by Peggy Hunter
Max frowned. Sure he'd never had the drive his two older brothers had but no one ever expected anything from him. Alex, the oldest Diamond son, rebelled against his father's demands and left the fold to buy a ranch in Manitoba. He'd been so determined to make it on his own that he'd lost touch with his family until he'd come home for his father's eightieth birthday. Edward's personal administrative assistant ended up losing her job after she'd lost track of her boss’ wayward young wife. Alex quickly hired her to work her administrative magic on his ranch and promptly fell in love with her.
Zachary, Edward's son from his second marriage, was everything Max would never be. In spite of the fact Edward left Zach's mother when he was barely walking, Zach grew to have an instinct for business. When he was old enough, Edward quickly pulled him into the Diamond Industry fold where he went on to do great things. Zach fell in love with his long-time friend, a woman he'd thought was gay until he dragged her to Alex's wedding.
And then there was Max, the product of Edward's third marriage. When his father left Max's mother for a younger woman, Max was two years old. He had no memories of his father taking any part in his life. But Max did remember that the old man provided well for both him and his mother. Max lacked for nothing in his life, had never felt the need to lift a finger to do anything for himself. The money was always there.
At nineteen, his mother was killed in a car accident and out of the blue, Edward Diamond appeared. The old man was determined to drag his wayward son into the family business. Max didn't care, in fact he embraced it. Women considered him sexier when he claimed a part in the multimillion dollar Diamond dynasty. In return, Max was expected to show up every day and pretend he actually worked.
And so, he had no reason to be hurt by his father's remark that he was a layabout. And he'd have been very happy to remain that way if it hadn't been for the sweet little vixen he'd lured to the executive restroom the night of the company Christmas party. Just thinking about her made his cock swell and ache with need. But shit, he could hardly tell his father that.
"Maybe it's time for me to take some interest in the biz,” Max said. “I've realized I haven't been fair to either you or Zach."
Edward's grey brows knit low over his eyes but he said nothing, giving Max free rein to continue.
"You're going to be eighty-one in a few months. I know you want to retire. And you should...you've earned it. But Zach can't run Diamond Industries alone. He needs help and I figure it's time for me to be there for him."
Edward blinked. Clearly, he wasn't convinced. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay,” he said, “have your mail room advocate. But when Zach gets back, he has the right to veto it."
Max watched the old man lumber out of his office. When the door closed behind his father, Max raised his hand and punched the air triumphantly. He'd won.
Sure, Zach would probably put a stop to it when he returned but until then, Julie, a Christmas present to himself, would have to walk into his office every morning.
Max leaned back in his chair and checked his watch. She was due with her report any minute now. His cock hardened in anticipation.
He felt only a twinge of guilt about giving his best performance to date for his father. Edward was left wondering. Perhaps even hoping Max had finally come around and would be a benefit to the family empire.
Max's body went cool for a moment. It would be a cold day in Hell before he'd ever consider taking any kind of meaningful role at Diamond Industries.
Max glared at the name plate on his desk.
Maxwell Diamond, Vice President.
What a fucking lark. Did the old man really think giving Max the vice presidency would change anything?
There was no title his father could bestow and no amount of money his father could throw at him that would make up for the old man's not having been around in his youth.
* * * *
"You must be Miss Thornton,” the older woman said as she rounded her desk outside of Maxwell's office. She smiled as she extended her hand in a warm greeting.
Julie nodded numbly. Unable to sleep the night before, her head felt woozy, and her nerves were on edge. Now that she'd actually walked into the vice president's office, Julie wasn't sure she'd be able to go through with the meeting.
"I'm Ethel,” the older woman said as she released Julie's hand and turned back to her desk. “Mr. Diamond's been expecting you. Go right in."
Julie clutched a folder under her arm as she looked around the extravagant office...a far cry from the dingy, dimly lit mail room she worked in five days a week. She looked around the grandiose space. When her eyes leveled on the blood-red leather sofa, she finally found her voice. “Nice."
