by Rene Folsom
“Then you’ll tell me what’s the matter?” I asked, my finger tilting her head to look up at me, catching a glimpse of weakness in her emerald irises.
A nod of her head was all the response I got before she grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me in, her hold so strong, it would’ve taken the strength of a thousand men to pull away.
I thought I’d be used to kissing her by now, but she still managed to make my blood boil beneath my skin, our lips scorching, joining together like fire meeting fire. A wild gasp of breath was all I could manage as our tongues tangled in a heated mess, our need for each other overpowering everything else. The only thing grounding me were her hands knotting in my hair, clutching me to her and making me moan against her mouth.
My fingers traced slowly down her spine, her breath coming more quickly against my mouth as I increased my hold. Her hands glided down my chest, her teeth sinking into the flesh of my bottom lip. It wasn’t until she reached the button of my jeans that I realized what she was really after.
Immediately, I turned to stone beneath her touch, gently pushing her away as I stepped back again. My guarded expression must’ve given me away. I wasn’t going to let her evade me that easily.
Her eyes were wild, yet her jaw was clenched with restraint, clearly keeping from speaking her mind. I held her face mere inches from mine as I looked into her eyes, wishing I could see beyond their depths and know what was going on in that brilliant mind of hers. My hands refused to let her move from beneath my touch. I kept my eyes on hers, watching as the excitement in them faded.
The tension in her shoulders seemed to wilt, her expression transforming, becoming soft, warm. I didn’t say anything at first. Instead, I simply bent my face to hers, brushing my lips slowly along her jaw to soften the blow of my refusal. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face as I felt her tremble beneath my touch.
Sighing, she smiled along with me, shaking her head. She knew just how ridiculously hot our connection was, my lips pressing delicately to her forehead sealing our understanding of each other, the smell of her hair making it nearly impossible for me to think rationally.
Her hands were limp on my chest, the distance between us almost necessary as I attempted to make my voice work. She tilted her head slowly and touched her lips to mine a second time. This kiss was careful, gentle, the complete opposite of our mauling just moments before.
“I’m fine,” she blurted out before I could open my mouth to ask again. “I’ve just had a somewhat stressful week. Work has been kicking my ass,” she added with an uncomfortable laugh.
“Mmm,” I moaned, my nose pressing against the warm skin of her cheek. “I have something in mind that might melt that stress away for a bit.”
“I bet you do,” she said, slapping my chest lightly. Her smile was contagious. “You have no idea how good that sounds right about now. I need some Liam time.”
“So is that why you came by? Just to get some action?” I saw joy enter her face for the first time, the stress seeming to melt for a few seconds.
“The only action you’ll be seeing is me kicking your ass in some PvP combat, Mr. Allen,” she joked, laughing before quickly diving in to save my pride. “I honestly just missed your face—needed to see you.”
Her laugh felt good as it seeped into my soul. I’d let her kick my ass every day of the year if it meant it would make her laugh like that.
“Well, I’m glad you did. I was beginning to think you weren’t real… that you were just a figment of my overwhelming imagination.” Brushing a strand of hair from her face, I tucked it behind her ear. “Regardless of how happy I am to see you, I actually have a shit ton of work to do.”
“Oh, I have to get going too. I just had a few minutes.” A devious smile spread across her face as her hand gripped my length through my jeans, feeling just how excited I was to see her. “I’ve accomplished what I came here to do anyway,” she added with a wink.
“Evil woman,” I said just before she pushed at my chest, forcing me to back away so she could open the door.
“Call me,” she hollered behind her as she walked down the hall, a stream of colorful hair in her wake.
I watched, breathing in slowly to try and quell the raging hard-on she caused.
“Well, that sure was a quickie,” a booming voice said, making me jump in surprise as I watched Maci step into the elevator.
Turning, I glared at Thad. “More action than you’ve ever seen,” I joked, lightly smacking him upside the head before heading back into my office, my infuriating friend right on my heels.
Chapter Three
Maci: A Visit from the Devil
Visiting Liam was a big mistake. Now I felt even worse about what I had to do. I wasn’t much of a crier, but as I made my way through the city, my face hidden behind the tinted windows of my car, I felt the impending need to break down, emotions getting the best of me with the realization of what I had to do to protect myself.
There was just no way I could do it—no way in hell I could betray him that way. I’d never stolen anything in my life, and here I was, actually contemplating stealing from a man I truly cared for.
Once my vision began to blur with the impending tears, I pulled into a random parking lot and stayed behind the wheel, yanking my phone out to scroll through my contacts and find the one person I knew who could help me sort this whole mess out—Sam.
Just before pressing the send button, the passenger door opened, causing me to squeal with surprise.
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch, doll. I’m not the big bad wolf or anything,” Big Jim said with a wicked chortle as he squeezed into the passenger seat. The thought he’d been following me sent a chill down my spine, suddenly causing the atmosphere in the air to change to that of dread. My heart picked up pace, and my body filled with anxiety while I stared at the man trying to ruin my life.
