Blurb

Payton Sanders had been fighting all of her life to survive one hardship after another. She grew up disheartened by society looking down on her like she was an insignificant insect on the bottom of their shoes. She fought against the gender card, learning to exceed expectations and make people look at her as a force to be reckoned with. Joining the Marines was a daunting task and she served two tours overseas protecting the country. She suffers images of the dead reaching out from the grave to haunt her. She can’t keep a job without raising a hand to her superiors. She doesn’t believe that anybody is her superior. She fights to rid herself of those demons. Knight Williams is a man with a problem. Using his influence and power, he offers Payton a job on his personal security force. They will work hand to hand which will lead to moments of heated release meant to give voice to their passion. What happens when a matter of convenience turns into something more? Will this distraction prevent Payton from doing her job?

Chapter one

He was screaming in my face and belittling me in front of others without taking the precaution of bringing me back to his office. I had no doubt of stepping over the line, but the way that he was going about chastising me was wrong on so many levels. There were little bits of spittle flying from his mouth. They were hitting me in the face which only infuriated me more.

“I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m the boss around here. What I say goes and you just cost me a contract worth millions. You couldn’t keep your mouth shut thinking naively the truth was going to set you free. You are a disgrace and I don’t care if you are only here on a temporary assignment. The world is not black and white. The sooner that you learn there are different shades of gray is when you will finally understand how the world works.” He was a harsh taskmaster, but I couldn’t in good conscience allow him to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes.

I didn’t even have to look and the others in the office had taken an interest in his form of management. I stood there at attention feeling like I was back in the Marines, but this time there was nothing stopping me from taking action. Mr. Milton believed himself to be my superior, but he couldn’t have been further from the truth.

“I only hired you because of your pretty face and body. I had to have somebody on the front lines. Walking in and parading what god gave you made you the perfect candidate. Had I known that your idealism was going to stand in my way of business, I wouldn’t have even given you a second thought.” He really was hot under the collar. Even during his tirade, he still couldn’t stop staring at my bosom. I was quite endowed, but that was not something I was proud of. I did learn quickly that using my sexuality could be to my advantage. Smiling and putting on the air of someone that was only after one thing made me a sought after commodity by the temp agency.

Nobody was coming to my rescue and I probably would’ve stood there and taken the abuse, but then he pushed things too far. Putting his finger on my chest brought about the training I had received. He was breathing in my face one second and then looking up at me with his arm dislocated from his shoulder.

“You fucking bitch…you fucking broke my arm.” If I had broken his arm, he would’ve been screaming a whole lot louder. “I’m going to sue you for everything you have.” That was always the way with America. I had bounced from country to country and this was the only one that settled things by taking things to court.

My blonde hair was cut short to stay out of my eyes. I didn’t look like much of a threat being only 5’4, 120 pounds, but I had a big bite for a small dog.

“I don’t have a fixed address, I barely make enough to feed myself and you expect to get blood from a stone. These people are here because they have no choice. You are despicable and the lowest form of humanity. I have seen my fair share of those abusing power, but you take it to a whole different level. I would suggest you change your ways, but I doubt you have it in yourself to make that dramatic of a change.” I felt vindicated, but I knew the job was now out of my grasp. It only lasted a couple of months, but it was longer than any other time.

“I will not allow you to do this to me. I will make you…PAYYYYYYY.” I made him scream a little louder which brought about snickers of approval from those witnessing this display. It was only when he passed out when I finally let him go. I leaned down and slapped him across the face hard enough to leave a mark. I wanted to have the last word and to leave a lasting impression in my wake.

There was a chorus of applause, but I didn’t do this for them. I grabbed my brown suede jacket, zipped it up halfway and then took the elevator down to the main lobby where security was waiting to escort me out of the building. I gave them a stern expression and it backed them down from putting their hands on me.

“I don’t know what you did, but I’m sure he had it coming to him.” Jeannie Mackenzie was a testament to woman power. She had a high profile position within the security force. They protected him from crazies like me. “I hope this doesn’t mean you and I can’t remain friends. You have gotten me a lot of play with some young cubs.” I had seen her use her feminine charms to lure young unsuspecting men into her web.

“We have a standing arrangement and I’m not going to walk away from that. I’ll be there tomorrow night like clock work. I would suggest you wear something slutty, but your closet has never been for the faint of heart.” I’d seen her flaunt her wares with a body rivaling my own. I was driven by a regiment every morning to keep me in tip-top efficiency.

“You always know just what to say.” She gave me a wink of encouragement, but that wasn’t going to put food on my table or give me a place to sleep. “You know my couch is yours whenever you want it.” I was tempted to take her up on the offer, but I was never about charity. I fought for everything I had in my life and I wasn’t going to stop now. “I know what you’re going to say and I respect your need for independence. I’ll see you tomorrow night and I hope you are prepared to play.” Manipulation was just one of the tools I had learned in the Marines. There was a time for diplomacy, but there was also time to take action which Mr. Milton had just found out firsthand.

I saw my reflection in the glass of the door leading to the sidewalk. I didn’t look hard as nails not when I was wearing something more appropriate to get the bosses attention. A low cut red blouse with no bra and a black leather skirt barely covering my ass was my disguise.

It didn’t even bother me the way men looked at me like I was a potential conquest. Women didn’t dress like this without wanting some attention. It made me feel empowered. It wasn’t like they stood a snowball’s chance in hell of getting into my pants. Only a select few could say they had accomplished that feat. It was refreshing when somebody just said what was on their mind. Those that took the initiative got more respect from me than some lame come on.

I was going to have to change for my second job. It didn’t look like I was going to be able to take the night off. This job in the office had afforded me the opportunity to prevent certain injury to other parties. They would not be very happy to see me tonight, but their comfort was never my concern.

Working for a living was tedious and I’d always felt like a penned in animal. Leaving here at the end of the day and watching the sheep go about their business was a mind-numbing exercise in futility. I had no siblings, my parents were dead and bouncing from Foster home to Foster home had given me a thick skin. This life was not going to hand me anything without taking it by force if necessary.

It was so easy to put Mr. Milton in his place and the sound of the sirens from the ambulance approaching was for him. I could easily put my own socket back into place and had done it several times. He was too much of a prissy little bitch. He would need a gentle hand. I couldn’t bear looking at him anymore without wiping the smug look off of his face. He was the one that pushed me too far. Touching me was a cardinal sin. It was a painful lesson for someone to learn.

I had joined the Marines, but it wasn’t easy to gain acceptance with them thinking of me as a joke. I proved them wrong and saved their lives more times than I could count. They had me to thank for coming home to their loved ones in one piece. I had become a leader, but what I had seen changed me down to my foundation. I walked away after my second tour seeing the faces of those who I had killed haunting me in my dreams. There was really only one to get rid of those demons temporarily.

Chapter two

He was bigger than I was, but his movements were clumsy like that of an ape in a cage. He swung wildly. If I had allowed him to make contact, I would’ve been flattened before I even began.

I was dressed in my customary black workout pants and sports bra. My hair was pulled back into a ponytail and I had added red streaks to give myself the fierce makeover. I saw somebody watching me more intently than everyone else. He didn’t seem like he belonged and was totally out of place within the blood lust of those screaming for somebody’s head. I couldn’t get a good look past his blue blood.

This behemoth was telegraphing his moves and I easily evaded which only seemed to make him feel like he had something to prove. “Stay still and it will be over quickly. I’ve heard the rumors, but I haven’t seen anything to impress me. I think you have only been lucky and you’ve never faced anyone like me.” He was right. His size did give him an advantage, but only if somebody didn’t know how to use that against him.

“I hear a lot of talking, but I don’t see any marks on my body. It must be galling to be out of breath and literally ready to collapse from the effort.” I hit quickly, striking a bundle of nerves underneath his arm that made his left arm fall uselessly by his side. “You should’ve taken heed of everything you heard about me. None of it has been exaggerated. They threw you into the lion’s den because they really did think you stood a chance. They were under the mistaken impression size matters. I am used to typical male thinking. It’s what you have and can use properly that gives the bigger punch.”

He made this growl of an animal and I sidestepped him long enough to bring my leg down on the back of his right knee. He screamed, falling to a subservient role of looking up at me. He tried to reach out, but I was too quick for his clumsy maneuver. I was meticulous with how I had incapacitated him. My elbow came down on his wrist and I put him into a triangle hold.

I gave him credit for staying awake and most in this position faded quickly. The color of his face was a deep maroon. There was no tapping out in the cage. The only way to end this was to incapacitate the opponent enough that they wouldn’t be able to fight back. It was a broad term with many taking it to heart. Punishment didn’t mean a blood sport and my position had always been that intellect would always win out in the end.

“I’m going to hurt you so badly that you won’t be able to stand afterward.” It was false bravado, but I gave him his due for trying to stand with me holding firmly to my position. “I won’t let some little girl do this to me. I won’t hear the end of it.” He was a mountain of a man. It would’ve been interesting to translate his rage in between the sheets. I could see myself making him submit, riding him to completion and letting his seed wash away any of my doubts.

“The only thing you’re going to do is go to sleep.” I was a woman of few words, but what I said had the kind of impact of a sledgehammer between the eyes.

“I won’t give you the satisfaction.” If I had a dollar for every time somebody said that I would be able to afford some of the high rises in the metropolitan area.

I turned quickly, keeping him off his guard long enough to apply the chokehold. He was on his stomach and I was hanging off his back like an albatross around his neck. I knew just what kind of pressure to bring an end to his fight. He tried to break free of my grasp and I knew the bruises in the morning were going to be fresh.

The pounding of his fist became more like a small child reaching for his mother’s skirt. I felt his body go slack in my hands and I continued to apply pressure until I knew he wasn’t getting up.

The promoter of this fight club was not opposed to pitting a woman against a man. It made for some great entertainment. I’d always followed through with giving them a fight to remember. Rick Kirkland was going to make a mint and I was going to receive 20% of the take from tonight’s festivities.

I stood up to a multitude of boos, but there were some loyal followers that gave me my just desserts. It felt good to make this man knuckle under. He was one of those muscle-bound freaks, but he could’ve been more of a challenge had he taken classes in hand to hand combat. Once he learned that, he would be a better fit to go toe to toe with me again.

I stepped out of the cage without a hair out of place. There were no marks on my body except for the bruises that would show up later on my forearms. They were going to be painful and it wasn’t like I was a stranger to having injuries.

Rick was amassing his fortune one fight at a time. He was collecting his bounty and counting the $100 bills without the concern of somebody mugging him. It was an unwritten rule and one the fighters and spectators followed without hesitation. Nobody was to touch him or they would be banned for life from fighting or watching their favorite pastime. His security consisted of a couple of disgraced fighters. They didn’t have any place to go and he scooped them up when they didn’t have anything left.

He motioned for me to follow him into the back room. There was no doubt the black leather couch was used for extracurricular activities. I didn’t even want to begin to imagine what a black light would reveal.

“Payton, you always go above and beyond the call of duty. Tonight was no different. We made out like bandits. I’ve always been a man of my word. Here is your take and you have been missed greatly around here. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to have to slum it anymore. I should have known better. You have this need to get violent. You made it look so easy, but you know what they say about it only taking one.” He handed me $20,000 in cold hard cash. Unfortunately, I was going to have to spend 99% of that getting a particular loan shark off my back.

“The one thing nobody can take from me is my will to fight. I may not like this little enterprise of yours, but it does help me in ways you can never imagine. I would thank you, but it’s not like you haven’t profited yourself.” I was about to leave with him counting his ill-gotten gains all over again, but he stopped me by putting his hand on my shoulder.

He was sleazy, but he had good bone structure and the kind of reputation for being a beast in the sack. I was tempted to mix business with pleasure, but it was a slippery slope.

I looked at the way that he was touching me; giving him a cold hard stare of disapproval which made him take his hand back like somebody had burned his fingertips.

“I’m sorry, I forgot about your rule of no touching. I wish one day you would allow me to show you what you have been missing.” He fondled himself, showing the real estate slinking down the left side of his leg. It was appalling, but also a very telling sign of his virility. Those that had spent the night took the walk of shame with a smile on their face. He was different from other guys. His advances were not strictly given to the female persuasion. He was an equal opportunity kind of lover.

“One of these days, I might just take you up on your offer and we’ll see who can go the distance.” I held his stare and he was fanning himself with the money made on the backs of others.

“I have a bonus for you in the amount of $5000. There’s a man who wants to meet you. He has given me the incentive to make it happen.” If I had gotten 5000, then I could only imagine what his take from that was. He always did have greedy pockets and took every opportunity to supplement his income.

