Zander was a patient man. He never rushed into anything. Considering his position, he couldn’t openly trust anyone. He’d studied Maverick. Followed him. There was nothing about the man’s life Zander didn’t know. For someone so gorgeous, Maverick lived an oddly solitary life. He worked, went to the gym, and fought. There weren’t many nights with friends or dates. Maverick seemed to be on auto-pilot—existing but not really living. Just like Zander. It wasn’t for lack of time. Zander was a busy man, but he’d make time for the right people. Nothing wowed him any longer. Maverick was too young to already feel that way. There was a fire inside Zander every time he looked at his sexy fighter. He craved showing the man everything. A smile pulled at Zander’s lips. He should’ve known Maverick would be the type who wouldn’t want anything Zander had to offer. Zander couldn’t lie to himself. He was intrigued. The sexy confidence that rolled from Maverick’s tongue with every word had Zander burning to control him.
He dug Maverick’s number out and programmed it into his phone. Zander would call, but not tonight. Tonight, he wanted Maverick to simmer. Maverick needed to spend some time considering all the possibilities of what being with Zander could do for him. Zander fully intended to take over Maverick’s life. Maverick needed to think about that.
Two
It was days like today that doubled Maverick’s desire to fight professionally, making enough money to quit his day job. Coming off a twenty-four-hour shift was hell. His clothes stank. He was exhausted, and the sun was coming up. Despite it being seven in the morning, all Maverick wanted was a beer. Well, a shower too. A groan escaped him as he eased down on the couch and kicked his feet up on the coffee table. He was so fucking tired, there wasn’t a word to describe it. His phone rang, pulling a growl from deep in his soul. He dug out the device ready to rip into whoever hated him so much they’d call the second he got home. An unfamiliar number stared at him from the screen. His brows pulled together in confusion as he answered. “Hello?”
“I called.”
At the sound of Zander’s smooth yet bossy tone, Maverick’s dark mood and exhaustion fell away. He bit back a chuckle. “So, you did.”
“Does that mean you’ll see me tonight?”
“Hmmm,” Maverick said, pretending to think it over. “I suppose I have to. Since you called that is.” And he’d started worrying about mid-shift that he’d never hear from the gorgeous hotelier again. A low rumble of laughter caressed Maverick’s ear. His eyes fell closed at the sound. Everything about Zander was beyond sexy.
“Am I to be trusted to pick you up this time?”
Maverick didn’t answer right away. He liked the idea of having a way to leave. After all, he didn’t know Zander. Not really. With Zander’s money and power, he already had the upper hand. All Maverick had was the power to say no.
“I take your silence as your answer. How about I give you an address and you show up around eight?”
“Sounds good,” Maverick said, trying not to let his relief show. He needed time to sleep. Before he knew it would happen, his voice took on a seductive edge. “I like being in control.”
That damn sexy laugh came through the line once more, challenging Maverick’s ability to breathe properly. “I’m not opposed to handing over the reins for one night. As long as I get to see you again.”
“Why now?” Maverick asked before he could stop himself. “After six months of watching me,” he clarified, in case Zander didn’t understand his question.
“Because I was free this past weekend,” Zander answered. There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation in his voice. Maverick liked how the man was always straightforward. Zander didn’t stop. “It’s unusual for me to have an entire weekend without a single meeting scheduled. I’d hoped to have some time alone with you. You turned me down. Now, I have cleared more time for you.”
Maverick’s cheeks hurt from smiling. He got the feeling Zander didn’t get told no often. The man needed to learn the world didn’t run on his schedule. “To be fair, I didn’t completely turn you down. I said you should get to know me. You never know, once you do, you might not want anything to do with me.”
“It’s odd,” Zander said, sounding puzzled. “It’s almost like you want me to admit I want to fuck you and nothing more, but that’s not true. If it were, I would’ve already had you. Are you always this difficult?”
