The way she’s eyeballing me, I feel like I’m lacking something. I slyly wipe at my nose to make sure nothing is hanging. From the stare she’s giving me, I feel like something is.
She hangs up the phone and looks up at me with a fake smile. I shake myself from my self-deprecating thoughts. I try not to let my frustration show through and give a fake smile of my own.
“How can I help you?” she asks with another underwhelmed once-over.
“My name is Eva Kennedy, I am here for an interview with Mr. Reynolds,” I reply as pleasantly as I can. I don’t want to piss anyone off before I even get the internship.
Her eyes narrow as she looks me over again. Okay, now she’s just pissing me off. Internship or not I am about to let her have it… is she really glaring at me? What the…
“Eva?” a man questions nervously from behind me.
I turn to find a medium height guy who seems to be in his late thirties or early forties standing behind me. “Yes,” I reply as I look at him questioningly. I’m starting to get a bit uneasy with these two. “I’m Eva.”
“Great, great,” he says giving me a broad grin. “I’m Mr. Reynolds, Troy Reynolds. You have to forgive me. I’m a little thrown off my game. The big boss has never asked to sit in on an intern’s interview. I just called Beth here to let her know I would come to greet you personally.”
I wrinkle my brows, trying to understand what all he’s babbling about. I know King set this all up. Maybe the brother he arranged this through wants to oversee things. King is quite particular when it comes to me.
I lick my suddenly dry lips, feeling the pressure mounting. King may want to see me happy, but I know him. I am sure he has told them not to just give me this internship. Knowing I now have to answer to the higher powers that be has my stomach twisted in knots.
“Okay, I hope I’m not late. I’d hate to have held your boss up,” I say softly.
Reynolds throws his head back and laughs. “No, no, you are just fine. Actually, I was instructed to wait with you in his office. He’s on the way up. You and I can get to know each other while we wait,” he replies, but I’m not too sure I like the way he looks at me when he says it.
I shift on my heels, then on second thought, I straighten my shoulders and lift my head. I will not cower and make a fool out of myself or King. I was raised by a bunch of bikers. This guy is not going to intimidate me.
I vowed last night I wouldn’t find myself in one more crazy situation. Enough is enough already. I nod my head at my thoughts, but Reynolds takes it as my reply to him.
“Come on, Eva,” he says, holding out a hand to show the way. “Let’s head over to the boss’s office. Can Beth get you something to drink… coffee, water perhaps?”
“No, thank you,” I murmur.
“Excuse me for saying this, but we don’t usually get interns as pretty as you around here. Not just pretty, but impressive. I have seen some of your work, you are very talented. I have been looking forward to this interview. We haven’t taken on new interns in a while,” Reynolds rambles on.
“Thank you, I think,” I utter the last part under my breath.
“You’re welcome. So, like I said, I usually don’t have the big boss sitting in on these things, but with your talent, I don’t blame him. I believe you will actually be working as his assistant if you are offered the internship. Which is a great opportunity, by the way. You will get on-site and in-office experience.” Reynolds continues to talk as we enter a large office with windows that open to the city.
He waves for me to take a seat next to him in front of the large mahogany desk. I take in the magnificent office space. The office is large but designed on a curve.
The desk we sit in front of is in the center of the curve, placed in front of an amazing view. The office branches into two sides that anchor the desk. On the right side, is where a drafting table sits with blueprints open on it. It too has a gorgeous view. I would give anything to have an office view like this.
On the other side, not too far from the desk is a comfortable-looking sofa. It’s flanked by two accent chairs and in front of it is a coffee table. Instead of a view, there are pictures on the shelves, but there are a few.
I sit, listening to Troy’s rambling, praying for his boss to arrive. When the double doors we came through finally open, I sigh in relief. Only to suck the air back in as I stare at the man that has just walked in.
Chapter 7
Who I Am
Brick
I smirk at the shocked look on her gorgeous little face. Initially, I had planned to stay far away from Eva and her internship. I was going to let her work with April, one of our designers on a lower level in the building.
That all changed this morning. When I called Troy, I let him know I want Eva as my assistant and I would be a part of her interview process. I know he was thrown off, but what I say goes around here.
Besides, I know Troy and I wouldn’t put it past him to hit on my woman. That shit isn’t happening on my watch. From the look on Eva’s face when I first entered the room, I could tell he has probably already said something that has made her uncomfortable. The guy just can’t help it.
“Good morning, Mr. Mason,” he says.
I glare at his dumbass as I walk to my desk. I told him to wait in the reception area until I arrived. Not in my office. I’m going to have to make some shit clear to him real soon.
I unfasten the button to my suit jacket and run my hand down my beard, all while keeping my eyes on Troy. I see he gets the point, when he squirms in his seat and turns bright red. He’s fucked up.
I sit and glare at him a few seconds longer for good measure, before pulling my eyes away from him and turning to Eva. When my gaze lands on her surprised face, my scowl fades and a smirk forms on my lips.
Eva groans out loud and smacks the palm of her hand to her forehead. “Owen Mason, the Owen Mason, how could I be so stupid. I never put it together,” she whispers almost to herself.
