by S. Nelson
What was he doing there, and in my bed no less? When the fog of sleep lifted, all sorts of memories rushed forward.
Being attacked outside the office.
Reporting the attack to an Officer Strinson, Max by my side the entire time.
Max asking me if I wanted him to call anyone.
Me telling him no.
Him bringing me home, helping me to my bathroom where he waited for me to shower.
Giving me two Aleve because my throat hurt.
Asking if I wanted him to stay with me.
Me telling him yes.
Max helping me undress.
Max helping me undress?
Glancing down, I was suddenly all too aware I was only wearing my bra and panties.
Carefully scooting toward the edge of the bed, I placed one foot on the ground but when I lowered the other, I stepped on a shoe and my ankle twisted to the side. Without meaning to, I let out a yelp, covering my mouth as soon as the sound escaped.
But it was too late. Max was awake and staring right at me. A lazy smile pulled at the corners of his mouth as he took in my state of undress. I snatched the sheet and covered up as much as I could.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he greeted. At first he was amused, but when his eyes landed on my throat, his grin disappeared, and a look of concern took its place. Sitting up, he leaned over the bed and pointed at my neck. “Does that still hurt?”
Instinctually, my fingers ghosted over the damaged skin. It was tender but otherwise okay.
“No. I’m fine.” I wasn’t fine, not with that lunatic on the loose, but I didn’t want to alarm Max, or anyone else for that matter because I knew somehow my father and Chris were going to find out.
A staring contest ensued, and while I loved to look at him, I needed him to leave so I could get dressed.
Deeming enough was enough, I cleared my throat. “Thank you for helping me last night . . . with everything. But I’m fine now, so. . . .”
“So . . . what?”
“So, you can go now.”
After climbing off the bed, he walked around until he reached my side, stopped to look at me for several seconds, probably assessing me the way he liked to do, then leaned in to kiss my temple.
“Call me if you need me.”
And just like that, he was gone, leaving me to wonder if I should have asked him to stay.
Trying to lose myself in research for a merger my father was working on, I hadn’t noticed anyone walk into my office, my mind on autopilot, and in denial.
I didn’t want to think about what had happened. Besides, the police had my information. If they apprehended Rick, Officer Strinson said he’d let me know.
“Are you all right? I tried calling you a few times last night, and all I got was your voice mail.” Chris stood a few feet from my desk, a genuine look of apprehension etched on his handsome face. I felt horrible for leaving him in the dark, but I needed some more time to come to grips with an incident I so badly wanted to forget.
“Yeah, sorry about that. I had a late night trying to catch up with some work then went home and climbed into bed.” I gave him my best smile, praying he’d believe me, but my hopes were dashed when his eyes narrowed in on my neck. I’d mindlessly started to stroke the skin on my throat and must have rubbed away some of the makeup I’d applied to cover up the finger-sized bruises.
Hurrying to shorten the space between us, he twirled my chair around before kneeling on the ground, pulling my hand away so he could get a better look.
“What the hell happened? And don’t try and tell me nothing.” He gently moved my head from side to side. “Who did this to you?”
“Don’t get upset.” His expression morphed from concern to constrained anger.
“Too late.” He rose to his feet and brought me with him. “Now tell me who dared to put their hands on you.” His nostrils flared, and the muscle in his jaw jumped, and it was then I felt horrible for lying to him. Not about what happened, but about Max. About whatever feelings I had for another man.
“I’ve already reported it to the police.” I was going to elaborate when my father suddenly walked in.
“You reported what to the police?” he asked, rounding my other side to find out what was going on.
“I don’t know,” Chris grated, before turning my head to give my father a better view. “But someone attacked her, and she won’t say who.”
“What?” my father shouted, which made me flinch. Once he saw my reaction, he softened his approach and took my hands in his. “Honey, who did this?” I couldn’t remember the last time I saw a look of genuine concern in my father’s eyes. It’d been years; it was unfortunate it took me getting attacked for it to show up again.
“One of my client’s husband. He didn’t like the advice I was giving his wife, his soon-to-be ex-wife, so he thought he’d pay me a little visit.”
“Is this one of your pro bono cases?” Chris asked, my father also impatiently waiting for the answer. Once I nodded, they both erupted in “I told you not to get so involved,” and “You don’t know what types of people you’re dealing with,” and so on and so on, as if just because they couldn’t afford an attorney, they were less than. It just so happened that Rick Glinn saw his opportunity and pounced.
While my fiancé and my father were rambling on, I caught sight of Max looming in my doorway. The other two men didn’t see him because they were so concerned with me, which wasn’t the worst thing in the world.
“You have to drop that case, sweetheart,” Chris urged, pulling me into his embrace. My eyes flickered to Max, and I saw him tense up, a snarl lifting the corner of his lip as if he were a rabid dog, waiting to attack. I subtly broke free from Chris, squeezing his hand in return before stepping back.
“I can’t abandon her. Besides, the cops are looking for him, so I doubt he’ll come near me again.” I don’t even believe my own lie.
“Were you alone?” my father asked, slamming his fist down on my desk before I answered. “Goddammit, Alina. You can’t put yourself in harm’s way. You just can’t.” He appeared upset, scared even, which in turn made me feel horrible.
