by Liz Lovewell
Was he?
Clearing her throat, she told herself not to feel intimidated by him. Here, in his office, dressed in his expensive suit and looking every inch the successful corporate mogul, he’d certainly cut an intimidating image. But Chloe was no weakling; she knew that so long as she kept her wits about her, he wasn’t going to get away with just anything. She wasn’t going let him easily outwit her.
“Of course I did,” she said somewhat sharply. “Heather is the only family I have. We lost both our parents when she was 18, and I was 13. She practically raised me, worked her butt off so that I could have what I wanted. It was she who helped me through college. And you think I wouldn’t do anything to make sure she’s happy?”
She sighed deeply, struggling to regain her poise. Finally, she rose to her feet, clutching her purse as she braced herself for what she was about to do. Then she looked him squarely in the eyes. “Look, Grant, we’re adults. We don’t need to play games. So just tell me what I have to do to make sure Heather’s company, and all she’s worked all these years for, doesn’t go down the drain.”
A slow smile spread over his face, and Chloe’s heart tripped. He looked predatory right then; absolutely feral. She knew that with all his power and money, he probably got to eat women like her for breakfast. She hated to put herself in a position of submission, but what choice did she have? Desperate times called for desperate measures. She just wasn’t sure if she was desperate enough to do what undoubtedly lay ahead…
“Just what are you getting at, Chloe?” he asked conversationally, tipping one dark eyebrow. “Are you in some way suggesting that my decision can be swayed?”
His tone made her heart sink. So much for her plan; it was getting shot down even before it had taken off the ground. What had made her think she’d have the guts to tackle Grant Sheridan anyway?
“Because it can,” he added softly, and Chloe’s head flew up again. Suddenly, her chest felt too tight, and she could only stand still like a statue as he straightened from the edge of the desk. He approached, began to circle her, making her conscious of his eyes roving over every inch of her from the head to foot, and then front to back.
“Do you know what I want right now?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. It raised the tiny hairs on the back of her neck as he finally stopped behind her, so close she could sense his thrilling masculine heat.
She swallowed, closed her eyes briefly, and said, “No.”
His lips had drawn closer, and they now teased the lobe of her ear, his breath warm on the sensitive skin below. The tips of her breasts felt like they’d hardened to nubs, tingling almost painfully beneath her red camisole. Unable to breathe, she waited in a daze for his next words.
“I want to shove you face down over that desk, lift up this maddeningly short skirt of yours, and ram my cock into you from behind. Hard,” he told her matter-of-factly. “I’ll be buried so deep inside your cunt, stretching you, filling you up good…fucking you until we both implode.”
Chloe could have easily melted into a puddle right then and there at his feet. The images his words provoked…the raw sexual danger in his voice, made her quake so hard she was sure he could sense it. If he so much as touched her now, she’d…
Well, he did touch her. She felt his hands sweep up from behind to unbutton her jacket. Chloe didn’t—couldn’t—stop him, waiting instead with bated breath. Already, there was a molten heat sizzling deep inside her pussy, and she bit on her lip as her own body began to betray her.
“I wanted you from the second I saw you,” he told her softly, right before he slipped his hands underneath her blouse, and cupped her breasts. Chloe gasped, shocked by the intimate contact, and even more shocked by the unmistakable ridge of his cock she could feel nudging into her lower back.
“And I would have done anything…and I mean anything, to have you where I wanted you,” he growled, squeezing on her tits and causing her to shudder with inexorable pleasure. Even through her bra, his touch burned with passion, making her whole body come alive. She arched her neck, catching her breath as his lips began to trail from her jaw to her collarbone.
“But I knew that the problem with Heather’s company stood between us. So I waited…and hoped. And now, it seems like my wishes are about to come true.”
