by Abi Walters
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Benson Ward was a man gone mad. He’d thought of nothing but Mia for two straight days. He tried burying her with work, an exhausting evening at the gym, or a big glass of whiskey and Coke, but neither his cock nor his mind would let her slip away. He’d gone so far as to lurk outside her building, watching her as she headed back from lunch. He thought of the way her dark jeans hugged the curve of her ass and the way her purple button down blouse clung to her body. His hard cock twitched and he groaned. Mia Barnes was more than sexy. He struggled to find words to describe her. The pout of her bottom lip as she spoke. He was glad her lips were as delicious as they looked. He shot his cock an angry look, as if he could somehow tame it. Not that he wanted to tame it, but he’d already rubbed two out in his bathroom thinking of her that morning alone. He had to have her.
“Mr. Ward, there is a Miss Barnes here to see you. She says she’s from Monarch Records.”
Benson perked up and pressed the intercom button to his left, “Thank you, Thomas. Send her in and hold all my calls.”
Benson waited patiently for Mia to round the corner. He licked his lips when he saw her, the erection in his lap growing painful. She wore a light denim dress shirt, unbuttoned with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Underneath was a plain white t-shirt that hugged her curvy figure a little too well. Slim jeans led into a pair of nude pumps that framed her feet perfectly. Her dark hair lie as it did the first time he saw her, in fluttery layers over her shoulders. Her face was dusted lightly with makeup, her lips a light pink. She looked effortlessly chic and unfazed as she strode into his office, taking a seat in a black tufted chair across from his desk.
“Two days,” She grinned as she flopped a folder on his desk. “I would’ve had it sooner but I was waiting for Grant to fax his contract over.”
He frowned at the mention of the man’s name. She spoke of him with such familiarity, such sadness. After their first meeting, Benson had done an extensive Google search of both Mia and Grant, huffing as he read reports of their relationship through music magazines and gossip columns. Seeing his precious Mia associate with another man was enough to make Benson’s fists curl.
Without saying a word, Benson pushed away from his desk and stood. Mia’s eyes were on him- or more importantly, his erection- as he crossed the room and pressed a button that made a sheet of frosted material slid over the exposed glass of his office. Shaded from prying eyes, he took a few long strides across the office to where Mia was sitting quietly with her legs clenched together. He extended a hand, and after a moment, she took it. He pulled her up and into his arms, pressing his hard body against hers. She sunk into him, as if she’d been waiting to feel him again.
Benson sought her gaze, and when their eyes met he couldn’t help but grin. Her eyes shone with a story of lust and self-pleasure. He was glad she’d touched herself thinking of him. Not only did it make his cock press harder against her, threatening to tear through his pants, but it helped ease his mind. She was his. So much for not mixing business and pleasure, he smirked.
As if she knew what he was thinking, she raised an eyebrow, “A girl’s allowed to dream.”
He tilted her and ran his tongue along her neck, eliciting shivers, “Let me make you come. Your dreams can come true, Mia. Let me.”
She reeled her head back and for a moment, Benson had thought he’d lost her. Instead she met his gaze and inhaled sharply, “Contrary to everything else in my life, in the bedroom I like being told what to do, Mr. Ward, not asked.”
Benson couldn’t help but groan as the final word fell from her lips. He was certain Mia Barnes was a figment of his imagination. She’d find out soon enough that Benson was in control in the bedroom just as much as he was in his business life. She gave a satisfied smile, knowing her words had stirred something primal within him. Mia had intended to go into his office and pretend there wasn’t so much pure sexual energy between the two it made her wet at the sight of his name. She was going to pretend he was just another arrogant businessman- she’d encountered quite a few of those. But none were like Benson Ward. He unzipped her pants, the sound of the zipper cutting through the raw sexual tension that stuck to the room.
