by M. Brennan
Before she can say anything else I run to the kitchen and grab my things and head to the elevator and hit the button for the ground floor.
I feel better already. Stacey has a better chance if I'm not here. Just as I'm about to head out the main doors I'm grabbed by the arm.
"Going so soon Miss Donahue?"
I turn round to see Taylor Kessler up close and personal he's tall, really like towering over me tall. I'd say he's about six foot two and his eyes are the darkest shade of brown I've ever seen. And he smells amazing. My God, I'd love to just lick him all over and investigate where that delicious smell comes from… Shit! When I see the smirk on his face I know the cocky bastard knows I'm fantasizing about him.
"Yeah goodbye," I answer what feels like minutes later. Lord what is wrong with me? I go to turn and walk but he still has a grip of my arm.
"Not so fast. I want to talk to you," he snaps.
"Well the feeling's not mutual. Goodbye." And with that I yank my arm free and turn to walk away.
That is until he says the only thing that could make me stop, "You know my event planner Stacey Brian." It wasn't a question it was a statement. "You two look like good friends talking at the bar. How about you talk to me for a minute and I won't ruin her career." Oh he's a smug bastard. He knows I won't leave now. I'll just to face him.
"You wouldn't," I say with no confidence at all because the look he throws me tells me he would. "You son of a-" I don't finish because with the look he gives me lets me know he's getting annoyed and I don't want to push him right now, not with Stacey's career on the line. "Fine you have two minutes," I say defeated.
He grabs my arm and leads me to a small office off to the side of the lobby. A very small office especially when this Adonis of a man is standing next to me.
"We could get in trouble for being in here. Maybe we should leave." I go to leave but he stops me.
"Don't worry about that." He's too close now.
"What do you want from me," I whisper.
"Oh I want plenty from you Miss Donahue, all in good time though."
"What does that even mean?" Jeez it's hot in here I feel like I'm panting a little. My God Nessa get a grip!
"You threw water at me," he says like he can't believe it. Well shit, he's not going to let it drop but I've got to be nice for Stacey's sake.
"I'm sorry for that but you weren't very nice yourself Mr. Kessler." I look around the room it's very small and we're very close.
"You're not afraid of me." I'm a little shocked and confused by his words.
"Why would I be? Seriously, what's this all about?"
"You have balls I'll give you that and you were right about Joe, he was fired so I'll let you get away with throwing water on me."
Wow he actually checked it out. "Really?" I say excitedly. "Are you going to give me my job back?" I'm feeling good about this.
Ha! Take that you prick! The little assistant was right. He must be feeling bad, that's why he wanted to talk. I know I'm smiling, well I was until he talks again.
"No you are not getting your job back."
Say what? "And why not? I deserve that job," I say a little too loudly.
"Because I have another position for you." Huh, maybe it's a promotion. "You intrigue me Miss Donohue. No woman or man for that matter, has ever stood up to me like you do. I don't know whether to admire you or put you over my knee."
Over his knee, who does this guy think he is? I'm in complete shock right now. Who says that to a person?
"I would like you to be my mistress for three months. I want to see what it would be like to be with you and your vixen ways in bed. I'd bet you're a really wild and great fuck. Of course I'll pay you very well."
He wants what? Is this man for real? Be his mistress! Before I even have time to reply his lips come crashing down on mine, hard. I gasp and he seizes the opportunity to stick his tongue in my mouth. It's an intense kiss that's shooting sparks right to the now wet spot between my legs. I can feel his erection against my stomach and that's when the reality of the situation hits me.
Oh shit, what am I doing? I put my hands on his chest and push, we're both breathing hard as he looks at me with a shit eating grin.
"How dare you! I'm no hooker you son of a bitch!" With that I slap him hard across the face then I storm from yet another room this week.
Once I'm home and in the safety of my apartment I climb into bed and cry like a baby. My emotions are all over the place. I haven't cried since the day I found Brandon and Lucy, it's not something I like doing but I can't help it anymore.
