Line: Alpha Billionaire Romance

by Colleen Charles

  Holy shit!

  Stars floated before my eyes the moment her warm palm reached inside to grip my swollen cock. The first touch nearly sent me into orbit. What would happen once she licked it? I started imagining my grandma and dead puppies to keep from coming all over her hand as she stroked me. I strained. I grew even harder and bigger under her tender ministrations. All I wanted to do was to delve my fingers into her thick mane of hair and pull her mouth toward me. Instead, I slammed my hands into the walls of the inert elevator to keep them still and planted.

  Lydia started at the sound my hands made and glanced up at me. “Am I doing something wrong?”

  Damn me and my impatience. The last thing I ever wanted was to make her feel unsure of herself. “No, my perfect girl. I’m just loving what you’re doing so much I don’t want it to end too soon.”

  “Oh.”

  Her lips made that oval shape, and I shut my eyes against the image again. It seemed I might never be able to keep them open long enough to get an eyeful of what I really wanted to see. My back arched as she became bolder.

  “See, Lydia. See what you do to me? I knew you’d do everything right.”

  Lydia smiled as she pumped her hand up and down my turgid length, testing how hard to grip and how fast to slide her delicate fingers around me. She seemed to judge her pace by my reactions, so I made sure to moan and buck when she got it just right.

  I craved her moist mouth. Didn’t she know what I wanted like breath, like sunlight, like everything? When I finally felt it, I thought I might actually burst out of my own skin. She licked me with gentle pressure up and down the shaft, paying special attention to the head, already leaking. Then, Lydia sucked me deep into her throat, running her tongue up and down. I wanted so badly to savor every last second, but after a minute of the exquisite torture, I allowed my hands to stray from their wallpaper prison to fade into her thick hair. I pulled her head back a sliver.

  “I don’t think I can take anymore, Lydia. I want to be inside you. Now.”

  After another gentle tug, I had her on her feet in front of me. The deep vee of her blouse was easy to pull down, freeing her lacy bra to my eager eyes. I slipped a finger inside the cup to caress her erect nipple. Lydia dipped her head back and sighed out a groan of pleasure.

  “Oh, Sweet Jesus, Callum,” she moaned. “I need you inside of me. Please.”

  I hesitated for only one charged moment as I contemplated the best way to do this in the confined space. Then, I slipped my hands between our bodies, leaned over and hooked her leg around my arm, thanking the handicapped person who’d demanded the metal rails inside this elevator. I settled her heel into the metal, and even though her leg trembled under the force of her desire, it stayed put.

  I’d prepared for just such a moment by shoving a condom inside my pocket, so I ripped it open with my teeth and sheathed myself while Lydia’s eyes fluttered closed. Pushing her panties aside, I moved toward her until the head of my cock slipped an inch into her wet entrance. I gripped her ass with my hands and lifted her until her torso leaned toward me at the perfect angle to impale her just the way I wanted. She took me to the hilt with just one thrust.

  For a lingering moment, I stayed still. Just feeling every subtle nuance of how our bodies fit together. With my face so close to hers and her body wrapped around me, the intimacy of the position didn’t go unnoticed. Our breath joined as I trailed butterfly kisses along her jawline, ending at her lips to capture them with mine. My eyes never left her, wanting to ingest every expression until it became imprinted on my memory.

  Lydia seemed just as lost in the sensations. She groaned as I rocked against her, my neck straining under the effort of thrusting while keeping her body in just the perfect position. Lydia shifted, and I slid even deeper.

  “Hmm…” she sighed. “Callum, touch me. Touch my clit and make me come while you’re inside me.”

  My eyes widened at the bold words. “I can’t without dropping you. I want you to touch yourself. Show me just how you like it.”

