by C. A. Bell
“Hello, Brooke Knight here.”
“Hello, Miss Knight. I was expecting a call from you.”
“I bet you were. Now, let’s cut to the chase. What is Lennox Grant up to?”
“Up to?”
“Yes. First he allows me over to tell me all about his apparent night with Jasmine, knowing full well it would spark a feud. And now that she has retaliated, I’m getting snotty emails threatening me with compensation and slander.”
“All I can tell you, Miss Knight, is that my client is very upset by this story and that you should go ahead and seek legal advice.”
“I am not about to go wasting my time. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on.”
“On the contrary. Damage of reputation. Loss of earnings. Your little article has just lost him a commercial with a big, big company.”
“That’s not my problem.”
“It is since you basically called him a rapist and warned women to stay away.”
“I did nothing of the sort.”
“Come, come, Miss Knight. You knew exactly how the public would take this article.”
“I only printed what I was told. Just like I did for Lennox. It’s my job.”
“All the same, I have been instructed to tell you to seek legal representation.”
I wanted so badly to scream down his ear, to tell him Lennox was a cock head and I hated him, but I didn’t. I remained as professional as I possibly could.
“Very well. Thank you, and good day.”
I slammed the phone down.
What the hell was going on? In all my years I’d never been in a position like this. Sure, I’d had threats of slander, but I knew they’d fall through, and they did. But this. This was different. Lennox had set this up. Right from the start he was playing games. But why? Something didn’t add up.
I pressed the intercom. “Ava?”
“Yes?”
“Get me Fred Williams on the line, please.”
“Shit. Really? What’s happening?”
“Just do it. I’ll bring you up to speed later.”
****
I swirled the clear liquid in the glass then took a sip. The gin hit the back of my throat and burnt before the tonic fizzled and eased the sting.
After spending all day waiting for Fred to call back after our conversation about Lennox, I gave in at seven pm and decided to hit Bar Noir again. He’d told me that I’d be fine and he would talk to Lennox’s people and sort it all. Well, he’d said that hours ago, and still I’d heard not a peep. I trusted Fred. He’d been my legal man since Suave had taken off and he’d always done right by me. Williams and Co. were the best solicitors in London and they were on my side. I was in a good position, but still I felt uneasy about the whole situation. Maybe it was because I’d had sex with Lennox. Or maybe it was this crush I had on his ex that was putting me in a vulnerable position. Whatever it was, I didn’t like it one bloody bit.
I looked up to check out my surroundings. The place was busy for a Wednesday night. Conversation and jazzy music buzzed in the air, creating a sophisticated feeling. I didn’t usually stop by at a bar on the way home from work, but the last couple of nights I’d needed to. Sure, I could have just sat at home alone and drunk myself into oblivion. But that wasn’t good. I needed to be in a social environment when I drank, otherwise my mind would wonder and force me to become depressed. At least when I was out I had other things to concentrate on. Plus, I was convinced I’d bump into Lennox and/or Jasmine in here. It was only a matter of time. And when I finally got my hands on Lennox, I was going to make him feel so small that his dick would be twice the size of him. But if I got my hands on Jasmine, I was going to do quite the opposite. The girl had sparked a need in me, a primal urge to have her. But now it was more than that. I didn’t just want her for my own sexual need. I wanted her to piss Lennox off. He obviously still had feelings for the woman, and who could blame him? She was stunning.
A guy at the end of the bar caught my eye. I wasn’t in the mood for playing tonight, unless Jasmine walked in, so I turned my attention elsewhere.
As the night went on and numerous men and women tried to catch my eye, I kept a watch on my phone, just waiting for Fred to call and tell me he’d sorted it. But come nine-thirty, I deflated. I was going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the hell was going on now. I picked up my drink and knocked it back, just in time to see Max entering.
Oh shitting hell.
I could do without this. I snatched my bag from the counter and swiftly moved to sit behind one of the pillars. I watched him from my hiding place as he ordered a drink before glancing around. Why was he here again, and on a Wednesday night?
Something caught his eye across the room and his lips curled into a sexy smile. Ah, he was here on a date maybe? I leant back in my chair to see who the lucky lady was, but I couldn’t see anyone. He paid for his drink, took a sip, then stared over into the corner of the room again.
I frowned. Who was he looking at? My curiosity took hold. I rose from my stool and headed behind the bar, completely out of his view, until I halted as I saw two women sat in a booth.
Holy fuck.
Jasmine Chambers and a blonde woman were occupying the circular seat. Tonight had just become very interesting. Max was obviously looking at these women, but which one? I decided to watch this play out. Taking a seat in the corner of the room behind a thick green house plant, I observed, my eyes darting from Max to Jasmine.
He picked his glass up from the bar, straightened his grey suit jacket, and began to strut his fine frame in their direction.
Breaking Up the Party
Max Harper
After a day of much needed rest due to my couple of crazy nights, I decided to get my sexy butt out of bed and take another trip to Bar Noir. Jasmine Chambers had been on my mind again. I’d spent most of my waking moments thinking about Brooke Knight and her wild arse, but Jasmine had pushed her fine frame to the forefront of my mind many times. I had to get me a piece of that, and before the end of the month and the cigar tasting session. I’d made a pledge to myself that I would be able to waltz in there, dick high, and tell them all that I’d had two of the hottest women on the earth.