Maverick bit his lip, trying to hide his smile despite Zander not being able to see him. Zander was so fucking self-assured. It was almost overwhelming. Luckily, Maverick loved confident men. He dropped his feet to the floor and leaned forward, setting his elbows on his knees. “When you’re straddling my lap, you can tell me if I was worth it. Text me the address. I’ll be there.” Maverick hung up without giving Zander time to respond. He stared at his phone, waiting. Zander didn’t disappoint.
Zander: 400 Ocean Port. 8 p.m.
Maverick: I’ll be there.
For a full ten minutes, Maverick stared into space while holding his phone. Since that kiss, Zander had ruled his every thought. The man had already been in his head before Zander had blown his mind, but now. Fuck. He couldn’t stop thinking about those lips. He wasn’t sure how long he could resist Zander. Maverick leaned back, dropped his head against the back of the couch, and closed his eyes. They were essentially strangers. No doubt, they had nothing in common. Once Maverick gave in, and they fucked, he’d probably never hear from the sexy billionaire again. An odd ache spread through his chest at the thought. Maverick hadn’t been this interested in anyone in a damn long time. Life had been gray for a while. Mundane. He wasn’t ready to go back to feeling like there was nothing to look forward to.
Maverick tuned out the depression that tried storming its way in. For as long as he could remember, he had suffered from unexplained black moods. Right now, all he wanted in his head was Zander. Damn. The man’s confidence was hot as hell. Maverick had never met anyone like him. He could only imagine what Zander was like in bed. Was he controlling, or did he like to be dominated after being in charge all day? A smile pulled at Maverick’s lips. It was a little insane how badly Maverick wanted to bend Zander to his will. Maverick had always been a controlling person. His need to dominate had led him down many paths. That’s why he fought—for release. It was also one of the reasons he was single. Maverick was too intense for most people. Zander could take it. Maverick felt it in his bones.
His body stirred. Maverick took a deep breath. His palm collided with his erection through his jeans. He stroked. Those blue eyes were in his head, making him desperate. He needed sleep. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be worth a damn when he saw Zander tonight. His cock jerked. A groan rose in Maverick’s throat. He needed release, or he might fall on Zander like a crazed animal later. Maverick was tired of jacking off. He’d been single way too long, and uninterested in everyone he met. Without thought, he unbuttoned his jeans. His erection grew as if seeking his hand. Maverick swallowed. An image of Zander on his knees fired to life in his head. Maverick’s heart sped. He could practically feel the man’s hot mouth sucking him off already. Maverick slid his zipper down. His phone buzzed, killing the fantasy. With a sigh, he checked the face.
Zeke: Are you up for a spar session?
Maverick glanced down at his hard dick. Zeke was a title holder. Sparring with him always challenged Maverick. Maybe that’s what he needed—sore muscles and an empty mind.
Maverick: Yep. Give me fifteen.
After pushing from the couch, Maverick made it five steps before his phone buzzed again. He didn’t bother checking it until he made it to the bedroom and found his workout gear. When he opened his messages, a smile appeared at the first sight of Zander’s name.
Zander: Get some sleep.
It was like the man watched him and knew Maverick didn’t intend to go to bed like he should. Maverick chewed his bottom lip and pondered his next move. In the end, he couldn’t resist texting Zander back.
Maverick: Don’t worry. I’ll be rested enough for whatever you have
in store for me.
He didn’t look away from his phone. Maverick didn’t want to miss the moment Zander responded. The man didn’t make him wait long.
Zander: I’m not worried about that. You’ve had a long night. Get to bed.
Maverick: Soon.
With a shake of his head, Maverick tossed his phone aside. Part of him wanted to chafe against being told what to do. Another part of him reveled in Zander’s concern. Worry meant the man wanted more from him than sex. Right? Maverick drove himself crazy with that question. It wasn’t until he was halfway to the gym that another question hit. How had Zander known he’d had a long night?
The doorbell chimed, echoing throughout the house. Zander was already on his way to the door before Maverick ever touched the bell. Security had alerted him the moment Maverick breached the property. When the door swung open and Zander set eyes on Maverick, Zander’s mind went blank. Maverick’s hair was swept back away from his face. Still, a strand fell across his eyes as the door opened. Zander feared himself in that moment. Maverick should be scared. There was no low Zander wouldn’t sink to in order to have anything he wanted. Considering how badly he craved Maverick, there was zero excuse for Maverick not running for his life.
