“So, what do you say?”
I jump, my attention turning back to Ryan, who is leaning forward, his glazed expression a clue to how inebriated he is. He can barely balance on his seat.
“What?” I mumble. My stomach twists nervously. Why do I feel I’m not going to like where this is headed?
“I’ve booked a room if you want to join me.”
“And what would your wife say about that?” I snap before I can stop myself. His eyes narrow.
“That from the woman who tried to seduce my eighteen-year-old daughter?” he retorts. My face heats. He’s right. I’m really no better than he is. “If this isn’t why you asked me here, Charlotte, then why did you?”
“To talk,” I say. Even before I complete the statement I’m aware of how stupid it sounds. The only way I’m going to get to this guy is through his pants. Guys like Ryan don’t trust anyone. The idea of his pouring his heart out to me is ridiculous, and I’m stupid for thinking that might work.
No, the only way this is going to go down is if I play to his ego. Give him what he wants, then try to trip him up. Sighing, he stands up, muttering under his breath what I can only imagine are insults directed at me. I reach for his hand, catching him by surprise.
“Has anyone ever told you you’re a cock tease?” he growls, his eyes growing dark. He yanks my hand forcefully as I stand up, sending me tumbling into his arms. “Two things you need to know, Charlotte. I always win and I always win.” My heart pounds as I smile at him. This asshole is begging to be taught a lesson, and I’m aching to be the one to teach it to him.
“So, where is this room of yours?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. He smirks and leads me out of the bar and over to the elevators.
What are you doing, Char? This is going to end badly.
I ignore my inner voice and focus all my attention on Ryan. This isn’t even about the story anymore. My career, my safety—they’re the last things on my mind. This is about Ryan and making him pay.
We exit the elevator on the tenth floor and I follow to his room. Once inside, he removes his jacket. Tossing it over an armchair, he walks over to the small bar.
“Wine?”
Ryan holds up a bottle of white, waiting for me to answer. I nod. I need something to dull my nerves. I walk around the room, pretending I’m taking in the decor when all I’m really doing is trying to avoid standing still. If I’m not moving, I’ll start thinking, and if I start thinking, I’ll start panicking.
“I was surprised that you called me,” he admits, walking over to me. He hands me a glass, which I take with a smile and lift to my lips. “I’m even more surprised that you agreed to this.” He waves his hand around. My gaze falls on the bed and I feel sick. What have I agreed to? There’s no way I’m going to sleep with him, and as soon as he realizes that he’s going to be pissed. Pissed enough to take what he wants…I shudder, his words ringing in my head. “I always win…”
“Are you okay?” he asks, raising his eyebrows. “You’re looking a little green.”
“Too much alcohol,” I fib, not sure what else to say.
I tune out his voice as I try to wrap my head around what I’m about to do. How am I going to get out of this? He inches toward me, closing the gap between us. My heart pounds as his gaze travels over my body. His hand rises to the knot of his tie. I swallow hard, watching, as he loosens it and discards it on the floor. One by one, he undoes the buttons on his charcoal gray shirt. His mouth twists into a smirk, as if he’s imagining what he’s about to do to me.
Suddenly he’s in front of me, his arm curling around my narrow waist. My breath catches in my throat. He grins at me, his dark eyes burning into mine. Can he smell the fear inside me?
“Do you mind if I use your bathroom?” I ask, thinking quick. It’s only going to buy me a few minutes, but I’ll take what I can get and pray to God I come up with something. I smile at him, my lip catching on my teeth. His hand travels down my bare arm, leaving chills in its wake. I hold his gaze, giving him no reason to doubt me.
He pulls my body toward his until I can feel his excitement. A whimper escapes my lips as his hand locks around the back of my neck possessively. I close my eyes as he kisses the curve of my shoulder. His lips wander up my neck, his scent lingering on my skin.
“Go right ahead,” he murmurs, pulling away. “I’ll get us another drink.”
