Taken

by Jennifer Dawson

Especially when she’s going to be fucking working for me.

  Which is why I need to contain the situation. Contain her. Limit my exposure to her. This game I’d been playing with her this weekend, toying with her, flirting with the chemistry between us, I see now I miscalculated. Believed I could control it when it’s clear now I cannot.

  I see the lie I’d told myself about her in order to be around her.

  A mistake I won’t make again.

  The only course of action I have is to build a wall of cold, professional reserve and cut off all interaction outside of the job.

  It’s the only way.

  If I do that, I can control the situation. Control her. Put her in an off-limits box and compartmentalize my lust for her.

  This, I know how to do.

  I take a deep breath, leave the bathroom and walk back to where they are all waiting. The second I enter the roof deck, my eyes lock on her. Unable to help myself, my attention drifts to her mouth, still swollen and pink.

  My mind jerks back to the bathroom. Our tangled tongues. The brutal press of our mouths. Her pussy arching and rubbing along my cock.

  As though unable to help herself, she runs the tips of her fingers over her lower lip. All my muscles tense, and I have an inexplicable desire to run, a thought so foreign to me it sends a cold chill down my spine.

  I force my legs to move, taking the only open seat next to her.

  Leo raises a brow at me. “Everything okay?”

  A sharp nod. “Everything is fine.”

  Veronica shifts, squirming in her chair.

  Leo’s gaze narrows.

  I glance at my watch, it’s late in the afternoon and it provides me with an excuse to get the hell out of here. Away from Veronica. “It’s time to get home, I have some things to take care of.”

  Now Michael gives me a look identical to Leo’s, reminding me that they have been partners for a long time. But I ignore it. I stand and turn to Veronica. “Tomorrow will be a long day.”

  Her chin tilts. “I’m ready for it.”

  “We’ll see.”

  The challenge, the defiance, is written in her beautiful features. She flashes me a brilliant smile. “Any chance you’d be willing to drop me home?”

  She is clearly evil, and fuck is she playing with fire. Everything in me says to refuse her, that being in an enclosed car with her is the worst possible idea, but somehow I’m agreeing, despite myself. I jerk my thumb over my shoulder toward the door. “Let’s go.”

  Veronica stands, and like the perfect society girl she is, nods at Chad and Ruby. “Thank you so much for having me, your home is fantastic.”

  Ruby grins and tilts her head at her fiancé. “I’m afraid that’s all him.”

  Chad puts his hand on the back of her chair. “Yeah, it is.”

  Ruby laughs and hits him in the stomach.

  Veronica turns to me. “I’m ready to go.”

  I nod.

  Layla wiggles her fingers at us. “You two have fun.”

  I want to growl, to set them all straight, but I don’t acknowledge the comment as we say our goodbyes and are out the door.

  Five minutes later after a short, silent walk we are in my car. When the doors slam shut I turn to look at Veronica. “What game do you think you’re playing?”

  “Game?” she asks, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “You don’t fool me, Veronica.”

  She gives me a slow grin. “I’m barely out of your way, so I didn’t see the harm in asking.”

  “My decision is final.” My words sound biting enough to put most women I associate with on high alert.

  “It’s a ride, Brandon.” She shifts, leaning against the door. “You could have said no, I would have understood.”

  She’s trapped me by my own ego. I wonder if she knows it or not. I peer deep into her eyes and see the cunning there. She knows exactly what she’s doing.

  She throws me off my game and I do not like it. I want to show her I’m in charge. That I tilt her, not the other way around.

  We stare at each other, waging a battle without a single word. I recount my arguments to her in the bathroom, the imprint of her lips, still fixed on mine. I never lose. Never back down on my word. Girls have begged me. Begged for me to show mercy and I never break. Ever.

  Then she raises one brow and a sly smile spreads over her lips.

  Before I can process my actions, I lunge at her, capturing her mouth in a startled gasp.

