“Fuck,” he swore under his breath.
“What’s wrong with you? You’ve been in a sour mood since you came back from your phone call? Business didn’t go well?” Cindy asked, as he drove to her condo.
“I’m fine. It’s nothing,” he replied impatiently.
“Well, I’m sure whatever it is, I can take your mind off of it,” she purred as she traced a finger up his thigh. Just as she began to reach higher, Nikola’s hand stopped her.
“That’s not a good idea.”
“You know I can make you feel good,” she moved to reach for his cock again, and his grip on her hand tightened.
“Stop,” was all he said as he turned into her parking lot. Cindy eyed him as he pulled into a parking spot. He got out and walked her to her front door of her building. “Are you coming up?” She asked hopeful.
“That’s not a good idea. In fact, it’s not a good idea for us to keep seeing one another.” Nikola stated in his typical straightforward manner.
“What? I thought we were enjoying one another,” Cindy pouted.
“We were, but as I told you in the beginning, this was not going to be long-term. Our time has ended.”
“Have you found someone else?” She asked her voice rising.
“That’s not important.”
“So it is another woman. Who is it?”
Nikola’s anger was beginning to rise. “Number one, I do not answer to you. And number two, we were never going to be anything long-term and you knew this when we began. We had fun while it lasted, but this ending is for the best.”
“The best for who? You and your next whore?” Cindy yelled.
“Watch your mouth,” he said in a low voice, glaring at her as he fought to control his anger.
Cindy noticed the look and became instantly contrite. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I just don’t understand. I–”
“There’s nothing to understand. We went out. Fucked. Had fun. Now it’s over,” Nikola knew he was being an ass, but at this point he didn’t care.
“I will see you around. Enjoy the rest of your evening” he said, effectively dismissing her. He turned, leaving her standing there, as he climbed back into his black Mercedes Coupe, and drove off.
Chapter 10
“Good morning, Devyn. How are you?” Devyn turned from in front of the elevators and smiled.
“Good morning, Andre. Welcome back. How was your trip?” She asked as the elevator arrived.
Andre held the door open for her. “It was great, but we’ll go over that later. Are one of those for me?” He asked pointing to the tray in her hand that held two cups of coffee and a muffin.
“Yes, I was just going up to the top floor to drop this off on Mr. Collins’ desk and then bring yours, but since you’re here,” she said handing him his coffee and muffin.
“You were taking coffee up for my brother?” He asked with a confused look on his face.
Devyn figured it was because she was supposed to be back working for him now. She arrived to work extra early in order to buy coffee and drop it off at Nikola’s office before he arrived for work. She wanted to do everything she could to avoid him, but she knew he hadn’t hired another administrative assistant yet, so there wouldn’t be anyone to bring him coffee this morning.
Devyn nodded. “Yes. Since you’re back and he hasn’t hired a temp assistant yet, I thought I’d drop off his morning coffee before he gets in.”
There was no way Devyn was going to tell Andre why she was so early and adamant about dropping off the coffee before Nikola arrived at the office.
“And you brought him coffee every morning while you worked with him?” He asked.
“Yes, just like I do for you.” She responded wondering why he had an inquisitive look on his face.
“Oh. In that case, I don’t want to break tradition. I’m going to tackle some of the work on my desk this morning. I know I don’t have any meetings today, so let’s push our usual Monday morning meeting back a few hours so I can catch up,” he said as the elevator arrived at their floor.
“Okay, I’ll drop this off and will be back at my desk if you need anything.”
Once the elevator arrived at the top floor, Devyn quickly entered Nikola’s office, placing the coffee on his desk and turning on his computer out of habit. She looked around the office to make sure everything was in order. She paused; looking at the place they shared their first kiss Friday afternoon. Her mind then drifted back to Friday night at The Black Kitty. Devyn closed her eyes as she remembered his touch and the way he made her body feel. After running out of the club, Devyn headed straight home. She turned off her phone for the rest of the weekend, fearing Nikola might call her, and not knowing what she would do if he did. She knew it was inappropriate to have any sort of affair with the CEO of her company. While Andre was technically her boss, Nikola was everyone’s boss. She also knew he was the type of man that women did not easily walk away from. She didn’t want to lose her heart yet again to a man who thought nothing of trampling on it and discarding her like yesterday’s newspaper. Devyn sighed and hurried out of Nikola’s office, not feeling safe until she was back at her desk.
As she worked, Devyn tried to convince herself that things would go back to normal, now that Andre was back. Typically, she never saw Nikola more than once or twice a week, if at all. She chalked what happened on Friday up to their close proximity, and the fact that he saw her half nude a mere few hours after kissing. Any man would act that way, but Nikola had a girlfriend and scores of women lining up to date him. He wasn’t thinking about her. Convincing herself she was getting worked up for nothing, Devyn pressed on with her work. A few hours later, Andre called Devyn for their usual Monday meeting.
