hare Airport three hours early. She was feeling embarrassed watching John and Cassandra loving each other back at the condo. It was making her feel lonely—lonely for a pair of dark eyes and a dimpled smile that kept creeping into her thoughts. Anyway, she wanted to check her rental car and have some alone time before the confusion on the plane. As she went to check in at the curbside stand, the porter, recognizing her, gave her a quizzical look when Ashley handed him her ticket. Sorry, Ms Williams. Your ticket was cancelled. You do not have a seat on this flight.

How can this be she thought? She confirmed the flight last night.

Ashley stormed over to the inside ticket counter to find out what was going on. What do you mean my ticket was cancelled? Even though she was relatively well known as one of the Royal Suites heiresses and a popular up and coming performer, she never flaunted her notoriety. But today she would. How dare they cancel her ticket! She needed to be in Los Angeles by tonight. If her family’s jet was not being serviced, she would have taken it for this trip, and all this aggravation could have been eliminated.

Would you please explain why my ticket was cancelled? She glared at the clerk.

Ms Williams, other arrangements have been made for you. Please wait here.

Seething, Ashley had no choice but to wait. Shortly, a flight captain arrived. Ms. Williams, please follow me. I am Captain Jeremy Miles. I’ll be flying you to LAX. We can be ready to leave within the hour if you would like. The southern drawl and big smile did nothing to mitigate Ashley’s ire.

What are you talking about? Who arranged for you to fly me home? Ashley was becoming more and more intolerant at this turn of events.

Everything will be explained to you in a few moments. Please follow me. Don’t worry. No harm will come to you. This was meant as a surprise by my employer.

And who is your employer? Ashley was now becoming concerned. She was aware that if someone wanted to kidnap her, they could demand a hearty ransom. Her eyes darted around her surroundings. There were plenty of people about. She guessed she would be safe as long as she didn’t get on any plane or go into any empty rooms and stayed in public areas.

She followed the captain to a lounge area. Sitting there, as big as life, in jeans and a cable knit blue sweater, smiling from ear to ear, was Mr. Nicholas Rossi. "Well, Ms. Williams, I see we will be going