“Come, Ava,” Jeff growled, grabbing his dazed sister by the elbow and dragging her from the restaurant. Ava made no protest, her mind in a whirl as she looked back for one last glance at Jonas, but he was gone.
****
“So what are we going to do?”
Ava was standing in the middle of Jeffrey’s office. She had the just-delivered sheaf of documents on the desk in front of him. He stared at it, and then looked up at her. “Rip it to shreds.”
“What?” she gasped, staring at him in shock. It was less than a week since she’d returned home. In that time, she’d waited with baited breath to hear from Jonas. She’d always known he would keep his word, but she’d been looking forward to more than just the pile of papers that now lay before them.
Jeff rose, his face rigid with anger. “I meant what I said back there, Ava. Your dignity is more important. It’s bad enough that you thought you needed to sell yourself to him.”
“I don’t need you judging me,” she said with flashing eyes. “Especially when you don’t even understand the situation. I didn’t sell out my dignity. I wanted to be there. I wanted to be there, Jeff. I wanted him.” Her eyes held his defiantly.
“Oh my God,” her brother gasped. “You can’t be serious. You’ve fallen in love with him!”
Ava turned away, her face flushed. Her brother reached out and pulled her around to face him. “How could you let that happen? You know he’s never going to be with you, right? Jonas Marks is…”
“I know exactly what he is.” But what Jonas was had been much different from what she’d ever expected. She hadn’t wanted to enjoy being with him as much as she had—and she certainly hadn’t expected to miss him as much as she now did.
“Then you’ll know it’s best to forget him,” her brother said, his voice gentling as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “You made a mistake, but let’s put it behind us if we can.”
“How can I put it behind me if you refuse to consider taking hold of the company?” she asked, glaring up at him. “I know you said it didn’t matter, but…”
“We’re not going to talk about this, okay? I’ve made up my mind. I’m sorry if it feels like you went through it all for nothing.”
You have no idea, Ava thought as she looked away, tears stinging her eyes. With Jonas, she’d felt real, fiery passion. And beneath the cold, hard facts of their agreement, there had been times when she’d seen a spark in his eye when he looked at her. And the way he’d made love to her… She could never, ever believe it had all just been part of the game. But it didn’t matter now. It was over. The only thing left to do—and this was the hardest part of all—was to try and forget he ever existed.
****
Carly wasn’t sure which was worse: brooding Jonas, or quick-tempered Jonas. He hadn’t been the same ever since they returned from the business trip. Now, they’d just had a grueling meeting with his board, and he’d more or less bitten the heads off most of the top-ranking members, over little or nothing. He was getting really tough to work with, and she was concerned for him. Not just as a boss or someone running a business, but as a friend.
“How long are we going to go on like this?” she asked, and saw him look up from his desk, cocking a quizzical brow at her.
“What are you talking about, Carly?”
She waved her hands expressively. “You’re just no fun to work with anymore. You have everyone walking on eggshells with your short fuse, and then when you’re not angry, you are unapproachable and difficult to talk to. I’m thinking maybe it’s time you called her.”
“Who?” he growled, then sighed at the look on her face. “Why would I do that?”
“Come on, Jonas,” she replied, seriously. “You want her, go get her.”
He chuckled, swiveling his chair to the side and staring out of the picture window. “She’s not going to want me, Carly. Not the way I want her.”
Carly had to smile. “You’re Jonas Marks. Who wouldn’t want you?” Her tone was teasing and he chuckled again.
Jonas pushed up on his feet, shoved his hands into his pockets and began pacing the expansive office. “You think I should go over there, tell her I’m crazy about her? I’m not sure I like the idea of being laughed at, Carly. Although, I must say, you’re doing a mighty fine job of that.”
“And who says she’s going to laugh?” Carly queried, throwing her hands in the air again. “Why do you think she wouldn’t want to be with you, Jonas?”
“Carly, the documents were returned, in shreds. Does that sound like she wants anything to do with me? She wouldn’t even accept the return of her father’s company from me!”
Carly paused thoughtfully. “Yes.” She saw him glance back at her with narrowed eyes, and she went on relentlessly, “I saw how she looked at you, Jonas. That woman’s in love.”
Jonas’s face seemed to brighten, but then he grimaced. “I just can’t.”
“Oh, really?” Carly replied relentlessly. “Jonas Marks is saying that he can’t do something? Somehow I have a hard time believing that to be true.”
****
It was a day that Ava had been looking forward to for quite some time; a private meeting with financial consultancy firm, The Bretton Group. They had agreed to take over their stock portfolio, willing to guide them toward financial recovery, and it was all because of Ava’s hard work and determination.
Ava was excited, but nervous. After all these months, trying to make contact with a financial consultancy ready to handle their stock portfolio, she’d finally made contact.
“The Bretton Group…these guys are the best there is,” Jeff told her approvingly. “I can’t believe you got us in. Good work, Ava. This is all you, so you should handle the proposal. Think you’re up to it?”
