§
As soon as we’re inside she turns to me and says very calmly, “Paul told me about the merger and the announcement on Friday. Please tell me you didn’t do this to infiltrate every area of my life.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re now my landlord, boss, and,” she pauses, “bed buddy,” she blurts out. “That’s three strikes in my books. Did you do this on purpose?”
I run my hands through my hair, squeezing the back of my head. I did do this for her, to save her job, she loves her job. “In a way, yes, but not for the reasons you said. You love your job and this all happened before our current arrangement. The discussion started the first time I came to your Chicago office. Paul called me, I swear.”
She just glares at me, but is still surprisingly calm. “So you didn’t do this to own me, or control all the major areas of my life? I have to ask given our past.”
“What? No, no, that’s not the reason at all.”
“Are you sure? I screwed up and hurt you. I know you think about everything, a master planner. Be honest with me and yourself.” She’s eerily calm, but firm.
“It wasn’t like that. I mean, I wanted to help you. You love your job and enjoy working with Paul, don’t you?”
“Yes, but I can’t help thinking you saw the end result.” She cocks her eyebrow. She’s still eerily calm and hasn’t raised her voice once.
I sigh, I have to convince her. “Paul approached me. Ask him.”
“Would you have merged if I wasn’t working there?”
“Maybe not, but I would’ve still helped Paul, he’s a good lawyer; he’s a really good lawyer. The business side is not his strength though.”
“So you wanted to be boss then?”
“It wasn’t like that, I really just wanted you to keep your job, and help a good lawyer, a good firm, that’s all.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? You could’ve told me this weekend.”
“It’s business and was Paul’s news to share, not mine.”
She turns her back to me, holding some of her hair tightly between her fingers. She spins on her heels. She sighs, “I guess I just need some time to take this all in, I never saw this coming.”
“Of course, it’s a lot to take in. But you must know I wasn’t trying to hide anything, it was a business deal and that’s all. I wasn’t deliberately keeping it from you; it really was Paul’s news to share with you, not mine, under the circumstances.”
Her lips form a thin line, she’s thinking, the old Violet would’ve have lashed out by now. “I guess I could change jobs, Paul won’t be happy, and find another place to live.” She’s thinking out loud.
“Or you could just give it try and see if you like it. You love your job and you love this place. I know you do.”
“Voice of reason,” she says looking up, realizing she said that out loud too.
I half smile. “It’s your choice to make Violet, but if it was me, I’d give it a try. If it doesn’t feel right, then look into making changes. Choices, chances, and changes all go hand in hand in my world.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“It can be if you let it. Just give it a try.”
“I’ll think about it. I should get back to work now.” She grabs her purse and heads for the door.
“Can I drop you off?”
“No, I’ll walk.”
“Sooo, are we’re still on for Saturday?”
She grins, “Yes, for now.”
Chapter 21
“Violet”
It’s Friday morning and I didn’t sleep very well. Today’s the day Oliver & Harold officially becomes Laurier & Stone.
My stomach churns, confirming my nervous feelings, knowing what I do. I’ve given some serious thought to my situation. Adam’s right, I love my job and this place, so I’ve decided to give it three months and see how it goes. Having a decision date is something I can live with.
§
We’re all standing in the common area and the Chicago office is on a large video screen. There’s excitement in the air, everyone knows this is big news. Adam’s standing off to the side, trying to keep a low profile. All eyes are on Paul, except mine, which are on Adam. He’s wearing my favorite suit.
Paul addresses the group. “Thanks everyone for being here today. I shared some news with the senior team this week that I now want to share with all of you.”
I watch heads turning looking around the room. Paul continues, “Oliver & Harold have had many good years, and have partnered with some terrific firms on a variety of joint projects. They’d be proud that we’ve carried their legacy this far, even years after they’re gone. We service over two thousand clients at any given time from two offices. We’re efficient and respected. Times change, customers change, situations change, and today we need to partner again, but in a much bolder way.”
Paul scans the room, taking a deep breath. “So today we join Laurier & Stone. Its reputation precedes itself. I hope you’ll all look at this as an opportunity. I feel very strongly that this is the right decision and that new doors will be opened for all of us. I’m pleased to introduce you to my new boss and senior partner, Adam Stone, from Laurier & Stone. We’ve all read about him in the papers, so with that I’ll turn it over to Adam.”
Adam steps forward into the limelight, shaking Paul’s hand. It’s obvious they get along and respect each other. A proud feeling engulfs me for both of them.
Adam’s eyes linger on me for a few seconds before he scans the room. He speaks confidently, making the right amount of eye contact and has everyone’s attention. “Today’s a great day for all of us. When Paul approached me about merging with such a talented team, it was so easy to say yes. This is an opportunity to benefit and grow from each other’s strengths. I personally am honored and humbled to be asked to be a part of your team, and welcome you on behalf of all the team members of Laurier & Stone.”
