by Kay Manis
I laughed, remembering I’d worn the panties he’d given me.
“God, I love this,” he said with a raspy voice as his hand slipped beneath the elastic border.
“She loves you too.” I laughed.
“She?”
“My kitty.”
“Oh, yes.” He smirked, tugging my panties down past my ankles and throwing them carelessly behind him. He lowered his head and placed hot kisses against my skin.
“Oh my God, Rory.”
“What?” He raised his head, panic in his sky-blue eyes.
“Don’t stop,” I moaned breathlessly
“Anything you say, Miss Hagen.”
His mouth worked me over with great care and diligence. I was on the verge of a major cataclysm that threatened to destroy me. But what a way to go, as Rory had said.
A knock on the door brought me back to the present. I lifted on my elbows, trying to move but Rory didn’t stop. His tongue continued its delicious assault. I pushed at his head but he stayed where he was.
“Hindley, are you there?” a familiar voice called at the door.
Oh, God. Michael. I needed to get up and answer.
Rory was relentless as he pushed me higher to the peak. I couldn’t have stopped him even if I wanted to, which I didn’t.
Another knock came but I dug my fingers into Rory’s hair, keeping his head firmly in place.
He laughed, and I felt the vibrations against my sensitive skin.
“Shh,” I whispered, my voice broken and breathless.
I fought the screams that threatened as his mouth and hands ravished my body. Knowing I was about to scream, I grabbed a pillow next to me and covered my face, biting into the material to muffle my cries. My body stiffened as the first wave of pleasure rolled over me. Heat shot through my body and my arms and legs tingled to the point of pain as Rory brought me to the edge just before pushing me over.
My body stilled and he slowly pulled away. I groaned from the loss.
Rory crawled up my body and pulled the pillow away, staring down at me. That notorious smirk appeared.
“Proud of yourself?” I whispered.
“Very.” He lowered his head and kissed me tenderly. His kisses only made the aftershocks more intense and I moaned.
“Shh,” he said, placing a finger against my lips.
I studied him, afraid he was still upset about my earlier interaction with Axel. He smiled, every trace of anger seemingly gone, replaced with joy. “Better?”
I nodded, reaching up to stroke his face. In that moment I knew I’d walk through fire every day of my life to see him happy.
“I better go,” he whispered in my ear. “Until next time, baby.” He gently pecked my cheek. Before I could gather my wits to say goodbye, he disappeared through our Magic Door.
I stretched out on the mattress, gloriously naked, and completely satisfied.
Chapter 17
-HINDLEY-
By the time I finally pulled myself together and dressed again, Michael had already left, thank goodness.
I glanced down at my watch and realized why he’d been here. It was ten minutes until seven and we were due down in the restaurant for our meeting with Rory soon.
I studied my image in the bathroom mirror. Good Lord, I was a hot mess—hair tangled, makeup smeared, eyes screaming that I’d been thoroughly satisfied. I smiled at my reflection. I looked good with the afterglow of sex on my face.
Although I liked the look, I knew Michael would see straight through me. I needed to shower and change. Being fashionably late was supposed to be a woman’s perogative, right?
By the time I reached the restaurant, it was twenty minutes after seven, and Michael and Rory were already deeply engrossed in conversation. I thought it interesting because the two had never socialized before. Perhaps Michael was more interested in the industry than I thought.
Before I reached our table, a hand darted out and grabbed my arm.
“There you are,” Axel said.
Shit.
“I’ve been holding a table for us.” He pointed to a booth in the corner that looked private, intimate, and dangerous.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Axel, I already have an appointment with Rory and my boss. Can I get a rain check?”
“Certainly,” he said. I was surprised that he’d given up so easily. “Why don’t I meet you at the bar later, say around tenish?”
Bar? Rory would never let that happen. But he didn’t have a choice. I didn’t have a choice. This was my career, and Mr. Stedwick had made it perfectly clear, he expected me to succeed at whatever cost.
“Are you sure you want to stay up that late?” I asked. “Tomorrow’s competition schedule is supposed to be pretty grueling and starts early.”
“Oh, it’s sweet that you’re concerned.” He reached out and stroked my face.
I pulled away.
He cocked a brow. “I have more stamina than most of these guys on tour.” He winked and I thought I’d barf. This guy was a predator. Every cell in my body went on high alert.
“All right then, ten o’clock it is,” I said. I didn’t have a choice. I just prayed I could make Rory understand between now and ten.
“Looking forward to it, Hindley.” His voice was filled with sexual innuendos that had my skin crawling.
Without glancing back I walked away, praying I could get out of this awful mess with as little collateral damage as possible.
Dinner with Rory and Michael wasn’t over until almost 9:30 p.m. Apparently, Michael had lots of plans for Rory’s future.
Normally, I wouldn’t have minded, and part of me was excited to hear how involved Michael wanted to be. But I needed to get Rory out of here so I could explain the situation with Axel.
His eyes had been locked on mine most of the evening, and not in a good way. Michael had to focus Rory’s attention back to the item at hand more than once. He was doing nothing to help me convince Michael that our relationship was purely professional.
Rory finally excused himself, feigning his need for rest before tomorrow’s competition.