  The second our lips touch the fierce desire to possess her storms over me, blocking out any and all rational thought.

  Christ I want her.

  I eat at her mouth, furious and consuming.

  She moans, tangling her fingers in my hair and bringing me closer.

  I become more demanding. A brutal, harsh fusing of our hungry mouths.

  She meets me head-on, giving as good as she’s getting. For the first time since I can remember, my mind does not drift, does not plot on how to twist her. I think of nothing but the way she feels straining under me.

  I shift, gripping her hips and yanking her forward, covering her upper body with mine. I growl low in my throat as our tongues entwine. Her head hits the window and I slam my palm against the glass, as I devour her.

  I should have never broken the seal. Never.

  Because she tastes like something I could be addicted to.

  My other hand snakes under her top, sliding across smooth stomach to cup her breast. I stroke my thumb over her peaked nipple and she arches into the touch.

  I’m out of control. Since that morning when I woke up, I have never been out of control, but I am now.

  I hate it.

  I can’t stop it.

  Her mouth feels like something I need.

  In the small space of the car, our breathing is ragged and panting.

  I unclasp her bra, baring her breasts, cupping and squeezing, before I pluck at the hard bud and tug.

  Into my mouth she groans, shifting and rolling under me to work my hand for her own pleasure.

  I rip away, intending to stop, but then I lick at the skin on her neck before sinking my teeth into her flesh.

  Her hands tighten on mine as she sucks in air and whimpers. Arching her neck to give me better access. Into my ear, she whispers, “Fuck me. Please. I can’t take it. I want it so bad.”

  The words send fire through my veins, and in that second I come to grips with the knowledge that I can’t resist her. Not with my body demanding I claim her. Possess her.

  My tongue plays over her pulse as I roll her nipple between my fingers. I raise my head and capture her mouth with a hard, ruthless press of my lips before saying, “I’m going to own every fucking part of you, do you understand me?”

  “Yes,” she breathes, before I crush my mouth against hers again.

  Everything turns wild and untamed, hot and needy and desperate.

  Our bodies are straining because in the bucket seats we’re not nearly close enough. Not for what I need to do to her. But I can’t pull away from her mouth long enough to move us to a better location.

  That’s how much I want her.

  I curse against her lips before covering them again.

  It’s the most fucking consuming kiss of my life and I’m completely lost to it. Drowning in her, unable to stop, unable to control the situation or her.

  There’s a knock at the window.

  I jerk, looking up into Leo’s smug, amused expression.

  “Fuck.” The word’s almost guttural as I move, sliding my hand from under her top and pulling away.

  She shifts in the seat, straightening, and when she looks up at Leo her skin flushes a faint pink. She clears her throat, attempting to calm her breathing as she smooths her hair.

  With a smirk, Leo motions for me to lower the window.

  I do, unsure if I want to kill him for interrupting me, or be thankful. Thankful, probably, since five more minutes and I would have had
her on top of me, impaled.

  I still glare at him.

  He reaches in and hands Veronica her wallet. “You left this on the table.”

  She beams at him, like we hadn’t just been going at it like a couple of wild animals a few seconds ago. “Thanks. How silly of me.”

  He winks at her. “You must have been distracted.”

  She laughs, shrugging. “Must have been.”

  “Are you done?” My words are sharp.

  Leo chuckles. “Oh, I’m done.”

  I roll up the window, starting the car with a push of the button, and before I can start up where we left off, I pull out onto the street.

  I say nothing, and unlike most women who would start talking and trying to gauge what the fuck just happened, Veronica only says, “Do you need my address?”

  “No.” My grip is tight on the steering wheel. So this is what it’s like, huh? To work and use willpower? And to think all this time I thought I was so cool and collected. So in control. When it turns out I haven’t cured my impulse-control problems at all. I merely hadn’t allowed myself to be put in the path of temptation.

  I pull up to her Gold Coast building and unlock the door.

