Rule Breaker

by Sienna Snow

  “Fuck off, Dane.” Lex slumped down on the couch, running a hand through his blond hair.

  Max held up his hands in surrender and moved around to the back of the bar to fix another drink. He made two and handed one to Lex, then sat on the recliner next to him.

  “I take it you and Arya have sorted out your differences,” Lex said. He took a sip of his drink and winced. “This will definitely take the edge off.” He gestured to the glass.

  “It’s the least I can do for letting me know where to find her.”

  Now it made sense. No one but Lex and Milla knew I’d gotten back from South Africa. From the interaction of the two men, they’d finally come to terms with the past and rekindled their friendship. “I see you both have made nice and decided to play together in the sandbox.” I smiled as both men scowled at me.

  “Forget about all our personal issues for a moment and figure out how we’re going to protect the most critical piece of software we’ve created to date.”

  “So eloquent with the dramatics, Lex.”

  “Shut up, Mil.”

  Both Milla and I moved into the living room. I sat on the armrest of Max’s chair and she sat across from us in her own recliner, away from Lex.

  Max put his hand on my terrycloth-covered knee and squeezed. “Okay, this is what I propose,” I said. “We’re going to proceed as planned, but with a few changes. I’m going to duplicate Arcane with an altered code, essentially creating a worm inside the program. This way the government software is safe and completely separate, and the only people who’ll know where it is, is us.”

  “In English, please,” Milla interjected. “I may have cofounded the company, but you’re the brains and I’m the brawn.”

  “So what does that make me?” Lex asked

  “Our bitch,” Milla retorted.

  “You’re going to pay for that,” Lex muttered.

  “Give it your best shot.”

  Lex moved off the couch.

  “Children, please. Let’s be nice to each other,” Max jokingly reprimanded.

  “Shut up, Max,” Milla and Lex grumbled in unison.

  “Are they like this all the time?” Max asked, gathering me into his lap.

  “Yep, ever since I’ve known them.”

  “See what I mean? Sexual tension,” he whispered in my ear.

  I observed the annoyed couple. Watching them now and thinking back to their interactions over the years, I had been oblivious to the fact their issues were a precursor to sex.

  I whispered back, “It was foreplay?”

  Max nodded.

  Lex heard my not-so-quiet statement and growled. “Can we get back on subject? Explain to Milla and the rest of us what you mean by worm, and use small words so we idiots of the world understand.”

  I laughed. “Okay, Mr. I graduated from college at seventeen. By worm, I mean putting a hidden tracking virus in the software. You can’t detect it unless you search for it, and once it’s activated, every transmission in and out will have a happy little bug attached. We’ll know who’s trying to access Arcane, and who will use it once it’s stolen.”

  “So this is like malware, but for our benefit? Oh no, that means—” Milla leaned forward on her recliner and moaned “—that you’ll need help attaching this worm to Arcane.”

  “That’s right. Let’s give the prize to the grumpy nonprogrammer.” I smiled.

  “Can it, Rey.”

  “Suck it up, Castra.”

  “Tell us exactly what you need us to do.” Max interrupted our banter. “I’m sure all of us will help if we can.”

  “I know the three of you are the furthest thing from techies, but I’ll need you to put your big-girl panties on and help me reformat code.”

  Max turned me toward him. “I assumed all the time in the lab learning coding was your sick way of torturing me for taking over Carmen’s spot.”

  I coyly peered at Max and smiled. So what if I received pleasure out of making him suffer learning script? He was the one who had invaded my personal space. “You did learn a valuable skill to add to your résumé.”

  Max shifted me to the side and lightly smacked my butt. I gave him an exaggerated scowl and continued, turned back to face Lex and Milla. “I know I promised to never make you code again after our first project, but this is important. I don’t trust anyone besides you three. That means you two are back on duty.”

  They both groaned simultaneously and nodded.

  “For the next week, you won’t see much of me. I’ll have Kerry cancel any noncritical appointments, if not all of them.” I jumped up, surprising Max. I clutched my robe and headed for my bedroom.

  Max chased after me. “Where are you going?”

  I searched for my favorite T-shirt and yoga pants from my closet. Finding them, I tossed them on my bed. “I need to get to the lab ASAP.”

  Max caught me around the waist before I ran back to the closet in search of shoes. He drew me against his chest. “Arya, calm down. Less than two hours ago, you were falling apart in my arms. You need to recharge before you lock yourself up in your lab and play Vanessa-Mae nonstop.”

  He meant well, but I couldn’t possibly relax with the possibility of someone stealing my software. “Max, do you know what’s at stake here? If Arcane is stolen, not only would I lose everything, you would, too.”

  Max turned me around but didn’t release me. “What do you mean, lose everything?”

  “The contract is for exclusive security development for the Defense Department, at a cost of two billion a year for fifteen years.”

  “What’s the catch?”

  “If we don’t fulfill the terms of the agreement, we would forfeit any money earned to date on the project and lose this, as well as all of the other twenty-five government contracts we have outstanding.”

  “What?” The shock on Max’s face told me Lex left out significant specifics on the deal as a whole. “Who made that asinine decision? Lex or Carmen? No, don’t tell me.”