“I’m not opposed to talking to anyone, but it has to be on my terms. Give him this number and I’ll make arrangements to see him in a public place. I have to say, you surprised me by how much money you gave me tonight. I’m going to let it slide this one time, but let’s not forget who’s the moneymaker. It’s not 10% and we both know it. We will return to the standing arrangement of 20% next week.” He was always trying to undercut me, but it was a game to see if I was a woman enough to catch him.

“I was only screwing with you.” He handed me the rest of the cash he owed and tonight I was going to live high on the hog eating lobster and spending my time in the presidential suite of a high-end hotel. I would be able to stay there for at least a week. I should have invested wisely in an apartment, but I was never one to put down roots. This city was the bane of my existence growing up, but I’d always found myself thinking of it as home.

“You’ve always been a bit sleazy, but I do find myself curious about the rumors.” He didn’t even hesitate, unzipping his fly and pulling out something that would give size queens a run for their money. “My god; is there no end to your shame. I didn’t ask to see it. If I wanted to, I could easily seduce you out of your pants.” He was smiling the entire time with that one gold tooth shining in the light. His hand was wrapped around his manhood. I could only describe it as a growing snake in the grass.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with showing it off. I figure, if you like it then I won’t have to work hard to get you into bed.” I didn’t know what there wasn’t to like, but I had no idea how to wrap my lips around his appendage. It would’ve been interesting to try. I would gladly show some real enthusiasm.

“I do admire a guy that puts it out there for everybody to see.” He wasn’t even hard and it was still growing. There was nothing more revolting to women than a guy with a big ego. It was where we differed. I liked to think of those guys as being my perfect man. They never ceased to amaze me with their blatant disregard for good taste.

“All you need to do is say so and it can be yours for one night only. We can have a lot of fun if only you can get out of your head long enough to enjoy yourself. I don’t have any problem putting you at the top of the list. Your constant denial is really getting on my last nerve. You’re the only one who was never given in willingly. I’m not the kind of guy to force anything on anyone. This is only a brief peak and if you want to see anything more, then you know where I am. I’ve never had any problem with finding female companionship, but you are my white whale.” He put it back in and I had to stifle a sigh of regret for not seeing it in all its glory.

“I don’t know where that thing has been and I do hope the term no love without the glove comes to mind. You do drive a hard bargain, Rick, but I think tonight is not your lucky night. It’s only a matter of time. It’s possible your patience will be rewarded 10 times over. I don’t mean to brag, but I’m very good at draining a guy of his bodily fluids. I am very thorough and those that have been fortunate to be with me understand rising from the ashes takes on a whole new meaning.” I let him ponder those comments and left there pretty damn sure that I wasn’t going to get the phone call. I was about to find out how wrong I was.

Chapter three

The silk sheets conformed to my body, as I wrapped myself in the cocoon of luxury. I had collapsed coming home after a rigorous exercise in the cage. Taking the big man down took more out of me than I was willing to concede to. He might have been clumsy, but I had to take my time which had lapsed into a 2-hour escapade. I gave them their money’s worth and then some.

I got out of bed to see there was a message on the phone. It seemed unusual and it wasn’t like anybody knew I was staying here. I found myself curious enough to pick up the receiver and dial in for the message.

“I’m sorry to bother you like this and I’m sure that you feel this is an invasion of your privacy, but this is of the utmost importance. Rick gave me your number. I found it was out of order. I had one of my men tailing you, but I think you know that. I’m going to be downstairs at the bar at precisely 11 am. I have a proposition which I’m sure you’ll find interesting enough to hear me out. My name is Knight Williams. You don’t need my permission to do your due diligence on me. I hope you will consider meeting me face to face. I don’t do business any other way.” The line went dead and he had me at a loss for words. I had no idea what kind of business he would have with me.

I went into my daily regiment of pushups and pull-ups on the door frame. I was putting my body to the test. I found my limit and went right past it. The pain in my side diminished. Most would have stopped precisely at that point. I gave myself license to reach deep to find the necessary strength.

I had every reason to believe that somebody was out to get me. I never could walk into a room without looking at all the exits. I was always going to have to have the upper hand. My strategy to get out was right there in reach.

I was naked, building up a good sweat and watching the results ripple with every muscle on my body. I was not content unless I was keeping my figure. I wanted to make myself the fierce warrior I believed myself to be. I loved the pain and I fed on it like my own personal drug.

I called down for room service, ordering freshly squeezed orange juice, a two egg white omelet and a steak with all the fixings. I pretty much had 10 minutes before the telltale knock on my door would announce my breakfast.

I finished my workout, jumped into the shower and let the hot water soothe away the pain of those bruises on my forearms. They were an ugly black and blue color.

I didn’t have much to my name, but last night, I had stopped to do some window shopping with my windfall. I paid back the loan shark, only to learn that I had bypassed the time limit which meant I still owed another $20,000. It was a never ending cycle and the only way to break it was to make sure not to be late with a payment.

I stuck my head underneath the hot water and immediately flashed back to a time in Afghanistan during a storm. We couldn’t see a damn thing in front of us and I had elected myself to give these kids something to fight for. I found myself outnumbered, but I waged my own personal war until I came out soaking in their blood.

They rallied around me and I became their leader. I didn’t want the responsibility, but our leader lost his head literally and figuratively. His mind snapped and he ran headlong into a chopper blade which didn’t exactly boost morale in a war-torn country looking for its independence.

I could feel the hunger for something more than my fingers as I touched myself inappropriately. My legs buckled, but I was able to stay standing by grabbing onto the top of the shower. I was in desperate need of someone to relieve me of my sexual need. I could’ve taken Rick for a ride, but to give in was going to take a whole lot more than seeing his package.

I stepped from the shower, feeling like a new woman, knowing that the warrior underneath was still there. It didn’t matter how I dressed her up and she was always ready to lay down the law. That girl was someone that didn’t take prisoners in the bedroom or outside of it. She was always in control and those guys learned how to behave like I was teaching old dog new tricks.

I heard someone knocking on my door and I didn’t even think about getting dressed. It would be the highlight of his day to see me completely unencumbered by clothing. My bald mound would most likely be a focal point. My breasts were a D cup in magnificence and the nipples were dollar sized originals without the necessary need for augmentation.

“It’s about time and I’m famished.” I opened the door and standing there was this man with salt and pepper hair with a goatee and the look of somebody that was drowning in money. He wasn’t looking in a southerly direction. He kept eye contact with me which was impressive considering the lovely dish served right in front of him. He got some brownie points for not treating me like a piece of meat. “If you’re expecting me to cover up, then you’re going to be waiting a long time. If I don’t miss my guess, I believe that you might be Knight Williams.” He was dressed to impress with a finely tailored dark suit of an undertaker. It was made just for him.

“I apologize for barging in, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I took the liberty of catching the bellboy before he reached your door. In the very least, I have made it unnecessary for you to tip him, although I think seeing you like this would’ve been reward enough.” He was waiting for an invitation and I reluctantly moved out of the way. He pushed the cart into the center of the room and then grabbed two chairs. He placed them on either side.

“I’m not sure what I should feel about being ambushed in my own room. I would tell you to go to hell, but you have me as a captive audience of one. Your message was cryptic and I’m sure that it was by design. You want me to be curious enough to hear what you need to say.” He did look good enough to eat and my appetite for a sparring match under the sheets was getting stronger by the second.

“It looks like you have enough here to feed an army. Where do you put it in that tiny compact frame? A body like that takes discipline and I saw for myself how you handle yourself. You have a real fire inside you. I would like to fan it into a deeper lasting flame. I have been under attack and things have escalated to where I need somebody in my corner I can trust. I will pay you handsomely for your time. You will be my personal bodyguard by pretending to be my girlfriend.” It wasn’t the first time somebody had approached me about security work, but this was somewhat different.

He scribbled a number on a napkin and folded it nicely before thrusting it in my direction. I peeled back the paper to see more zeros than I had seen in my lifetime. He was willing to pay me a seven figure salary which was most likely a pittance to someone like him.

“You have mistaken me for someone who cares about money. I may look destitute, but I always land on my feet.” I didn’t mean to be defensive, but I had learned to depend on nobody for anything. I made my own way. I might have done things reprehensible for the almighty dollar, but those are things that I was going to have to live with.

“I don’t usually conduct business with someone without clothing. If it would make you feel better, I could get naked and that way we will be on a level playing field.” I didn’t stop him as he took off his jacket and began to unbuttoned his shirt before wagging his finger in the air. “It’s not going to be that easy to get me naked and at your mercy. I’m going to need a lot more than words to convince me.” It felt like he was teasing me and I really did think for a moment that he was going to show me what he was made of.

“I will need to know all the information before deciding one way or the other.” There was suddenly a briefcase on the table. It was silver and gleaming under the light. He opened it using a personal code.

“I’m way ahead of you. This is everything my security force has found. It’s not much, but it is something to go one. Whoever is coming after me is very careful to take baby steps. I’ve had threatening letters in the past, but usually, it’s from a disgruntled employee or a past lover. This is different and it’s like I have wronged someone. They want their pound of flesh and I fear that a more direct approach is coming soon. I need somebody with your skill set to eliminate the threat.” The file was thick and I would need time to peruse the contents.

I sat purposely spreading my legs and giving him something to think about. The lips of my sex were swollen and looked ready for an invading force of manly proportion. I was going to give the bellboy a thrill and there was no telling how far I was going to go. With the way that I was feeling, it wouldn’t have been out of the realm of possibility to leave him with lipstick marks all over his body.

“I get this feeling that money has always been the answer for you. You have this air about you. It makes me believe a silver spoon in your mouth is not uncommon. Your money is not going to save you this time. From your point of view, I’m sure you think otherwise, but money only takes you so far. There’s always somebody with more and no doubt you have come to these conclusions on your own.” I was going to lay a bombshell in his lap, but he was not naïve enough not to think of this possibility himself.

“We are on the same wavelength. I have somebody inside the hen house and it’s time to fight fire with fire. I’ve done my research on you and most of your story revolves around being in the Marines. I can only imagine what kind of hardships you had to deal with. You seem to have weathered the storm.” He wasn’t looking at me in the way most men would. How he could prevent himself from not looking at me with a salacious stare was beyond me.

“I’m going to ask you something up front and I hope you don’t feel that I’m getting too personal. Do you even like girls? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not judging and everybody has the right to play on whatever side of the fence they want.” I was backpedaling fast. He burst into hysterics with a belly laugh that had me sitting back concerned.

“Just because I don’t stare at you doesn’t mean that I haven’t noticed. I’m just a little more subtle than someone looking at a car accident on the side of the road. I’m not immune to how you look and I would be a damn fool if I said that the idea of sleeping with you doesn’t appeal to me.” It was a relief to know that I was still woman enough to bring the boys to the yard.

“I thought I was losing it and would have to go under the knife at the ripe age of 35. I do my best to do things the natural way which is always the hard way. I will gladly take your assignment, but I have one condition.” He looked confused and the money that he was giving me was supposed to be the incentive.

“Be careful about asking for too much and I find greed an ugly quality in a woman.” He had obviously had women that were only after his pocketbook.

“If I am going to play the part of your girlfriend, then you need to show me some affection. Obviously, you’re going to do that in public, but I want more. I have this itch I can’t scratch. You are the perfect tool and don’t think that I haven’t noticed the added bonus.” He had to be a good 8 inches and more than a mouthful.

“Let me get this straight. I give you the money to protect me and you are suggesting that we sleep together. I’m not sure if I’m dreaming, but I think it would be a good idea for me to pinch myself to find out.” I had caught him off guard and seeing his face flush was a good indication that he wasn’t going to say no.

“I have needs and you have what I need to satiate the hunger. There’s no reason why we can’t mix business with pleasure. It’s strictly a matter of convenience. There are no emotional entanglements and it will give us the building blocks of our relationship. I don’t see there’s anything to think about. We both get what we want with the added incentive of physical activity in the bedroom.” My proposal had a lot more to offer than just protecting his body. He was a specimen of man. I was inclined to uncover what he was hiding from me.

“I wasn’t expecting this, but how can I refuse the temptation of being with you. I like the idea of having no expectations. You can start tomorrow night by meeting me at a fundraiser. I want things to seem like a natural progression. I don’t want there to be any doubt amongst those of my inner circle. They need to believe the chemistry, but I don’t think that we’re going to have any difficulty with that.” He got up and this time he did make the once over which had me happy to make his acquaintance.

