by Bonnar King
“You’re not that hot,” I said simply.
Caden chuckled, and the low sound reverberated down my spine. It was a good thing I was facing the elevator door and he was behind me. He couldn’t see my hardening erection, which I was now hiding by holding my clipboard in front of me.
Yes, Caden was hotter than hot.
But he didn’t need to know that. He already had every omega’s eyes on him everywhere he went.
The elevator dinged before my thoughts ran away again. We stepped out, and my excitement changed to awe as I had another glimpse of the huge laboratory that took up two entire floors of the building—one in the basement area and the other on the second floor. The one in the basement was where initial projects and rough drafts were done—or, in short terms, it was where the dirty job was situated. While Caden also visited the second floor to see the hardware prototype designs and the testing was handled, before being sent to the manufacturers.
Obviously, Caden had a lot on his mind right now as he approached the developer in charge right away and got down to talking. I stayed beside him and took notes, even while my eyes wandered.
For a computer lab, the place was very smooth and polished, with a table for every task and gathered employees doing their specific jobs with utmost concentration. No energy drinks and pizza boxes laying around here. I could see some soldering done in one section, while another section drew out plans and sketches for designs using a computerized system, where what they drew on the table got projected on a screen in front of them. On another part of the lab were the programmers, with a Do Not Disturb sign just in front of their desks.
But raised voices brought my attention back. I paused from my notes, watching as Caden and Martin, the main developer, got into a quiet argument about one of the features they wanted to add in the new software app Martin was developing. Martin wanted to add extra features to it, while Caden wanted to simplify it because he felt it would overcomplicated the app that was loved by its users for its simplicity. They went back and forth, not one of them giving an inch of space or leeway to the other. But what fascinated me was how despite the increasingly heated argument going on between them, there was no sign of mockery or insults at all. Caden never berated Martin for doing what he wanted without consultation, while Martin never made snide remarks about Caden barging in on their expertise. They even invited the other minor developers and some consultants into the discussion, making me realize one thing.
They were enjoying this.
Caden was enjoying this.
They were essentially two alphas having a fight, but by using their intellect rather than physical attributes. I guess they both needed this. Me on the other hand—I hated such confrontations such as this. Maybe that was just my omega nature.
There was a certain spark in Caden’s eyes, just like when I’d accompanied him before. It was a spark that spoke of passion at what he was doing, and I suddenly knew he didn’t view this as a task, but something he wanted to truly do to improve the product.
It was another aspect of Caden that I didn’t expect. But he proved further and further that how casual he was with omegas, but when it came to being a leader of alphas and running this business, he was in direct contrast—and great, absolutely great, with knowledge that boggled my mind. The alpha was a real genius, and I was witness to it as he cornered Martin until the developer, along with the others, finally realized the point he’d been trying to drive across from the very beginning.
“Martin, I love what you and your team have been doing. I appreciate everything you guys do. You’re pushing the boundaries and going beyond the call of duty for our flagship product. I have no intention of telling you all to suddenly stop innovating. We are the market leaders because of you guys. What I am trying to get across to you guys is that this app is loved worldwide of its fast load-times and simplicity. If we start introducing advanced features to it that just a handful of people will use, we’ll lose all the other users. I don’t want you to have wasted your efforts, so why don’t we create a separate product with these features and market this to the power users?”
When Martin smiled and said he liked that idea a lot, Caden shook his hand, then they were back to laughing and discussing sports and other macho alpha things.
Mentioning the word ‘power users’ was a surefire way to capture Martin’s attention. Caden was a master at negotiations and handling other alphas.
As we made our way back, I could see Caden’s demeanor had changed to a more positive one.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” I muttered under my breath.
“I love this stuff. Times like this remind me of the early days if starting this company. Now let’s go before Martin changes his mind again.” Caden grinned, and it was so sexy that I had to look away. I felt his hand move from my arm to my lower back, and my stomach fluttered.
“Do you alphas often argue like that?” I asked curiously as I stepped in the elevator.
“It wasn’t an argument,” he replied. “It was a friendly discussion between minds with different ideas.”
I couldn’t help it. Caden sounded so cocky and cheeky at the same time that I grinned. I hid it by turning away from him, hearing him step in the elevator and the closing doors.
“Well, all I have to say is it was a very educational…”
My words trailed off when I turned back and found Caden just inches away from me. My breath caught in my throat when I saw the look in his eyes. Immediately, I took a step back until I was backed to the elevator wall.
Caden took a step forward.
“You know what else is educational?” Caden asked, softly.
“Not you trying to seduce me,” I said hurriedly. But while my words were firm, my body was yielding as he lightly pressed his against it. “Caden?”
“Hmm?”
“If you think I’m going to allow you to do this to me in this elevator, then you’re going to receive the biggest slap on the face right now. I’m not that kind of omega.”
