Incapable

by Marie Skye

  My breathing stopped. This guy was absolutely stunning. He stood at least 6’3, and the suit he wore did not do him justice. He had jet-black hair with a fine stubble and the most piercing cerulean eyes I had ever seen. So piercing, they seemed to be looking directly at me as if he could delve into my soul. Our connection was broken when Tyler came back over. I quickly diverted my eyes out of embarrassment.

  “Hey, I’m heading out.”

  I glanced at him in shock, momentarily confused and still hazy from the enchanting spell of the sex god. “Are you serious? You just got here.”

  “I know, but I got word about the job, and I gotta head out now. It’s one of those, if I don’t take it now, it’s ‘wait another month’ kind of jobs. I’ll call you later.”

  “But—”

  He kissed my cheek. “I have to go, Emmalin.”

  “Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”

  He shook his head. “It’s out of state, so who knows. That’s the joy of being an on-call worker.” He kissed my cheek once more before running out the door.

  I stared after him, stunned. Well shit. There goes that. Sighing, I turned back toward Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome, but he, too, was gone. Just my luck.

  Maybe he’s her husband. Although, it’s hard to tell if she’s wearing a ring, as if he could even afford something so extravagant. Boyfriend perhaps? Then again, when has a significant other proven a problem for me?

  “Well, if it isn’t the most arrogant son of a bitch to ever walk the earth. Grayson fucking Mandrake,” an annoying voice said.

  I rolled my eyes. I knew that voice, and I knew it too well. I slowly turned around. “Chace. Still a complete prick. I’m sorry you didn’t get to outgrow being a douchebag while I was gone.”

  “Who do you think I learned it from, asshole?” We glared at each other. Chace broke into a smile first before patting me on the back. “Welcome back. Why didn’t you call and let me know you were coming back early? I had to hear it from Ashley, of all people.”

  “Ha. Well, in my defense, she only knew because I was looking for a quick fuck when I got in.”

  “Yeah, that’s pretty much all she’s good for… sometimes not even that.”

  “True shit.” I tossed back the rest of my bourbon. Chace and I were known to share women at times. We’d never done a threesome, but we’d been in the same room. He would fuck a girl, and as soon as he was done with her, she would slide right over and fuck me.

  Speaking of fucking me, where did the girl in purple go?

  “What do you say we get out of here and have a real party? Call up some girls? However, there are definitely plenty of girls here we could have some fun with.”

  I turned my attention back to Chace. “Um, you know, I was thinking of leaving… but I think I’m going to stick around for a few.” I scanned the room again, hoping to spot the purple dress.

  “Where is she?” he asked.

  “What?”

  “You heard me. Where is she? I know that look. You’ve spotted someone. Well? Where is she? Maybe she’s someone I would be interested in, too.”

  “Fuck off, Chace. Not now.”

  “Whoa, getting all greedy. That’s unlike you, Grayson.” He jabbed me in the side.

  I gritted my teeth. “I mean it, Chace.”

  “Okay, I get ya. Tell me, if I spot her first, is she mine for the taking?”

  My eyes narrowed. “You do remember I’m a black belt, right? Do you need a demonstration?”

  “Ha ha, okay. Fine, man. I get it.”

  Damn it! Where did she go? Why the fuck was I so worried? When the hell had I ever had to look for a girl? Panties were practically flung off before I even approached one. Hmm, I guess I was a bit of a man whore.

  I was about to shut the place down when I saw her standing off in the corner, talking to that fucking maggot. Why the fuck is he still here? Doesn’t he have a bedtime?

  Most of the old assholes had already left the party. The only ones left were those who were looking for a good time. Wait. Unless this asshole was thinking he wanted to have a good time with her. I don’t fucking think so.

  “Hey, Chace, I’ll catch up with you later.” I didn’t wait for his reply.