I quickly darted my eyes to Max before answering. “Yes, I was alone. But as soon as he left, I went right to the police.” Max’s mouth fell open, a look of betrayal flashing across his face before he snapped his lips together, shook his head and turned to leave. He bolted before either of them knew he was present for most of the conversation.
All I wanted to do was go after him and explain. Explain that I had no choice.
Explain that I didn’t want to anger my father.
Explain that I had no idea what to say to anyone because I didn’t even fully understand my feelings toward him.
Explain that I didn’t want to hurt Chris.
Explain that I was hurting myself, all wrapped up in my own denial.
Max
STALKING TOWARD MY office, it took everything inside me to contain my anger. All I wanted to do was barge into her office, confront her father and Harris, and tell them she lied right to their faces.
Tell them I was the one with her last night.
I took care of her.
I slept in her bed.
I wanted to shout at them we had feelings for each other, feelings beyond lust, at least for me.
Because I cared about her, however, I kept my stupid mouth shut and walked away before I said something I’d regret. Pouring myself a stiff drink, I emptied the contents in two gulps, refilling my glass when I heard someone enter. I knew who it was, so I didn’t bother turning around.
“What!” I shouted gruffly, no mistaking my sour mood.
I heard the click of the door closing, my anxiety dispersing the smallest amount. There was no way she was going to tell me what I wanted to hear, so I tried to brace myself for the worst. What that was, I had no idea. We weren’t together, so she couldn’t end things between us, not in the typical sense. After allowing the whiskey to slide down my throat
, I spun around on my heel and finally looked at the woman who was turning my world on its ass.
“Why are you here?” Barely controlled fury pinged through me, amping me up for a fight that would no doubt ensue, especially if she remained silent and kept looking at me the way she was. As if she was at a loss for words. As if she wanted to run to me but held back. As if she was fucking confused.
My last thought irritated me the most. I knew she didn’t want to marry Harris. Her words, not mine. Yet she refused to fully acknowledge she wanted me, and that wasn’t me being arrogant. The connection between us was undeniable.
She walked toward me. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I . . . I didn’t know what to say to them.”
“How about the truth?” My tone was harsh, but I wasn’t about to sugarcoat my feelings toward our situation any longer. “What’s the worst thing that’s going to happen? Huh? You tell me.”
“I don’t want to hurt Chris.” She took another step closer, stopping by the edge of my desk.
“But you’re okay with hurting me?” I scoffed. “How nice of you.”
“It’s not my intention, Max. Please believe me.” Running a hand through her blonde hair, she traipsed across my office and stood in front of the wall of windows overlooking the city. Her shoulders were slumped, and she looked as if she carried the weight of the world on top of them.
“I don’t believe you. You want to be with me but are too scared to tell your father no. To tell Harris no.” I was frozen in place, knowing damn well if I walked up behind her . . . well, I wasn’t quite sure what would happen. Would I toss her out of my office? Or would I beg her to choose me?
“I do want to be with you, but I have to marry Chris.” She hung her head, her breathing hampered by emotion.
“Why?” I pounded the wall next to me and startled her. “Tell me right now why you have to marry him.” Abandoning my earlier plan, I walked up behind her and spun her around. I wanted to see her face when she gave me her weak excuse.
A tear fell down her cheek, prompting something to twist inside me. I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms, but I restrained myself. Barely.
“Because if I don’t, my father won’t hand over the position of managing partner to me.” I furrowed my brows, encouraging her to elaborate. “My father calls me a bleeding heart, and I suppose I am. I’ve always wanted to help people, ever since I was little, and since I grew up wanting for nothing, I’ve dedicated part of my career to those less fortunate.”
“Yeah, look where that got you,” I interjected, pointing at her throat.
She continued as if I hadn’t just thrown the attack in her face. “Once I’m managing partner, I can do so much more. Bring on more pro bono cases for the firm and help countless people.” She looked away for a moment, seemingly contemplating her next words. “I just met you, Max, and while I do feel strongly toward you, is it enough to give up all my aspirations?” It sounded like she was asking herself that question instead of me.
“You don’t have to give up anything. Be with me. End things with Harris and be mine.” I had no idea those words were going to leave my mouth, but they had all the same, and I was happy they were out in the open. I breached the remaining space and reached up to touch her cheek. “Your father will understand. Once he sees how happy you are with me, he’ll still hand over the reins to you.”
“You’re confident you can make me happy?” She attempted a half smile, but her expression flattened.
“I know I can. Let me try.” I leaned down and tried to kiss her, but she moved her head at the last moment, placing her hand on my chest as she tried to push me back. That fucking diamond glinted off the lights above, and it took everything in me not to rip it off her finger and toss it in the trash.
“No. I can’t. I’m sorry, Max.” She walked around me, but I snagged her wrist. “Let go,” she pleaded.
“No.” I tightened my grip but knew I wasn’t hurting her.
“Please,” she whispered.
“No,” I repeated. “Not until you admit you have feelings for me. Feelings beyond lust.” I prayed she was in as deep as I was.
