Boss Romance_Boss 6_Sometimes power can be shared

by Victoria Quinn

The media got off my back.

  As if they’d never been interested in me in the first place, they disappeared.

  But my mom kept calling me—over and over.

  I pitied her because everything happened so fast. One moment, her oldest son was getting married to the finest woman in the world. And then everything changed. Her son was painted as a jerk and a heartbreaker. I thought about telling her the truth, but I thought that would just make her more upset.

  From what I read in the tabloids, it seemed like people had responded to Titan’s manipulation. She’d put her reputation on the line when she pulled that stunt. The narrative could have gone quite differently, but she managed to control a situation that was out of her control.

  She never ceased to impress me.

  Her intention was bluntly obvious. It was her last attempt to make amends with me, to earn my forgiveness after she betrayed me and fed me to the wolves. She was willing to look like the fool so I could walk away unscathed.

  I’d be lying if I said it didn’t mean something to me.

  She’d called me a few times, but I never answered. Every time I let those calls go to voice mail, I felt the pain rise in my chest. My hand ached to take the call, but my stubbornness always steadied it.

  I missed her.

  I missed us.

  But I still hadn’t reached out to her, unsure exactly what I wanted. Distance had made my heart grow fonder, and my stubbornness only lasted so long. Now I wanted what we lost. I wanted that unbreakable loyalty we used to have. I never flinched when I had her back. She didn’t flinch when she had mine.

  I wasn’t heartless, and I understood the predicament she was in. Falling in love had clouded her judgment in a way I’d never seen before. Titan wasn’t relying on that enormous brain of hers anymore. She was thinking with her heart—for once. Whether Diesel was the right choice or not, I understood her decision. In any other situation, I would have respected it.

  But not after she betrayed me.

  Only now my focus had been strained. I found myself wanting to call her to share news with her. I found myself missing the person I used to share my life with. I confided everything in her, showed her my true colors because I knew I would be accepted for exactly who I was. There wasn’t a single thing I could say that would make her look at me differently. That was true friendship, true loyalty.

  I would never find that again.

  So maybe I should end the war and pick up the damn phone.

  “Sir?” My assistant spoke through the intercom. “Mr. Vincent Hunt is here to see you.”

  Vincent Hunt? Diesel’s father? I’d never spoken directly to Vincent, but I knew exactly who he was—and not just because of his relation to Diesel. He was a gladiator of the corporate world, building an empire that intimidated everyone. He brought a new definition to the word successful. I also knew how vicious he was. According to Titan, he didn’t restrain from doing evil things—even to his own son.

  “Sir?”

  Taken aback by her announcement, I forgot to respond. “Send him in.” I wasn’t doing anything productive anyway, and I was curious to know what this man wanted. He went to Titan to turn her against Diesel. Perhaps that’s why he was there now—to turn me against both Titan and Diesel.

  I already knew I couldn’t take any deal he offered. I couldn’t betray Titan…no matter how good the deal was. No matter what she did to me, I would always remain loyal to her. She was a good person with a bigger heart than she cared to admit. She would never hurt me on purpose—and I knew that.

  Vincent Hunt walked in a moment later, looking even bigger in my office than he did from across the room. In a crisp suit custom made just for him, he walked to the chair facing my desk, his intimidating stare directed on me. He bypassed a handshake and took a seat. His beefy size reminded me of Diesel’s musculature. They were both large men, and I was on the leaner, ripped side of the spectrum.

  I held his gaze, unflinching.

  He did the same to me.

  The stare lasted for a while, neither one of us speaking first.

  Finally, he said something. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “Not in person, but your reputation precedes you.” That included the good as well as the bad. From what Titan described, he seemed to be a dictator with serious control issues. If he felt slighted, he wouldn’t stop until he got his revenge. He was petty, spiteful.

  He crossed his legs and placed his large arms on the armrests of the chair, looking imposing as he took up most of the chair. For a middle-aged man, he looked as healthy as a horse. He retained his physique as time enhanced his beauty, and he appeared to be fifteen years younger than he truly was. That was how I hoped to look when I reached his age.

  Vincent took another long pause before he spoke again. Silence didn’t affect him.

  Didn’t affect me either.

  “I’ve gotten to know Titan recently, and she’s a very impressive woman. You don’t know me, but that’s a bold statement for me to make. You see, nothing impresses me anymore. I’ve seen it all, heard it all. But she has something the rest of us lack. She’s scrappy, gritty, but elegant at the same time. You’re a lucky man to have such a big piece of her heart. I know her love isn’t romantic because I see the way she looks at my son, but that doesn’t make it less powerful. You’re sitting on your ass doing nothing when you could be spending your time in a much better way. That doesn’t impress me.”

  I’d expected to be pitched, but instead, I got a lecture. This was the first time I’d ever met this man face-to-face, and he gave me his two cents on a matter he knew nothing about. It was bold, but it was also effective.

