Theo rinsed his mouth and then threw back a couple of glasses of tap water to combat his hangover. He'd been moaning about his Dad’s attitude last night at a staggeringly unsympathetic Max, who merely rolled his eyes and called him a poor little rich boy. Max was right, he knew. He just had to ignore the parental pressure but still… it was probably why he’d made that ridiculous bet with Max.
I will find the love of my life within three months.
Theo shook his head at the thought of it. Why the hell had he made that bet? Hubris and hyperbole. He shrugged – it wasn’t as if Max would hold him to it in the cold light of day.
‘I am absolutely going to hold you to it,’ Max told him on the plane back to Seattle. Theo groaned and slumped back in his seat. His hangover wasn’t abating at all and now he was on the way to give the Commencement speech at Seattle’s most prodigious college. Theo was used to public speaking in his job, not that it was his favourite thing to do, but he’d agreed to it back when he’d been dating a girl from Tacoma – whose name he couldn’t remember, he thought now with a jolt of shame – whose cousin was part of the graduating class. The speech was written, his custom-made Armani three piece pressed and waiting. He’d even managed to shave this morning. Outwardly, he’d look the part of the billionaire mogul but inside… he swallowed a wave of nausea. Idiot. Why get hammered the night before the speech?
Theo definitely wasn’t in the mood for another grilling from his best friend. Max fixed him with a serious glare.
‘You promised me you’d find the one. I want you to, at the very least; try to have a social life. You haven’t dated anyone since Lorelei.’
Theo grimaced and Max sniggered. Lorelei had been a sweet girl but her obsession with the healing power of crystals had doomed that relationship very, very quickly. Theo chuckled at the memory.
‘Yeah, see? ‘
Max rolled his eyes. ‘That’s not a reason to avoid the whole dating thing. You can’t write off the whole thing just because your last girlfriend thought she could talk to the spirit world. It’s an important part of life and besides, you’re not getting any younger.’
‘Thanks, dude.’
Max grinned at Theo’s sarcastic tone. ‘I’m serious. I want you to meet someone who’ll make you happy.’
Theo studied his friend. ‘You say that with all the smug complacency of the happily settled.’
Max flashed him his cheesiest grin. ‘What can I say? I got lucky with Joel. Now if only you’d embrace your inner gay guy, I’ve got a hundred friends panting to meet you.’
Theo grinned. ‘Ah, your ongoing campaign to turn me. Sorry, dude, I appreciate it but…’
‘You worship at the Alter of Vadge, I know.’
Theo sniggered. ‘Charmingly put.’
Max sighed dramatically. ‘Well, a guy can dream. How long has it been since you were serious about someone?’
Theo didn’t answer – mostly because he couldn’t remember ever being serious about anyone. ‘Can we drop this?’
‘Nope,’ Max was grinning wildly, ‘I tell you what, I’ll make this interesting. You get married before Christmas – I’ll work for you for a year for free.’
Theo’s eyebrows shot up. ‘You’re serious? Married? Not going to happen.’
Max nodded, leaning forward in his chair. ‘Dude… you’re my best friend and I just want you to slow down. You work, work, work, which is all good but you’re missing out on so much. Meet someone, fall in love, and get married. Hell, I’d be happy if you just dated someone. Come on, help an old romantic out. Besides…’ he sniffed huffily, ‘I really don’t want to find you dead of a stress-related heart attack at your desk. We’d never get the smell out of the carpet.’
Theo grinned at his friend but as Max pulled a blanket over himself and turned away to take a nap, Theo stared out of the window of the plane at the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific, the craggy beauty of the West Coast and wondered if Max was right. Maybe it was time for something more, something real. Thing was… he didn’t even know where to start, what he was looking for, or who he wanted as his partner in life.
He glanced over to his sleeping friend and knew his friend was right. Theo grinned to himself and settled back into his seat to enjoy the rest of the flight.
