“Oh, I see.” It sounded like Finn didn’t really like Axel all that much and he was telling me to avoid him. I would have to be creative if I was going to make this work. I wanted to follow through with the plan that Carmen had but I would have to try something a little different. I didn’t want to upset my boss by hanging around with Axel. I had to make it all seem natural so that he wouldn’t get mad at me. I needed to do my best to convince Axel to do what I needed him to do. Selling that property would be key to getting what I wanted.
“He’s a notorious bad boy, I just want you to know that. He’s known to play with people’s lives. He’s one of the most bored billionaires out there.”
“Wow, two billionaires in one room,” I said with a wink.
He laughed. “There might be more of us there. It’s a very different crowd, that’s for sure. Just focus on meeting new people tonight. The number one benefit of going to these galas is the networking you get to do. I’ve made million-dollar deals at these things with just the shake of a hand.”
I nodded, feeling more nervous than ever. To think about the movers and shakers that were present at these events was very intimidating.
The limo pulled up to the event and Finn got out once again to open the door for me. I stepped out and looked up at the massive building. There were plenty of people in gowns and tuxedos making their way inside the building. I was a little nervous and slipped my arm in his, and we walked inside…together.
The gala was quite the fancy affair. There seemed to be chandeliers and glitter hanging from everywhere. I rather enjoyed being on the arm of the great Mr. Stark. He seemed to know everyone in the room. Every few steps we were stopped by someone who wanted to talk to him. I turned from him and started to wander on my own. I didn’t know any of the conversations that he was involved in and I felt like I didn’t belong there. I stopped at the silent auction and took a look at the prizes while Finn was talking to just about everyone. There were some really nice items, all of it looking very expensive. There was a trip to a luxury resort in the Philippines. There were paintings, jewelry, a trip to a winery estate, it was an endless list.
“What do you like?”
Startled, I jumped in place. I turned around to find Axel Mandrake standing behind me. He had a big smile on his face that I found infectious. I looked back at the things on the table and shrugged.
“Everything is beautiful, it’s hard to choose just one thing.”
“Ahh, a woman that wants everything in life.”
I laughed. “Well, I don’t know about that. But a vacation on a private island in the Caribbean would be pretty nice.”
“Good choice. I couldn’t agree more.” He took a ballot and wrote his name on it next to what I considered to be a ridiculous amount of money and put it in the box for the Caribbean vacation.
“Maybe, I will win. I would love to invite you to my private island. If my charity gets some money along the way, then all the better,” he said with a wink.
“That’s your island?” I exclaimed with way too much enthusiasm. I needed to dial it back big time if I was going to make it with that kind of group.
“Yes, of course it is. I own a lot of cool things.” He was looking at me with an intensity that was hard to overlook.
“I didn’t mean for you to make a bid. I was just stating that it would be nice to go there. I was not angling for an invite, I swear.”
“No worries, my dear. I would have you there anytime.”
I felt a hand on the small of my back and I turned my head to find Finn there beside me. “Axel, can’t you find someone else to harass, other than my assistant. If I didn’t know you better, I would think you were trying to steal her away again.”
“I might just be doing that,” Axel said with a laugh.
9
Finn
I was a little surprised by my own behavior when I approached Axel and Harper. I wasn’t usually a possessive guy but when I saw the two of them talking all I wanted to do was pull her away from him. I didn’t say anything to her as I led her away from Axel. We headed toward the bar. They were serving champagne and I handed her a glass and she took it gratefully.
“You are old enough to drink, right?”
She laughed. “Yes, I’m 24, thank you.”
“Okay, just checking.” I grabbed a glass for myself and took a sip. “So, how are you enjoying your first gala?”
“Just fine, thank you. It’s all a little overwhelming, everything is beautiful and there are so many important people here.”
“Yes, but you get used to it after a while. You need to get used to these events if you want to play with the big boys.”
She nodded. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect at first but everyone here has been so lovely that it’s hard not to enjoy it.”
A hand landed on my shoulder and I turned to find a familiar face behind me. Miranda Phillips was a dear friend of my late wife, Emelia.
“Finn, it’s so good to see you, though I have to say that I’m surprised to see you out on the town.”
“I guess I had to get out there at some point.” I motioned to Harper. “This is Harper, she’s my new assistant and you guys actually have a lot in common. Harper is pitching a multi-use complex, and Miranda here is one of Manhattan’s best real estate agents. I need to excuse myself to go to the little boy’s room, why don’t the two of you talk.”
I made my exit quickly before anyone was the wiser. I headed to the restroom because I needed to wash my face. I felt a sweat break out when I saw Miranda. There were so many memories attached to her because of Emelia that I found being around her at times to be very overwhelming. I needed to get a hold of myself. I was starting to think that maybe I needed to see a therapist or something. Maybe I wasn’t dealing with my grief the way that I needed to. I got into the bathroom and hung my head over the sink. I turned on the tap and let the water run cool. I splashed water on my face to cool myself off. I wouldn’t be able to stay in there long. If I waited too long, I would probably find Axel with his hooks in Harper again. The guy was relentless.
