She swallowed.
"Wow. That is a lot."
"Is that acceptable, Miss Glen?"
"More than."
"You've got until tomorrow afternoon to get things sorted. Mr Nash wants you to be at his house at 2pm tomorrow. I'll email you the rest of the details."
He rattled off the address, which Cassidy scribbled down. It was north of the city, just on the outskirts but in a quiet, secluded area. It wouldn't be hard to find.
"I can do that, Mr Evas."
This month was going to be one hell of a month.
Meeting His Mate
Bradley was finishing off an email when Ron knocked at the door. He didn't look up as he focused on his fingers pressing the keys with the forefingers of both hands. How his sister managed to use all of her fingers without looking when he could only use two fingers and jab at the keys he had no idea.
One of these days, he was going to ask Lex for lessons on how to touch-type. It would certainly help him get through his work a lot quicker and not let his paperwork pile up.
Ron knocked again.
"Come in."
The door opened and Ron entered, his huge frame filling the doorway. As ex-army, he was military-proficient and that was what Bradley liked about him. He also acted as a bodyguard on certain occasions, although he had been given the night off when Bradley had his last fight. Bradley could have used him that night and then he wouldn't be in this mess.
"Your counsellor has arrived, Mr Nash."
Bradley glanced at the clock on his computer. It was two minutes before two.
"On time. That's a good start." He liked punctuality. Bradley sent the email and put the computer to sleep. He stood. "Where is he?"
"She is in the hall."
Bradley blinked.
"She?"
He hadn't asked about the counsellor, merely giving Ron his conditions and telling him what he wanted. Ron was simply to find the right person and hire them. Bradley didn't want to know; he trusted Ron's judgement.
Ron grinned.
"I thought you'd appreciate the change. Someone who's nice to look at helps a lot."
He had a point. If Bradley were being forced to sit in hourly sessions to help control his anger, then it would be nice to have someone who was aesthetically pleasant to look upon. An image entered his mind of a tall woman with a slim body and legs that went on for miles.
"I guess." He grunted. He moved around his desk. "Send her in."
Ron nodded and disappeared into the hall. There came the sounds of voices and then he appeared again, a woman of medium height behind him. Ron stepped aside and ushered her in.
"This is Cassidy Glen. Miss Glen, Bradley Nash."
The moment Bradley saw Cassidy he was floored. While he wanted the image he had expected, she was just as stunning. Her curves were more plus-size than model thin, clad in a pale pink suit with a pencil skirt that stopped just above the knees and a blouse that was nearly buttoned to the neck. Pale pink pumps with no heel finished off the outfit.
Her hair was a dark chestnut brown, pulled into a simple chignon at the base of her neck, kept away from a smooth, tanned face with the barest hints of makeup. Her dark eyes seemed to pop, darker than his own.
She was lovely. Bradley loved curves on a woman and he had a penchant for brunettes.
So, it seemed, did his dragon because it raised its head as Cassidy came into view and snorted as it became restless. It whined and threatened to break through but Bradley fought it back until it slumped sulkily in a heap in his subconscious.
Bradley had never felt his beast act like this before but he knew what was happening: this woman, this earthling was his mate. According to the culture of Maeeze, the very planet his ancestors had come from to live on earth centuries ago, his inner dragon would recognize its mate immediately.
"Are you okay, Mr Nash?" Cassidy was looking nervous, clasping her handbag close to her side. "Do I have something stuck between my teeth? Is my makeup smudged?"
Bradley realized he had been staring and shook his head.
"No. You're perfect." Then he realized what he had said and groaned, rubbing his hands over his face. "Oh, God, sorry, that came out wrong."
Cassidy blushed and she bit her lip. Bradley's cock twitched. He wanted to see those lips wrapped around his cock. Knowing his aroused state would be noticeable in his suit trousers, he hurried back behind his desk and sat.
Cassidy looked a little lost. She glanced at Ron, who stayed by the door.
