Breathless Trilogy

by Banks, Maya

  He was unhinged. It embarrassed him how little control he exerted around her. With no other woman had he ever shown such a lack of restraint. His actions and responses were always precise. With Mia, he had none of the calm and distance that had been a part of his life since he was a teenager.

  Hell, he’d all but mauled her. He’d raped her mouth, for God’s sake. He’d hurried her into his apartment, shoved her onto her knees and then forced himself down her throat. His self-loathing knew no bounds, and yet he couldn’t regret it. Worse, he knew he’d do it again. And again. He was already itching to get home later so he could have her in his bed, underneath him.

  He’d been furious over the lack of respect shown to Mia in the office by the other employees, but he was a huge hypocrite. He’d shown her a far greater lack of respect by treating her like the whore she feared she was. Not that he ever, even once, considered her any such thing. But his actions hadn’t mimicked his thoughts so far. His dick was doing all his thinking for him and it didn’t give a fuck that he wanted to slow down and not overwhelm her from the start. His dick wanted more. His hands and mouth wanted more. His lust for her was all consuming and it hadn’t shown any sign of waning thus far. If anything, it increased every time he made love to her.

  Made love. He wanted to laugh. That was a much softer term for what he’d done. Maybe he thought it in an attempt to make himself feel better. He’d fucked her senseless. He’d danced a very thin line in brutalizing her, and yet for all the remorse he felt, he knew that next time wouldn’t be any different no matter his intentions. He could say one thing all he wanted, but he was a damn liar and he knew it.

  “We’re here, Gabe,” Mia said, softly touching his arm.

  He pulled himself from his thoughts to see they were parked at the corner by the club. Recovering quickly, he got out and then went around to open Mia’s door and helped her from the car.

  She looked fucking amazing, and he had a sinking feeling that no matter the fact he’d chosen clothing for her that was purposely unrevealing, there would be no less attention than if she’d shown up in the dress she’d worn to the grand opening.

  Mia was a beautiful woman, and there was something special about her that drew people to her. She’d even stand out in a crowd wearing a burlap sack.

  Cupping her elbow in a casual manner, he guided her toward the entrance. It took every bit of his restraint not to haul her into his side and put his stamp of possession on her for the world to see, but he wouldn’t embarrass her, and he wouldn’t threaten her relationship—or his—with Jace. Knowing she was his behind closed doors was enough. But he’d be damned if he watched other men fawn over Mia tonight either.

  As they reached the entrance to the room reserved for the cocktail party, Gabe put a respectable distance between himself and Mia. Every instinct screamed to have her close, to put the invisible hands off to any other man, but he forced himself to remain cool and distanced. She was here in a business capacity. Nothing else. She wasn’t here as his date, his lover, his woman. Even if they both knew differently.

  As soon as they walked in, Mitch Johnson saw them through the crowd and nodded before making his way toward where Gabe and Mia stood.

  “Showtime,” Gabe murmured.

  Mia did a quick survey of the crowd and then focused in on Mitch, who was nearly to them. She put a genuine smile on her face and stood attentively at Gabe’s side as they waited.

  “Gabe, glad you could make it on such short notice,” Mitch said, extending his hand.

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” Gabe said smoothly.

  He turned to Mia. “Mitch, I’d like you to meet my personal assistant, Mia Crestwell. Mia, this is Mitch Johnson.”

  She extended her hand with a warm, inviting smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Johnson. Thank you for having us.”

  Mitch looked delighted with Mia, a fact that made Gabe want to scowl, but he forced his composure to remain intact. Mitch was happily married. He wasn’t the type to stray. But he was looking at Mia, and it pissed Gabe off.

  “The pleasure is all mine, Mia. Please do call me Mitch. Can I get you two drinks? Gabe, there are several people I’d like you to meet.”

  “Nothing for me,” Mia murmured.

  Gabe shook his head. “I’ll get something later, perhaps.”

  Mitch gestured toward the crowd. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll make the necessary introductions. I’ve been speaking with several business colleagues. They’re very interested in your California venture.”

