Boss

by Sierra Cartwright

  Marvin’s daughter brought over the quiche, complemented by fresh-cut fruit.

  Since it was already late, they ate quickly then took their beverages back to the office.

  A new blossom had opened on the hibiscus, the yellow a bright, welcome sight. “I’ve been meaning to ask,” she said. “Where did this come from?”

  “Aunt Kathryn. She has them everywhere. Something about the color and having them indoors is soothing. As if that’s not enough, she makes the blossoms—or whatever you call them—into tea.”

  She smiled. “Nice of you to indulge her.”

  “I didn’t.” He shook his head. “If it died, I’d never hear the end of it. I figured the thing had a better chance of survival if you were taking care of it.”

  “Thanks. I think.”

  “We’ve got a lot to do,” he said. “Be ready to leave at five.”

  Though she was still sad about Seward and her heart wasn’t in either her job or the evening ahead, she knew better than to argue.

  Nathan went into his office and closed the door.

  She sat back and exhaled then leaned forward when her office phone rang. “Nathan Donovan’s office,” she answered.

  “Is this Kelsey Lane?”

  She glanced at the caller identification screen. It read BHI. “Yes.”

  “This is Lara Donovan. Nathan’s sister-in-law.”

  “Good morning, Mrs. Donovan. Let me see if—”

  “Please, call me Lara,” the woman interrupted.

  Kelsey heard a hint of a soft Cajun drawl in the woman’s voice.

  “I called for you, actually. Not Nathan.”

  “For me?” She frowned. “What can I do for you?”

  “I know this is a little unusual. Your name was on a list that crossed my desk.” Lara paused. “We’re hiring for the CEO position for one of BHI’s oil and gas holdings.”

  Momentarily, Kelsey’s heart stopped, and she was certain she had misinterpreted Lara’s meaning. Feeling as if she were doing something she shouldn’t, Kelsey looked at Nathan’s still-closed door. “I’m afraid you’ve caught me off guard.”

  “You’re certainly someone I’m interested in talking with,” Lara went on. “We’d have to make sure we’re a match. And of course, we are considering other candidates.”

  She couldn’t begin to understand the ethical ramifications of this conversation. Nathan’s sister-in-law was reaching out to his executive assistant, someone he’d identified as key personnel, and yet…

  Lara was talking about a C-level position, something that had been on Kelsey’s goal list since she’d started college, the motivation that got her through. The first time she’d spoken with Nathan, she’d told him her long-term plan was to run a company. If she left, he wouldn’t be entirely surprised. Annoyed, perhaps, but not surprised.

  “Ms. Lane?”

  “I’m here.” Her first instinct was to ask Lara if she was sure she’d called the right person. Her second was to show cool interest and give herself some time to think. “Is the job in the Houston area?”

  “It is.”

  “And pay range?”

  “Commensurate with experience,” they said simultaneously.

  Lara laughed. “I see why Nathan likes you.”

  It jolted her to realize Lara had heard positive things about her. “Does he know we’re talking?”

  “No. And it’s up to you whether or not you say anything. In fact, unless you make the shortlist—in this case, top three candidates—I won’t be mentioning this conversation to my husband.”

  “I’ll admit to being a little uncomfortable.”

  “I can understand that,” Lara agreed. “Donovan Worldwide, and now BHI, believes each division should be run by the best possible person. We don’t intentionally poach from each other’s companies. But it happens.”

  “So if I went to work for you?”

  “Under the organizational structure, you’d be accountable to BHI’s board of directors.”

  The entire conversation was so unexpected that she was having a difficult time processing it. “When do you need an answer?”

  “Take the weekend,” Lara suggested. “How about you call me on Monday and let me know if you’re interested in being considered as a candidate?”

  Still stunned, she agreed, then wrote down Lara’s office and cell phone numbers before ending the call.

  Her mind going a million different directions, she sat back to let the conversation sink in.

