by N. Michaels
Vera looks over Milan’s shoulder and a beat later she nods.
“Yeah, but I can’t see his face… nice bum though.” She smiles while her cheeks warm up.
“Yeah, well if you think the back is nice you should see the front.” Milan nudges Vera.
What is Mr. Miller doing here? This is not work related. Does Nick know him? Are Julia and Mr. Miller that close?
“Well, I can tell I don’t stand a chance.” Milan pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Chance at what?” Vera asks.
“At getting down and dirty with him.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” I ask surprised.
Milan never gave up on something or someone she was interested in. But while I ask her this, an ugly feeling named jealousy twinges inside my chest.
“Baby, just by looking at your face I can tell you’re into him, and I won’t ever do that to you.”
I feel my lips pull into a little pathetic smile, “Is it that obvious?”
“Well… yeah, kinda is.” She shrugs innocently.
I roll my eyes and turn back to the bar. I sit on a stool, trying to figure out how to be cool and collected when Mr. Miller and I see each other.
Oh God, this man got me breathless and flustered in less than a minute. What the hell is happening to me?
“Hi there.” A deep voice greets me from my left.
I turn my head and look at the man sitting on the stool beside me. His blonde hair catches my eyes first, it’s cascading in neat layers down to his neck. He swipes a few strands out of his eyes and smiles at me.
“I’m Will.” He holds out his hand.
“Katherine.” I reply and reach for his hand.
When Will has a hold of my hand, he gently picks it up, bringing my knuckles to his lips.
“Pleasure to meet you, Katherine. How do you know Julia?”
“She’s my cousin. How do you know her, Will?”
“She’s a college buddy. She’s like a little sister of mine, met her when she had no idea what life was all about.”
“Oh… I see. So you’ve known her for a long time?” I ask and he nods.
Right before I open my mouth to ask him what he does, Julia’s sister, Rita, starts shushing everyone.
“They’re here! They’re here! Everybody shut the hell up! Dim the lights… no, turn them off completely!” Rita commands.
A few seconds’ later, darkness cloaks the room and I can literally hear everyone’s holding their breaths. Less than a half a minute later, the door opens and Nick and Julia’s silhouettes fill the doorway.
“Why is it so dark, babe? Did he bring us to the wrong room? This is not a good omen, I mean if the night starts like this then – “
Julia’s worrisome words are cut short by the light being brought back on and the whole party of people screaming, “Surprise! Happy birthday!”
Julia stands with her mouth agape. Slowly her eyes start to water and her shocked expression transforms into one of complete bliss. Everyone takes turns at congratulating her, and when my turn finally comes, Julia has the biggest smile on her face.
“Happy birthday, love. I wish you all the happiness in the world. I love you, cousin.” I whisper into her hair while I hug her.
“Thank you, I love you too.” She murmurs.
“Happy birthday, little J!” Will appears from behind me and pulls Julia into a hug.
“Willie! You’re here too? Hey Katya, this is Will, an old university friend, he’s good people.” She winks.
I look over at Will, “Well, you got good recommendations.”
He chuckles, “Yeah, I do. Buy you another drink?”
I look down at my glass and realize my Apple Martini has vanished completely.
“Umm, yeah sure.” I smile at Will.
Will is good looking but in a rugged way, his nose had a slight crook to it and his jaw is very strong and sharp but still, it suits him. He has his own unique appeal to him that can charm you. I turn towards the bar and run into someone, boobs first. I bounce back and fall right on my ass. Well… almost. Strong hands shoot out and grab me by my upper arms, yanking me forward. I lift my head to thank my savior but when I see him, I freeze.
“Watch it Katherine, I still need you to come in on Monday, so I need you in one piece.” Mr. Miller smiles.
“Yeah, sorry about that.” I manage to thaw my brain in record time.
“Are you all right, Katherine?” Will comes around me and puts his hand on my shoulder.
Mr. Miller’s eyes narrow slightly and I swear I can see fury rising in them.
What the hell?
I look at Will and move out of Mr. Miller’s hold. “Yeah, I’m fine. Lost my balance for a moment.”
