by Opal Carew
He shook his head. “I already left once. I won’t do that to him again.”
She smiled. “I think your playing with the band again will be good for you. And I’d love for Dane to see how talented you are.”
He wondered what Dane would think, watching his younger brother strutting across the stage, whipping the audience into an exhilarated, screaming frenzy.
“Did I hear someone mention my name?” Dane said as he strode into the office.
“No, sir. We wouldn’t dare talk about you when you aren’t here.” She winked at Rafe as she stood up.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your talk.” He stepped to her side and kissed her cheek, though Rafe could tell his brother wanted to do far more than that. He could see the desire in his brother’s eyes—not just lust but a deep need. He’d never seen his brother so demonstrative with a woman. So totally captivated.
He clearly loved her.
“I just wanted to let you know I’ll need you to join me in my two o’clock meeting.”
“Yes, sir.” Jessica fell into the role of obedient assistant, showing no hint of the closeness they’d just shared. He watched her follow Dane from the office.
He knew she loved this role and she played it well. Being controlled by Dane turned her on immensely, and just thinking about it made him remember the domination scenario they’d played out the last time they were together. His groin tightened at the memory.
It made him wish he could call Melanie in here, close the door, and then play the role of aggressive boss to submissive secretary. The images playing through his mind, of Melanie stripping off her suit at his command, of her unfastening her bra and revealing her naked breasts, shocked him. He’d never thought of Melanie that way before. Melanie was his secretary and his friend.
He shook away the idea. It was probably just that Jessica and Dane were sending off pheromones.
Or was it more that it was starting to sink in that Melanie was really gone.
And the realization that since she no longer worked here, he would never see her again.
A deep emptiness gnawed at the pit of his stomach. She had been more than a secretary. He had been able to talk to her.
He missed that.
He leaned back in his chair. And damn it, the thought of Melanie working at some minimum-wage job disturbed him.
He didn’t know why she’d left, and Jessica kept telling him to leave it alone, but he didn’t want to.
Maybe he couldn’t figure out his own problems, but somehow he would find a way to put things right. He’d talk to Melanie and see if he could convince her to come back to Ranier Industries where she belonged.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
HIS TO POSSESS. Copyright © 2014 by Opal Carew. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
The following chapters in this book were previously published as individual e-books.
His to Possess #1: The Seduction. Copyright © 2013 by Opal Carew.
His to Possess #2: The Morning After. Copyright © 2013 by Opal Carew.
His to Possess #3: Perfect Storm. Copyright © 2013 by Opal Carew.
His to Possess #4: True Lies. Copyright © 2014 by Opal Carew.
His to Possess #5: Entangled. Copyright © 2014 by Opal Carew.
His to Possess #6: Forever. Copyright © 2014 by Opal Carew.
www.stmartins.com
The Library of Congress has catalogued the print edition as follows:
Carew, Opal.
His to Possess / Opal Carew. — First edition.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-312-67464-9 (trade paperback)
ISBN 978-1-4668-4102-4 (e-book)
1. Erotic fiction. I. Title.
PR9199.4.C367H64 2014
813'.6—dc23
2013048536
e-ISBN 9781466841024
First Edition: March 2014
HIS TO CLAIM
Opal Carew
To Matt.
I miss you,
but I’m glad
you’re following
your dream.
Acknowledgments
As always, thank you to my wonderful editor, Rose Hilliard, and my fabulous agent, Emily Sylvan Kim. Thanks to my husband, Mark, who is my biggest fan (as I am his.) Thank you to Laurie, who helps me with so many things. Thank you to my two sons, Matt and Jason, for always being supportive of my work. A special thank-you to Matt, for helping me research setting for this and the previous connected book, and for helping me figure out a band tour that makes sense. Finally, thank you to the lovely Katy Cartwright for the artistic inspiration, information about an artist’s journey, and for designing the lovely bluebird tattoo for me!
No Strings
Melanie’s heart stopped as the bell over the door rang and she glanced up to see a tall man in a dark gray suit walk in. Something about his tall, broad-shouldered form and expensive suit reminded her of Rafe for a moment. But it was just one of her regulars.
“Hey, beautiful. The usual.”
They chatted while she fixed him his typical latte, then she handed it to him with a smile. He winked and then headed for the door. She knew he was flirting with her. It had been going on all week, and although he was a very attractive man, she wasn’t interested.
She glanced around the store. The few customers were happily chatting over their coffees and there was no sign of a new customer coming into the shop.
“I’m going in the back to grab some more sugar,” she said to her friend Sue, the other barista on duty, who was currently refilling the thermoses of milk after their recent rush.
The fast-paced influx of customers had left Melanie a little drained. She wasn’t used to being on her feet for eight hours a day. But it was better than the intense attraction to her former boss, Rafe, driving her mad every day.
“Okay. Then, if you don’t mind, I’ll take my break,” Sue said.
