Playing Irish

by Brooke Harris

  Shelly and Meghan were pushing Eva toward the stage while she was digging her heels in the floor, struggling to stay on the spot.

  ‘No, stop. Wait. I don’t understand.’

  ‘Just go with it,’ Meghan said. ‘You’ll learn as you go.’

  ‘So, what now? I just go up there and take my mask off? What was the point of wearing it all night then?’

  ‘It’s the game, Eva. Everyone here has chosen to play,’ Shelly explained.

  ‘I haven’t.’

  ‘Yes, you have. And as much as you deny it, deep down, just by being here, you knew you were playing on some level.’

  Eva made a face, slowly realising Shelly was right.

  ‘Okay, so what happens when we take the mask off? We just stand there for everyone to stare at us?’

  ‘Wow, wow, wow. Back up,’ Meghan said. ‘What’s this we business? He won’t take his mask off. He never does. Don’t you see? This is how the game works.’

  Eva shook her head. The wine fizzed around her veins, and she thought she might fall over.

  ‘It’s his way of introducing you. This might look like it’s about you, but it’s not. It’s about him. It’s him putting his stamp on you,’ Meghan continued.

  ‘He’ll never reveal himself,’ Shelly added. ‘But this is a good thing. The whole office will know who you are. You’ll be royalty, Eva. No one will fuck with you again.’

  Eva turned around struggling to take it all in. A tall man, in a tailored suit emphasising his broad shoulders and good taste, stood in centre stage staring back at her. He was still wearing his mask…his mask with the signature letters M.I.N.E written across the front.

  Eva gasped. ‘That’s not Mr. Doe. That’s Julian.’

  38

  Eva’s legs shook like a derailing train as she climbed the steps leading up to the stage. Her mind was blown and this time she definitely couldn’t blame the champagne. It was him, it really was. Julian was the infamous Mr. Doe. Mr. I’ll-have-sex-with-any-employee-I-like Doe. Fuck, shit, fuck. This can’t be real, she told herself. She had to be dreaming. The game. Oh, my God, the game. This was the twist. This was how it ended.

  Every set of eyes in the room were upon her, burning into her skin. Her chest was tight and breathing actually hurt. She took slow steps and tried to hold her head high as she walked toward centre stage, grabbing the outstretched hand waiting for her.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he said and an instant silence fell.

  He raised his arm into the air. Eva was still holding his hand - tightly, and her arm rose, too.

  ‘Miss Evangeline Andrews.’

  Eva’s free hand flew to cover her face. What was he doing? Her mind couldn’t keep up. He told her all along it was a game, he’d literally given her a personal goddamn handbook, and he’d still managed to play her. Fuck.

  He let go of her hand, opened the bow on her cape, and let it fall to the ground. He looked into her eyes, smiled, and then slipped her mask over her head. Tears were stinging her eyes, and it made it hard to return his gaze. The silhouette of his face was familiar and beautiful, just like Julian, but she desperately wanted to believe it wasn’t him under the mask. He was fucking with her head, and at that moment, she hated him.

  The applause was steadfast. He leaned close and kissed her. She allowed his lips on hers, but she didn’t kiss him back. He took her hands in his, his lips still pressed against hers and placed her fingertips against his mask. He nodded softly.

  What? Did he want her to push it back? But Meghan and Shelly had said…But he was nodding. Her head hurt. She was so confused.

  He let go of her hands and pulled away from her. He took a single step back and his eyes locked with hers. His hands crept to his face and his fingers traced the edges of his mask. Eva held her breath, suddenly feeling like there was no one else in the room except him. He tore his mask from his face and flung it into the crowd.

  Julian stood facing her. Silent and still. The shrieks of excitement from the crowd were deafening. Women were screaming and climbing on the tables to get a closer view. Some were even pulled back by security as they attempted to climb onto the stage. Eva was overwhelmed, but it didn’t faze Julian, he even laughed. The commotion didn’t distract Julian from Eva for long. He pulled her close to him and kissed her again. Her stubbornness didn’t want to, but her heart ached, and she kissed him back this time.