  “We’re a small company, nowhere near the size of Mandrake, but we get by. We’ve only been around for about eleven years or so…”

  God, he was boring me. But that didn’t matter. That was something I was going to have to deal with if I wanted to find a permanent offer. My thoughts wandered to Tyler. I was happy for him, but I wondered how long he’d be gone this time. I couldn’t think about that now. It’d taken way too long to get back on my feet. The least I could do was do a better job of acting interested.

  “Well, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me. I know you’re very busy, and thank you so much for the business card. I’ll be sure to speak with your HR department about any possible openings.”

  Placing the business card in my clutch, I turned to walk away and ran smack into a wall of steel. This wasn’t any wall of steel I ever had a chance encounter with before. This steel was covered in a suit that I was sure cost three times the amount of my rent. And the scent. God, the scent. It was masculine, a combination of spice and rosewood. I could bathe in that scent. It was heaven and sex rolled into one. “I-I’m so sorry. I’m so clumsy… oh my God. I spilled my champagne all over you. I am so, so sorry…”

  I couldn’t believe I just did that. Of course, the only napkin I had was already balled up. It’d have to work. Uselessly, I dabbed at the fabric. Shit! Why did this have to happen tonight of all nights?

  “It’s okay,” he tried to assure me.

  “No. No, I’m terribly sorry. I’ll replace your suit. You have my word.” I made a mental note that a suit like this cost more than I would ever see in my bank account… and, well, who needed to eat three times a day anyway? Eating was overrated. I was about to search for another napkin when a hand reached under my chin, gripping me firmly before pulling my head up. I was staring into the cerulean eyes from earlier.

  “It’s okay. Really,” he said one last time before smiling.

  He held my chin, so I had to look up at him. Upon making eye contact, I immediately jumped back.

  “I’m very sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” he said. “I have other suits, and no one got hurt.” I looked at him uncertainly. Almost fearful. “And I didn’t care for this one anyway. The fitting was off, and the fabric always seemed destined to attract the attention of spilled drinks.” My eyes were drawn to his smile.

  “The fitting is definitely not off,” I whispered, and then stared at him with wide, shocked eyes as he raised an eyebrow. Quickly, I glanced down at my feet. I did not just say that.

  “Well, I didn’t catch your name.”

  I extended my hand. “Emmalin. Emmalin Ross.”

  “Ah, Emmalin. That’s a very beautiful name.” He seemed to size me up and down, and this was where I was expecting him to say his name, but he didn’t.

  “Walk with me.” Before I could object, he grabbed my arm and led me away from the party. “Are you a fan of art, Emmalin?” He gestured toward the painting in front of us.

  I stopped. It’s breathtaking.

  “Yes, I agree,” he said.

  I turned to him, not realizing I had said that out loud. “I don’t know much about art, but it’s a very beautiful piece.”

  He placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me to a corner further down to a smaller painting. “How about this one?”

  My breathing hitched at the canvas before me. It was pure eroticism, and yet sensual. Full of passion.

  I cleared my throat. “It’s pretty.”

  He grunted. “Pretty? Emmalin, pretty is not a word I would use to describe this. A rainy day is pretty. An arrangement of flowers is pretty.”

  I somehow got backed into the corner of the wall. Breathing heavily, I stared into his eyes. I swallowed hard. “Okay then. What would y
ou call it?”

  His hand trailed down the side of my face to my waist, and I gasped as he pulled me toward him then turned me to face the painting.

  “Lust. The way she’s giving herself to him. All of her, holding nothing back,” he whispered in my ear. “Submitting every whim, every moan, all because he craves her.”

  My breathing picked up, and I moaned as his hand lightly traced over my nipple. I felt his erection digging into my back and shamelessly ground into it.

  Laughter in the distance brought me out of my haze, and I suddenly realized where I was. A work function. I wasn’t here to get laid, no matter how tempting. Quickly, I removed myself from his embrace.

  I extended my hand, and he glanced at it with a raised eyebrow. “It was nice meeting you, but I should go.”

  His eyes glittered. “Great. Let’s go.”

  I held my hand against his chest, noting it was all muscle, and shook my head.

