The Tycoon and his Honey Pot

by Sabel Simmons

  He smiled wickedly. The other thing he was good at … even better than himself, was racing … but he had no real passion for it anymore and only did it with Michael fun for a year or so. Michael was relieved at the time, knowing he would have stood no chance if Mason really pursued it as a career.

  “So, my friend, when was the last time you were behind the wheel of a speed racer?”

  Mason grinned and nodded. “You’re on … but don’t come crying when you lose. I have no intention of being soft on you.”

  “You don’t know how to, Mace. Lucas, do you think Brooklyn will mind?”

  “Hell yes. That is her pride and joy … her baby!”

  “She’ll get over it.”

  Michael threw the red Camaro’s keys at Mason and Lucas handed him a helmet. He strapped it on and felt the adrenalin pumping through his veins. He understood Brooklyn’s passion for racing. Hell … he was hooked for close on two years, but he was not blind to the risk and dangers involved and stopped when he realized he became reckless.

  Brooklyn returned and frowned when she noticed her racer and Michael’s at the start line, clearly in a one on one individual race. She ran up the platform and joined Lucas who lounged against the railing with his one foot on the middle strip.

  “What is going on?”

  “Hi Bee. Nothing much, you?”

  “Don’t be obtuse, Luke! Who is racing against Mickey and in my car?”

  Lucas lifted an eyebrow at her and she gasped. “What is he thinking? Give me that microphone!”

  Lucas laughed. “Relax, Bee, he’ll look after your baby. He knows what he is doing.”

  “Oh, really … a collar and tie corporate junkie in a speed racer?”

  “He raced with Michael in the beginning. Damn good too. Mickey always said if he didn’t stop when he did, he would not have been the top racer today.”

  “Why do I not know about this? I know all the top racers over the past fifteen years. Mason Sheppard was not one of them.”

  “But Sonny Shepp was.”

  “Sonny Shepp … oh my God! He was Sonny Shepp? The Sonny Shepp that won the Dakar the year after you all came back?”

  “Yip … the one and only”

  “Well … isn’t this man full of surprises today.”

  Chapter Four

  “No Bee! I will not lie to him. If you really want a shot at something permanent with Mason, you will tell him the truth right away. It is the one thing he values above everything else.”

  “I know that, but I can’t, not just yet. Damn it Mickey, I did not even know who he was when I met him on Saturday. I only realized when you introduced him to me. I was so shocked that I had just made out … uhm … kissed my new boss!”

  “How the hell can he not recognize you?”

  “I … you remember the disguise I used when I worked at the Pentagon?” She smiled at the face he pulled.

  “You are not serious? I did not even recognize you then. He is going to be furious when he finds out, Bee and more than that, it could mean the end of a relationship between you. Don’t fool yourself in believing he will be too smitten with you to forgive such a big lie.”

  “It is such a mess! Mickey … I don’t know … I’ve never felt about anyone like this. It is too quick … too much, I don’t know if I can handle someone like him and I am scared.”

  Michael searched her eyes and realized she was more confused than scared. It was clear that she never lost her heart or fell in love during any of her past relationships.

  “Brooklyn, he is a good man, but hard and ruthless with ingrained integrity that has never failed him. He is the most honest man I have ever met and he expects the same from everyone he deals with. I have known him for the biggest part of my life and I value his friendship above all. I will not lie to him. Should he ask me outright, I will be truthful. For your own sake, make sure you are the one to tell him before he finds out from someone else. I can assure you of one more thing … he has never pursued any woman before. He said this afternoon he has found the woman for him, and he meant it. You are in his future … long term and if you do not intend to be, make sure he knows that too.”

  “Never?”

  “He never had to, he was always the one they pursued but he never had a relationship with any of the women he took out. You are the only one he wants.”

  Her eyes were haunted and he knew she was in a quandary. He also understood how important it was to her to have a well-paying job. Finishing her studies was very important to her and she was too proud to accept any of his offers to pay them for her. He respected her above all for that. He knew deep in his heart she felt the small deceit was justified, but he worried about Mason’s reaction when he found out about it, and he had no doubt that he would.

  “I have already started looking for another job and I am sure it would not be long before I find one.”

  She was silent for a long time and then mumbled pensively.

  “I guess I can always sell the Camaro. I will get more than enough to finish my Masters. If I do it full time I can write the mid-year exams in three months.”

  Michael’s mouth hung open and he swallowed air like a fish on dry ground.

  “You would sell your baby … for Mason?”

  Her eyes met his and he recognized the inner struggle tearing her apart.

  “As much as I love that red baby of mine, what Mason said is true. There is a spark between us that is so intense it would be stupid not to give it a chance … and he could be … actually, I know he is the one I have waited for all these years.”

  Michael pulled her close and hugged her fiercely. “If you are serious about selling the Camaro, I will buy her. I have worked too hard on that tin can over the years to see her going to anyone else.”

  “Tin can! Don’t insult my baby like that, you will hurt her feelings!”

  Michael laughed at her and looked up when Lucas and Mason walked into the lounge. They decided to have a quick barbeque at his place instead of going to a restaurant for dinner. Mason walked up to her and pulled her in his arms, kissing her softly on her lips. He turned to Michael, but kept his arm around her waist.

