by DeRosa, Mila
* * *
Reeves couldn’t deny she impressed him. The skill in which Bryn handled the meeting, charmed his guests, and insisted on helping Sally and Luke when she wasn’t busy tending to his business needs, reassured him that he’d made the right decision to bring her on board. She appeared as passionate about his project as he was, and in such a short space of time made him question if there was an underlying reason to that. Perhaps she had a brother in the game. It’d explain why she was so familiar to him yet still he couldn’t pinpoint the connection.
Relaxed and satisfied with how the business dealings panned out, Reeves was in no hurry to head home. His guests had already left, enthusiastic and keen to talk again. It was more than he hoped for. Colin caught him off guard, always one to walk on the side of caution, but he was on board from the get-go. Elise was a little more hesitant, but even she got there in the end. If they all didn’t come back with a firm yes by their next meeting, he’d be surprised.
“Excuse me, Reeves,” Bryn’s voice hesitant, no doubt not wanting to interrupt his thoughts. “Sally was wondering if we’d be here for afternoon tea and dinner?”
She was a good type—Sally. Another he had taken a chance on, thrown her into a role above what he knew she was capable of, and she never looked back. “I’d like to stick around, if that’s okay with you and the crew. Nothing fancy this afternoon. I think we all deserve a lazy one.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“A good one, I hope.” He grinned up at her. Whether out of habit or the need to warm herself, she never failed to gravitate toward the fireplace, warming her back until he imagined she’d near be scorching.
She nodded, a smile teased her lips, but didn’t break into a grin as he hoped. He liked it when she smiled, it brightened her face and her eyes sparkled with untold mysteries. Never had he been so intrigued by a woman before, so captivated that he was willing to spend hours to get to know her, the physical side could wait until he had a grasp on who she was and how she ticked. So closed and guarded as she was, he wondered if he would be enough to lower the barrier she maintained.
“Actually, I think Sally needs a night off too. How about I get Doug and Jarod to pick up some pizzas on their way back. There’s a little place in town that makes the best wood fire pizzas you’ll ever taste.” His stomach growled just thinking about them.
“Even better. Does Sally ever take time out for herself, just to relax?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. She’s a hard worker, something that’s rubbed off on Luke. Best thing I ever did was to appoint her head of staff at Highfliers. She’s a gem.” He didn’t bother to hide the affection in his voice. In this age, women like Sally were a rare find. Most women he encountered expected to be treated like rare gems set in a tiara, constantly polished in order to keep their sheen. Never was one willing to start off raw and in their natural state. Beauty to him was a woman who embraced her true essence with grace until she gleamed.
His mother had been like that before she died. Proud, bold, and beautiful. His father, a mongrel to the core, knocked her around, even after they found the cancer. Until the day she died, she took it all in her stride, protecting Reeves as best she could, even though she was scared and in pain. Her funeral was the last time he ever saw that bastard. He cleared out before Reeves dragged himself home—too much alcohol in a kid wasn’t the brightest idea he’d ever had, but it masked the pain, even if only for a few hours.
“Do you want to let Sally know you’re forcing her to relax this evening, or would you like me to break the news?”
“Break the news about sums it up. She won’t know what to do with herself if she’s not working.” He laughed, tipping his head back at the thought of Sally rocking in the corner for something to do. Luke would keep her on her toes, regardless of whether she was working or not. The banter between them reminded him of how it’d been between him and his own mother. “If you don’t mind giving her the heads up, I’d appreciate it.” Reeves stood and wandered over to stand in front of her. Head slightly tilted to meet his gaze, lips parted, he hardened, wanting her more than before.
He still felt awkward about making a move on her, but standing there as she was, he couldn’t resist. Her response when he closed the distance to press his mouth to hers, caught him off guard, although he wasn’t disappointed.
Arms around him, she traced his lower lip with her tongue before plunging in to nudge his with hers—setting a rhythm not unlike the one he set the night before. The thought sent a flurry of sensations through him, his erection harder than before.
Like a vine to a trellis Bryn was wrapped around him, sliding one leg up his outer thigh, he caught her under the knee and lifted her leg higher, grinding his pelvis against her. She gasped, but he swallowed the sound as it turned to a low groan. There was no denying he wanted her, and it seemed she had the same idea.
Running a line of kisses from her mouth, along her jaw to her ear, he took the lobe between his lips and sucked. “I’m thinking a nap might be a good start to the afternoon—would you care to join me?” He breathed close to her ear, flicked his tongue in, then gently bit down on her fleshy lobe. Hips still working a rhythm as he awaited her response.
“A nap sounds perfect—after I give Sally the heads up about tonight.”
It was his turn to groan. “Be quick.” He released his hold on her leg but didn’t let her go until he was sure she had her balance, being so close to the fire. “You know where my bedroom is, right?”
She nodded as Reeves lowered his mouth to hers for one more kiss.
