by Liz Fox
Michael’s buddies laugh like complete tools. One of them elbows a different guy and says, “I wouldn’t mind having a personal assistant with those curves.”
“Care to repeat that, boys?” A familiar, deep voice speaks from behind me. My shoulders instinctively release their tension. Drake is here.
He moves to stand beside me, and a part of me warms at the gesture. We might have occasional differences of opinion. But regardless of our bank accounts, connections, or recent history, he’s never made me feel dirty. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s sexier than all of them in his perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit.
“Um, we were just complimenting Mary on her… um, skills,” one of Michael’s cronies stammers.
“I see. Well, I think Miriam has had enough…ahem, compliments for tonight.” You don’t have to be a mind reader to know that Drake despises these men. His derisive tone says it all. Something about that has me smiling and taking his proffered arm.
“Please excuse us,” I say, trying to be somewhat polite even if they don’t deserve it.
As we turn to leave, Michael takes one last shot. “You think you’re too good for us, Miriam? There are words for women like you, and they rhyme with mutt. Come on boys, let’s get out of here.” The group of them starts toward a nearby exit.
“I don’t think so,” Drake growls, pulling me along as we follow them into an empty hallway. “Want to repeat what you just said, Michael?”
“Why? Are you getting deaf in your old age?” Michael taunts. “I said that your assistant is a fat, gold digging slut.”
Drake snarls savagely and then smashes his fist into Michael’s face. Michael’s head whips back. Blood pours from his nose as Drake grabs his shirt, lifting him so their faces are only inches apart.
“If you ever speak to her like that again, I won’t just break every bone in your body. I’ll make sure you never work in Oakwood City again.” Drake’s voice is just a quiet hiss, but it must be intimidating enough because Michael’s face pales.
Drake shoves him away and turns to me, looking even hotter with a little blood on the cuff of his sleeve. “Let’s get out of here,” he says.
I just nod, speechless at the events of the last few minutes. I’ve been curvy for most of my life and I’ve never had someone stand up for me like that. A warm feeling spreads through my heart and into my loins. With a punch and a few words, he shows me he can be ruthless on my behalf. With that realization, I fall a little harder for Drake Gallagher.
Chapter 8
Drake
I take Miriam back to the office. The building is closed, but it’s the closest place where we can get a little privacy. And I need privacy for the fury I’m about to unload onto my woman.
“What the hell were you there with Michael?”
“He pressured me into it. I didn’t realize it would be that bad.” She tries to explain, but it isn’t enough.
“The man is scum of the worst kind. Why do you think I split from him years ago? He treats women like shit. I wasn’t going to partner with someone who thinks having a penis makes him god’s gift to earth.”
My temper isn’t cooling, and neither is hers.
“How was I supposed to know that?” Miriam throws her hands up. Her cheeks flush and her breath quickens.
“You’re supposed to trust me!” I yell, still caught in my worry for her. When Max sent me a picture of Miriam and Michael at the event, I jumped in my car and broke a few laws getting to the hotel as fast as I could.
Michael isn’t trustworthy. He was scum all those years ago, and I’m sure he’s gotten worse. Imagining Miriam with him, vulnerable and trusting, has my muscles swelling with the urge to punch someone. Again. The one at the hotel barely took the edge off.
“What the hell is your problem, Drake? All I did was go on a date. It’s not my fault the guy was an asshole.” God, she’s sexy when she sasses me. I stalk toward her, ready to taste those sweet, spicy lips again.
“My problem is this; I don’t like seeing my woman with other men.”
Her eyes widen for a moment, then darken with understanding. “Who said I’m your woman? I thought I was just your assistant.”
“That was never what I meant.” My voice has dropped an octave as I wrap my arms around her waist. “I want to protect you. You’re so fucking smart. And so fucking beautiful.”
“So, this isn’t just some rivalry with your old friend?”
