Mastered by the CEO (Mastered By #4)

by Opal Carew

  “I told you to stay in the suite,” he said as soon as they were both settled in the back seat.

  The driver pulled away from the curb into the city traffic.

  “I wasn’t going to sit in your suite like an invalid. Waiting around all day. I had a job to go to.”

  “No job is more important than your health.”

  “Easy to say from someone who doesn’t have to worry about a job.”

  They arrived at the hotel and he escorted her to the suite.

  “Why did you bring me here? I don’t work for you anymore and you’re not responsible for watching over me.”

  He gestured for her to sit down. She sat on one of the armchairs and he sat across from her.

  “Those termination papers… they’re not what you think.”

  Her eyebrow arched. “I haven’t been let go?”

  “Your employment with Brenier Electronics has been terminated.”

  She already knew it, but something in her had held out hope when King had walked into the restaurant to find her that it had just been a mistake.

  “But if you’d waited here for me to return, I would have told you that everyone is being terminated. The executives were sent their termination papers today and the employees will get theirs a little later, once things settle down and they can be informed about the details. After that, we’ll be offering new contracts for Collier Industries. It’s a paperwork thing. It’s easier this way because of benefits and to ensure everyone is working under the same pay scale, and so on. And for the record, Collier’s rate of pay is higher than Brenier’s, so most people will be getting a raise.”

  “So all of us are being hired back?”

  His lips compressed. “No, not everyone. Not all of the executives will be offered positions. They will be given a fair compensation for their years with Brenier, however.”

  “And me? Am I one of those going or staying?”

  As soon as the words were out, she felt every muscle in her body stiffen as she waited for his reply.

  But the distress in his somber eyes sent a clear message even before he opened his mouth.

  “Rachel…”

  She shot to her feet. “Okay, well, there you have it. I understand. Thanks for breaking it to me gently. Now that’s done, I’ll be on my way.”

  “Rachel, sit down.”

  She shook her head. “Why? What’s the point?”

  “Do you see what you’re doing right now? You never do as you’re told. You always make everything so difficult.”

  She frowned. “I’m sorry if my getting fired makes things difficult for you.”

  She hated the sour tone of her words. Almost petulant. But her feelings were a little too raw right now.

  “Rachel, sit.”

  At his authoritative tone, she sank back into the chair without a thought.

  “That’s better.” He leaned forward. “Look, I would love to keep you on, but you know the two of us don’t mesh well in the office. I need someone who is going to follow my instructions. Who’s not going to argue or push back all the time. I’m sorry this leaves you without a job, but I’ve arranged a very generous severance package. It’ll give you a good six months of income and benefits, allowing you lots of time to find another job.”

  “Are you kidding? Have you seen the job market? With no recommendations…the black mark of being laid off… I was out of work for two years last time.”

  Oh, God, she couldn’t believe she’d said those things out loud. She didn’t want him to feel sorry for her and, damn it, he’d already indicated that he’d given her preferential treatment.

  “I’ll up it to a year, then if you still don’t have a job, let me know and we’ll figure something out.”

  She glared at him, angry despite the fact he was being so generous. Or maybe because of it.

  “I don’t want your charity. I want a job.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.”

  She blinked. Staring at his sympathetic, but uncompromising expression.

  Her heart compressed. Oh, God, it was just starting to really sink in. She’d been guessing all along that she’d be fired. Had read it in the fact King hadn’t just reassured her. But even when she’d gotten the termination papers, it hadn’t quite hit home. She’d still held out hope that maybe… that the fact that King still seemed to care about her…

  But it hadn’t been caring, had it? Maybe on a superficial level. He was a good man and cared about people. He wouldn’t just let her wander away on her own with a concussion.

  And the sex… Well, that’s all it had been between them. Sex.

  But now. She knew her job was gone.

  Tears welled and she blinked them back, determined not to let them fall.

  “I thought I was good at my job.”

  “You are. You’re a wonderful asset. You just don’t fit my management style.”

  “I don’t do exactly what you tell me.” She frowned. “But… what if I did?”

  “If you did what?”

  “If I promised I would do exactly what you tell me. Without question.” She locked gazes with him. “Every time.”

  “No matter what? Even if you disagree?”

  She nodded.

  He shook his head. “You wouldn’t be able to do it.”

  “Try me. At least give me a chance.”

  “I’m not going to offer you a contract with Collier Industries on the off chance this might work. Especially when I don’t believe it.”

  “Okay, then give me a different trial. Let me work as your assistant for a week. No pay. Just to give me a chance to prove that I can do it.”

  * * *

  King watched Rachel’s expression. She’d gone from near tears to total determination.

  Her proposal that she would follow his commands to the letter was a non-starter. She couldn’t do it, no matter how much she tried. It wasn’t in her nature.

  “I’m not going to let you work for no pay,” he said. “And how would it look, you an executive being demoted to my assistant? If I did re-hire you after that, no one would take you seriously.”

  Distress filled her pretty green eyes. “You’re right, that was a bad idea. But please, King. Give me some way to prove to you that I can do it.”