  Had she received this call on Monday morning, the decision would have been easy. She would have immediately accepted Lara’s invitation and set up an appointment.

  But now… Kelsey had seen other sides of Nathan. She might not agree with him on everything, but this morning she’d thought they’d made a good team, every bit as good as she’d been with Mr. Newman.

  Then she wondered if the fact she’d slept with Nathan, submitted to him, had affected her rational-thinking skills. She shifted, highly aware she had no underwear on. This wasn’t a typical boss and employee relationship.

  Getting away, establishing herself as a leader in her own right, could give her much-needed distance from Nathan.

  He wouldn’t be running Donovan Logistics indefinitely. There was no guarantee she’d be considered for the job. If she stayed, she could potentially be stuck in her current position for a very long time.

  She wondered if she should discuss the call with Nathan. Then she reminded herself they weren’t in a committed relationship. How much did she owe him? He’d asked for her loyalty, but did that extend to telling him about her potential career moves?

  Kelsey gave herself a mental shake. Lara hadn’t extended a job offer. She’d only suggested they discuss it. It was very likely Kelsey was worrying about things that would never happen.

  The phone rang again, and she leaned forward to answer it.

  After she hung up, she glanced across the room to see Nathan watching her.

  “Five o’clock,” he reminded her.

  Every thought, every question, every hesitation fled from her mind, and she was filled with exquisite anticipation.

  The end of the day couldn’t happen soon enough.

  * * * *

  “It’s too short,” Kelsey protested, pulling down on the hem of the leather skirt he’d selected.

  Nathan sat in an upholstered wing-backed armchair, legs stretched in front of him. “Put your hands behind your neck.”

  “Then it will be even shorter.”

  Over steepled fingers, he regarded her implacably.

  Nathan had brought her to a small boutique in the Heights, a fun, trendy area that she loved hanging out in. Though the high-end shop normally closed at six, it had stayed open for him, which meant they were alone with the owner, Gwyneth.

  The store was elegant with its polished wood floors accented by thick black rugs. Gwyneth had installed custom lighting to create pizazz and ambiance and the music she played reverberated through Kelsey, making her feel sensuous.

  When they’d arrived, Nathan had selected a number of items from the racks, all of which shocked her.

  Her protests hadn’t stopped him from insisting she go in the dressing room and try them all on.

  “Hands behind your neck,” he repeated, the words clipped. “Don’t think you won’t get a spanking right here, right now.”

  Believing him, she shivered and did what he said.

  “Now turn around.”

  She slowly pivoted until her back was to him.

  “Touch your toes.”

  Since he’d ruined her underwear this morning, she knew he was going to get a scandalous view.

  “I think it’s exactly the right length. Look at it again in the mirror,” he said. “Less critically. And put your shoes on.”

  The skirt was an A-line, and she preferred something more tailored. But she understood his point. And truthfully, it wasn’t much shorter than the skirt she would have selected. It just seemed that way becau
se of the cut.

  It was made from a high-grade supple leather that could have been designed for her.

  “Gwyneth, will you fetch us some shoes. Or better yet, over-the-knee suede boots? Size eight.”

  Kelsey blinked. “How did you know that?”

  “I pay attention to you, Kelsey. Now go try the skirt with the halter top.”

  She went back into the dressing room but didn’t bother closing the drape because he’d already instructed her to leave it open.

  After pulling off the form-fitting shirt she’d tried first, she shrugged into the leather halter top. She laced up the front through the dozen eyelets.

  “Leave them somewhat loose.”

  The top was the perfect combination of edgy and conservative. The straps were thick, offering plenty of support. It covered enough flesh that she felt comfortable, but offered tantalizing glimpses that she found sexy.

  Gwyneth carried a couple of boxes to them, and said, “Yeah. Freaking hot.”

  “I tend to agree,” Nathan said.

  Kelsey sat on a bench while Gwyneth pulled out the first pair of shoes.

