by Cooper, Lynn
“Yes, and I thought if you behaved at the office as cordially as you have with me tonight, then your employees wouldn’t call you a Nazi anymore.”
Immediately his brows furrowed, and she felt tension tightening his body.
“If I fire the next person who calls me a Nazi and make an example of them, then no one will dare utter that vile word ever again. No matter how I act.”
She tenderly caressed his cheek in an effort to soothe him. “True. But it won’t keep them from thinking it.”
“Thinking something does not make it so.”
“No, but it bothers you anyway. Is it because of your great grandfather—Armin? You said he was a high-ranking official in the Third Reich.”
“Yes. You have an excellent memory, and so does the world,” he said, shaking his head. “It does not matter that the war happened years before I was born. Or that I had nothing to do with the inexcusable abuse and murder of the Jews. I still bear the burden and the shame. Guilt by association. At times, I feel sick knowing his blood flows through my veins.”
“Oh, Rhein. I think it’s admirable that you detest your ancestor’s horrific behavior. But what your great grandfather did has nothing to do with you. You’re not responsible for his actions, only your own.”
“Logically, I know this. Emotionally, it does not matter. My heart still hurts for those who suffered. Those who died at his hands.”
Jaslyn’s heart swelled with love and an even greater admiration for this complex man.
His hand gently caressed her back as he continued. “After Sahara and I buried our parents and younger brother, we went through the attic. It was a chore neither of us relished, but the house had to be cleaned out before we could sell it and come here to America.”
Jaslyn studied his face as he spoke. His eyes were distant as if he were looking deep into the past.
“What we found was heartbreaking. There was a huge trunk filled with Armin’s memorabilia. His uniform with the swastika band sewn onto the left arm, his weapons, handwritten notes of correspondence between him and Hitler. There were even photographs of Armin saluting the murdering bastard in his home, having dinner with him.”
Jaslyn sighed. “It’s bad enough hearing stories about that terrible time, but having visual proof stored in your own attic? I can’t imagine how horrible that must have made you and your sister feel. It gives me cold chills to think about it.”
“It made us nauseous to see it. I immediately went online and found an exclusive auction for Third Reich and Hitler memorabilia. I sold everything for five million dollars.”
She gasped. “That’s a nice chunk of change.”
“One I hope will go a long way toward helping any remaining Holocaust survivors and their relatives. Shortly after we arrived here five years ago, Sahara and I set up a restitution charity fund. The Holocaust Memorial Museum has graciously assisted us through their database of victims and survivors. So far, we’ve been able to financially assist hundreds of Jewish families. Money is allotted daily for anything from medical expenses to college tuition.”
Jaslyn wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “You and Sahara are amazing people. What you’re doing to help others is wonderful,” she exclaimed, pulling back to gaze into his eyes. “You should be very proud.”
“I am happy we were able to turn my great grandfather’s disgusting war trophies into something good. But I am terribly sad the Jews were persecuted in the first place. It never should have happened.”
Jaslyn desperately wanted to declare her love for him, but now wasn’t the time. She didn’t want him to think the outpouring of emotion was due to his generosity to her people. She wanted him to understand and believe she loved him for who he was and not for what he did.
Feeling the heaviness that now seemed to engulf him, she was determined to lighten the mood.
“I know a raven-haired, Jewish girl who needs your help tonight, Mr. Birkner.”
He gave her a questioning look. “Would her name be Jaslyn Scarpa?”
She nodded. “Yep, and it’s a very important name, too,” she said, giggling.
He smiled, and she loved that his lighthearted mood was returning. “Indeed. It is the most important name in the whole world. How can I help?”
“You can start by undressing me.”
“I warn you, Miss Scarpa, I am not a gentle lover.”
“I guessed as much. I did a little research on you before the temp agency sent me to your company. You’re notorious for being hostile and forceful in your business dealings. I would expect nothing less in the bedroom.”
The storm of desire brewing in his eyes matched the one raging outside. The thunder had rolled in again, and the rain was pelting hard against the window panes.
