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- Herausgeber: Mia London Books
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
This collection includes all 12 books in the Kaleidoscope series.
Black Tie: A CEO makes an offer for a new PA that may include more than just keeping his calendar. Little does he know his new PA does more than help him forget the past, she fixes it.
Blue-Eyed Devil: A man offers his help to a woman desperate to fix her PC. When he accidentally peeks at her through the camera, he can’t believe what he sees.
Firecracker Red: A woman asks her ex for help with a predicament with her business. He agrees but also designs the most perfect way to break her out of controlling ways.
Angel In White: A gay man’s boyfriend stumbles into his female roommate’s bedroom only to discover she means more to them than just someone to share the rent.
The Yellow House Next Door: A thirty-year-old man sets his sights on his recently divorced, cougar neighbor, vowing to show her all that she's missed.
Pretty In Purple: A man learns of his friend’s secret lust for his girlfriend and devises a way to make her fantasy come true.
A Smattering of Gray: A co-ed's secret crush on her dad’s boss manifests when he devises a way to have her intern for him the entire summer.
Plush Pink Lips: A woman ready to throw in the towel when it comes to love gets an offer of help from her bestie, who is like a big brother to her.
Lush Lavender: He may be her doctor, but he's still a hot-blooded man. Surely, the newly divorced Paige could use a little TLC.
Scarlet Silk: Micaela doesn't have the patience to climb the corporate ladder the usual way. She's gonna do it her way... even if it means crossing a few lines.
That Stormy Obsidian Night: A college student braves the storm to turn in her final paper to her professor, finding more than a safe haven when the power goes out.
Brown Box Delivery: Her delivery man is a feast for the eyes, and after three years, could he deliver more than just her packages?
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Seitenzahl: 615
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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KALEIDOSCOPE BOXSET
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, event or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright ©2024 Mia London Books ™
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1955369213 (ebook)
978-1955369220 (pbook)
Publisher: Mia London Books ™
PO Box 93852
Southlake, TX 76092
Contents
Chapter One
Dane sipped his iced tea, narrowing his eyes toward a brunette, in her early thirties, chatting with her friend over a salad lunch. She looked oddly familiar, but he couldn’t place the face. Dane was generally good with faces.
She’d slung her jacket over the back of her chair, wearing only a pale pink shell. He’d learned that term from his ex-wife, Johanna.
Ugh! Just the thought of her made his gut churn.
The brunette’s shoulders were strong and shapely, and the column of her neck delicate. When she smiled, her entire face lit up, and her posture smacked of confidence.
Then it hit him. She worked in the west building. On the Dragon Project, he thought.
Damn! That whole product line was getting sold. As CEO, he’d told only a few of his lieutenants, demanding they keep it under wraps until the ink was dry on the deal.
Dane had no idea what personnel the acquiring company would keep on.
Shit! No ring on her finger. That likely meant no financial assistance from a husband and possibly no savings.
Dane swirled the ice in his glass, watching as she crossed her shapely legs.
The waitress approached. “Can I get you anything else, sir?”
“The check, please. And…” he glanced at her name tag, “Roxy, I want you to bring me the check from that table too.” He discreetly pointed toward the brunette and her friend.
Roxy smiled. “Yes, sir.”
The waitress returned a short time later, and he placed some cash on the table. Then, he pulled out a business card and headed for the woman he had to learn more about.
“Excuse me.”
Both women looked up at him. “Oh, Mr. Taylor.” The brunette rose, her eyes widened.
He offered a hand. “I’m sorry. I know you work for me, but I don’t know your name.”
She took his hand and answered. “I’m Sophie St. Charles. I work data entry on the Dragon Project.”
Data entry? What the hell? She looked too smart to be doing data entry.
“Yes. Well, I have a personal assistant getting ready to retire, and I’d like to talk to you about the position.”
Her mouth gaped.
“Here’s my card. Please send me your resume as soon as possible, Sophie.”
She glanced down at the card. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”
He nodded to her and her friend, and then headed toward the exit.
Sir. He couldn’t decide if he liked her referring to him in such a formal way. Made him feel like his father. But damn if the wheels hadn’t started turning the moment her warm hand slipped into his.
He’d never done anything like this before. Almost everyone he’d hired had gone through HR first, but since she already worked for him…
Oh, who was he kidding? He wanted her. It was that fucking simple. He’d come up with a plan to parlay his open PA position with a way to get fucking Johanna out of his life. Well, at least, out of his mind.
Yeah. The gears were turning. He couldn’t wait to hold her interview.
***Sophie was nervous. The prior week at lunch with Anne, Mr. Dane Taylor—The Dane Taylor—approached her. She’d studied his theory on conducting business in China and was enthralled. He was a freakin’ prodigy.
He’d asked for her resume, and it was all she could do to at least spit out thank you. He was a brilliant man who also happened to be attractive—intense blue-gray eyes, broad shoulders that tapered to a flat stomach, and a drop-dead gorgeous smile.
She’d gone back to her desk, finessed her resume, and sent it to his email. The following morning, she had a personal message from him asking her to meet in his office on the thirtieth floor for an interview.
Sophie’d told her boss, who couldn’t believe it either.
Now she stood, waiting for the elevator with half a dozen other people. She smoothed her navy suit, her best suit. She’d paid extra attention that morning to everything—her skin, her makeup, her hair. She polished her heels and pressed her blouse, even though it hardly needed it.
Walking off the elevator, the entire floor opened before her. Rich hardwood floors led to the large reception desk. All the executives had offices on this floor. The receptionist steered her to the left where she met the eyes of an older woman, maybe sixty. The flooring transitioned to a plush, low-pile carpet.
“You must be Sophie St. Charles.”
“Yes. Here to see Mr. Taylor.”
“Please have a seat. He’ll be right with you.”
She sat fidgeting with her purse strap, for about ten minutes. The wait was about to kill her. She reviewed what she knew. Dane Taylor had graduated from Stanford and quickly rose up the ranks of IBM. He’d started an internet business and sold it for a few million. That funded his current business, Fortitude Technologies, which was now a Fortune 1000 company. He’d been married, but divorced two years ago and had no kids. She knew he worked a lot, and barely had a social life. Sophie figured he was ten years older than her.