  All his protective instincts came out full force.

  He didn’t want to hurt her. And firing her would hurt her beyond measure. He could see that. Her confidence in herself would be shattered.

  But keeping her in a position that just wouldn’t work… that wasn’t helping her. And firing her later would be even worse.

  It was too bad, because he wanted strong executives who could stand firm and make their own decisions. But she carried it too far. She had to learn how to bend. She had to learn how to take orders.

  She stared at him, her big green eyes pleading.

  Beautiful eyes that had gazed at him with passion and desire last night.

  Memories of her in his arms… of her calling him Mr. Taylor and obeying his commands…

  Fuck, was that the answer? He’d always assumed she would bolt if he ever even suggested he dominate her in the bedroom, but last night she had actually fallen into step. Having her follow his commands without question had been wildly exciting.

  What she needed was to be trained as a sub. To learn to follow commands without even thinking about it. To trust the one commanding her.

  Clearly, they’d never developed that kind of trust and that’s what hurt the most.

  But now she had to prove herself, so maybe that was the answer.

  “I have an idea, but I doubt you’ll go for it.”

  Hope lit in her eyes. “I will. I’ll do anything to prove to you that I can follow your orders.”

  He smiled. “Good. What I’m proposing is that you become my sex slave for a weekend. You’ll stay with me 24/7. You’ll do everything I tell you without hesitation. If you do that, then we’ll see.”

  “I… uh…”

  “I thought so
.” He stood up.

  Panic flashed across her eyes. “No, wait. I’ll do it.”

  * * *

  To Rachel’s relief, King sat down again. She’d feared she’d blown her last chance.

  It was unorthodox, and the whole idea of surrendering to him as his sex slave was a little scary… but also wildly sexy.

  “You understand there’s no guarantee,” he said.

  She bit her lip, then nodded. “No guarantee. I understand. But may I ask one favor?”

  His eyebrow arched. “You can ask.”

  “If I do this, no matter whether I succeed or fail, would you promise that my assistant Jay is hired?”

  She could be risking everything just by asking, but she had promised Jay she’d do everything she could.

  “He excels at his job,” she continued. “You can ask any of the executives. Many of them have tried to lure him away from me.”

  He frowned. “I think you should concentrate on your own situation right now.”

  “But if I do everything you say? No questions asked?”

  He sighed. “It's not that simple. There are nuances to this kind of thing. I can’t give you absolutes. Sometimes a sub will push limits knowing there’ll be consequences.”

  Consequences? Was he talking punishment?

  She knew he would never do anything to hurt her. Even if he bound and gagged her, she could totally trust him. In fact, she was sure everything he did in the bedroom—including ordering her about—would result in amazing pleasure for them both.

  “A sub has subtle ways of showing her Dom where her limits are,” he continued. “I’ll push you hard and there’ll be things you’ll need to decide if you’re okay with. And you’ll need to decide how to communicate those things to me. You have to do that all without dropping out of your role as slave. All of that will factor into whether I think your new attitude is working, and if it is, if it’ll translate back to the office.”

  “It sounds complicated. Are you sure I can’t just blindly follow your commands?”

  He chuckled. “No, I’m not. That’s why we’re doing this.”

  “I meant—”

  “I know what you meant. I’m just teasing. Don’t worry. Just do your best and stay focused on the fact that no matter what happens, you’ve ensured your assistant has a long and happy future with Collier Industries.”

  That little ray of sunshine took the edge off her anxiety.

  She nodded. “Thank you.”

  * * *

  Two days later, on Friday, Rachel arrived at the door of King’s huge vacation house about an hour outside the city. His driver had taken her home after King made the proposal and picked her up again today. Although King lived in Seattle, he had a vacation home near San Diego.

  During the whole trip, she’d been anxiously fretting over exactly what King would require of her. He’d said he would push her hard and she believed him. But she could survive anything for one weekend.

  As apprehensive as she was, however, for the past two nights she’d been dreaming of being with King. Sometimes kneeling in front of him with his big cock in her mouth. Sometimes bound and gagged with him pounding that hard cock into her.

  She couldn’t believe how arousing this whole situation was.

  The driver opened the door and carried her luggage inside. She glanced around in awe at the huge foyer, a glittering crystal chandelier hanging two stories above her. A spiral staircase led to a second floor, complete with a loft overlooking the living room beyond. The floor of the foyer was gleaming black marble and the rooms beyond had cherry-brown hardwood floors, but despite the dark colors, the house was filled with sunlight beaming through the skylights.

  “Just go through that way, ma’am,” the driver said, pointing down a hallway. “Mr. Taylor is waiting for you in the kitchen. I’ll take the bags upstairs.”

  “Thank you,” she said, then walked down the hall. Her stomach clenched, uncertain what to expect.

  She walked through an arched doorway into a large kitchen with a six burner stove, an oven built into the wall, a wine fridge and various fancy appliances sitting on the black granite countertop. A delicious aroma greeted her and she breathed it in.

  “Hello, Rachel.”

