Slow Release (Ebony and Ivory Book 1)

by Steele, Suzanne

  It was all a lie, well, a partial truth. I really was concerned about her suffering from culture shock, but more than that, I had to see her. I had to know if she would affect me in person as much as her picture had in her portfolio. I would know as soon as I laid eyes on her if she had bewitched me. What I didn’t know was what I was going to do with the knowledge once I had it.

  I spent the day before getting her bedroom set up with every possible thing she might need, including a completely new wardrobe full of designer clothing. She would be well taken care of in ways she never experienced before. I was going to see to that. Her every need and desire would be met by my hand. I wanted this complete stranger, a woman I didn’t even know, to understand that I would be the one, the only one, to meet her needs.

  I wasn’t in the habit of fucking the women who worked for me. In fact, I went out of my way to not form bonds with the models, not that I bonded with any of the women I fucked either. They were just that—a fuck. I wined them, dined them, fucked them once, and then made sure I never saw them again. It ensured I didn’t have to worry about any of them getting attached to me. More than that, it guaranteed I didn’t develop feelings for any of them.

  It’s hard for a man in my position to trust people’s motives, and women’s motives I definitely don’t trust. I work in a cutthroat industry, and many times, women try to attain job security the age-old way—on their backs. Their motives are selfish at best, and I’m not the kind of man who can be used. I’m honest with the women I bed. It’s sex, nothing more and nothing less. This is the first time I can ever remember being this intrigued with a woman.

  Skye

  The captain just informed the passengers that we were preparing to land in New York. I looked out the airplane window as his voice crackled over the intercom. I should have been tired from the long flight, but my excitement far outweighed my body’s need for rest. I was treated like royalty from the moment I boarded the plane. Immediately, I was ushered to first class where the stewardess pampered me and saw to my every need. Instinctively, I knew it was because of the man who was flying me out here. He was obviously more powerful and influential than I originally thought.

  This was the first time I had ever been on an airplane, and I felt like this was only the beginning of what would be many first experiences. The plane jolted when the wheels hit the tarmac, and I grabbed ahold of my seat, thinking my clothing choice probably wasn’t the best. We think the oddest things when we’re in stressful situations.

  When we were finally cleared to exit the plane, I stood and retrieved my carry-on from the overhead bin. Well, the stewardess actually rushed over and got it for me. Already, I was grateful to this man I didn’t know. Because I was in first class, I was able to exit the plane without having to fight the crowd. That was nice because I knew I was going to have to make my way through customs before I could meet up with whomever was here to pick me up.

  I shuffled through the line at customs and noted the officers with dogs. I knew enough to know that since the 9/11 attack, security had tightened in airports and many other public places. Oddly, it made me feel safer rather than ill at ease.

  The female behind the counter smacked on gum as she appraised me.

  “Your passport, please.”

  I laid the document on the counter.

  “Purpose of your visit?”

  “I’m here to work.”

  The loud noise from the stamp she used on my passport let me know I hadn’t raised any suspicion, and I walked through the large airport to the waiting area. I found myself veering off course, and I stopped at a small store to look at the magazines on the rack, picking one up and thumbing through it.

  “You’re going to be on the cover of every high fashion magazine in the country. Yours will be a household name by the time I’m finished with you.”

  His voice sounded like a mixture of baritone and sex. I could feel the heat that started in my core and radiated up into my chest. I turned and looked straight at one of the most gorgeous men I’d ever laid eyes on. His coal black eyes studied me as he waited for my reply.

  “What if I hadn’t been your model?”

  “I’d know you anywhere.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because you’ve been in my dreams from the moment I first saw your portfolio.”

  “Oh, you’re good, aren’t you? But I’m here to work, so your charm won’t work on me. I’m a different breed.”

  “Believe me, I already know that, but I beg to differ with you concerning my charm. I’ll win you over. You can be assured of that.”

  “You seem quite confident in your abilities.”

  “You have no idea.”

  With that, he took my arm and whisked me away to my new life.

  Damon

  She was so fucking beautiful. If I thought I was affected by that portfolio of hers, it was nothing compared to seeing her in person. Her dark skin was so fucking perfect. It looked like silk and practically begged me to run my hands all over it to experience its texture. There wasn’t a lump or bump on the girl, just a palette of pure perfection awaiting my artist’s brush to make her a star.

  Standing behind her, so close to that fine ass of hers, had my cock hard to the point I was almost embarrassed. I could only hope she wouldn’t look back and see it. She smelled divine, and it wasn’t cologne or perfume. It was all her, just pure pheromones. It was going to be hard as hell to not pin her against the wall and grind my hard cock all over that fine as hell body, but I had no intention of forcing her into anything. I brought her here to work first and foremost, and I was going to respect her. I would do what I promised and that was to make her a star. By the time I was finished with her, she would be my star.

  “Are you hungry?” I asked her, trying to get my mind off what she was doing to my body.

  “I’m not really dressed to go anywhere,” she answered, looking down as if she was embarrassed about her simple attire of jeans and a t-shirt.

