Reckless Devotion (Book One)

by Jennifer Domenico

  LATER THAT NIGHT, after my shower, I lie in bed still staring at pictures of Mia. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to be completely caught up in someone, and I’m starting to figure it out. Every free moment is spent thinking about her. She makes me feel out of control, but I have to maintain myself. She’s counting on me to do so.

  A few minutes later, the phone buzzes, bringing a smile to my face. I open her text.

  Going to bed now.

  Sleep well, ma petite. I’m very excited for tomorrow.

  So am I. Like a child on Christmas day.

  You are my present. Unwrapping you will be such a gift, mon trésor. Now close your eyes and dream of me.

  I hope you dream of me too.

  Taking a deep breath, I smile as I read her message a second time.

  Count on it.

  THE NEXT MORNING, sitting at my desk, I finish my weekly report and glance at my desk phone when it rings. It’s my boss who rarely calls. Please don’t ask me to work late or this weekend. I have plans.

  “This is Gabriel.”

  “Gabriel, Jim. How’s it going?”

  “Good. What can I help you with?”

  “Can you come to my office for a few minutes please?”

  “Yeah, definitely. Be right there.”

  Hanging up, I grab my planner and mutter fuck under my breath. To advance my career, I’m always willing to go above and beyond what my peers will do. It’s how I ended up in Paris for three years, but this is the one weekend where I’m just gonna have to say no.

  Down the hall, I tap on Jim’s door then walk in when I hear him say enter. Smiling, I nod.

  “Morning.”

  “Morning, Gabriel. Please sit.”

  I sit in the chair across from him waiting for him to drop his request.

  “I have a proposition for you,” he continues.

  “Okay.”

  “I’ve decided to cave and go on a three week trip to Europe with my wife.”

  “Okay.” I glance at the photo of them on his desk. She’s Jim’s fourth wife and twenty-two years younger than him, just four years older than his oldest child, but since marrying her two years ago, he’s happier than he’s ever been.

  “As you know, you’re at the top of the list for my replacement when I retire, and to be honest, I’ve been thinking about that a lot more.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah. I’m still somewhat young.” He chuckles. “I want to spend time with Jen. She deserves what my other wives could never get from me. Time.”

  I nod. “I get that.”

  “So, that leads me to why you’re here. I want you to act in my place while I’m away, take over my duties, run my meetings, essentially be me,” he grins, “only in the way you would do it.”

  “Yeah, Jim. I can do that.”

  “I already know you can do it. Can I give you a few words of advice though?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Thirty-two.”

  He nods. “I was just a few years older when I got my first big break, and I worked too much. I sacrificed my home life, my kids, my wife. As you know, I’ve been through a few of them that just couldn’t handle my schedule and my dedication to business.”

  “Yeah. So I shouldn’t work too hard?”

  Jim laughs. “No, you should find a woman that understands what it takes to be at the top. A woman that will figure out how to support you, love you, and provide a haven for you when you need it. A woman that makes coming home the best part of your day. Jen is that for me.”

  “Well, I’m not planning to get married or to settle down any time soon, but I’ll keep that in mind when the time comes.”

  “It’s so important, Gabriel. A woman should complement your life, not complicate it.”

  “I agree. I’ll be waiting for the one that can do that.” I might’ve found her.

  “Good. Don’t ever make decisions because of pressure from other people. I married the first time too young, had kids because that’s what a successful man does. I wasn’t ready and I knew it, but I gave in to what other people thought. I picked a woman who thank God, turned out to be a fantastic mother. My children are great people thanks to her.” He bows his head for a moment before meeting my eyes again. “Before I met Jen, I thought I couldn’t do it again. I’ve given away half my fortune in divorce settlements. I’ve had countless affairs, and broke too many hearts. Then I met a woman that saw through all the shit and loved me hard enough until I could love her back. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and I won’t fuck it up this time.”

  I listen, wondering where all this soul baring is coming from. Our conversations are never this deep.

