by a dagmara
He smiled at me. Wow and what a smile that was.
“Where are my manors? Here, I know your name and yet I suppose you know not mine.” He pulled his hand out of his pocket and extended to me.
Like a nervous ass, I pulled mine out slowly.my breath hitched…it was the oddest experience…in part that I didn’t want to put my hand in his…he intimidated me and not for the obvious reasons.
I stared into his eyes.
“Sebastian” he took my hand slowly and tenderly. “Sebastian Vaihn”
“Lillian Holt…But you knew that already. It was you in the basement.” My response was low and cautious.
“Yes it was, and of course,” his grin, was one of a satisfied man. “I did know your name prior. I like to know everyone whom works for me.” He held my hand now tighter, maintaining eye contact. Oh, fuck me! Sebastian from the basement, shit! I’ve been fantasizing about my boss. I needed to pull myself together. My eyes slowly lowered down the length of him. In a heated frustration I found myself landing to his waist biting my lip hard. Fuck, I raised my eyes quickly as he clearly didn’t hide the fact that he knew where my mind and eyes just went.
Finding my voice, suddenly I felt irritated with his arrogance, or perhaps it was that damn grin on his face. “I suppose that would be a rare thing for one whom acquires many companies.”
“You are familiar with all my holdings?” He raised an eyebrow.
“No, I apologize for my ignorance, but I do not. I’ve only heard rumors. Please forgive me but I wasn’t even aware that your company had purchased this firm.” Looking away from him, for a moment my mind added, nor do I fucking care.
Still holding my hand in his he looked down to our hands then slowly back to my eyes…“I accept the apology Lillian, however since you’ve already left it as an open gesture I suppose you don’t need to. Not many knew of our acquisition.”
Cocking my head to the side, I pursed my lips only to bite down on my lower.
“I suppose that was the point was it not?” Two words rang clear, “hostile takeover”.
I could tell his eyes, fixed to my lips; interesting.
“You are correct. It was the point.” His eyes still locked at my lips.
My phone, rung with an alert of a text message. Frozen as he still held my hand; I wasn’t sure what was going thru his mind.
Hesitantly, he let my hand go.
Trying to regain a bit of my composure, I reached into my bag for my cell phone.
Looking down it was from Sam.
Sam: “Left yet?”
ME: “In elevator, leaving now.” I replied
Sam: “Good, I need tequila.”
ME: “LoL…ditto”
Sam: “Actually, I need sex, but Tequila will do the trick with some double A’s LOL” she responded
ME: “I’m with U there!”
I hit send and turned the screen off. I had the sense he had been looking at my phone.
I looked up at him as the elevator doors opened.
The grin on his face was telling. He read my messages. He even possibly looked intrigued. The experience in the basement seemed to flash before me, again. Finding some sense of power in that knowledge and remembering that I wasn’t the only one aroused, I found myself inwardly laughing.
“It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Vaihn.” I smiled.
He gestured his hand allowing me to walk out ahead of him, yet his strides had him to my side. Sebastian place a hand on my back freezing me in place, as he stepped to the front of me and leaned down.
“Lillian, Call me Sebastian, please, and I do hope that you and Tequila have an enjoyable evening Lillian” His smile was dangerous, and his eyes luring me to somewhere I was sure I didn’t want to go. His breath on my skin had me closing my eyes briefly to reign in this crazy effect that he had. Swallowing hard, I didn’t know how to respond. I was caught up in his scent and his heated breath on my neck. I could swear my heart skipped a beat.
I certainly now needed a generous dose of tequila. I needed to remind myself this was now my head boss. This translated to one thing, Off Limits.
He moved slowly up away from me and I felt trapped in his stare. His grin was seductive and hard to resist.
Clearing my throat and trying to maintain some level of control, I responded. “Well Mr. Vain, which I will maintain …I do now work for you. So I do insist on the formality,” pausing I added, “I suppose me and Tequila will be having a date this evening. But please note that one could be of the opinion that reading someone’s text messages is both intrusive and rude.”