Finally, a balding man in a tan suit opened the door and walked past the admin and down the hall. Shortly after, Mr. Taylor strode out his office toward her. He smiled, and she almost lost her footing as she rose from the sofa.
“Sophie, good to see you.”
“Mr. Taylor, you too. Thanks for meeting me.” Standing so close to him, she could smell his rich cologne. He wore a lightweight charcoal suit, crisp white shirt, and red striped tie.
He shook her hand, then with an outstretched arm led her to his office. He motioned for her to take the seat at his small conference table. Her resume, two glasses, and a water pitcher already appeared there.
He slipped off his jacket, hanging it in a closet along a rich wood paneled wall. Naturally, he had a corner office with a view of downtown Dallas. From here, she could see for miles. The space also held a heavy mahogany desk, a long leather Chesterfield sofa, and two tall plants by the windows.
“I hope you don’t mind if I get a little comfortable. Already, I want the day to end and it’s only ten a.m.,” he joked.
She smiled as he slipped off his tie and unfastened his first two shirt buttons. The shirt was so fitted on his muscular physique, tapering close to the waist, it had to be custom-made.
He poured them each some water and took a seat.
“As I mentioned, I need a personal assistant. You will keep mostly regular hours, occasionally I will need some evening and weekend work completed. But we will be spending a lot of time together. We’ll get to know each other very well. You will have access to my house and all my possessions. You’ll come to learn all my likes and dislikes.”
Whoa!
“What I’m trying to say, is that I will trust you implicitly. And in return, want you to trust me.”
“Okay.” That made sense.
“This may not be a typical interview for you, Sophie. My last PA was with me for nine years. I’m sad to see her go, but I am equally excited at the prospect of working with you.”
Double whoa!
“In fact, I want to tell you right now, Sophie, that I want to hire you. I’ve seen your resume and can’t believe you are just doing data entry.”
“Yes, well—”
He held up his palm. “It’s okay. I don’t care. In this position, you will learn almost everything about Fortitude. I will teach you the business so that in two to three years, you can move to any department you want as a manager.”
Her jaw unhinged, and she quickly slammed it shut. Relief and excitement flooded her body. She quietly exhaled. She’d hardly said two words to the man, and he wanted to hire her.
He smiled. “But I found myself in a bit of a quandary. I need someone to attend events with me. Plus, some additional things. As I mentioned, some nights and weekends, but I promise not to make a habit of it.”
She nodded slowly. Why did she feel a but coming on?
His gaze locked onto hers as he slid her resume aside and opened a file folder. He lifted a single sheet of paper over to her. It was an employment contract. The salary was almost twice what she was making now.
She glanced up at him as if to see a joking expression. There was none.
Her duties were outlined, some menial, some looked incredibly top secret. She blinked. Again, it stated that she could move anywhere in the company after a minimum of two years as his PA.
“Wow. Mr. Taylor, this is very generous.”
He nodded. “Now, that is one option for your employment.”
“One option?” She parroted.
He pursed his lips, like he was searching for his next words. “There is another option.” He leaned in slightly. “I would ask you not to discuss this second contract with anyone.”
She swallowed as confusion swirled in her brain. What was he asking?
He slid the three-page document to her.
The second contract included overtime pay and a salary for a nanny. If he needed her at a special event that required formal dress, she would be granted access to shop on an expense account at select upper-end clothiers. Again, he would include her in projects with other departments so she could work her way up after the two-year commitment.
The second page of this contract outlined her Additional Duties. She skimmed the list and warmth crept up her neck filling her cheeks. He wanted sex, whenever and wherever he pleased. He would only have sex with her, and she with him during the two years. She would be on birth control so he wouldn’t have to use a condom. The third page showed the test results of STDs. Everything negative.
Oh my God.
She looked up at him. Unknowingly, her fingers went to her parted lips. Her heart threatened to beat out of her chest.
“I know this is a lot to take in. The second contract has several more… requirements to it. Please look it over. We can discuss any questions you may have tomorrow.”
Holy crap! He was serious. She sipped her water.
“Has anyone else ever been given this contract?”
“No. You would be the first. I have never had a need for such requirements of my personal assistants before. Like I said, I find myself in a precarious position, and I would rather not discuss the details.”
She nodded.
After a moment, he spoke. “Take them home, read them. Let’s meet tomorrow,” he glanced at his phone screen, “at four. Alright?”
She shook her head.
His eyebrows lifted. “No?”
“I don’t understand. You’re rich, handsome, and I dare say, sexy.” His facial features softened. “Why do you need me?”
He scratched his jawbone. “In my position, I have to be careful. The wrong woman could take advantage of me, possibly ruin me. Ruin everything I’ve worked hard to build.” He shrugged a shoulder. “I can’t risk it.”
She could understand that. And he picked her. He didn’t want anyone else. She wanted to ask why her, but she didn’t have the guts. Hell, what if he changed his mind? God help her.
She swallowed hard. “I don’t need to meet tomorrow. I’ve made my decision.”
“You have?”
Chapter Two
Dane didn’t bother to keep the surprise off his face. But it scared the shit out of him that she’d already made up her mind. He knew that likely meant she was out. And fuck him for not playing it right. He had to have her. All of her.
“Yes, and I think I would like to take the second contract.”
Silence filled the enormous room. The blood roared behind his eardrums. He didn’t know if he heard her right, so he processed it. “You would like to take the second contract?”
“Yes. When do I start?”
That made him smile. Fuck me!
“Well, thank you, Sophie.”
“Thank you, Mr. Taylor.”
“As far as your start date, I’ll talk with your manager and get that arranged. I would like it to be as soon as possible, but that may not be feasible.”
She blushed a beautiful pink color. How far did that blush go?
“Sophie, since you’ve already made your decision, I would love to take a look at what I’m getting.”
Her eyes rounded like saucers.
He leaned closer, breathing in her lovely scent. He wasn’t completely sure, but she might already be turned on. His dick grew another inch.
