by Jamie Knight
I could feel his annoyance over the phone.
“When I instruct you to do something, I expect those instructions to be obeyed. I punish pets who disobey me.”
“But—”
“You have five minutes to get your ass to the penthouse.”
Behind me, the elevator doors swished open, and I turned at the sound. Sloane stepped out, thunder covering her narrow face.
She caught my eye.
“What are you staring at?” she snapped.
A bitch.
“I take it your meeting with Kane didn’t go as expected?” I raised an eyebrow as I looked at her furious face.
“I’m going to ruin you,” she squeaked. “You don’t deserve to be here, and you don’t deserve to be mentored by Kane. I do.”
She thrust her arms down, with her slender hands clenched into fists by her sides.
I rolled my shoulders back and stared her down. No way was she going to question what I did and didn’t deserve.
“I deserve it as much as anyone,” I told her. “Whatever stick is up your ass, I suggest you pull it out. For years, I’ve busted my butt. Everything I’ve achieved has been because of hard work, and not because my daddy paved the way for me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting with my mentor.”
I didn’t give her the chance to come back at me. I turned and hopped into the elevator. With a sneer, she stomped—yes, stomped—away. From the hate in her eyes before she left, she wasn’t done with me.
Women like Sloane didn’t take no for an answer and never backed down, but I’d fight that battle when I had to because right now, I needed to go to Kane and accept whatever punishment he had planned for me.
On the elevator ride up to the penthouse, I couldn’t stand still. I was anxious and excited. Would Kane throw me over his desk and fuck me? Or would he make me suck his dick while he sat at his desk? All those things sounded too obvious for a man like Kane. He’d have something much more imaginative, dirty and depraved in mind. Good.
The elevator doors opened. Before stepping out, I smoothed a hand over my hair and down the front of my blouse and over my hard nipples.
This was it.
This was where it all began.
Arousal coated my inner thighs, and my pussy was slick and ready. I was filled with so much desire it was hard to walk.
The bright reception area of the penthouse office was a stunning mix of modern and old that overflowed with natural light. The floor to ceiling windows gave a spectacular view of Central Park, and a lush terrace garden that looked like it belonged to an upscale restaurant, wrapped around the entirety of the penthouse.
I peered down one a long, narrow hallway after another hoping to see Kane, but the place seemed deserted. None of the executives appeared to be here.
To my left, tables and chairs were casually arranged, and a walnut colored bar lined with every kind of liquor imaginable sat against the back wall.
To one side was a humongous coffee machine, and I was tempted to make a cup. Thanks to four years of slinging beans at college, I could make a mean cup of joe. It was something I was quite proud of.
With no idea of which direction I should go, I stopped. I stood in the middle of the reception area unsure of what to do. Did I call out his name, or did I try to find him? Was he playing an elaborate game of hide and seek?
A concealed door in a wall opposite the bar slowly slid open. A stunning brunette, who looked like she belonged on the runway and not in an office, sashayed towards me.
“Reese, so nice to meet you, I’m Melissa.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” I said feebly, trying and failing not to appear intimidated.
She wore a fitted black dress and black pumps with icepick heels. Ruby red gloss coated her lips and long dark lashes layered in mascara ringed her eyes. Her hair was cut in a blunt chin-length bob, and it was so shiny I could almost see my reflection. Her age was hard to guess, but if I had to, I would have said mid-thirties.
The confident way she walked and the way she held her head high left me in awe. When I grew up, I wanted to be just like her. Which was funny because she was only a few years older than me.
With someone as sexy as Melissa for a PA, I didn’t understand why Kane wasn’t with her. They would have made a beautiful couple. I frowned.
When she reached me, she held out her hand expectantly and gave me a full smile that went some way to quell the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
I took her outstretched hand with my own, which she clasped as if we were old friends.
“Kane really enjoyed the video you sent this morning. He said it was quite the performance.”
“W-What? Excuse me?” I gasped.
She knew about that?
The world around me spun. A meteor needed to crash through the window and strike me dead. So much for my luck changing.
Trust me to send a video Kane and he then tells everyone about it. I should never ever have filmed myself masturbating, and I should never ever have emailed it in the first place.
“God, I am so, so unprofessional,” I muttered.
I reached out and held on to the back of a chair to stop myself from keeling over.
“I—I’ve never done that before in my life.”
She gave me a quizzical look, and asked, “Masturbated? I doubt that.”
“Made a video of myself and sent it to someone.”
I couldn’t meet her eyes, so I stared at the floor praying a sinkhole would open and swallow me whole.
“I never thought Mr. McKenzie would tell anyone about it. I’m so embarrassed.”
“Darling,” she practically purred, “Don’t be embarrassed, you have nothing to be ashamed of, but before you leave today, make sure you get Kane’s personal email and phone number. That way there will be no possibility of mishaps in the future.”
“What must you think of me?”
If I were her, I would think I was a desperate slut.
“Let me see your face.”
I lifted my still flaming face until our eyes met. She tilted her head to one side and took me in, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.
