JACKSON (The Billionaire Croft Brothers, Book One)

by Paige North

  She was incredibly attracted to Cullen Sharpe. Who wouldn’t be?

  But she refused to play his bizarre and twisted games any further.

  You’ve said that before, she reminded herself.

  But this time it’s different. This time I know that he really can’t change who he is. Cullen Sharpe is like a gorgeous ice sculpture. Good to admire from a safe distance, but if you try and embrace him, you’re in danger of freezing to death.

  His body is plenty warm, she argued against her own thoughts. And his cock—

  “Enough,” she said aloud. Then she got up and tossed her cup in the sink. It was time for work and she’d made up her mind.

  Maybe she was a little disappointed.

  She didn’t want to feel this way, she just couldn’t seem to shake it.

  Rather, she couldn’t shake him. Cullen Sharpe.

  As Ivy sat at her cubicle and worked, she found her mind continually drifting to thoughts of the time they’d spent together, brief though it had been. The images, sights, scents and smells of him—all of it was so arousing, somehow it all felt more real than the chair and desk and computer screen in front of her.

  It’s like he’s cast a spell on me, she thought. Maybe Cullen’s new drug he’s developing will be himself—the most addictive drug on the market.

  The thought made her smile as she took a break from work and sipped at her coffee. But her smile went away as she realized that he still hadn’t called or sent a chat or anything.

  You didn’t want him to. Remember?

  But still, he could’ve tried if he really cared.

  At about quarter to twelve, she finally accepted that Cullen wasn’t going to try to take her to lunch. There had been no sign, no word, and she was sick of torturing herself.

  Ivy got up from her desk and slung her purse over her shoulder with a deep sigh. She looked around and saw Lucas watching her closely. Somehow it gave her the creeps—or maybe it just annoyed her.

  Why are you always watching me? She wanted to ask him. Why are you such a little snoop?

  But then she decided that was just her mood again, and so she forced a smile and waved, before quickly turning and leaving the cube farm. She needed to get some fresh air, get out of the office for lunch. Get away from anything to do with Cullen or his company.

  As she left the lobby, she was convinced she would see him there. He would come over and despite her protests, insist on spiriting her away to a romantic lunch which would turn into drinks and then they’d skip going back to the office entirely.

  And then what?

  Of course, the best part. Back to his home, and another round of spanking and lovemaking…

  You want that? You really want that?

  Of course not. I’m just being silly.

  “Ivy?” called a familiar voice from nearby, as she made her way onto the street.

  Her heart soared. It was Cullen coming for her. She knew instantly that it was indeed what she wanted and she’d been fooling herself all along by pretending that she didn’t care about him.

  But as she turned, her smile faltered.

  The voice didn’t belong to her mysterious and maddening CEO, but instead to Xavier Montrose, Cullen’s rival. The man who’d asked her out and given her his business card yesterday.

  He was coming down the street towards her now, looking dapper in his blue suit and gold tie.

  After the initial sinking disappointment upon realizing that it hadn’t been Cullen calling her name, Ivy found her spirits buoying at seeing Xavier Montrose walking to her.

  Xavier was a suave, handsome and charismatic man, and he was smiling for goodness sake! He actually knew how to smile and be friendly!

  When he reached her, Xavier gave her a sly grin. “You never called me yesterday.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was exhausted after work.”

  “That Sharpe’s a slave driver,” Xavier told her, winking. “Everyone says so.”

  Did he know about her and Cullen? Did he suspect what was really going on between them?

  “I don’t really even work with him,” Ivy admitted. “I’m just a lowly temp.”

  “Nothing about you is lowly, Ivy.” His eyes turned serious as he seemed to take her in completely. “Nothing whatsoever.”

  She looked away, licking her lips. “Well, it was nice running into you, Xavier, but I’m actually—“

  “No,” Xavier said, shaking his head. “No, I don’t want to hear any excuses today. You’re coming with me.”

