The point was neither here nor there in this conversation, she thought, but it did change how she thought their relationship would be if she chose to remain with him. “Would you take other lovers if I were to choose you over Alex?” She couldn’t help asking the question; though she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear the answer.
“It is something we would have discussed, but if you wanted another man in your life, it would only have been fair for me to have another woman.” When he had made the decision to propose to her he had given no thought to such a possibility, but he knew other couples in the lifestyle had open relationships.
“Wow!” Her astonishment slipped from her on a sigh as she allowed the information to sink in. “There is so much we still don’t know about each other.” That was an understatement, she thought, and another sign that they should slow things down; they had taken things too fast without getting to know one another properly. “So how do we do this?” She had only gotten as far as knowing that she needed to tell him of her desire for more freedom, the consequences of such a statement had not even crossed her mind.
He chuckled softly at her question, thinking that he was just as clueless as she was. “Still wanting me to top you, baby?” If that was the case, he’d tell her to stop defying him and end things with Alex so she could come home, where she belonged.
“I don’t want to end things with you, Rhett.” That was more true than she could emphasize with words, the thought of not having him in her life made her heart ache.
“So you still want me to be your Master?” He had to ask the question, she was being more than a little vague about what she truly wanted, and that left him confused.
“Yes, but I don’t want you to ask me to stop seeing Alex.”
“Then the three of us need to talk, sweetheart,” he said, not liking the idea of having to share her one bit, even if it was the best way to keep her.
“Is that really necessary?” The thought of the three of them in a room together didn’t seem like a very smart idea, especially considering Rhett’s anger and expressed desire to kill Alex.
“Absolutely necessary,” he nodded, “if we are going to be sharing you, and I’m going to assume that you will limit yourself to just me and Alex,” he was prepared to accept one outside relationship, if he had to, but that was it, “then we need to come to some kind of an agreement, so we all understand the situation. When it comes to something like this it is always best to have rules in place so all parties know what is and isn’t acceptable.”
She blushed bright red at his words. “Only you two.” She felt guilty enough at the thought of sharing herself between two men, without adding the prospect of more men.
“Then I will set up a meeting for the three of us so we can come to terms regarding what we all want.” He did his best to keep his reluctance from his voice.
Leah breathed a deep sigh of relief, which lasted only until she thought about how that meeting was likely to go. “I have to admit, this is the strangest thing I’ve ever talked about before.”
“Just wait until you get to the Ranch.” He just couldn’t see her enjoying that type of kink, though he kept that opinion to himself, sure that she would have her eyes opened soon enough.
She hadn’t even discussed going to the Ranch with Alex, and it was apparent she would need to bring it up before their meeting. “So when do you want to do this?” Was she really going to sit down with two men and plan out her sexual needs? It just didn't seem possible, but it was apparent she was because despite her feelings she didn’t tell Rhett to forget the idea.
“I’ll call Alex in the morning; the sooner we decide what we’re willing to do the better in my opinion.” The conversation was not one he’d ever planned on having with his sweet Leah, but it was going to happen, he decided.
After discussing things for another hour, Leah asked Rhett to drive her back to the airport so she could get her car. One thing she knew for sure, she was going to get her own place, just as soon as she could afford it. Given how crazy the situation between them was likely to become, whatever decision was made, she wanted a place she could call her own, a place that was hers, not someone else’s.
Once Rhett had dropped her off Leah made a quick call to Janie, to check that it was alright for her to crash at the condo, telling her she would explain later. She then called Alex to explain that she was staying with her friend.
Her calls made, she finally headed toward the condo. It had been an exhausting night, on many levels, and all she wanted then was somewhere to lay her head where she wouldn’t be asked more difficult decisions.
Janie wasn’t all that surprised to have Leah needing a place to stay for the night, and was more than happy to have her there. She was, however, surprised to hear about what had happened between her and Rhett, and especially about the discussion they had had.
She found it hard to believe he hadn’t gone all caveman, as Leah called his behavior, and demanded that she end her relationship with Alex. The fact that not only had he not done so, but he had also seemed willing to share Leah, had her questioning his motives. It didn’t fit into the persona he had previously displayed.
“Have you talked to Alex?” Janie asked.
“Not about any of this,” Leah admitted. “I just told him that I was spending the night here, he didn’t ask why.” Though she wasn’t sure how Alex was going to react to the suggestion that she should be involved with both men at the same time, she was confident that he wouldn’t lose his temper like Rhett was prone to doing.
“Sweetie, I have no idea what is going to happen when all of you get together, but I think I should be with you for this big discussion.” She didn’t care if she was butting in where she didn’t belong, she was concerned that her friend was getting herself into a situation that she didn’t know how to deal with, and felt it only right that she should be there to support her.
“I know you worry about me, Janie, but you’re going to have to trust me to make my own choices here.” It was going to be hard enough sitting down with Rhett and Alex to discuss something so crazy, without adding her friend into the mix. She couldn’t imagine that Janie would manage to stay on the sidelines and not add her opinions to the discussion, and that was likely to confuse things.
