I Need You Now: Standalone HEA Billionaire Alpha Male BDSM Erotica Contemporary Suspense Romance (Need Series #2)

by Cynthia P. O'Neill

  The lessons from Mistress Sheila were helpful. To be taken seriously, I dressed the part, wearing power suits and extremely high heels during the day to let people know, “Don’t fuck with me!” I had to put on a mask and play the part every day. I seemed to gain the respect of Karen and Cameron seemed to back off for a while. I guess it helped not allowing either of them to stand while I talked to them at their desks.

  In some ways it was nice to be in control. I’d even begun to question whether I could somehow be like Gabi, a switch, wanting both dominance and submission. The last time I went to the club was in May, when I dressed like a Domme wearing a black leather dress and my favorite pair of red stilettos. I’d grabbed one of their platinum wigs and a black lace mask to hide my identity. I kept up a mood of indifference, wanting to know how people saw me. That’s when I met HIM!

  It didn’t take long for someone to come up beside me. I’d never seen him in the club, maybe he was new or just passing through on a guest membership.

  He asked for two fingers of scotch straight up. His scent, a cross between musk and forest evergreen, started to overload my mind. I was lost in thought as he leaned in to whisper in my ear, his hot breath caressing the side of my face as the warmth from his body pressed against my side. I could feel a spark of electricity run through me. His voice was laden with sexual promise as he said, “You shouldn’t try to confuse people with the way you’re dressed. It’s obvious you aren’t a Domme, so let’s not pretend, Mistress.”

  His words and the heat from his body confused me for a moment. How dare he call me a fake! I’ll show him who can dominate!

  I turned toward him, realizing the strength of the man who now stood in front of me. His shoulders were wide, the front of his shirt open at the top and straining against his muscles. He stood a little over six feet, almost a head taller than my five foot five inch stature. His torso trailed down to a slim waist, tight ass, and a bulge so big in his pants that my center throbbed just looking at it.

  He wore a cowboy hat and a black mask making him look like the Lone Ranger. You can save me any day, sir! His smile was a brilliant white, while his emerald eyes seemed to darken the longer he stared at me.

  I couldn’t resist temptation. “Hello, Cowboy. Care to tame a wild filly or be ridden by one?” I figured I’d offer up the answer of a switch.

  His smile broadened as he backed me up against the bar, putting a hand on each side of me, caging me in so I couldn’t move. He stepped forward, shoving one leg between mine, as his face came closer to mine.

  He placed a gentle kiss on the side of my neck, before nipping it with his teeth. I could feel my panties getting moist and my head start to spin with thoughts of desire. This cowboy knew how to drive a woman wild. If he did any more, I would easily submit to his lead.

  The stubble from his five o’clock shadow scraped against my skin as his lips laid down a blazing trail of kisses toward my mouth. I started to lift my hands against his chest to push him back, trying to resist my urges, but he was quick. He had both my hands behind my back in no time, while the front of his body molded to mine. “Let’s stop pretending, little filly. You may dress like you want to be in the saddle, but the way you look to the floor, the scent of your arousal, and the way you bend to me, tells me you want to be ridden hard.”

  I swallowed, knowing he was right, feeling the need to be dominated by him. I could only find true release through submission and right now I’d gladly play in this cowboy’s corral.

  I’d barely managed to squeak out, “Yes, sir,” when he gently bit my lower lip, causing me to gasp as his tongue thrust deep into my mouth. I matched his tongue with mine and felt a surge of passion run deep within me, unlike anything I’d ever encountered before.

  He didn’t speak a word as he released my mouth and began walking away. I felt my heart breaking, that I wasn’t good enough for him until he turned around, cocked his head to the side, and motioned for me to come. A snarky smile, as if he knew I’d do anything he asked, spread across his face. “Are you coming, little darling?”

