He fondled her breasts and gazed into her heavy-lidded eyes. On a moan, she threw her head back and glided faster. Watching her unravel around him was too much.
“Lie on me.” He ran his hands down her arms and gently tugged.
A simple course correction so he could last a little longer. Her feminine curves molded against his body and he palmed her ass. Between kisses, she bit his lip, his earlobe and his shoulder. Brief, painful stings only heightened his euphoria.
He had to take back control, so he rolled them over and stilled, his hardness nestled deep inside her. “We need to slow down.”
“Slow down? We’re just getting started.” With her hands firmly on his ass, she pulled him close, further rooting him inside her.
“Are you trying to make me come?”
“Who? Me? That’s crazy! Why would I want to do something like that?”
He laughed. Having a beautiful, sexy woman beneath him was great, but add feisty and playful into the mix and, well, that was the damn tipping point. He widened his grin, coaxing her to give him what he really needed. She pursed her lips.
“Brigit, why are you holding back?”
She bucked her hips.
Fuck, that felt good.
“I’m not,” she said.
“You know what I want.”
“No.”
He withdrew.
She whimpered. “You are the big bad wolf.”
With his shaft in hand, he rubbed it across her opening and over her clit. His arm burned from supporting his weight. But when compared to how badly his balls ached, it was nothing. He’d wait. For as long as it took until she gave him what he really needed.
“Mmm, you feel soooo good,” she murmured.
And then he abruptly stopped. “I mean it, Brigit.”
Tenderly she fingered a chunk of his hair from his brow. Slowly, a dazzling, deliciously wicked and just-for-him smile spread across her pink-cheeked face. That was what he needed. There was something about seeing Brigit happy that did it for him.
“Now, why don’t you show me how naughty a wolf you can be?” She raised her ass off the mattress.
Positioning his head at her opening, he tunneled inside her.
“Oh, yes,” she cried out.
That space was meant for him. And only him. A million pleasure points. “You feel incredible and I can’t wait to watch you come while I’m inside you.”
Groaning loudly, she dragged her fingernails across his shoulders. Again and again, he thrust. Slow and deep. When he kissed her, she moaned into his mouth. He licked her nipple, then sucked, but always returned to her mouth. She was beautiful and sexy and his. All night long.
For reasons he didn’t want to understand, being with Brigit was different. He wanted to bring her pleasure. Feel her unravel around him. Watch the ecstasy explode across her face. Hold her sated body in the aftermath. And then do it all over again.
Undulating beneath him, she convulsed and groaned as she came. Long. Guttural. Savage. Her sex contracted around his rod and he released an explosive orgasm that rocked him dry.
In those seconds of nirvana, he called out her name. That should never have happened. Sex for Colton was never personal. But, in that instant, everything changed.
And that scared the living hell out of him.
30
The Masks
Panting, Brigit rolled off him. Beads of sweat glistened between her breasts. It was near dawn and they could not stop. She’d never had so much sex in her life and she couldn’t satiate her need when she was with him. More wasn’t enough. And each time she felt like she was selling out to the enemy, but the switch to stop had jammed. So she kept going with yes, yes, and yes again. If pheromones were real, she’d been marked—or marred—by this man, for all eternity.
“Colton, we have got to stop.”
He wouldn’t wipe that damn grin off his sex-flushed face. “I said that forty-five minutes ago and you climbed on me.”
“Sure, blame me, but that thing keeps finding its way inside my body.” She pointed to his penis.
He rolled toward her. “You’ve cast some kind of spell on me.”
With a triumphant smile, she said, “I’m glad to hear my magic charms have worked on you.” Then her jubilant expression fell away. “I should sneak down to my room before someone sees me.”
Holding her gaze for several seconds, he kissed her. “Don’t leave. I’m making us breakfast.”
“Stop bossing me around.”
