Hot & Wild (De La Cruz Saga) Read online

  Hot & Wild

  Hot & Wild

  De La Cruz Saga by P.T. Macias

  Copyright © 2012 by P. T. Macias

  ISBN-13: 9781481186261

  ISBN-10: 1481186264

  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.

  Dedication

  I’m dedicating this book with all of my amor to my esposo, hijos, nietos, hermanos, and familia.

  Thank you for your patience, amor, support and believing.

  Thank you for your amor Arturo. Special thanks to my son Andres for the heart design, my daughter Erica and son Ricardo for their assistance. Te amo!

  I just want to say that if you like love stories that include suspense and intrigue, then Hot & Wild just might be your book!

  The story begins when Monique (who has a job interview at the De La Cruz family business) and Christian (who is doing a favor for his primo, his cousin) run into each other (literally) going around the corner at the office. Things heat up very quickly and the next thing you know...well, you'll just have to read this book to find out. In addition to Christian and Monique's story, la familia (the family) have problems that put several of them in great danger.

  This story caught my interest from the first page, and did not want to turn me loose. Thank you, Patricia Macias, for allowing me to be your beta-reader for this book! I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next one! Adios, mi amiga, y dios te bendiga!

  Marsha Berg

  Table of Contents

  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

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Glossary

  About the author

  Chapter One

  I need to talk to Gabriel. I still haven’t obtained any answers from him. I need to know the facts. If he hurts my hermana, I will kill him, ponders Christian as he approaches the shower area. I know he’s here.

  Christian turns the corner and sees Gabriel finish brushing his teeth. At least I know that he’s a great guy, even if I am pissed at him. Asshole, thinks Christian angrily.

  Gabriel is getting ready to go to bed, brushing his teeth after his shower. Christian walks up to him and stares. Gabriel tries to ignore him. I need to see what he wants, I don’t know if he’s still mad, contemplates Gabriel.

  Christian looks at his best SEAL bud. I can’t believe that he’s with my baby sister. Asshole better not hurt her, thinks Christian passionately.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing Erica? Don’t you think I needed to know this? She is my baby sister,” demands Christian attempting to control all the anger, the intense feelings towards Gabriel.

  Gabriel turns, contemplates him. “You’re kidding, right? I cannot talk to you or anybody else about my private relationship with the mujer I love. This has nothing to do with friendship, Christian, don’t you get it? I’m not playing around with Erica. I love her with all of my alma, corazon, and mente. She’s the sweetest angel ever!” says Gabriel scowling at Christian. His eyes reflect his sincere intense emotions. Gabriel turns away with frustration to pull on his t-shirt.

  “Gabriel, I don’t mean that I want you tell me intimate details like we did with other chicas. I want to know why you didn’t tell me that you found the mujer of your dreams. I feel betrayed on lots of levels,” replies Christian with frustration.

  Gabriel turns, looks at him. “Christian, I didn’t realize that Erica is your hermana until that same night that you did. The picture that you have of her is from when she was in high school. I never connected Erica to be your hermana when I met her. It was not my intention to hurt or betray our friendship,” responds Gabriel with weariness.

  “Christian, when you find that special chica that’s your alma gemela you will understand. She is the one that makes you loco. When you feel the way I do, then you will understand. When you have someone special in your vida and you don’t want anybody to say, to do, or think anything about your mujer,” says Gabriel with a raspy voice from his emotions.

  “Okay, Gabriel, I need you to know that I’m warning you. You better not hurt her,” replies Christian angrily. He turns away and strides to take his shower.

  * * *

  The next morning Monique Acosta is entering the De La Cruz Inc. building. Oh, I’m so nervous, muses Monique Acosta. I pray that I will get this job. I know that I’m qualified, but I don’t have the experience since I recently graduated. Now I have a Bachelor of Science in Interior Decorating Design.

  I know that this company is my first choice. The company is constructing beautiful Mexican influenced buildings. They just opened up their own Interior Decorating Design department. This assistant job is perfect. I can work my way up into the management. It’s the job that I have always dreamed of working in.

  I’m immensely impressed with la familia and the operation of the company. All of the managers are primos, familia. There is only one bachelor that is available. The other two bachelors are now taken.

  This last week, there was a whole page written up on the engagement of the CEO Jose Enrique De La Cruz and the elopement of one other manager Ricardo Emmanuel De La Cruz. It was big news. The De La Cruz bachelors are eligible rich, young, and handsome. They are the most popular eligible bachelors in Southern California area.

  There remains only one bachelor available. He works in la Familia Company. The news media made a point to write a column on Sebastian Antonio De La Cruz.