There’s some applause, Adam says next, “Embracing change makes us all stronger. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, and after this meeting a Q&A packet will be emailed to each of you. In the meantime, I will be here today to answer any questions that I can. Laurier is a solid and fast growing full service international law firm. Partnering with you is going to make us that much stronger, and give us the opportunity to service our clients even more efficiently. That’s all good news from where I’m standing. Welcome, and I look forward to getting to know you over the coming months. I want to end by saying, each of you has a voice, and as a respected team member we want to hear from you. So share your thoughts and ideas.”
A very loud round of applause echoes through the room. Adam humbly steps aside, leaving Paul front and centre.
It’s easy to sneak back to my desk while others mull around to speak with Adam, or to chat about the news over an array of refreshments. I’m enjoying the quiet when I realize I’d better get used to seeing Adam more often now.
Showing support for my colleagues, I go back and join the crowd. I’m sipping orange juice and chatting with Greg, a junior lawyer from real estate. “So, what do you think?” he asks.
I smile. “It all sounds good so far. I’m sure we’ll all benefit in some way.”
“Yeah, for sure! Getting a job at an A-plus firm like that isn’t easy, so for me this is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Adam appears, having heard what Greg just said. “Violet, it’s nice to see you again.” He shakes my hand.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Stone.”
His eyes find Greg. “And you are?”
Greg’s clearly impressed and reaches for Adam’s extended hand. “I’m Greg Pulse, sir, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Welcome to the team. What do you do here?” he says smiling, being very friendly.
“Oh, I’m in, I mean I’m with the real estate
group.” Greg sounds nervous. I’d be too given the circumstances.
Adam’s genuine and does his best to make him feel comfortable. “Well, that’s a great place to be, with the real estate market being what it is. It’s nice to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you better.” He nods at us and moves on to mingle with more of his new team.
Greg sounds impressed. “You know him?”
“Yes, but only because of the bank merger last year.”
“Lucky you, he seems really down to earth. I’m impressed.”
“Yeah, he does. Everyone seems happy. Maybe you’re right, it’s an opportunity for everyone.” I smile at Greg before I go to find Paul.
Paul’s speaking with David and Irma. He pulls me into the circle. A few hours later we’re all back at our desks.
Adam’s in Paul’s office with the door closed. We haven’t been alone since he’s been here, and maybe that’s a good thing. When he comes out he’s the ultimate professional. “It’s nice seeing you again Violet. I hope you’re happy with the news.”
Paul looks at me for reassurance. “I am. I think you’re right, more doors can be opened. Who doesn’t like that? The choices could be endless.” I grin at Adam and he returns it. Paul walks with him to reception, and they keep getting stopped along the way.
Chapter 22
“Violet”
“Hi, it’s me. How do you think it went this morning?” Adam asks.
I quietly say into the phone, “You were great. There’s still a buzz. You made a good impression. It’s like we won a lottery around here.”
“Good, so how are you feeling?”
“I’ve made a few decisions.”
“Are you going to tell me?”
“I’m not in a private office like yours.”
“Right, sorry. Can I see you after work?”
I have to admit, seeing him this morning so in control, a polished business man, turned me on. “Sure. What time and where?”
“Your place around six?”
“Okay.”
“See you later.”
“Adam.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t forget to send my choices for tomorrow.”
He laughs, it’s dirty. “Of course, see you later.” When I hang up, the stirs start to form.
§
From: Adam Stone
To: Violet Cole
Subject: CHOICES
My lovely Gia,
Here are your three choices. Choose the one you want, and we’ll play it out to the fullest tomorrow evening.
1. High Heels
2. Stop Watch
3. Solitude
I look forward to exploring our boundaries.
Master Adam
Grinning to myself, I reread his email. It doesn’t take me long to choose.
From: Violet Cole
To: Adam Stone
Subject: re: CHOICES
My very handsome Master,
I can’t wait to explore and play with you. I choose High Heels.
Gia
§
Adam’s brought sushi and wine. “I thought we’d eat while we talk.”
“Great idea, come in.” We’re at the table.
He pours two glasses of wine and then gets straight to the point. “So what have you decided to do?”
“I’m going to give it three months and see how it goes.”
“That’s fair. You know, my firm really is a great place to work. I’m not just saying that. Our team member surveys prove it, and we’re always in the top percentile. They’re happy and our turnover is very low.”
“Then I guess I’ve made the right choice then.” He nods, using his chop sticks to pick up a piece of sushi. He’s skilled with them, which doesn’t surprise me.
“Now that we’ve sorted that out, can I kiss you properly before I leave?”
Disappointed that he’s leaving, I give him the go ahead when I nod. He reaches for my hand across the table, summoning me to him. The friend word seems distant when I’m in his lap. His kiss is strong and demanding, just like him, but it’s short lived.
“I don’t want to go, but I have a meeting at seven-thirty tonight, a CEO’s contract that’s not going so well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
§
After closing the door, my mind whirls and my body is on fire. That’s just not fair, universe!