“Oh, before you leave, I have something for you,” Andre said turning in his chair to retrieve a bag under his desk. Devyn remained seated.
Andre pulled three gift boxes out of the bag. “This one is yours and the other two are for your mom and sister.” Devyn opened the box to see a beautiful pink silk scarf. Andre spent the past three weeks in Hong Kong on business, and picked up the handmade scarves as gifts.
“This is beautiful. You didn’t have to do this. Thank you, Andre.” Andre often brought gifts back from his travels for Devyn and other people in the office he was friendly with.
“Really, these are beautiful. Thank you.”
Andre smiled. “You think your mom and sister will like them?”
“Do I? I’m thinking of keeping them for myself,” Devyn laughed.
“Don’t do that. If you want more, I’ll just have to fly back to Hong Kong and buy more,” Devyn eyed him and he laughed.
“I think you’re just trying to get out of work,” she teased.
“You might be right about that. Speaking of work, how was it working for Nik? He wasn’t too much was he?”
Devyn licked her lips nervously. “Uh, no. He was fine. We got a lot finalized for the gala this weekend,” Devyn said trying to change the subject from Nikola.
“That reminds me, your tuxedo fitting is this afternoon. It’s your usual tailor, so the tuxedo probably fits well already. They just want a fitting to make sure.”
“Great.”
“Thanks again for the scarves. My sister and mom will love them,” Devyn said standing to gather her belongings and head back to her desk.
“All right.” Andre started, checking his wrist watch. “I’ll be leaving in a few to have lunch with–” He paused as Nikola materialized at his door.
“Speak of the devil,” Andre smiled.
Devyn nearly dropped her gift boxes as she turned to see Nikola standing there, looking as beautiful as ever. He wore a dark pin striped Ralph Lauren suit. With his hands tucked into his pockets, Nikola let his gaze roam over Devyn’s face, travel down her body, and stopping at her core, as if he was remembering what they’d done on Friday night. He dragged his eyes back up to Devyn’s face, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Devyn’s entire body flamed.
Andre who watched in the brief exchange responded, “Nope, we were just ending our meeting.”
“Uh, enjoy your lunch.” Devyn smiled as she made to leave.
“Don’t forget to let me know how your mom and sister liked the scarves,” Andre said to her retreating back.
Nikola lifted an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you had a sister, Devyn.” Nikola commented saying her first name for the first time. Devyn felt her stomach muscles tighten hearing her name for the first time on his lips.
She swallowed. “Uh, yes. Older.” She went to move past Nikola, and he only moved slightly forcing her to brush up against him as she passed.
“Nikola, shouldn’t you thank Devyn for bringing you coffee this morning? That was awfully nice of her, wasn’t it?” Nikola’s gaze pierced Andre before he turned to Devyn.
“Yes, it was. Thank you, Devyn.”
She cleared her throat. “You’re welcome.”
“I’ll be at my desk.” She directed at Andre before turning to leave. Devyn arrived at her desk and blew out a harsh breath. She’d forgotten Nikola and Andre were scheduled to have lunch today. She tried hard not to think about Nikola now using her first name or the way his eyes devoured her body. As the two men walked out, Nikola exited the glass door last, turning and winking at Devyn as if to tell her this wasn’t over. She blew out another breath.
* * * *
“So what are you going to do?” Mercedes asked Devyn as they talked on the phone during their lunch breaks. Devyn walked to a local park to eat her sandwich outside as she talked with Mercedes about what happened between her and Nikola.
Devyn shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just going to avoid him like I’ve been doing. I’m sure he’ll forget about me soon enough.” For the past few days, Nikola spent a great deal more time in Andre’s office than before. Each time he visited he made sure to stop and speak with Devyn. He would give little compliments on her hair or outfit of the day. He’d taken to calling her by her first name every chance he got, as if he derived pleasure from seeing the flush of arousal that passed through her whenever he said her name.
“Well, it doesn’t seem like that’s happening any time soon.” Mercedes countered. She was still out of town for her training. This was their first time talking since Friday night.
“He has a harem of women wanting to be on his arm. He’ll lose interest.” Devyn frowned at her own comment. The thought of Nikola losing interest in her, saddened her more than she cared to admit, and they hadn’t even had sex. That was how she knew she couldn’t go any further with him.
“I doubt it. I mean, I’ve seen you perform on stage, and if you weren’t already my best friend, I would definitely have tried to make my way backstage to feel you up.” Devyn laughed.
“Whatever. My sets have nothing on yours Miss Hoochie Coochie.” Devyn said referring to the provocative style of dance Mercedes often incorporated in her burlesque performances.
“Speaking of, are you performing again this weekend?” Mercedes asked.
“Saturday night is the Memorial Day Gala, so I’ll be attending that.”
