Max smiled in relief. "Just to get something to eat. Want anything?"
"A few nibbles would be great."
A smile lit up her face, and Max felt his pulse quicken. He could drown in those eyes, she looked so beautiful.
"Don't go anywhere," he warned teasingly and headed to the buffet.
When he turned around, she was watching him, and half a dozen men were watching her. Scum, he thought angrily, as he watched one of them heading towards her.
He tried to move faster, to get back to her as soon as he could.
***
Amy smiled as she watched Max hurrying away to get her something to eat. She'd almost forgotten that she'd skipped lunch amid all the primping and pampering, and the buffet must be good.
So far, the evening had been lovely. It hadn't seemed like work at all.
Of course, Max had been completely aloof and businesslike, merely asking her how her day had been and checking that everything had been to her liking.
Everything had been perfect, she'd replied, and then he'd gone silent. Was it too much to hope for that he told her she looked nice? Amy never dressed like this at work, and she wondered if it was too much. But then, she'd noticed co-workers dress in ridiculously inappropriate outfits for the office Halloween party, from nurses to bunnies and everything in between. So surely her gown wasn't too bad.
But Max had said nothing, and had just looked at her silently.
"You look nice in that tux," she'd said smiling, and she meant it. He looked handsome and dangerous in his clothes, and his eyes were gleaming dark.
"Thanks," he'd said politely. "You look good too. Kara did a good job picking that pink stuff for you."
"Oh." Amy had blushed, not knowing what to say. Had it seemed like she was fishing for compliments? She wasn't, she was just being nice. And somehow he'd turned his compliment into what a good job Kara had done, not how she looked.
Well, what had she expected? That Max would take one look at her and fall madly in love? No, things didn't work that way with guys, she thought, and besides, she didn't want Max to be remotely interested in her. Not only would it make things difficult at work, it would probably lead to him finding out more about her and then not just dumping her, but firing her as well.
And she needed this job - she hadn't been here a year yet, and a gap would look terrible on her resume. She'd worked far too hard to throw things away by being careless. So she'd do her best at this gala and make her way till the end of the evening, after which she'd leave and never see Max outside of work again.
But then they'd stepped out of the limo, and there were bright flashes of light everywhere. It was a nightmare for her - she'd always been incredibly shy and thankfully Max had propelled her through and gotten her past it. His skin had felt hot against hers, he smelled spicy and exotic.
She'd never been so close to him before, she thought, as he'd stood behind her and introduced her to politicians, actors and sports players. She tried her best to smile and act graceful, willing herself to ignore the fact that she was wearing the largest size dress in the room.
The women all flipped their hair and smiled up at Max, ignoring her completely, but she told herself she didn't care, she was having fun. The crystal chandeliers threw off warm light, the hall was alive with laughter and happiness. The women sparkled in their colorful dresses, the jewels around their necks glinting, and the men were powerful and charming.
Amy watched Max hurrying along the buffet and hoped he wouldn't be long. What would she do by herself? Thankfully someone came up to her at that moment, a tall, blond man offering her his hand.
"I'm Clark," he said smiling, his teeth white and even. "You look a little lost."
She laughed, his charm was disarming, and she mentioned that her date was getting her food.
"Your boyfriend?" he'd asked, "Or your fiancé?"
"Neither," she smiled, "My boss. And what about you, who are you with?"
"My mother," he sighed. "It's nice to enjoy the company of someone my age for a bit. I think she's relieved too; it gives her a chance to flirt with Mathew over there."
He jerked his head towards a balding man, and Amy noticed an elegant lady chatting with him.
She was about to say something when Max reappeared.
"Your food," he growled, handing her a plate with hors d'oeuvres laid out on it. "Got you a selection." And then he turned to face Clark.
***
Max scowled when he saw Clark chatting up Amy. This wasn't happening, he thought to himself. Clark Fordham had no scruples and was a bigger player than himself. There was no reason for Amy to be talking to him, let alone laughing and smiling that dazzling smile of hers. What could he possibly be saying to her that was so fascinating?
