He grabbed my hips and adjusted my body until I was exactly where he wanted me. Then he squirted the ointment over my both of my cheeks and rubbed the gel into my irritated skin.
The abused skin immediately cooled off, a flood of relief sweeping over me.
“How’s that feel, baby?”
“Pretty good…”
His large fingers rubbed the skin until the ointment was entirely dissolved, leaving a slight amount of oily residue on the surface. Then he pressed his face between my legs and kissed me, his large tongue gently caressing my clit.
I closed my eyes as my breathing deepened, feeling his tongue do incredible things to me. He’d just fucked me so roughly, and now he was caressing me like the wind against a rose petal.
Oh god.
His large hands gripped my cheeks, and he massaged them as he kissed me, giving me relief in two very different ways. His large cock had fucked me hard, making me so sore because he hit me so deeply every time. Now he was making up for it with his gentle touches. “You like that, baby?”
“Yes…”
He did that to me for fifteen minutes, making me feel good with light strokes of his tongue. He didn’t push me into an orgasm, wanting to make me relaxed and feel good instead. When he was ready to push me over the edge, his mouth took me more aggressively. He sucked my skin and fucked my clit with his tongue.
I felt my body tighten in response, prepared for the oncoming rush of pleasure. He’d just made me come thirty minutes ago with his thick cock, and now he was doing the same with his lips. My mouth moved to the sheets, and I screamed into the covers, my moans only slightly muffled by the bedding. Now that my hands were free, I gripped the sheets around me and thrust my hips into the mattress, my body reacting in its own way. “Diesel…”
Hunt kept kissing me until I was completely finished, his tongue savoring my swollen parts as he tasted me. He pulled his mouth away then crawled on top of me, looking at me passed out on the comforter. He pressed his lips to my cheek and smiled. “Seemed like you enjoyed that.”
“What gave me away?”
He kissed my cheek then the corner of my mouth before he got off me. “You hungry? Want something to eat?”
I’d been too busy climaxing to care about food. “Sure.”
“I’m whip something up.” He opened his hamper and pulled out the gray collared shirt he wore to dinner. “You can wear this.”
I eyed it before I pulled it toward me.
“And you can keep it too.”
“Your shirt?” I whispered.
“Yeah. It looks better on you anyway.”
* * *
I lay on my side in bed because my ass was too sore. Hopefully, it’d feel better by morning so I could sit at my desk without placing a pillow under my ass. People would know I’d either been spanked or fucked hard in the ass.
Hunt lay beside me in bed, confirming his alarm on his phone and checking any extra emails that came through. The light projected from the phone lit up his face, highlighting the dark color of his eyes and his thick beard. He hadn’t shaved today or yesterday, and now the hair was coming in heavy. I liked him either way, but when his jaw was clean, his eyes looked more formidable. I guess I preferred that hostile look.
He set his phone on the nightstand then looked at me. “Hmm?”
“What?”
“You’re staring.”
“I thought I could stare all I wanted.”
“No,” he said. “I said I could stare all I wanted. I own you.”
“You’d rather I look at something else, then?” I teased. “Someone else?”
His eyes narrowed in a false sense of anger. “Better not. You know what you’ll get.”
“My ass is a little too sore for that right now.”
“You want another rub?” He smiled, clearly proud of everything he’d done to me that afternoon.
“All I need is time now.”
He turned off his bedside lamp then scooted closer to me on the bed. His arms enveloped me, acting as bars of a cage. He enclosed me in his warmth and smell, putting me in a safe place where no one could ever touch me. “Gonna take the day off work tomorrow?”
“I never take the day off.”
“Not even when you’re sick?”
“I don’t get sick.”
“When you take a vacation?”
“I don’t take vacations.”
He grinned as he looked at me. “That sounds boring.”
“You don’t strike me as someone who takes vacations either.”
“I hop on a plane now and then. More often than you.”
“Well, I like working.”
“So do I,” he said. “Maybe we should take a vacation together. Go to some remote island in the middle of nowhere and soak up the sun.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Just you and me and paradise—and sex.”
“I figured.”
He rested his lips against my forehead as he got into position. That was how we always seemed to sleep together, facing each other with his jaw against my forehead. Now I was used to having him beside me, was used to the way he breathed while he was asleep. I thought it would terrify me, elicit horrible memories that I wanted to forget, but it was only peaceful. “Good night, baby.”
I softened against him, growing fond of that nickname. “Good night, Diesel.”
* * *
Thorn texted me while I sat at my desk. My ass didn’t hurt as much as it had yesterday, but it was still a little sore. I shifted my body a few times, relieving the stress on my cheeks when I could. Hey, I’ve got this charity gala thing tonight. Need you on my arm.
I was just on your arm last weekend. I didn’t want to be out in public, talking about things I didn’t really care about when I could be home with Hunt, one of the few people who knew who I truly was. Our conversations were natural and real, and even when we weren’t talking, it was nice.
