“You look different.” I give him a long look up and down. “Not at all like the boy I remember you being.”
“Boy? I was twenty-three when we last met.”
“But you were…scrawny…and—”
“With a face full of pimples.”
“I wasn’t going to mention that.”
“It was because of your insult that my sister gave me a makeover.”
I bite my lower lip. “You remember that?”
“You were pretty brutal slinging that Pizza Face insult around.”
“I’m sorry…”
“You needn’t be. You got me laid more times than any wingman in history.”
I furrow my brow in confusion. “How do you figure?”
“Before you, I actually had to rely on real skills or my family name. Once my sister was finished with my makeover, which took years, women flocked to me.”
“So you became the whole package. Skills, trust fund,” my eyes rove him from head to toe, “sinfully delicious body…”
Oh, yeah—I went there.
He leans in a little closer, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Now that everything’s on the table, want a do-over of last night?”
I’d have to be out of my mind to accept his invitation. Entangling myself with Chadwick Archibald any more than I already have could lead me to ruin.
Which is why I surprise even myself when I ask, “Your room or mine?”
Chadwick
We exit the building and enter the Uber Alysanne ordered. In the media, she’s often compared to my sister, who, although is of a similar age, is shockingly different with how she presents herself.
Alysanne is quiet, well thought out, and careful with her words. My sister, on the other hand, commands a room with a domineering voice and vision. Alysanne knows the ins and outs of her products and what they’re capable of. My sister knows how to get people excited.
Both are good and necessary for the success of a large corporation, though their skills are vastly different.
On the way to her hotel, we fill the space with mindless chatter. To say I’m interested in getting to know Alysanne better is an understatement, and I’m not just saying that in a biological sense. She really does have me beguiled, from her insightful thoughts regarding our shared industry to her clever banter and witticism when it comes to current affairs.
I can’t remember a time I’ve been so charmed by a woman, and the fact that coupling with her would be ‘sleeping with the enemy’ only heightens my fascination.
We enter Alysanne’s room, and I immediately envelop her in my arms, crashing my lips down on hers.
She hesitates but slowly grows bolder, stroking her tongue along mine.
When finally we break away, I see worry in her eyes where lust once was.
“Are you having second thoughts?”
She chuckles dryly. “You are probably aware that there is a spring break video that was released several years back…”
I lick my lips, hoping the mood doesn’t sour. “I’ve heard.”
“I’m sure you’ve done more than just hear. Anyway, it nearly destroyed me.”
“Alysanne, you have nothing to worry about with me. Wherever this goes, it stays between us until you decide otherwise.”
“I decide?”
“I mean, I’m not opposed to exchanging numbers…”
“An Archibald and a Bastion could never date…”
“Maybe they could.”
She blinks back at me, her mouth ajar, and I seize the opportunity to kiss her again.
Her body melts against mine, and that sweet moan of hers escapes her lips again. Kissing is nice, but my want for this woman demands more.
I unfasten the sole button on her blazer, and she rolls her shoulders back, allowing it to fall to the floor. Underneath is a thin, lace camisole that does nothing to hide her body’s curves or her prominent nipples poking through the thin fabric.
She kicks off her shoes and throws the black-rimmed glasses aside, giving me a better look at her sultry eyes.
I take off my own blazer as she begins unfastening the column of buttons of my dress shirt, pulling it off me straight after. I undo the metal fasten of her pants, kneeling down to slide them down and off her tanned legs.
Her panties match the lace of her cami, which contrasts her skin. I kiss around the hem, my tongue dancing just beneath the fabric. Her fingers run through my hair as her breathing grows ragged. I dip my tongue in further, tasting her tangy sweetness.
“Chad,” she gasps, her finger growing tight around the clumps of hair she’s gathered.
I gaze up at her as she’s looking down at me, completely and utterly entranced.
“Yes?”
“Can we take this to the bed?”
I scoop her up and carry her to the bed, making a pit stop at the desk to grab the condom from last night. I set her down gently and throw the Trojan on the nightstand before taking off the rest of my clothes and crawling on the bed, moving between her legs.
She raises her arms, allowing me to slip off her cami and get a look at her spectacular breasts.
Small, expressive, and perfect for her frame, I take a perfect nipple into my mouth and suck gently. Her hips lift to meet my throbbing cock, sending an urgent rush throughout my body.
I move a hand to the junction between her thighs, caressing her sex through the soaked fabric as she writhes from my touch. She smells so erotic, so fucking sexy.
I roll her panties down her thighs, but before I can move down her body, she cups my cheeks in her hands and forces me to gaze upward into her eyes.
“Why are we doing this?” she chokes out. “It’s crazy! Think of what could happen if our companies are hit with antitrust violations.”
I dip my head, kissing her just below her navel. “I know exactly how stupid this is. You’re just so damn tempting.”
She bites her full lower lip, mulling over our precarious situation.
“If you’d like to stop, please don’t knee me in the face this time.”