“Hi, I’m Eric Miller, Katherine’s boss.” Mr. Miller says the word, ‘boss’ with such possessiveness, it almost sounds like, ‘husband’.
“Will Adams, hoping to be her date for tonight.” Will throws me a glance then winks, seemingly unaffected to Mr. Miller’s tone. I smile back at him.
“Well, how about that drink?” Will lowers his hand to my lower back.
“Katherine, may I speak to you for a moment?” Mr. Miller’s voice is soft, but I hear the venomous undertone that has probably went unnoticed to Will yet again.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, ignoring Mr. Miller’s request. Though I mean to ask it nonchalantly, I sound pissed off.
Raising his eyebrows Mr. Miller calmly says, “I was invited. Now may I speak to you privately?”
Confused at what Mr. Miller might want to talk about, I look back at Will. “Do you mind ordering me an Apple Martini? I’ll join you as soon as I’m back.”
Will gives me an easy smile. He lowers his lips to my ear and whispers, “Sure thing, love.”
I follow Mr. Miller as he exits the private room and opens a door with a sign that reads, ‘Staff Only’.
“I’m not sure we’re suppose to be here.” I whisper.
“Don’t worry about it, just get in.”
Exasperated, I walk into the room and the moment the door is closed, Mr. Miller turns to me.
“What are you doing with him?” he snaps.
I lift my eyebrows and stammer, “Umm…I…umm… I’m – I’m sorry Mr. Miller, I don’t want to be rude or anything, but this is really none of your business. I mean, you told me that you don’t mix work and private life together and I respect that. I’m sure Will doesn’t work in or with your company, so I don’t understand why you are so upset.” I say it with my head high even though I have no idea if Will works in the company.
Mr. Miller is rendered speechless, standing there with a frown, mute as a fish.
Truth hurts doesn’t it?
“If that is all, I’m going to back to the party.” I start walking around him.
The moment I reach the door I hear a low growl, then I am being spun around and pressed roughly against the door. Mr. Miller plants his hands firmly near my shoulders. I gasp, watching his frown set in place and the heat his eyes, burning like blue flames.
“You are right, it is none of my business but I don’t want you with him.” he says through gritted teeth.
“Why not? What’s wrong with Will?” I challenge.
“I don’t know but don’t… just…” Mr. Miller’s voice fades away and his gaze drops to my lips.
Slowly, he lowers his head and I feel my heart thundering in my chest, I feel the air leaving me making me helpless against him. Mr. Miller’s soft lips press against mine, lightly at first but with each glide of his demanding lips, the kiss turns rougher and wilder. His arms snake around my middle, caging me, and the moment I feel I can’t escape, my flight instinct kicks in.
No. I’m not letting you do this to me.
I try to push him away, try to get out of his hold but his arms only tighten around me, his kiss forces me into submission and slowly, I melt in his arms. Mr. Miller’s hands cup my butt and he lifts me up, taking me deeper into the room. He’s kissing me l
ike if won’t, he’ll lose his mind, devouring my mouth, drawing little moans and groans out of me. He sets me on a table then pushes me down until I’m lying flat on my back.
My treacherous body moves on it’s own accord. My legs fall open, allowing him to inch closer and press himself against me. His body covers mine completely as his hands start roaming and caressing my breasts, my waist and my thighs. Mr. Miller rolls his hips into mine and I inhale sharply.
Oh God, this feeling…
His tongue massages mine in a slow erotic dance, stealing my sanity and slaying any protest I might have. I gasp when he bites my tongue lightly, then bites my lower lip and tugs it back. The hand that is caressing my thigh slides up, slipping under my dress, slowly making its way upward. Mr. Miller slides his hand under my behind, kneading it possessively. The way he’s touching me is getting me so fired up, so wet, I can feel my silky panties completely soaked with my arousal.
His lips, now swollen from his assault, move to my ear as he nips and licks the outer shell. I moan so desperately that he rolls his hips harder this time, growling softly in my ear.
