by S. E. Law
Maddy’s lip trembles.
“She’s forty,” she says in a rigid voice.
I sigh.
“Exactly. Most of the showgirls are twenty-five, or even younger. This isn’t really a job for the middle-aged, and my guess is that your mother has been worn down by the experience. It’s kinder and gentler for us to let her go, Maddy. There’s no sense in beating an old horse when there’s nothing left in the gas tank.”
That makes the blonde girl fly into a rage. She literally charges me, screaming.
“Don’t you call my mother an old horse! Grace has more than a thousand times your value, you son of a bitch! She’s worked her tail off for this stupid Le Palms for more than a decade, and this is how you repay her?”
I fend off her blows, which is pretty easy because although Maddy is tall, I’ve got to be at least six inches taller. Not only that, but Maddy is thin and lithe, whereas I’m huge and burly. I’m all muscle, whereas she’s sensuous curves, and she doesn’t have a chance to strike me.
But against all odds, a small fist gets through my defenses, and her hand glances off my hard chest.
“You’re a raging asshole!” she’s screaming now. “You deserve to be murdered! I’m going to murder you myself! Ahhh-”
But then her screams are cut off because I’ve lowered my lips to hers, catching that delectable pout in a searing kiss. Madeline Mitchell is hot, sweet, and so angry that I can’t get enough.
24
Maddy
Cameron’s lips are like fire on mine, knowing, knowledgeable, and so demanding all at once. I beat my fists on that massive chest, looking to do bodily injury, but after a few seconds, my arms are snaking around his neck and burrowing into that thick, dark hair.
“Cameron,” I whisper. “Oh my god.”
He breaks away for a moment to look into my eyes. In the gloom, I notice for the first time that his eyes are actually navy blue, and not the flashing black that I’d assumed.
“Maddy,” he murmurs against my cheek before kissing me again. “Calm down. You come in here like a woman scorned but there’s more to the story. Just hear me out, okay?”
I shake my head, and to my horror, tears come to my eyes.
“But Grace is all I have, and I’m all she has,” I choke out. “And now, you’ve taken away my mother’s dignity. How could you do this?”
At that, the sobs begin in earnest, and my shoulders hunch over in pain. But to my surprise, Mr. Savage doesn’t push me away. Instead, he pulls me into his lap, cradling me with those strong arms as if I’m a little child. He strokes my back and murmurs sweet nothings against my temple.
“You’re going to be fine, Maddy. I’ll make sure of it, okay? You have nothing to worry about.”
I hiccup wildly before slapping a hand over my mouth. Have I lost all my dignity? This is the enemy, for crying out loud. What am I doing curled up in his lap and clinging to his massive form like a wet rat?
I sit up abruptly, looking into those blue eyes.
“Thanks,” I manage in a choked voice. “If you give my mom her job back, we’ll be so grateful.”
Cameron sits back then, but to my surprise he doesn’t let me go. Instead, he pulls me against his chest again. At first, I resist and stay tense, but then I give in and melt against that warm hardness. It’s so easy to pretend that everything’s going to be okay when I’m ensconced in his arms like this. It’s so easy to pretend that I’m a princess in a castle, and that my white knight will protect me from all the evils of the world outside.
“Listen to me, Maddy,” he rumbles. His voice is so deep that I can feel the vibrations in his chest, and merely press myself even closer to his masculine warmth. “It’s probably better that your mom was fired, okay? There are reasons why HR might fire someone. For example, she can collect unemployment if she’s fired, whereas if she quits, my understanding is that she won’t qualify for government help.”
But these words don’t sit right with me and I sit up indignantly again.
“Government help? My mom and I don’t need government help,” I say in a stiff voice. “We’ve always been on our own, and I’ll be damned if the Mitchell women live off of the government at this late stage.”
A corner of Cameron’s perfectly-sculpted lips quirk. He looks like he’s about to say something, and then changes his mind.
“How old are you, Maddy?” he asks gently.
I stare at him.
“I’m eighteen. I’m a senior at North Las Vegas High, and yes, before you ask, my mom had me young. She was little more than a girl herself when she got pregnant with me. It’s how all the women in our family are. We like to have our kids early.”
He nods thoughtfully.
“You do seem very ripe,” he rumbles in a low voice. What? What does that mean? But before I can press him, he tips my chin his way. I shiver at the electric contact, and the promise in his eyes shakes me to my core.
“How about I make you a deal, Maddy?”
I snort.
“Like the deal you made my mom? Did I mention that after she was removed from her showgirl position, your hotel offered her her old cleaning position back? So my mom can go back to vacuuming hotel rooms and picking up garbage? I swear, you have no respect for her dignity at all,” I say, tears pooling in my eyes. “Grace worked really hard to become a showgirl, and now you just want her to go back to square one.”
I nod.
“Yeah, that’s pretty heartless. Let me just say that I didn’t know about any of this, and that sometimes human resources at big companies can be a little wacky. The left hand doesn’t talk to the right hand, et cetera. We’ll find a better place for your mom at the hotel.”
I stare at him.
