by Ivy Nelson
Holly nudged him with her elbow, and he responded by pulling an arm away and kicking the toy up a notch.
The top in the scene was pouring colored wax over the back of his submissive who looked to be in pure bliss. Wax was a kink Elijah mentioned earlier. Did it burn?
The vibrator turned to high again and Holly pressed the back of her hand to her mouth to keep from crying out.
“Does this appeal to you?” His voice was seductive in her ear as his hot breath danced across her skin.
Holly nodded.
“Are you just saying that because you’re about to come, or does it really appeal to you?”
How was she supposed to answer that? She did not want to have an orgasm standing in front of people who were clearly enjoying a special bond. It seemed crass. As if reading her thoughts again, he switched the toy off and Holly sagged against him.
“I think we better go sit down,” he said with a chuckle.
When they reached the seating area, Elijah led them to a small loveseat and waited for her to sit before he sat beside her. Tucking her close, he kissed her forehead.
“Now that you’re not on the brink, answer me honestly. What did you think of the wax?”
“It looked beautiful. I just don’t see how it doesn’t burn.”
Elijah smiled. “Understandable. Different kinds of wax melt at different temperatures. Wax used for sensual wax play has a very low melting point, so it doesn’t get hot enough to burn you. It’s a bit like stepping into a warm bath.
“There are some masochistic bottoms who like a hotter melting wax, but we don’t encourage people to use anything that would actually cause burn damage to the skin. Pain can be a delightful thing to play with, but injury is not what we’re after.”
Holly snuggled close to him. “As long as it doesn’t burn, it definitely appeals to me.”
“I know the Dom who was doing the scene quite well. I’m not as familiar with his girl, she’s new, but if you would like, I’ll pull them aside later and you can feel some of the wax on your fingers or something. I didn’t bring any of mine or I would just show you back at the cabin.”
Holly shook her head. "I don’t know. Maybe we can do it when we get back home.”
Elijah smiled and lowered his mouth to hers. As their lips connected, the vibrator turned on full blast. Holly couldn’t hold back the moan as she let herself get swept up in his kiss. Soon she was on the brink, and she knew there was nothing stopping her from toppling over the edge.
Elijah deepened the kiss as the orgasm ripped through her. “Agh,” she cried out, tearing away from his lips to bury her head in his shoulder. A second orgasm followed close behind the first. When her clit couldn’t take the vibrations anymore, she quietly begged him to turn it off. He obliged without hesitation before capturing her mouth in another rough kiss.
“Watching you come undone is the hottest thing ever,” he said huskily when they came up for air.
Holly wanted to hide from embarrassment. Elijah sensed it and narrowed his eyes at her. “Stop. Don’t overthink it, baby. Look around you.”
Tentatively, she raised her head and looked around the club. Nobody was staring at them as she feared. Not even the one other person in the seating area was looking their way. Everyone was lost in their own bliss or conversations. Not to mention the music was loud enough that nobody could hear the vibrator or her soft cries of pleasure. Even if they did hear anything, nobody would bat an eye. The room was filled with squeals, screams, gasps, and the sound of flesh being hit, caressed, massaged, and aroused.
“See,” he said when she’d had a good look around. “Nothing to be embarrassed by.”
Holly grinned at him. “OK, you’re right. It was kinda hot. But I think I’m spent for the night. At least until we get back to the cabin. I’d like to just enjoy watching everything for a little while.”
Elijah pulled her close and together they observed the party. Occasionally, he would kiss her forehead but otherwise, he left her alone.
Numerous people approached to introduce themselves and chat with Elijah. Almost all of them asked if she was going to become a member.
Was she?
“You don’t have to, you know.”
“I don’t have to what?” she asked as another guest wandered off.
“Become a member. We can have plenty of fun without it.”
Holly turned to face him. “I know I don’t have to. But it’s such a big part of your life. I’ll just have to think about it.”
Elijah dropped a kiss on her nose. “Just let me know what you’re thinking. I’ll help you sort through it. If it’s Patrick, we can work that out. If it’s something else, don’t hesitate to just tell me you’re not interested.”
Holly leaned into him and thought about the decision she knew she needed to make soon.
Chapter Nineteen
“They filed the lawsuit an hour ago. Grant Sterling is the one who delivered the paperwork to the courthouse. I expect someone will be here to serve the both of you later today.”
Elijah sat across from Jeremy Stockton feeling sick to his stomach. Holly was on her way to have breakfast with Grant Sterling right now. He wouldn’t be surprised if someone served her with the lawsuit there. He was tempted to call her back to the office, but she’d been thoughtful of his feelings when she set this meeting up and he refused to look like the jealous bastard who didn’t want his girl alone with other men. If Grant Sterling hurt her though, all bets would be off.
“We’ll get it thrown out next week,” Jeremy was saying when Elijah focused on him again.
“Just get it done. I don’t have time for this shit.”
“How much do you know about Miss Sutton? I wish you would have run it by me first before you hired her.”
“Why? What do you know?” Elijah demanded harshly.
