Total pages in book: 224
Estimated words: 215705 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1079(@200wpm)___ 863(@250wpm)___ 719(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 215705 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1079(@200wpm)___ 863(@250wpm)___ 719(@300wpm)
“What the fuck is this?” I demand, sitting up, even as she pulls her dress down and up in the appropriate places.
“Me fucking you,” she says. “That’s why I came here today. To fuck you.”
“Yeah well, sweetheart, bring it on. Here I am. Now what?”
“Now I leave. You have a phone. You can call for help. I only wish I could be around when you explain how it happened.”
“You didn’t kiss me like a woman who wants to leave.”
“I kissed you like a woman who wants to fuck you, which I do.”
“Only we didn’t fuck. Come here.”
“We didn’t fuck, but I fucked you.” She grabs her purse from the bed. “And this is me leaving you to enjoy the glow of the aftermath.”
“Are you going to tell me what this is about?”
“No.”
“Then what does this achieve?”
“It reminds you that you’re human, and I don’t think that’s something you remember often. And maybe, just maybe, that saves someone from your wrath, though I’m certain it won’t save your soul.” She starts for the door.
“Do I at least get to know your name now?”
She turns to face me. “Carrie West, the one whose phone calls you’ve refused to take over and over again. And just so you know, I still run West Industries, the company that was my father’s company until you stole it from him. That makes me your employee, with check-writing authority. I’m writing a company check for the donation as I leave here tonight. I expect to be fired. I don’t care.”
She starts for the door again and flips the lock. “Just remember this, sweetheart,” I say. “You will see me again. I know where to find you and I will, and when I do, both of us will still remember what you tasted like on my tongue. And among your many debts you owe me after tonight, one will be that orgasm you moaned your way through with my mouth on you.”
She rotates and laughs bitterly. “We both know that you won’t find me,” she says. “You’ll have security escort me out of the building Monday morning, out of the company my father built from the ground up and that’s good. The staff will see the real you, not the man handing out cash to keep everyone on board. And as for that orgasm, you owed me that and a whole lot more.” And with that bold statement, she exits the room, the door slamming shut with a heavy thud behind her.
I yank at the cuff and then stare at it in disbelief. “Fuck.” I scrub my jaw and laugh. What else can I do at this point? She got me. Not many people can outsmart me, but she did; really damn well, and holy fuck, I want that woman. I’m going to have her, too, and the next time, she’ll be the one cuffed. Only I won’t walk away like she just did. I’ll make her pay for every second I’m stuck in this room, which might make staying a while worth it.
I tug at the cuff. It’s not coming off, but I had to try. My hand goes to my pocket, searching for my phone, only to realize that it’s in my jacket pocket, which is, of course, has somehow landed several feet away. I reach for it, stretching long and wide with no luck. I take the damn couch with me, lugging the huge piece of furniture until my fingers snag the jacket. Sitting back down on the couch, I dig out my phone and dial the only person I can dial. Royce Walker, the owner of Walker Security, a firm my brother-in-law hooked me up with, who I pay, and pay well, to basically find out shit for me.
“Aren’t you being auctioned off tonight?” Royce asks when he picks up.
“Yes, which is how I got where I’m at now. How much is it going to cost me to have you get me out of a personal mess and keep it quiet?”
“Nothing we do ever goes beyond us and you.”
“Good to hear,” I say, glancing at the cuff. “Because this one requires discretion in a whole new way.”
“I can have Rick Savage come talk to you tomorrow.”
“I’m going to need help tonight.”
“Tonight,” he repeats. “What can’t wait until morning?”
“I’d rather not explain on the phone. I’m in a hotel room and I won’t be able to answer the door when your man gets here.”
“In other words, bring pliers,” he says.
“This isn’t your first rodeo,” I reply dryly, hating being a part of a pool of fools.
“I’ve seen it all,” he says. “Are you at the event hotel?”
“Yes.”
“What room number?”
“1182, but again, I can’t get to the door.”
“We can get in,” he says. “Expect one of my men in a half hour.” He disconnects.
I set the phone down and consider the family debt between my father and Carrie’s father, and the fucking burden it’s now become to bear. One I’m legally obligated to protect with my silence. Carrie can never know, and most certainly if she did, I wouldn’t be cuffed to this damn couch. But every action has a reaction, and my emerald princess now has mine. Carrie West just rewrote her story and did so my way. I lift my cuffed hand and my lips curve. I’ll keep these and return them to Ms. West personally.