"Mr Evas said you wanted a counsellor to help with your anger management."
"Apparently, I do."
She raised an eyebrow, her nerves slowly ebbing.
"But you don't want one."
"Not really." Bradley sat back. He hoped Cassidy didn't approach the desk or she would notice that he was fully aroused. Now it wasn't in view, his cock had stood to attention, demanding that he do something about it.
"To me, counsellors are condescending and are only after the money. No offence."
"None taken." Cassidy approached the desk. "But, I suppose counsellors only sound condescending to the people who think they don't need any help and are simply there by force."
"Touché."
Bradley could see Ron hiding a smile. It took a lot to make his personal assistant smile. Cassidy stopped before the desk but not close enough that she could see how uncomfortable Bradley was feeling.
"You may be paying me as an employee, Mr Nash, but I don't stand for bullshit. I speak as I see it when I'm working and if I have any problems during the session, I'll pull you up on it. I don't condescend. If you don't like it, you can lump it but I'm prepared to help you. All I need is your cooperation."
Bradley couldn't help but stare, nearly distracted by the way her eyes flared and the way she held herself as she stood up to him. But his ultra-sensitive senses noted the faster beat of her heart, the tightening of her nipples under her blouse and jacket and he could smell her scent fill his nostrils. She was attracted to him.
That was something to go with. Bradley was not turning her away. He glanced at Ron and grinned.
"She's got some fire."
"She sure does, Mr Nash."
Bradley looked back at Cassidy, trying not to look at the way she was biting her lip and the way her blush appeared on her cheeks.
"I like you, Miss Glen." Like didn't even cover it. "I think we're going to get along just fine."
While what he was thinking was the most unethical thing he could even consider, Bradley vowed to make the beautiful counsellor his mate by the end of the month.
#
He was back at that night. He was stuck in the burning car. His arms felt heavy as he held his dying mother, her body too burnt to heal. His father lay dead nearby, a shard of metal skewering him in the chest. His heart had given out almost immediately as the metal ripped it apart.
He was screaming. There was a lot of screaming. Bradley didn't know if the screaming was him or someone else. He cradled his mother against his chest and rocked her, allowing the tears he normally kept back to fall. He sobbed as she took her last breath, letting out a furious howl.
This shouldn't have happened. They should never have died. The bastard behind the wheel of the lorry shouldn't have been drinking. But it had happened and now they were dead, Bradley bleeding and weakening. But he was alive.
He should be the one lying dead, not them.
Bradley began to shake. His hands clenched into fists as it began, trying to keep his anger back. Then he realized that it wasn't him shaking; someone was shaking him.
"Bradley! Bradley, wake up!"
With a snarl, Bradley snapped his eyes open and lashed out, grabbing at someone's throat and pulling them onto the bed, straddling them as he snarled and squeezed. There was a cry and someone scratched at his arms. The sudden pain brought Bradley back to reality.
He refocused and saw that Cassidy was lying under him, his hands at her neck. She was looking at him with terro
r in her eyes, her breathing coming fast. He could feel her pulse under his thumb.
"Bradley, are you with me?"
Bradley blinked and sat back, taking his hands off her neck. What was he doing? He had been trying to strangle his mate in the midst of a nightmare. He was glad it was dark or she would have seen his glowing eyes and his fangs.
He covered his hands with his face and waited until he felt his fangs retreating.
"Oh, God, Cassidy, I'm so sorry."
"It's okay."
"How can it be okay? I could've hurt you badly."
Cassidy smiled. The fear was subsiding. Bradley could feel it like a physical thing. She raised herself onto her elbows and touched his wrist, her fingers feeling hot against his skin.
"It's nothing I haven't come across before. I used to work on wards at college where patients would attack you because they thought you were somebody else." She sounded calm but her voice trembling. "I'm okay. Honestly. You didn't do any damage."
Bradley lowered his hands and stared at her. Cassidy gave him a gentle smile, a smile that stirred his cock. He was glad he was wearing pyjamas bottoms.
