“I don’t know what I’m doing,” she says, looking up at me with fear in her eyes.
“Well, you’re eating. Asparagus and a rather delightful—”
“No, I mean, I don’t know what to do next. What comes next. How to act.”
“You know what? I’m kind of in the same boat.”
She looks at me critically. “Are you? I mean, how is that possible?”
I ask her the million-dollar question, unable to hold off any longer. “What is it you want?”
She stares forward, mouth gaping, and finally says, “I don’t know.”
“Then I’ll start,” I say, clearing my throat. “Since the moment you walked into the boardroom, I’ve wanted you—sexually. Then, there was this connection—it extended beyond lust. I’ve never met another woman like you, I mean, even the smart ones are so different. I sit here next to you and feel inadequate.”
“Inadequate?” Remi says with a skewed brow.
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Why would you feel inadequate?”
“Because everything about you is inspiring, you’re smart, and you weren’t born into this. You worked your ass off to get where you are and everything I have to offer you is fleeting. Nothing we have together can last. It can’t even be a footnote in the fucking biography that will one day come out about my life.”
She takes a deep breath, then exhales slowly. “Oh.”
“And Tom, well, he is certainly in a position to offer you more.”
We sit in silence as heavy as a shroud, both of us staring forward, not daring to look at one another. It’s cruel. Remi is the only woman I have ever thought I could fall in love with, and she’s sitting right next to me, yet she’s so far away.
I turn to her and say, “Tom came into my office today. He told me he wants to take a relationship with you on books.”
“What does that mean?” Remi asks.
“It means that your relationship will be reported to HR, and special care will be taken to ensure we always follow proper protocols and practices that will make sure everyone stays out of trouble. Trust me, with what you guys handle, it’s necessary.”
“So, he just decided that without me?”
I snicker. “I’m sure he was waiting for your next date to ask you. He just wanted to clear it with me first. Truthfully, he knows what he’s doing is above board. I just think he wanted to rub it in my face.”
“Why would he do that?”
I debate going into detail about how Tom has more control in the boardroom, easily getting a majority of the votes on his side, but I don’t want to stress her out or taint her image of him.
“My life is just kind of complicated is all,” I say and leave it at that.
“So, my choices are: enter a sexual relationship with your or a real relationship with Tom?”
“Well, when you put it like that, it makes the choice rather obvious.”
“I choose you,” she says.
I feel the color draining from my face.
Why would she ever choose me?
She turns to me, biting her lower lip. “I like the way you think. I like how you spend your Mondays. Tom is attractive, but he talks too much about himself. It’s hard to stomach sitting through a whole meal with him. I’ll find someone else eventually, to suit my long term needs, but for now, you’ll do.”
For now, I’ll do.
“So…let me get this straight. You are completely okay with just fucking and friendship. No one knowing about us?”
“Yeah, I mean, one day I do want to start a family, but it doesn’t have to be now.”
Part of me is thrilled; another part is terrified. After all, Remi Stone is shaping up to be the girl of my dreams.
“Well, I guess we should go check out that new apartment of yours.” I stand, offering my hand, which she takes. I notice hers is trembling. She’s scared too, and that comes as a relief to me.
As we make our way up to the launchpad, I wonder just how the night is going to go.
CHAPTER 22
Remi gets laid…
Gabriel hands me the keycard to my new apartment while we are in the elevator. It’s metal, a chip inlaid with the information necessary to allow me access inside.
My phone has been buzzing all night with messages from Meghan wanting updates. I never knew how enjoyable girl talk was until she and Analise came into my life, and I find myself wanting more. I want the girl squad I never got to have during my formative years.
We exit the elevator and walk to my apartment. I’m in shock when I first see it, a massive, archaic door in the middle of the hall.
“My grandfather Maxwell had a flare for the dramatic,” Gabriel says.
“I’ll say.”
I swipe my card and enter a suite fit for magazines. White, plush couches are laid out in a vast living room. The back wall is a window looking out over the city.
“Holy Jesus,” I say, knowing I look like a gawking idiot.
Gabriel takes a remote, pushes a button, and a fireplace roars to life.
I hear a familiar growl from across the room—Kibbles. She doesn’t approach, though. It appears the week has traumatized her.
I see bookcases spanning from floor to ceiling, some of my books already in it mingling with others I’ve never seen before.
“If you need anything, all you need to do is ask.”
“Well, I can tell you right now, I already have enough. This room is bigger than my whole apartment.”
“Just wait until you see the rest.”
The kitchen appliances are massive and more aligned for a family of eight than myself.
“This is all wasted on me,” I insist.
“You say that, but if you ever get that family of yours, you’ll be glad you have it.”
I smile forlornly, knowing that the man I want to start my family with is right next to me, but he doesn’t want a serious relationship. He made that very clear.
The second we entered the children’s ward, my mind was made up. Tom may have treated me to a nice dinner and later a coffee, but the whole time he talked about himself. Tom is family connections and accomplishments that he’s all too thrilled to share with anyone that will listen.