I move quickly across the soft, carpeted floor and into the safety of the bathroom, locking the door behind me. My heart pounds in my chest as I pace the small space. I feel dizzy, struggling to get enough air in my lungs.
I need an escape, but one that won’t drive him away. If I blow this, it’s over.
Then it hits me. I grin, my eyes locking on my ticket out of this mess. I reach into the shower, turn the hot water on full blast, and wait anxiously as steam fills the bathroom. Please fucking work.
Beep, beep, beep.
Relief floods through me as I cover my ears to shield myself from the sound. I’ve never been so happy to hear a damn fire alarm. I can’t believe this actually worked. Now I have my escape plan worked out; I just have to be convincing. Taking a deep breath, I strip out of my clothes and dunk my hair under the still-running water.
Wrapping a towel around me, I run out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I run into Ryan, who’s standing near the bathroom door, a confused expression on his face. Before he can question me about the steam, someone bangs on the room’s door, causing me to jump.
“Fuck,” Ryan curses, running a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but we need to evacuate the hotel,” the muffled voice informs us through the closed door.
Thank fucking God.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter, hoping my distress is convincing. I rush to put my clothes back on. “I thought I’d have a shower to freshen up, and I forgot to turn the fan on.”
“It’s fine,” he sighs, ushering me out of the room. “We’ll pick this up later.”
Outside we part ways in the crowd of people. I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m no closer to getting what I need, but at least I’ve given myself time to work out a proper game plan. I speed up my stride and head for my car. My body is still buzzing with adrenaline as I slide into the driver’s seat. Curling my fingers around the safety of the steering wheel, I close my eyes and listen to the sound of my racing heart.
What would’ve happened if the alarm hadn’t gone off? Could I have gone through with it? No. There’s no way in hell I could have done that. But I don’t doubt for a second that my apprehension wouldn’t have mattered to Ryan.
—
“You did what?”
I’m back at Jaxon’s place, explaining to him what just happened. I frown, not bothering to mask my annoyance as Jaxon chuckles. I’m not sure what kind of reaction I was expecting, but this wasn’t it. “I’m sorry,” Jaxon continues between laughs, “but you evacuated one of the most exclusive hotels in LA. That’s quite a feat.”
“I’m glad you’re amused by this, considering I was doing it to help you,” I retort.
“No, you were doing it to help yourself,” he corrects, a twinkle in his eye. “Or more specifically, your career. Besides, what did you think was going to happen? If your plan was to seduce Ryan, you’d better goddamn believe he’s going to expect you to follow through.”
“I wasn’t thinking,” I mutter. Annoyance surges through me. I thought he might be jealous at the thought of me with another guy, but it’s clear he couldn’t care less. Maybe I’m totally misreading him.
“Look, you’re a smart girl, Char, but you need to stop being so naïve.”
“What makes you so sure I wasn’t willing to follow through?” I challenge.
He lets out a low laugh. “You set off an alarm to get away from the guy—which I’m impressed with, by the way. If sleeping with him was no big deal, then you would’ve done it.” He shrugs.
I hate that he’s right. He walks over to me and places his hand
on my cheek. I jump at his touch, my body betraying me yet again. I can’t stay annoyed at him because around him I’m weak. Whatever he wants from me, I’ll do, regardless of the consequences.
“Come here,” he says, his voice laced with affection. I let him pull me close. When his lips touch mine, all I can think about is how alluring he is. Everything about this man intoxicates me.
He guides me backward across the room, his mouth finding mine as we sway. Eventually we reach the bed. I fall back, waiting, as he climbs over me, his kisses slowly becoming more aggressive and desperate.
“I hate how much I want you,” he mutters. He pushes my head to one side and kisses my neck as his hands roam underneath my shirt. I hear the sounds of buttons popping as the shirt is ripped from me. He pushes my bra up, freeing my breasts and massaging them with the palms of his hands. A moan escapes me as his warm, skilled hands work their way back up to my neck.
