by Peggy Hunter
"What's so damn funny?"
Max tossed the pillow aside, trying to find his voice through his laughter. “You are,” he said. “I love that temper of yours."
Lacey threw up her hands in frustration. “You just don't get it, do you?” When Max continued to laugh and didn't reply, Lacey turned away from him. “That's it!” she cried. “I don't care what the press has to say from now on. In fact, I hope they make mincemeat out of you because you deserve it. I'm out of here!"
What felt like bands of steel wrapped around her seconds before she got to the door. “Let me go!"
Max picked her up and flung her onto the bed. “You aren't going anywhere,” he said. The humor was absent from his eyes now as he stared down at her.
Lacey grappled on the bed, trying to escape from the other side when Max leaned over her. She pushed at his chest, trying to free herself but knowing there was no way out.
Max grabbed her arms and pinned her hands over her head as his eyes connected with hers. “I may not be the man of your dreams, the kind who will sweep you off your feet,” he said between clenched teeth, “but make no mistake, you belong to me."
"Let me go!"
Max pushed his knees between her legs. He released her arms and sat up over her. “Is that what you want, Lacey? Do you really want me to let you go?"
As Lacey looked up at him, his dark eyes intense, his chest heaving and oh, his long, thick cock hovering just above her wet pussy, she couldn't say the words she knew she should. If she told him she wanted to be set free, he'd do just that. But she didn't want to be set free, in fact, she wanted him to possess her body and soul. The fact he'd never love her didn't matter, at least, not at this moment.
When she didn't reply, Max's hands cupped her face and then slowly, methodically, slid down. His fingers kneaded her nipples for a moment before they continued, drawing over her stomach and then to her thighs.
"Bend your knees and spread them wide,” he said softly as his fingers grazed her thighs. “I want to see your pussy."
Lacey did as he demanded, holding her thighs wide open for him. His eyes darkened as he gazed at her moist core. He hummed softly as his fingers slowly slid up to the crest.
He dipped his head between her legs as his fingers slid over her slit. “I love the smell of your pussy,” he said as he nuzzled her mound, “almost as much as I love the taste."
As his fingers parted her flesh and his mouth closed over her, Lacey cried out in sheer pleasure. He sucked her clit, teasing it with his tongue, driving her to distraction. He lowered his body, settling his shoulders between her thighs. His arms pushed under her legs and circled them, placing his hands flat on her belly. The move drove his shoulders lower and pushed her thighs wider apart as his mouth continued to suck and pull at her clit.
Lacey bucked her hips against him, wanting more yet not knowing how much she could withstand. Her fingers tangled in his hair, unsure if she was attempting to pull his face away or pushing him to give her more.
Lacey wasn't sure how much more she could take. Every stroke of his tongue drew her closer to an explosive orgasm. Her mind barely registered when one hand left her abdomen and snaked back under her leg. It wasn't until she felt a gentle pressure against her moist slit that she realized what was happening. At first, his fingers circled the outer rim, warning her, telling her what was to come.
Max suddenly pulled his mouth off her clit and sat up between her legs. She gazed up at him, bewildered. His cheeks and chin glistened with her moisture as he grinned down at her. She tried to smile but knew her body was too needy to manage it.
Suddenly, the grin disappeared and his eyes darkened. Lacey gasped when she felt one finger press into her. First one and then two fingers. His thumb slid over her clit as his fingers pulsed inside her. His hand set a rhythm her hips quickly accepted. She rocked her hips up with each plunge of his fingers. Each stroke took her closer and closer to sweet completion.
"You like that?” Max said as his fingers drove into her faster and harder.
"Yes!” Lacey's hips undulated in an attempt to keep the pace with him.
"Good,” Max said, his voice hoarse with passion. “Tell me what you want me to do next."
The words barely registered in Lacey's mind. She struggled to comprehend what he'd just said. She couldn't find the words.
Max's fingers slowed. He pushed them deeper into her, twisting them before slowly gliding out of her. “Listen to me,” he said. “What do you want me to do next?"
