The Invitation 2: Surrender

by Roxy Sloane

  I nod, dazed. I’m trying to keep it together, but God, this feels so good!

  The pulses against my clit grow stronger. I clutch at the edge of the table, my body wired tight, so close to the edge...

  I can’t hold on any longer. I need to get out of here.

  “Excuse me,” I blurt, grabbing my bag. “I should go. We have a long day tomorrow.” I manage an apologetic smile, hoping it masks the arousal underneath.

  “Of course, sure. Good to see you.” Adam leaps up. “Do you need me to call you a cab?”

  I feel the low thrum in my bloodstream. I don’t have much time. “I’m fine!” I say, backing away. I knock into a chair, and quickly right it. “I’ll call you in the morning!”

  I turn and hurry to the exit, right as the mystery man starts a dizzying set of pulsations. Hard, soft. Hard, soft. Medium, hard, hard, hard, HARD.

  Oh lord!

  I can’t make it to the exit. I step into a dark alcove and sink back against the wall as my body breaks. An earth-shattering orgasm takes hold of me, cresting through my body in swift, demanding waves.

  Yes!

  I clasp a hand to my mouth to keep from crying out, but a low moan still escapes. Ecstasy washes over me again and again with each pulse of the butterfly. I give in, I give up. All I can do is lean against the wall and surrender to the bone-melting pleasure of it all.

  Finally, the vibrations slow to a stop. With a deep, shuddering breath, I open my eyes.

  Nobody has noticed a thing.

  I can’t believe it— I felt like I was coming apart, screaming the whole building down, but I’m still hidden here in the dark corner, with nobody even looking in my direction.

  Thank you lord.

  I wait another minute, until my heart rate slows, then push my hair out of my face and pull myself back together. I take a step and the butterfly rubs against my oversensitive clit again. I bite back a whimper as an aftershock hits me. My whole body feels exhilarated, the glow of my orgasm still heavy in my veins.

  That felt incredible.

  I reach the door and step out onto the sidewalk. The street is still bustling with people on their way back from dinner and drinks. I look around for a cab, already planning a long soak in the tub back at the apartment.

  A voice calls from behind me.

  “JJ?”

  Oh fuck. I cringe. No. Please, don’t let it be him. Anyone but him.

  I slowly turn around.

  It’s Ashton. He’s looking even hotter than when I saw him in the boardroom today, wearing a pair of dark jeans with a crisp white shirt open at the neck. His blue eyes pierce into me, dark and hot.

  My mouth goes dry.

  “Ash, hi,” I force out a bright greeting. I want to turn and run, but there’s no escape. I can’t ignore him, so I’ll just have to fake like I don’t give a damn – and like I haven’t just had an epic orgasm less than sixty seconds ago. “Twice in one day,” I add dryly. “Lucky me.”

  His lips quirk with amusement. “Maybe I’m making up for lost time.”

  Ash walks closer. His eyes travel down my body before sliding back up to my face again.

  He smirks, and heat slams through my body. This time, it’s fear.

  Can he tell?

  “Ashton, baby?” A sultry voice asks.

  I snap my head around. I didn’t realize he was with another woman. A tall, gorgeous woman I’ve seen on a dozen billboards and ad campaigns. Now, she tucks a hand through Ash’s arm and gives me a questioning sneer.

  Of course he’d be dating a supermodel. I’m sweaty and sticky, my hair is a mess, and I probably look like I just ran a marathon. And she looks like she just stepped off a catwalk in some swishy designer dress.

  “Don’t let me keep you,” I tell him, unable to keep the bitter note from my voice. “I’m sure you have places to go, innocent men to bankrupt.”

  “I take it you haven’t reconsidered our settlement offer then.” He sounds as smooth as ever, but there’s something in his tone that makes me think he’s not so calm. There’s still a flash of fire in his eyes when he looks at me.

  “You wish.” I glare. “I’ll be dead and buried before I let you win.”