With a swift jerk, her tight jeans were bunched around her knees. Mia stood nearly barren on the bottom, save her black lace thong. Yeah, she had intended going into his office for strictly professional matters, but the flutter that traveled from her chest to her sex at the thought of his name made her slip on a sexy matching set of underwear and bra… just in case. She was glad she’d taken the precaution. The way Benson looked at her, like he’d gone a hundred years without eating a single thing, warranted enough satisfaction to last a woman a lifetime. He licked his lips as his eyes, followed by his hands, assessed her scantily clad lower half. A hand made its way to her ass, reeled back, and gave a sharp smack to the fleshy meat. Mia bit her lip, her eyes fluttering.
“Spread,” He demanded hoarsely.
Mia obliged, wobbling her legs out as far as her heels and restricting pants would let her. Benson seemed to be satisfied with the distance, bringing their lips together for a cataclysmic explosion of lust and something else- something neither could place. One hand roughly groped a breast through the fine material of her shirt, the other dipped slowly into her panties. Benson swore under his breath, feeling the swell of her throbbing clit and the pool of wetness waiting for him. Mia didn’t plan on telling him she’d been like that for two days, yearning for his touch. A finger slowly rubbed the nub, teasing her, torturing her.
“Tell me, does it feel as good as your fantasy about me?”
Mia gazed up at him, mouth half open with lidded eyes, “Fantasies. Yes.” His fingers danced on the thick folds of her pussy before plunging in, bringing a raw cry out of her throat. Benson covered her mouth with his to muffle the sound. “Oh, God, yes!”
He touched her with arrogance, switching from a torturous slow pace to a death inducing quick stroke. Benson felt as if every vein in his body was going to burst from tension. He needed to come, but pleasing Mia came first. She was eager to receive. Though he had felt the contracting muscles indicating at least three orgasms, she stood strong against him. He enjoyed seeing her like that, but he was certain he’d enjoy seeing her slumped into his arms even more.
Benson withdrew, drawing a groan of protest from Mia. Her hair was dampened to her face, which was flush with the heat of passion. Slowly, he dropped to his knees. Mia looked down with heightened curiosity, her chest rising and falling much quicker than it had moments before. Benson grabbed a side of her thong, and instead of pulling it down, ripped the sensitive material. Mia bit her lip as he mocked his movements on the other side, discarding the panties next to him.
Like second nature, he lubed up two fingers with her natural juices and slid them into her awaiting pussy. Mia’s hands reached for something- anything- as he pleased her. The leverage he gained from the floor heightened his control over her.
“Who is Grant, Mia?” Benson strained, his spare hand petting his cock through his trousers.
“Business,” She barely squeaked.
“Don’t lie to me, precious. I don’t like being lied to.”
She glanced down; startled to see his blue eyes were dark with passion and possession. Her words jumbled together in her mind. Who was Grant? She wasn’t sure she could tell herself, let alone Benson Ward. Not like this, at least, with his fingers furiously pumping in and out of her. Grant was the last person on her mind, buried beneath vivid daydreams of Benson Ward pleasing her in any way possible.
“Ex-lover,” She finally panted.
Benson worked quicker, as if the words ignited a fire inside him. Mia watched as his stone jaw clenched and strained.
“He never made you feel like this, did he, Mia?”
Well, Grant had certainly given her more orgasms than she could count… but never like Benson did. The two were like night and day, both in and out of the bed.
“No,” Her hea
d thrashed. “No, sir.”
Benson’s dark eyes flashed, “You’re mine now, Mia.”
At that moment she was willing to give herself fully to Benson Ward. The stone god was beneath her, ignoring his own pleasure to ensure hers. She could see the outline of his glorious cock in his pants, begging to be touched with every swipe of his fingers. Aside from a few strangled strokes through his pants, he had focused fully on her. Mia had never experienced such dedication, such possession. She was at his mercy.
He knew it, too. He could tell by the way her body accepted his fingers, the way she shook and muttered his name under her breath. Benson Ward didn’t deny himself of anything he wanted. He wanted Mia. He wanted to taste her-
“Mr. Ward, your four o’clock is here.”
