Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3

by Melanie Moreland

  I liked the combination.

  Still buried inside her, I lifted my head and stroked her cheek.

  “Open your eyes, Deirdre.”

  Blinking, exhausted, sated green met my light blue. “Okay, baby?”

  “Wow,” she breathed out.

  “Was I too rough?” I raised her wrist to my mouth, kissing the soft skin. I forgot sometimes how fragile she was—I lost myself with her, with the moment.

  “No, you were exactly what I needed.”

  “I think we both needed it.”

  “You always have condoms in your desk?”

  I smirked, kissing the end of her nose. “I put them in there the other day. I must have known you’d be dropping by.”

  She sighed, the sound low. “I like how controlling you are.”

  I brushed her hair away, tucking it behind her ear. “I like how you let me control you.”

  She nestled closer, surprising me. Usually once we had sex, she was gone. I wrapped my arm around her waist, holding her close and enjoying the unusual after-sex time with her. Her breath was warm on my skin as I slipped from her. I reached between us and removed the condom.

  “I think-I think I need it. I need that from you, Maddox.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I have to be in control all the time,” she confessed. She shivered, and I grabbed her sweatshirt, draping it over her body. I was afraid if I moved, she would stop talking.

  “When I’m with you, you take over. I don’t have to think. Only feel.” She sighed again. “I so rarely get to feel.”

  “I like making you feel.” I flexed my hips, feeling myself begin to harden beneath her. “I like when you lose yourself with me.” I slipped my hand under her chin, bringing her to my mouth. “I like being with you.”

  “Me too.”

  She tightened around me as I slid through her wetness, making me groan.

  “Are you sore?”

  “A bit.”

  I lifted my hips, making her whimper. “I can be gentle.” I guided my hand between her legs, teasing her. “We can take it slow and easy.” I kissed her mouth, dipping my tongue inside her sweetness, tapping her clit with my finger. “One more time, Deirdre, for me.”

  “Slow,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, baby,” I promised, reaching into my desk for another condom. “Slow.”

  Maddox

  Sandy entered the boardroom and placed a file on the table. “The Gavin Group sent this over. They arrive next week and will be here for three days. They refused the company suite. They prefer to stay at the Fairmont. Mr. Gavin explained they have a young woman with them and would prefer not to share an apartment, but thanked you for the offer. He was most appreciative of the gesture.”

  Bentley nodded. “I never thought of that. Good call on Graham’s part. Make sure they have what they need, Sandy.”

  She pursed her lips, giving him the evil eye. “I’m ahead of you on that subject, young man. Frank will be at their disposal. I have arranged for flowers and fruit trays in their suites. The boardroom is booked exclusively for you while they are here. I’ve preordered catered lunches, and I’ve cleared your schedules to accommodate the visit.”

  Bent and Aiden grinned, and I chuckled. “As usual, Sandy, you have dispatched your duties admirably. Thank you.”

  With a smirk, she turned on her heel, leaving us alone.

  Aiden pushed the file my way. “Bent and I think you should run lead on this.”

  “Me?”

  He nodded. “We’ll all be in on the decision, but we’re going on your recommendation.”

  “All I said was I liked this Richard guy. He sounded like a straight shooter, and their track record is impressive.”

  “Our thoughts exactly.”

  “I had a call from both the other companies this morning. Advance wants to do a video presentation instead of coming here, and Zip is open to whatever we want for an initial meeting.” I paused for a sip of coffee. “Both feel a body here isn’t necessary with today’s technology.”

  Bentley shrugged. “They’re right. It’s not, but I want it anyway. If I’m willing to pay for it, they should be willing to give it.”

  “We should listen to the other ideas at least.”

  “We will, but I’m not looking for a single campaign. If I like what they create for us, and how they operate, we could keep a person full time here with our marketing needs. Ridge Towers is a long-term thing, but we have the resort and other pokers in the fire.” Bent stroked his lip thoughtfully. “The one company that has seemed to grasp that concept is The Gavin Group.”