“It upsets me because I want you, I want you so bad it hurts.” He pants then seals his mouth over mine again, kissing me like he’s punishing me.
He said it! He admitted that he wants me! Finally… Yes, give it to me. I can take it. I want it.
My heart swells in my chest and I kiss him back with everything I’ve got. My lifeless arms lift and circle his neck, keeping Mr. Miller’s mouth on mine. My legs hug his waist while he rubs his hard as rock erection on my swollen clit. I pull him closer to me, needing to feel him inside me. I weave my fingers through his silky hair as we lose ourselves in the maddening kiss. Slowly, I pull his mouth away. We’re both out of breath when Mr. Miller looks down at me; his beautiful eyes shine with hunger.
“Take me…” I hear my voice husky with lust.
His brows furrow a little and a look passes in his eyes, so swiftly I barely catch it. Mr. Miller closes his eyes and still panting, he drops his forehead on mine. I feel like all the air is being sucked out of me again, my chest is so tight it’s painful.
Or is it just my heart breaking?
Taking a deep breath, I prepare myself for his response and just as I thought, without fail, Mr. Miller lifts his head and what I see hurts me more than it should, more that I thought it would. The fire in his eyes has died. Mr. Miller lifts himself off of me and I force my tense body to follow suit as I push to my feet.
“I can’t, Katherine. I don’t want to feel this way towards an employee, yet I do… but still, as badly as I want you, I still can’t.” His face is pained but the instant I hear those words, my blood boils in my veins and fury rises in my heart, shooting towards every limb.
My chin raises a fraction and my hands close into tight fists next to my body, and before I can stop myself, I lose control and my emotions detonate.
“You’re like that Russian proverb, the dog on the hay. You won’t eat it yourself, nor let others eat it! And that doesn’t work with me. If you want me, take me. If you don’t, stay the fuck out of my private life!” I shout, my whole body is shaking with rage.
Mr. Miller’s frown is back, set deep in his annoyingly breathtaking face but he says nothing. I push pass him and walk away. Right before I slam the door, I hear him say, “Fuck.”
Well, too fucking bad.
Two hours into the party and four Apple Martinis later, I’m feeling much better, or more precisely, I’m not feeling anything but warm and giggly. Apparently, everything Will is telling me is so hilarious, the only responses I’m giving him are giggles, snorts and laughs.
“Okay, I think you’re done.” Will whispers in my ear as he takes my Martini glass away.
“Nooo… I want it back…” I pout at him.
“No more.” He chuckles.
Will calls a waiter over and orders a chilled glass of water. As he places the order, my eyes scan the blurry room and I catch the sight of two turquoise irises shooting daggers at me. I groan loudly and look away.
“Are you going to be sick?” Will looks at with concern in his eyes.
“Nah, but I wanna to leave. This party is boring and I want to sleep with you.” I lay my head on his shoulder.
I wait for Will’s reply but he’s just staring down at me. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’re drunk, so you probably don’t know what you’re saying, but you just said you wanted to sleep with me.” he explains.
“I do. I want to cuddle and curl up like a little kitty and fall asleep with you, get it now?” I ask then pick up the chilly glass and take a gulp of water.
I hear Will chuckle, “Yep, got you now. Come on, let’s get you home.”
We wave bye to everyone and I think I see Milan wink at me, but I might be wrong. I thought the Buddha statue was Vera ten minutes ago.
Once we’re out, we suddenly stop walking.
“Why we stopping? Let’s gooo….” I grumble into Will’s side.
“Eric, right? Could you move out of the way?” I hear Will say.
I peek beneath my lashes and see Mr. Miller standing in the hallway, blocking our way. He’s standing with a very angry expression on his face. He looks scary so I bury my face into Will’s side.
“I don’t think so. You’re not taking her home.” Mr. Miller’s voice is low but every word is biting.
I feel Will tense. “I’m only taking her home to make sure she’s gets there safely, I’m not a lowlife, I’m not going to try something. Now if you don’t mind please get out of the way.” he says agitated.
Mr. Miller takes a step forward and it almost looks like he’s overshadowing Will, as though his frame is growing taller and bigger, and I swear the look in his eyes is murderous.