  She pursed her lips as if she couldn’t decide to kiss me or slap me. I knew my coarse words shocked her but judging from the new rush of wetness creaming my cock, they aroused her just as much. One tentative hand reached between us. Steeling myself with every bit of strength I possessed, I let go of her for a few seconds so I could put my hand over hers, ease her embarrassment and get her started. Once satisfied, she’d complied with my latest demand, I left her to circle her clit with her fingers as I grabbed hold of her again to steady us both. Only when I felt her start to clench my cock in a vice grip did I start to move within her body again.

  Without further thought, I took her hard and fast in exactly the way I’d always wanted, and Lydia met me stroke for stroke, her fingers finding a rhythm. Her pussy spasmed and pulsed around me and my breath burst from my lungs on a strangled shout as I joined her in ecstasy, my moans echoing through the metal box as a spectacular orgasm overtook me with an intensity and power I’d only dreamed of before this woman.

  I wasn’t certain how long I remained joined to Lydia after the earthshaking end to our blissful interlude. Not until I noted the car begin to creak to life again did I leave her and adjust my pants back to normal. I realized I should probably leave her at her apartment door, but I wanted more. I wanted her again and again until she struggled for breath and sanity.

  Being with Lydia intoxicated me in a way that I never wanted to end.

  Never.

  But what did you say of me that I did not deserve? My behavior toward you at the time was unpardonable. I can hardly think of it without abhorrence.

  – Fitzwilliam Darcy

  Chapter 21

  Callum

  I spent the morning in my office, the admin crew gathered in the meeting room with large cups of coffee and a small assortment of muffins provided by the Banks interns. Less than a week stood between me and the opening of my theater, the highlight of my career. Nolan and I were seated across from each other at the large mahogany table with Chase and Charlie present as well. The only one missing was Anne, but that didn’t bother me. Nothing seemed to get done when she started voicing her strong opinions. She’d stayed blissfully out of this project, preferring to put her elegant stamp on her daughter–in–law’s low–income housing project. While I tried to concentrate, I could only think about Lydia.

  And elevators.

  “Callum.” I didn’t hear Nolan call my name as I was too busy staring out the window to the street below while I imagined Lydia’s mouth sucking me off in Otis’ most innovative invention. “Hello? Earth to Callum. You’re miles away. Is something wrong with the project? Something I should know about?”

  I shook my head. “Sorry, what did you say?”

  Nolan raised an eyebrow, his signature move when he’d had just about enough of someone. “Are you ready for opening night, or is there something I should know?”

  I nodded, then inhaled and shuffled my papers. I had to get back to the task at hand. The other task that my hands preferred would be accomplished later. “I’m going to watch some auditions this afternoon. In about an hour.”

  Brimming over with excitement and pride, I couldn’t contain it even from Nolan. And I found I no longer wanted to. I wanted to get into my work just like Lydia did with every fiber of my being. I had big plans for the theater, and some of them included her. I had been thinking about how she wanted to write a play, and maybe she’d want to help me. I also wanted to get out of the office, get a change of scenery. Energy coursed through me, laced with adrenaline. I couldn’t stop moving in tiny ways, tapping my fingers against my desk, jiggling a leg, and I knew that, at the very least, I was annoying Chase, who watched my anxious energy with a slight frown.

  “Isn’t it a little late in the game for auditions?” Nolan asked, and I shook my head.

  “These aren’t the types of auditions you’re thinking of. This is a last minute idea I had, and I’m looking for a good voice to read the parts.”r />
  Nolan nodded. “Cool.”

  We rifled through photos and resumes as well. I had poured over them the night before, and I was confident that I had them all memorized. Even though I was excited, some lingering anxiety chipped away at me. The past few days, I had been thinking of Amelia. I knew she would love it, but thoughts of her always brought roiling and conflicting emotions to the surface. I tamped them down. It was time to leave Amelia in the past as a fond and distant memory. I needed to move on with my life with the woman of my future.

  “I think it looks good,” Chase announced, and I knew it probably pained him to say it. For some reason, he never gave anything away. Neither pride nor censure. I wondered if he unleashed his passion for his hot wife, Chastity. We shared a look, and Nolan leaned back in his chair, tenting his hands.