The aftermath he wasn’t practiced at. Never, after any form of intimacy with a woman, did he interact with them, so this was new for him. As was mixing business with pleasure. Bryn too seemed a little awkward initially, that is until she got into the swing of the business side and thoughts of their night together blended into the background. It was new for both of them. He was walking territory he’d never been interested in exploring before. And, although he didn’t consider himself an overly greedy type, Bryn had him second-guessing that aspect of his character also. Business and personal, he wanted her to be a part of both areas. Even if it wasn’t all smooth sailing, especially to begin with, he was willing to endure rocky tides to see where they ended up.
Chapter 13
Reeves must’ve been waiting close to the door because he pulled it open before she could finish knocking. The grin on his face was enough to convince her she’d made the right decision to take him up on his offer for a nap.
“Talk about leave a man hanging—I thought you were a no show.” He scooped her around the waist with one arm, drew her to his chest and closed the door with his free hand.
And, she thought she had hang ups.
“I couldn’t exactly deliver the news to Sally without a discussion to go with it. You know how girls are—always talking too much.”
“Tell me about it. Stop talking and kiss me already.” He laughed as he pressed his mouth to hers. She liked it when he laughed and his eyes glistened with mischief. Not that she’d witnessed it much, but playful suited him.
There was a laziness to the way he kissed her, long and slow as if he had all the time in the world to spend holed up in his bedroom. Such a contradiction from the night before when he’d taken her over and over like it was his last meal before death row.
He tightened his hold around her, one hand pressed to the small of her back, the other on her ass. As lazy as his action, his reaction was a whole different story. So close as he was, there was no concealing the hardness of his cock, firm against her abdomen.
Tracing her bottom lip with his tongue, he toyed with her as if seeking a reaction. Two could play his game—Bryn drew back, brushing her lips so lightly over his the touch could’ve been imagined, then pulling back a little as he attempted to close the distance. She exhaled slowly then went in for a second brush, this time allowing him close enough to suck his bottom lip, firm as if it were his cock.
The intensity was beginning to build, but there was no way she was going to hand over control to him two days in a row, it was her turn to make him squirm. Palms to his chest, she pushed him back, and wiggled free from his hold.
“You’re a talented man, and as fun as it might be to witness you prove me wrong—I don’t think you’ll get a very restful nap whilst standing.” She had no intention of letting him sleep—but he didn’t know that.
“Nap?” The expression on his face clearly indicated he’d forgotten his excuse for their escape.
“That’s what I came up here for, isn’t it.” She took his hand and led him over to the bed.
A smirk teased the corners of his mouth as he cottoned on to the tease. “If that’s what you’d like, then sure thing.”
Bryn laughed, then leaned forward and trailed kisses up his neck, flicking her tongue over his earlobe. His breath caught as he sucked in. His stomach, where her hand now rested, clenched beneath her touch. She’d found a weakness. Taking the nub of flesh between her lips she tugged and sucked, grazing it gently between her teeth. He groaned and slid one hand beneath the fabric of her sweater, skimming the skin of her stomach and lightly brushed each breast in turn. Her nipples responded, hardening under his touch.
Arching her back, she pressed her chest to his palms. His fingers kneaded flesh. His gentle touch intensified, rolling one hardened bud between his finger and thumb, and then the other. She moaned.
She slid her hands under his sweatshirt, lifting it as she ran her fingertips over his taut muscular torso. Her desire heightened and there was far too much fabric between them.
“You look a little overdressed for a nap.” His usual mesmerizing voice was husky and more alluring.
Bryn took a step back, and shook her head. “It’s you who is over dressed, and I plan to fix that for you.” Dropping to her knees in front of him, she was quick to undo his button and zipper before dragging his jeans and boxer short down his legs. Without hesitation, she took his hard cock in her mouth and, gripping his ass, deep throated almost to the point of gagging. Reeves released a loud groan and tangled his fingers in her hair as he pulled back. Tongue pressed firm against the underside of his cock she sucked hard, circling the tip with her tongue before taking him all the way in. Like a lollypop, she licked and sucked, grazing her teeth along his shaft until slight twitches of movement turned to a rhythmic thrust as he took control and plunged into her mouth. The quick sharp movements deep enough to tease the back of her throat, spiking her desire to push him down onto the floor and ride him hard.
As if a mind reader, as she circled the tip of his cock with her tongue, lapping the pre-cum that seeped from him, he pulled back and dragged her up to stand. Immediately reaching for the waistband of her jeans she knew he would take care of undressing her, so she reached down and took his cock in the palm of her hand and began to slide back and forth, mimicking the movement of her mouth.
“Fuck,” he gasped as she gripped harder and wanked faster.
He yanked her jeans down far enough that she would be able to do the rest and be on him in a matter of moments.
“Best lay down for your nap.” She released his cock, and with palms pressed to his chest she gave a gentle shove, encouraging him to settle back on the bed.
Stretched out on his back, naked, was a good look for him. Her muscles clenched as she shoved her jeans the rest of the way down and dragged them off one foot, not bothering to free the other before she climbed on top. Hands gripping her waist, he guided her to settle down on his cock, taking him all the way in.
