His Demands, Book 1

Billionaire Alpha Series

His Wants. His Needs. His Demands. Your Pleasure. You're Welcome.

Bethany had one more year of school left, and once again, poverty strikes hard. The only option would be to encourage her mother to marry her new boyfriend Kent, a billionaire tycoon in the world of accounting. 

Mom is more than happy to move the wedding date up, and Bethany's soon-to-be father is willing to pay for her schooling - on one condition. 

She works for his firm as an intern throughout the next year. 

She agrees without hesitation, but little does she know that Kent's oldest son, Damon, is the CFO. Dark features and a stare that would melt panties, he's everything one might imagine of a billionaire's spoiled alpha son, her new boss. 

Her billionaire boss plays lots of games and though she hates herself for it, Bethany is more than yearning for the chance to fulfill his needs.

Prologue

Damn: 110. She needed a 70 to make the dean's list for her senior-level marketing class, but she'd pulled out a 110.

A smile touched Bethany's lips, her eyes darting around the room to see if she could make out the various grades on her classmates’ papers. From what she could see, she must have gotten the highest grade. She sat back in her chair and listened as the classroom filled with either groans or soft whispers of gratitude for passing grades. She hadn't worried much about passing, but simply passing was never enough. She had to be at the top­—the best grade in the class.

The elderly professor moved to the front of the room, dropping a small handful of remaining tests on his desk and turning to face the class. A quick adjustment to his glasses and he scanned the room, his eyebrow raising at the noise.

"This was your final test for my class. I know some of you are graduating on Saturday, and I congratulate you. If you failed this test and subsequently this class and it's holding you back from graduating, that's your problem. You were given every opportunity to do well in here. If you failed, then you worked hard to do so."

He shrugged as a lanky guy in the back row spoke up, Bethany turning to look over her shoulder as his drug-induced voice resounded. "Is there a make-up quiz for this test?"

"No, Mr. Johnson. This is final, and you will be seeing me next semester, no doubt."

Bethany turned and raised her hand, her long chestnut locks tickling her shoulders as she moved. "What was the top grade in the class?"

"Yours." The professor smirked and moved from his reclined position. "Class is dismissed. Don't bother stopping by to talk with me. I have somewhere to be, so this is goodbye for this semester. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and don't have too much fun."

Bethany leaned over and grabbed her backpack, a smile pressing her cheeks toward her eyes as she got up and walked from the room, her head held high and smugness sitting on her like a well-worn cloak. She was the smartest, the fastest—the best.

***

A quick stop by the advisory office before heading to have lunch with her mother stole her thunder; her adviser’s news was depressing, a quick reminder of her financial reality.

"Congratulations, Bethany. It looks like you'll be graduating in the top 3 percent of your accounting class." The middle-aged man looked up, his portly belly almost touching the chair between his opened legs.

Bethany focused on the kindness in his gaze even though his appearance struck her with worry. She needed to get to the gym. The summer sessions were always so daunting and stole every waking moment she could find in order to simply keep up. It was over now, though.

She sighed with relief and nodded toward the adviser.

"That's great news. I've already been accepted into the MBA program, so I'll start in a month. I'm excited."

The man mumbled something, turning to his computer and hitting a few keys. Bethany sat back, her eyes moving across the various pictures that hung on the walls. The photos were filled with smiling kids and a woman as portly as the man before her, their happiness apparent or well-rehearsed.

A family had never been part of Bethany's thoughts. Racing up the corporate ladder and making a name for herself was her top priority. Making enough money never to have to worry where her next meal was coming from or if anyone would see her mother paying with food stamps was all she cared about. She would change her situation no matter what it took.

College was a luxury that her grades from high school alone had afforded her, but the master's program was still up in the air. The hope was that grants would cover most of the cost, and she could pick up a small job or paid internship at an accounting firm.

Time was the only restriction. She needed something flexible because her course load wouldn't allow for much more than studying and schoolwork. She reached up, tucking her hair behind her ears as she looked back at the adviser.

"So, am I good to go?"

"Hold on just a minute, kiddo. Looks like there’s an issue with your fees for next semester. I'm just trying to make sure you're all paid up." He glanced over at her before picking up his phone. He spoke for a few minutes to someone who she assumed was in the registrar's office. The conversation, from the parts she could hear, was only causing the knot in her stomach to grow. He thanked the lady on the phone and sighed, hanging up and looking over at Bethany.

"Good news and bad news. What do you want first?"

"The good news."

"The good news is that the first third of your upcoming semester was picked up by a grant."

"And the bad is that the last two-thirds weren't?"

"That's right." He shrugged, sympathy covering his round face. "Is there a possibility of getting a small part-time job or internship in the city?"

"I have no clue. Seems like more to do, but it is what it is." She sat back and sighed, the reality of her ever-present situation bleeding its way across her emotions. She was going to break down soon, and she'd rather it not be in front of him.

She stood up and reached over, her hand extended. "I appreciate your help. I have a month to figure it out, I guess."

"You have about six weeks before they require that second payment. Good luck. You’re smart; you'll figure this out."

She shook his hand and walked from the small building, the sun pressing down on her in the smoldering Texas heat. There was nothing to figure out. The MBA program at UT Dallas was way out of her league in terms of financial funding, and her mother was forever broke. Thanks to a drug-dealing father and a life left in shambles, there wasn't much hope.

She got in her car as the first tear fell. She'd have to ask her mom to do something that seemed far-fetched but was her only hope.

"Mom, will you marry Kent?" She looked up in the small rearview mirror, realizing how selfish she was being as she worked through how to ask something so demanding of her mother. But Kent was a billionaire. It would work in her favor, and she knew without a doubt that her mother would be much happier with the stability and love Kent would provide. It was good for everyone. No. She couldn't do it.

But what other choice did she have?

Chapter 1

"Mom, will you marry Kent?" Bethany let the question hang in the air as her mom reached for a fluffy white roll sitting in the basket between them.

"What?" Her mom pulled her hand back like she'd been burned.

The older woman was a perfect replica of Bethany. Long, silky chestnut hair, full lips, and green eyes. She looked completely innocent and well-kept, and yet she’d been through more hell than anyone could possibly imagine. She and Bethany both.

"I know it's a lot to ask, but when you told me that he proposed a few weeks ago, you seemed really happy. I don’t know why you just didn’t say yes right then.”

“It’s complicated, Bethany.”

“I know, Mom. But I also know that you’re just holding back because you’re letting everything that happened with Dad scare you away from the one thing that could make you truly happy. You and Kent have been dating for six months, and he's crazy about you."

"Why do you care if Kent and I get married right now?"

"I had an appointment with my adviser today, and there isn't enough funding for me to get through the first year of my master’s program." She held up her hand as her mother started to protest. "I know you don't understand the need for a master’s, but I'm telling you that I need it. I want financial freedom, and ever since Daddy left all those years ago, we've had anything but that. I want a chance to be free from this, Mom."

Her mom visibly flinched, reaching and taking the bread and then picking at it, her gaze filled with concern. They had been through far too much together over Bethany's twenty-two years not to be straightforward with one another. Her mom loved Kent, and Bethany knew they would get married eventually, so the request wasn't too far-fetched, just perhaps a little selfish in its timing.

"And you think me marrying Kent will take care of your finances?"

"I'm praying that you'll mention my situation. I'm not asking for a handout but a loan. I'll pay it back once I'm working for an accounting firm downtown, Mom. There is no way I'm not going to get a great job next year. I just need some help now."

"I wish I could help you, but I don't have anything put away." Her mom's eyes diverted toward the table as the waiter walked up, a smile on his mouth.

"Hi, ladies. You ready to order?"

Bethany's mom sat up, pulling her menu up as she motioned for Bethany to place her order. Bethany picked up the menu and looked at the prices, not caring a bit what items were attached to them. They were broke and shouldn't even be at the small cafe. Money was the bane of her existence, and coveting it anytime soon seemed like a lofty goal.

"I'll take a cup of tomato soup and a water, please?"

"Not very hungry today?" He smiled and took her menu, winking at her as she smiled back.

"Nope. Big breakfast."

Her mother ordered as Bethany reached for a roll. Her stomach softly protested, the deep burn of hunger an old friend. She hadn't had a big breakfast or any breakfast at all. Every penny she had went to books and supplies for school. She ate once a day and sometimes not even that unless her roommate brought home leftovers. She'd have given anything to order a cheeseburger with fries and a Coke, but life wasn't that giving.

The waiter moved away, and Bethany shoved the rest of the roll in her mouth, the soft white bread melting in her mouth. Worry covered her mother's features as she pushed the basket toward her.

"Are you not eating again?"

Bethany finished chewing the roll, her thoughts far from the conversation at the table as she enjoyed the flavors rolling across her tongue. She ate out every once in a while, but it was usually on a date, and that always ended with some random horny guy demanding sex. Disgusting.

"I have to spend what little money I get from my grants on a place to live and books, Mom. Food is a luxury."

"Baby, you shouldn't starve yourself."

"What options do I have?" Bethany laughed, the sound falling flat.

"Take a semester off and come back home with me." Her mom crossed her arms over her chest, an eyebrow raising as Bethany reached for another roll and picked up the small cup of butter, dipping the bread in it without concern for her actions.

"I can't take off from school, Mom, and I don't have a car that runs very well. One more year of this, and I'll be able to finally take care of myself."

"I don't like that you're not eating."

"I don't like it either, but you're as broke as I am."

"I'll ask Kent to give me some money for you."

"No." Bethany leaned forward, her mouth pursed into a tight line. She didn't want handouts from someone who wasn't connected to her family intimately, and even though a loan was an option, it was the last option on her list. She needed Kent to move into the position of being her stepfather, and then it would make sense to get financial help from him.

"Yes."

"No, Mom. Just stop messing around and get married. You're going to get married anyway. He loves you, and you love him."

"What would being married to him change?"

"I would be his daughter, Mom. I would finally have a dad, and maybe, just maybe, he would see my struggle and offer to help me." Tears burned her eyes, and she picked up her napkin, wiping at them quickly. Being emotional or weak hadn't gotten her anywhere in life, and it certainly wouldn't do her any favors now.

"Oh, honey. I'm so sorry I don't have more to give you. If only I'd been a stronger woman when your dad put us through all that shit."

"I don't want to talk about this." Bethany dropped the napkin in her lap, her emotions pressing hard against the confines of her chest. "I have one more year of school and need help. You're going to marry Kent anyway. I'm just asking that you move it up and do it in the next month, Mom. Please."

Her mom bit at her lip, looking up and thanking the server as he put their lunch down in front of them. Bethany constrained herself as the steam rose up from the small cup before her. She could have ordered more, but she knew her mom was broke and struggling as well. The older woman in front of her hid her own suffering, and internal strife as well as Bethany did. No one knew how much they'd been through and how they continued to persevere.

"Let's pray over our food." Her mom bowed her head and prayed, Bethany closing her eyes and listening to her mom ask God for the millionth time to help them. He’d seemed to turn a blind eye or deaf ear to them for all the years Bethany could remember, but six months ago he had delivered Kent into her mom's life.

Kent owned several companies and had been a widower for ten years. He was older than her mom and had two sons, one a complete loser and the other the center of his enterprise in the heart of downtown Dallas. Bethany had yet to meet either of them, but she liked Kent and knew he would treat her mother like a princess.

If only the woman could get past being hurt and used by Bethany's father, giving love another chance and opening up a world of possibilities for them both.

"Kent would be thrilled to hear I'm ready to move forward, I guess." Her mom's words lit a spark of hope in Bethany’s chest as she looked up.

"He loves you, Mom. He's told you that a million times."

"I know, and I love him too. I'm just a little worried about fitting into his world. I come from the wrong side of the tracks, Bethany. His friends and work associates are going to see beneath my layers of makeup and call me out as the phony I am."

"You're not a phony. You're the most real person I know, Mom." Bethany reached around her soup to touch her mom's arm, concern pulling her brow together. "You just need to be yourself and not anyone else. You can't change for someone, or you'll end up hating who you've become."

"How did you get so wise?" Her mom winked at her, patted her hand and picked up her spoon, taking a tentative sip of her own soup.

"So, you'll think about it? I'm on a short leash, and I'll start looking for jobs this afternoon, but I need help quickly."

"Wait until Monday for the job thing. You're graduating tomorrow, and I want you to just enjoy the accomplishment." She put her spoon down and picked up the last piece of bread, tearing it in half and handing the larger piece to Bethany. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom. I’m sorry to bother you with this. If I could figure it out on my own, I would.”

“We will always have each other. I’ll talk to Kent tonight about everything. When he proposed a few weeks back, I wanted to say yes, but I just haven't been able to move around my past. He's so much better than I am." Her mom shrugged, heaviness sitting on her pretty features.

Bethany reached up and pulled her long locks into a messy bun before scoffing at her mother.

"He's not better than you. He's had a different path, Mom. His life is a different story. I'm just glad that your path crossed with his. He's going to be great for you. He thinks you hung the moon."

"He is a great guy." Blush touched her mother's cheeks, and Bethany laughed softly, romance a lofty thought in her world.

Bethany had seen the same guy, Jake, a few times, but he was horribly proper and far too feminine for her tastes. He was easy to get along with and a great study partner, but as far as physical attraction—nothing.

"Is Kent coming with you to my graduation tomorrow?"

"He sure is. I invited Damon and Matthew, his boys, but they both have something to do. I was hoping for you to meet Matthew. He's a sad soul with far too many demons to fight, but a pure heart lies in his chest."

"And what about the other boy, Damon?"

"Honestly, he's an ass. He's the typical rich boy, and he has far too much control of Kent's company and ten women around him at all times. I hate to even say this, but he sometimes disgusts me." Her mother's face twisted as if she’d bit into a lemon. Bethany laughed and leaned over, tasting her cooling soup.

"Money corrupts. I'm surprised Kent is as good of a guy as he is. He has more money than God."

Her mom laughed and took one more sip of her soup before pushing it across the table to Bethany, the small cup still more than half-full. Bethany pulled it toward her, working hard not to lift her cup to her lips and drink the thick tomato soup.

"Get yourself a sandwich or something. I have a little bit of money in the bank." Her mother turned as if trying to get the waiter's attention.

Bethany reached over and patted the table in front of her. "I'm good. I'll eat this and be stuffed. We'll make it through this; we will. Tomorrow will be a great day, and if your conversation goes well with Kent, then maybe my luck will change for good." She pinched off a piece of the bread and popped it in her mouth. "You sure I'm not pushing you to do something you didn't want to do?"

"Have you ever known me to do something I didn't want to do?" Her mother smirked as the waiter stopped by with the bill.

"They must have higher-paying customers waiting on our seats." Bethany looked over to the large crowd gathering at the door.

"Pretty soon that will be us, baby. Hang in there, and I'll work to change our situation."

"You do love him, right?"

"I do, but not as much as I love you."

Bethany chuckled and turned her attention to her food, mumbling into the small cup, "I love you too."

Chapter 2

She'd enjoyed the time with her mother, the older woman a beautiful reminder that hope and love could actually exist.

Bethany climbed into her small, beat-up Honda after kissing her mom goodbye and getting excited about her upcoming graduation. She still hadn't let the fact that she would be graduating with her bachelor’s in accounting sink in. It was a huge accomplishment in itself—and even more so since she was the first in her family to do so.

The rest of the afternoon was to be spent with a few friends, her roommate, Krista, and the closest thing she had to a boyfriend, Jake. It would be comfortable and mostly uneventful, but she'd grown accustomed to moving through life as quickly as possible, her focus only on the future.

Bethany pulled up to their small apartment as Krista and Jake walked from the door toward Krista's car, smiles on their faces as Bethany got out.

"Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Just getting some snacks and sodas from Krista's car. Come help us." Jake motioned for her to come over. "You get to see your mom?"

"Yeah, she's doing good. Looking at marrying that rich guy, finally." Bethany laughed, leaving out the parts she felt were less than appropriate to draw attention to.

"Oh, nice. I wish my parents were rich. I mean, they're middle class and all." Krista shrugged, pulling her keys from her pocket and popping the trunk.

Krista’s short blonde hair and blue eyes were the exact opposite of Bethany's dark features. Where Bethany was fit and ran most days of the week, Krista was a couch potato and struggled with her weight horribly. Bethany had tried time and time again to get her friend to join her on her runs, but the extra eighty or so pounds on Krista made it hard for her to do anything.

Her roommate was one of the nicest people she knew, Krista always buying lunch for the homeless guy down the street and tutoring at school. Bethany wondered how fate seemed to shine down on the wrong people all the time. Her mother had mentioned Damon, one of Kent's sons, at lunch, and it was the perfect example of fate's inequitable responses. The guy was probably good looking and rich but a complete ass.