“I’d rather beg for you to keep going…”
Alysanne
Chadwick continues his conquest of my body, sliding my legs over his shoulders and settling between my thighs.
Feeling his warm breath on my mons causes my muscles to tense, anticipation blooming at my core.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” he rasps before delving his tongue against my intimate flesh.
“Oh, shit!” I involuntarily roll my hips upward.
Who would have thought that the once lanky twenty-three-year-old with a face full of pimples could wield his tongue so skillfully?
I force my legs wider as his fingers push into me, giving him complete access.
He delivers masterful strokes, lapping and sucking in a rhythm that feels like a beautiful dance. My body draws closer, welcoming relief. His tempo quickens, and with one final suck of my clit, I come so hard my whole body feels like a lightning rod.
It takes me a full minute to calm as Chadwick places sloppy kisses on my inner thigh, chuckling lightly against my sensitive flesh.
“You really had some pent up frustration,” he says.
“You’ve no idea, but also, you’re amazing.”
“I aim to please.”
He climbs up my body, pushing my legs further apart as he settles his hips between my thighs, his cock gliding against my core.
I look down between us and gaze at his impossibly large cock, and it becomes suddenly obvious how he’s gotten so skillful with his tongue. You’d have to be in order to get a woman ready for something so monstrously large.
He plants light kisses across my face. Smelling my intimate scent on his lips excites me, making me feel primal and raw.
He grabs the condom from the nightstand, tearing it open to remove it and roll it down his shaft.
“You’re so delicious,” he whispers. “I want to savor every part of you.”
I hook a leg around his back, barely able to withstand
the torturous wait any longer.
“As you command,” he says, plunging his length into my core.
My body clenches around him, my fingers gripping into his sinewy muscles.
“You feel unbelievable,” he says, gaining momentum.
I struggle to contain my passion. I already came once, and I want so badly to look at him. To study him. To remember this moment that I’m afraid I’ll lose if I go nuclear again.
He buries his face in my hair, smelling me deeply as he kneads my breasts. I feel him everywhere, all at once.
It’s amazing how his cock is perfectly angled to hit not only my g-spot but my throbbing clit. Sex toys have nothing on this man. Nothing does.
“Don’t hold back, Alysanne.” Chad kisses me full on the lips. “I want to look in your eyes as you come.”
The pleasure he triggers within me ignites a spark, and my body rushes to release again.
He watches me the entire time. With lust. With curiosity. With reverence.
He slows, and I feel his hot cum flooding me, seeping out.
When he’s finally done, he exhales sharply, extracting himself from my channel.
“Fuck, Alysanne,” he mutters under his breath.
“Am I crazy, or was that amazing?”
He looks at me with a lifted brow. “Jesus Christ, it was something.”
I stretch my body, then get up to use the washroom. I have two hours before my flight back to New York City, and I still have to pack.
I risk a glance at my phone, seeing several messages from Slate asking what the hell happened between me and Major Hutton.
And suddenly, my after sex glow dims.
“So, what now?” Chadwick disposes of the condom and pulls on his clothes.
“Ummm…I guess we go our separate ways.”
He nods slowly. “Okay.”
As I pack my things, Chadwick watches me, his gaze drinking me in. There’s an electricity in the air that we dare not acknowledge. It’s impossible to say what would happen if we did.
“What if we didn’t go our separate ways?” Chadwick asks. “What if we met up for dinner some time?”
My brow shoots upward, but I should hardly be surprised. Our chemistry is undeniable. It’s not our fault that we’re star-crossed lovers.
“I don’t know…” I look down guiltily, as though I’ve done something wrong.
Seeing Chadwick Archibald again is certainly not something my body would object to, but the complications that arise with any lingering connection are too great to bear.
Both our families have contracts with the military, so of course the government would casually throw around words like antitrust and price-fixing in an effort to negotiate better terms. My father would be livid…
And with his recent heart attack, I can’t put any more stress on him.
“So, this was just a one-time thing?”
I nod my head, avoiding his gaze. “Yeah…”
He stands a few feet away, looking at me. I wish he’d just leave so I never have to see him again.
But deep down, I know I’m lying to myself.
The truth is, Chadwick is handsome, kind, chivalrous, and sizzling between the sheets, but there is no place for him in my world or for me in his.
“Well then, it was nice getting to know you, Erica.”
He leaves, and my heart sinks.
This shouldn’t hurt. Not this badly. I’ve known him for less than twenty-four hours.
But then again, I’m twenty-six and have yet to find a man that comes close to measuring up to him.
I grab my phone and send a text to Rachel, telling her to meet me downstairs in twenty minutes.
He’s just a boy. No one special, I tell myself.
But the sick feeling in my gut tells me otherwise.
Alysanne
“What were you thinking?” Slate snaps from behind his oversized desk.
“Obviously, I wasn’t.”
“Not that she did anything wrong,” Rachel says with an edge.
Slate leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Major Hutton—”
“Is a pervert,” I insist.
“Is a pervert that secures contracts for the government.”