So? You’re gonna be on my arm for the rest of our lives. I say you get used to it.
I never questioned Thorn when he asked me to go somewhere with him. I didn’t mind going out and spending time with him. He was my favorite person in the world. But now, I didn’t have as much interest. I’ve been working so much. I just want to have a quiet night in tonight.
Oh, come on. Don’t leave me hanging like that, Tay.
Well, you invited me at the last minute.
I was invited to this thing like four months ago, but I totally forgot. I’m gonna hit up a few business tycoons while I’m there. It’ll be a perfect networking opportunity.
I wasn’t a fan of networking. It was difficult for people to take me seriously, despite my overwhelming success. To most men, I would always be just a woman and a dangerous partnership.
Come on. I’m sure you’ve got a beautiful dress in that big closet of yours that needs to be worn.
I smiled because Thorn knew how to get to me. Not the point.
And beautiful shoes to boot. I’ll pick you up at seven.
I knew this was happening because I felt guilty for blowing him off. We were partners, and we intended to conquer the world together. So that meant we would have to attend stuffy dinner parties and collect tabs on all the people we wanted to overthrow. Fine.
That’s my girl.
I got back to work then got a text message from Connor Suede. I’ve got the photos. I’m going to swing by and give you a peek.
That sounds great.
See you in about thirty minutes.
Having Connor stop by immediately made me think of Hunt and how he would feel about that. Having that man alone with me in my office would drive him crazy. He was jealous and possessive, but I quickly realized I was the exact same way.
Jessica’s voice came through the intercom minutes later. “Titan, Mr. Hunt is here to see you.”
Uh, why? If he needed something, he would just call. He wasn’t stopping by for a quickie since my doors were made of glass. I didn’t kno
w what he wanted, but it better be important. “Send him in.”
Hunt walked in the door a moment later, looking outstanding in his gray suit. The dark color of his hair and eyes contrasted against the fair material. His tanned skin peeked out from underneath his collared shirt at his neck. He made any color look great, but gray was particularly beautiful on him.
He helped himself to a seat and crossed his legs. No verbal greeting was issued.
I stared at him, keeping my legs crossed and my face emotionless. It used to be easy for me to be indifferent to him in public, but now it was a struggle. My first impulse was to rise to my feet and kiss him right on the mouth. My hand even twitched when he walked in the door, imagining my fingers stroking along his jawline. He shaved that morning, so I wanted to feel the smooth skin with my fingertips.
But I stayed in my seat.
He stared at me like I was the one who’d interrupted his day, not the other way around.
When it was clear he wasn’t going to say anything, I spoke. “How can I help you, Diesel?”
A slight smile formed on his mouth when I used his first name. “I stopped by because I had some issues at Stratosphere. The patent that was applied for is still pending. Apparently, one of the lead engineers is having a copyright infringement issue.”
“Idiot.”
“I think it’ll get cleared up. In the meantime, I met with our overseas shipment company. They’re having a shortage of the material too, so costs are going to rise. I think we should rebrand ourselves to be more high-end. Right now, we live in a world of dollar stores and cheaper retailers. Everything is becoming flimsy and cheap. People want quality products, even if they have to pay a little more. I think that’s the direction we should take. With your reputation as well as mine, people will go for it.”
“You think?”
“Especially after your shoot with Connor.”
Just then, Jessica spoke through the intercom. “Connor Suede is here to see you, Titan.”
Did I have the worst luck in the world?
Hunt’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the intercom. His expression turned even harsher when he looked at me.
Now I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t want to keep Connor waiting, but I didn’t want to kick out Hunt either.
Jessica spoke again. “Titan?”
I looked at Hunt, keeping a professional demeanor. “Can we continue this conversation later? I can swing by Stratosphere—”
“I’ll wait.” His hands came together in his lap, and his legs remained crossed. He didn’t look as furious as I’d seen him, but the threat was still in his gaze. He was exerting his ironclad control to remain stoic, and it was working—for the most part.
“Outside?” I asked.
“No.” He patted his armrest. “I’ll wait right here.”
Even if I asked him to leave, he wouldn’t budge. I hit the button on the intercom. “Send him in, Jessica.”
“Will do.”
Connor Suede stepped in a moment later, a portfolio under his arm. His eyes were on me, ignoring Hunt as if he didn’t see him. “Titan.” He extended his hand across the desk.
I shook it. “Thanks for dropping by. I’ve been thinking about these photos for a while.”
“Then you’re going to be very happy when you see them.” He was in a black blazer with a white V-neck underneath. The muscles of his chest popped out under the shirt, his tanned skin just as noticeable.
“Connor, you know my business partner, Diesel Hunt.”
Connor turned to him, noticing him for the first time. “Of course. You wore one of my jackets to the Naples fashion show in Milan. Beautiful piece of clothing.”
Connor Suede paid great attention to detail. He knew if I was wearing his clothes just by looking at me. As the head designer, he was the one who meticulously combined all colors, makes, and patterns. His line of clothing wasn’t extensive, but that was because he put considerable thought into each piece.
