Taken

by Jennifer Dawson

  Ruby nods enthusiastically. “That’s what I do, even if I’m shocked, I make no mention of it and tuck it away to ask Chad about later.”

  “That makes sense,” I say.

  Jillian interjects. “Take your lead from Brandon.”

  All three of them glance at each other mischievously then giggle, leaving me out of the joke.

  Ruby looks back me. “Sorry! We’ll be good. We can’t help it. We’ve been waiting for this forever, so we’re a little overexcited.”

  Might as well practice my coolness again. “I’m afraid you’ve lost me.”

  Jillian takes a corner of the sweet bread on the table. “Brandon is very dominant. He expects to lead; it’s how he’s most comfortable. We are all just relishing his demise.”

  My cheeks heat. “I’m sure I won’t be his demise.”

  Jillian shakes her head. “I’m not so sure about that, but it’s sure going to be fun to watch.”

  Before I’m forced to respond, Ruby’s phone beeps and she picks it up from the table. After a few swipes of her finger, she looks up. “Seems we’re being summoned to my house for an afternoon of debauchery.”

  I try not to feel too disappointed. I smile. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Thanks so much for inviting me to brunch.”

  Ruby shakes her head. “Oh, you’re not getting off that easy. Chad specifically mentioned you were to come.”

  I blink as my heart beats faster. “Oh?”

  She grins. “Brandon is already there.”

  Jillian bounces in her chair and claps her hands. “This is going to be so fun.”

  I duck my head, hoping to hide my grin. Fun indeed.

  Life is getting very interesting.

  * * *

  Brandon

  As I sit on Chad and Ruby’s rooftop deck, I let the conversation swirl around me as I contemplate the folly of once again merging my professional and personal life. Veronica hasn’t even started working for me and I’m already walking a fine line.

  It’s not the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t pass it up. Today I hadn’t orchestrated the events, hadn’t arranged for this get-together, but I hadn’t dissuaded it either. Hadn’t objected when Chad asked if he should tell Ruby to bring her.

  After the text had been sent, they’d all smirked at me, but I’d ignored it.

  I have no good reason for why I want to see her, despite my better judgment. And wasn’t that the problem with her? My lust for her went beyond common sense.

  The door to the rooftop opens and the girls come tumbling out of the narrow walkway in single file. I don’t even register the other women as I wait for Veronica to emerge. And when she does, my heart skips a fucking beat and my cock gets instantly hard.

  Her hair is down again, loose and carefree with a slight bendy wave. Her coloring is only enhanced in her slip of a top and skinny jeans. I shift in my chair, not remotely paying attention to anyone as our eyes lock.

  She sucks in a breath, just the slightest of hitches as she nods at me.

  “So, this is fun,” Jillian says, pulling my attention away from this woman that is fast becoming a fixation.

  Leo hooks his fingers through her belt loop and tugs until she sits down on his lap. “Are we looking for trouble today?”

  Veronica bites her lower lip and darts a glance at me before quickly looking away.

  Jillian smiles down at her husband. “Would I look for trouble?”

  He grins at her. “Absolutely.”

  Ruby walks over to the table where Chad has set up drinks and snacks, and surveys the spread, before turning to Chad. “You’re a much better host than me.”

  He laughs. “It’s why we make a good team.” He crooks his finger and beckons her close. She tosses her glossy black hair and practically saunters over to him, a far cry from the woman that looked like she might expire if anyone looked at her the wrong way.

  Chad’s eyes hood as he looks her up and down, and when she’s standing in front of him he curls his hand around her leg, made bare by a short frayed skirt, and slides up her thigh. Ruby stiffens, her eyes riveted on him. He taps her inner thigh. “Open.”

  She squares her shoulders. “No preamble?”

  “Nope.” He squeezes. “Do it.”

  I glance at Veronica, curious for her reaction. Since Veronica is not involved with any of our kinkiness, everyone here will be mindful of exposing her, but that doesn’t mean they won’t engage a little. They want to see her squirm as much as I do. Even more, they want to see how we bounce off each other, considering the unusualness of this circumstance. I’m always with a woman that knows she might be forced to strip at a moment’s notice. Why, it wasn’t too long ago when we sat in this very spot and I made Stephanie act as my coffee table. Threatening dire consequences if she spilled my drink. Which, of course, she did.

  There won’t be anything like that today. And I’m disconcerted to find I’m disappointed.

  My eyes meet Veronica’s. The color on her cheeks is high and she’s working that lower lip again. She shifts on her high-heeled sandals, telling me she’s nervous and unsure what to expect.

  Good. I’d hate to be the only one.

  I tilt my head toward the empty chair next to me.

  Her chin rises, but she can’t quite hide the smile that quivers at the corners of her mouth. She shrugs one shoulder and walks to take the spot next to me.

  I smirk at her. “Did you finally get that sleep you were searching for?”

  Her throat works as she swallows. “Yes.”

  “Good.” I let the word linger, letting my silence speak for itself. Making her aware, in the space between us, that I’m well aware she slid her fingers down her stomach last night and came thinking about my teeth sinking into her flesh. When she twists her fine gold necklace at her throat, I turn back to Chad and Ruby.