  I nervously followed my cowboy into a private room and let him show me how he trained his “fillies” on his “farm.” I’d never known a woman could come so many times in just a few short hours. No one had ever managed to elicit more than two orgasms from me, but this man had talents I’d never seen before. I’d come so many times that . . .

  “Gianna?”

  I was lost in thought when I heard my name being called.

  I finally shook my head and came out of my daydreams.

  “Gianna, are you okay?” I looked up to find my uncle. I thought I’d be the only person working late on a Friday night, trying to clean up some of the mess that was made of my accounts.

  “I’m fine, Uncle Alexander. Just trying to straighten up the mess this asshole made of my accounts before I get blamed for more bad work.” I was already tired, having come in earlier than normal this morning and working through lunch and now dinner.

  My uncle sat down in the seat across from my desk, his face looking more relaxed than ever. “Go home and get some rest this weekend. You’ve worked too many hours and it looks like you’ve lost some weight. If you keep this work schedule up, you’ll make yourself sick.”

  I just smiled and laughed, shaking my head. “I’d like to, Uncle, but the work won’t get corrected and I’ll be further behind come Monday.”

  He reached over and grabbed my hand. “You’ll be just fine,” he assured. “I’ve placed a call to a forensic accounting expert who’ll look into tracking down the person trying to screw with our company. In the meantime, I’ve hired someone from a temp agency who can come in and assist you while Rachel is out.”

  I was in shock. Did he just say a temp? “I’m glad to hear you’ll have someone looking into what’s going on. A temp for Rachel’s position? I don’t mean to question you, Uncle, but the person can’t possibly know enough about accounting if they’re working through a temp agency.”

  He smiled warmly as he crossed his legs. “You’re too quick to judge, Gianna. The temp I’ve hired is a young man who recently left the accounting firm he was with because of conflict. They wanted to send him all over the place to handle various accounts for the corporations they represent, while he’d prefer to stay closer to home, closer to his siblings and friends. I’ve read his resume and have dealt with some of the corporations he’s worked with. They all praise him for his ability to adapt to any situation. You should give him a chance. Besides, the young gentleman will start early Monday morning. I’ve asked him to come in an hour early, so you can go over some the details of his job. He’ll have the same access you do to accounts.”

  I felt defeated. I’d wanted to interview the person who’d fill in for Rachel. I didn’t contest the idea. My uncle knew I was tired, working long hours, and probably thought he was doing me a favor by screening a new employee for me. All I could do was say, “Yes, sir.”

  He stood and made to leave, before glancing back. “Why don’t you shut the computer down for tonight and grab the order I just placed for you at Watersby Bistro?”

  I just shook my head. “Trying to bribe me with food?”

  He feigned innocence, placing his hand on his chest. “Me? Never.”

  I knew my mom, dad, and sister already had plans to attend the benefit gala with my uncle and his family this evening, leaving me to either do take out or a frozen dinner, since I didn’t cook very well. The gala was a good cause, but as tired as I was, I knew I couldn’t pull off a cheerful smile for the next couple hours in high heels and dressed to the nines. I didn’t need to think about it long, with my stomach grumbling for food. “Sure, just give me a minute to log-off and shut my system down and I’ll walk out with you.”

  He waited as I gathered my laptop and locked the door to my office. “So tell me more about this new guy?”

  “I SUBMIT TO YOU freely, sir. Do with me as you desire, Cowboy.” Her words were a livewire to my crotch. I could feel the
blood coursing to my other head as I watched her kneel in a submissive pose; knees shoulder width apart, her eyes downcast toward the floor. I couldn’t believe the instant transformation from domme to submissive persona as soon as she was behind closed doors.

  I reached for her mask and wig, but she shook her head. “Please, sir. May we keep things anonymous tonight?”

  I didn’t like it, but I’d agree tonight. I ran the back of my hand against the side of her face. She leaned into my caress. “What shall I call you tonight, little one?”

  “Call me your Vixen.” A lascivious smile spread across her face.

