Dark Matter: SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE

by Jessica Loft

  CHAPTER 8

  Gloriana’s kiss dwindled on his lips a final time. Since the woods, they hadn’t been able to keep their hands off of one another. So much so that instead of riding her own horse back, she sat in front of William’s lap on his horse, letting her back rest against his chest. When they finally reached the stable, they were both relaxed, happy, and ready to finalize their wedding plans.

  “Come my love,” William coaxed, pulling her down from his horse. It was just as she was pulling her lips away from his that both of their father’s came storming into the stables, looking angrier than ever.

  “What is the meaning of this!” Rolf yelled, his ruddy face redder than ever.

  “The meaning of what, good sir?” William asked calmly, thinking he was referring to the way Gloriana was dressed.

  “You know very well, you idiot,” his father seethed, pointing an angry finger in his son’s face. “You just couldn’t keep your bloody pecker to yourself, could you?”

  “I’ll not have my daughter marry a lecher who cheats in her own house!” Rolf hollered. “You hear me! The wedding is off!”

  Panic rose in William’s chest as he put his hands up.

  “What? No! Please, you don’t understand, I”-

  “It was me,” Gloriana said, loudly and simply, as if she were admitting to taking a piece of bread and not shagging someone in a public alley way.

  “It was-what?” Rolf asked, finally starting to calm down.

  Gloriana spared a glance at William before stepping up to calm the angry fathers.

  “Father, my dear father in law to be, I must confess to you that it was me. I’m assuming you are talking about the little escapade William was seen performing last night was actually him having sex with a woman?” She asked.

  Their faces flooding with embarrassment, the two older gentlemen stiffly nodded their heads yes.

  “Yes,” Gloriana lied. “It was me. I had snuck out of the castle to have some fun, as my father knows I’m likely to do from time to time, and William followed me to protect me. It was annoying at first, but then it actually became endearing. We talked, we drank, and we both got a little too foxed and ended up shagging in the alley way.”

  Gloriana feigned shame, and bowed her head solemnly. “I am dreadfully sorry that we have shamed both of you, dear fathers. And in my lust for William, all discretion went out of the window. I promise you both, on our mothers’ graves, it will never happen again.”

  For a moment the two fathers looked at Gloriana as if she had lost her mind. It was one thing for a man to admit to out of marriage relations, but it was quite another for a woman to do so. Walter was at a loss for words, and Rolf, once again embarrassed about his daughter’s actions, was turning redder in the face than ever.

  “Is this true, son?” Walter asked finally.

  William looked over at Gloriana, who gave him the faintest nod of her head.

  “It is father,” he admitted, agreeing to his wife’s story. “We are both terribly, terribly sorry to have embarrassed you. But you see, Gloriana and I have fallen in love. And whatever indiscretions we have taken part of, we still very much want to get married.”

  The two fathers looked at each, bewildered. The visit had indeed taken an interesting and constant turn of events. Yet despite it all, their odd children had found love with one another. They decided that it was not their place to take it away from them.

  “Very well,” Rolf said finally with a sigh. “But I never want to hear of another incident like this again. Am I clear?”

  “Perfectly,” William and Gloriana answered in unison. Their father’s rolled their eyes as their children laughed at one another.

  “Come Rolf,” Walter advised, patting his friend on the back. “I don’t know about you, but I’m in need of a very, very stiff drink.”

  “Aye,” Rolf replied, nodding his head in agreement as he let Walter lead him away.

  As soon as they were gone, Gloriana turned to William and kissed him passionately. Her tongue danced between his lips and played his tongue until they were both breathless. When she pulled away, William’s breath was coming in heavy gasps, his arousal already up to full power yet again.

  “Did ye like that?” Gloriana whispered, her tongue darting out seductively to lick her lower lip.

  William nodded his head vigorously. “Oh aye,” he promised, leaning in for more.

  Gloriana pushed at his chest, a wicked grin on her face. Slowly she began walking backwards.