“But doing what? My mom can’t cook, she can’t clean, and I agree with you: she might be getting too old to wear high heels for eight hours a day. What else is there?”
Cameron looks thoughtful.
“How about an office job?”
I stare at him.
“But doing what? My mom’s not exactly good with numbers, so she can’t be an accountant. She’s even worse with computers, so she probably can’t even do something like answer the phones and take reservations.”
Cameron squints a bit.
“Really? No computer experience?”
I shrug.
“Grace has been working since she was young, but she’s always had people-pleasing kind of jobs. She was always the dog-walker, or someone who made drinks for you at the coffee shop. What is that position called again? Oh right, a barista. My mom has never been good at hitting the books, and as a result, she’s always been blue-collar. Not that we’re ashamed of it or anything. It just is what it is,” I say in a rush.
Cameron looks thoughtful.
“Okay, so she’s into some kind of customer service.”
“Without having to use computers,” I add quickly.
“Without having to use computers,” he repeats in a slow voice. Then the CEO turns to look at me with a gentle light in those blue eyes. “How if I send her to job re-training? That way she could learn to use computers and technology. Lots of people do it nowadays because the world is changing so fast. Besides, I think knowing how to use computers is a good thing, don’t you think? It’ll help her no matter what she does next.”
“You would do that for her?” I ask in an excited voice. “You would send my mom back to school?”
He chuckles a bit.
“I don’t know if this qualifies as sending her back to school, but yes, Le Palms can definitely help her enroll in some job re-training courses. There are plenty at a number of community colleges around Vegas, and this will give your mother some time to breathe as she gets back on her feet again.”
My cheeks grow warm and I practically do a little dance in his lap for joy.
“I’d appreciate it so much,” I say in an excited tone. “I didn’t mean to imply that my mom is terrible with technology. I mean, she can use the microwave an
d turn on the TV with the remote, no problem. But this re-training will definitely help her so much, and it’ll give her so many more options.”
He smiles at me, and again, I feel that warm balm seep into my soul once more. It’s nice to feel taken care of, and like my problems might go away because Cameron Savage has made it so. But then, I frown.
“But would it be okay for her to get a stipend while she’s training? Otherwise, we won’t have any money,” I say plainly. “We won’t be able to afford our rent, and I’m still in high school so I don’t have a job.”
The billionaire looks thoughtful, one large hand stroking a curl behind my ear.
“We can talk about a stipend, but I’m a businessman, honey. I don’t love giving things away for free. I’ve worked for everything I have, and I expect other people to do the same.”
I stare at him again, the bronzed skin so tanned and masculine against his white shirt collar.
“But my mom worked for you for ten years. Surely, that’s enough for a significant stipend? Or even something small just to get us through these difficult times. Please,” I say plaintively. I hate the begging tone in my voice, but this man literally has my family in the palm of his hand. I’ll do anything to save my mother, and to get us out of this bind.
Cameron looks thoughtful for another moment before turning to me with an unreadable gaze.
“Let’s compromise then, Maddy. High school is old enough to start working. Would you like to come work for me, here at Le Palms?”
I stare at him, trying to digest his offer.
“But doing what? I’m so sorry, Mr. Savage, but I don’t have many skills. I’m trying to take practical classes like Journalism and Home Ec, but you don’t need a reporter do you? Or a seamstress?”
He throws his head back and laughs.
“No, we don’t need a reporter, thanks. We have a PR firm that handles all our publicity for us. Although a seamstress could come in useful,” he muses with a gleam to his eye. “We do lose a lot of buttons on our curtain sashes, and there are always sheets to be repaired and all sorts of linens to be patched. How good are you with a sewing machine?”
I gape at him before snapping my mouth shut.
“Good enough,” I say bravely. “I’m happy to do whatever’s needed at your hotel. I’m happy to start tomorrow if you like.”
He throws his head back and laughs then, showing off even white teeth. God, this man is so handsome and I can hardly believe that we’re having this conversation. My heart pumps with a mixture of gratitude and undeniable attraction. It’s strange to know that Mr. Savage is sitting at the dials of the plane, and yet to not be afraid either. Somehow, in my heart of hearts, I know that Cameron won’t hurt us. I know that he may drive a hard bargain, but that it’ll be fair despite the fact that he has the upper hand.
“No Maddy,” he says in a gentle tone. “I think I can think of a better use for you than being a seamstress. I was thinking more along the lines of a personal assistant.”
I look at him dumbly.
“Um sure, but I can still go to school during the day, right? I have to,” I say with a bit of urgency in my voice. “I’m so close to graduating, and it’ll break Grace’s heart if I don’t finish.”
He nods, his lips quirking up in a smile again. Dark hair falls over his forehead in a comma, and I stop myself from brushing it away.
“You can stay in school,” he rumbles. “In fact, I’d insist upon it. It’s more of a night shift position, if you will,” he elaborates.
I nod quickly.
“Of course, that makes perfect sense. The casino comes alive during the evening, so you probably start your workday late and work into the wee hours, right? I’m sorry I didn’t think of that before.”
He nods.
“Yes, we definitely are a twenty-four hour joint, and much of our money is made between eleven p.m. and five a.m. But being my personal assistant is going to be heavy on the “personal” side. I should be clear about that.”
