I laugh to myself. Of course, I wouldn't have expected any less. The Reapers play to win and with weapons like that in their arsenal, I can see why they're so successful.
I nod towards the new arrival. “Please take a seat, Miss. Rogers.”
She walks toward me and I try not to stare. I usually like to appreciate the sight of a gorgeous woman but this is business and my own interest in this woman will have to be put aside. Like most things in my life, I like the finer things and they don't come much finer than her, but my usual habits don't count here. I like no strings attached and no commitment. I sample women like I do a fine wine. I appreciate their taste and savor the delights but the glass is soon empty. Past the obvious they don't interest me. I suppose it's because the supply never runs dry when you're the most eligible bachelor in town. At least that's what the tabloids call me.
Samuel Carrington, billionaire owner of Carrington steel and self-made man. Success comes at a price and I have paid dearly. No time for anything but business. I use and abuse and pay my way with gifts and trinkets as a thank you for the company they give me. All women are whores to men like me, they just don't know it. Happy to be seen with a rich man and live the lifestyle they think they deserve. Well, in my book you have to earn your own way in life. Taking the freeloader option is not allowed, so I cast them out before they get too comfortable.
As I see the woman looking thoughtfully at me across the desk, I sense something different. She isn't here for me, she's here for the man I owe everything to and for the first time, I don't like what that’s doing to me inside.
I nod. “I understand Ryder sent you here on a particular task. Are you sure you're ok with it?”
She nods. “Of course, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here now. Despite what you think, Mr. Carrington, I make my own decisions and this is no exception.”
I smile inside. I love her attitude. She isn't looking at me with puppy dog eyes or flashing me sultry looks. She is here to do a job and must be curious as to what's involved. I'm not sure why but the devil grabs hold of my soul and I nod coolly.
“I've arranged a room at my apartment for your stay with me. Selina will call Baxter to take you there. Everything you need is in your room and you may as well settle in this afternoon. I’ll be back at 7 and we leave at 7.30.
Wear the outfit hanging on the hook on the closet door, in its entirety. I'll explain what's involved on the way.”
Reaching for my phone, I call Selina.
“Miss. Rogers will need the car, tell Baxter he has five minutes.”
I look across the desk and she doesn't waver. She just nods and stands, holding out her hand.
“Until 7, Mr. Carrington.”
Then she turns away and heads out the way she came not two minutes before. She doesn't look back and I feel strangely sorry to see her go. I know I acted like a first-class asshole but I wanted to see how she'd react. She needs to know who she's dealing with. The men she seeks to destroy are far worse than me.
For a second something eats at me inside. This doesn't seem right. I'm not sure why but I don't want to use her in this way. Shaking my head, I turn my attention back to my work as I always do and push the thought of her from my mind.
Katherine
Selina escorts me off the premises not five minutes after she brought me here. She smiles as we walk. “Impressive, isn't he?”
I shrug. “If you like that sort of thing.”
I almost laugh out loud at the expression on her face. She doesn't believe that I'm immune to someone like him. Maybe Kitty wouldn't but the new me has no time for drop dead gorgeous assholes. He knew it, I could see it in his eyes. He watched me for any sign of interest; I saw it and rebelled against it. I'm used to guys like him. I've lived with them for three years. As soon as you show an interest, they're inside you. Well, not this time. It's strictly business all the way from now on. Despite the fact he was one of the most attractive men I have ever seen, it was easy to cast that aside. No, I’m nursing a broken heart and he would only pour salt on the open wound. Now the only thing that interests me is the job in hand.
I wait for the car and as expected a large impressive limo turns up - flash bastard. Baxter seems nice though and nods respectfully at me as he holds open the door. I smile and raise my eyes.
“Can I ride up front with you, Baxter? I’m not one for playing this servant thing.”
His eyes twinkle and he closes the door. Moving along he opens the passenger door.
“As you wish, ma’am.”
As I take my seat I flash him an impish smile.
“Cut the crap, Baxter, you can call me Katherine.”
He smiles and I think I see him laughing as he heads around to the other side of the car.
As we head off I chat to him about his work
“So, tell me, Baxter, how long have you worked for Mr. Carrington?”
“It must be just over a year.”
“Do you like it?”
He nods. “Yes. Mr. Carrington is a decent man. So many others are rude and dismissive but he’s fair and fairly easy going.”
I settle back and think of the man I’ve just left in his ivory tower. I’m betting everything Mr. Carrington wants he gets. It was obvious just by one look at the man.
I look at the scenery flashing past and see the world through the eyes of the privileged. This is their world. Everything they want is there for the taking. They don’t have to worry about where the next meal’s coming from or if they’ll make the rent this month. They look down on those less fortunate and surround themselves with company who doesn’t question or judge. These people are nothing to me. The ones I like to live among are considered the lowest form of life. Bikers who instill fear and drive desperation. Yet those men have more honor and class in their little fingers than the Sam Carrington’s of this world. My heart breaks as I think of what I’ve left behind. Security, comfort and desire. There, I was part of something big. We lived life on the edge of society and wouldn’t want it any other way. The life I’m about to enjoy is wrapped up and surrounded by so-called society. These people are animals of the lowest kind. They want to succeed and don’t mind what price they pay to get there. They get their kicks from control and manipulation and delight in the destruction of those below them. As long as they’re at the top they are happy. I will enjoy messing with their minds.