Chapter 23
“Violet”
I’m dressed in a black push-up bra with matching panties that have three black straps on each side, which fit securely around my hips. The black garter belt around my waist is fastened to black fishnet stockings. I slide my feet into black stiletto pointed heels; everything in black. I could easily be a poster girl for Sexy Sublime Slave. Adam has chosen this outfit carefully. I kneel and wait for him.
“Stand up,” his sexy voice commands. The song “Tremble” plays in the background. He slowly walks around me, using a finger to pull and release one of the straps, snapping it against my hip, making me jump. He grins so I can see him and then pulls my head back to kiss me. “I’m going to devour you tonight, Gia.” His breath is warm and the sensations I feel are heavy and wanting. “What is your purpose?”
Goosebumps form over my body. “To please and honor you, Master.” He likes that and runs his tongue up my neck to my ear. The goose-bumps on my neck peak like Mount Everest.
His breath caresses my ear as he says into it, very precisely, very slowly, “I want your entire being on your knees because of me. You will want me like your life depends on it. You will scream because you need to release so badly you can’t breathe. I’m going deep, very deep, to your darkest most secret place, your true essence. You’re mine to do with as I please and you will please me.” I gargle, I can’t help myself. His words harness my body in a way never before. There’s more meaning and power in them.
My eyes close as the blindfold covers them. He gently pushes me forward. “I want you on your knees.” My upper body rests against the foot of the bed. His muscular thighs straddle my head, leaving me to imagine how sexy and powerful he must look. Like a tube of lipstick, his cock traces my lips. “Open your mouth.” My vagina somersaults at what’s to come. He pushes his cock between my parted lips. “Suck, I want to hear you.”
Like a warm vacuum, I suck his cock like my life depends on it; like it’s breathing new life into me. No tongue, just saliva and sucking. He flips up the blindfold so I can see myself, his wanton slave pleasing him. My lips encase his cock perfectly, looking in the mirror a tremor of delight shoots through me. The sight is beyond arousing, my head centered between two muscular thighs joined to sexy hips and muscular abs. It’s a close up I never want to forget. It gets steamier when he grasps my head and pushes all the way to the back of my throat. “Relax your throat, Beautiful,” he croons. As I do, it becomes easier to accept his length. “Good girl, yes, just like that.” I pleasure him for a while longer before he pulls out.
Helping me to my feet, he admires me and I admire him. His lips descend down my body as he slides off my panties. My skin sparks with desire, with each caress of his lips. Gently, he pushes me down on the bed. Ankles bound, I watch my stilettos being pulled up in the air. High heels, I get it now. He lets me take in my new perspective. He locks his fingers together, resting his chin against them, just watching and thinking. A searing jolt ripples inside me. The affect he has on me is far-reaching, out of this world! My eyes follow the length of silk tied to the metal beam. I catch him grin just before the room goes dark again, the blindfold covers my eyes.
Oh, he’s circling my clit, moving down, parting my lips. “Ahh,” I moan, it feels so good. The next move he makes is new…his lubricated finger circles my anus.
I clench. “Relax, Gia, it will be so much easier if you do.”
“I’m nervous.”
“Don’t I understand your body?” He’s sounds very convincing.
“Yessss.” I relax a bit.
“Please, Gia, I want to be deep inside you.” He slides a finger inside my vagina. Pleasurable ripples trickle up and down, distracting me until he slides his little finger inside my anus. The pleasure from the front makes the newness from behind not so bad. This changes when he wiggles both fingers. I moan, this feels very good. What I thought might be tragic becomes magic. The Magician wields his power in two places, until his tongue lashes my clit making it a wonderful threesome!
My hands grasp the bed sheets. “Ahh,” what he’s doing is unbearably great. Is too much pleasure even possible? I tense and clench because my body is on fire. “Ohhh, I’m close. Please, can I?”
His fingers move faster, exploring deeper. His tongue tortures my clit. He’s showing me I can come. My release evolves with every second and then the volcano erupts, lava splashes everywhere as I orgasm. Not once, but twice as his tongue stays in exactly the right spot. My body trembles in the aftermath. I’ve never felt anything like this before, and we’ve had many outstanding encounters.
His kiss has a sexy flavor, and glory detonates again when his cock finds its way in me, deep, very deep. This angle allows him full penetration. I groan as his hips hit my thighs, my heels in the air, my body turns slightly.
He grabs my hips firmly and fucks me harder. He moans. I’ve pulled the sheets from the corners of the bed and they feel loose in my hands now. My upper body rests on the bed while my thighs sway from side to side. This spices up my delights, he stirs, and I mean stirs in me. My wetness is a tantalizing batter of slick and moist. I can hear it with every stir! He expands and moves faster, pulling me into him, the pressure of his cock sends spiraling vibrations. I’m close, so close, and then we pinnacle, both crying out in delight!
He rests in me for a moment and we lay still, my lower half still suspended. Kissing the front of my thighs he pulls out and releases the tension around my ankles. My heels fall to the bed. His handsome face hovers over mine when he pulls up the blindfold. There’s a little sweat on him which only makes him sexier. He pulls me into his arms and says, “Your abs are going to hurt tomorrow.”
Solid Stone: Choices Page 12