  “Richard told me he had an entire campaign thought out already.”

  “I’m looking forward to hearing it.”

  “How about I arrange for video conferences from the other two at the start of the week? So we have something to compare when we meet with The Gavin Group?”

  “Sounds good. Get Sandy to set it up.” Bentley stood. “I’m out for the day. I promised Emmy I’d be home early tonight. We have wedding shit to plan.”

  Aiden laughed. “Wedding shit? Is that the technical term?”

  Bent grinned. “Don’t tell her I said that. I can’t believe the details. I should have married her in Vegas like you did. Life would be simpler.”

  “You could fly down for the weekend.”

  Bent shook his head, a smile crossing his mouth. “No, if she wants a pretty wedding, she can have it. If I have to look at swatches and choose napkin designs to make her happy, so be it. It’s a small price to pay to have her for the rest of my life.”

  He left with a wave.

  Aiden and I shared a grin.

  “I forgot to ask. How’d the ring go over?”

  He smirked. “My wife was excited, shocked, and very…effusive in her thanks.” He winked. “Very effusive.”

  I held up my hand. “TMI, bro.”

  He grabbed his phone and laptop. “I have to stop and get flowers and wine. We’re going to dinner at Dee’s new apartment. She’s making fried chicken.”

  “I know. I was invited too.”

  He stopped. “Oh. I didn’t know.”

  “Dee was a little emotional about it and asked me to come join you.”

  “Emotional? Over fried chicken?”

  “Not over fried chicken, you idiot. She’s having her sister and husband for dinner. As guests. Then you’ll leave. I think it hit her how much life has changed. The fact that her little sister has a life of her own now. I’m going for support.”

  Aiden studied me, and I waved my hand, dismissing the thoughts I knew were going through his head. “Don’t read anything into it. She needed a friend, and I’m happy to be there.”

  “A friend.”

  “Yes,” I huffed, impatient. “A friend.”

  “Right.”

  I stood. “A friend,” I stated firmly. “You might want to mention to your wife that her sister needs a little TLC right now. I know you and Cami are on the happy train, but Dee is left alone at the station. It’s an adjustment.”

  “One I am sure you’re happy to fill.”

  “Don’t be an asshole, Aiden. Dee is your family now too. Don’t forget her.”

  I walked out.

  I knocked on Dee’s door, frowning when she yelled for me to come inside. The air was pungent with the aroma of dinner, the scent of spicy chicken making me hungry. Dee was in the kitchen, sliding a tray of chicken into the oven as I rounded the corner.

  “You leave your door unlocked?”

  She arched an eyebrow, brushing her hair away from her forehead. She had a pretty bow in her hair, an unusually girlie thing for her to wear, yet it suited her. Escaping strands kept falling in her eyes, the kitchen heat making them stick to her skin. I tucked the strands under her bow and tapped the frilly accessory.

  “Pretty, by the way.”

  “Thanks. I knew you’d be coming soon, so I unlocked the door. I don’t have my fancy lock yet.”

  “Reid will be her
e on the weekend.”

  “Okay, thanks.” She sounded distracted.

  She turned, moving things on the counter.

  “Dinner smells wonderful.”

  “Hmm.” She continued to look around, lifting and setting down items, not accomplishing anything.

  “I brought wine.”

  “Good. Help yourself.”

  I frowned, setting the bottle on the counter. I glanced around the kitchen, realizing how chaotic it looked. I had seen Dee cook, been with her in the kitchen a few times at Bentley’s. She was organized and neat. Focused. Like me, she cleaned as she went.

  Today, it looked as if a bomb had gone off in the kitchen. There were streaks of flour on her face and splatters of food covered her apron. She was off. Distracted. Tense. Her thumb was red, and I knew she had been gnawing at it.

  Was she that worried over dinner with her sister? I wondered.

  I tested my theory.

  “I became vegan today. Could you do me a salad?”

  She opened a cupboard. “Sure.”

  I stepped behind her, covering her hand that was moving items around aimlessly on the shelf.