"What are you thinking about?" Jake's voice brought her from her senses, the lanky boy before her extending a few plastic grocery bags. "Are you already dreaming of your master’s? Brainiac."

Bethany smiled and took the bags, the sun starting to set as the afternoon drew to a close. She couldn't wait until Saturday, the week having lasted far too long.

"No. I was thinking about how unfair it is that some people have looks and money. One or the other is enough, don't you think?" Bethany turned to walk with her friends back toward the apartment.

"I'm guessing you're broke, then?" Krista laughed and moved back to let Jake open the door.

"I've always been poor, but I'm just making reference to my soon-to-be stepbrother. Mom says he's an ass, and I'm sure he's good looking and all. Just seems unfair." Bethany shrugged, walking into the coolness of the house and putting the bags on the kitchen counter.

"His good looks would be no concern of yours, then." Jake wagged his eyebrow.

"Jealous, Jake?" Bethany moved to stand in front of him, looking up as he took a tentative step back, his smile dropping.

"No, why would I be? He's your stepbrother. Not like you guys would get together." He laughed and turned to busy himself with putting things up. Bethany turned to Krista and rolled her eyes. She and Jake had known each other for the last year, but they were nothing more than glorified friends.

She'd kissed him a few times, but even drunk he would shake like a leaf when she tried. She’d heard plenty of stories of other girls on campus enjoying long weekends filled with liquor and sex. Somehow she never seemed to get close to the second half of the fun. She wasn't willing to go out with a player, their sexually transmitted diseases of no interest to her. She had been asked out on more than a few occasions, but after so many rejections, the alpha males on campus moved to more susceptible victims.

Bethany walked to her room and closed the door before undressing. She wanted to push Jake a little that night, to see if he’d be willing to go further. She had slept around a little in high school and had a few random one-night stands during her freshman year, but human anatomy class had killed all of that for her. Dying with crotch rot was out.

She smirked at the thought, reaching for her brush and pulling her hair down to try and tame it. She pulled it into a high ponytail and slipped into a small, cream-colored cotton dress; her waist was thin, and her breasts were big enough to draw attention, hopefully from Jake.

A little bit of makeup and lip gloss, and she was ready to make her move. She walked back down the hall, the sound of a few familiar voices reaching out to greet her. They would have enough friends to spill out into the lawn of the apartment by the time nightfall arrived, but for now, a small group gathered in the kitchen.

Bethany walked in and headed for the chips, taking a few and munching on them as she greeted her friends. Jake turned and smiled at her, motioning that she looked pretty.

He wasn't her type at all, his long blond hair always in his face and his body nothing more than bones, but he was safe. She wouldn't be falling in love with him anytime soon, and he wouldn't be falling for her either. Nothing more than a good friendship existed between them, and yet she was ready for something more physical in her life. Jake seemed the perfect candidate. Surely he wanted sex, and friends with benefits seemed fitting.

"Don't you look lovely?" Marcus, a dark-skinned marketing major, reached out and tugged on Bethany's ponytail, his smile wide and welcoming.

"Well, thank you, sir. You don't look too shabby yourself." She reached out and patted his stomach with the back of her hand. His firm abs tightened under her touch. "Dang. You've been working out."

"Swimming actually. Did you know they opened the natatorium at the school finally?"

"I've heard that, but I haven't been over there."

"Too busy making valedictorian?" He laughed, and she shook her head as Jake moved up beside her.

She reached over and wrapped an arm around Jake’s lower back, the tall skinny guy towering over her by a foot.

"I wish. I'm just trying to get enough in grant money to get through my MBA degree."

"You'll do great. You always do," Jake said, looking down as he wrapped an arm around the back of Bethany’s shoulders.

Marcus pointed at both of them, an eyebrow lifting.

“You two finally get together?”

“No, we’re just good friends. She’s way out of my league.” Jake laughed and released Bethany, much to her dismay. "You guys want a drink?"

"Naw … I'm trying out for the soccer team on Saturday. They do drug testing." Marcus held up his hands, shaking his head.

"Alcohol isn't a drug." Jake laughed and looked to Bethany, who almost corrected him but decided against it. "Beth?"

"Yeah, I'll take a beer and a shot please."

"Getting the party started, I see." Jake laughed and walked off, Bethany's gaze following him. Nothing about his physique turned her on, his lithe figure the opposite of her desires.

Strong muscles and thick arms and legs were at the center of her daydreams, but with those things, it seemed, came an asshole attitude and demanding persona, neither of which she'd be willing to deal with.

"Just friends, huh?" Marcus's question brought her back to the present.

"Me and Jake? Oh yeah. School will be over next year for us both, and we haven’t really been anything but friends."

"Yeah, but I see the way you watch him." Marcus smirked.

Bethany turned to see Jake in the kitchen, laughing and cutting up with a few friends as he poured drinks. He was cute but not handsome. Kind but not sexy or masculine at all. She could settle for someone like him, but it seemed like such a waste to do so.

"He's a great guy. Who knows what will happen." She looked back to Marcus and shrugged.

The night pulled in across the sky, her friends filling up the house and the yard in front of the apartments. Other groups of students had joined the festivities, the music nothing more than a low hum as everyone gathered in small huddles and talked about the excitement of graduation.

Bethany walked back into the house, a light sweat covering her skin from the alcohol she'd enjoyed. She sat her empty beer bottle down on the kitchen table and walked toward the kitchen. Jake was standing with his back to her as he fiddled with something.

She pressed herself to his back, sliding her hands around his waist and up to his chest; his muscles were nonexistent, and yet the warmth of another human seemed fitting. She pressed her lips to his T-shirt as he turned a little, looking over his shoulder at her.

"You’ve had too much to drink, silly girl?"

"Mmmhmmm," she mumbled and bit at his T-shirt, pulling back and letting it pop from her teeth.

He turned in her grasp and put his arms around her, holding her tightly to him as he smiled down at her. "You should be careful. Some boy will be looking to take advantage of your current state."

"Like you?" She laughed, reaching up and pulling his head toward her as she pressed her lips to his, the fire in her blood from the liquor beckoning her to push him past his sense of comfort.

He pulled back slowly, the kiss being broken far too quickly for her. He laughed awkwardly and put his hands on her shoulders, turning them and backing up a step.

"You know I would never take advantage of you." He smirked and moved back to finish filling up a small bowl of chips. She leaned against the counter and reached in front of him.

"And why not? What if I wanted you to take advantage of me? Take me in my bedroom and strip me naked before—"

He cut her off, his eyes wide, his face flushed.

"Bethany. You're drunk. Stop talking like that before someone hears you."

She laughed, looking over her shoulder and yelling. "I'm drunk and want to get laid. Who's with me?"

The sound of different voices yelling in agreement caused her to laugh, but her smile fell as she looked back toward Jake. The pensive stare on his face sobered her quickly. He wasn't interested, nor was he approving of her actions.

"This isn't you. It's the liquor. Go take a shower, and I'll shut down the party and lock up in just a bit."

Heat burned her cheeks at his rejection. She wasn't his type, or perhaps he thought she was too far out of his league. She leaned toward him as anger bit at her, her hand siding down his chest to cup his crotch. His arousal told her that it must have been the latter. He jerked back away from her touch, and she shrugged.

"Yep. I guess the liquor got you too."

She moved down the hall, pulling her dress over her head and walking languidly toward the shower, her small pink panties matching her bra perfectly. Too bad no one was interested in seeing it—least of all her good friend.

Chapter 3

The morning sun streamed through the small window of her bedroom, the brightness stinging her eyes and turning up her headache. Why had she let herself drink the night before? She rarely drank, and she blamed that on how she felt the morning after she did. Nothing was worse than being debilitated for a whole day simply because you sated yourself with an evening of fun.

The smell of bacon wafted into her room, her stomach turning at the idea of food. They rarely cooked around the apartment, but the weekend was to be filled with friends, family, and good food. Bethany rolled over and groaned, the memory of offending Jake the night before assaulting her.

Why hadn’t she just offered herself to one of the assholes from Kappa Alpha? There had been more than enough of them at the party. Sleeping with Jake had seemed like a good idea before she walked into the kitchen and pushed him a little too far. She covered her eyes with the palms of her hands pressing against the pain a little and groaning.

"Fucking hormones. I swear."

A knock at her door had her reaching for her covers, pulling them up to her chin before whispering, "Come in."

The door opened, and Krista stuck her head in. "You decent?"

"Yeah. Come in."

Her friend walked in, closing the door behind her and sitting down on the edge of her bed. The look on her face let Bethany know that something was up. She figured Jake had probably had a breakdown over the situation Bethany had put him in, and now Krista was here to clean up the mess.

"So … last night was fun?" Krista started, and Bethany rolled her eyes.

"Stop beating around the bush. I feel like shit. Just tell me if he's okay."

"He's okay, but I need to tell you something."

"All right, tell me." Bethany sat up slowly, her head hurting so bad that dizziness swam around her. "Ugh. I hate this feeling."

"Jake and I are in love."

"What?" Bethany turned to her friend, horror washing over her. "You and Jake have something going on? Why didn't you tell me? I hit on him last night, for God’s sake."

"It's okay. You didn't know, silly." Krista reached out as Bethany slipped her hands over her face and let out a long sigh. Of course Jake was now dating Krista. That made everything perfectly shitty. It completed the shitastic circle and plopped the cherry on the shit-sundae.

Bethany let the news sink in, her heart hurting more over her actions than the loss of something she hadn't really wanted. She felt stupid and rather whorish, but other than that…. She slid her fingers down her face, her fingertips covered in black mascara.

"I'm glad for you."

"You're not upset, are you? We figured you tried to sleep with Jake last night just because you were drunk, not because you had actual feelings for him. He's been trying to get you to go out with him for the last year, and you've rejected him so many times."

"I what?" She stiffened in the bed. "I've never once rejected him."

"Oh. Does that mean you're interested?"

"No, I'm just saying." Bethany moved past her friend, reaching to grab a T-shirt and pulling it over her head. She pulled on a pair of pink sleeping pants and checked herself in the mirror. "I'm happy for you guys. I don't know what else to say."

"Did you want to sleep with him last night?"

"What? No. Jake's not my type at all. It was the liquor." Bethany turned to Krista, innocence layered in a perfect facade on her face. Jake wasn't her type, but the idea of sex had seemed more than appropriate for her graduation party.

"Oh good." Krista's shoulders visibly slouched as a smile touched her face. "I kept telling him that it was just the liquor. No way you'd just randomly sleep with someone. We all know how much of a prude you are."

"Prude? I'm not a prude." Bethany put her hands on her hips, the conversation going from bad to worse.

"I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that you're so beautiful and still aren't with anyone. It's not because guys aren’t trying …" She laughed, and Bethany realized that the conversation was better left alone.

"Who's cooking breakfast?"

"Oh hell! I am." Krista jumped up and ran out of the room toward the kitchen.

Bethany walked into the hall and grabbed a towel, her heart hurting and stomach jacked sideways.

No wonder Jake had refused her. He was in love with her roommate.

***

Her mother and Kent had arrived just before she lined up for the graduation march, her mother kissing her cheek. Bethany looked over at Kent, who moved closer and pulled her into an awkward side hug as he smiled down at her.

"Sure am proud of you, kiddo. Your grades and ranking today are something to be incredibly proud of." He squeezed her shoulder before moving back toward her mom.

"Yep. Nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it, I guess." Bethany smiled and waved, moving toward the line of people wearing the same heavy black robes that draped across her body.

She watched her mom and Kent, the older man extremely handsome and fitter than Bethany remembered from the last time they'd met. The kindness in his eyes as he looked down at her mother was also something new.

Her real father was nothing more than a bastard—a user. He only looked at you or spoke to you if he wanted something from you. She hated him more than words could express and was grateful when he left their lives around her twelfth birthday.

A tug on her sleeve had her turning to her left, Jake standing quietly with his eyes averted.

"Hey, you," she whispered, unsure of what to say.

"Hey. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Krista sooner. I didn't know if you'd be okay with it." He shrugged, his dark gown swallowing him whole.

"I'm fine. I just wish someone would have told me. She said I tried to sleep with you last night. I feel like a total ass." She forced a laugh, the memory of the night before pushing its way across her aching skull. She would never let him know that she remembered every moment of it, but the loneliness at his denial and the hour of crying herself to sleep was still very real as she stared at him.

"It's no big deal. A month ago I would have fallen over myself to get you in bed." He laughed, and the goofy sound caused her to smile.

He wasn't at all someone that she'd normally sleep with or try to start a real relationship with. The need to share her celebration with him had pushed her to want something more, but it would have ended as the sun came up. It was for the best.

"Enough of this. Congratulations." She reached up and straightened the lapel of his robe before turning and sliding into line as they were instructed to do.

She waited her turn, her mind wandering to the conversation her mother had hopefully had with Kent and how it might have gone. Would he be thrilled that she'd finally said yes to marriage? How soon would they tie the knot? Would he offer to help her with her master’s? She'd be more than thankful for a loan if nothing else. A grant from him would be blissful, but anything to keep pushing her forward would be a break in her rather painful cycle of poverty.

She glanced at her mother and hopefully soon-to-be-stepfather and waved, smiling as she slipped onto the stage as the announcers called out her name. The moment was almost surreal, the hope it planted in her blossoming as she took her diploma and shook the dean's hand.

"Great job, Bethany. Look forward to seeing you in the MBA program." He smiled, and she simply nodded, turning her head for the flashing light of the cameras. Her head protested at the attention, the dull ache still remaining from her night of almost fun.

She walked down to join her classmates in the hard-backed chairs, the energy palpable in the air. Their speaker had asked to go on after the names were read, which was odd, but she was degreed and couldn't care less about what came next. Sinking into her seat, her mind numbed at the monotone voice of their valedictorian, the message surely on success and their ability to do anything they wanted to do.

She scoffed internally, wanting nothing more than a cheeseburger, sex, and a nap. In that order.

***

"We're so proud of you, sweetheart. Let's grab some lunch. Kent made us a reservation at a restaurant here in town."

Her mother pulled her into a hug as she stood before Bethany, who was smiling with a sense of relief sitting lightly on her. It was done. The graduation was over, and she held her diploma in her hand.

"Quite the accomplishment, Bethany. Your mom tells me that you used grants and a work-study to make your way through your bachelor’s?"

She nodded and moved back, wrapping an arm around her mom's shoulders as they walked to the car. Various friends called out to her, and she responded in between talking with Kent and her mother.

"Yes. I was very lucky not to have to apply for loans during the last four years. A lot of my friends are leaving today with forty to eighty thousand dollars hanging over their heads. I can't imagine."

"Debt is the devil for sure." He smiled and held the car door open for her as she got in the back. He opened the door for her mother as Bethany relaxed against the new-smelling leather of his Lexus. She didn't know much about Kent, but what she had seen she liked quite a bit.

He was classy and old school, always holding the door open and shaking hands with people. His smile was warm and kind, his eyes dark and full of mystery. He would take some getting used to, as the only man in Bethany's mother’s life had been her weasel of a father. Her mom had just about written off men for good until her older sister, Bethany's aunt, Patty, introduced her to Kent.

"Hungry, girls?" Kent turned and looked over at Bethany, his right arm extending to hold hands with her mom.

A smile touched Bethany’s mouth as she nodded. How nice would it be to find someone like him to take care of her mom?

How nice would it be to find someone like him to take care of her? She scoffed internally and engaged in the surface-level conversation as they drove to the restaurant.

Bethany sat up as the car pulled to the front of the large building, a valet rushing to open her and her mother's doors. She got out, and her mom looked over at her as Kent spoke with another valet.

"Kent's paying, so get whatever you want, baby. This is your day." She smiled and held out her left hand, a large engagement ring on her finger.

"Oh my God, Mom. He had the ring already?”

“He sure did, and I said yes. We'll get married on the beach in Jamaica in three weeks. We just want you and his two boys to come with us. You can each bring someone if you want, and if not, just come, and we'll have some family fun."

Bethany stood there, her mouth half hanging open as Kent walked around the car and put an arm around her mother.

"I see your mom told you the good news."

"She sure did. Congratulations! How exciting."

He smiled and moved them toward the restaurant. "It's given me a whole new outlook on life. But today is about you. We'll talk about the wedding next week. We want you to come spend the week with us, meet the boys and such."

"Of course. I'd love to."

