House of Cards (Tech Billionaires)

by Ainsley St Claire

  “The lawyer is going to do some research over the next day or so, and Clear is going to do some investigating into Elite Electronics and Reinhardt Corporation, looking for connections to the Kryetar. Meanwhile, I’ll go on with my meetings in hopes of not raising too much suspicion,” I say.

  Jim steps into the room. Where did he come from?

  “Is she safe?” Jonnie asks him immediately.

  He’s talking about me like I’m not in the room, and my blood pressure begins to rise. “I’ll be fine,” I stress.

  Christopher looks at me. “I thought I heard something a little different earlier—not to go to your meetings, and to keep a low profile.”

  “Do you have cameras and a strong security system—motion detectors, window alarms, video camera surveillance, and night vision coverage?” Jonnie asks.

  Christopher shakes his head. “No cameras, but I have a strong security system, and we’ll have two men with her at all times.”

  I shut my eyes and take a few deep breaths as I put a death grip on the arms of my chair. Don’t they understand I’m alarmed, too? One bodyguard is too many. How is this going to fly at home in Minneapolis?

  “What’s the big-picture plan here?” Jonnie asks, finally looking at me.

  “The wedding has been reduced to a courthouse affair suitable for the business arrangement it is, and I’ve made it clear to my mother that it will be on my terms. It won’t be the giant society event she’s trying to have. Although I’m not sure she’s notified anyone of that change, because I’m still getting emails from the wedding planner and some of the vendors.”

  “But why are you going through with the wedding at all?” Jonnie asks. “I know you feel it’s what’s needed for the business, but it sounds like your mother isn’t arguing in good faith. There’s something shady here.”

  I shake my head. “I just don’t know what else to do. The wedding is still a few weeks away. Maybe one of these attorneys will see something workable—and also a way to invalidate those fake documents and keep Alex and me out of trouble.”

  Jonnie doesn’t look thrilled, but he nods, squeezes my hand, and stays silent for now.

  A little while later, Christopher says, “You and Jonnie have a dinner reservation at Bix in about an hour. You’re going to need to get a move on if you don’t want to be late.”

  “That doesn’t sound like keeping a low profile,” I point out.

  “It’s a small restaurant, and you’ll go with a team. I was just there getting it all taken care of,” Jim says.

  I gasp. This is really happening? “What? I’m not dressed for a fancy dinner.”

  “You look beautiful, and frankly, if you were wearing a potato sack, I wouldn’t care as long as you join me,” Jonnie says with a smile.

  “At least let me freshen up,” I implore.

  Christopher turns his wrist to look at his watch. “You have ten minutes.”

  I jump up. “I’ll need everyone.” I begin to search for my suitcase. The car service dropped it off this morning while I was at my breakfast with Kate.

  “Your bag is already upstairs in your room,” Christopher informs me.

  Dashing up the stairs, my excitement pushes past all the fear and uncertainty of today—and the past months. A date with Jonnie. We’ve never had a real date. I quickly change into something other than dark pants and a peasant blouse.

  “Time’s ticking!” Christopher yells upstairs to me.

  I roll my eyes. He gave me ten minutes, and I intend to use them. “Be right there!” I wish I had time to curl my hair, but at least I can wash my face and apply fresh makeup. After a lighting-fast transformation, I rejoin the guys downstairs a little winded.

  “Okay, Zack and Thomas will be seated at an adjacent table,” Jim tells me. “You’ll be at a corner table on the second floor. If at any time you see something strange or someone you don’t know attempts speak to you or join you—or you just don’t feel comfortable—you need to use your safe word.”

  “Safe word?”

  “You’ll say a unique word only your security detail will know. And they’ll only allow the staff at Bix to approach your table. We need to choose a safe word you won’t forget.”

  “Having a safe word makes it sound like Bix is an S&M club,” I quip.

  My brother’s eyes bulge. He isn’t appreciating my sense of humor.

  Jim smirks. At least I entertain someone. “It’s just a word that will put the team on alert. We don’t want to be a distraction to your dinner.”

  “I understand. My word is glasswing,” I tell him.

