by Jagger Cole
I chew on my lip. I’m sizzling inside from his eyes on me like this. “You’ve been told you’re a little cocky before, right?”
“Is it cocky to hold my secretary against my desk with my hand on her ass and my mouth dying to know what she tastes like?”
“Bold maybe,” I gasp. “And yes, cocky. Presumptuous, even.”
“Uh-uh,” he grins. “I don’t presume you want me, Julia.” He leans in close, and I gasp quietly. “I know you do.”
I couldn’t stop the whimper from escaping my lips if my life depended on it. Evan’s eyes burn hot. He pulls back just shy of kissing my ear which would have been my undoing.
“Tonight,” he growls.
I just nod, hardly able to breath. Okay, how in the world am I going to last even one more day working this close to this man?
9
Evan
Reluctantly, I know she’s right. I want to kiss her, or hell, I want to make her mine entirely in every way a man can make a woman his. But I know I need restraint. Save the kingdom, then I can have my Queen.
Julia ends up setting up her laptop in the sitting area of my main office. I groan in frustration at the temptation of her being so close to me, not separated by doors. But I also like that she’s here, close to me. Together, we start to tackle all the bullshit.
I start to really look at the attacks on my empire, and I hiss furiously. Julia’s made some great strides, but it doesn’t look good. Petrov has me on the ropes. The accounts are one thing, but he’s got the FTC breathing down my neck. I glance at an email from Susan, but I already know it’s bad. Her email doesn’t do a thing to change that opinion.
Bottom line is, the FTC is going to turn my company inside out. I’m going to lose Olsen Holdings. My medical sector is going to take a pounding. It isn’t like I’m going to go broke, and my company will absolutely survive. But the hit to my reputation and to the empire I’ve built will hurt for years. Decades maybe.
I look up when Julia’s phone starts to blow up. But she glances at it and puts it aside.
“Please, take it.”
“No,” she shakes her head. “It’s nothing, and I’m working. It’s just my friend from work. Well, my old work.”
“Please take it. Honestly.”
She nods, and she picks up her phone when it rings again. “Hey, Mateo,” she answers with a smile. A flash of possessiveness hits me, but then the name strikes a bell in my memory. It’s Mateo from Blue Fish Coffee, who if I remember correctly, is decidedly not interested in woman.
“Yeah, I’m…” I look up when she pauses. I grin when I see her blushing and looking right at me. “Yes, it’s working out well,” she whispers. “Really well.” Her blush turns a shade darker. “Mateo!” She groans. “I’m not saying a damn thing to you!”
She giggles again, and I look up from my computer. She’s blushing deeply again, and I have an idea that she’s talking about me. But that’s fine, and I grin back at her. I don’t want this to be an affair or a secret. I want her, and I want the world to know she’s all fucking mine.
“No, I haven’t yet, but I’ll email them now with my notice,” she says while she’s typing away answering emails for me. “Well, my immediate notice.” Julia giggles. “Well, yeah, it’s more.” She grins into the phone. “A lot more,” she whispers. I just chuckle when I hear that.
“Okay, Mateo, I have to let you go. But I’ll talk to you later about it.” She frowns. “Yikes, really?” Her frown deepens into a scowl. “Yeah he’s the fucking worst! Oh my God, he did what?!”
I look up sharply at her tone. Julia looks at me with concern and holds her phone away. “This regular who’s a total asshole,” she explains. “Just threw hot coffee on my friend over the counter.”
I scowl. “What a fucking dick.”
“Yeah, well…” her brow worries, and she brings the phone back. “What’s that, Mateo?” She instantly bursts into laughter. “Seriously?! Well karma is a bitch!”
She grins and whispers to me. “The guy left his phone on the counter. Unlocked.”
I grin. “Sounds like it serves the asshole right.”
I turn back to my emails and Julia continues. “What’s his name anyways? I bet its Vlad. It’s like every Russian finance guy in New York is named Vlad… holy shit! What?!”
I look up quickly to see her face turning white. “Mateo… Mateo, hang on.” Julia pulls the phone away.