Chapter 4

At first, she was hesitant to order anything off the menu, the prices ridiculous for a simple graduation meal. Her mom ordered a salad for herself, and Bethany followed suit, but the bread bowl was calling her name. She waited until Kent reached out and took a piece, offering it to her next.

"So, Mom tells me that you're an accountant as well?" Bethany passed the bread to her mom, her eyes on the newest member of her soon-to-be family.

"I have a degree in accounting and a doctorate in law. It's a passion of mine, but my company is actually an accounting firm, which is something I wanted to talk with you about." He smiled and looked over at Bethany's mother as if asking permission for something. Her mom smiled shyly, and he reached over and took her hand under the table.

"Oh yeah? That's great news. I'd love to talk accounting with you; just don't tell anyone how nerdy I am. I keep that locked down most days." She smiled as her mother chided her.

Kent sat back, the look on his face giving her peace.

"Your mother tells me that you're headed to your master’s program in a month and are looking for some financial assistance."

She wasn't quite sure how to respond. His statement was completely true, and yet she felt like a beggar admitting that she couldn't pay her own way. She glanced at her mom, whose eyes seem to press her toward the message of honesty and transparency.

"Yes. My grants only cover a third of my expenses, and getting a job is my next step. I don't mind getting a job, but most firms would require me to work full-time. I could work somewhere non-accounting, that's part time, but I wouldn’t make nearly enough money to live off of."

Kent was nothing like she expected for a billionaire. Her mother might be aware of her new fiancé's wealth, but Bethany doubted it. She’d done her research, though, and knew that McKenzie and Bryant Accounting LLC was a cash cow. If Kent wasn't worth at least thirty billion dollars, Bethany would be surprised. Still, he was far too down to earth, far from what she expected a billionaire to act like. They were supposed to be greedy and self-serving, manipulative and spoiled.

Maybe he was exactly that, and they had yet to see it. Only time would tell.

"What about this—" He paused and sat up to the table, his eyes filled with something like excitement. "I'll pick up the tab for the funds that you're lacking, and you come work at M and Bs three days a week in the morning or afternoon, whatever your schedule allows you to commit to us."

Bethany sat in shock for a minute, his offer way more than generous. She looked at her mom, who was beaming like they'd won the lottery, and in a way, she guessed they had.

The smile on Kent’s handsome face caused Bethany’s lips to lift, and she nodded before she realized what she was doing.

"Deal. Would I be working for you?"

"No, your new brother, Damon. Smart as a whip, but you'll love him. The two of you have a tremendous amount in common. He's brilliant and driven, hardworking and very devoted to success."

"Sounds perfect, hmm, Beth?" Her mom beamed.

"More than perfect." She swallowed the lump in her throat, the bread from her plate helping to push down the feeling that perhaps she was making a mistake.

She hated spoiled, frat boy alpha males. Surely her soon-to-be stepbrother was more like his father and less like the image in her head. Of course, her mom had called him an ass , so maybe not.

"Good. You start on Monday."

***

Monday came far too fast. Bethany had spent the weekend packing up a few things to stay with her mom and Kent at his house for her week’s vacation. Too bad her vacation had turned into a new job and a possible asshole boss to deal with.

Her mom had taken her shopping on Sunday for some new clothes, Kent more than happy to lend his credit card to the adventure.

She finished buttoning the white short-sleeved shirt her mother had gushed over in the dressing room, her black pencil skirt accentuating the thickening backside she was starting to hate. Bethany growled and ran her hands over the curves of her rear, her hair long and loose around her shoulders, makeup light but still obvious. She had on black heels and various accents of crimson jewelry.

Her stepfather gave her the thumbs-up as she walked into the kitchen Monday morning. "Just let Martha know what you'd like to eat, and she'll whip it up for you. You look perfectly professional." Kent smiled and pointed to the kitchen, from which the smell of something delicious wafted toward her.

Bethany’s stomach growled in protest, and they laughed together as she turned and walked quickly toward the kitchen.

Nervousness sat heavy on her, her worry over meeting her new boss nothing compared to having to pretend to approve of her new stepbrother. She would play the game for a little while, but if he was a jerk like she imagined he might be, she would be more than happy to put him in his place.

After a quick breakfast of juice, eggs, and toast, she climbed into her small Honda, her mom blowing her a kiss from the front door.

Kent's house was a mansion three times over, the number of rooms making it feel more like a hotel. Her mom hadn't moved out of her own small, two-bedroom house on the other side of Dallas, and they had decided that, for the week of vacation, she and her mom would stay with Kent at his place. Good thing. Her mom most likely had stale cereal and low-fat milk as the most appetizing breakfast option. Bethany shuddered at the thought.

***

Bethany drove in nervous silence, the sound of the traffic around her offering a bit of balm to her beating heart. It had been a while since she’d had to try to impress someone. All of the professors in the business center knew her, and her reputation preceded her thanks to tutoring often and being part of the honors fraternity.

This was a whole new situation. She'd have to impress her new stepbrother, and something told her that would be more difficult than she wanted it to be.

Not having any siblings of her own, she wasn't even sure how to approach their new relationship but figured her best bet was to respect him as her boss, and if something familial grew from that, all the better. Forcing something wasn't her style at all, her heart set on impressing people with her intelligence and wit no matter the audience.

Bethany pulled into the visitor parking, an elderly cop moving toward her and motioning for her to lower the window. The large building above them reaching high into the sky, as most of the other buildings in the business district in downtown did.

"Where ya headed, miss?" He leaned down, a smile lifting the furry mustache on his upper lip.

"I'm starting my internship with McKenzie and Bryant today. I hope I'm in the right place." She looked around for a sign, nothing but plain concrete walls surrounding them.

"You're in the right place. Go to the fourth floor or above in the garage, and make sure you don't park in a reserved spot. Take the ticket the little machine up there spits out at you, and have the receptionist validate it for ya." He moved back and motioned for her to go on through. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Bethany mumbled as she rolled up her window, and the car crept toward the small ticket dispenser. Excitement mixed with fear rushed up her chest, her breathing reminding her of the need to exercise. She usually didn't get hyped up about things, but this was a whole new ballgame. Not having an interview with Damon left her without a clue of who it was that she would be answering to. Her mom's comments about Kent's oldest son left her stomach in knots.

She parked and reached in to pull her purse from the passenger seat, hitting her head on the rearview mirror and cursing at herself. She moved out of the car and walked quickly toward the elevator sign.

The heat in Texas in late August was painful. If she wasn't careful, her hair would turn into something Tina Turner might be proud to sport. Reaching up, she tugged her fingers through the silky strands and slipped into the elevator with the two million other people who were headed toward the large building above them. It looked like hell had opened its gates for a quick drink of ice water.

She filed out, people rushing around her and checking their watches. Bethany looked around, trying to get her bearings before noticing a large sign on the wall that displayed a map. She moved toward it, working not to get run over by the suits that filled the large lobby. McKenzie and Bryant was on the twenty-eighth floor, the view from their windows most likely incredible.

She walked toward the correct elevator and got in at the last minute, the door closing behind her. She turned to face away from the crowd and exhaled softly, fear of the unknown almost consuming her. The door opened a few times for other floors, and she shifted to the left and right, trying to be polite and waiting her turn.

Finally, the light for the twenty-eighth floor lit up, and the door opened, Bethany moving off with a short, squatty male who looked a little older than her. He pulled a badge from his waist and swiped it on the reader on the wall by the door. He held the door open and smiled at Bethany. "New today?"

"I sure am." She moved toward him, a smile on her lips as she held her purse on her shoulder. "I'm supposed to check in with the receptionist."

He moved into the large lobby behind her and shifted to her side. "I'm Ben. Nice to meet you."

"Bethany Miller. Nice to meet you, too." She looked around, realizing that the receptionist desk was just behind her.

"Well, good luck today, and if you need a tour, I'm in office 1014." He smiled and walked off.

Bethany turned to greet the receptionist. "Hi, I'm a new intern."

The receptionist looked up and held up her finger, her long red nail quite out of place for a professional environment. Bethany apologized and moved to sit in one of the small leather chairs just beside the woman's desk. A few minutes later, the lady called Bethany back up.

"New intern, did you say?"

"Yes, ma'am." Bethany stood and moved toward the desk, the woman standing and fiddling with some papers below her.

"Bethany Miller?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Stop calling me ma'am. Makes me feel old." The lady smiled, but it failed to reach her eyes. "You're going to be in that conference room right over there. Here's a packet of stuff you need to fill out, and Mr. Bryant will call you up when he's available. Human Resources will want some of your time today, so make sure to stick around after you see the boss man. We'll get you an office and all that good stuff, too."

Bethany thanked the woman and walked toward the room, her shoulders and back aching as stress stiffened her. Sitting down in the large black leather chair, she pulled out a pen and began to work on the items in front of her.

The receptionist poked her head in a few minutes later, her knuckles rapping on the door and causing Bethany to jump.

"Sorry. Mr. Bryant is ready for you. Just go up the elevator to the thirtieth floor. His receptionist, Linda, will get you in to see him."

She walked off, and Bethany stood, putting the papers together and shoving them in the folder. She hated like hell that her hands trembled. She'd have to keep them in her lap in front of Damon. No way was she letting him on to the nervousness that tore up her insides.

"Here goes nothing …"

Chapter 5

Linda was far too good looking to be a secretary, or Damon was the asshole her mother had warned her about. Bethany hated to judge a book by its cover, but the tall blonde model posing as a receptionist had been incredibly sexual—just in showing Bethany to Damon's office, her words almost purred. Bethany thanked her and shivered in disgust as the door closed. Apparently, Damon was down the hall and would be back shortly.

Taking advantage of the few moments she had, Bethany walked around the large executive office. The windows lined the walls of half of the office from floor to ceiling. The view was spectacular, and she wanted to see it at night, the lights of the city a beautiful spectacle, no doubt.

Pictures of three men accented the wall behind Damon's large cherrywood desk, one of them being Kent and the others Damon and his brother. She picked up one of the photos of the three men smiling at the camera, their golf shirts showing that they were at an event together.

"Oh shit. Please let the goofy-looking one be Damon."

She sat the picture down and moved toward the door, the sound of him coming in causing her heart to race. His voice was deep, the timbre of it commanding and firm.

"I'll be busy for the next twenty minutes, Linda. No interruptions unless the building is burning down."

The door closed, and Bethany turned from the window, her heart sinking at the image before her. It wasn't the goofy brother but the devilishly handsome one. The one that caused hearts to stop and panties to disintegrate with a look. His dark hair was combed on the sides and a bit messy on the top, the smirk on his lips giving her something later to dream about inappropriately. His blue shirt was fitted, the thick muscles of his arms and chest contracting as he simply walked toward her.

She moved in his direction, extending her hand, a soft smile on her lips as she watched his dark brown eyes move from her face to her toes and back up again.

"Hi. I'm Bethany."

He stopped in front of her and shook her hand, tilting his head slightly to the side.

"I expected you to be a little more mousy. Pleasant surprise, I suppose." He shook her hand, his face a mask of indifference. "Damon Bryant. Have a seat."

He moved around her, and she turned, walking toward the chair and praying like hell she'd make it before her legs gave out. Her knees shook slightly as her heart beat wildly in her chest.

The picture had been a sad representation of the man before her. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air, and she breathed in deeply, coveting it.

She sat down, pressing her knees together and letting her purse slide from her fingers onto the floor beside her. She wanted to jump in and start the conversation, but he simply demanded the lead, and she couldn't help but let him have it. She bit her lip, stopping the minute she realized he was focused on her mouth.

"My father tells me that you're a brilliant accountant and that you're here to make my life easier."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to help."

"So tell me, Bethany, are you brilliant?" He sat up, leaning forward as he studied her.

Something about his gaze made her feel as if she were nude, bare before him. A nervous tic caused her foot to bounce to the rhythm of her heartbeat, her mind racing for the most appropriate answer.

"I graduated near the top of my class in both high school and college."

"I didn't ask that. I asked if you were brilliant."

"Yes?" she whispered, her voice hiding from her.

This was embarrassing, humiliating. What the hell was wrong with her? She had sat in front of professors and state regulators for the board of public accountancy. She had never lost her footing before. She spoke again just before he started to, the look on his handsome face pensive.

"Yes. I am brilliant."

"Good." He watched her for a minute more before turning to the blinking light on his phone. "Forgive me for a minute. I need to take this."

She nodded and diverted her attention toward the windows, her chest screaming for air. She hadn't realized she had been holding her breath and worked to let it go quietly.

Damon was sensual and strong, dark and handsome, much more so than anyone she had ever encountered. Remembering that he was soon to be her new stepbrother was important, not that anything would happen between the two of them. He was probably six to eight years older than her and far out of her league. He made the sexy blonde in the foyer pale in comparison.

Bethany tried not to listen to Damon’s conversation but couldn't help it.

"I know, Bridget. Yes, tonight will be fine. Eight o'clock at Pallinda's. Wear the blue dress for me and the black heels that you know I love."

Bethany looked over at him, his eyes on her as he spoke. His predatory gaze made her feel as if she were under a microscope, his attention almost heavy, as her skin broke out in goosebumps. She averted her eyes again toward the window, needing to get some air before she screamed.

"No, you know I don't like it when you wear panties. No, not even the little ones. Too restraining."

Bethany's head snapped back forward, her eyes large and wide as Damon simply stared at her. His expression was soft and lacking emotion as if he were ordering a pizza in front of her. She swallowed hard, her eyes moving to the tug of his bottom lip, his teeth biting along the edge of it. She stood and moved toward the window, her level of comfort completely gone.

"That's right. Blue dress, black heels, and don't bother with your panties. I'm not interested."

The sound of the phone hitting the cradle caused her to stiffen.

He was an ass.

If he'd had any respect for Bethany or himself, he would have held his conversation in private. She turned and looked over her shoulder, her breathing ragged and obvious.

"Bethany, I have certain needs as the CFO of this company. If you're here to make my life easier, then you'll quickly learn them. Your brilliance will get you far, but if you and I aren't on the same page with things, then my father will be your champion instead of me and good luck with that."

The implication of his words sent a chill down her spine.

"And what are your needs?" She turned slowly, crossing her arms over her chest as the door to his office cracked open, and Linda stuck her head in.

"I know you said no interruptions, but your father's on the phone."

"Thank you." He looked toward Bethany as a smile lifted the side of his perfect mouth. "Soon enough. Linda will show you to your new office. Plan on having lunch with me tomorrow so we can talk about the various positions I'm going to put you in."

He turned and sat down at his desk, the conversation over.

Bethany walked toward his desk, leaning over and picking up her purse as her mind spun out of control. She walked to the door stiffly, questions running rampant at the saucy innuendo Damon had thrown her way.

Surely he hadn’t meant…

She stopped just before slipping through the door, the sound of his voice wrapping around her.

"Oh, and Bethany. You'll enjoy every one of those positions, and I'll do my best to make this a stimulating experience for us both." He bit subtly at his top lip and watched her closely, Bethany nodding and slipping through the open door.

She was in too deep already.

Chapter 6

Bethany moved toward her new office like a zombie, her mind trying desperately to work through the last few words her stepbrother Damon had spoken to her. His voice had been filled with conviction, the seriousness of his gaze leaving her to wonder if he hadn't meant everything simply from a business perspective.

He had certain needs, and she would be required to know them and fulfill them, as it seemed every other woman in the company was busy trying to do.

Did Kent know that his son was pimping out the women of their accounting firm for his own perverted desires?

Or had Damon simply meant that, as the CFO, he would need her to be on her toes, to work fast, like he did, and keep on top of things? Those were needs, too… Maybe she was trying to make something sexual out of it because he was by far the most good-looking man she'd seen in her short life.

"Here's your office. The laptop is yours to take with you. The cords are all there, and the phone is already set up." The receptionist turned and extended a golden key, her long nails almost covering up the small item. "Here's your key. You'll need to go tomorrow and get a badge. You're not in the system yet, but Linda will work on that later today for you."

"Thanks." Bethany took the key and moved into the large office, looking over her shoulder as the woman lingered in the doorway. "Do all of the interns have offices this big?"

"No, but you must have impressed someone. Usually, three of them share an office this big." The other woman smiled, lipstick staining her teeth. Bethany almost told her but thought better of it.

"Okay. Thank you again. I'll reach out if I need help."

"Your best bet is to call Ben. He's the intern coordinator for the audit side. I would think you'd be starting off there."

"I'm not entirely sure, to be honest, but I'll call Ben." Bethany smiled as the receptionist shrugged and turned to go.

Her thoughts slipped back to Damon, her conversation with him raring back to life in her mind. Perhaps he hadn't meant that she'd be filling his sexual needs, but his reference to putting her in various positions and making it stimulating and enjoyable for them both?

