That night I ate dinner alone at the Bab Al Yam in the lobby of the hotel. It was so peaceful to sit there and take in the gorgeous views of the sea. I still felt like I was in fairytale dream, and one day I would wake up and it would all be over. But until that day came, I wanted to live in the moment.
The rest of the week was arduous as I dove into my project. There was an urgency in the air as everyone worked to meet deadlines. Jameson was a huge client and the entire office was working on something for them. The big meeting was coming up and many people were a bit on edge. By Friday I didn’t even have the energy to go have coffee with Samira after work. I went straight to my hotel room and slept until Saturday without eating dinner. I did a bit of sight-seeing over the weekend. I didn’t feel strange walking around by myself,f but I would have much rather gone sight-seeing with Joshua. I had only seen him a couple of times at the office since we arrived. He was swamped with preparing for the big meeting with Jameson. Both Saturday and Sunday I took a bunch of pictures and went to a couple of souks to find souvenirs for my brothers.
On Monday it was back to the grind at work. Tuesday was even more grueling than the day before. I was working on a spreadsheet when Samira came to my office.
“I wanted to stop by and tell you your schedule for this evening.”
“This evening?” I hope I get to see Joshua tonight.
“Yes. You are scheduled to have dinner tonight with Mr. Hunter, his younger brother Jake, his companion Vivienne Worthington, and Mr. Hunter’s business associate, Conrad Winthrop III at 8:00 p.m. The attire is business attire. Something similar to what you are wearing is fine.”
She hesitated for a moment and then leaned in and whispered to me. “Mr. Hunter’s brother is a bit quiet and serious. He’s kind enough but he’s not overly talkative. That girlfriend of his is something else. I don’t want to fill your head with any pre-conceived notions, but you will see for yourself what I’m talking about. Mr. Winthrop is a bit of a ladies’ man. The eternal bachelor is what they call him around the office. He may be a bit flirtatious with you, especially since there is so much buzz about you around the office. But he’s very kind. He tends to be a bit competitive with Mr. Hunter. He’s the Vice Chairman and Global Head of Growth Markets and he is one of Mr. Hunter’s closest allies. So there is your mini summary of who you will be meeting tonight. Have a wonderful time at dinner this evening.” She shot me a mischievous smile before retreating from my office.
I was deep into compiling numbers when I heard a light tap on my door. I looked up to see Joshua casually leaning against my door, one hand in the pocket of his beautifully tailored suit, and I had a sharp intake of breath. Damn it, that man is gorgeous.
“You startled me.”
“I didn’t mean to. I see that you are submerged in a project. Jameson, I presume.”
“Yes, I am preparing the spreadsheet. It will be ready by tomorrow.”
“I know it will. I have no doubts about your work. I assume Samira told you about dinner tonight?”
“Yes, she did.”
“OK, good. You will meet my brother and his girlfriend. She is what is known as a busy body. She will probably try to get information out of you regarding the nature of our relationship. I trust you will remain discreet about us.” It was definitely not a question.
“Of course.”
“Good.”
“I didn’t know you had a brother. In fact, I don’t know very much about you Joshua.”
As his gorgeous dark eyes held my gaze, a wry smile touched the corner of his mouth. “In time you will know all you need to know. You will also be meeting my business associate Conrad. He can be overly spirited at times.”
I could have sworn I saw a glimmer of fire in his eyes when told me I would be meeting Conrad.
“The car will pick us up at the hotel at 7:45 p.m. and I will meet you in the lobby.” He started to walk away and then stopped, half closed the door, and leaned in my office. “Sarah?”
“Yes?” My eyes met his.
“Wear something sexy underneath your clothes this evening. I want to think of you wearing something only for me.” He winked at me and walked away.
I sat there speechless, butterflies fluttering in my stomach. How is it possible that this man still affects me this way? I had to push that thought out of my head and focus on the task at hand. I wanted my work to be flawless.
CHAPTER THREE
The Rolls Royce dropped me off at my hotel at about 5:30 and when I returned to my room, waiting for me were my makeup artist, manicurist, and hair stylist. I quickly showered, and then was able to sit and be pampered for a couple of hours. Initially I thought about telling Joshua that it was not necessary to have all of this provided for me. But then I caught myself and thought, why not? I had never been pampered like this before and I certainly could not afford to have a makeup artist, manicurist and hair stylist at my beck and call. So why not enjoy this temporary luxury? When my nails were dry I got dressed. I wore a pair of black dress slacks and a beautiful red, short sleeved YSL blouse. I had never had my makeup done professionally before and when I looked in the mirror I barely recognized myself. I actually looked pretty. I thanked everyone and went downstairs to the car that was waiting for me. I could feel myself holding my head up a little higher filled with confidence, as I received admiring glances from several men in the lobby. I hate to admit it, but I could get used to this lifestyle.