“You understand me. You are good for me and for my company.”
He stood in one graceful, powerful motion, setting her down on unsteady legs.
Reaching for the neck of her blouse, he said in a low, husky voice, “Do not worry, sweet Jaslyn. I will buy you a whole new wardrobe.”
She sucked in a sharp breath as he ripped the flimsy material from her body.
Grabbing a fistful of her gorgeous black hair, he gave it a firm tug and kissed her roughly. He pulled back and slowly ran his fingers along the waistband of her skirt, devouring her with his eyes. He drank in her curves and her beautiful breasts beneath the light pink lace of her bra. “In fact, your salary will cover ten wardrobes. I want you to come back to work. Not as a temp but as a permanent employee. You’ll have a big expense account, a company car, lots of paid vacation time and excellent insurance benefits. What do you say, Jaslyn?”
“I say I’m not interested in negotiations at the moment.”
“What are you interested in?”
“Takeovers and mergers.”
He laughed. It was deep and throaty, and she was mesmerized by the sexy, melodic sound. It was the first time she had heard it. It was earthshattering and panty-melting. God, what she wouldn’t give to hear him laugh all the time.
Jaslyn reached behind her to unclasp her bra. She wanted to tempt him, prod him into action. Sex with her ex-boyfriend had been mundane and unsatisfactory. It wasn’t until she felt Rhein’s domination in the breakroom that she knew what had been missing. It shocked her a little to realize she craved the animalistic savagery she saw in his eyes now and felt in his touch. She wanted to poke the bear and make him growl.
Before she could unhook it, he clamped a hand over hers, trapping them behind her back. Having her arms pinned behind her caused her breasts to jut against his chest.
Dipping his head to her right breast, he licked her nipple through the lacy material. Her lips parted in a sigh of pleasure that quickly turned to full-blown panting when he tore her bra off with his teeth.
His voice was rough with arousal. “How’s that for a hostile takeover?” he asked, releasing her hands.
“Not bad, but I’m more interested in a forced merger.”
“That can be arranged.”
She was disappointed when he stepped away from her, breaking contact with her body. But her dismay was short-lived as he loosened his tie and pulled it over his head. He was undressing in front of her, making her heart race out of control.
She reached for his jacket, but he grabbed her wrists and shook his head. “Patience, Jaslyn.”
Her mouth went dry when he shrugged out of his jacket. She nervously licked her lips as he unbuttoned his crisp, white dress shirt, revealing washboard abs and a broad, muscular chest. His movements were excruciatingly painstaking, building the anticipation for both of them. His eyes never left her face while he unfastened his belt and slowly slid it through the loops. Holding it by the buckle he snapped it against the sofa.
Jaslyn jumped, but she wasn’t afraid. She was turned on. The powerful display of masculine strength caused a surge of moisture between her thighs.
His silence was devastatingly loud. Still holding her gaze, he wrapped the belt aro
und his fist. He toed off his socks and shoes. Then, deftly and expertly, he unbuttoned and unzipped his pants one-handed. They fell in a heap around his ankles. He stepped out of them and kicked them to the side. His eyes had darkened with unadulterated desire. Standing completely naked before her, he said, “Come here, Jaslyn.”
She was utterly breathless. “No. You come to me.”
He grinned wickedly. “Are you sure that is what you really want?”
She nodded, feeling the first twinge of apprehension.
“Very well.” Faster than the lightning flashing across the sky, he closed the space between them.
Grabbing a handful of her black, pencil skirt, he worked it up her long legs and over her shapely thighs. The material bunched at the curve of her waist.
He glanced down between them. “You are not wearing any panties, Miss Scarpa.”
“I don’t care for underwear. It’s too confining.”
“So, this morning when you were sitting in my office, your pretty little pussy was panty-less?”
“Yes, Mr. Birkner.”
“I see,” he said, pushing his belted-hand between her thighs.”