His fingers dug deeper into her flesh, molding the two ample globes together. He bit on her neck gently, making her moan with a mixture of pleasure and anticipation. She simply couldn’t think straight when he was touching her like that; it drove her crazy to think how easily he could turn her on, and how ready she was to do whatever he asked. Chloe knew right then and there that this wasn’t all just about keeping the business afloat. Deep down inside, she knew that when the time came for her to give herself to Grant Sheridan, she would do so…with pleasure.
Chapter Four
Chloe was so lost in the thrill of him massaging her tits with such hot, sweet lust, that she almost didn’t catch his next words.
“So you know what? I’m going to give you what you want, Chloe—and you’ll have to give me what I want: Your body…to be mine for the taking, again and again.”
Her eyes popped open, as for the first time she felt galvanized into action. Clutching her jacket tightly around her, she turned in his arms, struggling to break free. But he held her fast, his hands gripping her slender waist.
“What…what do you mean, again and again?” she asked falteringly.
“You didn’t think once would be enough, did you?” His smile was slightly mocking.
“You’re very beautiful and sexy, Chloe. But I do think I should get a fair deal out of this. One week,” he told her lightly. “You’ll be my sweet little fuck puppet for seven days…and I guarantee that Heather can keep the company. Heck…I’d even throw in some extra financing just so she can get Paper Glory back on its feet.”
Chloe felt her teeth grit together. “How very…generous of you, Grant. I’m sure I appreciate the gesture. But I take offense at the idea that you think this will give you the right to use me as your…your sex slave for a whole week!”
She felt a surge of anger. And yet, Chloe knew she was hot like lava just thinking of what he was suggesting. He was so tall and well-built compared to her slender, somewhat petite frame. She could just imagine what it would be like to be sexually controlled by a man like him. His masculine strength versus her feminine helplessness…she would be just like putty in his hands.
Was she ready to submit to that?
As she straightened her clothes indignantly, she saw him shrug, raking fingers through his hair carelessly as he returned to his chair behind the desk. “Technically, Chloe, this was your idea. You came here, alone—with your tight skirt and sexy red lips—to make me an offer. You didn’t even have to spell it out, but I knew what you were up to. And now you want to back out?”
He smiled somewhat sardonically at her as she stood there trembling half in fury and embarrassment. It made her cringe to think how easily he’d seen right through her ploy.
“So much for your lofty claims of sacrifice,” he added with a cynical twist to his lips, as he picked up a file and flung it closer to the edge of desk where she stood, still seething with confusion and annoyance.
“Take a look at that file, Chloe. That’s Paper Glory, already signed out in Heather’s name. With those papers, plus my promised financing running into at least a million dollars, I think your sister will be more than grateful when you show up with that after a week with me in Australia.”
Despite herself, she picked up the file, and glanced inside at the documents, already signed. She looked up quickly as his words sank in. “Wait a minute – did you say Australia?”
His hands were splayed out. “Why, yes. You see, business concerns take me to my home country quite frequently. However, this time, I intend to mix things up. And that’s where you come in, Chloe. You’ll be coming with me on my trip back to Melbourne. After a week, you’ll be free to return, with that file—and P
aper Glory—safely in your grasp.”
Chloe couldn’t help staring at him with helpless anger, holding up the file. “You knew. Somehow, you knew how all this would go. Were you so sure about me?”
He shrugged. “I’d be lying if I said yes. I wasn’t sure what step you or Heather would take—but I already intended, one way or another, to make you a proposition, Chloe.”
There: he flashed that wolfish grin again—that lethal slash of white that made her wonder if she’d ever stood a chance against his wiles.
“So you see, this was all really my idea, too,” he added calmly, as he held her gaze with compelling force. “Well, Chloe, what’s it going to be?”
Chapter Five
The more she told herself this couldn’t be happening, the more Chloe knew she was in deeper than she’d ever imagined.
Everything had taken place in a kind of blur ever since that day in Grant’s office. Looking into his eyes, finally saying yes, and seeing his slow, warm smile of triumph, had sent a mix of dread and expectation coursing through her veins.