  “Then shouldn’t you be busy working, coming up with more ridiculous lawsuits?” There’s a teasing edge to his grin, but I’m not charmed.

  “Don’t you remember?” I ask. “I’m a great multitasker. Bye now,” I purr, flashing a smile. I see a blur of yellow and flag down a passing cab. “You two have fun tonight. And don’t forget to use protection,” I coo, pulling open the door. “You wouldn’t want to catch something.”

  “Hey!” The model frowns.

  “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I meant from him.” I slide into the backseat of the cab, feeling triumphant. Right as the door closes, I catch the shock on Ashton’s face. Score one for me.

  Maybe that was a cheap shot, but he deserves it. Once upon a time, I thought there was a future for us, but now that I’ve seen what he’s become, I know that’s just a dream. It doesn’t matter how rich and hot he is now, there’s something missing, a coldness I never imagined I’d see.

  It’s obvious my Ash is long gone and this Ashton is here to stay. And like I told him, the only way I’ll let him win this lawsuit is over my dead body.

  Besides, I think, as the neon lights of the city glide past, there’s a new man in my life. One who sends me sexy invitations and dares me to do wicked things beyond my wildest dreams.

  I need to know who he is.

  I want to meet him, face to face.

  I’m determined: I’m going to look him in the eye the next time he makes me come.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  After the night at the bar, I wait impatiently for the next invitation. But nothing comes. There’s no sign of the mystery man, no more messages or gifts. Three days have passed, and the anticipation is killing me.

  What’s next? It can’t just be over now. There has to be more to the game.

  I have plenty to keep me busy. The lawsuit against my client, Adam, is still going ahead, and I filed my own complaints to keep Ash and his company busy too. It’s shaping up to be a bitter fight, and I’m ready for war. It’s not just about my client getting the credit he deserves, or me proving myself to my bosses back in LA.

  Now, it’s personal.

  I’m determined not to let Ash get the upper hand, so I meet with anyone who could possibly help our side. I interview intellectual property experts, track down old college classmates, even try and depose Kellan’s ex-girlfriend to back up our claims that he was out partying while Adam was the one writing all the code. I start work early in the morning, only taking time out to grab lunch with Keely before I get back to work. Some nights, I drag myself back to the apartment at nine, ten PM, and barely manage to scarf down some takeout before I collapse into bed.

  But then, the real challenge begins. Thoughts of my mystery man keep me awake all through the night. The waiting is driving me crazy. What he made me do in the club. How illicit it was to sit there with the vibrator buzzing in my panties as I talked with my client. My very important, career-changing client. Looking back, I’m thrilled and terrified at the same time. I can’t believe I took such a risk. One wrong move could have ruined everything that I’ve worked so hard for. But I didn’t care. All I cared about was playing his naughty game.

  Playing to win.

  My desire is growing, out of control. He’s become the center of my late night fantasies as I lay in bed and slide my hands lower. I remember the pleasure he gave me during our game and the mind-bending climax. I touch myself, moaning out loud as I imagine his next surprise, our next game.

  I want more.

  No matter how hard I’m working on this case, He’s always there, in a corner of my mind. I look at every man I pass on the street and I wonder if it’s him. Every time I check the mail table in the morning, I wonder if there’ll be a box there; if the barista will slide me an invitation with my morning coffee, or if the
doorman will pass a message along each night. The anticipation is killing me, but I know he’ll make a move.

  Soon.

  * * *

  I’m in the middle of a deposition four days after the bar when I feel my phone vibrate in my purse. I ignore it. I’m interviewing one of Adam and Kellan’s old college roommates in a room with all the opposition lawyers, and after my not-so-stellar first impression, I can’t afford to look anything but competent and professional.

  Ashton isn’t here today. He hasn’t been at any of the meetings or depositions so far, he just sends a whole army of lawyers instead. It’s like he’s saying this case isn’t important enough for him to show up in person.

  That I’m not important enough.