  My Vixen! Mine! The idea was more than appealing. I would take her so fiercely tonight that I would ruin her for all other men. I’d leave her craving only me. What the hell made me say that? Why am I being so possessive tonight?

  I knelt behind her, reaching out to undo the ties on the back of her leather dress, revealing more of her lightly tanned skin. My fingers gently glided along her exposed flesh, sending shocks of electricity through my system; lighting up both my body and my soul.

  I leaned forward, pressing my hardness and chest into her back. I wanted her to feel every inch of me as I began to nip down the side of her neck to her shoulders. I playfully bit into one, sucking her skin into my mouth. Mmm . . . she actually tastes like strawberries. Mine! Where the hell did that come from?

  I was lost in my thoughts when I felt a shake to my shoulder. No! I don’t want to wake up from this dream.

  “Sir? Mr. Lawson? Nate?” a strong male voice asked.

  I screamed out, “What?” The man jumped backwards.

  I looked up and realized it was the co-pilot. “Yes?”

  “I’m so sorry to wake you, Mr. Lawson, but we need you to sit upright so we can land. We’re already on approach with the airport and should be landing in ten minutes. Mr. Prescott is already waiting for you at the hanger,” Thomas explained.

  “Thank you, Thomas. I’m sorry. I was in a deep sleep when you woke me.”

  He smirked. “Sounded like an amazing dream to me. Was she an unrequited love?”

  I nodded. “I guess you could say that. We had one amazing night and I can’t stop thinking of her. I’ve never found her since.”

  I wasn’t one to normally bare my soul to anyone, but Vixen had done a number on me. I’d stop at nothing if I could have another opportunity with her.

  “If it’s fated, your paths will cross again. For the record, I hope you get your chance, sir.”

  I nodded as I watched him walk back to the cockpit. One thing about it, I was feeling spoiled lately with all of this private air travel between Dane, my temporary boss in Seattle, and now Mr. Prescott. I couldn’t get enough. To live in the lap of luxury must be nice.

  I actually envied my sister Marissa, for once; since she’d married into this family, this was now her life. While a life of extravagance might be nice, I’d settle for just finding the one that got away.

  I can’t understand why Vixen calls to me like a siren every night in my sleep. Why I can’t seem to be with any other women. She’s ruined me! I once was a player and now I feel I’ve been played. How did she manage to get under my skin in only one night?

  I looked out the window and watched as our plane landed and taxied to one of the hangers. Mr. Prescott stepped out of a waiting limo in a full tuxedo. “Welcome back, Nate. I trust you’ve had a good flight.”

  I stretched out my hand to shake Mr. Prescott’s. “Thank you, Mr. Prescott. You didn’t have to send the plane, but it was nice to just kick back and relax on the journey home.”

  Mr. Prescott put his hand on my shoulder to get my attention. “Feel free to call me Alexander outside of the office. We’re family now that Dane and Marissa are married.”

  I nodded.

  He waved his hand toward the limo. “Let’s talk inside, away from prying ears.”

  I followed his lead as his driver grabbed my bags.

  As soon as we were inside, the privacy panel went up and he began to fill me in on his needs for Prescott International. “I’d like you to come on board as Nate Michaelson. You’ve been by the office once and a couple people know you as Nate, but they haven’t a clue that you’re related to Marissa or me. Your looks are similar to hers, so I’d like you to darken your hair a bit. We have a box of hair coloring waiting for you at the condo. I hate to go to such extremes, but I have a few employees with keen eyes that might put two and two together, otherwise.”

  He reached for a folder on the seat next to him. “Here’s the list of suspects, along with their pictures. We have a company laptop, along with log in instructions to our office, at your place. If you have time, we’d like you to start going through things from home this weekend.”

  I just nodded. “I’d like to catch the perpetrator as soon as possible. I don’t like the idea of someone still out to hurt my sister, or your accounting manager. I’ll get started right away, Alexander.”

