My stomach clenches. That doesn't make any sense.
I take a deep breath. "Nick wouldn't sell Haley."
"Nick?"
Fuck me. My silence is an ineffective protest.
"I need you to know something, Lizzy."
"Yes?" I brace myself for a lecture.
"You're my family now. If Marlowe hurts you, I'll destroy him."
"He won't. I trust him."
"I've seen what happens to smart women who fuck their bosses. It ends fine for the bosses—"
"Even at Sterling Tech?"
"It's against policy, but it happens." Blake frowns. "You're only nineteen. He must be thirty."
"Twenty seven. And you're five years older than Kat."
His eyes get intense and protective. "Does she know?"
"No, and I appreciate you keeping this between us. She's spent enough of her life taking care of me. Do you know anything else about this offer?"
"No. But I can find out anything you want about Nick."
"Like what?"
"A girlfriend."
"He doesn't have a girlfriend."
He frowns. "Do you have feelings for him?"
"It's just sex."
Blake raises an eyebrow like he's not sure if I can handle a strictly sexual relationship. Is it all men that think they know better or only the rich ones?
Behind me, Kat stirs with a loud yawn. "What are you two whispering about?"
"Surprise for you. Don't eavesdrop." I lower my voice. "Thank you for the information, but I've got it under control."
All his attention shifts to Kat. He wraps his arms around her, pulling her into a long, deep hug. She sighs, her face lighting up as she smiles.
"I missed you," she whispers.
"I missed you too."
It's a personal moment, and I'm clearly intruding. There's nowhere to get out of the way, so I step into the bathroom with a loud "excuse me" then wash the hints of makeup off my face.
When I return to the main room, they're locked in that same hug.
Kat steps back. "I'm not convincing you to pick more of my movies."
"You can still have the next one." I hug her goodbye then turn my attention to Blake. "Let me handle that thing we discussed."
"If you can't—"
"I can." I walk them to the door. "There's only two months until your wedding. Worry about that."
Kat's eyes light up. She looks at Blake with a wealth of affection. The wall of stone is gone. His expression is caring, loving.
It's sickeningly sweet.
"Goodnight." I wave.
They nod goodnight and walk out the door hand in hand.
I plant in front of my computer and try to dig up more information about Nick's company.
There's nothing useful.
I'll have to ask him.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sleep eludes me. I get up early, do an extra long yoga session, shower, and go straight to the office.
I'm a few minutes early but Nick is here, standing behind his desk, attention on his computer.
"Good morning." His voice is even, like I'm any other coworker.
Like we didn't sleep together.
"Good morning." I fix my cup of coffee and tear my bagel into quarters.
The door to the office is closed but not locked. This is supposed to be professional.
I'm supposed to stand here for two hours, every morning, as if I don't want him to tie me to his bed. It feels impossible.
"Is something on your mind, Miss Wilder?" He pulls up our work for the day and motions for me to take a spot behind the computer.
There's so much on my mind. I push Blake's warning aside. I need to figure out how to handle this before I start bringing up things that will push Nick.
My mind flashes with the memory of him undoing the buttons of his oxford shirt. He's wearing the same style of shirt today. The same cologne.
I clear my throat. "Nothing interesting." I scan the code on screen. "What are we working on today?"
"Debugging. How much experience do you have?"
A lot. I focus on my expertise, blocking out everything that is not one hundred percent about programming. I still feel a rush of heat when Nick's hand brushes against my side, but otherwise, I'm just an intern, and he's just a mentor.
***
It's the same all week. I try to talk myself into asking about the sale on my way to work. I chicken out the second I see Nick.
He's strictly business, all calm and aloof like it's easy for him to keep things separate. Not so much for me. I collapse when I get home from work. I can barely manage to make dinner or watch TV.
Friday, I'm antsy. It takes every last ounce of strength to keep my hands to myself.
By ten, I'm out of energy. I gather my things, debating whether I'll drink the shit coffee in the kitchen or take twenty minutes to get a vanilla latte at the place across the street.
Nick's eyes bore into me. There's an intention in his gaze, and it's more than professional.
Vanilla latte wins.
"Are you okay, Miss Wilder?" he asks.
"Do we have to go by last names at the office?"
"It makes it easier to keep things separate." He moves close enough to touch me. "There's something bothering you. Business or personal?"
"Some of each."
"Which is more pressing?"
"Business."
His gaze goes to the clock on the wall. "I have a conference call. Come back here for lunch. I'll schedule our takeout for twelve-thirty, but I want you here at noon."
"To talk?"
"No."
Oh. I consider playing coy, but it's really not my strong suit. "Is half an hour enough time?"
"Not as much as I'd like." His eyes flash with determination. "But I'll make sure you come at least twice."
My cheeks flush. I've got no response to that besides “hell yes.” I nod a goodbye and reach for the door. "Of course, Mr. Marlowe. I look forward to it."
Suddenly, I don't need the coffee anymore. I'm wide-awake.
***
At five minutes to noon, I walk to Nick's office with my best aloof, badass confidence.
The door is open enough that I can see inside. He's sitting behind his desk. No jacket, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His eyes connect with mine. He motions “come here.”