  He’s la familia’s architect. La familia calls him Tony. He has designed the now famous and much in demand buildings with the Mexican influence and Eco-friendly environment. Tony is considered one of the most talented architects in today’s market. Tony has contributed to the growth and success of the familia company.

  I know that I will be able to get a chanc
e to know him. He’s such a handsome Chico. All of them are, too bad that two of them are already taken. Yeah, Monique, you’re just a little late.

  Sebastian is just as gorgeous. Maybe I can get him to notice me. Then get him to love me and marry, contemplates Monique striding down the hall.

  Then my dream of having a gorgeous, rich esposo and also having a successful career will come true.

  This interview will be my opportunity to get my foot in the door of such successful company.

  The handsome bachelor is just a bonus, thinks Monique, smiling. Si, I definitely want a De La Cruz, they’re so gorgeous, smart, and rich.

  I made it on time. This is a good thing. I don’t want anything to ruin this opportunity. Dios mio, please help me out.

  Maybe I can get a glimpse of Tony, thinks Monique grinning. She waits for the receptionist to get off the phone.

  “How can I help you?” asks the receptionist Ms. Jones.

  “I have an interview with Ms. Bella De La Cruz at 9:30. My name is Monique Acosta,” replies Monique smiling.

  “Yes,” replies the receptionist. She stands and walks to the door. “Ms. Acosta, can you please follow me?” requests the receptionist at the door.

  She takes Monique to a conference room where the interviews are taking place. “Please have a seat, Ms. Cortez. Ms. Isabella Patricia De La Cruz and Ms. Patricia De La Cruz will be in a few minutes.”

  “Yes, of course, thanks,” replies Monique nodding.

  Oh yeah, this is it, thinks Monique. Just take your time in answering and be positive.

  Good thing I brought my portfolio with some of my designs based on the research I did. I know they will like my designs. Of course they will. Monique gives herself a pep talk. I have to have courage, I’m smart, and portray confidence.

  Jessy, Bella, and Paty enter the conference room. “Good morning Ms. Acosta, I’m Isabella De La Cruz, HR manager,” says Bella extending her hand in greeting. She then takes a seat in one of the chairs. Jessy and Paty are also sitting down.

  “Hi Ms. Acosta, I’m Jessica Cortez, the Interior Decorating Design manager,” says Jessy extending her hand in greeting.

  “Hi Ms. Acosta, I’m Patricia De La Cruz, a manager,” says Paty smiling, extending her hand to Monique.

  “Good morning Ms. De La Cruz’s and Ms. Cortez, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” says Monique smiling, she shakes their hands. She then sits down after her greetings.

  “Ms. Acosta, we have reviewed your resume. I would like to know what your expectation in this position is,” asks Jessy.

  “Ms. Cortez my expectations in this position are several. I want to learn from the best, grow in knowledge, and develop my skills with such an accolade company. The De La Cruz Inc. has achieved recognition and awards in the building designs and eco-friendly environment. This company is known for the ability to create and look into the future,” answers Monique confidently.

  “Ms. Acosta what type of work environment is ideal for you. Will you be able to work under an Interior Decorating Designer as an assistant?” asks Paty contemplating Monique’s attitude and presentation.

  “Yes Ms. De La Cruz, I can work as an assistant. I’m looking forward to working and following Ms. Cortez instructions. I know that I still have a lot to learn and that it’ll be a challenge. I have confidence that I will be able to follow through with the assignments and directions. The biggest benefit is that I have a strong desire to produce my best. I am excited in having this opportunity,” replies Monique.

  “Is there anything that you will like us to know about your experience, knowledge, skills that will be beneficial for our company?” asks Bella observing Monique with interest.

  “Yes there is. I also would like to advise you that I have excellent customer service skills. I worked part time while I went to school at a retail store in the furniture department,” replies Monique. “I also like to work hard until I complete my projects.”

  “Ms. Acosta one of my concerns is that you graduated a few weeks ago. I want to know if you are ready to start to work in a full time position. This job is demanding and sometimes will have long work days,” asks Bella contemplating Monique’s countenance.

  “Ms. De La Cruz, it will not be an issue. I’m acquainted with working long hours and going to school. I will not have any issues in working long days,” replies Monique with poise.

  “May we see your portfolio Ms. Acosta?” asks Jessy smiling. “I am anxious to see your work.”

  “Yes of course Ms. Cortez. I did a little research on the company and I did a few designs that I know you will like,” replies Monique. With pleasure she hands Jessy her portfolio.

  Jessy is sitting in the center of the table with Bella and Paty on each side. They are able to review Ms. Acosta’s designs at the same time.