“Don’t worry,” he said in a low tone, “I won’t fuck you now. I would love if you could stand up and undress to your bra and panties. Would you do that for me?”
She worked her precious red lips and rose. First, the jacket slid off her shoulders, then her blouse, and lastly she reached behind to unzip her skirt. She laid them over the back of her chair.
She stood in her heels, black bra and panties. She was exquisite.
He swallowed hard and motioned for her to step closer.
He separated his legs so she could move between them, not bothering to hide the raging hard-on trapped behind his silk suit pants.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “Please turn around.”
She slowly spun and presented her backside. He reached a fingertip to her spine. She jumped.
His fingertips roamed up her back, slowly savoring her silky smooth skin, then slid down to her voluptuous ass and hips. She had an elegant, hour-glass shape, full breasts, and hips that flared from her waist.
He continued his caresses and spoke. “I assume since you accepted my offer that you aren’t dating anyone right now, correct?”
“No, sir.” Her voice breathy.
“Sophie, turn around.” He waited. “When we’re alone, I want you to call me Dane. Can you do that?”
She nodded.
His fingers touched her thigh just above her kneecap and moved upward over her lace thong to her stomach. Goosebumps broke out, and he loved it.
“Sophie, you can say no to me. It’s not in the contract because I hope you never do. But know that you can. Know that I won’t be mad. I don’t mind fucking you while you’re on your period. I’ll want to fuck you as much as possible to curb my ache.”
She fell speechless, her full lips parted with her accelerated breathing.
“You are simply gorgeous.” He pushed forward in his chair, his face inches from her tits. “Let’s test your comfort level, okay.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to put my mouth on you. Can you put your hands behind your back?”
She did as he bid.
He’d admit, he softened his commanding style for her. Asking questions was only because he didn’t want to scare her off. Soon enough, she would learn what he liked and how he liked it.
Leisurely caressing her arms, he stopped at her bra straps, meeting her eyes, gauging her response.
She didn’t flinch.
Good girl.
He lowered the straps, watching her full breasts spill from their binding.
“Fuck me.”
He hadn’t planned to go this far, but he couldn’t stop now. A thumb played over a nipple, bringing it to a point. His mouth claimed her nipple, hardening it even more.
She moaned.
Her scent wafted to his nose, and his dick flexed. Like a magnet to freshly mined nickel, his mouth clasped onto her other nipple.
His hands slid south, glossing over the lace of her thong. “Sophie, do you want to widen your stance?”
She was smart, she knew what he was asking. She probably needed to come right about now, and he wanted to be the one to give her a much-deserved orgasm. He didn’t want to send her back to her regular job distracted and slippery.
She spread her legs before him, the scent came at him stronger.
He continued the gentle petting over her sex and allowed himself a little dip in her cleft.
Her clit poked against the fabric.
He massaged and circled her little bud, watching her expression.
Her head fell back as she moaned.
Fuck! She was so ripe. When was the last time she was with a man?
He’d done his research. He knew Sophie had a five-year old daughter and an ex-husband of four years. But he couldn’t get much information on her personal life. Probably because she didn’t have one.
He continued to stimulate her with his right finger and held her steady with his left hand. His mouth sucked the full fruit of her breasts.
Her hips pushed into his hand, and another moan escaped.
He wanted to rip those panties off her, but it wasn’t necessary. Her clit twitched under his touch, and she writhed at his touch.
“Oh.” Her voice wasn’t loud. But some nights, maybe away from the office, he would have her screaming.
He held her steady through her climax.
Coming down, she panted and looked down at him, her eyes glassy with lust.
“Perfect. If you’d like to clean up, that door is my private bathroom. Help yourself.”
She grabbed her clothes and scampered to the washroom.
She returned a few short minutes later.
He needed her gone before he did anything else. He offered a hand. “Thank you so much, Sophie. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you, Mr. Taylor.” She followed him to the door and smiled one last time.
Oh yeah. One of the best decisions he ever made.
***The last week had been a bit of a whirlwind. Sophie spoke to her boss, who was still completely dumbfounded about her moving to “The Tower”—that was what everyone called it—to work directly for the CEO, Dane Taylor. Her boss had pumped her for information, not that she had any to give.
Frankly, Sophie was just as dumbfounded. One minute, she’d been eating lunch with one of her best friends. The next, she’d stripped for a delicious tall drink of water and let him bring her to orgasm in his huge office, some thirty stories up.
It was the craziest, most erotic thing she’d ever done.
She hadn’t told Anne or Tori all the details of her “employment contract” yet. She was pretty sure she wasn’t allowed to, so that was fine. All her friends knew was she was Dane Taylor’s newest PA, and they were excited for her.
She’d finished most everything she was working on with the Dragon Project, did some shopping after reevaluating her wardrobe, and started searching for a babysitter with flexibility.
She reported at nine a.m. Monday to the thirtieth floor, and his admin, Dorothy, gave her a tour of the place—bathrooms, coffee room, executive lunchroom, and of course, her very own oversized cubicle.
Mr. Taylor had a meeting in the north building and wouldn’t be in until eleven, and had left Sophie a list of some things to take care. She felt like such a nuisance, constantly asking Dorothy where to find things or people. Time flew.
Shortly before noon, Mr. Taylor stood at her cubicle. “Hello, Sophie.”
She jumped and spun around. “Mr. Taylor. I didn’t hear you.”
He grinned. “Can you meet for a few minutes?”
Dorothy had just slung her bag over her shoulder. “The calls will roll to voicemail,” she called as she made her way down the hall.
“Thanks,” he replied and followed Sophie into his office.
“Please sit.” He motioned to the same chair she sat in the week prior.
A warmth crept up her neck and cheeks.
“How is it going so far? Any questions?”
“Um.” She tried to think of at least a few of the millions of questions she had, but damn, this man was so distracting.
He’d removed his jacket again, this time he rolled up his sleeves a few times before sitting.
“I can’t seem to get a hold of Jessica at Elite Star Spa.”
“That’s okay. She’s very busy and will probably call you back tomorrow.”
