by Colt, Shyla
“Oh, she won’t care. I’ve seen to that with a nice donation to her personal bank account.”
“What?” I hiss, shocked that the seemingly innocent woman would be in on this.
He laughs. “Did you really think a woman who looks like that would be mooning over you? She could have anyone she wants, boy. This is about money and freedom. You’ll marry, stay that way for a few years, she gets enough to do whatever she wants with and stock in the company, so she can be a lady of leisure.”
Any compassion I held for the woman is squashed.
“Everyone has a price. Remember that as you move forward.”
I shake my head. “I don’t think I will, Mr. Alby.”
“What are you on about?” He frowns.
“I don’t think I’ll be moving forward with this company. I’m going to retire, effective today. You’ll pay me my severance and give me glowing referrals, or I’ll destroy you.”
He laughs. “You think you’d stand a chance?”
“Every word you spoke to me in this room has been recorded.”
His eyes bulge. “What have you done?”
“What you taught me to, sir. If you want this deal with Scott, you’ll have to make it yourself.”
He slams his fist onto the table. “I’ll ruin you and your whore. Do you hear me, boy?”
“If she gets so much as a parking ticket, this conversation will find its way to some very public places.”
“This isn’t over.”
His yelling continues, trailing me out of the room. I’m lighter than I have been in years. I want to warn Scott about his daughter, but it’s not my place. I’ll bow out gracefully and clear out my office before Alby returns. It’ll give me a chance to make sure the family lawyer is up to speed on everything that happened. I’ve just thrown away the future I imagined for years. I pack in autopilot.
Knock. Knock.
Freezing, I stare at the door. The knocking continues. I walking over, look out the peephole, and find Mr. Scott. Sighing, I open the door.
“Hello, sir.”
“I’ve just been informed that you are being taken off this project indefinitely?”
“Yes.”
He looks at me with interest.
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” He gestures to someone in the hallway. A stocky, black man with close-cropped hair, intense dark eyes, and a black suit appears beside him.
“This is Agent Pilot.”
My stomach drops. “Oh.”
“May we come inside, Mr. Rogers?”
“Y-Yes.” I step aside to let them in. “I ... Do I need to contact my lawyer?”
“We just wanted to leave a card with you, and urge you to place a call if you find yourself with any interesting information you’d like to share,” Agent Pilot says. A knowing gaze passes between us.
“I believe we’ll be in touch soon, sir.”
Scott smiles and claps my back. “Good man.”
I’m beginning to believe I dodged a serious bullet.
“I appreciate your time, Mr. Rogers.” Agent Pilot nods at me as they leave.
I’m even more eager to escape after that. I don’t want to be in the same building once Scott rejects the merger. My mind turns to Adora. Who still won’t take my calls or answer my texts. I even broke down and emailed her. The silence has me uneasy. It’s unusual for us to go more than a day without some form of contact. Now it’s been two. She’d slid into my life so easily and filled the empty spaces. My gifts will start arriving soon. I can only hope they’ll be well received.
Chapter Five
Adora
“Sis. I think these are for you,” Jenay calls.
I push away from my desk and stretch my arms over my head. I’ve thrown myself into the children’s book all about a magical unicorn who lives in a candy forest. The pastel colors and whimsical style have kept me from sinking into the depths of depression. I pad out of the office and find my sister standing at the front door with an arm full of sunflowers.
“What in the world?” I walk over, and she hands me a tiny, white envelope. “Did you do this to cheer me up?” I ask suspiciously.
“No, ma’am.” Jenay shakes her head.
I hand her the crystal vase and open the envelope.
My day isn’t complete without talking to you at least once, West.
“What are you up to?” I whisper.
“Is it from West?” Jenay asks excitedly.
“Yes. Though I don’t know why he’s sending me things.” I frown.
“Maybe you were wrong about his feelings.”
“No. The expression on his face was clear.” I refuse to allow hope back into my heart.
She lifts her hand. “Okay.”
“Damnit, West.” My mind is flooded with thoughts of him. We were more than boss and employee. There were plenty of weekends spent in front of Netflix, out to eat, or burning the midnight oil at the local coffee shop. Our relationship has been blurry for far longer than I care to admit.
“You should eat anyway,” Jenay says.
I pad into the kitchen and busy myself making a sandwich. Maybe I should text him. The thought makes me uncomfortable. I’m still exploring my own emotions. I don’t have space or energy to add his into the mix. For once, he can wait for me. I nibble at the ham, cheese, and mayo sandwich as I stand by the bar.
“You have to give him points for remembering your favorite flower,” Jenay says as she traces one of the bright yellow petals.
I sniff. “Unlike his other women, I can’t be bought.”
“It seems like a lot of work for a man who doesn’t care.” Jenay rests her chin on her fist as she peers at me from over the bar.
“He just wants me to come back to work. The man’s a menace when left to his own devices.” I roll my eyes.
“I’m not so sure I agree with you. He’s an asshole for how he handled things, but maybe think about hearing him out?”
“No.” I shove the rest of the sandwich into my mouth and slink back to my lair.