  “I made the mistake of holding on to my anger for the past ten years. I banished my son from my life when I could have fixed the issue instead. Now I’m groveling on my knees trying to earn his trust again. If I could go back in time, I would have done things much differently. I wish I could get back all that time that I lost. Instead, I held on to my stubbornness and pride. Look where that got me.” He tilted his head slightly as he focused his gaze on my face. He stared at me like he could see me through me despite the fact that I was a solid wall of man. “Don’t make the same mistake I did. Titan has done everything she can to earn your forgiveness. She’s out of ideas. Now it’s up to you. You can do nothing and let time pass until a decade of silence has gone by, or you can get your friend back.” He rose from the chair as if the conversation was over. He walked to the door. “It was nice meeting you, Thorn. I hope we meet again…under better circumstances.”

  9

  Diesel

  The annual Business Leaders of America gala was tonight, and I received an invitation, as did Titan. It was an evening meant for the businesses stationed in New York City. The mayor was usually there, along with the senators. Last year, the president of the United States stopped by for a visit. Donations went to the city, helping homeless shelters, after-school programs, and public transportation systems.

  My father was the keynote speaker tonight.

  I knew the paparazzi would be following Titan and me closely. It was our first public appearance as a couple. It would be the perfect opportunity to photograph us together. Any other worldwide news would come second to our romance.

  I stood in the living room and adjusted my solid black watch. I was in a black suit and tie, choosing a darker look since Titan was wearing a black dress. I didn’t try to match her, but I also wanted our appearances to complement each other.

  My driver was waiting downstairs at the curb, and we were running late.

  Titan finally stepped out of the bedroom in a black cocktail dress with a slight shimmer in the fabric. She was in sky-high heels, and the dress featured a strapless sweetheart top. Her brown hair trailed down her chest in curls.

  I let out a soft whistle.

  Despite how confident she was, she smiled and allowed a light hint of blush to fill her cheeks. “You’re sweet.” She grabbed her clutch off the table, a matchi
ng black wallet that had a subtle hint of glitter to it.

  My arms immediately encircled her waist, and I pressed my face closer to hers. “I’m not trying to be sweet.”

  “Seems that way.” Her hands slowly migrated up my chest, feeling the hardness underneath my collared shirt. She touched me with soft aggression, her fingertips pressing into me like she wanted to feel my bare skin.

  My hands slid down her ass, skimming the soft fabric until I reached the tops of her thighs. I pulled the fabric, moving it upward until I revealed her sexy ass in just her black thong. My fingers gripped the gorgeous muscles of her perky ass. Time didn’t seem important to me anymore. I was hard in my slacks, and there was no way I could last all night without having her at least once now. I slowly backed her up toward the dining table.

  She held her ground and stopped me. “No. We’re running late.”

  “Don’t care.” My hand moved underneath the fall of her hair, and I kissed her, knowing my lips would silence her protests. My mouth had a natural way of getting what it wanted. I knew how to kiss her the way she liked, how to take her breath away with a simple touch. She did the same thing to me, bringing my passion to the surface until it couldn’t be controlled.

  Her lipstick smeared across my mouth as she sucked my bottom lip. Her tongue delved into my mouth, exploring me as if she’d never kissed me before. With anxious hands and unsteady breath, she couldn’t hide her desire for me. She could be in a hurry to leave one moment, and then almost immediately forget what we were dressed up for in the first place.

  My hands guided her to the table, and once her back hit the wood, I pulled her thong to her thighs. She hopped on the table just as I lifted her, and then I pulled her thong down her beautiful legs until it hit the floor. She gripped my shoulders as she kissed me, and I undid my belt and slacks so I could get my cock free. My boxers were pushed down over my ass, and my throbbing dick was released and ready for her delectable pussy.

  She lay back and propped herself on her elbows so she wouldn’t ruin her hair, and I pulled her hips to the very edge before I shoved myself inside her. I moved completely within her, feeling her tight walls surround me and seal me inside. She was wet, warm, and tight. Like I’d never been inside her before, I paused to enjoy her.

  With my eyes locked on hers, I pinned my arms behind her knees and started to move. Time wasn’t on our side, but that didn’t make me fuck her faster. I took it slow, rocking into her with deep and even strokes.

  Her tits shook, her nipples hardened, and she parted her sexy lips as she moaned for me.

  She hooked one arm around my neck and held herself up with her other hand. She widened her legs farther, bit her bottom lip as her entire body shook with my thrusts, and stared at me with sexy, fearless eyes.

  Now I just wanted to stay home with her.

  “Diesel…” No other woman had ever said my name in such a sexy way. She could do it so easily, so powerfully. Her lips opened more as her moans deepened and increased in volume.

  I moved my mouth to hers and kissed her as I made love to her on the dining table, worshiping the only woman I’d ever loved. She was the only woman I’d been this intimate with, the only one I removed a condom for. She was the only woman who commanded my respect so easily. She was the only woman who brought me to my knees. Only a woman like Tatum Titan could make a man out of me.

  Her nails dug into the back of my neck as she moved with me on the table. Her breathing quickened, her gasps filling my mouth. Her body slowly tightened around me, unexpected moans emerging. “I love you…” She came around me the second the words were out of her mouth, a beautiful confession that made my entire body shake.