“Okay. I also wonder if I could get a sort of corporate directory so I can find out who’s who and how to get a hold of them.”
A smiled tugged at his lips. “Certainly. I’ll get you one.” He eyed her with curiosity. “Anything else?”
“Um, not that I can think of.”
“C’mere.” He rose and offered her a hand to lead her to the windows. He pressed a button or something under his desk and walked up behind her.
“Sophie, you look wonderful today. I particularly like you in these kinds of skirts,” he whispered at her ear.
She wore a dark gray pencil skirt with a tangerine blouse belted at the waist and black high heels.
He started kissing her neck, and she couldn’t think of a reply. “I love looking out this window. It’s almost like I’m up above the world, untouchable,” he whispered into her neck.
“Mm.”
His glorious kisses continued, and her breathing hitched.
“Sophie, were you able to get on birth control?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That’s good news because I desperately need to fuck you right now.”
She moaned as his hands crept to her breasts.
“May I?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Uh-uh.”
“Yes, Dane.”
“I love to hear my name come from your lips.” He worked free her belt, the buttons on her blouse, and her skirt, letting it all pile on the floor.
Oh God! She was almost naked in front of the window, the huge window facing downtown Dallas and other high-rises.
“Sophie, I can feel you tense. Don’t worry. Remember, the glass of this building is mirrored. No one can see you.”
She exhaled. “Yes, sir—Dane.”
His hands and lips combed her body. Soon, her bra fell to the floor. “Hands on the glass, baby.”
She complied and his long fingers played over and around her sex, then with two fingers hooked on her panties, he slid them to the floor, leaving her naked save for her high heels.
“Fuck, you feel so good.” He toyed with her nipples and caressed her skin, not yet touching her eager clit. How she needed to come. The slickness gathered between her legs.
“Turn around.”
She did as she was told, standing in front of him for his sole viewing.
His lips instantly went to her breasts, sucking, licking, and nipping. Her head fell back against the window.
“Spread your legs wide, Sophie.”
She moved her legs and watched as he undid his belt and pants, allowing his cock to spring free. Her mouth gaped. He had to have the biggest she’d ever seen—purple-tipped, eager, and standing at attention.
His gaze roamed her body as he went to his knees. “Hands on the glass, baby.”
Right.
Thumbs gently glossed over her labia, and she quivered.
He blew across her clit, and she moaned.
Touch me. Please, touch me.
“Your clit is gorgeous. So willing.” He leaned forward and lightly licked her.
Her hips pitched forward.
He slammed his forearm across her mid-section and licked her again, over and over, lapping her entirely.
She stifled a squeal.
The delightful torture brought on an orgasm faster than she’d ever experienced. The electricity shot through her, but Dane didn’t stop. Another orgasm rolled through her, and a trickle slid down the inside of her right thigh.
He had her pinned to lick her still.
“Oh God. Oh God.” She panted for breath as another orgasm started to build inside her.
“Dane. Dane.” She was delirious with lust and passion. Her legs shook, and her third climax rocketed to the surface. She was light-headed, but before she could protest, Dane stood, lifted her leg to his thigh, and drove his huge cock into her.
She cried out, slamming a hand over her mouth that was too late to silence her outburst.
Oh God, he feels so good. She didn’t want it to end, but she'd been so loud, he would probably fire her.
He came with a powerful thrust and a growl at her neck.
Slowly, the wave receded, and he pulled out. “Wait right here.”
He crossed the room to the sink and turned on the hot water. He opened a drawer, took out a washcloth, and wetted it. He wiped himself, then rinsed the washcloth and brought it back to her, wiping the semen that had collected at her sex.
He put himself back together. Then, he collapsed in his chair and stared up at her, his chest rising slightly out of breath.
He was mad; she was sure of it. “I’m sorry I was so loud.”
He blinked. “I don’t care about that.”
Another several beats passed. His silence confused her. Should she get dressed? “Are you mad at me?”
A small smile came to his lips. “No. Just the opposite.” His gaze combed her again from head to toe. “You are a centerfold, Sophie.”
He rose but didn’t touch her. “I’ll want you every day. Dorothy takes lunch about this time every day. When she goes, I want you to come in here so I can fuck you. If we have time, I’ll fuck you twice. Do you understand?”
“Yes, s—Dane.”
“Good. But know this, I will worship your body. You are not just some hole. Like today, I want you screaming out your orgasm. I want you in ecstasy. I want you to crave me filling you as much as I crave you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Dane.”
“Good. You can get dressed now and get some lunch.” He spun away toward his desk and turned on his dual monitors.
And that was her first day at her new job.
Chapter Three
Dane had to be the fucking luckiest man on the planet. His company had posted its best quarterly numbers in history, his ex-wife was out of the country on some girls’ trip, and he was fucking the sexiest damn woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
If Sophie could come to work naked…
Ha! He was crazy.
But fuck, she was incredible. So much built-up sexual tension. She hadn’t been laid in years, he’d bet his last Benjamin on it. He’d taken her every lunch hour, as he promised. On the floor, against the glass, on the sofa, and once over his desk.
The last month since hiring Sophie had been unbelievable. And it was more than sex, at least it seemed that way, but he couldn’t define it.
One Friday night, she stayed late. He’d cleared it with her when her child was at her father’s house so she could “work late”. He had some organizing to do, but nothing critical. He had arranged for the executive chef to bring them dinner before he’d left. Chef was always excited for special requests and the chance to try something new.
Dane and Sophie sat at the table and ate the scallops, asparagus, and rice with an expensive bottle of white he had stashed in his mini-fridge.
Her eyes lit up looking at the spread. And damn, if he didn’t like that expression on her beautiful face.
When they finished, she started. “Dane?”
“Yeah.”
“You said when I interviewed that we had to trust each other. That we would know just about everything about each other.”
“That’s right.”
“So, can you tell me about your ex-wife?”