  “Glasswing?” Christopher gives me a strange look.

  “Yes. It’s a butterfly from South America. They’re rare.” I shrug.

  My brother expels a breath of frustration. Despite our ages, I still take extreme pleasure in irritating him.

  I wrap a pashmina around my shoulders to keep the cold away. “All conversations about rare butterflies are off the table during dinner,” I tell Jonnie.

  He salutes me. “No problem. Perhaps next time.”

  We pile into the Suburban with me in the middle of the back again, between Zack and Jonnie. Thomas drives, and Jim sits next to him in the front seat.

  “I feel quite important,” I announce. I’m nervous-talking. Whenever I do this, I think I’m funny, but no one else seems to.

  “Do you know a lot about rare butterflies?” Jonnie leans in, and his warm breath on my neck sends jolts to my core.

  I laugh. “No, and before you ask, I don’t know much about S&M either.”

  “That’s too bad.” He grins and reaches for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

  The restaurant becomes a circus when we arrive. People turn to gawk at the three absolutely gorgeous men with me. I chuckle. If they only knew. We sit down at a private booth upstairs in the corner. Light jazz drifts up from the quartet downstairs. I really like this place. The Art Deco ambiance makes me think this restaurant—which is hidden down an alley, away from the busy downtown streets—must’ve been a speakeasy in a previous life.

  Jonnie puts his arm around me and pulls me in close. His touch sizzles my skin with electricity. It feels so right to be here with him. Despite everything else going on, I somehow know I’m just where I want to be. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this way before.

  He leans in and asks, “What was so funny downstairs when we arrived?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “When we walked in, you laughed. How come?”

  I shrug. “Everyone turned to stare at us. I’m the envy of every woman and gay man in here.”

  His brows furrow. “What makes you say that?”

  “I have three hot guys with me.”

  He grins. “So you think I’m hot?”

  I can’t help but smile. This is the guy who had every girl in school chasing him, and he’s here with me. I’m going to have fun tonight and pretend I don’t have an arranged marriage looming and people—possibly led by my mother—tracking my every move. I can deal with all the crap tomorrow. Fuck ‘em.

  I lean in and put my hand on Jonnie’s upper thigh. “I think you’re hot with clothes on, and definitely when you’re naked.”

  “Outstanding, because my flight doesn’t leave until morning, and I plan to refresh your memory tonight.”

  I shake my head. “Sorry, I’m staying at my brother’s.”

  “I’m well aware, and it doesn’t change my plans,” he says with surprising confidence.

  “Well, for your safety, I don’t think you’d want to risk Christopher hearing us,” I reason.

  “It’s only a sign of two people having fun.” He shrugs.

  “I’m not sure my brother would see it that way.”

  A man approaches the table. “Jonathan Best,” he exclaims.

  “Doug? I didn’t know you were working tonight.” Jonnie stands and extends his hand.

  “This is my restaurant. I’m always working. The real question is what brings you to San
Francisco and my humble restaurant.”

  Jonnie lets out a loud laugh. “Doug, let me introduce you to my girlfriend. This is Margaret Reinhardt.”

  Girlfriend? I put on the best smile I can and extend my hand.

  Doug grasps it, turns it, and brings it to his mouth for a soft kiss. “Welcome to Bix, Margaret. You’re in for a treat.” He winks at me, and I watch Jonnie bristle.

  “I’m thrilled to be here,” I tell him.

  “I know you have menus, but Bruce and I thought we’d do a tasting menu, special just for you. You know, we were very disappointed we weren’t invited to be a part of The Boardwalk at the Shangri-la.”

  Jonnie grimaces. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d want a restaurant outside of San Francisco.”

  “So many of our customers go and stay with you. I hope you’ll consider us if something opens up or you expand.”

  Jonnie nods as he sits down and reaches for my hand. “We look forward to the tasting menu.”

  “May we add the drink pairing?”

  Jonnie glances at me, and I nod.

  “Sounds wonderful,” he tells Doug.

  “Then I’ll leave you to it. If you need anything, do not hesitate to have your server come find me.”

