by Jenny Lynn
While I worked away on my paper I heard my phone buzz and checked, there was a message from Nicholas.
I just got a call from your school thanking me for my generous donation. Care to tell me what that is all about?
I giggled, then wrote my reply.
I guess finding out that my next semester had been paid for caught me off guard, and I figured you must have developed an interest in putting struggling students through school.
Minutes later he replied.
One student in particular. And she is always surprising me. Oh, I should let you know I’m going to be late to the engagement party this evening. Something came up, tell my mom I’ll be there as soon as I can.
My heart sank. I didn’t want to arrive for the celebration without him, and this was yet another wedding-related detail that I felt he was not making enough of a priority. I stared at my phone a minute before I replied.
If it can’t be helped, it can’t be helped.
I sighed, then looked at the clock. It was later in the afternoon, and work had been so demanding lately. I knew he had a lot of responsibility as the CEO but I didn’t like feeling as if I was an afterthought. An idea snuck into my head and refused to leave. I set aside my books and laptop and rushed into the bedroom to make a call. Once everything was arranged, I changed and ran to the elevator heading downstairs, my heels clicking on the polished hardwood floors.
I touched up my makeup in the taxi, paying the driver when we arrived at my destination. Heading inside, I went to reception.
“Breanne Taylor, I’m here for a meeting.”
The woman checked her computer then nodded, leading me into a boardroom in the corner. I walked along the elegant glass table, running my hand against the cool surface then took a seat. I wasn’t waiting long before the door opened and I smiled at Nicholas, tall and handsome in his grey suit.
“Breanne? What are you doing here, my assistant told me I had an urgent partner meeting come up.”
“I called Patricia and made the meeting. I am your partner, technically, so she wasn’t lying.” I stood and unbuttoned my coat, revealing the short red dress I was wearing. The coat slid down my arms then fell into the chair behind me. “I think we need to have a talk, Mister Blackstone. You see, I’m very concerned about where your attention has been lately and thought that since you’re so focused on work you and I should have a meeting.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Well Miss Taylor, you do have my undivided attention for the next hour. Let’s talk.”
I slowly sat down in my seat and he did the same at the other end of the table. “You’re a busy man, I have understood that since we met. But you need to be more involved in the wedding. It’s not enough that your family and a wedding planner are involved, you need to play a part as well.”
“Alright, I can do that,” he told me.
“You need to make events and appointments a priority. Like tonight, I want us to arrive at the engagement party together.”
“If it’s important to you, then I will,” he told me.
I blinked, caught off guard. “Really? Just like that?” I asked.
He stood and walked over to me, a roguish smile on his face. “I’m the CEO, Breanne, it’s my company. I’m sorry that I’ve been so preoccupied lately. I didn’t realize you wanted me more involved in the wedding planning. I understand how important it is to you, and I want to show you how important it is to me as well. I will make it a priority. Is there anything else?”
“Well, no,” I admitted. “I thought you would take more convincing, I had a whole argument prepared.”
He stopped beside my chair and caressed my cheek. “What a shame, you know I do love to see you argue.” His hand slid lower, down my neck as he checked his watch. “Now the question is, Breanne Taylor, what do we do with the remaining fifty minutes of our meeting?”
He looked down at me with an intense and scorching gaze that made me swallow hard, my pulse starting to race. Nicholas leaned down and closed his mouth over mine. I sighed in surrender, closing my eyes as I let his tongue between my parted lips. I reached for him and gripped onto his strong arms, feeling the firm muscle beneath his suit. Nicholas suddenly reached down and picked me up, I gasped as he lifted me off the chair and placed me on the table.
Pushing my knees apart, Nicholas cupped my head in his hands as he kissed me passionately, standing between my legs. Pressed against me I could feel his erection straining against his pants which caused me to squirm against him. He moved his lips to my neck, gently nibbling my earlobe before traveling lower. His hand slid down the zipper at my back and he pulled the straps of my dress down, revealing my black lace bra. Cupping me roughly in his hands he kissed me again, then moved the thin fabric aside and ran his thumb over my nipple.
