Evergreen: An Alpha Billionaire Romance

by Michelle Love

  My heart pounded against my chest as I froze on the sidewalk. I was torn between making a break for my car or turning and heading back into the safety of my apartment. They approached me before I could make a decision, and I reached into my bag to grip my pepper spray.

  “Ms. Whitlow?” the tall one asked.

  I ripped the can out and aimed it. As I sprayed it, I screamed at the top of my lungs. “Get away from me!”

  They both covered their eyes, and I turned to run. Before I could get far, one of them wrapped their arms around her. “Ms. Whitlow, stop! We work for Mr. Montgomery! We’re just trying to protect you!”

  I struggled against him. “You really expect me to fall for that, you creep!”

  “If you give us a minute, we can call him,” he grunted. The tall one walked around us and gasped as he wiped his eyes. Pulling out his phone, he held it up to his ear. “Mr. Montgomery? We’re having some issues.” He turned his back to me and spoke in a low voice.

  I stopped struggling, and after a minute, he put the phone up to my ear. “Ms. Whitlow, this is Lucas Montgomery. I assure you that my men don’t mean you any harm. I just wanted to have a word with you.”

  “They’ve been following me for days,” I spat.

  “Yes. I was concerned for your safety.”

  Even though I’d never heard him speak, I somehow knew that it was him. His voice matched him. Quiet and intense. Controlled and authoritative.

  Seductive.

  Tempting.

  “I’m listening,” I said quietly.

  “You misunderstand. I would like to speak to you at my offices.”

  “I can’t come see you right now. I have class,” I said as I took a deep breath. It settled me, and the man finally let me go.

  “This class is more important than your safety?” he asked mildly.

  I rolled my eyes. “Pretty much. Look, if you have information that I’m in immediate danger, you need to tell me so I can call the police. Otherwise, you’re just being a little dramatic. Give me the address, and I’ll meet you this afternoon.”

  He paused, and I bit my lip. Maybe I’d been too harsh. I didn’t even know him, but he made me feel extremely uncomfortable, and I was lashing out. “Your last class is at two. My men will drive you to campus and shadow you until then. They’ll drive you straight here.”

  “How the hell do you know my schedule?” I exclaimed, but he’d already hung up the phone. “Is he always like this?” I asked as I returned the phone.

  “Yes,” the tall man said grimly.

  The day seemed to crawl by, and I couldn’t even begin to concentrate on my classes. I don’t even think I heard a single word about the lecture on children’s literature. I should have just gone to see Lucas in the morning and been late. At least then the day may not have been such a complete waste.

  By the time my last class ended, my hands were shaking. I had no idea what to expect from Lucas Montgomery.

  The car pulled up to the front of the skyscraper labeled Montgomery Industries and kept the car running as I stepped out. No one followed me, and I turned back around. “Are you coming?”

  “No. The receptionist at the front desk will you show you to Mr. Montgomery’s office.”

  “Which floor does he own?”

  “All of them.”

  They drove away, and I stood, stunned, on the sidewalk. All of them? I knew he was wealthy, but there had to be close to a hundred floors. How could they all be his?

  Nervously, I pulled open the glass door and walked into the bright and open lobby. A young woman smiled at me, but before I could say anything to her, a man stepped in front of me.

  “Ms. Whitlow?” he asked sternly.

  I blinked. Damn. He looked good. Older than me, but his rugged features were really working for him. “Yes,” I said softly.

  “I’m Drew Torrence, head of security. I’ll take you up to see Montgomery.” As he guided me to the back of the lobby, he pulled out a badge and held it up to the elevator. The doors immediately opened. “This is the executive elevator. It’s the only one that leads to the top floor.”

  “That sounds nice,” I said lamely. Jesus. Nice? Was this how my conversation with Lucas was going to go as well? “So you’re security? Does that mean that you’re looking into the men who tried to kidnap me, or do you just protect the offices?”

