by Thalia Frost
Everything He Promises
(Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #5)
By Thalia Frost
Copyright: Thalia Frost, 2012.
All rights reserved.
Editor: Em Petrova
Cover Artist: Sexybookcovers.com
I glared at Rock as we passed close by each other on the dance floor. Nadia Nargent's lip curled in a smile while she swayed in my fiancé’s arms.
“I think I'm about done,” I said.
When will this song ever be over?
I wanted to escape.
“I thought we might have another dance when this one's over.” He bit his lip, staring into my eyes.
“Maybe. I need some air first.”
A jolt went through me all of a sudden, setting my clit abuzz. It lasted for a full ten, maddening seconds. I sucked in a sharp breath, grabbing John's shoulders tightly.
“Whoa. You okay?” He held me steady, and we stopped swaying for a moment.
I could only nod, my knees weak.
Damn Rock and his remote control. The vibrating panties were such a bad idea. He had some nerve.
I shot daggers at Rock, even as desire grew in the pit of my stomach. He raised an eyebrow in my direction, making my blood boil.
“Maybe you do need some air. I'll go with you.”
“No. I'm fine. I'll be back.” I let go of John and made a beeline out the door of the gorgeous hotel ballroom.
Anywhere but with him. Not now.
“Lacey, what are you doing?” Rock grabbed my arm from behind just as I pushed the elevator button.
“Getting some air. Getting away from you.” I choked the words out as he got into the elevator behind me. We were alone.
“I need you to play your part, to do what I'm paying you for.” Rock let go of my arm and pressed me against the elevator wall.
I enjoyed the contact with his body, but the image of him and Nadia dancing made me shake my head.
“Oh, the part you were playing so well?” I raised an eyebrow at him, hating the shaking in my voice.
“What's that supposed to mean?” His breath came warm against my face, sending chills through me.
“The way you were dancing with Nadia.” I tried to ignore his hands slipping around my waist.
“Lacey, it's part of the act. I'm a billionaire and a CEO. People expect me to dance with gorgeous women.”
I laughed. “Right, like your fiancée maybe?”
He grinned. “Yes, you, too.”
“It's all fake anyway, so I don't know why I care, but it's like this.” I bit my lip. “If I'm going to act a part, then you'd damned sure better do the same. I'm already being made a fool by you.” I wanted to cry.
“Lacey, you're so important to me.” Rock's words were a caress, and he gathered my body closer to his.
The hard outline of his cock pressed against my stomach as he hiked up my dress.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my mouth dropping open.
“Stopping this elevator. They have ten others. We only need a few minutes.” Rock winked at me as he thrust his hand inside my panties.
“You can't be serious.” I groaned, closing my eyes as he found my clit and stroked it in slow circles.
“Oh, I'm totally serious.” He punched a button, and the elevator stopped its ascent.
“What if—”
“What if nothing, Lacey. I could buy this whole hotel if I wanted. I couldn’t care less if some manager finds us in the elevator together. Money means I don't have to worry about that, and neither do you, now that you're my bride-to-be.”
I heard the mocking note in his voice, but my arousal was so strong, I didn't care. He slipped two fingers inside me, even as his thumb flicked against my clit.
“Rock.”
“Let me do this. Then we'll go back to the party, and I swear I'll behave like a good little boy. I won't give anybody anything to talk about—except for how wild I am about my gorgeous fiancée.” He growled and caught my bottom lip in his even as he drove me to ecstasy with his fingers.
I trembled against him. He wrapped my hair around his free hand. He never broke the gaze between us, and the connection was so erotic that it brought tears to my eyes as I reached my release with a shout.
“Lacey, please don't doubt me.” He leaned in closer, took me into his arms, and kissed me. His mouth demanded everything from me, and I could hardly breathe with the intensity of his lips against mine. I tasted blood on my bottom lip when he finally pulled away, and pinprick stars danced in my vision. I collapsed against him.
Rock held me up, saying nothing for a moment.
“Ready?”
“Yeah.” I moved a step away from him as he punched the elevator back into motion.
* * * *
The rest of the party was a whirlwind of congratulations and dances with board members. True to his word, Rock steered clear of Nadia Nargent. Her disdain for me was written on the sneer she kept on her lips the whole night.
Oh, well. She'll get over it.
I decided to enjoy my time in the limelight as Rock's cherished future bride. After all, it could all be over in a matter of months...or days, year contract or not.
“So, when's the date?” Walter Marsh asked, a half scowl on his face.
Rock had sauntered off to try to get me a plate of food. That was, if he could get through the crowd clamoring to speak with him.
I shot a glance in his direction.
Hurry up, Rock.
“Honestly? I'm not sure.”
Embarrassment washed over me. How could I not know that important detail?
“Humph. Hopefully, it's next year. There's a lot going on at Regal right now. A bunch on Rock's plate.”
I could have sworn the man had a malicious note to his voice.
“Well, we have to talk about it. I'm sure Rock will pick an appropriate date.”
Rock appeared at my elbow, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Walter, I hope you've enjoyed the party.”
“I have, Rock. Lovely woman you've got here.” Walter shot a stiff smile in my direction.
