Amy shrugged. “I suppose so.”
What was he suggesting by ‘forever’? She didn’t dare ask.
He sat on the bed and drew her into his arms, kissing her strongly. “Ready for more pleasure, sweet thing?”
Amy replied with a kiss. She actually had no idea what the time was right now, but she was knew their meeting with the finance director was scheduled for ten o’clock. But, if the owner of the company insisted on making them late by giving her orgasmic pleasure, well, who was she to argue?
Chapter Eight
Adam sat at the huge boardroom table with his brother, the finance director, and their head lawyer. Business was usually everything to him, but this morning he was finding it hard to focus. Amy was sitting opposite him, dressed in her 1940s-style suit and heels, with her hair tied back neatly, emanating corporate professionalism, but Adam had now seen another – much lighter – side of her. The vision of his cock thrusting deeply between those luscious lips was still etched in his memory, as well the wonderful image of her losing control in absolute pleasure. So different to how she was currently behaving. Uptight and stern.
Adam opened up his ipad to find his notes, then he pretended to scroll through them as he fantasised about bending Amy over the table now and fucking her hard in front of everyone; possessing her and taking her for himself. She was beautiful, intelligent, and kind. But there was something else about her that captivated him which he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Maybe it was because losing Ivan had wrenched him out of the normality of his playboy lifestyle, making him crave some stability. But it wasn’t just that. He’d met plenty of women in his life, and he was usually happy to cast his net wide, but Amy was more than a one-night stand. Amy Carter intrigued him. He wanted to know what made her happy and what made her impassioned. He wanted to hold her in his arms and make her laugh – because when she laughed, her beautiful face shone like the sunshine in his heart.
Sunshine in his heart? What the fuck? Adam didn’t know what she’d done to him – it was as if she’d cast some evil voodoo spell. He was never like this over women. He’d certainly never known himself to stick around for a shower. But this morning for reasons unfathomable, he’d been compelled to stay. And not only because he was desperate to fuck her properly tonight…
Adam tore his attention away from Amy, who was now typing frantically on her laptop, and hopefully having as much trouble concentrating as he was. He realised that Dylan had started speaking – getting down to business.
“Ms Cater,” Dylan said. “This is our finance director, Preti Ahmed. And here we have Lucy Maxwell, our contracts lawyer.”
“Hello,” Amy said, throwing them a professional smile.
Preti smiled sincerely. She was a smart young lady, with big bright eyes and immaculate jet-back hair. Dylan had recruited her as a post-grad, immediately detecting her outstanding talent, and only three years later she was their number one money advisor. Lucy was a middle-aged lady with a pleasant face and a relaxed demeanour. A chain smoking, no-nonsense lawyer, who wasn’t afraid to tell Adam and Dylan exactly what she thought about their business decisions as well as their personal lives. Adam adored both women, and he’d come to view them as friends.
Amy leaned assertively on the table. “Ladies, gentlemen, as you know, the purpose of my visit is to ensure that there will be as little disruption as possible when Quinlan Brothers take over Grafton Techs. Basically, from our perspective, that means we don’t want to lose any of our staff.”
“Especially not the operations director, huh?” Adam said with a wink.
Amy stifled a grin. “Not any of my colleagues, Mr Quinlan. We’re not all simply out for ourselves in this world.”
“I agree,” Adam said. “I’m certainly not just out for myself. I’m sure you must’ve realised that by now.”
Amy remained sitting bolt upright, but Adam was sure he detected a blush.
She turned her attention to the finance director. “Ms Ahmed, I need to know: are you able to guarantee that your budget can fulfil the needs of my colleagues, including all current salaries with forecasts adjusted for inflation?”
Preti shrugged. “Ms Carter, it’s my understanding that Dylan and Adam are keen to buy your company. All the figures add up, so I see no reason why anything would need to change.”
Amy nodded tightly. Adam sensed that she was disappointed there wasn’t going to be any resistance, and he suddenly realised that she somehow seemed feistier today. Was that his doing? Or rather his orgasms? Had he inadvertently given her a confidence boost outside the bedroom as well as inside? And was she now looking for a way to demonstrate her new assertive power? Adam felt his cock harden and his pride soar. How to change a woman’s life for the better, by Adam Quinlan. He grinned as he observed his sexy minx in action.