  “Please tell me the barbeque is already done, Michael.”

  “You know what they say … patience is a virtue … you should try and practice it tonight.”

  “Maybe you need me to show you how that is done too?”

  Michael laughed loudly without taking exception to the reminder, how far Mason beat him on the track earlier today. Brooklyn shook her head, still amazed at Mason’s ability on the track. Clearly the eight years since he last raced on a track did not lessen his ability. He raced with so much precision and skill it was amazing to watch. Even though her brother lost, her heart swelled with pride when he crossed the winning line first.

  “Still as modest as ever! I had hoped the years have made you slower, but you proved me wrong. I am just damn glad you are not racing anymore. I would have lost all my groupies!”

  Brooklyn huffed and shot her brother a murderous glare. “Don’t put ideas in his head, Mickey!”

  That prompted a hard hug and warm lips to caress her neck and she moaned softly, her arms folding over his that were wrapped around her belly. Lucas jabbed Michael in the ribs.

  “I think you better get that barbeque going. It looks like they’re going to need the sustenance for some reason or another tonight.”

  The two of them walked to the back patio where Lucas had set up the gas grill. The moment they disappeared through the door, Mason pulled her around and folded his arms around her. He caressed her round butt cheeks with one hand, whilst the other traced her spine. A shiver ran down her body and she closed her eyes at the intensity of the feelings such a simple caress elicited.

  Mason looked down into her beautiful face and lowered his head, his breath hot against her lips. He waited until she opened her eyes before he lowered his mouth to capture hers and his eyes held hers captive. She nearly swooned at the pleasure tha
t curled her toes at the intimate kiss he immediately bestowed on her. Not slow and tender, but passionate and wild. His tongue swirled on the inside of her cheeks to caress over her teeth and palate before he swirled his tongue around hers, sucking it into his mouth and drawing from hers wildly.

  Looking into his eyes while being kissed with so much passion and heat nearly undid her. She gripped him around his back and her nails dug into his muscled shoulders. He growled, but went deeper as if he would devour her. His mouth slanted over hers, searching, going deeper still and her eyelids fell closed. Brooklyn felt her nipples tighten and the hard nubs stabbed at his chest. Slowly he pulled back, reluctantly ending the kiss. He leaned his forehead against hers, their breathing hard and their bodies trembled in need.

  He lifted her face to his with a hand beneath her chin; his expression one of passion and need.

  “Brooklyn, I need you … God knows I do. I concede that this is very quick, but I also know you want me as much as I want you. I know you deserve to be courted, but I won’t survive that long! Will you come home with me tonight?”

  The expression in his eyes told her how desperate he needed her to say yes. She could not deny the passion and desire flowing through her veins and gripped her groin so tightly that she was in pain.

  “Yes, Mason, I need to go home with you tonight.”

  He swallowed and relief washed over his features, but his jaw remained rigid. He caressed her lips tenderly with his thumb. She closed her lips around the tip and sucked it into her mouth, savoring the salty taste of him on her tongue. She swirled her tongue around the tip, sucking hard and he growled. He thrust his arousal against the apex of her legs and she gasped. God, he was so hard … so invitingly tempting! Heat flowed down her body to drench her panties.

  “Are you very hungry, honey?”

  “Suddenly not so much for food anymore.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her after him, shouting their goodbyes in the direction of the patio. She grabbed her duffel bag from her room she always used over weekends when she stayed over. They were in his luxurious SUV before Michael and Lucas even realized they were leaving.

  Brooklyn got into the helicopter with a frown marring her brow.

  “I thought we were going to your home?”

  “Yes, we are.”

  “Which is where exactly?”

  “Block Island.”

  Her mouth hung open and she gaped at him. He laughed and gently pushed her mouth closed. She mumbled something under her breath and he frowned at her.

  “Mumbling, Brooklyn? I’d like to hear what you say and think, not try and guess.”

  She glanced at him, then back out to the dark night below them, glittering with shiny lights as far as you could see. The helicopter was kept at LaGuardia airport in northern Queens in a private hanger. Based on the reaction of the airfield personnel he was very well-known and respected.

  She shook her head again and felt a band of uncertainty grip around her heart. She was a nothing, an executive assistant … his executive assistant! Even when she graduated and started to practice as an Industrial Psychologist, she would still be nothing more than a middle class person. How on earth would she be able to compete with the celebrities, models, Business Associates and heiresses that were pursuing him all the time?

  “Brooklyn? What is the matter, honey?”

  “You … I … this is not going to work, Mason. I think it will be better if you take me back.”

  He cursed viciously. “Why? Because I live on an Island? Many people do, you know. I don’t own the whole damn island!”

  “And you are the Wall Street Tycoon, fly your own helicopter and I am relatively sure your house on … Block Island … is not one of the small town houses on the beach front.”

  He cursed again. “Where the hell did all of this come from all of a sudden? Never mind, we will discuss this once we are home. I can’t have our first fight with you while I am flying.”

  “It is not a fight. It is a reality that I only now realize. Take me back, Mason.”