There was a soft chuckle that breathed warmth into the skin of my cheek, causing goosebumps. Then it was gone as quick as it came as Caden stepped back and leaned on the other side of the elevator, placing his hands inside his pockets. The pose emphasized his pants, which were tight around his hard, muscled thighs, and the huge bulge in between his—
My eyes shot up, horrified. They met his darkening blue ones and the knowing glint in them.
“I know you’re not one of them,” Caden replied easily. Slowly. “That’s why I’m going to take my sweet time with you.”
Oh, God.
“You’re not going to get anywhere,” I said firmly.
He smiled slowly. “If you say so.”
“Stop fantasizing,” I added. “It’s not going to happen.”
“If you say so,” Caden repeated intimately. “But you can’t stop my dirty fantasies.”
The elevator dinged open. Then he was walking ahead of me, a confident strut. I glared at his back, even while the thought of him having dirty fantasies got my cock so hard it was difficult to walk.
I absolutely needed some time away from Caden—otherwise, I was going to spontaneously combust before I could stop myself.
The days flew by, and at last Friday came.
“Tony!” Kevin said excitedly, standing in front of my desk. “Congratulations!”
“Huh?”
“You’re survived two months in this crazy place!”
I blinked. It’s only been three months? Somehow it seemed longer. I smiled at him. “Yay.”
“We should celebrate.”
“I have some paperwork to finish—” I began, but Kevin interrupted me with a definite whine.
“Tony. Come on, now. Don’t you want to toast to this?”
I opened my mouth to counter again. But before the words could come out, someone interrupted again.
But it wasn’t Kevin.
“You should go out and celebrate,” Caden said easily, stand
ing beside Kevin. Kevin looked up at him, startled, and he gave Caden a charming smile. I watched Kevin practically melt into a puddle on the floor.
Then Caden turned to me. “Leave the paperwork, it won’t go anywhere. Go celebrate. Then pack your bags tonight.”
I blinked. “Bags?”
Caden nodded. “We have weekend work. We’ll go somewhere to brainstorm. I need you to work with me on more ideas for the product launch. It has to be perfect.”
“The whole weekend?” I asked incredulously.
Caden smirked. “Yes. You’ll enjoy it.”
Then he was off. I glared at his back, disbelief coursing through me that he expected me to oblige him.
Well, of course. He was my boss and this was work-related, but the weekend was my time.
When Caden was gone, I leaned my forehead on my desk and groaned. I heard Kevin sigh dreamily beside me.
“So. Work, huh?”
“It’s just work,” I insisted. “Let’s just eat and get this over with.”
“You do know every omega wishes they were having weekend work with Caden?”
“Yeah, well, they’re free to work for it,” I said, just a little heatedly. Kevin eyed me knowingly and made no further comment.
Hopefully I’ll get food coma later.
13
Caden
I could tell Tony was impressed but nervous as he stood in my private airport hangar, where my private jet was waiting for us.
“We’re flying in that jet?” Tony asked.
“Yes.”
“Is it… safe?” Tony asked.
I raised a brow at him. “I’m the pilot. I haven’t crashed it yet.”
Tony gulped. “I don’t like flying.”
“Trust me, you’ll like this one.”
A few minutes later, we were both strapped in, and then I was flying the plane in the air and watching as Tony’s nerves turned to awe. The view below was sparkling oceans before we got to our destination, which was a property I owned in the mountains with a private log cabin and a spectacular view.
Tony was quiet as we entered the cabin and I brought in the bags, and I knew he hadn’t expected the cabin to be so big—and luxurious. We went back out towards the lake, and it was as clear as I remembered, tempting me to get in.
Of course, I never fought what tempted me.
Without much hesitation, I quickly removed my clothes until I was down to my boxers. Then I dove in, ignoring the gasp before the water swallowed me whole. It was cool and crisp, and I felt energized as I pushed up for air.
Tony was staring at me in shock from the wooden deck. I grinned at him.
“Come on. The water’s amazing.”
Tony shook his head. I shot him a look.
“If you don’t, I’m going to grab you by the legs and—”
Obviously, he didn’t like that and hurriedly stripped off his clothes, glaring at me.
My mouth went dry at the sight of Tony’s perfectly tight body. Before I knew it, he was diving in, too, then racing up to gulp some air and shake his wet hair.
What a vision. I felt myself hardening inside my boxers.
Distance, I reminded myself. I swam to put that distance in place, and Tony’s eyes followed my movements. He didn’t move from his position, so I used it as an opportunity to ask him what he envisioned for our app launch.
“Class,” Tony said. “Elegance.”
“Boring,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “You can get those anywhere.”
“Not necessarily,” Tony shot back. “Class and elegance can’t be bought.”
“Fine. What else do we add? That’s just the backdrop.”
We began throwing ideas at each other while enjoying the warm, fresh water, and it allowed me to delve more into the brilliant mind of my personal assistant. We spouted off colors and themes, rejecting with brutal honesty those that were too tacky. We had late lunch on the cabin’s deck, and Tony only mentioned once how much he found the house pretty. That he wouldn’t bring it up again or never asked about anything related to price showed that he valued the quality and aesthetics of it more than the worth, and for some reason, that made me smile.