Melanie opened the storage cupboard and grabbed a pack of raw sugar, another of white sugar, and some artificial sweetener, then carried them to the lobby and started filling the condiment stand with the small packets. Once done, she returned to the bar and tucked the leftover sugar packets under the counter.
The bell over the door rang, signaling a new customer. Melanie stood up and glanced toward the door to see a man in a charcoal suit talking to Sue. She sighed. It looked like her admirer was back, and she knew Sue would do what she could to play matchmaker. Sue pointed in Melanie’s direction and the man turned.
Melanie’s heart stopped when she saw his face. This was not the customer who’d been flirting with her all week.
As soon as he saw her, his lips turned up in a sexy, crooked smile—the one that always melted her heart—and he walked toward the bar.
He was a striking figure in his expensive, well-tailored suit that accentuated his tall physique and broad shoulders. His dark, glossy hair was combed back and his stunning sky blue eyes ringed in navy were locked on her.
“Hello, Melanie.”
“Mr. Ranier.”
He chuckled. “Haven’t I always told you to call me Rafe?”
She nodded. His authoritative brother, Dane, had insisted on being called Mr. Ranier, but Rafe had always preferred a more casual address.
“Rafe, what are you doing here?”
“Getting a coffee, for starters.” He glanced up at the board. “What do you suggest?”
“Iced coffees are quite popular right now. We have one with a hint of cinnamon and orange.” She knew his brother would want a regular coffee, but Rafe was always willing to try something new.
“Sounds good.”
“To take with you?” she asked as she reached for a takeout cup.
“Actually, that depends. Can you join me?”
“Of course she can.” Sue smiled as s
he returned to the bar. “In fact, Melanie was just about to go on break.”
Melanie glanced at Sue. “I thought you were going now.”
“I’ll go later.” She glanced at Rafe and smiled. “In fact, you go sit and I’ll make you both something.”
“But if the manager sees…” Melanie said under her breath.
“She’s gone for the day, and I’m not going to tell.”
Melanie walked to a table in the back corner, wanting to be discreet.
“This is cozy,” Rafe said as he sat down across from her.
“So why are you here?” Melanie asked with a smile. “Besides the coffee.”
“Does there have to be a reason?”
“This isn’t anywhere near where you work or where you live.”
“Why don’t you think I was at a meeting nearby?”
Her eyebrows arched. “Were you?”
He shook his head. “No, I came here to see you.”
Her stomach clenched at the admission. She didn’t work for him anymore. They had been friendly in the office, but they hadn’t been friends. He’d been her boss. There was only one reason she could think of for why he’d be here. The one reason she’d been dreading, and hoping she wouldn’t have to deal with.
He wanted to know why she’d quit.
Even though Jessica had ultimately chosen Rafe’s brother, Melanie had finally come to terms with the fact that she would never have a chance with Rafe. And she didn’t want to tell him.
She’d worked for him for over two years and … she’d fallen in love with him. But in all that time, he’d never given her a second look. Then when he’d fallen in love with her best friend, Jessica, it had broken Melanie’s heart. It had just been too painful to keep working with him, and to watch the two of them together.
That’s why she’d quit.
And she couldn’t tell him any of that.
Sue came to the table with two iced coffees, then returned to the bar.
“I was surprised to find you were working as a barista. It’s quite a change from an office environment.” He sipped his coffee.
“How did you find out where I was?”
He shrugged. “I checked your personnel file. Someone from this location called for a reference.”
“So you just came by to see if I was here?”
“That’s right.”
She shook her head. “I still don’t understand why.”
He leaned forward, his sky blue eyes intent. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
She straightened her back. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You up and left a good job … a job you seemed to be happy at … for no good reason. And here you are working at a job for probably minimum wage. I don’t get it.”
“I needed a change. I like the freedom I have here.” And it was true. She might have left to free herself from her obsessive love for Rafe but she’d come to realize that she was seeking an even bigger freedom from the rules she always bound herself by.
“Freedom?”
“I’m not tied to a nine-to-five existence. I’m not tied to a desk. I don’t have a boss hovering over me.” As soon as she said it, she realized he’d take it the wrong way.
“Did I hover over you? Is that why you left?”
“No, I don’t mean that. It was the nature of the job. I couldn’t leave my desk without getting someone to cover for me and handle phone calls. I needed to keep on top of both your schedule and your brother’s. What I did was totally driven by what other people needed.”
“Isn’t that true here?”
“People come in for coffee, and maybe something to eat. It’s not a big commitment.”
He frowned. “I’m sorry, Melanie. I didn’t realize you were unhappy.”
“No, it’s not that. I wasn’t really unhappy.”
“If I had known, I could have found something else for you. Something you’d enjoy doing. It’s a big company.” He leaned toward her. “We still could. Say the word and I’ll call personnel.”
Sweet, helpful Rafe. “No, thanks. I’m happy here.” She finished her iced coffee and stood up. “I should get back to work.”
“Wait, Melanie. Just give me another minute.”
She sank back into the chair.
