Anna patted Jonah's arm, attempting to offer reassurance. "I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this. Was the missing material crucial?"
Jonah placed his hand over hers. "I have the same information in other locations. It just isn't compiled the same way. My main concern is the notebook being in the wrong hands."
"You mean a competitor?" Anna hadn't even considered the motivation behind the theft.
Jonah paused, choosing his words carefully. "Yes. You know there have been some takeover maneuvers going on. In addition, a competitor could use it."
"To duplicate your work?"
"Perhaps." Jonah squeezed her hand. "I want to kiss you, but I'd better not."
Anna smiled, her mind filling with explicit images of the two of the together. "I'll imagine it and put it into action later."
The elevator doors opened and Anna stepped off, turning to glance at Jonah.
Jonah winked. "Sounds like a plan."
When Anna returned to the lab, Carrie immediately started quizzing her. "So? What happened?"
Anna wished she didn't have to be so circumspect. "Nothing. I just reviewed security footage with Jonah and Damon."
Carrie's worried expression didn't change. "They don't know what happened?"
Anna bit her lip. "Not yet. It's being looked into."
"Well, I guess Damon knows what he's doing."
Anna itched to ask Carrie about the cameras but held back. She didn't contemplate for a minute that Carrie had anything to do with the missing notebook, but she didn't want to interfere in the investigation. She tried to concentrate on her work, but it was difficult. She kept playing back the scene in Damon's office in her mind. The moment she realized she was a target of suspicion had been horrifying. The thought that Jonah might believe she'd betrayed him stunned her. He hadn't let it show, but she wondered if he'd thought it — even fleetingly. He'd reassured her, but she imagined the moment when he'd first seen the footage, it must have crossed his mind. She wanted to talk to him. She wanted reassurance. Today wasn't the day for an insecurity attack, though. Jonah needed support. He didn't need her dissolving all over him.
After a concerted effort, Anna cleared her mind and worked on analyzing data that Carrie had entered into a statistical program for her.
Hours later, Jonah returned to the lab. He motioned for her to join him in the inner lab.
Anna entered and closed the door behind her. "Well?"
Jonah got right to the point. "Damon questioned both Carrie and Gordon."
Anna waited expectantly.
"It was Gordon. He caught a glimpse of us the other day. He thought he was doing me a favor. He left the cameras off after that because, well, apparently he and Carrie engaged in a few moments as well."
Anna couldn't hold back a smile. "It seems this lab is a hotbed of …"
Jonah held up his hand. "Don't say it. I don't want to think about it. There was no bad intent on Gordon's part. Maybe bad judgment, but we showed bad judgment as well. Those activities don't belong in the office, and now look what's happened. Lab security was compromised, and we have little to go on."
Anna's brow furrowed. "If the person wasn't in the hallway, they must have entered from another lab."
Jonah nodded. "Yes, that's the working theory. The doors between labs are generally kept locked. The connections were originally done for flexibility in configuration, but now they're clearly a security issue. Damon has a lead. There is footage showing someone entering through Roberts' lab."
"Who?"
"It's hard to tell. It doesn't look like an employee. Damon is working on tracing the movements of the individual."
Anna shook her head to clear her thoughts. "It's so much to take in. Do you think your work was the target?"
"It's hard to know without seeing what the person did. It could be he was looking for something of value or something specific. We don't know if the lab was searched. When the person passed through Roberts' lab, it was clear he was wearing gloves, so it might be hard to find physical evidence."
"Jonah, I'm so sorry. And I'm sorry you thought I might have picked up your notebook, even accidentally."
"I never thought you took my notebook. Damon insisted on asking you, though."
Anna was touched by his faith. "Thank you."
Jonah looked up at the camera tucked into the corner near the ceiling. "I trust you, Anna. If I could, I'd show you how much. However, the cameras are all back on."
Anna blushed and followed his gaze. The flashing light on the camera kept her from acting on her impulses as well. "What happens now?"
"Damon's notified the police. They may question everyone again. Marcus is pissed, to put it mildly."
Anna pulled a face. "I can imagine."