“You’re damn right I worry about you, Leah, you know how I feel about Rhett, and I honestly don’t know enough about the Ranch or about pony play to feel comfortable about you getting involved with it. Add to that, I don’t trust either Rhett or Alex to do what’s right for you.” She liked Alex, a lot more than she cared for Rhett, but she was sure that ultimately he was concerned with what would be best for him.
All men were the same, she thought, they all did what was best for them. The moment the thought crossed her mind she felt guilty for it, David had never given her any reason for thinking he didn’t consider her needs above his own.
“Let me see how things go with Alex first.” Leah was prepared to concede that much, for the sake of avoiding an argument with her friend before they even knew there was something worth arguing over. For all she knew, Alex might not be willing to share her, and would be unwilling to attend the planned meeting.
“Fair enough.” Janie accepted with a nod. She wasn’t being unreasonable, wanting to keep her best friend safe, she thought. “I think it would be best, though, if you move back in with me, at least until you all come to some type of agreement and you know what you are doing.” While her suggestion was motivated mostly by a desire to do what was best for her friend, she couldn’t help admitting to herself that she missed having her best friend with her.
“You’re right, but you have to let me pay my own way.” She was determined that in whatever way possible she would be independent, which meant not living off someone else’s generosity, not even that of her best friend.
Janie knew her friend had said that because of her stupid comments about taking care of her during their big argument. She wanted to tell Leah not to be so silly, that th
ere was no need for her to be proud and refuse the help, but she knew her friend needed to feel free to make her own choices. “Fair enough,” she said, accepting her friend’s decision with a nod.
“I won’t get a paycheck until the end of the week, so it might be best to wait until then before I move back in.” A part of her hated the idea of remaining reliant, in even the smallest of ways, on anyone when she was so determined to get away from that, but she knew, of all the people she could live with, it was best for her to live with Janie. At least with her best friend she wouldn’t have to worry about sexual tension; or jealousy from Rhett or Alex if she chose to live with the other.
“Of course you shouldn't wait.” Janie shook her head. “You will just have to pay me back when you get paid,” she said with a grin, “I’ll make sure to keep track of anything I have to pay on your behalf so you know how much you owe me.” She laughed.
With a touch of reluctance Leah agreed. “Oh damn!” she swore as a thought occurred to her. “I forgot to grab any of my things while I was at the hotel; I’ve got nothing to wear tomorrow and no toiletries. I’d better get back there; I can’t wear this again tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry about it, honey, I have plenty of clothes you can borrow, and there are spare toiletries around.” She said, and when Leah looked uncertain she spoke again. “If you go back to the hotel you’ll just get caught up talking to Alex, or worse,” she gave a meaningful look that had Leah blushing, “and then you’ll be too tired to work tomorrow. You don’t want to get a reputation for always being tired on the job, do you?”
“Thanks, Janie, you’re right.” Leah hugged her friend, knowing that no matter how crazy things ended up becoming, she was glad to have her best friend back.
17
OFFICE ETIQUETTE
Leah made it to work with just a few minutes to spare, surprised by how refreshed she felt considering she had only had four hours sleep.
She was a little relieved to discover that Alex was in meetings all morning, and she had enough work to keep her busy until lunch time, and probably beyond. She didn’t feel up to talking to Alex just then, not considering what she need to talk to him about; she didn’t even want to think about and instead submerged herself in her work.
Leah was working away merrily, her mind off in its own world, when she was tapped on the shoulder just before lunch time. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that the sudden tap made her jump; coming to her senses she looked around to see who had tapped her.
“Mr. Svenson would like to see you in his office,” her colleague said when he saw he had her attention.
“Thanks.” Leah put her pen down and got to her feet.
As she made her way up to Alex’s office she found her heart racing; why that should be the case she didn’t know, she had never felt intimidated by him before. She could only chalk it up to nerves, resulting from what she knew she had to discuss with him and her uncertainty over how he was going to react to it.
“Lock the door behind you,” Alex told her the moment she was through the door. Running his eyes over her as she obeyed he couldn’t help thinking how incredible she looked in the slim, navy pencil skirt and white butterfly collared dress top she was wearing.
Once she had done as he ordered Leah crossed to his desk, still not sure how she was going to start the conversation she knew they had to have, despite having thought about it all morning and on her way up. “I’m sorry about staying at the condo with Janie last night,” she said when she reached the desk. “I thought it was for the best.”
“Come here and show me how sorry you are,” Alex told her, pushing his chair back from the desk so he could pat his lap and show her just where he wanted her.
Leah shook her head at his playfulness but did as he requested and walked round the desk to sit on his lap. “You know there are probably laws against this.” For a moment she forgot everything, except how delightfully naughty it felt as he ran his hands up her sides and over her breasts; a feeling that was enhanced by the knowledge that his secretary was just outside the office.
“Just checking for a wire,” he told her when she turned to him, a curious look on her face. “I wouldn’t want to get sued for sexual harassment in the workplace, or anything like that.”
