“Can you explain that a little more?”
“At this point, we have to assume Brian put the money in your account to make you look guilty. Jake nor Marshall’s contacts could find any kind of evidence that the money got to Brian through Edward. The look on his face tonight told me he didn’t do it. So someone else knew about Brian’s scheming and could still be out there waiting to make another move. I have to believe you and your business are safe because it would be stupid to go after you again. But I’ve asked Jake to have the fed’s bring in a team of auditors to review every fucking account we have. If Brian had a secret account and transferred the money through that, we need to find it fast.”
“So what does this mean for Edward?”
“Nothing right now. He’s clean since he never gave Brian nor his company a penny. I’ll protect him and the business. He has his personal lawyer too.”
“Do you still want to take him down after JOS?”
“I have no choice. His corruption started way before me taking over. He’s still a greedy bastard. He did things that could have ruined everything Hurst & McCoy was built on. But after tonight, I’m feeling, shit, I don’t know how I’m feeling.”
“I think the word is compassion.”
“I’ve never felt ‘compassion’ before. Especially towards him.”
She changes the subject, no doubt trying to ease my tension. “When do you want to go home?”
“Sunday.”
“I’d really like to go home tomorrow after the interview. It’s been almost seven days since I’ve been in my own bed and Scout has had a yard to roam.”
“Babe, it’s been almost eighteen days since I had you alone. Please give me this. We’ll take Scout out in the boat. Laze around the lake. Eat breakfast naked.”
“I’ll concede but on one condition. Tell me what you have planned for tomorrow’s interview. I saw you discussing the notes with Dana. I need to be prepared.”
“Nope, not going to discuss it. You’ll concede because you know I won’t take no for an answer. In about five minutes, I’ll own your body. No interruptions, no need to be quiet. I’ll fuck you so hard you won’t want to leave the bed.”
“That’s a given, Max. I usually don’t want to leave the bed.”
“Good because I have plans.”
I’m a bastard but she’s too desirable for her own good. Her naked back is bathed in the early morning light and her soft breathing calls to me. I’ve been watching her for the last half hour, wondering if she’s real. The last week has been hell for her but she’s been a pillar of strength. Besides my mother, I’ve never met a woman as strong and resilient. It’s impossible not to love her.
My dick aches for her again, wanting inside her warmth. Last night I needed to be in control and she let me. As soon as we walked in the door, clothes started flying. I lifted her onto the dining room table and fucked her until we both screamed, then walked her back to the bed and took my time for round two. We only left the bed to eat and take Scout outside.
She turns slightly towards me, exposing her breast and I can’t hold back. My hand snakes up her waist and slides gently over her nipple as it hardens against my touch. Her lips lift in a soft grin and I know she’s waking up.
“Bella, I want you.” I whisper and kiss along her shoulder. Her leg hitches over my hip allowing only partial access. “No, babe, look at me. I need to see your beautiful eyes when I slide into you.”
She moves over and opens her eyes sleepily, grinning. I burn the image in my brain because she has never looked so beautiful. Her eyes are full of light and longing, her hair is fanned across her shoulders and neck, and her expression is pure. Absolute perfection.
I grab her leg and slide my own hips into hers. My cock nudges her already wet entrance and I glide in easily. “You’re already wet for me.”
“Because I’ve felt you staring at me for the last few minutes. I thought about making a run for the bathroom to brush my teeth, but decided against it. Too much effort.”
“I’d have caught you.”
“I know.” Her smile widens and she pushes up.
We move against each other for several minutes, lost in each other’s gaze. She moves us slightly so she can wrap both legs around my hips and grind into me. Breaking our stare, I throw my head back and increase my movements. Her body tightens and she arches her back, bringing her chest to mine. She whimpers lightly and scrapes her fingernails up my back. The need to see all of her overwhelms me and I roll to the side bringing her with me so she’s on top.
“Ride me, I want to watch you take what you want. I need to see you come apart for me.”
She smiles mischievously and stops all movement. I almost cry at the loss of friction. My heart beats wildly in my chest and I feel my dick pulsing inside of her. Without saying a word, she leans down and runs her tongue over my neck and chest until she reaches my own hardened nipples. Taking her time, she sucks each one into her mouth. Then she makes her way up to my collarbone, kissing a trail to my earlobe.
“I like being in control, Max, especially when you let me use your body. I could come right now, just move a fraction of an inch and fucking shout your name. But I want to tease you. I want you to beg. I want to know I’m the one who owns you, like you own me.”
She squeezes her muscles against me and I feel the tightness to my balls.
“You do, you own me.”
“Then beg me. I can stay like this all morning, Max, you inside me, filling me up. I can lick, kiss, and suck on every inch of you and come from the touch. I remember you saying something a long time ago about running your tongue and lips all over my flesh. Sinking your dick in me deep and screaming your name in ecstasy. Then I’d be yours. Are you mine?”
“Yes,” I growl, pushing my hips into hers. “But you fucking know that. I told you that you own me.”