“You do realize how loud I can scream, right?” Since I still held my phone in my hand, I quickly pressed the voice recorder app, turning it on and hiding it under my hand. I usually used it for quick, spur-of-the-moment inspirations that might pop up while I wasn’t in front of my computer, but this time, it would be used to record something way more sinister.
“If I were here to hurt you, I’d expect nothing less. But I’m not. So screaming is unnecessary.” His heavy breathing told me he’d obviously rushed over to my car from his, the air around us stifling me with the stench of his breath.
“You don’t think threats and blackmail are hurtful?” I sneered, glaring at him from across the car. I inched further away, pressing my body as far as it could possibly go against the driver’s side door, itching to get away from the foul man who held me hostage.
“Look at it as more of a favor, from one friend to another.”
“We’re not friends, Jim.” I felt bile rise in my throat at just the mention of being friends with the man I loathed with every fiber of my being.
“What a pity,” he said, spittle flying from his fat lips as he spoke. “Did you manage to get what I asked for?”
“I don’t think I can,” I said, honesty winning over all else. “Even if I wanted to, it’s not like I have free rein over nZone.”
Turning his body to face me head on, he pointed his fat, sausage-like finger in my face and said, “Listen here. You’ve been wasting my time for over a week now. I don’t want to have to go to the public with your dirty little secret. But if I have to, I will.”
“And what if I said I didn’t care? What if I just let you spill the beans? Because, right now, I’m not a fan of yours. I’d rather come out to the public than let you screw with someone I care about.”
He examined me, his evil, black eyes boring into mine, a pseudo power giving him the guts to strong-arm me in ways no one else ever could.
“I know damn well you don’t mean that. If I go to the public, it won’t be kind. I will portray you as the liar that you are, manipulating your readers just for sales, hiding behind a nam
e that doesn’t even belong to you.”
Silence met his words, fear causing a lump to form in my throat. I couldn’t seem to fathom that my grandmother created and raised such a monster.
“I’ll give you one final chance… doll,” he said, clearly calling me doll again because he knew how much I hated it. “Get me what I want by Friday, or I’m going public.”
I held my breath as I watched him climb out of my car and waddle over to his, the tears I’d been holding back suddenly threatening to overwhelm me. I held strong though, knowing crying wouldn’t help me keep my head on straight right now.
Looking at my phone, I fumbled with shaky fingers to try and stop the recording. That was when I noticed the record button was never pressed. In my haste to make sure Big Jim didn’t see me, I must’ve missed the button entirely. My stomach dropped. The conversation didn’t record.
At the realization of my failure, a lone tear welled in my eye and cascaded down my cheek. I wasn’t cut out to be a spy, or a thief, or anything that required me to keep my composure while betraying the ones I loved. It wasn’t in the cards for me. These actions went against my very nature, and I was extremely tempted to throw in the towel before I got myself into some serious shit.
Wiping my tear away, I jumped when my phone rang, cursing at myself for being so skittish. I should be cursing the man who kept creeping around and making me feel vulnerable.
Liam’s face smiled at me as the phone continued to chime, filling the silence of my car with its sound. I took in a deep breath, strengthening my spirits and composing myself before answering.
“Miss me already?” I said, my false pitch not fooling anyone.
“But of course,” he responded. “I was just thinking we could pick up where we left off earlier. My house? Say… six?”
“Um, I dunno, Liam,” I said, hesitation clear in my voice. “I mean, I want to, I just don’t know if I have the energy to go anywhere.”
I could hear how lame the excuse was, but I also knew I needed to figure things out—get my head on straight.
“That’s fine then. Would you rather I come to you? I’ll come bearing gifts.” He’d never been to my house other than picking me up and dropping me off once, so the newness of this idea was intriguing.
“If the gifts involve some Chinese food, I’m game,” I said, cheering up at the thought he’d go out of his way for me.
“Chinese, beer, and maybe some gaming fun. Please tell me you have surround sound,” he said, his voice a playful challenge that had a real smile pushing at my cheeks.
“Yeah. I might not have quite the setup you do, but it’s still worthy.”
“You sure you’re okay with me coming over? I’ll understand if you need your space. It was just really good to see you earlier,” he said, his voice sounding vulnerable and sheepish, like he was suddenly embarrassed to want me.
“It’ll be a perfect ending to a horrid day. So please, come over and save me from myself,” I said, honesty again winning out over all else. He didn’t need to know I was just putting off the inevitable.
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you at six,” he said, sounding a bit happier with my acceptance before hanging up.
*****
I almost didn’t bother calling Sam. It actually took me almost two hours just to build up the courage to dial her number. I knew I shouldn’t rope her into my mess of a life, regardless of how much I needed an ear to bend, but she was my best friend. If anyone would give me honest advice, it’d be her.
“Hey, hooker,” Samantha said when she answered, catching me a bit off guard with her happy-go-lucky banter. My mood obviously needed the pick-me-up.
“How’s my pimp today?” I retorted, the exchange feeling a bit normal, at least for a few moments.
