His Brother's Wife

by Michelle Love

  He seemed to be surprised, but soon nodded and reached for the papers on his desk. “These are for you to fill out. I had my lawyer look them over, and they’ll cover all of the bases.”

  I scooted forward and took the pen that he offered as I moistened my lips and started with the first document. It was standard, apart from the document that he’d spoken about. I was asked to stick to a strict confidentiality rule and tell nobody what I saw and learned in here. “That includes the other interns whom you might consort with outside of the office.” His words were cold, and I looked up to see him staring at me with a burning gaze as I blushed.

  “Of course,” I murmured as I remembered seeing him on the street that night. Not only was I his intern now, but I was also his assistant. “I’d never consider telling anyone anything.” The papers clearly stated that any example sharing information could be followed up with legal action, if the consequences were severe enough, and I couldn’t have understood the message any clearer.

  I went back to the usual paperwork, surprised to see that he’d be paying me twenty-five dollars an hour as a part-time employee. That would add up, even if the hours were on the lower end of being part-time. I signed the last page, and he asked me to come around the desk, so he could show me a bit of what I would be doing.

  We went over the programs, and I jotted down the passwords in a private note app on the phone that was charged and ready for me. I would see his emails and appointments and have control over them, something which scared me. I assumed that anything that was not company information would be located elsewhere, since Damon was clearly an intelligent man.

  He was close to me as he pointed out things I would need to know, and I smelled the spicy scent of his cologne as I fought the shivers that were threatening to take me over with every word and brush of his skin. Damon was all man and complete sin wrapped in one. I jotted everything down and read back through it, trying to avoid looking like a fool on my first day. He seemed to have faith in me, so I could have confidence in myself as well.

  Damon explained the devices that I’d be using for him, shocking me when he said that I could use them for personal use, as long as it wasn’t illegal or a threat to myself or the company. He insinuated that he could look into that at any point, but I wasn’t sure just what he meant. I wasn’t smart enough to be some type of hacker, and I didn’t look up much on the internet either.

  I remembered the stories I’d read that one night, earlier this month, as well as a few others I’d read when I’d had some alone time. I had my phone for that, but was that what he meant? People openly read Fifty Shades of Grey, so was something online and unedited considered wrong? I decided that it didn’t matter, since I had my own phone and the fancy new one was for work purposes.

  Damon directed me to a document that indicated what meetings needed to be set up, as well as appointments. “Why don’t we start with these? If they give you a hassle, remind them what company you’re representing. If that doesn’t work, use my name. They should be very compliant after that.”

  “Yes, sir…Damon. I will.” I looked at him. “Want me to do that in here, while you’re working, or will it bother you?”

  “Feel free to stay in here. There’s a small table over there if you’d like to use it.” Hell, yes I would. It was about ten feet away from Damon, and, after all of our closeness, the distance would be appreciated. I felt my attraction to him in every part of my body, and I asked him if he’d like coffee. I was dragging and already exhausted. “I’ll go with you. Those cups can be hot,” he said, as he stood and put his body on full display just to torture me.

  We walked to the break room quietly, and I felt the stares of the few employees who saw us. What kind of rumors would there be about me now? I wanted a job based on my effort, not how I worked with the boss. I didn’t want to be the company slut, and the thought plagued me as I fixed my cup and added the proper sugar and cream to it. “What’s troubling you?” Damon asked, as he closed his door with a distinct click.

  “I don’t want to be talked about. I don’t want anyone to think that I’m getting special treatment from you,” I voiced my concerns, as he looked at me and nodded slowly.

  “I try and repress that kind of activity around the building, Elisa. I will remind of and enforce that rule with all of my managers, as well as the rest of my staff, but there is always a little chatter in a company this size. Try not to let it get to you, since you know yourself better than anybody else,” Damon suggested, as I stared at him. I was always the wallflower and didn’t attract attention, apart from school, so this was new to me. “I’ve heard it all, and I’m sure some of the rumors have spread your way, but I assure you that they aren’t true.”

  I left that evening uncertain of anything but willing to try and work with the new arrangement. Devin sent me a text asking me to have coffee, but I begged off with the excuse of studying late that night.

  Damon

  I knew that Elisa could handle the position, though she seemed nervous at points during the day. She was a skittish girl and seemed concerned with what people thought of her, something that was confirmed after we went for coffee. It angered me that a woman as smart as Elisa would let that bother her, and I had meant what I had said about handling the situation. I wanted her comfortable and, oddly enough, happy. That didn’t generally concern me.

  I wondered about that as I played back the day through my mind. She was scared and beautiful, with her full eyes and occasional inability to speak. I wondered how innocent Elisa truly was, as Mark stopped by a deli for my dinner. I was in the mood to be alone and dismissed my chef for the night, too wrapped up in my own thoughts for a big meal.

  I entered my apartment and sat at my table to eat as I remembered the scent that Elisa wore today. She preferred sweeter scents of floral and fruit that made me want to nibble at her skin before I reached her thighs and tasted her thick honey. I was used to women who wore the expensive perfumes that turned my stomach, but seemed to impress others, though I was confused as to whom. They were always too heavy, and Elisa smelled more natural to me.