Letting out a groan of frustration and anger, Benson slid his fingers out of Mia, sucking on the sweet juices as he walked behind his desk and pressed the intercom button.
“Thank you, Thomas. Have them wait ten minutes.”
“They’ve already been waiting ten minutes, sir,” The nervous voice said from the other end.
Benson looked at the clock. How had time slipped from them so easily? He swore and spoke back, “Miss Barnes and I are finishing the contract.” He cast a lustful gaze at her. “It’ll just be a moment. Send them into Conference Room B, please. I spilled some coffee on my desk and would prefer not to have a meeting in a dirty room.”
“Of course, Mr. Ward. Would you like me to get cleaning to your office while you’re out?”
“No, no,” Benson grinned. “That won’t be necessary. Thank you, Thomas.”
He was beside Mia before she had time to blink. His mouth covered hers, and she could taste herself on his lips. It made her crave more. She sunk into the kiss, but Benson could tell her mind wasn’t there. He’d gone for a brief moment, and Mia had regained herself. She stood in a haze, wet sex exposed; panting as she mentally kicked herself for allowing herself to get swept up in their attraction. She couldn’t… wouldn’t… let herself get hurt again by someone, and Benson Ward was a man who would break her heart. He wasn’t a forever kind of guy. It was obvious by the way he carried himself, the expertise with which he pleasured her. Mia was okay with not having a forever guy, but not when they captivated her as much as Benson. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever get him out of her system.
“Where’d you go?” He whispered roughly in her ear.
“Thank you, Benson,” She said quietly, shuffling backwards. She bent over to slide up her jeans, ignoring his hard cock inside his pants just inches away.
He waited until she buttoned the pants before pulling her back in, looking at her with furrowed brows, repeating, “Mia, where’d you go?”
“I didn’t go anywhere,” She breathed, detached. “I’ve spent too much time here. I’m going to be swamped when I get back to the office.”
“Don’t go, then,” He offered simply as he smoothed her hair down, trying to make her look presentable.
The corners of her mouth tugged slightly, “I didn’t know you were a comedian, Mr. Ward.”
“Benson,” He corrected, slightly frustrated.
She stepped away and smoothed over her outfit, knowing she still looked disheveled but not caring, “I will see you opening night, Benson.” His name sounded like a melody as it passed through her lips.
Mia grabbed her purse from the tufted chair and turned on her heel to walk out, but Benson had already intercepted her, coolly sliding in front of her. He raised an eyebrow and glared down at her.
“You aren’t getting away that easily, Mia.”
“You’re wasting time here,” She struggled. “You’ve got a meeting to attend.”
“I’ll get there quicker if you cooperate. I’m not waiting two weeks to see you again, Mia.”
“I don’t think you have a choice.”
Benson chuckled, “Don’t make this difficult, precious.”
“I told you I don’t mix business and pleasure. It’s too messy.”
“Is that what happened with Grant?” Benson pressed.
Mia bit her lip, not knowing whether to cry or slap him, “Please stop talking, Benson.”
“This already is messy, Mia,” Benson stated, and then flashed a smile. “Now let me see you tonight so I can make you come more.”
“I’m busy tonight.”
“Tomorrow.”
“I’m going out tomorrow night.”
“With who?” He flared, possessive.
Mia gritted out, “A friend. Lora.”
“What about Saturday?” Benson was relentless.
“Burnside is playing a gig Saturday, sorry,” She offered.
“Damn it, Mia!” Benson’s hands balled into a fist and she flinched, trying not to make her reaction too noticeable. “I’m not going to stop until I have you.”
He bent down and kissed her. Instead of the rough exchanges they were accustomed to, the kiss was warm and soft. Mia was surprised at the tenderness that seeped through his lips, through his hands that were now gingerly on her shoulders. Benson surprised himself with the action, as well.
“Saturday night. 8 pm at Pluto Lounge on Houston Street. Burnside is playing, but I won’t be working, just there for support. You can find me there.”
