The Hunt - Monica James

by James, Monica

  I can’t help but wonder what she’s doing and who she’s doing it with. She didn’t specify where exactly she was going, and my mind is conjuring up god-awful scenarios of her being wined and dined by the Australian dickhead.

  She’s failed to mention Trent, which has me hoping her lapse in sanity has passed. Mary doesn’t look like the cheating type, but she apparently is the friends with benefits type. Am I the only friend? Or does she have a few? The thought has me unscrewing the lid of my scotch and filling my glass full.

  “You’re starting early.” Keira sits down beside me. In my head, I thumb my nose at Mary when she doesn’t slide down it.

  “Yeah, I need to get wasted to deal with your asshole boss. His brown-nosing skills are actually better than his job skills.” I turn my head to the left, almost gagging when I see him re-enacting some ridiculous story of what looks like him pole vaulting over an elephant’s scrotum.

  Mr. Yeong has sent his two righthand men. I thought they were on my team, but them being here proves their loyalties lie with no one. Gail is being his usual asswipe self, which works in my favor as Ming and Jie look as amused as me.

  “Why don’t you put everyone out of their misery then and tell me how I can help? Two heads are better than one,” she sweetly purrs.

  “Why do you think I hold some miracle cure?” I question, genuinely curious.

  Reaching for my glass, she throws back the entire contents before wiping her glossy lips with the back of her hand. “Because I know you, and you’d have Mr. Yeong as a client by now if you could. Something is stopping you.”

  She waits for me to corroborate her claims, but I smirk in response. It’s going to take a lot more than a pretty face and a night filled with empty promises to make me spill—although I had no qualms telling Mary.

  Glancing down at my watch, I see that it’s been a minute and thirty-seven seconds since I thought of her. Go me. “Nothing is stopping me. Unlike him”—I point my finger at the jockstrap who is now laughing at his own joke—“I take what I want, when I want. I’m just biding my time.”

  Keira doesn’t look convinced, but seems to forget what we’re talking about when she crawls her fingernails up my thigh. “I should be offended then.” I jolt when she shamelessly grabs my cock. “You’ve yet to take me. Is that because you don’t want me?”

  “Just biding my time,” I repeat, latching onto her wrist to stop her from manhandling me. Her touch is not what I crave and her hands feel so wrong.

  “It’s the redhead, isn’t it? I never took you for the settling down type, especially since you play the field so much.”

  “Pardon me?” Her admission is like a punch to my kidneys.

  Keira thankfully releases me from her vise-like grip and turns so her back is pressed up against the bar. “I heard her on the phone as she left your office. Whoever she was speaking to is certainly in for a good time tonight.”

  I taste blood. “What are you talking about?”

  Keira crosses her legs casually. “She asked if they were ready to be fucked like an animal.” I resist the urge to cover my ears and sing Taylor Swift at the top of my lungs.

  There must be some mistake. There is no way Mary was offering the goods to someone other than me. I’ve become infatuated with her, and in my eyes, she’s mine. But that’s the problem…she’s not. Mary has laid all her cards out on the table, like I did with all the women I slept with, but now that the shoes on the other foot, I want a redraw. If this is karma, then karma can fuck right off.

  The thought of someone else touching Mary has me wanting to maim every man in the USA and abroad. But Keira’s revelation has kicked my ego, and no, all I can do is lick my wounds. “She can fuck whomever she likes. We’re not exclusive. Just having fun.” God, that tasted like acid.

  Keira smirks. “Good to know. So I guess that means the same principle applies to you then?” Yes, in theory I suppose it does, but I don’t want anyone else. I just want Mary, but it appears she doesn’t feel the same way.

  Straightening my spine, I pour a decent helping of the brown gold into my glass. I take my time gulping it down. Once I’m done, I lean in close, completely ignoring her personal space. But the small intake of breath reveals she doesn’t mind in the slightest. “You guessed right. I’m not attached to her, or anyone, in fact. I’m a free agent and I come and go as I please.”

  This is, in fact, all lies, because the thought of touching another woman has me itching to cut off my hands and dick. But my bravado gets the better of me.