Chapter four

I arrived fashionably late, wearing a red dress that left very little for men to imagine. It had this very intricate slit up the side giving way to a naked expanse of thigh. I was wearing my sexuality like one of these high profile socialites. The plunging neckline had every tongue falling on the floor. I walked by them with a sense of authority. I made the room my own, keeping my eyes peeled for the subject which turned out to be my employer.

I found him talking about politics with those smoking cigars. I jumped right into the conversation, touching his arm every so often which invited an examination of the goods.

“You make some valid points. I find myself interested in learning more. Perhaps, you would be interested in joining me for a nightcap out on the veranda.” I moved one lone manicured red painted fingernail down his cheek. I could tell out of my peripheral vision that every guy standing within proximity was jealous.

“I’m afraid I can’t afford you. I can, but I’m really not interested in paying for play.” He was making it appear that I was hired for the high-class festivities in the role of the woman of the night. It was good way to throw off any suspicion that we were working together in a common goal to protect his life.

“I’m not going to dignify your comment with a response. I work hard for my money and I don’t need men to shower me with gifts. If you don’t want to spend time with me, then I’m sure that others will be able to fill your shoes quite nicely. You should never judge a book by its cover. Sometimes it’s necessary to see what’s underneath and read the story before you make snap judgments. I’m not looking for a handout and I have a donation for the cause.” He had given me a blank check and I had made it out for $10,000 which I presented to the chair of the fundraiser.

I stormed off, showing my distaste and not giving him the satisfaction of looking back to see his reaction. There was an iced chill in the air and I was able to make myself look like the woman scorned. He would feel compelled to make amends.

I continued to make my rounds, talking about various subjects without missing a beat. I’d always been a sponge and learning was the cornerstone of my education. I surprised some with my intellect and how easily I kept up with current events.

I had them eating out of the palm of my hand without them even realizing it. I could snap their neck without blinking an eye. They had no idea what kind of danger they were in, but that was only if I were to let loose the killing instinct. I had no interest in using violence and picking up a gun had no appeal. I’d seen too many in my scope to ever feel it were necessary to end somebody’s life with the pull of a trigger. I came to learn the hard way that facing my enemy face to face gave me a sense of satisfaction.

“Excuse me, but I think that we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. I know I assumed something that wasn’t true, but you have to admit you don’t exactly fit in with this high brow crowd.” He was standing behind me with this hot breath on my neck. I could feel a tingle of excitement run down my spine. “Let me make it up to you with dinner. There is a quaint little place down the block. We can escape this boredom for something a lot more pleasurable. Give me the courtesy of letting me chow down on humble pie.” He was working hard, but he wasn’t going overboard which was the key to letting things progress naturally.

“I don’t see any reason why I should give you the time of day after what you said to me. If you thought for a moment taking me out to dinner was going to save you the embarrassment then you’re sadly mistaken.” I wasn’t going to play it easy when it was so much more fun to play hard to get.

“I just want to make it up to you. Name your stakes and money is not an object.” He was going back to old habits which I was going to have to break him of if this was ever going to work.

“You’re the type of man that throws money at your problems. I’m not so easily impressed by what you have in your account. I’m going for a walk in the garden. You can join me if you want, but I’m not going to twist your arm.” I walked away from him leaving him to follow me like a lovelorn puppy dog.

I went into the elevator and he was right there beside me with his hands by his side like he didn’t know what to do with them. “That was pretty crafty, Payton. We really do play off of each other. I have to wonder what you’re going to do for an encore.” I looked up at the camera and knew our interaction was being witnessed by those in the control booth.

“I wanted you to work for it instead of thinking you were god’s gift to women.” I kept my voice low purposely preventing anybody from overhearing. “We’re wasting the perfect opportunity and I’m not going to allow it to happen.” I took his hand and made him watch as I sucked each finger with my tongue swirling around every digit.

“I shouldn’t have…assumed anything and that was my mistake to make.” I felt alive like somebody had turned a switch and gave me the license to act out inappropriately. “If I haven’t mentioned it already, then let me rectify the miscarriage of justice. The dress you are wearing is absolutely to die for. It’s just enough and not enough at the same time.” I took the hand with his finger soaking in my spit and I moved it up underneath my dress to the surprised expression on his face.

“I think you can tell that I’m not wearing panties. I find them unnecessary. I feel so much better when I’m flying free and clear.” I thought that I was going to have to beat him over the head, but his fingers seemed to have a mind of their own. He found that I was already wet to the touch. The lips were begging with insistence by pulling at his one finger. He was purposely teasing me, drawing circles around the entrance and then he penetrated with my eyes showing how easily he had taken the initiative.

“I love a girl who knows what she wants. There’s nothing sexier than feeling nothing in my way. I don’t know what your intention is, but I’m putting myself into your capable hands.” He shouldn’t have said that. Those words gave me the opening that I was looking for. I hunched down, swallowing his one finger all the way until there was nothing left. I was thinking about the way that I had given him the close-up view of my tenderness in the hotel room. I could easily see myself on top of him in that bed where the magic happened.

“I do have something of a wild streak. You haven’t seen…anything yet.” He pulled down the straps on my red dress, exposing my braless wonders and giving those guys a thrill to remember. He bent and began to give them a whitewash of attention with his tongue. He flicked at the hardened buds, grazing them with his nails and then doing the same thing with his teeth. I was extra sensitive in that region and there was no doubt in my mind that he could feel how I was affected.

“I want to uncover everything there is about you. I find myself at a loss at the reason why a woman like you is here with me. We didn’t exactly meet in good standing. Mistakes were made, but it appears that we have hurtled those obstacles.” He had his hand on the back of my neck and then he was kissing me in a feverish pitch.

The finger inside me was joined by another and I was literally humping his fingers up and down in a lazy and unrushed momentum. I was really drawing it out and allowing the dress to expose me and the wetness clinging to the inside of my thighs.

My hair like lace was wrapped around his fingers and there was no reason to wait any longer. He applied pressure with his tongue and I gave him my submission. We hotly manhandled each other, not caring about the audience and what they might be doing to relieve their current situation.

Those fingers were thick and gave me a reminder of what I had outlined in his pants. The framework of his anatomy was something for me to explore. I grabbed onto him, feeling him pump like it had a pulse of its own and wanting to see it up close and personal.

He had me pinned up against the wall and I was dripping down his hand, but he didn’t seem to care. My whole body was electrified, short-circuited on the pleasure inflicted on me. It was a healthy dose of reality. I had let moments slip out of my hand. I had the chance to be with several men, but I was selective.

I was feeling sexy and free. What he was doing was giving me a different kind of passion. I was breathing like I was running while he was taking me there. I could do this all night and the skintight vise that I had around his fingers was only giving him ideas.

The elevator had come to an abrupt halt and the shrill alarm was lost in the passion of the moment. My heart was beating out of time. I was out of control and letting his fingers stir me to a creamy froth.

His tongue was igniting those nerve endings in my mouth. I didn’t know where he ended and began in his pants. I took careful aim at his libido by squeezing every so often to announce my intention to drop the pretense of my innocence.

It was a good thing that he had his hand on the small of my back. He was holding me up by sheer will alone. It was an aphrodisiac to hear him moan with me playing with his manhood which was nicely hidden from view. I was tempted to take it out, but it seemed far more important to let him have his way with me.

“I can’t stand here and take this for very much longer. I’ve been fighting the natural urge to climax for the last few minutes. I’m going to let you do some of the work. It’s so much better when somebody else is doing it.” I was stuck against the wall like a fly in flypaper. I could’ve easily gotten away, but I had to make it look like I was delirious with desire.

“I want you to cum all over my fingers, so I can feed it to you afterward. I want to see you enjoying your own delight. You are going to be more inclined to sleep with me when I have you begging for it. This is a marathon and not a sprint.” He was rubbing me in just the right way and there was no need to fake the obvious release of my sexual endorphins.

“I don’t know where I’m going, but I don’t think I want to come back… YESSSSS.” My eyes rolled up into the back of my head and my legs trembled in orgasm. I felt totally out of my element and floating above my body. My skin was on fire and my mouth was parched like I couldn’t get enough moisture. He was leaning into me, sucking on my neck and touching on a particular weak spot.

The tip of his tongue, licking in circles enhanced and prolonged my experience until I was left limp and motionless against the wall. He pulled his fingers clear and then stuffed them in my mouth which I greedily accepted. It was the first time somebody had done the impossible by taking the control out of my hands. It was a position that I was not used to. I could certainly see myself wanting to do that again under similar circumstances. The idea of performing a show in a semi-public place was drawing out of me this secret kink that I didn’t even know I had.

The elevator descended with me straightening up and licking my lips to taste myself all over again. We didn’t say anything, but the smile on our faces said more than any words could possibly.

“You mentioned something about taking me out to dinner.” With breathless determination, I sealed my fate by giving him my phone number.

“You can wear the same dress and I don’t think that you’re going to be wearing it for long. I find red is a good color on you. It makes me crazy and there are times I look at you and I’m not sure if I’m thinking straight.” He gave me a kiss on the back of the hand. This was the perfect contrast from the way he had finger fucked me until I was creaming and screaming at the same time. I had muffled most of it by biting into his shoulder, but I was not opposed to letting out the buildup of emotions brought about by his hand touching me in just the right way.

Chapter five

I woke up in the morning looking over at the other side of the bed and knowing he wasn’t there. We didn’t spend the night together, but it was not from lack of trying. He was purposely driving me crazy. I enjoyed the attention and something of convenience was going to help to alleviate some of that stress. I wouldn’t have to go out looking for a strange piece. Knight Williams had given me a reason to go to work with him in the guise of being his girlfriend.

I stood naked in front of my closet still feeling his fingers inside me and the way that he had stirred up the temperature in between my legs. I had given him my conditions and he had wholeheartedly agreed. He was, after all, a man and how could he possibly say no to the whole package.

I found a summer dress with multi colors and I wore nothing underneath it. I wanted to see his reaction when he accidentally found out for himself how naughty I could be. When we separated last night, he gave me the address of his building. He wanted me to be there bright and early. I was going to do him one better.

I got into my cherry red 65 mustang which was left to me by my father. It was a graduation gift. We had worked on it together tirelessly day and night to restore it back to showroom condition. The engine had aftermarket mufflers and the rumble when it came to life was like my own personal aphrodisiac between my legs.

I sat there and let the vibration course through my body. I licked my lips in anticipation of the big one. I wasn’t going to get there without something to push me over the edge. I knew somebody that might have some ideas about what to do.

Last night might’ve been good enough for him, but it wasn’t for me. I had the intention of riding him until I broke him. I could see he was anxious and by allowing him to finger fuck me in the elevator I almost gave him a sure thing. That was primarily the reason why I had to put the brakes on. I didn’t want him to think this was on his timetable.

It was still early in the morning and I rode by his place of work. I made a few rounds and stopped a couple of times to take photographs of something that might have turned out to be something. I had a detailed oriented mind. Anything standing out would be a like a blazing sign.

I saw him arrive by limousine, catered to by the wealth he had in millions. He was quite relaxed and I could only hope some of that was due to me. He looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders at the fundraiser. This time he was carefree, jovial and smiling with a relaxed state of mind.

I walked over to him in front of his driver. I stood there with my feet planted and my hands on my hips. “I came here to tell you what we did last night is never going to happen again. You might think I can resist your natural charm and charisma, but I can. You’re going to have to do a whole lot more than that to be with me. I’m going to assume you took care of the evidence. Like any man, it would not surprise me if you were to keep a reminder to look at on your own time.” I waited for him to say something, but mostly he was looking at me and taking stock of the inventory.

“You certainly do know how to take a toll on me, Payton. I have no choice, but to give into you willingly. I did take care of the evidence. I’m not going to lie, I was tempted to keep it for myself, but I didn’t think it would be right. I’ve done my research on you and I had no idea you had a business mind. I would like to pick your brain on a few discretionary details of a business proposition I’m working on.” It was agreed upon I would work closely with him. Being his girlfriend only gave me access part of the time, but mixing business with pleasure helped to solve the problem.

Knight was dressed in a dark suit with a power red tie and a white shirt which stretched over his massive chest. I wanted to peel his shirt off his body to reveal the special little nuances of his physical makeup. I hadn’t seen much of him, but I was going to make sure to put that on the top of my priorities.