He exhaled long and slow. Shit! He hated talking about Johanna, the conniving bitch. That was the worst decision of his life. He swallowed the last of his wine and began. “We were married just over ten years. A few years in, something had changed. I denied it, but she wasn’t the same woman I married. I think she was cheating on me, but I didn’t want to believe it. I thought we were just in a slump. Well, she set me up. She hired a woman to seduce me. She has pictures, and right now she’s bribing me with them. The kicker is, she waited until after we were divorced to bring it up. Now, she blackmails me anytime she wants something from me, threatening to spread the news to any tabloid and to Wall Street.”
Sophie’s lips formed a big shocking O. “So that’s what you’re dealing with right now?”
He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck.
She let a moment pass before she rose from her chair and came before him.
He swung his chair away from the table to look up at her.
In an unexpected move, she slowly, piece by piece, took off her clothes and dropped them in a pile on the floor. In just her high heels, she caressed her hands up and down her naked torso, over her breasts, and down to her sex.
Fuck! It was hot.
Then, she lowered herself to her knees and pushed his legs apart to crawl between them.
He was hard for her, and she knew he would be.
Keeping his gaze, she loosened this belt and pants. Pushing the fabric out of the way, she freed his stiff cock and wasted no time taking him into her warm, wet mouth.
“Oh fuck.”
She worked him, and it was like heaven. She took him as deep as she could. No woman had done that to him before. Her gag reflex must have been incredibly low.
When he didn’t think he could hold out anymore, he pulled her back by her hair and rose.
In one swift move, with his arm outstretched, he pushed all the plates, silverware, everything off the table onto the floor. He lifted her onto the table and flipped off her shoes, resting her feet wide on the round table.
“Time for dessert.” And he devoured her dripping pussy.
Her musky scent had him wanting her thrashing beneath him, begging him to put her out of her misery. He licked and twirled, and when he thought she was close to coming, he’d pull back.
“Dane,” she whimpered. “Dane.” She writhed on his table, lifting her pussy closer to his mouth, but it did no good. Her beautiful milky sweetness dripped incessantly.
“Tell me you want my big cock inside you.” He blew over her engorged red clit.
“I want it. Dane. Please.”
“Uh-uh. Say ‘Dane, please fuck me with your big hard cock.’”
She opened her eyes. “Dane, please fuck me with your big hard cock.”
“Good girl.” He pressed his tongue back onto her hard nub, playing and circling it until she bowed of the table and screamed out her orgasm. Her loudest scream yet. Before she completely came down, he stood and thrusted his hard spear into her slick cunt.
“Fuck,” he called out, and in no time, she was coming again on the heels of his cataclysmic climax.
He collapsed over her, and her arms came around him. Normally, he had enough energy to stand and wrap it up. That was what he had done. He wouldn’t linger. This wasn’t some love connection. It was a relationship of convenience. A professional one with additional benefits negotiated.
But this time, he couldn’t move. He was completely spent. She drained him of every ounce of thought and concern. For the briefest of moments, he hadn’t a care in the world. All he knew was the exquisite warmth that filled his inside and wrapped around him on the outside. For the first time in a long time, he felt entirely sated.
He lifted on his forearms, taking the weight off her chest, and looked down at her luminous blue eyes. He could see the same peace in her eyes. It nearly took his breath away.
He gingerly slipped out of her and did his routine of cleaning them both up before she rose to put her clothes back on.
He walked to his computer and clicked open his calendar. “I have a black tie event in two Saturdays. I need you to be there.” Then he stopped himself from sounding like an asshole. “I mean, would you like to come with me?”
The corners of her lips lifted slightly. “Yes, that would be lovely.”
He typed something on his keyboard, then came to her. “I emailed you a list of places where I have a line of credit. You are on the approved list. Please go buy yourself a formal gown, and anything else you would like.” He took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. “Sophie, you have been invaluable to me this last month. Thank you for everything.” He didn’t say thank you very often. Perhaps because he hadn’t thought he ever needed to, but Sophie made him want to.
“You’re welcome. Let me help you clean up this mess.”
He shooed it away. “Don’t bother. The cleaning crew will be in this weekend. I’ll leave them a note to clean the carpet in my office, and it will be perfect by Monday morning.”
She nodded and stood for a moment like she had something more to say. Instead, she smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll see you Monday. Good night.”
“Good night, Sophie.”
She closed the door behind her.
***Sophie lay in bed, staring up at the empty darkness of her bedroom. Images of Dane filled her thoughts as of late, and it was getting worse.
It was like he knew what she needed, when she needed it. Sometimes he’d sit with her for almost an hour, reviewing financial sheet data or getting her input on an investor call. He seemed pleasantly surprised when she knew certain things.
She’d graduated from Michigan and took a position with a small electronics firm as a production manager. It was an incredible learning ground. Things got off-track when she met Brice and accidentally got pregnant. They’d quickly gotten married, and it went downhill from there. Brice had an offer in Dallas and that’s how they moved to Texas. Sophie was fortunate to at least have the kind of job that allowed her some time with her new baby. That was five years ago.
In one respect, she was disappointed she wasn’t using her degree. In another, she was blessed to have Penny in her life. Precocious Penny. She smiled thinking about her precious baby.
Waking up an unused part of her brain now exhilarated her. She was learning so much under Dane’s tutelage, it was exciting. Then there was the sex. Holy Mother of God.
She never knew sex could be so rousing. Her body reacted to his like it was made for him, made to please him. But he was oh-so-good at giving her pleasure too. He’d always made sure she came, at least once. Sometimes more, if there was time.
What didn’t escape her was the fact that he never kissed her on the lips. Never. Not once.
Her throat tightened at the thought. She didn’t know why and was too afraid to ask.
She wanted to kiss him. She wanted everything from him. Well, not everything. She knew better than to think they had any kind of future beyond these two years together. She’d fantasized about it—marrying him, moving in with him, waking up with him so he could make love to her before going to work. But she knew he was never getting into another serious relationship with a woman again. He’d gotten burned and had too much at risk.
That didn’t stop her daydreaming.
Sophie knew there was a chance she was falling in love with him. She tried to rationalize that it was all the sex clouding her judgement, but that was a lie.