  “If I could go back in time and talk to me when I was your age, I would say, keep working hard, but don’t forget to have fun. Don’t forget to value the people who love you and give them part of you. Don’t give it all to the job,” he smiles, “and definitely keep your dick in your pants.”

  I chuckle, nodding. “Good advice.”

  “With that, you sure you still want to sit in this office at the top?”

  “Yeah, Jim, I’m sure.”

  “Good. I’ll start planning my trip and get back to you with the exact dates.”

  “Great. I was planning to get out of here around noon today. I have some arrangements I need to make.”

  “Enjoy.”

  “Thanks. See you later.” I stand to leave, then pause. “I appreciate the faith you’ve put in me.”

  “You’ve earned it, Gabriel.”

  Walking down the hall back to my office, I’m overcome with a desire to tell Mia my news. As that realization hits, I stop walking. I’ve never talked to a woman about my life outside of the things I planned to do to her. Shaking my head, I continue my walk then sit at my desk, staring at my phone. Maybe she won’t care. Maybe she’ll wonder why I would call to tell her this. There’s only one way to find out. I dial her number waiting a moment for her to answer.

  “Hi, Gabriel,” she answers sweetly, and I’m thankful for it.

  “Hey, you. Busy?”

  “I’m never too busy for you.”

  I chuckle softly. “That’s good. I just wanted to tell you something that happened to me today.”

  “Okay.”

  “My boss is going on a long vacation and asked me to fill in for him while he’s gone. It’s a big step toward my promotion.”

  “Oh? What position will you have then?”

  “President. I’m a vice president right now.”

  “I thought you were a finance officer.”

  “I am, but I was promoted when I came back from Paris. I’m second from the top, and when I get this promotion, I’ll be in charge of all US operations.”

  “That’s great. I’m happy for you. When is he going on vacation?”

  “He’ll let me know, but I imagine it’ll be in the next few months.”

  “Nice.”

  “Yeah.” I pause considering my next comment. “Are you still excited for tonight?”

  “I can barely sit still, Gabriel.”

  “You won’t be able to sit at all by the time I’m done with you.”

  “Works for me.”

  “Did you text me the information about tonight yet?”

  “No. I’m still waiting to confirm the location from Brad.”

  “Who the fuck is Brad?”

  “Hey, now, settle down. Brad is just a coworker. Nothing to get worked up about.”

  “Okay. I’ll wait for your text.”

  “You’ll get it.”

  “I better get back to work. Um, thanks for listening about my job stuff. I just wanted to share it with you.”

  She’s quiet for a moment. “I’m happy you thought of me.”

  “It’s all I do, Mia. See you soon.”

  “Bye.”

  After hanging up, I check my watch. In less than an hour, I can start my plans for the evening. I almost can’t sit s
till myself in anticipation of finally getting my hands on that woman.

  AS I DRIVE to my first location, I dial my sister.

  “Hey, Meatball,” she answers.

  “Hey, Gingerbread. Whatcha doing?”

  “Waiting for Mia in the lobby. We’re going to lunch. What are you doing?”

  “Running some errands. You’re going to happy hour tonight too, right?”

  “Yep. I’ll be there and Jamie is coming. Are you?”

  “No, but I’ll see you when I come to pick up Mia.”

  “Okay. Got plans after?”

  Oh yeah. “We do.”

  “I’m excited you two are still seeing each other. I just had a feeling there would be sparks.”

  “You were correct. Well, have a good rest of your day. I’ll see you later.”

  “Okay. Bye.”

  Now that I know Mia is still with Sara, I’m safe to continue. A few minutes later, pulling into Mia’s driveway, I dig her house key out of my wallet, walk up to her door, and let myself in. Vixen is sleeping on the couch but looks up when I enter.

  I scratch her head, and whisper, “Sorry I have to keep your mommy away this weekend, but you’ll be okay.”