As soon as he reached them, he thrust the plate into Amy's hands and turned to get rid of Clark. But Clark was oblivious to his silent threat and continued to make inane jokes, causing Amy to erupt in peals of laughter. Her face lit up when she laughed, and there seemed to be nothing he could do to get rid of the weasel. Finally, Max muttered something to Clark about meeting someone important.
"Who are we meeting?" Amy asked, as he grabbed her arm and dragged her away from Clark. "Clark seemed nice."
"He's an ass." Max didn't have time for subtleties and said darkly, "I want you stay away from him."
She looked at him thoughtfully and asked, "Why?"
Max looked down at her trusting face and felt a tiny bit sheepish. It would be too easy to tell her that he was a competitor, or liked to spread rumors, but she would just believe him. Clearly she wasn't used to scheming and planning ahead, unlike Chloe… Chloe.
His face darkened as he caught sight of his ex. Amy had been such a vision in pink that she'd driven all thoughts of other women out of his mind, but now Chloe was standing there, all sleek and cold, and seemed to be heading their way.
Amy was still looking up at him, waiting for his answer. Her eyes were large and innocent, her cheeks flushed and her naivety apparent. Everyone else here was cold, dark and cynical, but… the image of a soft, pink rose appeared in his mind. Yes, that's what she was, soft, pink, sweet and nice-smelling. Would she taste just as nice?
He stroked her cheek gently with a thumb. Time seemed to have slowed down. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Chloe turning to someone and then continuing his way. But now all he was really aware of was Amy's upturned face, her lips full and pink.
She's like a magnet was Max's last thought, as he brought his lips down towards her. He pressed her against him, her breasts soft against his hard chest, her lips soft and yielding as his lips pressed down, hard and insistent.
He felt her stiffen for a moment and a shiver of worry went through his spine. Was she about to draw back and slap him? But then she melted, and he plundered her mouth with a hungry urgency. Her tongue met his with the same feverishness he felt, and they battled for what seemed like ages, his hardness pressing against her soft body, his mouth demanding more, more.
Finally, he pulled away, drawing his lips away with reluctance, and putting a bit of space between their bodies, even as the arousal coursed through his veins, making him desperate to be alone with her. Amy's eyes were gleaming in the light, her face was flushed and her lips were slightly parted. Max thought with a groan how badly he wanted to kiss those lips again, but he turned and realized Chloe was standing in front of them.
"Chloe."
"Max."
"A pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise." Her cold voice dripped with honey, but he wasn't fooled for an instant. "This is Jean Pierre."
He shook hands with the famous designer, and allowed Chloe to turn on her heel and stalk off elegantly.
***
Within a few seconds, Amy's emotions churned from excitement and exhilaration to frustration and disappointment.
So this was why Max had kissed her, she thought, trying her best not to glare at Chloe. She'd seen Chloe's pictures in tabloids, and she l
ooked so much more beautiful in real life. Tall, slim, with stylish blonde hair and blue eyes, even her voice was low and regal.
Chloe's eyes had glanced through hers and Max didn't even bother to introduce her. Was he ashamed of her?
"So, this was all for Chloe's benefit," she breathed softly. Clearly Max was still interested in Chloe.
"Is that what you really think?"
She looked up into his eyes. They were dark and hungry, and there was no mistaking his intentions when he lowered his face and gently kissed her lower lip. His breath was heavy on her mouth and he tasted spicy and exciting.
She felt something stirring inside her, a deep-rooted desire, the uncoiling of what she'd felt since the first time she met him. He was dark and handsome and when he moved away after the brief kiss, she wanted to taste him again.
This is now, Amy thought, running her hand up his spine and into his thick hair. She closed her eyes and pressed his head down, arching up into his mouth again.