"Come on …" she whispered, taking a seat and leaning back, her skin flushed with the idea of being naked beneath him. He was far too much man for her. Of that she was sure.

"He's your freaking stepbrother too. Get ahold of yourself." She huffed, looking up to see Ben standing in her door with a friendly smile on his face.

"You always talk to yourself?"

"Yep. Only person I've found that isn't quick to disagree with my opinions." She laughed and motioned for him to come in.

"Oh really? Seems like the greatest struggle I have is convincing myself to do something." He sat down in the chair in front of her, his expression open and calm.

Bethany let her thoughts of Damon go by the wayside; the inappropriateness of having those thoughts at work caused her no small amount of discomfort.

"Too funny. So the receptionist told me that you're the intern coordinator."

"That I am. I asked Damon if I could have a few more things on my plate, and he was happy to supply them." Ben shrugged, his cheeks coloring pink.

"You don't have enough work around here?" She smiled, jabbing at him about the overload of work he was probably pushing around. If she'd learned one thing in school, it was that accounting firms of all sizes were sweatshops. You got in and killed yourself until you limped out. The dark circles under Ben's swollen eyes told her his story was in line with her assumptions.

"I have plenty of work, but I'm a single guy, so it's important for me to get out and socialize. I'm originally from Seattle and haven't met too many people yet. Kent brought me down here to help establish a special service line that we'll be starting later this year."

"Interesting. So managing the interns gives you a chance to get out of the office for happy hours and get to know people."

"Exactly." He smiled and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his portly stomach. "Speaking of … there’s a new club in town that the interns are wanting to check out as a group on Thursday night. We thought instead of happy hour at one of the local pubs we'd go see what the rage is all about."

"What's the name of the place?" Bethany leaned forward, pressing her forearms to her desk, her interest piqued. Having been in college just down the street for the last few years, there weren't too many places she didn't know about.

"It's called Masquerade." He shrugged, his smile the only thing giving away his level of excitement. "You don't have to dress up special, but if you get on the dance floor, then you're required to wear a mask like you would at a ball."

"Weird. Is it new?"

"Yep. Just opened two weeks ago. I swear, it’s all anyone’s talking about."

"I'm in. I need to get out, and I'd love to meet the rest of the interns. Does anyone go with us, or is it just interns?"

"Sometimes the boss man will make an appearance, but I highly doubt it since it’s a club. His party days are over, I think. He works far too hard to enjoy life much." Ben shook his head as if disappointed in Damon for his unwillingness to live a little.

Bethany sat quietly for a moment, the thought of Damon not living seeming impossible. From the conversation he’d had on the phone with his girlfriend, it seemed that he was living a lot. To tell a girl to wear a certain dress and heels was one thing, but to command her to leave her panties at home? Hot and disturbing.

She could see her and Damon in her afternoon fantasies.

"Why the faraway look?" Ben asked, his short chuckle bringing Bethany back to the present.

"Hmmm?"

"You look like you're lost in thought."

"Oh, just trying to deal with all of the transitions in my life. Sorry. Didn't sleep too well last night. I was nervous like crazy about this morning."

"I bet. It's not only graduation for you but a new family and your first accounting job, right?"

"How did you know?" She tilted her head to the side, her smile dropping as she tried to understand who else knew about her and Damon being family soon.

Ben held his hands up, standing and shaking his head as he backed toward the door.

"I'm the only one. I get a full rundown on you guys from the boss man because I'm in charge of the program. I only know what I just shared, though, so no worries about a bulletin board being up with your info for all to see." He laughed, and Bethany did too, liking him for his transparency, above all.

"Damon told you about his father and my mother?"

"Yeah, and a little about you. I'm pretty excited to have you join us. Graduating near the top of UT's accounting program is a big deal."

"Thanks. It felt like a great accomplishment. I'm starting my master’s in a few weeks. Just trying to pay for it."

"I totally understand." He moved just outside of the door, his hands reaching up to grip the frame. "So, you're with us on Thursday night?"

"Yeah, sounds good."

"Any questions so far?"

She bit her lip, wondering if she should ask Ben about Damon's sensual responses, question him on how Damon plays ball in the office. She could tell the man before her respected their boss, but she wondered if part of that wasn't a bromance in the works. Damon had looks and money, prestige and power—everything any man would want.

"What's the story with Damon?"

"What do you mean?" Ben took a few steps back into her office, moving to lean against the bookshelf. It groaned under his weight but held him.

"I just mean that he has a sexy secretary and he seems to be dating a very attractive blonde … I don't know. Never mind." She shrugged, heat rising to her face. She reached up and rubbed her cheeks, her embarrassment obvious.

"No, I don't mind answering. I think Linda was someone Mr. Bryant, Damon's father, hired. I honestly didn't think Damon was dating anyone, but it's good to hear. He needs to spend a little bit of time away from this place. His dad is looking at retiring in a few years, and Damon is the next in line, I guess."

"What about Seattle? Did you work for them up there or for someone else?"

"Them. They have a small accounting shop up there, mostly taxes, but it's a good learning experience. I'm originally from Seattle, so it was a natural transition to go to work for them. Damon and I spent some time in college together, though he's a lot older than me. He was a Kappa Alpha, and I was pledging his last year as president."

"He was Kappa Alpha?" Totally made sense.

"Yeah, we both were." He shrugged and looked around the empty office. "You need to put your diploma and a few pictures up in here. You dating as well?"

"Me? No. I wish … I just haven't found the right guy."

"I hear you. I'm looking for the right girl, but when you put in a million hours, it's hard to meet her." He paused and let his gaze fall back on Bethany. "Did Damon do something that made you uncomfortable, or were you just questioning his loving on blondes?"

She stood, stretching and reaching up to cover her mouth as she yawned.

"He just said a few things that seemed kind of … suggestive, but maybe that's because I don't know him. He's my stepbrother or will be soon, so I’m just trying to figure out who he is."

Ben laughed and moved back to the door, looking over his shoulder. "He's a great guy, very professional. If he seems to be flirtatious, it's just because he's a friendly guy. Half the interns would sell their souls to the devil to have him glance at them, but he's just not willing. I've never heard him say, or seen him do, anything that would cause me to question his ethics."

"Very good. I'm happy to be here, and I'm in for Thursday."

"Call if you need anything. You have lunch plans today?"

"I'm going to catch up on getting this stuff together. I had a huge breakfast."

"Suit yourself. I'll see you later, I'm sure. Just down the hall if you need me."

"Thanks, Ben."

She smiled and waited until he was gone before plopping down in her chair. Ben would have a heart attack if she repeated the panty conversation she'd overheard. He'd been playing with her, talking like that in front of her. He wasn't the perfectly professional guy that Ben thought he was. Did that make him a creep?

Maybe he was just interested in her.

"He's your stepbrother, for fuck’s sake."

She growled and turned to her computer, her phone buzzing with a new text message. It was her mother letting her know that they'd be having company for dinner. Her new brother would be dropping by to get to know Bethany better.

Damon was coming to dinner?

"Crap," she whispered. The handsome alpha was already on her mind much more than she was comfortable with. Too bad she wasn't blonde. She tugged at a strand of her hair, wondering what she'd look like as a blonde.

She rolled her eyes at her wayward thoughts and dove into the complicated accounting technology the firm used—no guide available or needed.

Chapter 7

Bethany packed up at around six, grumbling over the fact that her mother had called twice during the last hour of work. She placed her laptop into the nice black bag that they’d left for her, which had the firm logo embroidered into it.

Nervousness tugged at her stomach as she walked through the halls, her eyes moving about to ensure that if Damon walked out of an open office, she'd be prepared to encounter him.

He probably thought she was a child, a young girl with too many brains and not enough courage to speak up. She should have called his ass on the rug for talking with his girlfriend inappropriately in front of her, but truth be known, she could only dream of a man like him demanding something of her.

Her pathetic friendship with Jake rolled across her thoughts as she walked languidly to the elevator. She squeezed in as the doors opened and had to apologize when she stepped on a beautiful red-haired girl’s toe. The girl, who was about Bethany’s age, merely huffed.

Bethany turned and put her hands in front of her waist, clasping her fingers together and trying to not take up too much space.

The door opened, and she moved out, Jake on her mind again. He had been a great guy and yet had no drive to reach out and press her to a wall. He had wanted her for the last two years, she knew without a doubt, and yet he never pressed her to do anything with him. Maybe if he had, things would have been different between them. She didn't want an alpha male dick forcing her to do anything, but a dominant male putting himself out there with commands and demands that only she could fulfill?

She groaned softly at the thought.

***

The ride home was quick, the sun still shining late into the Texas evening. Bethany pulled up to Kent's large home. The circle drive was ornate, and the house was framed by vibrant pink roses. The white brick gave the house a regal appearance, not to mention the bellboy who opened her door and took her keys from her. He was a few years younger than her and horribly shy. He spoke quickly; his eyes averted as if he were warned not to look at her.

She thanked him and walked into the house, her mom walking down the hall toward her with a huge grin on her face.

"There's my working girl. Tell me all about it!" Her mother stopped in front of her, pulling her into a tight hug.

Bethany returned the gesture, feeling as if she were eight again and had just gotten home from elementary school. Her mom had a way of ushering in memories, good and bad.

"It was great. Met some new friends and got invited to go out Thursday night with the other interns. Should be fun." She moved back from her mom, looking toward the kitchen and breathing in deeply. "You said my new stepbrother was coming by tonight? We talking about Damon?"

"Nope. The handsome one," a male voice sounded behind her.

Bethany turned and smiled at the tall, goofy-looking guy that moved toward her. He was cute in his own way, his body a bit fluffier than she might like, but his blond hair and blue eyes made up for it. The smile on his face was beautiful and reached to his eyes, the brightness in those eyes making Bethany return the gesture.

She extended her hand as her mother introduced them. "Bethany, you're almost-stepbrother Matthew."

Matthew moved past her hand and pulled her up into a big hug, Bethany wrapping her arms around him and looking at her mom as the big guy squeezed the air from her lungs.

"Matt, put her down, Son." Kent walked out of the study to their left as Matthew sat Bethany down, her laughter feeling good—right.

"It's okay. I like hugs. I just haven't had such a big one before."

Matt winked and looked toward Kent. "Time to eat. The appetizers are all done." He extended his bent arm toward Bethany and bowed slightly. "Care to accompany me, my lady?"

She smiled at Kent as he started to respond again, her mother stepping up to hush him.

Matt had something a little off about him, but Bethany didn't mind at all. He was the exact opposite of Damon, which left her a little curious about their moms. Perhaps they only shared one parent.

"I'm thinking we have bruschetta with those little toasts and nachos for the starter." He looked down at her and smiled. "You're very pretty. I guess I'll have to buy a gun or get a big stick to beat the boys back from you."

She laughed and walked into the kitchen, letting his arm go as she took a seat at the bar that looked over the large room. Martha, the cook, looked over her shoulder and smiled at them.

"Matthew, get out the ranch from the refrigerator. The girl is more than capable of taking care of herself. No need to play the role of the overprotective brother to a girl who’s in her twenties, the age when you're actually looking to get married."

"Oh, she's not looking to get married. She's a career woman, Martha." Bethany's mom moved up beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as Kent moved into the kitchen.

"Smart girl. The career first and then a love life." He turned and almost ran into Matthew, the scowl on his face leaving Bethany with the impression that perhaps his younger son wasn't his favorite of the two.

"Thank you again for the chance at McKenzie and Bryant. I had a great day today and enjoyed meeting Damon."

Matt sighed loudly, a silly smile on his lips as Kent looked over at him with a warning on his features.

"You met Damon? God help you. Was he an ass, or did he put his mask on?" Matt pulled at the air in front of him, pretending to slip on a mask before he started to prance around the kitchen like a villain of sorts.

Bethany couldn't help but chuckle as her mom responded with the same sound beside her.

"I did, and I liked him."

Bethany shrugged as Matt turned to her, his hands pressing against his hips as he cocked his head to the side.

"Everyone loves Damon. He's the handsome, smart one."

"You're handsome too. Did you take your meds? You are awfully hyper today, boy." Martha poked at Matt with the end of a wooden spoon before moving to fill the counter in front of Bethany with appetizers.

She reached up and started to dig in, Matt moving in beside her as her mother moved toward Kent.

"Well, Damon is a little rough around the edges, but he was quite impressed by you, which is saying a lot." Kent looked over at Bethany as he popped a carrot in his mouth.

"That's good to hear. I think I'm going to enjoy learning from him."

"Yes, well, let's hope that's all you do. He's crazy about a girl with dark hair and green eyes," Matt said as Kent reached over and popped him with a towel.

"Leave your brother alone. He's not here to defend himself from your empty accusations. Besides, Bethany is going to be his sister. He has limits to his actions—mostly."

Bethany found herself shocked at the notion that Damon hadn't been smitten with the various blondes that seemed to populate most of the office. Ben had filled her in on the fact that Linda, Damon's beautiful secretary, was Kent's hire and not Damon's. Not that it mattered at all. He was off limits, he was taken, and he was family.

Matt picked up a few nachos, balancing them on his hand as he nodded toward the back patio.

"Let's go watch the sunset. I love how well you can see it from the terrace here. My place is in the city, so there isn't much to see above the smog." He smiled and moved toward the back door.

Bethany grabbed a small plate and loaded it up with enough nachos for both of them before joining him. Her mom called after her to be careful, but she ignored it. Be careful of what? The mosquitoes?

Matt walked out and held the door for her, moving to the side and reaching to steal a nacho from her plate. They walked to the end of the terrace, two large lounge chairs sitting there as if waiting on them.

"It's beautiful out here." The energy in Matt's voice dimmed, his spirit seeming much calmer than only moments ago.

She sat down and looked over at him; his expression was filled with peace.

"You okay?"

"Yeah." He smiled at her, reaching for the plate. "I just act like a spaz in front of my father. I hate the idea of wearing a suit and working in a high-rise building, no offense. I act like a goober, and he doesn't consider me when something comes open. He focuses on Damon, and I have my freedom."

It made so much sense. She smiled at how well he'd played his cards.

Taking a small bite of the nacho in her fingers she looked out at the long stretch of property before them, the crimson sun tugging the colors of evening toward the edge of the world with its descent.

"I love accounting and don't mind the big buildings, I guess."

"I love drawing and painting. I'm the artsy one in the family. My mother was a painter, so at least I get it honestly." He shrugged and sat back, handing the plate back to her with only two nachos left.

She laughed, and he turned his head toward her. "What?"

"You ate most of our snack. Pig."

He laughed loudly, the sound causing her to laugh too. Matt was exactly the kind of guy she could see herself being a sister to. Damon, on the other hand, was the farthest stretch of her sensual fantasies and going to be trouble, but Matt … he was a big kid. Good thing she still felt like one herself most days of the week.

"I was hungry." He reached over and pushed at her shoulder playfully. "Tell me for realz. Did you like Damon? Was he nice or rude as all get out?"

"He was professional, sort of. I mean he wasn't rude but very much focused on business."

"What do you mean ‘sort of professional’? Did he hit on you?"

Her throat tightened; the idea of talking about the conversation with his real brother and Matt perhaps telling Damon that she'd mentioned it was more than she could bear.

Honestly, the conversation had turned her on, and more than once that afternoon she'd imagined him forbidding her to wear panties under her black pencil skirt. Her body burned at the idea of someone with the balls to demand something of the sort. A touch of jealousy hit her as she thought of the girl on the phone, sitting with Damon at a restaurant.

"Hello … earth to Beth."

"Sorry. He just had a conversation with his girlfriend that was, well, it was sexy."

"He doesn't have a girlfriend."

"I'm pretty sure he does." Bethany picked up a chip and offered him the plate, Matt grabbing the last one and eating it quickly as if she might change her mind.

"Whatever you say, but I know my brother, and he's commitment phobic."

***

Bethany and Matt chatted for a few more minutes before dinner was served. She wanted so badly to ask him about his mom, as he had briefly mentioned her, but she let it slide. Now wasn't the time, in the middle of a family dinner. As soon as dessert was cleared, Matt stood and stretched, promising to come back the next night for dinner if they would have him. His father assured him he would.

Bethany stood and offered her bent arm to Matt. "Might I walk you to the door, sir?"

"Most certainly, my lady."

He took her arm and walked with her, skipping here and there to keep his mental act up. They stopped at the door, and he turned to her, pulling her into another breath-depleting bear hug. She laughed as he sat her down and tipped a fake hat.