  “No,” Nathan said. “Something classier.”

  Gwyneth opened the next box and removed a pair of boots. Until that moment, Kelsey had not been a shoe addict. But now… She would never have selected suede, but they looked perfect. The heels were outrageously high, yet since they had a platform, they would be wearable, at least for a few hours. There was a sexy, unexpected cuff at the knee.

  She slipped into the boots and zipped them up before standing for Nathan.

  “That’s it,” he said.

  When she faced the mirror, she was stunned. She’d never worn anything like this, and she loved it.

  “Own it,” Gwyneth said. “You’re hot as fuck. Own the outfit.”

  Then, with remarkable good sense, she left them alone.

  “What do you think?” Nathan asked, leaning forward to tap a finger against his mouth.

  Kelsey met his gaze in the mirror and she knew the shop owner was right. She should own it. That in mind, she pulled back her shoulders and finger-combed her hair.

  “Imagine it with my collar on you,” he said.

  She sucked in a breath.

  He stood and took a few steps before curving his hands onto her shoulders. “See yourself through my eyes.”

  Just like the other night at her house, she did.

  She was transformed from businesswoman to his slut. Warmth threaded through her.

  In that instant, she knew she’d do almost anything to please Nathan Donovan.

  On so many levels, the realization concerned her.

  She’d survived her upbringing by making promises to herself, and the most important was that she would make her own goals and pursue them passionately. Putting Nathan’s wants above her own betrayed everything she’d struggled for.

  “We’ll take it,” he said over his shoulder to Gwyneth.

  “Wait,” Kelsey protested. “Do you have any idea how much this will cost?”

  “Approximately as much as my mortgage payment?”

  “I can’t afford this.” She pulled free of his grip and faced him.

  “It’s going on my card.”

  “I can’t let you pay for all this,” she protested.

  “Yeah. You can.”

  She exhaled. He could be as confounding, as bossy, as overbearing as her father. “Stop. Please.”

  “Kelsey. We’re not arguing. I want you to feel confident when you’re on that pole Saturday night. I want you dressed appropriately so that I can touch you. I want to flog you hard, and the leather will absorb some of the force.”

  “What happened to you being a cheapskate?” she tried.

  “Kelsey, Kelsey.” He grinned. “I think I’ve told you, certain things are an investment. This outfit will look just as sexy in five years. It’s quality material and craftsmanship.” He lowered his voice and spoke with a tone that made her weak. “Let me give you this as a gift.”

  “I…”

  “Can’t think of a reason to say no?” he suggested. “Then say thank you.”

  When she didn’t immediately answer, he firmly held her, this time by the upper arms, and eased her back around. “Have another look. We can spend less money, but will you walk into the club and feel like you will wearing this?”

  He was right. His selections suited her and she loved the way they felt on her skin.

  Finally she relented. “Thank you,” she said.

  Nathan smiled and gave her a small nod. “I’ll be proud to clip your collar to my leash.”

  She shuddered as the vision consumed her mind.

  After he released her, she sat on the bench and removed the boots, aware that he never took his smoky gaze from her. She tucked the sex-kitten footwear inside the box before returning to the fitting room.

  “All set?” Gwyneth asked when Kelsey came back out.

  She nodded.

  “And the boots?”

  Honestly, even if Nathan hadn’t wanted to buy them for her, she might have indulged in them anyway. Despite the high three-figure price tag and the fact she didn’t have many places to wear them, she’d never worn anything that made her feel more vibrant.

  “Let me take those for you.”

  “Thank you.” She handed over the skirt and halter top before joining Nathan at a glass case near the counter. “I’m ready,” Kelsey told him, putting her fingers on his arm. Then she dug her grip into him when she saw he was looking at butt plugs.

  There were all sorts, made from wood, steel, glass. All were elegant, befitting the store.

  “Which would you prefer?” he asked.

  “You already bought me one.”