The attorney held up his hands. “Nothing. I just find it odd that you would hire your rival’s daughter to be your assistant. You’re giving her access to a lot of private information, and if it fell into Sutton’s hands you would have no prayer of outperforming him in the diamond market.”
“I work with Patrick Sutton on a regular basis. Holly’s his sister, and he’s the one who wanted me to hire her.”
“Well you’re also dealing with those tabloid stories. I’m just saying be careful.”
Elijah waved him off. I’m being careful. I’m always careful.”
The attorney chuckled. “That’s certainly true. I read your employment contract with her. It’s pretty intense.”
Elijah tuned the lawyer out when his phone buzzed. It was a selfie from Holly in the back of the car he’d sent her to lunch in. He quickly responded.
See you after breakfast, baby. Behave.
Why had he tossed that last word in? Holly wasn’t his submissive, and he had no reason to believe she would do anything with Grant. Yet here he was acting like a chauvinistic bastard.
Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Have fun, baby.
Holly didn’t respond, and Elijah hoped he hadn’t pissed her off. Returning his attention to the attorney, he promised to call him if he needed him, and the attorney assured him he would call as soon as they had dismissed the lawsuit.
Hopefully that would happen soon. It was the last thing Elijah needed. As he gathered up folders to head to his next meeting, he felt his phone vibrate.
What happens if I don’t behave?
Oh, so she wanted to play his little game. It was a shame they hadn’t reached any kind of agreement or he would promise her a red ass when she got back to the office. Instead, he kept his response vague. They would have to talk about kink soon.
I guess you’ll just have to decide if you want to find out.
He threw in a winking emoji to make sure it came across light instead of threatening. Even though his finger had hovered over the devil emoji for a moment.
• • •
Did she want to find out? Holly stared at the text and wondered how she shou
ld respond. They were pulling up to the restaurant though and she knew Grant was waiting on her. Traffic had been a nightmare and she was already ten minutes late. Elijah would be proud.
When the car pulled under the portico, she stepped out, promising to text the driver as soon as she was ready. Grant was standing inside the door and pushed it open for her as she approached.
“Holly, you look amazing,” he said as he leaned in to kiss her on the lips. Holly turned her face, so he landed on her cheek instead.
Why was he trying to kiss her? Surely, he’d seen the tabloids.
“Hello, Grant, it’s good to see you again.”
“So formal,” he teased. “Come. Our table is this way.”
At their table, he pulled out her chair and let his hand fall onto her shoulder as she sat.
Holly felt awkward. She’d never been shy around Grant, and despite his constant pursuit of her affections, she’d always gotten along with him. He seemed to look out for her father, and she appreciated that.
Today, she wanted to ask some questions about her father and see if she could figure out how much of what Patrick and Elijah had told her was true.
Not that she thought they were lying, it was more that she thought maybe they had been misled themselves. Hopefully Grant would be honest with her.
“You’re missed at the foundation, and I haven’t seen you around the house much either. You must really stay busy with Barrett.”
Holly looked down at her menu. “He is definitely a busy man.”
“And then there are those horrid tabloid stories. Your father was ready to blow a gasket, but I calmed him down. Told him it was just the tabloids being sensational again. Of course, you two would spend a lot of time together. You’re his personal assistant. I imagine you go everywhere with the man except for the bathroom.”
Holly wanted to laugh at that considering the amount of time she’d spent bathing and showering with Elijah in the last few weeks.
“It’s a little more complicated than that, Grant. That’s kind of why I wanted to have lunch with you.”
She watched as his face clouded with… was it anger? She couldn’t tell, but it definitely wasn’t positive.
“You can’t really be dating him, Holly.”
“I’m not sure what we’re doing, but we are spending time together outside of work. He sparks something in me, Grant. For the first time since college I’m not bored. I feel like I’m doing something good for the world and I’m learning a lot about myself in the process.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to jump into bed with him. Jesus, Holly, I thought I meant something to you.”
Holly sighed. She was hoping Grant would take this a little better.
“Grant, please. You’re a good friend and I care about you. But you know I don’t love you. Not like that.”
“And you’re saying you love Elijah Barrett? The man hell bent on watching your father burn?”
Holly closed her eyes. Might as well get right to the point. “That’s the other thing I wanted to ask you about.”
The waiter approached and Holly ordered an omelet and coffee. After Grant placed his order and the waiter left, Holly continued.
“I’ve been reading a lot about my mother and one of the tabloids printed something. I wondered if you could confirm it before I talk to Daddy. Was she really part of the group of aid workers taken hostage the year she died? The same group that Eleanor Barrett was in?”
“Why are you reading the Hollywood Chronicle? You know that rag is pure bullshit.”
So, he had read it.
“Is it true? The dates she traveled line up, but I’ve always been told she was in a different part of the country.”
Grant leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. “I think that’s probably a conversation you should have with your father.”
