by Riley, Alexa
“I—” my brother starts to say but stops abruptly when Slate lifts his hand to silence him. If only I had that skill.
“The Carter family is a big acquisition for my company. It will take me to another level and I won’t lose this.” Slate’s eyes sharpen on me, and I know he doesn’t care what he has to do to make sure whoever these people are keep on working with him. “Do you understand me, Claudia?”
I nod again. “I’m sorry if I upset or offended Mr. Carter. I got the plans and handed them right over to Mark, but I can apologize if I did something wrong,” I offer as I glance over at my brother, who doesn’t meet my eyes. Coward.
“Upset isn't the word I’d use.” Slate straightens his tie. “He insists on meeting you again and wants to only work with you.”
“Okay,” I agree because what other choice do I have? “I can do that.”
I don’t know why Slate is so upset. I’ll be nice to the guy. If I can deal with my brother, I think I can handle Brian Carter.
“She’s naïve, isn't she?” Slate says to Mark. He’s talking about me as if I’m not here, but maybe I’m not understanding.
“It’s time she grew up,” Mark says and shrugs. He’s acting as though he doesn't care, and maybe I would believe him if it wasn't for the fact that he won't meet my eyes. Though that might just be his pride.
“And she has grown up.” Slate gives me another creepy smile and a chill runs down my spine. Everything about him is cold, and I swear if I touched him he’d probably feel like ice. “You’ll be agreeable to everything he asks and you’ll make Mr. Carter a very happy man. Do you understand what I’m saying to you, Claudia?”
I clench my fists at my sides and nod again. The idea of sleeping with Brian doesn't disgust me and I hate myself for it. I already begin to wonder what it would be like for him to have his way with me. Would he be rough with me if I put up a fight, or would he be tender if I gave in easily? I don’t know what kind of man he is, yet my body craves his touch.
If I learned anything from Mark, it’s that men like him and Slate don’t take just a little. This is only the beginning of what he’s asking me to do. I know that each time he’s going to take a little more until there’s nothing left. I need to get out of here before that happens. It’s time for a new start anyway. This could be the push I need, because there won’t be any coming back if I agree to give my body to Brian Carter. What won’t they use me for if they’ll throw me to him?
“Let’s go.” Slate gives me one last warning before he goes to the door. He opens it and stops to looks back. “And Claudia…” The cold winter air blows in and I shiver. “Don’t get any ideas about running out on us. You wouldn't want something to happen to that shelter you love so much.” I suck in a breath and he smiles. “You’ve made your bed. Now you’ll lie in it.”
With that, he and Mark leave and the door closes behind them. The finality of his words rings in my ears.
Chapter 2
Brian
“Was there something wrong with her phone?” I ask as I pace the floor of my office.
“Yes, it looks like she dropped it in some water, but it’s been replaced,” Mark tells me on the other end of the phone. “Don’t worry. I personally went and replaced it so you won’t have any trouble getting a hold of her.”
I nod, but then realize he can't hear me. “Okay, perfect, thank you for checking on that for me. I appreciate it. And tell Aaron I’ll be in touch with him soon.”
“Yes, sir.” I hear him end the call, and then I immediately go into my text messages and start tapping at the keys on my phone.
I’ve been going insane since I met Claudia and haven’t been able to get in touch with her. I’ve sent dozens of messages and called more times than I care to admit, but I couldn’t give up. Finally, I decided to track down her boss and he was helpful. The area is owned by Aaron Slate, but Mark is the foreman I’ve been dealing with. Slate is anxious to bring us on board, but I’m hesitant. Although I wasn’t about to tell him that while I was trying to stalk one of his employees.
I was going nuts with needing to talk to her that I could hardly concentrate over the holiday. Finally, when I discovered Jensen was sleeping with my sister, I realized I’d missed everything that was right in front of my face. He had the good sense to tell me to get my head out of my ass and go after the woman who has me twisted in knots and I did exactly that. I ran straight to Mark and told him I needed to find the woman he sent to get the plans. He must have seen how desperate I was because he said he’d take care of it personally and get back to me. It didn’t stop me from texting her until then, but I’m happy to know that her phone is working.
My thumbs move across the keys as I send her a new message and hold my breath.
Me: So I hear your phone took a bath?
There’s a moment, but then I see a bubble indicate she’s typing a response.
Claudia: My phone did what?
Me: I heard you dropped your phone in water.
I know I heard Mark right, but now I’m wondering if what he said was true. Before my suspicion can run away from me, I see her typing again.
Claudia: Oh yeah, right. It’s working now.
I decide to just go for it because I have to see her again. It’s been too long already and I’m feeling anxious. I need to be near her to figure out if this crazy connection is all in my head of if what I felt that night was real.
Me: Have dinner with me.
Claudia: Okay.
I’m stunned by how easy she agrees and now I’m beginning to wonder if her boss put her up to this.
Me: Tonight.
Claudia: Okay.
My eyebrows furrow again. There isn’t any question, just an agreement.
Me: I’ll pick you up in an hour.
Claudia: Wait, it’s still lunch time.