“I know. I'm lucky.”
“Well, I'm going to call it an early night.”
“I'll be in touch.”
Rock watched him walk away.
“What did he ask you? I'm sorry you got left alone with him.”
I shrugged. “Well, you wanted me to mingle, so I did and I will.” I grinned at him, thinking of his fingers inside my panties and our elevator time.
“Good.”
“But...he did ask me something I couldn't answer. It was awkward.”
Rock steered me toward a table off by itself. “Tell me. Even if you think it wasn't important.”
I sat after he pulled out my chair. “Oh, I think it's important, Rock.” My voice was laced with steel. The more I thought about not knowing the answer to Walter Marsh's question, the more embarrassing it was.
“Okay. Don't keep me in suspense.” He frowned at me.
I enjoyed the moment, knowing that Rock hated to be denied his right to know everything.
“Well, Walter asked when the big day is. In other words, when are we tying the knot?” I raised an eyebrow, playing with the straw of the cocktail in front of me.
“Oh.”
For the first time since I'd met him, Rock looked stumped.
I giggled. “Wow. So, you really have no idea.”
“No, I do. I was just thinking soonish. Very soon, but I hadn't put an actual date on it yet.” He stared into my eyes as if there was hidden wisdom there.
I admired the way his dark hair was mussed, his top button of his white shirt undone. I wanted to take him to bed at that moment—hang everythin
g else.
“Um, just a minor point. This is a sham engagement, right?”
Rock bit his lip. “Yeah.”
He sounded as if there were more he meant to say but didn't.
“Okay. So, we wait and see what happens, I think.”
But that's not what I wanted. I wanted him to sweep me into his arms and say we're getting married in two days.
“I have a better idea.” His eyes glittered like onyx.
My skin prickled.
“Let's get married next week or at least make it widely known that that's our plan and that we're going to fly back to California right before. I'll have the necessary papers drawn up, of course.” Rock avoided my gaze as he twiddled with his napkin.
“Papers?” I wasn't going to make this easy on him.
“Yeah. As in that this...isn't real. It will be for show if it does go through. We'll quietly dissolve it once everything blows over and I find out what I want to know.”
“Right.” My voice was brittle. I swallowed back tears.
What a fool I am.
“In fact, I'm going to announce that right now. Come with me.” He took my arm, a current tingling between us.
Rock led me out on the dance floor. He had a word with the band that was playing, and the music ground to a halt as he stepped back to my side, sliding his arm around me.
That was a good thing because my legs were shaking.
“I have another announcement to make. Some of you might have noticed that I was so enraptured with my beloved that I didn't slip a ring on her finger.” Rock grinned, and everyone laughed softly.
Blood pounded in my ears.
What is he saying?
I hadn't even thought of a ring. I realized he hadn't either, or at least he had forgotten whatever he'd brought for me to wear.
Because this is a sham...
My face grew hot.
“So, I want to do this again.”
Rock knelt on one knee, holding my hand in his as he slipped a box out of his pocket. “Lacey Pate, will you marry me a week from now in California? And will you wear my ring?”
I nodded, unable to speak as he slipped a glittering platinum band on my finger. The diamond was so large, I had no idea what size it was.
“Well?” He winked at me.
“Yes, of course. Yes.”
Rock stood and kissed me then, his arms going around me. There was nothing fake about the way his lips claimed mine.
“Huzzah!” someone shouted, and everyone clapped.
“Not the smoothest engagement twice over in the world, but it will do, I think. You'll all receive invitations here in Venice, but the wedding will be back in California a week from tonight.”
I gasped for breath as the room seemed to close in on me.
“Are you all right?” Rock murmured in my ear, sending chills through me.
“Yes.”
“You look...I don't know. Shocked.” He smiled, lifting my chin as he gazed into my eyes.
“That ring...” I trailed off, not knowing what to say.
“What man would screw up and not give a ring to the woman he'd asked to marry him?” Rock whispered the words in my ear as he led me into a slow dance, every inch of his body pressed to mine.
“I don't know.”
“Well, it certainly makes it look real. Doesn't it? Does the ring fit?” He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it and admiring the gems sparkling under the lights of the ballroom.
“I think so.” My hand was shaking. I couldn't get over the dazzle factor of this thing.
“Good. I didn't see how your finger was bigger than a size five.” He stroked my hand, and I closed my eyes, a wave of desire rushing through me. “Now, back to our public.”
“Thank you all for being here and sharing our joy. Goodnight and party on...at least till four o’clock when the band leaves.” Rock laughed, and everyone cheered as they floated back onto the dance floor, surrounding us.
“I want to go. I've had enough.” I pressed against him.
“Me too. And we will. Very soon.”
I kissed him lightly on the lips, reveling in the illusion my life had become. “I hate to say it, but I have to pee really badly.”
He laughed. “Go then. Come right back. We have another hour and we can be out of here, I'd say...earlier than everyone else. But I think they'll understand.” Rock winked, and I let his hands go with some reluctance.
I strode out of the ballroom again, this time not at the frantic pace with which I'd fled earlier.