“Oh,” I whisper, my body aching for him. I arch my back, allowing him to remove my skirt. He grins appreciatively at my lack of underwear as he runs his fingers over my body.
“Close your eyes,” he commands. I do as he asks. My breathing shallows as he grabs hold of my wrist, securing it to the post of the bed with something soft and silky. He does the same with my other wrist, and then each ankle.
I squirm, the anticipation unbearable. I can feel his eyes on me and it’s making me so wet. He moves over me, his breath warm against my naked skin. I gasp when his tongue runs along the inside of my thigh. My body tenses, demanding more.
I wish I had the strength to push him away, but I don’t. I want to distance myself from him, as I can feel him doing with me, but my body and my heart won’t let me. I’m falling further and further into a trap that I can’t see myself getting free from.
Suddenly I can’t breathe.
“Stop, please,” I cry out, my legs tensing as an unfamiliar rush of panic hits me. “Get these off me,” I demand. The soft fibers from the silk burn against my skin as I struggle to free myself. The more I struggle, the worse I panic. Jaxon immediately moves over me, loosening the restraints.
Gasping for air, I roll away from him. I perch on the edge of the mattress, shaking. I breathe in and out, my eyes closed as I try to regain my composure. Finally the anxiety begins to subside, leaving me feeling embarrassed and vulnerable. What the hell was that? I know I’ve been stressed lately, but a panic attack?
“What is it?” Jaxon asks, his dark eyes full of concern. I hesitate as he rounds the bed and sits down next to me. My fingers curl around the sheets as I press them closer to my body. I’m naked, not that it really matters. He’s seen everything I have to offer, so why does this feel any different?
Because things are different. Whether he wants to admit it or not, our relationship is moving into something unknown. His eyes crinkle with amusement as he reaches for my hand.
“Really, Char? Now you’re shy?” His smirk makes my blood boil.
“You make me sound like some kind of slut,” I retort, narrowing my eyes at him. He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t reply. He doesn’t need to. I did, after all, take this job. “You know what I mean,” I mutter, yanking my hand away.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” he presses. “Or do I have to guess? I don’t like guessing games, Charlotte.”
“Nothing is wrong,” I reply. “I’m just not in the habit of ruining people’s lives. Sorry if I’m not finding that as easy as you’d like.”
He tenses, his jaw twitching as his eyes rise to meet mine.
“After all I told you, you feel sorry for him? The guy is an ass. You know he’s an ass. He ruined my life and you feel sorry for him?”
“I just…” My voice trails off as I try to put into words what I’m feeling. “People change. I mean, yes, he’s arrogant and selfish, but that’s not a crime. How do you know he hasn’t carried this with him? Maybe he’s learned from what happened. Maybe that’s why he is the way he is.”
Jaxon lets out an abrupt laugh. “Trust me, Ryan is still the same selfish prick he always was. Look, if you can’t handle this, tell me now—”
“I can handle it,” I cut in, my tone defensive.
This wasn’t about me not being able to cut it. It was about Jaxon looking beyond what had plagued him for nearly his whole life. Why did I think I could talk him out of this? He’s been obsessed with getting revenge for years. Nothing I say is going to change that, and nothing is going to stop him from obsessing over this for the rest of his life. I’m a fool if I think helping him with this will give him closure. He will never move on from what happened.
“I just want you to be sure that this is what you want.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself,” he replies. A smile shadows his lips. I close my eyes and sigh as he reaches up, his finger brushing my cheek.
I sit forward, crossing my legs under the covers.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” he replies. “I might not answer, but you can ask.”
I bite the edge of my lip as the question forms in my mouth. “What happened to Brynne?”
I hold my breath and await his reaction. I’m expecting disbelief, or anger that I’d even ask him such a thing, but what I get is amusement. God, why is he so hard to read?
“The deal was you help me bring Ryan down and then I answer your questions,” he chuckles. “Not less than five minutes ago you were questioning my motives. I’m not even sure you’re going to keep your end of the bargain. What makes you think I’d give you this for free?”