Amy transferred her attention to Lucy. “And in the contract, Ms Maxwell, you will have noticed, I’m sure, that our solicitor has insisted that we retain all rights under European Law, and we will not under any circumstances be bound by US law.”
“That’s right,” Lucy said. “And that’s completely fine by us. Please rest assured we’ve taken over companies in Europe and globally before, Ms Carter. We’ve got it all under control.”
Amy transferred her attention to Dylan, who smiled politely. “Alright, Ms Carter?”
“Is there anything you’re not telling me, Mr Quinlan?”
“We don’t operate like that,” Dylan said. “Everything’s above board.”
“No redundancies?”
“You mean lay-offs?” Dylan waved his hand dismissively. “You have my word. Anything else on your mind?”
“Er… well… yes. I was interested to know whether we will remain autonomous, or will a representative of Quinlan Brothers relocate to take over from Frank Grafton as CEO? This point wasn’t clear in the contract from your solicitor.”
“Due to a personal bereavement,” Lucy said, “the decision hadn’t been finalised when we compiled the contract. Have you made up your minds yet, boys?”
Adam glanced at Dylan. Whenever they took over a company, one of them would usually relocate for the first few months, to ensure things were integrated exactly how they wanted. Adam had been to Hong Kong last year, meaning technically it was Dylan’s turn next. But since Ivan’s death, neither of them was keen to leave their parents or siblings for long.
Dylan shifted in his seat. “We’d really hoped to discuss that with Frank. Is he out of hospital now?”
“Yes he is,” Amy said. “But he won’t sign anything until this important factor is agreed upon. He expects me to finalise these details with you. We need to know who will be leading us, Mr Quinlan. And whether we will all get along as one big happy family with our new head of the household.”
Amy raised a suggestive eyebrow at Adam, making his cock firm with a shudder that pulsed through his body. He loved how she was so clear and assertive, but so vulnerable, too. He was suddenly desperate to fuck her hard, then hold her in his arms and talk about the real Amy Carter. He wanted to protect her, to listen to her fears, to know every detail about her life. And he wanted her to know the real Adam Quinlan. But he wasn’t even sure if he knew him anymore.
Adam spoke coolly, trying to hide his desire. “These are important details, Ms Carter. Perhaps we can speak with Frank on Skype as soon as he’s able? We don’t want you feeling uncomfortable.” He threw her a flirty grin. “Our aim is your pleasure.”
Amy stifled a smirk. “Yes, Mr Quinlan. That’s what I’ve heard.”
They took a break for coffee and Adam found himself in the washrooms with his brother. He rinsed his hands under the warm water of the plush sink, trying to avoid eye contact with Dylan in the mirror.
But Dylan knew his younger brother very well. “You don’t waste time, do you, kiddo?”
Adam chuckled. “She’s a beautiful woman – you can’t blame me.”
Dylan plucked a paper towel from the dispenser. “But it’s more than
that. She’s distracting you at the table – it’s not like you. You need to get your head out of her tits and back on the job.”
Adam laughed at Dylan’s bluntness. “I don’t know what’s going on, Dylan. She’s getting under my skin. I can’t wait to see her again tonight. I can’t wait to get back into the boardroom and see her again now. I mean, what the fuck!”
“Don’t forget it’s mom and dad’s anniversary party tonight, huh?”
“Shit, is that tonight?”
“Fraid so. And you can’t bail out – it’s the first time the whole family’s coming together since… you know, since we said goodbye to Ivan.”
Adam suppressed his disappointment. “I know. I won’t let mom and dad down. So, hey, I guess I’ll just invite Amy along and introduce her to mom and dad. See what they think of her.”
Dylan’s jaw dropped. “Introduce her to mom and dad? Adam, what are you saying?”
Adam grinned. “Nothing. Look, I know I’ve only known her five minutes, but she’s... she’s special.”
“Well, then, you’d better go ask her if she’ll come, hadn’t you?”