  To tell the truth, I’m a little relieved he’s not here today. Things aren’t going great. I hoped that the roommate would be able to back up our claims that Adam was the one who did most of the coding, but instead, I’m getting nowhere. The roommate and Adam were on opposite schedules and never saw each other or talked about VideoMine.

  “But you shared a twenty foot square room,” I argue, deciding to get tough. “Are you really claiming you never saw my client, or heard him talk about the program he was coding for fifteen, twenty hours a day?”

  The guy shrugs. “Most of the time he was off at the library or computer labs. Guy was a ghost. I hung with Kellan though, he wouldn’t shut up about VideoMine. Talked all the time about how revolutionary it was, how it was going to make him a billionaire.”

  It’s clear he doesn’t really like Kellan, but that’s not a help to me right now.

  “Did Kellan ever mention Adam’s involvement?” I try. “He told you they were partners, didn’t he?”

  “Objection.” Greyson Werthers speaks up. “Leading the witness.”

  I roll my eyes. “We’re not in court,” I remind him. “And his preliminary interview already says that the conversation happened.”

  Greyson backs down, but he shoots me a sneering look.

  “You can answer,” I prompt the roommate.

  “Sure, I mean, he said Adam was helping him out,” the roommate looks over at Adam apologetically. “But he never said they were partners. He always acted like it was his idea.”

  My heart falls. Damn it. I should have stopped questioning him when we got interrupted – now there’s something on the record that plays straight into the opposition’s hands.

  We pause for a break just as my phone buzzes again. I check around the room. Half the guys here are on their phones, barely paying attention to what’s being said, so I figure it’s OK to check for now.

  The first text is from Keely. Still good for lunch tomorrow? I made reservations.

  I quickly tap out a reply. Hell yes!

  I check the second text. It’s from an unknown number. Blocked. Hmmm.

  I open the message.

  Ready for your next game?

  I feel a shock of excitement.

  It’s him.

  I read it again, my mind racing. How did he get my number? Then I realize, he knew my address too: where to send the lingerie, which bar I was at the other night.

  He knows all kinds of things about me, and I still don’t know who he is.

  I scan the boardroom, wondering if he could be right here. Half the men in here are on their phones. It could be any one of them.

  Greyson looks up from his phone and our eyes catch. I grimace. I hope it’s not him. But this guy has class and style – and a wicked imagination.

  My phone buzzes with another text.

  Do you like to watch?

  I suppress a grin.

  Depends on the show, I reply.

  He quickly responds. I promise you’ll like it.

  I want to play cool, but I can’t stop myself from typing out: Who are you?

  Who do you want me to be?

  I don’t know how to reply. Would it matter who he is? Someone hot, I hope. Hell, I wouldn’t care as long as he’s not Greyson Werthers or some creepy old guy.

  Even if it’s Ashton?

  I push the thought aside. I know it’s not him.

  My fingers trace my keypad, but I decide to wait a little longer before replying. Let him sweat it out. I can be mysterious, too.

  I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling. I love how sexy and fun our game is. It’s been agony waiting for him to get in contact again, but now that he’s back, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

  The other attorneys start getting restless. They’re all bored and not even trying to hide it. They think they have this case locked. Greyson starts questioning the roommate again, and I scribble notes, trying to stay focused.

  Then my phone buzzes and lights up on the table. Distracted, I glance at the screen. And freeze.

  You look so beautiful when you come.

  I stifle a gasp. He was there at the club. I knew it!

  Despite everything, I feel a rush of lust. He was watching me as I came my brains out, and I never even knew. That is so hot.

  I carefully slide my phone into my lap and type out a response.

  Don’t you know it.

  No. That’s awful. Delete. Try again.

  I type, I want to come on your—

  Nope. Too desperate. Mystery, remember? I take a moment to think about what I really want next time. What I need from him. Just thinking about it turns me on.

  Next time, you should be closer.

  I study the message. It works. Maybe.

  As I debate whether or not to send it, Ashton enters the room. “Hey, JJ,”

  My finger slips at the sight of him and I accidentally hit send.