"Most of what is in the notebook is duplicated elsewhere — the results and such. I'd already written a detailed report. We're not hurt by the loss internally. The major concern is who has it and what are they going to do with it."
Anna groaned. "They could get a head start on a competing product."
"They could. They would also have information that affects the stock price of Granger Pharma. There was a possible timeline for rollout outlined in the notebook."
Anna pulled on the sleeve of her lab coat and rolled up the cuff. "What are you going to do?"
"We're going double-time on development. Get everything out as soon as possible. That should blunt any negative effect. But not knowing who took it or why, it's hard to know what to plan for."
Anna sighed. "Yes."
Jonah shifted his weight. "On another note, Marcus reminded me of something."
"Yeah? What's that?"
Jonah coughed. "His wedding."
Anna grinned. "You needed to be reminded of that? Aren't you his best man?"
"Not the wedding, rather my date," Jonah grumbled.
Anna stepped back. "Oh. Did you ask someone?" Was Jonah seeing someone else as well?
Jonah shook his head. "No, actually. So, I'm asking you. I know it's short notice, but I want you to come with me."
Elation filled Anna before she entered panic overdrive. "Isn't the wedding this weekend?"
Jonah offered Anna a pained look of regret. "Yes. At my family's home on Long Island. It will be outdoors. They have a huge tent in case of rain. Starts at 11:00 with a luncheon after."
"What would I wear?" Days to prepare to attend a wedding? What was Jonah thinking? Was she ready to go public with colleagues and meet his family? Anna's chest tightened as anxiety clouded her mind.
Jonah remained impassive. "I have no idea. I'm wearing a suit. What do women wear to these things?"
"Outdoor, daytime wedding." Anna pondered. "I don’t have anything suitable to wear."
Jonah shrugged, unconcerned. "Go buy something. I can give you some money."
Anna's posture stiffened. "I can buy my own dress. I make a decent salary, as you well know."
Jonah raised a hand. "Okay, sorry. I was trying to be helpful."
Anna's ire deflated. "I know. However, it's already summer and trying to buy a dress last minute will be crazy. When am I supposed to do that?"
"Take off time this afternoon. You work late all the time. No one will look askance if you take off a couple hours early."
Anna considered his suggestion. "I suppose you're right."
"I am."
"A wedding. Well, they can be fun sometimes. There will be dancing, right?" Anna brightened. She enjoyed dancing. Any opportunity to touch and hold Jonah was welcome.
Jonah frowned. "I don't really care for dancing."
Anna was crestfallen. "I would guess you are a good dancer."
Jonah lifted an eyebrow, puzzled. "What makes you say that?"
Anna blushed. "My knowledge of your … moves, so to speak. I've heard that being good at one can lead to being good at the other."
Jonah grinned wickedly. "Is that so? Which comes first?"
Anna laughed. "I have no idea."
Jonah gra
sped her hand and brought it to his lips for a feather light kiss. "So, will you go with me?"
Anna traced the edge of his lip with her fingertip. "I tell you what. I'll go, but you have to promise to dance with me. At least a little."
Jonah released her hand. "Okay. Fine. It will be worth it not to take any crap for showing up with no date."
"You could at least sound a little happy."
Jonah ran his hand through his hair with a jerky motion. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's not the wedding. It's the notebook. Other documents have gone missing as well. A few weeks ago, some documents were taken from our law firm. It was thought that the situation was resolved, but who knows now. We don't know if this is related or not."
Anna kissed Jonah on the cheek. Cameras be damned. "It's okay. I think I will take your suggestion and go shopping this afternoon. It might be tricky to find something appropriate. Stores are already clearing out summer stuff."
"Good. And have fun," he added. "I'm going to speak with Damon. I'll catch up with you later."
Chapter 5
When Jonah came by her apartment after work, Anna was glad to see him. They enjoyed a pleasant dinner and comfortable conversation. Jonah brought work with him and reviewed it while she tidied up.
The time had come. After gathering her courage all day, she couldn't put off the conversation any longer. She wanted to let Jonah know about her sexual interests. The suspense of not knowing how he would react weighed on her. If it turned him off, she'd rather know now.