Joshua was already waiting for me in the Rolls Royce. My heart was pounding as I was about to get in. Would he notice the difference in my appearance? Why do I care anyway? Because you do. When I answered my own question, I was startled by the honest answer that I did not want to admit. I was still focused on my ultimate goal to make partner in five years, but it was getting harder to quell the feelings of excitement I felt whenever I saw Joshua.
My Prada perfume permeated the Rolls Royce as I entered. I hope he likes the scent. Joshua had an approving gleam in his eye when he saw my transformation but there was a hint of something else there. He almost looked worried.
“I see your personal salon workers did their job this evening. You look lovely Sarah.”
It was difficult not to blush at the compliment as I felt my cheeks flush. He looked so regal in his black suit, not a hair out of place. I was definitely living a fairytale and I was starting to want it to never end.
“Where are we having dinner?”
“Reflets, a lovely French restaurant. I hope you like French food.”
“I have never tried it but I am sure I can find something on the menu I like. We’ve never gone out to dinner together.” I straightened my shirt and fluffed my hair and gave Joshua a small flirtatious smile.
He seemed a bit uncomfortable with that. “Sarah, I think I need to make something clear to you. I want you to know that I enjoy your company. If I didn’t, you wouldn’t be here. We are going to be spending a lot of time together on this trip and you are going to meet some very important people in my life. But, I don’t want you to mistake this for anything other than what it is. This is strictly a contract, nothing more. I offered you something and you accepted. I don’t want you to have any misconceptions about us. We are not a couple.”
I sat there stunned. What an arrogant ass. We’re not a couple? I know that you jerk. Well then I guess that means I am free to flirt and mingle with whomever I’d like. Let’s see what the night has in store.
I gave him a cool stare and told him I understood.
“No need to worry Mr. Hunter. No misconceptions here at all.”
I saw him wince when I called him Mr. Hunter. I don’t think he liked the reinstatement of formality between us.
We rode in silence the rest of the way to the restaurant.
We were escorted to our private dining room and everyone was already there, waiting for us. Joshua walked over to his brother Jake and gave him a hug. It was nice to see him show affection for someone he loved. He kissed Jake’s girlfriend on the cheek and
he shook Conrad’s hand.
“I would like for you all to meet our newest associate, Sarah Vaughn. She was the star intern and we are very excited to have her aboard.”
They each shook my hand and Conrad gave it an extra little squeeze. “It’s wonderful to meet you Sarah. I have heard many good things about you.” He gave me a little wink while holding my chair out for me.
“Thank you.” I flashed him an appreciative smile. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw Joshua grimace. We were at a round table so it was easy to see and talk with everyone. Jake sat on my left, Vivienne was next to him, Joshua was next to her, and Conrad sat on my right.
“So, Sarah, where are you from?” Jake dove right in with the question.
“I am from a suburb of New York City. I hope to get an apartment in the city soon so I won’t have to commute anymore.” I flashed Joshua a look and he was visibly irritated. Good.
“Do you have a long commute?”
I tossed my hair over my shoulder. “It’s relatively long and it’s very boring.” I held Joshua’s gaze as the biting words rolled off my tongue.
I saw the flash of anger fly through his eyes as he clenched his jaw.
“Jake, you are the Chief Financial Officer of the company, is that correct?”
“You’ve done your homework. Yes, I am. Joshua and I inherited the company from our father who inherited it from his father, and it goes back down the line several generations.”
I noticed that Vivienne looked visibly annoyed that Jake and I were having a conversation. Then she decided to chime in.
“So, Sarah, are you enjoying Dubai?”
“I am. It is beautiful here.”
“Was it difficult to leave your significant other back home for 30 days?”
Very clever Vivienne. You’re not getting that information from me so easily.
“I was able to put everything in order that needed to be in order.”
Then Conrad chimed in. “My dear, you look very lovely this evening. How nice to have a smart and beautiful woman on one of our long business trips. I must show you around Dubai on one of your free days, if you will allow me.”
“That would be lovely, thank you.” I flashed him a smile and glanced at Joshua to see him trying to mask that he was seething. No misconceptions here buddy.
The conversation was pretty lively during dinner and I found that I really enjoyed talking with Jake. He reminded me of my younger brothers. The conversation between Jake and I was very easy and natural. I think it was because there was zero sexual tension. We just clicked as friends. Neither Vivienne nor Joshua seemed happy that the two of us hit it off so well. She shot me death stares anytime I spoke to him. But I didn’t care. I felt I had made a new friend.
We were all saying goodnight when Conrad pulled me aside.