She sighed. It was nearly midnight, and she needed to get some rest. The following day she had to report to another building. She had an opportunity to shadow a manager in procurement for the day.
The next day flew by. Sophie wasn’t as tired as she thought she would be, but it was odd not seeing Dane. Then a text came through. Dane.
When you wrap up over there, I need to see you in my office.
Her tummy flipped over. She had an idea what he needed. She texted the sitter asking her to stay later and possibly start dinner as well.
At five-ten, she walked into his office. Dorothy had already gone.
He looked up at her. A fire in his eyes shown that she’d never seen before. He reached beneath his desk and locked the door.
“Strip,” he commanded.
He’d already removed his jacket and tie, and as she slipped off her jacket and blouse, she noticed the remains of a glass of liquor on his desk.
Something happened.
She stepped out of her skirt when he said, “Get over here.”
Her heartbeat ratcheted higher. She crossed to his side of the desk.
He spun her to face the desk. “Hands on the desk.”
She presented her ass to him, still wearing her heels, bra, and panties.
His hands went to her backside, sliding over her skin, then grabbing her panties, he ripped them in two.
She shrieked at the suddenness of his action. The scrap of fabric slid down one leg.
“Legs apart.” She heard him unfasten his pants.
Oh shit!
She separated her legs, and with a hand at her hip, he dove into her barely wet channel, slamming into the end. She screamed.
He pumped into her like a madman, both hands gripping her hips, pulling her onto his cock so he could claim every bit of space her body would give.
He was fucking her. This time was not for her pleasure. It was all for him.
She bit down on her lip and clutched the edge of the desk for purchase. The building moisture slowly eased the discomfort for her.
In just a few short thrusts, he came into her with a growl. His hands crashed down onto the desktop around her, his bursts of breath blowing over her back.
Gee-zus! What just happened? He’d said he wouldn’t use her like some hole, but this was evidence to the contrary.
He pulled out and walked to get a towel. After wiping himself, he tossed the towel on the desk for her. He moved in the front of the window, fixing his pants, and stared out into the nothingness.
She dressed and hid her torn panties inside her purse.
He muttered something she couldn’t hear.
“What?”
He pivoted to meet her gaze head on, his eyes full of remorse. “I’m sorry.”
She nodded. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really.” He let out a sigh and slammed back the last of his drink.
When he didn’t start to speak, she mustered the courage. “I think you at least owe me an explanation.”
The corner of his lip quirked. “You’re right. I do.” He inhaled deeply. “My ex-wife is making my life miserable. Making demands again. She spends money like water flows over Niagara.”
“Didn’t she get a settlement from the divorce?”
“Yes, a healthy one.”
“Dane,” she closed the distance between them, “have you thought of calling her bluff? I mean, how terrible would it be if the pictures came out?”
She held his gaze, witnessing them turn from sorrow to concern in a flash.
“It would be bad,” he muttered and looked off in the distance.
She licked her lips. “I’m sorry.”
His eyes returned to hers, and he shook his head. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who’s sorry. I should have never done that,” he waved a hand toward his desk, “to you.”
She gave him a smile of understanding.
“Go home. Please. Be with your daughter. Do you have a dress?”
She grinned. “Yes.”
“Great. Then I’ll pick you up Saturday at seven.”
“Okay, good night, Dane.” She lifted her purse and looped it through her arm.
“Good night, Sophie.”
Chapter Four
This week had been hellacious. Johanna’s shrill voice still resonated in Dane’s ear.
Dane, do you have my money? Money doesn’t grow on trees you know, so make it happen. Or the voicemail she’d left early in the week: Dane, it seems that my trip to Bermuda cost more than I had expected. I’m gonna need another payment, just as much as last time, sent over ASAP.
Regrettably, he’d taken his frustration out on Sophie. He hadn’t seen her again the entire week as she was with Merlin in Procurement.
But the weekend was finally here. The thought had crossed his mind to skip the banquet. He didn’t really need to attend, but it looked good for him to be there every year. And frankly, being with Sophie would be the highlight for him this year. He hadn’t seen her since Monday. He missed her inquisitive nature, her contagious smile, and her curvy form cradled around him.
The limo stopped in front of Sophie’s adorable, single-story house, and Dane climbed out. He rang the bell and was greeted by a tiny human with sparkling blue eyes and wavy light brown hair.
“Hi. Are you my mommy’s boss?”
“Penny,” he heard from deeper inside the house.
“Hi. Yes, I am. I’m Mr. Dane.”
The nanny appeared and opened the door wider. “Hi. Sorry. Please come in.”
Dane stepped into the great room and looked around at the comfy white sectional sofa, pale green walls, and the few toys scattered about. The room was warm and inviting—a reflection of Sophie’s personality.
Sophie turned the corner and smiled at him.
“Wow.” He scanned her from head to toe. She wore a deep rich, purple sleeveless gown with a high, kimono-style collar, a high side slit up her leg, and the fabric gathered at her waist only accentuated her breasts more.
She turned around. The back of the dress had a cut-out revealing some skin and hugged her ass.
“You look breathtaking.”
She blushed as she stepped closer. “Thank you. You look very handsome too, Mr. Taylor.” He wore his tux. Little thought was required for him to dress for an event like this.
He presented his arm. “Shall we go?”
She took a peek in her tiny black bag. “I’m ready.” She took his arm.
“Bye, Mommy.” Penny ran up to her.
Sophie leaned down to give her a kiss. “Be good tonight.”
The girl grinned.
“See you later, Grace,” Sophie called to the nanny.
“No rush tonight. I already have the guest room made up.” Grace smiled and waved goodbye.
He walked Sophie to the limo and felt like a man on top of the world. He knew this was going to be a great night.
They strode through the doorway of the hotel’s ballroom. The place looked like a palace in England—chandeliers, white clothed tables, floral bouquets, and an ice sculpture set in the center of the hors d’oeuvres bar. People meandered about dressed to the nines in tuxedoes and formal gowns. A four-piece band set up in the center of the side wall played a timeless number.
Quickly, Dane was greeted by Patrick Rodgers of CG&V and his wife, Shelia.
