He stands up and moves around to my side of the desk. Sitting on the edge, he places his hand on my shoulder. His gesture makes me feel sick, but I can’t show him that, so I look up at him, my eyes wide with what I hope looks like innocence.
“Is he capable of loving you? I highly doubt it. I’ve seen many women just like you come and go over the years.”
“I wasn’t asking you if he’s capable of loving me,” I say, my voice defensive. But it’s too late. His words have seeped into my brain, refusing to let go. Am I setting myself up for heartbreak?
“Consider it some fatherly advice,” he says, shrugging. I want to laugh, because Ryan is anything but a father figure. “Do yourself a favor and disconnect yourself from him, Charlotte. The more time you spend there, the harder it will be to break free.” He smiles, running his hand down the length of my arm. He is such a creep. “Anytime you need someone to talk to, I’m here, okay?”
I nod and offer him a smile. “Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”
I stand up, the urge to get away from him stronger than ever. The more I’m around him, the more I find to dislike. As I walk to the door, I can feel his eyes on me. I shiver, my heart racing as he calls out to me.
“You will be seeing me again, I can guarantee that,” he murmurs. “Only next time there will be less talking.”
I turn around and glare at him; the urge to snark back a remark is overwhelming. Does he really think I’m that easy, or is he trying to get a rise out of me? He smirks back at me, his expression daring me to say something. I bite my lip, holding in my retort, because as much as I want to tell him what little chance there is of that happening, I know I need to let him think he’s won.
He’s the one who can’t be trusted.
I’d put my life in Jaxon’s hands a thousand times before I put it in Ryan’s.
Chapter 14
Jaxon
I sigh as a knock on my door interrupts me but continue unbuttoning the cuffs of my shirt. It’s been a long day, and all I’m interested in is relaxing with a drink and perhaps a lengthy session of fucking Charlotte.
Her request for me to sleep with only her initially amused me. Now I find it anything but funny. I find myself thinking about her much more than I’m comfortable with, imagining all the things I want to do with her. Things I’ve kept to myself until now because I’m afraid of scaring her off. I tell myself that it’s just about the sex, that she’s just like every other woman in my life, but deep down I know I’m kidding myself.
The truth is if she hadn’t asked for me to be with only her, I still wouldn’t be fucking anyone else. She has her fingers wound so tightly around my balls that they’re in danger of falling off. My needs are still there, threatening me in the background, but the need to be around Charlotte is stronger.
A second knock sounds on my door. Curious, I wander over. I haven’t requested anyone, and Marina knows never to come up here. I turn the handle and yank open the door, ready to growl at whoever has broken my rule. That is, until I see Charlotte standing there, her breasts spilling out of a low-cut red dress. My heart flutters.
“Charlotte,” I say, surprised. She smiles shyly as I wave her inside. “You can’t just come up here.” My voice is hard, but inside I feel anything but annoyed. I’m happy to see her and that scares the fuck out of me. “Whatever this is, couldn’t it have waited until tomorrow?” I add, glaring at her.
“I’m sorry. I thought you might want an update on Ryan,” she replies, her cheeks flushing to match her dress. How many times would I have to spank her ass for that to flush the same deep crimson? I’m aching to find out.
“Since you’re here,” I shrug, sliding my shirt off. Her eyes widen and I laugh, amused that she’s misread my actions. “I meant you might as well tell me how it went. I wasn’t telling you I want to fuck you.”
“Oh,” she says, her face going even darker. Does she look disappointed? I suppress a laugh. “Well, I went and saw him. He told me I should stay away from you.”
Ryan is scared. That’s good. I step closer to her and smile as her breathing falters.
“Do you think you should stay away from me?” I ask. I reach up and touch her cheek with my finger, letting it trail gently down her neck. She swallows, her eyes wide with anticipation.
“He scares me more than you do,” she mumbles, pressing her back against the wall behind her.
