by Carter Blake
“But it’s okay if you are? You don’t know the kind of people Nick hangs around with.” I didn’t know either until a few months after we’d started seeing each other. He’d been so nice and cute, and I’d immediately fallen for his charms, while ignoring the warning signs.
“Exactly why I don’t want you coming.”
“I appreciate that you’re trying to help. And I don’t want to hurt the company’s image any more than you do, but–”
“Is that why you think I’m doing this?” His brows draw down, and there’s a tinge of anger in his expression.
“I can fix this. And if I can’t, there’s still time to pull the pictures from the website and catalogue.”
Killian actually growls at me. An animalistic sound that would almost be hot if it wasn’t so intimidating.
“We’re not pulling the damn pictures.” He drags his hands over his face roughly, then looks at me pointedly. “Fine. You want to come, you stay back and let me handle things my way.”
I give a small nod despite the way my stomach flip-flops at the thought of seeing Nick again. It’s been two years. Two damn years of him holding these fucking pictures over my head. If Killian thinks he can convince him to delete them, then I have to let him try, either that or I might as well just let him release them. Because I can’t keep living like this. In fear. Worried that he’ll leak them at any moment.
Tonight, this ends. One way or another.
* * *
“You’ve got my money?” The smirk on Nick’s face when he looks between me and Killian makes the rage I’ve been suppressing boil to the surface.
“No.” I hold his gaze, not backing down like I used to. The man is a bully. Just like Cynthia. Just like half the people in my office. And I’m tired of being a fucking punching bag.
Nick sucks his lips over his teeth, then spits on the ground in front of me “What the fuck are you playing at, bitch?”
Killian starts to move, and I have to place my hand on his arm to stop him from attacking the asshole. He’d promised me in the car coming here that he’d let me try things my way. Only if things went wrong would he step in.
“Don’t think I don’t know who you are,” Nick hisses, his gaze now focused on Killian. “Or what you’re worth. You can’t fork out a few grand to protect your whore’s reputation?”
Killian charges before I even have the chance to stop him. A single shot to the jaw has Nick’s head snapping back and causing blood to spurt from his nose. He lets out a pathetic cry as Killian has him pinned against the wall.
I can’t hear what Killian says to him, but whatever it is has Nick more terrified than I’ve ever seen him.
It’s then that I notice how skinny he’s become. Not the brawling, bodybuilder he was when we first started dating. He looks weak, tired, not the man who’d used his size and aggression on me when he didn’t have enough money for pills. Illegal meds that he bought to pump him up.
“Give me the photos and I’ll save the cops a visit,” Killian growls out.
“Fuck off,” Nick spits.
Killian doesn’t hesitate punching him again.
“Killian, stop it. He’s not worth it.”
“Getting your boyfriend to fight your battles for you?” Nick chuckles darkly. “You always could use that sweet pussy of yours to get whatever you wanted. And now the world’s going to see it up close and–”
Another fist slams into Nick’s face.
“Killian, stop. Please.” The last thing I want is for him to be charged.
He stops mid-punch, but doesn’t loosen his grip on Nick’s throat.
Nick spits out blood, then starts to laugh again. “She really does have you pussy-whipped. You think I won’t release the pictures? Let the world see that fat ass of yours–”
Killian hits him again, this time in the ribs, making Nick buckle over, but he just continues to laugh.
I swear the man is enjoying this. I can’t believe I was ever with him. Ever cared even a little about this narcissistic asshole. But I was insecure back then, believing that because I didn’t fit into society’s mold of perfection, I was somehow less deserving of respect.
I know now how stupid that was.
“Go near her again and it’ll be more than your face that’s messed up,” Killian threatens.
I can see the threat isn’t an empty one, which surprises me. I never took Killian for a fighter. A warrior in the office room, sure. But this is more than I expected. And in a way, I can’t help but love the fact that he was willing to fight for me.
I place my hand on Killian’s shoulder, “Let’s go.”
With some hesitation, Killian releases him.
Nick coughs and wipes the blood from his face.
“You want to release the pictures, go ahead.” I get right in his face. I’ve never had the confidence to stick up for myself, and maybe it’s not the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but it feels right. “It says more about you than it does me. You think I won’t hesitate to slam a lawsuit on you? I never gave you permission to take those pictures. It was a violation of my privacy. It’ll be you owing me money.”
“Bullshit.”
I chuckle seeing the fear in his eyes, and knowing I’ve won. “Only one way to find out.”
Nick isn’t laughing anymore, and when I turn and walk away I feel confident that the pictures he took will be deleted.
Killian stays close to me as we walk out of the building.
“How’s your hand?” I ask when we’re back in his car, breaking the tense silence that’s stretched between us.
“Good, it hasn’t had a good workout in a long time.” He flexes his fingers and grins.
I smile at his attempt to lighten the mood.