After getting suited and booted, I made my way to the bar via smelly taxi cab. When I’d got in, I immediately opened both of the back windows. I was worried that if I didn’t the awful lemon infusion that occupied the space might somehow seep into the fabric of my suit. And walking into a bar smelling like toilet cleaner was not a good thing.
When the taxi pulled up outside, I sang a quiet hallelujah in my head, paid him quickly, got out, and headed into the bar.
When I entered, I headed straight for a drink. The bar was situated in the middle of the room—best position for scouting.
I ordered a scotch on the rocks and checked out my surroundings. When I saw the brunette across the room, sat opposite a blonde, I nearly lost my eyeballs they popped out so far. Was that her? It looked like her, but there was no way my luck was that good. If it was and I could get her back to mine and her panties around her ankles before midnight, I could say I’d had them both within the same day. Holy Christ, this had to happen.
I paid the barman and took a sip from my drink before straightening my jacket and going straight in for the kill. The sooner I got over there, the sooner she’d be in my bed.
I approached their table, confirming the fact that it was her.
“Ladies.” I smiled.
They both looked up.
“Hi.” The blonde grinned.
“May I?”
She shuffled along. “Sure.”
Okay, her friend was ready to drop her drawers, but Jasmine didn’t seem the least bit bothered by my presence. Great, she was the play hard to get type, just what I needed. I glanced at the time. I had two hours and eleven minutes to get her on her back with her legs in the air. Doable? For any other bloke, no. But for me, totally.
“I’m Max Harper,” I said, look
ing for an introduction.
“I’m Lesley.” She pulled her hand to her chest. “And this is Jasmine.” She gestured with a nod.
“Nice to meet you both. Can I get you ladies a drink?”
“White wine spritzer, please.” Lesley smiled.
I glanced at Jasmine.
She lifted her half empty glass. “I’m fine for now, thank you.”
“Okay.” I rose, hitching my trousers as I did, giving the pair an eyeful. If that didn’t get her attention, I didn’t know what would.
As I walked away, I heard them giggle. They’d seen. Now, it was only a matter of lines.
Coming back with the blonde’s drink, I noticed them both looking my way, talking. It was a classic sign that a guy had pulled. Once they started their quiet girly gassing, you could bet your life you were in. Problem here was, I was getting the feeling I was only in with Lesley. And that was great, but only if she brought her friend along.
I set the white wine down on the table and sat.
“So, do you ladies come here often?”
“Classic line, Max.” Lesley tittered.
“Oh, trust me, if I’d thrown a line, you would not be giggling.” I winked.
“What would I be doing?”
“Heaving with the desire to rip my clothes off probably.”
Jasmine laughed, sarcasm apparent. “Now that was a line. And an awful one at that.”
I grinned. She was loosening up.
“Granted that was a bad line, but she did ask for it.”
“Oh, she’ll ask for anything.”
“Hey.” Lesley leaned over and smacked her arm, lightly.
“What? It’s true. You may as well tell the guy now to get his coat.”
Lesley swiveled to face me, her silky looking dress aiding her smooth transition against the leather chair. “Excuse my friend. She’s just uptight because her lover has left her for the week again and she knows she’s only got herself to play with.”
“Well, now. That can soon be rectified, I’m sure.”
“Hi, Jasmine.”
I looked in the direction of the familiar voice. No way. Brooke Knight. I grinned. She’d obviously come to claim her man for another shagathon. But well, tonight she would have to face the nasty stab of rejection. I was taking Jasmine home tonight. If she wanted to come, then fuck me she could. But if not, she’d be leaving here with a sour taste in her mouth. And it wouldn’t be my spunk.
Brooke Knight
I’d waited long enough. The drinks had been brought, the jokes were being told, and it was as clear as day he was after Jasmine.
I stood up, drink in hand and headed to break up his party.
I approached. “Hi, Jasmine.”
They all looked up and smiled, Max included.
“Oh, hi, Brooke. Please, won’t you join us?”
“I’d love to.”
I slipped onto the circular chair next to Jasmine, opposite Max, and shot him a mischievous smile. He had no idea what was going on. If we were playing poker right now, I’d have been whooping his arse. Mhm, I held all the cards. He hadn’t a bloody clue what was about to happen. I’d let him watch me seduce her. I’d even let him join in for a while. But when she left here tonight, her hands would be down my knickers, NOT in his pants. And if he wanted to crash the party, I might let him. It all depended on how he dealt with the rejection. If he dealt with it like a man, then he could hop on in the Bentley with us. But if he didn’t, he could eat our dust while he watched us drive away.
“How are you?” I asked, getting comfortable.
“Better, thanks to you. Listen, thanks for helping me out. I know it’s caused a bit of an uproar…”
I hate you, Lennox Grant.
“But I really appreciate you hearing me out.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s my job.” I squeezed her leg.
She placed her hand on top of mine. “All the same.”
I slipped my hand off her leg slowly before holding it out to the blonde. “Brooke Knight, owner of Suave magazine.”