Now, there was no going back. Before she even knew what she was doing, she was on a first-class plane ride with him headed to Melbourne. They had arrived barely half an hour ago, picked up from the airport by his chauffeured limo. The city was beautiful, and as it was her first time there, she was looking around curiously at the towering, bright edifices, and the picturesque coast teeming with people.
She was getting more and more used to the idea that Grant Sheridan was indeed swimming in money—and his home confirmed it without a doubt. They arrived at the palatial mansion and she couldn’t help the way her eyes widened in amazement and pleasure.
“We’ll be here alone tonight,” he informed her, once they were inside the divinely furnished living room, which seemed bigger than her entire house back home. “I normally have a chef and a housekeeper, but I gave them the night off. So I guess that means I have you all to myself, at long last.” He suddenly took her by the wrist and tugged her to him. The next second, he was kissing her.
Chloe’s breath caught in her throat at the unexpected turn of events. To think that this was officially the first time he was showing any indication of why they were here.
For the past several days leading up to the trip, he had kept up only casual contact with her, making arrangements, talking on the phone… But he’d never once made a move. Even when he picked her up for the airport, all through the flight, and on the drive right up to the house, he’d been nothing but courteous, even distant.
But now, the second the door closed behind them and they were on their own, it was like he’d only been holding back for this opportunity. And suddenly, he couldn’t seem to wait to give her a taste of what lay in store. Oh, and what a taste.
The first touch of his lips on hers sent a shockwave of pleasure rocking through her body. It was a good thing he was holding her steady with his hands on her shoulders, or else she’d have toppled to the floor. He tugged and teased, seeking entrance past the trembling seam of her mouth, and groaning deep in his throat when he couldn’t slick through.
“For goodness sake, Chloe…kiss me back,” he rasped, making her shudder at the raw need in his voice. Going limp in his arms, she forced herself to relax, even though her whole body screamed at the danger of giving in. But as soon as she relinquished her control, she found that kissing Grant Sheridan was the most overwhelmingly sensual pleasure she’d ever experienced. She didn’t want to like it, but she soon found herself wanting nothing more.
Chloe wasn’t sure what was more exciting: being kissed so passionately by a man who desired her, or kissing a man she so greatly desired. As both happened to be true in their case, it made for a potent mix indeed.
The moment she opened up to him, he let out a low growl of satisfaction, crushing her even tighter against him as he swirled his tongue deep inside her mouth. Unable to resist, she danced her tongue against his, closing her eyes and falling into his taste, his aroma. His was a dark, rich and hot flavor that seemed designed solely to drive a woman insane. And judging by his short, ragged breaths, he was just as blown away by the kiss as she was.
It went on for several minutes, the pressure of his mouth growing from fiery to downright wild as he seemed ready to eat her alive. He sucked on her tongue hard, causing her to clutch at his lapels as a red-hot lightning rod of pleasure shafted through her. In and out, round and round he jabbed: a simulated coitus of tongue and lips. Chloe found herself kissing him back just as fiercely, her gasps of pleasure filling the silent living room.
He drew back reluctantly at last, and she could barely lift her gaze to meet his. All she could think of was, if his kissing skills were any indication, then she was in for a hot, hard night ahead. And if he could arouse her so easily, with just one kiss, then Chloe knew she was in deeper trouble than ever. It was one thing to have to submit herself to his needs and passions. But to actually find pleasure in it seemed like such a self-betrayal. Truly, how on earth was she going to forgive herself, she wondered with an inner mocking smile.
One of his hands was cupping her face, while the other one settled in the small of her back, pressing her as close to his lithe frame as possible. It was then she had the sensation of his erection throbbing against her belly. She drew in a shaky breath.
“You feel that?” he rumbled, his gaze piercing compellingly into hers. “That’s the state I’ve been in all through the trip. I’ve practically been counting the minutes and hours till I’d finally be able to kiss you…touch you. But first…” He surprised her by pulling away, his hand lifting to lightly stroke down her hair, before releasing her.