I'm jolted from my sleep by Stacey sitting on my bed. When I turn round to look at her she frowns.
"What's wrong Ness? You look like you've been crying."
"I'm sorry, don't mind me it's just been a hell of a week," I tell her and it's the truth. Well except for the part where I was asked to be someone's hooker but I think I'll keep that to myself for now.
"Hey don't be sorry, you're allowed to cry. You don't always have to be so damn strong, woman." I laugh, she always know to say.
"So tell me how the rest of the event went," I say hoping to God he didn't take his anger from my slap out on her.
"Oh my God. Nessa, I know he's a prick but he's so hot. He came over personally to thank me and said he would recommend me to his clients, isn't that great." She looks so proud, excited, and shocked all at the same time.
"Why do you sound so surprised, it was done beautifully and professionally. You are amazing," I tell her and mean every word. I slapped him yet he still recommends Stacey for some reason—that leaves me feeling unsettled.
Stacey tells me she's feeling wiped and heads off to bed. I toss and turn for the rest of the night. When I do finally drift off it's bright outside.
FOUR
I wake up around noon to the smell of bacon which sets my stomach off grumbling. I jump up hungry for breakfast. When I get to the kitchen Stacey is shaking her ass singing along to the radio. I laugh and she swings around the kitchen.
"Hey," she says and points to the cooking bacon at the same time my stomach grumbles and we both laugh at how loud it was. "Well I guess that answers my question."
I take a seat at the table and Stacey pours me a coffee and places my bacon butty in front of me. I quickly grab it and take a big bite.
"Mmmm this is so good," I mumble while chewing.
"You're an animal," she says causing both of us to laugh.
"I'm just so hungry. I skipped dinner yesterday. So are we heading to Fitzsimons later? I'm looking forward to a nice cold one."
And I really am after this week I need a stiff drink. We've been going there every weekend for years now, we're pretty much regulars. I haven't been there in a few months though, since I've been using every extra bit of money to pay down my ginormous debt.
"Yeah it's near one now and we're meeting the girls and Ray about three so we better get ready".
"The girls?" I question
I haven't seen the girls in almost three months I love them like sisters but I was afraid of seeing them. I didn't want them to feel like they needed to choose between me or Lucy. When we were growing up Stacey, Sam, Lucy, Jessica, and I grew up as close as sisters. We lived in a council estate in Tallaght and each of our home lives were less than great. Every day we would reassure each other that we just had to make it to eighteen and then we could go off to college get out of there.
We grew so close that if one was hurting then so were the others. I miss them girls. When my mam died they never left my side, the only reason I actually put up with living with my hateful aunt was so I could stay in the same area as my friends.
Stacey snaps me from my day dream. "Yes they are dying to see you and you have put it off long enough. You've known these girls since you were six, that's twenty years of friendship. Lucy may not have given a shit but they do and so do you. Now go put your big girl panties on and let's do this."
I bite my bottom lip feeling a bit nervous.
I haven't seen the girls since catching Lucy and Brandon. They have tried but I avoided them. I didn't want them to feel they had to choose between their sisters.
"Don't worry they can't wait to see you and I rang Ray he said he's coming."
"Ray loves a good girls night out." I laugh and stand up from the table. I better go get ready, I have no clue about what I'm going to wear.
I root through my wardrobe till I find something then head for the shower. When I'm showered I curl me hair and throw on some makeup. Once I'm done I put on my black mini skirt, a red off the shoulder boob tube and throw on my black strapy heels. I'm just adding my gold jewellery to finish off my look when Stacey comes in to my room.
"Jeez Nessa, you look hot and here's me thinking I was gonna have to dress you myself." I laugh because I knew she was thinking I was just gonna throw anything on but I want to feel good today so slutty it is.
Once we arrive at Fitzsimons we're greeted by Lenny the head bouncer, "Hey Nessa." And with that he grabs me up in a giant bear hug. "So glad you're here. Where have you been girl, did you not think to pop in and say hi?"
