Surrender (Cunningham Security Book 7)

by A. K. Evans

  He shook his head. “Not at all. Load me up,” he ordered, holding out his arms.

  I dumped a couple mats and yoga blocks in his arms and piled the rest up in my own. “Thank you for helping,” I stated as we walked into the gym. “Are you just getting here?”

  “No, I actually just finished and was heading out. But I saw you trying to juggle all of this and couldn’t just hop in my car and drive away,” he answered.

  “This is late for you, no?”

  “Yeah, but it’s been like that all week this week,” he started. “There’s been a lot going on at work, so I’ve been putting in quite a few late nights there.”

  That right there was one of the reasons I never regretted my decision not to stay at Ford Communications. I knew Connor liked his job, but I couldn’t imagine it was his lifelong dream to always work as my father’s assistant.

  “Well, I hope all these late nights are paying off for you,” I said just as we reached the front door.

  Another gym-goer happened to be leaving when we made it there, so he held the door open for us. Connor and I both thanked him and continued moving toward the room I was teaching in tonight.

  “I guess you could say that the long days are paying off in the sense that I don’t think your father will ever get rid of me,” Connor began. “The obvious upside of that is my job security, but there’s just no room for growth either.”

  We walked into the room, and I immediately put the mats and blocks down. “You can set those anywhere,” I instructed. After Connor put everything down next to where I’d placed what I carried in, I started unrolling the mats and setting up the room for class. But since I still had time before students would start arriving, I figured I’d talk with Connor. “Have you talked to my father about that?” I asked. “Does he know that you’re unhappy where you are?”

  He took a moment to consider my questions before he responded, “I like working for the company. I really do. I know I should just be thankful that I have a job that pays well, has great benefits, and paid vacation time. And I am. But I think your dad is so accustomed to having me there that he won’t consider letting me take another position within the company. The only hope I had of seeking advancement within the company was when you were still there.”

  My shoulders fell as I looked at the man who’d become a good friend over the years we worked together. It was horrible to think that in following my heart and chasing my dreams, I’d prevented someone else from achieving their goals. “I’m so sorry, Connor,” I apologized. “I truly never thought for a second that they’d ever consider someone other than you for that position.”

  He shook his head. “It’s fine. It was a long time ago. I honestly don’t believe it had anything to do with my qualifications for the position. Both your mom and dad knew I was more than capable of taking over that platform. I think it was more about your father not being able to deal with you leaving. He had lost control, and I think that forced him to find something he could stay in control of.”

  “That’s not surprising,” I mumbled.

  “For those first few weeks after you walked out, I think he thought you were going to cave. But each day that went by without a call from you caused him to get more and more angry. It’s done now, and I think he’s moved past it, but he’s holding on to a grudge for the sake of his reputation. At any rate, it is what it is now. There’s nothing we can do about it at this point.”

  After I opened and set out another mat, I walked over to Connor. I put my hand around the back of his arm and gave him a squeeze on his tricep. “If you’re unhappy, Connor, you should tell him. My father needs to learn that his feelings aren’t the only ones that matter.”

  “I’m not sure it’ll do any good,” he debated.

  “Why not?” I challenged. “Don’t you think it’d be better for him to listen to the needs of his best employees so that he can keep hardworking individuals on staff? It shouldn’t matter to him what position you’re in; he should be thankful he’s got an enthusiastic employee on the payroll who actually cares about his job.”

  Connor turned toward me and put a hand on my shoulder. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, Leni. I’ll think about it, and if I work up enough courage, maybe I’ll talk to him. I’m just not sure that’s how your father works.”

  “I’m sorry that—” I got out before the door opened and Reece walked in.

  A funny look washed over his face as Connor took a few steps away from me.

  “Hi, Reece,” I greeted him. “Is everything okay?”

  His eyes darted back and forth between Connor and me before he finally settled on me. “Yeah, I just wanted talk to you about something,” he answered.

  “I’m heading out anyway,” Connor announced. “I’ll talk to you later, Leni. Have a good class.”

  “Thanks, Connor. And good luck,” I responded.

  Connor stepped away and moved toward the door. Once he was out of the room, Reece asked, “You know him?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I’ve known Connor for years. He works for my parents. Years ago, he and I worked together on a project for their company. But I left the company a long time ago. He’s still there.”

  Reece lifted his chin slowly in acknowledgment. “Right. Well, I just wanted to let you know that Holden managed to work a miracle and get us the approval we’ve been waiting on to finish the renovation project here.”

  “Wow, that’s great news. He works quick, doesn’t he? How did he manage that?” I asked.

  Reece shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. My brother is a brilliant man. I don’t question his methods; I’m just grateful he has his ways.”

  I smiled.

  Reece continued, “Anyway, the reason I’m coming to you with it is because I know you’ve been filming. I don’t know what your filming schedule is like for the next few days, but it might get a little noisy in that room while they finish the last few details before the work for the pool is started.”

  “Oh, that’s totally fine,” I assured him. “The filming I did all day yesterday and earlier today were for a full course I’m working on launching for my students. I finished the filming this morning, so I’ll be spending the next few days editing that content and coming in for these classes.”