  “We can eat at the mansion. It will give you a chance to freshen up, and I can show you where you’ll be staying.” I turned and eyed her until she met my gaze. “You have no reason to be ashamed. You’re stunning in whatever you choose to wear; I’m certain of it. You sure caught my eye when I saw your portfolio, and you’re even more beautiful in person.”

  “You are a charming man. I bet you’re quite a hit with the ladies.”

  “Well, I don’t date my models, and I work a lot which doesn’t leave much time for dating.”

  “That’s a shame.”

  “What is? The fact that I work a lot or the fact that I don’t date my models?”

  “Both.”

  “Well, there are always exceptions to the rules, young lady. Though I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve ever been tempted to make one.”

  Chapter Three

  Skye

  I knew from the photo that my boss was devilishly handsome, and I had prepared myself for his good looks. What I had not prepared myself for was his charm. I felt at ease talking with this man, and I sincerely hoped he would not only be my boss, but my friend as well. Just in the short time I’d known him, he struck me as a man of character, but I wasn’t so naïve as to think he didn’t have his share of sexual escapades, not with his good looks.

  He escorted me out to a car that looked like it cost more than I could have made in a lifetime of cleaning houses. Though Damon introduced the man who was driving as his business partner, I noted he looked more like a bodyguard. It made me wonder if and why my boss needed protection. Then again, I’m sure in his line of work, he must have to deal with everything from jealous lovers of models to disgruntled employees, perhaps even other agents.

  Where I come from, I am used to seeing armed guards and men carrying guns. I have seen the ravages of civil war and the devastating effects of crime in my part of the country. Though I may be naïve in sexual matters, I am in no way ignorant to the hardships of life and how far hunger can drive a
person into illegal activities. I’m certain hunger and illegal activities don’t play a part in this man’s need for a bodyguard though. Hopefully, in time, all the questions swirling around in my head will be answered.

  Chapter Four

  Damon

  I expected her to be a nervous wreck upon her arrival. I’d even gone so far as to worry about her feeling awkward in my presence. Nothing could be further from the truth. This woman was strong and confident. They were attributes I found to be sexy as hell.

  I enjoyed our back and forth banter. The girl never missed a beat. She had an answer for everything I said to her, and I thoroughly enjoyed her company on the ride to the mansion.

  The only time I witnessed her taken by surprise was when we pulled up to my estate. I purposely had my mansion built on ten sprawling acres outside the metropolitan area. I loved New York City, but when I came home, I wanted it to be a refuge from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

  We pulled up to the security gate and made our way up the long, tree-lined driveway. Her audible intake of breath betrayed how impressed she was with my property. I watched her face as she took in her surroundings, appraising her new home.

  “It’s beautiful. I don’t think even the president of Haiti has a house this beautiful.”

  “Oh, I’m certain he is living quite well. The problem is the people of Haiti aren’t.”

  She studied my face as if she was shocked I even cared. I did care, though, and I wanted her to know that.

  I turned and lifted her chin with one finger before I spoke. “My home is now your home, and I want you to be comfortable here. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken the liberty of purchasing you some items, things I thought you might need.”

  “You’ve been so good to me already. I hope I don’t let you down. You do realize this is my first modeling job, don’t you?”

  “I’m pleased to know I’m your first. I’ll be even more pleased to know I’m your last.” I wasn’t going to tell her that my statement was a double entendre. I’m certain she’s not in the habit of dating a lot of men, much less sleeping around. Though she was past the age of sexual consent, in the part of Haiti where she’s from, more often than not, a woman remained a virgin until she married. I didn’t know if she was or not, and I really didn’t give a fuck. I wanted her!

  “I don’t plan on working for anyone but you, Damon. I don’t know the industry, and for some reason, I feel safe with you.”

  I cut my eyes at her to let her know I meant business. “I’ll not tolerate you working for anyone else. I’m a very possessive man, and I already know those feelings run deep concerning you. I. Will. Be. Keeping. A. Very. Close. Eye. On. You.”

  I watched as she bit her bottom lip, and it took all my self-control to not crash my lips down over hers and rape her mouth. I wanted her pinned beneath me in the worst sort of way. The woman was like a force drawing me towards her, and I was a willing captive to her magnetism.

  Skye

  Once again, I felt the heat in my core radiating up to my chest. What was it about this man that made my body react this way? The look in his eyes clearly conveyed how serious he was about what he was saying. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was jealous at the thought of me working for another man. He had nothing to worry about because I was just here to help my family, and I didn’t want to take the chance of another agent screwing me over financially. I was sure the modeling industry could be a cutthroat business, and I was confident the man seated next to me knew the ins and outs of it.

  “Well, let’s go see your new home.”

  I scooted across the seat, not waiting for my door to be opened, and took the hand Damon offered to assist me in exiting the car. We made our way inside and I was awed; it was even more beautiful than the outside.

  We walked into an opulent foyer where a maid stood, awaiting Damon’s instructions.