“Lesley.” She smiled and seized my hand.
I did the same to Max. He frowned for a second and then gripped my open invitation. “Max Harper.”
It was best that we acted like we didn’t know each other. It would only complicate things and get messy if we both tried to come up with a story as to how we knew one another. And saying that we’d only met the night before, and went home and shagged into the early hours, was not good conversation for picking someone up.
“Nice to meet you both.”
“I’ve not seen you in here before, Brooke. What brings you here?”
“If I’m honest, I’ve always wanted to drop in. It’s on my way home, but I’ve just never had the time.”
“It’s a great place,” Jasmine started. “One of our favourites.” She gestured to Lesley.
“Well, it was until that arsehole Lennox started showing up,” her friend butted in.
I swallowed my rage back down my throat. The mere mention of his name made me want to scream.
“Hmm… not good. But I doubt he’ll be back in after that article today. I’d be surprised if the doormen even let him in,” I said, fishing for information.
“I wouldn’t put it past him,” Jasmine said. “And I wouldn’t count on them not letting him in. One flash of that cheesy grin and thick wallet…”
My mind instantly fell to his thick shaft.
“… and he can worm his way in anywhere.”
“Ladies,” Max said, leaning across the table, “why so serious? Let’s lighten the mood, shall we?”
Lesley stuck her hand in the air. “I second that.”
“You’re right. I don’t want to talk about that arsehole.” Jasmine picked her drink up and took a gulp. “What do you do, Max?”
I leaned back and folded my arms, observing him with a smile. If he was going to use that God awful line about the line of business again, I was going to kick him so hard under the table for being a cheddar ball.
“I’m an entrepreneur.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Nice,” Jasmine chimed.
“I’m in the fashion industry,” Lesley piped up.
Max twisted his neck to look at her. “Really? What line?” He shot me a wry smile.
You knobhead.
“I work on the catwalks. Well, not on the catwalk. I do the backstage stuff. Get the girls ready. Zip them up, fluff their frills. You know, that kind of thing.”
“Sounds like my kind of job.” Max winked before turning his gaze to Jasmine. “How about you, Jasmine? What do you do?”
Pfft, as if he didn’t know.
“I’m a clothes designer.”
“Really? Mens, ladies?”
“Lingerie for women. I hope to branch out into men’s fashion soon, though.”
“Well, if you need a model.”
She grinned, and I couldn’t blame her for doing so. The man was as cheesy as they came, but there was something so charming about him. I smiled, too, before stepping in, giving them no chance to connect.
“I love your lingerie, Jasmine. I have several sets of my own,” I lied.
“Really? Oh, wow. That is just… You’ve made my day. Brooke Knight wears my underwear.”
I laughed, catching the naughty smile on Max’s lips in my peripheral vision.
“Oh God.” She rested her hand on my leg. “That sounded naughty.”
“A bit of naughtiness never hurt anyone,” I teased.
She dipped her head slightly, cheeks flushing with colour before looking up and smiling from under her lashes.
Bye bye, Mr. Harper.
Vibrating through the seat made me jump, and Jasmine pulled out her phone.
“Excuse me.” She stood. “I need to take this.”
I moved my legs to the side and allowed her to squeeze past, her coconut aroma filling my nose. Max caught my eye and frowned. Had he only just picked up on the fact that I was moving in on her?
“So, Brooke.” He lifted his glass. “What brings you out alone tonight?” He paused, his lips inches away from the rim. “You are alone, right?”
“I am. And I just needed a little pick me up after a very stressful day at work.” I raised my glass, mirroring his actions. “What’s your excuse?”
“Same.” He nodded.
“Busy day at the office, huh?” I mocked.
“Very.” He smiled.
“Lesley, we need to hit the road,” Jasmine said, stood at the table.
Both Max and I snapped our heads in her direction. Seriously? She was going? And just as she was starting to get hot for me.
The Bet
Max Harper
“Were you making a move on her?” I asked after watching Jasmine’s arse swaying away, leaving me totally frustrated.
“What’s it to you?”
I shrugged. “Nothing, I suppose. Just didn’t have you down for a… what’s the word?”
“Pussy licker?”
I chuckled at her directness. “That’ll do.”
“Well, if you must know. Yes, I like pussy, too.”
My balls tightened. Holy moly, could the woman get any sexier?
My expression remained cool and collected while my dick pulsed in my pants at her words and the thought of my ultimate threesome fantasy becoming a reality.
“Well, I didn’t expect to hear that. Never would have guessed you batted for both teams.”
“Now you know.” She grinned, before taking a swig of her drink.
I watched her neck swell as she swallowed. I couldn’t believe my tongue had been there last night. Right there on her beautiful skin, tasting her flesh.
I shuffled against the seat as my semi started to become uncomfortable.
“I didn’t mean to step on your toes and ruin your chances. Thought you were after the blonde one.”
I laughed. If she really thought she’d killed my chances, she was well and truly mistaken.
“What are you laughing at?”
“Nothing.”
“What? Oh, wait. Let me guess. You’re laughing because how could I, a mere woman, spoil Max Hamilton’s—”