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not jumping when you say so. Some girls you have been with in the past might feel obligated. You don’t know me and there’s no way for you to read my mind. I will let you imagine what my thoughts would tell you about me. I hope you’re not the kind of guy to judge a book by its cover. I may look easy on the eyes, but getting me into bed is going to take a whole lot more than a lobster dinner.” I followed him into the building looking at the marble and knowing he had spared no expense.

“I can’t say I’m very fond of the idea of a girl that plays hard to get. It’s never been my strong suit, but there’s always a first time for everything. I find myself interested to know more about you. Your acumen in business is something for me to utilize. Since you’re following me, I have to believe we want the same things.” He was clean shaven and those dimples were making my knees weak.

“I’m not going to be one of your yes men. I’ll tell you exactly what I think without sugar coating it. You may find a strong woman to be a bit more than you can handle. I already told you there’s no way I’m going to change for any man. Take me as I am, or risk walking away from the best thing in your life.” It was just an act, but most of what I was saying had a ring of truth.

“I appreciate your candor and the best thing for everybody is for you to be completely honest. I get tired of people telling me what I want to hear. There is no difference of opinion and I have to rely on my own instincts to know what to do. Having an unbiased eye will help me to stay on the straight and narrow.” His words conveyed to me his sincerity. Our arrangement was beneficial to the both of us in more ways than one.

“You’re going to get the unvarnished truth. If that scares you a little, then I’m doing my job. As you have already learned, I was a consultant for many businesses with several stellar references. I turned companies drowning into one flourishing to new heights in revenue.” I had made up a dossier and provided phone numbers of people willing to speak on my behalf. I would have to pay them a generous some, but it was worth it to have a back story.

“I want you to be on your best behavior unless you can’t. Try to keep your hands off of me. I know how difficult something like that is for you. In the workplace, we remain cordial and a united front. I want you to keep your eyes and ears open for anything of suspicious water cooler talk. They will know very little about you. It’s up to you to fill them in. You can do that in whatever way you think is necessary.” He was whispering, keeping his voice low and making the conversation private. He didn’t want to send the wrong message to his staff.

“I’ll improvise when the time comes. You know who you are, but you may have become complacent in your thinking. Going outside the box is healthy and will keep you guessing.” I saw no one looking and I grabbed his ass, squeezing the package and watching him momentarily jump like a live wire had been attached to his privates.

“I can see I’m not going to get very much work done around you. They will see you as someone using your position as my girlfriend to get ahead. I want you to keep them believing it. There can be no reason for them to go digging. I want everything to be transparent like seeing through a sheaf of paper.” I was a little uncomfortable showing this kind of public displays of affection, but I could get used to it in a hurry.

I stopped him outside his office door with his name embossed in gold lettering. I put my hand on the back of his neck and I drew him into a heated embrace. The world felt like it was ours. His tongue was demanding, but I was up to the challenge. I could hear murmurs of dissension with the rumor mill now making its rounds.

I had caught him off guard. It was precisely the reason for this exercise. His eyes showed alarm as he looked around to watch his people stand at attention. They couldn’t take their eyes off of us and I made a show of out of touching him inappropriately.

I scratched my nails on the back of his neck, hearing him moan with no semblance of what he was doing. He fell back against the door. I was keeping him a captive audience with me being the one in control. It was a departure from last night in the elevator. It was nice to know we could switch roles and give each other new experiences.

“I would hate to interrupt whatever this is, but Hong Kong is on line one. They have been waiting for the past half an hour and you know how they can get overanxious. Would you like me to find a place for your ‘friend’ to stay while you conduct business?” This girl with flaming red hair and judgmental eyes was not happy by this latest turn of events.

We wallowed in the awkwardness for a few moments longer before we finally disengaged from the passionate kiss. His eyes were glazed over and I was a little worried he was in no shape to have a serious conversation with Hong Kong.

“She will be joining me and I want someone to keep me from losing it. This company deserves my best and I feel sometimes I’m not giving it. Payton will make sure to keep me on course. I am seeing her, but I think that is obvious. I recently found out she has a keen eye for business matters. I know what you are going to say and it’s not necessary. Payton is different from any other girl I’ve been with. This is the first time I’ve ever wanted one to stick around longer than breakfast.” I thought he was lying, but I could tell from his body language he wasn’t.

“It’s none of my business about your love life” I’m not sure he noticed, but I certainly did. Rachel was smitten and I could see the metaphorical green streak running down her back with jealousy. “I’ve always been your right-hand woman and I do hope the position won’t change with her around.” It was an ugly look on any woman. He was oblivious to her infatuation. He couldn’t even fathom she would be interested in him. I was tempted to set him straight, but I had ulterior motives for keeping him all to myself.

“Payton is not here to step on anybody’s toes. I want her around. I don’t have to justify my actions. I’m the president and owner of this company. What I say goes. Some of you may have forgotten I’m the boss, but I’m going to be sticking around a long time. Don’t do anything to get on my radar. Your work is invaluable, but I will not condone attitude for no good reason.” He was trying to smooth troubled waters with words when it would’ve been more prudent to use actions.

“I’ve been with you for the past five years and I haven’t heard you complain about my work ethic. I would never presume to stay somewhere where I wasn’t wanted.” If anybody had a reason to threaten Knight, then Rachel would be a prime suspect.

“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way. I don’t want to be disturbed for the next couple of hours. I’m going to personally debrief Payton. It’s not how it sounds and I just want to make sure she’s up to speed.” I wasn’t sure she believed him. She wasn’t the only one.

“I’ll be sure to put a do not distort sign on the door like you see at a motel. Perhaps, it would be better for you to put a sock on the doorknob. It’s a universal sign to indicate to others you are getting busy.” She was stepping over a line and I wasn’t even sure she was aware of her biting tongue.

“I don’t need a cat fight and I thought we could remain professionals. We had one night, but we both knew it was a drunken mistake. Besides, you were the one that ended it. Telling me in no uncertain terms you’re not interested gave me the freedom to stop any kind of advances toward you.” I was standing there during this exchange. I was on the verge of saying something.

“I apologize, but you’ve never brought one of your conquests into the office before. It’s highly unusual and you have always been a man who separates work from private life. I can’t help it and this is a little awkward for me.” She was dressed to seduce. If that was the way she always dressed, then her intention was pretty clear. The red leather skirt did not project professionalism, but she wore it like our own personal shield against invading forces to her heart.

“We both have some adjusting to do. I’m the one to blame for all of this. There’s no reason to cast aspersions on Payton.” I wasn’t very good at apologies and I didn’t feel like I had anything to be sorry for. I was the one invited, but keeping quiet was only going to alienate his staff.

“I’ll learn to live with it. Make sure she stays out of my way and doesn’t interfere with the day to day business of running this empire of yours.” I would have gladly taken every piece of the blame if he wanted me to

“While she is here, you will afford her the same respect you give any of my colleagues. If you can’t do that, then I will have to make a more permanent conclusion. I don’t think I have to paint you a picture of what I’m talking about. Your continued employment comes with a sacrifice of keeping your mouth shut. I don’t care if you think you’re right.” I wasn’t used to somebody coming to my rescue. It was usually the other way around.

“I know where I stand and maybe it’s about time I look for some other line of work. I’ve always been happy here, but I mistakenly thought we could have something more. I thought if I gave you time you would come to your senses, but you haven’t. This is a cold reminder of how heartless you can be. I have to thank you for making it very clear. Don’t be surprised if you find my two weeks notice at the end of the week.” She was a little hot under the collar and she was saying these things in the heat of the moment.

“I would be very careful about saying something you can’t take back. I don’t want to lose you over some kind of silliness. Take the rest of the day off and think about things. When you find a different perspective, come back and we can forget this ever happened.” It was pretty big of him to rely on somebody that would have loved to seen him fall flat on his face. Rachel had some demons and I was the one that was going to uncover them. It was my job to keep him safe. I had to do it without raising suspicion.

Chapter six

“Have you always been in a position of power over everyone? It might explain why somebody is out to get you. I’m looking at these letters and this is someone who is treating this personal. The vocabulary does not remind me of a woman scorned. You might be right and somebody feels like you have done them some disservice.” I’d taken the time to go over all the letters and immerse myself into the tone.

“Am I overreacting or is there something to worry about? I could be finding trouble where there isn’t any.” He was behind me looming closely and making me feel a little uncomfortable in my own skin. Whenever I felt that way, I would always go off the handle and teach somebody a lesson.

The big difference with him doing it was my body was craving some more of his presence. I could feel the wild horses underneath the hood pressing against my shoulder blades. He purposely flexed the piece of pipe between his legs to distract me from what I was doing. I was tempted to turn in his swivel chair and face a dilemma of getting one out of the chamber.

“Ahem...there is definitely something here. This person is going to escalate and it’s just a matter of time before he gets his hands dirty. I’m only using the gender biased opinion of him being a male because everything points towards it. It could easily be a woman, but I really don’t think so.” I’d had my fair share of boyfriends who had gotten a little too clingy. They realized their mistake when they were walking doubled over. They tried to put their hands on something they believed to be their merchandise. I was nobody’s property.

“I don’t have the time to constantly look over my shoulder waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m going to ask something that may not seem like a favorable idea. What do you think about drawing him out into the open? I don’t know how to go about that, but maybe you have a few ideas you can run up the flagpole.” The only pole with my undivided attention was the one that was constantly thumping a beat against me from behind.

“There are always ways but we have a disadvantage. He knows who you are, but we have no idea who he is. To draw him out would mean doing something extreme to get his attention. Flaunting our relationship in front of the staff was a good way to uncover hurt feelings.” Rachel was somebody to keep a watchful eye on, but not for the reasons he would’ve thought.

“I am so tied up in knots. I feel like I’m going to explode. This whole thing has given my business a black eye. If I can’t concentrate then millions be lost. I have a board of directors to answer to. Most think I’m at the highest point on the ladder, but it’s only an excuse to be more in control than I really am. Come to think of it, those board members might be something we should investigate further. They all have a reason to hate me with some more than others.” It was interesting he had gone there and I was curious to learn more of the reason why he would think that.

I felt like I was being watched and my chest flushed by the realization he was looking down my blouse. I was breathing heavily, trying to keep my composure, but failing miserably. This was unlike being in the ring facing an opponent. I was never nervous, but with him, it felt like my whole body was riding on a wave of indecision.

“It would be a good idea for me to see you in your environment. You must have a board meeting coming up soon. I want to sit in and witness your interaction with each and every one of them. Don’t do anything unusual. Keep it strictly business related matters. Anything out of the ordinary will alert the person in the room. We don’t want them to know we are getting close to the truth. We don’t even know if one of them is the culprit. It could be somebody you have crossed paths with doing your routine.” Everybody had a routine and I could easily find somebody on the street and learn a direct path into their private life.

“It’s disheartening to think somebody has these kinds of feelings. They are waiting to act on them. I’ve been holding everything inside. When I’m with you, I can speak candidly with no secrets between us.” It was natural like breathing. All I wanted was a chance to prove my worth to him. I didn’t want to find the person responsible too soon not when I was having way too much fun.

“I don’t think you have heard this enough. I believe in you and you can hold onto me tight and never let go. I will always be near in and out of the bedroom.” He needed somebody to stroke his ego along with another part of his anatomy. It had been hours since we had done something strictly for pleasure.

“I can see your heart is true and you’re not just doing this for the almighty dollar. You may claim otherwise, but I know differently.” His fingers grazed over the surface of my nipples. It caused them to become hard as pebbles. “I can’t help the way I feel. From the moment I saw you fighting in the cage, I was wrapped around your little finger.” His hands moved up to my shoulders and began to give me a very deep tissue massage.

“You keep doing that and I won’t be responsible for my actions.” His fingers had the magic touch and just enough pressure to make me moan and close my eyes. “I hope you know what you’re doing. Lighting that match is only going to end one way.” I was warning him ahead of time, but he wasn’t taking heed which was going to be his undoing.

“I don’t know what it is about you, Payton. You have this raw sexual chemistry that exudes out of every pore. I can hear you calling to me even when you’re not saying something. I don’t like thinking you have this kind of hold on me.” It had been a long day without him touching me the entire time. We hadn’t known each other very long, but the heat between us was like an inferno.

“I’m sitting right here and there’s no other place I wanna be. You have given me something more than a job. We can’t seem to stand more than a few minutes without thinking something physical.” He was sniffing my hair and the growl of enthusiasm underneath his breath was making my whole body tingle with excitement.

I was about to turn and take matters into my own hands, but he beat me to it. I felt the chair move and then I was face to face with his crotch. The lump of his arousal was not easily ignored. I thought for sure he was expecting me to do something, but once again he surprised me. He summarily dropped to his knees and lifted my legs until my high heels were tapping on the upper part of his back.

