The Arrangement

by Cat Grant

  "Oh, for God's sake, Nick! How many times do you expect me to say I'm sorry?” Snatching the remote out of his hand, she clicked off the TV and tossed it on the table. “You know, you keep telling me this isn't my fault and how relieved you are that everything's finally out in the open, but I don't believe you. I think you blame me. And I think that after all the crap that's come down in the last two weeks, you'd be perfectly happy to go back in the closet."

  "Bullshit."

  Her eyes widened with genuine shock; she could count on one hand the number of times she'd ever heard Nick curse. “Oh, really?” she retorted. “You've got it made here. You've got a nice, cushy room in a luxurious apartment you could never afford on your salary. Hot and cold running sex, a full kitchen—not to mention the protection of one of the most powerful men in the country."

  "I never asked for anybody's protection. I can take care of myself."

  "Of course you can. You did a really great job handling the situation with Laura."

  He let out a bitter laugh. “You should talk—or on second thought, don't. We wouldn't even be in this mess if you'd learn to keep your damn mouth shut!"

  She leaned in close, nose to nose with him, deliberately invading his space. “You'd love it if I was out of the picture, wouldn't you? You never wanted me around in the first place. You only agreed to this relationship because you knew you'd lose Eric for good if you refused."

  He shot her the angriest, most hateful look she'd seen from him since the night he'd first moved into the penthouse, prepared to do battle for Eric's favor. “Bitch."

  "Bastard."

  Seizing her by the wrists, he flung her down so hard the air whooshed out of her lungs, then started thrusting his tongue down her throat, grinding his crotch into hers. “Is this what you want?” he growled into her ear. “Is this rough enough for you?"

  "Fuck you!” she spat.

  "My pleasure.” He had his pajama pants down and her nightgown up in a second, his cock poking between her legs like a divining rod. One long lunge had him inside her, and God, he felt fucking massive.

  She gasped as he slammed into her, thrusting faster and faster, friction from the leather couch burning her thighs. She sobbed, sucking in air, hot tears pouring down her face, praying he wouldn't stop.

  He had her wrists clamped in his huge paws, but no matter how she wriggled, he wouldn't let go. “C'mon, bitch,” he whispered in the hottest, dirtiest tone she'd ever heard him use, “Come all over my cock. You know you want to."

  He fucked her like a man possessed, hitting her g-spot like it was the biggest jackpot in Vegas. She let out this awful keening sound, which he quickly muffled with his mouth over hers, trailing down to plant a hard, stinging bite right below her jaw line. Riding out her spasms, he clutched her around the waist with both hands, shooting deep inside her.

  They lay there panting, staring at each other for several long moments before dissolving in laughter. “'Come all over my cock. You know you want to,'” she repeated incredulously. “God, I almost lost it when you said that!"

  "Hey, give me a break! I was improvising on the fly here."

  "Well, it was certainly different. And not bad at all—for a first try,” she added with a wink.

  "Thanks,” he murmured, kissing her gently. “And just to make things clear, I don't blame you. Although that obviously hasn't stopped me from acting like a grade-A ass for the last couple of weeks."

  "I haven't exactly been all sweetness and light myself.” She bit her lip. “You didn't believe those horrible things I said, did you?"

  "We've had a lot of stress dumped on us lately. I think we both said things we'd rather forget. So let's forget it, okay?"

  "Okay.” Sitting up, she rubbed her wrists gingerly. “Damn, I really am going to have bruises tomorrow."

  "I hope Eric isn't too pissed when he sees them."

  She grinned. “I'll wear long sleeves."

  * * * *

  The next month flew by in a blur. Between taking care of Eric and trying to get her column in by deadline, Ally felt like she was running a never-ending marathon. Hard to believe that only a few weeks ago she'd spent her days lazing around on the terrace, soaking up the sun and getting all the rest she needed.