  Max sat on my bed, hunched over with his elbow resting on his legs and his head cradled in his palms.

  “It was a mutual agreement. Most people don’t reject an opportunity from the United States Department of Defense. Let’s say they can be very persuasive.”

  “They strong-armed you, in other words. It’s too late to second-guess all the arrangements made to date, but from now on, think about what you’re risking before you jump in head-first. Out of curiosity, what did they use to persuade you to accept the offer?”

  “They promised Milla a shipping contract for freight delivery to bases around the world and Lex a position on one of the subcommittees for the International Trade Commission. I was given an exclusive right to provide security and encryption software through my various companies.”

  “And?”

  I bit my lip and hoped he wouldn’t be upset. “And they agreed to let me buy land and build a house in a particular cove on Kauai.”

  Max smiled at me with a calculated gleam. “So you’re the one I’ve been fighting to get that land? For three years, this anonymous bidder blocked every attempt at government approval. First, it was preservation land, then it was public-use land, and then all of a sudden an unknown company called ANR owned it. I guess I know what that stands for now. Do you know how many people I called to find out who was behind that organization?”

  “They’ll use any means necessary to get what they want. Not unlike someone else I know.” I moved toward Max and glided my hands through his hair.

  His head came up and he smiled. Some of the worries eased from his eyes. “You’re easily convinced with the right tactics. For me it’s all about pushing your limits.”

  I hummed as my core awakened with the memory of being at the club.

  Max got to his feet, handed me my clothes, and leaned down to kiss me. “I know exactly where your mind went. I should paddle your ass for keeping the contingencies of the deal from me.”

  I quirked an eyebrow and untied my robe,
letting in fall to the ground. Stepping back, I dressed with slow, exaggerated movements.

  “You’re playing with fire.”

  “So what are you going to do about it?”

  Max walked out my door, pausing to look back. “Nothing. You have a company to save, and I need to find some clothes. I bet Milla has something of Lex’s over at her place. Get to work, Rey.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Finally a few moment alone,” I said to myself as I sat in the gardens of the Blantyre Hotel.

  Max had insisted I needed a night out away from my computer, so I’d spent the better part of the evening hobnobbing and making business connections at a banquet for one of my favorite charities. It was also the first event Max and I had attended as a couple.

  After all the press I received following the balcony video of me from Miami, I was surprised that most of the people at the party weren’t as fazed about our relationship status as I’d expected. Well, it made sense, since I remembered seeing some of them at the club.

  “What are you doing out here?” Max walked up behind me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

  I beamed at my sexy man. He worked a suit like no one else. Who was I kidding? He was hot all around, with or without clothes. He shot me a knowing smile that sent wetness straight to my pussy.

  “Thinking. And I needed a few minutes to breathe.”

  He toyed with the clasp on the back of my collar and then caressed my cheek. “Thinking about what?”

  “Us and the number of people here tonight that I saw at the club.”

  “You won’t be wearing a mask the next time we go.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Any objections? As I recalled, you enjoyed yourself.” He held out his elbow. I stood and tucked my arm into his.

  “Maybe I’ll be the one to strap you to the bench and have my wicked way with you.”

  “That is never going to happen, baby. I’m not a switch and never will be. You may enjoy a little control in our lovemaking, but I don’t think you’d enjoy the scenario as much as you believe. You’re a true submissive and I’m your Dominant.”

  He was right. The whole domination thing sounded fun in theory, but bondage was my kink. I loved the playroom and all the restraints. Especially the way the binding rubbed against my skin and the sensation of being utterly helpless to every demand placed on my body. I could imagine the slide of Max’s cock between my swollen, wet folds while strapped to the cross.

  “Whoa there.”

  Lost in my fantasy, I hadn’t realized I stumbled until Max caught me.

  “If you don’t stop that train of thought, I’m going to position you against the wall of this hotel and fuck you senseless, not caring who sees us.”

  I touched my damp, flushed face. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be, but I expect you to do something about this as soon as we’re alone.” He took my hand and placed it over the erection hidden under his tuxedo jacket.

  My core reverberated, and I licked my lips. “With pleasure. You do know it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Boston?”

  “Good. Let’s move faster. I’ve called Aaron to bring the car. He’ll be waiting for us. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner you can relieve the hard-on I’ve had since I saw you wearing that dress, knowing you were naked underneath.” His gruff voice told me he both loved and hated my outfit. I’d chosen the form-fitting gown with a plunging front especially for that reason.

  I paused as we approached the steps leading into the hotel. “There’s no way to leave without going through the ballroom.”

  “Smile, try not to engage anyone, and we should be out of here in twenty minutes.”

  I scanned the occupants of the ballroom and counted at least three hundred people to pass. “I think your estimate is a bit optimistic. What will you give me if it takes longer?”

  “Multiple orgasms.”

  My steps wavered. “I can live with that.”

  We worked our way through a crowd that seemed determined to chat with us at every opportunity. By the time we approached the hotel exit, the twenty minutes had become forty.

  Aaron opened the door of the limousine and I slid in, followed closely by Max.