Then his eyes zeroed in on the slight bruises around her neck. He couldn't remember seeing them earlier but she hadn't been close enough for him to get a good look. In the dark, he could see them clearly. They had to be a day old, at least.
Bradley felt the stirrings of anger rising in his chest. He reached out and brushed his fingers against her neck. Someone had dared to hurt his mate.
"Who did this to you?" He growled.
Cassidy's smile disappeared and she swiped his hand away.
"Just another client. He lost it during marriage counselling."
"And he dared to lay his hands on you?"
Bradley knew he was sounding possessive but he couldn't help it. Even his dragon was angry, demanding that he went to find the man and tore him apart.
"Never mind that now." Cassidy pushed at his stomach. "Could you get off me, please?"
Realizing that he was still astride her and he was probably poking his erection into her stomach, Bradley rolled off her and sat up at the edge of the bed. He felt the bed move and Cassidy slid off the bed.
Bradley couldn't take his eyes off her. Her hair was down, tousled around her shoulders from sleep. She was wearing a black camisole and black yoga pants. A tiny tattoo of a heart was on her ankle above the bone. It suited her. And she looked lovely even woken from sleep.
He swallowed and rubbed at his own throat.
"My mouth feels dry."
"Go and have a shower." Cassidy took his hand and tugged him to his feet. "You've been sweating. Your bottoms and sheets are soaked. I'll get you something to drink and I'll remake the bed."
Again Bradley was glad that the lights were off because he started blushing.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled. "I didn't ask you here to mother me. I didn't mean to wake you up."
"How could anyone sleep with that screaming?" Cassidy brushed her fingers across his jaw and then pointed towards the bathroom door. "Go and have a shower. I'll find some fresh pyjamas for you and I'll sort the bed out. Focus on yourself and I'll focus on everything else."
Bradley didn't know what to say. Embarrassment made him want to apologize even more but pride made him stop. He had nothing to be ashamed about; it was a nightmare, nothing more.
It was just the first time since Lex that there was someone around to look after him. Bradley was used to looking after himself so to have Cassidy taking care of him felt strange yet comforting.
He liked it.
After having a quick shower and dressing in fresh pyjamas, adding a t-shirt with the bottoms, Bradley entered the bedroom to find that Cassidy had already stripped the bed and the fresh fitted sheet was already on.
A glass of water was by the bed on the cabinet. Bradley picked it up and downed it in one go, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He gave the wet fitted sheet a rueful look.
"I feel like a little boy who's wet the bed." He grumbled.
"I bet you were adorable." Cassidy said, her eyes glinting. She tossed the pillows onto the bed. "But it's nothing to be ashamed about. You just had a nightmare and you sweated it out."
If it had been anyone else, Bradley would have laughed it off. But this was his mate. And she didn't seem at all embarrassed at what had happened. She was taking it all in his stride.
It was what made it more shameful for Bradley.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" He asked.
Cassidy straightened up and frowned.
"Am I not allowed to be nice to you?"
"No, you are." Bradley shrugged. "I'm just not used to it."
"I noticed." Cassidy hefted up the duvet and pulled it onto the bed. "Get into bed."
"Yes, Mom."
"Don't be silly." Cassidy pulled the covers back and pointed. "In."
Bradley smirked as he crawled in, giving her a come-hither smile.
"Only if you join me."
For a moment, he thought Cassidy would actually take him up on it. Her breath hitched and he saw her pupils dilating. Her nipples hardened through her top and Bradley was sure he could smell her scent. His cock hardened even more, eager to pull her underneath him and bury himself in her heat.
But then, the moment was gone. Cassidy shook her head.
"None of that, sir." She laid a hand on his chest and urged him onto his back. She tucked the duvet around him. "Now get some sleep. You'll feel better when you do."
Bradley watched as Cassidy hurried across the room and left, closing the door behind her. He could tell that he had flustered her and wished he had been able to drag her into bed with him. But the moment was gone.