I’m thankful she’s finally said something else and I can feel myself smile.
Me: Let’s call it an early dinner.
Claudia: I need to get dressed.
The thought of her naked body makes my cock swell and I want to text back that there’s no need, but I can’t scare her off again. I have a feeling there’s more to this story than she’s telling me, but I know once I look into her eyes I’ll be able to tell. One look was all it took for me to fall for her, so I have no doubt having her in my arms will convince her that this is right.
Me: Text me your address and I’ll give you one hour.
She’s slow to respond, but after she sends it I send back an hourglass emoji letting her know time is running out.
Claudia: I’ll see you then!
I look up her address and see that it’s in a not-so-great part of town. I’m not sure if she lives alone, but that’s no place for a woman to be if she’s ever walking around by herself.
The next ten minutes drag and I spend the entire time pacing before I decide that driving around in my car is a better way to burn up the minutes. Of course I drive straight to her place without any hesitation and park the car outside. It’s only been half an hour, but I can’t stand it anymore.
I get out of my car and walk up to the small house that looks nice from the outside. I was right that it isn’t a great part of town, but this little house is well kept. I see flower pots and gnomes outside and it looks like an old lady lives here. I smile thinking that Claudia would be adorable as a granny.
Suddenly the image of her and me sitting on a bench and feeding ducks flashes in my mind and I’m shocked by how much I love it. My chest aches for it like it’s just on the edge of my fingertips and I have to take a moment to steady myself before I use the doorbell. What has come over me with this woman? Why am I going absolutely insane for her?
I hear footsteps in the distance and then the door comes open. I’m unsteady when I see her standing there in a baggy shirt that falls off one shoulder and jeans. She’s not wearing any makeup, her hair is damp, and she smells like fresh-squeezed juice. God, all I want to do is fall on top of her and confess m
y love.
“You’re early.” Her eyes are wide with panic and I notice a brush in her hand.
“I couldn’t wait,” I say as I place my hand on my chest. “Jesus Christ, you are breathtaking.”
I have the luxury of watching her blush so hard her ears turn pink and she tucks her chin to hide her face. Could she be any more beautiful?
“Come in. I’m almost finished.” She steps out of the way and I walk inside, but I can’t just look at her and not get closer.
“Don’t hide this from me,” I say as I touch her chin and make her look up at me. I rub my thumb on her jawline and think about what it would be like to kiss her. “Not when you’re shy, or even with makeup. I don’t want anything in the way of your beauty.”
She just stares at me for a moment and then nods. I smile as I force myself to take a step back and release her. This is going to be a long fucking night if I can’t control myself, but I doubt I’m going to be able to do it for very long.
“Can I get you anything?” I look her up and down and lick my lips. I’m thinking about all the things I want from her, and to my surprise she steps forward. “Anything at all?”
She better be careful because she’s playing with fire.
Chapter 3
Claudia
I stare up at Brian, my heart pounding in my chest. How will he respond to my question? If I’m honest, I’m not sure how I want him to. I was surprised the words came out of my mouth. I’ve been a whirl of emotions since I opened the front door with my mood changing from pissed off to excited. He’s too attractive. I told myself I made him out to be more handsome than he is. I thought maybe it was dark that night and my mind was playing tricks on me. But if anything he’s even more delicious now. Not to mention the smell of baked apple that’s coming off of him. He looks warm and everything about him is inviting. The urge to lean into him is so strong that I feel myself taking a step closer.
I watch as the smile he had moment ago fades and his stubbled jaw tics as he clenches it. He takes another step back from me like he did before. The action irritates me because it makes me feel like I’ve lost my footing.
“Go get ready.” He voice is deeper now and there’s a warning in it.
Those three words remind me of who he is and that he does business with Slate, something I should keep telling myself. I did a Google search on him and all I could find was that he’s a good old boy. The best liars are the ones that hide in plain sight. At least with Slate I know what he’s capable of. When he walks into a room my whole body tightens in fear, but it’s not that way with Brian. He’s alluring in a way that scares me yet tempts me.
I stand there for a moment, wondering if I should try again. He commanded me to do something. I open my mouth to offer something else, but he cuts me off.
“Now.” He turns a little from me and it feels like a dismissal.
I narrow my eyes on him, but he’s not even looking at me. Out of everything that irritates me, this is the worst. He’s been blowing up my phone day and night trying to talk to me and now he ignores me? I hate that his dismissal hurts me. I try and focus on my anger to push the pain away but now my body is confused from head to toe that I could even be hurt about it. What is he doing to me?
“Don't care for a direct girl? Fine, I’ll play it your way.”
I want to smack myself because I should be feeling the same for Brian as I do for Slate. If he wants to sleep with me, then why not just do it? I didn’t need him touching me and pretending to be sweet like he did when he got here. That messed with my head just as much as being turned on that I was given to him like property. A deep, dark desire I’d never felt before sparked inside of me and it’s getting worse. My mind is coming up with dirty things he could do to me and how he could use me for his pleasure.