  He scooped her into his strong arms and the lights went out again. Reeling, Eva wrapped her arms around his shoulders and nuzzled her head tight against his neck. He smelled of spicy citrus and heaven. Eva felt her panties dampen just being close to him. Fuck him, she thought, not sure who she was angrier with - Julian or herself. He had just pushed her to the breaking point and still, just one hint of his delicious scent made her want to rip his clothes off and nibble on every inch of his skin.

  Eva lifted her head again when the noise faded. They were in the foyer now, alone. Julian helped her stand, and he stood completely silent in front of her. She took a moment to look him up and down, and then lunged forward and thumped her fists against his chest. He didn’t flinch.

  ‘How the fuck could you?’ she shouted. ‘I trusted you. I told you shit. Shit I never told anyone. It is all just part of this fucked-up game of yours.’

  Julian shook his head, but Eva grew angrier and thumped her fists harder. Julian still didn’t move.

  ‘You lied to me.’

  Julian looked at her defiant. ‘No. You just never saw the truth. There’s a big difference, Ms. Andrews.’

  Eva was practically hopping on the spot in temper. ‘You let me worry about my boss. I even told you he was an ass. I bet you had a good laugh at my expense.’

  ‘Cut the bullshit, Evangeline. You’ve been playing the game since you walked into my office. No one forced you to play. You could have walked out the door and never come back…but you didn’t. You enjoyed the challenge. You’re just too fucking stubborn to admit it.’

  Eva clenched her jaw. Christ, he was so infuriating. She felt such a fool and her frustration was compounded by the fact that simply looking at his beautiful face made her want to kiss him. Now. Right now. What the fuck? Stand your ground, she warned herself.

  ‘It was my job, Julian. I wanted to succeed in my career.’

  ‘There are other offices. Other jobs. You. Wanted. To. Play.’

  ‘Play what? I still don’t even know what the fuck this really is.’

  ‘It isn’t anything. The game is what you make of it. And you, Evangeline…’ Julian took her hand and kissed it softly. ‘…You have made this one hell of a challenge.’

  Eva shook her head sadly. ‘I feel so stupid.’

  Julian’s body stiffened. ‘What? Why? That’s the last thing I want you to feel.’

  Julian placed his hands over hers and steadied them against his chest. She calmed, exhausted, and slid to the floor. Julian lowered himself onto his hunkers and dotted his lips slowly down her neck.

  ‘I didn’t know. I really never did. All the times in your office…I never knew it was you.’

  ‘The clues were there. You just never saw them.’

  ‘Okay, not helping the feeling stupid thing.’ Eva blushed.

  Julian laughed and kissed her forehead. ‘That’s one of the things I like most about you.’

  ‘That I’m stupid?’

  ‘No. Ha. No.’ Julian smiled brightly. ‘You’re anything but. Other girls are always looking at what’s around the corner, what comes next. They want more all the time. You don’t, and it’s really quite amazing. If that made you blind to the clues, well, that’s my fault for not upping my game for you.’

  ‘Of course, I was blind. It was always pitch dark, remember?’ Eva tried to joke.

  Julian pressed the tip of Eva’s nose with his finger. ‘I’ve told you before; you need to use all your senses. Sight is just one. My voice was a hint, or the way I speak to you. I never tried to disguise who I am, your fear was just clouding your ability t
o find out.’

  Eva dropped her head. It was so much to take in. She felt as if someone had thumped her across the back and knocked the wind out of her.

  ‘They said you wouldn’t take off your mask, but you did. I knew it was you, but you took it off anyway.’

  ‘They were right - up to now, that is.’

  ‘Why me, Julian? Why did you pick me to take if off for? I didn’t ask for the responsibility.’

  Julian stood up and gently pulled Eva to her feet. He held her a whispers distance in front of him.

  ‘No one forced you up on that stage, Eva. You did that. You went up because you wanted to. Because you are so much stronger than you think.’

  Eva stepped closer to him, shaking uncontrollably. ‘I’m not strong. Not like you.’

  ‘I’m strong because I have to be. I didn’t choose it. It’s just the way life goes. And now you have to choose to be. Okay?’

  Eva nodded.

  ‘I took my mask off because I don’t want to play anymore either, Eva. The game is over. You win,’ he whispered.