“Not your fault, darlin’. That’s the way I’ve made it.” I chuckle and wink at her, giving her a knowing smile. “You’re just proving I’m doing my job.”
Like I said before. I don’t deny my connection to the Lost Souls, but it isn’t something I broadcast either. When you’re a man as large and wealthy as I am, people are already intimidated. There’s no need to throw my club affiliation on top of that, not unless it’s needed. In some circles, it is a fact best unknown.
Troy gives a nervous smile. “I’m sorry, do you two know each other?” he asks, awarding him my glare once again.
I ignore him and turn back to Eva. “I was impressed when your file came across my desk. Your transcripts are impressive, and your portfolio is amazing. I like that you sent it over as a video presentation, rather than bringing it in the old fashion way. It shows your initiative and innovation.”
I sit back in my chair and stroke my beard again as I watch a stunned Eva process all of this. “What are you looking to get out of this internship, Ms. Kennedy?” I ask trying to keep this as professional as possible.
Eva licks her lips and straightens her back. I can see her mentally pulling herself together, after the initial shock. She’s the sweetest thing ever. I love watching her find her bearings.
“I know that Soul Deep Architecture and Construction is one of the top firms in Georgia.” She pauses and winces. I think it’s once again hitting her, she has missed a big piece to the puzzle here. I try not to laugh at her. It’s really an easy miss.
Besides, while in her apartment, I found her lecture notes on a discussion about my firm. Eva had doodles, scrolls, and sketches all over the sheet. It was clear she paid little attention that day.
She clears her throat and starts again. “I think this will be an opportunity for me to gain some real-life, hands-on experience and to hone my skills.”
“I think this would be the perfect place for you. I plan to give you as much hands-on experience as I can,” I say with a sly smile and in
nuendo laden throughout my words.
Troy clears his throat. He’s starting to annoy me, and I can’t for the life of me remember why I wanted him here in this meeting. If he wasn’t here you would be fucking her, not interviewing her. I have to remind myself.
I cut my eyes at Troy and suck my teeth, like something nasty is in them. Troy smooths down his tie, before looking between Eva and me. I don’t like the way his eyes linger on her breasts and legs. I have to stifle the growl that tries to rise up in my throat.
“Eva, I think there’s great potential for growth for you here,” Troy starts with a smug smile. “Working with Mr. Mason will set your career off in the right direction.”
I grunt in response to his interruption. I’m sure he thinks he’s doing his job, but his welcome has just run out. I’m not interested in having company any longer.
“Troy, I would appreciate if you would get Ms. Kennedy squared away to start her first day. You can leave the package she needs to sign with Beth, and I will take care of the rest,” I say and wave a dismissive hand.
Troy blinks at me a few times. This isn’t how things are normally done, but Eva had the internship well before today. I really was impressed with the email she sent with a full presentation on her and her skills. It was cute and brilliant at the same time.
“Oh… well… it was a pleasure meeting you and welcome, Ms. Kennedy. I look forward to seeing you around the office,” Troy says as he comes out of his shock. “I’ll get right to it, boss.”
I refrain from rolling my eyes at the little kiss ass. I just want him out of my office. Eva mutters her thanks and Troy finally takes my glare for what it is. He hurries from my office, leaving me alone with a stunned Eva. I sit for a few moments waiting for her to speak up.
“What happened, baby? Cat got your tongue.” I laugh when she says nothing.
Eva
Yes, a cat has my tongue. So many things are running through my head. Granted, I know more about the architecture firms in South Carolina than the ones in Georgia, because I had always planned to go back home after graduation. I wanted to do my internship in South Carolina as well, but King set this interview up here.
I’ve heard a lot about Soul Deep Architecture and Construction in my classes, but as I said, I gave it little attention because my heart has been set on going back home. Last semester, Professor James ranted on and on and on about the genius behind the Soul Deep Architecture and Construction company.
He spoke of how young the CEO and his team are. He went on about how great their ideas and designs have been in the last few years, gaining them multiple high-paying contracts. That’s why I was so excited when King said he got me the interview.
I have never known what Brick does for a living and for all intents and purposes, until last night, I have only ever addressed him as Brick. The bells never went off in class when his last name was mentioned.
Our professor mentioned the CEO of Soul Deep Architecture and Construction isn’t really big on photos. A Tony Tracey is the face of the company. Now him, I remember, he’s gorgeous and his face is always on the cover of a magazine. Where Brick is rough, but well-groomed, Tony is the clean-cut all-American boy. I was expecting him to walk through those doors, not Brick, freaking Owen Mason.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I finally push out.
“I had no intention of interfering originally,” Brick rumbles in that deep sexy voice. Everything about him is sexy.
His voice drives me nuts and each time he strokes his beard, I want to run my fingers through it. I love that while his hair on his head is a copper blond his beard leans more on the side of being a true red. His lips are full enough not to be consumed by his facial hair.
He’s killing the tailor-made charcoal suit he has on. The gray tie around his neck is doing something fierce to his green eyes. I feel a shiver run through me as his gaze pierces me.
“What changed your mind?” I murmur.
He lifts to his full height and moves around the desk, until he’s standing before me. He leans against the desk and looks down at me. I fight not to squirm in my seat.