  “Excellent. And I’d love to see Bruce before we go,” Jonnie says.

  Doug grins. “I’ll make sure that happens.”

  After he retreats, I ask, “Who’s Bruce?”

  “Doug owns four restaurants here in San Francisco, and Bruce is his partner with Bix. Bruce also owns another restaurant. They’re a real business power couple.”

  Over the next two hours, we enjoy an amazing five-course meal, and Jonnie has me laughing all the way through. I swear I even snorted, and I normally avoid that at all costs. He’s kind and considerate, always asking for my opinion and letting me talk. Each time my wine glass gets low, he fills it. And thankfully he never brings up Alex, my mother, our last meeting in Minneapolis, or our current situation. This is more fun out than I think I’ve ever had, and I don’t want it to end.

  When I take my last bite of the chocolate soufflé, I moan my appreciation.

  Jonnie picks up my hand and places it firmly on his crotch. His hardness is prominent through his pants. “This is what you’re doing to me,” he rasps.

  I smile and stroke him. Thoughts of our previous time together run through my head. I bite my lip, and he watches me intently. “You’re very naughty,” I whisper.

  “I can be extra naughty, and we can break out your safe word,” he growls.

  I stare down at my plate, and I’m sure I turn a nice shade of crimson. He kisses the most sensitive part of my neck and whispers, “There’s nothing wrong with doing something that feels good.”

  A flood of wetness dampens my panties. I’m grateful for my padded bra because my nipples are so erect, they hurt. But I put my excitement on hold when Doug returns with a man dressed in the kitchen chef’s shirt and matching pants.

  “So what did you think?” he asks.

  “Absolutely outstanding, Bruce,” Jonathan confirms.

  Doug and Bruce turn their attention to me.

  “Perfection” I assure them.

  They talk about the dinner, and then the conversation moves to the Shangri-la. I feel like I’m intruding on their proposal. I excuse myself and head to the ladies’ room with Zack at my heels.

  When I return to the table, Doug and Bruce make their apologies for running me off.

  I shake my head. “Please don’t worry about me.”

  “We’re sorry to intrude on your evening,” Bruce says.

  “You’d fit in well on The Boardwalk at the Shangri-la,” Jonnie assures them, and they light up.

  After a little additional small talk, they make tentative plans for a trip out to Las Vegas, and then leave us to finish up.

  “I’m really sorry about that.” Jonnie pushes a wisp of hair behind my ear, and his hand on my leg moves closer to my center. “You look absolutely amazing tonight.”

  “I wasn’t kidding about my brother’s house. I can’t have sex with him one floor below me.”

  Jonnie stands and reaches for my hand. “Your brother already told me he won’t be home tonight. We have the house to ourselves.”

  My breath hitches.

  “You’ll be needing that safe word.” He grins and my nipples pebble all over again.

  Chapter 19

  Jonathan

  The security team drops us off at Christopher and Bella’s and does a quick sweep before they head out to the guest house for the night. We move upstairs, barely making it to the third floor and Maggie’s room before our clothes are off, and I’ve got her up against the wall, massaging her glorious tits. I’ve missed them. I trace a finger around her areola, and her nipples tighten to hard points. I lick and suckle. Her breasts are so soft.

  Maggie reaches for my cock and strokes it. Then she moves farther down and caresses my balls. She returns to my shaft with a firm yet delicate touch. Her fingers find my pre-cum, and she wipes it around my head, sending shivers through me.

  I suck her nipple into my mouth, and she places a hand behind my head to keep me there. I reach down and slip a hand over her mound, dipping a finger into her slit. She’s wet, and I slide into her opening. She presses my head to her nipple, and I gently bite down. She gasps, and her pussy contracts around my finger.

  I take my mouth off her nipple and kiss her. Her lips are hungry against mine, and she drives her tongue into my mouth. I suck on it, and she presses herself up against me. My cock presses into her stomach and she continues to rub it. She drops her hand from the back of my head and grabs my left ass cheek, squeezing and pulling me in tighter. My finger drives into her pussy, and she moves her hips with me.

  “Please, Jonnie,” she whispers into my mouth. “I need you inside me.”