  Her hair smelled like coconut and vanilla, and I longed to touch her soft curls. I wanted to pull them hard as I played with her and made her come hard, seeing a new side of her. What would she look like? The idea tormented me as I showered and rested in my room before looking over the reservations I’d given her to make today. Elisa had done well and deserved a reward, even though I had already started logging her time with me.

  I chose her number from my sleek phone and paused for a moment as I checked the time.

  Damon: I’d like you to keep Friday night at six free, Elisa. Let’s celebrate your new job.

  I sent that to her business phone, knowing that it wasn’t my style at all. I had a reservation for one of the best seafood places in town and had made it with the idea of taking her out. This seemed like it was moving fast on some level, though it was moving slower, physically, than I was accustomed to. It was altogether different.

  Elisa: Damon?

  Damon: Yes, it is Damon. Will you join me for dinner?

  Elisa: I have plans, and was under the impression that you wanted to quell any chance of rumors.

  I wondered if they were with that maddening intern, and I thought over my answer before I sent back some shitty comment to her. I had to be careful now, given the choice I’d made to hire her.

  Damon: Cancel them, if at all possible. I don’t have a lot of free time, and this is supposed to be one of the best seafood places in the city, if you like that kind of food. It recently opened. Don’t worry about any rumors. The building empties early on Friday.

  Elisa: I’ll see what I can do. Thank you for the invitation.

  I set my phone down and considered her answer as I watched the moon shining against my wall. I knew that she felt something for me. I also sensed that there was a deep sense of responsibility in her that would drive her to do the right thing, for whatever reason. I needed to see her out
of the office, over a glass of wine. I needed to figure Elisa out, if only to find a reason to stop this obsession from growing.

  I was up early to run through the chilly streets, liking the temperature drops as I moved steadily through the lessening crowds. The only thing that stopped me were blizzard conditions, and I reminded myself to further consider a gym and make a choice with that.

  I did my usual route, taking the long way home, where I did a few exercises to replace my usual gym time before I showered. I felt inclined to jerk off in there, with all of the thoughts of Elisa in my head, and I came to the image of her on her knees before me, baring her ass, speckled from my hand. It wasn’t enough, and I told myself to get through the day and see what else I needed later.

  I dressed in a black suit and a light blue shirt, with a darker blue tie. I slipped my shoes on and met Mark at the corner, sipping my coffee and checking my texts before my emails. Nothing from Elisa so far, but it was a bit later in the evening when I asked her to dinner. We had an understanding where I’d contact her if I needed anything early in the day, keeping in mind her other obligations and sticking to her schedule of afternoons on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at this time. I wasn’t going to fuck up my company or her internship, even though I knew that I’d happily have her in my sights all day long. I had to be sensible about this.

  I arrived and went to my floor, giving a cold look to anyone who I felt looked at me with anything but fearful respect. I did greet them, but it was with a warning in my voice, before I disappeared behind my office door. I prepared for some upcoming meetings, getting together facts and figures to impress my possible clients and bring in more money. I knew that I didn’t need it personally, but it was good for the company, something that I took pride in.

  I had my phone on for notifications, as always, and sitting on my desk while I typed and saved documents. I couldn’t help but wonder what Elisa was thinking about Friday, and, since this was Tuesday, there was a chance that I wouldn’t see her. I got up to make some coffee, cursing my growing need for the drink that I’d disliked for so long. It was a break and a chance to walk around to loosen my muscles, as well as one to see what was happening on my floor.

  It seemed calm today, and barely anyone made eye contact with me, not even the newer receptionist who had been blatantly flirting with me before this. She was an attractive woman, but lacked anything else that I wanted or needed, and I was glad that my actions this morning cooled her off.

  I went back to the office and checked the company accounts, pleased with where we were. There were the usual positive write-ups in the business papers and websites, and the earnings were impressive. Kenneth would be proud of me, and I smiled at the idea.

  He was a good father figure to me, after losing my own dad too young. I wasn’t the spoiled brat that never wanted my mom to date or marry again, holding onto the memories of my family. I cherished them, but I wanted her happy, since she was just in her early thirties at the time of his death and still quite beautiful. She deserved a second chance at love and life, and I never stood in her way.

  Now, she was traveling to some of the finest places in the world while I had control of one of the best companies in the world, one that was growing by the moment. I was guaranteed to be rich enough to live my entire life well, doing whatever I wanted.

  That thought was killed by the sound of a text coming from my phone, jerking me back into reality. I snatched it from the top of my desk and unlocked the screen with my fingerprint to read the script.

  Elisa: It turns out that my plans fell through on Friday. Does your invitation still stand?

  Damon: It certainly does, Elisa.

  Elisa: What should I wear?

  Damon: I’ve found everything that you’ve worn here to be appropriate for the evening, thus far. Use your best judgment.

  I sat back, pleased with myself as I thought ahead to the night. I was accustomed to wining and dining women, the ones who were worth the effort. It wasn’t often that I did this, but I had both the cash and connections to make it happen Friday night.