  She laughed. “Oh, am I?”

  “Yes,” he said. “As penance for standing me up yesterday, you must have lunch with me.” He checked his watch. “Come on, I know just the place nearby and we won’t even make you late getting back to the office.”

  Ivy sighed. “Well…I suppose it can’t hurt.”

  Xavier looked faux wounded. “Jeez, you really know how to make a guy feel wanted and desired, don’t you?”

  “I’m sorry, my head’s in a weird place.”

  He grabbed her by the arm lightly. “That’s because a strong gust of wind could blow you away, you’re so famished. A little food will do you wonders.” And then Xavier began walking, escorting her by the arm as he moved.

  She went along with him, deciding that at the very least, she’d have a nice meal with a man who wasn’t afraid to express romantic interest in the normal way. It was a relief to know where you stood with someone.

  Xavier’s presence was very different from Cullen’s. The blond haired man exuded a confident, humorous energy that was very different from Cullen Sharpe’s primal magnetism and Cullen’s cold, controlling, obsessive nature.

  But if you like normal so much, why can’t you stop comparing everyone and everything to Cullen?

  She didn’t know the answer, and that scared her a little.

  No, scratch that. It positively terrified her.

  They reached their destination quickly—it was called La Famiglia, and they were seated by the window, a very romantic setting—a cozy table away from the other diners.

  Xavier watched Ivy as she studied the menu. “Care for a glass of wine?” he asked. “Just one.”

  She sighed. “Sure.” She couldn’t believe the man had actually asked her what she wanted. Yes, he was still taking charge, but in a more gentle way.

  Ivy felt her shoulders relax a little at this turn of events.

  Xavier beckoned for the waitress and ordered a glass of red for each of them. “Do you like salad, Ivy?” he asked.

  She smiled, once again grateful for the change of pace. “Sure. Doesn’t everyone?”

  “You never know people’s tastes,” Xavier said, and coming from his mouth it sounded positively flirtatious. He turned again to the waitress. “Family style Caesar,” he said, after which the waitress left the table.

  There was a moment of awkward silence as Ivy closed her menu and found Xavier watching her with a slight smile on his face.

  She blushed. “I’m still not sure what I’m doing here,” she said, glancing down and then nervously arranging her utensils on their napkin.

  “You’re here because I’m intrigued by you,” Xavier told her. “I was from the moment I saw you crossing the street and nearly being run over by a taxicab yesterday.”

  “Wouldn’t that have been pathetic?” she laughed. “And yet somehow appropriate.”

  “You’re very hard on yourself,” Xavier replied, sitting back in his seat. “Maybe that’s what happens when you work at a place like Biomatrix.”

  Ivy shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “You seem skittish when it comes to talking about work. Or Cullen Sharpe.”

  Her gaze darted to his face and saw that his eyes were suddenly less playful and he was studying her closely.

  “I know you’re a direct competitor of his,” she said. “So maybe I’m being cautious.”

  “Forget Sharpe,” Xavier said, swatting the subject away as if swatting an annoying fly buzzing around his head
. “I want to talk about you. Tell me about yourself.”

  “There’s really nothing to tell when it comes to me,” Ivy said. “I hardly even have a story.”

  “I really doubt that.”

  “It’s true,” she told him. “I was raised by my mother. My father left when I was very young—I don’t even remember him.”

  The waitress came back and poured their wine and another server brought a large salad bowl to the table.

  Ivy sipped her wine.

  Xavier began using tongs to put salad on her plate and then his, as he spoke. “That must have been difficult for you,” Xavier said. “Having no father, being raised just by a single parent.”

  “I didn’t know anything else. And my mother was very attentive and loving. Maybe even too attentive. I was always incredibly sheltered growing up. She was afraid of anything happening to me—I was her only child. We were quite close.”

  It was strange, Ivy thought. She’d had sex with Cullen and yet he’d never asked her any of these questions about her life. She was so much more comfortable in Xavier’s presence.