  Eric, on the other hand, showed more improvement with each passing day. Since he couldn't venture outside for a walk due to the throng of reporters and photographers staking out the lobby, Ally had a treadmill and stationary bike installed in his office. He started out slowly, following the rehab plan laid out by his physical therapist, but within a short span of weeks he'd worked up to several miles a day on both machines. His blood pressure soon dropped to the point where he could cut back to a half-dosage on his medication.

  At his eight-week checkup at the end of September, his EKG came back almost completely normal—which astounded his cardiologist, who nonetheless pronounced him recovered.

  Needless to say, Ally practically danced with relief. To celebrate, Eric took her to lunch at Montrio and sat there beaming at her over their Caesar salads and sparkling water.

  "Thank you,” he murmured, reaching across to take her hand. “I know I haven't been the easiest person to live with these past few weeks."

  "I could quibble with the ‘past few weeks’ part, but I won't,” she quipped.

  He laughed. “Point taken. But I do appreciate yours and Nick's tender loving care,” he said, his tone and expression suddenly quite serious.

  "What, did you think we were going to abandon you when you were sick?"

  "That's what happened with my mother. When she became too ill to be ... available to him, my father didn't waste much time seeking amusement elsewhere."

  "You know Nick and I wouldn't do that."

  "Of course I do. But I also know you've been sneaking off to his room every night after I fall asleep."

  "Oh,” she said softly, averting her gaze. To her relief, Eric didn't seem angry about it, though that didn't keep her from feeling mildly ashamed. “And here I thought we were being so discreet."

  "My heart attack didn't affect my ears. And believe me, you two aren't exactly quiet.” He sighed. “I won't say it didn't hurt, though—especially when you kept telling me we should wait."

  "Eric, I was worried about you! I didn't want us to do anything that might bring on another attack."

  "Well, there's no need for that anymore. You heard it straight from the doctor's lips—I'm fine now."

  "And I'm glad, I really am,” she insisted. “But I still think you should take it easy. It's been barely eight weeks, and every doctor we've talked to says that's the minimum—"

  "Allison, you know I hardly ever get sick. When's the last time you can remember me having so much as a cold? This is no different."

  "There's a pretty damn big difference!” Mortified, she lowered her voice. “Look, no matter how well you feel today, you've had a heart attack—which means you could easily have another one. You shouldn't disregard your doctor's advice because you caught a lucky break this time."

  "I have no intention of doing that. I just wanted to let you know you have nothing to worry about.” With a grin, he dug back into his salad. “Take it easy, all right? I'll be around for you to argue with for another forty or fifty years."

  The usual crush of reporters awaited them outside, so they ducked out to the limo through the kitchen and back alley. Strangely enough, it didn't seem to irritate Eric; he laughed as if they'd just gotten away with the world's biggest practical joke, then kissed Ally passionately, pushed her back on the cushions and went down on her until she came so hard she felt like her entire body had turned to rubber.

  * * * *

  She couldn't wait to tell Nick the good news when they got back to the penthouse, but when she saw that his office door was closed, she hesitated. She started to knock, until she heard two voices echoing from inside, Nick's and someone else's, a tinny, distorted buzz coming from the speaker-phone. Best not to disturb him, then—he'd been putting
in sixteen-hour days trying to finish the book ever since they'd returned from Italy. She and Eric could tell him tonight at dinner.

  She ducked into her own office, hoping to get some work done on her next column, frowning when she saw the message indicator on her machine flashing. She'd had their main phone number changed due to literally hundreds of crank calls and pleas for interviews they'd received since they returned home; now all incoming calls came routed through the main security desk downstairs. Only a select few friends and colleagues had the direct number.

  The message was from her and Nick's editor, Alan Steele. He sounded even more strained than usual, and asked her to call him back as soon as possible.

  She hit the speed dial and waited on hold for a few minutes until he picked up. “Hey, Allison. Sorry to keep you waiting. Is this a good time to talk?"

  "Yeah, it's fine. What's up?"

  "Well, I'm afraid I have some bad news. I just got back from a meeting with the publishers, and they informed me of some staffing changes they'd like to make."