Lacey's mind was mush, how could he expect her to say anything? She struggled to concentrate, to repeat the words he'd just said in her mind.
What did she want from him? That's the question he asked. The answer was a no-brainer.
"I want you to fuck me."
"I am fucking you,” he replied as his fingers slowly slid back up her pussy.
Lacey thrashed her head back and forth in frustration. “Damn you!” she cried. “I want you to fuck me with your cock!"
Max bent over her and pressed his mouth to hers. He kissed her passionately and then pulled away slightly. “Ah, I see,” he said, looking into her eyes. “You'd rather have my cock than my two fingers."
"Yes! Yes!” Lacey wasn't sure how much more she could take. The anticipation of feeling his cock ram into her took her to another level of sensation.
Max slowly drew his fingers out of her pussy. He leaned in for another kiss as he positioned himself between her legs. “Two fingers won't satisfy you,” he said. “Hmm, what to do, what to do?"
"Stop teasing me,” Lacey said between clenched teeth as she raised her hips to meet him.
Max chuckled. “I'd never dream of teasing you,” he replied. “I just wonder if you really want my cock. Maybe you just need another finger."
Before Lacey could reply, Max shoved three fingers inside her. She gasped as her core stretched to accept his latest assault. She cried out, knowing she could not hold out much longer.
"No,” she gasped as his fingers continued to pulsate, pulling her closer and closer to an orgasm she didn't want. Not this way. “Don't make me come this way. Please!"
Max didn't say a word. He pulled his fingers from her pussy and slowly laid his body over hers. She sighed as his mouth closed over hers. Her arms circled his shoulders, pulling him closer to her as her legs wrapped around his hips. Relief coursed through her body as Max's rock-hard cock filled her.
He pulled his lips from hers and sighed. “Ah yes, I'm home,” he whispered.
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Chapter 9
Lacey woke with a start. She knew before she even opened her eyes that she was alone in bed. She rolled to her side and saw a note on the pillow beside her. As she reached for the piece of paper, her heart ached. He'd left without saying goodbye, perhaps even without a backward glance.
Bruce is at your disposal for the day. Go shopping, buy something sexy. See you tonight. M
Lacey's blood began to boil again. “Buy something sexy? Screw you!” she hissed as she crumpled the paper and shot out of bed. She'd been tossed aside. The things Max had whispered to her the night before hadn't meant anything to him.
The words echoed in her memory. Ah yes, I'm home.
In her heart, she'd wanted him to mean it, that perhaps he saw a future with her. She pitched the paper into the wastebasket as she went to the bathroom. Just how stupid could she be? Why hadn't she learned after what had happened with Zack? And why in hell did she think Max would be different?
Lacey started the shower and stepped under the steaming spray. So you want me to go shopping, do you? She began scrubbing her body furiously. I'll go shopping all right. And you'll be fucking lucky if I'm done before you get here tonight!
Lacey stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and walked to the bedroom, not caring that she was dripping all over the plush carpet. She picked up the phone and punched out a series of numbers with force. I'll show you, you prick!
The other end p
icked up on the second ring.
"Hey, Rach,” Lacey said. “We're going shopping today."
"I've gotta work,” her friend replied.
"Blow it off. I'll have Bruce pick you up in an hour."
"Bruce?"
Lacey beat down the curl of annoyance that built within her. She wasn't going to take out her frustration with Max on her best friend. She gripped the phone tighter, trying to rein herself in. “Yeah, Max's chauffeur. I'll send him to get you."
"I don't think Zack will approve. He's expecting me at work today."
A cold chill ran down Lacey's spine. Why should Rachael care what Zack thought? And, more than that, why was her best friend referring to her boss as Zack again? He'd been Mr. Billings to Lacey until she became friendly with him, and even then it was Zachary. The man allowed Lacey to call him Zack only when he was driving his cock into her. Was it possible Rachael was heading down the same path she had? Was she making the same mistakes?
Lacey frowned. “Rach, is there something you want to tell me?"