  Keira’s hands are dug deep into her blazer pockets, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was downright rejoicing in the news. “Good to know.”

  Before I have a chance to reply, a rich laugh has every part of my body perking up and demanding my utmost attention. I know who it belongs to even before I see the woman who is singlehandedly ruining my life.

  Mary stands feet away, looking utterly appetizing in a simple black dress, but nothing looks unadorned on her. Her long waves are tumbling around her shoulders, and images of fisting those locks as I sink into her heat over and over again assault me, leaving me breathless.

  She doesn’t make eye contact with me, but I know she can feel me scouring over every inch of her body. She’s talking to Ming, laughing at something he says. It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile all night, but who can blame him?

  Mary listens intently before pointing to a jade amulet which hangs from his neck. He peers downward, fingering the charm, nodding at whatever Mary is saying. She holds the interest of the entire room, and that includes Gail, who suddenly swaggers over, primping his collar and running a hand through his shitty brown hair.

  If he so much as looks at her, I will kill him, and that’s not an exaggeration. He stands by, chiming in on their conversation while I crack my knuckles, the need to murder overriding any other emotion.

  Just as I launch up, ready to beat Gail to a bloody pulp, Mary rips out my heart and takes a shit where the whimsical center once sat. She peers up at him and turns a lovely pink. Some chicks might find him attractive, but surely Mary can see past those bulging muscles and angular chin. Sadly however, when she places her hand on his bicep and laughs at whatever the fuck he just said, it appears all she sees is another admirer in a long line of many. She can literally take her pick of the room, because Ming just looked down the low neckline of her dress.

  Keira’s admission of what she heard earlier today was obviously true, because Mary is dressed to the nines. My overactive imagination decides now is the time to plant images of Mary writhing under some hulking male, her lips parted in pure ecstasy as he delivers orgasm number ten.

  “Hunter?” Keira’s sweet voice shatters an image I want to erase from my brain with a rusted pickaxe. “Everything okay?”

  “Peachy,” I counter, forgetting the glass and taking a swig from the bottle of scotch.

  It’s like a car wreck—I know I should look away, but I just can’t. I watch as Mary’s gaze bounces between Gail and Ming, both appearing to outdo the other with their conversational ping-pong. When Gail bends low and whispers into her ear, I can’t hold back my urge to neuter this cunt any longer.

  Guzzling down more than half the bottle of scotch, I’m about to smash it against the edge of the bar and use the jagged neck to stab Gail in the jugular, but stop mid-stroke when Mary meets my eyes. My entire focus shifts and I fail to remember my need to kill when she smiles.

  Who would have thought a simple smile could bring down a nation?

  She averts her gaze when I very openly eye fuck the living hell out of her. I don’t care who knows, because I will be making it pretty clear in three seconds when I march over, throw her over my shoulder, and fuck her until it’s only my name she calls.

  Just as I’m about to make good on my word, she gestures to me and then to Ming. They exchange a few words before she gestures he’s to follow her—follow her as she makes her way over to me. Keira stands beside me, reminding me
that she’s still here.

  “Hunter,” Mary says, while I’m thankful she used my name, as I just forgot it. “I met your friend, Ming. You didn’t tell me he was into feng shui.”

  “He’s into what?” Now that I’m semi-coherent, I wonder if maybe Mary is drunk.

  Ming laughs at my reaction. “It’s true, but if you tell anyone, and by anyone, I mean Mr. Yeong, then I will deny it.” Did he just make a joke? And he’s into feng shui? Since when?

  My mouth hinges open. “What’s going on here?” If this is code for some kinky, oriental shit, then I’m going to throw down with every motherfucker in this place.

  Mary explains. “I noticed Ming’s necklace.” I instantly look down at it, noting the dragon carved into the jade stone. “He said in his country, it means good luck. I then went on to explain how I know a little about it because I’m currently transforming your office into a feng shui oasis.”

  “You did?” I question, my brain unable to catch-up fast enough.

