by Raven Scott
“You okay, baby?” he asked.
Nodding curtly, a huge, sputtering gasp escaped me, and I inhaled as deeply as I could manage. The air fueled the fire in my abdomen, as David gripped my hips to guide them back and forth. Clamping down on his cock, my pussy throbbed wildly from the pleasure that sloshed through me. Flames engulfed my lungs, and I shivered uncontrollably.
“It’s—so b-big...” Tiny tears leaked from my eyes and dropped onto David’s hot skin, as my voice wobbled noticeably. My pussy stretched, the slight bite of pain only adding to the intensity, and I clenched my jaw hard enough to ache my teeth. “Oh-h...!”
“Your pussy’s just so fucking tight— it’s amazing—” His short, strained voice rose above the blood drumming in my ears, and I moaned when David’s hands slid up to my breasts. “Sit back.”
I did, my eyes rounding slightly when David tilted his hips. Flopping my head back as he rolled and pinched my nipples firmly, a powerful wave of euphoria slammed into me. My heart was in my throat, the banging in my ears turning into a shrill ringing, and incredible spasms. Cramps assaulted my feet as my toes curled hard enough to send my heels tumbling to the floor.
David’s smug gaze settled on me heavily, and I stiffened when he braced his feet against the floor and thrusted.
I almost choked on my furiously beating heart. The rhythmic pounding of his thighs against my ass, the jostling of my body— his hot, heavy pants rolling down my abdomen— it was all awesome. I practically sobbed from the rapture of David’s grip tightening on my chest, his breaths shortening, his thrusts becoming sharp and jerky.
“Ness, baby.” Arms wrapped around my lower waist like steel beams and I whimpered pathetically as David pulled almost all the way out of me. Burying his face between my breasts, he groaned and shivered, his cock throbbing wildly when he thrust back in fully. The whole world seemed to stop spinning, and it only started up again with a terrible lurch when David’s arms slackened around me.
“Wow...” Flopping against the sofa, David blew out a huge gust of a sigh.
I slid off his lap to lay down on my side. Staring dazedly at the soft, cream-colored pleather, I marveled at the beauty of what I’d just experienced.
Gingerly with shaky hands, David unfurled my legs and started massaging my feet for a few, heavy seconds before speaking up, “When was the last time you had sex?”
“I don’t know. A long time. Why?” My voice rasped against my dry throat as I managed to roll my eyeballs lazily.
David inhaled deeply through his nose. “You make the cutest noises.” Stormy grey eyes met mine under a deep crease between his brows, David’s lips picked up in a lopsided smirk.
My eyes watered from the brightness, the genuineness of his expression.
Leaning over to plant a kiss on my cheek, he peeled my damp hair from my neck.
I squeezed my eyes shut tightly with a harsh sniffle.
14
David
“That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it’d be.” I felt like I could fucking float away; not only had the meeting gone great, but the sexy bit beforehand had been mind blowing. Leaning back to prop my head in laced fingers, I arched a brow quizzically. “So, I’ll just be managing the team involved in slogan design? I’m not going to have to approve anything?”
Vanessa packed up her laptop and turned off the projector. “That’s right. All you have to do is make sure things get sent out on time, no fighting between departments, and keep accountability. After six months, we’ll revisit your duties and see where you can improve or if more responsibility should be tacked on. Considering you have no managerial experience in this kind of environment, I...” She trailed off, her baby blues flickering behind me to widen.
I twisted to find the man from the interview leaning on the door frame.
“Reece, hey. You need something?” she asked.
Reece sauntered into the conference room to sit heavily in a chair and rub his face.
Even though Vanessa didn’t count him as a friend, they surely seemed more than just business acquaintances. I wasn’t jealous at all, just sad that she didn’t recognize a good friend when she had one.
“Carlyle’s making us babysit those Commie idiots.”
My brows rose high at Reece’s grumble.
Vanessa barked out a harsh laugh that matched her narrowing eyes.