  “Just remember, if ye sleep with another trollop, that kiss will never happen again.”

  Now Enjoy The Next Story Below Or Choose One From The Table of Contents

  Climbing His Corporate Ladder

  Chapter One

  Zoe Preston stared at the letter sitting on the table in front of her. Taking a deep breath, she picked it up with sweaty palms.

  “I'm being ridiculous. It’s just a summer internship.” So what if she wasn’t accepted? Okay, she admitted, maybe it was a big deal to her because she was a perfectionist and an overachiever. If she didn’t get the internship, she might very well fall into depression but, only for the weekend.

  “Well, here goes.” She tore open the envelope and began to read the letter. Letting out the breath she had been holding, she let out a squeal and pumped her fist in the air.

  “Yes! I’m in!” She reached for her cell phone and excitedly dialed the number of her best friend.

  “Hey, Zoe. What’s up?” Jake’s deep voice sounded drowsy.

  “Were you asleep?” Zoe asked with raised eyebrows.

  “Well, don’t sound so outraged.”

  “It’s three in the afternoon, Jake.”

  “What else is a man supposed to do less than a week into summer break?”

  Zoe rolled her eyes. She almost said get a job but remembered that Jake didn’t need one. He had a full and easy ride through college courtesy of his wealthy parents. Zoe, however, had to work her way through school. She picked up shifts at the diner when she could.

  “How about checking your mail to see if you got accepted for the internship at Salvatore Solutions?” Zoe suggested.

  “Oh, yeah, I got the letter. I’m in.”

  “It’s amazing how nothing ever manages to excite you, Jake.”

  “Well, there is something,” he drawled.

  “Ewe, please don’t over share,” Zoe said with a smile. “Congratulations, by the way. It looks like you’re stuck with me for the summer, buddy.”

  Jake laughed.

  “There are worse things. Congrats to you too. You totally deserve this.”

  “Thanks, Jake. I’ll talk to you later. Maybe you can stop by the diner tonight, and we can hang for a bit.”

  “Sure thing, later.”

  Zoe hung up the phone, still grinning from ear to ear. The internship could lead to great things for her. If all went well, she would be set for a job right after graduation next year. She considered calling her parents to give them the good news but refrained. She knew what would happen if she called. They would take turns lecturing her about the benefits of coming home. Both Jasmine and Michael Preston thought it was best if she gave up her apartment in Brooklyn and went home so she wouldn’t have to worry about rent.

  But Zoe loved having her space. There was no way she would get any studying done with her three rambunctious teenage sisters at home. The three bedroom house her parents owned had become way too crowded once she had turned eighteen. She glanced around her apartment. It was small and far from luxurious, but it was hers, and it was quiet. So, she didn’t mind having to work and go to school. It took its toll from time to time, but she only had one more year of toiling and sleepless nights to get through. Her internship would add to her already overloaded schedule, but it was worth it.

  Zoe stood up and straightened her waitress uniform, grabbed her handbag and headed for the door, in high spirits.

  “Only six hours to go,” she said aloud. Stepping out into the humi
d New York summer air, she quickly made her way to the bus stop.

  ***

  After her shift ended, Zoe sat in a booth with Jake. She studied him with amusement as he shoveled down a plate of burger and fries.

  “Don’t you own a kitchen at that fancy, Upper East Side apartment of yours?”

  Jake stopped momentarily to glance at her.

  “Not everyone who has a kitchen knows how to use one.” He paused, “I keep telling you to move in with me. I bet you could put it to good use.”

  Zoe rolled her eyes.

  “For the last time, Jake, being your roommate would be way too weird.”

  “We’ve been best buds since high school. I don’t see how it will be weird.”

  “You know I like my own space, so there is no way I would be able to tolerate your parade of women. Plus there is no way I can afford to pay for an apartment in your swanky neighborhood, not even half of it.”

  “I told you not to worry about the money.”

  Zoe sent him a pointed look.