“I scare you?” I repeat, impressed. I close the space between us. I was beginning to think she was beyond my spell, with the way she runs that pretty little mouth off. My fingers curl around the back of her neck. I use my thumb to tilt her face up until her gaze meets mine. My eyes narrow, a smile resting on my lips as I gently bring her mouth to mine. She whimpers, losing herself in the kiss. I pull away, running my teeth over her bottom lip and gently biting down.
“You look very pretty today,” I murmur. I reach out and run my fingers over the soft, flowing material of her dress. “But I much prefer what’s under here.” I turn her around and lower her zipper. The dress falls to the floor. My cock aches as I run my hands over her curvy, beautiful ass. I grab at her cheeks. She gasps at my force, which sends her stumbling forward, her hands clutching at the wall in front of her for support. I press her against it, my tongue ravishing her neck. I pull her hips back toward me as I roll the tip of my cock over her wet pussy.
The sight of her before me is stunning. As her palms rest against the wall, my hands roam her body. I squeeze her breasts, rolling her nipples between my fingers until they’re firm against my touch. I kiss her neck, breathing in her sweet scent as my fingers creep closer to her center.
Her thighs tense as I slide a finger inside her. She’s wet and I’m so fucking turned on. As much as I want to take her like this, I want to see how far I can push her. Can she handle what I need? I don’t even want to think about the answer being no.
“Don’t move,” I order her. She mumbles a response. I press my body against hers and lick the perspiration off her neck. God, I just want to taste her. I want to feel that sweet pussy against my tongue.
But I need to pace myself.
I walk away to the other side of the room, where my closet awaits. I swing the doors open and stare at my safe. I can hear her labored breathing from over here and it’s driving me insane.
Quickly I unbutton my shirt and discard it on the bed. I do the same with my pants and boxers, so that I’m naked. I grasp my cock, running my hand over the thick, hard shaft, and glance back at her waiting for me.
I unlock the safe and retrieve my gun, the metal freezing against my warm skin. It’s not loaded, but she doesn’t know that. I stroll back over to her.
“Do you know what this is, Charlotte?” I ask her. She whimpers as I trail the tip of the weapon down the center of her back. I hear an audible gasp when I move the gun around her waist. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she replies. Her lack of hesitation almost throws me off. I’m holding a gun against her naked body. Surely there should be some level of hesitation. “I know you won’t hurt me, Jaxon.”
“How sure are you…” I murmur. Her legs tense as I move the tip of the gun up her thigh, resting it at her entrance. “…that I’m not capable of hurting you? Sure enough to let me fuck you with this gun?”
Finally she gives me what I’ve been waiting for. Hesitation. A seed of doubt. For just a second I can feel her panic and it’s what I feed off of. Discarding the gun on the nightstand, I take her hand and lead her to the bed. Laying her down, I climb on top of her, nudging her thighs apart. I’m throbbing, and just the thought of her waiting pussy is nearly enough to make me explode.
My fingers flick over her wetness as I guide myself inside her. She gasps, her arms wrapping around me as I drive deep into her core. Growling, I kiss her neck, her sweaty skin so sweet and salty, her scent intoxicating. I thrust longer and harder, deeper and faster, ramming myself so fucking hard against her that she gasps with every push.
“Fucking beautiful,” I mutter, massaging her breasts. My fingers pinch her nipples as she begins to moan. Her back arches and I can feel she’s close. I’m doing all I can to let her orgasm first, but I’m fighting a losing battle.
“God,” I growl, gripping the sheet beneath her as I come hard. Her back arches. She presses her body against me as we release together, our bodies becoming one.
An hour later I can’t believe we’re still in this position. Char is curled up in my arms, breathing softly. I watch the rise and fall of her chest, my heart pounding. I haven’t done this with anyone in a long time. There is no postcoital with me anymore; that emotional side of me is gone….Or is it? Asleep, she’s so vulnerable, perfect in every way. I could lie here and watch her for hours.