“I hate my life. I hate those damned Russians. I hate Carlyle. I would literally rather die than do this again.”
“Us...? Carlyle wants me to deal with Igra?” she asked.
I’m officially lost. I mean, this conversation obviously had nothing to do with me. I just happened to be here for it.
Irritation tightened Vanessa’s delicate features, and she huffed loudly. “I suppose it’s better than dealing with Aleksander himself again.”
“Yeah, well... needless to say, I need to use your office again.”
She didn’t hesitate to nod.
Reece smiled gratefully with relief slumping his shoulders. “Riley and I are going on a date tonight before I disappear into the void. You two wanna come?”
“Um, I’m not busy, but... David, it’s up to you.” Speaking up haltingly, Vanessa shot me a desperate look that said ‘say no!’
I was already shaking my head. Sitting up straight, I licked my lips heavily as I checked my watch. “I’m sorry, I can’t. I promised my mom we’d celebrate my starting Monday tonight. She works weekends and not to mention, my sister is moving back home today. I’m sure that by now the tension is sky high.” My lips twisted in grimace, and I glanced over at Reece with a slight shrug. “I’m sure the movers are having a sweet, easy, full day.”
“The best kind of procrastination is productive procrastination, I suppose.” Reece scanned me through shrewd eyes.
I ducked my head in a nod. Now, I understood what Vanessa said about asking him about religion; he seemed like the kind of guy that didn’t believe in what he couldn’t see. Which was fine, to each his own, and I clenched my jaw absently before turning to Vanessa. “So, am I good to go, or did you want me for anything else?”
Pausing while putting her laptop in a case, Vanessa arched her brows at me quizzically.
She was so friggen beautiful. I crossed my legs under the table and cleared my throat. “Was there anyone else coming in that I should meet or anything?”
“No. They’re scheduled to be back late tomorrow, so you’ll meet your team on Monday. It won’t be too bad, I promise. Now, it’s just a waiting game.”
Anxiety was already curdling in my gut about Monday morning. I pushed myself up with a sharp sigh.
“If there’s anything you want to know, just ask, David. You said it yourself. Getting thrown into a situation to learn is the reason you applied for this job.”
“Yeah. I’m supposed to get my phone delivered tomorrow, so I’ll shoot you a text once I get everything transferred and set up.”
Nodding curtly, Vanessa seemed to dismiss me with a flick of her wrist, but her eyes glowed with anticipation.
I couldn’t help but smirk, as I patted my pockets for my wallet and keys on my way out of the conference room.
I made it to the receptionist desk before Reece caught up with me, and he grabbed my elbow lightly. “I’ll ride down with you.”
I could practically smell the ulterior motive in his voice, but I only nodded and continued on my way. Punching the elevator button with my thumb, I ground my teeth absently. “To be honest. I’m kinda going through something with my sister and I hate her with everything I have.”
He nodded. “Believe me I get it.”
“Yeah... she’s a loser, but at least her and her loser boyfriend made enough to live somewhere else.” Raking my hand over my jaw, my tongue tingled wildly at the fact that I was even having the conversation. “She left him. I don’t know. I find it hard to believe she didn’t know he was cheating on her. All I’m sure of is now she’s gonna be a pain in my ass.”
“I get that
. Any kids involved?” he asked.
Shaking my head, I frowned at the notion, but at least Sarah did one thing right in remaining adamantly child-free.
“Good. Kids make everything complicated. I’m actually glad I caught you, David. I wanted to ask you about what happened at your interview.”
The elevator doors slid open and I gestured Reece in first to give myself some time. He didn’t work for Brass Herring, but he and Vanessa were close enough that she let him use her office. How does that work? Being CEO had its advantages, I guess.
He tapped the ground floor button swiftly.
I fished out my flip phone briefly to check for any missed calls.