The women talked for another twenty minutes before hanging up. Devyn finished her lunch and made her way back to the office. She thought about the gala this weekend. She purchased a royal blue floor length gown. The material was made of chiffon and the shoulder straps were adorned in gems that patterned in the shape of a flower, moving all the way down to the waist. There was a slit in the leg that came to a few inches above the knee. When Devyn tried on the dress she fell in love at first sight. She couldn’t wait to put it on, even though she didn’t have a date to the gala.
Devyn was distracted thinking about her gala dress, as she waited for the elevator. When it arrived, she stepped on just as two other people entered. Pressing the button for her floor, Devyn turned to ask what floor the other people on the elevator were going to, to press it for them and stiffened. Looking directly at her with a smirk on his handsome face was Nikola. The man next to him stepped forward to press the button for his floor. Devyn noted the man was getting off before both she and Nikola. She bit her lip to keep from cursing. She thought about getting off on the same floor with the other man, and just walking up the five flights to her floor. She peeked at Nikola, who was looking directly at her, as if he knew what she was thinking. The other man made small conversation with Nikola, who paid attention, but stole brief glances at Devyn. When they arrived at the fifteenth floor, the man got off, shaking hands with Nikola before exiting. Devyn prayed someone else would get on, but that hope vanished as the elevator doors closed, leaving her alone with Nikola.
The doors weren’t even closed a second before Nikola rounded on her. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said crowding her space.
“I… uh. No, I haven’t,” Devyn said as she backed up to the elevator wall.
“Oh, no?” He asked. Devyn shook her head.
“You’re training the new temporary assistant and instead of coming up to my floor to do it, you have her come down to you.” He looked at her knowingly. Devyn lowered her lashes. She didn’t respond because he was right. She had been avoiding him.
“The one thing you should know about me, Devyn…” He said as he pressed the emergency brake on the elevator. “…is that when I want something there is nothing or no one that can stop me.” He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him.
“And what I want is you,” he said before dipping his head to kiss her. He devoured her lips, taking in her moans, as he lowered his hands to squeeze her ass through the cream colored pants she wore. Devyn moved her hands to his chest to push him away, but was too caught up in the caress of his lips and the feel of his hands roaming over her body. Her hands moved up to circle around his neck. Devyn opened her mouth wider, granting him full access, and he took advantage. He stepped in closer, pressing her back against the wall. After long moments of kissing, Devyn broke away from the kiss, and stepped to the side, breaking Nikola’s grip on her.
“We shouldn’t do this,” she said, stepping further away to put some distance between them.
“Why not?” He asked curiously. “I know you’re not married. You don’t have a boyfriend do you?” He asked as if that was the only reason they shouldn’t become involved.
“N-no but that’s not why–”
“Then why not?” He asked and Devyn paused.
“Because you’re my boss,” she answered
“Andre is your boss,” he reminded her stepping closer.
“Go to the gala with me,” he said catching her off guard.
“What?” She asked confused.
“Go to the gala with me. Be my date.”
“I can’t and besides – don’t you have a girlfriend or a date already?” Nikola smiled.
“No. I don’t have a girlfriend or a date. So come with me.” Devyn knew there was no way she was showing up to the gala on the arm of the CEO of the company. That would get people talking for sure.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” He asked, pinning her once against the wall.
“Nikola,” she whispered as he began to pepper kisses down her neck.
“I love the way you say my name. Say it again.” He commanded as he bit her earlobe.
Without even thinking Devyn did as told and whispered his name. As Nikola continued to suck on her neck, Devyn opened her eyes and they landed directly on the camera at the top corner of the elevator.
“Oh God,” she said, pushing Nikola away.
“What’s wrong?” He asked with a concerned look on his face.
“There’s a camera,” she said pointing to the camera and squeezing around Nikola to press the latch to unlock the elevator.
“No one saw anything.” Nikola neglected to tell her he and only his chief of security had access to any video feed from the elevator camera.
“I have to go. I have work to do,” she said over he
r shoulder, releasing the emergency brake.
Devyn moved closer to the door, willing the elevator to move faster. Nikola stood behind her with his hands in his pockets, staring at her ass as she bounced nervously from on foot to another. When the elevator door opened Devyn bolted for her office.
Nikola smiled, knowing that she wouldn’t be running for long.
Chapter 11
Excel’s Memorial Day Gala was held at The Georgia Aquarium. Devyn arrived just after 8:00 p.m., by the car service that Nikola ordered for her, even though she insisted she didn’t need it. She presented her employee badge and entered the aquarium to see a number of big names milling about. Pressing a hand to her hair, which she blow dried and put in a goddess braid around her head, with a few curls hanging on each side. She saw a few co-workers and went over to say hello and ask if they saw Andre. She wanted to check with him to make sure nothing needed to be taken care of. Devyn found Andre with his date for the evening on his arm. She was a dark haired, Latina woman, whose name Devyn vaguely remembered as Maria or Maritza.
Black Pearl: a BBW, BWWM, Alpha Male romance Page 5
