Under the Mask: A Multi-Genre Collection

by Monica Corwin

  “I want to taste you so bad –.”

  His words were interrupted by a voice coming through the elevator speaker.

  “Hello? Anyone in there?”

  “Fuck!” Jake muttered quietly and dropped his forehead against hers.

  “Hello?”

  “Yeah!” he answered, clearly agitated by their disruption.

  “Oh, hey there, sir. Listen, this is Mark from maintenance. We’re not sure what caused the problem, but we’re working on getting you out of there as fast as we can.”

  "Take your time," Jake answered, but only loud enough for her to hear.

  “Sir?”

  He turned his head upward. “I said fine.”

  “Right. Okay then, we’re on it, sir. No worries.”

  Even though it was only a voice that interrupted them, Olivia suddenly felt very aware of her position, her disheveled appearance, and her vulnerability.

  She loosened her grip on his back and allowed her hands to fall to her side. Bringing her leg down, she was very aware that his warm hand still was nestled inside her panties.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She nodded. Not really sure what she should say, or even want she wanted to say.

  “Please don’t do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Shut down on me.”

  “I’m not. I’m… “

  He dropped his head down and pulled his hand free of her panties while removing his hand from her beneath her blouse.

  “I didn’t mean to be so forceful.”

  “What? Oh no.” she buttoned her blouse, trying to ignore the moisture between her legs. “You didn’t. It wasn’t like that.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  “Yes. I wanted… to.”

  “And me? Did you want me?”

  She bit her lower lip and nodded, afraid to admit to the thoughts that raced through her mind while he brought her to orgasm.

  “Good. Because I’ve wanted you for so damn long.”

  Hearing his words, learning that her fantasies hadn't been one-sided, more than surprised her. It filled her stomach with butterflies.

  “You have?”

  “Yeah. And apparently, if you ask the guys in the office it’s pretty damn obvious.”

  She couldn't contain her smile. Apparently, Janice wasn't as off her rocker as she had thought. She wasn't about ready to complicate the situation any further by telling him of their conversation earlier.

  “I love your smile.” He brushed his thumb across her cheek and kissed her.

  “Thank –.”

  They were interrupted a second time as the maintenance man came over the speaker. “Okay. It looks like we found the problem. We’ll get you out of there in just a second.”

  She was jolted back to reality with the news. “Oh no.”

  Hurriedly, she began smoothing down her skirt and tucking her blouse back in while Jake picked up her files from the floor.

  She ran her fingers through her hair and asked, "How do I look?"

  With all the files picked up, he stood up and grinned. “Good enough to eat.”

  Her entire body heated with his answer, and she wondered if she could even step off the elevator, let alone face anyone.

  She figured she probably looked and smelled like sex, which was the exact opposite of the professional persona she had spent the last two years portraying.

  “I think I could get used to you blushing like that. As long as it’s only for me.” He winked.

  She smiled but was literally too shocked by what had just happened to utter a single word of reply.

  He handed her the files and nodded toward the sound of the elevator moving. “I guess I should move away from you now.”

  “I guess so.”

  “Here.” He handed her a black note card and stepped a few feet away.

  “What is this?”

  “It’s what you’re doing tomorrow night.” He answered.

  She opened it up and saw the notice for a formal event to take place at Frank Harrington’s mountain retreat. She’d heard of the place before, but also heard it was used for some pretty outlandish type parties.

  She was confused at first, wondering, and hoping that he didn’t get the wrong idea about her, and about what they’d just done.

  “Jake, I’m not sure that I’m the type of woman who –.”

  “No.” he quickly silenced her with his index finger over her lips. “It’s not like that.”

  “Then… what is it?”

  “The other wives and girlfriends will be there. I want you to be my date.”

  “Oh… “

  "That is if you want to be."

  She nodded and smiled. “I do.”

  The elevator chimed and the doors opened up. Somehow they’d ended up on the first floor and a delivery man stepped inside.

  Olivia stepped off the elevator. She had no idea why, but she needed to be away from close and confined quarters until she could freshen up. If she didn’t look like she’d just took part in some erotic elevator fun, she sure as heck probably smelled like she had.

  She turned back just as Jake winked at her. “Ms. Maitland, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  That was it and the doors closed, cutting her off from the man who’d just managed to take her from prim and proper to full blown orgasm in mere seconds.

  She stood in the busy lobby of their building as people walked past her. None of them looked at her. None of them paid her any attention at all.

  But, she had someone’s attention. She had Jake’s. And that feeling of being both excited and terrified only fueled her craving for her more.

  She cocked an eyebrow up and moved toward the bathroom. As she stepped inside she saw a surprised Janice ready to walk out.

  “Olivia? What are you doing down here?”

  “Umm… just taking the scenic route to the filing room I guess.”

  “Well,” Janice grabbed the files from her hand. “It suits you. You look like great.”

  “You know what, Janice? I feel great.”

