by Vera Roberts
“Great,” Mariana smiled back. It was now show time.
She followed Elissa through the long corridor and arrived at her would-be boss’s office. “He’s on the phone but you can have a seat in his office. He’ll be off shortly.” Elissa let Mariana in and walked away.
Mariana walked inside the office was floored by how big it was. It was at least 300 square feet with a couch, a small conference table and a long oak desk. In a nearby corner was a small refrigerator full of water bottles and snacks. Behind the desk were several large windows facing the downtown skyscrapers. The view alone was priceless.
Mariana looked around and instantly recognized the signature Lalique and Tiffany crystals placed throughout the office. She once saw a movie where a character fawned over Laliques and she instantly became a fan. Mariana once had her eye on a Lalique angel but the $1,300 price tag told her she should invest into a cheaper paperweight. She settled for one at Wal-Mart.
The office was modern and contemporary with an old-school feel. Mariana would later describe the office as a being an advertisement for Geary’s of Beverly Hills. Her future boss was definitely someone who paid his dues. The nicer the office, the more successful the boss, she reminded herself.
Mariana nervously sat down across from the desk, wondering if she sat too close. All she saw was a large black leather chair that occasionally bounced. She felt like she was intruding on a conversation, despite the man not saying a word.
As she waited for the man to get off the phone, Mariana’s mind wandered to the last time she saw Scott. They were watching TV on his sofa and feeding each other popcorn. They snuck kisses in between popcorn bites and the next thing Mariana knew, Scott was had a mouthful of her as they did a modified 69 on his chaise lounge.
Not able to make it to the bedroom, they made love on the sofa while Mean Girls played in the background. Mariana was in a reverse cowgirl position and slowly eased herself up and down on Scott’s cock. She leaned back against him as they watched the movie. He cupped her breasts again and softly played with her clit as he began to thrust upward.
“Great movie, isn’t it?” Scott whispered in her ear.
“Mmm…it’s amazing,” Mariana panted back.
Mariana would never forget that movie.
She shook her head to relieve herself of the memory. Scott was officially in her past and what happened, happened. He had clearly moved on with his life and she needed to move on with hers, no matter how much it hurt. The potential internship at McCormick and Sheppard was exactly what she needed to get over Scott.
The man in the chair finally did speak. “Sounds good, Marty. We’ll be in touch next week.” He hung up.
Wait a minute. Mariana recognized that Southern drawl. It can’t be…
“I’m glad to see you made it,” Scott turned around and smiled, “I was wondering if you were going to come.”
****
“So how did it go?” Sarah asked.
“It went…” Mariana hoped her smile wasn’t too big. Between seeing Scott and getting spanked by him in his office with other people around, she could hardly contain her smile. “…well. I got the internship.”
“That’s great news!” Sarah smiled. “Look at you! You’ll be done with your housecleaning job in no time!”
“Uh-huh.” Mariana knew that wasn’t going to happen. She didn’t think Scott was joking about wanting to keep tabs on her.
“Well, if you don’t have plans already, Eric and I are going to go bar-hopping tonight and you’re welcome to join us if you want.” Sarah invited.
“Actually, I have a business dinner so I can’t attend but thanks for the offer.” It wasn’t quite a lie, Mariana reasoned. Scott was her boss and he did invite her over for dinner.
“Business dinners already, huh? You’ll probably own that cleaning business in the future! You’ll totally spank the competition.” Sarah laughed as she walked into her bedroom.
“Possibly.” Mariana thought about Scott spanking her in his office. After she left his office, she made a beeline to the nearest women’s restroom and took off her panties. They were soaked from the excitement. She wanted to fuck him right then and there in his office. “Someone is definitely getting spanked, that’s for sure.”
****
After the interview, Scott invited Mariana over to his home for dinner. She didn’t know whether to be excited or antsy. The man that had avoided her for an entire month was now sweeping back into her life like he was some sort of fucking Prince Charming and she wasn’t having it.
Still, the anger didn’t stop the longing feelings of want and desire. She hated Scott for making her want him. She hated being that silly ho waiting for his phone call or wondering if he was going to stop by and surprise her with flowers and chocolates. Scott wasn’t that type of guy and if perchance he was, it was certainly not with Mariana.
Mariana pulled up in front of his home and parked on the street. She had been to it many times before and could remember every last detail. He always kept his shoes by the door, both sneakers and dress. He kept his closet organized by style and color. He had the latest technology from the newest flat screen LCD TV to the top of the line stereo system. She had his house memorized. She knew what side of the bed he preferred to his daily routine.
She knew him well. She knew him too well.
She packed an overnight bag just in case if she was going to spend the night and she felt silly for even doing that much. Scott was not her boyfriend. Truth to be told, she wasn’t sure what he was. Lover? Boss? Fling? He probably just invited her over for dinner as a business expense.