  “I protect Montgomery,” he said shortly.

  He didn’t offer any more information, and I didn’t ask. It was clear from his stance that he didn’t like me very much, and I didn’t have the courage to ask him why. I had a sinking feeling that he could strangle me in the elevator, and no one would blink an eye.

  The doors opened, and I quickly rushed out of it. The short hallway had huge windows running from ceiling to floor, and I had a breathtaking view of the city. It almost made me dizzy to realize how high up I was. I didn’t have a fear of heights, but I don’t think I’d ever been anywhere that had that kind of view.

  The door down the hall opened, and a young man came rushing out. He looked determined and almost terrified as he made a beeline for the elevator. I quickly stepped out of the way.

  “Please forgive Gordon. He’s always full of energy,” a woman said from behind a large desk. “I’m Cecilia. Mr. Montgomery will see you now.” She smiled warmly at me, but when she saw Torrence behind me, her cheeks reddened slightly, and she looked down.

  “Thank you,” I murmured. Rather than following me into the office, Torrence leaned against the wall and stared at Cecilia. I had no idea what the story was between them, but the tension was enough to set the damn building on fire.

  Opening the door, I couldn’t help but gasp. To call it an office was an understatement. The executive suite had three doors that led into other rooms, and a huge leather sofa placed along the wall. A large flat screen television sat over the door, and a well-stocked wet bar ran the entire length of one of the walls.

  “Impressed?”

  His voice wrapped around me, and I froze. Leaning against one of the door frames, he stared at me. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt that was rolled up to his elbows and dark slacks. It was clear that his outfit probably cost more than I spent in a month. I tugged nervously at my jeans and t-shirt. “It’s nice,” I said hoarsely. “Mr. Montgomery, I presume?”

  “Nice?” he chuckled. “I suppose that will have to do. Please call me Lucas. Can I offer you something to drink?”

  Mutely, I shook my head. Drinking around him could be a dangerous thing. “Why am I here?” I blurted out.

  He poured himself a drink and gestured to the empty chair. I sat down, and he leaned back in the leather chair behind his desk. I couldn’t stop the image that popped inside my head.

  Me, kneeling on the desk as he plunged inside me from behind.

  Gasping, I wrapped my arms around myself. What the hell was wrong with me?

  “Are you okay?” he asked as he stared at me.

  “I will be once you tell me what I’m doing here. I appreciate you thinking that you have to protect me, but I don’t know you.”

  “I don’t think that will help you,” he said as he sat his drink down. “I showed interest in you at the club Friday night, and it was enough for someone to think that we were somehow connected. I would be upset if they tried again.”

  I couldn’t help but shiver. “I don’t think someone would get that impression just from you looking at me,” I muttered. “It’s clearly just a misunderstanding. I’m probably not even in danger anymore.”

  “You’re clearly uncomfortable around me. You’re protecting your body and avoiding looking directly at me. Over the phone you were sassy and dominant, but when you’re close to me, you’re quiet and submissive. Either my office makes you uncomfortable, or I do. I’m inclined to believe the latter. My office is very inviting. Anyone watching you now would see the interest in your eyes. Anyone watching me would know that I was attracted to you. That I wanted to get to know you much more intimately.” Hi
s voice was low and silky as he tried to make his point.

  I trembled under his words. If he could make me wet just from talking to me, I could only imagine what would happen if he touched me. Whatever was between us was both intense and stifling, and it terrified me. When I got scared, I got mean. “You’re a complete stranger, and you’re telling me that you find me attractive. Any woman would feel uncomfortable,” I snapped. “The club is a highly sexualized place. It’s designed to be a breeding ground for desire and lust, but when you portray those same qualities in a professional atmosphere, it’s uncomfortable.”

  “Those are all valid points. If it will make you more comfortable, I’ll try to avoid portraying my desire and lust,” he said dryly. I immediately flushed. He probably thought I was a complete idiot.