“Fuck no. This is about you and me. And how, from this moment on, you belong to me.” I claim her lips, reveling in their lushness. In an instant, the heat in my body transforms into overwhelming desire.
“What are you doing?” She pants between kisses, her breath sharpening, her large breasts heaving up and down.
“You know damned well what I’m doing,” I grunt softly, leaning my head down so that I can reach her neck.
At first, my tongue traces softly over her flawless, pale skin, but soon the need to possess her, to own her, intensifies my touch. I bite her neck, making her groan with an arousing mix of pleasure and aching.
“You are so goddamn sexy.” I pull her hands behind her back, holding them with one of mine. The other reaches up to her breasts, and I gently hold one in my hand, cupping its heavy weight in my palm through the fabric of the dress.
“Still not sure?” I ask, nibbling at her earlobe.
She doesn’t struggle against my grip. In fact, her body melts into mine. She writhes against me, forcing all coherent thought from my mind. My fingers automatically move to undo the buttons on her shirt.
Miriam moans in response, tilting her head back and offering her neck to my searching mouth. Her erotic gasps are sweet music to my ears, but they aren’t enough.
“Say yes, Miriam.” I grip her hips and grind against her. “Tell me you want me, too.”
I continue the slow grind, making sure she feels the full length of my arousal through the layers of fabric. My lips follow the curve of her jaw, down her neck, glorying in the silky skin under my tongue.
“Tell me, Miriam.”
I feel her capitulation before she speaks. “Yes, Drake. I want you.”
That’s my girl. Without hesitation, I walk us over to my desk. With a swipe of my hand, papers flutter to the floor.
She is so hot, so perfect, with curves in all the right places. Long legs, a round buttocks, and generous breasts. What else could I want in a woman?
My woman.
Fuck, I’m going to own her body. Ruin it for anyone else. That is, if I don’t explode with unfulfilled desire first. “Now, take your clothes off.”
With slow movements, she unzips her dress, then shimmies out of it. Within moments she’s standing in front of me wearing nothing more than her freckled skin and pink lacy underthings. She is a vision of curves that has my cock hard as a goddamn rock. And from this point going forward, she’s all mine.
But it isn’t just her body that has me desperate to claim her. It’s her brilliant mind, her uncompromising ambition, and willingness to do whatever it takes. She’s a gorgeous fucking miracle. One I won’t take for granted.
“Sit down and spread those legs for me.” She does so, still wearing her nude heels. Those, paired with a thong that hides her feminine heat, has my inner beast fighting for control.
“Are you going to join me?” she asks, cocking a sassy eyebrow.
At her question, the fiery coals inside me transform into an uncontrollable wildfire. Within seconds, my own clothes have disappeared, and I stand before her in my boxer-briefs. She rubs her thighs together as her gaze travels over me.
I kneel on the carpet between her legs, intent on the bounty before me. My finger draws a thin line up the length of her panties, making a twirling motion over her clit. She squeals my name, while moisture glistens between her thighs. My mouth waters as I hook my fingers on either side of the panties, slowly pulling them down her long, sexy legs.
“Wait, Drake. I’ve never done this before.” She protests bu
t doesn’t really make an attempt to close her legs.
“You’re a virgin?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“No, I’m not a virgin,” she mutters with heated exasperation. “But I’ve never had someone go down on me before.”
“Their fucking loss.” Clasping my hands around her thighs to hold her in place, I waste no time slipping my head between her inner thighs, my tongue immediately discovering her folds. I lose track of time, bringing her to the edge of release over and over.
She tastes like fucking honey. Her moans of pleasure are like the most heavenly music. Glancing up, I notice Miriam has pulled the cups of her bra down. My cock throbs as I notice she’s pinching her nipples in time with my licks. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
She tastes like honey. No, not honey. There is something zesty about her arousal. It’s like a crisp apple. It fits her so well. I lick my Miriam’s folds, focusing on her clit and her entrance, swallowing her juices with a hungry desire to own her fully.