‘I hate to ask.’
Jessica Wood narrowed her eyes at her boss. Professor Gerry Land grinned sheepishly and shrugged as they sat together in the college’s refectory, empty coffee cups in front of them. Jess sighed. She knew this wheedling tone of old. Gerry had been her mentor, her champion for four years through college and when she’d applied to be his research fellow to pursue a Ph.D., he’d pulled strings to make sure that she’d gotten the position.
Occasionally though, like now, he’d call in the favor.
‘Yeah, yeah, what now?’
Gerry smirked, knowing that he had her. ‘Commencement.’
Jess made a face. ‘Oh, no way…I did it last time.’ Their Art department was supposed to send a representative to the ceremony and while they both appreciated the true meaning of the tradition, it was deathly boring – sitting for hours, applauding everyone, listening to some celebrity rambling on about how the graduating students should ‘reach for the stars’. They actually had a tally on how many of the illustrious guests used clichés like that.
‘Please? I just have so much work to do….and this funding application isn’t going to write itself.’
Jess made a face at him, knowing that he’d won. If she didn’t go to the ceremony, Gerry would dump the application process on her and no way – no freaking way – she was getting into that.
‘Fine.’
Gerry nudged her shoulder with his. ‘I owe you one.’
‘You owe me many.’ But she smiled. At twenty-four, Jessica Wood was exactly where she wanted to be – immersed in a world of art and study. She wasn’t rich. That world belonged to her step-brother, Jules. Her mom had married Jules’ French millionaire father but now, after they’d both died, it was just her, Jules – and Jules’ never ending puppet strings. That was the one thing wrong with her life. She worked for Gerry and part-time in a one of Seattle’s artisan coffee houses and still only managed to make enough to cover her rent and food. She was okay with that but Jules still managed to exert his influence over her life in so many different ways.
She pushed the thought of him away now, and fought the heavy dread that always followed when she thought of her step-brother and went to get changed for the ceremony.
Her apartment was less than a block from the college and she quickly showered and slipped into her go-to dress; a dark burgundy silk sheath that shimmered down and hugged her curves. At five foot four, she wasn’t the tallest woman, but the dress flared out at her waist, showing off her surprisingly long legs. Her dark mahogany hair fell almost to her waist and she pulled it up over one shoulder. The lightest of make-up was put on, then she added a delicate gold chain which lay against her dusky skin and fell into the valley of her full breasts. Glancing in the mirror, Jess nodded once. She knew people considered her attractive but… ‘They can’t see the damage within’, she thought. She dismissed the thought and scooted out of the door.
Back at college, she made her way to the ceremony, held in the wide courtyard. She glanced at her watch and saw that she was early. She grinned to herself and decided to call Gerry to pass the time. She ducked into a quiet corridor and pulled out her cell phone.
‘I’m calling to issue you an official death threat.’
Gerry chuckled. ‘Hey look, at least you get to hear about how the world is indeed a shellfish-based opportunity for our students.’
‘About how this is ‘only the beginning of the adventure?’’
‘Yep and of course, and how they are all astronauts.’
‘Huh?’
Gerry sighed. ‘’Reaching for the stars’?’
Jess laughed. ‘Oh of course, sorry. God, would it kill one of these people to quote some Eudora Welty? Some Doro
thy Parker? Even some Bill and Ted would be nice.’
‘Snob.’
‘You bet. I’ll see you later – and I’ll be armed.’
Gerry laughed loudly. ‘I’ll buy you dinner to make up for it.’
‘You bet you will.’
She hung up and turned to walk out to the courtyard. She stopped, a small gasp escaping her. At the end of the corridor, watching her, a man was stood half in shadow. Jess’s heart began to thud as the man’s gaze locked with hers, burning into hers. He was tall – very, very tall, at least six five, and his huge body was expensively clad in an exquisite three piece suit. With his dark curls close-cropped and his face angular, he looked sculpted to perfection.