“I didn’t hear you complain once in the past seven hours.” He got out of bed, flashed her a smile and vanished into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, he emerged in his black robe. “You’re welcome to take a shower. Fresh towels in the linen closet.” He closed his bedroom door behind him.
Hot, jetting water pounded Brigit awake. She refused to ruin her sex high by chastising herself for sleeping with him again. Best sex ever. Just don’t get used to it. After drying off, she checked the bathroom closet for a spare robe. Not finding one, she emerged naked. Colton hadn’t returned, so she padded across the sandstone floor in search of one from his closet.
Of all the rooms in Colton’s home, his bedroom was Brigit’s favorite. Besides his elegant taste and unlimited funds, the stately armoire, bureau and night tables were perfectly placed in the suite. But the room’s focal point, the king sleigh bed with its dark gold comforter, luxurious bed linens and fluffy pillows, was the right balance of posh and inviting. The floor-to-ceiling umber curtains created a cave-like atmosphere made even cozier with the floor lamp softly illuminating the comfy-looking chaise tucked in the corner. Was the soothing ambiance the reason why she felt so safe and protected in there?
From the elaborate box ceiling with its rich merlot border and sparkling chandelier, to the marbled gas fireplace, the bedroom lacked nothing, except a clue as to what he did in there. There was no television, no stacks of unread books, not even a phone or a photo. Did he just sleep? And was she really his first guest? Why me?
She opened his walk-in closet, flipped on the light and startled. Amidst the rows of neatly lined clothing, eight masquerade masks hung on the far wall. Though unsettled she stepped closer to examine them. The first hook had no mask. Perhaps that was for the one he’d used last night. Two ornate eye masks, one silver and one gold, dangled from their black ribbons. The fourth mask was a black devil.
Hanging on the row beneath were five full facial masks. These were downright ominous. Elaborate in design with jutting chins or noses. The last mask was macabre. Outlined in gold scroll with a long white nose, gold spectacles, black eyes, and a large black hat. A shiver flew down her spine. Had she discovered Colton’s dark side?
“What are you doing in here?”
She jumped from the harshness in his voice. Colton’s lips were drawn into thin lines and the coldness in his eyes made the hair on the back of her neck prickle. “I need a robe.” Feeling vulnerable, she crossed her arms over her bare breasts. “I…I should go.”
“Why don’t you wear this?” he said pulling a white dress shirt off its hanger. As he helped shrug the shirt over her shoulders, his lips curved, the smile touching his eyes. “You look sexy.”
To avoid eye contact, she got busy buttoning the shirt. When she finished, he took her hand. “Time to eat.”
As he led her from the closet, she threw a furtive glance over her shoulder at the masks. That last one is terrifying.
He brought her into his sitting room where the early morning light burst in with unfiltered exuberance. The furnishings matched those in his bedroom, though this splendid space boasted the sunshine and that delightful wall of bookshelves filled to the brim.
Covered dishes, a carafe, a small pitcher of orange juice, and two place settings filled the rolling cart. Famished, Brigit lifted lids. Scrambled eggs with chives, bacon strips, English muffins with butter and jelly on the side.
“Can I serve you?” He lifted one of the plates.
; “Please.” She poured their juice and sat on the sofa.
He filled her plate, handed it to her, then filled his own.
“I hope you didn’t wake Elliott.” She buttered the muffins.
He sat next to her. “I did this.”
“You cooked all this?”
“Was that a compliment?”
“I slipped. My bad.” She bit into the muffin.
Pouring their coffee, he smiled. “My business is worth tens of millions, I run a thriving enterprise and you’re impressed because I scrambled eggs?”
“You cooked me an egg.” She sipped the hot java.
“You’ve worked nonstop all week. It’s the least I could do.” Colton drank his orange juice.
“Some of your masks are frightening.” She shifted toward him.
“Yes, they are,” he said, then forked egg into his mouth.
“Do you wear them at your home parties?”
“Just the silver or gold ones.”
“So you wear the others, too?”
“I do.”