Afternoon turned into night, where we moved over to build a small fire by an open clearing situated between the lake and the cabin. We kept discussing as we roasted marshmallows over the fire and drank some wine, and I noticed that whatever distance between us was now gone as we sat beside each other. There was a certain brightness on Tony’s face as his mind worked overtime. He was in his element, and I couldn’t stop watching him.
I also couldn’t stop wanting him.
“You know, we should hang out like this more often,” I suggested casually.
Tony shot me a look, not fooled at all. I chuckled. “And have everyone gossiping about us? No, thanks.”
“You really shouldn’t be paying attention to gossip.”
“And you should be paying attention to the launch rather than flirting with me,” Tony shot back.
I saluted him and we kept talking. Quietly, I watched his hand movements as he got more excited with his ideas. I was impressed. Most of the launch ideas I approved of actually came from him, and again, it made me realize just how valuable he was.
His soft hair moved in the firelight, and I was already lifting my hand up to play with it—and perhaps more than play, because what I really wanted to do was pull him closer and just kiss the hell out of him, damn the consequences.
But there were too many consequences now than I was prepared for.
So, I fisted my hand back at my side and called it a night. Tony yawned and agreed, and we quietly walked back to the house.
“You’re brilliant,” I couldn’t help blurting out.
Tony looked up and met my gaze. Fire burned between us, brighter than the fire we had made outside.
“I mean that,” I continued. “Thanks for coming with me here.”
Tony’s eyes softened with surprise. Hell, I surprised myself. Desire rose up in me, and I watched it reflect in his.
“Thank you,” Tony said softly. “I’m glad you think so.”
“Tony?”
“Yes?”
“Lock your door tonight.”
Shock replaced the softness—then, wariness. Tony nodded uncertainly before backing away into his room, his eyes never leaving mine. Fuck. I should march over right there and take him right now.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I watched the door close and listened to the quiet click of the lock.
Then I sighed and walked over to my room, knowing tonight, my dreams were going to be filled with green eyes and soft, husky murmurs.
14
Tony
The upcoming launch was tonight—holy cow, tonight—and I didn’t think we were as prepared as we should have been. Caden, in the meantime, told me to relax, because apparently all I needed to do was get dressed and show up.
Right. Caden was forgetting that I still needed to know the guest list and who they actually were so I wouldn’t embarrass him. Or myself.
I got started on the research right away, because that’s exactly what I was good at. The launch was going to be preceded by the board, along with all their investors and important clients. There would also be selected media in the venue, as well as models and actors and basically anyone who was anyone in the world of cutting-edge technology and entertainment.
And of course, Caden’s father—his only direct family—was going to be there.
This was going to be a piece of cake.
By the time noontime hit, I was halfway through the guest list when Caden called.
“Do you have a suit to wear? I can send one over right now.”
“What do you have in mind?” I asked cautiously.
“Something smart and sexy, for starters,” Caden intoned suggestively.
I rolled my eyes. “No, thanks,” I said sweetly. “I’d rather eat dirt.”
There was a chuckle which I cut off by hangi
ng up on him. Caden didn’t call back, and I knew he was busy but just wanted to tease me relentlessly. The ass. To get it out of my mind, I stress-ate some sandwiches and chocolates, then continued with my guest list review.
Three in the afternoon came and went. I took a shower and looked through my closet, finding a gray suit that I hadn’t worn in forever. It was only when I donned it on and looked at myself in the mirror that I realized it wasn’t as good as I remembered. I’d grown just a tad bit thin from work stress, and the once fashionably well-fitting suit now looked like a sack on my figure.
Four in the afternoon rolled, and I was sort of panicking. I tried on all my other outfits, but none of them seemed formal enough for a night at the party. Trying to calm down, I called Kevin, who answered on the second ring.
“Help. I don’t have a suit to wear.”
He was in my apartment in less than twenty minutes, dragging a huge suitcase with him. I stared in disbelief as the blonde began to unpack clothes and throw them at me one by one.
“These were the suits in my unlocked drawer,” I said, staring at the material in my hand. Caden’s gifts, which I left in the office and never bothered to check.
“Yeah, I dropped by to get some stuff. Your boss has excellent taste.” Kevin grinned. “Swallow your pride and try them on.”
Realizing I had no choice in the matter, I did as Kevin asked and began to try them on. But half an hour later, I realized that Caden had chosen skinny suits for me that hugged my legs and showed off my ass—probably because he wanted to be tempted to take it off me when he expected me to go on that eluded date with him.
Ha. I was so going to kill that alpha.
“You know, you could always take the risk—”
“No,” I said firmly, cutting off Kevin. “I need something conservative.”
“And look like a Sunday school teacher?” Kevin asked incredulously. “I mean, we’re both nerds and not as fashionable as Nathan and the others—”