“I will get those photos,” Killian says. “I have other means–”
“It’s okay.” I place my palm on his leg as he starts the car and pulls out into traffic. “I don’t think he’ll release them.”
“Still–”
“Thank you.” I’m grateful for what he did for me, even if was partially for the company. “I’ve never had the courage to stand up for myself like that. I’m not sure I would have if you weren’t with me.”
“You’re stronger than you think you are. And worth a hell of a lot more than you give yourself credit for.” He takes my hand, pressing his lips against my knuckles as he keeps his eyes on the road, glancing at me just briefly. “I won’t let anyone treat you like that ever again.”
God, how I want to believe him. But I know the truth.
“You’re not always going to be around to protect me. I heard the rumors that you’ve only got a couple weeks left.”
He blows out a heavy breath, not denying it.
I knew this thing between us wouldn’t last forever, but I’m not ready for it to end.
“Let’s go back to my place,” I say, knowing that I don’t want to waste a second of the time we have left.
He lifts a brow. “Then you forgive me about not calling when I was away?”
“No.” I grin. “But I can think of a few ways that you can make it up to me.”
Chapter 13
Killian
All this time, and I’ve never been to Alicia’s apartment. It’s small, and in major need of a repairman, but like everything about the woman, she’s made it beautiful in her own way.
“How long have you lived here?”
She shrugs, “Almost four years. Since I started at Love Lace.”
I know what they pay her – shit. And it’s no wonder she can’t afford anything more. I want to change that. And I will. I’ve already spoken with the company’s owners about her promotion. But I don’t want to tell her until I have everything in writing.
And in all honesty, it’s the last thing I want to think about. Because all those little things I’ve set into place will happen only when my time here is up.
“Do you want a drink?” she asks, pulling out a half empty bottle of white wine from the fridge.
<
br /> I move around the counter and take the bottle from her hands. “What I want is you. You have no idea how much I missed you the past few days.”
“Really?” Her lips twitch up.
“Really.” I kiss her nose, then her lips, continuing down her throat, while my fingers swiftly make work of the tiny buttons on her blouse.
“I missed you too.” Her fingers are in my hair, then tugging at my shirt, then belt, as desperate for contact as I am.
It isn’t long before we’re both half naked. I grip her ass, lifting her so that her thighs straddle around my waist.
“Bedroom?” I breathe out roughly.
“First…” She moans as I kiss the sensitive spot under her ear. “…door on the right.”
I carry her towards the room, nudging the door open with my foot, then laying her down on the center of the bed.
She’s wearing a sexy lace piece that shows off her delicious curves.
“So fucking beautiful,” I say, positioning myself between her legs, and removing the last pieces of material that separate us.
My hands roam over her silky skin, and I revel in the way she reacts to my touch. Arching, moaning, squirming for more. And her eyes, so expressive, and filled with want.
How am I supposed to walk away from her?
This is more than just sex. More than just fulfilling each other’s physical needs. There’s no denying the connection between us.
I suck her nipple into my mouth, savoring each little sound that comes from her lips. Her fingers are in my hair, pulling, tugging, while her body twists and squirms beneath me.
My cock throbs, heated and hard.
She’s already wet when I cup her pussy with my palm, stroking her clit with my thumb.
“Tell me what you want, Alicia.”
“You,” she says breathlessly. “I want you inside of me. Please, Killian.”
I kiss her hard, tangling my fingers in her hair, and press the engorged head of my cock against her entrance. Slowly, I melt into her. Each delicious inch better than the last.
I nearly come when I feel her muscles clench around me.
Her fingers grip my hips, nails digging into my flesh.
I start to move, taking my time, and drawing out the pleasure.
There isn’t anywhere else in the world that I’d rather be.
“Killian,” she whispers my name, gray eyes locked on mine, filled with more emotion.
My thrusts become harder, quicker, more demanding. Her hips meet mine as I slam into her. My lips latch onto her nipple and I drive into her until we’re breathless. Her fingers are in my hair, her head tilted back, eyes closed in pleasure. I love that I do that to her. Make her lose control.
She’s close. I can feel the way she tenses, throbs. I can read her body as easily as my own.
“More,” she begs, nails digging into my hips. “Harder.”
I comply, pulling out, then slamming back into her over and over again until she’s screaming my name and we’re both gasping for air.
Her body convulses almost violently, muscles tightening around my cock. She cries out with her release, and I’m not far behind her, one last thrust and I’m spilling myself inside of her.
And in that moment, I know there’s no way in hell I’ll ever be able to walk away from her.
Chapter 14
Killian
The next two weeks fly by, and I make sure that whenever Alicia isn’t at work, she’s either in my bed or I’m in hers.
We haven’t talked about the future. I haven’t brought it up, and she hasn’t asked. But after today there’s no more hiding from the fact that I need to decide what I’m going to do next.
But tonight is all about one thing – Alicia’s career. It’s the grand reveal of the new line, and everyone that matters are here.
