Imperfect Consequences

by Piper Stone

  “His name is Zack and trust me, he comes highly recommended.” Wendy turned toward the door.

  As Shannon remained snarling, commiserating with herself for all the work she was going to have to do to get the brat up to speed, she didn’t see him walk in or approach her. When she finally registered his presence, she knew all color had drained from her face. Fantasy man stood smack in front of her desk, looking absolutely stunning in a figure-hugging suit, red silk tie, sexy mused hair and the biggest baby blues she’d ever seen. She sucked in her breath, calmed the sexual lion raging within, and made a mental note to kick karma’s ass. No. Not good. Not at all. Look cool. Look professional. “Intern?” Great. Now she was croaking questions.

  Wendy narrowed her eyes, gazing back and forth between the two. “Yes, you remember the briefing by your partners and the subsequent memo? Or did you not get that memo.”

  Clearing her throat, Shannon eased around her desk, managing to bump her leg into the corner. Grimacing, she could see a look of pure mischief in the guy’s eyes – Mr. Intern of the Year. “Of course. I was expecting… him…”

  “Zach Carter.” He held out his hand, the look on his face full of knowing.

  As if they’d shared an intimate moment. “Shannon Parker. Your boss.”

  Wendy snorted. “A minute ago, you weren’t acknowledging you had an intern.”

  “Momentary blip. Mr. Carter, I assume you know why you’re here?” Hesitant to grip his hand, Shannon stalled by studying his frame, then looking out the window. As if the man can’t see right through you. Grasping his hand, she was pleasantly surprised there was little more than just a handshake, a warm feeling of flesh against flesh, nothing more. There were no electric jolts shooting into her pussy or wayward bells of lust ringing out.

  “You come with an extraordinary reputation. I’m honored to be able to gain some aspects of your expertise, as well as work closely beside you. I am certain I’m going to learn enough to advance my career.” Zach’s smile grew as his voice dropped.

  Shannon caught the inflections and pushed back against the bait. The man was obviously a player. “Mr. Carter.”

  “Zach, please,” he cooed.

  “Thank you for coming in, Mr. Carter,” Shannon said as she folded her arms.

  “I was so excited to become a part of the team.” Zach remained quiet as he glanced back and forth between the two women.

  Yeah, he was handsome and sexy as hell and you bet Shannon could tell even Wendy was breathing heavily, but she refused to succumb to his obvious ploy. “Yes, of course you are.” Walking toward the window, Shannon garnered full control of her faculties, wiping the beads of sweat from the top of her brow.

  “I am,” Zach added.

  “Uh, Shannon,” Wendy breathed as she walked closer to Shannon. “Perhaps I should take him to HR and have him fill out all those forms he needs to. Then you can make those last few phone calls before you grill him.”

  The subtle yet pointed words were clear enough. Shannon was being a bitch. “I don’t need to make any phone calls, but thank you, Wendy.”

  “Uh-huh. Well, go easy on the hired help,” Wendy added, a cautious tone in her voice.

  Zach grinned broadly. “It’s okay. I think what Ms. Parker needs is some proving ground.” Holding out his briefcase toward her desk, he started to place the leather case on top, then stopped short. “May I? I have some papers I think you would like to see.”

  “Of course.” Shannon could tell he was a damn good poker player. As Zach set the briefcase down and proceeded to open the flap, she couldn’t help but hone in on his long and lean form, muscles ripping through the thin material of his suit jacket. There was something sensational about linen on a man.

  “I graduated top of my class at Harvard, having served three years on the Law Forum and writing for the University Newspaper for two. I spent time as a Lacrosse coach and managed to find at least a few hours volunteering for Aids shelters in Boston.” Zach yanked out a manila folder, fingering the top, before handing it to Shannon. “But I pride myself in the fact I played jazz guitar all throughout college for a pretty hot band. My true love.”