  “Let’s just get back to the reason why I’m here. You think having me followed is an appropriate response, but I thought I was being stalked. You can’t just try and protect someone without telling them,” I muttered. Lowering my arms, I tried to seem more assertive and comfortable.

  “They weren’t supposed to be so obvious, but now that you’re aware of it, you don’t have anything to fear.”

  My eyes widened. “You’re going to keep having me followed? The police are going to find who tried to kidnap me, and it’s highly unlikely that they know where I live. You should be more concerned about the people close to you. They’re the real targets.”

  “I am having them watched as well. Sloan, I’m not going to remove your security. You can argue until your last breath, but I don’t change my mind easily. Like it or not, we’re going to become quite close until the deal is settled.”

  Outraged, I stood. “You’re really not great at listening to people, are you? Before Friday night, I didn’t even know your name. Stalking is a crime. If you don’t leave me alone, I will call the police.”

  “Well,” he said with a small smile. “You’re not uncomfortable now, are you? I’ll make you a deal. Allow my men to keep an eye on you for the rest of the week. This Friday, allow me to convince you to accept my protection when I take you out. If you still no longer want it, I’ll leave you alone.”

  My eyes narrowed, and I regarded him suspiciously. “Where would we be going?”

  “If I told you, it wouldn’t be as much fun, would it? I’ll be in touch with you.” His words were final, as if the conversation were over.

  “Damn it, I haven’t agreed to anything!”

  “The only time a woman should use profane language is when they’re in pain or in the throes of pleasure.”

  His voice was hard, and my jaw dropped. In one sentence he’d enraged me and turned me on, and I had a feeling the bastard knew it. “Fuck you,” I snapped. Turning on my heels, I stormed out of his office.

  It wasn’t until I was in the elevator that I could breathe easily again. Despite having the last word, I knew that I hadn’t won the conversation. He would continue to have me followed.

  And I’d be forced to see him again on Friday.

  It was hard enough to be near him in the office. How was I going to react in a more private setting?

  “You are in way over your head, Sloan,” I muttered.

  Chapter Six

  Lucas

  When I called her earlier, I’d requested that she wear the green dress from the club last weekend. She opened the door in jeans and a sparkly tank-top. I couldn’t help but smile. She was a mess.

  “Is this going to take long? I have an early morning tomorrow,” she asked as she grabbed her purse. If I hadn’t caught the look in her eye, I would have thought that she was irritated. But her pupils dilated as soon as she caught sight of me.

  She liked what she saw.

  “You’re a college student. You’re supposed to enjoy your Friday nights and sleep in all day on Saturday.” While her back was to me, I took a moment to drink her in. Despite the casual dress, she looked phenomenal. The long sleeveless shirt didn’t quite cover how well her ass filled out those jeans, and for a brief moment, I enjoyed the fantasy of running the palm of my hand over it.

  “I’m a graduate student. Friday nights don’t exist and Saturdays are for research,” she muttered as she straightened. Turning to face me, she pulled her unruly hair back and pulled it through a band. “We’re both in agreement. If I go with you, you’ll leave me alone?”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “A simple yes or no would be fine,” she snapped.

  “Yes. If, after tonight, you want me to withdraw my protection, I’ll honor your wishes. But if you get kidnapped, I won’t be paying the ransom.”

  “Fine. I’d hate to be in your debt anyway.” She glared at me and waved her hands to shoo me out of the doorway.

  “Why don’t you like me?” I asked as I watched her lock the door.

  “You nearly got me kidnapped. You’re stalking me. You’re incredibly inappropriate, and you actually tried to pick out my outfit for tonight. I’ve had all of one conversation with you. Just because you are rich doesn’t mean you get to control my life. Are you going to tell me now where we’re going?”

  There weren’t many people who spoke freely to me. Strangers certainly didn’t speak to me that way. Women didn’t speak to me that way. “Just dinner.”