I pursed my lips tight and cocked my head waiting for a reaction. It was clear that this man needed to be brought down a few notches. Even if it meant losing my job….hell, I hated my job anyway and after all that I had said, I wasn’t too sure if I would have one tomorrow.
“It seems now it is I whom owes you an apology. Nevertheless, I do insist on you calling me by my name. And I sincerely hope that you enjoy your evening, but within reason.” Listening shrewdly, he sounded a bit possessive?
“Mr. Vaihn; as for my plans this evening I believe it is I whom control what or how I conduct myself. Furthermore, since my brain clearly has malfunctioned with its filter and I believe I may be without my job in the near future, I don’t believe it is of anyone’s concern what reason I chose or chose not to use this evening.”
“Hmm”, he pursed his lips, cocking his head. “Feisty, I see. I meant no disrespect. I simply care for those whom are employed by me and it saddens me that you believe not have a future here.” Dude this guy had me confused, his expression shifted like the tides, his eyes actually looked apologetic for a moment.
Shit how was I to respond to that? I shook my head, breaking my stare and looked to the floor.
“No, it is I whom owe the apology for my lack of filter and quick defensiveness. I’m sorry”
“No need for an apology Lillian.”
He smiled genuinely, and then walked away. I watched him intently not understanding what just happened between us. He definitely ruffled my feathers’, I just couldn’t tell, if it was in a good way or not.
I was now truly ready for a drink.
I walked to the parking lot and to my car. From the side of my vision, he was leaning down into the driver’s side of a car that was extremely tinted. Sebastian appeared to be talking to someone.
The car a bit much, Bentley, I think? I could sense he looked up at me, and then quickly back to the driver of the car. Was he talking about me?
I had an eerie feeling that he was.
I quickly made it to my car and jumped in. Looking thru the side mirrors, I could tell he was watching me. Shaking it off, I started the car and pulled out.
Chapter 3
The drive to Pickles was quick. Pulling up, I parked in my garage knowing it would be best to walk over.
Walking from the parking garage, my mind was still trapped within the elevator, and all the crazy notions that had me up in arms without a filter. He got under my skin. I realized that I was both aroused and repulsed. It was possible that it was the way he spoke or maybe what he didn’t say; his expression, looked like one I would normally carry. Well, when I was trying to fuck with someone. It was even sadistic in my opinion.
Nonetheless, I was turned on with his display.
I spotted Sam at the bar and made a fast approach.
“Hey Lil, you look frazzled?”
“It’s been a day, oh, and your mystery man from the elevator is one our new boss, and an ass.” I sat down staring at the bar.
“I take it, you met him?” She smirked
“Yeah, in the elevator, on my way out.” My voice carried my frustration and my need to drown it in a drink.
“I met him shortly after our morning laugh, and I would have to agree, he’s an ass with a capital A.” She offered with distain.
“I take it; you no longer want to introduce him to your bed?” I laughed
“Hell no!” She laughed, �
��Too controlling and well, he kinda scares me, so I’ll reserve that invitation for someone else.”
Looking to the bartender, I signaled her, and she nodded knowing already what I wanted.
Kinda scary when a bartender doesn’t need you to vocalize what you wanted. I guess I frequent this bar too much.
Occupational hazard as I now see it.
“Is Julie joining?” I couldn’t tell, if the question was more out concern, or something else. I sensed that she didn’t like her too much, but I wasn’t sure why. The two had always seemed like they liked each other, or maybe not.
“Oh, she left for her first assignment in Haiti.” I pursed my lips. Shit, I forgot about her brother.
“Is that a good thing or bad? Based on your expression it doesn’t sound good?” she looked to me for a response.
“No, it’s not that; I just remembered her brother was staying with us, well me, while she’s away.” I rolled my eyes.
“And that’s a bad thing?” she raised her expression, and I knew where her head just went.