I’m neck-deep in Candy Cane Lane when Jenay calls my name again. Growling, I rise.
“What?” I poke my head out of the doorway, and my jaw drops. She’s holding a bouquet of mouthwatering mini donuts and cake pops. Wrapped in pale pink tissue paper and surrounded by a pink and gold bow, they call to me. My stomach rumbles.
“Let me guess. West?”
“Why don’t you come to see?” She waves a tiny, white envelope.
This gift is different. It’s personal. He knows I’ve been dying to get one of these since I discovered them while browsing the website for thank you gifts to send to a client. My hands shake slightly as I open it.
I left. I only wish I’d done it sooner, so you wouldn’t doubt me or my intentions.
“You left what?” I whisper.
“What happened?”
“I’m not sure?” I hand her the note.
“Did he leave London?” Jenay asks.
“Maybe. But that would mean the deal went through or was rejected.” I long to call him and find out what’s happening, but I shut the idea down immediately. I’m standing my ground. “Do you think I’m ridiculous, Je?”
She smiles. “No, but I think he’ll make it impossible for you to continue ignoring him.”
“What do you mean?”
Her smile widens. “Why don’t we wait and see.”
“I don’t like that look.”
“He’s obviously working his way toward redemption. You should let him try.” She shrugs.
“Yesterday, you were all for me telling him where to go,” I say.
“Yes, but that was before.” She snags one of the pink donuts off a stick and takes a bite.
“Before what?” I place my hand on my hip.
“He showed you how well he knows you and how sorry he really is.” She speaks around a mouth full of food.
I stomp my foot. “Saying it with flowers doesn’t mean he gets off the hook.”
“No, but it is a start.”
A start to what? To rebuilding our friendship or working relationship? Does he want me back in his office, scheduling his life, or is this about more? My stomach flutters. Could he feel the same way I do? Then why did he send me away? Feeling the frustration rise, I retreat to my room. My computer chimes.
“Isn’t this your boss?” The email from my mom intrigues me. I open it, and my jaw drops at the article.
In a shocking move, CEO Weston Rogers leaves Alby Software.
What the hell are you doing, Weston? I pick up the phone and hit the speed dial.
“So it was the donuts and cake pops that broke through your silence?” he asks smugly.
“No. The article about you leaving Alby did! What the hell are you playing at?”
“That got around fast. There are more important things than working for a company that makes me do things I can’t stomach.” His calm infuriates me. Everything he’s done since I’ve known him has been to get on Alby’s good side.
“Such as?”
“My dignity. Us.”
“Us? I was pretty sure there wasn’t an us.”
“I’d like there to be.”
“No. You don’t get to hurt me like that and come back like it never happened.”
“I’m sorry. I had things to take care of that I didn’t want you to be a part of.”
I gasp. “Like quitting?”
“Yes. I didn’t want any of it to fall onto you. Alby is a vindictive man.” He clears his throat. “I, uh ... I don’t really want to talk this out over the phone.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“So it’s a good thing I’m outside of your door.”
“What?”
“I was trying to gather the courage to knock, not stalking,” he insists quickly.
I snicker. “Just ... come to the door.”
“Okay.” I hear a strange rustling. “Be there soon.”
A rapping comes on the door. I answer it and laughter bursts free. I can’t see West because of all the balloons he’s holding. A massive white one says ‘I’m sorry I was such a twat’ in permanent marker.
“What in the hell?”
“You love balloons.”
“I do,” I admit, snickering.
He peers from around the floating monstrosity. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
“I’m sorry for responding the way I did. You caught me off guard.”
“I won’t say it’s okay. But I can say I could see it from your perspective.”
“The time we spent together in London was the best I’ve had in years. Because anytime we’re together is good. My life feels empty without you. And no, I don’t mean because of the lack of schedule. Though, let’s face it, I’d work straight through the day without you there with your reminders.”
I smile up at him.
“I want you in my life not as an employee but as the woman I care the most about in this world.”
“Weston,” I whisper.
“I know we’re supposed to start off slow and work our way up, but for me we’re already there. I love you. You’re the first person I talk to when I wake up and the last one before bed. I love the way you laugh, how obsessed you are with Korean horror movies, and the way you aren’t afraid to go toe to toe with me if you think I’m wrong. I need you, and I’m hoping that just maybe you need me, too.”
“I love you, Weston.” He closes his eyes and rocks back on his heels. I cup his face. “Were you afraid I didn’t?”
“Yes.”
“And you came here anyway and said it first?” I give him a shy smile.
“You’re worth the risk.”
“Kiss him already.”
We glance at Jenay, who’s grinning like the Mad Hatter.
“You heard the lady,” West whispers, moving forward to take my lips with his.
I sigh, refamiliarizing myself with his taste and feel.
We part for air and to avoid the balloons batting at us courtesy of the wind.
“Come inside.”
“Well done, loverboy. You pull that again with my sister, and we’ll have a problem,” Jenay warns.
“I deserve that. I’m sorry. There was a lot going on all at once and I blew it.” He grabs my hand. “I’m learning. Your sister has never taken crap from me before, and I’m sure it applies now as well.”