  He sighed. “Okay. But I will see you again?”

  I shrugged. “I highly doubt that. We don’t exactly run in the same circle.” I twirled my finger around. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, the nearest subway is about six blocks from here.”

  He stepped in front of me. “Wait, you’re not taking the subway this time of night, are you?”

  “Yes.”

  “No, it’s too dangerous.”

  “Oh, it's fine really. I do it all the time.”

  “Yes, and beautiful ladies like you come up missing all the time. I’ll see you home.”

  “No, it’s fine. You stay. I can find my way home.” I turned and started toward the door, but I didn’t get far before he grabbed my elbow, stopping me in my tracks.

  “I wasn’t asking you, Emmalin. I wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing you went home at night on the subway. I also take it the guy you came with isn’t coming back for you?”

  “Tyler? No, he had to go away on business. You know, I could just take a cab.”

  “Nonsense, it’s no trouble.” He guided me toward the door, but not before being stopped by several shouts and whistles from a few guys he knew.

  “Way to go, man!”

  “Getting the innocent ones, aren’t you?” One guy patted him on the back, and he backed me away before stepping toward the men.

  “Gentlemen, fuck off. Seriously, I’m just taking her home. I didn’t want her going on the subway alone.”

  He kept his voice low, but I knew this game. I wasn’t about to be another pawn. I turned and left.

  Asshole. He probably kept count of how many women he took home. Hell, I almost joined their ranks. That was the last thing I needed right now. I had too much going on in my life that I needed to focus on than going home with an overly handsome man for a quick lay. Although he did have a nice suit, which would probably look amazing on the floor.

  I began the walk to the subway. It had gotten chilly and unbelievably windy. I distracted myself by thinking about Tyler. I was happy for him. Really I was, but I was going to miss my friend.

  Checking my phone, I discovered it was almost midnight, and I realized I hadn’t eaten at the party since I had been so nervous. Well, I managed to get one business card, at least. I’d have to call and check to see if there were any job openings, even if the owner was creepy looking.

  “Ms. Ross!” My steps halted and I turned around. Oh, great. Why couldn’t he just save me the embarrassment and go away?

  “Is there something I can help you with?” I asked.

  “Is there something you can help me with? You left. I told you I would take you home, but instead you took it upon yourself to walk alone on a cold night.” His voice was tight as he eyed me over, apparently pissed. “And where the hell is your coat?”

  Well, that wasn’t a question I was expecting. “Look, I already told you, there’s no need, and I’ll be fine.” I turned to walk away, but he cut right in front of me. He was close. Maybe a little too close. Close enough I could smell that scent again. I tried not to breathe him in.

  “Don’t ever walk away from me.” It was a command. He spoke softly but with stiff authority. I knew at that moment it wasn’t something he was challenged on. “I asked you a question. Why aren’t you wearing a coat? It’s below freezing out, and the thin material your dress is made of will do nothing to keep you warm.” He shrugged off his coat and proceeded to put it around me.

  I stepped back.

  “Ms. Ross, this isn’t something for you to argue about. Just put on the damn coat.” I froze. He placed the coat around me and guided me in the opposite direction. “My car is this way.”

  I wanted to protest again, but frankly, I was too tired. Besides, what’s the big deal if I just let him take me home?

  We approached his vehicle, and I hesitated at the sight of it. What the shit is that? Of course he’s driving a car like that. Why can’t guys ever be caught driving a normal car? Why something that costs the same as a house? I was trying not to gape too hard, and decided to act unimpressed. Because, yeah, I’m in cars like this all the time.

  He opened the passenger door and waited until I was seated before joining me. As we drove, I focused on the soft music coming from the speakers. It was in French. It seemed like a sad song.

  “What’s this song?”

  He glanced at me thoughtfully for a moment before flicking his eyes back to the road. “It’s called ‘Fondu au Noir.’ It means Fade to Black. It’s about a romance gone bad.”

  “It’s beautiful.” He nodded. I gazed at my surroundings. “I like your car. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a car with red leather.”