“I think I barely escaped a cavity search to get through your security,” Maverick said, skipping the hellos.
Zander kept his tone as bland as Maverick’s. “You didn’t escape that. I told them I would search you later.”
Even Maverick’s eyes smiled as his lips curled at the corners. “This place is amazing.”
Since Maverick’s gaze never wavered from Zander’s face, Zander had no clue how he’d know. Zander stepped aside, letting him inside. “Sorry for the crazy security. Next time, they’ll recognize you and it’ll be easier.”
“You’re so confident there’ll be a next time.” Maverick’s voice was a low purr as he passed Zander, forcing Zander to take a deep breath to control his need to hasten this game.
Zander closed the door. “Would you like a tour?” Before the question completely left his lips, Zander found his back shoved against his closed front door. Maverick’s large frame pinned him against the cool wood. While holding Zander’s jaw in a tight grip, Maverick covered Zander’s mouth with his. Zander’s heart slammed against the wall of his chest. He could barely breathe beneath the onslaught of Maverick’s attack. The man’s tongue slid along Zander’s bottom lip. Zander didn’t hesitate to let him in. Holy shit. Maverick’s kiss was so much better than he ever imagined. Zander hadn’t pushed with their last kiss. This was… damn. He never wanted it to stop. It was over as quickly as it started.
Maverick pushed away. “I’ll take that tour now.”
Zander wasn’t having it. This boy liked to start shit. After snagging Maverick’s t-shirt, he towed the man back in, and took control. With Maverick’s bottom lip held between his teeth, Zander massaged the man’s erection through his jeans. Once the roar of satisfaction passed over Maverick being turned on, Zander allowed himself a moment to be impressed by how thick Maverick was. He shoved Maverick away and stepped around him. “Would you like to start downstairs or upstairs?”
“I’m at your mercy.”
Yes. He was. Maverick just didn’t realize how true those words were yet. Instead of responding, Zander led Maverick through the house, showing him the top floor first. “I don’t come up here very often, to be honest,” Zander said as they cleared the top step. Maverick was so close, Zander could feel the heat radiating from the man’s skin. He’d never been more aware of anyone in his life. “Half the rooms are empty.” A soft chuckle escaped Zander at the admission. “I bought the house for its location. Not its size.” He flipped on a set of lights that lit up the third-floor balcony, overlooking the ocean. He led Maverick outside. “You probably won’t believe me, but I would’ve been just as happy with a one-room shack as long as I had this view.”
The wind ruffled Maverick’s hair as he stared out at the ocean. Zander fought the urge to touch him. Maverick didn’t look like a man who needed anyone. It was a thought that had Zander willing to go to any length to make Maverick dependent on him. Maverick’s sexy lips turned up in the corners as his gaze swung Zander’s way. “I’m not saying I don’t believe you, since this is an amazing view, but I can’t see you in a one-room shack. Have you even been in a one-room anything?”
Zander’s hair flew in his face when he turned his head. He pushed it behind his ear. “You’d be surprised.”
Maverick’s smile slipped away. His expression turned serious. “I’d love to hear the story.”
“Maybe if you keep coming around, I’ll tell it.”
With a shake of his head, Maverick leaned his elbow on the balcony railing and eyed Zander. “You’re not making it easy for me to get to know you.”
The remark hit home. Zander switched his gaze to the crashing waves and braced his hands against the railing next to Maverick. Chances were better than not that Maverick wouldn’t like Zander much once he learned anything about him. The thing was—Zander wasn’t playing with Maverick. He wanted the man to know him. The real him. He let some of his Russian accent peek through, tossing away years of careful practice. “Growing up, we had nothing. I spent many days standing in food lines, praying we would not starve.”
Maverick’s heat pressed closer. “How did you end up here? With all this?”