  Eva smiled. She wasn’t entirely sure what that meant, but his tone told her more than a thousand words. And just when Eva thought she couldn’t be any more shocked, Julian let his guard down. He’d taken off more than one mask. And he’d done it for her.

  Eva looked at him from under her wrinkled brow and threw her hands to the side. ‘Well, what now?’

  Julian’s face lit up. He tilted his head and cast his eyes upstairs.

  ‘We can’t go up there.’

  Julian snorted. ‘We can go anywhere we want. And I want you. Upstairs. now.’ Eva shook her head. ‘What? Now?’ No. I can’t…’

  Julian laughed. ‘My house, my rules. And I say we’re going upstairs.’

  ‘Your house,’ Eva said, nodding without realising it. Of course, why did it surprise her? The expression of luxury that oozed from every floor tile or door handle or fine painting was signature Julian. The only surprise was that she didn’t figure it out sooner.

  The games, the gifts, even the mask…it was all him. Eva slapped her hand against her forehead and blushed. Now she saw the clues left along the way. Eva closed her eyes for a second and replayed the recent days in her head. Julian, Mr. Doe, whoever-he-was, he’d changed her. She wasn’t quite free, but she was certainly a lot better than she was. But he’d had his fun. It was her turn.

  ‘I’m not your toy, Julian.’

  ‘My toy,’ he said, smirking. ‘Who said anything about being a toy?

  ‘Well, Shelly and Meghan said…’

  ‘And do you believe everything your friends tell you?’

  ‘Meghan’s not my friend,’ Eva corrected.

  Julian shrugged his shoulders. ‘ And?’

  Eva pulled a face. ‘And what?’

  Shit, there was nothing more to say. He’d just diluted her argument with one simple word. Damn.

  Julian’s lips twisted to the side, his intention written across his face. ‘Are you done?’

  Eva nodded, defeated.

  ‘I’m only going to say this once more. Upstairs. Now.’

  The palm of Julian’s hand smacked across the cheek of Eva’s ass. She tapped unsure fingers against her lip, took Julian’s outstretched hand, and followed him upstairs, not quite believing what she was doing and not quite able to stop herself from doing it.

  39

  Eva slowed as she reached the top step. It was just enough for Julian to catch her. He slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her back against him. He spun her around and her lips met his. He tasted of scotch and desire and she kissed him hard, she wanted to drink him in. The champagne coursed through her veins, and she embraced a naughty confidence. She was ready for Julian Harte. So ready.

  Julian’s hands grabbed her ass cheeks, and he hoisted her up onto him. She wrapped her legs above his hips and linked her ankles behind his back. She gasped as his solid cock rested between her open legs with only their clothes between them. His hands were all over her. Her back, her neck, tossing her hair. She knew she was safe in his arms. She arched her back and threw her head back. He sucked his finger and ran its damp tip down her neck, all the way to the silky, low-cut neckline of her dress. Eva suspected he’d had a lot of practice at that move, but she didn’t dare ask. She held her breath and waited for his next move.

  Julian kicked the bedroom door open, and slammed her back against it as it closed behind them. His hands reached behind her head and pulled her harder onto his lips. His kisses were rough and hungry, but Eva’s force met his. She wanted him, his taste, his touch, his passion. She slid her tongue into his open mouth and rocked her hips, knowing she was teasing his swollen cock. His breath was deep and rushed. She felt powerful and sexy. Her lips still locked against his as she fumbled with the buttons of his shirt and pushed the material off his shoulders. Julian released his grip on her, shook his wrists free, and shot her a luscious smirk. The look told her everything; he’d tolerated her teasing but now he was taking back control. She bit her bottom lip and waited.

  Eva gasped as she landed back against the soft pillows of the giant water bed. He’d thrown her. It was rough and primal and so fucking hot, Eva though she might come just staring at his perfect chest.

  ‘This has to go,’ he said, staring at the damage he’d caused to her dress earlier. The purple silk splayed between his knuckles as he tugged viciously. The material shredded and exposed Eva’s bra and panties.

  ‘Fuck,’ Julian said, almost breathless. In an instant, he was on top of her, kissing every inch of her belly. ‘So fucking hot.’