  I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I wanted more on this woman. I made some calls and left for lunch, pleased with my efforts. I noticed the intern, Devin, leaving with a group as he laughed confidently, unaware that I was tearing down whatever it was he wanted with Elisa. He would never be able to do what I could for her, Harvard brat or otherwise.

  I wondered if he had seduced her the other night, touching the body that I wanted to claim as mine. I glared at him and stopped walking, until he turned to look in my direction and I turned to leave the building. I hated him, and I needed him to let me go about my business.

  I didn’t need to trouble myself thinking of him with her, since Elisa was going to be very much mine, starting now.

  I ate at a classy Italian place as I thought about Elisa and Friday night. I knew that pursuing an intern, or worse, an employee, was against every rule that was set up in the company. It was wrong, but she was worth the temptation, and it was my business to run. I could do whatever I wanted.

  Elisa was arriving when I returned to work, dressed in a lovely dark green wrap dress that brought out her eyes, with the same pair of heels that she always seemed to wear. They were sexy, but worn, and I grinned as I slowed down and watched her board the elevator. I took out my phone and sent her a text, waiting for a reply before I got on my own car.

  Elisa: You need my shoe size? Why?

  Damon: Just tell me.

  Elisa: Size 9, but I don’t know what you have in mind, Damon.

  I grinned and stepped into the elevator, along with a few more upper-level employees. I greeted them with a smile and they glanced at each other for a moment. They must have thought I was bipolar sometimes, but I wasn’t, and it didn’t matter to me what they thought. I was used to shoe shopping for my mother, since she loved them, and I took great pleasure in sending her gifts.

  I went to the website of her favorite store and did a little searching, finding several pairs of heels that I liked, but settling on two. I knew where she lived and found it to be a terrible area for her to live, much less one to send the finest of items to. I wondered about some of the properties that Kenneth owned as investments for a moment, knowing that he could afford less rent on some of the smaller properties. Hell, he could afford for Elisa to live for free in one of the apartments. They were fully furnished, and I could tell her that it was an employee perk, something that was true for relocating employees. There was normally on a time limit, but I knew that she’d be safer there, closer to work.

  Closer to me.

  I considered it as I gave the store her phone number in an email, so they could request her presence at the store. It would be a special moment that I wished I could see.

  This was going to be so enjoyable. I scooted forward to start looking at apartments.

  Elisa

  I was leaving class the following day, dressed for my job in a plum colored pencil skirt and black blouse with a beautiful lace collar. As the weeks had passed, I had found things at some of the local thrift shops to wear and, so far, was very pleased. They were well-priced and looked good, and I wondered if Damon liked them. Shit. Damon was my boss now, and, even with all of his intensity, I knew that I shouldn’t play this game. Going out with him on Friday was idiotic on my part.

  My phone rang, and I pulled it out, realizing it was my work phone. I wasn’t even due there for an hour. I answered it, not recognizing the number as I paused on the walkway and moved to the side. A woman with a friendly voice told me that she had something for me at one of the most impressive stores in the Boston area, and I frowned for a moment. “I don’t shop there. It must be a mistake,” I assured her, as I wondered what the hell was going on. Nobody had this number—nobody but Damon.

  “I assure you that this is yours, Miss Moore. If I were you, I’d hurry down here because these are beautiful. Have a great day, and ask for Andrea at the shoe counter.”

  I looked at the
phone and shook my head. Shoes! He had asked for my shoe size, and I narrowed my eyes. What was he trying to do to me? I knew that he had money and could probably get any woman that he wanted. I stalked forward to the bus as I let anger rush through me.

  This was my life. This was my future. I could handle it by myself, without his help and whatever game that he was playing.

  My anger was still high as I stood in front of the building, and I took the elevator to the sixth floor. I wasn’t due in Damon’s office for a few hours, and I knew that the team needed me, but Damon needed to be put in his place. I walked toward his office, noticing the look on the receptionist’s face as I ignored her.

  I had noticed that my current shoes were wearing down, but still. There were discount shoe shops, and I could get my own.

  I was just approaching his door when it opened, and he stepped out, causing me to crash into him hard as I squealed. “Elisa, are you all right?” Damon asked, as he held me in his hands and stared into my flashing eyes.

  “Why is Macy’s calling me to tell me to go to the damn shoe section?” I demanded, as he looked around warily before pulling me into his office. “What did you do? What are you trying to do? You’re my boss now, very literally and I—” my words were cut off with his kiss, as he pressed me against the locked door and tilted his head to take advantage of my shock.

  I found my arms sliding around his neck as I pulled him closer and returned the passion in this embrace. My anger melted, and I turned into a needy woman as I felt him press harder against me. I lost all sense of reason as we kissed hungrily and only came back to reality when he lifted me and started to carry me across the room.

  “Damon, we can’t do this,” I told him, as I pulled away and struggled to breathe. He was just lifting me off of the floor enough to carry me, and I felt my body being lowered to the couch. “You’re my boss…I’m your employee…I’m your intern. We can’t do this.”