His words slice through me. Every time I find myself feeling just a little bit closer to him, he makes a comment like that. He doesn’t trust me and he never will.
“There are other ways you can persuade me to talk,” he hints.
In spite of my depressed mood, I lift my head and meet his eyes. I smirk and shake my head. “Since when do you not just take what you want? Do you expect me to seduce you?”
“I expect you to try,” he says, a glint in his eyes. “Show me why I don’t need to always be in control. Show me what I’m missing.”
My heart thumps as I think about all the things I want to do to him. Just the thought of having control over him is enough to make me wet.
“You want me to take control?” I say. Placing my feet on the ground, I push against the plush carpet and stand up. He raises an eyebrow as I take a step toward him, pressing him against the wall. I grip his chin roughly and press my lips against his. He groans as we kiss, my tongue clashing against his.
I take his hands and place them on my hips, jumping at the feel of his skin against mine. No matter how many times he touches me, that feeling never fades. I run my hands over his smooth, sculpted chest, my heart racing. He watches me, a smirk playing on his lips, no doubt wondering what I’m going to do next.
My hand travels south. I wrap my fingers around his hard cock and squeeze. He grins, tilting his head back as I begin to tease him.
“How does it feel not to have control?” I ask, biting his earlobe.
“Fucking amazing,” he mutters. He places his hands on my shoulders and attempts to push me down.
“Uh-huh, my rules, remember?” I say, shaking my head. He laughs, his eyes twinkling with amusement as I continue to palm his erection. “What’s it worth to you, Jaxon? Feeling my lips wrap around your cock, sucking, my tongue circling around your rod.” I chuckle and gently press my lips against his as my finger circles the tip of his cock. “Am I making you want me?”
“I always want you,” he growls. He grabs a handful of my hair and forces me down onto my knees. “You win, Char. Whatever you want, okay? Now suck.”
I grin and do a little victory dance in my head as my lips close around his erection. He gasps, his grip on my head tightening as I take him all in. My tongue moves up and down his length seamlessly as I bring him to the point of release. I get him just where I want him and then I stop. I look up at him and wait for
him to realize. His eyes fly open and meet mine. I can barely hold back my amusement as he stares at me, confused.
“What happened?” he asks.
“We’re bargaining, right? Someone wise once taught me, ‘Don’t give away the prize until you get what you want.’ So”—I bat my eyelashes—“I’m getting what I want.”
He crosses his arms, clearly not seeing the funny side of the situation.
“And what exactly, is that?”
“I want to know about Brynne.”
Chapter 23
Jaxon
I can hear the hesitation in her voice. I know exactly what she’s talking about, but all the same, I play dumb. “What?”
“Brynne,” she says, her eyes narrowing.
I sigh and sit down on the edge of the bed. She sure knows how to kill a mood. A moment ago she had her mouth on my cock, and now she wants to talk about my ex-girlfriend?
I hate talking.
Expressing how I feel is not something I’m used to, or very good at. More than anything I want to divert the conversation, but I know she needs this. She needs something to see that I do trust her.
“She left.” I shrug, not sure how to put into words what I’m feeling. “Just like that. No warning, no explanation. Women don’t just leave me, Charlotte. It’s easier to just close myself off than to try to explain something I don’t understand myself.”
“You have no idea where she is? What happened to her?” I ask.
“No idea at all. The police questioned me. The media ran away with some bullshit story that I killed her. People like drama, so they believe it. If the world wants to see me as a monster who’s capable of that, then what can I do?”
“You could tell your side of it,” she says.
“That’s what I’m doing, right? That’s our arrangement?” My voice grows cold. “I’ll give you what you need, Charlotte, but you’re not going to make me out to be some sob story. I don’t need pity.”
“That’s not what I’m trying to do,” she protests. She shakes her head, confused. “This isn’t about the story. It’s about you and me. I see glimpses of the real you, but then all too quickly you close up. Why won’t you let me in?”
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