They stared at each other for a long moment then the Dean appeared and bore the man away. Jess let out her breath out in a rush. What the hell was that? She felt the blood burn hot through her body, a pulse beat between her legs. Jesus… The way he had been looking at her – as if he wanted to tear off her clothes, possess her… Jess turned and leaned her burning forehead against the cool stone wall. For a second, she closed her eyes and imagined what would have happened if the Dean hadn’t interrupted the moment. Would the man have come closer, pushed her against the wall, kissed her? The tension had crackled along the distance between them and now she fantasised that he’d lifted her up, tugged her panties aside and fucked her hard, right then, right there. She gave a small groan at the thought then pushed the thought away she stumbled out into the courtyard and found her seat amongst the other faculty and representatives.
What the hell’s the matter with me? She shook her head as the thought ripped through her. Was she that bereft of a sex life that she was imagining rough sex with a total stranger? Ummm yes. She sighed, shaking her head. The woman next to her gave her a strange look and Jess smiled sheepishly at her. The Dean was at the podium now and talking, and Jess tried to concentrate on what he was saying.
‘…head of the multinational property corporation that has not only specialised in high-end properties but also worked closely with Habitat for Humanity to bring much need shelter to those in need around the world. I’m pleased to introduce to you, Theodore Storm.’
Jess felt her heart flutter as the guy from the corridor stepped up and shook hands with the dean. Her first glimpse of him had not done him justice. He was gorgeous, a Greek god amongst his serfs. His expression serious but kind, and there was a smile on his full mouth. Looking at him was like staring at the sun, Jess decided, dangerous, risky, a threat to sanity but she tried to look away and couldn’t. As he began to speak, his low, melodic tone made his speech even more compelling and Jess was gratified to hear him speak of opportunity, and of hard work.
‘You’ll hear a lot from other about how this is your time…,’ Theo Storm fixed his audience with a confident and authoritative stare, ‘…and maybe it will be. What they won’t tell you is just how hard you will have to work if you want to achieve even one per cent of your ‘dreams’. Nothing – nothing – will be handed to you in this world. I say this as someone who grew up in a poor family. Yes, now I can live comfortably as anyone – but it took every ounce of everything I had to get there. Determination, willingness to work every minute of every hour. There was a point when I lived in my car to save on rent money.’ There was a murmur in the crowd and Theo grinned, shrugging good-naturedly. ‘I know, a property mogul living in his car. But,’ – his face turned serious again – ‘that’s what it takes. That kind of sacrifice. If you’re just interested in the latest iPhone, the latest cool sneakers as soon as you graduate then…go work for someone else, do the nine-to-five. There are some among you who will do that – and believe me, there’s nothing wrong with it if that’s all you’re looking for. Me, no. I couldn’t. I believe in going after what I want.’
And he looked directly at Jess, caught and held her stare… and held it…. and held it. Jess felt her heart falter then quicken, her cheeks flame scarlet as they gazed at each other. The crowd, silent, now started to murmur and Jess was aware of the people turning to gaze at her. A minute turned to two, then Theo cleared his throat and smiled at her.
‘There are always things beyond our reach seemingly,’ he spoke again, his even tone belying nothing of the fire burning in his eyes, ‘But the best way to combat that is this – pretend that it isn’t. Pretend you can have anyone – anything, I’m sorry, anything you want and you’re halfway there. So there it is. Thank you, Dean, for inviting me to speak and finally, my last words of advice are these…’ Storm grinned them and the sharp angles of his face softened, became boyish. He laughed briefly, still gazing at Jess, who couldn’t help returning his infectious smile. Theo nodded at her slightly then leaning into the mic, he spoke his final words. ‘’Be excellent to each other… and party on, dudes.’’
Jess was still giggling as she made her way back to the art department. Theo Storm was rich, gorgeous and as funny as hell. The whole package, she sighed, almost with longing. She relayed what had happened to an appreciative Gerry.