  “Deirdre.”

  She stilled.

  I wound my arm around her waist, pulling her body tight to mine. I lowered my mouth to her ear. “What are you doing?”

  “Ma-making dinner.”

  “Why are you so distracted?” I ran my hands up to her neck, feeling the stiffness in her shoulders. “What is making you so tense? It’s dinner.”

  Her voice was thick. “It’s her first dinner with me when she doesn’t live here. I want it to be perfect.”

  I held her close. “It’s Cami. She wants dinner with her sister. To feed her husband the best fried chicken he ever tasted. Zero expectations otherwise.” I nuzzled her neck. “You need to relax.”

  “I-I can’t seem to. I feel as if I’m going to explode!”

  “What can I do to help?” I slipped my hand under her apron and shirt to her soft skin. “Do I need to fuck you hard and fast to get you to relax?” I bit down on her lobe, tugging on it with my teeth. “Would that help?”

  “We don’t have time. They’ll be here in a few moments.”

  I plunged my hand down the front of her leggings, cupping her. “I know how to get you to calm down—fast.” I kissed her neck, swirling my tongue on her skin. “I know what you need, baby.” I slid my leg between hers, nudging them open. “Let me give it to you.”

  She whimpered as she pressed her head to my shoulder, lifting her arm, and wrapping it around my neck. “Please, Maddox.”

  I delved into her folds, finding her slick. “Oh, baby, you need me.”

  I flicked her clit, smiling against her neck as she jumped. “I’m going to make you come. Fast. Later, you’re going to return the favor. I want my cock down your throat, with those sweet lips wrapped around me, taking everything I give you, do you understand?”

  “Yes.” She strained against me. “Oh God, yes.”

  “Hold tight. We don’t have much time, and I want to feel you.”

  I found her bundle of nerves, using her slickness to glide over her clit in hard, fast strums of my fingers. She pulled on my neck and turned her face. I captured her mouth with mine, kissing her fiercely. She bucked as I slipped two fingers inside her, using my thumb to rub tight circles on her clit. My tongue and fingers moved in tandem as I fucked her mouth and pussy, bringing her to an orgasm as fast as I promised. She shattered, screaming into my mouth, her body spasming, her pussy drenched. I eased up, letting the aftershocks settle before removing my fingers from her body.

  As she watched, I drew my glistening digits into my mouth, licking them clean.

  “Best appetizer in the world.” I winked. “Dee.”

  She blinked up at me, offering me a lazy smile, her body relaxed. I kissed her nose. “Go get cleaned up. I’ll start in here, and when Cami and Aiden arrive, try to enjoy the evening. Okay?”

  She walked a few steps, then turned back, hurrying toward me. I was surprised when she rose up on her toes, flung her arms around my neck, and kissed me. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime.”

  “After—you’ll stay for a while?”

  “Stay?” I asked, shocked. Dee never asked me to stay. I had never even seen her bedroom. Sex was always at my place. Then she left. That was how our relationship worked—even if I wanted it to be something different.

  “Stay. I owe you.”

  With a grin, I yanked her tight and kissed her. “You do. I look forward to collecting.” I pushed her away, swatting her ass as she hurried away. “Go. They’ll be here soon.”

  With a grin, I washed my hands, then turned to the mess in the kitchen. I needed to do something to take my mind off the way my cock screamed at me to follow Dee and fuck her fast before Aiden and Cami arrived. Logically, I knew we didn’t have time, regardless of how desperately I wanted to give in and do exactly that.

  The pleasure later would be worth the wait now.

  At least, that was what I told myself.

  “Best fried chicken in the history of fried chicken,” Aiden declared with a groan, wiping his mouth.

  “Are you sure?” I asked dryly. “You only ate eight pieces. Maybe you need to eat another whole chicken to be sure.”

  He glared at me. “I was being polite.”

  I laughed. “Right.”

  Dee patted his shoulder. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I made enough so you could take some home.”