  “Excellent,” Gabe said in satisfaction.

  He and Mia followed Mitch through the crowd and Mitch took them to meet various parties, made introductions. The entire time business was discussed, Mia stood at Gabe’s side, her expression one of interest. She was good. This had to be boring as hell for her, but she didn’t let on if she was.

  She completely surprised him when, in one of the conversation lulls, she looked at Trenton Harcourt and said, “And how is your daughter doing at Harvard? Is she enjoying her studies so far?”

  Trenton looked taken aback and then beamed. “She’s doing very well. My wife and I are very proud of her.”

  “I’m sure business law is a tough curriculum, but think of how useful she’ll be to your own endeavors when she graduates. Always nice to have connections within the family,” Mia said, a twinkle in her eye.

  The group laughed and Gabe felt a surge of pride. Apparently she had studied up.

  Then he watched as she took over the gathering, addressing personalized comments to the other men present. She maintained a steady flow of conversation and had the men completely in her thrall. He watched closely, waiting for any inappropriate look or remark, but the men were courteous and seemed utterly charmed by Mia’s sweetness.

  “Are you any relation to Jace Crestwell?” Mitch asked, when the conversation paused.

  Mia went still but maintained her composure. “He’s my brother.” Her tone was almost defensive, just an edge that Gabe caught, though he doubted the others picked up on it.

  “I got her first,” Gabe said lazily. “She’s smart and perfect for the position as my PA. I don’t mind fighting Jace for who brings her into the business.”

  The others laughed.

  “Smart man, Gabe. Always a hardass in business. But hey, to the victor goes the spoils, eh?” Trenton said.

  “Exactly,” Gabe replied. “She’s a valuable asset and one I have no intention of allowing to slip through my fingers.”

  Mia’s face bloomed with color but the pleasure in her eyes was well worth Gabe’s making the effort to ensure he made it clear he valued Mia as an employee.

  “If you’ll excuse me and Mia, I see a few other people I need to say hello to,” Gabe said smoothly.

  He cupped her elbow and steered her away from the group, and started across the room to get them both a drink when he came to a complete stop, his gaze riveted on the doorway. He uttered a curse beneath his breath, but Mia heard it, and she glanced up, her brows furrowed. Then she followed his gaze to the door and grimaced.

  His father had just entered the room, a gorgeous, much younger blonde wrapped securely around his arm. Damn it. What was his father doing here? Why hadn’t he let Gabe know so that at least he’d be prepared? After seeing his mother over the weekend and doing all he could to lift her spirits, it angered him to see his father here with his latest arm candy.

  Mia touched his arm, her face a wreath of sympathy. There was no way to avoid the confrontation. His father had already seen him and was making his way through the crowd in Gabe’s direction.

  “Gabe!” his father said, his eyes brightening as he approached. “Glad I caught you here. It’s been too long since we saw each other last.”

  “Dad,” Gabe said shortly.

  “Stella, I’d like you to meet my son, Gabe. Gabe, this is Stella.”

  Gabe nodded curtly but didn’t extend a warm greeting. His skin itched and he only wanted to be away from this situation
. All he could picture was his mother’s face, the sadness in her eyes. The confusion and betrayal she still felt after her husband of thirty-nine years had abruptly left her.

  “It’s a pleasure,” Stella said huskily, her gaze drifting with lingering precision over Gabe.

  “How have you been, Son?” his father asked. If he noticed the awkwardness, he didn’t react. Or maybe he was completely oblivious to all the hurt he’d caused his family by his actions.

  “Busy,” Gabe said shortly.

  His father waved his arm. “Like that’s anything new. You should take some time off. Take a break. I’d love to have you out to the house. It would be nice to catch up on all that’s going on with you.”

  “What house?”

  Gabe’s voice would have frozen fire.

  “Oh, I purchased a house in Connecticut,” his father said airily. “I’d love for you to see it. We could have dinner. Are you free any night this week?”

  Gabe’s jaw clenched until it ached. Mia softly cleared her throat and then stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face.