"Yes,” Ethel replied with a certain measure of humor in her voice. “Maxwell Diamond demands only the best.” After a short pause, she added, “I expect that's why you're here."
Julie's throat constricted as she whirled around to look at the woman. “What is that supposed to mean?” she demanded.
Ethel looked shocked at first and then knowingly amused. “Nothing at all,” she said as her eyes washed over Julie. “Please go in. Mr. Diamond's waiting for your...err...report."
"I don't know what you've heard,” Julie said breathlessly. “I'm here as an advocate for the people who work in the mail room. We've been ignored for far too long."
Ethel grinned as she waved her hand toward the office door. “Good. You have my blessing. Give ‘im hell."
Julie's cheeks flushed as she walked to the office door. She fully intended to make Maxwell Diamond listen to each and every one of the complaints in the folder under her arm. She would not allow the fact she'd had sex with the Diamond Industries’ VP to affect her...to waver her from the course she'd been set on. No way. Her coworkers needed someone to speak for them...someone with the nerve to finally stand up for what they deserved.
Julie hesitated at the door. Should she knock first? Would it be rude to just open the door and barge in?
Ethel's light chuckle grated on Julie's already frayed nerves. “Just walk in."
The secretary was a little too smug for Julie's liking. She quelled the urge to tell the old woman what she could do to herself. Instead, she took a deep breath as her hand settled on the cool brass doorknob. She let her breath out slowly and twisted the knob. When she pushed the door open, she walked into the office, holding her head high, hoping she looked confident.
With the shades drawn over the massive windows, the office was dark and, Julie had to admit, filled with a sense of foreboding. Any confidence she felt quickly dissipated as she closed the door behind her. She blinked in the dim light. “Mr. Diamond?"
"Take a seat."
The words were said sharply yet there was a twinge of Santa's voice. That deep, rich voice which permeated her very soul as she gave herself to him. Julie's body tingled at the memory. She tried desperately to push the erotic thoughts from her mind as she blindly stepped forward, holding out her hands until they finally rested on the seat he wanted her to take. Still clutching the folder under her arm, Julie sat down.
Suddenly a lamp on his desk flickered and illuminated the room. While his form remained in dim light, his arm stretched out over the desk. “Give me the list of demands,” he said.
Julie clutched the folder to her chest. “I'm not so sure I should do that, Mr. Diamond. My job is to go over the list with you."
The air in the room grew cold as he took an audible breath and let it out slowly. Julie's body quaked...the urges she felt at that moment would make a great porn flick. Angry sex...deep, penetrating, no-denying-him sex. Every fiber of her being suddenly craved it. She thought of his enormous cock and how it damn near ripped her in two. And yet, her body craved him...wanted him again.
"Give me the folder,” he demanded.
She quickly tossed the folder onto the desk. When he reached for it, a sense of self-loathing washed over her. It was only a matter of time before everyone in the mail room was fired.
She'd let them all down. Why? Because she'd become a slave to Maxwell Diamond. A man who had probably already moved on after their encounter. Yet a man she would never be able to get out of her mind...or her heart.
Maxwell gripped the folder in his hands but did not open it. His next words shocked her. “Tell your coworkers that each and every one of their demands will be met."
Julie blinked. Okay. The guy was playing her for a fool. “How can you make a promise like that? You haven't even read what's in the folder."
"Because you are my advocate. Give me what I want and your friends in the mail room will benefit."
Julie's mouth went dry. “You don't even know what they are demanding."
"No,” he said. “But I expect it's something simple. People willing to do menial tasks never require much."
Julie bristled. “Excuse me? I happen to be one of those people."
"And we appreciate your efforts,” he replied sardonically. “Where would a company like Diamond Industries be if it weren't for the people willing to do those little jobs no one ever gives any thought to?"