"Behave, as much as possible, and if not, pretend it's because you didn't take your meds." He winked and slipped out the door, Bethany thrilled to have him as an almost member of her family. He was just what she needed.

Damon, on the other hand, wasn't.

Chapter 8

Bethany showered quickly before blow drying her long chestnut hair, the straightener a godsend in the Texas summer heat. She finished getting her hair to behave and put on a little makeup before walking into her adjoining room and getting dressed. A light blue suit with cream-colored lapels and lining made her look like a fashion icon from the fifties. It was elegant and yet demanded attention. She put on her favorite earrings and slipped on her cream-colored heels, the height of them accentuating her leg muscles. She loved feeling pretty and yet couldn't seem to find a reason to dress up most days of the week.

Her internship was going to spoil her.

Bethany walked to the kitchen, Martha handing her a plate with two breakfast tacos and salsa on it. She moved the plate to her face and breathed in deeply, the smell divine. Her stomach protested loudly, and she sat down at the bar for a quick breakfast. She didn't notice Martha watching her as she ate quickly, her concern not getting anything on her outfit.

"You haven't had the easiest of lives, have you, Miss?"

Bethany looked up, slowing her rapid chewing a little and reaching for the silky white napkin sitting beside her. She wiped her lips and reached to pick up her orange juice. She took a quick sip and sighed with relief, her gaze moving to the older Hispanic woman as she smiled.

"My father was a drug dealer and took everything from us when I was twelve. My mom's worked very hard to try and put food on the table, but most days it was just one meal. I'm not sure I want to get used to eating again, though."

"Why is that?"

"It hurts too much when it's gone again." Bethany rubbed at her chest, just above her heart. She had dealt with poverty so long that surely it was just around the corner in this new fairy tale and would jump out and cause everything to crash down around them.

"You don't have to worry about that, child. Mr. Bryant loves your mom."

"My dad said he did too. Who knows, right? Better to prepare for the worst and find yourself pleasantly surprised than hope for something that never comes."

"Well, I think that's pretty negative, but I'll keep my opinion to myself. You want another taco, sweetie?"

"No. I won't fit in my suit if you keep feeding me, Martha."

"Then we'll buy you another one."

The chef laughed and moved to busy herself with something on the stove as Bethany finished her breakfast, enjoying it to the last bit that she licked from her fingers. It was weird to be in the midst of wealth after such a long life of wanting for everything.

One thing was for sure—Bethany would never end up with someone who was rich. They wouldn't have anything in common. While a wealthy guy might be great for entertainment and sex, chances of him understanding her were slim. She couldn't shake the image of Damon from her thoughts, angst pressing against her at the idea that her new stepbrother was becoming her go-to fantasy.

"I need meds. I'll call Matthew." She smiled and slipped out of the house into the muggy mid-August morning.

The morning was less than eventful, Bethany feeling the pressure of anxiety over her lunch with Damon coming up so quickly. She was supposed to meet him at his office at a quarter till eleven, and it was just a few minutes after ten. She checked her watch for the tenth time before getting up and walking toward the women's restroom. She would get a few assignments from Damon during lunch, and then she was slated to work with Ben a little that afternoon on a new service they were thinking about offering in the near future.

She reached out and pushed the women's restroom door, a loud protest on the other side as she scraped the door across some poor girl's foot.

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry."

Bethany moved into the bathroom and saw that the girl was bent over and rubbing her foot as she cursed.

A dark-haired Hispanic girl stood behind the injured girl with a scowl on her face. "You should watch where you're going. Jeez."

Bethany started to apologize again as the injured girl stood up and glared at her. It was the girl from the elevator, whose foot Bethany had stepped on the day before.

"I'm so sorry. I just didn't see you there." Bethany reached toward the girl to touch her shoulder, but the shapely girl jerked away from her.

"Well, maybe you should pay more attention, you big oaf." She sneered and looked back at her friend. "I hope I can still dance tomorrow. This clumsy chick has stepped on my foot and now trampled it with the door. Ridiculous."

"Totally. You must be the new intern."

"Yeah." Bethany moved around them, not trusting herself to take too much more abuse from either of them before retaliating. Both occurrences were accidents, and their nastiness was about to bring the bitch out in her. The last thing she wanted to do was explain to Kent or Damon why she'd punched the pretty redhead in the mouth.

"Just so you know, behemoth, your lunch with Damon doesn't mean shit. He takes each of us to lunch. You're nothing special, and he's not interested in you." She shrugged as her friend echoed her thoughts with a sound of agreement, her hands on her hips as she glared at Bethany.

Bethany stared at them over her shoulder. "You mean he doesn't like me, like me?"

"Um no. He likes me, if anybody. Don't even try it. You aren't even his type." The redhead sneered again.

"Far too large and clumsy." The Hispanic girl smiled menacingly and moved toward the door, holding it open. "Come on, Sadie, let's go find a Band-Aid for your foot."

"Shame," Bethany whispered as if she cared and slipped into a stall. She'd get the girl when the time was right, but for now, planting seeds was plenty fun enough.

"Dumbass," Bethany whispered, tugging at the suit and letting her thoughts take her to the center of a ring as Sadie got her ass handed to her. It would be too easy, but oh, so much fun.

***

"Good Morning, Bethany. Damon will be with you shortly; just take a seat over there." Linda, Damon's secretary, looked over the top of her desk and smiled with what could have been kindness. She was too sensual, and it left Bethany wondering about Kent's thoughts when hiring the woman. Maybe she was just that way around other women? Surely not.

Damon's door opened, and a short blonde with a pixie haircut and red lipstick walked out, a dizzy look to her as she turned and waved, as if in love. Damon moved out beside her, his hand on the small of her back as he looked over at Bethany. His finger brushed by his lips at the crimson lipstick that was smeared on the side of his mouth. Linda got up and walked to him, leaning over to wipe it for him as the woman walked away.

"Why does Miss Carrington insist on kissing you like an old-fashioned church woman? She's in her thirties. I think she does it simply to kiss on you." Linda moved back and shook her head as Damon smirked, the man never seeming to smile. "Better. Your reservation at Cruz is for eleven fifteen. You want me to call them to bring your car around?"

"Yes, the Mercedes." He looked over toward Bethany. "You ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." She smiled and stood, walking toward him. She half wished he would offer his bent arm like his brother, Matthew, had done the night before. The difference between the two men almost left her with more questions than comfort.

Damon walked beside her, everyone they passed stopping to greet him and giving her the once-over. A conversation needed to start between them to deflate the awkwardness, but perhaps it only existed in her mind. Or maybe he enjoyed the feeling that someone was squirming because of him. Asshole.

He opened the door to the lobby and waited until she'd moved through to step up beside her. The elevator opened, and they squeezed in, him moving in behind her. He kept the space between them appropriate, but simply knowing that it was him that hovered over the back of her caused her skin to tingle, her body reacting without consent.

She needed to talk with Krista, tell her that her new stepbrother was everything she sexually wanted in a man. Then let the girl call her a prude.

She smiled as the door opened and then moved out, waiting for Damon to move up beside her.

"I heard you got to meet Matthew last night?"

"I did. I liked him a lot. He's very down to earth."

A smile touched the side of Damon's mouth, the look softening his features. She had to wonder if there wasn't more to him. Between Matt's joking about him and Ben's support of him, surely he wasn't the monster he appeared to be. He opened the door again for her, and they walked out of the front of the building, the Mercedes waiting for them.

The bellhop held her door open, and Damon stood beside him; his father had obviously taught him the way of Southern manners. She slipped into the car and watched him carefully as he moved around the front of the car to get in. Breathing in deeply, she enjoyed the smell of him. Woodsy and masculine, strong and sensual. His black pants hugged his legs and waist, the faded pink button-down shirt bringing out the darkness of his features. He got in and looked over at her.

"Steakhouse for lunch. Hope you're hungry."

"I'm always hungry."

"My type of girl." He looked over his shoulder, the long tanned slope of his neck far beyond kissable. She chided herself, hoping that she'd be able to keep it together for lunch. The excitement at finally feeling a deep sense of lust washed over her but was shortly followed by the stark reality that nothing would come of it. What would they have, a double wedding? Her mom and his dad with the two of them beside them?

Ridiculous.

Was she his type of girl? From what Matthew had confirmed the night before, her looks were right in the middle of the ballpark, and yet he seemed to focus on blondes.

"Let's utilize every ounce of time we have together today." He turned back in his seat and reached for a pair of dark sunglasses, looking even more sinful than he had a moment before.

"Sounds good to me. What is my first assignment?"

"First, my rules. I run the company, and my father has graciously trusted me to do things my way. I have several rules that everyone is aware of, and you'll do well to remember them."

Heat flushed her chest and raced up her neck at the condescension in his tone. She would have to suffer through lunch if he was going to put on his asshole cloak and be the man she expected he was.

"Okay. Tell me the rules. I'm happy to be compliant if they don't impede on my morals." She gave him a sideways glance, hoping to convey that the 'no panty' rule didn't apply to her. He looked over at her as a lovely smile lifted his mouth again.

"I almost pegged you for someone who didn't follow the rules. Your demeanor is on the edge. You look the part and are most certainly intelligent enough to play it, but something tells me there's more to you than you let on. Rule follower isn't something I would label you as."

She laughed, her nervousness at the tone of his voice causing the air to thicken. It was hard to breathe, and something told her that it wasn't going to get any easier each and every time the delicious man beside her made an appearance.

Chapter 9

The rules were simple, and Damon had barked them out like Bethany was a three-year-old.

No drama.

No lies.

No complaints.

In all dealings with him, those were the standards he set, and she was to follow the rules like everyone else did.

They sat across from one another at the upscale restaurant, Bethany watching Damon as he ordered their food and pulled a black napkin into his lap.

"You didn't even ask me what I wanted to eat."

"Did you want to change the order?" He leaned forward, his gaze heavy and intimidating.

"No, I love crab and could eat cheese until I'm blue in the face."

"Then, hush. You've broken two rules—no drama and no complaints." He winked at her, and she sat back, her hands fiddling uselessly in her lap. The fact that someone could be so handsome and have so much handed to him in life and yet be domineering in a master-slave sense was sickening. He wanted power, and he took it in each and every situation from what she could see.

"Don't overanalyze me, Bethany. I'm too complex for you to figure me out during the first week of your employment." He leaned back, picking up the glass of white wine that sat before him and taking a long drink. "I want to talk with you about the interns."

"What about them?"

"Ben is running the program for me, but he has no stamina or courage. They run all over him, and he often falls short of pushing our initiatives through to the younger generation such as yourself." He set the wine down, lifting up his finger to tell her to wait a moment.

She bit her lip, anxiety pressing against her at why he had to play the ass and do it so well.

"There are several of the girls in the group that plague me and, I'm sure, hope to catch my eye and then my heart. It's not happening. I would never date someone your age, and I'd most certainly not be interested in being anything less than completely professional with someone that works for McKenzie and Bryant."

Her heart sank, much to her dismay. What had she hoped for? That her stepbrother would see something in her and show her how a real man takes a woman? Bend her over the long sleek top of his desk and give her reason to use his name profanely?

"What does this have to do with me, Damon?"

"Glad you asked." He paused as the waiter placed the food before them, the smell causing Bethany to groan softly.

She loved good food more than anything in the world.

Damon’s eyes moved from his plate to hers, his lips parting as he studied her. "I assume your sensual sound of pleasure is toward the food?"

She laughed and picked up her fork, picking at the crab before taking a tentative bite and letting it melt on her tongue. She groaned softly again, nothing too loud, but the flare in his gaze told her quickly—he liked sounds.

"Stop concerning yourself with my food addiction, and tell me what you want of me where the interns are concerned. I am one myself, so keep that in mind."

He waved her off, picking up his fork and starting to eat, his head bowed slightly but his eyes focused on her. The long slope of his nose was beautiful, his eyelashes long and almost resting on his strong cheekbones. He was both masculine and yet breathtaking by anyone’s standard.

"I need you to ensure that the message is clear. I'm not interested in anyone within the office. One silly girl keeps trying to visit me daily, as if I'd ever find anything in her interesting. It would only take one moment alone with her, and she could file a sexual harassment suit against me. That's where you come in. Make sure they know. Simple, really."

"And why would I know that you're not interested? They don't know we're soon-to-be siblings. It wouldn't be believable that you just put me in charge of spouting out information, as if you and I were intimate."

"Don't tell them that you're soon to be my sister. They would treat you quite unfairly, and then I'd be forced to step in and save you."

"I don't need saving." She stiffened as her past caused her to feel small before him all of a sudden.

He looked up, leaning back as realization crossed his features. "Everyone needs saving, Bethany. Don't deny yourself when the opportunity arises."

She had no clue what he was talking about, and it was easier to continue down a linear path for their discussion.

"I'll figure out what to tell the interns, but being ambiguous will just make it seem as if I have my own agenda to get into your pants."

She looked up as he chuckled, his face softening with the action. Her heart ached in her chest at what would never be. She swallowed the desire to be whatever he wanted, to do whatever he demanded, to force him to want her as much as she wanted him. The realization of her feelings caused her stomach to turn.

"You think far too much on things. No drama, no lies, and no complaining. Rules to live by, I promise."

They spoke very little on the way back to the office, Damon inviting her to stop by the next day and fill him in on her conversation with the other girls. She awarded him with a deadpan stare and walked back to her office, her fantasies leaving her heart beating fast and her palms sweaty.

She needed a stiff drink.

***

The rest of the afternoon, Bethany tried to work through her conflicting emotions. Ben stopped by and gave her a testing file for one of their large clients, and she was grateful for something to take her mind off of the lunch with Damon.

Damon hadn't been inappropriate, but it wasn't beyond him to make her feel much more with the way he watched her versus anything he might say.

She worked hard on the file until shortly after six. Her phone buzzed to remind her to get up and head home. She would be working late hours during the abhorred busy season, which was January through April, so most accountants tried to have normal ten-hour days the rest of the year.

"Are you going to Masquerade with the other interns tomorrow?"

She looked up at Damon, his arms across his chest, the thick muscles of his pecs pressing through the soft material. Her breath caught in her chest for a minute, the vision of undressing him rapidly sweeping her away.

"Yes. You?" She stood and stretched, clasping her hands behind her back and pulling. His eyes moved from her face toward her chest, the lightness of his expression darkening slightly. She crossed her arms over her breasts and moved out from behind her desk to stand before him.

"No. I'm not interested in dance clubs."

"Don't dance?"

"Only when I have to."

"And when is someone forced to dance? Seems odd."

"At weddings, which you and I will be attending for our parents soon, it would seem, and when you want to seduce someone." His eyes rolled over her, and once again she felt bare, stripped before him. The power of his seduction was something she'd fall over herself to see, but that was a pipe dream, something she'd not get the chance to witness, most likely.

"Are we going to be able to get away for the weekend in Jamaica?"

He nodded and moved from his position, running his fingers through his hair before looking over his shoulder out toward the hall. A scowl touched his face as someone called his name, the high timbre of the girl’s voice leaving no doubt who it was—Sadie.

He walked into Bethany's office and moved to stand just behind her, pulling her hair to the side and fiddling with the clasp of her necklace. Bethany stiffened at his nearness as Sadie poked her head into Bethany's office, her smile falling.

"Oh … sorry. Am I interrupting something?"

Damon spoke over Bethany’s shoulder, his chest brushing across her back as he dropped his hands and slid his fingers around Bethany's fingers.

"Actually, yes. If you need something, talk to Linda."

He turned toward Bethany, as she sat, frozen with shock. He looked down at her with something like hunger and control in his gaze. "It looks great on you. I love the way it teases me to want to see more of your skin. His fingers brushed by the heart-shaped locket, and she shivered, her eyes locked on him, unable to help herself.

Sadie huffed loudly and left as Damon moved back slowly, his gaze still holding Bethany still. She took a slow breath, realizing a desperate need for air.

"I thought you were going to kiss me. What a mess that would create." She sat down in the chair beside her. "If they knew I was your sister and then you planted the seed that we were somehow interested in each other …"

"No one will know you're my soon-to-be stepsister, and I think planting that seed is the best way to remind everyone else that I'm unavailable. I was thinking about it this afternoon. I'll inform my father, and I'm sure he'll be all for it. I promise not to push you past your comfort zone. Least not yet." He turned and walked from the office, his movements smooth, his butt fitting in his slacks far too well.

Bethany sank back in her chair and touched the necklace around her throat, her eyes closing. He'd been so close. Just a bit more, and his lips would have brushed hers. She swallowed hard, wanting to know what it would feel like, what he tasted like.