Michael tried to get me to stay behind to discuss business but I convinced him that I still wasn’t feeling well. I told him I must have slept through his earlier knocks, but inside, I was smiling at the memories of Rory’s face buried between my legs.
By the time I got to my room, Rory was sitting in a chair, one ankle propped on the knee of his other leg. His hands were balled into fists in his lap and his face was taught with what seemed tempered fury. This was not good.
“What’s going on, Hindley?” he growled.
I tossed my purse on the bed and walked toward him. “It’s not what you think.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking?”
“Because I know you.” I uncrossed his legs and knelt between them. “I love you. That’s how I know.” I rubbed my hands up and down his thighs, trying to contain the anger burning in his eyes.
“I’m not going to like what you have to say, am I?”
I shook my head.
“You know I hate him.”
I knew who he was talking about. I didn’t care for Axel much myself either. I drew in a deep breath, trying to figure out where to start. The beginning seemed like a good idea.
“Apparently, Axel’s manager has asked our law firm to represent him.”
“Your law firm?” His brows furrowed. “Is that why Michael is here?”
I shook my head. “Not exactly.”
“What exactly then, Hindley?” His words shot out like a machine gun and I feared how he may react next.
“Rory, you have to know, I had nothing to do with this. It’s completely out of my control.”
“Just tell me, Hindley.”
“Axel’s team has asked for me to personally represent him. Mr. Stedwick thinks it’s a good idea and is basically forcing me to.”
Rory closed his eyes and drew in a breath.
“There’s more,” I whispered.
He raked his h
ands through his hair and let them rest on top of his head as he blew out the breath he’d been holding. “Tell me the more.”
“They want Michael to take over your career. They want me to concentrate on Axel and Humberto.”
He sat up straight as if he’d been shocked. “Who the fuck is Humberto?”
“Rory, you have to understand. This is my job. I have to seek out new clients for the firm.”
“Who. The fuck. Is Humberto?”
“He’s the backup quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, I’ve told you this. His contract with his current agent is up soon. We’ve watched the films on him and Luis, Michael and I agree that he’s an up and coming player worth our investment.” There, I’d said it, let the shit fly where it may.
“Investment? What the fuck does that mean?”
“Rory, please. Mr. Stedwick is forcing my hand. I don’t want to do this. I don’t like Axel any more than you. You know you’re the only person I want to represent.”
“Do I?”
My head jerked back as if he’d slapped me, the sting of his accusation burning something deep inside me. “Of course you do. What are you insinuating? That I purposely sought out Axel Pretorius to represent?”
He didn’t answer.
Anger welled up inside of me and I jumped to my feet. I would not take a subservient position with him now. “Don’t you dare question me, Rory Gregor. I don’t like the guy either but this is my job. What part of that do you not understand?”
“So quit.”
“I can’t quit.”
“Why not?”
How could I explain this to him without revealing what Mr. Stedwick had insinuated?
Rory stood and grabbed my arms. “What has happened that would make you agree to take on the one man in this world who I asked you—no, begged you—to stay away from?”
I wiggled, trying to free myself from his hold. “It’s complicated.”
“Well, uncomplicate it, Hindley.”
I loved Rory and I didn’t want to screw this up—not because of Axel Pretorius, and certainly not for Aston Stedwick. My stepfather’s well-being was the only thing that would make me risk more than I was comfortable with.
“Tell me, Hindley.”
I pulled from his hold and stepped back. “Mr. Stedwick sort of blackmailed me.”
“How? With what?”
“With Paul.”
“What about Paul?”
“Mr. Stedwick and the law firm have substantial investment holdings in Paul’s company. If they remove their money, it could financially bankrupt Paul.” I exhaled a long, deep breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.
“Did Paul force you to take this job?”
“No, of course not. But he knows I’m aware of his financial situation.”
Rory fell back into the chair and scrubbed a hand down his face. “Well, fuck me.”
“Tell me,” I moaned, falling onto the bed. “Oh, crap. What time is it?”
Rory looked down at his watch. “Ten-o-five. Why?”
Shit. How the hell was I going to explain this one?
He scooted to the edge of his chair. “What is it, Hindley? Just tell me.”
“I’m supposed to meet Axel in the bar at ten. To discuss his future with our firm.”
“He hasn’t signed a contract yet?”
I shook my head.
“Well, fuck him then.”
“Rory, you know I can’t do that.”
“Then I’m coming with you.” He marched toward the door. “There’s no way that prick is going anywhere near you all alone, especially not in a bar. He’s dangerous, Hindley.”
“You can’t come with me.”
He turned and stared at me, his face stern and serious. “There is no way that motherfucker is going to put his hands on you again. Do you understand me? Do you know how fuckin’ hard it was to see that shit?”
I did know. I had seen it in Rory’s eyes the moment it happened.
“I had to take an hour-long walk in the cold-ass Canadian outdoors just to cool down. I was so afraid I was going to bash his fuckin’ head in.” His eyes pleaded with me. “He’s dangerous, Hindley.”
“I know.” Rory didn’t have to tell me, I already knew Axel Pretorius was a threat.