Connor extended his hand to shake Hunt’s.
He’d better take it.
Hunt stared at it like he might not.
Even though Hunt wasn’t looking at me, I glared at him furiously.
Hunt finally shook his hand. “I got a lot of compliments on it that night.”
“I bet.” Connor took a seat and opened the folder. “Check out these beauties.” He set the first batch of photos on the desk.
I looked at each one, loving the pictures and the way I looked. They were all candid, but they seemed to come out the best. I’d enjoyed the way the clothes felt on my body, the way they hugged my skin. “They’re lovely, Connor.”
“That scarf was the perfect splash of color.”
Hunt rose from his seat and came around the desk, looking at the pictures over my shoulder. “This one is my favorite.” He pointed to me standing in front of a window in the office, a desk holding a laptop and coffee mug. I was wearing a simple black dress with my hair pulled over one shoulder. My face was angled, so only my profile was visible.
“You photograph well,” Connor said. “If you lose everything tomorrow, there’s always space on my runway.”
Hunt’s head lifted up, his eyebrows rising.
I collected the photos and returned them. “When will the commercial hit the air?”
“Next week. The advertisements will be in the next issue of major magazines. But you’ll see a few on the billboards. People are going to go crazy for my fall line.” He returned the photos to the folder then tucked it under his arm. “Thanks so much for giving this to me, Titan.”
“I should be thanking you, Connor.”
He smiled then extended his hand. “I’ll be in touch.”
I shook his hand. “Alright.”
Connor shook Hunt’s hand again before he walked out.
Hunt stood by the window, watching him leave until he was officially gone. Then he turned back to the view of the city, his hands resting in his pockets.
He was undoubtedly mad. I was spending more time with Connor than he cared for. I didn’t hug the man, but even a handshake was too much.
I took a seat at my desk and tried to brush off the hostility.
When he spoke, his voice didn’t possess the rage I expected to hear. “Those photos really are beautiful.”
I didn’t turn around to look at him. “You think so?”
“Yeah. But I’m biased. I only love them because you’re in them.” He turned back to the desk and walked around my office like it belonged to him instead of me. “He leave you any copies?”
“Yeah. Right here.” I grabbed the folder sitting at the edge of my desk.
He flipped through them until he found the one he wanted. “This one is mine now.”
“And what are you going to do with it?”
He dropped the photo into the inside pocket of his suit. “None of your concern.” He walked past my desk and headed to the door. “I’ll see you tonight, Tatum.”
I suddenly remembered the plans I’d made with Thorn. “It’ll have to be late. Probably around ten.”
He turned around, a look of pure displeasure on his face. “Why is that?”
“I have plans.” I wasn’t going to say what they were unless I had to.
“Better not be with him.” By him, it was obvious he was referring to Connor.
“It’s not.”
“Then who?”
I didn’t like answering to anyone. I prided myself on living a life where I was the boss of everything—including myself. But I signed my soul over to the devil, and now the devil himself was there making demands. “Thorn and I are going to a charity event tonight.”
“The Manhattan Met Gala?”
“Yeah.”
He came back to my desk, his hands in his pockets.
“I’ll come by when we’re finished.”
“I was invited to that as well. But I wasn’t planning on attending.”
“Why?”
“Because I planned on spending the
evening with you.”
He made me feel guilty without even raising his voice. “I’m sorry, Diesel. I would blow it off, but it’s important to Thorn that I go.”
“I have the power to change your plans for the evening.”
He did. All he’d have to do was issue the order, and I’d have to lie to Thorn and bail.
“But I won’t. Just expect to pay the price when you get back.”
* * *
Thorn picked me up at my penthouse. The elevator doors opened, and he stepped inside in a deep navy suit. “Yo, it’s me.”
I grabbed my clutch off the counter and snapped on my bracelet. “Hey.” I wore a short cocktail dress, black with a hint of lace.
“Ready to raise money for the homeless…or some disease? I honestly have no idea.”
Of course he didn’t. “It’s to raise money for the new community center.”
“Oh…I think I remember that now.” He adjusted his silver watch on his wrist and checked the time. “We should get going.” He gave me two thumbs up. “You look damn fine, by the way.”
“Thanks,” I said with a smile.
“Your bulldog isn’t here.”
“No. If he were, you would already know by now.”
We took the elevators down to the lobby then got into the back seat of the black Mercedes. The driver drove us back across town to where the gala was being held at a historic building with a great view of the park.
Thorn placed his hand on my wrist as he sat directly beside me. “I’ve been doing something thinking.”
“That’s never good,” I teased.
He flashed his handsome smile, brushing off my joke like all the others. “My mom has been pestering me…and things have been moving forward so quickly. You acquired Stratosphere, and I’ve been working with that new lentil company.”
I didn’t know what point he was trying to make. I was aware of all his endeavors, as he was aware of all of mine.
“We’ve been talking about getting married for years now. I think we should just do it.”
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