Gabriel, on the other hand, runs deep. He’s kind, generous, and honest. He let me know upfront we could never be truly together. I’m fine with that. If I had the choice of picking anyone in the world to have my first time with, it would be with Gabriel—no regrets.
We enter the bedroom, and my breath catches in my throat. The furnishings are white and incredibly costly, but that’s not what has me caught off guard.
The room is lit softly with beautifully scented candles, and it’s covered in flower petals, from the floor to the bed. Purple, pink, cream-colored petals that must have cost a fortune.
“Is this how you decorate every new apartment?” I ask when my voice finally returns to me.
“Yeah, you should have seen the look on Jim’s face when he finally made the board.”
So, as if I needed any further indication, I guess I’m going to lose my virginity tonight. Here, in a bed of flowers, with a perfect 10.
“We’re not done yet, follow me,” Gabriel says, leading me to a door on the opposite side of the room.
We enter a cave, or rather my bathroom. It’s cream-colored elegance, a lesson in decadence. There is a double sink with enough counter space for ten, a giant cove that leads to a walk-in shower, a door that leads to a commode, and a heart-shaped jacuzzi already filled with giant bubble.
“Wouldn’t the water have cooled by now?” I ask.
“I have it programmed on a remote. I had it start filling when we finished dinner, and it keeps the temperature warm.”
“Oh, well, I guess you are the head of a tech company.”
He presents me with a monogrammed robe so soft it’s like a cloud, there are matching slippers on top.
“Shall we?” he says with a sultry smirk.
I turn away, anxious. “I’ve never been naked with a man before.”
A hand grips my shoulder. “If you’d like, I can leave, and you can have this all to yourself.”
I place my hand over his. “No, I think I’m ready.”
Gabriel goes to his knees, unzipping one of my ankle booties, and I slide my foot out. We repeat the process with my other foot, then I feel his hands on my thighs, slowly inching upward.
I get this crazy rush. My head is spinning.
Oh, my God! I’m about to climb in a tub with Gabriel Icor. I mean, I met him a week ago, and now, we’re about to climb into a giant bathtub.
His hands continue to slide up my body, and now he’s cupping my ass, kneading it with his large hands. He begins to slide my panties down my legs. I suddenly feel self-conscious. Meghan insisted I go bare for the occasion, and I must admit, the thought of it gave me a rush, but now I feel so much more naked.
I decide he’s taking too long and grab the hem of my dress, bring it up over my head. He sits back on his heels and whistles his appreciation. It’s silly, really it is. I mean, he’s dated supermodels. Women six inches taller than myself with bodies designed to model underwear. Why would he ever be interested in me?
But there he is, gazing at me like a hungry animal, and I’m all too eager to find out what happens next.
“Can we get in the water now?” I ask.
I’m anxious, and my hands begin to shake. I don’t want him to realize how big a deal this is for me. I don’t want to ruin the moment.
He rises, his hand moving to his collar to undo a button. “Of course.”
I watch him undress with a fascination many would expect from a virgin, though maybe one far younger. At twenty-three, I should be well versed in the art of lovemaking—should be.
He makes his way down the column of buttons, pulling off his dress shirt. Then he takes off his undershirt, my eyes growing wide. It’s as though he were sculpted in the likes of a Greek God: taut muscles, tawny complexion, sweet smile, dangerous eyes.
With his shirts now on the floor, he begins unbuttoning his pants, and for a moment, I almost shield my eyes. I don’t know if I should stare brazenly or look away. What exactly are good manners when you’re getting naked with somebody? From the limited number of pornos I’ve watched, I feel like I should go find a peephole to look through.
His pants are down around his ankles in a flash, his thumbs are hitched in the elastic of his boxer briefs.
“Are you sure?” he asks, head tilted to the side.
Am I sure? Should I really be doing this?
“Absolutely.”
I try to don a grin to match my enthusiasm, but I’m positive I look goofy.
He’s lowering his underwear now, and when I see his member, I can’t help myself. I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth.
Is it supposed to be that big?
“I hope that was a good gasp,” he says, feigning concern.
“It was the best kind of gasp I could possibly have.”
We climb in the tub and lower ourselves into the bubbly water. He takes a bottle of champagne sitting in ice from the side of the tub and begins to pour two glasses.
“You know, I’m kind of a cheap date,” I say. “It barely took me any alcohol to make that stupid video the other day.”
“Then, I have this.” He pulls out another bottle close by. It’s Sprite.
I furrow my brows.
“I don’t want to get you drunk, but I still want to celebrate. So, I’ll give you half this, half that.”
“Sounds good,” I say, smiling.
He really has thought of everything.
I sit in one half of the heart, a curve, Gabriel sits in the other, between us is a small platform for drinks, but our legs are touching. I can easily turn a little and face him squarely, and if I wanted to cuddle, I could go over to his curve.
Gabriel takes a sip of champagne, and I take a sip of my drink as well, thankful there isn’t much alcohol in it. I want to remember this night.