  Instead of getting out she turns toward me. “Thanks for giving me a ride home.”

  “You’re welcome.” My voice is cool, filled with a dismissal I certainly don’t feel.

  “So tomorrow, what time do you want me there?”

  “Nine is fine.”

  She nods. “Brandon?”

  I raise a brow. “Yes, Veronica?”

  She smiles. “Thanks for a lovely and memorable weekend.”

  And with that she’s out the door.

  Leaving me straining to go after her.

  12

  Brandon

  Veronica walks into my office at nine sharp, looking every inch the professional businesswoman. Her suit is gray, cut sharp and fitted against her slim frame, her hair is back, tucked into a neat bun not dissimilar to the one she wore the night I met her.

  She should look severe. She does not.

  A carnal lust twists in my chest as a vision of tearing her jacket from her body and spreading her on my desk rips through me. I want to shove her skirt up her hips, splay her thighs and lick her cunt until she begs me to show mercy.

  Jesus Christ.

  I push the image away and gesture her to the chair, sitting back in my own as she takes the seat across from me. Our eyes lock and I remember the imprint of her mouth on mine. The heat. The straining desire.

  I rest my arm on the chair. This is it, she’s officially working for me, so it’s time to stop fucking around. I nod. “Veronica.”

  She nods back. “Brandon.”

  I steeple my fingers. “I’ve arranged for my bar manager, Reggie, to take you on a tour of the building and explain that facet of the business. After, I’ve had my admin, Marisa, set up individual meetings with all the key staff members, all of whom will be reporting to you and myself until you’re acclimated. That will keep you busy for the morning. Marisa will support us both, and she has your schedule for the day waiting.”

  She smiles, and it dazzles me. “Sounds great.”

  “I will take you to lunch and you can tell me your first impressions and we’ll discuss your main responsibilities.” The conversation is purely professional, but the tension between us is thick, filling the space across the desk, threatening to suffocate me.

  “I look forward to it,” she says, her voice a husky purr that strokes against my skin and makes me hard.

  I barely resist an eye roll at my own foolishness. This morning, before I’d seen her, I’d determined action was the best course since my words with her tend to backfire. I’d keep things strictly professional, treating her as I would any employee, but I already find myself wavering. Wanting to call attention to our palpable chemistry. The notion strengthens my resolve.

  I need to build a wall between her and me. Something impenetrable. I rise and walk around the desk to stand before her. She gazes up at me, her honey eyes peering right into me. My finger twitches with the desire to reach for her, stroke over the line of her jaw, grip her chin in my hand and squeeze.

  That sadistic part of me that wants to break pretty things, wants to hurt her. I am no stranger to my inner sadist, but I’ve always kept it checked. Cool and controlled, casual. But Veronica calls to that monster, hidden deep inside me.

  Her lashes flutter, almost imperceptibly.

  I grip the desk to control my base instincts to push her, turn her slightest crack into a crevasse so I can see the very heart of her. Slowly, I say, “Let me show you your office and introduce you to Marisa.”

  “Very well.”

  She stands at the same time I straighten and suddenly we’re too close. The heat of her sears right through me. I’m on the verge of caving, to reaching for her and claiming that fucking mouth of hers. The temptation she presents is hard to ignore because all my instincts fight to mess her up.

  I grit my teeth.

  She bites her lower lip.

  But she doesn’t back down from the intensity of my gaze.

  We stand like that, toe to toe, the distance between us too close for professional.

  She makes this sound, somewhere between a gasp and a whimper and it’s almost my undoing.

  Before I give in, I step back and gesture her to the door. “Let’s go.”

  Her brow furrows. “Brandon?”

  I swear to god, if she challenges me in any way, I’m going to break. I raise a brow.

  The fine muscles in her neck work as she swallows. “Thank you for the opportunity. You won’t regret it.”