I step inside. There's no food on his desk. No plates or silverware. Not enough to rattle me. "I have to ask you something."
"After. Lock the door." His eyes flash with desire.
When we're together, alone, with the door locked—
I stare back at him. "It's important."
"We'll talk about it after."
There's something in his expression. Not just desire, but need too. He needs me. God knows I want him to touch me. It's been agony acting professional all week.
I press the door closed and click the lock shut.
His voice is a command. "Take off your dress."
I unzip my dress and slide it off my shoulders. It falls at my feet.
His eyes pass over my body slowly, like he's taking in all the details. His pupils dilate. His lips part.
God, desire looks so good on him.
This conversation can wait. I need more of that look. I reach for my bra and unhook it.
Nick's voice gets rough. "Not until I ask." He slides out of his seat, his eyes still glued to me. He moves closer. Close enough to touch. His fingertips skim the side of my hip. They tug at the straps of my garter belt. "You wear this for me?"
I nod. "You haven't touched me all week."
"Did you expect me to undress you?"
I shake my head. "No, I never know what you're going to do. But I hoped you would. I thought about it last night."
"You touched yourself?"
My cheeks flush. I nod.
He drags his hand up my side and traces the outline of my bra. It's the nicest one I own, after the ones he gave me.
He unhooks my bra and pee
ls it off. His eyes go wide as he plays with my nipples. "Did you do it fast or did you take your time?"
"I didn't think about it like that."
His touch gets rougher. "From now on, you make it last as long as possible."
He's telling me how to masturbate? It should bother me that he's trying to command such a private aspect of my life.
But it doesn't.
I want to do what he says. I want to please him.
How can I want so badly to please him?
I meet his gaze. "How will you know?"
He pinches my nipple. The pain shoots straight to my core. I press my knees together. Dig my heel into the floor.
"I'll know." He brings his hand to my chin. "If you lie to me this is over."
"What if you lie to me?"
"You can end this relationship at any time." He runs his thumb over my lower lip. "But I won't lie to you."
I stare into his eyes. This is important. "Do you promise?"
"Yes." He pulls off my glasses and sets them on his desk. "I care about you. I don't want to hurt you."
His eyes are so honest. I believe him, believe that he'll never lie to me.
I never trust anyone but Kat, and I believe him.
The question bubbles up in my gut. It's this wall between us and I can't stand it. I know him better than I did a month ago, but it's not enough to trust him this deeply.
To think about him this often.
Nick runs his hand through my hair and undoes my bun. "What are you thinking?"
I bite my tongue. Nick doesn't get to know every thought in my brain, but I want us to be on the same page here. "I care about you too. It scares me how much I care about you."
"Lizzy, I can't offer you—"
"I know. I don't expect you to... I don't want a boyfriend." But I do want him. As much of him as I can get.
I swallow the thought. I can't get mixed up over Nick. This is casual. It will end sooner rather than later. I'll lose him sooner rather than later.
He stares back into my eyes, running his fingers through my hair. His mouth opens like he's going to speak but he says nothing.
Nick leans closer. Six inches. Close enough to kiss me. My eyes flutter closed. I wait.
Our lips connect.
It's fast, rough, electric. His tongue slides into my mouth. His hands dig into my ass, pulling my body into his.
He's hard. I shift my hips for a better feel. God, he's so fucking hard.
His touch kindles a fire inside me. Heat spreads through my torso, to my limbs. My legs go weak. My knees buckle.
Nick slides both hands under my ass. He lifts me. I wrap my legs around his hips, my arms around his shoulders.
He sets me down on the couch. No thud. His movements are precise. His hands go to my hips and he pulls my panties to my knees, my calves, my feet.
Then they're gone. On the floor somewhere. His pupils dilate as he wraps his hands around my ankles and pries my legs apart.
I'm practically on display for him.
It sends a pang straight to my core.
Nick undoes the knot of his tie. "Put your hands over your head. Palms together."
I do.
He pulls the tie around my wrists and cinches a snug knot.
I'm on my boss's couch, tied up and nearly naked. The rest of the office is on the other side of that wall. If we're too loud someone will hear.
We can get caught.
The heat raging through me collects between my legs. I press my palms together. I squeeze the couch with my toes. He's not touching me yet.
I need him touching me.
Nick's eyes meet mine. "You have to keep your voice down."
I nod.
He drags his hand down my stomach. Lower and lower. His thumb presses against my clit. Soft. Then hard.
"Nick," I groan. Pleasure surges through me. "How loud is too loud?"
"Not a single decibel more."
He rubs circles with his thumb. More pressure. More. It's too much. I gasp. He pulls his hand away.
I look back at him. His eyes are wide with ecstasy. His cheeks are flushed.
He really does get off on being in control.
God, how I like him getting off.
I nod. "I'll be quiet."
He brings his thumb to my clit, rubbing me until he finds just the right spot. I groan as quietly as I can.
His fingers curl around me. They tease my sex. Almost where they need to be but not quite there.
I make eye contact. He's fixed on me, studying my reactions like his life depends on it.