  I pouted as I swiped my napkin across my lips. I had to grin when Dee stood, picking up my plate and murmuring low so only I could hear. “Stop with the lip, Maddox. I saved you some as well.”

  I wrapped my hand around her thigh, squeezing the back of her knee in appreciation. It was awesome chicken.

  Aiden slouched in his chair, patting his stomach. “How did you make it so juicy and spicy?”

  She smiled as she took his plate. “I marinate it in buttermilk, spices, and hot sauce. I deep fry it fast, then finish it in the oven. Comes out perfect every time.”

  “I agree.” Aiden thumped the table. “We should have it every week. You know, like a tradition.”

  “A tradition?” Dee asked, wrinkling her nose.

  “Yes. We’re a family. We should start our own traditions. Tuesdays are Mexican with our friends.” He looked at me, one eyebrow raised. “We have a family dinner. Here.”

  Dee smiled, her eyes shining. I was grateful knowing he had listened to me. Dee shocked me again by patting my shoulder.

  “Maddox is included in the dinner invitation.”

  Aiden’s grin was wide. “Of course.”

  I shocked myself with my own words. “I don’t think Dee should have to make dinner every week. What if we compromise and you come to my place sometimes?”

  Aiden and Cami were almost dancing in their seats. “Great idea!”

  I met Dee’s gaze with a slight shrug. I had no objection to the four of us having dinner once a week. I liked to cook too, so it would be nice to be able to cook for more than just myself on occasion.

  I thumped the table as Aiden had. “Okay, settled, then.”

  Dee and Cami laughed and finished clearing the table. I watched them work together, talking as they put away the leftovers, turning on the coffeepot, and tidying up. Not that there was much to tidy; I made sure of that. Once Aiden and Cami left, I had other plans for Dee.

  Much bigger plans.

  “We should get going,” Cami said, standing. “I have a couple of assignments I need to work on.”

  Aiden stood with her, his arm going around her waist. “Okay, baby. Let me take you home.”

  I watched Dee’s reaction to his words. A small frown floated across her face, but it cleared fast when Cami spoke again.

  “Want to do something on Saturday?”

  “What about Glad Rags? You’re not working this weekend?”

  “Oh.” Cami looked embarrassed. “I, ah, quit.”

  “You
quit?”

  Aiden interjected. “She doesn’t have to work so hard now, Dee. I asked her to give it up so she can concentrate on school—” he paused with a grin “—and me.”

  “Oh. You never mentioned it, Cami.”

  Cami looked apologetic. “I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you.”

  Dee’s smile looked forced. “Of course. Not an issue. Saturday would be great.”

  Aiden glanced at me. “You coming, Mad Dog?”

  “Nope.” I lifted my mug. “I’m gonna finish my coffee. We’re headed in two different directions anyway.” I smirked. “I’m up, you’re down. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He paused, seeming as if he wanted to say something. I arched my eyebrow at him in question, and he shrugged.

  “Okay. Have a good night.”

  “You as well.”

  They left, and Dee wandered into the living room, sat down, and curled one leg underneath her. She lifted her mug, sipping the coffee.

  “That upset you.”

  “Sorry?”

  “Finding out Cami quit her job. It upset you.”

  “No.” She hesitated. “I mean, I was surprised. I suppose I shouldn’t be. I know Aiden is wealthy, and she doesn’t have to worry about money anymore, so that’s great. Less stress for her.”

  “It’s okay, Dee,” I assured her. “You’ve been responsible for her almost your entire life. Part of all her decisions. Being excluded from them all of a sudden is going to take some getting used to.”

  She looked thoughtful as she shifted, bringing her knees to her chest. She pulled off her socks, rubbing her feet as she mulled over my words in her head. I noticed her bright pink toenails, recalling they had been orange the other night.

  “I like the color.” I indicated her feet.

  “Oh!” She laughed. “I change them a lot. Cami and I couldn’t afford pedicures so we gave them to each other. I like to switch them up all the time. I paint them every few days.” She wiggled her toes. “No one can see them but me most of the time, but I like them to be pretty.”