“You held your own really well, considering you knew going in you were an underdog. I guess, you knowing I wasn’t the CEO helped even the playing field a bit. Also, Vanessa and I both knew instantly that woman wasn’t going to get the job, so I didn’t want you to win by default. I wouldn’t say I was pleasantly surprised you did well, but I was pleasantly something.” Tilting his head to me, Reece frowned even as a compliment passed his lips. His eyes flashed a bit.
What passed through his gaze was something I couldn’t quite catch, but the hairs on the back of my neck rose up regardless.
He went on in a low voice, “Vanessa may be aloof when it comes to relationships of any kind, but... if you hurt her, I’ll kill you, David. And no, I’m not joking. I will literally shoot you in the head and not lose a wink of sleep over it.”
“... That’s the most ridiculous thing to say. Hurt is inevitable to a degree.” I had to physically stop myself from throwing up under the intensity of Reece’s gaze. Honestly, it was a miracle my voice came out as as steady as it did. Pursing my lips when his brows rose in surprise, I shook my head a little— more to get rid of the lightheadedness. “You’re not an emotional thinker, Vanessa said. So, for you to say that seems out of character, not that I’m going to pretend to know anything about you, Reece. But, if you’re referring to the kind of hurt from lying, manipulating and gaslighting... no, I’m not gonna hurt her.”
Reece just continued to borderline glare at me during the entire elevator ride.
When a shrill ping sounded, I almost died from the jolt to my heart, telling me to get the fuck out of this box. Somehow, though, I managed not to rush and my breath caught when he suddenly clapped a hand on my shoulder.
“Good, because I don’t like killing people for free. You wanna get a beer before you go home?”
This time, it was my turn to be surprised.
Reece squeezed my shoulder encouragingly with a smile. “The best procrastination is productive.”
“Sure? I’ll probably need it.” I’m stupid. But I really didn’t want to go home right away.
15
David
“They’re still here?” I don’t know if it was my sister, the two beers I’d drank with Reece, or both, but the moving truck outside my mom’s house pissed me right the fuck off. The truck itself was probably on the smaller size, and I knew my sister hadn’t brought anything big. Taking the steps, my irritation only grew at the pile of boxes cluttering the stairway, and I cleared my throat roughly. “Mom? Sorry I’m a little late. I got the cake!”
“In here, David!”
I pursed my lips thinly at the call that came from the kitchen; that was where my sister and my mom liked to talk over coffee. For hours. And hours. The amount of coffee missing from their mugs determined how many hours. Hiding my frown as I walked through the dining room and into the kitchen, I leaned on the doorframe to tuck my cake under my arm.
Judging by the half-empty mug, I’d say they’ve been talking since about when I left. Truly, it shouldn’t have surprised me that my mom invited Sarah over earlier than expected. She was my mom’s daughter and it was my own fault I didn’t like her. Not sparing my sister a glance, I managed a smile at my mom as she shot me a quizzical look. “It went great. I impressed my boss. I even went out for a beer after.” My smile widened into a grin. “I made great impressions on my coworkers, too.”
She inhaled sharply and clapped her hands. “Wonderful! What kind of cake did you get? Oh, I guess I don’t have to ask, right? It’s chocolate, isn’t it?”
Nodding unabashed, I wandered over to the counter to set down the small, thin cardboard box.
“I knew it. You’re wonderfully predictable.” My mom nodded.
“I’ll take that. So, how long have the movers been milking it outside?”
My mom’s eyes widened, flying to the clock with a confused frown.
This confirmed my suspicions. Shaking my head, I popped open the box, and the wonderful smell of chocolate wafted up my nostrils. “Mom, they’re being paid hourly to stand around the truck and look busy. This was an hour job, tops, and I’ve been gone since 1, which was almost 5 hours ago.”
“Well, everyone deserves an easy day every once and a while. You never know what people are dealing with.” Waving me off, she turned to dig in the silverware drawer.
My gaze accidentally slid to my sister.
She looked like shit, bloodshot eyes, and raw cheeks.