She moves slightly, raking her nails up my torso and stopping to trace my tattoo. She sits all the way astride and stares at me. Slowly, ever so slowly, she starts rocking back and forth. One hand braces on my chest and the other goes around to caress my balls. It’s my instinct to take over and fuck her senseless, but I can’t move. My dick grows harder than ever as I feel every inch of her.
With each movement, I get closer. This is unlike any other time I’ve been buried inside her. She wants to possess me as I have her. My stomach coils, ready to let go, but I hold back, silently begging her to be close. Finally she moans and I grab her hips tightly. Pounding into her from below, I take control. She screams loudly, and I fall over the edge with her, calling her name. Our yells ricochet through the room, making me want to hear it again.
Her body sinks into mine and our hearts beat rapidly together, pleasure pouring from our bodies. Our heavy breathing fills the air and I hold her close, never wanting to let go.
“I’m really glad everyone is gone. Pretty sure we would have woken anyone still sleeping in the house.” She giggles into my throat.
“Me too, babe. You think we could do an interview call-in instead of leaving the cabin today?”
“No, but remind me in the future. In the wake of madness, we need at least a few days before we leave the house. I’m pretty sure I’ll be walking funny. And everyone will know why.”
“I’ll carry you. Just say the word, anytime.”
“You know what, Max, I believe you and that makes me love you even more.”
“Well, that’s a good thing because I’m pretty sure I’ve hit my limit. There’s no way I could love you anymore.”
Her mouth covers mine with a slow and sweet kiss before I have a chance to say anything else. There’s a buzzing inside my soul that’s been here since the first time I saw her. It’s time to get all this shit surrounding us taken care of so I can move on with my plan.
I paste a smile on my face the moment I spot her coming. Dani Watts, the local golden girl reporter, walks straight towards Max and me with her million dollar looks. She’s always been one of the contacts I use as a
go-to when I have a big client needing airtime. But she’s also the bitch who reported on my scandal and insinuated my firm wasn’t up to the challenge of handling the JOS project and my relationship with Max caused a power shift in the company. I don’t care how uncomfortable she looked on camera, she had the opportunity to alter the story and exclude those details. And that’s why she will not be conducting our interview.
“Stella,” she leans in for a hug but I cut her off my extending my hand.
“Dani.”
“I heard you were coming in today. I told my boss there was a mistake, no way would you want anyone reporting on your story than me since we’ve been friends for so many years. We’ve set up in the back studio and everything is almost ready.”
She introduces herself to Max and he nods coolly at her. The tick in his jaw tells me he wants to say something but is waiting for me.
“Dani, I specifically asked for Ellie.”
“Well, that’s not happening. She’s not prepared to do an interview like this and I am the anchor.”
“Are you saying Ellie refuses to interview Max and me?”
“She had no choice. She understood this was a job for a more seasoned journalist.”
“Just to be sure I understand you. Ellie is not doing an interview with us today? Your boss is aware and knows I asked for her directly.”
“Yes, Stella, of course. He knows though that I’m much better prepared and experienced to handle this type of public-”
“That’s too bad.” I cut her off and thread my arm through Max’s. “Honey, we drove all the way here for nothing.” We turn to leave.
“Wait! You can’t be serious! You’d rather have a puff reporter clear your name than me? She’s a piece writer. Concerts, movie premieres, local events are fine, but it’s me who you want.”
“No, you’re exactly who I don’t want. It’s Ellie or nothing. I made myself clear.”
Dani’s face falls with horror and embarrassment. “Listen, Stella. I’m sorry if I upset you. I was only doing my job.”
“I’m not upset. I’m pissed. There’s a huge difference. If you were such an experienced journalist, in your own words, then you would have had more tact and class when reporting on an accusation that had every opportunity to destroy my career. I’ve heard from almost every reporter in this town asking for me to give them a comment. But not you. It was your assistant that called. If we’re done here, we’ll be leaving.”
“Stop!”
I turn and see tears in her eyes. “I’ll get Ellie for you. She’s waiting.”
“You’re a piece of work. You thought I’d cave to your little power play? Do you know me at all?”
“I need this, Stella. But if I lose this for the station, I’ll be fired. Please don’t walk out,” she pleads.
I nod my head and watch her walk away slowly.
“That was hot,” Max whispers as he kisses my neck delicately.
“You think so?”
“Umm hmm.”
“Can we tell Jake I’m a badass too?”
His eyes glaze over in jealousy and then he smiles. “Yeah, babe, we can tell him. Not sure he’ll believe it though. He’s convinced you’re cotton candy.”
“Well, now we have a story to prove differently. I don’t like to be screwed with.”
“So I’m noticing.”
I start to say more but see Ellie walking towards us nervously and yet, completely professional. When she smiles, it’s genuine and thankful. We exchange pleasantries and she leads us back to the studio where a film crew is waiting. Max and I are seated for make-up and Ellie tells us exactly the order of her questions. Max clears his throat and she gives him a small nod but doesn’t elaborate.