Baxter soon stops at another swanky high rise and I look at the imposing structure rising out from the sidewalk and shiver. Baxter grabs my bag and smiles softly.
“It looks imposing, Katherine, but it’s one of the best that money can buy. Mr. Carrington likes to live in style and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay here very much.”
I smile gratefully. “I’m sure it’s fine, honey. Hopefully I won’t have to take advantage of his generosity for long.”
We head inside and I note the plush carpeting and the private elevator to the penthouse. Of course, he lives there—asshole!
I almost roll my eyes as we head inside the impressive elevator and head to the top floor. When the doors open I notice a kind looking woman in a smart uniform waiting for me and she smiles warmly.
“Miss. Rogers. It’s lovely to meet you.”
I return the smile and say, “It’s Katherine. What’s your name?”
“Mrs. Baxter, Katherine.”
I grin and flash Baxter a knowing look.
“Husband and wife team, hey?”
He laughs. “Yes, it makes sense when you think of it.”
Mrs. Baxter smiles and I look at the couple with interest.
“So, what are your names and don’t say Baxter?”
She smiles. “I’m Susan and my husband’s called Jeremy.”
Holding out my hand, I smile. “Pleased to meet you. Please call me Katherine, there’s no need for formality around me.”
Susan smiles sweetly.
“Welcome, Katherine. This will be your home for the duration of your stay so please treat it as such. I’ll
show you to your room and you can settle yourself in while I fix you some lunch. You must be hungry.”
Nodding, I follow her, my eyes wide as I take in the amazing place I can call home - for a while at least.
She leads me to a light filled bedroom that takes my breath away. The view from the floor to ceiling windows is breath-taking. I look at her with excitement.
“Wow! You can see the whole city from here.”
She laughs. “Impressive isn’t it?”
She unlocks the windows and pulls them to the side and I see a balcony running the width of the apartment. I walk outside and gasp as the air hits me. Wow, this is invigorating. All around me is luxury. The balcony is equipped with comfortable seats and look out over the view. I head over to the rail and look in wonder at how high we are.
Susan smiles. “I’ll leave you to enjoy some private time. When you’re ready come and find me.”
She heads off inside and I take a moment to savor the view. I feel on top of the world. As jobs go, this is turning out to be a good one.
After a while, I head inside and look around the room I can call home for as long as I’m here. We always had everything we wanted as Reapers and I’m no stranger to luxury, but this is something else. Whoever designed this room knew the way to a girl’s heart. Everything I could ever want is laid out before me and I almost giggle like a schoolgirl as I race around looking in every cupboard and drawer.
Then I find the walk-in closet and stare in wonder. Rows upon rows of gorgeous gowns and beautiful jackets fill the space. On opening the drawers, I find everything folded neatly and begging to be touched and adored. Satin nestles with cashmere and wool against the finest silk. Leather shoes sit side by side bejeweled heels and are represented by every color of the rainbow.
Slim drawers slide out to explore glittering necklaces and bracelets and I think there’s a whole cupboard filled with various purses, all of them by expensive designers. Taking a deep breath, I take it all in and almost feel like locking myself in here forever.
I wander into the bathroom that is made up of marble and luxury fittings. Every type of lotion, oil and ointment jostle for position among luxurious towels and sweet-smelling perfumes.
Shaking my head, I fall into the trap of the rich. This is a heady combination and every resolve, principle and belief I ever had deserts me in a second when faced with this temptation.
Now I know that Samuel Carrington is the devil. He reels you in with a flash of desire from those sparkling blue eyes. His impish grin annihilates your reserves and his apartment chains you to the man forever. He’s good I’ll give him that, however, he’s not the reason I’m here. There are five more of him begging for my attention and I’m impatient to get this thing started.
As I turn to leave in search of Susan, the outfit hanging on the hook by the mirror captures my attention.
I smile. “Here it is. My weapon of ‘Miss’ destruction. My fishing line designed to dress the bait to reel the biggest fish in. I gasp at the silver dress sparkling in the spotlights. I almost moan at the silky feel of the fabric and my body screams to feel the caress of its silken touch. There’s also some silk underwear hanging behind it that begs to be ripped off forcibly by anyone who sees it. It is designed to attract, titillate and drive desire.
Then there are the heels. What can I say? I’m a sucker for shoes and these are every girls fantasy. Spiky heels hold the softest leather. Cinderella’s glass slipper is nothing to these shoes. Any man faced with the sight of the fuck me underwear and killer heels would be driven mad by desire. Of course, that’s my job after all. Bait to reel them in. This time however, the hunter becomes the hunted and I feel the excitement growing as I see the power I have at my fingertips. All of my training will count for something at last. The men who have used, abused and damaged me all those years ago will have stood for something. They will see me through this revenge and they will cease to control my past. Now I’m impatient to get started.