  My point is scored.

  While I observe the couple, my attention is intent on Veronica. In the tautness of her muscles, and not quite even breathing. I’m hyper focused on this woman that appears to have invaded my life, crawling into some dormant place inside me.

  Chad’s hand has disappeared beneath Ruby’s skirt, his actions are concealed from the rest of us, but the air is thick, ripe with anticipation.

  Next to me, Veronica crosses her legs, restless in her seat.

  I turn the conversation to something safe, leaving Chad to exact his will on Ruby. I glance at Veronica. “Did you have a nice brunch?”

  She jerks her head, her attention swinging toward me. “Yes.”

  I lean forward, putting my elbows on my knees and craning my neck to look at her. “Did you learn anything interesting?”

  Her shoulders ease a little. “I did.”

  “Such as?”

  “They gave me an idea of what to expect at the party on Thursday, and how to prepare myself for it.” She shrugs. “Some rules to follow. What to avoid.”

  I nod. Good. That’s exactly what I was hoping for. “Did you get a dress?”

  “I did.”

  “Do you want to tell me about it?”

  She shakes her head. “Nope.”

  I laugh. “All right then, I do like surprises.”

  Our gazes meet and hold, and tension seeps between us.

  We sit like that, suspended, unable to sever the contact and unable to speak.

  Finally I break the silence. “I shouldn’t have had you come today.”

  She swallows hard. “Why?”

  “Because I want to fuck you.” The words are blunt, as harsh sounding as I feel at the moment.

  She sucks in a breath. “I see.”

  I raise a brow. “Did you have a good orgasm last night?”

  Her lashes flutter, as though she’s fighting the urge to back away from our too intense connection.

  I can’t say I blame her.

  I’m impressed when she doesn’t shy away. Other than the fingering of her necklace she appears complet
ely composed. “Yes.”

  My gaze dips briefly to her mouth. “Did it help?”

  “No.”

  “Good.”

  Her brow furrows and I smile. “I like a girl needy.”

  Color splashes across her high cheekbones. “Oh.”

  The rational part of my brain that refuses to mix business with pleasure is warning me to get back to safe ground, but that dominant part of me wants her so badly it overrules. I tilt my head. “If you were mine, I’d make you ask even to touch, and if I decided to let you—and, Veronica, that’s a big if—I’d make you beg me before I even considered letting you come.”

  Her thighs flex, tightening in response to my words, and my lust flairs out of control.

  “What…” She stumbles over the word. “What does that mean?”

  My voice grows low, dark and menacing. “It means I’d own your cunt and would decide exactly what I let you do with it.”

  Her honeyed eyes grow wide, dilating at my bluntness, but she stays silent, not asking any of the questions I’d expect from someone experimenting with submission for the first time. Doesn’t fluster. Or nervously laugh. She doesn’t even move.

  Instead we just stare at each other, locked in some silent war, which is only increasing the tension and desire that sits between us.

  “Hey! Hey!” Jillian’s voice rips me away from her.

  I frown and snap, “What, Jillian?”

  She gives me that sassy smile of hers and waves. Everyone has moved to the table while Veronica and I were in our own little world. “We’re going to play poker.”

  “What kind of poker?” I ask.

  “The fun kind.”

  I sigh and straighten. “All right.”

  I stand, and look down at Veronica. “I’m assuming you know how to play.”

  “Of course.”

  I shake my head. “What was I thinking?”

  We walk over and Veronica and I slide into seats next to each other. My leg brushes hers and stays pressed against her.

  Leo grins at me. “How are you doing over there?”

  “Fuck off,” I respond, picking up the two cards they’d already dealt to us.

  Michael laughs and eyes Veronica. “You, girl, can come around whenever you want.”

  “Why thank you.” Veronica studies her own cards and smiles. “I accept.”

  I shake my head. Jesus Christ, what the fuck am I doing?

  11

  Veronica

  I’m standing in the bathroom letting cool water pour over my hands as I stare at my fevered eyes in the mirror. I’m burning up. Like I’m being licked with fire. I had no idea want like this even existed. Brandon is making me crazy. The tension is thick and hot and aching.

  What’s most scary is, other than the press of his thigh against mine, we haven’t touched. But everything he’d said to me sat between us. Growing and expanding until I couldn’t concentrate on the game we played with the other couples.

  I don’t understand what he said, or why it started a heated pool of lust low in my stomach, but with every second that passes the ache becomes more insistent and demanding until I can think of nothing else.

  I have little knowledge at what he hinted at, but I find myself obsessed with the thought. How it would feel? I might not comprehend the dynamic that exists in this group, but I can’t deny it pulses with an energy I’ve never experienced before.

  Everything about what he’d said to me, the day, watching the other couples, has put me on high alert. Hyperaware of a possibility that lies just out of my reach.

  Right now, after hours of obsessing about it, it’s all I want.

  I blow out a breath and finally turn off the faucet, wiping my hands on the guest towel hanging next to the sink. Reasonably under control, I open the bathroom door.

  And find Brandon leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He’s all lean and lanky in a tight black shirt and jeans. I stop short, freezing at the look in his eyes.