She inhaled deeply, taking in a bracing breath. It was true that she was the one who’d secured the deal, but it was still more than generous of her brother to let her handle the pitch, especially when it meant so much to their family.
“I think so,” she said, shrugging. “I mean, I’ve done the research, worked out the best strategy. I’m pretty confident that I can give a solid presentation.”
Jeff nodded. “You’re going to do great,” he said, with a playful smile. “So, what time do you need to be there?”
“They’re sending me a car now,” she said, glancing at her watch. “I better get going.”
“Well, good luck,” Jeff replied, heading out the door of her office, glancing back with a smile. “Knock ’em dead, sis.”
****
Ava glanced out of the car window, turning to the driver in confusion. “Excuse me. I don’t think this is the way to the Bretton offices…”
“Oh, I forgot to mention it, ma’am, but I’m supposed to take you to the Marquis. There’ll be a lunch meeting instead.”
“I see.” She recognized the name of the high-end restaurant, slightly annoyed that they had changed the location without confirming it with her.
It doesn’t make any difference whatsoever, she thought. If she would have to give her presentation over lunch, then so be it.
It didn’t take long before they were pulling into the restaurant’s parking area. With a deep breath, she stepped out of the car, and was met at the entrance by the headwaiter, who quickly led her to her table. She had a confident smile on her face, her hand gripping tighter on her case as she prepared herself for what lay ahead. As she reached the table, a devastatingly familiar figure rose and it took her breath away.
“Jonas,” she gasped, standing stock still as her eyes locked onto his. “What’s going on?” And then realization dawned, making her jaw clench. “Don’t tell me…you’re the Bretton Group.”
“I bought it,” he replied. “Please, sit down. I want you to at least hear me out.”
“I don’t think there’s any sense in that, do you?” she asked with dripping sarcasm. “Because the last time that I listened to you…”
“Ava, please.” He held her gaze with compell
ing warmth. “I promise, this time, no games. I just want to talk.”
Reluctantly, she sank into a chair and watched him signal for the waiter.
“Jonas, I really don’t think there’s anything that you could say…”
“I’ll make it quick,” he replied, holding up his hands. “I just want to help you, Ava. You sent back the agreement in shreds. I felt like I still had a promise to fulfill—”
“Well, you don’t,” she gritted out. “Damn you, Jonas. Jeffrey was right; dignity is far more important. If you think I need your pity or charity…”
“Not pity, Ava, and certainly not charity,” he said his tone suddenly dropping. “You came here to make a presentation; Bretton was already interested in taking up your portfolio. So you’ll be doing the same thing—getting the financial help you need, working to get back on track—the only difference is, you’ll be doing it with me.”
She glared at him, furious. “Now, why the hell would I want to do that?”
“Because I’m the best at what I do and you know it. And because in less than six months, you’ll be able to legitimately take back control of your company.”
“I feel like I’m having a bad case of déjà vu,” she said mockingly, her head on one side. “You offer to help me, and so now I must ask what it is that you want in return. What’s the catch, Jonas?” His eyes held no expression, his face rigid, immovable stone, yet his gaze was intense, focused only on her.
“I told you, Ava—no games. I just…I’m thinking this may be my chance to make it up to you.”
“Make it up to me?” she croaked, thrown by the sudden vulnerability that flashed across his face. She felt her heart ache, suddenly lost in the memories that appeared from the shadows of her mind.
“Yes,” he replied, the glint in his eyes betraying the raw, vulnerable emotion that burned inside. He reached out to cover her hand with his own. Just a slight touch from him, and Ava was instantly brought back to the nights they’d spent together. She thought she was over that, had been so sure she’d put it all behind her. But then she’d walked in and seen him—as devastatingly gorgeous as ever—and with one touch he sent that familiar shiver down her spine. Refusing to let go, his fingers tightened on hers and she was forced to look up into his stormy, dark eyes. And there was no looking away.
“I messed things up, Ava,” he continued, voice low. “I know that now. I was so used to getting whatever I wanted that when I finally found something worth having, I let ego…pride…I let it all get it in the way.”
“I don’t understand,” she heard herself say, and she didn’t. She refused to allow herself even a moment to believe that Jonas Marks wanted her this much. What if she was wrong? She couldn’t survive that heartbreak again.
“It took just one night with you, and I knew I’d never be the same. I knew that I wouldn’t be satisfied with just one week, that I would want far, far more.” His gaze settled over her lips, hot and electrifying and she swallowed the words of love that threatened to tumble from her lips.
“I’m not sure that I understand what you are saying, Jonas.”
His eyes held promise, his smile slow and sexy. “I’m saying that a week, a month, a year…it would never be enough.” He leaned across the table and took Ava’s shaky hands into his own. The desire and raw passion that burned in his eyes made her want to risk everything, to give him all that she had of herself.
“I’m saying that I need you with me, Ava…and this time I’ll never let you go.”