  Her heart sank, though it wasn't like she hadn't expected it. “I have a feeling I know what you're about to say."

  "Allison, I can't tell you how sorry this makes me, but we're going to have to let you go."

  She tried to reply, but suddenly her throat clogged up and all she could do was nod—which was absurd, since he couldn't see her.

  "Look, I want you to know I went to bat for you. If it were my decision, this wouldn't be happening. I don't give a crap what my reporters do in their private lives, as long as they turn in good work, and you always have."

  "That's not the impression I got from our meeting a few months ago."

  "Only because I knew you weren't living up to your potential. I saw what you can really do on that show you hosted last summer, and it's obvious that the column's a waste of your talent. You should be covering hard news.” He paused a moment, his chair creaking as he shifted his weight. “And I did talk to Holly about having you work with her, but the publishers shot that right down. They're pretty upset about the scandal and they want to distance the Herald from it as quickly as they can."

  "I guess I can't argue with that."

  "Come back in six months or so and we'll see what we can do. I'd love to have you on board again."

  She mumbled a hasty good-bye, hung up and spent the next couple of minutes checking her email. Most of it was work-related, so she highlighted it all in one huge block and deleted it. Afterwards, feeling the mother of all headaches coming on, she trudged into the bathroom, knocked back some extra-strength Tylenol and went to lie down.

  By the time dinner rolled around, she'd come to her senses at last. Why was she getting depressed over losing a job she'd hated in the first place? Eric had just made an astounding recovery from a life-threatening illness. That was the important thing here. Once the scandal blew over, she'd have no problem lining up something better.

  She found Eric in the living room. Smiling with genuine happiness, she took his arm and let him lead her into the dining room. Nick was already waiting for them, but when she saw his glum expression, she had a pretty good idea what had put it there.

  "You too, huh?” she said, coming around to give him a hug.

  He shrugged. “It's not such a big deal."

  "Yeah, well, at least you've got the book gig."

  Eric cleared his throat. “Is this a private party, or can anybody crash?"

  "The Herald let us both go today,” she explained. “Apparently having two of its reporters involved in a sex scandal is bad for business."

  "Well, we can fix that easily enough,” he said, pulling back a chair for her before sitting down himself. “I've wanted to buy the Herald for years. I'll call my broker tomorrow."

  "Oh, c'mon, you're not serious, are you?” Nick asked, exchanging an anxious glance with Ally.

  "Why wouldn't I be?"

  "Well, just don't, okay? I've got enough problems without my colleagues thinking my lover has to buy me a job.” He sat down at Eric's right, directly across from Ally. “Besides, you don't need to on my account. My book editor's so happy with what I've shown him so far, he wants to sign me to a contract for two more books. Apparently he thinks the scandal will boost sales—if anybody even remembers it by the time the first book comes out next year."

  "Oh, my God—that's amazing!” Ally crowed, bouncing in her seat. “And since we're on the subject of good news, we have some too.” She nodded at Eric. “Do you want to tell him, or shall I?"

  Eric grinned, folding his hand over Nick's. “My EKG came back normal today. Looks like I'm going to be fine."

  Nick looked so incredibly relieved that for a moment Ally thought he might cry. Instead, he fell to his knees beside Eric's chair, cupped his face in his hands and kissed him full on the mouth. “You have no idea how scared I've been."

  "It's all right,” Eric murmured, stroking Nick's hair. “I'm not going anywhere. Not for a long time."

  * * * *

  They had a pleasant meal before retiring to the living room together. Eric put on a Mahler symphony and lay down on the couch with his head in Ally's lap, Nick sitting on the floor in between them. They hadn't had quiet time like this in ages; Eric soon became so relaxed, he actually dropped off.

  When the music drew to its sweet yet melancholy close, Ally bent down to brush her husband's forehead with a kiss. “I think somebody should go to bed."

  Eric sat up groggily, blinking at his watch. “It's not even nine o'clock yet."