“You,” he says and holds his hand out. I place mine in his without further thought. He pulls me into his arms. “I would much rather have you with me each day. I think I have become addicted to you, Eva.”
His words are breathed into the crook of my neck. I shiver and wrap my arms around his neck. He tightens his embrace around me, slipping his hands down to cup my ass. When I wiggle my behind in his hold, he growls into my heated skin.
“Owen,” I whimper when he sucks my skin into his mouth.
“I have a full hour to indulge in your delicious body, Eva. I’m not going to make it through the day without being inside you at least once,” he says huskily.
“Yes, please,” I beg.
Just as fast as the words leave my mouth, I’m flat on my back. A gasp leaves my lips as I hit the desk and look up into blazing green eyes. Owen is so large looming over me.
“I love that begging, darlin’. Think you can keep that up for me while I eat this pussy? Will you do that for your man?” Owen says. His drawl is heavy and sexy as hell.
And there he goes calling himself my man again. Is that who he is now?
“Owen,” I say softly. My gaze pleading with him not to make me feel like shit for asking with whatever answer he gives. “What is this? What are we doing?” I bite my bottom lip, but I refuse to take my eyes off of him.
He wrinkles his brows and pauses his hands that were pushing up my skirt. “I thought I made that clear already,” he says with a scowl on his handsome face. He leans into me and takes my lips with his. I grab onto his suit jacket to keep from drowning.
I whimper his name when he breaks the kiss. Breathless, I cup his face as he stares into my eyes. Suddenly, all lightness leaves the room and I know his next words are going to be heavy.
“You belong to me, Eva. You’re my woman and I’m your man. I know I owe my pound of flesh for taking you the way I did, without going to King first, but it’s done. I will pay whatever price is owed. I’m not letting you go. Now come here, I want you even more,” he commands.
His lips meet mine with impatience and a passion I have never known. I push his suit jacket from his shoulders. He tosses it behind him. In a flash he has his hands under my skirt, tearing my panties down my thighs.
Owen breaks the kiss to drop to his knees. Pushing my skirt up over my hips to my belly, he releases a groan. He hooks my legs over his broad shoulders. I cry out when he places his large hand on my belly and flicks his tongue out over my slit.
He hums a throaty sound but doesn’t pause in his full-on assault. I lock my fingers in his copper locks and hold on tight. His beard only adds to the pleasure as it brushes my soft skin.
I sort of forget we’re even in his office as I sing his name and pant for more. I beg just like he asked me to. I only remember where we are when both his office and cell phones start to ring.
I clamp my mouth shut, but Owen doesn’t seem to care as he doesn’t stop for a single second. He actually shoves his face further into my folds. I hold my cries in as my legs begin to quiver. I’m dripping all over his desk.
“Eva,” he growls into me.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I can’t hear you, baby,” he groans. “I feel you about to come, but I don’t hear you. What’s the fucking problem?”
“Owen,” I moan. “I can’t, we’re in your office. Someone might hear.”
He lifts to his feet, unfastens his belt, and shoves his suit pants down his hips. His thick cock springs free, looking swollen and angry—if that’s even possible. He pushes my thighs further apart and shoves his rock hard length into me. We both cry out as my channel sucks him in and tightens around him.
“Mmm, ah, shit,” he grunts and leans to kiss me with my juices clinging to his lips and beard. “Do you think I give a shit?” he grinds out as he pounds into me. “I own this pussy and I want to hear you say
it. Don’t ever hold back from me.”
“Oh God, yes,” I cry out loudly, so loudly, I nearly miss the shouting and pounding outside the office door.
Owen, however, seems to totally miss the noise as he continues to thrust into me. “My Eva,” he breathes as he gives me hard long strokes, then follows with hard short ones.
My toes curl in my heels and I grab a hold of the back of his sweat-drenched dress shirt. I’m in a cross between ecstasy and confusion. He feels so good, but the shouting and pounding outside the door is getting louder.
As if he can tell my focus isn’t solely on him, he pushes his fingers into the back of my bun and pulls my head back until I have no choice but to look into his eyes. With his other hand, he grabs a hold of my butt cheek and squeezes hard. He drills into me without mercy, rolling his hips at just the right angle.
He looks so sexy as his nostrils flare, he bites down on his lip, and his eyes roll back. I think I’m coming just over the beauty of watching him enjoy being inside me. The grunts and groans are just the perfect complement to the perfect meal. Owen is just that delicious.
“I’m coming,” I gasp in awe.
“Fuck, I know, baby. Shit, I’m right with you,” he bellows.
His hot seed bursts into me as my walls quiver and contract around him. It is then when the air in the room changes, I become aware the banging has stopped. Owen is quick to pull me into his chest before he turns his head to look over his shoulder.
His body tenses against mine. “I know I locked that fucking door from my desk, so why the fuck is she standing in my office?” he demands.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Mason,” comes the voice of a female. I think it’s that receptionist.
I peek around Owen’s large body and sure enough, it’s her, standing there with a smug, disgusted look on her face. The bitch’s smile soon fades with Owen’s next words.
Forever Page 5