  He doesn’t say anything, just swiftly and suddenly advances on me.

  I gasp, bracing myself as his hands slide on my hips and he pushes me back, enclosing me in the small powder room. He kicks the door shut, and keeps walking me backward until I slam up against the wall.

  “This is a bad idea,” he says in a dark voice.

  But before I can respond, his mouth is on mine and madness takes over.

  Our lips fuse, our tongues instantly tangle. All the lust and desire we’ve been keeping at bay spills over.

  His mouth is a brand. Possessive and demanding.

  My hands tangle around his neck, dragging him closer as I press into him, practically climbing up him in an effort to seep into him. To somehow, someway, show him how much I want him.

  His hands clutch at my waist. Yanking me up as we practically fight through this kiss neither us is sure should be happening but has taken on a life of its own. Consuming us.

  And it is consuming.

  Our breathing turns to hot, angry pants as our mouths part and meet again, an almost angry clash. The air thickens, turning humid as our bodies mold together.

  Closer. Closer. God, closer.

  I need it. Need something from him I can’t explain. But it storms over me as all rational thought leaves my mind and my body takes over.

  His hips press into mine.

  I rise to my tiptoes, fitting my body against his and lifting my leg so he slides between my thighs. His grip on my hip tightens.

  He thrusts.

  I rock up, gasping as he hits the perfect spot.

  He lifts me and I wrap my legs around him.

  His mouth is like a drug and I’m helpless against it.

  His cock is hard against me, driving me out of my mind, as demanding as his lips and tongue and teeth. He growls, low in his throat, slams me harder against the wall.

  My head hits the surface, and I arch up.

  God, I had no idea things could be like this. My passions have always been contained, unlike now when they are raging out of control.

  His mouth rips away and he curses. “God damn you.” Before claiming my mouth again, with a type of fevered brutality.

  It goes on and on.

  The heat of his mouth searing into the very center of me.

  Letting me know everything I’ve ever heard about him is a lie. They were wrong. He’s so much worse. So much better.

  I want. God, how I want.

  I want his cock inside me, pounding away, taking me. Claiming me. Changing me until I no longer remember life before him.

  He hits a spot and I groan, clutching at his shoulders.

  Suddenly, he rips away, and in a harsh tone, he says, “We have to stop.”

  He grips my legs and untangles them from his waist, stepping back.

  I sag against the wall, my knees wobbling as the loss of him cools my blood.

  My mouth feels too full. Swollen. I touch my lips and his eyes darken.

  He shakes his head, dragging his hand through his hair. “That was a mistake.”

  “No.” The word is a whisper.

  “Yes.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I should not be touching you.”

  “I want you to touch me.” I’m not going to pretend otherwise. I refuse.

  He sighs before stepping farther away. “Veronica, in a few short hours we are going to be working together very closely. I have rules set in place for my employees, and I will not violate them for you. I can’t.”

  My chin tilts. “You mean you won’t.”

  His blue eyes narrow, turning razor sharp. “I already have.”

  I take a deep breath, attempting to steady myself. “There’s something between us.”

  “Be that as it may, this is non-negotiable.” His tone is stiff, as though he hadn’t devoured me moments before. “It won’t happen again.”

  I bite my lip, and his gaze darkens. I want to argue, but to what purpose? He’s right. We absolutely need to keep things professional. How can I demonstrate my value
to his company blinded by my passion for him? So he’s right, but it’s also a lie. Chemistry like this is impossible to contain. But it seems prudent to agree with him. I nod.

  “Good.” He frowns and again runs his hand through his hair. “I shouldn’t have said those things to you earlier. I wanted to give you a taste of what you’d witness on Thursday and went overboard. I apologize.”

  “I understand.” I touch my swollen lips. I want more. I want him. “Do you honestly think we can keep this professional?”

  He steps close to me, despite his insistence he is to stay away. “You’ll learn soon enough Veronica, my will is iron clad.”

  “Not when it comes to me.” I’m not sure where the words come from but they are out there, sitting between us, before I can stop myself.

  The spark of challenge lights in the blueness of his eyes. “We’ll just see about that, little girl.”

  “Yeah, we will.” And with that I duck past him and walk out of the bathroom.

  Well, I must say, that was satisfying.

  He’s not getting out of this that easy.

  Of course, neither am I, but I’m ready to fall.

  * * *

  Brandon

  Teeth gritted, I put my hands on the wall and close my eyes. Every part of me, the good, the bad, and certainly the ugly, wants to go after Veronica.

  I want my mouth on hers.

  I want my cock buried deep inside that sure to be willing cunt.

  I want my hand wrapped around her throat.

  I want to fuck with her head until she’s a needy mess, willing to do anything for me.

  I want to punish her. Push her. Violate her.

  Which is why I needed to get the hell away from her.

  In that one kiss—a kiss I’d told myself five hundred times I would not give into—I learned everything I needed to know about her.

  Veronica Westwood is a dangerous woman.

  She has… Even in my thoughts the words struggle to break free. Power.

  Over me.

  No woman has ever had power over me. I do not like it.

  I cannot tolerate it.