"No,” her friend replied quickly.
Lacey took a deep breath. If Rachael was making the same mistake, she clearly wasn't going to admit it. “All right then,” she replied. “Call in sick and prepare for some fun.” Lacey hung up the phone before she silently added ... on Maxwell Barton's tab.
* * * *
Max's body had been humming all day. Anxious to see the end of the workday, he could have sworn the clock ticked backwards. He longed to see Lacey, longed to be with her, longed to wrap his arms around her and make love to her again. When the clock finally struck five, he pushed everything he was working on aside and headed out the office door.
"Mr. Barton,” Eleanor said in protest, “we still have to hammer out the Dayton deal."
Max pressed the down button for the elevator and grinned at his secretary. “Tomorrow's another day. Dayton won't mind."
He smiled at Eleanor when the elevator doors opened. “You work too hard. Shut down early and spend some time with that man of yours."
Assuming there was a man. Max had no idea. And frankly, he didn't really care. His mind was set on Lacey and the evening they were about to spend together.
Max pulled his cell phone from his pocket as the elevator carried him to the ground floor. He knew Bruce would be waiting for him so calling to check was a formality.
He dialed his chauffeur's number and waited. It rang once. The elevator door opened and Max exited, walking into the lobby. It rang a second time. Max frowned. Bruce had never let his cell phone ring more than once.
It rang a third and fourth time.
Max was about to hang up when Bruce finally answered. “Hello?” He sounded breathless, as if he'd run several miles to catch the ringing phone.
"I'm ready to be picked up,” Max said irritably. “Where are you?"
"Oh, I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't realize the time,” Bruce replied, still breathless. “I'm at a bar called Pettybone's with Ms. Masters and her friend."
"Her friend?"
"I believe her name is Rachael. Ms. Masters took her along for the shopping excursion. They wanted to come here for a drink and, well, one thing led to another. I'm afraid they're a little drunk."
Max's hand went to his brow as he took a deep breath. “A little drunk?"
"Well, sir, they are quite drunk,” Bruce replied. “I'm sure you can understand why I can't leave them."
"Yes.” Max didn't have a clue as to why Lacey was at some bar and pissed to the gills. Still, it was best that Bruce stay with her. “I'll get there as soon as I can."
Max stepped out on the street and raised his hand to the first taxi passing by. When a car pulled up, he heard someone calling his name. He nodded to the taxi driver in a silent message that he should find another fare and turned to the person who had called him.
Zack stood on the busy sidewalk, grinning at him. “Wanna get a drink?"
Max's eyes narrowed as he looked at his former friend. “What do you want, Billings?"
Zack splayed his hands in a surrendering gesture. “Just want to spend some time with an old friend,” he said. “I've always been sorry we fell apart."
Max had no inclination to renew his friendship with the guy. Zack was, and would always be, an asshole. “Thanks,” he said as he waved to another cab. “But I've got to be somewhere."
"I'm sure you do,” Zack replied. “I expect you're going to Pettybone's to collect Lacey."
Max stiffened. When another taxi pulled up, he asked the driver to wait and turned to Zack. “What do you know about it?"
"Just that Lacey talked Rachael into blowing off work today to go with her."
Max had a bad feeling about Zack's statement. “Rachael is Lacey's best friend, so what's the big deal?"
Zack grinned. “I've been fucking Rachael since my wife made me give up Lacey."
Max wasn't sure he'd heard Zack right. He shook his head and stared at the man.
Zack grinned knowing he'd manage to shock Max. “Lacey's a sweet piece of ass but Rachael knows how to keep her mouth shut. Been fucking her every Monday afternoon since Lacey left."
Max's mind reeled. The first thing he thought of was punching Zack in the face and then pummeling his former friend to a pulp. But when the taxi driver blew his horn, Max opened the back door and quickly got in.
"Pettybone's."
The driver looked over his shoulder, his brows narrowed, his eyes shocked. “Did you say Pettybone's Bar?"
"I did."
"You know where that is?"
"Do I need to know?” Max asked irritably. “Just take me there."