“This isn’t about jealousy, Hindley, I swear.” He came closer and took my hands in his. “I’m sorry, I’m worried about you, about your safety, and it’s driving me crazy. Axel has assaulted women.”
“It’s not like I asked to represent him, Rory.”
He stared at me for a long time, jaw clenched as he squeezed my hands.
“Look. Why don’t you let me go,” I said. “I can handle him. Then when I’m done, I’ll come back here and we can talk about the future. How to handle this situation going forward.”
He rolled his eyes and I feared I was losing him.
“Rory, I’ve told you everything about my past, my entire life. Things I’ve never told anyone. I love you and nothing will change that. Not any contract, not any job, not any client. I swear. Please believe me.”
His blue eyes searched mine. “I believe you but I worry about you too.”
“I know.” I lifted up on my toes and kissed his cheek before pulling my hands from his. “I promise to be done by 10:30 p.m., 10:45 p.m. at the latest.”
Before he could argue more, I rushed to the door. Stopping to grab my purse, I thought about looking back but thought better of it. The sooner I got this over with, the sooner I could get back to the man I loved.
I slipped onto the barstool next to Axel. “Sorry I’m late.”
He swung his legs around, trapping mine as he rubbed against me.
Alarm bells rang in my head but I tamped down my fears.
“No worries,” he said. “I knew you’d be down eventually.” He took a long drink from his beer. “How’s Rory doing?”
“Oh, um, dinner went well.” I wanted to give him as little details as possible when it came to Rory.
“Would you like something to drink?” He motioned toward the bartender. The glassy look in his eyes told me he’d had enough for the both of us.
“No, I’m fine. I’m really not feeling well so I’d like to get back upstairs soon.”
“That’s fine. This won’t take long.”
Oh, thank God.
The bartender placed another beer next to his half empty one.
Something inside me went on high alert.
He moved his body closer, leaning against the bar for support. “You’ve done an amazing job for Rory. Getting him that commercial was insane, especially given his past.”
“Yes,” I cleared my throat and leaned back, “we’re very happy about that. Sonora Water really likes him.”
“I want a commercial too.”
“I’ll put that on our list of priorities once our firm has a signed contract.”
“I’m not waiting for a fucking contract, Hindley. I want a commercial before the X Games.”
Oh, no. This was going to be bad. “Look, Axel, I’m more than happy to work with your team, but technically, we can’t do anything for you until we have a signed contract.”
“Oh, really?” He let out a humorless laugh and raised an eyebrow. “Wanna make a bet?”
I steeled my resolve and squared my shoulders. “What does that mean?”
“It means,” he paused and his face morphed into an evil expression, “I know you’re fuckin’ Rory.”
I gasped.
“And unless you want the owner of your firm and the entire world to find out about you and Fuck Face, then your sweet little ass will get me a commercial. Pronto. Or I talk. Got it?”
I reminded myself I had to stay calm. He had no proof Rory and I were involved.
“My relationship with Rory is purely professional, and none of your business.”
“Oh, it’s not my business?” He leaned back and laughed. “Well, let’s see. Why don’t I call one of the media staffers right now? Maybe one of the
guys from, oh I don’t know, ESPN. I think the networks would have a much different opinion about the affair you’re having with one of your clients. A guy who just happens to be an X Games contender, and the spokesperson for the squeaky-clean Sonora Water.”
My eyes went wide as saucers and I gripped the bar for support.
He glanced down at my hand and chuckled. “I don’t think Sonora Water would be too happy to find out their All-American Comeback Kid is fuckin’ yet another faceless bimbo, do you? Only this bimbo is his attorney.” He laughed. “Not to mention, how well that would go over with your law firm, and your sweet little stepfather, ya think?”
I gasped. How did he know about Paul? “You wouldn’t, Axel.”
“I’m a little disappointed in you, Ms. Hagen. Obviously, you haven’t done your research on me. I can, and I will, unless I get a commercial to air at the X Games.”
“That’s only five weeks away.”
“Then I suggest you keep your legs closed and your mouth off Rory’s dick until you get me a deal.”
Oh my God. The blood drained from my face as my dinner churned in my stomach, threatening to make a reappearance. This was my worst nightmare come true. There was no sense denying our relationship now.
“That’s not enough time, Axel.”
“Is going public with your affair not enough of an incentive for you?”
He held my gaze and I knew in that moment he was completely evil.
“Well,” he smirked, “maybe this will light a fire underneath your pretty little ass. Not only will I tell the media you’re fuckin’ your client, I’ll tell them he’s a retard who doesn’t even know how to read his own goddamn contract.”
Fuck!
This was beyond bad. This was unbearable. How did he know about Rory’s illiteracy?
“You can’t do that, Axel, please,” I begged, but immediately wished I hadn’t. I’d just confirmed what may have been just speculation on his part.
“Oh, I can, and I will. I’ll humiliate that motherfucker on national television if you don’t get me what I want.” His eyes burned with an evil I’d seen before in my dreams, only this time I was having to work for the monster.
I didn’t doubt for a second that Axel would go to the rag mags and networks with information, true or not. What the hell was I going to do now?