Zander turned his head and held Maverick’s gorgeous gaze. “By using my fists. The same way you will.”
A shy smile, one Zander had never seen before touched Maverick’s lips. “I already told you, I’m not a showman. It’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with fighting in your casinos. Have you had dinner?” Maverick asked, obviously uncomfortable with the conversation turning his way.
Zander boxed Maverick in, bracing his palms on the railing on either side of Maverick’s body. Since the man only had about three inches on Zander, he didn’t have to tilt his chin far to hold Maverick’s stare. He couldn’t let Maverick get away. “You’re exhausted. Did you not sleep as I suggested?”
“Ordered.”
Zander shrugged. “Same thing. I see you didn’t take my advice. Have you also not eaten?”
Maverick’s mouth turned up in one corner, as if Zander’s questions amused him. “How did you know I worked a twenty-four-hour shift?”
“Always assume I know everything. You’ll be less likely to drive yourself crazy that way,” Zander answered without answering.
“If you know everything, what do I want right now?”
An unexpected laugh rose in Zander’s throat. He took a step back. “Alcohol. Come on. I’ll fix you a drink.”
“That is just fucking uncanny,” Maverick grumbled, following on Zander’s heels as he headed back downstairs.
Zander led Maverick inside his office while hiding his smirk. He motioned for Maverick to sit on the large leather sofa lining one wall while he headed for the bar in the corner. No matter how hard Zander tried, he couldn’t stop inspecting Maverick’s every reaction to each new thing. The man sank into the expensive leather. He stared down at the couch as if confused by the piece before poking it a few times.
“Holy crap. This must be the best couch I’ve ever seen. What kind of leather is this?”
Zander poured a few inches of vodka in a glass and downed it before answering. “I have no clue. All I did was tell a designer not to let me down and wrote them a check.” He downed another glass, savoring the burn, before filling one for Maverick.
“Is this where you spend most your time?” Maverick asked Zander as he crossed the room.
“Unfortunately, no. I spend most of my time at one of the hotels, dealing with whatever bullshit is happening for the day.”
“You don’t sound happy. Whenever I ask you anything about your life,” Maverick clarified, as if Zander didn’t understand. Zander wished he hadn’t felt Maverick’s claim all the way to his bones.
“I’m happy right now.” Zander couldn’t have stopped th
e confession if he tried. He loved the way Maverick’s gaze moved over his body, as if he’d be the man’s next meal. In fact, the way Maverick watched him had Zander setting their glasses aside. Maverick had said Zander could tell him if he was worthwhile once he was straddling his hips. Without a word, he set one knee on the couch, and then the other until he stared down at Maverick from his lap. The man didn’t push him away. In fact, his arms encircled Zander, pulling him closer. His palms slid up Zander’s back. At Maverick’s urging, Zander pressed as close as he could get. His lips brushed the shell of Maverick’s ear.
“I’m straddling your hips.”
“Am I worthwhile?” Maverick asked before he kissed Zander’s shoulder.
Chill bumps rose on Zander’s skin. His dick stirred. Maverick made him hungry. “You have no idea.” Zander was certain Maverick was a hundred of everyone else. There was no length Zander wouldn’t go to in order to win the man.
Maverick moved faster than anyone Zander had ever met. In a flash, he had Zander trapped beneath him on the couch. His mouth covered Zander’s, cutting off all oxygen as he forced his way inside. Their tongues met. Maverick’s touch gentled. He brushed Zander’s jaw as he explored Zander’s mouth. Zander had never been more blown away by anyone. Maverick was overbearing. His weight kept Zander pinned in place. Yet, the man’s touch was soft, making Zander want to beg. He craved the hard fucking Maverick always promised with his stare. Zander wanted the kink he saw hidden behind Maverick’s playful smiles.
“Stop holding back,” Zander begged against the man’s lips.
A low chuckle vibrated around their entwined tongues as Maverick deepened their kiss. Zander fought a growl. Maverick made him insane. Zander was an adult with no reason to play games. He liked what he liked and wanted what he wanted. No shame.
Sugar Boss Page 2