Mr. Miller says something to Will, but its too hushed for me to catch. Will freezes for a few moments then he looks down at me.
Pale faced he clears his throat, “Katherine, here’s my number. Call me when you get home, don’t forget, ok?”
I frown as I take his card.
What the hell happened? What did Mr. Miller say to him?
“Sure…” my eyes shift to Mr. Miller, “But I’m not going with you.” I lift an eyebrow as a challenge.
Mr. Miller ignores me and pulls me out of Will’s hold into his side. He drapes his arm around me and pulls me in tighter.
“Thank you Will, I’ll make sure she’ll call you.”
Will nods, uncertain but defeated he turns back into the private room. With my aggravation renewed, I look up at Mr. Miller.
“Let go of me. I can get home alone.” I try to yank myself from him death grip, but I just exhaust myself.
Mr. Miller sets his furious eyes on me then lowers his lips to my ear.
“I am taking you home. End of story.” his voice is so low and violent, any protest I had dies inside me. I manage to say, “Ok” before I completely go mute.
Mr. Miller opens the passenger door to his Bentley and with surprising gentleness he helps me get in. After I try three times to buckle myself in without success, he curses then takes the seatbelt and does it himself. Mr. Miller settles in the driver’s seat and we set off. The atmosphere in the car is so tense; I feel it in my muscles. I sneak a peek at him, noticing that his furious frown is still there. His grip on the steering wheel is so tight his knuckles turn white. I sigh and look out of the window. Out of boredom and no other choice, I start counting the streetlights and somewhere around fifteen, the world goes black.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Light pounding wakes me up.
I touch my hand to my forehead, realizing the pounding is coming from within my head. I squeeze my already closed eyes tighter and let out a groan.
Shit…
A gentle touch, just like a feather, strokes my arm.
“No… not yet Laura, let me sleep in today.” I whine.
“Who’s Laura?” a deep, masculine voice asks me.
I open
my eyes and Mr. Miller’s face materializes before me. One of his brows is lifted and his gaze is cold.
“What are you doing in my bedroom?” I ask horrified.
I jackknife up and the change in position is so abrupt, the pounding inside my head intensifies, while my stomach is protesting at my choice of hydration last night. I grab the sides of my head with both hands and whimper. The blanket falls to my waist, and I notice I am wearing a t-shirt… a very large t-shirt.
“We’re not in your bedroom, we’re in mine. Here, this should help.” Mr. Miller holds out a glass with some weird green drink, and two aspirins in the other hand.
I look up at him frowning, but silently take it.
The cocktail is poisonous I’m sure of it. It tastes bitter, sour, spicy and sweet.
What the hell is in this thing?!
After a few sips, I give it back to him but Mr. Miller shakes his head and says, “Uh-uh, all of it.”
I feel my face turn the same shade of green as I try to chug it all down. When I’m done, he takes the glass and walks away towards the door.
“Bathroom is that way.” Mr. Miller points to a door then leaves me all alone in his bedroom.
I sit there stunned to the core.
How the hell did I end up in his bedroom?
I try to remember what happened last night, but the furthest I can remember is dancing with Julia, Milan and Vera, after that it’s all muggy and intangible.
I inspect my surroundings and realize that I am indeed not in my bedroom, nor am I wearing my clothes.
Did Mr. Miller undress me?
I look under the t-shirt. No bra. I check for my panties, still there… thank God.
I try to calm myself but anger bubbles up at the thought of his insolence. To take me to his home, undress me and take care of me after making a fool out of me last night.
Screw this! I don’t need his favors.
When I rise off Mr. Miller’s bed, I notice the pounding has lessened and I’m not as queasy as before. I find my dress and bra folded neatly on an armchair. I grab them and head to the bathroom. When I walk inside, I stop in place. Mr. Miller’s bathroom is huge, as big as his bedroom.
Wait… why am I reacting this way? I saw big luxurious bathrooms before… maybe it’s the thought of him naked under the hot stream, the steaming water cascading down his heavenly body…