  Olivia didn’t say another word as she tucked the invitation into her pocket and walked past her co-worker.

  She hadn’t been lying. She really did feel great. In fact, she felt downright incredible.

  Chapter Five

  Jake sat on the conference call as their client droned on over and over about how he didn’t think he did anything wrong when he made a pass at his employee. The stupidity of their clientele amazed him at times. They were almost as arrogant as the old money behind their firm.

  Janice sat across from his desk taking notes, but his attention wasn’t on her, or even his client. He kept glancing out to the bullpen of secretarial desks where Olivia sat and watched her in everything that she did.

  It was a hobby he'd become quite used to, but for the first time, he wasn't just seeing her as a lady that he admired from afar. This time she was a woman. The woman who had melted in his arms and screamed while he'd brought her to the edge, not once but twice.

  He shifted in his chair and fought his body's urge to respond to the memory. For the past three hours, he'd been suffering the after effects of blue balls, but he didn't care. Remembering her scent, seeing her face as she fell, and feeling her juices coat his hand, were all well worth any torture he was putting himself through.

  “So what do you think, Olson?”

  The mention of his name brought him back to the present. He looked down at his phone and tried to remember all that his client had been babbling about.

  “Jake?” Janice gave him a questioning look.

  He made a quick attempt to cover his obvious inattentiveness. "Oh, well you know what I say. No case is ever cut and dry. There are always gray areas. Send over your statement and documentation of her performance and we'll take a look at it."

  It was a complete bullshit answer, and the man was guilty as sin. But unfortunately, he had a job to do. Whether he liked representing these arrogant prick
s or not.

  “Great. I know you won’t let me down, Olson. Thanks!”

  The man ended the call and Janice pressed the red button on his speakerphone.

  “You okay, boss?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine.”

  “He sounds pretty guilty to me.”

  Jake laughed. “Isn’t he always? This is what? The third sexual harassment claim this year?”

  “Fourth I think.” She replied.

  “Right. I guess some assholes just never learn.”

  "Well, I'll get these notes typed up and finish things up for the day. Will you be needing anything else?”

  Nothing you can give me.

  “No. Thanks, Janice. I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Very well. Have a good weekend.”

  “You too.”

  He leaned back in his chair as she walked out. Lacing his fingers together behind his head, he searched for Olivia but didn’t see her.

  In the elevator, he had no idea what had come over him. Other than his urgency for her, he had never made a move with anyone he'd worked with.

  Olivia wasn't just anyone, though. That much was becoming increasingly obvious. Her green eyes had the tiniest little hint of gold flecks surrounding her pupils. He'd never noticed them until they were so close together, with her body writhing against his.

  He had to get a hold of himself. Just the memory was making him hard. His cock throbbed painfully at the idea of what it would feel like to slide inside her tight, hot pussy.

  She was a fucking enigma. So sweet and adorable in one minute, and a God damn vixen of lust the next.

  He couldn’t get the image of her coming out of his mind. He wanted her. He fucking needed her.

  One more day, Jake. Hold on just one more day.

  Chapter Six

  Olivia sat at her desk the last half hour of her shift and tried her best to get Jake Olson out of her mind. She was listening to dictation as she typed away aimlessly, copying every word that was being said, but not really hearing any of it. This work had become so second hand to her that she barely had to pay attention to what she was doing, much less care.

  The more her thoughts were allowed to wander, the more she found herself going back to the moment when Jake seduced her in the elevator.

  The invitation he handed her was still neatly tucked away in her pocket, though it burned against her thigh as she thought of what tomorrow night may bring.

  While she should be mortified by her behavior, or that someone in the office might find out what they’d done, the truth of it was that she wasn’t mortified or worried at all.

  She just didn’t care.

  Maybe it was because everyone in their office slept around like they lived in a damn soap opera, or maybe it was because Jake brought out the naughty in her. But whatever the reason may be, she anxiously looked forward to the next night may bring.

  “Olivia? Are you listening to me?” She looked up to see Janice standing beside her desk.

  “Oh, hi.” She took off her headphones. “Sorry, Janice. I got lost in the ever boring land of dictation. Did you need something?”

  “No. Just saying goodnight. Are you okay?” She asked with an inquisitive look on her face.

  Two orgasms today and probably more where that came from tomorrow, so yes, I’m great!

  She ignored her inner voice and answered politely. “Oh, I’m fine. You have a good weekend.”

  “You too, dear.”

  She smiled and put her headphones back on while she went back to her typing, ignoring the moisture and excitement building up inside of her.

  She had no idea what this weekend may bring, or whether it would be a monumental mistake. She sure as hell wasn't too afraid to find out, though.

  Chapter Seven

  Olivia stepped into the large ballroom after receiving her mask. It was gold, coated with glitter and had hints of black and deep red which complimented her dress. It was a dress that she’d spent far too much on that day as she searched the upscale shops of Cherry Creek’s exclusive shopping center.