“What’s wrong,” I growl urgently. She swallows, and I stand, worried. “What is it, beautiful?”
“The asshole regular?”
“Yes?”
“It’s Petrov,” she whispers. “Petrov Valdiski.”
I freeze, and my jaw clenches tight. “Tell your friend,” I growl deeply. “To keep that goddamn phone unlocked like his fucking life depends on it. There’s a hundred grand for him if he does.” Julia looks shocked, but I nod. “I’m serious. Tell him.”
She nods quickly, her face red. “Hey Mateo? Keep it unlocked. Trust me, it’s going to be worth your time to make sure it stays open. We’re on our way.”
10
Julia
Mateo looks flustered. He looks at me and then Evan, and at Evan’s hand on the small of my back. I didn’t even notice it was there until we were halfway down the block to get here. I’m not even sure if Evan is aware of it either. It’s like him holding me like this is a natural thing. It’s as if the universe makes more sense with his hand on me like this.
Mateo’s eyes go from Evan’s hand to my face, then back, then back to my face again. He grins at me knowingly and I blush.
“Later,” I mouth to him through the heat on my face.
“Better,” he mutters thorough a grin.
“What’s that?”
“Nothing!” Mateo beams at Evan. “Nothing, Mr. Danforth.”
“Just Evan, please.”
Mateo nods. “Well, here it is, unlocked. I actually went into his settings and turned screen lock and the password off, so you’re safe.”
Evan nods soberly. “Thank you, Mateo. I owe you.”
“So who is this guy?”
“A prick,” Evan growls. “A real piece of shit.”
Evan starts to laugh, but his brow worries. “Is this legal?”
Evan hands him a folded check. “What do you think?”
Mateo laughs and opens the check for just a peek. His face suddenly goes white, and his jaw just about hits the floor. “I don’t think I care, Mr. Danforth,” he gushes with an enormous smile on his face.
Mateo stares at me in disbelieve while Evan scrolls through Petrov’s phone. I move next to him, looking over his shoulder.
“Is it helpful?” I venture hopefully.
“Holy fuck,” Evan growls. “Yeah, it’s beyond helpful.” He turns to me with a big grin. “I’m going to crucify the fucker with this, actually.” He takes my hands and looks into my eyes. “I’m not going to ask you to jump into this with me, beautiful.”
“Too bad, I am,” I smile back. Evan grins.
“We’ve got some work to do.” His brow darkens, and he pulls me away from Mateo, out of earshot across the cafe. “I know we had plans tonight…”
“It’s fine, we need to save your company,” I say with a smile.
“Are you in for an all-nighter?”
“Absolutely,” I whisper.
“Good,” he growls, and leans closer to me. “I’m going to make it worth your while.”
The way he purrs the words into my ear leaves nothing ambiguous about them. I blush as the tendrils of heat tingle through my very core.
“Mateo, thank you,” Evan growls as we walk back to him. “This is going to be huge if we can use it fast enough. I need more hours in a day,” he grunts.
“Sounds like all-nighter territory,” Mateo grins. “Y’all need coffee?”
I laugh. “Definitely.”
Evan strokes his chin curiously. “Mateo, how fast can you type?”
“Fast?”
“You good with juggling phone lines?”
“I have four boyfriends who don’t know about each other.”
Evan roars with laughter. “You’re hired. Come on, you’re coming too. And bring a shitload of espresso.”
Mateo stares at him, and then at me.
“He’s serious,” I whisper with a small laugh.
“What about the Blue Fish?” Mateo frowns.
“Close it.”
“Um, Mr. Danforth…”
“Evan.”
“Okay, Evan, I’m not sure I can just close the place.”
“You can. I’m buying it.”
My eyes widen, and so do Mateo’s. “What?”
Evan grins and takes out his phone. “Hey, Barry? I want something. Uh huh. Blue Fish Cafe. Yes, the one off Wall Street. Yes, that one.” He nods. “Thorn Equities? No shit. That’s Michael Carson’s outfit, isn’t it?”
“Is he fucking for real?” Mateo whispers.
“Uh, yeah,” I giggle. “He’s, um, like that.”