  The words were practiced, no doubt. After all, Zach Carter was looking for a job. But the added bit about music was meant for her. The why was beyond her. Few knew she was a musician, having given up a career in the art for law. Maybe she was just overblowing his perceptions of her, but something caught her eye. “Interesting. We work long hours here, Mr. Carter.”

  “Some say close to being on a chain gang,” Wendy offered, her tone admonishing.

  “Wendy, I’m simply trying to help Mr. Carter understand that he’ll be working long hours and perhaps the late-night band sessions will have to become a thing of the past.” Why did she sound like some damn schoolmarm? Shannon groaned inwardly and sensed he was staring at her flowers.

  “I don’t need to have extracurricular activities at this point in my life. I’m dead serious about becoming the best attorney in criminal and corporate law I can be.” Zach fingered one of the roses, his gaze remaining on the bouquet.

  Shannon was annoyed for some reason, as if he was trying to usurp some level of control over her. “I’m glad to hear that. I’m glad to know you’re serious.”

  “I am. This is terribly important to me. I refuse to allow anything to get in my way of achieving all my goals,” Zach’s voice was full of conviction.

  All his goals. Was he eager on too many levels? Shannon opened his file and certain accolades jumped out at her immediately. He didn’t just graduate in the top level of his class. Zach was Valedictorian. He wasn’t just writing for the paper, he was the editor and he was on a team that almost made it to the Olympics with Lacrosse. For so many reasons, her law firm was lucky to have him. A full minute passed as she tried to figure out how best to handle him.

  “Do you want me to take him to HR?” Wendy asked as she shook her head.

  “That won’t be necessary. I think I can put him right to work.” Shannon tapped his file, flipped a page, then another, and barely glanced at the information.

  Wendy exhaled and leaned in. “Be careful. She does bite.”

  Zach laughed nervously and turned to watch as she walked out the door. “An excellent assistant.”

  “She’ll make an even better attorney one day,” Shannon said as she pushed his file aside. Now, what the hell to do with him.

  “And so will I.” Zach made certain she saw his eyes, his ‘full of conviction’ eyes.

  “I believe you, Mr. Carter.”

  “Zach, please. If we’re going to be working so very closely together, then I think we have to be less formal. Don’t you?”

  “We will be working together and this will be very professional, Mr. Carter.” Shannon could tell where this was going. She’d been around the block more than a few times.

  Zach sniffed. “Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Why would you think any differently?”

  The challenge. How interesting. “You were here yesterday afternoon.”

  “I was. I cannot tell a lie.” His eyes twinkled again.

  Instantly, she hated the usual attribute. “What were you doing, scoping out the best position for you? You honestly want me to believe you missed the timing for what you have said in few words is important to you?”

  Zach’s face registered hurt and he brushed the tip of his finger back and forth across a single petal. “Some say roses are the entrance to a woman’s soul. I say they are just a covering of the woman inside.”

  If the riddle was supposed to mean something, she wasn’t certain and in truth, was growing agitated at his sexy but draining semantics. “Mr. Carter. I do gather that they probably teach you about all aspects of protecting the wealthy client in law school these days. You know what I mean.”

  “No. I have no clue. Why don’t you tell me what I learned in law school?”

  “That there are easy ways out even within the practice of the law. If you get in with th
e right firm, you’re going to have it easy.”

  “Easy?” Zack snarked. “Since when is anything having to do with the law easy?”

  Shannon placed both hands on top of her desk. She had to make certain he knew she was in charge and that… And that there would be nothing more than a professional relationship between them. He didn’t ask you to go to bed with him. Shivering, Shannon tilted her head. “You’re right. There is nothing easy. Now what do you think you want as far as a career in the law?”

  “What I think? It’s what I know.”

  “Go on.”

  He laughed nervously. “It’s something that has given me strength.”

  “We all have that. I’d be curious to know more.”