It had been the first gala that I had been to since Emelia died and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it all. It was sad that I was still in such a fragile state. It’s not like it just happened yesterday. Maybe hiding away all that time hadn’t done me any good. Emelia used to attend these events with me so it was hard to show up without her. It felt so weird. A lot of Emelia’s friends were at these events and it just brought back a flood of memories that were very unwelcoming. I just wasn’t ready to bump into all these people at that point. It just made it more difficult. Could I really hide away forever though? Wasn’t it time to get out there and get used to being around these people again? I didn’t have all the answers and I didn’t know what the right thing to do was in this situation.
I just didn’t want to go to those events and be reminded of her all the time. Her absence was still very painful and I felt it deeply when a woman like Miranda approached me. I looked forward to the day when the pain might, well… not be so painful, but I wasn’t sure if that day would ever come. I also didn’t want to answer any questions about Harper. I didn’t want anyone to ask who she was or really even talk to her. My possessiveness seemed to be getting worse by the minute. I just had a strong desire to keep Harper all to myself. Something was shifting inside of me and I knew that I didn’t want anyone to snatch her away from me, especially Axel. There was no way that he was going to own the candy factory and Harper.
I took some paper towels and dried my face off. I returned to the ballroom and headed straight to the silent auction before going to Harper. I found the list of bidders and crossed out Axel’s name on the list for the Caribbean vacation and wrote my own name but with an even bigger amount. I wasn’t sure why I did it, it wasn’t like I could take Harper there. I just knew that I wasn’t going to let him win and hear him offer the trip to Harper. That just wasn’t going to happen. I was in the mood to claim her as my own.
/> I returned to the bar to where Harper and Miranda were talking.
I smiled at Miranda, who asked if everything was okay.
“Yes, of course.” I looked at Harper. “We should probably sit down. Things are about to get started.” I took her hand and then turned to Miranda and said. “Thanks for keeping her company, it was nice to see you again.”
She smiled. “It was great to see you as well, Finn. I’m glad that you are coming out again. I hope to see you at more events.”
I just nodded, not wanting to discuss any personal matters in front of Harper. I led her away. I gave Harper a rundown of the types of things people tend to say at functions like that one, adding a bit of humor into it just so that I could see her smile. I really loved it when Harper smiled.
“Actually, before we sit down, I would love to use the lady’s room.”
“Of course,” I said as I pointed out the direction of the bathroom. I watched her walk away, enjoying every bit of the view.
10
Harper
Carmen had informed me to keep tabs on my appearance and to apply lipstick when I could. I quickly went to the bathroom before heading to the mirror to check my makeup. I was still shocked by how well she did with my makeup, it was astonishing actually, she was a real pro and I was grateful that she knew more about makeup than I did. I reapplied my makeup and blotted my lips. I was just about ready to head out when I heard the bathroom door open.
I turned, assuming it was another female only to find Finn standing there with a grin on his face. I laughed because I could not believe my eyes. The guy really did think he could do whatever he wanted to. I still couldn’t believe how amazing he looked that night and to think that he was on my arm for the evening, was just about as cool as it got.
“I'm not really sure it's the best idea for you to be in here. What if someone walks in?”
“Oh, I've made sure that no one would walk in.”
“Is this where you take all your favorite ladies,” I said sarcastically.
“Nope, I'm just playing with you. You were taking too long and I was bored. I had to come find you. I find you intriguing, you know that, right? I also want to make sure that Axel doesn’t get his paws into you. It seems like every time I turn around, the two of you are talking.”
“Is that right?” He came to me and took my hand in his. My fingertips tingled in a way that I was not familiar with. It felt like longing, as if despite my protests I didn't want him to ever let go of my hand. I sighed, that was the truth, wasn’t it? I wanted Finn in a way that I hadn’t wanted anyone else and I wished that he would just take me already. Seriously, what was he waiting for?
Golly, Harper, you really are losing it this time. This guy? This guy is the one you don't ever want to let go of your hand? Well, you can sure pick them. He was only one of the richest men in the city and why would he want some newly graduated girl when there were tons of eligible and far prettier females in the city. I needed to remind myself that he was way out of my league, big time.
I sighed deeply.
“There is no need to worry dear, no one will walk in and be outraged to find a man in here. So, you don't need to be nervous.”
“Who said I was nervous?”
“Your hands are shaking.”
I looked down at them and they were. I laughed feeling embarrassed. His seduction routine had me in a tiff. I didn’t even know what my own body was doing at the time. I needed to get a handle on myself before I made a fool of myself.
“Well that's embarrassing. Maybe it's you that makes me nervous.”
“You’re welcome.”
I laughed again, he could be charming when he wanted to be, but I guessed that was the whole point.
I gasped when he moved closer to me. I felt him move up against me and my breath caught again. He bent low so that his mouth was close to my ear.
He whispered, “There's just something about you that makes me not want to be far apart from you. Here feels just about right.”