I nod furiously.
“Of course. I understand. I’m happy to sign a confidentiality agreement, or whatever you need.”
The handsome man nods thoughtfully.
“There’s that, but I, personally, will also need more.”
I stare at him. He’s so gorgeous, with the penetrating blue eyes, sharp cheekbones and cleft chin. He’s so powerful and masculine too. What could he want from someone like me?
“It’s no problem, Mr. Savage,” I say in a quiet tone. “I’m happy to do whatever you like.”
For the first time, his gaze turns sharp and hungry as it swings towards me.
“Good, Maddy. Because I’m looking to keep a woman at my beck and call, and given your luscious curves and sweet demeanor, I think you could be just the one.”
I gasp and stare at his chiseled features. But he doesn’t move a muscle and I realize that Cameron Savage is totally serious about this offer.
25
Cameron
“What do you mean, a ‘kept woman’?” Maddy asks me, her cheeks flushed pink. Her breasts heave delightfully and my hand is drawn to their heavy sweetness. However, I make myself stay utterly still because a wrong move could send her screaming right now.
I nod. My body is heated with arousal, but I have to stay calm because she’s so young and innocent.
“It’s what it sounds like,” I say. “I’m looking for a young, beautiful woman to be at my beck and call. She will be treated like a queen, but it also means that she’ll need to accommodate me in every way.”
Maddy continues to stare at me, her breathing coming fast.
“Like a sugar daddy?” she asks quietly.
“Yes,” is my simple reply. “Exactly like that. You will take up residence with me, here at Le Palms. You will be free to come and go as you like, but each night, you will grant me access to your delectable body, for as long as I like, and will be required to appear with me at select functions on occasion. Of course, there’s no need to worry about food, clothing, or other accoutrements. I’ll provide all of that at no cost.”
She gasps, her cheeks going scarlet now.
“So I will be a kept woman in the every sense of the word.”
I nod slowly.
“In every sense of the word, and especially when it comes to your beautiful body. I think we could be a match, Maddy. I could sense it when you walked in the door, and something in the air tells me that the vibe between us is right. Would you agree?”
She gasps again, unable to look away from my gaze. At first, I think she’s going to deny it, but then she nods and bites her lip.
“For how long?”
Good question. Smart girl. Maddy knows how to negotiate, and I respect that as a businessman. I cock my head and look at her. At the moment, I’d love to keep her for the long term, but I know I can’t scare her like that. Instead, I merely shrug.
“How about three months?”
She shakes her head, a determined look in her eye.
“That’s too long,” she says. “Besides, the coding course at the local community college is only six weeks.”
I know where she’s headed with this.
“For six weeks then,” I say. “So long as your mother is in school, you belong to me. Does that sound reasonable?”
She bites her lip again.
“Four weeks.”
I shake my head.
“No, that’s not going to fly, honey. Six is my final offer, take it or leave it. It’s fair too. You need my help while your mom isn’t working. This will cover that time, and you’ll have more than enough. Take the deal,” I say.
Although my voice is calm and neutral, inside my heart is pounding. I can’t explain it, but for some reason, the stakes feel incredibly high. I want Maddy Mitchell so much that the blood rushes through my veins with fire. My head pounds and my cock stiffens a bit, which makes her shift. Does she know how hard she has me? She has to, right? But there’s innocence in this woman, and slowly, she
nods.
“Okay, six weeks it is then, Cameron Savage. Do I have your word? You’ll pay me a stipend that covers my family’s living expenses while my mom is in school, and in return I’ll move in with you.”
I smile, hoping my expression doesn’t come off as too predatory.
“You got it, sweetheart. My word is my bond.”
She looks me in the eye again, still trembling, and then nods.
“Okay, I’ll do it.”
I throw my head back and laugh, smoothing one big hand down her waist and over her hip. This woman is curvy yet slim, which is amazing. She can’t weigh more than a feather, and yet I can feel the female sensuousness emanating from beneath the thick cotton.
“You have yourself a deal, Madeline Mitchell. My only question is: why don’t we start tonight?”
With that, the beautiful blonde turns to look at me with wide eyes.
“Tonight?” she gasps.
“Tonight,” I growl. “I’m ready to go, and judging from your body’s response, you are too.”
Before she can reply, I swoop down once more and claim her pink mouth with my own. After all, I’ve just made a bargain for access to Madeline Mitchell’s body and soul, and I intend to take what’s mine.
26
Maddy
I can’t believe this is happening. Or rather I can, but it’s like a movie. Handsome hotel CEO Cameron Savage is kissing me, little Madeline Mitchell, and I like it. In fact, I adore it. The sweep of his possession is overwhelming, and I melt helplessly beneath his commanding touch.
But suddenly, something makes me jerk away.
“Mr. Savage,” I say in a choked voice. “I want to do this, but I have to tell you: I’ve never been with another man.”
The flare in his blue eyes makes me shiver, and the intensity in his gaze deepens even more.
“Good,” he rasps. “So I’ll be the first to claim you, and to taste this beautiful body then.”