Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
This just can’t be. Why are the Kiss accounts frozen? When did this happen? I just made a withdrawal to go shopping. I’ve been so careful. Paying Chloe a salary, which she has given back to me in cash, every single month.
Limiting my spending, I’ve purchased everything in cash, the only way I’ve been able to. None of this is making sense. Most of all, how does this man know my business before me?
If there was ever a time I wanted to throw the towel in and curl into the fetal position, right now would be it. However, that isn’t who I was raised to be. I lift my chin and glare down this gorgeous man before me.
“Have a seat, Sidney. I will tell you all you want to know,” he purrs in that rich, sexy voice.
I feel his words down between my thighs. The pulsing there tries to distract me from the fact that my world is trying to become unhinged once again. I hesitate for the briefest moment before I reclaim my seat.
I’m relieved when he doesn’t crouch before me again. His presence is intoxicating. Those eyes are so penetrating.
Everything about him is demanding, even his kiss. I’m almost tempted to curse again, to see if he’ll make good on that spanking or at least give me another of those addicting kisses.
He folds his tall body into the chair across from me again, his eyes drinking me in. I watch as his large hand moves slowly through his thick red hair. The move shows an immense amount of controlled power.
“You, Sidney, were the account manager for some very wealthy individuals. You had the best rate of return in your firm. However, when it came to light that you were a woman, and a Black woman at that, clients started to complain about the risks you were taking.
“Those bastards at Steinway & Schwartz weren’t about to lose out on money. Not a chance in hell. Instead, they decided to make you a commodity at the firm. They made it look like your services were exclusive. Not just anyone could have access to you.
“Of course, you were unaware of this. You only did what you did best. However, you pissed someone off. No one expected you to be so good for so long. You improved in an arena that’s all a gamble to begin with.
“Only you, sweetheart, seemed to have it down to a science. All the while Steinway & Schwartz was wading in shit. You triggered that investigation. Your numbers were adding up, but some others weren’t.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before they targeted you. Although, I didn’t think they had the balls to come after you the way they did. It’s why I tripled down on my profile a second time. You were making me a very wealthy man on top of me already being a very, very wealthy man,” he explains.
His words hit me like a punch. Realization forms in my mind as rapidly as the questions do. I remember when the request hit my desk, I was so proud of myself for securing such an increase in that account.
I gasp. “Right before the indictment—a few months before, Burlington Roth Financial tripled everything. I didn’t question it. My numbers were so good, I figured your company saw a good thing and ran with it.” My mouth runs dry and falls open. “Oh, my God, you knew…you knew then they were coming for me?”
“I had a hunch. What I didn’t know was that my move would accelerate their bullshit and your indictment. It would seem you and I have a mutual enemy, gorgeous.” He smiles, reaching for his brandy.
“Who?” I wrinkle my brows. My temper is simmering just beneath the surface.
“Umm, that I will tell you in time,” he says, taking a slow sip of his drink. “I have an idea, but I need to prove it. I think you and I showing a united front will force their hand. I’ve proven that by asking you here.
“Your accounts were frozen the moment you walked into my club,” he says pointedly.
I rub my temples. “How do they know about my company? Why can’t you tell me now? Why would you bring me here knowing you’d be bringing me into the line of fire?”
I feel so tired all of a sudden. My head is starting to hum with a dull headache. Most of all, I’m frustrated as hell with his nonchalance about all of this.
“I needed to prove my point. Besides, you and I have unfinished business. Now that I’m certain, I want to move forward all the more.” He shrugs.
I snort. “Move forward with a sex contract? You have to be kidding me.”
“I think you should read it a little more closely.” He sighs. “It’s more than a sex contract. It actually has nothing to do with sex.”