  He smiled. “Thank you. It’s a car I appreciate.”

  We drove the rest of the way in silence. The only sound was coming from the music. Twenty minutes later, we arrived at my place. I was about to get out when he turned toward me.

  “Ms. Ross, I want you to assure me that you will never be out late at night by yourself. I know it’s something you’re probably used to, but it’s not safe, do you understand me?” He spoke sternly.

  “With all due respect,” I said, “I appreciate you worrying about my well-being, but I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time. I don’t need anyone dictating what I should and shouldn’t do. Thank you for the ride.” Before he could say anything else, I opened the car door, got out, and bounded up the stairs to my quaint apartment.

  “You love me, don’t you?”

  I couldn’t move. I could barely breathe. Oh no! I fell asleep. He was only here when I was asleep.

  “Tell me you love me.”

  I wanted to move. I wanted to get away. The smell… old, stale cigars and alcohol. Lots of alcohol.

  “No one will ever love you like I do, you know that? No one will ever want you. You’re a fucking whore. My fucking whore. No one else’s.”

  Please stop! Don’t do this. Why me? Why me? He pulled my arms tighter. I heard a snap. Pain. Lots of pain on my left side. He pushed my head further into the pillow. I couldn’t breathe! I just needed some air. I wanted to kick him away, but I didn’t have the strength. My left arm was throbbing so badly. At least let me breathe. Even if it’s my last breath. I felt my underwear get ripped away.

  “You fucking love me. No one will ever love you. You’re a worthless, pathetic little cunt!” His hand circled around my throat, and then I felt him. Tears blinded me. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep…

  I woke up drenched in sweat. The dreams. They were all different but always had the same outcome. They’d gotten better over the years, but they were always there.

  I lay against the headboard, trying to breathe. It’s just a dream. It’s just a dream. It’s just a dream. I kept telling myself that, but I knew that it hadn’t always been. I used to wish I was dead. Sometimes I still did.

  I glanced at the clock: 3:47 a.m. Well, at least I almost made it to three hours of sleep this time. That was an accomplishment.

  I peered up at the dream catcher above my bed. Worthless piece of shit. Might as wel
l get up. I headed for the kitchen for a snack. Then it dawned on me. I never got that guy’s name. Since when did I let strangers take me home? But more importantly, since when did strangers take me home when I didn’t give them my address?

  “You have meetings at 8 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:15 a.m., and also, a late luncheon meeting at 1:30 p.m. There’s also a conference call at 2:45 p.m. with the development team from Florida. It seems there’s a discrepancy between zoning areas.”

  I fired up my laptop as Glenda read over the day’s agenda. Oh, the joys of being CEO of a company. Meeting after fucking meeting. Where the fuck was Chace? If I had to be here this early, then so did he.

  “You also have a late conference call meeting at 5:00 p.m. with London. 11:00 a.m. for you.” Glenda looked at me and smiled. “Welcome home, Mr. Mandrake.”

  As she left my office, I shouted after her. “I didn’t hear you mention anything in my schedule about golfing, Glenda!”

  She peeked her head back in the room. “Sure I did, Mr. Mandrake. It’s in three weeks between 3:15 a.m. and 3:20 a.m.”

  As I gazed around my new office, I forgot all about Glenda being a smartass. While I was away, I had it completely remodeled. I also had the entire top floor completely redone. I figured since I’d be here more often than not, I might as well have another bachelor pad within reach. Of course, I had to tell Chace to stop using it to ‘conduct interviews.’ Fucking asshole.

  I glanced at the clock: 7:30 a.m. Half an hour to fuck off.

  I called Glenda on the speakerphone. “Glenda, I’m going to need a couple of files, and maybe an assistant.”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Mandrake. I can have HR pull up a list of available candidates for you if you like.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I have a name in mind. Can you pull up the employee file on an Emmalin Ross, please? She’s the one who assisted at Walters and Reed. Thank you.”

  “Right away, sir.”