  Entering the kitchen, I search for Vixen’s food finding it in the pantry. I fill her bowl, refill her water then give her one of the cat treats I found. After finishing that, I head into Mia’s bedroom, stopping to take it in. The smell of her perfume still lingers in the space, causing me to smile. I enter her closet, finding the items I need, then walk back out to the main room where I open her drawers for her lingerie. Perfect. Finally, I go in her bathroom and throw her toiletries in a bag I found in the closet. That should get her through to Sunday night. Before I leave, I pet Vixen again, who sits calmly on the sofa blinking slowly at me, then I slip out, lock the door, and head on to my next destination. My place is getting cleaned in about an hour, and by then, I should be done with all my errands. Tonight, I finally get to the make Mia mine.

  AFTER LUNCH I return to my desk and read the email detailing plans for the evening. That’s where we’re going? Really? Okay, I guess we’ll hang out with waitresses dressed like scantily clad schoolgirls handing out shots and cigars. I roll my eyes and laugh as I fire off the information to Gabriel.

  I literally cannot wait to see him tonight, knowing that finally, I get all of it. I can only imagine how amazing that thick dick of his is gonna feel. There are so many things I want to do with him. Just the idea of him opens my mind to possibilities, the fantasies I’ve had but never wanted to tell anyone, the freakish thoughts that often crowd my mind. Gabriel inspires me to let that side out.

  As the time nears four, Sara pops over to my desk. “Ready to go?”

  “I am.” I turn off my computer, grab my handbag and wait for Michelle who’s so excited to get a night off from mom duty, she can barely contain herself. Just one more example to add to the list of reasons why I’m not having kids. I do what I want. Well, mostly. As we walk, I get a text and open it.

  See you in exactly one hour. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

  Grinning, I respond. Is there anything you wouldn’t do?

  I wouldn’t do anything that doesn’t involve you.

  I smile at his response before answering. No one exists but you, Gabriel.

  You think that now, just wait until the weekend is over. I will be everything you want now and a thousand things you didn’t even know you wanted.

  I don’t doubt that. Can’t wait.

  “Gabriel?” Sara asks peeking over my shoulder as I quickly close the text screen.

  “Yep. He’ll be by in about an hour to pick me up.”

  “What are you doing tonight?” Michelle asks as we hit the lobby where several others wait.

  “Not sure. Just dinner and hanging out I think.”

  “Like Netflix and chill?” Sara and I look at each other and laugh. “What? I heard that’s what people call sex these days.”

  “That’s hilarious,” I reply, still laughing. “And I’m not answering it.”

  “Ah, can’t you let a married woman live vicariously through you?”

  “I’d rather be married,” Sara says.

  “That makes one of us,” I add.

  “Yeah, but here you are being monogamous.”

  “Monogamous? We’re still just dating. No one is making lifelong monogamy commitments yet.”

  “Yet,” Sara says, grinning.

  I roll my eyes. “Whatever. Gabriel doesn’t strike me as the white picket fence type either.”

  “No, he’s not, but that doesn’t mean you guys can’t have your own kind of fence.”

  It would have barbed wire and padlocks on it. I laugh then glance at Michelle and Sara. “Maybe.”

  After we all congregate in the lobby, we walk outside and down the sidewalk to the bar that just opened. Inside it’s classier than I expected, and has more of a sports bar vibe than a strip club like I imagined. We find a large table in the bar and sit as our waitress Nicole walks up. She’s wearing a teeny tiny lace bra that barely covers her tits under a white button-down shirt tied tightly right under them. Her exposed belly draws my eye toward her plaid school-girl style mini skirt, with a row of cigars sticking out the top, thigh high white socks, and high heeled Mary Jane’s. The tattoo scrolling down her side grabs my attention, as does the diamond studded bar piercing her belly button, and her long black hair tied into two pigtails. My eyes finally settle on her face. She doesn’t seem like she could be older than twenty-one, and she’s fucking hot.

  “Definitely qualified for the job,” Sara whispers.

  Laughing, I nod. “Definitely.”

  “What can I get you all?”