  “All right.” Zach laughed and slipped his hands into his pockets. “My mother was knifed by a madman, one who came into our home and killed her while I was sleeping in my bed. I had no clue because I’d insisted I sleep with music playing in the background, at ungodly decibels. Had I fucking paid attention my mother might have lived to see me enter junior high. Am I a bit bitter? Yes. Am I a bit over the fact everyone thinks that because I have the look of a surfer I had an easy ride? You bet. I’m sick to death of being criticized for the way I look when not a single person has taken the time to delve further into the man.”

  The words were chilling, but Shannon couldn’t help but wonder whether contrived. “A madman?”

  “I don’t know what else you call a sick freak who decided to indiscriminately kill random women then disappear into society.”

  Shannon softened. “I’m sorry to hear that. He wasn’t apprehended at any time?”

  “Supposedly the police got close, but he simply wasn’t heard from again. I’ve been watching the news, scanning sources of similar MO’s and found nothing.” Zach’s eyes flashed. “Now, at least you might begin to understand why this is important to me.”

  “I do and I can understand why it’s important to come to some conclusion in order to enable closure, but our firm is inundated with clients, odd cases that are taking a lot of time. I can’t have you hot dogging on our nickel. Is that clear enough?”

  Cocking his head, Zach seemed to be studying not only her fortitude, but also every inch of her. The look crossing into the lines of lust. Or was she merely doing some wishful thinking? She flipped a few more pages in his file, noticing he had some training in association law. Hmm.

  “Very clear. Happy to work on any and all cases. I’m new in town and have no ties. I simply want to work hard in order to glean every aspect of working with a top-notch firm, gain a heightened level of experience, then pass the bar exam. I’m more than ready to start my career.”

  Shannon studied his face, the way his eyes were pinpointed and the simple fact he had a true nervous tic in the corner of his mouth. This time he reeked of sincerity. “Excellent. Then we’ll get started today. There is a case I’m working on that’s, quite frankly, driving me insane. I’ll have Wendy get you settled into some sort of a desk area and help you pull up the Miller case. This is one you just might be able to sink your teeth into.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

  There was an awkward moment of silence as they locked eyes. Shannon had to break the tenuous hold. “We’re all through here.”

  “I take it you’re having a better day today?”

  His tone had changed, much more assertive in nature. “Yes, thank you.”

  “I could tell by your radiant smile when I walked in. He is a very lucky man.”

  She swallowed hard as she gazed at the flowers. “Let’s just get to work. Okay?”

  “Of course.”

  After ushering Zach out, Shannon settled behind her desk, checking her watch for the time. Tonight, she was determined to get home early to keep the peace between her and David. Maybe beg for another spanking. Maybe Wendy was right. Discipline did look good on her. She fingered the card before opening the envelope. Seeing the simple words slammed another moment of guilt into her system. You are my everything… Smiling she brushed her fingers across several flower petals. What a surprise.

  Rubbing her forehead, she read over Zach’s file one last time before slipping the folder into her desk drawer and closing her eyes. As tears slipped from both, she lowered her head. Why was she always crying? Hearing her phone blip, she literally jumped in her seat. A single moan slipped from her lips. Damn, the spanking still hurt. The text was short and to the point, she twirled in her chair, the tears immediately abating.

  Be home by six sharp or face my wrath.

  David’s wrath indeed.

  Chapter 5

  “No. It was definitely the night we played Scruples. Don’t you remember?” Winking, David asked, the mischievous tone in his voice obvious. He was pleasantly surprised Shannon was getting along so well with Marcie. He was also shocked she hadn’t said anything negative about going out as a foursome on their anniversary. Touching his pocket, he grinned subtly as he brushed the tip of his finger over the velvet box secured in his jacket. He could only hope she’d be as pleased with his present as he’d been since making the decision on what to buy her. Shannon certainly wasn’t an easy woman to purchase anything for. Then there was the fact he’d never really appreciated the value of giving gifts. The gift was special, the meaning much more significant.

  “Scruples? I don’t know, dear husband. I think you might be losing your marbles since the name of the game is Taboo.” Shannon fluffed her hair before sliding her hand under the table and squeezing David’s groin, her index finger tapping hard on top of his cock. “And you do know how I love all things taboo.”