“I’ve already told you I do. But it doesn’t matter.” She tried to snatch her arm back but failed, and when she saw I wasn’t going to release her, she stepped into my personal space, to do what I had no idea. I inhaled her subtle perfume, wanting her scent all over me. “We can’t do this anymore.” What her mouth was telling me and what her body wanted were worlds apart. I noticed the way her breaths were uneven, the way she licked her lips when she looked at me and the way her nipples pebbled beneath her silken blouse.
“Yes, we can,” I countered, pressing her hand on my chest before nuzzling into her neck.
She gasped.
I growled.
Before I could stop myself, I flicked my tongue over the column of her throat, working my way towards where I really needed to be. My lips captured hers, deepening the kiss and delving into her warmth so I could taste her. There was no resistance on her part as she matched my eagerness, lick for lick, suck for suck, teasing bite for teasing bite.
I pushed her backward until her ass hit the edge of my desk, yanking up her black pencil skirt until it bunched around her waist. Before she could stop me, I hoisted her on top of my desk, her practically bare ass sitting on top of some important legal documents, not that I gave a shit.
“I want you so badly. I can’t think straight, not since the night we met.” I cradled her cheeks, looking deep into her eyes. “I can’t fully explain my connection to you for fear I’d sound like a crazy man.” Softly brushing my lips against hers, she inhaled my air, our kiss quickly becoming deeper and so much more.
“I want you too,” she finally said, wrapping her legs around the backs of mine. “But it’s bad timing.”
I pulled back. “Bad timing?” I wanted to make sure I heard her correctly. “What does timing have to do with anything? I want you and you want me. Your relationship with Harris”—I refused to say his first name—“is not real. And you wouldn’t be with him if it wasn’t for your father.” Without warning, a devastating thought ripped through my brain. “Did you sleep with him?”
My question took her by surprise, her brows nearly hitting her hairline, but she remained silent. The longer she took to answer, the more rigid I became, anger swirling through me faster and faster. On the one hand, I had no right to be angry if her answer was yes, seeing as how she was involved with him, but on the other, she’d divulged on the night we met that they hadn’t had sex. I’d been chasing her ever since, and the thought of her fucking him while I’d been consumed with her was beyond hurtful.
Like I said . . . I sound like a crazy person.
Just when I thought I was going to lose it, she answered. “No, Chris and I have never slept together.”
A rush of breath escaped my lungs as I lunged at her once more, tangling my hands in her hair and pulling her impossibly close.
Alina
MY INTENTION WHEN I’d entered Max’s office was to apologize for what he’d heard me tell Chris and my father, my purposeful exclusion of him the prior evening. Nothing more. I hadn’t planned on kissing him, or practically dry humping him on his desk for Christ’s sake. But it happened all the same.
No predictability existed when we were around each other, and it was both exhilarating and unnerving. Thrilling yet dangerous. One look at him and I lost all rational thought, giving in to him even when I knew I shouldn’t. It was almost as if he had some sort of power over me. I’d never felt this way toward someone before, and I wasn’t sure I liked it. How would I protect my heart when it eventually all went wrong?
Max’s arms wrapped around me, holding me close while he kissed me delirious. His lips were like sin, his tongue marking me for danger. My brain told me to push him away, but my heart told me to cling to him, to let his hands roam my body, to let his mouth promise me everything without ever uttering a single word.
My heart won out
. . . for a time.
“Can I taste you?” he whispered against my lips, his fingers trailing the length of my inner thigh until they brushed the lace of my panties. I inhaled a spurt of air, my eyes fixating on his while he gently rubbed circles on my clit with his thumb.
Words escaped me.
The air was suddenly in limited supply.
Blood rushed to my swollen need, and I ached for him to finish what he’d so brazenly started. Instead of telling him no, pushing him off me and leaving his office while my heart was still intact, I asked, “Is your door locked?” The glass on the door was frosted so no one could see in, but they could certainly turn the handle and barge in on us.
He flashed me the biggest smirk before rushing toward the door and flipping the lock. My eyes followed him as he walked back across the room, his steps long and hurried, the rise and fall of his chest, mixed with the undeniable heat in his eyes, took my desire to a whole other level. All my good sense flew right out the window as soon as he cupped me, picking up right where he left off.
My skirt was bunched up to my waist, so when he asked me to spread my legs, I had no problem doing so. I latched on to his mouth to stifle my moans when his finger slipped beneath the lace and pushed inside me. Within seconds, he added another, stretching me deliciously.
“You’re so wet,” he groaned, nipping my throat, careful of the bruises. He crooked his finger and hit the perfect spot, my back arching while I lost my damn mind. “Lean back,” he instructed, gently pushing me to lie on his desk, on top of his scattered papers.
Knowing I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, refuse him at that point, I complied until my back was flush to the surface of the wood, my legs like jelly when he spread them even wider.
I watched him sink to his knees, and before the realization hit he was really going down on me, right there in his office, his mouth closed over the center of my panties. His warm breath and wet tongue over the lace guided my pleasure higher and higher. Max pulled the fabric between my folds and tugged. The friction against my clit, mixed with his mouth, drove me crazy.