  Yet she felt somehow guilty for enjoying the conversation, for being so relaxed and at ease with a man who was showing romantic interest. As if she was betraying Cullen.

  “Are you still close with your mother?” Xavier asked, swirling his wine in his glass.

  “Yes, but now I’m an adult with my own life, sort of.” She laughed. “It was hard for her when I went away to…college…” the last of Ivy’s sentence trailed off as she stared out the window.

  Cullen Sharpe was outside the restaurant, pacing back and forth. He was maybe ten feet away, and he looked intensely upset. His face was drawn and pale, his eyes staring ahead, not looking at them.

  But she knew he’d seen them eating in the window. Why else was he out there?

  “What’s wrong?” Xavier asked, turning in his seat to look out the window at what she was seeing.

  “He’s here,” she groaned.

  “Of course he is,” Xavier muttered in frustration, throwing his napkin on the table. “Is he making you nervous?”

  “A little bit,” she admitted, trying not to stare at Cullen Sharpe as he stood there in front of the restaurant, looking like a man possessed. “But we should maybe just ignore him.”

  “Sharpe and I go way back,” Xavier told her. “We’re not just running similar businesses now. We also were residents together at Boston City Hospital.”

  She was having a hard time focusing on the conversation, because she couldn’t take her eyes off of Cullen.

  “Were you friendly?” she asked.

  “Somewhat,” Xavier said. And then he leaned forward and his hand grabbed her hand firmly but gently on the table. “I also know a lot of people who’ve worked with him over the years. The man is not what you think, Ivy. He has skeletons in his closet—big ones. And when they’re exposed to the light, I worry for anyone who might happen to be near him when the shit hits the fan.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Xavier withdrew his hand and sat back in his seat as Cullen finally approached the door of the restaurant, opened it and came inside.

  “Shit,” she whispered. “Here he comes.”

  Xavier started laughing, shaking his head in amusement. “This should be interesting.”

  But Ivy wasn’t laughing. Her entire body was numb. Why was he here? Was it yet another ridiculous coincidence?

  Either way, she told herself to stop freaking out. She wasn’t doing anything wrong.

  Of course, she knew Cullen probably wouldn’t see it her way.

  He came into the restaurant with a purpose, and from the moment he entered, his eyes were locked on her.

  Cullen was dressed in a stunning dark suit—his usual look, but somehow today he looked sexier than ever. Maybe it was his fury, his anger, his intensity.

  His eyes were like a cold, empty sky—and his lips stood out against the paleness of his skin and the darkness of his suit and hair.

  When he reached their table, he didn’t bother saying ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry for interrupting,’ or even to acknowledge the presence of his rival.

  “Get up,” was all he said. His tone was clipped, his lips hardly moved.

  Ivy swallowed drily as she looked up at him. “What are you doing here?”

  “That doesn’t matter. Now get up,” he said.

  Xavier chuckled. “Relax, Cullen. We’re just chatting over some light Italian food.”

  Cullen didn’t turn to look at Xavier. His gaze was still fixed on Ivy. “Did you hear me?” he asked.

  She frowned. “You have no right—“

  “Three seconds,” Cullen said.

  “What?”

  “You have three seconds to get up and come with me. Or else—“

  Xavier reached out to touch Cullen’s arm. “Buddy, chill out for a second, will you? You’re making the girl very nervous.”

  Cullen jerked his arm away from the man and his fists clenched. He swiveled his head and looked at his rival for the first time since coming to the table. “Touch me and so help me, Montrose. I’ll put your head through the plate glass window.”

  “That would be your style, Sharpe,” Xavier said, but the humor had left his voice. “Although maybe I’m not convinced you could do it as easily as you seem to think. Perhaps you’re head will end up going through that window first.”

  Cullen’s lips curled. “I like my odds.”

  Ivy stood up, huffing. “This dick waving contest is pathetic. Why don’t you both eat together instead?”