Benson slid back into his cocky smile, flashing a mouth of perfect teeth at her. Mia rolled her eyes and reached behind her to open the door, letting it click and fling open so they couldn’t hide, so he couldn’t get any more intimate.
“Don’t come in a Prada suit,” She teased, her eyes dancing and a smile on her face.
Benson followed her into the hallway, playfully admitting, “I own more than suits, Mia.”
“What a shame. You look good in suits.”
They reached the end of the short hall, and the room opened up. Benson could see a small group of men looking at them through the glass of the conference room and Thomas, with his curious eyes, trying hard to deny himself the pleasure of watching the two. Benson wasn’t sure if it was obvious he’d driven the woman to the brink of madness and then nursed her back to health from the comfort of his office, but he was sure it was visible that something had changed between the two.
Mia gave a confident smile at Thomas, making his eyes dart back to his computer. Benson stifled his laugh as he followed her through the glass doors that led to the area that housed the elevator. She called the cab and turned to rest her back on the cool wall, hoping it would calm the fire that still lingered inside her. She could try all she wanted, but Benson Ward was pumping through her bloodstream.
Despite being in the open, away from the comfort of his office, Benson pulled her in for another kiss. It was fiery and brief, and her tongue felt like was threatening to fall out onto the floor.
“You’re under my skin, Mia Barnes,” He whispered harshly. “And I’m not sure I ever want you to leave.”
“You say that like it’s not a bad thing,” She admitted with sad eyes.
The elevator was waiting for her. It threatened to disappear. Mia swallowed hard and turned, keeping her eyes on the ground so she couldn’t see Benson. She waited until the cab was moving until she looked up. The modern cab didn’t offer her the warm embrace she wanted, she needed. She had played a dirty game and was slipping too far under. As she left the building, Mia wondered if she’d welcome the depths of the water or try to swim ashore.
Chapter Three
Mia could see Lora’s mouth, but she didn’t hear anything but the thumping in her own chest. She’d squirmed for two days, her stomach in knots over seeing Benson Ward. Not even her most powerful vibrator could erase his touch. The sound of her own name being repeated snapped Mia back to attention. It grounded her. She wasn’t in the clouds with Benson. She was in her apartment, a playlist of her favorite songs bouncing off the walls as Lora helped prepare her for her night out.
“Jesus,” Lora shook her head and pushed her glasses up her nose. “I haven’t seen you so spacey since college.”
Mia had been absent most of her life. She’d checked out at twelve when her father died in a motorcycle accident, barely making it through her mother’s desperate second marriage and the horrible things that man did to her… to her mother… to her brother. Mia ran fast and as often she could, landing herself in quite a few unfavorable situations. She arrived in New York with half a shard of decency and sanity. It didn’t take long for both of those things to disappear. Though Mia had worked hard for four years to get back to a stable place, she often found herself slipping.
“Mia!” Lora snapped, waving her hands in front of Mia’s face. “I’m going to cancel dinner with my mom. I’m not going to leave you alone like this. It’s not safe.”
“Your mom is here all the way from Pennsylvania, you aren’t going to leave her in your apartment alone so you can babysit me.”
“Then come with me,” Lora begged.
“I’m fine. I’m going to offer Burnside some support.” Mia rolled her eyes, pushing herself up off the edge of her bed and gazing at herself in the tall mirror leaned up against the wall. “Tell your mom I’m looking forward to having her cook me something delicious tomorrow.”
Mia’s dark hair was arranged in a messy bun on the top of her head. She’d spent more time than she’d willingly admit making sure the hairs were perfectly misplaced. For her makeup, she settled on a smoky eye and a red lipstick. She opted out of one of her Burnside t-shirts, instead donning a fitting black v-neck tee that seamlessly dripped into a pair of tight black skinny jeans. Though she much preferred heels, Mia knew a venue was the last place to wear them. Instead, she reached into the back of her wardrobe and slid on a worn pair of Converse. The sight of them flooded her memories of her past, both good and bad. She made note to get a new pair of the shoes, knowing she never would.