  I closed the partition, sealing us into the cabin and glanced at Max. “I’m ready to collect on my bet. Any objections?”

  Relaxing back into the seat, he adjusted his pant legs and smiled. “None whatsoever, Ms. Rey.”

  My eyes roved to his straining erection, and I licked my lips.

  “Are you hungry? Would you like to stop for dessert?” he quipped.

  “I believe I’m craving a different type of dessert.”

  “What would that be?”

  “You.” I slid off the seat, crawled across the limo, and stopped between his knees. “Do I have permission, Sir?”

  Sucking in a sharp breath, he nodded. I smiled and leaned down, inhaling the intoxicating musk through his pants.

  “Pull him out, Arya. He’s been waiting all night for some attention.”

  “Yes, Sir.” I sent him a saucy smile, bit my lip, and preceded to follow his command.

  With slow, precise movements, I undid his belt, drawing the leather through the metal buckle. Next, I tugged his shirt free. I continued with the button of his trousers and then used my teeth to slide the zipper down.

  “Arya, don’t make me punish you.”

  I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “You don’t like what I’m doing?”

  “My cock better be in that luscious mouth in thirty seconds or you forfeit any pleasure I promised you.”

  “I get the message, Sir.”

  “Good.”

  I reached into his slacks and pulled out his raging hard-on. It appeared larger than usual as it bobbed against his white tuxedo shirt.

  Before I could grip him properly, Max grasped the base of his cock and pointed the large plum-shaped head toward my lips. His other hand moved to the back of my neck. “Open up.”

  A groan erupted from his chest as I started sucking.

  “Oh, yes. That’s the way I like it.” His threw his head back against the seat, and his eyes closed tight. His hold on my hair increased as I hollowed my cheeks, taking him deeper.

  My tongue worked the throbbing vein on the underside of his engorged cock, and another moan escaped him. I savored the salty sweet cream dripping from his tip; he was already close.

  “Touch yourself while you work my dick.”

  My hand traveled between my legs, gliding through my swollen slit. I plunged two fingers into my core and pumped as my palm rubbed my throbbing nub. I worked both my body and his, bringing our orgasms to the cusp.

  At once, I exploded around my fingers, crying out, but not stopping my ministrations.

  “Ari, stop right now. I’m going to blow and I promised to make you come over and over again.” His words sent another flood of moisture to my aching pussy. I released him with a pop and pulled my saturated fingers free.

  Without warning, Max lifted me onto his lap, raised my dress to my waist, and impaled me on his cock. I cried out from the pleasure-pain of the sudden invasion. He raised my fingers to his lips, licked them clean, and then commanded, “Place your hands on the back of the seat and ride me while I make use of this plunging neckline.”

  I followed his directive and positioned my knees against his thighs. I worked his cock in and out of me while grinding my pelvis against him every time I lowered back down. My movements remained slow and sensual at first. Then as I felt the scrape of Max’s teeth against my now exposed nipples, I rode him harder, loving the sound of his shallow breath against my sensitized peaks.

  “That’s it. Keep moving as I feast on your fabulous tits.”

  I lifted my thighs and slammed down. We both groaned, and I continued my onslaught until another wave of ecstasy cascaded through me. I threw back my head and scratched the leather of the seat with my nails. My inner walls convulsed around his giant girth as they milked my
release.

  Max clutched the back of my head, bringing me forward and taking the last of my cries into his mouth. We stared at each other and my heart fluttered, seeing the depth of his emotions.

  Twice more I erupted before he held my hips, stopping my now-slow pace. “Turn around. It’s time for me to work that pussy.”

  I pivoted on wobbly legs with his help. Breathing heavily, his hand slid down my back positioning me against the cushion of the seat closest to us. I rested my sweat-sheened face against my forearms as my heartbeat pummeled in my ears.

  His cock slid down the crease of my bottom and slammed into my dripping pussy. He rubbed against my inner walls, sending shock waves to my toes. Slow and steady, he slid in and out of me.

  I needed him to stop being gentle and fuck me. He knew what he was doing. He wanted me to beg. After countless orgasms, I wouldn’t be able to come unless he did something to push me over the edge.

  “How do you want it?” he finally asked. “Hard and fast or soft, with me taking my time?”

  “Fast,” I answered. “I’m going to come. Please!”

  “Your wish is my command.” The force of his pace increased, rough and unsteady.

  My core quickened and my hips rocked back. I reached behind me, squeezing his ass, hoping to make him hammer harder, but he pushed my hand away. “This is my show. You’re there, baby. I can feel it.”

  Every inch of my body begged for relief. His fingers glided across my clit, and I shot forward.

  “Max,” I wailed as it hit. Spasms ravaged me, the exquisite pleasure spreading through every part of my body.

  “That’s it, baby, squeeze me tight,” he crooned. “Ride it out while I finish.”

  His thrusts became frantic, his muscles tightened while he pistoned in and out. The rough breath grazing my skin told me he was close to coming. I closed my eyes and let the continued waves of pleasure thrust me into another free fall.

  We both cried out, not caring if Aaron could hear our pleasure.

  Max pulsed inside me and collapsed with me against the leather seats. “I love hearing you come,” he murmured against my ears.