She felt faint when he rubbed the hard leather against her slit. His roughness was primal. He was smearing her feminine scent all over his belt. The thought of him wearing it around his waist, covered in her juices was overwhelmingly exciting.
Her breath caught in her throat when he withdrew his hand, letting the belt drop to the floor. She couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Something deep inside her was hoping he would use it on her. Before today, she wouldn’t have thought she was the type of woman who would go in for an erotic spanking. But, before today, she hadn’t met Rhein Birkner.
He chuckled knowingly. “Do not despair, Jaslyn. You will get your spanking.”
She blushed but didn’t feel any shame or embarrassment. Somehow this sexy, complex CEO knew exactly what she wanted, and it thrilled her clear to her pulsating core.
Taking her hand, he led her to the sofa and eased her down onto her back.
She bit her bottom lip and gave him a lustful look. His body was hard and muscular; it could have been carved from stone. She longed to dig her fingernails into his broad shoulders. His abs were finely chiseled, tapering at the hips. Prominent blue veins bulged at his groin, feeding his magnificent manhood. His cock was enormous. It jutted and bobbed before her, making her wetter than she had ever been in her life.
She trembled as he pressed one knee into the sofa cushion between her legs, keeping his other foot firmly planted on the floor. He took his gigantic cock in hand. God, it had to be ten inches, she thought to herself.
Her eyes widened when he grasped it at the base and wielded it against her feminine folds. One rhythmic pop after another. Oh, shit! He was spanking her pussy with his cock. It was the hottest thing she had ever seen or felt.
He flashed her a heart-stopping smile. “Would you prefer I stop and use my belt on your ass?”
“No. I love what you’re doing.” She whimpered her pleasure and opened her legs wider. “Oh God, Rhein, it feels so good.”
He moaned, continuing to slap her drenched pussy lips with the hard length of his cock.
“It will feel even better once I am inside you, sweet Jaslyn.”
His actions quickly followed his words.
The head of his penis nudging her entrance was heaven. The anticipation of their bodies being intimately joined made her tingle all over. Their eyes met and held as he plunged himself deep inside her with one swift thrust.
They moaned in unison.
He covered her body completely with his, bearing most of his weight on one elbow. He needed to have a hand free to knead her firm, perky breast.
With his mouth close enough to touch hers, he whispered, “I look into your beautiful blue eyes and drown in their depths. I touch your lovely face and my soul shatters into a million pieces. I taste your sweet lips and die a thousand deaths.”
Jaslyn caressed his face. “Oh, Rhein. I didn’t know you were so romantic.”
Emotion tightened his chest. His pelvis continued rocking against hers. His thrusting was slow and sensual but held an intensity that took both their breaths. His voice was strained by desire and a primal need to devour this woman. To possess her and mark her as his own. “Normally, I am not. It is only you who inspires such words and actions,” he said, pulling his manhood from her hot, wet tightness then forcefully slamming it back in again. He buried himself to the hilt and roughly ground his hard prick against the pulsating walls of her vagina.
Arching her back, she cried out and writhed beneath him. She closed her eyes and threw her head back as the first waves of pleasure took her. She had never experienced an orgasm with such emotional and physical intimacy before. She loved this man. Of that she was sure.
When she opened her eyes she reveled in the twisted look of pleasure and agony on his face. She was responsible for it. Tonight, she was the woman who was milking every ounce of his strength. It was a powerful, heady feeling.
She knew he was reaching for his own release. He relentlessly jackhammered into her. She would be lucky if she could walk tomorrow. Already, she felt deliciously sore and bruised. She welcomed the feeling.
His manhood grew even longer and harder inside her. She knew he was so close to coming. Clenching her vaginal muscles around him, she caused him to scream out in ecstasy. The rush of hot semen triggered her second orgasm of the evening.
Rhein collapsed on top of her. Their bodies were covered in a fine sheen of sweat. Both of them struggled to catch their breath.
Jaslyn held his head to her breasts, relishing the weight of his body. The pounding of his heart reverberated through her ribcage. At that moment it was as if they shared the same heart.
