by Donina Lynn
“Yes.” There was no hesitation behind her answer.
“Good.” Myles stood up, hoping his hard-on wasn’t too noticeable, and continued. “We should get going then. The plane is waiting at the airport.”
“Where are we going? Cancun? Tahiti? Greece? A remote island somewhere where I can get my tan on?”
He came around the desk, placed his hand on the small of her back when she stood, and nudged her in the direction of the door. “We’re going to the corporate cabin.”
Cassie stopped, turned her head, and pouted. Actually pouted, and it took all of his willpower not to lean down and bite that bottom lip sticking out so temptingly. He brought his mouth down to hover right above her ear and whispered, “The name of the company is Mountain’s Peak, not Beaches R Us.”
She instantly whispered back in a low and sultry tone, “That’s a shame. I guess I won’t need those bikinis I packed.”
Christ. Myles held back the groan threatening to escape while his pants grew even tighter at the thought of Cassie wearing one. Lucky for him, where they were going had a large heated indoor pool and if he had any say in it, she would be modeling every single one of them. Right before he tore them off.
Chapter Three
Cassie stood at the top of the staircase and shook her head. Calling this place a cabin was like calling Trump Plaza a simple apartment complex.
Myles had told her to pick a room, change into something more comfortable, and do a little exploring while he handled a few things. She’d seen a gym, spa, theatre, pool, and even a wine cellar on the lower level alone. The main floor had a living area with a stone fireplace taking up an entire wall, a kitchen larger than her apartment, a sunroom, and what she assumed was a conference room. Upstairs, she’d lost count on how many bedrooms she’d passed. The place was immense.
Cassie could honestly say this was nowhere near what she’d been expecting. Then again, she hadn’t really known what to think. Myles had thrown her so off balance she hadn’t been able to form a coherent thought past the heated innuendo in his office. There was no mistaking what he’d been referring to and there was no point in denying she wanted him as well.
How could she not? The testosterone poured off him like water. He was sexy and strong with a confidence that Cassie instinctively knew he was accustomed to getting what he wanted, or did what he had to in order to get it. He was the type of man that sent her pulse racing and gave her shivers in all the right places. Cassie was bold and outgoing, and she craved a man who could handle her in and out of the bedroom. One who had the power to make her knees weak with a simple look, and one who held a hint of danger, keeping her on edge, excited and breathless wondering what he would do next.
It’d been a long time since she met someone who could affect her like that, and color her surprised when the first man to get her libido grooving again wasn’t just anyone—it was Milo. The guy she’d used as a pawn to make her high school ex jealous.
Her impromptu decision to convince him to take her to prom had been based solely on his good looks. Cassie hadn’t paid much attention to anything else. All she’d been focused on was getting even with the jerk who dumped her, which naturally ended with her trying to hump the crap out of Milo on the way home. Because in her drunken head, screwing him was the perfect way to make her dirt bag of an ex jealous.
After the way Cassie had treated Myles, she’d expected to be tossed out of his office the minute he realized who she was. Cassie wouldn’t have blamed him if he had. To say she had handled the situation poorly was an epic understatement. The next morning, when she’d woken up on the couch and events of the prior evening came rushing back to her, she avoided him like the plague, entirely too embarrassed and ashamed to even consider facing him when he tried to contact her.
Regret flowed through her, not only for her actions, but for not taking a chance on him back then. He’d dealt with her woman-scorned attitude and alcohol-induced behavior and in return, she took the coward’s way out, refusing to acknowledge his efforts or even thank him for taking care of her. Didn’t mean she couldn’t properly show her appreciation now, though. And there were so many naughty ways she could think of to do just that. Better late than never, right?
Cassie felt a vibration coming from the back pocket of her jeans and pulled out the phone Myles gave her to use for company business while she was there. Clicking on the icon for a text, a message popped up for her to meet him on the patio in ten minutes. Tucking the phone away, she went down the stairs and headed in what she assumed was the correct direction.
Coming to a set of glass doors, she stepped out on to a large stoned area surrounded by gardens and the Rocky Mountains. The scenery was nothing less than breathtaking. The man standing at the grill wasn’t so bad either. Scratch that. With his jacket off, sleeves rolled up, and an apron tied at his waist, Myles looked sexy and utterly delicious. Was the reason her mouth suddenly started to water because of him or the scent of grilled chicken? When her stomach rumbled in protest over skipping breakfast, she decided it was the latter. Mostly.
“That smells amazing.”
“Glad you think so. Wait until you take a taste. I have my own special recipe.” He turned and nodded at the table set up with plates, cut fruit, and lemonade. “It’s done.”
Smiling at the undertone of authority present even in his nod, she took a seat and poured them drinks while he served their lunch. After he sat down and joined her, Cassie dug in and took a bite. The man wasn’t kidding. He was a grilling god and no doubt had many talents. “This is fantastic. Thanks for cooking.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for choosing to join me.”
Cassie almost laughed. She didn’t remember a choice. It was more of a set of demands backed by a promise of pleasure if she stayed within the limits he set, and perhaps even if she didn’t. She was going to immensely enjoy pushing those boundaries and finding out exactly how he planned on “reprimanding” her.