  “Good. I was hoping we weren’t going to mess with your schedule,” he said.

  “I appreciate the heads up.”

  Just then, the door opened, and a couple of my students filed in. I greeted them with a wave and a smile.

  “I’ll get out of your hair so you can get ready for your class. I guess I’ll be seeing you this weekend,” Reece noted.

  I gave him a nod. “Yes, I’ll be there.”

  Reece looked at me hard for a couple long seconds and muttered, “Fuck, I hope you’re serious about him.”

  Before I had the chance to respond, Reece turned and walked away.

  I stood there, dumbfounded by his words for several moments trying to process what he said and figure out what the heck it all meant. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to do that because the door opened again and Tanya walked in.

  With that, I took in a deep cleansing breath I knew I was going to need to get through this class and moved to my mat.

  “Do you want me to come over for a little bit tonight?”

  I’d just gotten out of my class and called Holden. I didn’t know why, but something prompted me to reach out to him. I had a feeling my run-in with Reece followed by seeing Tanya walk into my class were part of the reason why.

  “If you aren’t busy, I’d love to see you,” I answered.

  “Give me about thirty minutes, and I’ll be there.”

  “Alright, I’m heading home now. As soon as I get there, I’m going to hop in the shower,” I shared. “I’ll leave the door unlocked.”

  “Don’t do that,” he ordered. “Either lock it and I’ll get in on my own or wait until I get there before you get in the shower. And, just saying, if you wait, I’ll be more than ha
ppy to make it worth your while.”

  When he put it like that, I couldn’t refuse. “I’ll wait for you to get there,” I decided.

  “See you soon, sweetheart.”

  Once Holden and I disconnected, I quickly backed out of my parking spot and drove home. Ten minutes after I arrived at my house, Holden showed up. No sooner did he step inside, drop a bag on the floor at his feet, and lock the door behind him when he lifted me in his arms and carried me to the bathroom.

  On the way there, he asked, “How was your day?”

  He just barely had the chance to ask the question when I put my finger to his lips and pleaded, “No words right now.”

  Given the evening I’d had, I needed some time to just let my feelings for Holden consume me. For the first time, I didn’t want any words or conversation. All I wanted was to surrender to him and whatever he wanted to do with me.

  Holden’s brows pulled together in confusion.

  “Please,” I begged.

  He dipped his chin in acknowledgment and set me down on my feet when we entered the bathroom. He turned on the water and kept his eyes on me while we both stripped out of our clothes. While Holden pulled a condom out of the pocket of his jeans and set it on the windowsill that was just within arms’ reach of the shower, I checked the water temperature and stepped inside under the spray.

  Within seconds, Holden joined me.

  And then we just continued to stare at one another while we showered. It wasn’t until after we both washed our hair and our bodies that I gave in. I took the two steps toward Holden, removing the space between us, and pressed my body against his. He took that as his cue to enfold me in his arms and take the lead.

  The next thing I knew, my legs were wrapped around Holden’s waist, my hands were clasped behind his neck, and my back was against the wall. Holden’s mouth was on mine, the velvety softness of his tongue gliding against mine. One of his arms was firmly planted around my waist while his other hand was cupping my breast.

  This was what I needed.

  Just the two of us, connecting like this, without any distractions.

  Without any worries.

  I moaned at the feel of his hand on me, his body pressed tight to mine, and his lips against my lips.

  My head dropped back against the wall, separating our mouths, but Holden didn’t miss a beat. He began trailing kisses down my throat, stopping occasionally to nip the skin with his teeth.

  “Holden,” I breathed, my voice a deep, guttural whisper.

  Keeping one arm wrapped firmly around my waist, Holden pulled back just a touch, gazed down at my body, and lowered his mouth to my breast. As he licked and sucked, I began moving my hips in an attempt to find some friction between my legs.

  Realizing what I needed, Holden quickly lowered my feet to the ground. His free hand immediately slid from my breast, down my belly, and right to my aching pussy. He gently played with me before he cupped me with his hand and slid a finger inside me.

  My whole body tensed as my fingers gripped his shoulders.

  And then it all changed.

  Holden’s molten eyes were fixed on mine, burning right through to my soul. The rhythm of his finger as it plunged inside me in the most ardent way. It was unremitting and completely consuming.

  God, it was like magic.

  My grip on his shoulders grew stronger with the continuous yet delightful torture. And it felt like mere seconds had passed when something else took over inside me and I had no choice but to surrender to Holden as he assailed my senses.

  When my orgasm hit, my fingertips clutched him around the back of his neck and my body violently curled forward. I cried out, unable to do anything but hold on until it left me. And through it, Holden never let me go.

  For the several long moments that immediately followed, Holden kept me held tight to his body. He gave me the time I needed to come down and be present again with him.

  My forehead was planted in his chest when Holden loosened his grip around my waist and trailed his hand down over the curve of my ass. The hand that had been between my legs was in my hair as he tugged gently, forcing me to tilt my head back to look at him.