“Eh, I’d be better if I were editing one of your books rather than the boring manuscript I’m staring at right now. This thing is just straight-up stupid. Not sure how it got past the initial submission readers.”
Silence filled my ear and my thoughts, my voice sticking in my mouth like cotton, unable to spit out a single word, let alone a full sentence.
“So, what’s up?” she asked after a few moments of verbal chicken.
What was I supposed to do, just spill my guts out to her? I really couldn’t see any other way of approaching the subject with tact. With a deep, fortifying breath, I opened my mouth.
“Well, I have a bit of an issue, and I need your opinion… your honest opinion,” I said, deciding our usual shoot-the-shit banter would have to wait.
“You know I’m always a straight shooter when it comes to you, Maci. You bring out the best and worst in me, so spill.” She always was a bossy little thing. It actually made talking to her a bit easier since the choice to tell her the truth was always taken away from me. Being forced to confide in someone was so much easier than beating around the bush.
“Okay, well, you know the guy I’ve been dating is co-owner of the big gaming conglomerate, nZone Studios, right?” I asked. I needed to make sure she knew just how serious this whole threat was. Not to mention I was shaking like a leaf while talking to my best friend in my own home.
“Of course I know who he is. You haven’t stopped talking about him over the past few weeks,” she answered, the tone of her voice obviously pushing me to just spit the words out already.
Taking another deep, audible huff of breath, I dove in for the kill. Either she’d laugh in my face for being so naive as to even entertain this shmuck of a man, or she’d pat me on the back and console me like a child. It could go either way.
“We’ve been seen together by one of his competitors, and the person managed to find out who I am.”
Confusion filled her voice. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, he found out who I am,” I said, putting emphasis on the word who as if it would clue her in. We never really spoke out loud about my somewhat unhealthy need for secrecy.
“You mean…?”
“Yeah, he knows,” I affirmed, my stomach knotting up at the repeat realization he could completely destroy everything I’d worked so hard to build.
“Does Liam know too?” Sam asked. Man, was that a loaded question. I’d been contemplating just how long I should wait before telling him. I guessed that moment would come sooner rather than later if I didn’t figure out how to handle this situation.
“No, things with Liam aren’t serious enough yet for me to go there. Well, they weren’t… yet. Not until recently maybe. I dunno. See, that’s a whole other can of worms,” I explained, concentrating on my breathing as my heart started racing. Adrenaline seemed to course through me whenever I thought of what I was about to say next, my blood boiling with the fact this revolting man held so much over me. “See, this is where things get complicated. This person is threatening to tell the public if I don’t… um… do something for him.”
“Do what exactly? It’s not like he has much to bargain with,” she said, her voice lowering a bit. I could tell I had her full attention now.
“He has my life in his hands. I’d say the bargaining chips are on his side of the table.”
“Well, it wouldn’t be great if things came out to the public, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world either. You’ve already proven you’re an amazing author. Your fans won’t turn their backs on you if this gets out,” she reasoned. A part of me knew she was right, yet another part of me also knew just how bad Big Jim would make it sound—make it seem like I was nothing but a horrible, scheming person who took her readers for a ride to the dark side.
“He threatened to spin it so it’s as negative as possible,” I clarified, knowing for a fact the man was out for blood. “I tried to record what he was saying, but I was nervous and screwed up. Regardless, if I don’t do his evil bidding, we might want to consider a press release of our own before he manages to fuck up my career.”
“What the hell does this person want you to do that’s worth this sort of blackmail?” I had to pull the phone away
from my ear. Her voice was shrill, disbelieving, like she couldn’t fathom someone would stoop this damn low.
“I really didn’t want to drag you in the middle of this, I promise. I just don’t know what to do, and I have no one to talk to about this,” I rambled, not wanting to reveal too much and risk Big Jim going after my friends.
I could practically hear her eyes roll from over the phone line. “Tell me, Maci,” she demanded, her metaphorical foot being placed firmly on my resolve. “What does he want you to do?”
“Steal a new nZone prototype right out from under Liam’s nose.”
The line went silent as she processed my words, making my nerves increase to all new heights as I waited for her to respond. What was only a few seconds, seemed like decades.
“What?” she finally squeaked, her voice just as disbelieving as I’d expected.
“Yeah.”
“Well, there’s no way you can do that. No way,” she said, her voice full of defiance. God, I wished I could see the look on her face, see her body react to this totally twisted revelation. “We’ll just have to figure something out. We can talk to Cam, figure out the best way to spin this to your readers before this evil person do—”
“I’m actually thinking of doing it,” I said, interrupting her before her wild imagination started dreaming up how good this would be for me. With a clearing of my throat, I continued. “I fear this man will hold a hell of a lot more over my head if I don’t just give him what he wants.”
“Who the hell is this fucker? He might need to be punched in the balls for messing with my friend.” Her words made me chuckle a bit before coming back down to reality.
“I’ve already dragged you far enough into this mess just by telling you. I really don’t want you to worry about who it is,” I admitted, knowing all too well Sam would personally take it upon herself to rectify the situation.