“You never did tell me what business brought us all the way out here.”
“The manufacturer of our most popular woman’s apparel line has gotten themselves into a rather bad financial situation. Bad meaning they’re one step away from bankruptcy. Not wanting to lose their products, we’ve offered to step in and buy them out. It’s a win-win situation. We cut our expenses by owning them and having a direct line to the products without the supplier. And they retain their name, their business, and will receive a set price for each piece we order. The terms have already been negotiated, the lawyers have done their thing, and tomorrow the owner will be coming here to sign the final agreement.”
Confused, she asked, “If that’s all there is, then why come here? Why not save everyone the trip and meet somewhere back in Denver?”
“We do all our business deals at the retreat. It’s out of the spotlight, adds a more personal touch, and puts everyone at ease with not being in a cold and bright boardroom somewhere. Plus, it gives us time to unwind and get out of the office. We always try to incorporate an extra day or two when anyone comes here.”
A mini-vacation sounded good to Cassie. Having a few days alone with Myles sounded even better. “What’s the name of the company?”
“DBF Apparel.”
“Really? I love their clothes. Their pants are the only ones that can keep me warm during the winter of the freaking arctic state we live in. Colorado is way too cold.”
“You and almost ninety percent of the women who shop in our stores. Their line is one of our top sellers and losing them would be significant.”
“I don’t get it. If their products sell so well, how can they be sitting so close to losing everything?”
Myles shrugged. “Piss poor management. The current owner took over when his father died and he’s been running it into the ground since. He spends more time traveling to remote mountain ranges to snowboard than behind his desk and taking care of what needs to be done. There is a time to play and a time to work.”
Finishing h
er lunch, she placed her napkin on top her plate and sat back. Cocking her eyebrow, she flashed him one of her flirty smiles. “And what time would it be now, Myles?”
Smiling back, he said, “There is some business to take care of before we can enjoy some playtime.”
“What needs to be done?” Was it wrong she was anxious to get any work out of the way? She wanted to get to that playtime. Like, now.
Moving his plate to the side, he placed his arms on the table and leaned forward enough for the breeze to catch a slight hint of his cologne. It was a mix of spice and woods, and instantly reminded her that the wearer was all man. Not that he needed any help in that department. She’d been acutely aware of his man-card status from the moment she laid her eyes on his tall, hard, fantasy-inducing body. Cassie swore if they didn’t get this show on the road soon, she was going to combust from the anticipation alone.
“I need to ensure there are no misunderstandings between us, Cassie. Although this could be considered inappropriate, I will not apologize for wanting you. Because I do. That being said, my desire to be with you physically has nothing to do or will have nothing to do with us working together. While you are temporarily filling in as my assistant, you are my employee. While you are in my bed, you are my lover. One is not contingent on the other and there is a clear and distinct line between the two. It’s important that you understand that.”
Cassie nodded her head. Her employer wouldn’t take too kindly if they found out she decided to get down and dirty with the boss. She had no desire to find herself unemployed and didn’t want to be responsible for Myles losing his job either if there was a policy in place at his company. “I understand. Work is work and play is play. What happens between us will stay between us.”
He smiled at her and nodded. “Agreed. There is one more item we need to address.”
“What would that be?” Cassie held back the urge to roll her eyes. She got it. She did. He was simply making sure she understood the ground rules, but could they just jump to the end and get to good stuff already?
“Sex with me might not be what you are accustomed to.”
Well, that got her attention. She was aching to be with him, but if he started rattling off some weird fetish where he could only get off if she was dressed in a diaper or something worse, she was so calling it off. “Um, maybe you should elaborate on what you mean by that a little.” More like, a lot.
“I don’t ask, I command. I’m rarely gentle and more often than not, it’s fast and hard. Know I would never hurt you, though, and if at any time you are uncomfortable with anything I say or do, you simply need to tell me to stop.”
“Myles, are you trying to tell me I should be picking out a safe word?”
“No. I can be domineering, but I’m not a dominant. But if choosing one puts you at ease then please do. Cassie, I neither need nor want your complete submission. What I do need, however, is for you to understand this is who I am. I am overbearing, controlling, and demanding. I have an inherent need to be in charge of every situation I’m in and when I’m not, I do what is necessary to get back in that position. These traits, my personality, do not get turned off in the bedroom. If you are apprehensive in any way or this frightens you, I’m asking you to be honest about it now and I will respect your decision to keep this entirely professional.”
Wow. Cassie didn’t know what to say. Instead, she sat and regarded the man waiting for her to answer. She’d never seen such honesty and wondered what could have happened in his past that had him being so completely forthcoming. Obviously, something had. No one spilled their guts like that unless something, or someone, caused them to feel it was necessary to do so. Also, and more specifically, no one considered themselves to be frightening without a reason.