—
It’s the following morning, and I’ve been sitting here since six a.m., trying to get ahead on some work. I couldn’t sleep, not with her lying next to me, but I didn’t have the heart to kick her out. And that worries me.
This woman is turning me into a mushy mess. Marina calls my name, and I look up to see her entering my office. Her expression is one of concern as she sets down a double espresso in front of me. I thank her and turn back to my computer. She clears her throat.
“What is it?” I ask, distracted.
I can’t make sense of the numbers on the screen in front of me because all I can think about is Charlotte. I never thought it possible that one woman could satisfy me in every way. I still don’t think it possible…do I?
“The other girls…” She hesitates and glances down at the floor, looking up only when I prompt her. I’m getting impatient because I don’t have all day.
“What about them?” I press.
“They’re upset about all the time you’re spending with Charlotte.”
“They’re upset?” I repeat, amused. “I’m paying them to do nothing and they’re upset?”
“You know it’s never about the money with these girls, Mr. Murphy,” she says, her voice quiet. “I can understand their concern. They feel as though pretty soon you’ll no longer need them, because you think you’ve found a woman who can be everything for you.”
“Enough.” I silence her. Her head drops as I stand up. I’m annoyed that my attention has been hijacked by such a trivial thing. “They want something to do? Summon them all to the long room in an hour,” I bark.
I’ll give them something to do.
At eleven sharp, I walk swiftly into the long room, slamming the door behind me. All the girls stand in front of me—with the exception of Charlotte—in a perfectly formed line. As I move past them, I hold their gazes, staring deep into the eyes of each girl until she breaks the contact. A rush of victory flows over me. I’m in charge. They’re paid to do what I want them to do. I’m angrier than I should be and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because I’m not used to people talking back to me. I’ve had a lot of that from Charlotte the past couple of weeks, and it’s put me on edge.
I don’t adapt well to change.
“I hear you have some complaints about your lack of duties?” I don’t address anyone in particular, and none of the girls volunteers a response. “Alanna,” I bark, addressing the tall redhead to my far left. She jumps and stumbles forward.
Ah, Alanna. My spanking girl. A blush moves across her cheeks as she shifts uncomfortably on the spot. Her fingers twist together anxiously as she gathers her words.
“We feel like we never see you anymore,” she mumbles, her voice coming out like a whine. She doesn’t look me in the eye. I snort, not bothering to hide my disgust. Since when do I need to answer to her?
“I pay you to do what I tell you to do,” I spit, my voice harsh. “Each and every one of you is free to walk out that door.” Five sets of eyes widen. I can almost feel the fear radiating off them. “You should consider yourself lucky that I’m paying you a hundred grand to do nothing at all.” I storm over to the door and hold it open, glaring back at the girls. “Anyone wish to leave?”
Nobody moves.
“Good,” I growl, narrowing my eyes. “Now, if you insist on having something to do, I’ll give you something to do.”
Back in my office a half hour later, I lean against the picture window and gaze outside, ignoring Marina’s soft knock on the door. I know it’s her from the gentle click of her heeled shoes. After her working so long with me and my family, it’s those little things I’ve come to be familiar with.
“Mr. Murphy?” I turn around, raising my eyebrow at her. She stands in the doorway, wearing her usual straight knitted skirt that falls to midcalf and a white shirt, pressed to perfection. She stares at me, her expression confused. “Why are the girls outside cleaning the house?”
I smirk. Pulling back my chair, I sink onto the soft leather and toss my feet up on my desk.
“You said yourself they wanted something to do,” I say with a chuckle. I toss a balled-up piece of paper at the trash can and miss. “I might as well get my money’s worth, right?” She hesitates. I wave my hand, frustrated by her disapproval. “Whatever it is, just say it.”