  “This is really good work,” Nolan agreed, more willing and able to express himself. I grinned. It helped that I had the full support of my coworkers. Charlie had gone over contracts in my place. Being too close to the project had me welcoming her eagle eye for detail. I didn’t want to miss anything important. I’d looked over them so often it felt as if I could recite the legalese by heart. She and I had spent many hours in my office making sure everything was perfect. They were my team, the people I worked with. They wouldn’t let me fail.

  “That’s good to hear,” I said. “I’m really excited about the opening. Bringing a treasure like the King James back to its full glory is probably the best thing I’ve ever done. I love bringing something that’s died back to life, and now The Cordoza is brimming with beauty and vitality. Theatergoers and other art lovers will be enjoying it for generations to come. It makes me happy to think that it will live on long after I’m gone.”

  “That’s a little morbid,” Chase observed, frowning. “Let’s make sure none of us are checking out early. I’m going to live to senility.”

  I clamped my eyes shut against the lasting image of Amelia’s gorgeous face. I knew Chase had no knowledge of what he’d just said. He hadn’t meant to upset me.

  “Me too,” Nolan added. “But I think what Callum is trying to say is that we’ve done something good for business while doing something even better for the community.”

  I nodded. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Which is why I got a little sappy for the office. Sorry about that.”

  “I love a man who takes pride in his work,” Charlie added. Until that moment, she’d been leafing through some contracts, reading them while chewing on her Montblanc. “It’s sexy. And I don’t think all of Callum’s excitement is about the theater.”

  “You don’t,” Nolan said with a sour expression.

  Charlie lifted a brow. “I’m going to bet on a woman.”

  Chase laughed, and it completely transformed his face. “The elusive woman. Who is it, Markham? Enlighten us.”

  I didn’t want to talk about my private life, choosing to keep Lydia special and just for me, at least for now. But I did think of her and smiled, an unconscious response.

  “Ah,” Nolan said. Apparently, my intimate grin told him everything. Once a player, always a player. Even though the player now practiced monogamy. “Will we see her opening night?”

  “You will,” I answered. “I’m actually hoping she can help me out with some things. It’s…serious.”

  “Of course it’s serious,” Charlie interjected. “Callum doesn’t indulge in superficial flings.”

  “What kind of things is she qualified to help you with?” Chase asked, leaning in with eyes dripping interest. I hadn’t known my love life was that interesting.

  “You’ll see.” I didn’t want to jinx it. Chase rolled his eyes and leaned back.

  “Is there anything else left to do?” Nolan asked, gently bringing the conversation back to the topic at hand. Apparently, my love life wasn’t as important as opening the theater. Praise the Lord. I turned to my computer and pulled up a very long and very impressive to–do list. I had put a little mark next to the ones that were completed, and only a few remained.

  “We’ve sent out invitations, we’ve ordered caterers, we’ve done everything your mother suggested. She’s an excellent party planner.”

  Nolan scoffed. “That’s one thing you could call her.”

  Charlie’s eyes snapped to her husband. “Nolan! She’s still your mother. And I’m sure if she’s had her hand in this opening, it will be the biggest, best and brightest NYC has seen in years.”

  “How are the RSVPs?” Chase asked. I understood that the underlying meaning of his question regarded how much the party would cost Banks Realty. “Did you get mine and Chastity’s?” As he spoke, I pulled open another document, a spreadsheet containing the confirmed attendees.

  “Around seventy percent have confirmed. It will be an epic turnout. Should be at least five hundred or more.” I scanned the Excel. “I’m glad all of you will be there to support the opening event.”

  “If I didn’t show up, Anne would have my ass on a plate. A sterling silver plate,” Nolan said with a lazy smile. “I know Charlie’s excited.”

  “I did a taste test for the menu a couple of days ago, and it’s amazing. It’ll be a compelling night. An orchestra. Dancing. Gourmet cuisine. Black tie.”