“I’ve been thinking about doing this ever since the elevator. I can’t seem to sleep without wanting you by my side. You’re the one that mentioned an arrangement beneficial to the both of us. I had to hear what you said to believe it. It’s obvious you make your own rules.” He had an unobstructed view of the inside of my legs. “I didn’t take you for someone going commando. I have to say it’s a delicious thought. You have been sitting here this entire time with the cool breeze touching your bald mound.” I was biting my bottom lip with my head back and looking at the door to see if we were going to be interrupted.

“I admit you are not like any other man. Most would be content in having me go down on them, but you want this to be all about my pleasure. I get this feeling like you enjoy it almost as much as I enjoy you doing it to me. If you keep this up, I might have to consider changing one of my rules.” The one I was referring to was being able to leave after the job was done.

I felt his finger trace a line down the wetness of my excitement. I was seeping and leaving behind drippings down my legs. He started there and his tongue ignited more of the same from my hungry hole. I was definitely going to stick around for the duration. I was a fool, but it wasn’t for love I didn’t believe in the concept, but it was possible he could change my mind. That was a bold statement to make to myself and one that I was going to have to revisit.

“How long do you think I’m going to last with you doing that?” I could feel his tongue making a slow and calculated journey. When he reached the swollen lips, I was lifting my pelvis for deeper penetration. I didn’t know how long I could keep this position, but his ravenous attention had not gone unnoticed.

The only sound I heard was the blood pumping at my temples. The chair creaked as I lay back to give him better access. I would have gladly stood on my head for the feelings he was inflicting on me.

I knew the place quite well and I was rapidly approaching the doorway to my nirvana. He stabbed forth with the pointed end of his oral spear. It was a lucky thing I had my hand over my mouth at the time. I bit into my palm, not drawing blood, but very close it wasn’t funny.

I wanted the opportunity to melt his Popsicle like he had thawed my heart into something that was beating for the first time.

“I don’t know where you learned that but somebody has been taking lessons. This is quite unexpected but very welcomed. Your tongue knows what it’s doing. I can’t… Fucking believe you haven’t done this…already.” I was quickly losing my grip on reality and flying into fits of sexual hysterics. My heels were slapping heavily against his back which only seemed to fuel him into a greater need to find my release.

The fire burning engulfed my entire body. I put my hand over my mouth again with my eyes wide open and my flesh trembling to his touch. He was rapidly plunging deep in and out of me, stretching me with his fingers and manipulating my clit into submission. I was a falling star. He was responsible for letting me see not all men were alike.

He emerged with a smile on his face like he knew the job wasn’t finished until I gave him the okay. He lightly flicked my clit. It made me jump from the contact. “I do enjoy making a woman climax. To see your lips flutter and your body respond is my aphrodisiac. I would ask for you to reciprocate, but we don’t have the time. I have reservations made and I would hate to be late. You can think of something particularly saucy to make it up to me.” I thought for sure this was the necessary foreplay to banging me until I couldn’t walk anymore.

“I find myself puzzled by how easily you can walk away. It can’t be easy in your current condition. I have to give you credit for having the fortitude to want nothing in return. I haven’t figured you out yet and that bothers me. I’m usually a pretty good judge of character, but you don’t tick any of the usual boxes. You go outside the box, drawing outside the lines and something tells me I’ve found something quite unique. What you just did was a little piece of heaven.” I needed time to get my sea legs. I was finally standing and feeling like all the energy had been drained.

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say not many men have treated you kindly. It was their loss. You are a hot-blooded woman with a lot to offer and I don’t want you to ever forget that. There’s no reason for you to comply with a man’s wishes. You have your own mind and be damned everybody else’s opinion.” He was straightening up and making me laugh. It was in the way he was patting his crotch and telling it to go easy. It was kind of quirky for him to think his cock was a separate entity. Most men thought so.

“Guys always have one thing on their mind and they will do and say anything to get it. I’ve had firsthand knowledge of their duplicitous ways. I’ve been bitten one too many times to believe in happy endings. I’m not talking about the one you want me to give you later. White picket fences are not in my future.” I could never sit still long enough to be domesticated like some kind of house pet.

“I admire your need for independence, but it has to get lonely. I’m glad the older woman that took my cherry taught me a few things. Being young and impressionable, I was easily molded into the perfect lover. The entire summer when I was 16, I was a sought-after commodity by many of the ladies in the neighborhood. The one I keep coming back to is Mrs. Perry. She was a divorcee with a lot of time on her hands and I became her pet project.” It would stand to reason an older woman would be responsible for his tutelage. He was lucky and most guys didn’t have the chance to be given the gift of aged wisdom.

“If you are still in touch with her, I would suggest a bouquet of roses. She deserves it and I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you she did you a favor. You may have wanted to get into her pants, but she slowed you down and made you learn the blueprints of the female anatomy. I’m looking forward to seeing what other little tricks you have in your sexual arsenal.” Speaking of arsenal, I noticed something in his desk drawer and I pulled it back to reveal a revolver. It was not just any revolver and this was right out of the Dirty Harry movies.

Chapter seven

“I would ask what is wrong, but I think I already know the answer. You’re concerned by what you saw in my desk drawer. It’s not like I’m going to use it. I was given it when I was younger to remind me of how easy it is to find ourselves resorting to violence. I’ve always believed there was a better way and diplomacy comes in handy when you know how to talk the talk. I’ve certainly rubbed people the wrong way. I have been ruthless when it was necessary for business, but I’ve never lifted a finger to anyone.” It was nice to know he was not prone to taking out his frustrations with a gun in his hand.

“I admit I was a little worried and I don’t like to have anything to do with guns. It’s foolish to think of them as anything more than the devil’s instruments. I have been guilty of taking lives the same way, but I have turned over a new leaf. It’s not to say I can’t pick one up and use it if I am pushed into a corner.” I was sitting at a table in this Italian restaurant feeling less than sophisticated in my leather skirt and no panties. It was almost sacrilege to think of myself fitting into a place like this.

His foot was running up my leg and I shifted nervously, wondering if the tablecloth would obscure anybody from learning of how we were playing fast and loose with each other’s bodies.

“I was wondering the reason why you don’t carry a gun. Your background certainly does tell an interesting tale which I’m sure is only part of the story. This world is full of madness, but sometimes you have to remember there is beauty everywhere you look.” His foot was bare. He had somehow taken off his shoe and his sock to make skin to skin contact. I had no idea how this one was going to end, but I hoped that it was not with a whimper and more with a bang.

“If you’re not careful, I’m going to burst into flames right in front of you. You are dangerously close to touching me and setting off a spark between my legs. I’m not opposed to having a Meg Ryan moment, but are you sure you really want that kind of scene? I can show you some incredible things. I know what you want and the best is yet to come. I can be a perfect storm and make all the tables turn in this direction.” I got drunk on the power he exuded and on the way his toe came in contact with my swollen lips.

“I do love to play and this game is better with two. I find myself wondering if I can make you cum just from sitting here at the table. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This might feel like torture, but it’s more for your pleasure.” I wanted to ask him to tell me when it was over, but I had a feeling, I would be the first one to know.

“You might be taking this a little too far. If you’re not careful, you’re going to leave me breathless. I have this need building and you’re doing nothing to cool me off. If anything, you are sticking the poker into the fire to make the flames burn even brighter than before.” It was time to give him a dose of his own medicine.

I was still in the perfect vantage point to watch the door for anything resembling a threat. There was the loud and boisterous voice of somebody getting the ‘Dear John’ speech. The young lady had taken him here to make sure he didn’t have an emotional outburst. He looked stunned with the last bit of his dessert on the end of his fork ready to be consumed.

The young lovers in the corner were purposely leaning in to kiss each other. Their infatuation was in its infancy. I was in the exact same predicament, but kissing was not enough for Knight Williams.

“I’m going to make you feel right and promise you the night. I find myself enamored with you and I think it’s prudent you mentioned making this arrangement more physical than platonic.” His toe slipped inside me. I spread my legs to offer him free access to the goods. I squeezed down on that fat invading digit and let him get a better understanding of how we were going to move things along to the next stage.

“If you really want to put a smile on my face then you should come with me. The meal was delicious. I don’t want to think about the price tag. If you brought me here to impress me then you needn’t bother. Money has never been much of an appeal and I only need enough to live on. You need to decide what is going to happen next.” I took his hand and I dipped it into the chocolate mousse before sucking it into my mouth. I stared at him the entire time. I could see the sweat forming on his hairline.

“I don’t know what you have in mind, but I have no earthly reason to deny you anything.” What he had started in the office was going to spill out in the most obscene way possible.

He paid the bill and we went out onto the sidewalk with him lifting my skirt to an unsuspecting stranger in the street. He slapped my bare ass and made me look back at him with a blush on my cheeks. The rosy red glow he had inflicted on me forced me into a position where I wanted to return the favor.

The guy seeing us acting like teenagers shook his head in disbelief, but I had a feeling he would gladly change places with Knight.” Knight followed me into the alleyway where I lifted my leg and placed it onto a garbage can. I moved my eyes down over his suit and he really was slumming it with a girl like me. I unbuttoned his shirt until I could see his defining chest muscles. I could feel he was rock solid and I gave it a customary squeeze to make it my captive audience.

“I know you’re used to a woman with refined tastes, but it’s time I take the both out of us out of our comfort zone. I dare you to take it out and show me what you can do with it. You have only yourself to blame for the way I’m acting. What did you think was going to happen when you put your toe inside me and stirred up my sexuality? Don’t you think I deserve the same kind of happy ending you’re going to get?” I did him the courtesy of unzipping his pants and reaching in to find the heated flesh of his manhood.

“You make me flustered and I believe you do that on purpose for shock value. I’ve never met a woman quite like you and I don’t think I ever will. You are an original and what we have already done has only been leading to this moment.” His stiffened condition was perpetrated by a wetness on the tip which I spread down over his glands.

“The next step is entirely yours, but I could force it if you make me. It’s so much better when you willingly deliver a performance of a lifetime. Your highbrow friends would never look at you the same if they were able to see you right now. These things are usually meant for behind closed doors, but I like the element of danger that comes from throwing caution to the wind.” I was stroking him and using the lubrication of his essence to give him all the incentive he would need to plunge deeply between my thighs.

I was not a woman to give up easily not when it was plain as the nose on his face that he wanted me. I was the one that put it out there and he gladly grabbed the baton with both hands. He was slipping it into the envelope of my heated bliss.

“You really do have a mouth on you. Let’s see if we can use it for more than just talking. He was not above making me squeal with one long and heated stroke with his missile. I stared at him in disbelief that he had actually gone through with it. It took enough coaxing, but it was as easy as striking a match and letting it burn down until it was touching his fingertips.

“I thought I was going to have to beg for it. I’m glad to see you have a mind of your own. I’ve been known to manipulate in the past, but it’s so much better when a man like you gives in willingly. That is one fat instrument you have. It really does stretch me open to receive you. My juices are already bubbling to the surface. You can see them streaming down your shaft and leaving behind a reminder of my hunger for you.” He was buried deep while biting my neck and sending shock waves through my body.

He only had to bend his knees slightly and then he came up with enough force to make me rise off of my feet. He had me up against the wall in a compromising position, but he had fallen into my trap with no idea of how easily it was to bring him to his knees.

I found myself edging him forward by using the one leg draped around him to force him into a deeper penetration. My sex was my weapon and I was using what I had to my advantage. I loved how he prolonged the moment, taking his time and not rushing things to the finish line.

“Look what you’ve done to me. I don’t even recognize myself. I always thought I knew who I was, but then you came into my life. The way your pussy swallowed me is like a coniferous plant with no gag reflex. I don’t know what I’m saying. The only thing that matters is the feel of you strangling the life out of me.” He was doing it in a leisurely fashion, but I could tell his overanxious libido was going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“I’ve never tried to hide it or fake it with you from the very beginning. I don’t worry about getting a broken heart because there are no emotions involved. This is the part where I say things have changed, but I’m not going to do that. I can’t resist your stick of dynamite ready to go off between my legs.” I was writhing against him, using the tools in my possession to render him into a speechless shell of what he once was.

“I feel that being with you is like I’m going down the highway of hell. You are a woman possessed. If I didn’t know any better, I would swear you were the devil about to make me sign on the bottom line to give you my soul.” His body came alive and his grunts in response were music to my ears.