  Her day’s excursion, including fixing her hair, trying to do make-up that she long since had forgotten how to apply, mixed with the hour long drive up to Mr. Harrington’s and this was the first moment that she actually had to breathe.

  She took in the surroundings of the party. The Harrington’s had obviously spared no expense. An ice sculpture of the Rocky Mountains stretched along a wide table on the far side of the room.

  Waiters and waitresses clad in white jackets carried trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne, working their way through the crowd who were dressed to the nines.

  For a moment she felt out of place among the city’s upper crust. She’d never felt more like a small town girl as she did in that moment watching the wealthy hob knob with one another, laughing and carrying on.

  She smiled and politely thanked the waiter who offered her a glass of champagne. Taking a sip she decided that a little liquid courage would probably be good for her. Her anticipation over seeing Jake this evening had been growing with every passing second.

  Scanning the room she caught glimpse of a few faces she recognized, despite the mask they wore. She wondered if they would recognize her as well. Would she have to explain away her presence? Or had Jake already told them she’d be coming?

  A warm breath caressed her neck and she knew instantly who it was. “You are more breathtaking than any woman in the room.”

  She turned. “Jake, you look very handsome yourself.”

  He shrugged. “Dance with me.”

  The instrumental music playing overhead was a song she was sure she’d heard before, but couldn’t place it. And the truth was it doesn’t much matter. She would’ve probably danced to death metal if Jake had asked her to.

  He took her hand, guiding her out into the open dance floor and pulled her waist into his.

  “I’m going to spill my drink.” She laughed.

  “Just one minute.”

  “Only one?” she mused.

  “Just long enough for every man in the room to be jealous that I’m with you.”

  “Ahh.” She grinned. “And am I with you?”

  “You’re bad.”

  She sipped her champagne and laughed as he swung her around the dance floor. “How am I bad?”

  He stopped in mid-stride. "Just because you're wearing a mask doesn't mean I can't see that fire in your eyes."

  She looked around at some nearby people who were watching them. “Jake. People are –.”

  “Let them stare.”

  “But… “

  “But nothing. You are beautiful. And you should never be made to feel that you have to hide from others.”

  She offered him a smirk. “Isn’t that the point of these masquerade parties?”

  “Maybe for some. Not for me.”

  “And what is the point for you.”

  “You.”

  “Me?”

  He leaned into her, dropping his head forehead against hers. "Yes, you. You've been driving me crazy for years. After yesterday, I'm not sure how much longer I can wait."

  “Then let’s not.”

  Jake pulled her through the crowd until they were in a dark hallway which led to a back staircase.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Crazy, baby. We’re going to drive each other crazy.”

  Chapter Eight

  Jake stepped inside the room Harrington’s wife had given him upon his arrival. He’d promised himself he was going to remain in control and not steal Olivia away before he’d been given a chance to wine and dine her properly. Damn if he couldn’t help himself, though.

  Instead of the tight bun, she'd always worn, her hair was only partially pinned atop her head with dark shiny curls falling all around her bare shoulders. Her makeup, though still subtle was a bit more dramatic with a bright red lipstick that matched her silk dress.

  Every part of her looked elegant. It wasn’t just in her beauty, but in he
r modesty as well. She wasn’t the same as these rich fucks he was forced to spend his time with. She was down to earth, caring and so damn sexy he could barely stand it.

  As she set her mask down on the fireplace mantle, he removed his as well. “You are so beautiful, Livie.”

  “Livie?”

  “Sorry. Do you mind if I call you that?”

  “No, it’s just… nothing really. Just no one ever has before.”

  “Good. I like being the first. And only.”

  She trembled a little and he lifted her chin. “Hey, what’s wrong? Am I moving too fast? Do you need me to slow down?”

  “I’d say after yesterday it’s a little too late for that.” She teased.

  “Nonsense. It’s whatever you feel comfortable with. We don’t have to do anything. We can just talk.”

  “What if… ” her voice trailed off without finishing.

  “What? Tell me.”

  “I’m not sure that I can.”

  He cupped her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. Speaking softly, he assured her. “You can tell me anything.”

  Her eyes looked up at him, wide and unsure as she let their silence stretch on for far too long.

  “Tell me, Livie. Trust me, okay?”

  He watched as she slowly brought her gaze down between their bodies as she tried to explain whatever it was that was on her mind.

  “I… I haven’t stopped thinking about... You know.”

  He did his best to hold back a smile, but damn if it didn’t come through anyway. She was far too sweet for someone so drop dead gorgeous.

  He knew what she wanted. He could see the lust and longing in her eyes as she continued her gaze downward while licking her lips.

  as he saw her staring at his erection through his trousers. The sight was clearly leaving her tongue tied. He wondered if she was hypnotized by the image, just as he had been the first night he saw her.

  Jake led her to a chair by the fireplace and sat down in front of her. With only gentle prodding, he led her to kneel on the floor in front of him.