‘Well, you got your wish,’ he said before returning to his work. Jess sighed, flushing slightly. Almost. Her mind flittered back to that moment in the corridor, that feral need inside of her for Storm to take her in his arms and…
‘An Art Department with its own living, breathing work of art.’
His voice made her start, spin around. Theo Storm was leaning on the doorframe, grinning at her.
‘Hey,’ Theo couldn’t help from chuckling at her pained expression.
‘Um….hi.’ She had a low voice, almost a purr and it made his pulse quicken and his groin tighten. She was achingly beautiful: big brown eyes, long dark hair, and a curvy figure but it wasn’t that which drew Theo to this young stranger. It was her sense of humor, and her obvious intelligence.
He was aware he was staring and her face was becoming redder and redder from his intense scrutiny. He stepped towards her and saw her quiver, glancing into an office at the side of the big room. He saw a middle-aged man bent over his desk. Theo looked back at the girl and held out his hand.
‘Come with me.’ He was gratified when, despite a little hesitation, she slid her little hand into his and allowed him to lead her out of the room
Jess had no idea where he was taking her. All she knew was she would follow him anywhere. He led her outside to a waiting limo, opened the door for him and she slid into the back seat as if in a daze. He got in beside her and spoke to the driver, who nodded then put up the privacy screen. Theo smiled at her, touching his finger to her cheek.
‘Hey there, I’m Theo.’
She swallowed, wanting to lean into his touch. ‘Jess…I’m Jess.’
Next to him, she felt tiny, dwarfed as he moved his body closer, his palm cradling her face.
‘Hi Jess…’ he whispered, his face close to hers and then his mouth was on hers. She sank into the kiss, his soft lips moving against hers tenderly, his tongue gently exploring hers. She moaned softly and his kiss grew rougher, his breathing as laboured as hers. He pulled her onto his lap and she curved her arms around his neck as his hands slid around her waist, his big thumbs stroking her belly in a way that made her weak.
‘Christ, you’re beautiful,’ he murmured against her mouth. She opened her eyes to find him gazing at her with clear green eyes. She gasped slightly as his hand slid between her legs, caressed her through the cotton of her panties.
‘I want you,’ Theo Storm told her and every cell in her body melted at his words. She nodded, wanting him to tell her more.
‘We’re going to my apartment, Jess, and when we get there, I’m going to peel that dress from your glorious body and fuck you all night long. You are mine now, understand?’
She nodded, breathless, speechless. Was this really happening? If it was a dream, then she didn’t want it to end. She wanted this man to possess her completely, to never wake up from it. He kissed her again, a long, intoxicating kiss that made her head spin and then the limo was stopping.
She didn’t remember how they got from the car to the elevator, all she knew was that once inside, Theo drew the spaghetti strap of her dress down and exposed her left breast, catching the nipple in his mouth and sucking on it. She gasped at the feeling and felt her legs quiver. She tentatively slid her hand down to his groin, the feel of his thick heavy cock huge against her hand and the hot length of it thrilling her. Theo moaned at her touch and smiled down at her.
‘It will be inside you very, very soon, Jessica.’ His hand, stroking her already wet panties, slipped inside the cotton and his fingers started to rub her clit, sliding along her cleft to her sex. He slid two fingers into her, moving them in and out of her. Jess’s head was swimming now and she barely heard the elevator stop. Theo swung her up into his arms and kissed her as he carried to her towards what she supposed was his bedroom. He set her on her feet and true to his word, he unhooked the dress from her shoulders and let it slither to the floor. He dropped to his knees, burying his face in her soft belly and she felt his tongue circle and dipped into her navel, his lips against her skin. God, she wanted him so badly. She tugged at him and he laughed at her impatience, sweeping her onto the bed. He stroked her face tenderly.
Filthy Commitments: A Submissives’ Secrets Novel Page 103