Slowly his erection ebbed, and his cock gently slipped out of her. He lifted his head and gazed deep into her eyes. “We were made for each other, Jaslyn. You belong to me now.”
Just as she opened her mouth to respond, his phone chimed.
He cursed, rolling off her. Quickly getting to his feet, he grabbed his phone from his pants pocket.
He gave her an apologetic look. “That was Michael. He and his wife are leaving the hospital now. I need to get back to Sahara. The nighttime is worst for her. She cannot sleep if I am not there.”
Jaslyn pulled a throw from off the back of the sofa and wrapped it around herself. Standing, she said, “I understand completely. Go and be with your sister. We can talk later.”
He dressed quickly, offering her another earthshattering smile that made her go weak in the knees. “We will talk in the morning, sweet Jaslyn. I expect you to be in my office at nine o’clock.”
She smiled in response.
He dipped his head, taking her mouth in one last passionate kiss before running out the door.
CHECKING HIS WATCH FOR the hundredth time, Rhein glared at Michael. “It is ten o’clock. Where the hell is she?”
Michael shook his head. “I know you offered Jaslyn a job, but did she actually accept it?”
Rhein paced the length of his office. “Yes. No. I do not know.”
“Well, I’m glad we cleared that up.”
“Do not be facetious. Come to think of it, she may have skirted the issue. But, after last night, I just assumed—shit! Get me her number. I will call and get to the bottom of things.”
Michael sat down at the computer and pulled up Jaslyn’s personnel file. Just as he opened his mouth to convey the information, Rhein’s phone rang.”
“Yes. Are you sure? I’ll be right there!”
Turning to Michael, he whooped. “It was Dr. Collins. They found a kidney for Sahara!”
“How about the HLA test?” Michael asked breathlessly.
“All six antigens line up. The donor is a perfect match! Sahara will live!”
Michael embraced his friend. “Oh, thank God. Do you want me to come with you?”
“No. They are prepping her and the donor no
w. I will only have a few minutes with Sahara before surgery. Jot down Jaslyn’s number for me. I will try to reach her from the hospital. I want to tell her the good news myself.”
RHEIN PULLED INTO THE emergency room parking lot, feeling lighter, happier and more hopeful than he had in years. Sahara was getting her life-saving miracle, and he was in love with Jaslyn. He knew it last night when their bodies were joined together. He had planned on telling her this morning. He thought it would be romantic to disclose his feelings in his office—where they had first met and first fought. To think he had wanted to dismiss her and send her away. Now, it was driving him crazy not knowing where she was. He wanted her with him always.
Making his way across the waiting room, he walked the same hall the two of them had last night. Before making the sharp turn to Sahara’s room, he pulled out his phone and tried again. It went straight to voicemail. He didn’t leave a message. The things he wanted say to Jaslyn had to be said in person.
As he stood in front of Room 223, he took a deep breath. Soon, this nightmare would be over. He and Sahara would once again work side by side at the company they had built together. There would be no more hospital stays, no more anxiety-filled, sleepless nights. And no more antiseptic smells.
He smiled brightly and pushed the door open. When he stepped inside, his heart failed. His eyes bulged. His legs buckled. He barely made it across the room before collapsing between two hospital beds. He didn’t even feel the pain when his knees hit the hard tiled flooring. Tears of joy and utter disbelief wracked his body. On his left lay Sahara. All the tubes from the dialysis machine had been removed. She had a single IV in her arm. To his right lay Jaslyn. She, too had a single IV in her arm. Both of them were sleeping. The reality of the situation hit him like a tidal wave. Jaslyn was the donor. The woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with was giving life to his sister.
He struggled to his feet as the doctor came in.
“Mr. Birkner, you’ve got two incredible women here. Jaslyn called last night, asking to be tested first thing this morning. She didn’t want to tell you in case it didn’t work out. But, as you know, she was a perfect match for your sister.”