  “We’re fine for now, Ms. Stratton. I’m going to show Skye her room and take her on a tour of the house.”

  “Very well,” the maid answered, giving Damon a slight bow before she excused herself.

  I looked around, taking in everything I could see. The foyer was huge with a large, antique, round table set up in the center. Two winding staircases on either side led the way to the upstairs where I was guessing the bedrooms must be located.

  To the right, there was a huge dining hall with a table that looked like it must seat at least twelve or more people. If you turned to the left, there was a large living room, big enough to accommodate a large gathering for parties. I could easily imagine the room full of guests, agents, and models, celebrating the release of a cover on a high fashion magazine. Would I be one of those models on a cover? I couldn’t help but wonder if I might someday. Everything felt so surreal, and I hadn’t even done a shoot yet. In my part of the world, you’re either very rich, or you live in poverty. This was a drastic and somewhat daunting change of circumstances for me, and already I could feel the inclination to feel overwhelmed by it all.

  Damon took my hand and led me up the stairs to my bedroom. It was so large that it looked like a small apartment. There was a sitting room, separate from the bedroom area, and off to the side, I saw an office with a top of the line laptop already set up on the desk for me.

  “Wait until you see this.” The mischievous smile on his face should have prepared me, at least a little, but I was still in awe when he opened the door. It was a huge closet, probably as big as the hut I’d been living in, and it was full. Inside were more items than I would ever be able to wear, all beautiful and all new. In disbelief, I ran my fingers across the fine material and peeked at some of the tags.

  “This is too much.” When I turned to eye him, he was right in my face. I leaned in to kiss his cheek, but he pulled my body close and covered my mouth with his. His tongue gained entry and explored the depths of my mouth. The sensation shot heat straight to the apex between my legs and brought immediate wetness to my core.

  He cupped my face in his hands as he spoke in a deep growl, “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. It isn’t too much… because it will never be enough.”

  I gave into that first kiss. I gave in because I wanted him. I have never had a man affect me the way this stranger has. Truthfully, I have never had a man affect me at all because I’ve never been with one. I didn’t kiss him because I felt pressured or obligated in any way. No, this was just my body responding in a way that went beyond reason. I felt like I was no longer in control because he managed to reach beyond my mind, beyond my ability to think, and tap into a place deep inside my soul. The feeling was so utterly foreign to me that it was frightening.

  Damon

  My dick was so hard it felt like it was going to explode in my pants. It was taking everything I had not to bend her over the dressing room bench and fuck her from behind. I instinctively knew she wasn’t very knowledgeable when it came to sex. I also knew she was most likely still a virgin, so when I finally took her, it wasn’t going to be on the closet floor. The kiss did, however, solidify one thing in my mind; I wasn’t letting this woman out of my sight.

  “You’re in dangerous territory, girl.” I held my fingers up to her face, spreading them about an inch apart to make my point. “I’m about this close to throwing you down and fucking you senseless. Now, I’d be willing to bet you’ve never been with a man, and I don’t plan on your first time being in a closet. I do, however, plan on being your first and your last. Now, let’s get you in the shower. Put this on when you get out.”

  I grabbed the first dress I saw, a blue and white striped summer dress, and tossed it in her direction. I quickly strode from the room before I did something I’d regret. I needed to be thinking with my brain and not my cock, no matter how hard it strained against my now tented trousers. This girl was making that very hard to accomplish.

  I made my way over to my room and into my adjoining office across the hall. Right now, I just wanted to get my mind off the woman who s
eems to have, at least lately, held my every thought captive. Talk about sexual chemistry! This woman was lighting my fire and didn’t even know she was doing it. How could a woman so innocent be so damn sexy?

  I sat my large frame down in the leather office chair and booted up my computer. The phone rang as I waited.

  “Hello.”

  “Damon, it’s Lisa. I was thinking maybe we could have dinner or something. I haven’t heard from you since… well, since you know.”

  “Since when, Lisa? Since I fucked you and told you I never wanted to see you again?”

  “Why do you have to be so mean?”

  “Why are you so relentless? I’m not your ticket to a modeling job. Don’t call me again.”

  Feeling more than a little irritated, I slammed the phone down. I hated being such a jerk, but the girl had been calling me every day since our one-night stand. She needed to accept the fact that I had no desire to see her again. The funny thing was that I honestly haven’t had the desire to see anyone since I came across the glossy of the woman who was now in my shower. I needed to fuck somebody, but I had no intentions of doing so until that somebody was Skye. I wanted her in my bed, and I wasn’t going to take the chance that she’d disconnect because she thought I was a player. I didn’t care how many times I had to jack off to keep my dick in line; I wasn’t going to risk losing Skye. I shook my head, inwardly reprimanding myself. I was acting like a high school kid with a schoolboy crush, and the woman hasn’t even been here a full day yet.

  “Trouble in paradise?”

  “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough to see how mean you can be to your past sexual conquests,” she smirked.

  “I wouldn’t treat you like that.”