  I came seconds afterward, filling her pussy at the exact moment it squeezed my hard dick. My possessiveness for her increased every time I released inside her, wanting her to be mine and no one else’s. I was the only man on this planet good enough for her, strong enough to handle a woman so independent and successful. Even if she passed me on the Forbes list, all I would feel was pride. I found her brains sexy, her powerful demeanor thrilling. Only a man as successful and secure as I was could handle such an amazing woman.

  I stayed inside her even when I was finished, loving the feeling between her legs. It felt so good, so perfect. I wanted to stay buried inside her forever, to feel my own come push past my shaft and back out her entrance. I rubbed my nose against hers as the breath left my lungs. “I love you too.”

  Her fingers dug into the back of my hair, and she pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “I can tell.”

  I had just given her an impressive mound of come, and it was already dripping from her body onto the table. It didn’t matter how many times I’d already had her, my body was always so eager that it gave her everything it had—every time.

  * * *

  Just as I anticipated, the photographers were lined up at the doorway to the hotel the second we alighted from of the car. I stepped out first and extended my hand to Titan.

  She rose with perfect posture, a cheeky smile on her lips, and took my hand with a strong grip.

  I was immobilized by the image, seeing this queen step out for the cameras and grab my hand. She was there with me, showing the world I was the man she’d chosen. We’d been a secret for so long, sneaking around in hotel rooms abroad and throughout the city. Now there was no more hiding. The world recognized us as a couple—two people in love.

  I couldn’t remember a time when I was this happy.

  I guided her through the entryway, holding her close to me and taking the lead. Flashes erupted in front of my face, the lights blinding. I never smiled for pictures. I usually didn’t smile at all. But this time, I did.

  Because I had a very special reason to smile.

  When we made it inside, the flashes finally stopped. My hand moved around her slender waist, and I guided her to the ballroom where the dinner was being held. My heart was beating with the adrenaline rush that had just washed over me. I was excited in a way I’d never been before. I was about to walk into a room with all my colleagues, and they would know I was the lucky man who got to keep Titan to himself.

  Titan stayed close to me, but she looked as independent and confident as she usually was. She was my date, but she was always her own person. Her eyes scanned the room before she turned her eyes on me. “I think I need a drink.”

  We entered the throng of people, and immediately, almost everyone was looking at us. They wanted to see our affection with their own eyes, see us together after Titan had confessed to the world that I was her soul mate.

  During our conversations with friends and acquaintances, I kept my hand on her the entire time. If I could have, I would have made the affection even more extensive, giving her a kiss that wouldn’t be appropriate for the room. But Titan wouldn’t go for it, so I didn’t push it.

  We talked with the mayor for a few minutes then moved on to other people. The two of us stuck to the champagne the waiters were passing around even though both of us were more interested in scotch and whiskey.

  When we finally had a minute alone, I spoke to her quietly. “People seem fascinated by our relationship.”

  “Not surprised,” she said before she took a drink. “I did just share my personal life with the entire world.”

  My hand rested on the small of her back. “I like it. After all the months of hiding and pretending, we don’t have to lie anymore. Now I can stare at you all I want. I can touch you whenever I feel like it. And I can kiss you whenever I want.” I slowly leaned in, watching the expression in her eyes intensify as I drew near. She didn’t turn away or press a hand to my chest, so I moved in completely and gave her a soft kiss.

  She kissed me back, her lids shutting momentarily.

  Even though the embrace lasted only a few seconds, it was enough to shoot the excitement through me. I felt the tenderness at the edge of my fingertips, the heat in my chest. Only one woman could make me burn like this, and she was standing right in front of me.
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  When she leaned back, the same passion was in her eyes. She’d just made love to me before she left, and she could have another round if the situation permitted it. That was how our nights were spent—not sleeping, only fucking. Every morning I was exhausted, but I wouldn’t change anything about it.

  “I’m the luckiest guy in this room.” I spoke with my lips near her ear, my hand squeezing the fabric at her lower back.

  A soft smile formed on her lips.

  “I’m in love with the strongest woman in this room, and she’s in love with me too. You can’t put a price on that.” The first time I kissed her, I knew there was something there. The first time we fucked, even then, I knew something was there. It took me a while to understand it, a few months to process it, but I recognized the love once I allowed myself to see it. Now it was right in front of me, staring bluntly back at me.

  “I wouldn’t say I’m the luckiest woman in the room…because every woman here hates me for having you.”

  I rubbed my nose against hers. “But you don’t care, do you?”

  Her smile widened. “No. I don’t.”

  I kissed her temple before I pulled her with me, directing her to the next group of people to see. These functions were always about small talk, and right now, we needed to stop by and speak to Kyle Livingston next.

  But then Thorn emerged from the left and magically appeared in front of us. In a navy blue suit with a cream collared shirt, he looked exactly the same as before. The color of the fabric brought out the bright intensity of his eyes, that ice-blue color that looked nothing like mine. His eyes were only on Titan, as if she were the only person in the room.

  Titan’s smile dropped as she stared into his expression, looking at her closest friend in the world. I could feel her sadness instantly infect the space around us. She was just happy a moment ago, but seeing Thorn immediately dragged her back into the depths of sorrow.

  The people surrounding us turned our way, waiting to see what would happen between the two old alleged lovers.