Anna swallowed her worry. "Jonah?"
"Yes?" His attention remained on his papers.
She joined him at the table. "There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."
"Yeah? Okay." He didn't look up.
Anna pursed her lips, her impatience growing. "Jonah, I need your attention for this."
He stopped and looked up. "Sure."
Anna took a deep breath. "You know the other day when we spent the evening at your apartment?"
"I certainly do." His eyes gleamed with sensual interest.
Anna tapped her finger on the tabletop. "Okay. Well. At times, you were … forceful."
"Did that bother you?"
"Oh no. Quite the opposite. I liked it. A lot." Anna plunged ahead. "In fact, it's kind of a thing of mine."
Jonah scratched his chin, rasping against the growing stubble. "A thing?"
Anna tucked her hair behind her ear. "You know. A preference. When you take charge, it turns me on."
Jonah leaned back in his chair. "So you like an assertive partner."
"Maybe more than assertive. Dominant."
Jonah's eyes narrowed just a bit. "Dominant. Do you mean you want to be submissive?" As usual, Jonah zeroed in on the point.
Anna expelled the breath she'd been holding. "Yes. I do. I wanted to let you know."
"Okay." Jonah's posture was relaxed, giving away nothing.
Anna rushed on. "Because it's important to me. I mean it doesn't have to be an all the time thing, but it's more than simply a passing fantasy."
"What exactly are you asking for?"
Anna blushed furiously. "Well, the, uh, commanding way you spoke. That was very arousing."
"Is that all?" Jonah queried.
Anna squirmed on the seat cushion. "Err, no. I also enjoy some other things."
Jonah gestured impatiently. "Anna, just spit it out."
Anna wrung her hands before forcing herself to still. "Bondage, spanking, and such."
"And such covers a lot."
"Yes. But being commanding is …" She broke off. "Jonah, is this something you are willing to pursue with me?" His impatience encouraged her to get to the point. Dancing around the issue would get her nowhere.
Jonah looked away, considering his answer. When his eyes returned to hers, his thoughts were hidden. "Is it that important to you?"
Anna's fingernails bit into her palm. "In the long run, yes. It is."
He absorbed her answer. "Honestly, I haven't gone there. I haven't wanted to. I guess I exert control sometimes. But I think you're asking for something more."
Anna sensed an opening. "Yes. But Jonah, you've gone there already in a way. Our interaction was getting into that territory."
"Well, I guess I'd say I'd be willing to try. I mean, are we talking heavy or light?"
Anna fumbled for her answer. "Light? I guess light. I mean, I don’t want you to draw blood or make it so I can't sit for a week."
Jonah laughed. "Okay. I can't promise anything, but we can try to explore a little."
Anna reached across the table, covering his hands with hers. "Thank you, Jonah. I was so afraid to bring it up."
Jonah threaded his fingers through hers. "Don't be. I want you to be honest with me."
"I know. I want to be. It's just … I didn't want to turn you off."
He shook his head. "You didn't."
Anna rose to her feet and stepped toward him. "That's good to hear." Her stress morphed into sensual awareness.
Jonah followed her lead and stood. "Is it?" he teased.
"Oh yes." She grasped his shirt, pulled him close, and planted a kiss on him.
Jonah responded by opening his mouth and wrapping his arms around her. His fingers bit into her flesh as he pulled her close. He nipped her lip lightly and then soothed it with his tongue.
When they broke apart, Anna tried to gauge Jonah's mood, but he was inscrutable, as usual. "Do you want to try now?" Was she asking for too much too soon?
Jonah cocked his head. "You mean …?"
Anna stroked his arm with her fingertips. "Yes. You could tell me … order me … to do something you want."
Jonah leaned toward her. "So, I tell you what I want, and you have to do it?"
Anna shivered at his tone. She sensed he was going to follow through. "Yes." She put herself into his hands as she wanted to, had longed to, for so long.
Jonah stepped back. He gestured up and down her body. "Okay. Strip off your clothes. Slowly."