“Please tell me one thing.”
She stared at him, dreading whatever question he was about to ask.
“Did I do something?”
“No, Rafe. You didn’t do a thing.”
In fact, that was the whole problem.
* * *
As soon as her shift was over, Melanie changed and grabbed the bottle of nail polish she’d stashed in her purse this morning. She couldn’t wear polish to work, and she was a real fanatic, so she carried it with her and put it on after her shift if she was going out. She was meeting Jessica after work and she hated going out with naked nails.
She rolled the bottle between her hands to mix it up without creating air bubbles. It was actually part of a collection of polishes Rafe had given her to thank her for helping him pick out a gift for Jessica. He was always so thoughtful.
She brushed on the polish. A simple two-coater in turquoise, but with trendy black speckles for interest. She finished with her favorite fast-dry topcoat.
She didn’t see her former roommate, Jessica, much these days. Jessica had moved into Mr. Ranier’s place. And who wouldn’t? Not only was she staying with the man of her dreams, who happened to be beyond gorgeous, he was also a billionaire who lived at the Ritz-Carlton residence, where his luxury apartment had a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Melanie grabbed a bus to the great little deli she and Jessica had discovered a month ago.
When Melanie stepped into the restaurant, she saw Jessica at a table by the window, a drink in front of her.
“Hey, how’s it going?” Melanie asked as she tossed her purse on a chair, then sat down across from Jessica. But she didn’t need to ask because the glow in Jessica’s face said it all. Now there was a woman in love!
“We picked out the flowers today,” Jessica said. “It was so funny being in a florist shop with Dane. The two women who worked there stared at him in awe, and they seemed intimidated by him, even though he was as charming as could be.”
“Well, he does have a very commanding presence. You know that.” She leaned in close. “I’m not surprised he brings that quality into the bedroom,” she said with a grin.
“Does he ever.” Jessica laughed, not at all embarrassed.
That’s one of the things Melanie loved about her friend. Jessica was willing to jump into an exciting situation and run with it.
Jessica had also told her about the exciting Dominance/submission relationship she had going with Mr. Ranier, which made Melanie weak in the knees just thinking about.
“You’re really lucky, you know that?” She smiled. “You found the right guy and now you’re getting married.”
Jessica nodded. “I know it. But as you recall, it wasn’t easy.”
“Nothing ever is.”
Jessica reached out and placed her hand over Melanie’s. “You know, there’s no reason you and Rafe—”
“Jessica, forget it. It’ll never happen.”
“It could.”
“No. It didn’t happen after two years of working together. Most of that time was before he met you. But he was attracted to you right off.” She shook her head sadly. “I have to face it. The guy just isn’t into me.”
“It’s all in the context. You were his secretary—”
“And you were Mr. Ranier’s personal assistant.”
Jessica squeezed Melanie’s hand. “If you gave Rafe a chance to get to know you outside the office, I’m sure everything would change.”
“Look, can we just change the subject?” Melanie had been intending to tell Jessica about Rafe coming into the store today, but not now. Jessica meant well, but Melanie just didn’t want to think about what might have been. More like, wha
t couldn’t be. “Are you going to tell me what the surprise is you told me about?”
Jessica smiled broadly. “Okay. Well, I know that your birthday isn’t until next week, but I want to give you your gift now.”
She handed Melanie a lilac envelope with her name written in Jessica’s lovely script on the front. Melanie opened it and inside found a gift certificate for a tattoo studio. She’d once told Jessica that she’d always wanted a tattoo, but they were expensive and she couldn’t justify it on her budget.
Melanie stared at the certificate. “This is so generous of you. I really shouldn’t accept.”
“It’s from Dane, too, and he insisted. We all miss you at Ranier Industries, and we hope your tattoo gives you a little reminder every day of how much we care about you.”
“Okay, I’m not going to argue. You two are…” Her voice quavered a little, so she just nodded while she drew in a deep breath. She shrugged. “… terrific.”
She’d never had a friend as sweet and considerate as Jessica. The two women had taken to each other instantly—it was like they’d known each other for years. Melanie believed this could be a lifetime friendship.
“So how did you pick the place?” Melanie had been asking around for recommendations. If she was going to have something inked onto her body she wanted to ensure that the place was reputable, high quality, and that the artist was talented.
“I asked a friend who is very discerning. The artist you’ll be seeing is Charlie. He came highly recommended and the online samples of his work are gorgeous. He books up pretty fast, so I called last week and made an appointment for you on Saturday, since I know that’s your day off, and I also knew you’d be anxious to get it. You can move it if it’s not convenient, but it’ll probably mean waiting a couple of weeks.”
“No way. I want to do this as soon as possible. Of course you’ll go with me, right?”
Jessica frowned. “I’m afraid not. I already have plans and I can’t change them.”
“Oh.”
Jessica smiled. “I promise, I’ll try to be there for the next, brand new, wild and crazy thing you do.”
Melanie nodded. “It’s a deal.”
