"Mr. Breslin, there is a visitor downstairs to see you." The voice of his ditzy secretary that he shared with two other coworkers came through his phone breaking his thoughts. "A Salene Agnew Sir."
Punching the response button he responded. "Send her up."
Salene felt a little nervous as she walked through the quiet maze of corridors behind the young blonde assistant. The building Gabriel worked in was even more elegant than she had imagined. The entrance lobby was gilded in gold and marble, giving off a very high-class feel to match the well-dressed occupants coming and going. Thankfully she was still dressed from her meeting earlier, wearing a form-fitting olive colored pencil skirt and a gauzy mustard tank top, Salene felt that she could successfully pass as the one percent clientele surrounding her.
Quietly Salene followed the cheerful blonde through the winding corridors. It was eerily quiet in the hallways as she passed by numerous wooden doors. Each door had a panel of fogged aqua blue glass to the left of each door with a gold plaque stating the office's occupant.
Stopping in front of Gabriel's door the young woman knocked once before a brief pause and ushering her inside. The office was much bigger than she was expecting. Gabriel's desk sat directly ahead backed by a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. To the far left of the door was a nice sitting area and a glass coffee table.
"Thank you, Abigail," Gabriel came around his desk, inquisitive green gaze never leaving Salene's as he spoke. "Hold all calls and put my status as out-of-the-office until I say otherwise."
Abigail responded to the brusque order with a cheery acknowledgment before shutting the door behind her as she left.
"Wow your office is so big," Salene was still staring around in wonder. "It reminds me of Draper's office on that show Mad Men," she said smiling as she pointed to the bar cart in the corner.
Smiling he reached out a hand for hers, pulling her the rest of the distance until she was flush against him. The soft fine fabric of his suit glided underneath her hands as she gave him a tempting smile.
"You look extra sexy today," his eyes slowly scanned the outfit appreciating her curves. "What do I have the pleasure?"
Salene had been thinking about what she wanted to say on the drive over—or what she wanted to do to be exact. Pushing him backward, Gabriel merely just arched one brow as he let her walk him backward to his chair. Sitting down he looked up at her with hungry eyes.
Nervously she bit her lip and looked over her shoulder towards the door. "Ummm do you…"
Reading her thoughts Gabriel leaned over and pressed a button on his desk, causing an audible click at the door.
Smiling sheepishly, "Fancy."
Gabriel gave her a wink as he relaxed back in the large chair. "I do my best."
"I have some really good news to share with you," Salene was excited she could barely stop herself from shaking. Seeing his eyes widen expectantly she continued. "I had an interview today at a local magazine company for the position of marketing executive."
Gabriel's genuine wide smile at the news made her heart soar. "Sweetheart that is great." Grabbing her hips he kissed her lower stomach sending arcs of heat through her body. "We should go out tonight to celebrate. I want to hear all the details."
"And you know what else that means." Salene had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as she waited for him to inquire with a "what." "This means I will have enough money to move out soon."
The grip on her thighs tightened as he cut her a lethal look. "Salene," he whispered warningly.
Laughing she bent down and kissed him slowly. "I'm just kidding," she whispered against his firm lips.
"I swear you want me to strangle you sometimes woman." Though his tone was playful, she could still see the seriousness deep in his eyes due to her joke.
Grinning widely Salene used his knees as leverage as she lowered herself to her knees before him. The serious gleam in his eyes was overshadowed by a moment of brief confusion before being overtaken by excitement. Slipping off her wedges Salene slowly reached for the belt of his pants.
Grabbing her hands Gabriel stopped her. "Sweetheart you don't have to if…" The words seem to trail off, Salene could practically feel the tightening need in his body.
Smiling at his good intentions, Salene pulled her hands away and continued her goal. Without saying a word Salene unbuckled the shiny leather belt and unzipped his slacks. Tugging at the material she was able to pull his pants and his shorts down his legs, immediately his cock bobbed free from its confines. Sitting in their position with the cover of the desk to her right and the impossibly high view of the city to her left Salene could feel herself growing wet at the sight of him. During all of their other past activities, Salene had only caught sight of his length in passing before he was stuffing her full. Grabbing the hot thick member in her hand, Salene looked up at him when she heard the intake of breath. Gabriel's face looked as if it was carved from stone as he sat perfectly still waiting for her next move. Leaning close Salene let her tongue trace the hole at the tip of the bulbous head.
Gabriel's abs flinched as she heard a grunt followed by a "fuck."
Opening her mouth wider she accepted him inside, marveling at how hot and soft the skin was. Salene couldn't suppress the moan as she took his cock deeper. The deep groan she heard above her only made her grow even damper. Fighting the urge to touch herself along with him, she began to slowly pump his hard length into her mouth. Her head bobbed up and down seemingly in time with his grunts, taking more and more down her throat each time.
"Oh fuck baby," Gabriel's strained voice sounded almost desperate.