“Girl, I have questions on questions.”
I giggle again and wave him off.
“Call him, Barry,” Evan growls. “Make the offer. I want it done today. No, today, Barry.” He hangs up and smiles plainly at Mateo and me. It’s like he’s just ordered a t-shirt, not bought a bustling coffee shop.
“Okay, now I’m buying it.” Mateo stares at him, but Evan turns. “Alright, we’ve got work to do. Don’t forget that coffee, Mateo. We’re going to need it.”
Hours later, we’re all haggard and tired, and buzzing with caffeine. Evan’s shirt sleeves are rolled up, with his collar undone a few buttons. Mateo’s done an incredible job at manning the phones. But at this hour, he’s finally crashed on the sofa in Evan’s office.
I re-read the last email on my screen one more time, and then I press send. I hear a click, and I look up and see that Evan’s just done the same thing on his laptop.
“Done?”
I grin. “Well, no, but it’s a start.”
He nods with a smile. “And now, I think we’ve earned a breather.”
While Mateo was juggling investor calls, setting up meetings, rescheduling other ones, and a whole bunch of other things, Evan and I have been collecting evidence from Petrov’s phone. We’re still digging through it, but we’ve already uncovered things that look like they might help in this business war. A lot of it is encrypted, but Evan’s said it’s a matter of time before his crypto team cracks through it.
What’s clear from what we’ve gleaned though is that Petrov is apparently dirty as hell. Not only are the tactics he was using to try and screw Evan illegal, but most of his business seems to be, too. He’s clearly involved with Russian mob dealings, and drug money, and a whole host of other stuff. And as soon as we can crack the rest of the files, the authorities will get them.
“Helluva day,” Evan growls.
“A whirlwind,” I whisper.
He moves closer to me, and I gasp when his hands slide over my waist. He pulls me to him, and I melt against his chest. Our lips meet, and without any hesitation, I kiss him deeply, and he does the same back. I moan when Evan pushes me against the desk, and my pulse beats like a drum. His big hands slide over me, sending heat teasing over my skin. My entire body tingles with need for him. The kiss starts to get heavier, and I moan.
“Wait,” he grunts. He glances at Mateo sleeping on the sofa. “Let’s go,” he whispers, taking my hand.
“Where?”
“I keep a secondary apartment upstairs.” Evan flashes a hungry smile at me and tugs me after him. We race through a side door in his office that opens to a small atrium, with an elevator and a staircase that winds up. He doesn’t wait for the elevator. He scoops me into his big arms, and I shriek with glee when Evan rushes up the curved staircase holding me close.
We tumble into a gorgeous, lavish apartment that makes my jaw drop. He kisses me passionately as we rush through it and into a huge bedroom. I moan when Evan tosses me down across the bed and yanks his dress shirt off. He moves onto the bed and grabs me. His lips kiss mine hard, and I whimper against his mouth.
Evan’s fingers undo the gorgeous blouse his personal shopper bought me. It falls away, and the tasteful yet sexy bra she also bought is next. I moan when my tits press against his rock-hard chest. My hard nipples are electrified against his skin. His big hands slide down to my ass, and he groans and grabs it tightly. I can feel his huge erection throbbing against me with need.
“Lay back, beautiful,” he growls. “I’ve been starving for a taste of your sweet pussy all fucking day.”
With a gasp, I tumble back across the big bed. Evan moves over me and sears his lips to mine. He moves lower and kisses down over the swell of my tits. His tongue drives me wild, and his hands push lower still. He unzips the new skirt and throws it away. His fingers tug at my panties when he kisses over my stomach.
The panties slide down my legs. I whimper when Evan’s big hands push my thighs wide apart. I know he can see all of me, and how damn wet and eager for him I am. He slides between my legs, and I moan. His hot tongue delves between my lips, and the pleasure spikes through my core. I cry out and push my fingers through his thick hair. He sucks my clit between his lips and teases it with his tongue, and he pushes a thick finger into me.