My eyes fluttered closed as the heat between us consumed me. Really, he consumed me. I barely knew the guy and what I did know of him wasn’t much. I couldn’t even believe he was that close to me. What did he see in me? Did this billionaire actually have a thing for me? I did feel consumed, either way. There was no way around it and there was no denying it. A little heady mixed with some dizziness was what was swirling around in my brain at that moment. Maybe it was all that wine I drank. Yes, it was probably the wine or the champagne.
Both his hands found their way back to my ass and he cupped my cheeks. I gasped, shocked with his brazenness.
“Your ass is so firm.”
I felt completely warmed by his touch. I couldn't explain what was happening to my body. One minute I had been firm with myself that nothing would happen between us that night and the next thing I knew my body shook when he placed himself up against me. His hands were on my ass and I kept my eyes closed just to concentrate on the sensation his hands caused all over my body. I was burning up as if I had just finished a long run. There was a sensation between my legs that I had not felt in a long time. God, was I actually turned on by him right now? I was losing it, I had to be. Maybe I was, but there was no doubt about the faint throb that started happening between my legs.
I have to stop this right now. I can't do this. It's insane. It's insane for me to feel anything at all for this man. ESPECIALLY this man! God, he was everything in a guy who could break my heart in a million pieces. Well maybe that wasn't entirely true. He was ridiculously hot. It never hurt to have a hot boyfriend especially if this was what it felt like to have him touch you.
I turned around suddenly noticing immediately the feeling of his hands no longer being on my ass anymore. It was not a good feeling. He pulled me away from the mirror and pushed me against the wall.
“I don't think this is a good idea. What if someone comes in?”
He smiled before he claimed my mouth beneath his. If I thought the heat was consuming before, I absolutely lit up when he kissed me. He tasted sweet and his mouth was warm. I couldn't help myself I kissed him back as passionately as I could. I needed to match his intensity. I had never felt like this before in my life. No man had ever kissed me that way or brought out such an intense chemistry in me. I was out of breath from his kisses and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed again. I pushed against his chest and he relented.
“What's wrong? This feels incredible.”
“I can't breathe. It's too much.”
He smiled at me and moved close to me again. I clearly had no control over the situation and I was beginning to lose the ability to care. I was beginning to want to be consumed. To see what it felt like to let him do whatever he wanted to me. Would that be so bad? Would it be bad to let him have his way with me? I didn't know why, there was really no explanation for it but I couldn't remember the last time I had wanted something more than this man. We were in a bathroom however and I was a virgin. It wasn’t exactly the place where I thought I would lose my virginity. I would stop things before it got that far. It was really hard to want to stop him from kissing me because it was the best feeling in the world.
He softly kissed my mouth again and I inhaled the musky scent of him. His touch was exhilarating as he cupped my chin and bent down for another kiss. The kisses may have started off softly but it wasn't long before his mouth pressed into mine hard. His hands found their way into my hair and he pulled me in close, so close that I was amazed that we hadn't molded into one body. His tongue slid into my mouth and touched my own. I moaned softly and when he kissed me, he took my tongue in his mouth and sucked on it. God, he was so good at kissing, I could barely keep up. His kisses were insanely passionate and he nipped and sucked at my lips. I was paralyzed beneath him as my body responded to his kisses in ways that I had never felt before. I wasn't sure what was happening to my body, but I was aware that a kiss had never made my panties wet before. But that time...with him I was aching in every area of my
body. I needed him and wanted him in every way that mattered.
His hand found my breasts and he cupped the fullness of them. He kneaded my breast causing my nipple to pucker underneath his grasp.
“You are driving me crazy, girl. Your body is incredible and I wish I could see what you looked like without this dress.”
I was shocked by the thoughts that were raging steadfast through my mind. They were taking over my reasoning and moving forward with their own wishes. I had never behaved that way ever in my life. I was a good girl; I never did anything wrong and I always knew everything about the man I chose to go out with. Always.
I didn't understand how that man who happened to be my boss had managed to have me pinned up against the bathroom wall, and yet I had no problem with it at all.
That wasn't entirely true, there was a part of me that knew I should pull myself away from him and run like the wind in the opposite direction. But the dominate part of me was enjoying herself, enjoying having his hands on my body and his tongue exploring my mouth. I molded my lips once again into his and he started to lift my dress up. My God, was he going to try to have sex with me right then and there? Was I going to let him?
He grabbed my ass once again underneath my dress that time and I moaned against his lips. It was then that I heard a sound. Sort of like an amplification of someone's voice.
“Wait...hold on one second.”
He wasn't listening. His hands were still on my ass and he was kissing my jawline and then my throat. My eyes fluttered closed again and it was then that I heard it clearly. It was someone talking, a man, and he was obviously talking outside the door. That was all it took to snap me out of the trance. There were people nearby!
“Finn, wait, I can't do this. I'm not ready.”
I pushed him off me gently and noticed the fire he had in his eyes. He reluctantly removed himself off my body.
Sugar Daddy (Forever Daddies Book 4) Page 7