She slowly got out of the car and walked up to Scott’s front door. She looked over to her left and saw his Mercedes was parked in the driveway. She secretly hoped he had forgotten about the dinner. That man never forgets anything. She rang the doorbell and waited. Here goes nothing.
The front door opened. “Mari,” Scott was dressed in lounging pants and a white tee, “I’m glad you came.”
Mariana stared at the Adonis before her. His jet-black hair was still wet from the shower. His tanned skin was brushed with baby oil. His muscles were more defined but not too much. And that scent? Oh goodness, that cologne he wore made Mariana’s panties instantly wet. Did he get more gorgeous within the last few hours? “Thank you for inviting me,” she said shyly.
“Come in, baby,” he stepped aside and let Mariana in. He grabbed her jacket and directed her to the living room where cheese and wine were laid out.
Mariana cautiously walked to the living room. She smelled something delicious simmering in the kitchen and her mouth began to water. She only had a light snack at her apartment before she left and was starving. Scott’s home was lit up by candles and soft light. Teddy Pendergrass played in the background and if Mariana didn’t know better, she could’ve sworn Scott was trying to seduce her.
Despite the warm atmosphere, she didn’t feel totally comfortable. Something felt off. Scott completely avoided her for the past month and he suddenly shows up out of nowhere to be her spanking knight. “What’s going on?”
Scott sat beside Mariana and offered her a glass of wine. She politely declined. “I want to put everything out on the table.”
“Okay,” Mariana warily said.
“We’re going to do something; we’re going to play a game – 20 Questions. But it’ll different.” He paused to take a sip of wine. “I want you to ask whatever 20 questions are on your heart and I’ll do the same.”
Mariana realized she might need that wine after all. “What’s the purpose of this?”
“I’m giving you an out.” Scott admitted. Since a failed relationship years ago, Scott often treated women like they were business deals. It was easier for him to handle them that way.“Whatever happens after our game is up to you. You can stay on the bus or you can pull the string to get off.”
The idea sounded intriguing but Mariana still wasn’t sure. Scott gave her an offer she couldn’t refuse. “What quest
ions are going to be asked?”
“Whatever you want to know about me,” Scott sipped his wine, “and vice-versa.”
“Is this part of that whole BDSM thing?” She asked.
“I want to be sure of my investment,” He said.
“Investment?” She scoffed. Scott was taking this slave shit just a bit far now. “You don’t own me, Scott.”
“I don’t. But I have invested a lot of time and money into you. I like to see if it wasn’t a mistake.” He was serious.
Mariana wasn’t about to argue. Scott had paid her very nicely since he became her only client. “Alright, I’m game.”
“I figured you would be.” He re-offered Mariana the glass of wine. This time, she accepted.
****
The first day at McCormick and Sheppard proved to be an eventful one for Mariana. She had to go through security, get her badge, and was on a walk-through tour with the other interns throughout the floor. She was introduced to colleagues in different departments and took note of all of the available restrooms and vending machines.
Lastly, the interns were introduced to the last member of the executive team, Scott. He was the executive creative director of the firm, a fact Mariana learned along with everyone else. He was oversaw the other directors all over the world and often made final decisions on any campaign ads. It was an open secret that even though Richard and Michael were the co-chairmen, it was really Scott who ran the business.
He explained to the interns he was just in their position not that long ago himself. He began as an intern and worked his way up. “Anything is possible,” He told the interns. His hands were in his pockets and he occasionally rocked back and forth on his heels. “If you work hard and focus. A little ass-kissing doesn’t hurt, either.”
“Do you golf, too?” One of the interns asked.
“Nah, golfing is for stuffy old White men,” Scott joked as the interns laughed. “I conduct my meetings in a bar.”
“Off company time.” Michael pressed.
“Yeah, sure.” Scott winked at the interns. “After lunch, you’ll be divided into two groups. One group will work under Interactive and Design and the other will go to Brand Strategy. Your job is to be a sponge. Soak up everything you know. Take notes on everything. And for fuck’s sake, ask questions. If they’re stupid, I’ll tell you they’re stupid. But it’s worse to have you thinking you’re the shit when you’re just shit.”
The interns laughed. Mariana deliberately avoided contact with Scott. It was better to pretend she barely knew who he was than to give a hint on their relationship. The last thing she needed was to be accused of having any preferential treatment at work. She didn’t have to worry about Scott, though; whenever he did look in her direction, he didn’t look at her at all.
“If that’s all, you’re dismissed. Elissa, can you show the interns the cafés on campus? Lunch is on me, everyone.” Scott announced to cheers from the interns.
“Sure thing, Scott.” Elissa said as she led the group down the hall, “alright, everyone, follow me. I’ll show you where the cafés are…”
“A promising group we got here this fall.” Richard commented.