“A man who accepts when he’s wrong. Impressive.” Jenay inclines her head. “I’m feeling a little third-wheel syndrome, so I’m going to take your car and go visit Mom,” she says.
“I didn’t mean to chase you off,” West says.
“Keep her smiling like she is now, and I’m happy.” Jenay hugs me and makes good on her promise.
“Now that we’re alone, there are some things I need to tell you about Priscila and Mr. Scott.”
“Am I going to want to slap you?”
“I don’t think so?” He grabs the bouquet and pulls it in front of him, making me laugh. The start was rocky, but the road ahead looks promising.
ONE MONTH LATER
“What are you going to do?” I ask nervously. I shift in the bed to face him.
“Testify. I have to.” West strokes my back.
“You don’t.” The thought of going up against Thomas Alby makes my skin itch. He’s ruthless. I think he’d do anything to silence the people who’re speaking against him.
“My tape is just a drop in the bucket. The Scotts have him on far worse. Especially Priscila.”
“That’s a plot twist I did not see coming,” I mumble.
Weston laughs. “She played her role well.”
“Why did they even choose to go after him?”
“He ruined Scott’s nephew. He had an upstart manufacturing company in the U.S,” Weston explains.
“Wow. So karma came for him.” I can’t muster any sympathy for the miser.
“Mmm-hmm.” West nods
“When’s the case start?” I trail my fingers down his chest. Life has been a series of exciting ups and downs as we got used to this thing called being a couple and figuring out our new lives. West is deciding between working for his father or starting his own business, which keeps him busy most days. His nights, however, belong to me.
“I don’t know. It could take time for them to decide on a date. Especially if Alby keeps stalling. I guarantee you he’ll try to put Porter in charge, so they can’t pin him as the owner.”
“He’s such a weasel.”
“Which is why he doesn’t deserve a second more of our time.” Weston rolls me over, and I giggle. “Now we need to get up or explain to my parents why you kept me in bed so long we were late.”
I splutter. “M-Me? You’re the one pinning me down.”
“I can’t help it. You look so irresistible.” He licks the seam of my lips.
I pinch his side.
“Ouch.” He jerks away, and I wiggle out from under him and run to the shower. I never imagined a relationship could be so full of passion and laughter. He catches me in the doorframe and grips my hips. “Naughty little minx.”
“Me?” I bat my lashes and laugh as he turns on the water in the shower.
“You know what happens to girls who tease Daddy, don’t you?”
“No, but I sure want to find out,” I whisper.
“Are you sure about that?” He pinches my nipples, and I moan.
“Yes.” My voice shakes as he rolls the pert bud between his fingers.
Bending, he gently bites its twin and tugs. “You know what I love about your bathroom?” He flicks the nipple with the tip of his tongue. “This.” He spins me around to face the vanity mirror, and pulls my back to him. “Watch us.”
Pinning my arms behind my back, he taps the inside of my foot. “Spread your legs. That’s a good girl.” His fists my hair and pulls back, baring my neck.
“See how beautiful you look?” He trails his large hand down my body and cups my mound, and I squirm. “How eager?” His gaze is locked w
ith mine in the mirror. The intensity makes my heart race. He trails a finger up through my lips. “Already so wet for me, too.” He runs his finger up and down, skimming lightly over the pulsing part of me that needs him most.
I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from asking for more. He’ll make me wait longer if I do. He presses down on my clit, and I gasp.
“Like that, don’t you, sweet one?”
“Yes.”
“Yes what?” he purrs.
“I like it.”
Chuckling, he slides his thumb down, circling my entrance. My walls clench greedily.
“Look how you try to take me in. Is your little pussy lonely?”
“So lonely.”
“We can’t have that, can we?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“Watch.”
Breathing hard, I moan as he presses two of his thick fingers inside of me. I flex around him. He tilts them and pushes deeper, pulling back out. His pace is painfully slow, but he hits the spongy spot inside of me that curls my toes with every stroke. The muscles in my stomach jerk as my walls pulse and my body tingles. The coil inside of me winds tighter and tighter. A slight tremor takes over my body as I contract around him. My eyes are half-lidded, and I lean against him to keep from falling.
“Not yet,” he whispers, kissing the spot below my ear as he removes his fingers.
“No.”
He slaps my ass. “Time to shower.”
“Weston!” I wail.
He chuckles. “I thought you wanted to tease people.”
I poke out my bottom lip.
“Maybe if you’re good, I’ll give you a little relief.”
“I can’t have brunch with your parents while I’m fantasizing about your dick,” I whine.
“I didn’t know you thought about it so much, sweet one.”
I peer down at his hard-on. Two can play this game. I smile wickedly as we get into the shower stall. “You’re right, I was naughty. Let me make it up to you.” I grab his shower gel and soap up my hands. “Relax.” I massage and caress, until he’s squirming. “I have to make sure you’re nice and clean ... everywhere,” I whisper as I palm his cock and begin to stroke it.
“Tease.”
“You did say that’s what we were doing this morning, right?” I look up at him through my lashes and smirk as the muscles in his belly flex and he groans.