He pecked Shelia’s cheek. “Great seeing you both. Allow me to introduce my date, Sophie St. Charles.”
What?!Where did that some from?
Dane almost drew blood biting his tongue after he’d used the word “date.” Sophie was an employee; this was not a romantic entanglement.
He schooled his features and reprimanded himself to be more cognizant for the remainder of the night.
Patrick and Shelia shook hands, both smiling at Sophie. “Nice to meet you.”
They all chatted, and Patrick promised to call Dane the following week for a game of squash.
Dane retrieved two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed one to Sophie. “Cheers. And thank you again for coming.”
“Thank you for inviting me,” she said with a coy smile.
She didn’t say anything tasteless like that’s what you pay me for. It might have been the truth, but something uneasy bubbled up in Dane’s gut thinking she might only have come because it was in her employment contract.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“Yes. Famished.”
“Okay, let’s grab some appetizers since dinner won’t be served for another hour.”
They filled little plates with samplings of shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, asparagus asiago spears, and more. Dane pointed to a high table next to another couple, Herman and Blanche Parker of The Spine Team, and conversation ensued after the introductions.
Dane loved how Sophie held her own in every topic that came up. She was a natural, confident and easy-going, but not easily swayed. She might have an opinion but wasn’t opinionated. He knew this about her from their time together in the office, but in this setting, he couldn’t have been more pleased.
After a dinner of sea bass, potatoes au gratin, and field greens, Dane found himself mesmerized watching Sophie as she discussed Brexit with Tom Aldridge, CTO of DutchRoyal. She was positively fascinating.
As if sensing his attention on her, she glanced his way and smiled. They quickly wrapped their conversation as a singer came to the mic and announced the dancefloor was open.
Dane was so caught up in the conversation, so relaxed in enjoying his evening with Sophie, he hadn’t even noticed Johanna was at the event. Across the ballroom, she had her hand rested on some poor sucker’s arm as she put on a full-court press, flirting and teasing him.
Dane didn’t know if she even knew he was there.
Sophie leaned in closer. “What’s wrong?”
He peeled his eyes away from Johanna. “Dance with me.”
Sophie’s eyebrows crinkled, but she nodded.
Taking his hand, he led them to the dancefloor. He met Sophie’s gaze—she at least deserved to know. Johanna was the only person on the planet who made Dane uneasy. Multi-million-dollar deals didn’t affect him the way Johanna’s mere presence set his teeth on edge.
“Johanna’s here.”
Sophie gasped lightly, and her eyes scanned the room. “Where?”
“She’s the tall redhead over my right shoulder.”
Sophie stared for several beats then looked back at him. “Do you want to leave?”
“It’s all right.” At least he would tell himself so. “Let’s stay for dessert, then make a decision.”
He held Sophie close, allowing himself a small respite with the gorgeous woman in his arms. Her scent and delicate feel when dancing evoked thoughts of laying her across his bed and feasting on her. He’d claim every inch of her with his hands, his mouth, his cock. He’d find every sacred spot that no man had discovered on her body—a path of discovery he knew would have her writhing and moaning for more.
He pushed the thoughts away. Too much longer, and even his tux jacket wouldn’t hide his tented pants.
After a few songs, they returned to their table where a chocolate lava cake awaited each of them.
Sophie finished dessert, occasionally scanning the room. She watched as Johanna rose from her table, crossed the ballroom, and headed for the ladies room. This was Sophie’s chance.
“Excuse me.” She leaned in close to whisper, then stood to head in the direction Johanna took.
Walking into the restroom, a woman in a black, sequin gown washed then dried her hands before she walked out. Sophie saw only one stall door closed. That would be Johanna.
Here goes.
Setting her phone, she pushed her bag to the center of the vanity. Then she gripped the edge of the countertop and let out a sob. She sniffled a few times, made crying sounds, and soon the tears streamed down.
A few short minutes and Johanna walked out of a stall, her eyebrows trying to pull together.
“Oh.” Sophie rose and blotted her cheeks. “I didn’t know anyone was in here.”
Johanna handed her a tissue. “Are you all right?”
Sophie sniffled and shook her head. “All men are pigs. They let their hands wander and take liberties, wherever and whenever they want,” she muttered, looking down. “Sorry. My boss is a pig.”
Johanna looked her way as she washed her hands. “What an asshole.”
Sophie tapped her chest several times. “And I love my job. I hate the thought of leaving.” Sophie gripped the edge of the counter, hiding the trembling of her hands.
“Why don’t you go to HR?”
“I did. They said they’d ‘look into it’. But I haven’t heard a thing. I know they just want to keep their jobs, and they’re not gonna risk anything for some two-bit secretary.” She wiped away fake tears. “I just wanna…nail his ass but good. Who does he think he is?” She gritted her teeth for show.
“So, rake him across the coals.”
“Sure, but how?” Giving her a look like she’d already thought of that.
“You could record him.”
Sophie lifted her head in feign surprise. “Okaaay.”
“If it’s in his office, you have to be there before him to plant a camera.”
Her eyes looked off to the side, pausing, as if working out the plan in her head. “Yeah.”
“Cameras are cheap on the internet. Maybe get more than one.” Johanna turned to face the mirror and reapply her lipstick. “Everything gets sent to your cell phone."
She nodded. “Right. This is brilliant. How do know all this?”
“I may have used this before,” Johanna replied with a smug smile on her face.
She sent the woman a crocked smile. “You had to have used this… technique,” she pretended like she was searching for an admirable word for the extortion, “once or twice on a boss?”
Johanna’s shifty little eyes scanned the bathroom to make sure they were still alone. “Bosses, ex-husbands. All men are pigs, right?” She flapped her hand, her excessively long fingernails catching the light in the movement.
“I knew it. You’re secretly smart. Like one of those people who look pretty on the outside and because so, everyone underestimates how brilliant they really are on the inside.” Sophie embellished and could literally see the gleam in the woman’s eyes grow.