I moaned softly and threw my head back as he massaged me in his strong hands, arching into him, needing to feel his touch. Nicholas trailed his hand lower, bunching my dress up around my hips and teasing me through my underwear. He looked at me, arching one of his eyebrows. “Is this what you had in mind when you snuck your way onto my schedule, Breanne?” he asked, his voice taking on a husky edge.
“Honestly, no,” I said with difficulty while he traced small circles between my legs. Nicholas pulled aside the thin fabric and plunged a finger deep inside me. I gasped, then moaned as he slowly moved in and out.
“I know I’ve been busy with work, but you should always know you are never far from my mind. I want you, it consumes me. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, and if you doubted my commitment to you and our wedding, let me remind you.”
Nicholas pulled my underwear down and over my legs, placing his hands on my knees and standing between my spread legs. I felt so exposed in front of him, sitting on the cool glass table while faint voices in the background beyond the door reminded me where we were. Nicholas undid his pants and his erection sprang free. He was already rock hard, I bit my lip as I looked over his thick member. There was an aching deep inside me, I wanted nothing more than to feel us connected. Reading my mind, Nicholas positioned himself against me and pushed in, holding the back of my head and crushing his lips against me passionately as he sank deep into my soft core.
I moaned while he buried himself up to the base, his strong arms wrapping around my waist and holding me close against him. He looked down into my eyes, the desire written clearly on his face. He pulled out, then delved deep inside again letting me feel all he had to give me. Pushing me down on the table, he held me against him and continued rocking his hips over and over again. Trailing his hands over my body, Nicholas traced my curves before settling between my legs. He placed his finger against my sensitive bud and touched me in the expert way only he knew how, setting my body on fire. In minutes I was writhing under him, needy and wanting release. Sensing I was close, Nicholas increased the speed of his thrusts plunging into me with ease again and again. The sensations were overwhelming, I sucked in a deep breath then closed my eyes, my body ready.
“Look at me, Breanne,” the command in his voice forced my eyes open and I looked into his face. In that moment, every worry about our impending wedding dissolved. He was in this as deep as I was. I could see that now. My eyes staring into his, I found my release and bit my lip to stop from crying out. With his fingers digging into my hips, Nicholas groaned, thrusting a few more times before letting go. Collapsing and pinning me under his arms, we held onto each other as we regained our breath. He pressed his forehead against mine, then kissed me softly. We lay there on the sleek boardroom table a moment, enjoying the afterglow, before I ran my hands through his hair.
“Our hour is probably almost up,” I told Nicholas reluctantly. “They’ll be expecting you.” He stood in front of me, adjusting himself and smoothing his suit then picking up my underwear. Kneeling in front of me he slid them onto me, bending down to kiss the tops of my legs gently as he lifted the thin lace up, redressing me. Scooping me in his arms and off the table, he placed me on my feet.
I was slightly shaky, still recovering from the intense orgasm he had given me, and I leaned against him. Smiling, he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me, then took me by the hand.
“Come on,” he told me. We walked from the room, hand in hand, through the office. He stopped at the front desk. “Patricia, I will be out for the rest of the afternoon and unavailable this evening. Please reschedule my calls.”
I looked at him in surprise, a warm feeling filling me. He really meant it, he was going to make sure our wedding planning was a priority and it was all because I had told him how much it meant to me. I wished I had told him sooner, rather than keeping it inside. We walked to the elevator then descended to the street. Nicholas’ driver was waiting and we slid into the car where Nicholas held me against him. I leaned my head on his shoulder and relaxed into him while we moved through the city traffic home.
“How is this?” I asked, twirling in front of Nicholas. I was wearing a black ankle length Versace skirt with thin gold thread woven through and a white top, the skirt cinched tight at my waist. Gold chandelier earrings and a thin bracelet completed my outfit, my hair pulled back into a twist. He nodded in approval as he looped a navy silk tie around his white dress shirt.