  Jake sighed in resignation.

  “Fine, I’ll drop the subject, for now.” He stole a glance at Zoe when he was sure she wasn’t looking at him. It was getting more difficult to hide the longing in his gaze. If she knew that he was in love with her, and had been for years, she would freak out. She carried her gaze from the window, back to him and smiled.

  “Hurry up, will you? We need to get out of here before my boss gets the impression that I want to be here and gives me more work.”

  “Alright, alright,” Jake murmured, stuffing the last few fries on the plate into his mouth. He stood up.

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  Zoe sprang up and followed him to the door.

  “Have you changed your mind about hitting the club tonight?”

  Zoe’s small nose wrinkled.

  “No, I’m tired. I’m going home to get some much-needed sleep.”

  With a scoff, Jake shook his head.

  “Yeah, right, so you say. But I know you Zo, you’re going home to bury your head in a textbook.”

  It made no point to defend herself because he was right.

  “Sorry, Jake. Give one of your many girlfriends a call. I’m sure you’ll find a willing partner for the night.”

  “Yeah,” he grumbled. “I guess I won’t be seeing you until Monday morning then.”

  Beaming, Zoe responded,

  “Yes and I can’t wait. I’m super excited.”

  As they walked to the parking lot, Jake was silent. Reaching Zoe’s car, he turned to her.

  “Um, Zoe. There’s something I’ve meant to tell you. I-” he paused, eyeing her nervously. “I’m glad we’ll be able to share the experience of the internship together.” His shoulders sagged, and he mentally cursed himself for being a coward.

  Zoe smiled broadly.

  “I know, right. I’m happy too. I have to admit; I’m less terrified about the entire thing knowing my bestie will be there.”

  Jake delivered a tight smile.

  “It’s also a good thing I’ll be there to keep you away from Mr. Salvatore.”

  “And why would you need to keep me away from the company’s owner? If anything I would love to meet him and get a little guidance. The man is a self-made billionaire, after all.”

  “It is also known that the man is a playboy.”

  Zoe laughed.

  “Yeah, it takes one to know one. Mr. Salvatore is the last person I need protection from, Jake. Like he would give me the time of day,” she added with a shake of her head.

  Jake glared at her.

  “I resent being called a playboy. But, I guess my behavior speaks for itself. Anyway, you’d better get going, kid. Drive safely.”

  Zoe opened her door and slid into her car. “Good night, Jake. Give me a call later if you’re sober.” She giggled and backed out of the parking space. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she frowned. Was it her imagination or did Jake begin to act a little weird? She shrugged it off. He had probably broken up with yet another girlfriend.

  Chapter Two

  Zoe pulled self-consciously at her business-casual dress. It had been hidden at the back of her closet along with the rest of her other dressy attire. She glanced around the lobby of Salvatore Solutions anxiously. Where the hell is Jake? Her friend was late as usual. Biting her lower lip, she tapped her foot and eyed the double doors. Still no sign of Jake. She would have to make her big entrance without him. With an annoyed huff, she made her way to the elevator, nearly tripping over her ridiculously high heels. She silently cursed her eighteen-year-old sister for talking her into wearing a dress and heels.

  There was a ding, indicating that lift had arrived. As the doors slid open, Zoe took one more look back, hoping to see Jake. With a frown, she stepped into the elevator.

  “Oomph. I’m sorry,” she murmured when she came into contact with a hard body. Hands reached out to steady her.

  Once she was able to stand steady on her heels, she turned.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Her eyes traveled upward, past a broad chest and further up to a square jaw and lips twisted in amusement. Finally, making contact with piercing gray eyes, her breath stopped. Hello.

  “No worries,” the good-looking man said.

  Zoe swallowed, in an attempt to moisten her suddenly dry throat. She was aware that she was staring and immediately looked away. Wait a minute. Giving the man a second glance, she stifled a gasp. She was standing next to Zachary Salvatore, owner and CEO of the company. Holy smokes, he’s gorgeous. She wiped her sweaty palms on her dress and stared straight ahead, careful not to let her eyes stray to him. Maybe it was best just to stay quiet and not acknowledge that she recognized him.