Without looking or stopping Salene grabbed his left hand and sat it on top of her head, wordlessly giving him the command to take over.
"Christ," Gabriel ground out the word in tense amazement.
Grabbing a fistful of her long curls, Salene felt him began to take charge. Relaxing her throat Salene let him push and pull her to his own satisfaction. By now her body was on fire, the act of pleasing him was surprisingly stimulating causing her pussy to throb and ache with need.
Just as she could feel his body tighten with signs of his oncoming release the grip in her hair pulled her all the way back.
Panting deeply, "what…"
Salene didn't get a chance to finish the question.
Roughly pulling off her shirt and hiking up her skirt Gabriel didn't even bother taking her panties off. Pushing the wet material to the side Gabriel hauled her onto his lap and sheathed himself into her fully. Not able to catch her breath from the intrusion Gabriel hooked his strong arms under her knees and grabbed her waist. With inhuman strength, Gabriel lifted her whole body before slamming it back down on his cock. With no choice but to hold on, Salene cried out as he repeatedly pummeled into her, fucking her savagely in his chair. His expression was dark with need, his sole purpose was to reach the climax.
Her release made her see stars as she limply rode the violent jolts of Gabriel's nearing end. With a deep shout, he spilled himself into her letting her legs go so that she could straddle him normally. Resting her head against his shoulder Salene could feel his chest push hers up and down as he also tried to catch his own breath.
Feeling the slight scratch of his stubble against her face as he shifted in his seat. The rumbling depth of his voice echoed in her ear pressed to his shoulder. "Would it be too far if I strip you entirely naked and fuck you from behind pressed up against the windows?"
With him still seated snugly inside her, Salene smiled against his neck, she could feel him swell against her inner walls.
Putting on her best serious face, she tried to give him a reproachful look. "That would be completely barbaric."
The beautiful green gaze just glittered back rakishly. Unsnapping her bra Gabriel took the decision out of her hand.
Chapter 25
Sitting at the built-in vanity in the master bedroom Salene leaned forwards towards the mirror swiping on some mascara. Tonight she was get
ting ready for a gala at Gabriel's work was throwing. For the past week, Salene had been so looking forward to this night. Shopping for the perfect dress, matching shoes, jewelry, and everything and anything one could think of to make the night perfect. It felt like it had been ages since she had gone anywhere that required evening wear. The thought of knowing she was going to spend the evening dancing in Gabriel's arms made her feel like she was floating with excitement.
Unfortunately, what goes up must come down.
Reality always had a way of getting at her dreams. Everything was going so perfectly between them. Sex between them was phenomenal, it was without question the best she's ever had. With Gabriel, she was entirely comfortable relinquishing control knowing that with him she was more than safe to open herself up completely. But there was more than just great sex, Salene could talk to Gabriel about anything. Talking to him and meeting his father, Salene was able to understand him so much better. All the misogynistic old school thinking was a direct result from Breslin Senior. Through a long back-and-forth during Thanksgiving dinner Salene surmised that both men might be a little antiquated when he came to the fairer sex but they genuinely meant well.
Lately however with each kiss, she could feel her heart ache a little more. It felt like something was missing. So far they were both living in the moment, no discussion of future plans have been broached. Night after night he brought her to shattering climaxes in his arms and each time she felt her soul pull her to whisper those three words. Three words of such significance, she has never uttered them to any man. So badly did she want to tell Gabriel, but each time she stopped short. What if he didn't feel the same? There were no declarations of love coming from his end. Maybe this is what one of those "casual" relationships felt like, something that was never meant to be too serious.
Salene felt as if all of a sudden she was standing on such an important juncture in the relationship. A turning point only she was aware of, because if she proclaimed her love for that beautiful green eyed man and didn't receive the same in return Salene would have no choice but to leave. She could and would not play the fool, there would be no point to give herself entirely to a man that wouldn't do the same.
Dear God, it hurt though to think of that possible outcome. Dabbing on some perfume Salene stood up and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. With her hair pressed straight, it fell to the middle of her back in a glossy sheen. The full-length black dress fit snugly around her bodice and hips flaring out elegantly at the knees creating a gentle sway of movement when she walked. The black five-inch heels were nearly hidden underneath the folds. The matte black off the shoulder dress gave her the perfect opportunity to pair the large gold necklace she owned for years. Adding some earrings and a large statement piece bracelet, Salene felt confident she would mingle well in tonight's crowd of affluence.
With the sharp click of her heels against the wood floors, Salene stepped into the living room. Standing next the kitchen bar with one foot on the bar rung, Gabriel stood in his expensive black suit. The man looked so good in formal wear Salene could feel her body tingling in response. The tailor-made suit fit his wide shoulders like nothing ever could. His rough Viking features clashed beautifully like a model in a photo shoot.
Hearing her come in Gabriel gave her an unrelenting heated look as his eyes slowly scanned her body.