Is this guy for real? Could anyone be more arrogant? Julie struggled to keep herself in check as she got up from the chair. “I suggest you go over the list of demands very carefully,” she said stiffly. She couldn't resist adding, “The little people in the mail room would really appreciate it."
As Julie turned to leave, his voice halted her steps. “I've already told you they'll get what they want."
Julie looked over her shoulder. “Yes, so you said. But this isn't a game, Mr. Diamond. And I won't be your pawn."
As she pulled the door open, his words brought her to a stop. “And what about your wish to have a Diamond for Christmas?"
Julie's heart pounded in her throat. She hoped her voice didn't waver as she replied, “I'll be in tomorrow morning with my daily report. I'm sure you'll have had ample time to go over the material by then."
Chapter 5
"I'm a little tired of waiting for a definite answer,” Rob said angrily. “Your parents are expecting us to make our engagement official on Christmas Day. So either shit or get off the fucking pot!"
In all the years she'd known Rob, he'd never talked to her that way. And she didn't like it one bit. After the week she'd endured, she was in no mood to deal with Rob. “You're a smart man. Surely you know my hesitation says it all."
She simply did not have the patience to deal with Rob right now. It was Friday night, and she'd gone four days with no contact from Maxwell Diamond. True to her word as mail room advocate, she went back to his office after their initial meeting only to have his secretary make excuses for him. He wasn't in yet, he was tied up in a meeting and so on.
Yeah, right. The truth was Julie was a complete failure. Even Nina had said so, just not in so many words. She'd let the mail room workers down.
"All I got from your hesitation is you're afraid to make a commitment. It's a big step but I'm ready,” Rob said, injecting his words into her deep thoughts.
"When I wanted to get married, you always had reasons not to,” Julie countered. “Why now? We can wait a little longer, can't we?"
"Sure. Or we could wait until the next time the moon turns blue,” Rob said sarcastically.
Even though she knew he wasn't serious, Julie was okay with that.
"Look, Julie,” Rob said softly, “I love you and I want to make a life with you. I know I was hesitant before but now that you're so damn far away, I realize how much I miss you. Come home for Christmas—"
Beep, beep.
"...marry me..."
Beep, beep.
"—I'll make you happy—"
Beep, beep.
"Uhm, Rob, I'm sorry but I have an incoming call. I've got to put you on hold..."
"No! Don't put me on hold,” Rob said anxiously. “We have to work this out—"
Click.
"Hello?"
"Ho ho ho."
Julie's heart constricted as her mouth went dry. “Why are you calling me at home?"
"I want to go over the details of the demands from the mail room,” he replied in his rich, deep voice.
"It's Friday night,” she said. “It'll have to wait until Monday."
"Nonsense,” he replied. “I've reserved a table at Chez Louise for dinner. Wear the dress you had on...” he hesitated and chuckled softly. “Or I should say, the one I tore off you after the Christmas party."
"I really don't think—"
"I'll pick you up in front of your building at seven. Don't be late or I might have to spank you."
Julie felt numb when the line went dead. She held the phone to her ear as her mind whirled. Beep, beep. She couldn't wear the dress she'd worn for the Diamond Christmas party. Max had ripped the seams when he tore it off her and she had not yet fixed it.
She knew she should avoid him, hide in her apartment and pretend he didn't exist. But her body ached at the thought of seeing him again.
Beep, beep.
Still, she feared being consumed whole. Maxwell Diamond was a notorious lover...and worse than that, he was a notorious leaver. Was she sure she wanted to take that step, especially when she knew how it would turn out?
Beep, beep.
If only she could make her body listen to her brain.
Julie was about to toss the phone aside when it beeped again. She suddenly remembered Rob was still on hold. Oops!
When she hit the button to bring him back, he breathed heavily into the phone. “What took you so long?” he asked angrily.
She couldn't deal with him tonight, especially now. “Look, Rob, it's been nice talking to you but I really have to go."