“I didn’t see any masks at your club.”
“No masks at Uninhibited.”
She finished her juice and took a few bites of egg. He said nothing further. The less she knew, the better. But she could imagine plenty. Their relationship had already crossed so many lines and boundaries. She’d be smart to collect her runaway hormones and stop interacting with him outside normal working hours in positions other than vertical. “I should get out of here,” she said. “I’m meeting with several staff today about their investments.”
With his eyes locked on hers, he gripped her shoulder. “This shouldn’t have happened.”
Her face heated. He’s going to tell me it was a mistake and blame it on the booze or the wild sex show. Unable to look at him, she stared at her plate of half-eaten food. Dammit. I knew better.
“But it did,” he said. “Last weekend and last night. And I—”
A loud rat-a-tat on Colton’s bedroom door made Brigit jump. Before Colton could respond, Chad burst into the sitting room.
“Oh, shit, I’m sorry.” As Chad flipped his gaze from Colton to Brigit, a large grin exploded on his face. “You two crazy kids.”
Brigit’s chest flushed with heat. The staff would know within hours. “I don’t want to be seen here like this.”
“You’re fine,” Colton said. “Chad will be discreet.” Chad nodded. “I didn’t realize our relationship had progressed to an open-door policy.”
“I thought we were going running, plus I need to discuss something urgent with you.”
When Colton glanced at Brigit, she said, “That’s my cue. I’m outta here.” She set her plate on the coffee table and rose.
“No, not you,” Colton said. “I was trying to give Chad a subtle hint that he should leave.”
“Okay, but you’re going to want to hear what I have to say sooner than later,” Chad said.
“Tell me,” Colton said.
Chad snatched a bacon strip and popped off a hearty bite. “A tender offer was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. MobiCom is charging full steam ahead and their target is the Francesco Company.”
God, no. Her hand flew to her neck to stave off the feelings of suffocation.
“Dammit to hell.” Colton pursed his lips and shook his head. “That son of a bitch Montgomery is driving this and he’s got his flunky Dobb eating dog kibble out of his hand.”
Brigit sprang a look at Colton. Anger clouded his normally bright eyes. “This setback involves my future, my career, and a company I will not give up,” Colton said. “Brigit, I need you now more than ever.”
Brigit went tight everywhere. Jaws and hands clenched. Neck and back stiffened. Losing Francesco had become very real. She started shaking and as the room began to spin, she grabbed the sofa arm.
Chad eased her onto the cushion. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just light-headed.” She took a long pull of juice.
“Finish your food,” Colton said. “You’ve hardly eaten.”
“I can’t,” Brigit protested.
“Sorry to have barged in,” Chad said.
“Relax. Both of you.” Colton handed Brigit her half-eaten plate of food. “Brigit, eat something. Chad, what do you know?”
Brigit placed a forkful of cold scrambled eggs into her mouth and almost gagged. Appetite lost, replaced by nausea.
“MobiCom has been discreetly buying stock,” Chad said. “Not so much that they can do serious damage, but enough to show their intention is real.”
“How do you know this?” Colton asked. “Never mind. Don’t answer that.”
“I have a friend at the SEC,” Chad said.
“One of those kinds of friends?” Colton asked.
“What does that mean?” Brigit asked.
“I’m a hacker,” Chad said. “No, Colt, this was legit.”
“Fuck. This cannot be happening, not when everything is at stake. MobiCom is definitely building their position. Brigit, I need that cash.”
She leapt up and the plate tumbled off her lap. “Oh, what a mess!” She grabbed the remnants of her scrambled eggs and lobbed them onto the plate. “I have to get ready.”
“We haven’t finished our private conversation,” Colton said.
“You’ve said plenty.” She quickly collected her things and bolted from the room.
Scurrying down the hall, she gritted her teeth. If she had any chance of saving her beloved Francesco from being absorbed by MobiCom, she’d have to join forces with the one man who’d taken it from her. The same man who took her breath away and made her blood boil. Losing her company and failing her parents all over again seemed inevitable.