  He didn’t even glance her way. “No.”

  That was the last word he uttered the rest of the trip and he totally ignored her continuous requests to take her back. His jaw was rigid and looked as if chiseled in stone. His hands gripped the controls until his knuckles were white.

  She noticed the helipad clearly lit in the distance. She deduced it was on the Grace Cove side of Block Island. Her heart shriveled even further when they landed and she realized it was his own helipad on his own land. He gripped her elbow and literally threw her in the SUV parked in the garage, still ignoring her pleas to be returned.

  She has been to Block Island a few times and every time she left wished she could live there. It was such a tranquil, relaxing place where you could easily relax and forget about any troubles.

  She recalled what she read about the island the first time she visited. The Island was nestled in the Atlantic twelve miles from coastal Rhode Island, offered what did not seem possible anymore - simple relaxation in a startling beautiful place. The Island was famous for its miles of free public beaches, sparkling clear waters, dramatic bluffs, preserved open spaces, and fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages. Block Island has long been a haven for residents and visitors who have found a quality of life there that recalled the pleasures of a life that was simpler, slower, and somehow, more carefree. It was no wonder that the Nature Conservancy has designated Block Island "One of the twelve last great places in the Western Hemisphere."

  The drive to his house was short and over much too quickly. Mason got out on his side and strode over to her in long, deliberate slides. He held out his hand to her and she looked up into his now black eyes, blazing fire. His mouth was pressed in a thin line and he forced the words past his tight lips.

  “I am not taking you anywhere tonight but to the stars in ecstasy, Brooklyn. The choice is yours. You can walk inside with me, or I carry you over my shoulder.”

  Her gaze fluttered to the house in front of them and she gasped. Before she could appreciate the majestic three story house in front of them, he bent over and pulled her up and over his shoulder. He walked up the stairs to the front door.

  “Mason Sheppard! Put me down!”

  She kicked with her feet and jabbed his back with her fists. He retaliated by giving her a hard slap on her bum and she screeched.

  “Do not test my patience, woman! I will put you down when I am well and ready. Now, behave!”

  He carried her inside and ran effortlessly with her bumping on his shoulder up two sets of stairs and turned left in a wide passage. He shouldered a door open and she noticed from her upside down position it was his bedroom. He walked into the en suite bathroom and gently put her down. His eyes burned into hers, his jaw still tight.

  “Again, you can take a bath or a shower yourself, or I can do it for you. I am going to do the same in one of the other bathrooms. When I come back … then we’ll talk.”

  She watched him go and her stomach cramped with the tension running through her. She sank down on the side of the massive oval shaped Jacuzzi bathtub. She gasped when she heard the key turn in the bathroom door. She jumped up and rattled the door, total disbelief on her face.

  “Mason! Unlock this door!”

  “Sorry Brooklyn, I don’t trust you and I have no intention of wasting my energy chasing after you all over the island tonight. I intend to put it to much better use. Get in that shower, honey, I won’t be long.”

  She stood staring at the door, her mouth hanging open. The gall of the man! Yet, with his medieval attitude she had no doubt he would throw her in the shower and scrub her down himself. She huffed and mumbled about audacious jerks while she undressed and folded her clothes neatly and placed them on the wide marble top of the double basins. She stepped into the shower and sighed when the lukewarm water caressed down her body, only realizing then how hot the day has been.

  Drying herself with a big, fluffy towel she turned to the basin and
froze. Her clothes were gone! She untied the loose knot she tied her hair in and wrapped the large towel around her body. She stood facing the door with a thunderous frown between her eyes that did not bode Mason well. She tried the door and it opened easily. She walked into the room and stopped dead when Mason walked in through the other door with only a pair of black boxer shorts on.

  Her breath caught in her throat and heat sizzled down her body at the sight of his large, muscled and well-toned body. The look on his face a clear indication of the emotions rushing through him and his body was taught with restraint. His muscular form was frightening in his near naked state, too tall, too big, too hard and way too damn masculine. She felt completely intimidated.

  His eyes sizzled down her body and she felt as if he could see through the towel. His eyes were intent and glowed like black coal. Mason struggled to get his emotions under control. Seeing her so vulnerable, so beautiful in her near nakedness, took his breath away and he forced his feet to immobility. His arousal was as hard as stone and throbbed painfully in his boxers. He released a labored breath and their eyes met.

  “Where are my clothes?”

  “You won’t need them for now.”

  “I … we can’t… I can’t have this conversation with you only covered in a towel!”

  “I have no intention of conversing with you.”

  “Mason, please. This is a mistake. We can’t … it won’t work.”

  He stalked closer to her and stopped a bare step from her. He folded his arms over his smooth massive chest. His eyes bored into hers.

  “What happened from when you told me you needed to come home with me till we got into the chopper on our way here?”

  She swallowed but kept her eyes glued to his.

  “Reality.”

  “Explain.”

  She sighed and nearly smiled. This was exactly how he dealt with difficult situations at the office. Direct, short and to the point.

  “Why me, Mason? I am not in the same league as you. I can never compete with the celebs, Business Associates and … heiresses that you date.”