She exhaled loudly, standing and gathering her things before she made a bad decision. Going to see him again would only cloud her conscience. He seemed to be perfectly fine playing any part he deemed appropriate. Too bad his ethics weren't in line with hers.

***

Matthew greeted Bethany at the door, his famous bear hug her reward for a long day at work. He sat her down and took her bags, walking with her excitedly toward the kitchen. His voice was soft, and he kept glancing around, as if trying to ensure that no one was involved in his business but her.

"I had something really cool happen today," he whispered, hanging her handbag on the inside of the closet door. "An art dealer in Seattle called, and they want to see one of my paintings in a few weeks."

"Matt, that's great. Are you going up there by yourself?"

"It's right after your mom and my dad get married. I wanted to see if you would go with me? We could totally get two rooms, no problem. I just don't let too many people know about my talents, so this would be great for us to grow closer as siblings."

"I don't see why I can't go, as long as it's not during class and Damon lets me take off from the firm."

"Oh yeah. I called him earlier about it."

"You did?" She followed Matt outside, sticking her head into the kitchen to wave at her mom and Kent before joining her almost stepbrother.

"Yeah. It was his idea that you go with me." He smiled and walked toward the edge of the balcony, the air muggy and less than ideal for her business outfit.

"He told you that you and I should go to Seattle?" Was he trying to throw her off on Matthew? Seemed odd. Damon wasn't the family-type guy, from what she could tell. Why he would try and build her relationship with Matthew was concerning. Unless he hoped they might find something more in each other. Damon wanted her to fall in love with Matt?

"No, silly. He's going with me for sure, and he told me to invite you. He wants to get to know you better and thought this would be perfect."

Lust rolled over her as she reached up and touched the small heart necklace her mother had given her for her sixteenth birthday.

"What time did he call you?"

"Just now. Well, actually, just before you walked in the door. He's great, isn't he?"

"Yeah … great."

She turned and looked toward the long stretch of green grass, her thoughts scattered. What was Damon up to? He wanted her in Seattle with him, and something told her it wasn't for business or familial reasons at all.

Could she be so cursed?

Chapter 10

The next morning was uneventful, the whispers in the office about it being hump day causing everyone to chuckle and be inappropriate in hopes of garnishing a laugh. Bethany worked to avoid everyone, her thoughts depressing her further. She would have one more week before she needed to start working along with her classes. Her masters was important to her and would be needed in order for her to sit for her CPA certificate, but going back to a non-work environment seemed odd.

What would Krista and Jake be like around her? It was bound to be a bit awkward for a while. They were probably enjoying the week with her gone. Maybe she needed to think about getting a place of her own, away from campus, and just driving in for classes.

A knock at her door caught her off guard, a soft sound of surprise leaving her. She stood as a guy about her age waved, the smile on his face friendly, his eyes blue like the ocean.

"Sorry to scare you. I'm Philip, the newbie." He smiled and moved into the room, his accent putting him from Australia or somewhere far away. He extended his hand, and Bethany reached out to shake it, his grasp firm, his gaze moving around her face.

He was handsome, and his voice could melt chocolate, but she ignored all of that, her own emotions locked up in a battle over what to feel for Damon and what to seek counseling over.

"No problem. I was just deep in thought. I do that a bit too often." She smiled and pulled her hand back. "I'm Bethany."

"I've heard. There's a red-headed girl out to get you, I believe." He smirked and moved back toward the doorway, leaning against the frame and crossing his arms over his chest. His dark blond hair fit his tanned skin perfectly, the set of his jaw giving him a masculine appeal. He was probably just like Jake and used his rugged good looks to have women think the opposite. All guys were like Jake, except Damon.

"Sadie. Yes, she's a peach for sure."

"Says you’re dating the boss."

"Oh yeah? That's new to me." She shrugged. "We're all going dancing tomorrow night. You should come. Would be good to get to know everyone. I plan on doing so myself."

"So you'll be there?"

"I plan to." She smiled as someone tapped Philip on the shoulder, the voice soft and muffled. He looked back over at her and waved.

"Seems the boss wants to see me. I'll catch you later. Pleasure meeting you, Bethany."

He left, and she stood beside her desk, leaning over and putting her hands on the smooth surface. Why was an office setting so seductive? Was it the taboo of thinking about getting caught being intimate with someone at work? Was it the smooth, hard surface of the furniture that you might leave prints along, your evidence etched into the office?

She smiled at the thought, her expression changing drastically as she looked up to see Sadie standing in her door, her hand on her hip.

"So, just so you know. The new guy is mine."

Bethany stood up and moved toward the other girl, stopping beside her file cabinet and tilting her head as a smirk drew her lips up.

"The new guy, Philip?"

"Yes, Philip, you ogre. He's mine, and don't think for one minute whatever is going on with you and Damon matters. He uses everyone here. We've all had our turn in his lap. " She smirked and looked out into the hall before turning to focus on Bethany. "Philip is mine. You can play with Damon until he's tired of you, but once that's done, no going after the new hottie in the office."

"And if I do?" Bethany asked, her voice soft and almost menacing.

"Then I'll make sure you lose your job here. Quite simple really. Kent thinks of me as a daughter. I'll tell him something about your ethics being a bit off, and you'll be gone. Try me on it; just don't come crying to me when the cards fall the way they will."

"Interesting. I think I'll leave my and Damon's love affair up to fate. I haven't sat on his lap, by any means, but he sure has bought me a lot of jewelry lately." She picked up the small heart on her chest and rubbed her fingers along the diamonds as she let her stare beat into the other girl.

"He does that to everyone."

"Doubt it."

Bethany turned and walked to her desk, reaching into her bag and beginning to pull out various cords. She ignored the other girl until Sadie huffed loudly and left. She was trouble and the kind that Bethany planned to dispose of. Damon was right about one thing—the girl would scream rape from the rooftop if she thought it would get her fifteen seconds of fame. Sad, really.

***

Bethany checked her watch, her appointment with Damon set for later in the day. She still had twenty minutes but hated to be late to anything. He would point it out if she wasn't early anyway. She stood up and stretched, walked down the hall and slipped into the bathroom to make sure she looked good for her meeting. After checking her teeth, she reached into her shirt and readjusted her breasts before tugging at the material of her navy-blue skirt to make sure it lay flat. Her white button-down shirt made her breasts look too big, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing, seeing that she wanted to see him squirm like he had made her do since the moment they met.

She turned around and checked her back, a soft growl at the size of her butt. She hated it, and yet it seemed as though all of the guys on campus coveted big butts. Why, she'd never understand.

She walked to the elevator and took it up to Damon's floor. Linda was not to be found sitting at the large desk she usually occupied. Bethany walked around the small lobby for a few minutes before pressing her ear to Damon's door.

Nothing.

She walked around Linda's desk and looked at the flat desk calendar that lay on the woman's perfectly clean office space. Damon had nothing before her and nothing after her. Maybe he was in his office, and Linda had needed to leave. If he got angry with Bethany for coming in early, she'd just deal with it. He was going to be her brother, so whatever he threw at her would be invalid. Her excuse of wanting to be on time was more important than his tantrum over losing control of his calendar, thanks to her.

She knocked softly on the door, no sound coming from the other side. Pressing her ear to it, she heard the soft mumble of his voice and knocked again. She thought she heard him tell her to come in, but apparently, nothing could have been further from the truth.

Being careful to open the door quietly, she slipped her head in and looked toward his desk.

The vision of him seared into her memory. His eyes were closed, and his head was back as he sat in his chair. His hand bobbed up and down, his chest rising and falling much too fast for anything he should be involved in at the office. He bit at his lip as he whispered to someone.

Bethany wanted to shut the door, needed to close it and run. He had someone under his desk, and she could only imagine what the woman was doing.

As badly as she needed to go, her curiosity wouldn't allow her to. Her eyes moved down toward the top of the desk, and she saw a mop of blonde hair being pulled up, but only slightly. His hand was lost in someone's hair—a blonde. Linda?

Surely not.

He groaned softly and shifted, his hips gyrating forward as he opened his eyes, his focus on the door. A smile touched his mouth as Bethany caught his attention.

Her heart stopped in her chest, fear freezing her in place.

"That's it, baby. Take it all. Such a good girl, so talented to fit so much in your pretty little mouth. Suck harder, and let me fill you up."

He never took his eyes off of Bethany, his hips lifting again as Bethany moved back from the door. A soft moan echoed from the room as she moved back, and she heard the sound of her name on his lips as he beckoned the woman kneeling in front of him to do exactly what he told her to.

Bethany carefully shut the door, turning and pressing her back to it as she tried to catch her breath. Thankfully Linda wasn't in the lobby or embarrassment would have stained them both. Sadie was right about Damon. He was a player and had plenty of women on his lap and everywhere else.

What had she thought? She would show up, and things would change?

"This is what you get. He's your fucking family. Grow up and stop being a pervert."

She walked away from the office, numb to everything around her. Ben tried to stop her to talk, but she blew him off, her excuse the swirling pain in her stomach. She hadn't lied, and there was no drama in the soft echo of her voice. She was physically ill, not at the fact that Damon was a disgusting bastard but at the realization of how badly she wanted to be the blonde kneeling before him.

She left without telling anyone, her care not for her job or anyone else but for the desperate need to get away. She needed to breathe fresh air and clear her head. She needed to talk with Krista, who would be the only one to understand.

A text message caused her phone to buzz as she walked toward her car. She waited until she was seated in the blessed silence to check it. Shock slammed into her.

It was from Damon.

I'm coming to dinner at Dad's tonight.

Be there.

No lies between us.

No drama from you.

No complaining when I give you exactly what you want.

Chapter 11

I'm coming to dinner at dad's tonight. Be there. No lies between us. No drama from you. No complaining when I give you exactly what you want.

The drive home was torturous. Bethany held her phone in a shaky hand, her desire to text him back almost consuming her. What would she say? How did she respond to that?

I don't want anything from you? Lies.

What did she want exactly? A fling? Hot sex on the balcony to sate her lack of attention and attraction from other men for the last few years? She sighed heavily, pulling into the driveway of the mammoth-sized house her soon-to-be stepfather lived in. She turned the car off and sat in silence for a minute, her nerves pulsating along the surface of her skin.

If he played it off as a joke, things could return to normal, and she would just never mention seeing him in his office with the blonde. She could keep her mouth shut. Her eyes closed as she dropped her head back, the phone tight in her grip.

"How do I always get myself into this shit?"

A tap on her window had her jumping, her knee hitting the steering column hard.

Matthew. The almost stepbrother that acted like family and not a starving lion on the sexual prowl.

"You staying in there? Drive-through service for ya? Like Sonic." He smiled and backed up as she got out of the car, reaching in to grab her briefcase.

"Hey, you. No, just long day at the office."

"That sucks. You're off early, though, right?"

"That's about the only good thing that happened."

Matthew reached over and took her bag as she walked beside him into the house. The smell of tomato sauce washed over her, basil and red wine as well. She breathed in deeply and reached for her bag.

"What is that heavenly smell?"

"The sauce for the chicken that Martha is working on. Go change into something comfortable. The good-looking brother is coming for dinner tonight, so no tempting him with your business attire." Matt winked and slipped into the kitchen before she could respond.

"Yeah, well, I'd rather he didn't." She turned and walked quickly to the room she was occupying for the week. Whatever happened that night, she could deal with it. She was a big girl and more than capable of pushing Damon back, putting him in his place and reminding him that he wasn't God's gift to women.

"Too bad he totally is."

***

"Why are you pacing the floor?" Bethany looked up as her mother spoke, the older woman leaning against the opening to the kitchen.

"Um ... stressed I guess."

"About what?"

"Work and school starting soon. I don't know." She shrugged, her body stiffening as the front door opened behind her. She looked over her shoulder as Damon walked in, a soft smile on his lips—one she hadn't seen before.

"Hi, Karen. Bethany. How are the two most beautiful girls in my life doing?"

Karen laughed and walked toward him, hugging him quickly and giving Bethany a Yeah, right look as she walked toward the kitchen. Bethany almost reached out and stopped her mom, the thought of being in the hall alone with Damon giving her heart palpitations. He moved toward her, pulling her into a warm brotherly hug.

"Hey, you. I'm so proud of your work at the office. Where's Matt?" He spoke loudly enough for the others to hear, her arms hanging board straight by her sides as he pulled her in. The smell of him wafted over her, cologne mixed with sex. She stifled a groan, his lips brushing by her ear.

"Like what you saw, Beth?" He nipped at the edge of her ear, his actions hidden as Matt walked out and Damon moved back with ease.

"Well, there is the big man." Matt walked over and shook hands with Damon, the smiles on their faces genuine at seeing one another. A vast difference stood between them in way of character and even looks, but each of them seemed happy to see the other, a big hug following their handshake.

"Actually, you're much bigger than me." Damon moved back and patted Matt's stomach. "What the fuck you been eating, babies?"

"Yep, and I'll eat yours too, so stop making so many."

They laughed, and Bethany shook off the heavy emotions that pressed against her, the ache in her lower stomach for more attention from the wayward devil before her. Matt looked over at her, extending his hand. She moved toward him as he pulled her to his side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"How lucky are we, Bro? We finally have a sister to blame all our shit on. Why is the toilet seat up? Bethany. Why is the milk empty and in the fridge?" Matt paused as Damon piped up.

"Totally Bethany. Ugh, girls."

She glanced at him, his facade a good one, or perhaps the sly, sensual side of him was the facade, and this was his real nature. Without a doubt, she would be finding out soon.

"Let's go watch the sun go down on the balcony." Matt moved toward the back door, holding it open as Damon and Bethany moved out in front of him. Bethany looked over as Damon asked his brother to grab them a few beers from the kitchen, her heart contracting painfully in her chest.

"I'll get them. I'm the girl." Bethany smirked and moved toward the door, Damon's hand reaching out to grab her forearm as he laughed.

"You’re a brilliant girl and our guest. Matt?" Damon smiled with warmth she didn't know someone could fake so well.

"Yeah, of course. Be back in a few minutes. I'll get us a plate of something to munch on too." He walked into the house as the smile slid from Damon's face. He turned toward her, using his hold on her to tug her away from the glass doors.

"You didn't answer my question." His tone was deadpan, his face a mask of indifference.

"What question?" Her voice was soft and unsure. She growled internally at letting herself be pulled under his spell. He was no better than the frat boys at school. Hit it and ride on. She wasn't interested, right?

"Did you enjoy watching me this afternoon?" He reached out and pulled her toward him, his hand a vise grip on her waist. He pressed her to the wall of the house, one hand sliding down over her hip and around to the top curve of her rear as his other hand slid along her jaw, pulling her to look up at him as he shifted his hips, his body tucked into hers from the waist down. She closed her eyes and groaned softly, her body betraying her.

"Did you like it, Beth? Was that you under the desk? You with your beautiful mouth licking and sucking pleasure from me?" He leaned in, lifting her chin slightly as he dragged his nose along the column of her neck.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she whispered, reaching out and sliding her hands along his waist. Soft panting gave way to embarrassment, warmth coating her neck and cheeks. She had to get out of there. Where was Matt?

"Of course you do. I had my eyes closed for most of it, my hand gripping her silky hair, my body reacting violently for one reason."

Bethany opened her eyes, her chest rising and falling much too fast as air seemed in short supply. He leaned in farther, his body flush against hers as he rolled his hips again.

"What reason?" she whispered, looking up into his eyes, needing his kiss beyond anything she remembered wanting.

"I just let her be you, and I came harder than I have in ages." He nipped at her mouth as the door opened and he moved back with ease, a soft laugh leaving him as he turned to Matt.

"What?" Matt asked, walking out with drinks and food balanced in his arms and against his chest.

"Just listening to Bethany tell me a few stories of the intern. You know that crazy one that's always trying to get into my pants?"

"Oh, God. The redhead?"

"Yeah. She's after the new guy now. Right, Beth?" Damon looked over his shoulder, the guy before her not the one that held her captive against the wall at all.

"Yep. Sadie is a total bitch." Bethany steeled herself, moving from the wall and brushing her shirt down in hopes of it hiding her budded nipples. She reached for a beer, lust rushing across Damon's gaze once more before he seemed to effectively hide it for good.

"Well, steer clear of her, Bethany. I think Damon's had more horror stories on this one than any before." Matt popped a piece of cheese in his mouth as Bethany took a long slow drink of her beer, wishing it were something much stronger.

She listened to the two guys talk about how crazy girls were, their laughter causing a smile to lift the side of her mouth. A soft tick pulsated along her neck; her blood pressure elevated, her heart racing at the idea of belonging to the alpha before her. It would never happen. The taboo alone would leave them both unable to be anything more than a fantasy of incredible sex and longing, most likely only on her part.