I smiled, and shook my head in understanding “No, I guess not. I don’t expect to see him much. She had said he works late hours. So, -no biggie. I just haven’t ever had to share my space with a guy.”
“Is he hot?” again with her raised expression
“Sam…” I paused rolling my eyes. “I guess, but he looks like a stuck up tight ass, but, I must concede to the fact that he makes a really good pot of coffee.”
The bartender was quick, we had a round of shots, I had my usual vodka and Redbull in front of me.
Taking our shots, I felt hands come around my hips. I knew exactly who it was.
“Chris…love; be careful where you put your hands, one of these days, I just might take advantage of you.” I laughed
“How did you know it was me?” He came to the side of me leaning into the bar.
“Easy…I know how your hands feel, and I recognize your cologne,” I laughed
He leaned in “Um I’m pretty sure you’ve done that a few times in the past. That is, taking advantage, and last I checked; I’m pretty sure I approved. We can always take it further anytime Lil.”
“Yeah, but I was your girlfriend then, now I would be using you to simply sate myself. You know it’s been over a year since I’ve gotten laid.” I cocked my head at him and smiled.
“Point taken.” He smiled. “However, I know you well enough to know it has not been that long.” I knew he still harbored feelings for me, and I seriously shouldn’t lead him on as I do. Nor could I lie to him. …I just didn’t feel right about actually flaunting my one Nighters in his face. He didn’t deserve that.
We had been broken up after three years agreeing that we were better friends than anything more. He was currently seeing someone yet knowing him well; I knew his feelings were ever so close to the surface.
He once told me that I was emotional “inaccessible”. I never quite understood that comment. I think it was more for his benefit to label me as he had. A label that was brutally honest. I believe the point of the matter lay with his pride. I hadn’t involved myself with anyone since our relationship ended. Thinking back, he was the only one I attempted a relationship with.
A few very unpleasant dates here and there, were all that the three years had produced, but that was entirely by my choice. I truly didn’t have the strength to deal with my job and any entanglements that a relationship would bring. I was pretty much a walking zombie, and too tired to deal with that baggage.
However, Happy Hour with friends was my refuge. Looking back to the bartender she smiled and ushered over another full round.
We were getting drunk tonight, and happy hour was about to be extending into one hell of a night.
I knew, I shouldn’t, but whom the fuck cares. Thinking about today’s events, I wasn’t so sure, I would have a job much longer.
My unfiltered mouth and me.
Shit.
“Lilly, what has you in such deep thought?” Chris leaned over to the bar taking a shot.
“I think I’m about to lose my job” I replied staring at my drink.
“What do you mean?” He was genuinely concerned.
“I was in the elevator with the new owner, not realizing, who he was, and my brain to mouth filter failed me at every word.”
“Oh, shit what did you say?” He asked with sincere interest.
“I guess nothing seriously awful, it was just, I don’t know. He brought out this need to get …. I don’t know, I just felt like he was getting under my skin a bit.” I shook my head, not understanding what he had made me feel. He made me feel like a petulant child.
“I’m sure he wanted to do more than just get under your skin. More like in it!” Brady chimed in raising his eyebrows up and down when I turned to look at him. His arms came around my shoulders pulling me in a warm hug then released me swiftly.
“Ugh? What would you know of him?” I looked between him and Chris.
Brady was a junior partner at a well-known firm and knew all the “who’s who” in upper society. I think it had more to do with the fact that his family was old money. It was without a doubt useful in his profession. Brady so looked the part. Definitely ultra-yuppie in appearance. Even when dressed casually, like he was. Brady had his polo shirt, expensive jeans meant to look worn in and of course his boat shoes. His hair, however, was more of the messy “I’m rebelling” look. He had medium brown hair and brown eyes. He was average height at 6’ and had a slender but cut build. Without a doubt, he looked of money and to his benefit; he was an extraordinarily good-looking man. Not to mention, my best friend since childhood.