4
Sam
As usual, work has been relentless and Baxter collects me just before seven. I barely acknowledge him as I settle back in my seat and open my briefcase. Twenty minutes is valuable time when you run a business like mine and that’s why I employ a driver. So, as he drives, I work and appreciate the modern technology that allows me.
By the time we reach my apartment, I just have time to shower and change before we’re due to head out for phase one of the mission. I head inside and briefly greet Mrs. Baxter before making my way to my room.
This is my life. Work hard, play hard, with little in between. What else is there?
I allow myself the luxury living that comes with the job but it has ceased to mean anything. When I first started I craved this lifestyle. I wanted all the trappings and the polished female company that I saw others around me enjoying. I thought it would be much more fun than it is though.
Thinking back, the last time I had fun was in the military. Strange thing to say but there I was a valued part of something. What I did mattered and counted and although we had little we had each other and I miss it more than I thought I ever would. I met Ryder and Snake in the SEALs and we were unstoppable. We took down many an opponent, and it was hard but rewarding in other ways.
I always thought there was more though and with a bit of luck and some good connections I started my company and it took off quicker than I ever thought it would. It’s been hard though and has taken one hundred percent of my attention.
Pushing my memories away, I concentrate on the job in hand. As I head out to meet my house guest, I wonder what she must be thinking. I never thought about her feelings in all this. Like me, she has a job to do and must be good at it for Ryder to send her. At least it will be a change from normality.
I head to the open plan lounge and see she’s here already. Good, punctuality is important to me and I’m keen to get started. As I enter the room, she stands up, and the air is almost knocked from my lungs. Just for a minute I openly stare. If I thought she was beautiful before then I was doing her a disservice. The dress she’s wearing makes me want to rip it off her body with an impatience I’ve never felt before. I can only imagine the underwear caressing her body that’s causing the blood to rush to every part of me that’s craving to be inside her.
She stands tall, proud and magnificent and her eyes flash with a resolve I’ve never seen in a woman before. If I were a painter, she would be my muse. I would want to capture every inch of the perfection standing before me and outline every line, every shape and curve into immortality. I want to taste and inhale every part of the woman watching me with those wicked eyes and taste those lips that taunt me with desire. Fuck Ryder. He has sent me Eve and I will have to watch her reeling in another while desiring every inch of this bewitching beauty myself.
She nods coolly. “Shall we go?”
Gathering myself together, I nod. “Yes, of course. I’ll brief you in the car on the way.”
She grabs her purse and walks towards me and I swallow - hard.
The journey to the car is awkward as fuck because I can’t concentrate on anything but some kind of feral instinct that’s roaring in my head. If I were a caveman, I’d be dragging her to my cave by now. I almost pity the poor bastards who are about to face this angel because her success is guaranteed.
All the time she watches me with interest. I can tell she’s working me out and that alone irritates the hell out of me. I like to control and call the shots. I need to get a grip and remember who I am. So, I freeze her out. There is no conversation and no pleasant chit chat. I need to become a hard bastard around this woman because if I allow it she’ll add one more scalp to her tally. She isn’t here for me despite how much I want her to be.
We are soon in the car and I try to ignore the woman who is overpowering me with silence. Her scent fills my senses, and the electricity crackles all around her. So, I focus on the job in hand and speak coolly.
“Ok, here’s the deal. Tonight, we’ve bee
n invited to a gathering at a well-known Senator’s home. Preston Musgrave is one of the President’s most valued Senators and makes up one of four of his closest friends. He is target one and you need to know about him. He’s married to Selene, a French model who cheats on him like fuck. Not that you should care because he does the same to her at every opportunity. They stay married for the life they lead. They almost lead separate lives but for the voters they’re the golden couple living the dream. She continues to model, and he enjoys the privileged life of a Senator. However, what he doesn’t want getting out is his fascination for sadism.”
I stop as I see a flicker of fear enter her eyes. My heart lurches as I sense her unease and strangely feel the need to pull her to me and protect her from the monster she’s about to be exposed to.
I say gently. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. When I said, sadism, I meant he likes to be the recipient. He protects his secret from everyone. The only people who know is the person who gives him what he craves and Ryder. Now we know. So, as you can see, this secret is a ticking time bomb.”
She looks confused. “So, what’s the big deal? I’m sure nobody would give a fuck if he likes to be beat shitless. I can think of many people who would queue up to oblige his fetish.”
I laugh softly. “I quite agree. However, this man is a patron of all sorts of charities condoning violence of any kind. He sits in judgment of the very people he’s inside. If it came out, he would be publicly humiliated and fall like a stone in the sea. His career and credibility would be in tatters and he would be forced to resign from his position. His wife would use it to her advantage and leave him and his life would be destroyed.”
I watch the spark ignite in her eyes as she senses the victory. Realization dawns and she smiles sweetly.
“I take your point. So, what’s the plan?”
I smile. “Just reel him in, honey and get him to trust you. As soon as he senses a kindred spirit, he will no doubt invite you to play. Then we’ll capture it all on film and store the evidence. When the time is right, we’ll bring him down.”
Twisted_A Billionaire Romance Page 2