I wonder if Rock's plan is going to work, and if so, what does that mean?
My stomach twisted with anxiety.
The hallway looked empty, and I had to hunt for the restroom for a moment. It was tucked away down a side corridor.
Right before I reached it, a hand clamped over my mouth, and a vise-like grip held me fast. “Don't say a word. Just heed my warning.”
The voice was distorted by a machine or something. I twisted in the strong grip of a man—who I couldn't have said.
“Yes, it's Lucifer.”
I gasped behind his hand and groaned.
“Break the engagement off if you want Rock Weldon to live. Do it tonight. You have until 5:00 a.m. Your hotel room is bugged. If I see you there with Rock past that time, he's a dead man, bodyguard be damned.”
My eyes filled with tears.
“Now, go in the bathroom and don't look back. And don't you dare trifle with me, Lacey. I will kill the man you love without another thought. I despise him and everything he stands for, and I will have what I deserve. But it's your choice. He can die now or live. I don't have to kill him to get what I want, but I will. Heed my warning.” He grunted in my ear. “Now walk.” He shoved me from behind, and I ran into the bathroom door, gasping for breath as I yanked it open, not daring to look back.
I knew Lucifer wasn't joking, and I would do what I had to do to keep Rock Weldon safe, even if it meant breaking a contract and losing him. He'd almost died a few days ago. I wouldn't chance that again. Surely he would be safe if I got out of his life.
I leaned against the bathroom wall, tears filling my eyes as I glanced at my watch. 1:10 a.m. Only a few more hours.
“How am I going to do this?” I whispered in the deserted room.
Then I knew. I finished my business in the restroom, my pulse thrumming in my head.
* * * *
“Can we go already?” I ran my hand down the front of Rock's white shirt, and he groaned.
“You know what? Yeah. We can. Let's blow this joint.” He spoke to a couple people on the way out, clutching my hand all the while. “I can't wait to get you in the Emperor's Suite, all to myself,” he growled as we walked out of the wide double doors.
2:01 a.m.
I bit my lips, my nerves frazzled.
The plan was to seduce Rock, to give him all I had so he would fall asleep. Shouldn't be too tough. Once he did, I'd sneak out of the hotel room, get back to the villa, grab my passport and a few of my things, and leave. I wouldn't head home immediately. I'd go where he couldn't find me—to a close cousin's house in Georgia. She'd been begging me for some time to come see her. Rock had given me cash, and I had credit cards, so I could make it there.
Rock led me to the elevator, a determined look on his face. “I've been thinking about tasting you all night.”
I moaned as he pushed me against the wall before the doors even closed. He punched twenty on the elevator, and we zoomed up. His hands were all over me, and I grew dizzy with arousal when he nipped at my ear.
When the elevator stopped, he scooped me up into his arms as I squealed.
“My lady, your suite awaits.” He squeezed me as he fumbled for the key card to the room. I giggled.
“This blasted thing. I have it now.” He got the green light and carried me over the threshold.
I noticed our suitcases in the room and roses strewn all over the bed.
Rock put me down. “Undress and I'll meet you in
the tub in a moment. It should be ready.”
I closed my eyes at the thought, my pussy clenching. I wasn't going to waste any time seducing him. 2:07 a.m.
He strode toward a small table laden with champagne and food. I found the catch on my dress and shimmied out of it. Then I walked up behind him and slid my arms around his waist, letting my hands drift down to his cock—hard as I'd known it would be.
“It's my turn first,” I whispered, lowering my voice on purpose.
I undid his pants with a smooth move, and they fell to the floor as he moaned.
“Lacey...”
“Shh. Let me. I've been thinking about your cock all night, wanting to suck you dry, Rock Weldon...among other things.”
He sighed.
I wondered how many times I could make him come before he'd be spent. If I was lucky, I could do this right and save his life.
I worked his silky boxer briefs down over his ass partway. He stepped out of his shoes, his breath coming in gasps. I knelt down, placing my tongue against the cleft of his ass. I licked up and down the crevice several times.
“Lacey, what are you doing?” His teeth were clenched.
“Exploring,” I said playfully as I ran my hands over his tight cheeks, my tongue still at work. I spied a container of some sort of oil on the table. “Umm. I'm going to need this.” I grabbed it and shook some into my hand. I smoothed the oil into the crevice, my own breath coming faster. I was so wet and throbbing myself that I could hardly stand it.
I reached around his muscled hip, my hand oiled up as I stroked his sac first then up his rigid, thick cock. I lubed him up good as he groaned.
“God, I want you. I'm going to burst.”
“You'll have to wait.” I laughed softly while I danced my other hand down his cleft again, finding his opening. I slowly pushed one well lubed finger inside his ass, taking my time and wiggling it as I did so.
“Holy shit.” He sucked in a breath. I pushed the finger all the way in, stroking his cock up and down with my other hand.
“You like it like that?” I bit my lip, knowing he did.
“With you? Of course. I love everything you do to me.”
I crooked my finger, enjoying the way his breath caught. I moved my hand faster along his cock. “I want you to come for me, Rock.”
“Don't worry. I'm not going to be able to resist, love.”