“You must be tired after spending half a day on a plane. Why don’t we take a look around, and then you can freshen up, take a rest while I fix you that dinner I promised you all those weeks ago. Remember?” he asked with a smile.
Chloe tried to bite back her smile, and failed. “Sounds nice. Is the foot rub is still part of the package?”
“Among other things,” he assured her with one last glint in his eye. Chloe’s eyes fell beneath that penetrating look, wondering if it wasn’t too late to back out of the deal. She’d come all this way, yes, and she’d left home without even telling Heather the whole story. But still, she couldn’t help thinking that she could still walk away if she wanted to. So what was stopping her?
But then she thought of that kiss. And then, of course, she’d given Grant her word. She couldn’t help thinking of the consequences that lay in store if she changed her mind now.
No, she realized with finality: this was one torment she would not be able to escape. And she had seven days in which to endure it over and over again…
Chapter Six
The meal had been superb. He provided the most fabulous wines to go with the dishes, and Chloe let herself have glass after glass, knowing she would need fortification for what lay ahead. Judging from the look in his eyes all through dinner, she knew it was only a matter of time before…
“No, I think you’ve had enough,” he said firmly, as she held out her empty glass for more wine. “I don’t want you smashed tonight, Chloe. I want you to be aware of every delicious detail.”
She swallowed, placing down the glass. “Well…dinner was fantastic, Grant. Thank you. But I think I need to go lay down for a bit. I feel really tired after the twelve-hour flight.”
“Of course. Why don’t you go up to the master bedroom? I’ll finish down here and join you soon,” Grant implored.
Chloe fled, relieved to be alone as she closed the bedroom door behind her. Her heart still hadn’t stopped pounding, even as she told herself there was no use panicking. This was her choice, her decision. And soon, it would be time to follow through…
****
She must have fallen asleep, because suddenly, she became aware of a weight pressing down on the edge of the bed, close to her feet. Her eyes flew open to see Grant, dressed now in just a bathrobe, his hair slightly damp and wavy. He’d obviously ju
st showered, and she wondered how she could have been so deep in sleep not to have heard him come into the bedroom, or use the shower.
“Relax, Chloe,” he said, as he suddenly took hold of her ankles. “I just want you to feel better. It’s been a long day. Okay?” She nodded after a slight hesitation.
His sure, warm and firm hands began to rub her feet from her ankles to her toes. Slowly, she began to let the air stream out of her, as her body stopped stiffening thanks to the insistent pressure of his skillful hands. Damn, it felt good. He didn’t neglect a single inch of her feet, rubbing each toe individually by squeezing slightly on the ball of each one. She was in bliss.
Guilty for feeling so good about the foot rub, she bit on her lip and looked away from his handsome face, with his eyes focused on the task. She couldn’t help it, but she was feeling a slow, steady heat building up from her feet, up her legs, and spreading all over the rest of her body. Her breasts tingled; even her pussy began to twitch alarmingly. Chloe knew then that she was in trouble. Who would have guessed that a foot massage could be so erotic?
Every one of her nerve endings seemed connected to this new, thrilling pleasure, and she unconsciously stretched, a moan of delight spilling from her parted lips.
“You have such sexy, beautiful feet,” he said, his deep voice washing over her like a faraway sound of music. She blinked her eyes open, propping herself on her elbows to watch breathlessly as he lowered his head to her right foot which was cradled in his hands. He kissed her ankle, and then began working his way down to the top part of her foot. Right from the first touch of his lips, she felt her inner thighs quiver. She could feel herself getting moist as he stuck out his tongue to run across the arch of her foot. She shivered in pleasure.
Next thing she knew, he was kissing her big toe, right before he covered it with his mouth. She gasped out loud, her body arching forward as if on a spring. Fucking hell that felt amazing… He moved on to the other toes one at a time, making her quiver uncontrollably at the sensation of his hot, moist mouth sucking on her toes.