Once we are seated with microphones, I start to get nervous. It’s not my favorite thing to be on this side of the camera. When I have to make a statement for a client it’s usually done electronically or via phone. My nerves hit an all-time high when Chris, Dana, Laci, my mom, and Sara walk into the room.
Ellie doesn’t give me a chance to question anything and starts the interview. We are scheduled to air tonight so timing is critical.
Max and I are completely in sync with our answers and explanations as to all the charges and allegations. We decided to keep things simple and to the point, never naming names of those involved. We turn the interview around to JOS and the completion of the first half of the factory renovations. Just when I think we’re done, Ellie’s eye light up and she positions her body towards Max.
“Max, there’s something specific you wanted to talk about today. It has to do with a community center in South America you have been working closely with.”
“Yes, Stella turned me onto a center in the area of the factory that was completely unfit for the community and residents. A lot of money and manpower has gone into upgrades to make it more beneficial. Volunteers have completely redone a wing of the community center and turned it into a full-fledged library with all technological advancements.”
My eyes bug out of my head and I forget I’m on camera. Max gives me a sly grin and continues. “Stella was an integral part of this and the members of the board have decided to name it ‘The Sullivan Library for Learning.’”
Surprise, shock, and absolute disbelief hit me at once. I look to him and he reaches for my hand.
“Babe, you’re famous for the reasons meant to be.”
“Oh my God!”
My eyes dart to the side where Laci is dancing around silently. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
As hard as I try to stop it, one tear rolls down my cheek and I hiccup. “I can’t believe this.”
“That’s not all, Stella,” Ellie continues. “It’s come to my attention that one of the philanthropic projects you created has received funding for the next two years. It’s an anonymous source close to Hurst & McCoy and will be fully funding the resources needed to provide a ‘stay in school’ program for children that need money to help their families.”
My heart skips a beat then starts racing. This means more to me than anything ever. Kids like Pedro will be given a chance to finish school instead of worrying about their families. When I look at Max, his face is shining bright. He’s glowing in happiness and content.
“Ellie, I don’t know what to say to all this. Obviously I’m taken by surprise and have a million questions. But I’m so excited for the communities in the area to have such wonderful opportunities.”
“Is it safe to say you’re speechless?” Ellie asks nervously. When I look at her, she’s scared that she’s screwed up with me, but it’s the opposite.
“Yes, I guess so. Stella Sullivan, Mouth of the South, is speechless.”
She sighs in relief and Max laughs loudly, pulling me to him. Snickers come from the crowd and my mom is beaming.
“Thank you both for coming forward to set the record straight. Personally, I’m speaking for myself, when I say it was a terrible allegation and the truth prevailed. I do have one more question. Mr. McCoy, you’ve been named as the area’s Most Eligible Bachelor for several years in a row. Most recently rumors have linked you and Miss Sullivan together romantically. Do you want to address those rumors?”
“Not really, but I will.” Max gives her a knowing look. “Let’s just say my days of being on the Most Eligible Bachelor list are over forever. I’ve found the woman of my dreams.”
Sighs and murmurs fill the room but I sit stunned. Somehow, I put a smile on my face and thank Ellie before the camera’s stop. Then when it’s safe, I jump into his lap, kissing him deeply. Whistles and shouts fill the room, but I don’t stop until he squeezes my hips and breaks away.
“A library? Full funding? You kept this from me?”
“I love surprising you.”
“For the love of all things holy! Can you two please refrain?” Laci says coming to me and wrapping both of us in her embrace. “Max, you realize you just proved how whipped you are right? Using the term ‘woman of my dreams’ o
n an interview that will probably have bits aired on national coverage? No doubt you lost your man card and probably any respect from your brethren.”
Max laughs out loud, pulling back from her. “Brethren?”
“Yeah, you know the other members of the badass bachelorhood. Hot, rich, powerful, demanding.”
“I think I can still be pretty demanding and powerful, even if I’m completely enraptured. If you’d let my girlfriend go, I’ll take her home and prove my manhood.”
Laci releases me and gives me a look of pure pride. “So proud of you, Stella Bella. You kicked ass.”
“Thanks. I think I’m still in shock over Max’s surprise.”
“Well, take this weekend and let it sink in. But Monday we have some big decisions to make. The phones are blowing up. Everyone wants our representation again. Those bastards that pulled back last week are now begging to have Sullivan represent them. Along with about three dozen new business proposal requests.”
“Are these all in the website queue?”
“Some, others have been call-ins, specifically wanting to talk to you. Poor Landon has been taking messages since six this morning.”
I go to my bag, pull out my phone, and look through my email and notifications then make a decision. Hopefully it won’t bite me in the ass, but this is my chance to make a statement.
“Lace, tell every client that fired us or pulled their business last week that our calendar filled up. At this rate, we won’t be able to take on new business until next spring. We voided all signed contracts last week at their request so we should be safe. But call your dad and tell him just in case someone wants to refute. When I get in on Monday, we’ll look at all the new requests. There’s no way we have time for all of them, but we’ll make the decision who we want to work with.”
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