  The minute my face was exposed, he captured my mouth. His tongue came out and explored my mouth as the grip he had on my ass grew tighter. He eventually pulled back and implored, “Let me give you more, Leni.”

  He took one look at my lazy expression before he reached outside the shower and grabbed the condom. After he rolled it on, he put a hand to my hip and urged me to turn around. I did as he silently asked and turned. Then, I placed my palms on the wall as Holden filled me from behind.

  After two slow, deliberate thrusts, Holden lost control. From that point forward, he was relentless and determined. I listened and loved hearing how what we were doing was affecting him. Knowing I was responsible for that, knowing I’d made him wild like that, did something to me I couldn’t begin to describe. Before I even realized it was happening, I felt another orgasm building low in my belly. Every muscle in my body contracted as I chased it. And when Holden’s grunts grew louder, his fingers gripped my hips tighter, and his thrusts came harder, I found it.

  Just as my second orgasm tore through my limbs making me moan in pleasure, Holden buried his cock deep and came right along with me.

  After our bodies were no longer connected and Holden had rid himself of the condom, we cleaned ourselves up and got out of the shower.

  We still hadn’t spoken any words.

  But I could feel Holden watching me. I knew his mind was working, and I had no doubt he was going to want to make sure that I was okay.

  Talking to him wasn’t a problem for me, and in any other case, I’d share. I just wasn’t exactly sure how to or even if I should bring up what his brother had said to me.

  Holden and I toweled off. While he walked out of the room, presumably to get his bag with his clothes, I pulled on a pair of panties and a camisole.

  Holden returned, slipped on a pair of boxer briefs, and moved toward me. The second I was within reach, he took my hand and led me to the bed.

  Once we were there, both of us on our sides facing each other, he asked, “Are you okay?”

  Nodding, I answered, “Yeah. It’s just been a long couple of weeks, and there’s been a lot on my mind.”

  I wasn’t exactly lying. The truth was, my mind had been swirling with a million thoughts ever since the fire. And while the focus of my attention had shifted from my worry over the destruction of my place of business and how I’d continue to earn a living to the distance I’d felt from Holden and what exactly he wasn’t sharing with me, I still wasn’t completely at ease. It was just that this new situation with Reece added another layer of concern.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” he questioned me.

  Ultimately, I decided it was best not to bring up the conversation I had with Reece. At least, not the last part of it anyway.

  Sighing, I shared, “Tanya came to my yoga class tonight.”

  “I had a feeling that was going to happen,” he started. “After we ran into her over the weekend, I had no doubt she was going to make it a priority to come to your class. She didn’t give you a problem, did she?” he worried.

  My arm, which had been draped over Holden’s ribs, shifted slightly. I began running my fingers along the skin of his back as I replied, “No. She was fine, I guess. She just creeps me out a bit. But there wasn’t anything specific that she did that was wrong. Typically, I love having new people in my classes, but there’s just something about her that doesn’t sit well with me.”

  I honestly didn’t know why I felt this way with her. Holden had made it clear that he wasn’t interested in Tanya despite her attempts to get him to notice her. I did not believe that what I was feeling was related to jealousy, but I couldn’t exactly pinpoint what it was about her that made me feel so uneasy either.

  “Tanya might be a bit of an annoyance, but I’m relatively certain she’s harmless. I don’t thi
nk you need to be worried about her doing anything to you,” Holden stated.

  “Okay,” I replied.

  “If that changes, though, make sure you let me know. And if it happens when I’m not there and makes you really uncomfortable, just let Reece know. He’ll take care of it for you,” he insisted.

  “Thanks, Holden,” I began. “Speaking of Reece… I heard you got everything squared away for him with the zoning approvals. That was great news.”

  Holden nodded and shared, “Yeah, I just had to go and have a few words with the township about it. Once I did, they decided it was in their best interests not to delay it any longer.”

  My fingers stopped tracing over Holden’s back as I tipped my chin up and looked at him. “Sounds like they either really like you and wanted to make you happy or you had some really good motivational words for them,” I teased.

  He let out a chuckle and guessed, “It’s very likely the latter is the reason for the quick response and approval.”

  I tipped my head back and smiled at him.

  After a bit of hesitation, Holden asked, “Are you sure there’s nothing else bothering you? I can’t imagine Tanya showing up is the only reason you were so different when I got here.”

  “Different?” I repeated.

  Holden nodded and explained, “You didn’t want to talk then. You’ve never really been like that, so I just assumed you’d had a bad day and needed to relieve some stress and tension.”

  “I’m sorry,” I lamented.

  “Why are you apologizing?”

  “Well, that’s kind of exactly how I was feeling, but I don’t want you to think I was just using you for your body and an orgasm.”

  Holden squeezed my hip and laughed. “Leni, sweetheart, if that’s the way you use me, I’m okay with it.”

  “You know what I mean,” I maintained.

  “Yeah, I do.”

  Following a beat of silence, I admitted, “It wasn’t just about Tanya. I have some things I’m trying to work through right now. I’ve been using my meditation and yoga practice to clear my head and sort it all out. So far, it’s mostly been working, but if I find myself stuck, I’ll let you know.”