Damon seemed to be perfectly fine with having a different woman every day, his appetite varied and more focused on lust than love. Perhaps he had it right. Maybe the way through life was to taste and try lots. To not stop and focus on one person but to enjoy many. She looked away to roll her eyes, her thoughts ridiculous. He was teasing her, playing a dangerous game, and yet she loved it. It had been far too long since anyone grabbed her sensitivities and demanded control of her desires. She glanced over at him, Damon's dark gaze shifting to her as Matt laughed about something.

A shiver ran through her, and he seemed to take notice, his tongue darting out to lick at his lips before he took a drink of his beer. The door opened behind her, the sound of her mother's voice catching her attention.

"Dinner's ready, guys. Come on in and let's eat."

Bethany started for the door, Damon's hand softly wrapping around her wrist, stopping her.

"Matt, go ahead. We'll get all of this stuff and be right in. I wanted to talk to Bethany about something really quickly anyway."

"What?" Matt tilted his head, his eyes shifting between the two of them.

"The balance sheet audit for a small manufacturing company and why the debits didn't exactly ...”

Matt cut him off, throwing his hand in the air. "Okay ... don't bore me with that shit. I'll be inside."

Bethany smirked as Matt walked away. Bethany gathered the dish they had been sharing; her eyes averted from Damon completely.

"What did you want to ask me?" She looked up. Mistake.

His stance whispered confidence, his eyes hungry with unfulfilled lust. Bethany swallowed hard and took a small step back, stopping herself before taking another. She would not appear weak in front of him, no matter what.

"I didn't want to ask you anything. The taste of you on my tongue has been driving me wild." He licked his lips again, his fingers coming up to brush by his mouth.

"Yes, well, I'm not a blonde." She shrugged and turned to walk toward the door, Damon moving in to walk just behind her. She kicked herself internally for such an ignorant response. She sounded jealous and petty, namely because she was.

"I find it funny that you think I like blondes." He held the door open as she stopped beside him, finding a bit of courage as she looked up at him.

"You don’t? Seems odd that one was crouching beneath your desk today, one answers your phone and the pictures in your office highlight a different one altogether."

"Are you jealous, Beth?" The smirk on his mouth caused her heart to skip a beat, the sweet aroma of him wafting over her as the wind blew.

"Nothing to be jealous of. I'm your sister, remember?" She lifted her eyebrow, shrugged and walked in, his voice nothing more than a sensual whisper.

"Not yet you're not ..."

Chapter 12

"So you know we have the Barrington Corp audit committee meeting coming up next week?" Kent turned to Damon, Bethany's eyes on her soon-to-be stepfather as he turned the conversation at dinner from something more casual to business.

"I do. I've prepared a few things, but I thought we could meet tomorrow morning to discuss the fullness of what you want to be presented." Damon shifted his dark gaze from Kent to Bethany as he lifted his napkin and wiped his mouth. "I'd like to involve Beth if you're okay with that."

"Beth?" Kent looked over to Bethany. "Do you go by Beth? I thought you went by Bethany."

"I go by either. Most people call me Bethany, but Damon has taken a liking to the nickname I guess." She shrugged, smiling as the rest of the members around the dinner table chuckled.

"Short and sweet, just like my new sister." Damon lifted his eyebrows in comic challenge.

"Hey! I'm not short," Bethany grumbled as everyone laughed. Damon had far too many sides to keep up with, and trying to discern which was truly him, or if they all were, would be a full-time job. She focused on her plate, the dinner delicious, the company rich in many more ways than she had imagined possible. Asking her mom to move things up with Kent was a bit selfish, but it was working out beautifully.

"I'd love for Bethany to be there." Kent picked up his fork and stabbed at the chicken on his plate, his eyes moving between Bethany and Damon.

"You guys know that she will be starting school again soon," her mother spoke up. "Have you thought through the schedule for her so that she's able to focus on her master’s as well as doing a good job for you guys?"

Bethany laughed. "I'm right here, Mom."

They all chuckled, Damon taking up the conversation as Matt lifted his wine glass in the air and studied the contents as if an experiment. Bethany stifled a smile at the silliness of her soon-to-be brother. He was convinced that if he didn't make himself out to look crazy, then responsibility and demands would soon take freedom from his days.

"We can talk about her schedule more soon. When do you go back, Beth?"

"I have all of next week off, and then I need to be on campus a few days a week to help prepare for the semester starting in late August."

"Prepare how?" Damon's voice was soft and conversational, not at all the tone he'd used with her in the office or when pressed against her on the patio. She glanced down at her plate, her cheeks warming at how much she wanted another encounter, something longer and leading to more.

"I'll be a teaching assistant for one of the accounting professors." She glanced up, the slight lift of his wicked mouth telling her quickly that he too was lost in thoughts of depravity.

"Be careful," Matt mumbled, setting his glass down and looking over at Bethany as she sat beside him.

"Be careful?"

"Yeah, I hear those old teacher dudes love to convince their pretty TAs to sleep with them. Power corrupts, right?" Matt smiled and reached for another dinner roll.

"Matthew!" Kent shook his head as Bethany's mother reached over and patted Kent on the arm.

"It's true. I've heard a lot of those stories too, but Bethany isn't that kind of girl. She'd probably head butt anyone who got too close that she didn't invite, right, baby?"

Bethany looked up and laughed, turning her gaze on Damon as her smile faded. "Yes, that's right. Uninvited attention isn't what I want at all. I want to finish my degree and get on with my life."

"I'm with Matt. You're far too pretty and intelligent for the old coot not to try." Damon shrugged, seemingly ignoring the conversation that moved silently between them. She wanted him in her bed, but her life was off limits. Not that he would be interested either way, but it would be smart to lay the ground rules for anything that might happen between them from the start.

"Yes, well that's enough about me. I'll talk with you guys about my schedule next week if that's okay." Bethany sat back, laying her napkin on the table. "I think I'm going for a swim and then bed. I have a slave driver of a boss, and tomorrow is going to be busy from morning to night."

"Why into the night? Did you get too much put on your desk?" Damon's eyebrow lifted, his head tilting slightly as Matt got up and stretched, heading into the kitchen. Kent and Bethany's mother started their own conversation, the tension in Bethany's stomach moving into her chest.

"No, I just have that intern happy hour tomorrow night too. What time do you want me in the morning?" She stood up and picked up her plate, her eyes catching Damon's as he dragged his gaze slowly down her, pausing just below her waist. She moved back from the table and shook her head. "What time?"

"I'd say I want you all morning long, but I have too much on my calendar to truly enjoy you the way you deserve." He spoke plainly, no one seeming to notice. Bethany looked down the table; her mother lost in conversation with her newest obsession.

"Wow. That was bold." Bethany pushed the chair in and walked toward the kitchen.

"That's my style, Beth ." Damon's voice followed her as she dropped her stuff in the sink. Surely he would call her in the morning when he wanted to talk about the audit committee stuff. The nerd in her was more than excited to sit in on such a special project, but the woman within her that needed affection was far more interested in how many ways they could take each other over the course of a four-hour love session.

She walked to her room, avoiding the dining room and Damon altogether. He was nothing but trouble, and her curiosity was going to land her bent over the desk, not of a professor, but of a cocky accountant.

***

The water was warm, the night sky filled with the brilliance of a million stars. Bethany sank into it, her bathing suit a small bikini, her full-piece lost to her last skinny dipping adventure in college. The sound of a car starting brought a mixture of peace and disappointment. Damon must have left, which was a good thing, and yet...

She slipped under the water, her long hair billowing out around her. She twisted, looking up through the blurry liquid to see someone hovering just over the edge of the pool. She pushed against the bottom, moving up and lifting her chin to the sky to force her hair from her face. Wiping her eyes, she opened them in time to see Damon slipping into the water, his bathing suit black and tight.

Oh fuck.

"I thought you left," she whispered, her voice much too sensual for her liking. His smooth chest was lined with muscle, his abs holding all eight curves for perfection. She moved a step back as he sank into the water, a smile on his lips.

"No, Matthew left. He said to tell you that he would see you Friday." Damon stretched out his strong arms and pushed the water away from him, his body moving back from her. She stood and looked up at the sky, her torso above the water’s edge.

"It's beautiful out here."

"I couldn't agree more." The thickness of his voice gave his needs away. Bethany turned and watched him, his gaze locked on hers as if they waited to see who might make the first move. They played a dangerous game, Kent and her mother just inside. Bethany steeled herself, realizing what a mistake it would be to do or be anything with this man. He was sex incarnate, dominance and power, everything she could imagine in the wettest of her fantasies. She was a simple girl and knew she would be in way over her head much too quickly.

"What are you thinking about so intently?"

"I was just working through my schedule in my head. The wedding is in a few weeks too, so I have a lot to balance." She shrugged and sank back down in the water as he moved closer. She pressed her feet to the bottom of the pool, forcing herself to stay still and not run from him. He was a predator, and though she would love to protect herself fully, they had a long life together ahead of them in some capacity. He wouldn't be dominating her for any of it, at least not if she could help it.

"Your schedule? That's what you're thinking about?"

She laughed and reached out, pressing her hand to his chest to stop him. "Don't come any closer, and yes, my schedule. What are you thinking about?"

He smiled and pulled her hand along his side, Bethany moving through the water to press against him from his efforts. He smirked as she gasped, his hands sliding around her waist and locking her to him.

"I'm wondering how to get you out of your bathing suit. I'm imagining the taste of you on my tongue and the sound of your desperate panting."

Bethany took a shallow breath, resting her hands on his thick shoulders, the water making each movement intensify as their skin slid against each others.

"You have no modesty." She laughed and tried to move back. He pulled her closer, one hand moving up her back and into her hair. She groaned softly, hating herself for allowing the noise to leave her.

"Tell me to stop and I will, but you have to mean it." He leaned in, pulling her hair back and running his nose along the column of her neck.

"Stop," she whispered, pulling him closer as her body lit on fire.

"Not good enough, Beth." He pressed his teeth against the side of her neck and tugged softly, his other hand sliding down to cup her rear, his fingers playing along the edge of her suit. She groaned again, her mind splintering on what to do.

"Stop, Damon." She pulled back a little, tugging against him as he smiled. He released her hair and slid his hand along the side of her face, his finger gripping hard at the base of her head as he pulled her down toward him. He paused before kissing her; his eyes filled to the rim with lust.

"I don't think you want me to stop, do you?"

She whimpered, her resolve draining as she tightened her arms around his neck and moved to wrap her legs around his waist in the water. The painful throb of need drove into her, another sound of desire leaving her lips as she closed her eyes and rocked her hips against the fullness of his arousal. He was magnificent, huge and cocky, strong and so incredibly beautiful.

"Yes. Stop, please."

He pulled her in as she opened her eyes, his other hand sliding down to cup her breast and knead it as their lips touched. He murmured his pleasure against her mouth, pressing her closer with the pull of his hand on her ass. His tongue rolled over hers, his lips so soft and warm. He rocked himself against her, subtle groans sending her into a dizziness she had never experienced. He broke the kiss and licked at her mouth, sucking the edge of her chin before burying his face against her neck.

She moaned loudly as he moved both hands to grip her ass tightly, using his hold to roll her softness against the hardness he offered her. He licked up her throat, his mouth pressing a sensual kiss to her ear. She panted softly; her hands lost in his hair as a frantic feeling to strip him and consume him washed over her. She moaned against him as he spoke softly against her ear.

"I don't like blondes at all. I like brunettes with green eyes and large breasts. With intelligence and wit, with strength and the ability to hold their own. I like women who know what they want and take it. The ones that won’t hit their knees for you until they've forced you to hit yours first. What kind of girl are you, Beth?"

She rolled her body against him once more, moving back and letting her gaze lock onto his, something inside of her bursting open with desire for the bastard who taunted her so well. She smiled, her eyes narrowing sensually as she let her legs drop from him, her hand sliding down his strong chest and abs as she slipped her hand into his shorts. She wrapped her fingers around him, not showing the shock at how large he was but keeping her facade perfectly in place.

He sighed, his eyes closing as he reached for her. She pulled up slowly, tightening her grasp as she did and moved out of his reach as he groaned loudly. She smiled and moved to the edge of the pool, getting out and walking to her towel.

"I'm a good girl, Damon, and you’re my boss and soon to be my brother. You and I have nothing more than those relationships to look forward to, so the rest will have to thrive in the depths of my dreams each night." She wrapped her towel around herself and walked into the house, the soft chuckle of the devil behind her giving her more than enough ammo to sweat through her sheets all night long.

Chapter 13

Thursday morning came much too fast, and the lack of sleep from a night of tossing and turning left Bethany feeling angry and cheated. She skipped breakfast altogether, not wanting to see anyone or have to hold a conversation of any type. She had a small bonus from joining the firm that should hit her account sometime soon; she was just hoping it was in the bank already. Stopping for a coffee was out until she found time to check her online statement, a soft growl leaving her as she turned off the radio and tried to not focus on the night before. Having Damon out at the house while she was there was a complete no at this point. She wanted him too badly, needed him against her, lost in her.

She parked the car and angled the rearview mirror down, frowning at herself. Her makeup looked good, not too heavy but professional. Her hair was up in a loose bun, aging her a few years, which wasn't a bad thing at all.

"Last night was a fluke, and the fucker is messing with you. Let it go, and do your job." She fixed the mirror and got out, the sound of someone calling her helping to squish the need to barge into Damon's office and consume him where he sat.

"Bethany ... hey, wait up."

She turned to see Philip walking toward her with long strides. His hair was shorter, the curlier strands gone and a very professional cut having taken its place. He smiled, and she couldn't help but smile back. He was cute and friendly, safe, and he would make a good friend if nothing else.

"You cut your hair?" She moved in beside him, looking up at him as they moved toward the building.

"Yeah, well, I guess Mr. Bryant wasn't thrilled with my look, so I got a call from his secretary yesterday to get it taken care of." He laughed and shrugged. "Whatever."

"Damon made you get your hair cut? Or Kent?"

"Damon, but it's all good. I'm new to all of this, and it's his company, so I got it cut."

"I like it longer."

"I did too." He laughed and opened the door, moving back to let her go in first. She looked over her shoulder, a scowl on her face as anger rose in her chest.

"What a jerk."

"He's in charge and pays me handsomely to work here. It's hair. It will grow back." Philip smiled and pushed the button on the wall. "So no changing your mind on going to the club tonight, right?"

Bethany walked into the elevator, squeezing to the back with Philip. She waited until everyone got on to turn to him, her eyes catching the back of Damon's head and nodding to give Philip a head's up. Manipulation reared to life inside of her, the desire to push Damon to the edge and see what he was really up to presented like a perfect package.

"I'll be there. I bought a little black dress for the occasion. I just hope it's appropriate. I've never been to a work function." She shrugged, trying hard to keep the wicked smile off her face as she knew her words were reaching their intended victim.

"I'm sure it will be just fine. I wasn't sure I was going, but if you're trying out a little black dress, then I think I could definitely help judge it for you." He laughed, and she swatted at him, his deep accent pulling her from her nefarious purposes.

"Where is your accent from?"

"Australia." The elevator stopped, and a few people got off. Bethany ignored the fact that Damon was closer, having shifted himself in front of them. His back was to them, but the familiar smell of his cologne tugged at her hormones far harder than the lovely voice of the guy beside her.

"I love it. It's so different."

"Most girls here like it, but at home ... it's just commonplace." He paused and looked at his watch. "You want to grab lunch today? I know you were busy yesterday, but today any better?"

Bethany didn't get the chance to answer as Damon looked over his shoulder, the warning in his gaze setting her on edge.

"Actually, she's having lunch with Kent and me. We're discussing the audit committee at eleven today, so your date tonight will have to suffice." Damon shifted his eyes from Bethany to pin Philip in place.

"Of course, sir. I didn't even see you there. No disrespect meant."

"None was taken." Damon turned back to Bethany, his jaw locked into place. "My office at 10:45 so I can prepare you for the lunch conversation."

Damon slipped off the elevator, and Bethany shook her head, her face burning with anger at his response. She deserved it. She had been playing with him, poking at a loaded gun, and it had gone off in her face. She glanced at Philip, who looked like he might pass out.

"Hey, you okay?" She reached out and touched his arm as the door to the elevator opened.

"Yeah, just don't like that guy very much. He acts like he has the power to ruin you. I hate it." He rolled his shoulders and forced a smile, Bethany chuckling at the sadness of his efforts. "I'll see you later. We'll talk more tonight, and good luck at your meeting today."