“Sarah, it was so nice to meet you. Let me take you to dinner this week. Does Wednesday evening work for you?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the disapproving look on Joshua’s face as he watched us. Joshua did make it clear in the car ride to dinner that we were not a couple. I knew he would not be pleased if I spent time with Conrad, but I didn’t care. He did not own me and I was free to see whoever I wanted.
“That sounds wonderful Conrad. I am looking forward to it.”
He brought my hand to his lips, planting a light kiss, as he bid me goodnight. I exchanged goodnights with Vivienne and Jake and then Joshua and I went to our waiting car.
The tension in the air was palpable when he closed the car door.
“What did Conrad say to you?” Fire danced in his eyes.
“First of all, I had a very nice time meeting everyone at dinner tonight. Your brother seems to be very kind.” I gave him a cool stare.
“I asked you a question. When I ask you a question, you answer me.” There was no mistaking the anger in his voice.
“He invited me to dinner Wednesday night.” I held his gaze daring him to tell me I couldn’t go.
I thought Joshua was going to explode right in front of me. Lights were shining in through the windows of the Rolls and I could see that his face was beet red.
“What did you say?” His voice sounded strained.
“I told him that sounded wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.” I held his gaze as he glowered at me. “No misconceptions about our relationship at all Joshua.” I controlled the sneer that wanted to curl my lip.
We rode in silence the rest of the way to the hotel and Joshua would not look at me. When we arrived at the hotel, Joshua followed me to my room. I gave him a curious glance and he gave me a terse response.
“I’m walking you to your door.”
When I opened my door he followed me inside and closed it behind him. I put down my purse and took off my shoes. I was exhausted. It had been a long day. Just as I was going to ask Joshua if he minded if I retired for the evening he grabbed me around the waist and pinned me against the wall with his hard body. I could feel his thigh muscles through his suit as he pressed against me.
“Let’s get one thing straight.” He grabbed a fistful of my hair and wrenched my head back so that I was looking into his eyes. I had never seen this look. It wasn’t just that he was angry; I thought I saw a hint of hurt as well. Why would he be hurt? He told me not to have any misconceptions about us!
“You belong to me!” He leaned down to kiss my neck and I tried to pull away from him. He held me in place with an iron grip. He leaned down to run his tongue along my collarbone, up my neck and lightly flicked my earlobe.
My body betrayed me as I felt my skin tingle. I tried to wrench myself out of his grip but he wouldn’t have it. The more I squirmed, the harder he pressed against me. I could feel his hard length through his suit and his warm breath on my neck.
“I do NOT belong to you! You told me we’re not a couple. That means I can see whomever I want!” I still was trying to get free of his grip but he was too strong for me.
He held me with one hand while the other roamed down my body and back up under my blouse. His hand snaked around to my back and he unfastened my bra in one swift motion. His hand then slipped underneath the loosened cup and started kneading my breast. He grabbed my nipple in between his thumb and forefinger and squeezed. A soft moan escaped my lips and I stopped fighting him. My hands gripped his arms and I closed my eyes as I indulged in the pleasure I was feeling. His other hand unzipped my pants and they fell to my ankles. He dipped his head down to whisper in my ear. “You belong to me.” His deep, husky voice sent my stomach all aflutter.
I was going to protest but his lips crushed mine in a passionate kiss that left me weak in the knees. His tongue fiercely sought out my own and he lightly grabbed my lower lip between his teeth. His other hand slid inside my panties to my warm, wet place and my eyes initially flew open in surprise, and then I relaxed and closed them as I reveled in my bliss.
As his fingers began to penetrate me I pressed down to feel more. He let out a groan as one of my hands fell from his shoulder, grazed across the front of his pants and caressed his hardness. He suddenly pulled away from me and stood looking at me. His eyes roamed hungrily over my body.
“Remove all of your clothes.”
I did as he asked without hesitation. I stood naked and vulnerable, hoping he could see my desire for him.
“Take off my jacket.”
I removed his jacket, revealing his muscular arms which could easily be seen through his shirt.
“Unbutton my shirt.”
I stood close as I slowly unbuttoned his shirt. I could physically feel the heat the between us in the small space that separated us. He removed his undershirt revealing a perfectly muscular bare chest. Damn it, he is a specimen. My warm center began to throb, wanting…needing to be filled.
“Kneel and take off my pants.”
I kneeled in front of him and unzipped his pants. The outline of his throbbing member was clearly visible through his boxer briefs and was straining to be free. I licke
d my lips as I thought of what I wanted to do to him.
Boxed Set: The Billionaire’s Desire Complete Collection (Books 1-3 and Bonus Books 1 and 2) (Submitting to the Billionaire) Page 5