Anna's heartbeat quickened, bringing a glow to her face. She kicked off her sandals. Digging deep for courage, she turned away from Jonah and unbuttoned her blouse. She glanced over her shoulder, giving him what she hoped passed for a come-hither look. She allowed the blouse to slide off her arms and hit the floor.
Jonah's eyes fixed on her, taking in each inch of skin as it was exposed.
Anna reached up and unclipped her hair. It fell in a curtain of moonlight-colored strands swinging across her back. She unfastened the waistband of her skirt and pushed it to the floor. Her hands found their way between her breasts, and she unclipped the front of her bra.
He trailed a finger over her shoulder. "Turn around."
Anna complied and slid her hands into the cups of her bra. They fell from her breasts and the straps dropped to her elbows. Only her hands shielded her from his view.
Jonah radiated intensity. "Touch your nipples."
Anna's lips parted as she complied. She squeezed her nipples and kneaded her soft, full mounds. Her tongue flicked the corner of her mouth.
"Let me see."
Cupping her hands underneath, Anna lifted her breasts for his inspection. The engorged nipples stood out, hard. The entire areola was tight.
Jonah's lips curled into a smile. "Beautiful. Take off your panties."
Anna slid her hands over her stomach. She grasped the waistband on each side, pulled her panties down, and stepped out.
Jonah's face flushed, betraying his arousal. "Touch yourself."
Anna was tempted to ask where, but she knew what he meant. Her fingers combed through the tight curls that hid her feminine secrets. She slipped her index finger between the lips and discovered wetness gathering there. She shifted her moist fingertip to the top of her slit and found the bundle of sensitive nerves waiting. Pressing hard against the swelling tissues, she rubbed side to side. Her body's answering quake jolted through her and she gasped.
Jonah released a guttural sound as h
e watched. "Undress me." He removed his shoes, kicking them aside.
Anna removed her hand and licked her finger clean. She closed the distance between them.
Jonah remained stoic, but Anna saw the glittering desire in his eyes. She slipped each button of his shirt free and smoothed the cloth from his shoulders. As it slid down his arms, she caught it and laid it over the arm of the couch. She unbuckled his belt and unfastened the button on his pants. Unzipping his pants slowly, her hand grazing his erection through the fabric of his briefs.
Anna pulled the pants to his ankles and Jonah stepped out. She gathered the pants, straightened the fabric over her arm and laid it by his shirt. She examined the bulge in his underwear, gratified by his excitement. Her eyes traveled up, over the planes of his abdomen and chest. When she reached his face, his lips spread into a smile.
Anna swallowed and reached for the elastic band around his waist. She pulled his underwear down, averting her eyes from him. When the briefs fell to the floor, Jonah kicked them away.
Anna nibbled her lip, nervous and excited almost beyond bearing. She turned her head and examined his arousal. It stood out from his groin, thick and full. Its pulse mesmerized her.
"Anna." His voice softened.
She looked up, meeting his smoldering eyes. She reveled in the sensual promise contained within them.
His chin lifted with challenge. "Do you want to kiss me?"
Anna nodded. She wanted to touch him desperately. She wanted to run her hands over his warm skin and snuggle close. She wanted to feel him moving against her, as eager for her as she was for him. She wanted to taste his slight saltiness. She wanted it all.
Jonah traced the edge of her jaw with his fingertip. "Do it. Kiss me."
Anna swayed, catching herself by placing her hands on his hips as she kneeled. She inhaled his heady male scent and caught sight of the wetness at the tip of his shaft. Leaning in, she swiped her tongue over the escaping slickness and kissed his heated flesh. She heard his sharp intake of breath.
Jonah threaded his fingers through her hair, urging her closer. "Take me in your mouth."
Anna obeyed, convulsing once inside. Her long-held dream of submitting to Jonah was becoming reality. He throbbed against her lips and she sucked him deeper. Swirling her tongue around him, she pressed her lips tightly to him. Anna moved her head back and forth, guiding him in and out.
Shades of Submission: Fifty by Fifty #1: Billionaire Romance Boxed Set Page 15