  “Would you like something to drink, Mr. Hamilton? I’m going to run to the ladies’ room a moment, but on my way back I’d be happy to get you and Gabe something.”

  Gabe’s father looked at her in puzzlement a moment before recognition flared in his eyes. “Mia? Mia Crestwell? Is that really you?”

  Gabe’s father had only met her on two occasions, when Mia was much younger, and only briefly. He was surprised his father even remembered.

  Mia nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m working for Gabe now as his personal assistant.”

  His father smiled and leaned over to kiss Mia’s cheek. “My how you’ve grown up. The last time I saw you was years ago. You’ve grown into quite a lovely young lady.”

  “Thank you,” Mia said. “Now about that drink?”

  “Scotch on the rocks,” his father said.

  “Nothing for me,” Gabe said flatly.

  Mia sent Gabe a look filled with sympathy and then hurried away in the direction of the ladies’ room. He couldn’t blame her. There was so much tension in the air that it was extremely awkward.

  He watched her retreat and realized how much he wanted to be away from this place. In his apartment, behind closed doors, Mia in his arms, him losing himself in her over and over.

  “So how about that dinner?” his father persisted.

  • • •

  Mia escaped into the ladies’ room in relief. Since she had no need of the facilities and it was just an excuse to escape the uncomfortable situation between Gabe and his father, she touched up her lipstick and surveyed her reflection in the mirror.

  To her surprise, the door opened and Stella walked in, positioning herself at the mirror next to Mia. Stella glanced over conspicuously before reapplying her lipstick as well.

  “So, tell me,” Stella began, still intent on her lipstick application. “Is the gossip true about Gabe Hamilton and the expectations he has for his women?”

  Startled, Mia nearly dropped her lipstick and fumbled to tuck it back into her small clutch. She turned to Stella, taken aback by her brazenness.

  “Even if I knew the details of Mr. Hamilton’s personal life, I would most certainly not betray such a confidence.”

  Stella rolled her eyes. “Come on, give a girl the inside track. I’d love to get up next to him and if he’s the beast I suspect in bed, bring it on.”

  Mia shook her head. “You’re here with his father.”

  Stella waved her hand dismissively. “Money. But Gabe has a lot more and he’s younger and more virile. If you can have the younger Hamilton, why wouldn’t you go for it? Got any tips for me? You work for him. Surely you’ve had to deal with his past women at some point.”

  Mia shouldn’t have been shocked, but frankly she was befuddled by the straightforward, unapologetic grasping of the other woman. Not knowing how to begin to respond, she simply turned and exited the bathroom. She shook her head as she headed toward the bar. She couldn’t believe the woman’s daring!

  She ordered the Scotch and then waited as the bartender poured the drink. After, she turned, seeking Gabe and his father in the crowd. They were still standing where she’d left them, and Gabe looked anything but happy.

  His face was cold, his eyes hard. It was as if he were facing an opponent he fully intended to wipe the face of the earth with.

  She blew out her breath. She knew it had to suck to have your parents split up after so many years. Gabe had grown up in a healthy, stable home environment while she and Jace had struggled to pull the pieces back together when their parents were killed. In a way, Gabe’s parents’ divorce was much like losing them, even if they were still alive, because nothing would ever be the same again and he’d be forced to view his parents as separate entities now.

  She grimaced when she saw Stella return to where Gabe and his father stood. The woman had no hesitancy whatsoever as she looped her arm through Gabe’s, turning up her one-hundred-watt smile as she blatantly flirted.

  Her tinkly laughter drifted to Mia as she neared with the drink. To Mia’s surprise, Gabe returned Stella’s smile, one of those seductive, killer smiles that immediately put Mia’s back up. It was a smile Gabe used when he was on the prowl. A smile that told the woman there was no question he was interested.

  What the ever-loving hell?

  Mia stood a few steps in front of the men, unnoticed, as she attempted to control the vicious jealousy—and anger—that surged through her veins. She wasn’t a jealous person, she reminded herself.