She nodded as she looked into my eyes.
“What I think is that you’re a good choice for Kane. I’ve nagged him for the longest time to find someone. He can’t work at the top of his game unless he does. And, now he’s found you. You’re perfect. The right mix of sexy and submissive.”
I swallowed hard.
“I’m still not really sure what I’m getting myself into, or what’s happening right now.”
“Right now, you and I have to have a little chat,” she said, sounding very business-like. “Kane’s never taken a pet from the employee pool before. Come to my office, and I’ll explain more. From what he’s told me, he’s had his eye on you for a while. We have a few things to chat about before you see Mr. McKenzie.”
Melissa strode through the once concealed door, and I shuffled behind her, feeling every bit as drab as I looked. My Anne Klein Goodwill ensemble seemed like a moth-eaten hand-me-down compared to Melissa’s chic outfit.
Once inside her office, I had to make an effort to stop my jaw from dropping open. The area was three times as big as my apartment. Sleek, streamlined furniture filled the space and abstract art filled the walls. She sat down on a plush gray sofa and patted the seat beside her.
“Come, sit, sweetie. I promise I don’t bite.”
She gave what I could only describe as a tinkling laugh.
“Well, most of the time, I don’t.”
“Thanks.”
Instead of sitting beside her, I positioned myself on the sofa opposite her and then sat on my hands. Otherwise, I would have fidgeted with my fingers and picked at my nails—a nervous habit I’d never been able to kick. A coffee table with a black folder and a pen placed in the center separated us.
“There’s no need to be so nervous,” Melissa said, trying to reassure me. “And there’s nothing to be so anxiou
s about. You can stop looking like a deer caught in the headlights, but I understand that all of this this must seem incredibly bizarre and overwhelming.”
“Just a little.”
I nodded.
“When Sloane said she was on her way up to talk to Kane, I was convinced he’d been playing a joke on me.”
“No joke. Miss Sloane needs to learn some manners. Little upstart. Girls like her think they can have anything they want. She’s a stuck-up cow. I don’t understand why her father insisted she work here, and I don’t understand why Kane agreed. She has more money than sense and doesn’t need to work a day in her life. Plus, no tits or ass.”
Melissa gave a dramatic eye roll.
“She seems to be a lights off, eyes closed kind of gal. Not the right fit for someone like Kane.”
“And I am? The right fit I mean?”
I brought my hands around and folded them primly in my lap.
“You’re more than the right fit. And I’m so glad he decided you were the one. Thank God he was at the gallery on Friday night and thank God he got rid of Simon. He’s been a pain in my backside ever since he started working here.”
“From what Kane said, he knew Simon was taking me there. Agreeing to go anywhere with that jackass was a mistake. I had a lucky escape. I’ve already gone to the police, but it seems like he’s skipped town.”
“You were extremely lucky,” she said, followed by a grimace. “He’ll get his comuppance. Now let’s get down to business, shall we?”
“I’m sorry if I seem dumb and naïve, but can you please explain what I’m getting myself into?”
She slid the folder across the table. “I’m more than happy to explain everything, but before I do, I need you to sign a non-disclosure agreement.”
I frowned and looked down at the coffee table. “Why do I have to sign an NDA?” I opened the folder and flicked through the pages not seeing what was on them.
“Kane is a billionaire with fingers in several pies. He’s a man with particular tastes, and he needs someone like you to fulfill those tastes. We must trust you won’t go running to the media or to any of his rivals with stories or insider information.”
“What do you mean by someone like me?”
“Someone who is open-minded and liberal.”
She pursed her lips thoughtfully and then continued, “He said your video demonstration showed that’s exactly what you are. And he believes from what happened in the restroom on Friday that you know how to follow orders. He needs someone inexperienced but open to new things and eager to please.”
I bit my lower lip in contemplation.
“I’d hardly call myself Snow White. I mean, I’m not a virgin, I’ve had sex.”
“He’s not looking for a virgin with zero experience. He’s looking for someone who wants to learn and who likes kink. You do want to learn, don’t you?”
I nodded but said nothing.
She clasped her hands together and bounced them on her lap.
“I’m just so happy Kane has found someone. It’s been such a long time for him.”
“You mean he hasn’t had sex in a while?”
“Heavens no. Kane is a red-blooded man, and he satisfies his carnal needs as much as possible. But he hasn’t committed to anyone in years.”
“Why? I mean, look at him, he’s gorgeous.”
“Yes, he is rather yummy. But I’ll let him explain his reasons for staying single.”
“You said he hasn’t committed in a while. Does he want to commit to me?”
“That’s the plan. As I said, he works best that way. You’re just so pretty and sweet, and I’m certain you’ll make him extremely happy.”
Something about the way Melissa talked about him set the hair on the back of my neck on end.
“Are you a couple?” I asked her. “Is sleeping with and sharing employees a fetish you share? If that’s your thing, I’m not interested in getting involved in some kind of weird threesome.”