I relax into the couch, pressing my eyelids together, sinking my teeth into my lip to keep myself from screaming.
He slides one finger inside me. Then two. He rubs me as he pushes his fingers deeper. I gasp. I can't help it. His touch is fucking intense.
An orgasm builds inside me. I'm powerless to do anything but feel it. Tension knots in my core. There's more with every brush of his thumb.
My lips part. A groan escapes. "Nick, I can't keep quiet. I have to scream."
"You can."
I moan. "How?"
"Do you trust me?"
I barely manage to nod.
"Look at me." His voice is in-control.
I do. God, the pleasure on his face. It's commanding. That knot cinches tight. With his next touch, it unravels. A wave of pleasure spreads out to my fingers and toes. I see white, nothing but the blinding light of bliss as an orgasm rocks through me.
A groan rises up in my throat. There's no way to contain it. As soon as I'm moaning, his hand is covering my mouth, muffling me.
Nick reaches for something on the bookshelf. A condom. He unzips his slacks and rolls it on.
A groan escapes his lips as he grabs my knees and lifts my ass into the air. He brings our bodies together. The rubber tugs for a moment, then he's inside me.
I gasp. He feels damn good.
Pleasure spreads across Nick's face. He keeps his hands wrapped around my legs, using them for leverage to push himself deeper.
His movements aren't as forceful as they were in his bed. They're softer, like they're designed to be quiet. He thrusts just enough to keep the couch from shaking. He digs his nails into my skin just enough to push me to the brink of screaming.
My eyes flutter closed. I focus all my attention on the sensations in my body. The sting of pain as his nails scrape against the delicate flesh of my inner thighs. The pulse of pleasure as he thrusts into me.
I want to groan, to pant, to scream. But I can't. I don't even care that we can get caught. Only that he'll stop.
He drags his hands to my ankles and presses my legs against his chest. My ankles hook around his shoulders. He leans into me, pinning me to the couch and thrusting deep.
I fight my urge to scream. It's too much pressure. It's too intense.
"Nick," I groan.
He slides his fingers into my mouth. It's strange at first, how they taste like me. But they're inviting. Soft and hard at once.
I suck on him to keep my volume down.
Harder and harder as he goes deeper and deeper.
His groans get louder. Almost too loud. His shoulders tense. His free hand sinks into the flesh of my ass.
I'm almost there. I thrust my hips, desperate for every inch of him I can get. The tension winds up again. So tight I want to scream.
Instead, I bite him.
He groans. His breath gets heavy.
His next thrust sends me over the edge. I come, my sex clenching around him. For a second I forget how good ecstasy looks on him, and I feel nothing but my intense pulsing of my orgasm.
When I finally regain my senses, he's there—shaking, groaning, clawing at my skin. He brings his mouth to my neck and sinks his teeth into my flesh.
He groans as he comes. It reverberates down my neck, all the way to my toes.
Nick pushes himself up. He takes care of the condom, tucks his cock back into his slacks, zips up.
He's go
ing to smell like sex all day.
Like me.
He sits back on the couch next to me, undoes the knot of his tie, and fastens it around his neck. Except for ruffled hair and a not quite wrinkle free shirt, he looks normal.
He leans down to press his lips to mine. "Our lunch is due in a few minutes. Ms. Lee is going to bring it when it's here."
So I need to get dressed. Nick helps me into my clothes. He slides my glasses onto my face with a gentle touch. There's something sweetly intimate about it. I can almost imagine him as my doting husband, assisting with my zipper before a special occasion.
What's wrong with me? A relationship with Nick is already off the table. If I keep thinking like that, I'll scare him off, and I'm not ready to be alone again.
"I should clean up." I reach for the door and unlock it slowly. "Excuse me." I step into the main room. It's quiet. Only three or four people here and they're all in the opposite corner.
No way they heard us.
I clean up in the bathroom. My makeup isn't a total travesty. My hair, on the other hand—I pull it into a messy ponytail. There. It's not terrible.
Now there's nothing left to do except ask him.
***
When I get back to Nick's office, it's clean and neat, like nothing happened. He rearranges his desk so his stuff is on one side and our takeout is on the other.
"Green curry or red?" He motions for me to sit.
I do. "Green."
He hands me a plastic container. I pull of the lid and the smells of gangal, lime, and chili peppers waft into my nose. My stomach rumbles. This looks amazing.
Still, I wait until Nick is sitting across from me, everything scooped neatly onto paper plates.
He hands me a plastic fork. "What do you need to talk about?"
I rack my brain to figure out a way to explain it without revealing my source or lying. "I heard something. You could call it a rumor."
"From who?"
"I can't say. I promised to keep it a secret."
"Then you shouldn't ask me about it."
His expression is hard, business again.
I play with my food. "Don't you want to know what it is?"
"There's a weight to other people's secrets. It catches up with you."
"Oh."
"You can ask me, but I can't promise to keep it confidential."
I stab a pepper. "I heard a rumor that someone from the company is trying to sell the Haley project."
The Billionaire's Need: An Alpha Billionaire Romance (The Billionaire's Deal Series Book 3) Page 9