  I know that they will like my designs. I put a lot work into them. I can see there facial expressions and they appear to like my designs. Yes, thinks Monique with pleasure.

  “I do like your designs. They have a fresh, young, clean eco-friendly quality. I can also see some of the Mexican influences in your designs,” says Jessy, smiling.

  “I like them,” says Bella.

  “Yes I can see how they fit with our building designs, very good,” says Paty, nodding in agreement.

  “Ms. Acosta, we have one more interview on our schedule. We will be in contact with you,” says Bella handing Monique her portfolio.

  “I will be waiting for your call. I look forward to working with De La Cruz, Inc.,” replies Monique. She stands and shakes their hands in the process of departing. “It was a pleasure to meet you and to have this opportunity.”

  Monique exits the conference room with a good feeling. I know they will offer me the position, thinks Monique. She passes the receptionist desk and waves. The receptionist is on a phone call.

  I wish that I could run into Tony. It would have been awesome. That’s okay. I will get to know him when I start to work. Monique walks down the hall to the elevator. She’s not really paying attention when she turns the corner.

  Chapter Two

  Christian Arturo De La Cruz is in a hurry trying to get some paperwork to his primo Jose Enrique. Christian is a Navy SEAL and is off on leave for the weekend.

  He lives for excitement. The extreme pressure, danger, and the rush of adrenaline pumping through him is a thrill for Christian. Christian is twenty-six and is one of the De La Cruz bachelors.

  The media has not had the pleasure to know or discover the hot, wild, and sexy Christian Arturo De La Cruz. This is due of course to his Navy SEAL career and the huge time away from home.

  Jose Enrique De La Cruz, the CEO for the De La Cruz Inc., is the eldest of the De La Cruz bachelors. Jose Enrique has managed to obtain a nice niche in the market. The De La Cruz Inc. has been building some buildings with the elegante Mexican influence that has been a huge success.

  The buildings that have been built by De La Cruz, Inc. have been recognized as innovative and Eco-friendly buildings.

  La familia has recently started to enjoy the fruits of all his and los primo’s consistent hard work. The achievements have been impressive.

  Today Jose Enrique called me for assistance. He wants me to investigate what’s happening at the job sites. There is a huge order of material that is scheduled to be delivered to the job sites this morning. Jose Enrique does not trust the drivers and managers. He feels that there’s something going on with the materials that have been missing or of poor quality.

  My primo asked me to get the materials and deliver them to the job sites to see if I can get a feel or see what’s happening. I just have to give him the report on what I discovered, contemplates Christian striding quickly out of the elevator down the hall.

  Christian is thinking of the report and his findings. He turns the corner and collides with Monique. All of his papers go flying all over the hallway.

  Christian responds quickly due to his fast reflexes and training. He’s able to react inst
antly to catch the hermosa chica before she falls onto the carpet. Incredible, thinks Christian stun. This chica is classy and bella. Oh dios mio, she smells delicious.

  Christian is astonish and looks her over. Damn, look at who I ran into. It’s a bella hot chica and I have never seen her before. She has a beautiful heart shape face with huge hazel eyes that are fringed with incredible long eye lashes. His eyes travel from her eyes to her sweet soft full lips. He’s instantly tempted to touch her shiny golden brown hair.

  She’s dressed in a nice black suit with real sexy high pumps. Yeah, look at her legs. She’s real hot. She almost reaches my shoulders. Oh yeah, look at her, she looks like she had an interview. I hope she gets the job, contemplates Christian with interest.

  Monique runs right into Christian and she drops her portfolio and purse. What happened? Did I run into a wall? That hurt, ponders Monique. She tries to not fall down, she grabs onto Christian’s leather jacket.

  Monique looks up into the most beautiful green eyes with long black lashes. Dios mio, what a hunk, thinks Monique. I can feel all of his muscles. Wow he’s hard as rock, tall and muy sexy. Oh boy he looks like a bad boy, yeah.

  Christian smiles at the bella chica showing off his beautiful dimples. His smile causes Monique to forget where she’s at. She’s unable to turn away. She remains in his embrace, gazing into his hermosos green eyes.

  “Are you okay?” asks Christian, smiling. He looks her over to see if she’s hurt. She’s so incredibly hot. I can just taste her, ponders Christian with pleasure.

  “Yes, thank you for keeping me from falling. With these high heels, it’s hard to keep your balance when you run into a mountain,” replies Monique with amazement. She continues to look him over. Incredible, who would have known that such a bad boy would be here?

  “Sorry. Let me help you pick up your things,” responds Christian. He retrieves her portfolio and purse. He then hands them to her smiling with intense pleasure. “What’s your name?”