That would be Grant’s way of confirming it. There were still so many unanswered questions. But Grant wasn’t interested in talking about that. He reached across the table and picked up her hand. “Holly, please, just come back home. I think you’ve had enough adventure. It’s time to take your place in the family. We’ll put you on the board at the foundation and you can have more of a say in what goes on. We can get married like your father has always wanted. Don’t let Elijah Barrett brainwash you against your own family.
Holly felt sick. She’d wanted Grant to deny the tabloid claims but he’d avoided her questions. Unable to face him anymore, she excused herself to the bathroom and pulled out her phone to text Dale, her driver. This had been a bad idea.
When she returned to the table, she had the phone to her ear. “I’m on my way,” she said, hoping her voice sounded urgent enough.
Lowering the phone, she gave an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, Grant. I need to get back to the office. I forgot about a very important meeting this morning and I still need to prep a binder for Mr. Barrett.”
Grant eyed her skeptically but stood. His hands came to rest on her waist. “I see I’ve upset you. I’m sorry. I just care about you, that’s all. I can’t tell you everything, but Elijah Barrett is going to lose this fight and I would hate to see you caught up in the damage any more than you already have been.”
Had he just threatened her? Holly stepped out of his grasp. “I have to go, Grant.” She turned and brushed past the waiter who was bringing her meal. Grant could pay for it for being an ass.
The driver was waiting for her when she pushed open the front door. He held the passenger door open for her.
“Everything OK, Miss Sutton? That was a quick breakfast.”
Holly gave him a smile. “Everything is fine, Dale. I just don’t feel well.”
For the second time that day, a man looked at her skeptically, but this time, it was pretty well justified. As the car moved through traffic, Holly looked at Elijah’s calendar. He would be in meetings for another several hours and she was to attend the last two before lunch with him. At least she would have time to compose herself in her office before he came looking for her. He’d been hesitant when she told him she was having breakfast with Grant. There was no way in hell she was letting him know he’d upset her.
As she was settling at her desk a half hour later, Elijah burst through the door. “What’s wrong?” he asked in a demanding tone.
Holly looked up at him, confused. “What do you mean? Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting with R&D?”
Elijah stalked around to her side of the desk. “Don’t be cute. Dale told me you left breakfast early because you weren’t feeling well, so what’s wrong?”
Holly closed her eyes. Damn it. “You’re having your driver keep tabs on me for you?”
Elijah growled in frustration. “Don’t try to change the subject, Holly. Did Sterling upset you? Did he have something to say about us?”
He dropped to one knee in front of her chair and searched her face. “Talk to me, baby. What’s wrong?”
Holly lifted a hand to cup his cheek. “You’re sweet. Overbearing and overprotective, but sweet. Yes, Grant upset me, but it’s not a big deal. I’m a big girl. When I realized I wasn’t going to get any real answers out of him, I made my excuses and left early. I didn’t want the driver telling you I was upset, so I just told him I wasn’t feeling well.”
Elijah glanced at his watch and leaned in to peck her cheek. “I need to get back and finish this meeting. I’ll see you on the seventh floor in forty-five minutes. We’ll talk later. We need to work on your communication skills, young lady.”
The tone of voice he used was one she’d heard before. He was in dominant mode and it was turning her on, damn it.
Two could play that game she thought as she lowered her head and whispered, “Yes, Sir.”
Elijah’s hand gripped her chin and forced her to look at him. “Don’t play with me, Holly. You know what that does to me. Keep it up and we’re going to do more than talk when we get to my place tonight.”
Holly’s eyes went wide, and she nodded. “I’m re
ady to talk… and maybe more.”
A smile spread across his face and Elijah bent down to press a rough kiss to her lips. “You’re making me act very inappropriate at work. Perhaps I’ll punish you for that later.” Standing he looked sternly at her. “Forty-five minutes,” he warned as he turned to leave.
Holly chuckled. She was never late, and he knew it.
Exactly forty-five minutes later, she was waiting for him on the seventh floor. He, however, didn’t show up for another ten minutes, and Holly didn’t know if it was on purpose or not.
As they went through two meetings back to back, Holly took center stage several times as Elijah referred to her for information about his various projects Each time, she rallied with the correct answers. The back and forth between them was intoxicating, and Holly just wanted to get him home and out of his clothes. Screw talking. Elijah was unlikely to go for that though. He seemed intent on having a serious conversation with her.
Chapter Twenty
Elijah sat in his office eating a sandwich, waiting on the other shoe to drop. So far, they hadn’t been served with any papers related to the lawsuit. Should he tell Holly, so she wasn’t caught off guard? Probably. He sighed and confirmed with Jax that they were still on to meet later that day. When he got an affirmative text, he stood and went to Holly’s office. Her smile lit up the room when he stuck his head in her door and he hoped he wasn’t about to destroy it.
“Hey, baby,” he whispered since the receptionist had stepped away. “Come into my office. Need to talk to you about something.”
Holly eyed him quizzically. “Everything OK?”
Elijah just crooked his finger in a come here motion and turned to go back into his own office.
When she followed him through the door, he quickly shut it and pressed her against it, taking her lips in a heated kiss, hoping it conveyed all of his feelings for her.