****
Six months later…
The gala had gone well. Her father and brother had been nothing but cheerful smiles throughout the evening. The champagne flowed as smoothly as the many speeches, which all had the same theme: success. The return of the company. It had been a long, hard road, but from the looks on their faces, Ava was sure it had all been worth it.
Jonas was standing next to her, a steady presence in the backdrop—just like he’d been over the past few months both in the boardroom and the bedroom.
“Want to slip out with me?” she whispered in his ear. He turned to her in surprise, saw her expression, and his eyes gleamed with desire as he pulled her close until their bodies were flush against each other.
“With pleasure,” he growled, as he led his woman out of the room as fast as their legs would carry them.
****
“Relax,” he murmured. “I want to take my time with you.”
She shivered as his gentle hands drew lazy circles across her thighs, dipping low as his fingers slowly worked their way between her folds and she gasped as the burst of heat thundered up her spine.
“Jonas…”
His cock was hard and ready. She could feel it as he moved against her, towering above her, as she lay beneath him on their soft, warm bed. His mouth moved to claim hers, his tongue hot and possessive.
“You’re everything I’ll never need,” he groaned against her lips, his fingers continuing to work their way inside of her.
She had never felt so desired in all of her life and she gasped as the tension shot through her body, her breasts suddenly hard and swollen as he lightly rubbed her clit. His eyes were filled with explosive hunger and need and at that moment she knew that his words were sincere, that she was the only woman that existed in his world.
“Then take me,” she breathed, her voice husky. “I want to feel you inside of me.”
He growled as he moved to position himself above her, his rigid cock, thick and hard like blazing steel, ready to brand her. She felt him fight for control, wanting to take his time, to move slow, and she savored every inch of him as he entered her, her fingers grasping wildly at his shoulders as he filled her.
“Jonas!” His body pressed flush to hers, his weight bearing down on her, covering her with his large, muscular frame. His cock teased her, sliding in and out in a hard, steady motion, refusing to let up even when she was pushed to the edge.
She melted under his heated gaze, his eyes suddenly growing dark. She let all her love for him soak into his pores, leaving him without any doubt that she would be his forever. He kissed her again, more fiercely than before, claiming her lips with such reckless abandon that she could barely breathe. He lowered his mouth to her breasts, suckling gently on her nipple, his teeth grazing her skin, his mouth possessing every inch of her areole. Retreating, he nibbled at her neck, his mouth sliding up to her jaw where he peppered he with hot kisses, inhaling her scent.
He withdrew and then surged forward again, filling her with heat, her pussy gripping his cock tightly.
“Tell me that you’re close…” he growled, clenching his jaw. “I can’t last much longer. You feel way too good.”
She arched against him, meeting his thrust, taking what was left of his control, forcing him over the edge.
“Come with me,” she cried out.
His breath tore raggedly from his chest and he lost all control, unable to withstand her sweet, delicious torture. He kissed her, hard then soft, his hips thrusting against her as she melted against him, losing herself in his taste, his intoxicating scent.
They came together, desperate to fulfill the wicked desire that overpowered all of their senses, leaving them blind to everything but each other. She moaned softly against him, then louder as her orgasm tore through her, Jonas pushing himself hard and deep inside of her, before holding himself there, coveting what would always be his.
She felt him explode inside of her as he lowered his head to ravage her mouth, their tongues clashing and twisting as they held onto one another, swept away in a blinding wave of ecstasy.
“Ava… I love you.”
His words were sincere, not just the song of a desirous lover, but the words of a man who knew he’d forever be broken without the woman he loved above all else.
As they floated in the sweet aftermath, he held her close, gently stroking her shoulders and arms, his body hot and breathless.
“I love you more than anything.”
&nb
sp; A smile broke out across her face, and she lowered her face to kiss him sweetly, ripe with the promise of a lifetime of happiness. She was his, forever, as much as he was hers. That was an agreement she would happily accept.
About the Author
Adriana Hunter, a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, writes contemporary and paranormal romance stories that feature irresistibly powerful alpha heroes and beautifully curvy heroines.
For more information on other books by Adriana, visit her official website: AdrianaHunter.com
Also by This Author
All American Wolf, Tangled Press
Truth or Dare, Tangled Press
Something Borrowed, Tangled Press
Taming The Alpha, Tangled Press
Claiming The Alpha, Tangled Press
Escape From Reality, Tangled Press
To Love An Alpha (Boxed Set) - Tangled Press
Rock Hard, Tangled Press
Dangerous Desires, Tangled Press
Sweet Surrender, Tangled Press
Better Mate Than Never, Tangled Press
Riding Danger, Tangled Press
Captive Heart, Tangled Press
Double Pleasure, Tangled Press
Hard Rocked, Tangled Press
Star Struck, Tangled Press
Fight For You, Tangled Press
Table of Contents
Title page
Insatiable
About the Author
Also by This Author
Insatiable Page 6