She groaned, paused to adjust to his size, then rotated her hips and rubbed her pussy against his pelvis, stimulating her clit as she did so. It felt too good, stretched and full, she didn’t want to take him slow. As if making up for time without sex in her life, Bryn rode him hard and fast until she shattered around him. Muscles pulsing, he groaned as he too found his release.
* * *
A relaxing afternoon and evening was exactly what Bryn needed before they left the weekend safe haven. Not to mention the aches and pains she’d be suffering by the following day. It’d been a long time since she’d had a physical weekend, and never one so strenuous.
She blamed the meeting for causing the slight throb to her temple. It’d been too long since she’d had to concentrate and write so much as she did. Even her hand ached from scribbling so many notes, which she’d type up as soon as she had access to a computer. One of the luxuries she’d not had since studying. A computer, in the hands of the wrong person, could be more incriminating than any other possession—perhaps not her cell, but that was a must for her—so she opted to go without. No doubt, if she were to take the job as Reeves’ personal assistant he would require her to use one of his computers to work from anyway.
Sally sat back with drink in one hand, slice of pizza in the other. “Now, this is the way life should be lived.”
“Sure is.” Luke agreed, his gaze set on the fireplace. “Reeves, I was wondering, this school you’re building—” he paused as if searching for the right words. His eyes flicked from the fire to look at Reeves. “Would I be able to go? Learn how to build a life like this for me and my mom.”
It took guts to admit exactly what he wanted, to confront Reeves in front of his mother and Bryn like he did.
Reeves shifted in his seat, set his drink down on the coffee table in front of him and leaned forward, elbows rested on his knees. “Is that something you want?”
“Umm—yes, sir.”
“Something you really want?” His stare was intense, blocking all else out but Luke.
Luke sat tall, as if growing in confidence. “More than anything,” he whispered.
Reeves cupped his ear. Bryn knew what he was doing. He was encouraging Luke to own what he said, to put it out there and take responsibility for his words.
“Yes. I really want it—more than anything.” His voice held strong, eyes gleamed with intensity.
“That’s more like it.” Reeves picked up his drink and settled back in his seat. “With or without the school, I will teach you everything you need to know to get this for you and your mom.” He glanced down at his glass, drained the contents, then set his gaze back on Luke. “I will support you every step of the way.” Leaning forward again, Reeves set his glass back down.
Luke’s eyes swum with tears as he nodded. “Thanks.” He continued to nod as tears spilled over and trickled down his cheeks.
Bryn glanced at Sally, she too had tears sliding down her face, but she swiped them away as quick as they spilled. She smiled when she caught Bryn watching her.
“Yes. Thank you, Reeves.” Sally shifted in her seat, not comfortable being so vulnerable. “It’s not the first time you’ve cut us a break. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and all you’ve done.”
“Likewise. I may pay you, but you’re worth every last dollar, and more.” He grinned, lightening the mood. “We make a good team.”
Heavy talk aside, the rest of the night was pretty chilled. Lighthearted banter, laughter and a few too many drinks before they had to pack up their belongings and head back to reality.
“Bryn, if I could have a moment please.” Reeves stopped her before she could move from her place in front of the fire.
“Sure thing. I’m mostly packed anyway.” She didn’t admit that she never really unpacked in the first place. Life on the run too engrained.
He waited until Sally and Luke were at the top of the stairs before he spoke. “So, any thoughts on which way you’re leaning?”
She frowned, puzzled as to what she was supposed to be weighing up.
“Waitress or personal assistant.” He offered, clarifying his vague line of questioning.
“Hmm, can’t be sure. I mean, me being so good at waitressing and all. It’d be a shame if I throw in the towel before I’ve really shown you what I can do.” She was flirting, she could feel herself doing it, but it was as if she had no control over her tone. Luxury s
tay in the mountains, far away from reality, and Reeves Walker was proving to be a dangerous mix.
“You raise a fair point.” He stood, and crossed the room to stand in front of her. Close, yet not touching her. “However, I’m content with the waitressing moves I’ve see so far.”
“Is that so—you don’t know what you’re missing.”
“I’ll take my chances. After all, I like my drinks served on a tray, not in my lap.” He tipped his head back, not shy about laughing at his own joke.
She blew air through pursed lips, trying not to laugh, but failed. “You suck.” A childish response, but his comment didn’t deserve more than that.
“Hey, that’s not fair.”
“Who said anything about playing fair?” She looked up at him through her lashes, hoping for endearing.
Cupping the nape of her neck with one hand, and pressing the other to the middle of her back, he crushed her chest to his. Mouth on her mouth, he kissed her like a man possessed—a starving man at threat of never satisfying his hunger.
Chapter 14
Reeves hadn’t given any indication that he’d altered her work schedule, so Bryn carried on as if nothing had changed. She expected he might text, or call, but two days later she was back to reality and obviously as important to him as every other notch on his belt.
It was all for the best, keeping their relationship strictly professional was better for both of them. What was she thinking, getting caught up in the glamour of Reeves Walker and his mob. Even if he was out of the drug scene, his reputation sure kept him there.