  She nods, while Ming nudges me with his elbow. “I didn’t realize you had a spiritual side, Hunter.”

  “Neither did I,” I quickly counter, while Mary closes her eyes briefly and shakes her head at my ignorance. “Oh yes, I’m all over that spiritual shit. I mean stuff.” I quickly backtrack, while Ming smiles happily.

  “I’m also redecorating his house,” Mary swoops in, covering my slip. “Maybe when I’m done, you and Mr. Yeong could come over and see it?” This woman is a wicked temptress.

  Ming looks at me and I nod eagerly.

  “Mr. Yeong will be very happy to know this. He didn’t think you were interested in doing business with him any longer.” I look at Mary, then back at Ming. It takes me a minute, but holy fuck, she’s here to save my ass.

  I don’t know how she knew, but she knew I’d be standing around, dick in hand, while Gail tried to schmooze his way into Mr. Yeong’s inner circle. “Of course I’m interested. I thought he was the one who turned rogue.” I make a point to look at Gail, who watches us closely.

  “Mr. Yeong will not go back on his word. And neither will you?” I know what he’s asking, but he’s clever enough not to reveal our secret.

  “You can tell Mr. Yeong it’s under control.”

  Ming nods, looking at Keira, who quietly observes. “Please thank Mr. Gail for inviting us out, but we must leave. My sister is waiting.”

  “Hold up. You’re not here to see Gail?” I ask, confused, as Keira made out this meeting was to talk shop.

  “No. My sister is moving house. She needs the muscle.” He flexes his impressive bicep with a grin.

  “And you flew all the way from China to help her move?” I ask with a smirk.

  Ming slaps me on the shoulder playfully. “She’s my little sister. And it’s a big house.” I don’t argue. “Mr. Yeong is waiting. Time is of the essence, Mr. O’Shea.” No pun intended. I nod, his point received loud and clear.

  Ming nods at Keira, who is as quiet as a mouse. I notice Mary examining her closely. I wonder what she’s thinking. We watch as Ming and Jie leave, not bothering to accept Gail’s business card as he waves it in the air.

  Once they’re gone, I turn to look at Keira. “I thought you said this was a business meeting.”

  She shrugs, looking as stumped as me. “That’s what I thought too.”

  I instantly feel sorry for her. The sooner she learns Gail is a sly snake in the grass who can’t be trusted, the better for her. “I told you he was a lying son of a bitch. Don’t sweat it, Keira, you’ll soon learn.” When her lower lip trembles, I reach out to rub her upper arm.

  It’s meant to be a kind gesture, but I may as well have fingered her in public. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it then.”

  Just as Mary turns to leave, I pounce forward and capture her forearm. “Hey. Where are you going?” I bend low, begging she look at me, but she averts her gaze while chewing on her lower lip. No, this won’t do. “If you’ll excuse me, Keira.” I don’t wait for her to reply, but instead lead Mary toward the bathrooms. I’m surprised she doesn’t resist.

  When we reach the Ladies, I let her go, expecting we’ll speak in private out here in the hallway. But when her eyes dart from left to right and a pink flush overcomes her, I know she has other things on her mind.

  Before I have a chance to ask what’s going on, she fists my shirt and shoves me into the bathroom. I stumble, not expecting her forcefulness, but when she releases her hold, only to lock the door behind her, I know this is only the beginning of things to come.

  We’re caught in a deadlock, the air crackling around us, but this is her show. “I’m surprised she didn’t blow you out there.” No guessing to whom she’s referring.

  “You should know all about that,” I counter smartly, wondering who exactly she was speaking on the phone to. “How was your evening? Have fun?”

  “Yes, lots.” That smart mouth will be the death of me.

  “So why are you here then?” I question, as I honestly have no idea why. She owes me nothing. She works that bottom lip, buying time. The small space suddenly becomes as stifling as the sun. “I asked you a question.”

  “And I fucking heard you!” she bites back, marching forward. I stand my ground because her aggressiveness makes me hard.

  “Well…” Her choppy breathing just inflates my semi, and before long, I’ll be able to cut through glass.