"Sorry Lenny. I missed you to I just had a lot going on but I'm back so better get your best staff on that door because it's gonna be a wild one," I say winking and he laughs.
"I know, I've already seen Ray, my staff is on their way." He shakes his head and this time Stacey and I laugh.
When we walk in we head to our usual table where Ray greets me first. "Hey there baby girl. It’s good to see you back to your hot self," he says as he looks me up and down with nod of approval.
"Thanks babe." I look around the table and say hi to Sam and Jess, they both look great. Sam's my unpredictable, loudly wild friend and Jess is reserved and nerdish but get a few drinks in her and that can change.
Stacey has gotten us drinks, it's a little awkward at first but it's not long before Sam decides to breaks the ice.
"So Nessa how have you been? Care to tell your two best friends why you have avoided us for months?" I feel Stacey tense beside me and as she's about to say something I put my hand up to stop her.
"No Stacey I got this, they have a right to be pissed." I look at Sam and Jess. "I'm sorry. I lost a friend through a horrible situation, we all grew up together we're all sisters, I didn't want you to feel you had to choose between us and I just wasn't ready to talk about her. On top of that Brandon fucked me over big time. He left me with over ten thousand euros in debt and I have just been working and saving until last week when I was fired. So I'm sorry I have been off the grid, I just had a lot to deal with." It feels good to tell them that I wish I hadn't waited to tell them for so long.
It’s Jess who speaks first. "Oh God Nessa, can we help? I don't have much but I can give you some off it." Yup great friends but we all have our own shit and I know Jess is practically working for free at her dad's gym.
"Thanks Jess but I'll be ok, I know you have a lot on with your dad's gym." I hug her and look to Sam who looks like she's about to kill me.
"You dumb bitch. What do you mean making us choose? Lucy slept with your man and you don't do that to your sister. There was no choice to make between the two of you." She's pissed, well now I feel terrible. These girls have had my back all along and here I went and turned mine on them.
I hug Sam. "I'm sorry guys, I was all over the place but I'm good now."
"I'm gonna scratch the bitch's eyes out." This comes from Ray who hasn't said a word since we first sat down.
I take his hand. "Thanks Ray but calm down Rambo. There will be no scratching needed. Let's have a good night and forget about those assholes."
"Fine," he huffs then shouts, "A round of shots please, Joe!" to the bartender.
"Isn't it a bit early in the day for shots?" Jess asks and we all just laugh.
"Hell no. My baby girl here needs to get legless." When the drinks get brought over Sam toasts to family and right then I realise these people are my family and they will never leave me.
The day goes by quickly with us just catching up, it feels amazing. By nine the bar is packed and we're well on our way to being legless.
My song "Rude" by Magic! comes on and I have to go and dance to it. "Oh my song! I want to dance come on."
I drag Sam to the dancefloor. We're both dancing our asses off when a guy comes up behind me and starts pawing at me. I roll my eyes at Sam and push his hands away but this dude just isn't getting it and keeps coming back.
I turn to tell him to back off when I hear a familiar voice. "You can remove your hands now, if you want to keep them that is." The guy drops his hands and backs straight off. My back is to him and I still can't believe it, I can feel him close behind me.
"You know you accused me of calling you a hooker and here you are dressed like one, way to prove me wrong." He says sarcastically. Was he serious? I turn to face him fuming.
"I don't have to prove a damn thing to you. Why are you here anyway? Did you come to abuse me or are you some kind of stalker, maybe I should be worried." He throws his head back and laughs a genuine laugh. I didn't think he was capable of laughing like that but he's so beautiful when he does.
Ugh, head out of the clouds Nessa. He is a prick quit daydreaming about how gorgeous he looks when he laughs.
"Oh Nessa, you're funny. I'm just checking up on a friend's business."
Wait a minute. "You know the guy who owns this place?"
He smirks, what are the chances. God this man drives me crazy.