Adam made his way back to the boardroom, to find Preti, Lucy, and Amy drinking tea and giggling as if they were at a teenage sleepover. Adam didn’t like to credit himself unduly, but Amy definitely seemed more relaxed today too, as if he’d unlocked something inside her. She looked childlike and free. Genuinely happy. And that made him happy. He wanted to make her happy, and not just in bed… Urgh! What was happening to him?
He stood at the head of the boardroom table, striking a powerful pose, suddenly aware that all three women were looking at him. Where the hell was Dylan when he needed backup?
He inhaled. “Amy, before we begin, I need to ask you something. It’s my parents’ wedding anniversary party tonight, and I don’t have a date. I need you to do me a favour and come, okay? I’ll pick you up from your hotel at seven-thirty.”
Amy stared at him in shock. Preti laughed.
“As your emergency stand-in date?” Amy asked through gritted teeth.
“No, as my regular date. Unless you have plans?”
“I don’t have plans.” Amy smiled thinly, relaxing slightly. Then she winced. “But I don’t have anything appropriate to wear.”
“Uh.” Adam transferred his attention to Preti. “Hey, Preets, will you take Ms Carter shopping this afternoon, please? To get her a dress for tonight?”
Preti shot him a blank look. “Oh sure – it’s not like I’ve got piles of work and hours of meetings to get through.”
“Please?”
Preti smirked at him. “Oh alright.”
“Thank you.”
Preti turned to Amy and they shared a conspiratorial smile, then they laughed like old friends. Lucy smiled maternally at Adam, and he wanted to laugh, too, but he also wanted to stay in control in front of these ladies.
He opened his mouth to give Amy more details about tonight, but Dylan strode back in. “Ready to begin. What did I miss?”
Adam smirked at Amy. She grinned and started to talk about the merger again, swiftly switching back to her professional self.
Adam’s heart pounded with pride and his cock strained with desire. He couldn’t wait to introduce this beautiful woman to his family, and then afterwards, he hoped to get the chance to thrust his cock again and again into that gloriously tight pussy, to take them both to paradise and out the other side.
Chapter Nine
Amy reached up to draw back the heavy velvet curtain of the fitting room, feeling as if she was about to stroll down the red carpet. This glamorous silk halter-neck dress was the most wonderful item of clothing she’d ever worn. It was flattering and sophisticated, and it made her feel special. It was long, and required heels, so she’d put her work shoes on for now, but really, it needed some proper evening shoes. She wondered whether she could stretch to buying a nice pair to go with this stunning gown. Depending on how much the dress was going to set her back, of course.
Amy had never been in such an expensive boutique before. She loved to buy new clothes, but she was a bargain hunter and she tended to stick to the higher-end retail chain stores. It was a treat to come somewhere like this and receive personal treatment from the owner – who was also the designer. She could happily get used to this.
Although, it would take a little bit of acclimatising. The layout of the boutique was minimalist and sparse, with unique garments dotted around the store. None of the items had prices on them, which worried Amy, and also she felt slightly intimidated by the owner/designer. Preti had introduced her as Carmel Brun, as if that name should mean something to Amy – she enjoyed reading the glossy magazines as much as any woman, but she wasn’t always up on the latest in-vogue designers. Apparently this one was ‘in’ right now.
Inside the opulent changing room – which was almost the size of her bedroom at home – she took one final glance at herself in the mirror. The silky black material clung to her curvy body like a dream. She smiled satisfactorily. If Adam was interested in her beyond just one night then perhaps this dress could be the clincher. She paused in shock at her train of thought. Clincher for what? There was no way this was going anywhere beyond sex and a nice night out… But there seemed something much deeper between them. A chemistry that she couldn’t put her finger on. Or maybe she was deluding herself. But why would she do that? Adam meant nothing to her, and likewise. She was here to do a job...
Amy forced herself to forget about work for now. She knew she was losing perspective, but surely one night of fun would be good for her. And besides, after everything she’d been through recently, why the hell shouldn’t she let a gorgeous wealthy charming man show her a good time?