“Evan!” I cry out, and my hips push against his mouth shamelessly. He drags the pleasure from me, coaxing it out of me with his tongue and magical fingers. He dances his tongue over my button, and I begin to come apart. My thighs squeeze tight around his head, and I ripple with pleasure when he strokes my g-spot. The pressure and the pleasure overtake me, and suddenly I start to melt.
“I’m coming!” I whimper loudly. I clench and tighten, and I flood his tongue with my sweet desire. Evan growls hungrily and tastes every drop. His tongue keeps dancing around my clit until it’s almost more than I can bare. He finally pulls away and slides up my body. His lips kiss mine deeply, and I can taste myself on his mouth. I can also feel his desire for me throbbing hot, and feeling how big he is thrills me.
I pull back for a second, and doubt creeps not my head. What have I done? I’m sitting on the edge of Evan Danforth’s bed, with my legs around his waist while he strokes my back and kisses my neck. But I’m worried about the consequences now that this has happened.
What am I to him? Is he going to look at me differently now? Like I’m a cheap date who just let my boss take her to bed? But I look up into his eyes, and I know I’m dead wrong. He’s looking at me differently all right, but it’s only more intense, and more captivating than before. He’s looking at me with pure adoration and lust, and it sets me ablaze.
He leans in, and the kiss sears me to my very soul. I pull back from his addictive lips and groan contentedly. “My God, who needs a drink?” I giggle. Evan just smiles.
“I’m happy to make you something, beautiful,” he growls and takes my hand in his.
“I could be convinced,” I grin. “I mean you’re the boss. What are we drinking?”
Evan shakes his head with a smile. “I’m not, actually. I don’t drink.”
“Oh?”
“No, not anymore,” he grunts. “Five years sober.”
I blink in surprise. “That’s really incredible, especially with the stress you must carry with your job.”
“The stress and the work keep me focused and sober,” he grins. “I enjoy that, actually. Chemicals weighed me down. They slowed my ascent. I’m happy addiction free now.”
I pull him close and kiss him deeply. “That’s incredible,” I murmur.
“Well, except now…” he growls. “I think I have a new addiction.”
He kisses me hard, and I instantly get his meaning. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back. His hand drops to my thigh, and I whimper happily.
“Evan, that…”
“You need to know something,” he says deeply. “I’m not in the habit of doing this.”
I grin while my face reddens.
“Um, same? I haven’t even dated a guy in—”
“Two years.”
I blink in surprise. “What?” Evan’s mouth tightens, and I frown slightly. “Did you look into me?”
“Yes,” he says without hesitation.
I grin. The thought in actuality makes me happy. If it were another guy, yeah, it would be creepy. Evan looking into my personal life like that is a little stalker-ish. But I am very okay with this man stalking me. There’s something about him wanting to know everything about me that actually feels warming and exciting.
“As opposed to you, the billionaire playboy,” I joke. “I mean when was your last date? Yesterday? The day before?”
He frowns. “Julia, that’s not true.”
“Evan, I’m just teasing you,” I chide with a smile.
“I know. But I’m telling you, that’s not me. I don’t see women.”
“You? Evan have you looked in a mirror recently?” I joke. “Or at your bank account?”
He chuckles. “Perhaps if I were weaker, yes. But that isn’t for me.”
“You don’t do hookups?”
“I don’t. I don’t do one-night stands. I don’t do week-long stands. Or affairs, or dalliances, or flings. None of it.”
“So what’s this?” I whisper apprehensively.
“Something bigger,” he growls. “Something much, much bigger.” He kisses me hard
“More,” I gasp into his kiss. I need more of him. I crave more of him.
“I’m far from finished with you, beautiful,” he growls. He’s pushing his slacks down when his phone begins to ring. He frowns and silences it, and I whimper when he kisses me again. The phone rings again, and his irritation deepens.
“Damn phone,” he grunts. He tosses it across the room, and I giggle as he slides back between my legs. But then the phone rings again, and when it finishes, another ringtone chimes from his pants. This time, he stiffens.
“That’s my private line,” he growls. “Emergencies only.”
“You are at war,” I say with a knowing look and shrug. “Take it.”