“You look beautiful, as always. Ready to get going?”
I picked up my purse and stepped into a pair of black pumps, nodding. Together we went downstairs and into the waiting car, headed for the Blackstone Estate. It wasn’t a long drive, and when we arrived and stepped out I could hear the faint sound of voices mingling. We entered the mansion and were led to the backyard where Nancy had tables and seats set up, lanterns strung from the trees emitting a light glow. A three-piece band was playing on a small stage in the corner, filling the lush space with music. A waiter passed and offered us champagne; Nicholas and I each took a glass. There were familiar faces here and there, everyone turned to us as we walked into the backyard and started to clap. Nancy appeared through the crowd and came towards us, kissing us each on the cheek.
“There you are,” she exclaimed. “Come, come, say hi to the Traywells.” She led us from group to group, introducing us to her social circle. Nicholas greeted everyone with his reserved civility, shaking hands and graciously accepting congratulations on our impending wedding. I stood by his side, no less overwhelmed by the high society circles his family functioned in than when we first met but now more secure in my place in his life. Nicholas’ phone buzzed in his pocket, he glanced at the display then ignored it.
“Is everything okay?” I asked him.
“It’s nothing important,” he assured me, then we fell back into conversation with his cousins who had flown in from New York to attend the party. We were enjoying ourselves, and it was clear that Nancy loved playing the role of hostess. She was in her element, and her love for her son was apparent in every glance she directed at him. Nicholas took me by the hand and led me to a corner of the yard, under the glow of lanterns and among the flowers. He held me and started to move in slow circles, guiding me, and I leaned into him. We danced together as the band played, swaying our bodies together. It was a perfect evening.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man dressed all in black came into the backyard and whisper something to Nancy. Her expression changed and she started to speak to him in earnest. I looked up at Nicholas and he too was watching the scene unfold. We walked over and heard Nancy as she pointed to the door.
“Call the police, I will not allow anyone to ruin this evening.”
“What is it, mother?” Nicholas asked. She looked at him and tried to smile, but it was obvious she was upset.
“It’s nothing dear, enjoy the party. Security will take care of it.”
We heard shouting and raised voices from inside the house and Nicholas started to walk inside. I followed behind him, rushing to keep up with his quick and determined steps. There were two security guards preventing a man from coming inside. I stopped in my tracks when I noticed who it was.
“Mark?” I said, shocked to see him. “What are you doing here?” He stiffened when he saw Nicholas and I, pushing the security guard’s hand off his arm, staring daggers at us.
“You left me no choice, Nicholas, you wouldn’t return any of my calls,” Mark said, his voice strained with anger.
“There is nothing to discuss,” Nicholas said cooly. “You’re intruding on our engagement party and I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Nothing to discuss?” Mark exploded. “You bought my restaurant and you had me FIRED.”
My eyes widened as I looked at Nicholas. “Is this true?” I asked him. He stiffened beside me.
“I have a lot of investments, Mark,” he countered calmly.
“This is because of Breanne,” Mark hissed, his voice trembling with rage. “Why should I be punished for her coming onto me. You weren’t there, you didn’t see what happened.”
“What?” I exclaimed. “You’re a pig, Mark. I would never willingly touch you.”
Mark chuckled darkly. “What’s the matter, Blackstone? Your fiancée throws herself at another man, and your only defense is to throw your fortune around. You’re pathetic.”
“Come on, Breanne,” Nicholas said, taking me by the arm. “He’s not worth it.”
“She’s the one who wasn’t worth it,” Mark said to our retreating backs. “I’ve had better.”
Suddenly Nicholas turned on his heel and marched towards Mark. Before anyone could react Nicholas swung his fist against Mark’s jaw, sending him tumbling backward and out the front door. Nicholas stood over him, looking down.