  “It’s a starter plug, and it’s certainly not as beautiful as this. Which will it be?”

  She wanted to say, “None,” but doubted that response would be acceptable.

  “And to be clear, I will want you to wear it to work tomorrow and to Deviation on Saturday night,” he continued.

  She looked over at him and scowled. “You didn’t say anything about me having to wear one to the club.”

  “Didn’t I?” he asked unconcernedly.

  She tried to sound reasonable as she said, “Really, Nathan. The one I already have is fine.” It was much thinner than most of these, and it had to be more comfortable since it was flexible.

  “Any of these will look better with your new outfit.”

  “May I show you something?” Gwyneth enquired, coming over after she’d wrapped the clothing in tissue paper.

  “The medium glass one with hot pink crystals,” he said.

  Kelsey tightened her fingers into his arm again, but he barely glanced at her.

  Gwyneth pulled out the too-thick-looking plug and placed it in Nathan’s palm.

  The thing was beautiful, no doubt, with the radiant crystals refracting the overhead light. But its circumference was so much bigger than she was accustomed to, and the material concerned her. “Won’t it break?” Kelsey asked.

  “No,” Gwyneth replied. “Completely safe, made from borosilicate glass, which makes it really durable. If you drop it, you’ll just want to check that you haven’t chipped it. And it can be chilled or warmed before it’s inserted.”

  “That’s a benefit,” Kelsey said dryly.

  Nathan turned it over, looked at the crystals, ran his thumb across the base.

  “How about that one?” Kelsey suggested, releasing his arm so she could point out a smaller one.

  “Gwyneth, show us the one with the purple base,” he said.

  The woman pulled it out. It was at least half as big again as the one he was holding.

  Kelsey shivered and quickly said, “Uhm…the hot pink one is great. I like it. A lot.”

  “I figured you’d see it my way.” He gave her a quick smile, indicating he’d outmaneuvered her. “We’ll take it.”

  Not even trying to hide her smile, Gwyneth returned the larger one to th
e case and slid the other into a black velveteen bag. “Anything else?” she inquired.

  “A thong,” he replied.

  “I have underwear,” Kelsey protested.

  He ignored her as if she’d never spoken. “The skimpiest, laciest, indecentest.”

  Kelsey scowled at him. “That’s not a word.”

  “She knows what I mean.”

  “I do,” Gwyneth said, coming out from behind the counter again.

  “Why do I need another thong?” she asked him when they were alone.

  “Club rules. Your pussy needs to be covered.”

  “Are you pushing the limits, Mr. Donovan?”

  “Perhaps,” he said.

  Gwyneth returned with a pair and showed them to him.

  “I’ve seen bandages are bigger than that,” Kelsey protested.

  “I think that’s what he was going for.” Gwyneth smiled.

  “Did you see the price tag on them?” Kelsey demanded, scowling at him.

  “No.”

  Since he seemed unconcerned, she shut up. If he wanted to spend his money on her lingerie, why should she stop him?

  Within five minutes, he’d paid the bill and they had left the shop.

  By agreement, they walked down the street until they found a small bar that specialized in pub foods. They each ordered a hamburger and shared a basket of French fries.

  “Not too concerned with what Julien Bonds might have to say about your food choices?” she asked.

  “I intend to get plenty of exercise when we’re back at your condo. And I want to put that plug up your ass.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Inside her condo, Nathan placed her overnight bag on the bed next to the large, decorative one from Gwyneth’s shop then pulled out the butt plug.

  “I’m still having doubts,” she said, her gaze riveted on the glass rather than him.

  “I’ll make sure we get it properly placed,” he assured her.

  “How did I know that would be your response?”

  Every minute he was with her, Nathan was more and more enthralled. Despite her numerous hesitations, she’d always opted to trust him. Seeing her at the store, pulling back her shoulders, rocking a hipbone forward, fucking owning the outfit as Gwyneth had suggested, had made him stupidly proud. She wore her submission well.