The funny thing was, she wasn’t scared. In fact, his words had the opposite effect on her. Myles telling her what to expect just made her want him even more. The thought of him commanding her, trying to make her succumb to his will, and then taking her with the ferocity he described, had her blood boiling. That was exactly the way she liked it, what got her excited. She didn’t want gentle, she wanted a man who took charge of her and her body. She wanted Myles.
Leaning forward, she reached out to place her hand on his and looked directly into his eyes to reaffirm her answer. “Nothing you just said scared me.”
Cassie paused when she felt him slip his hand out from under her palm and moved to rest it on hers. Quickly glancing down, she smiled at the subtle gesture that only confirmed his need to be on top, in control.
“I’m very happy to hear you say that. But, are you positive, Cassie? You don’t have any concerns? Any questions?”
“I do have one. Can we stop talking about sex and actually start having some? I’m ready when you are. Let’s see what you got, Milo. You may find I’m not that easy to control.”
Cassie watched his features instantly change at her challenge. His pupils dilated, nostrils flared, and a low rumble sounded in his chest. Dominance and lust rolled off of him with an intensity that caused her breath to hitch and her core to throb.
His gaze bored into her and his voice was low when he gave his command. “Change into a bikini and come to the pool in ten minutes.”
A shiver ran down her spine at his tone, and she inwardly patted herself on the back for knowing what button to push. Not wanting to waste any more time with chit-chat, she stood and walked over to slide the glass doors open, stopping only to listen when he spoke again.
“And Cassie, don’t wear anything else. I don’t want anything restricting my view of your body in that bikini.”
Closing the doors after her, she smiled. Obviously, she wasn’t the only one who knew what buttons to push. There was no way she was letting that go. Damn, she was going to enjoy this.
Chapter Four
Myles silently stalked across the tiled floor to where Cassie stood with her back toward him and was placing her towel on the poolside chaise. A small black strap of material ran across her bare shoulder blades, and below, a wrap was tied at her hip hiding her luscious ass from his view.
Nothing had changed. Cassie was still the type who wouldn’t simply do as she was told. She was the type to do the exact opposite because she could. It was that stubborn defiance and independent streak that had his cock twitching in his swim trunks.
Myles could only hope she was ready to handle what came next. His past had proven without a doubt not everyone could, and it was the exact reason why he was upfront about the type of lover he was before taking a woman to his bed. Changing wasn’t an option. He’d tried once, failed miserably, and learned the hard way that no matter how much someone tried to suppress their true nature, it always revealed itself in the end. He’d come to terms—more like found a common ground—with his desires, what he hungered for, and the man he was a long time ago. Hopefully, the beautiful woman who had turned around and was now standing before him with her eyes trained on his would be able to accept him, too.
Not saying anything, he placed the palm of his hand flat against her chest and slowly moved downward. His eyes followed as he brushed against the swell of her breasts, watching her nipples harden and push against the thin fabric covering them. He trailed lower over her flat stomach, reveling in the softness of her skin and how his touch caused her breathing to become labored. When he got to the wrap, he ran his finger under the hem and tugged with enough force to make her hips jerked forward. His hand went to the small of her back, pulling her into him, while the other tugged on a fistful of hair, causing a slight gasp to escape her lips. Leaning forward, he pushed his chest against hers to arch her back slightly as he held her immobile and hovered just inches above her. “I’m quite sure I was clear in my instructions. You were to wear nothing but your suit.”
Cassie’s tongue darted out to wet her lips before she answered. “It’s a set. The wrap came with the bikini.”
“Are you telling me it was innocent mistake? That you didn’t wittingly defy me?”
There was a glint in her eyes as her mouth took on a smug smile. “I would never do that.”
Myles tightly grasped her ass and pushed his now hard cock against her. “Oh, I doubt that. I think you knew exactly what you were doing and wanted to see how I would react. What I would do.”
Cassie groaned under him and tried to move her hips against his. He held her tighter, digging his fingers into her plump cheek and effectively stopping her movements. “You’re about to find out exactly what I plan on doing. But first know, your body is mine to command. You will ask my permission to touch, feel, or move in any way. The pleasure you will experience is mine to give and when you come, it will only be when I’m ready to let you do so. Do you understand?”
Indecision flashed in her eyes and her mouth opened as if to say something, only to quickly shut again. Myles couldn’t tell if the hesitancy he was watching play out across her features was that rebellious nature of hers snapping to attention, ready to challenge his demands, or if what he had just laid out was making Cassie rethink her decision to be with him. Not knowing was causing a knot to form in his gut. He would stop if she asked, but every part of him was screaming to take her, to make her his. He needed an answer and he needed it now.
“When I ask you a question, I expect an immediate and honest reply. I need to know what you are thinking and how you are feeling at all times, Cassie. Answer me. Do you understand everything I’ve said? What I expect? How I am the one in control?”
Cassie swallowed hard and nodded before she gave voice to her answer. “Yes, I understand.”
Myles searched her eyes, looking for any warning sign, any indication there were any lingering doubts—or worse, fear—as he gave her one last chance to say no. He roughly ground his hard length into her and asked, “Do you still want this? Want me? The way I want it?”