Sam comes closer just as I was about to maybe beat his ass. "Hey, you ok Ness?"
"Yeah fine. Just gonna head the toilet." With that I sprint off to the toilet. I need some space from the prick before I do something else to him. I pace the toilet for a few minutes, I've got to go back out there but I really don't want to see him. I decide it's best to just get it over with so I walk out and bump right into him.
Umph. Just great. "Why won't you leave me alone?" He looks at me like he's trying to figure out something.
"I honestly don't know. I know I should stay away but I can't. Just give me one night Nessa, no strings attached."
Man this guy doesn't give up as much as I hate him I'd say he's a power house in the bedroom. I really want to say yes, one night with him would be amazing but I know better.
He's so hot though, like really hot, like panty wetting hot. Tonight he's just wearing a white t-shirt with some dark denim jeans. I can see his tattoo better now it's a full sleeve and it's really beautiful, actually not what you'd except to see on a business man.
I also wonder what the hell he wants me, this guy could have any damn woman he wants. I realise I still haven't answered him and I'm staring at him and his edible body so I go for something straight to the point. "No." I really want to scream, Yes take me now! But that's just my drunken fog, I hope anyway.
"Just no? I don't get an explanation."
"No you don't. You don't deserve one but I'll be kind and give you one, I'm just not into you. I'm sure you have loads of girls dropping at your feet but I'm just not interested and I don't sleep with pricks and you're the biggest one I've met by far." I smirk at him with my reply.
Ha take that! But my little speech didn't do much to his confidence because he smiles that shit eating grin again.
"Awe Nessa you're too sweet but you should know I always get what I want."
Well what do I say to that, shit. I hear people coming and use it as my getaway. As soon as they turn the corner I tap his chest. "In your dreams big boy." I wink and dart around him, I don't look back but I'm pretty sure he just growled.
I make it back to the table without him following behind me. Jesus he may be a prick but an extremely hot one and I don't know how many times I can say no to him. I am a woman after all.
"So who was that hottie?" Sam asks breaking me from my thoughts.
"That would be the prick who fired me," I tell her.
"Taylor Kessler is here?" Stacey asks stunned.
"Yup, his friend owns this
place." I may as well tell them what he asked.
"He wants to sleep with me," I say.
"Seriously?" Stacey says like she can't believe it, then again I can't believe it.
"No I'm lying. Of course seriously."
"And you said no to sleep with that sex God?" This comes from Sam who probably hasn't heard the part about him firing me or being a giant prick.
"Have you forgotten the whole firing me thing and he's also a prick who constantly insults me," I spit out.
"Well good for you saying no," Jess says. At least someone's on my side.
"Look I don't do one night stands, never did." Stacey turns to me.
"But surely for a billionaire hottie you could. Why not just try it, just have fun without the stress of getting hurt. He openly told you there will be no relationship so why not try it without the feelings, you need to get back out there Ness."
She makes sense. Maybe with someone else but not him, no way. We have a few more drinks and there is still no sign of him not that I'm looking.
"Hey guys I'm gonna head off I'm wrecked." I'm up early tomorrow so I decide to head home.
"You sure Nessa?" Stacey asks.
"Yeah. You stay and find yourself a man to help you with your frustration problem. I'm just exhausted and I've a long week ahead of me job hunting."
"Ok if you're sure."
I tell her I am and say good bye to the girls. "Where's Ray at? I want to say goodbye before I go, not that I have seen much of the little man slut tonight."
"He's at the bar chatting to that guy for the last three hours."
"I'm gonna go say bye. I'll see you guys during the week for coffee." I turn to Stacey and tell her to be safe going home.
The guy Rays talking to is very good looking indeed, not that I would expect anything less from Ray. "Ray-Ray, I'm heading out, give a girl a hug before I go."
"You ok baby girl, why are you going so early?"
"Two o'clock in the morning is not early. I'm fine though just wrecked. You have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't." I hug him and say bye.