“If you ever come near me or Breanne I’ll do more than ruin your career,” Nicholas warned him.
“Is that a threat?” Mark said, pushing himself to his feet with a bit of difficulty.
“No, it’s a promise,” Nicholas replied then turned and walked back towards me. I held onto him, glancing over my shoulder to see Mark staring at us with hatred in his eyes. Nicholas was right, he wasn’t worth it. I wrapped my hand around his strong arm and together we walked back into the garden.
8
I woke early before Nicholas and went into the kitchen to start coffee, glancing back at him sleeping against the cream colored sheets. His arm was thrown over his head, the muscles along his bare chest illuminated by the sunrise streaming through the window. My heart still skipped a beat when I looked at him. From the strong line of his jaw to the chiseled body I couldn’t get enough of, I never got tired of admiring Nicholas Blackstone.
After my coffee had finished brewing I carried my mug with both hands back over to the couch. I opened my laptop and replied to emails; my mom, Tabitha, Evelyn, Sam from one of my classes —then I noticed an email from Doctor Shaffer. I opened it and read it eagerly.
Breanne,
You did an excellent job the other day. Even though our meeting was brief, as I hoped Randy was much more open with you than he ever was with me. In fact, Randy said he would be open to speaking with us again as long as you accompanied me. Will you be available on Monday?
Regards,
Shawn
A thrill bubbled inside me. Not only had I had an opportunity that very few of my peers could dream of, but I had impressed Doctor Shaffer and been invited back out with him. I let out a small squeal of excitement and bounced on the couch, tossing my head back.
“What has you so happy?” asked a husky voice from across the room. I looked up to see Nicholas walking out of the bedroom, a pair of black sweatpants hanging low on his hips as he ran a hand through his messy morning hair.
“Doctor Shaffer has invited me back to interview the patient we met with, Randy Wilkes, again,” I told him, not taking my eyes off the spectacular view of him strolling towards the kitchen in all of his glory.
“Not today I hope,” Nicholas said.
“No, Monday. Why, what are we doing today?”
Nicholas poured himself a cup of coffee, sipping it slowly while watching me. He was taking his time, teasing out the
suspense. I continued to stare at him, waiting for the big reveal.
“You’ve had a rough week, and I’ve been so busy with work, I figured we needed a break. I’m taking you on a trip for the weekend.”
“But my school and your work —” I began.
“They can wait. We need this. The entire situation with Mark and your job, I know how much that upset you. Wedding details are being finalized, I stayed up late last night getting what I needed to do done for work and I’m sure you’ll find some time while we’re away to stay on top of your school work. So what do you say, Breanne? Want to go on an adventure?”
I started to smile, unable to hide my gratitude at his gesture. It was true that the situation with Mark and Lilly leaking the photo had been upsetting, not to mention leaving my job. I still couldn’t believe that Nicholas had bought the restaurant in order to teach Mark a lesson. If there was one thing I knew about Nicholas since the day we met, when he wanted something he didn’t let anything get in his way. He was nothing if not determined, and the look he was giving me right now over the rim of his mug was promising excitement.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“It’s a surprise,” he teased.
“But how do I know what to pack?” I countered.
“Hmmm, that is tricky. Good thing I packed for you last night. Your luggage is already in the car downstairs.”
I laughed, he really had thought of everything. “When do we leave?” I inquired.
“Whenever you’re ready,” Nicholas told me, coming over to the couch and sitting down beside me.
“Just let me shower and get dressed,” I said.
“Take your time,” he told me, bending over to kiss my shoulder.
Fresh from the shower, my hair and makeup done, I slipped into the car beside Nicholas and smoothed my grey skirt. It was a short drive to the airport where the private jet was waiting for us, and despite my various attempts, Nicholas would not reveal where we were going. The car pulled up near the runway and the driver exited to retrieve our luggage. I walked up the steps into the waiting plane and took a seat, Nicholas at my side.