  Well, that depends on the type of regret we’re talking about here, now doesn’t it? I don’t doubt Veronica will be good for business, but good for me, now that’s a different story. Not that I’m about to tell her that. I nod. “See that I don’t.”

  * * *

  Veronica

  As I follow Brandon out of his office I take in the wide breadth of his shoulders and the easy way he owns a room. This man, who’s fast becoming an obsession and is also my boss. I can see by the hard set of his features as he spoke to me from behind his massive desk he’s determined to keep me at arm’s length. In theory, I agree, this is his business and it’s important to be professional. In practice, I want to push him.

  I want to see him break.

  I don’t understand why I have this notion, but it persists, and has persisted since he kissed me in the bathroom yesterday. He’s susceptible to me, as I am to him. But unlike myself, he hasn’t accepted that fact yet.

  Unlike me, who wants to fall.

  I’m ready. Impatient for something I don’t quite understand but burns inside me, waiting to be explored. Brandon is the key to that, but he’s not ready. He wants to resist me.

  For now, I’ll let him. I’ll play his game, but it’s just a matter of time.

  The chemistry burns, fills all the space. It chokes us.

  I can be patient. Because he’s worth it. What he gives me will be worth it. But more than that, I believe I’m something he needs.

  We come to stand in front of a reception desk where a beautiful girl with deep red hair and stunning blue eyes sits. She beams at Brandon. “Good morning, sir.”

  He nods and issues me forward. “Marisa, this is Veronica Westwood, she’ll be the acting General Manager and as we discussed you’ll support her as well as myself.”

  Marisa’s gaze flickers across my face, subtly sweeping down my frame, before meeting my eyes. I see the challenge there, lurking in the depths. In five seconds she’s deemed me competition and isn’t happy about it. Brandon has been crystal clear about his policies, but I’m equally sure Marisa isn’t the only female who works for him that fantasizes about him caving, just for her.

  I smile, friendly and bright. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marisa. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

  “You too, Ms. Westwood.”

 
“Please, call me Veronica.” The best way to win over an adversary is to make them feel valuable, and I don’t hold back. “I’m sure I’ll be depending on your expertise quite extensively as I get acclimated.”

  Marisa’s lashes flutter ever so slightly before she nods. “Whatever you need, I’ll be happy to help.”

  Brandon puts his hands in the pockets of his fitted black pants. Good god, can that man wear black well. It’s like the color was designed to highlight his beauty. “Do you have Veronica’s schedule?”

  Fast like a whip, Marisa picks up a piece of paper and hands it to him. “Of course.” She shifts her attention to me. “If you give me your cell phone, I will have IT set up your calendar and email.”

  “That would be great.” I slip my hand into my bag and pull out the device, handing it over to her.

  Brandon turns to me. “Do you need anything else before I leave you in Marisa’s capable hands?”

  I shake my head. “I’ll be fine.”

  Our eyes meet and that ever-present tension kicks up. We linger, a little too long, before he nods.

  “I’ll leave you to it.” Then he turns and walks back to his office.

  I turn back to the stunning receptionist, who’s staring at me with suspicion written across her features. For a second I think she’s going to comment, but she’s far too professional for that. Instead, she stands, revealing a figure that could rival a runway model, and gestures to a closed door, “I’ll show you your office, and then take you to meet Reggie.”

  “Thank you,” I say before taking a deep breath.

  Off into my life I go.

  * * *

  It’s Thursday, and I’ve been working with Brandon for four days. The job is going well. I’ve met with staff, learned the organization, formulated my plans and come up with ideas for changes.

  I’d had the impression that Brandon’s dealings were mostly in entertainment, but as it turns out, that’s not the case. He has diverse holdings ranging from real estate to stakes in high-tech companies. In business school we learned that this is not a good strategy, but like most things, Brandon appears to defy the odds. That he’s known to have a Midas touch is not coincidental. As I’ve poured over his books, I’m hard pressed to find fault with his pursuits.