  "C'mon, I'll make it worth your while.” Rising, she held out her hand to help him up. “Why don't you go take a nice warm shower, and I'll be there in a few minutes?"

  "Okay,” he said, kissing Nick good night, then heading for the bedroom.

  She turned to Nick, giving him a sheepish smile. “I'd invite you to join us, but I think he's too tired."

  "Don't worry about it. You two need some private time, and besides, I should put in a couple more hours on the book. I'm still running a little behind."

  "Well, don't work too hard. Remember—you've got a couple more to write after this one.” Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered, “I'm so damn proud of you."

  "Thanks.” With a kiss and a smile, he added, “Get to bed now. Somebody's waiting for you."

  She found Eric stepping out of the shower and managed to seize the bath towel before he could get his mitts on it. “Tonight I want to try something different,” she said, gesturing for him to turn around so she could dry his back.

  "Different how?"

  "Different as in, you're going to relax and let me do what I want for a change."

  He gave her a sideways look, a tiny grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That sounds interesting. Or dangerous, depending on how you look at it."

  "Trust me."

  And so he did, standing there obediently while she dried off every inch of his bare skin with the soft towel, including the soles of his feet. He was already half-hard by the time she finished, his eyes fairly glowing with barely-leashed desire.

  "Go lie down, and I'll join you in a few,” she said.

  With a reluctant backwards glance, he left her alone. She hopped in the shower, washing away the tensions of the day as fast as she could before toweling off and rubbing herself down with his favorite vanilla-scented body lotion. She remembered the hungry expression on Eric's face the first time she'd used it during their vacation—and it gave her a very wicked idea.

  Grabbing the bottle and a towel, she padded back into the bedroom, where Eric waited for her, stroking his now fully-erect cock. She slid onto the edge of the bed beside him with a grin, reaching over to give it a few slow strokes of her own. “Is this for me?” she purred.

  "Every inch of it."

  "Well, there are a few other parts of you I'd like to play with first, so just lie back and enjoy, okay?"

  He looked like what he really wanted to do was flip her over on her back and take her right then and there, but t
o her amazement, he closed his eyes and did his best to relax. Pumping some lotion into her hands, she rubbed them together, then began ever-so-slowly massaging it into his feet.

  Before long she had him panting and moaning, his hips arching off the mattress as she worked the balls of his feet and in between his toes. Damn! If she'd known his feet were such an erogenous zone, she would've insisted on doing this a lot sooner. “I guess this means you like it, huh?” she teased.

  "God, it feels amazing! Ahh!” he gasped when she dug her knuckles deep into the arch of his right foot. “Right there. Right. There!"

  She went at it more gently now, waiting for his breathing to return to normal before she moved up, working the knots out of his calf muscles. His cock still stood at full-mast, despite the fact that neither of them had touched it for several minutes now. He obviously expected her to give it the same lingering attention she'd paid the rest of the lower half of his body, but instead she flicked the tip of her tongue into his navel before licking upward, taking each of his nipples into her mouth in turn, sucking hard.

  "I-I thought you wanted me to live a few more years,” he joked weakly.

  "Seems like your heart's taking it just fine."

  "It's not my heart I'm worried about.” Opening his eyes, he gazed up at her with such pure, naked yearning it nearly shattered her own heart. “Please, Allison. It's been too fucking long."

  He'd never begged her before, not like this. She found it flattering—and amazingly arousing. She'd been wet ever since she'd started touching him, fresh moisture clinging to her inner thighs. She imagined him licking her there the way he had that afternoon and nearly came from the mere thought.

  She ached now, deep inside, right where she wanted him. Straddling his hips, she grasped his cock, lifted herself up and sat down on it with exquisite slowness. His mouth fell open, unleashing a full-throated moan.

  "I guess you like that too, hmm?” she murmured.

  It appeared that he'd lost most of his verbal skills, but his other noises more than made up for it. He grunted, groaned and gasped, pumping his hips to meet her down-thrust, sucking her nipples into his mouth as she stretched above him, grabbing the headboard to steady herself.