  “Dinner? That’s not vague at all.” She tucked the keys in her purse and turned to face me. The moon bathed her in light. She looked ethereal. Far too pure for someone like me.

  But I wasn’t about to let that get in my way. I was certain that by the end of the evening, I’ll finally have tasted her. And if things really went well, I might taste more than just her mouth.

  Her apartment was quaint and small but well maintained. I put my hand on the small of her back to lead her to the car where Danny waited. Her muscles tightened under my touch, but she didn’t turn away. I was tempted to slip her shirt up and touch her bare skin, but I knew that she would push me away.

  As instructed, Danny didn’t say anything when he opened the door. She thanked him politely and slid into the furthest corner of the luxury car. Amused, I kept the distance that she seemed to need.

  She nervously chatted during the short ride into the city. Our destination, Wu tong Shen, was named for the five Chinese deities that represented lust and carnal desire. They were known for their power to possess and ravish beautiful women.

  Despite its name and reputation, Wu tong Shen had a reservation list that lasted months. Their food was excellent, and the entertainment enticing. The restaurant catered to all different tastes. The more restrained could enjoy a normal restaurant on the first floor. The more daring could enjoy the erotic entertainment on the second floor, and those that had a standing invitation like myself could book a private third floor.

  “Wu tong Shen?” she asked in alarm. “I know the food is good, but I’ve heard what they do on the second floor.”

  “We won’t be dining on the second floor, my little wallflower.”

  Her eyes flickered at the nickname, but she didn’t comment on it. We walked in, and she glanced suspiciously around the restaurant. It looked very much like an expensive five-star restaurant. White table cloths, flickering candles, silver trays, and a serving staff dressed in formal wear. Sloan was far too underdressed, and she knew it the moment we walked in.

  “Mr. Montgomery,” the hostess said warmly. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.”

  She was fresh and young, but she wasn’t allowed above the first floor. The owners were very strict about the rules, and it’s what kept the place running smoothly. When it first opened, the press eagerly came in search of scandal, but they left disappointed. It went above and beyond the legal requirements of a strip club. Tips were encouraged, but the cover fee to get upstairs was more than enough to keep the local ruffians at bay.

  We could have taken the stairs to the third floor, but the hostess walked us to the elevator instead. Sloan dragged her feet, and I pushed her gently. “You said we weren’t going to the second floor,” she
said nervously when the doors closed.

  “We’re not.” I smiled when she bit her lip uncertainly. She was so innocent. I wanted so badly to dirty her just a little.

  The door opened up to a hallway. The third floor was sectioned off into four closed rooms. Only four reservations could enjoy the third floor at a time, but they were allowed to stay as long as they wanted. I ushered her down the hall to the last door on the left. When I knocked, the door opened to reveal a small dining area.

  Dark leather booths lined the walls, and a small table stood in the middle of it. Like the tables downstairs, it was covered in a white cloth but I had specifically requested the candle be removed.

  “You have your own private dining room here?” she asked in confusion as she glanced around.

  “Not me specifically. The four rooms can be rented for prescreened individuals for a fee.”

  “Why do they have to be prescreened?”

  “These rooms are private for a reason,” I said vaguely. She glanced at the gentleman who had opened the door, and he smiled indulgently and held out his arm. I allowed him to escort her to the table and pull out her chair. She seemed delighted in the experience.

  “I have to say, this is not what I expected.”

  I took my own seat, and the gentleman turned to me. “Who will you be requesting, this evening?”

  “Sandra will be fine. Thank you.”

  He looked surprised but merely nodded and quietly left the room.

  “You have your own waitress?” she asked as she opened the menu. “That’s awfully fancy.”

  It was time to chip away at her innocence just a little. “Each of the women and men who work up here are designed to satisfy individual satisfaction. If you want your waitress to serve you naked, it’s allowed. If you want to eat your meal off her body, it’s allowed. And if you want to watch her engage in certain activities during your meal, it’s allowed.”