Their lips crashed together and the desire ran deep between them. She savored his taste, his mouth, leaning into him and feeling his hot need, until they were forced to move apart again.
"I think we should get out of here."
His voice was husky and Amy let him hold her hand and guide her towards Ian. After a brief goodbye, they were both settled in his limo.
"My apartment," he ordered and raised the barrier between them and the chauffeur.
Amy had a split second to understand what that meant, before he pulled her close and brought his lips down on hers again. Their kiss was softer this time, slightly anticipatory. He was gentler, but it was obvious he was restraining himself.
When he pulled back, he placed a finger under Amy's chin and looked into her eyes.
"Amy, are you sure you want this?"
Her voice felt dry and she managed to whisper a hoarse, "Yes."
Yes, of course she wanted it. How could she not, when he had teased her and made promises with his body that a lot more was to come?
Max let go of her and ran a hand through his hair. "I want this too. But let me be clear: I don't believe in love. There's a limit to what I can offer someone, and I don't want to give you the wrong idea."
Amy was a bit surprised at the admission. Of course, she already knew Max's reputation; she knew he didn't care to settle down with one girl. She could live with that - she'd had short relationships that ended unexpectedly, and unfulfilling lovers. And Max was being upfront and honest about what he wanted, and she wanted Max… "I understand."
"People say I break hearts, but I'm always honest. I'm not promising you a 'relationship' and marriage and the works, just a fun time together - that's my deal."
"It's enough for me." Was it? She hesitated as soon as she said those words. She had no doubt it would be fun, and she appreciated that Max wasn't trying to seduce her by faking an interest he didn't feel, but what if he found out about her family background? And… "What happens when it ends?"
Max sank back into his seat. "We'll have a word with HR on Monday and I promise I'll help you get a job that pays better or as much as much we do, in a different company."
Amy nodded. She really wanted to be with Max and she appreciated his honesty. And she had no doubt he'd help her get a new, maybe better, job. If she left the office, it wouldn't matter who her cousin was.
She allowed Max to pull out a bottle of Bollinger from the minibar and pour two glasses for themselves. She sipped silently.
Max trailed a finger up her bare arm slowly, leaving sparks where he'd just touched her. Amy turned to him with a smile and said, "It would have been nice if we weren't working together."
Max nodded. "Yes, but then we'd never have met. Are you having second thoughts?"
"A little," she admitted, taking a longer sip.
"Let me change your mind, then."
He took away her champagne flute and held her hands in his. They looked at each other quietly, their eyes silent with desire. Amy dropped her gaze to his lips and parted her own slightly. She breathed in and waited.
Max let go of her hands and moved closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and turning her head to face him. When he pressed down on her upturned lips all thoughts left her mind. His breath was hot and minty, his scent spicy and exotic. She felt the ripples flow through her body, and she leaned into him and felt the electricity passing between their bodies.
Chapter Three
Half an hour later they arrived at his penthouse apartment, and he helped her out of the limo and into the elevator. She leaned against him feeling hot, almost feverish.
The ride had seemed to pass in seconds, their kisses interrupted only by vague murmurs. She was vividly aware of his presence, his tall, muscular body right next to hers, close in a way she'd dreamed of, without ever really daring to hope it would be real.
The city seemed quiet; everyone was asleep. When they entered his dark apartment, the hazy glow of city lights was streaming in through the windows. She turned to see him in the dim glow, and before he could switch on the lights she had pressed herself against him.
They kissed again, her hands pushing off his tuxedo jacket, his hands running through her hair. Before she knew it he'd pushed her to the ground, mumbling hoarsely that he couldn't wait. There was a soft rug under her skin, in the hazy light she recognized it as being a deep-colored Persian, and he pressed her down against it.
There was a part of her that was impatient and a part of her that wanted this to last forever. Max's lips were hot on hers, and as he deepened their embrace, his hands were everywhere.
He tried to get her out of the dress, and managed to tear it in his impatience. Amy giggled, and helped him by finding and undoing the zipper.