  Still kissing her, I look past her and spot a large soft chair across the room. I steer her backward, and when her calves touch the chair, she lets go of me and sits back. She lifts her legs and spreads them. She keeps her eyes locked on my erection and licks her lips.

  I take a moment to admire her. Her breasts are pushed together by her upper arms. Her hands cross over her stomach and her fingers splay her pussy lips apart. I can see her clit is swelling, rising hard and prominent. It’s beautiful and glistening.

  She’s so open and ready for me. I sink to my knees and behold the beautiful sight. I kiss up her thighs as she leans her head back and moans. Her fingers find her nipples, and she twists and pulls. I lick and suck on her clit. My fingers pivot in and out of her.

  “Right there... Yes...” Her breathing increases, and her internal muscles hold me tight. “Joooooooonnie.”

  She reaches for my wrist, holding me deep inside her. My cock is standing at attention, begging for its turn.

  The gush of her excitement coats my hand. Her head lifts, and she’s orgasm drunk. I continue to lap up her juices. “You taste sweeter than fruit.”

  “It’s your turn,” she rasps.

  She takes my cock deep in her mouth, and I’m not going to last long if she sucks me off. I help her stand and move her to the bed behind us. It’s tall enough that I can stand between her legs. She positions herself on the edge of the bed, and I line myself up with her opening. I hold my cock as I run the head between her pussy lips and up and over her clit. She moans her appreciation and thrusts her hips. It’s tempting to just plunge in, but I resist her and keep rubbing my cock along her wet pussy and clit.

  “I need a condom,” I grumble.

  She nods.

  Scrambling to my pants pocket, I find a condom and feel victory. I turn and she’s moved up into the bed.

  She locks eyes with me, and I enjoy the look of wanton lust she sends my way. This woman wants me bad—me and my cock. I’m a man deeply desired, and she is a woman wet and open, willing and equally desired. I cover my cock faster than I think I ever have, press my swollen head to her opening, and push in. Her eye
s plead with me to continue, but I withdraw and run my cock back up and over her clit.

  She makes an angry noise, but her head falls back as I continue to circle her clit with my cock. I tap my cock against her, and she rewards me by sucking air in past her teeth. I rub her clit harder, enjoying the electric shocks running down my dick.

  I press my cock against her opening and push it in just past the head, then pull it out again. She makes an exasperated noise and looks down to watch my cock play with her pussy lips and clit. I tap her clit again, and she smiles.

  I can do this all night. I probe her lips, run my cock head up through her swollen inner labia, and circle her clit hard. She’s breathing heavy now and can’t tear her eyes from what I’m doing. Her clit is swollen and standing tall. I’m mesmerized by it. Her pussy is dripping now, red with excitement. Her upper chest is flushed as well.

  Our matched desire overtakes me. I’m rock hard. The wet sound of my cock rubbing against her fills the room. She reaches up to pinch and twist her nipples again.

  She’s getting close to a powerful orgasm—and so am I. This time when I push against her opening, I go all the way in. The feeling of her pussy wrapping around my shaft is heaven, and I almost come from the sensation. She throws her head back and cries out loudly. My balls press against her, and I then slowly pull back.

  I push back in slowly and then withdraw. I keep up this agonizing pace, though I want nothing more than to thrust wildly. She doesn’t move. She lets me set the tempo. She lowers a hand and circles her clit. I watch, amazed as she touches herself with thumb and forefinger, stroking. It’s an amazing sight to see. I almost lose my rhythm and falter for a moment before resuming.

  I continue to fuck her slowly, and my orgasm begins to crescendo. She’s close again. Her eyes are screwed tight and her mouth is open in a little O. I thrust harder, and her eyes shoot open. I thrust three times hard and fast, and she comes, screeching my name again.

  I feel like a superhero as she loses control, bucking and thrashing. It’s all I can do to stay inside her. Her pussy’s clenched so hard on my cock I can barely move it. I need to come, but hold off to watch her. She’s beautiful. A flood of liquid surrounds my cock and trickles out to run down her ass. I keep thrusting, and she keeps coming.