“Word in the firm is about this takeover of your agency by Vaihn Enterprises. Mr. Vaihn has a bit of a reputation of being a playboy.”
“Playboy”, Chris raised his eyes teasing Brady “I didn’t realize that word was ever used these days!”
“Fine…He’s a predator. Better?”
“Ok, first playboy now predator….really? I would think both adjectives lean in very different directions.” I raised my drink laughing at him.
“Uh, point is…chasing ass is something he makes sport of. He will mind fuck, the woman before he actually fucks her. He’s a sadistic genius and extremely dangerous.” Brady grinned, but I could tell there was more to his knowledge of my new Boss. Sharing a look, there was definitely a warning in his eyes. Understanding fully, I winked at him.
“Well, I’m sure I won’t be working for him or his agency by tomorrow. I won’t have a job.” I knew I wasn’t losing my job, however, anything was possible.
Chris was quick to catch Brady’s confused expression. “She had a lack of brain to mouth filter, talking to him in the elevator this evening.”
Brady pursed his lips tight and looked directly into his rum and coke shaking his head then quickly swallowing it whole.
“What am I missing?” I looked at Brady
Brady half grinned and was about to say something as he looked between Chris and me.
“How was his demeanor with you?” Brady looked down to me.
“Ugh, not sure what you mean? He was nice I guess. He looked a little amused and insisted that I call him by his first name. I was quick to refuse and continued to address him formally. I’m not sure why, but he was just so arrogant in his undertones part of me wanted to slap him back down to earth. To my defense, I hate his type. Well excluding you of course.” I rose an eyebrow laughing. To all it sounded like a group conversation, but between Brady, and me there was an unspoken conversation being held.
“I’m going to pretend that you just didn’t insult me Lil. Because I’m awesome, by the way. But I’m afraid that you better hope you don’t have a job tomorrow.” He winked taking a long sip from his beer.
“Ok, why would I hope that?” I shook my head at him.
“I’m thinking your brassy mouth may have pulled his attention. Shit…that dress would do just fine, but you may have inadvertently just given him a cha
llenge.” He pulled his lips tight into a croaked smile and raised his eyebrows intently at me.
“Brady, I doubt that. You’ve met our Lil haven’t you? She’ likely to beat him at his own game.” Chris laughed “Damn man, you’ve known her all your life, fuck the two of you are as thick as thieves.” Laughing and shaking his head, Chris looked between us. “No wonder the two of you are best friends.”
Crossing my arms, I looked to Chris, “and what do you mean by that? You better qualify you statement and quick!”
“Please don’t take this wrong. I love you Lil, and I say this because of that…” He smiled his charming smile “You’re like a man…you’re a fucking piranha when it comes to the opposite sex. I swear, if I didn’t know any better, I would without a doubt say you were as cold and deadly as one.”
“So not true.” I pursed my lips and shook my head. One word came to mind –Inaccessible.
Brady started laughing, as did Chris and Sam. Great all my friends thought this of me.
Maybe they had a point.
Memories of every man I dated, well I wouldn’t call it that, but had any relationship always ended with me throwing him to the curb, so Chris was right I supposed. I took my shot down needing to focus on something other than my emotional inaccessibility.
“Moving on; I doubt that I presented him with any challenge, or invitation of such.” Then another thought crossed my mind as I looked between Brady and Sam. “I was informed he had a partner. What do you guys know about him?”
“English Hot tee…” Sam raised her eyebrows.
“Partner in crime more like!” Brady huffed, and looked at Sam. Whoa, was I sensing a bit of jealousy?
“Oh stop it Brady.” I looked over to Sam “You met him?” I really wanted her take on him.
“Yes I did, and he can bend me over any conference table he chooses,” She laughed taking her third shot of Tequila.
“Oh Sam love…” Brady walked to her, positioned himself in front of her spreading her legs open, and fit his body tight to hers. “You need to get laid, and I’m more than willing to bend you over”