Disdain threatened to curl my lip up.
So briefly, we made eye contact, but Sarah was quick to look at her feet.
I almost felt bad about the shame that flickered on Sarah’s face. I wonder what happened...
“So, you went to have a beer with your boss? What’s he like?”
Why does everyone think my boss is a man?
My mom handed me a cake knife. “Your supervisor? You’re a mid-level manager there, right?”
I hummed thoughtfully. “I’m a supervisor, and I didn’t go with my boss. He’s a coworker— I guess, technically he’s a contractor. It was okay. We have a lot in common, surprisingly. He’s also good friends with the CEO.” I licked my lips as I cut into the cake. “I got invited as a courtesy, but it was just like every other boring-ass meeting I’ve ever been to.”
My mom smiled. “Did it relieve some of your anxiety over Monday?”
Again, I nodded.
My mom confidently patted my shoulder. “I know that once you get comfortable, you’ll do great, David. So, do you know what you’re going to wear on your first day?”
“Yes, I do. That shirt you got me for my birthday. The blue one.”
Setting down some small plates, my mom practically beamed at my answer.
Warmth flooded my chest. I loved my mother, and I knew it’d just tickle her pink if I wore the blue button down. “Anyway, I feel great. I’m more than excited to be a desk jockey for this company.”
I only served my mom and I. If Sarah wanted some, she could get it herself. Leaning against the counter, I twirled my fork between my fingers and my mouth watered. Double chocolate fudge with chocolate icing and chocolate shavings. I wonder if Vanessa likes chocolate? “Now, all I need is a girl and a pet... maybe a pet rock, since I don’t wanna deal with anything requiring a lot of effort.” Chuckling at my own joke, I relished the denseness of the cake and icing. “One thing at a time.”
“The first few months go by fast, David. Your probationary period will be over before you know it.” My mom nodded.
Grunting lowly in acknowledgment, I ducked my head in a nod and shoved my chocolatey goodness into my mouth. A groan of pleasure escaped me, and I slumped back to bop my head. I made a mental note to go back to that bakery, a lot. “But— considering I basically got the job by default because of that woman’s terrible attitude, I’m still really nervous about passing the probationary period. It’s one thing to pass the interview, and I got really lucky, but it’s another thing to do the job well enough not to get fired.”
“True. I’m sure you would’ve been a strong contender even if that woman... what did she do again?”
“She called the wrong person the boss’s name the entire time.” I shook my head with a small smirk. My mom nodded, and I gazed down at my cake slice with unfocused eyes. “I’m really feeling good about this, Mom.”
Scraping my piece of cake off my plate, I took the cardboard cutout to hum happily. Chocolate cake was my mortal weakness. Sitting on the steps near the top, I shoveled a glob of icing into my mouth as I eavesdropped on my mom’s conversation. With absolutely no shame on my part, I propped my elbows on my knees under brows furrowed in concentration.
“You should apologize to him, Sarah. It’ll make things easier on everyone.”
Surprise rose my brows, and I licked my fork absently as my mom’s chiding tone floated up the stairs.
“I know…I know you’re having a really tough time of it, but you’re making all these changes... don’t you think it’s time to put the past in the past?”
“He hasn’t talked to me in over 15 years—”
“Don’t you blame that on him! You were terrible to him in high school and you let Samuel be horrible to him. He has every reason to pretend you don’t exist. Okay, Sarah, I’m not saying beg his forgiveness or anything. But apologizing is just as much about you as it is about him. It’s about accountability. You’ve never accounted for any of the mistakes you’ve made, Sarah. You always blame them on everyone else. Your manager, your brother, your boyfriend…even me on several occasions. So, it’s about time you learned to fix your own mess. You moved back here to run away again, from the consequences of your actions. You’re lucky I let you, to be honest, because I know that you can’t afford your apartment by yourself. It’s not like Samuel kicked you out. No one even knows where he went, so you could’ve stayed there and struggled for the first time in your life.”