  His hot lips against her bare flesh had her soaking her panties. Her clit pulsed and ached, as if Julian could read her mind, he slid his knee between her legs and she ground her hips against his thigh. Pleasure rippled through her with each thrust.

  His hand slipped behind her back and flicked her bra open, effortlessly. He flung it on the floor without caring where it landed. She panted gently and her breasts rose and fell with each breath. She watched him tilt his head to the side, making no secret that he was staring at her breasts. He pinched her erect nipples between his thumb and index finger and rubbed them just enough to make her squirm.

  ‘Shh,’ he whispered, raising his hands where she could see them. ‘Not yet. We’re not going to rush this.’

  He leaned closer and dragged his teeth across her bottom lip. She gasped and her hands fought for space to unzip his trousers.

  ‘Get these off,’ she said, aching to see how hard he was.

  Julian pulled back and flicked a single eyebrow up. Eva scrambled to sit upright to take in the full view. He stood up and pulled his trousers down. His boxers were tight and emphasised his perfect balls and throbbing cock. Eva lunged forward. She brushed her lips against the outside of his boxers. He relaxed his shoulders and dropped his head back.

  ‘Suck me.’

  His request sent a tingle down her spine. She pulled his boxers down and let his warm, rigid cock fill her mouth. She slid her hand between his legs and rested her finger on his ass. He exhaled deeply with a satisfied groan. His hands rummaged through her hair as he thrust his hips back and forth. Her lips stayed tight around him, and he pushed deeper, right to the back of her throat.

  ‘Soak my balls.’

  Eva pulled his cock free from her mouth and pumped it in her hands as she lowered her head and licked and sucked his balls. Taking each one into her mouth in turn, listening to his deep moans of approval.

  Julian slid his finger under her chin and tilted her head until she locked eyes with him. ‘Fuck, you’re good,’ he said. ‘But it’s your turn now.’

  He took both her hands in his and slid his fingers between hers. He pulled her to the edge of the bed to stand in front of him. Her perky breasts pushed against his firm chest, and he waited a moment before he stepped back to take in the view. His eyes and his dropped lip told her that he was only getting started.

  He brushed the tip of his nose just under
her ear and his warm breath teased her skin as he slid his hands over her hips and her thong and pulled it down. He stared into her eyes and pushed two fingers into her mouth. ‘Wet them.’

  ‘Why?’ Eva said, barely able to breathe with anticipation.

  ‘Shh, no questions, remember?’ he whispered into her ear.

  Eva did as she was told and circled his fingers with her tongue, sucking each one in turn.

  ‘Good girl. Now lie back and spread your legs. I’m going to make you scream.’

  Eva didn’t doubt it. His cocky confidence was the ultimate turn on. She sat back on the edge of the bed- slowly. Too slowly, Julian didn’t wait. His hands pressed against her shoulders and pushed her back against the rippling mattress. Eva gasped as she felt cool air and Julian’s eyes between her, staring at her glistening opening.

  ‘So pink,’ he said. ‘I want to taste you.’

  Eva’s heart was beating so loudly, it thundered in her chest like a drumbeat.

  Julian’s hands rubbed her ankles and his thumbs softly stroked the back of her calves, slowly working their way higher.

  Eva closed her eyes, barely able to believe the moment. The scent of his skin enhanced with rich cologne made every fibre of her body ache. Her body pulsed with anticipation as her wet trickled out like seductive syrup. Soft, satisfied moans sounded from deep within her throat.

  Julian flipped her onto her belly and she shrieked with surprise. She felt his finger trace the nobbles of her spine all the way to her ass. He placed a palm on each of her round cheeks and squeezed hard.

  ‘Trust me, okay?’ he whispered into her ear and then nibbled her neck gently.

  She nodded meekly.

  ‘Good girl.’

  She did trust him, but the mix of vulnerability and excitement had her body shaking. She had no idea what he would do next, and it scared the shit out of her in the best possible way.

  His slipped a finger between the cheeks of her ass and slid lower until his finger was pressed right against her.

  Eva shook her head. He wouldn’t dare, would he?