  To hell with that. She was insanely jealous and she wanted nothing more than to tear the blonde’s hair out by the roots. Was Gabe out of his mind? Was this the sort of woman who appealed to him? One clearly out for only what she could gain?

  But then he preferred no emotional entanglements in his relationships. He demanded it. But over her dead body was he going to flirt with some floozy when he had a contract with Mia. She’d kick both their asses if that’s what it took.

  She shoved forward, extending the drink to Gabe’s father.

  “Thank you, my dear,” Mr. Hamilton said with a warm smile.

  Stella turned a pout up at Gabe. “Dance with me, Gabe. The music’s just going to waste and I’m ready to move.”

  Gabe chuckled and it grated on every one of Mia’s nerves.

  “If you’ll excuse us,” Gabe said to his father. He didn’t even look at Mia as he guided Stella toward the section marked for dancing.

  Mia stared in absolute astonishment as Gabe pulled the blonde into his arms—way too damn close for some casual dance—and he smiled down at her. Smiled! He rarely smiled at anyone.

  And he’d left her with his father, which was awkward enough given the fact that Gabe had just walked away with his father’s date. She couldn’t very well escape to the bathroom again. She’d already used up that excuse.

  She noticed Mr. Hamilton’s frown as his gaze drifted to where Gabe and Stella were dancing. She was helpless to avert her own gaze, her anger growing by the minute when she saw Gabe’s hand suggestively slide down the woman’s body.

  To hell with this. She wasn’t going to stand around while Gabe felt up some other woman—his father’s date no less! She’d done her duty. She’d been nice and personable. She’d schmoozed his investors and rattled off all that useless trivia she’d spent the afternoon memorizing.

  She had better things to do. Mainly go home and vent to Caroline.

  chapter sixteen

  “What a jerk,” Caroline said. “I can’t believe he let that skank attach herself to him like that. Especially when he has you!”

  Mia smiled at the fierce loyalty in her friend’s voice. The two were slouched on the couch after Mia had rid herself of the dress that just stood as a mockery of her entire evening. Fat lot of good it had done to look fabulous when Gabe’s attention was directed elsewhere.

  No one knew of her relationship with Gabe, which meant no one knew of her embarrassment,
but it hadn’t prevented the heavy cloak of humiliation she suffered.

  “Who knows what he’s thinking,” Mia said wearily. “But I wasn’t going to hang around there and watch those two make goo-goo eyes at each other. It was nauseating.”

  “And you shouldn’t!” Caroline exclaimed.

  Her eyes gleamed with sudden light, and that was a signal to Mia that she should probably run.

  “So is he as good as I imagine him to be in the sack?”

  Mia sighed in exasperation. “For God’s sake, Caro.”

  “Hey, give me something to work with here. All I have are fantasies. You have the real thing.”

  “He’s a god, okay? He blew me away. Nothing to compare it to, and I’ve had good in the past. I’ve just never had holy-shit good before.”

  “Day-um,” Caroline said in a mournful voice. “I knew it was some heavy shit when you called to have me get a bag ready for you. Didn’t even work for him a day before you had a sleepover. The dude moves fast. You have to hand it to him.”

  Mia scowled. “Yeah, he moves fast all right.”

  “So you want to order takeout and gorge ourselves on the ice cream in the freezer? Or did you already eat?”

  Mia shook her head. “We were supposed to have dinner after the cocktail party. That was until Blondie hit the scene.”

  Caroline reached for her phone. “Pizza sound good?”

  “That sounds heavenly,” Mia breathed.

  As Caroline was looking through her contacts, the buzzer sounded. Mia got up, motioning for Caroline to stay put. “You call the food in. I’ll see who it is.”

  She went to the intercom and pressed the button. “Yes?”

  “Mia, get your ass down here right now.”

  Gabe’s furious voice filled the apartment. Caroline dropped her phone, her eyes wide.

  “What’s the point, Gabe?” Mia said, allowing her irritation to bleed through.

  “Swear to God if you don’t get your ass down here right now, I’ll come up there and haul you out myself, and I don’t give a damn if you’re dressed or not. You have three minutes to make an appearance.”