  “Sorry I’m late. Got tied up,” he continues casually, like we’re still friends and not at war.

  I feel my anger return, just as sharp as the last time I saw him.

  “We’re nearly finished here,” I respond in a clipped voice. Even more annoying than his ‘king of the universe’ routine is the fact that Ashton looks amazing. He fills the whole boardroom with his presence. The charcoal three piece suit doesn’t hurt either.

  “Mind if you stay a little longer, JJ?” Ash asks. “Maybe we can hash this out and end the unpleasantness between us.”

  “Of course,” I respond carefully, not fooled by his charming grin. “Just make sure your offer this time is in the millions.”

  He laughs in response, shaking his head. As if I’m cute. Like I was telling a joke.

  Jerk.

  I sit back, waiting as an assistant brings him the notes from the last couple of hours. He scans them in seconds.

  “So basically, what I’m getting from this transcript is that this deposition has been a massive waste of all of our time,” Ashton finally comments, looking up from the papers in his hands.

  I glare daggers at him but it doesn’t seem to faze him. He gives me this patronizing smile, like I don’t know what I’m doing.

  “Really, JJ,” he adds with a smirk. “Don’t you think it’s time to give up? Cut your losses and drop this ridiculous lawsuit. I’m sure this is not cheap for you or your client. Or your firm.”

  “What’s it to you?” I retort. “Scared of a little competition?”

  “Please,” he looks amused. “I just don’t want to see you embarrass yourself any more than you already have.”

  No way. Did he really just say that – in front of everyone?

  My anger must be written all over my face, because Ash leans in.

  “I’m just saying. I’m willing to stop this nonsense. I’ll write Adam a check, right now, out of my own pocket. Twenty grand. What the hell, I’ll even pay his attorney fees.”

  “As generous as that is, we’re not going to take it.” I heap the word with scorn. “And if I was less of a lady, I’d tell you where you could shove your money,” I add.

  “You’re forgetting, I know exactly what kind of lady you are,” Ash fires back, with a smoldering smile that could melt my panties right off my body.

  I flinch. The look
he gives me is dangerously sexy. I can’t help but flash back to the night we spent together, and all the wicked, wicked things he did with that mouth…

  “And any time you want to show me again…” he adds suggestively.

  His words snap me back to reality. We’re in the middle of a packed boardroom, and he’s practically inviting me to get on my knees!

  “We’re done here,” I snap, getting to my feet. As I head out, I shoot one last glare at Ash, fierce enough to strip paint. “The next time I see you, you will be writing a damn big check.”

  The door swings shut behind me, but I hear Ashton’s laughter follow me down the hall until the elevator doors slide shut.

  Unbelievable.

  First he pretends like we were never friends, then he acts like I don’t have a brain in my head, and finally, he makes out like I’m some kind of slut – in front of all his business associates.

  My blood boils with rage. I want to turn around and rip him a new one, but I force myself to keep walking. I’m so angry, and mostly at myself for letting down my defenses. Every time I’m around him, he finds a way to throw me off my game. It’s cheap manipulation, and I fall for it every time.

  My phone vibrates again, and I yank it out, still furious.

  It’s another text from my mystery man.

  8pm.

  Underneath the time is an address.

  I catch my breath. My anger is suddenly replaced with excitement, because suddenly I have the perfect distraction from Ash and the lawsuit and all the bullshit back there.

  The next move in this sexy game.

  I hug my phone to my chest, already planning the perfect knock-him-dead outfit. He won’t believe his eyes – and if I’m lucky, that’s not all he’ll be running over my body.

  Tonight I finally meet my mystery admirer.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  By 7:45 that night I’m a bundle of nerves. I check the mirror for a final time and then head out, but when I get down to the lobby, the doorman stops me.

  “Your cab is here.”

  I pause. “I didn’t order one.” Yet. The address in the text is way across town, and mama doesn’t take the subway in heels.

  The doorman shrugs. “He said you would be expecting him.”