  She pushed her chair back and brushed past the enigmatic CEO, walking quickly out of the restaurant.

  “Unbelievable,” Ivy muttered as she pushed out the exit and kept going. She didn’t look behind her.

  “Stop walking,” his voice came, a deep command from just a few feet back.

  “No,” she said, refusing to look at him.

  And then his hand grabbed her just above the elbow and slowed her to a stop. It wasn’t from his force, but rather the shocking sensation of his hand on her body. She held her breath and felt her nipples stiffen uncontrollably.

  “Ivy,” he said, coming up behind her. His mouth was near her ear now. “There’s a coffee shop on the corner up ahead. I want you to go inside and walk into the bathroom and wait.”

  “What?”

  “Do it.” He released his grip on her arm.

  Once he let her go, Ivy knew she was free to do whatever she wanted. The choice was very clear. She could walk ahead, past the coffee shop, and continue onward without him.

  Or she could go into the coffee shop and do what he said and…something else would happen.

  Her insides felt liquid and excited, and everything around her had suddenly become so vivid. It was as if she’d been in some dull trance before, eating with Xavier, having normal adult conversation.

  Now she was truly alive. Something was really happening, and her heart was pumping blood, her ears heard the traffic on the street and her nose smelled the scents of exhaust fumes and food from the nearby restaurants.

  Without looking back, Ivy walked to the corner and did as he told her. She entered the bustling coffee shop and made a beeline for the women’s room. Someone could have easily been inside, but nobody was.

  It was a one-person restroom, so she entered and then locked the door just to make sure no one else came in before Cullen.

  As she stood there, her pulse racing, she questioned herself.

  Do you really want to do this? Are you sure this is a good idea?

  The first question was easy. Yes. She did want to do this. Her sexual attraction to Cullen Sharpe was far too strong, too exciting to resist. The second question wasn’t so simple.

  Was it a good idea? Obviously not. The man was trouble anyway you looked at it.

  Ivy looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were wide, face flushed. She fixed her hair, wanting to make sure she looked her best.

  There was a low knock
on the door.

  “Who is it?” she asked.

  The knock came again, harder. She knew it had to be him, and she opened the door.

  Cullen strode inside, closed the door and locked it again. He looked at her, his eyes scorching her, raking up and down her body. “You’re trying to make me angry now,” he said.

  “No,” she told him, shaking her head. “That lunch with Xavier—“

  “You called him?”

  She shook her head yet again. “He just happened to be outside your office when I left for lunch today.”

  Cullen’s expression darkened. “Just so happened,” he said softly, and his jaw twitched.

  “I don’t see why you care so much.”

  “I told you to stay away from him. I explained to you that he’s dangerous.” He walked closer to her and now she could smell his cologne, and it sent a shiver up her spine.

  His cold blue eyes stared through her, into her very soul.

  “You only want me when you’re afraid someone else might get me,” she said, her eyes tearing up. Her jaw trembled. “When you have me, you try to push me as far away as possible.”

  Cullen stepped closer yet again. “You need to trust me when I tell you I’m looking out for you, Ivy.”

  “It doesn’t make sense. You said you were bad for me, and you wanted to protect me from yourself.”

  His lips tightened. “I am bad for you. But I can’t stay away from you.”

  “So which is it? Should I stay away from you or not?”

  “Of course you should,” he sighed, and his hand reached out and trailed down her cheek and then across to her lips. His thumb grazed her lower lip, as his eyes bored into her.

  Her belly tightened in anticipation of more touching. She wanted his hands to ravish her body, explore every centimeter of her skin. But then his arm was back at his side again and he’d left her cold.

  “You’re certifiable,” she said, laughing a little at the insanity of it all.

  “I’m not the certifiable one,” Cullen told her. “But that jerk you had lunch with today—he’s a true menace.”

  “Oh, come on,” Ivy said, rolling her eyes. “You’re being overly dramatic.”