  *****

  Zach tried not to ogle the beauty standing beside him. Shoving his hand in his pocket, he leaned back on his heels. He hadn’t seen her around before. There was no way he could forget such a face. From her flawless caramel skin, mesmerizing green eyes, full lips to her mass of wild curly light brown hair, she was stunning. He couldn’t stop his gaze from drifting lower to take in her slender form with just the right amount of curves, emphasized by a tight fitting knee length dress. He cleared his throat lightly.

  “Do you work here?”

  “Uh, well, I guess you can say that. I’m a new intern.”

  Was it his imagination or did she sound breathless? Real or not, her low husky tone was sexy as hell, making him sweat ever so lightly.

  “Hmm, welcome to Salvatore Solutions.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Salvatore.” Zoe nearly clamped a hand over her mouth. Damn it.

  His brows kicked up.

  “You know who I am. What’s your name, new intern?”

  “Of course, I know who you are. I will be working for you for a couple of months.” Giving him a smile, she extended her hand, “Zoe Preston.”

  “A pleasure to meet you, Zoe Preston,” he drawled, taking her small hand in his.

  He smiled when she flushed a shade of pink and quickly pulled her hand away. She brought her eyes forward and went back to staring at the metal door doors.

  “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Salvatore,” she murmured. She was kind of freaking out internally but tried her best to maintain her cool. She didn’t want to fan out on the man standing next to her like he was a celebrity. But, she was tempted to. He was at the top of the list of people she admired.

  The elevator came to a stop on the seventh floor, and Zoe stepped out, in a rush. He watched her walk to the left, only to reverse and turn and right, blushing harder. Zach’s lips lifted, as he shoved down a chuckle. He stared at her retreating form with fascination until the double doors slid close. He let out a breath. The woman was the perfect mixture of sexy and adorable.

  “The new intern,” he mused aloud. He would be paying more attention to the new interns this year. Well, one in particular. You really should stay away from that girl, his subconscious warned. But, she had already caught his eyes
, and he was intrigued, especially by the fact that she didn’t immediately throw herself at him, even though she knew who he was. It was quite refreshing, and surprisingly a bit disappointing, considering that he was attracted to her.

  Zach stepped off of the elevator two floors up and strolled into his office.

  “Good morning, Mr. Salvatore,” Marissa, his executive assistant chirped.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Chandler. How are you?”

  “I’m great,” she said, picking up her pace to keep up with him.

  “I need you do something for me, Marissa.”

  “Anything,” she gushed, causing his brows to lift.

  “Reschedule my meeting for this morning. I’ll be going downstairs shortly to oversee the orientation of the new interns.”

  Marissa’s step faltered.

  “Er, seriously? But, you never pay much attention to-”

  “Yes, Marissa seriously. I would appreciate it if you didn’t question me. Just do as I said. Many thanks.” With a smile he closed his office door, leaving Marissa standing in stunned silence. Sitting at his desk, his thoughts went back to Zoe Preston. He didn’t quite understand the need he had to see her again. Sure, he loved women, but he didn’t usually go out of his way to get their attention. They came to him naturally. He should be taking things easy after his previous tumultuous relationship, but there was something about Zoe that called to him. She isn’t even my type, he thought. Perhaps it was the innocence that she exuded. There was something different about her, something that he rarely saw in the women he usually dated- or rather, never saw.

  ***

  “Where the hell were you?” Zoe hissed, as Jake sat beside her. They were in a small room, waiting for whoever was in charge to arrive.

  “I hit a little traffic.”

  She sent him an angry look.

  “I told you to leave early last night. I can’t believe you let me walk in here by myself,” she grumbled, sitting back and folding her arms.

  “Come on, Zo. I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.” He looked around. “No one is even here.”