“I’m only in this for the fun and for the excitement of showing you something you haven’t seen before. You have been sheltered and having a woman like me will show you new possibilities and experiences. I can feel the swell of your knob. I know exactly what that means. Yes…go faster and really put your back into it. I want to feel every inch submitting to my will and ready to blow a load inside me.” The only sound coming from him was moans of encouragement which brought forth the thumping presence of the vein down the back.

“If this is what it feels like to be unencumbered by conventional thinking then you can sign me up any day. I don’t know how you are able to do this to me. My resolve is fraying. It’s just a matter time before I snap altogether. I’m going to do this thing the right way. You want it so badly then get down on your knees and show me what kind of woman you are.” I was giddy with anticipation. I dropped and found myself with the eye of the storm ready to unleash.

He tried to grab it, but I decided a female touch was needed. I wrapped my manicured fingers around his member. The fake nails barely touched each other around the fat snake in my hands.

“I’m going to give you a target that you won’t be able to resist.” I opened my mouth and extended my pink and agile tongue. I wriggled it to get him to buck with a need deep down inside.

“I know you don’t condone guns, but this one is going to go off. Keep doing that and I promise you’ll get exactly what you… YESSSSS.” His cock head was no more than a couple of inches from my painted lips. He was giving me my own unique male version of lipstick. The first couple of strands shot to the back of my mouth. They coated my tongue with a sticky reminder of his desire for me.

I worked him diligently with my fingers, not missing a drop and making sure he was completely satisfied beyond words. I curled around him with my tongue, giving him a spit polish before finally smacking my lips with satisfaction. I was shaking with my finger taking me the rest of the way. His taste alone was enough to make me join him in the throes of passion.

I heard the sound of somebody clapping slowly and I thought it was applause for a performance worthy of the price of admission. I was still on my knees in a compromising position when I heard the telltale click of a revolver being cocked into place.

Chapter eight

I wasn’t even thinking. I stood and shielded him with my body as the gun went off four times in rapid succession. I felt like it was happening in slow motion as the impact of those projectiles slammed into my chest with enough force to knock me back against Knight.

I couldn’t see the assailant and I was pretty much left incapacitated like somebody was punching me in the chest with a sledgehammer. I’d just finished going down on him and showing him how our bodies were uniquely qualified to satisfy each other. This was not how I thought it was going to end, but I would leave this mortal coil on the wings of pleasure.

I was propelled against Knight and we both went tumbling down onto the hard and unforgiving concrete. I could see the smoking barrel of the gun. The shadow of the person responsible scurried down the sidewalk to get as much distance from the scene of the crime as he could get.

I lie there on top of Knight as he struggled to get out from underneath me. I had no breath and keeping conscious was an effort of pure will. I was fighting the pain inflicted on me. I smiled knowing if this was my last few moments then I was going to die happy for the first time in my life.

“Payton…you’re bleeding. I’m calling 911.” Of course, I was bleeding and four bullets slamming into me was going to leave a lasting impact. I couldn’t see anybody surviving, but they weren’t wearing body armor like I was. It was something of my own design. It was an experimental military application with some bugs to work out. I was hoping to make a mint with a government contract. It was supposed to be my retirement plan.

“I didn’t see his face. I don’t know what he looks like. I’m sorry. You hired me to protect you and to find the threat, but I have failed you.” I did feel part of my mission was accomplished by protecting him, but the person was still out there to try again.

I was just beginning to understand the miracle of living for the one you loved. A bullet with my name on it certainly was a good way to make me reevaluate my life. Clinging to my independence was keeping me from finding the man who would complete me.

“I put pressure on the wound. The ambulance should be here within minutes. I don’t want to lose you.” I was beginning to see our time together had affected him in much the same way that it had with me. We were essentially strangers, but we had built something on what was supposed to be a strictly business arrangement.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have to say something and I hope that you’ll take it in the spirit it is given. I mistakenly told you this means nothing to me. This is not just about pleasure and we are connected in a more profound way. The sex is great and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, but we can be a whole lot more for one another.” I was hoping it was just the pain talking. I really didn’t sound like the strong and confident woman I had claimed to be.

“You don’t have to try to say anything. I’m here with you and I’m not leaving your side. They will have to forcibly detain me from getting inside the ambulance with you. I want you to know that I have no regrets when it comes to the time I’ve spent with you. I find myself wondering if this could be more, but you’re going to have to survive long enough for us to find out.” He was giving me the proper incentive and the thought of something lasting between the two of us was almost unheard of.

“I don’t usually…mix business with pleasure…but with you, I have made an exception. I just found you damn attractive…and I wanted to blow your brains out with the kind of sex that will keep you coming back for more. We have gone around and around and there’s no telling when we’re going to stop.” I tried to move, but I felt the searing pain of something shooting into my stomach. I made a grimace. I tried to grin and bear it, but it wasn’t easy.

“You are the strongest woman I’ve ever met. It doesn’t hurt you have a kinky mind to explore together. You make me feel like I can’t live without you looking over me like a guardian angel. You might have devil horns, but it works for you. I want you to stay with me.” It sounded strange for him to be professing these feelings, but life and death has a funny way of loosening lips much like liquor does.

I heard the sirens and then the paramedics worked to stabilize my condition. I had oxygen over my mouth and they were speaking to me while administering to my needs. They loaded me onto the gurney and rolled me out into the street to the ambulance waiting with the red lights shining in my eyes.

“If you don’t wanna fight, then you’re going to allow me to come along for the ride. It would be so much easier if you were to co-operate, but I can give you the proper encouragement.” This was his go to move to use money to get what he wanted. It didn’t seem this time was any different. The two paramedics looked at their windfall and there was no way they were going to deny him anything in his current state of mind.

“You can come with this, but you need to stay out of our way. You did a great job with putting pressure on the wound. She seems like a fighter and hopefully, she’ll come through with flying colors. I don’t see any reason to think otherwise. The bullet went clean through. It doesn’t appear to have hit anything vital. We still have to get her to the hospital, but it looks like she will make a remarkable recovery.” The Hispanic paramedic was giving a blow by blow description and I was thankful for the new lease on life.

It could’ve been worse and I could’ve been shot with my mouth occupied. Had the assailant attacked a few minutes before then I wouldn’t have been able to protect him. He would have received the full effect of those bullets with nothing to prevent his untimely demise. I wasn’t one to believe in fate, but this incident could easily change my mind.

“I don’t want to go to the hospital.” My pleas weren’t being taken seriously. I was terrified of the place and the only thing that sent a cold chill of despair down my spine was the smell of disinfectant. The look on those faces never going to see the outside of the hospital doors again haunted me to this day. I had almost died in a car crash. My friend who was driving drunk did not get off so lucky.

I watched her decline until there was nothing left. I was in a coma for almost three weeks before I finally emerged to witness the last and final days of my friend’s life slipping away. The hospital was a death trap and some people went in and never came back out. That was not what I wanted to happen to me and I was damned and determined to make sure it didn’t.

“I know it’s scary, but I will be there with you every step of the way. I’ll make sure you have nothing but the best care and my own private doctor to oversee your treatment. We’ll have you back on your feet in no time. You don’t have to worry about slipping through the cracks or worrying about red tape. I will take care of everything. It’s the least that I can do for someone that took a bullet for me.” I didn’t want to quibble over details, but it was more than just one bullet.

“Four bullets.” He looked confused. I didn’t have the strength to continue talking through the oxygen mask.

“What do you mean four bullets? I don’t remember much, but I thought it was only one shot which would go with the evidence of you taking one bullet.” I raised my hand with the IV sticking in my arm and I signaled to him with four fingers.

“Her recollection of things certainly does make sense under the circumstances. These bruises are fresh and this dress is heavier than normal. We couldn’t cut through it and I think I see the reason why.” I was hoping Knight could read between the lines and come up with a reasonable conclusion. “This is intricate work and you wouldn’t even know she was wearing protection. This dress certainly doesn’t look like something you would see running into a hailstorm of bullets.” The paramedic had an eye for detail.

The dress was pulled down over my best assets and since I wasn’t wearing underwear, it certainly gave them a close-up view of my embarrassment. I had nothing to hide. Love had finally found me with cupid’s arrow piercing my heart. I tried to ignore it and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to face it. I could chalk it up to the heat of the moment. I could make him believe the words coming out of my mouth were really a knee jerk reaction to being shot.

I did want to feel what love was and it was not an emotion I was accustomed to. It felt like being separated from him was like losing an extension of my arm. The time we had spent together was like an emotional tug on my heartstrings. I’d never felt anything like it. It made me feel weak and inferior.

“I would say you were either predicting to get shot, or you came prepared. I’m glad to see that somebody left a light on up there. You acted with professionalism and I find myself at a loss for words. You were certainly money well spent, but it was more than that. You have this ability to see things differently and to take me outside of my comfort zone. Not many have been able to surprise me, but you are one of the rare ones that have. You make me feel strong and invincible, but that’s only because you are around me to make me feel like I’m not vulnerable.” It was nice of him to sing my praises, but it wasn’t necessary.

“Knight, you have been a shining beacon in a life of shadows and darkness. I’ve always considered myself to be invincible and broken like a doll. It’s a sharp contrast. Where my body is strong and resilient, my mind is shattered into a million pieces. I take on opponents in the cage because it makes me feel good to beat somebody up. I like the adrenaline rush and I crave the exhilaration of putting somebody down for the count. It pleases me greatly to hear them tap out in anguished cries of pain.” I’d never needed anything like this before and I wasn’t sure what had come over me to make this kind of confession.

“I know that feeling in a different way. I got the same rush from watching you pummel that man into submission. I would love to be in your corner for your next fight. I would understand if you felt it was a distraction.” The ambulance was moving at breakneck speed, breezing through traffic and letting those on the street know they were coming.

“It appears the both of us are built from the same stuff in vastly different ways. I would say that we are both uniquely qualified to be more than just business acquaintances. I’m driven by something I can’t explain. It’s not a cross I bear lightly. My choices and the mistakes I make are mine.” I had been a witness to the perfect crime. There was a blind spot in the alley which I had recognized from the moment I had arrived at the restaurant. I insisted we go in there away from prying. It had put us in danger.

“I don’t even know what to say. Nobody has ever taken a bullet for me. You have touched me more than you can ever know. I hope it will continue for many years to come.” I did my best not to complain, but the pain was quite extensive. I could only hope one day I could hang up the gloves and live normally with the white picket fence. I just didn’t see myself becoming a homemaker with little kids tugging at my apron to get my attention.

“Nobody knows what the future holds, but I don’t want to face it without you. I’m not one to admit my feelings and I really did believe I had none to get in the way of living my life. You changed things. A part of me wants to slap you.” I was locked away with my feelings my only friend. I was my own worst enemy and standing in the way of my happiness was my own stubbornness.

“I’m not the kind of man that makes plans for the future. I deal with the here and now. It’s not the right way to go about business, but it has worked for me in the past. I do find myself wanting you to stick around. The person responsible for this is still out there and we need to work together to find him before he is able to find me again. I make no guarantees, but I’m trying very hard to think of any reason why this won’t work between us” I wanted somebody real without the necessary baggage weighing him down.

“I’m not suggesting that we spend our whole lives together. I get a queasy stomach every time I think about walking down the aisle in white. There is nothing virginal about me and I wouldn’t want to pretend with god overseeing the proceedings. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I like you a lot, but marriage has never entered into my vocabulary.” I’d thought about it when I was a child, but that was when I was still living the dream.

“We’ll get you patched up and then we’ll find who did this and make them pay. It’s a strange thing in life when you don’t realize yours dream. Girls have come and gone like a revolving door in my bedroom, but you’re not like them in any way. This feeling I have for you is bigger than the both of us combined.” He hadn’t said the three words and I felt like I would break out in hives if he did.

There was a cost for what I did for a living and it took a toll on my body as well as my mind. I was thinking it over and I knew the killer was not going to rest on his laurels. There was no telling if he would lie low or decide to strike while the iron was hot. What I had done to protect him was by the luck of the Irish. Some would have been too shocked to react, but I was not of that same sentiment.

It felt like god was trying to tell me something and he was making it impossible for me not to hear his words. The good book was much forgotten, but there were still some things in my life that didn’t make any sense without some divine intervention. I had never had a need to put on the bulletproof dress, but for some reason, I felt compelled to put it on. I wasn’t even aware that I was doing it. There were times I wished that I could shut my penthouse mouth and become the wholesome girl any man would love to introduce to their family. It just wasn’t in me to conform.