  King stood up from the table by a window looking out over a lovely backyard beautifully landscaped with exotic flowering plants, lush greenery, and even a stream with a small bridge. Off to the side was a swimming pool designed to blend in with the natural setting, including a waterfall flowing over large rocks.

  “You have a lovely home,” she said.

  “Thank you. Come and sit down.”

  She walked to the table and sat down.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes. You told me not to eat before I came here.”

  “That’s right. Very good.” He walked to the stove and spooned some noodles onto two dinner plates, then scooped something from another pot and poured it on top of the noodles.

  “May I help you?” she asked, standing up.

  His gaze locked on her. “I said sit.”

  She dropped back into her seat. “But I…”

  Damn. She stopped herself before she said that she only wanted to help, because he’d probably consider that arguing.

  “Of course,” she said. “Whatever you say.”

  He nodded, then continued serving dinner, placing the plate in front of her, then a serving bowl with asparagus wrapped in bacon and a basket of freshly baked rolls. He sat down across from her.

  As she gazed at the lovely meal, she pushed her hair behind her ear. He had told her to leave it loose and flowing.

  “Pour us some wine,” he said.

  She picked up the bottle of red wine that was already open and poured some into the two stemmed glasses sitting by their plates.

  He started to eat and she wondered if she was supposed to wait or not. After a moment, she reached for her fork. He shot her a sharp glance and she drew her hand away. She waited several more minutes, her stomach rumbling.

  Was this a test? Was she supposed to do something?

  Finally, when he was almost halfway done, her hunger got the better of her.

  “May I start eating yet?”

  “Yes.”

  “Thank you.” She didn’t know why she said it, but it just seemed appropriate.

  “How should I address you?” she asked. “Should I call you Mr. Taylor?”

  He’d had her call him that during their night together. And it had been sexy.

  “Or Sir?”

  “No.” He sipped his wine, his charcoal gaze playing over her face, gauging her reaction. “Call me Master.”

  The fine hairs on the back of her neck bristled to attention. She would never willingly call a man Master.

  Ordinarily.

  But this was a special circumstance and she’d do whatever he instructed her to do. She knew it. And he knew it.

  “Yes, Master.”

  Oh, God, a little thrill raced through her. She couldn’t really be excited by calling him Master. But the shocking truth was she could feel the start of a melting slickness between her legs.

  She pushed her fork through one of the small strips of beef and a few noodles and put them in her mouth. The delightful taste made her mouth water for more. She was so hungry she ate quickly, but not fast enough to catch up to him by the time he finished his plate.

  “Take the plates to the sink,” he commanded.

  “But I’m not—”

  At his censuring stare, she stopped short.

  “Yes, Master.” She stood up and stacked her half-eaten meal on top of his empty plate and carried them to the counter beside the sink, longing to steal a few more bites.

  “Just leave them there and return to the table.”

  She returned and hesitated, wondering if she should sit or not.

  “Sit down and drink your wine.”

  She sat down and sipped the glass, which had been half full but he’d refilled it.
/>   He watched her expectantly, downing his.

  She sipped again, then again, until the glass was only half full. She stopped and took a deep breath. But his steely gaze remained on her.

  “May I stop now?” she asked.

  “No. Finish your glass.”

  While she took another sip, he poured himself another glass and she was afraid he’d refill hers, too.

  But he didn’t.

  When he sipped his wine leisurely, she relaxed. So he didn’t expect her to gulp it down.

  She wanted to ask what he had planned for the evening, but a slave wouldn’t question things like that, she assumed.

  Finally, she tipped her glass back, finishing the last of her wine, and set it down on the table.

  “Would you like another?” he asked.

  “No. Thank you, Master.”

  He smiled. “Okay.” He stood up. “Come with me.”

  She followed him out the door of the kitchen and down a hallway.

  He opened a door and led her into a large room. It could be straight from the Fifty Shades movie, complete with floggers on the wall. She halted, a tremor quivering through her.

  Was he going to beat her?

  He opened a drawer and pulled out something black leather. He handed it to her and she realized it was a bra and panties. Or rather, a thong.

  “Put that on.”

  He sat down in a large, burgundy leather armchair watching her.

  She glanced around. “Is there somewhere for me to change?”

  “Right there is fine.”

  She pursed her lips, then set the leather lingerie on a narrow, padded wooden bench beside her. Then she unbuttoned her blouse.

  His gaze followed her fingers as she released each button, revealing more and more of her skin. She slipped the blouse from her shoulders, then unfastened and pushed down her skirt. It fell to the floor around her ankles and she stepped out of it. She reached behind her and unhooked her bra, then self-consciously dropped the straps off her shoulders and peeled it from her body. His gaze locked on her naked breasts as her nipples swelled from the cool air… and his frank male attention.

  She drew in a deep breath, then quickly pushed down her panties, before she lost her nerve.

  It’s not like he hadn’t seen her naked before, but not often. Usually when they’d had sex at work, they’d unfastened their clothes, but not shed them completely. When they had gotten naked, including in the shower in his suite the last time they were together, she’d felt a bit uncomfortable.