Leah laughed at his playful antics until he pulled up her skirt and his fingers caressed her through her panties. Her body responded instantly, flooding with desire. “Should we be doing this here?” she whispered the question as his fingers slid beneath the elastic and teased her clenching folds.
“Don’t worry, I know the owner,” he said with a grin, enjoying the way she arched into his delving fingers. “You know, you are making my job very hard here, in the future you should avoid wearing underwear to work.”
With a gentle touch, Leah caressed his cock through his pants. “I think we both know how hard it is,” she quipped, gripping him tightly. “Should I consider it an order for me not to wear underwear at the office in future?” she asked, knowing she should be at least a little embarrassed by how forward she was being, but just then she couldn’t have cared less.
“Yes, you should; and it could get much harder.” He grinned, loving how comfortable she was with him right then. Sliding his fingers from her core he lifted her off him and quickly undid his belt and pants, before standing so he could lower them and his boxers to his ankles. “This must go now.” His hands reached for her skirt, undoing it.
Taking over from him Leah pushed her skirt and panties down and stepped out of them. She nudged her clothes away and dropped to her knees in front of him, without hesitation she took him in her hand and ran her tongue over his head. She did that for a few moments before lowering her head, enjoying the salty taste of him as she suckled him deeply; the groan that escaped his lips told her of his pleasure.
“Ms. Hall, there is a condom in my wallet, I think you should get it, before I bend you over this desk and show you how I deal with employees who make my job hard.”
Smiling, Leah kissed the head of his cock quickly and then reached down to his pants to take out his wallet. She found the condom and tore the packet open; she felt a little more confident about fitting the condom than she had the first time and soon had it in place. “I hope, Mr. Svenson, that you don’t treat all your employees like this.” Enjoying their little game she lifted herself onto his lap, rubbing herself teasingly along his shaft.
Having sex in an office chair had never particular appealed to him, it was too uncomfortable and didn’t allow for a properly enjoyable experience in his opinion, but he was willing to make an exception then. He took his cock in his hand and positioned it at her entrance before pulling her hips down slowly to accept his length.
“I can safely say, Ms. Hall,” he said, biting back a groan as she settled down on him, “that you are the only employee worthy of this type of personal attention.” He chuckled, and then released the groan he had been fighting as her tight channel squeezed his shaft.
She gasped as he stretched her deliciously and her hands moved to his shoulders, gripping him tightly. When he lifted her hips and then slid her slowly down his length again she cried out softly. He fit her so perfectly, but she couldn’t figure out how to move in the position they were in, and she grew frustrated after being lifted up and down on him a few times.
Alex sensed her frustration and grinned. “There are reasons why this scenario usually only works out in books and films.” Lifting her off him he stood with her and walked over to the huge window that showed off the city below, pulling her with him. The windows in his office were designed so that he could see out, while others could not see in. He wasn’t sure if she knew that though and decided to play on it to enhance the excitement of the moment. “Bend over, Ms. Hall, and we’ll let the entire city watch you.”
The thought of being seen by others, even though they were five stories off the ground and unlikely to be seen by anyone, unless they were in a neighboring building and had binoculars or a telesc
ope, excited her in a way she knew it shouldn’t have. Bending over the large window bench she shook her ass, teasing and inviting him at the same time, and showing him that she didn’t care if anyone saw them.
Chuckling at her daring, Alex moved behind her and with one long thrust he buried himself in her to the hilt, making her gasp aloud at the sudden invasion. She felt so good that he quickly forgot the humor of the situation and rode her quick and hard, building up to a powerful eruption as her tight core flooded his cock with her passion.
It was no extended lovemaking, like they had enjoyed before, but it satisfied them both.
Still embedded in her, Alex bent to kiss the back of her neck; he then slapped her softly on the ass before carefully pulling himself from her. “You amaze me at times,” he told her, turning her in his arms so he could kiss her deeply.
Her legs were still shaking as she kissed him back, amazed at how comfortable she felt with him. “And you give new meaning to the term, job perks.” Giggling, she pulled herself from his arms and returned to the desk so she could get dressed.
He followed her lead, marveling at the delightful woman before him. “Does that mean I won’t owe you a bonus, like I will the rest of your team, if the project is a success?” Straightening his tie, he raised an eyebrow as she sat in the chair in front of his desk.
Leah’s humor faded at the thought of what she had to discuss with him and a frown creased her forehead. She hadn’t meant to have sex before they talked, and felt more than a little guilty for having done so. “I’ll just be happy to still have a job after I say what I need to.” She didn’t think he would fire her, but wasn’t sure if she could continue working for him if things didn’t go well.
Alex didn’t like the change in Leah’s demeanor, or the implications of what she had said, and for a moment he simply sat there, studying her. Finally, he spoke. “Why would I fire you?” he asked. Unless she had screwed up the chances of the company getting the contract they were working toward he couldn’t understand why she would say such a thing.
Beyond 10 Nights (Forbidden Desires Series) Page 22