Taking his mate would have to wait for now.
Bradley settled back and closed his eyes, trying to think of something other than the accident or Cassidy's sweet body writhing on top of him as he pumped her pussy while he fed from her neck.
#
Cassidy woke early the next morning, the sun peeking round the edges of the curtains. Normally, she jumped out of bed and straight into the shower, not giving herself time to fall back to sleep once her alarm went off. Instead, she lay staring at the ceiling, enjoying the softest bed she had ever slept in. The rich certainly knew how to pick their mattresses.
Last night had been strange. Cassidy had expected to have a quiet night and nothing untoward. Instead, she had been woken at two in the morning by sudden screams from Bradley's room.
He had been thrashing about, shouting and demanding for them to wake up and come back to him. His hands had clenched into fists and then he had howled and hammered on the bed, all of this still asleep.
Cassidy had read enough of Bradley's life to know that he was talking about his parents. Eloise and Steve Nash had been wealthy in their own right, philanthropists and loving people. Cassidy had seen them at an event a few years before and saw the way others gravitated to them because they had such infectious personalities. Money didn't draw people to them; the couple themselves drew the crowd.
All of that had changed six months before when a large lorry, the driver over the limit and still drinking at the wheel, had ploughed into the side of the car and completely destroyed it. Steve had died on impact and Eloise had died from her wounds shortly after, her body so badly burnt she just went into shock.
Some articles said Bradley had been with them at the time, others refuted that entirely. Bradley hadn't given a statement on the matter except that he missed his parents and wished they were with him.
If he had been with them at the time, Cassidy could see why he would be having nightmares. They were more flashbacks than nightmares but Bradley had clearly suffered more than he cared to admit.
Cassidy wanted to go to him and hold him. She wanted to help get rid of the nightmares. But that meant crossing a line between client and something more meaningful. She could maintain a friendly relationship with her clients but going further would not be right.
However, when Bradley had suggested that she joined him in his bed, Cassidy had been momentarily tempted. That was a fantasy of hers that she had never expected to have fall into her lap.
But that was not why she was there. She was there to help him control his anger, not to sleep with him. That was not only unethical but it wouldn't help him at all. It might give them both a chance to scratch an itch but Cassidy wasn't going to lose her heart by sleeping with her secret crush.
She chastised herself for taking on the job so she could drool at the man up close.
Finally deciding to get up, Cassidy slid out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom. The shower felt like bliss, Cassidy standing under the spray and letting it wash over her face. She washed her hair and soaped herself quickly, drying off as she moved about the bathroom getting herself ready.
Dressing in a pale blue blouse and dark grey slacks, she applied a touch of lip gloss and a bit of mascara. She had a natural flush to her cheeks so there was no need to blusher today.
Brushing her hair and tying it into a simple ponytail, Cassidy gave herself a quick look in the mirror. She didn't look too bad. Professional but not overly so. Satisfied with her look, she slipped her feet into flat shoes and then left her room.
The place was quiet as she went downstairs. It had been like this the day before except for Ron Evas moving about. The man was silent, turning up without warning. Cassidy couldn't count how many times she had turned around and saw him standing right behind her. The man was pleasant enough but Cassidy felt there was something underneath that had her squirming and not in a good way.
Bradley had explained he had a housekeeper who came in three times a week and a chef who made breakfast and evening meals every evening unless Bradley said otherwise. Gino had impressed Cassidy with his manners and his culinary expertise. His food at dinner the night before had been delicious. Cassidy could forgo her favourite pizza just to have Gino's meals every day.
Bradley was in the kitchen when Cassidy entered. Gino had already left but there was a plate of freshly made pastries on the kitchen island, a pot of coffee and a plate filled generously with bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, fried potatoes, beans and fried bread. A rack of toast stood beside it.
Alien Romance: The Space Dragon's Owned: Scifi Alien Abduction Romance (Alien Romance, Alien Invasion Romance, BBW) Page 2