“You’re spending an awful lot of time with Charlotte,” she says, her mouth forming a frown. I bite back a scathing remark. Is she worried about her job security? I dismiss the thought as quickly as it appeared. I know she’s just looking out for my best interests. But I’m a big boy. I’m more than capable of looking after myself.
“That’s my business and my business only,” I say. “Can you please see that the girls move on to cleaning my cars when they are finished outside?”
“Certainly, Mr. Murphy,” she responds stiffly. She turns around and exits the room, closing the door behind her. Picking up my cell, I chuckle to myself as I bring up Charlotte’s number. I’m pleased when she answers my call immediately.
“Hello?”
“I want to see you tonight.”
I reach down and adjust myself, the sound of her voice causing great restriction in my pants. I close my eyes and picture her, the smooth curve of her lower back and her beautifully shaped ass. I have to bite my tongue to avoid demanding that she come to me right now. I’d love nothing more than to spend the entire day with her, to learn more about what drives her passions. God, listen to me. How can I be so weak? What’s the point of opening myself up when she’s only going to fuck me over in the end? They always do.
“Sure,” she replies. “I’m at your beck and call, remember?” she adds. The words fall out with a giggle. The thought of her being at my disposal is making me fucking insane. Sighing, I rake my hand through my hair. This woman is driving me crazy.
“Good. Be on my floor at seven.”
Chapter 15
Charlotte
I take extra effort with my appearance, studying myself in the small bathroom mirror until I’m satisfied with how I look. I try to convince myself I’m doing it to get what I need from him for my article, but that’s now far from the truth. It may have all started that way, but now it’s emotional and I want his approval. I want him to take one look at me and realize nothing in the world matters besides us.
I twirl a strand of loose hair around my finger and pull until it springs back into a curl. I press my lips together and my heart thumps. Whenever I think about him—which is often—I feel giddy. I’m getting in way over my head and I have no desire to try to save myself. He makes me want to be reckless. The girl I am when I’m around him is not someone I’m used to.
Get a grip, Char.
I exhale and shut the lights off as I leave my room.
Minutes later I knock on his door and step back, drawing in a deep breath. I feel dizzy, but that’s probably from how little I’ve eaten today. If he offers me a drink, I’ll be falling over myself. Alcohol on an empty stomach is not my friend.
I wait anxiously for him to answer, listening to the sound of him walking around inside. His movements are quick and purposeful, each step echoing loudly through the hallway. The door swings open and he stands there, wearing
nothing. My mouth drops open. I can feel the color rising to my cheeks. I look away, but not before glancing down at his impressive erection.
“Sorry.” He grins, saying, “You caught me in the middle of a shower.” He casually wraps the towel he’s holding around his waist. “Coming in?”
I nod, my face still flaming.
“You’re looking a little off,” he comments, watching me closely. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I mumble. I take a seat in one of the chairs in front of the TV. “I wasn’t expecting you to be naked, that’s all.”
“You’ve seen me naked before,” he points out, smirking. “If I recall correctly, you’ve done way more than just seeing me naked.”
“You just caught me off guard,” I retort. “Did you call me up here so I can watch you dress?” I add, narrowing my eyes.
“Would it matter if I did? You’re being paid, after all.” He has a point. “No, I called you up here to see how things are progressing with Ryan.”
Ryan. Of course. I hesitate, not wanting to admit I have no idea how I’m going to get his confession, or that a little part of me is annoyed that Ryan is why he wanted to see me so urgently. No matter how much chemistry I think we have, it always comes back to Ryan.
“Everything okay?” he asks me again. He slides a pair of black pants over his long, athletic legs. “I’m in a bit of a rush. I have a meeting in ten minutes, so I need to make this quick.”
“Of course,” I say, my voice stiff. I have no reason to be hurt, yet I am. “I’ll do my best to get you what you requested.”
Cocking his head, he moves toward me. He reaches out and touches my cheek. I shy away, refusing to look at him.
“Spit it out, Charlotte. What the hell is wrong with you?”
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