  I saved one last surprise. Some Cirque du Soleil performers had been booked for the gala. They’d be doing acrobatic routines on the stage, but they also had aerialists and contortionists for the ceiling and the aisles. Human statues would be placed on pedestals around the venue depicting important characters from Tony–winning plays.

  Everything was turning out to be better than I’d expected. Months of work and waiting had birthed the final product. Nolan stared at my desk, at the photos that would be upside down to him. He picked up a piece of paper depicting the before and after images.

  “We should have these blown up, hanging side by side in the lobby,” Nolan said. “Really show the complete transformation.”

  I nodded. “I’ll make some calls to advertising. I’m sure they can do the posters in–house.” As I spoke, I typed that task on the bottom of my list, then wrote it on a pad next to my phone. I looked at the before photo, of the old, decrepit King James and then to the shiny new version, The Cordoza. I hadn’t compromised the old theater. I had only enhanced the natural beauty. I had modernized it, brought it into the twenty–first century.

  I looked around the room. “Anything else, ladies and gentlemen?”

  Chase leaned back in his seat. “No.”

  “It looks good, Callum,” Nolan said. “Charlie? You’re the boss on all things party.”

  She shook her head. “No. Callum’s thought of everything. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to utilize Nolan’s American Express to buy a new cocktail dress.”

  I nodded and chuckled at her enthusiasm. “I’ll update you on the photo thing, but now, I’ve got to go. Auditions. You know how temperamental actors can be.”

  After my three colleagues left the room, I returned to my office to collect my briefcase, coat, and scarf. I slid my phone into my pocket.

  As I exited my building to hail a cab, I could feel my anxieties melting away. The opening was so close, and I needed to stay calm. Deciding to walk a few blocks before riding, I stopped at Starbucks for some caffeinated fortification before heading to The Cordoza. I bought a venti dark roast, even though my nerves were already on edge.

  As I slid into the back seat of the cab, my hands clutching my hot coffee, my thoughts drifted from my job to Lydia once again. I wondered what she was doing right now. I could picture her, dressed in her writing uniform of skinny jeans and a loose sweater, seated in the leather wingback in front of the fireplace at Grounds Zero. Her shapely legs would be tucked underneath her, but she wasn’t writing. She was tapping her pen against her lips, and ideally, thinking of me.

  I wondered if I should text her, but I didn’t want to interrupt her if she was in a zone. I could see her so clearly. As the buildings whizzed by, I pulled my phone out and s
tared at it, as if I could will her to call. I couldn’t believe I was agonizing over whether to text a girl, something I hadn’t done since Amelia. It felt so weird to feel so deeply for someone I hadn’t known that long. But I did. When Amelia died, I was convinced that I would never love like that again. I hadn’t been expecting Lydia to turn my boring and vanilla world upside down to shake me to my very core.

  Once the cab dropped me off, I paid the driver and entered my theater, pride making every step a jaunty trot. I sat in the middle row of the plush seats, holding my coffee in my left and balancing a notebook on my lap. I didn’t really have to sit in on the auditions, but I wanted to make sure that everything went well. And as strange as it sounded, I wanted to support Tristan. He deserved a part in this production. His talent spoke for itself. If a friendly familial face would make him bring his A–game, I’d do it. An olive branch.

  A young woman in her early twenties and dressed in a vintage dress stood on stage, glowing under the house lights. Her attire reminded me of something Lydia would love to wear. Even from my vantage point, I could hear her speaking her lines at a brisk pace. The three people who sat in the front row watched intently, surveying the quality and emotion in her performance. I couldn’t believe the passion pouring from one so young.

  “You know what ruined my life? Facebook ruined my life. I’m part of that generation, and I just don’t get it. Our nights used to be filled with going out and seeing friends in person, and last Friday…? My friends and I sat around with a bottle of wine and Facebook.” She said it with such conviction that I heard a titter of laughter around me. She continued at her rapid–fire pace. “That doesn’t stop my entire self–worth from being tied to social proof and validation. What kind of person does that make me? Once, I broke up with a friend because she had fifteen more friends than I did. Social media turns everything into a competition.”