“Did you see how many people are out there?” she asks, nerves and excitement making her voice quiver.
I nod tightly, trying not to let my own tension seep through and dampen her enthusiasm.
“It’s a good turnout. And you’re more than ready. You’re going to be fabulous.”
She leans up and kisses me on the cheek. “Thank you. For everything.”
Someone calls her name.
“I have to go,” she says apologetically.
“Go. I’ll see you after the show.”
She smiles, then turns to talk to one of the models who approaches her about some technical issue with one of the pieces.
I haven’t told her that tonight is my last night working at Love Lace, but I know she’s heard the rumors. Part of me thinks she’s already accepted the fact that I’m leaving. That maybe she isn’t as completely lost in this relationship as I am.
All my old fears about commitment and betrayal slam into me. I may be a fucking billionaire, and I may have a lineup of women begging to get into my bed, but when I’m with Alicia I’m just a man in love with a woman – and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with that if she doesn’t feel the same way.
There’s a part of me that wishes we hadn’t been so productive as a team. That we could have stretched our time out together. And not just because I’m in love with her, but I love spending every second with her in the office.
I take my place in the audience, because that’s where I belong now.
“Killian, it looks as if it’s going to be a successful night,” Bernard Turner, the man who hired me to resuscitate Love Lace, pats me on my back.
I smile and nod.
“I also heard your father wasn’t well.”
“He’s recovering. My mom’s making sure of it.” My parents have always had a good marriage. Like any partnership, they had their ups and downs. But they fought through the rough times and made it together. I don’t know if my dad would be the man he is today if it weren’t for her.”
It’s what I want with Alicia, what I thought I wanted with my ex before she betrayed me. But some people aren’t meant for committed relationships. I’d started to think I was one of them, but with Alicia I want to be everything she deserves and more. I just hope she wants it too.
I turn my gaze to the stage as the show begins.
“You know my wife and I built this company from nothing,” Bernard says, leaning closer to me. “It meant everything to us back then.”
“And now?”
“I’m starting to think that retirement doesn’t sound all that bad.” He chuckles, dark eyes brightening when one of the models walks past us on the catwalk. “Although I can’t deny the perks of the job.”
I frown at him. “You’re thinking about selling?”
“I am. And I thought you should be the first to know.”
“Why?”
He chuckles again and slaps my leg. “Just a suspicion, son.”
Does he know about me and Alicia? I can’t see how. He only came to see me once the entire time I’ve been working at Love Lace, and that was before Alicia and I became involved. But even if he does, what matters more is that he’s planning to sell the company, and I have no idea what that will mean for Alicia.
But if I bought it…
“Are you offering me the first bid?” A small sliver of something that resembles hope itches its way inside my chest.
Bernard gives me a sideways glance. “You’ve done well. When I hired you, I didn’t really think it was possible to bring the company back to life. But somehow you managed it. And I see the way you look at the designer, what’s her name, Alice?”
“Alicia.”
“Right. Alicia.” He winks at me. “She’s got talent. I’ll give her that.”
“She does.”
“And she’s not hard on the eyes.”
That’s the understatement of the century.
“Think about it.” He turns his attention back to the stage. “I know who you are, Killian. I knew when I hired you that you didn’t need this job. It worried me at first, wondering why a man of your…resources, would do what you do.”
I g
runt. “I enjoy fixing things.”
“You have a talent for it.”
I give a small nod, still thinking about his offer.
It’s a possibility. But what would Alicia think?
As if on cue, she walks on stage, and the whole world stops. Dressed in a white, lace piece that accentuates her hips and breasts, she’s the image of perfection. A small murmur of appreciation rolls through the room.
The next few women that come out on stage aren’t the toothpick thin models that were originally hired by the company. Each woman is a different size, a different shape, and each one is incredible sexy in the pieces that Alicia designed, accentuating their femininity rather than just the lingerie itself.
“Interesting,” Bernard says, tapping his finger against his bottom lip.
It’s more than interesting, it’s pure genius. Because she found a way to make lingerie appealing not just to men, but the women who wear them – all women. And I can see from the appreciative looks of the crowd that they understand what she’s done.
There’s a round of applause when the show is over, and the designers and models take the stage for one last bow.
“You’ve done something really special here,” Bernard says, shaking my hand. “I hope you’ll think about my offer.”
I give a small nod. “I will.”
But the more I think about it, the more I know I can’t buy the company for myself. I just hope that what I do have planned doesn’t backfire in my face.
Chapter 15
Alicia
I wrap my arms around Killian’s neck when he meets me backstage. “It was amazing, wasn’t it?”
He chuckles and kisses me full on the lips, not caring that half the staff are watching us. “It was perfect.”
“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”
He gives a small nod, and I can tell something is bothering him. “You deserve just as much praise as me. None of this would have been possible without your hard work.”
Someone grabs me from behind and spins me around. It’s Carol, and she looks like a kid who just got her first puppy.