Her hands grasp my shoulders hard enough to leave imprints of her nails in my skin. Her body shudders in my arms, tension building until she reaches her peak. She feels like a goddess, succulent and forbidden. And I’m the mortal who wants to keep her hot, wet, and coming in my mouth.
Her body goes limp above me, arms barely keeping her upright. But I’m not done. Not even close. I don’t think I’ll ever be done with Miriam.
“Now, it’s my turn.” I need more. I need Miriam completely and fully. After years of working with me, she knows I never stop until I get what I want. And the woman in front of me is my new obsession.
Barely coherent, I rip my briefs off, grab a condom from my desk, and pull it quickly over my cock.
“Wrap your legs around me, pet.” I need to be inside her. To feel her heat. Leave my mark on her body. Ride her so hard she always remembers who she belongs to.
I grab both of her thick thighs and lift, waiting until I feel her flex her legs around my waist. A second later, I’m poised between her legs, thrusting my length into her pulsing heat. My hands find her hips, holding her in place, trying to get closer. Further. Deeper.
“Goddamn, you feel good. Your wet, hot pussy rubbing against my cock.”
She gasps, her body arching as she presses her fingernails into my sides. Her head falls back, hair hanging over my desk as she screams in pleasure, her core pulsing around me. My inner beast roars in satisfaction. Finally, she’s mine.
With uncontrolled movements, I thrust into her harder, faster. I take everything she’s offering me, but it’s not enough. I drill harder into her, thrashing and thrusting until we’re both delirious with fiery pleasure.
She comes a second time, her wet heat clenching powerfully around my cock. A roar of satisfaction builds in my throat. Both our bodies are drenched in sweat, mindless, breathless. Her orgasm triggers my own violent release—pumping into her, filling her up, marking her as mine.
With a final shudder, I finish, making sure to hold her still trembling body.
She tucks her head under mine, her breath soft against my bare skin. With reverence, I brush my fingertips gently over her cheek. The beast within me settles back to sleep, content now that I’ve claimed her as my own.
Unfortunately, I don’t think she’s going to like what I have to tell her when she comes into work tomorrow.
Chapter 9
Miriam
With a smile on my face and a spring in my step, I walk into work. I’m ready to take on the day. It’s amazing what a good orgasm can do for you. Especially when it’s partnered with intimacy and friendship.
I’ve just logged into my computer when Drake pages me. “Miriam, please come into my office.” Moments later I walk through his door, unable to keep the seductive smile off my face.
“Hello there, boss,” I practically purr.
But it seems like I’m the only one in a playful mood because Drake looks as stern as I’ve ever seen him. “Take a seat, Miriam,” he says, his voice flat.
Suddenly, I’m feeling a bit more hesitant about everything. What the hell is going on? With uncertainty a low pulse through my chest, I tuck my skirt under my thighs and sit down.
“Miriam, I have some news for you.”
Shit. Nothing good ever follows that phrase. I thought we had something really special last night, together. But maybe I was alone in thinking that. Maybe this is all just a game to him. My chest tightens with trepidation and a small, but growing, ball of anger.
“Yes, sir?” I ask.
“You’re fired.”
Oh no he didn’t. Like he struck a match and threw it, my little ball of anger erupts into a firestorm.
“What the fuck, Drake?” My voice rises and I stand, unable to stay sitting with the furious energy rolling through me.
“Miriam, if you’ll please just calm down.” Just before the red haze takes over my vision, I see a smirk on his ridiculously handsome face.
“I will not calm down. How dare you do this to me? You don’t know how good you’ve had it. You think someone else will do as good a job as me?” My chest heaves and cheeks flush as I give him a piece of my mind.
He waits until I take a breath. “Of course no one is as good as you. That’s why I’ve decided to invest in your new company.”
“Damn right, no one is as good as me. You can’t fire me, Drake, because I quit!” I try to stomp out his door. Damn these heels for ruining my dramatic exit.