  My persistence is pissing her off, which just spurs me on, because the last time she got that crazy look in her eye, she coated my face with her sweetness. I hum when reliving the memory.

  “I can’t believe you’re actually falling for her doe-eyed, virgin act,” she spits.

  “Even if it was an act, what business is it of yours?” I pose, baiting her to tell me what I want to hear.

  She’s the one who set these rules, who told me we’re not friends. But now she’s here, saving my ass, confusing me even more than I already am.

  Her nostrils flare, as I’ve obviously pushed a button. “I told you…” she states slowly, pressing us chest to chest. Her heart beating against mine is an unexpected head rush. “I don’t…” Wrapping her hand around my nape, she stands on tippy toes, leveling us. “Share my toys,” she concludes.

  Her scent kicks me low, and all I can focus on are her lips and how much I want to kiss them. But the problem I’m faced with is if I kiss her and she walks away from me, walks into the arms of another man, I will die. Sex is usually the most intimate part to two people uniting, but for me, nothing is more sacred than a kiss.

  I don’t know where I stand with Mary, and if she sees me as just a plaything, then kissing her will ultimately lead to me saying things she doesn’t want to hear. It will kill me when she leaves, because that’s how this is bound to end.

  We never promised one another anything more than this. I’m the one who had to complicate things and go and fall in lov—I stop myself before I say something we both regret. I’m at her mercy, and that’s exactly what I’ll be calling when she slams her lips to mine.

  I immediately feel lightheaded, as I can’t remember the last time I was locked in such a tender embrace. Her mouth is warm, soft, and every part of me is begging I meet her halfway, but I just can’t. “You do realize you’ve kissed every part of my body but my lips, right?” Her breath slides down my throat, tempting me to throw caution to the wind.

  “I don’t kiss,” I reply, allowing myself this reprieve for just a little longer as I slide my lips against hers.

  “Why not?” She groans, her body hugging into mine.

  Fisting her hair to hold her in place, I sashay my mouth side to side, smearing her bright red lipstick. “’Cause I don’t want you falling in love with me.” Her eyes widen, but little does she know, I’ve just expressed my fears out loud.

  I taste strawberries. I also taste my demise, because I want nothing more than to end this torment and surrender everything I am. But what she says next just confirms what this is.

  “Don’t
worry, that’s not going to happen, because this is a no strings deal, right?” With those lips pressed to mine, I want nothing more than to argue that no, there are lots of strings, many, and they’re lassoed tightly around my heart. They are siphoning off my air supply. But that’s not what she wants, and for once in my life, I’m not going to be selfish.

  “Absolutely.” Mary nods once. Our lips are still caught in a stalemate, hinting that Mary wants more than just a kiss. “I’m not going to fuck you in here.” Don’t get me wrong, I’ve fucked in plenty of bathrooms, but with Mary, it just seems wrong.

  “That’s fine,” she whispers. “You can fuck me back at your apartment. But now, I’m going to fuck you.” I wonder if she’s carrying a strap-on in her bag, but she makes her intentions clear when she unbuckles my belt. Her deft fingers undo my button before lowering my fly.

  She knows from experience that I’m commando and that I’m hard.

  She takes my cock in her hand, fisting my shaft with skill. She knows what I like because she’s worked her way on and around it countless times this week. I exhale heavily, filling her lungs with air that filled mine. The visual is almost romantic, but when she increases the speed of her rhythm, all romance takes a backseat, because now I just want to come.

  My pants pool around my feet, leaving me exposed and at her complete disposal. As we’re still pressed front to front, there isn’t much room for her to move, but I love being locked this way with her.

  My jagged breathing whooshes down her throat as she bites and lays tiny kisses on my parted mouth. I greedily pump my hips, the feel of her palm sliding up and down my dick too intense for words. With the other hand, she reaches down and fondles my balls. It’s a sharp sting—pleasure versus pain.

  Our eyes are united, Mary watching me as I unravel in her palm. “If she touches you again, then I won’t.”

  “If this is an ultimatum, then you’ll be happy to know you win,” I reply with a smirk.