“So, how is this going to work out between us?” Gabriel has settled into his nook, getting right down to business.
“I was hoping you’d take the driver’s seat on that.”
“Well, we can do as little or as much as you’d like.”
He’s staring at me, and I’m thankful for the bubbles covering my breasts. It’s not that I don’t feel safe with him, I’ve just never been so utterly naked with a man before.
“What does company policy say?” I ask.
“Company policy says I shouldn’t be doing this, but there’s nothing they can do about it. I’m the CEO. If they try to go after you—well, let’s just say they’re not that stupid. Still, we’d keep it discreet.”
“I can be discreet,” I say.
“Analise will know, but no one else. Even casual friends outside of work shouldn’t be let in on what happens between us behind closed doors.”
It hurts that I have to keep this a secret from Meghan, but I completely understand. I work for him, and he probably wants to keep his options open and reputation intact. I can’t blame him.
“I have access to your suite through a hidden passageway my grandfather built in that connects many of the apartments. Not even the Big 5 knows about that.”
“So…how often?”
“Well, I guess we can figure that out as we go. If you’re ever in the mood, send me a text telling me you disagree with a report.”
“What if I really do disagree with a report?”
“Well, then whenever I receive your texts, it will be quite the guessing game. I’ll show up here naked, you’ll be scowling behind a computer.”
I giggle, taking another sip of my drink. I have a million questions for him, but I don’t want to ruin the mood.
Finally, I muster, “So, what is it you like when you’re…um…” I cast my eyes downward, unable to finish the sentence.
“What do I like? Well, I can tell you right now the thing I’m most eager for is you. It’s not any one thing I want to do in particular. It’s just you that I want.”
My heart feels damn close to melting in my chest, and it takes all of my willpower to remain on my side of the tub.
“Is there anything in particular that you like? Something you’ve wanted to try?” Gabriel asks. “Analise has told me you’re…new to this sort of thing.”
Of course, she did. But it’s good that he knows. This isn’t a bad thing.
I run through the various fantasies I’ve had over the years—so many fantasies. I don’t want to seem boring and say nothing, but I’ve also never talked dirty before. Now, I wish my drink had just a tad bit more alcohol.
“You’re going to think this is so stupid,” I say. “That I’ve never done it before.”
“Try me.”
“Oral sex?”
His face lights up, and I feel instant relief. That must mean he doesn’t think I’m stupid.
After a moment, he says, “Giving or receiving?”
“Receiving. But also giving. But very much receiving.”
Gabriel moves our glasses to the opposite side of the tub.
“Well, take a seat, my lady.” He gestures to the platform between the two heart halves.
Oh my God, is this really happening?
My heart is pounding in my chest, and blood rushes to my loins. I feel dizzy with want and burdened with fear.
Gabriel has a devilish look on his face, as though he were up to mischief. He pats the platform, and once again, I wish I had been given a stronger drink.
What if he doesn’t like my body?
Gabriel is staring at me, eager look on his face.
There’s no reason to think that. Stop being shy! Gabriel wants to please me. Just look at him. He’s excited.
I sit on the platform, legs pressed tightly together, absolutely terrified.
The platform is perfectly comfortable, and I wonder if it was made for this reason. My back fits against it nicely. It�
�s the perfect height.
Gabriel shifts his body and positions himself in front of me, hands on my knees, kissing my thighs. He wipes the suds from my breasts, cupping one in his hand.
My nipple grows tight under his fingers. With his other hand, he’s now parting my legs. My body complies with his demands, far bolder than my brain.
“God, you’re sexy,” Gabriel says as he starts kissing up my body. My legs are trembling, and I pull them around his waist.
He takes a cup, rinsing my body of soap, and starts to kiss, lick, and sucky my breasts. My loins begin to radiate heat, it’s pleasant, but there’s an edge to it—an urgency.
He finally makes it to my mouth, and as we begin to kiss. I feel his fully erect cock against my core. I consider bidding him to enter, eager to feel him breach me. But I’m terrified.
Our tongues dance. His hands massage my sides. He pulls back a little, his blue eyes staring intensely into my brown.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
I unwrap my legs, spreading them as far apart as they will go. Then I close my eyes.
A moment later, I feel his stubble as he’s kissing my inner thighs, a part of me no man has ever touched before. I don’t know how it’s possible, but every touch feels amplified. My legs begin to shake volatility, pushing him away, but Gabriel throws them over his shoulders roughly, scooting my butt closer to him.
Looking down, I see him, hungry—no, starving as he moves towards the junction between my thighs.
His first lick takes my breath away, a slight moan escaping my lips.
Oh my God! How does this feel so good?
My back arches. It’s as if I’ve lost control of my body.
His tongue’s now lavishing me with attention, moving in, out, and around the delicate folds of my sex.
I expected him to show some interest in pleasing me. I never expected him to do so with such enthusiasm. His face is now buried in my pussy, and I’m finding it harder and harder to maintain what little control I have over my body. His pace increases, and I find myself wanting—no needing release.
The Billionaire's Board Page 15