"Damn it, Jul—"
Julie hit the end call button and tossed the phone onto the sofa. Hearing Max on the phone made her body ache with need. She had to face facts. No matter how much she'd once hoped for a future with Rob, he'd never made her feel the way she did in Max's arms. Sure, she didn't know who he was at the time but she'd never felt so free to enjoy the act of sex. Max had left her not just wanting more but needing more.
Yet, she was no fool. Julie knew he was toying with her and, he'd quickly move on when she bored him.
And Julie resented his arrogance. If he expected her to show up in...she checked her watch...less than an hour, he was sorely mistaken. She would not give in to his demands so easily.
She wandered to her bedroom, idly strumming her fingers over her lips. Still, it couldn't hurt to check her closet to see what she could wear for dinner at the very exclusive Chez Louise.
And then a thought struck her so hard it almost took her breath away. Poor Rob, he had no idea what she'd been up to since she landed in Toronto. After years of hoping he'd finally want to make a life with her, the fact he announced his intention now came at the very worst time in her life. She'd had a taste of something much more exciting. She knew she could never go back to Rob even though she'd probably never get another taste again.
Suddenly feeling weak, Julie sat down on the bed and tried to calm her nerves as her mind whirled. When she was on Santa's lap at the Christmas party, she'd wished for a Diamond for Christmas. Was it possible the powers that be misunderstood her wish? Was she destined to accept a diamond from Rob?
No. It couldn't be. Her wish was meant to be a Diamond in the flesh and it had most certainly been granted. After experiencing sex with Maxwell Diamond, Julie knew she could never accept less.
Julie leapt from the bed and rifled through her closet. All right. Maybe she should have dinner with Max Diamond after all. But she'd wear what she wanted to wear, not what he demanded.
Julie grinned when she came across the perfect dress. Max might not approve but it was the festive season. Christmas was only a week away.
If he thought she'd conform to his wishes, he was about to find out that Julie Thornton wasn't about to be pushed around by anyone...not by Rob and certainly not by a Diamond.
* * * *
Max poured himself another scotch and so
da. Where the fuck is she? Surely he hadn't been stood up.
Just as he lifted the crystal glass to his lips, the window between himself and the chauffeur rolled down. “We've been parked in front of Ms. Thornton's apartment building for almost half an hour, sir."
"I'm aware of the time, Geoffrey,” Max replied sardonically.
"We'll miss your reservation at Chez Louise if we linger much longer,” the chauffeur said matter-of-factly.
Biting back an oath, Max tipped the drink to his lips and took a long swallow. Geoffrey was merely pointing out facts. The long and short of it was that he, Maxwell Diamond, may well have been stood up for the first time in his life.
Max's patience was wearing thin. He imagined himself morphing into the Incredible Hulk and ripping the walls off the apartment building to find Julie.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We'll wait a few more minutes."
"Very good, sir,” Geoffrey replied before the window rolled back up.
Very good, sir. Very good, sir!
How many times had a chauffeur uttered those words to him over the years? More often than not, it was Geoffrey. The chauffeur had been with the Diamond family for years. Even though Edward dumped his mother when Max was a child, Geoffrey had been at Max's disposal since he was a kid. He had more childhood memories surrounding the old chauffeur than he did of his own father. Yet, Max realized, he knew nothing about the man.
Perhaps it was boredom that made Max press the button to lower the window between himself and Geoffrey. When the chauffeur's eyes gazed at him questioningly in the rearview mirror, Max wasn't sure what in the hell he was doing.
"Hey, Geoff,” he began, not sure where he was going with it.
"Sir?"
Max sighed. “Don't call me sir,” he said. “Call me..."
"Mr. Diamond?"
"No,” Max said.
Geoffrey frowned. “When you were a child, I called you Master Diamond."
Max shook his head furiously. “No!"
The chauffeur blinked in the rearview mirror. “Then I don't know what you require of me, sir."