"I can,” the driver said, “but I need cash up front."
Annoyed, Max dug into his wallet and tossed several bills at the driver. “All right, take me to Pettybone's."
The car didn't move for several more seconds as the driver counted the money. Max looked out on the street and saw that Zack had left. He sighed with relief as the driver smiled back at him. “Pettybone's it is then."
Max had a very bad feeling about all this. Just what the fuck had Lacey gotten up to today? And did she know what her best friend had been up to?
* * * *
"That's it, Bruce. If you don't drop your pants and fuck me right here and now, I'll go insane!"
Bruce gave Lacey a withering glance as Rachael braced her hands on a table and wagged her ass.
Lacey winced. “She's drunk,” she said to Bruce. “She doesn't really want you to...” Her voice trailed off, unable to say the words.
Bruce nodded. “Understood, Ms. Masters. But I think it's time to take you home."
Lacey wasn't even sure what time it was. The day had been filled with shopping. It wasn't until she was ready to go back to her condo that Rachael announced there was a lot more partying to do. Lacey wasn't sure how it happened but Bruce was soon whisking them away to a bar in the outskirts of Toronto.
Lacey would have had a lot more fun if it wasn't for Bruce playing bouncer to every man who paid attention to her. Rachael was quickly fed up with the chauffeur's protective nature and, as drunk as she was, invited him to fuck her in the middle of the crowded bar.
Bruce ignored her and focused on Lacey. “Mr. Barton won't be happy with the turn of events,” he said stoically.
Lacey grabbed her bottle of beer from the bar and tipped it to her lips. She took a long swallow. “Why should I care what Max thinks?” she asked. “It's all a sham anyway."
"Is it?” Bruce countered.
"Hey, Bruce, wanna have a go at this ass?"
Lacey winced again as Bruce's eyes darted to her friend's wagging ass and then back to her.
"Of course it's a sham,” Lacey replied. “It's only a matter of time before I hit the street, tossed out on my—” She peered at Rachael's wagging butt and, suddenly the situation seemed quite funny to her. She tried not to laugh.
Bruce's gaze fell on Rachael again, his brows rose and fell but otherwise he remained stoic. “If your ass
vibrates as much as your friend's does, I expect the pavement will shatter like glass."
Lacey snickered.
Bruce peered at her again before he added, “That butt is like a jackhammer."
And then Lacey gave in to peels of laughter. Poor Rachael seemed blissfully unaware of the joke. While her maneuvers didn't attract Bruce, another patron of the bar did take notice. He sidled up to Rachael and she was soon gyrating on the dance floor with him.
Lacy watched her friend for a moment before she turned her attention back to Bruce. “She's not nearly as bad as you think,” she said. “She's drunk."
"I'm sure you're right,” Bruce replied. “But we need to get back to the city."
A slow song began to play and Lacey closed her eyes. It was a sad song about love lost and a broken heart. Lacey emptied the last of her beer and looked at Bruce. “Dance with me first."
Bruce frowned. “Ms. Masters, I hardly think that's appropriate."
Lacey got off the bar stool and grabbed Bruce's hand. “Dance with me and we'll go right after."
Bruce allowed her to lead the way to the dance floor and, when she turned to him, he carefully placed one hand in hers and the other on her waist. He quickly took over and Lacey followed him as he effortlessly guided their steps.
"Can I ask you something?” Lacey said as he whirled her around on the dance floor.
"You can ask."
Lacey knew he meant she might not get an answer to her question. “Has Max ever been in love?"
Bruce's eyes focused over her head. As good a dancer as he was, she felt like she was gliding across the floor with a cement post. “Yes."
"Is that why he won't commit now?"
Bruce grinned lightly but still didn't make eye contact with her. “May I ask you a question?"
"You didn't answer mine,” Lacy countered.
Bruce ignored her comment. “Why do you think Max doesn't want something with you?"
Lacey chuckled. “That's easy,” she said. “What do I have to offer someone like Maxwell Barton? I'm damaged goods."