31
The Sauna
Brigit closed her bedroom door and bit back tears of frustration. I’m so stupid. Going forward, she would act like the consummate professional. Colton’s comment—this shouldn’t have happened—infuriated her. But she knew better. Having sex with any client was taboo, but twice with the same man? Never mind how phenomenal a lover he was, or how she felt while in his arms, Colton Mitus was not to be touched.
Her focus would remain fixed on the urgent business at hand—protect Francesco from MobiCom’s merger play.
Saturday afternoon she texted Colton. Can you meet Sunday to review my investment strategies? He replied, Sunday morning, ten thirty. If he spent the day at home, she’d not seen him. Relieved, she worked with several staff on their investments.
At ten twenty Sunday morning, she sipped strong java while staring out her office window at the spacious grounds. Her phone buzzed and she read the incoming text from Colton. Can’t meet until Monday. Sorry for the last-minute change.
What could be more pressing than losing Francesco? His kinky sexual needs, she thought.
Though grateful for the additional time to let the tension cool, she caught herself daydreaming about their fiery romp more than once. Never again. While working in her office Monday afternoon, Colton’s deep voice broke her concentration.
“Any calls?” he asked.
“Several,” Red said. “Only Marjorie McAllister’s was urgent. I handled the others and sent you a summary email. The invitation you requested is in your center drawer. I hope your emergency was resolved.”
Emergency?
“Thank you, Red. Please close my door on your way out.” Colton pressed the speaker on his desk console and a number auto-dialed.
Should I close my door and give him privacy? Instead, Brigit sat ever so still, like a spider in its web.
“Hello, Colton,” Marjorie rasped through the speaker. Her voice sounded froggier than usual. “MobiCom extended an acquisition offer. It’s official.”
“What’s Dobb’s position?”
“Bait and switch.”
“Not surprising. What’s his spin?”
“He thinks the merger will benefit Francesco in the long run. What a load of crap. The deal he’s made with the devil will benefit h
im. We’ve called an emergency meeting for executives and board members this Friday.”
“They’ll reject the offer and MobiCom will move on.”
“How’s your crack wealth manager doing?”
“I’m about to find out.”
“The sooner we secure that loan, the faster we can start production. Good luck, Colton.”
The line went dead.
Not wanting to get caught eavesdropping, Brigit grabbed her report and pretended to read it.
“There she is.” Colton’s sexy timbre sent a flurry of energy skittering over her.
She lowered the analysis and their eyes met. Zing! Nope, not going there. Fly right. His massive frame filled the doorway. Wearing khakis, a blue button-down open at the collar and a navy sport coat, his relaxed swagger couldn’t hide his troubled expression. The knot between his brows was more pronounced than usual. While his emergency wasn’t her concern, his whereabouts niggled her like an annoying little Eeyore cloud.
“For you.” He offered her a cream envelope with her name handwritten in calligraphy.
She read the beautiful gold engraved invitation. A black tie event this Saturday evening hosted by Colton Mitus and Crockett Wilde. All gala proceeds would benefit a Maryland-based nonprofit war veterans’ organization. The cost? Fifteen thousand, or twenty-five thousand per couple.
“Is this my golden ticket?”
“Red booked me a room. I asked her to reserve one for you. You’ll be joining me.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Date back out?”
“I was going alone.”
“Perhaps I’m busy.” Her stomach roiled. She didn’t want to leave the compound and his invitation baffled her.
“You’ve been working nonstop since moving in,” Colton said.
“Tell me that’s not a complaint.”
As he held her gaze, he ran his fingers over his scruffy cheeks. “Let’s try this tactic. My wealth manager must attend this important business function.”
She set the invitation on her desk. “Fine. Okay. Whatever. I’ll go. It’s a worthy cause. Who can I pay for my ticket?”
THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series Page 18