"Jesus Christ you look good," he whispered as he stopped in front of her. Hesitantly he put his hands up framing her waist as if he didn't want to mess anything up by touching her. "I mean you almost look too good baby, you don't have a more homely dress or something?"
Smiling she pressed his hovering hands to her hips and leaned forward. His lips covered hers hungrily stealing her breath away as he held her tight his body.
Breaking away from the consuming kiss his green eyes turned into hers," control yourself Salene," he accused her playfully. "I would hate to have to blow off this party and rip this pretty dress off of you."
Using the red BMW Gabriel zipped through the city's bustling streets with expert precision. Lost in her thoughts, Salene stared out the window at the night's lights that whirled around them. Pulling up to one of the city's recognizable landmark buildings Gabriel pulled into the valet queue.
"You have been awfully quiet tonight," Gabriel inquired carefully. "Actually, you were a little distant last night as well. Is everything okay?" Still with one hand on the wheel occasionally glancing at the line ahead of him, Gabriel turned to her with a searching gaze.
"It's nothing I just have a lot on my mind." She lied giving him a gentle smile.
He didn't look convinced. "You would tell me if there's something wrong, right?"
Salene opened her mouth to reply, she wanted to honestly ask him what he felt about her or where this relationship was going. The knock on the driver side window pulled both of their attention from the moment. Getting out Gabriel came around and took her hand guiding her into the sparkling marble entrance.
The moment they walked in they were swept up in introductions and pleasantries. It was probably just as well Salene thought as they rode the elevator up to the sixty-second floor, she didn't want to beg for his love.
The gala was hosted on the top floor of the iconic Dallas building that hosted the renowned sky garden. The large gilded ballroom opened out onto a terrace that connected from one side of the building to the other. Guests mingled and danced in the ballroom and could walk across the beautifully landscaped garden that seemed to be floating on top the world to the other side where the food and tables were hosted.
A lot of people came up to greet Salene remembering her from the picnic, though she really didn't have to worry about mixing up a name or any other social hiccup because Gabriel was never too far off. It was easy to see that he was still thinking of their interrupted conversation in the car. Not wanting to spoil the night with her worries she gave him and everyone she spoke to her brightest smile.
This time, when she spoke to people, Salene felt a lot more confidence now that she had a real career to talk about. The position at the magazine was everything she could have hoped for and more. The staff that worked there were young and super creative, and even though she worked in the marketing department Salene was included in all the meetings. Finally, she felt back to her old self again, on equal footing with her employees and the people around her now.
Glancing around the crowd of mingling people Salene spotted her Norse God like lover talking to two other men. Inwardly she sighed as she secretly examined his profile. Lord, he was such a good-looking man, even from this distance she could see the powerful strength of his frame heavily pressing against the fine suit fabric. Before he could sense her staring Salene averted her gaze, it wouldn't do at all if he caught her with that heated green gaze. Gabriel could never comprehend the effect he had on her, the way her body responded just by the sight of him.
Taking her chance when his back was turned Salene stole out onto the beautiful sky garden. Salene just needed a moment away from the crowd and away from Gabriel. The garden was much bigger than she anticipated, from what little detail she read online about the building the garden sounded like a fancy bridge with potted plants. Seeing and actually being on the amazing piece of architecture completely put her previous assumptions to shame. Despite the garden being used as a thoroughfare between the ballroom and the other ballroom, there were plenty of areas to stand off to oneself.
Lined on either side with tall full topiaries Salene was able to discreetly corner herself in a secluded grotto-like alcove. Sitting on the offered metal bench, Salene looked up at the night sky. Since the garden was practically in the stratosphere, there were large retaining walls on either side making it nearly impossible to see below, only the sky.
The early December air had a chill to it as it cut across her bare shoulders. Staring at the twinkling stars, Salene could hardly notice the chilly temperature. All she could think about was Gabriel. What would she do if he decided he couldn't return her aff
ection? Salene knew she was what her mom would say "borrowing worries," it was just so painful though to think of walking away. Feeling herself tear up Salene blinked away the moisture praying her waterproof mascara did its job.
"Salene?" Turning quickly Salene was almost relieved to see Derek Cipriani standing there giving her a worried look, instead of Gabriel. "What are you doing hiding in this corner?"
The biting wind chose that time to cut across the garden. Salene considered putting on the long sleeve black gloves she had rolled in her gold clutch.
"Come Salene, it's far too cold out for you to be sitting out here." Like a true gentleman, Derek extended his hand for hers.
Knowing he was right Salene placed her hand in his immediately feeling his gentle strength pulled her up without exerting much of her. Placing her arm on his Derek promptly guided her the rest of the way through the other side.
"I just happened to spot the flash of gold through the bushes, if I had not been looking, I would've missed you entirely," Derek commented good-naturedly as if they had been conversing all evening.
Desperate (A Contemporary Romance) Page 18