  We go around the table ordering and when she gets to me, I decide on a winter lager. When she leaves, I look down at my watch.

  Forty minutes.

  A few minutes later, Jamie walks in and Sara waves as he joins us. He kisses her softly and runs his hand down her back as she gazes up at him with the sweetest expression on her face. It makes me happy she met someone she likes. She deserves that.

  Our drinks are delivered and after sipping mine and listening to everyone chat for a bit, I look down at my watch again.

  Thirty minutes.

  As I sit, I feel like I’m in some kind of vacuum. The sound of the music, the TVs, the voices all blur together while my mind focuses on what’s going to happen to me soon.

  Twenty minutes.

  Fuck, it feels like an eternity. I just want to see his face, hear his voice, kiss that mouth. I want to hear him say things in French, with that intensely sexy expression on his face. I want to be his everything tonight. His devoted.

  Nicole checks in with everyone then puts a shot in front of me. “Oh, I didn’t order a shot.”

  “I know. It’s on me.”

  I tilt my head. “Why?”

  “You don’t seem like you’re having fun, so I wanted to cheer you up.”

  Smiling, I nod. “Ah. I’m fine. Just distracted, but thank you. That’s nice of you.”

  “No problem.” She bounces off as I watch her delicious backside for a minute.

  “Makes you wish you were a guy, huh?” Kelly, another coworker in my department, says to me as we watch Nicole.

  “Or a lesbian.”

  Kelly laughs. “Or that. I don’t usually look at women, but I’m looking at her.”

  “I think that’s the point.”

  “True.” She lifts her shot glass. “Cheers.”

  “Cheers.” I clink her glass then throw back my shot. I don’t know what it is, but it’s strong as fuck and burns all the way down. Squeezing my eyes shut, I shake my head. “Whew.”

  “Right?” Kelly says, drinking her beer as a chaser. I follow suit then check my watch again.

  Ten minutes.

  Excitement spreads through me like the heat of the shot I just drank. Before I know it, another one is put in front of me, and I slam it down, trying to calm my nerves.
No one has any idea what’s going to happen to me tonight. Hell, neither do I, but I want it more than I want my next breath.

  Five minutes.

  Oh, Jesus. I’m gonna pass out. My head is woozy from the alcohol, but more from the idea of Gabriel.

  Four.

  Three.

  Two.

  I close my eyes in an attempt to ground myself then smile as I feel his arm around my waist. I twist my face to see him, pressed against me, as he moves my hair to the side and kisses my neck. It’s an intimate gesture, especially in front of my coworkers, but I don’t give a damn. He’s finally here.

  “Hi,” I whisper.

  “Hey.” His eyes search mine for a moment, and I know we both want to make out.

  “Meatball!” Sara squeals.

  Gabriel laughs and nods. “Hey.” He nuzzles my hair again then whispers. “How long do you want to stay?”

  “Only as long as you do.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  “Okay.”

  Just as we’re about to leave, Nicole shows up again. “Can I get you something to drink, sir?” she asks Gabriel. I look up at him to gauge his reaction to the pretty girl to find his eyes still completely on me.

  “Should we have one drink?” he asks me.

  “Why not?”

  He nods. “I’ll have a beer. What do you have on tap?”

  Nicole rattles off several things, then Gabriel leans close to her and whispers something in her ear. She nods, smiles, and hurries off.

  “What are you up to?” I ask.

  “Trust.”

  “Of course.”

  Gabriel remains behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist. “Which one is Brad?”

  “That guy over there in the blue shirt.”

  “With the thinning hair?”

  “Yeah. Do you see now why you had nothing to worry about?”

  He laughs. “Yes, but I will always worry when you aren’t with me. It’s just my nature.”

  “That’s okay.” I glance at the bar. “Did you think Nicole was pretty?”

  “Who’s Nicole?”

  “The waitress.”

  “Oh.” He gazes vaguely in that direction. “I didn’t really notice, Mia. Why?”