She hadn't worn a bra under her dress, and the sight of her bare breasts made him groan under his breath. "You're so perfect," he murmured. His mouth came down, his lips encircling her nipple as he sucked gently, his tongue flicking out and making her moan and arch her back. "We need to do this right."
Without further warning, he lifted her up into his arms, her bare skin warm, her body soft and delicate in his arms. He carried her across the room, through a corridor and into the master bedroom.
Soft light streamed in through the windows, and he laid her gently on the bed, knelt beside her and looked down at her naked beauty. She was flushed, soft and pale against his dark covers.
Something deep down inside her tightened when Max held her breasts in both hands, and Amy groaned as he squeezed gently, caressing them and stroking upwards as he let go, her nipples hardening into sharp points. His mouth came down again, and she gasped as he took her breast into his mouth.
It seemed like an eternity as he savored her body slowly. He used his tongue to play with one nipple, then the other, alternating between her breasts and making her writhe in agony. Amy moaned and wanted more, Max moved up, and their mouths merged, their kiss deeper than ever before.
When Max moved away, he began to trail soft kisses down her neck, reaching her collarbone and kissing the hollow right below her neck and then moving his lips along her shoulders. When he began to trail small kisses down the center of her body, moving down between her breasts, Amy couldn't take it any more and arched up, leaning into Max's body and fumbling with his shirt buttons.
It was frustrating - Max's kisses were making her unable to concentrate and the buttons seemed so insanely complicated. Thankfully, he decided to move away and it took him a few seconds to slip out of his shirt and trousers. The bulge in his black boxers was unmistakable, and when he slipped those off, Amy drank in the sight of his gorgeous, swollen manhood.
But before she could even reach out to stroke the engorged length, Max was down on top of her again, nibbling on her lower stomach, kissing her belly button and using his tongue to trace circles around it.
Amy groaned and pushed him off her. "No," she said, smiling when he lay back down, "I want to play, too."
He was gorgeous, naked and tan
and muscular. She traced her fingers along his strong shoulders, kissing his hard chest and raking her fingers along his smooth abs. She wanted to enjoy him, she wanted to take it slow, but there was a part of her that was burning up in desire that wanted everything to happen immediately. Right. Now.
And it was that part of her which seemed to call out to Max - he growled and pushed her off him, sliding off her panties in one smooth motion and pushing her legs wide apart.
She gasped and he said, "You’ll get your chance to play later."
He was kneeling between her thighs, holding her legs wide apart and Amy felt exposed, vulnerable and slightly shy; her entrance was hot, swollen and dripping wet. She was thankful for the darkness, but their eyes had adjusted to the moonlight, and they could see each other quite clearly. Max brought his lips down on her inner thigh, just above her right knee, and all thoughts fled from her mind.
The world was hazy, her senses fading, as Max began to trail his tongue up along her inner thigh, moving towards her swollen lower lips, but just before he got there he moved back down to her other leg and took his time moving his tongue up that thigh. But this time, when he reached the apex, he didn't stop.
He stroked his thumb up along her entrance, making her juices flow more rapidly and then she felt him bring his mouth down as he started to lap them up. His mouth was hungry, his tongue creating unexpected sensations, and she realized she was making strange moaning noises. As his tongue moved up and down she moaned and shivered and arched her back, the world was rapidly fading away, and when he brought his mouth up and used his tongue to spear her clit again and again, she let out her first low scream.
A finger soon replaced his tongue, twirling and teasing her sensitive nub as Max moved his mouth slightly lower and she felt his tongue attack her and lick her and the world disappeared. She felt the tension inside her dissolve, felt herself shatter into a million tiny pieces and the waves of her orgasm began to roll through her. She let the sensations take her over, her body writhing and her voice making strange, loud noises.
When she came to, she was breathing heavily and she noticed that Max was watching her carefully.
The Pink Rose: Secrets, Love and Betrayal Page 2