“Goodness no. We’re not a couple. Never have been and never will be. Kane and I have known each other for what seems like eons. And besides, he’s not my type. I’m more of a Harley riding, leather jacket wearing bad boy who keeps me on my toes kind of girl. The rougher, the better. No white-collar men for me.”
She smiled and gave me a happy sigh before continuing.
“For the past few months, I’ve been in a relationship with the most wonderful man. He can be a bit of a bastard, but I do love him.
“I apologize,” she said, with a shake of her head. “That was a bit personal. Sometimes my mouth runs away with itself.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
I smiled. Maybe Melissa and I could be friends. I was glad she wasn’t into Kane as anything more than a friend and boss.
“What else can you tell me?”
“I can promise you that if you commit to being Kane’s pet, your life will change forever and for the better. He’ll treat you like a queen, and if your relationship ends, he’ll make sure you’re taken care of for life. But there are things he needs in return. He’ll never purposely hurt you unless you ask him to. He’ll always respect you, your needs, your wants, and desires. In the bedroom, as with the boardroom, he’s in charge always. What he says goes.”
What she said he was offering was more than I could ever have hoped for. More than I even knew I wanted, but still, I had reservations.
“This is all so… wow… I assume Kane wants to keep everything about our relationship quiet. What if people find out? People like Sloane. If she finds out Kane is paying me that kind of attention, she’ll make my life hell. She’s already accused me of getting Simon fired.”
“Don’t worry about Sloane.”
Melissa waved her hand dismissively.
“If she gets uppity, I can ruin reputations with one phone call, no matter who the parents or connections are.”
“I’ll continue my job as usual? Clock in and clock out?”
“Nothing changes in that regard, but you’ll be required to go on business trips with Kane, and when he calls, you’ll be required to come up to his office without hesitation.”
It all sounded very exciting to me. And it made me horny. I clenched my pussy, to keep wetness from dripping out. I couldn’t wait to see Kane.
She stopped talking and pressed her fingertips to her red lips.
“I’ve said too much. I’m afraid I can’t discuss anymore until you sign on the dotted line.”
I picked up the NDA and pen. “And if I don’t sign?”
She shrugged.
“Then tomorrow you go back to your cubicle and back to the life you already lead. Of course, you’ll spend the rest of your life asking what if, but you don’t strike me as a what if kind of girl.”
I flicked through the papers again.
“Is there anything in here I should be made aware of?”
“It’s a standard NDA. Don’t talk about your relationship with Kane and all will be fine.”
I grasped my lucky pendant, hoping for divine guidance, and mentally crossed my fingers. Signing a contract without reading it was naïve at best, but Melissa was right, I wasn’t a what if person.
To hell with it.
What was the worst that could happen?
Losing my job and starting off fresh somewhere new?
Sure, it was a risk, but it was one I would grasp with both hands. And it wasn’t as if it would be the end of the world. I had a lot of experience and I was a hard worker; I was sure I could find another job if need be.
I picked up the pen and initialed where indicated before scrawling my signature at the bottom of the last page.
I set both the agreement and the pen on top of the table.
Only then did I say, “Okay, it’s signed. Tell me everything I’m supposed to do and what’s expected of me.”
Chapter Thirteen
Reese
The sound of a door opening came from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder a
nd watched as Kane strolled in.
God, he was even hotter than I remembered. He moved his tall frame with such grace, like a stalking tiger. My eyes took in the sight of his muscular form in the dress shirt he had chosen for the day. It fit perfectly, from the swell of his broad shoulders to the narrow V that was right above his hips.
“You’re going to do whatever I require. That’s what’s expected of you.”
He rolled up the sleeves of his baby-blue shirt, giving me a glimpse of his sinewy forearms and his oddly sexy wrists. He loosened the knot on his silver-colored tie and undid the top two buttons.
At the sight of the tuft of chest hair poking out, my fingers curled, aching to run all over him. Rough stubble covered his jaw, and the urge to lick my tongue over his cheeks was almost overwhelming.
In three long strides, he covered the distance between the door and the sofa, but he didn’t sit down beside me, he sat next to Melissa. Casually stretching his arms over the back of the sofa, he turned his gaze on me. He looked to be patiently awaiting my answer.
Not knowing what else to do, once again, I sat on my hands. Should I have gotten up and gone to him? Should I have fallen on my knees and crawled to him, or should I have pretended I was perfectly fine and nothing about the situation fazed me?
Melissa stood and reached for the agreement. She flicked through the pages and then smiled warmly in my direction. I decided she and I would become best friends.
“It seems my job is done.”
She turned towards the desk at the far side of the room.
“I really like her,” she said, addressing Kane.
For a second, she turned her attention back to me and gave me a gracious smile.
“Welcome to the family, Reese. It’s going to be a lot of fun having you around.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled. “Happy to be here.”
I deserved a kick in the ass for acting so lame and insecure.
Melissa went behind her desk and pressed the wall. A panel slid open, and a safe appeared. She typed in a password, and when the door clicked open, she placed the agreement inside.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many other NDAs she’d placed in there over the years. A kernel of envy lodged in my throat.