We arrived at the hospital and he was told to stay outside while they treated the wound. They gave me something for the pain, even though I insisted not to administer any drugs. They couldn’t stop me from screaming and the only way to prevent me from injuring myself was to sedate me.

Chapter nine

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to leave. You’re doing this against doctor’s orders and I want you to know there are risks. You may not think it’s serious, but you had a bullet invade your body. It’s something you should take very seriously. If you insist on leaving against my orders then you need to avoid strenuous activity. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Make sure the bandage is changed twice or three times a day as needed. I’m going to give you a prescription and I want you to fulfill it at the nearest pharmacy.” Dr. Grover was being a bit of a poison pill, but I understood he was just doing his job.

“Don’t worry; I’ll make sure she takes her medication on time. She will be convalescing at my penthouse until she is strong enough to leave on her own accord. I don’t know how to thank you for all the good work you have done over the last couple of days. It can’t be easy with a patient who thinks she knows her body better than a professional.” Knight was giving me the evil eye. I turned a blind eye thinking that they were being way too overprotective.

“I’ve never had a more stubborn patient in my life. You really do have your hands full with this one, Knight. I’ll be sure to add this to the considerable bill that you already have. I know you are good for it. I only surround myself with people that are able to pay considerably for my services. Please, keep me informed of any complications. I will be more than happy to make a house call.” With the kind of money Knight was paying, it was a wonder that he wasn’t going to have around the clock care for me.

“There’s not much you can tell her to make her sit still for any length of time. I find myself wondering if maybe restraints are necessary to keep her from doing something stupid.” The idea of being tied down against my will by anybody but knight would have sent a freezing chill of terror down my spine. Just the thought of being his captive made me want to rage in between the sheets until we emerged in the morning for a necessary smoke.

It was a bad habit and one that I had conquered a few years ago. I’d heard of too many horror stories of patients dying of lung cancer. It seemed like a painful way to end one’s life. It wasn’t easy by any means, but it was worth it to finally get the monkey off my back.

“God help me, but I like her independent spirit and not many can show that kind of moxie. She spits on death and I only wish some of my other patients could fight tooth and nail to survive like she has. The bullet did go clean through, but there were some complications with infection which she was able to fight off with the necessary medication and rest. I know that I can’t police her actions, but she needs to take it easy. Those stitches are some of my finest handiwork. I don’t want her to ruin them.” The Dr. didn’t have to know, but I had a fight in less than two days. There was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to take out the legend herself. She was known as the dragon’s head and her moves were more like a deadly ballet recital.

“I’ll do what I can to keep her off her feet.” We shared a knowing glance with both of us thinking the exact same thing. I could almost see the vision in his head of us twisting in a prone position with the bed rocking back and forth against the wall. Having relations with a client was one of my strict rules to avoid at all cost. I had let him beyond the perimeter of what I considered the safe zone.

“I only want you to take the medication when it’s absolutely necessary. These are very strong and quite addictive. It’s not a road you want to take and I’ve seen some hard luck cases. I don’t see you having that problem. You’ll find a way to endure without taking the drugs. I need to go, but I wanted to stop in to make sure you weren’t giving the nurses a hard time. You have a few of them crying and others reluctant to come into your room without you being properly sedated. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.” I was not comfortable with people taking blood at all hours of the night and day.

“They won’t have to worry about that very much longer. Once you leave here, I’m getting dressed and blowing this place. I’ve been here long enough. You don’t know this about me, but I can’t stand being around sick people. You may claim this place is clean, but we both know the truth. I don’t want to be just another statistic and a reason for you to sweep it under the rug to cover it up.” He was shaking his head in disbelief. The Johnny gown I was wearing fell to my feet before the doors even closed.

“It’s not going to hurt you to stay a couple of more days so they can reevaluate your condition.” I ignored what he said, going to the closet and retrieving my clothing. The dress was a little worse for wear. It would need some alterations. There was also a pair of jeans which Knight was able to procure for me at a local boutique down the street.

“You don’t know anything. This place is a death trap ready to ensnare me and drag me straight to hell. I have no interest in staying here for any longer than necessary. I’m leaving and you can either help or get out of my way. At this point, I couldn’t care less which decision you make.” It was difficult, but I managed to put on the jeans and the sweater. I put on my cowboy boots. It was something in my possession that had not seen the light of day since a Halloween party.

They still fit like a glove and reminded me of how little use I had gotten out of them. I grabbed my gray ski jacket, putting it on and shuffling towards the door. The only thing I could think about was escaping the cesspool of germs all around me. I always wore a mask when I went to the hospital to visit anyone.

“I’m going to make it my personal mission to make sure you heal without any interruptions. For the time being, I’m going to stay at home working in my home office. I’m not going out for any other reason than to get a breath of fresh air on the top of the roof. I know what you would say if I were to even mention Home Care. This way, I can take care of you myself. I already know how stubborn you can be and throwing things at me is not going to do you any good.” I was about to object, but he put his hand up for silence like I was a petulant child. He was getting on the last nerve that wasn’t already frayed.

“I don’t want you waiting on me hand and foot. I’ll get up on my own. The one thing that I won’t lose because of this injury is my independence. You can make whatever conclusions you want about my attitude. I have my own way of doing things. The only routine I follow is a morning ritual. I will not let anything interrupt something that has worked for me.” I was making sure he knew where I stood and there was no mention of our feelings.

“I’ll be there when you need me, but only when you ask for help. You do know there’s no shame in asking for help. I wouldn’t know because I usually do everything on my own. If something goes wrong then it’s on my head and nobody else. There is sometimes a necessity to delegate, but I try to limit that as much as possible. I don’t even have a vice president, but I do have a girl Friday that takes care of everything I can’t.” I had a feeling he was going to find the girl he was referring to was no longer in his employ. He had given her the day off to let cooler heads prevail, but I could read the signals on your face like indelible ink.

She was fed up pining over someone more concerned with money than settling down. He was just going to have to find somebody else to tote his barge and get his coffee in the morning. She could probably ruin him by leaving him without arranging for somebody to take her place. I did see her being vindictive enough. She was hurt and wanted to make him feel the same pain.

I looked at Knight and I felt sick to my stomach for all the sappy things I had said in a moment of weakness. I could only hope he would never mention it again and we could leave it as ramblings of a crazy woman.

“My Dr. said you were the worst patient not including myself of course. We can both be a handful when it comes to taking care of ourselves. You mentioned something about a morning ritual. I can have anything you need sent to the penthouse. It’s just one of many properties which I utilize when I’m not traipsing around the globe.” Somebody must have been following him and for me not to notice meant that there was more to the assailant than met the eye.

I hadn’t thought of someone with the kind of training that would make mine pale in comparison. I was a force to be reckoned with, but this guy had gotten too close for comfort. Taking him out of the equation was foremost on my mind, but I was in no shape to raise a finger. It was a good thing Knight was taking the necessary steps to stay out of the limelight for the conceivable future. Only those allowed entry into his inner sanctum would be able to get close enough to hurt him. He would have necessary meetings, but most would take place over conference video calls.

“I don’t have anything bulky and the only thing I use as resistance in my training is my own body and whatever I can find. I will need some necessary sundries, but I think that I can manage with what you have.” I was going to miss the hot and cold running room service. I was planning to stay there for several days, but the decision was taken out of my hands.

“I have a fully equipped gym in my penthouse which you can use at your discretion. The only thing I ask is that you don’t overdo it for the first couple of days. Ease into it and make sure your muscles are ready to attack any kind of weight.” He was babying me and I didn’t like feeling like an invalid needing somebody to make all the decisions for me.

“I do require certain foods. I don’t eat processed crap. I will write you down a list of ingredients and I will prepare the food myself. Please don’t tell me you have a chef on hand. I’d really like to think that you weren’t that pretentious.” He was helping me put on my coat and then he retrieved the necessary paperwork along with the wheelchair. It was standard operating procedure, but I felt it wasn’t necessary. I could walk on my own steam.

“I know we haven’t discussed what was said in the alley, but we’re going to have to address the elephant in the room. You might be scared of your feelings. I’m not exactly immune to the way you’re feeling. I’ve come to care for you more than most people in my life. I find myself at a loss to know what words to say to convey what you mean to me. I’m not used to putting myself out there for any reason. You have given me the courage to stand in the face of what could be a possible rejection.” He didn’t seem like he was afraid of anything, but it was true about not knowing how another person thinks without standing in their shoes.

“I really don’t feel comfortable talking about it. We will revisit this, but you must know some of the things I said were because I thought I was dying. It’s no excuse, but it is a reasonable explanation. I don’t like to talk about these things. I’ve never had an occasion to care about anything more than myself. This is what I call new territory. I’m afraid of any kind of land mines which might blow up in my face. I certainly don’t want to say anything to offend you.” He wheeled me out to his personal car. He helped me to gingerly slip inside to the opulence of wealth.

Chapter ten

I was in no shape for anything physical. I still craved the feel of his hands roaming over my body. We had just finished supper and I was sitting with my feet up watching TV. I was feeling bored to tears. I couldn’t stand reality television and everything else was so fake it was hard to watch without making comparisons with my own military career.

“I have personally arranged for you to have a massage. This is the table I use when I require somebody to relieve my stress. I’m no stranger to the happy ending, but it really does leave me wanting. It’s pleasurable at the time, but it ends too quickly. I’m left feeling empty inside.” I didn’t need to know about his need for a woman to tug his privates. I couldn’t understand why he was telling me any of this. There were no secrets between us.

I walked over to the table behind him, shedding my robe and not at all embarrassed by my naked body. The only thing concerning was the bandage wrapped around my midsection which I had already changed twice since arriving here. The view was spectacular with the lights of the city making me feel like I was small in comparison.

“You can either take off the robe or I can…Oh, my…I suppose I asked for that. Damn, I forgot how delicious you look. I have missed giving you my undivided attention.” He was looking at me and making me blush which was something I’d never done for anybody.

“I don’t want you to think this gives you license to get one out of the chamber. I would be more than willing to watch you and maybe give you whispers of encouragement. I’m sure it would bring back some very vivid memories of your childhood. The only big difference is a real woman would be sitting beside you while you were taking matters into your own hands. Give it some thought and you can tell me what your decision is after we are getting ready for bed.” For the most part, I was able to do everything on my own with a bit of difficulty.

“You have raised an interesting subject for debate. I’ve never put on a show, but the idea really does have me going. It could be very entertaining.” I lay down on the table with my head looking at his Gucci loafers polished to perfection. He squirted warm oil onto my naked back. I sighed with contentment as he kneaded my muscles. I thought for sure he had somebody coming over to give me this massage, but he had taken an active role with his own hands.

“I’ve never had any man make me feel like this before. I find myself thinking that maybe I should be doing this more often. I’m not suggesting with someone else, but with you, I could make this part of my daily ritual.” He knew exactly what kind of pressure to put on my spine to work those knots into submission. It was relaxing, but also brought about a certain condition. My body was responding to his touch in a less than subtle way.

When he slapped my ass, I almost jumped off the table. While I was distracted, he slipped a finger inside me. My eyes went wide, but it did not stop him from exciting my libido. I was moaning despite trying to keep things platonic. It didn’t seem I was going to be able to do that with a man like him.

“You are really tight. It’s going to take me some time to loosen you up.” I wasn’t sure if he was talking about my muscles or something more personal he was getting intimately acquainted with. “I have loved your body from the moment I saw it. It’s so much better without clothes. I think that one of us might be wearing a little too much.” I found nothing was forbidden when his pants dropped to his ankles along with his underwear.

The oil was warm to the touch and the added component of his hot hands was driving me to the point of insanity. I squirmed to find a suitable and comfortable position, but there didn’t seem to be any way to douse the flames between my legs. It wasn’t going to take much to make it happen. I was perfectly positioned to see those lights of the city and to feel myself floating on an air pocket of pleasure.

“I don’t think there’s anything I can say. What you’re doing is going to cause me to blow steam out of the top of my head.” He added a second digit and the friction against the walls of my pussy was igniting a blazing inferno. He was twisting them in and out. His technique was something hard to describe.

“I was taught by some of the masters in the orient. I find it’s a good icebreaker to lower a woman’s inhibitions. I usually don’t hesitate to take advantage of a woman in this position, but with you, I have to treat you with kid gloves. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it and I would feel like I was letting you down if I couldn’t get you there.” This was one thing he wasn’t going to have to worry about.

I thought my own hand was something, but his was certainly striking the right chord. When he leaned over and bit my neck it was like fireworks exploding behind my eyes.