“You’re right. That’s me exactly. When I had enough of my good-for-nothing husband, I recorded him with another woman. Best three hundred bucks I ever spent.” She folded her arms over her enhanced boobs. “Now, anytime I need to tighten the screws on him, I just flash the tape of his cheating on me. Gets me what I want every time.” She grinned like Cruella de Vil.
Sophie gasped lavishly and swung her arms around the woman. “Oh, thank you. Thank you. This could work. This could really work. And I’m free at last.”
“Indeed.” The woman waggled her over-plucked eyebrows. “Just remember to double check the angles, and you’ll be good to go.”
“I will. I promise.” Turning on the little protégé act was easy with this woman. The woman was dying for attention and accolades anywhere she could get them.
The bitch spun around and headed out the door. Sophie let out a shaky breath.
Chapter Five
Dane glanced at his watch. Sophie had been gone for quite a while, and he was starting to worry.
Just as he’d decided to go hunt for her, his cell phone chimed with a text. It was from Sophie.
Meet me in the lobby.
He furrowed his brows but walked the stretch of the ballroom and out toward the lobby. Sophie stood like a wallflower hidden behind a Ficus tree.
“Sophie, what’s going on?”
“Shh. Follow me.”
He almost corrected her. He wasn’t one who took the orders—he gave them. But he stopped himself, instead, following her down a hallway lined with conference room doors.
She opened the door to the “Shalimar” meeting room and flipped on the lights.
The door closed behind him.
She pulled her cell phone out of her bag. “I ran into Johanna.”
His blood pressure instantly rose ten points.
She cupped her hand over his forearm. “It’s okay. Really.” Then she hit play on her cell phone.
At first it sounded like a woman crying, and quickly he realized it was Sophie. He stared at the phone trying to process. Then he heard Johanna’s voice.
What is going on?
Sophie complained about men being pigs. Him.
His lips pursed, and he glanced her way.
She held up a finger as the recording continued.
He heard Johanna coach Sophie on videotaping him.
Oh shit! This can’t be happening. He was being set up. His stomach dropped to the floor. Johanna continued, and then Sophie complimented her. The blood roared behind his eardrums. This might have been the second-worst day of his life.
The recording ended, and Dane took a step back.
Sophie’s smile fell.
“What do you want?”
She stared at him for several beats, then asked, “What?”
“How much?”
Her eyes grew misty. She looked down at the phone, then up at him. “No,” she squeaked out. “I don’t want your money.”
He took another half-step back, the anger mixing with betrayal, threatening to have him spill his dinner. “It’s all right there, Sophie. Don’t deny it. So, how much?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Oh, this woman is a pro.
“Dane, I don’t want your money. We got her. She’s admitting to everything on tape. You may not be the only one she’s blackmailing.”
His brows pulled together, replaying the conversation he’d heard. “You set her up.”
“Yes,” she whispered, her eyebrows lifting.
It all started to make sense. Sophie baited her, and Johanna fell for it. “Oh my God.”
“Right.” The eagerness returned to Sophie’s voice, and her tears dried. “You’re free.”
Could this be true?
He closed the space between them. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I accused you—”
“Don’t worry about it. What do we do with this?” She wiggled her phone in the air.
“Oh, that’s easy.” He retrieved his phone from his jacket pocket.
“Dane.”
“Gary. I’ve got it. I’ve got Johanna on tape, confessing to the whole thing.”
“No shit! That’s incredible. Can you send it to me?”
“Sure.” He looked at Sophie. “Try and send it to my attorney.” He gave her the email address and waited. It took a solid minute to go through.
Gary spoke. “I think I got it. Yup.”
Dane heard the women’s interaction coming through Gary’s computer speakers.
“Excellent. I’ll take it from here. It sounds like you might not be the only one she’s blackmailing.”
“That’s what Sophie said.”
“Yeah, well, you need to give that woman a raise. I’ll take it from here. Let’s talk Monday.”
“Thanks, Gary.” He disconnected the call.
Dane slipped his phone back in his pocket and stared at the woman beside him. How could he have thought so little of her? “Let’s go.”
Confusion crossed her face briefly before she replied, “Okay.”
Dane gave instructions to the driver. After everything that had happened this evening, and how Sophie stuck her neck out for him, he had only one thing on his mind. Getting her in his bed. Showing her appreciation the best way he knew how when it came to Sophie.
She was gorgeous and smart, and for some reason, loyal to him.
When she’d played the recording for him, Sophie was confused by his reaction. He’d been taken advantage of too many times in the past, and he automatically thought she was doing it as well. It struck like a knife through the heart. She would never do anything like that. If something happened causing her to become unhappy with him or the job, she would just leave. She wouldn’t resort something so slimy. She was not Johanna.
He held her hand as they rode in silence to his condo.
The driver pulled in front of his condo building, and he held open the car door for her.
Something was different. Dane was different. She knew he would be happy with the news of Johanna’s confession, but this was a side she hadn’t seen before in her boss.
Sophie had an idea he wanted to have sex, and a little thrill raced through her when they arrived at his place. They never had sex at his place. This would be a first.
The elevator ride was also silent. She didn’t know if she should say something.
She walked into his spacious condo—a view of nighttime in Dallas beyond the great room which held a large, navy velvet sofa and white leather armchairs.
He pulled on his bow tie, loosened his top two buttons, and laid his jacket over one of the chairs. He approached her and cupped her cheeks, staring into her eyes. “Sophie, I’m sorry about earlier. I should have known you would never betray me like that.”
The warmth from his hands spread through her entire being. “It’s all right,” she managed to squeak out.
He shook his head and stepped closer.
Her hands went to his upper arms. Was he going to kiss her?
He reached behind her neck and unfastened her dress, slowly pushing it off her shoulders to let it pool to the floor.
“God, you’re so beautiful.” His eyes scanned her body and landed on her lips. His thumb glossed over her lower lip. “Shit, Sophie. You make me want to do things I swore I’d never do.”
Her lips parted. “Please do them.”
He hesitated a fraction of a second and stepped closer, his shirt brushing against her hardened nipples. He lowered his lips to hers, testing at first then diving in.
Oh, God, his kiss. He pulled her closer—one arm around her waist, one hand clasping the back of her neck.