Taking me out to dinner hadn’t been on my rapidly growing list of fantasies. His sweet gentle words about not hiding from him hadn’t been either. They gave me that tingle, too, and I know that’s definitely not good. It would be easy to part with a man who only sees me as an object to be fucked, but it’s not so easy to walk away from a man like Brian.
I walk away from him, but before I put my foot on the stairs, a hand clamps around my arm and I’m turned around to face him. He walks me backwards and presses me against the wall, and though it’s not hard, I gasp in surprise. I hadn’t even heard him move and every floorboard in this house squeaks; someone his size shouldn’t be able to move so silently. He towers over me and his eyes bore into mine.
“If anyone is playing games, it’s you,” he corrects.
“It’s not a game,” I say softly, but I don’t know if I’m lying or not. I can’t think straight as his hard erection presses between my legs and demands attention.
“You’re right. It’s fucking not.” While I believe his words, I don’t understand them or him.
“What do you want from me?” I tilt my head back, searching for something. Anything. He leans down and I feel the gentle caress of his lips against mine. I can’t stop myself from pressing into his hard length as my mouth opens for him.
“Everything,” he answers, his warm breath tickling my skin.
Then, before I can react, he takes a step back and I’m left leaning against the wall. I miss the heat of his body on mine and his full lips teasing me. My body hums with need and I can’t control it.
“Go get ready.” He lets out a long sigh and runs his hand through his short dirty-blond hair. His tone is final, like he’s annoyed with me, and suddenly I’m out of the lust-filled fog he put me in.
“Whatever.” I walk up the stairs, and this time he doesn’t stop me. I peek over my shoulder at him on my way and all I see are his eyes, dark and hungry on my ass.
I rush up the stairs and into my bedroom before I shut the door and lean against it. My heart pounds and for the first time in a long time I feel alive. I walk over to my dresser and look at myself in the mirror. I pull the baggy shirt off and toss it in the clothes hamper before I go over and grab my blow dryer and start working on my hair. It doesn’t take me long to get ready and when I’m finished I grab my bag.
I glance at the small pile of makeup I’ve owned forever. I never wear it, but I debate for a moment if I should put some on because he told me not to hide. I reach to pick up the mascara but stop before I grab it. I’m supposed to give him what he wants and this is what he asked for.
I glance at my tight red sweater that I should have retired a long time ago. It’s gotten tight on me, but it felt so right. Not only is it Christmas themed with Naughty or Nice written across it, but the chest is sparkly gold. I guess we’ll see which side comes out tonight.
Chapter 4
Claudia
When I come down the stairs, I pause when I see Brian with his cell phone pressed to his ear. “I don’t care. I want it looked at today,” he demands. I find it fascinating how he can be so charming one second then back over to boss man the next. “I’ll text you where I put the key,” he says before ending the call.
Turning, he locks eyes with me and neither of us says a word. His eyes roam over me and I have to stop myself from fidgeting with my sweater and wondering if I look okay. Maybe I should have stuck with the baggy clothes. They were good at keeping men away, but I wanted Brian to find me attractive. The desire for a man is a new feeling for me. He clears his throat after a moment and I can feel myself blush.
“I’m having someone come look at your heater. I think it needs to be replaced.” It takes me a moment to understand what he’s saying because it comes out of left field. It doesn't help that my brain is a mess around him.
“Why?” I ask, finding at least one word in my vocabulary.
“It’s too hot in here. I went down to check on it and the thing is practically on fire. There’s no way they can get it fixed tonight, but Nick’s going to come over and make sure it’s not going to burn the house down in the meantime.”
“Oh god,” I breathe out. Could that really happen? I don�
��t know anything about furnaces. I thought it was better that it was getting too hot than not hot at all.
“It’s fine, I’m taking care of it. We can’t shut it off fully without risking freezing the pipes and then blowing.” I watch as he puts his cell phone into his pocket and I see a small trace of dirt on his chin.
“You didn't have to do that,” I tell him. It’s sweet that he noticed the furnace was messed up to begin with and even sweeter that he’s trying to fix it for me. I reach up to wipe the dirt from his chin and he leans into my touch. I enjoy the feel of his light beard under my fingertips and how his eyes close for a moment until I speak again.
“But I can’t afford to pay for that.” I start to drop my hand, but he reaches up and takes it in his.
Seeing his big palm wrapped around my wrist makes everything inside of me still. He’s so much bigger than I am and I feel small and delicate with his hands on me. He could easily overpower me and take what he wants. How can I desire that, along with his act of kindness?
He looks at me and I wonder if he can feel my racing heart. He probably thinks it’s fear when I know it’s excitement. Not that I would ever admit that aloud. He brings my hand to his mouth, where he kisses my palm gently and the move surprises me. I swallow hard to try and get the lump out of my throat.
“No one is asking you to pay for it.” He kisses my palm again before releasing my wrist.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say I won’t be paying with cash, but I can’t bring myself to take away from his generosity. Even if it isn't real and he has another angle I’m not seeing yet, I’m still going to take it. It’s been too long since someone was nice to me or wanted to take care of me.
“You should pack a bag. You can’t stay here tonight.”