“Very promising.” Michael looked over to Scott. “You did real well with this group, Ice.”
Scott’s eyes were focused on Mariana. “I did, didn’t I?”
****
“So what do you have for me?” Caprina asked Dominic.
Dominic slid the file to Caprina. “The subject’s name is Mariana Harlow and she comes from a well-to-do family. Her dad is detective and her mother is a nurse. One brother. She lives a few miles away from Mr. Reed’s home and their relationship has become platonic. She recently went in for what appeared to be a meeting at Mr. Reed’s place of business and left shortly afterward. She has a roommate, Sarah Roberts, who is a part-time model.”
Caprina read the file on Mariana. She was a boring child. She worked, went to school, and cleaned Scott’s home. No, she didn’t just clean Scott’s home. She was also fucking Scott. Caprina never heard of a maid spending the night at her employer’s unless she lived there.
Mariana was officially Caprina’s enemy and competition. She needed to get close to her and really mindfuck her. But how? “Keep watching Scott and his new friend. I also want to know everything about the model roommate.” Caprina took out several more hundred dollar bills and laid them out to Dominic. “I’ll see you soon.” She left his office.
Dominic waited until Caprina was in her car and away from the office before he made a phone call. “I met with her. She’s following him, his new girlfriend, and her roommate. I don’t know what she’s doing or why she’s so interested.”
“I know exactly what she’s doing,” Sanora spoke over the phone. Seven years ago, she began to follow Caprina to keep up with her whereabouts. She had been waiting for her to make a surprise appearance back in Scott’s life and was pleased she finally took the initiative. It was a long time coming and Sanora couldn’t have been happier. “Give her everything she requests. If she wants to know where he’ll be at any given time, let her know that. If she wants information about his new girlfriend, let her know that as well. Make sure Caprina know every single thing about Scott.”
“Anything else, Mistress?” Dominic asked.
“No, not yet. We’ll keep letting her think she’s playing chess. She thinks she’s winning.” Sanora replied, “no matter how much conniving and scheming she’ll do and trust me, she’ll do plenty, there will be nothing that’ll prepare her for what’s coming to her.”
“What’s coming to her, Mistress?”
Sanora’s lips upturned into her trademark snarl. “The payback of all paybacks.”
Chapter Nine
“So fellas, what do you think about this fall’s interns? An exciting bunch we have, huh?” Richard poured out some whiskey for his executive team.
“I have to say, Ice, you really outdid yourself this time.” Michael took out a box of cigars and placed them on the coffee table. “We have a strong set of students. I see a lot of potential with all of them.”
“Thank you, Mike,” Scott was particularly happy on the weekly reports regarding Mariana. She had proven to be one of the best interns the company had ever seen. She was pro-active in contacting the clients, setting up meetings, and presenting ideas during brainstorming sessions. She was professional and courteous at all times, despite the stress of the business. He took a risk on hiring her and it paid off. “I’m glad you approve.”
“Oh, don’t we!” Richard chuckled as he lit a Cuban. “I’ve had my eye on Tawny the moment she stepped foot inside here. Man, what a piece of ass she is.”
“Tawny? Nah, you’re thinking Jennifer. I would totally bone her.” Michael commented.
Scott rolled his eyes as he listened to the banter between the co-chairs. He never participated in the foolishness. He had his own issues with females outside of work. The last thing he needed was a scorned stalker at his place of business.
Every fall, both men took bets who would fuck the latest crop of interns first. It was a game Scott was all too familiar with: they would pick a girl, court her, take her out to fancy dinners and pay extra attention to her ideas at work.
Then when the moment was right and they were alone, the chairman would proposition the girl and one thing would lead to another. The girl would be flat on her back on the conference room table with the chairman huffing and puffing over her. Depending on how good she was in bed, she got a position at the company. If she was bad, she was recommended to their competitors.
“Oh, Jennifer is a nice one,” Richard nodded. “She has a nice little body on her. She seems loose, though.”
“Good. It’ll be easier for me to fuck her!” Michael erupted into a boisterous laugh.
“What about that other one? The Black one? What’s her name?” Richard asked.
“Mariana,” Scott suddenly became interested in the co-chairs game.
“Oh yeah, Mariana,
” Michael nodded in agreement as he took a toke of his cigar. “She’s a hot little one.”
It was a feeling inside Scott he was not used to – possessiveness. Mariana was attractive enough to warrant glances and stares from other men. But she was his and the Golf Boys were eager to get their wrinkled, old dicks in her. “Alright, so what’s the status on that Pepsi account?” He attempted to change the subject.
“Have you seen her ass?” Richard commented. “I bounce a quarter off that shit!”
“Hey, let’s make a bet on who’s gonna score first!” Michael added.
“Shit, you honestly think you’re going to get the Black one?” Richard scoffed.
The Black one has a name. Scott thought quickly. “I got her.”