  “We’ve already processed your paperwork and have a bank account set up with your faux name. We’ll need you to come in an hour early on Monday. We’d like to introduce you to the accounting manager and have her walk you through some of the duties you’ll be doing.

  “As far as the manager is concerned, you’re just a temp from an employment agency. They’re rather pissed that they didn’t get to screen you and select the best candidate. I’ve tried to smooth it over. I’ve explained how you recently quit your position, citing a need to be closer to your extended family.” He smiled at me, knowing that this was true.

  “Where am I supposed to have worked?” I wondered.

  He smiled. “You worked for a company that sent you around the country to check on various accounts; mainly large corporations who’d screwed up their accounting software.” He paused for a moment. “I also informed the manager that we’d hired a forensics accountant who’d be snooping through various items; that he’d work at night and on weekends, so they shouldn’t go looking for anyone particular.”

  I had to laugh, since this wasn’t far from the truth. I found, in the past, that working at night, you were unencumbered by some of the employees trying to fake their work abilities or cover up their thefts, knowing someone was watching them.

  “That’s about what I do. I’ll interact with the others during the day and do the duties required of the position, but I’d like to do the investigative work during off hours, by either going in or using a secure connection to the office via a laptop.”

  He nodded. “I’ve already had top security clearance issued to you, along with a portfolio of your new identity and matching documentation to use while you’re here.”

  I looked up and noticed the car had already stopped.

  The driver, Derrick, opened the door for Alexander and then me. It was nice knowing I’d be right down the street from my sister and wouldn’t have a high level of noise associated with the weekend parties my roommates used to throw. It had been cheap and fun, but it was time to focus on what I wanted out of life and go for it.

  I watched as Derrick grabbed my bags and headed into the building. I couldn’t believe I had someone carrying my things for me. It just felt weird not to do things myself.

  “I’ll walk in with you and show you where we’ve placed your laptop for work, along with the passcodes for the garage and the security panel in the condo,” he stated as we entered the elevator. I’d been here before, meeting up with Dane to go shoot some hoops or just hang out. I’d envied his place back then and still couldn’t believe I’d get to live here for the length of the assignment, maybe longer.

  “Here are your keys to 4C. Your car is parked on the second floor of the parking garage, bay 5. You already know at least one of your neighbors. My youngest son, Rafe, lives on the fifth floor, and a couple of my brother’s kids live on various floors.” He smirked at some errant thought for a moment, but didn’t bother to elaborate on the names of his nieces or nephews.

  I walked in expecting to find a pile of b
oxes that needed to be unpacked. I was shocked to discover only a small handful. What the heck? I started looking around for more boxes, hoping my former roommates hadn’t taken most of my items and claimed them as theirs.

  I felt my heart begin to pound when Alexander came up and slapped me on the shoulder. “We wanted you to be able to hit the ground running. The movers made a list of everything they took from your old place and left it here on the table for you to review. I had them go ahead and put away items that were obvious where they belonged—your clothes, bath items, kitchenware, laundry, and so forth.

  Derrick walked into the kitchen area. “I’ve placed your bags on your bed, Nate.” He looked at Alexander, who nodded. I watched as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a card, handing it to me. It had his name, and some guy named Rick printed along with some phone numbers. “Rick and I are Mr. Prescott’s drivers and personal body guards for the family. If you need information dug up on anyone you believe is causing problems or if you need anyone followed, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ve both worked in covert operations before, so we know how to get whatever you need.”

  I had to do a double take. I had no clue he had drivers as body guards, especially with that kind of background. I looked over at Alexander, who admitted, “They’re the best in the business. I know I’ve slept easier knowing they’re around.”

  I shook Derrick’s hand. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” I didn’t want to admit I felt intimidated by him.

  Alexander placed one hand on my shoulder while extending the other to shake my hand. “Take it easy today and see what you can come up with this weekend in regards to the information I gave you. We can discuss it early Monday morning. I’d like you to come in a little early so we have a chance to talk about your findings and introduce you to our account manager.”