Or maybe they’re lucky heels, because it takes a few steps for me to register what he said. I stop halfway to the door, and turn slowly to face him.
“What did you say about a new company?” My eyes narrow in suspicion.
He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead he pushes a button on his phone and says, “Veronica, please join us.”
While I’m trying to figure out what the hell is happening, Veronica steps through the door looking as elegant as ever in a black blouse and tweed skirt that look fabulous with her silver hair.
“Hello, darling. It’s so good to see you again.” She greets me with air kisses to each cheek. Stupefied, I do my best to return the greeting.
Stepping around me, she walks over to Drake who is now standing. This time, she gives him a light hug. “Hello, my dear nephew. Been getting into trouble lately?”
“Hello, Auntie. As much as I can, as always.”
She playfully swats his shoulder, her red lips turning up in a wicked grin. While they banter, I come to grips with this new information. Veronica, the classy woman I met at the investment dinner, is actually Drake’s aunt.
“But your last name isn’t Gallagher,” I interrupt, unthinking.
They stop their smalltalk, looking at me with similar straightforward expressions.
“It’s my maiden name, dear. Though I’ve considered changing it back. It may be time to move on from that ex of mine.” She taps her finger against her lips, obviously thinking. With cat-like speed, she changes the subject. “But this meeting isn’t about me, is it? It’s about you and your future.”
Like I’ve forgotten how to walk, I somehow make my way back to my seat and fall into it.
“Drake, please. What’s going on?” He’s got a wide grin on his face, the bastard. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster, and he’s watching me from the ground eating cotton candy, enjoying my confusion.
“Please sit, Auntie.” He leads Veronica to the seat next to mine.
Instead of going back behind his desk, he half sits on the front of it. If I reached out, I could touch him. But I’m not sure I have that right anymore.
“Drake, what did you say to this poor girl?” Veronica scolds him, presumably in response to the look of absolute bewilderment I’m sure is on my face.
“I told her she was fired,” he says with a chuckle.
Veronica shakes her head, huffing in exasperation. “You silly, silly man. Did you want to give the woman a heart attack or did you want to give her a little romance?”
Without waiting for his answer, she
takes my hands. “My dear, Drake and I talked. We want to help you start a new company. One where you can put all your brilliant ideas into action and take all the credit for their success.”
Flabbergasted, I respond haltingly, “But, you and I met just a few days ago. I was so careful to keep it secret so Drake couldn’t give me a hard time about it.”
“I know, dear. And your plan worked. Drake only knew about the meeting you had with the TetraTech gentleman.”
“Mateo?” Drake asks.
“Hush,” Veronica shushes him and continues, “He didn’t know about our meeting until I told him about it myself.”
“Why would you do that?” I ask.
“Because he called me first, my dear.” Her blue eyes smile into mine, finally allowing me to get centered. “He needed my help. He was falling for his brilliant and beautiful assistant, and he didn’t know what to do.”
“I wasn’t calling for help. I just needed some advice,” Drake grumbles.
“You were falling for me?” Feeling vulnerable, I search his gaze. His deep brown eyes look back at me, filled with warmth and caring.
“Not just past tense, pet.” He cups my cheek with his hand. “I’m falling for you right now, and for the rest of our lives.”
“Which is why we’d like you to start your own company,” Veronica chimes in. “You can’t work for my nephew anymore. You have too much spunk and ambition. You need to blaze your own trail, with a little help and support from the two of us.”
I’m still trying to wrap my head around what’s happening. “You want me to start a company, and you’ll both support me?”
Taking my hands from Veronica’s, I rest them over my face for a moment, gathering my thoughts. “So when you fired me, you were teasing me?”
“Well, I really am letting you go.” My eyes narrow at him. Noticing my expression, he raises both hands placatingly. “But only so I can support you in this new venture.”
“You son of a bitch,” I state, flatly.
His grin grows into a blinding smile. “God, you’re beautiful when you talk back to me.”