  Jesus Christ. Hot and horny, his dick immediately twitched. Shannon wasn’t usually this playful and the way she clamped her hand around his already throbbing cock made him want to drag her into the bathroom of the restaurant and fuck her brains out. He rolled his eyes the second the euphemism entered his mind. However, there was no denying the fact they’d enjoyed two incredible nights of passion. “Is Marcie this way?” He teased as he gave Bruce a nod and wondered whether he could endure any concept of normal conversation. The food was sensational, the alcohol flowing, and the conversation sinful. Coming out for dinner had been an incredible idea, but he was itching to give Shannon her present.

  “I think Shannon is on fire tonight and Marcie is the original bad girl,” Bruce snorted as he lifted his glass in an exaggerated toast.

  “Hey now. You told me point blank I was a very good girl last night,” Marcie cooed as she batted her eyelashes.

  “Here we go. Yes, you were delicious.” Bruce leaned over and nipped Marcie’s ear.

  David raised his eyebrow. The two love birds seemed happy. He could sense Shannon bristling, still so unsure of the state of their marriage, as well as the contract he’d shredded like a fool. He’d recreated the words in a gilded format, the linen page only awaiting their signatures before placing the binding passage behind Plexiglas. Would she accept and sign again, was the question.

  “Wait a minute here. I might have to challenge you,” Shannon added.

  “I’m thinking arm wrestling for the ladies.” David couldn’t resist.

  Bruce wagged his finger. “How about mud wrestling instead?”

  “My God, man. You are a genius.” Bursting into laughter, David pressed his hand over Shannon’s, pushing her fingers hard against his aching cock. For a few seconds, she took over, stroking and rubbing him in a way she knew he would go wild. And he did. He sucked in his breath as her deft fingers worked and a series of electric jolts skittered down his back.

  Shannon leaned over and kissed his lips once before licking around his mouth and over to his ear. “I want you.”

  “You minx,” David whispered, keenly aware the sound was much louder than he intended.

  “For some reason, I think two people at this table need to get a room.”

  David smiled and kicked Bruce under the table. “Just two?”

  “Yeah. Just two?”
Marcie laughed as she slipped her hand under the table.

  “Ouch!” Bruce jumped.

  David laughed. “I think the women are on fire tonight.”

  “And you’re complaining?” Bruce countered.

  “If you do, I won’t suck your cock later.”

  The way Shannon said the words made David bristle and he wasn’t certain why. Well, other than the tone and the meaning was so much like the control she’d truly had over him before signing the contract. He forced her to stroke him roughly as he bit down on her neck and growled until her hand floated over her mouth. He kept the hold until she whimpered, then licked the bite and took her chin into his hand. David kept his voice husky and low. There was no need for anyone to hear his frank words. “You belong to me and you’ll never deny me sexually. Will you?” Of course, he was issuing her a challenge.

  Shannon’s eyes registered a combination of playfulness and the willful woman who he’d married. The second he squeezed his hand, she softened.

  “I’m awfully hungry,” Marcie said loudly.

  “I think my lovely woman is drunk and in need.” Bruce’s eyes twinkled.

  “I think both ladies are a bit intoxicated,” David added as he watched Shannon refill both her own and Marcie’s glass, emptying the last of the bottle of wine.

  “This is a celebration. Right?” Shannon gave him a look.

  David laughed and tweaked her nose. “Yes, my darling wife, it is.” As he shook his head, a face peering at him from the shadows by the bar grabbed his attention. He narrowed his eyes and knew instinctively the person was watching him intently. There was no way to distinguish who the person was or even the sex.

  “You know we could roll with that idea,” Marcie purred and licked her lips as she ribbed Bruce. “A little mud wrestling might just be the ticket to all things wicked and wild.”

  Shannon drained her glass of wine and twirled the stem. “I’m game, but we need wine. Lots more wine before I totally commit. Oh, waiter.”