She pulled back the velvet curtain of the changing room and saw Preti chatting casually to the imposing six-foot, glamorous Carmel. Carmel was a ‘handsome’ woman, and Amy wondered whether she could be a transsexual. There was no reason why not. This was New York City, and like London, anything was possible.
Amy stepped out onto the varnished wooden floorboards and Preti swivelled to inspect her.
She gasped. “Amy, you look amazing!”
Amy chuckled shyly. “Thank you.”
Carmel spoke in her booming voice. “It suits you, darling. Never has an angel looked so appealing outside of heaven.”
“Oh… er… thank you.”
Amy’s eyes flicked towards a wall full of photographs, featuring Carmel posing with various members of royalty and celebrities who presumably were wearing her designs. She forced away her feelings of inadequacy, then stepped over to the opposite side of the boutique to check herself out in the wall-length mirror. Preti came up behind her and they shared a smile in the reflection.
Preti brushed her fingers tenderly through Amy’s hair. “I’ve never known Adam to ask a woman out on a date like that. In front of everyone. I think he likes you.”
The words were out of Amy’s mouth before she could stop them. “Have you slept with him?”
Preti chuckled warmly. “No way – he’s my boss. And besides, I’m happily married. To a woman.”
“Ah, okay!” They shared a smile. Amy smoothed down the dress at the front. The material was soft and of an exquisite quality. “Preti, do you think I’m stupid?”
“Why?”
“Well, because I slept with Adam last night. I mean, not all the way. But he… um… we did things.”
“Oh. Did you enjoy it?”
“Very much.”
“That seems pretty sensible to me. Try not to overthink things; life’s too short.”
“True.”
Amy allowed her feelings of contentment to whirl up inside. Preti was so cool – she was amiable and easy to talk to. If Adam had friends like these, surely that meant something about him as a person. There was definitely more to him than just his gorgeous looks and overflowing bank account. Amy opened her mouth to ask Preti more questions about him, but the bell above the stained-glass door tinkled, and a
tall man strode in. Amy hoped it might be George Clooney looking for his latest tux, but actually it was someone Amy had already met.
Tariq Shard.
He closed the door behind him and smothered Amy with his intense gaze. Amy swallowed, trying to keep calm. Tariq was dangerous and threatening, but also good-looking. They stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, like gangsters at a standoff. Amy steeled herself, refusing to be intimidated by his macho stance or handsome face. She was in deep enough with ‘alpha’ Adam already; she didn’t need to allow this six-foot, shaven-headed, muscle-laden criminal into her heart and mind.
Amy fixed her eyes on the scar running down Tariq’s cheek. Maybe that was what made him look so hard. But she detected pain behind those dark eyes.
The breezy atmosphere in the boutique had shifted now, eclipsed by the menace that Tariq seemed to bring with him. He folded his arms across his chest like a bouncer refusing entry to a high-class nightclub; blocking the door. Outside, Amy could see wealthy shoppers promenading up and down the street, oblivious to the drastic fear that was rattling around her ribcage.
Preti broke the silence. “Tariq, what do you want? If you’re here for trouble, we’ll call the cops.”
He spoke with a mild New York accent. “I can assure you, Ms Ahmed, there’s no need to get upset. I just wish to speak to Ms Carter.”
“Well, you can’t,” Preti said. “What kind of a man are you? Waiting for us to be alone, innocently shopping? Who stalks two women into a boutique, other than a coward?”
Tariq ignored her. “Ms Carter, I’m sorry about the commotion I caused yesterday at the Quinlan office. It’s been a very trying month. But I’d very much like to talk to you about Quinlan Brothers and their intentions towards your company. Let me warn you, they’re up to no good.”
Amy’s ribs filled with apprehension. Should she believe him? He actually seemed rather gentle and kind; he spoke softly, with grace. Was she allowing Adam’s charms – and orgasmic flair – to blind her professional judgement? But – her personal feeling aside – at the meeting earlier, the Quinlans had agreed to Grafton Techs’ terms. So what ill intentions was Tariq talking about?
The Billionaire's Kisses: Billionaire Brothers Page 5