“I’m there…I’m fucking there…Knight…Knight…KNIGHT.” I was slamming my hand down onto the table, screaming his name and letting the wash of desire take over my body. Every muscle was being inundated by an electrical charge running through my limbs. His pace quickened and he was really working me until I was a puddle of spent flesh.

I heard smacking and I looked back to see him licking his fingers clean with his eyes closed and a smile on his face. He was really enjoying it. I couldn’t take my eyes off the spectacle of him consuming my essence. I rolled over, spreading my legs obscenely and letting him see the landing strip leading to the treasure within.

His eyes fluttered open and what he saw upon opening them was giving him the proper incentive to take a more active role in his own pleasure. I motioned with my eyes and I think he got the basic idea of what I wanted him to be doing. His cock was this nice piece of man candy which I was happy to melt in my mouth and not in my hand.

“I do believe I have to remind you of something you mentioned. I think it went something like you are willing to put your money where your mouth is. I’ve never been this nasty, but I think I could get used to it. I don’t know if what we are doing is a contest of wills, but I do like we can challenge each other.” His hand wrapped around his package and he was about to deliver a performance of a lifetime.

I wanted to scream out loud how beautiful a man he really was. I wasn’t sure how he would take that. I refrained and let him proceed at his leisure.

“I still have you in my hands and I think I have a good idea of what to do with it.” He took those soaking digits and began to massage the hot juice of my climax into his steely shaft. I was watching mesmerized, completely transfixed on what he was doing and nothing else.

“I don’t want you to be in any rush to finish. I like getting a brief peek behind the curtain of your adolescence. You must have made an interesting sight jacking off every night to some starlet or girl you had a crush on. Tell me of someone that never gave you the time of day. The only way that you could make time with her was alone in your bedroom.” I found myself wanting to hear all of his dirty thoughts.

“There was only one I had my eye on, but she was way out of my league. I did have the occasion of walking in on her in the bathroom. She had no idea I was there and watching her made me want to run away, but also stay to see how she soaped up her body.” Hearing his sinful confession was painting a vivid photograph of something that was a forbidden temptation.

“I get this feeling this woman was older and was a subject of many wet dreams.” I wanted him to continue and I could tell reliving it was making him hot all over again. He had his eyes open and was watching me the entire time using me as inspiration to bring him to the boiling point.

“She was always on my mind, but she was my father’s. He remarried to a bubble butt young blonde hard body. She was his personal trainer and I watched her flaunt her wares in skimpy outfits just to get a rise out of him. He hardly noticed, but I did. I hid my shame from her and my father. She was my stepmother, but she wasn’t a tyrant. We were practically best friends. I learned how to talk to girls with her expertise on the subject. She disappeared out of my life when my father decided she was more trouble than she was worth. We still exchange Christmas cards, but it has never been quite the same without having her underneath the same roof.” He was biting his bottom lip and staring at me with an intensity that had me wondering when it was going to happen.

“I think we can afford to be a little bad. What you did with your fingers was only enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. I want what you have. I don’t think I can do without it. I hope you don’t want to see me beg, but I am willing to in this instance.” He made me yelp with surprise as he dragged me from the table until we were practically connected. A string of his seed was sticking to the lips as he moved up and down my slit to give his knob a sheen of sexual excitement.

“I’m sure that if we go slow and not get carried away it won’t hurt you too badly. Let me take the steering wheel and ride this bus.” I gave him an affirmative answer and it was just a matter of finding out if we were really going to strip away our defenses. We had no clothes to get in the way and the only thing he was wearing was his shirt wide open to let me explore his muscles with my eyes and then the nimble fingers of my hands.

“I’m not adverse to a little bit of pain.” I felt the piercing head ride the wave of my wetness until the only remaining visual was his heavy swinging balls. I felt stuffed, but I loved having him with me in this regard. It was a bond we weren’t going to be able to break. Every single day was a gift which I learned the hard way by having my life flash before my eyes yet again.

“You belong to me and I want to give you every reason to stay with me. We haven’t discussed it, but what I said to you was the god honest truth. You have touched me like nobody has and I don’t want to lose what is possibly the best thing I’ve ever had in my life. God damn…you are hotter than a firecracker ready to go off. I was already halfway there with my own hand and you certainly know how to break my spirit.” I was walking on the wild side, letting my body do the talking for me and knowing the thread of my sexual sanity was going to snap.

I pushed myself up against him with one hand holding the bandage and hoping this exercise was not going to be too much. I didn’t care and the pleasure outweighed any kind of discomfort I might feel with the stitches pulling. We came together with nothing between us other than words of incentive and moans of encouragement.

“I want you more than I have ever wanted any man. It’s hard for me to admit something like that without feeling I’m losing a step. I’m not supposed to get too excited, but I think that ship has already sailed.” My body swallowed him and I watched his continuous decline with his eyes telling the story of when he was going to lose it all together. The serpent of his excitement was being made to submit and there was nothing either one of us could do about it.

I was streaming continuously down the length of his love muscle. I’d never been this responsive, but I wasn’t going to kick him out of bed for eating cookies. I was careening into a never ending spasm which had me screaming with the kind of piercing wail that would shatter the windows.

His face had turned crimson and his body was drenched with a sexual sweat from over exerting himself. He had a hold of my thighs, digging his nails in and letting me know his moment was near.

“I don’t think any man will be able to withstand what you are doing to them. I know that you can feel how hard I am. I’ve never felt loved like this and you have spoiled me for anyone else. You’ve got me right where you want me and it’s just a matter of time before I…fucking… CUMMMM.” In his haste, his cock came loose and he went off like an over pressured fire hose.

His lust streaked from my wet pussy all the way up between my breasts in wide arcs. It made me feel like I was turned into a glazed doughnut. I ran my fingers through the mess made and I let him watch as I devoured each string into my wide open mouth. We stared at each other for some time. I lay back on the table and he sat down in a nearby chair unable to say anything from being out of breath.

Chapter eleven

For the next week, we pretty much christened every room in the house including his desk in his private office. I don’t think that he was ever going to look at that desk the same way again. He would always sit there and remember how my ass had slid back and forth leaving a stain of my arousal behind.

“I have a meeting downtown. They have requested I be there in person. In this day and age, I don’t think it matters, but this guy is from the old school of thinking. I would hate to impose, but I would like you to be there to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. You can certainly tell me to go to hell and it’s not like your position here stems from protecting me anymore. We are in this together. I don’t think that I would want anybody else watching my back or my front.” I was already thinking along the same wavelength. I would feel foolish if something happened to him and I wasn’t there to prevent it.

“You’re not thinking anything that I haven’t already thought of myself. You’re not going anywhere without me. I’m not going to hear anything about that. I may not be at 100%, but even at 80%, I am more than capable of handling any crisis.” I was walking a little funny and feeling the effect of the many hours of marathon sex sessions we had completed in the last few days. There didn’t seem to be a waking hour where we weren’t manhandling each other into a submissive position.

I found myself using a few implements of necessary pleasure not only on myself but on him as well. The vibrator was his favorite and was an added bonus to the vise-like fit of my pussy grinding against him to completion. He did cum harder than ever before which I’m sure was not going to make him a stranger to using such pleasurable aids in the future.

“I don’t like the idea of using you like this, but it doesn’t look like you’re going to take no for an answer.” During those times I wasn’t on my back or holding onto the headboard slamming down on his midsection, I was researching and finding I was close to who was making the threats against his life.

I was strapped and ready to go to war, but I had no idea where the enemy might be coming from. The penthouse was a fortress and the likelihood of him being attacked there was slim to none.

“We can relax. This limousine is equipped with the latest technology in battle skins. It’s airtight, completely bulletproof and it cost me a pretty penny to have it made to my specifications. I’ve never had an opportunity to have to use it and I hope that I never have to.” He looked comfortable in his own skin, but I was still wired for sound. I was looking for anything that would contribute to the way the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end.

“I know there’s nothing to worry about, so why do I feel like something is wrong.” My statement made him sit up straight with his shoulders back and his eyes dancing in his head.

The partition rolled down and I could see the back of the limousine driver. “I haven’t seen you in a few days, Mr. Williams. I was wondering when you were ever going to come out of there.” His words were cold and calculating like he was out of time and out of patience.

“I hope that I didn’t cause you any reason to be alarmed. Your job is safe for however long you want it. You have been with me a long time and I know how important your family is to you.” The driver was looking at him in the rearview mirror and there was a case to be made for the kind of hatred he was staring at him with.

“You know nothing about my family. I listened to you and I lost everything. My wife left me with the children in tow. I was destitute with the investment you shared with me tanking. I didn’t really blame you and I knew investments were tricky with variables you can’t account for. It was my own fault, but then I learned a disturbing fact.” Spittle was flying from his mouth and he was gripping the steering wheel with his gloved hands like he was an Indy driver.

“I don’t know how many times I have to apologize. It was out of my hands. I thought it was a lock, but it turned out to be something less than secure. You’re not the only one that lost his shirt in that deal. I’ve tried to make it up to you with bonuses and I thought we got passed it.” Something had happened to make this guy act out.

“It never bothered me when you didn’t even know my name. We’ve talked often enough, but you never really wanted to know my personal life. I could’ve lived with my mistake, but finding it was a pyramid scheme is not something I can look past. You purposely swindled millions of dollars out of investors with a mutual fund built on a house of cards.” I looked at Knight and I could tell that he was complicit. He didn’t think anybody was going to find out. He was trying to make up for it by throwing money at the problem.

“I’m sure there’s something I can do. Name your price.” The limousine lurched with him pressing down on the accelerator and flying through a red light with many honking horns to indicate he was driving erratically.

“It’s just like you to think that money solves all your problems. Money is not going to bring me, my wife, back or prevent my children from looking at me with disappointment in their eyes. I’m going to hell and I’m taking you with me.” He took the mirror off of a nearby parked car. He was staring straight ahead like he had a purpose.

“I know that I’m going to regret asking this, but what exactly are your intentions?” My words were met with a scowl of contempt.

“I would suggest you both make peace with your maker. I have nothing left to live for. The only thing I want is revenge. It’s said to be best-served ice cold which is exactly how I’m going to settle my differences with Mr. Williams. He wants to play with people’s lives then he’s going to learn a valuable lesson which I hope he’ll understand before he takes his last breath.” I went for the door, but it was locked. I kicked my foot against the window with nothing to indicate any kind of brute force was going to work. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea anyway. Rolling away from this car at this speed would’ve been tantamount to suicide.

“I can apologize until I’m blue in the face, but it’s not going to make any difference to you. Are you sure you want to die like this? I would like you to consider another option. Money may not bring back your family, but it could give you a new lease on life. You can start over with beautiful girls and tropical drinks. You won’t have to drive me around anymore. You would have enough money to live on for the rest of your life. You can’t possibly tell me there’s no appeal in breaking the chain of monotony.” I could see that his pleas were falling on deaf ears.

“My life has been shattered because of your need for greed. I can’t in good conscience allow you to do this to somebody else again. I’ve been watching your dirty dealings. You framed an innocent man for the pyramid scheme and paid him a considerable amount to keep his mouth shut behind bars. You found some patsy willing to take your money, but I’m not one of them.” We were on the highway and in the distance, I could see a bridge. I knew at that instant what his plan was and I couldn’t let him see it through.

I made a quick decision by leaping through the partition. I knocked him completely out cold with the butt end of my gun. I had the steering wheel, but his foot was still pushed down onto the accelerator. I scanned the area and the only thing that I could think about was stopping us before we reached the bridge closed for repairs.

I saw my only option. I turned the steering wheel, slamming into a road sign with enough force to bend it and lift the car into the air with the wheels spinning with no place to go. I felt like a pinball with my legs up in the air landing on the dashboard and looking down to see that I was bleeding all over again.

We were both going to have to testify against Reginald Davidson. He was screaming for blood and the investigators had to take some of what he said seriously. They were looking for the smoking gun concerning the pyramid scheme but nothing landed at his doorstep. Knight promised me he had changed and I believed him.

I did continue to fight, but not for the money and more for the enjoyment of the adrenaline rush running through my veins. I toppled the queen.

Knight proposed and I found myself looking at the big screen as he popped the question with a diamond almost as big as my fist. I was looking forward to spending my life with the man I loved and with the child I had on the way.

I was just going to have to make sure he was not tempted to fall into old habits. I was just going to have to keep him busy. I wondered what other kinky perversions I could introduce him to. I had a laundry list and I had just begun.