Rachel’s face contorts in anger. “Are you really mad at your sister for not sucking Hutton off?”
“What is she even doing here?” Slate nods to Rachel.
“Look, I admit that you were right. I should have never presented.”
“That’s bullshit!” Rachel cuts in.
I love Rachel, but for once, I wish she’d shut up.
“I did my job. I presented. I shouldn’t have to account for men being sexist.”
“It’s not that a woman presented. Olivia Archibald’s presentations always go off without a hitch,” Slate says. “It’s that you did.”
“That’s not fair!”
“Unfortunately, it’s not even your presentation that’s a problem.”
“Then what is? Major Hutton?”
“Chadwick Archibald.”
My mouth gapes open.
“Rumors are swirling.”
My eyes shift downward, unable to meet his gaze any longer.
“What happened, Alyce?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m never seeing him again.”
“Jesus Christ. Do you know how this looks? The government is going to accuse both our families of price-fixing.”
“I know.”
“Father is still in the hospital. We’re weaker than we’ve ever been.”
“What would you have me do then, dear brother?”
“Stay away from Chadwick, for one. Our lawyers are approaching the Archibalds to discuss the situation.”
“Deal.”
“And…take a vacation.”
I shake my head in frustration.
“I’m not saying give up your role in the company. I’m telling you to put a little space between the event and your return to work.”
“If you act like she did something wrong, people will assume she did something wrong,” Rachel counters.
Slate focuses his gaze on Rachel. “Alysanne most certainly did do something wrong.”
Unable to contain her indignation, Rachel says, “But—”
“It’s fine, Rach.” I get up from my chair and motion for her to follow. “I could use a few days off.”
When we’re out in the hall, Rachel turns to me and wraps me in a hug.
“I’m so sorry. We should have gone home that night.”
“It’s not your fault. I wanted it.”
“At least he was a good lay,” Rachel says, as only she would.
“Not just good, great.” I frown. “But that’s not all there is to him. Rach, I barely know him, but God do I want him.”
Her brow furrows. “You do?”
A single tear slides down my cheek. “He wanted me to.”
“Then…why not have a go at it?”
“With our families, it’s impossible.”
“Dammit, Alyce, you’re so freaking stupid.”
I shake my head. “I need some time alone.”
She gives me one last hug, and I turn to leave, determined to put some miles on the treadmill.
I’m nearly to my room when I realize I left my cell phone in Slate’s office, so I go back down to retrieve it.
As I’m about to knock, voices catch my attention from inside. I press my ear to the door and hear Rachel excitedly chattering.
Why is Rachel in Slate’s office?
Rachel and Slate have never gotten along. He can’t stand how crass she is, and she finds him way too serious.
And then I remember it was her that kept me at the bar. Her that wanted Chadwick. Her that put me in his direct line of sight.
They planned this.
Slate only cares about power, and Rachel…I guess she was never a true friend.
Come to think of it, Chadwick coming onto me like he did is awfully suspicious.
&nb
sp; Everything makes sense now.
Chadwick
“You’re a disgrace to the Archibald name,” my father rages, spittle slinging from his mouth.
“For rescuing Alysanne from sexual harassment?”
“My guess is for shoving your dick in enemy territory,” Olivia snorts out.
“Do you really think Raymond Bastion sent his daughter to present with any other intention but to blow every man in that room?”
“Alysanne is hardly—”
Father takes out his phone. “Have you seen the goddamn video?”
Olivia rolls her eyes. “Alysanne has been a little goody-two shoe since the spring break debacle. I promise you, she wasn’t there to blow her way up the chain.”
“Both of you—out!” Father booms.
Olivia scrunches her brow. “Even me.”
“Out!”
Olivia and I exit Father’s office. I’m about to make my way upstairs to my room when she calls out to me.
“Wait up,” she shouts in her usual aggressive tone.
“What is it, dear sis?”
“What were you thinking?” she asks. “That was a baller move. Totally not like you.”
“Would you believe me if I told you that the first time we met, I didn’t realize she was Raymond Bastion’s daughter?”
She smirks. “And now it all makes sense.”
“We met the night before, completely oblivious to each other’s identity.”
“That has all the makings of a sugary-sweet romcom.”
“The sad part is, I really like her, in a serious kind of way. But she made it clear that was off the table.”
“Chaddy boy, you’re not much of a risk taker, but maybe you need to stick your neck out a little. If you were stupid enough to get in a car with her and go to her hotel, there must have been some scorching chemistry.”
“Didn’t expect that from you.”
“Well, when dad finds out, he’ll flip.” She grins wildly. “You might be disinherited.”
Now, that’s a lot more like my sister.
We depart, and I mull over my situation.
Alysanne made it clear she didn’t want to hear from me again, so texting or calling her would be a grave overstep on my part.
But there is no denying our chemistry. It was palpable and slightly terrifying. I’ve had a couple of girlfriends over the years, but I never remember feeling this beguiled by a woman before, especially after having sex with them.
Tempt you...not! (Reckless in Love Book 3) Page 3