She waved and turned down the hall, her mood slipping further south as she mumbled, "Thanks. I'm going to need it."

***

He was pissed. That much was obvious, but he seemed the type to hide those sorts of emotions. Had none of them turned the tables on him and played back? Was his dating life a quandary of limp robots that simply did as he said, when he said? He leaned over the top of a large glass table, his finger moving along a flow chart as he spoke to her in a monotone voice. She bit her lip to keep from attacking him verbally.

"They will have the CFO of Barrington give his report, and then I will give ours, you being the one to flip the slides, and Kent will fill in as he sees fit." He glanced up, his eyes filled with dark emotions. "Are you even listening?"

"Hmmm? No, I'm not." She shrugged and walked to the window, moving the blinds to look out at the cityscape.

"What do you mean, no? This is important. It's not a simple task. It's a moment to impress Kent and lock yourself into a larger role here at McKenzie and Bryant. Pay attention, or I'll find someone else to do it," he barked at her as she turned, leaning against the window.

"You're upset. Tell me why." She tilted her head, trying to give off more empathy than she was feeling.

"I'm not upset. I want you to pay attention and do well during this meeting. You're walking around like your head is in the clouds. Just because some punk-ass boy from Australia wants to see you shake your ass in a dress doesn't give you the right to shut down here at work. Get your shit together, and get over here." He turned back to the table and let out a long sigh.

Pain slammed into her, his anger as powerful as his passion. She walked over toward him and swallowed the hot lump in her throat, pointing to the chart and trying to steady her voice.

"So after Mr. Parks gets up and does his part, you will introduce us to the new board members, and I will start the slides. Can I have a copy of them today so I can walk through them mentally when I need to move us along as you speak?"

He looked over at her, the tight pinch of his shoulders relaxing just a little. "Yes, but it's highly confidential. You'll have to be careful with it."

"I will review it and memorize the moving parts and then delete it."

"By when?"

"By this afternoon. You and I can rehearse first thing in the morning together."

"Good. I like that." He stood and brushed his hand along his chin. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that about the dress. I'm being a dick."

She walked toward the door and paused before leaving. "Where do I get the zip drive with the files, and where do I meet you and Kent for lunch?"

"Linda will get you a copy of the files just after lunch, and meet us down in the lobby in twenty minutes. Did you hear me? I'm sorry."

She shrugged. "No reason to be sorry. You were wrong with your accusations anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"My thoughts aren't taken by a silly Australian boy seeing me in a dress. They're suffocating in the depravity of being fucked twenty different ways by you."

She walked out, her chest constricted as her heart raced. She couldn't keep this up. She wasn't as aggressive and domineering as he was. She needed to bow out soon, or he would bust through her facade and take her to the mat. Maybe an internship wasn't a good idea at all. She needed to rethink her priorities—away from him.

***

Bethany walked toward the two men who would be a part of her life for the foreseeable future, Kent pulling her into a side hug as she stopped beside him.

"Damon tells me that you're already moving on top of getting the files reviewed this afternoon. I knew you'd fit in perfectly with us." He smiled and squeezed her softly.

Bethany nodded and looked over at Damon, their earlier conversation having thrown off her whole morning. She needed a cold shower but wouldn't be getting one anytime soon.

"She likes being on top. She's going to be a Bryant before we know it." He winked at her, the look in his eyes melting her where she stood.

"You guys want to ride together or just meet me there? I can stay at lunch a little longer if we meet there." Kent moved toward the door, holding it open as they moved out.

"I already called for my car, so Bethany and I will ride together. We'll meet you there."

Kent waved and moved toward his car as Damon nodded toward his black Mercedes, the man having a few more cars than anyone should. Bethany walked in awkward silence to the car and got in, buckling up and sitting back as her eyes closed. Maybe if she pretended to be tired, he would let things lie between them.

The sound of his door shutting and the car starting caused her to glance at him. Mistake. He had turned to watch her, his long eyelashes brushing over his dark brown eyes. She found herself lost in them for a moment, the subtle swipe of his tongue catching her attention.

"You surprise me," he whispered and turned to pull the car out onto the road.

"How so?"

"You're brilliant, as is apparent, you’re soft and feminine ... so innocent. Yet you kicked me in the chest with your comment earlier. I think there is far more to you than even you know."

She laughed and closed her eyes again, not sure how to respond. The soft sliding of his hand just above her knee caused her breath to catch. She opened her eyes and looked at him as he pulled his hand up, his eyes on the road. She pressed her hand to the top of his; her skirt pulled up to mid-thigh by his actions. He didn't speak but softly rubbed his thumb along the tender skin of her thigh, his teeth pulling at his lip as he breathed in deeply.

"We should take an NRL today." He glanced over at her, his sensual lips turning into a wicked grin.

"What's an NRL?" She breathed out, pushing his hand down back toward her knee as she tried to get ahold of herself. Her heart beat so fast she looked down to ensure her shirt wasn't lifting with its throbbing.

"A no-return lunch."

Chapter 14

They sat in the fancy restaurant, Bethany's mind far from anything that might help her future and more attuned to the things that would wreck it. The desire to climb into Damon's seat and drown in the scent of him played through the recess of her mind over and over, her stomach aching from tensing it so many times on the short drive over.

The waiter approached, and Bethany lifted her menu, trying to blink the haze away from her eyes. Damon had ahold of her in ways that birthed worry. Years of not having sex or time to find the right guy to share herself with had left her a bit too needy. The show of desire by the relentless man across the table from her had destroyed her resolve to leave well enough alone. It would take the attention of someone else to get her mind off of him. Maybe Philip was a good idea. He was cute and safe, attractive and seemed to like her already.

"Bethany, what are you having to drink?" Kent's voice tugged her from her thoughts.

"Oh sorry. Water and a glass for whatever you ordered."

"I ordered whiskey. You sure you want a glass?"

Damon chuckled and shook his head. She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head a little.

"Yes, I'll have a glass of whiskey. No problem." She would just sip it. The NRL wouldn't be happening on her shift. Sex, as much as she wanted it with him, would undo them. What happened after the night of passion? How would they act around each other for the rest of their lives?

"Bring the girl a glass then." Kent chuckled and pulled them into a conversation about the audit committee meeting. Bethany turned toward him and forced herself to mentally make notes, ignoring the glances from Damon. She needed help with her master’s program, and Kent was the answer to that or at least the easiest answer. She would think through things and make some decisions, but with a project this important, she had to do well.

Finally gaining her footing, she asked questions and peppered Damon and Kent with scenarios and what ifs. By the end of lunch, they were both seemingly impressed, Kent having laughed loudly at her "brilliance" several times during the meal. As the bill was brought over, Damon excused himself to take a call.

"I'm so glad you'll be with us next week. It should be a great experience for you." He stood and pulled back her chair, Bethany standing and moving toward the front of the restaurant. Damon stood near the bar; a gorgeous blonde pressed to the front of him. He touched her face, leaning into her as she moved up to kiss his cheek. He laughed and said something, turning and walking toward Kent and Bethany.

Bethany averted her gaze as he rushed over her, sickness rolling in her stomach. Jealousy was a horrid emotion and one she wasn't used to feeling too often. Damon opened the door and smiled at them.

"Ready?" He moved back, and Bethany nodded, wanting to ask who the woman was and yet just not willing to let on about her feelings.

Kent and Damon said their goodbyes, talking briefly about last-minute wrap-ups as Bethany got into the car and waited. Damon slid in moments later, his black slacks hugging his strong thighs, the large curve between them making her eyes widen.

"You all right?" he asked, looking over at her as he buckled up.

"Yes. Not used to having liquor at lunch, but I can't say that I won't try it again."

He laughed and pulled the car out, his hand moving to his thigh as he beat out a rhythm that must have been in his head. They drove in silence, his desire to tease her seeming to have been sated. She was almost grateful as they pulled up to the front door of the office, a valet rushing out to help them.

Damon moved beside her and took her hand, Bethany looking down at it in surprise. She looked up as a group of interns moved out into the bright sunlight, Sadie at the front of the pack. Philip wasn't part of the crowd, and for that she was grateful.

"Hi, Damon!" The tacky girl spoke seductively. All of the interns waved at Damon.

"It's Mr. Bryant, and hi, guys. Behave, and no liquor at lunch." He pulled Bethany closer, releasing her as he opened the door for them.

"You know they are going to find out that we're family, and then you'll have a lot of explaining to do." Bethany looked over her shoulder at him as he shrugged.

"I don't have to explain anything to anyone. I'm in charge."

He was right. She walked toward the elevator, moving in and turning to see Damon hover over the opening, shaking his head to people as they walked up to get on. The doors closed, and it was just the two of them. He turned and took two steps toward her. He slid his hands along the wall behind her and pressed the fullness of himself against her, nipping at her mouth.

"Only twenty ways? Where is your imagination?"

Her breath caught in her chest, her body aching for so much more than he would give her. He was a tease, and she hadn't become any better herself.

"Twenty ways?"

He leaned down and kissed her, one hand moving to tug at the budding nipple of her breast. She gasped, swatting at him as he laughed and rolled his hips a few times, forcing her to open her legs a little more as she stood trapped between him and the back of the elevator.

"You want me to fuck you twenty ways. I'm thinking of so many more than twenty. Let's not put a cap on it, hmmm?" He nipped at her again and moved away, the door opening to his floor. He turned to walk from the elevator, grabbing himself and shifting his appearance as he glanced back with hooded eyes.

"Learn your part for the meeting next week, and make sure you wear a dark shirt and black pants, no skirts. Leave your hair up like that, and don't wear lipstick."

"What? Why?"

He chuckled. "Because with your hair down and your innocent green eyes, no one will pay attention to anything. They'll all be seducing you in their heads. You're much too beautiful for that. Wear your hair up. If it's down, they'll like it far too much."

"How about you? Would you like it far too much too?" She bit her lip, the demand to seduce him and drag him down to his knees in front of her flooding over her.

He smiled and let his eyes drag across her, licking his mouth and groaning softly as if tasting something delicious. "Wouldn't you love to know, pussycat?"

***

Bethany sat in her office, flipping through the files for the meeting, her mind wandering back to each and every encounter with her handsome stepbrother.

"Soon-to-be stepbrother," she mumbled and leaned back in her chair, turning to face the window behind her. She was turning into a nymph. All she’d thought about the last few days was Damon—and even more so, sex with him. Did she have real feelings, or was it just lust? Just the demanding need to feel something as sweet as ecstasy?

"Hey, Bethany. How's it going?"

She turned and stood up, brushing her skirt to remove the cracker crumbs from her latest snack. She smiled at Ben and moved around her desk, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's going. How about you?"

"Great. I'm looking forward to our event tonight. I swear we all live for Thursday nights instead of Fridays just because of getting out together. The group has started to gel. I think you're just going to be a great add to that."

"Yeah, well, Damon's been giving off the message that he and I have something going on, so not so sure about your hopes of my gelling at all."

"He told me. I think it's smart actually. Sadie and a few of the other girls have been nothing but a pain in the ass since getting here." Ben leaned against the doorframe, his belly hanging a little too far over his slacks. Bethany ignored it and focused on his face, the friendly smile giving her comfort.

"Why not just get rid of them? Wouldn't that be easier?"

"Yeah, but with the labor laws today you have to have a real reason. Who's going to believe that someone who performs at work really well and has high marks from school is sexually harassing someone like Damon? He looks like a predator, not her. Just have to deal with it really."

"That's ridiculous."

"I agree, but it is what it is."

"Is he coming tonight?" Bethany asked, lifting her thumb nail to her lips as she nibbled at it. Damon had already said no, but maybe he was bluffing. Hopefully?

"I was going to ask you the same thing."

"I don't know. We're just pretending to be together. We're not together." Bethany dropped her hand and laughed sardonically. Ben's lips lifted in a goofy grin.

"Of course not, silly. You're family. Anyway, I'm making my rounds to see how you're doing on your workload. Also wanted to remind you that it is an office get-together and, as such, we need to make sure our dress and attitudes represent McKenzie and Bryant as we're out."

She chuckled, Damon's reminder coming from her little black dress comment, no doubt.

"Sounds good. I'm an accountant. I don't own anything that would be considered inappropriate."

Ben smiled and moved from his reclined position. "Doing okay on your workload?"

"Yes, it's going great. Just wrapping up my review for this meeting that Kent and Damon want me in next week."

"The audit committee stuff?"

"Yeah, that's it."

"Yeah, so don't mention that to anyone else. It would seem unfair, and I'm the only one who understands that it's because you’re family that they have plans to move you up the totem pole pretty fast." Ben looked behind him in the hallway.

"Oh okay. Thanks for the advice."

"You bet. See you tonight, and remember: No work talk tonight. Only good times to be had by everyone."

"I'm there, and I will do my best to follow the rules." She lifted an eyebrow as Ben left, the sound of his soft laughter warming her. He was a good guy, one she needed to get to know better. He knew Damon pretty well, so if she was going to get any sort of scoop on who Damon really was or what his past relationships looked like, most likely it was going to be from Ben.

***

The last few hours of the day passed too quickly. She wrapped up her review and took the zip drive back up to Linda, Damon's secretary. She nodded toward the door and smiled toward the pretty blonde.

"Is he in there?"

"No. He left just after getting back from lunch. I assume he went to see his girlfriend, but don't tell him I said that."

"He has a girlfriend?" Bethany couldn't hide the emotion on her face.

"He has lots of girlfriends." Linda stood up and took the zip drive. "Have a great evening, and enjoy the intern party. If you have your sights set on Damon, don't bother. He's a bastard and a half when it comes to women. Best boss in the world, but his sex drive is insatiable, and he's gotten in loads of trouble thanks to it. Do yourself a favor and stay far, far away."

Bethany nodded, whispering, “I will” as she turned to go.

Chapter 15

A quick stop by the house to change into something more club-worthy, and Bethany was on her way to Masquerade. She applied more makeup than usual, her dress covering everything but hugging her curves and accentuating perfectly just how much of a woman she was. If Sadie wanted to step up against her, she was going to bring it tonight. It had nothing to do with Damon and everything to do with someone needing to put the bitch in her place. The redhead thought she had entitlement, the right to demand things and threaten various people at will, including Bethany.

"Not tonight." Bethany pulled up to the club and got out, walking into the loud sound of Pitbull's “Time of our Lives” screaming from the speakers. Ben waved his hands wildly at her, a large table over in the far corner theirs. She walked toward them, cursing herself for forgetting a mask. The theme that night was half-mast and the mask was only allowed to cover your eyes.

Bethany laughed at the large clown mask that Ben pulled from his face, a large smile on his mouth. "Hey, girl. Where is your mask?"

A few other interns turned, smiles on their faces, drinks in their hands.

"I totally forgot it. I can go get one and come back." She shrugged, keeping her eyes on the man in front of her. She hadn't gotten to know anyone that well and felt a bit on the spot all of a sudden.

"No worries." He turned and yelled at the group. "Introduce yourself to Bethany while I get her a mask."

He disappeared, and several people moved up to introduce themselves. She shook hands and smiled, worried about her dress all of a sudden. Trying to feel better about herself by dressing up seemed like a great idea until she stood in front of her peers with all of them dressed like they were going to church.

"Um, wow." Philip's voice sounded beside her. Bethany turned and sighed with relief, reaching out to touch his arm as the muscle flexed beneath her fingers. The black mask covering his eyes made him look more sensual than he had earlier that day. His blond hair and blue eyes were the perfect match for melting girls’ hearts, and when he spoke... Bethany sighed again as Ben moved up.

"Here you go, madam. Philip, have you met Bethany?"

"I have. I was just going to ask her to come dance with me." Philip moved his shoulders a little side to side like he had moves to share.

"I'm glad you're here," Bethany whispered, taking the mask from Ben and slipping it on. She wished for a moment that she had a full face mask so she could hide behind it completely.

"Looks great on you. Go have fun. The tab is open at the bar, and it's on the company, so no worries," Ben called out before turning to lift his glass in the middle of a large group. Bethany turned and slipped her arm into Philip's.

"I'm glad you're here too. I think I might have to hide the rest of the night. Sadie seems dead set on grabbing my attention and, no, just no." He laughed, and Bethany did as well, stopping by the bar and ordering a beer.

"You like beer?" Philip asked, moving to stand closer to her. The button-down shirt he'd worn that day at work looked really good with his jeans, the material soft in appearance and hugging his sleek frame.

"Yeah, you don't?" She thanked the bartender and lifted the bottle to her lips.

"I love it." He lifted his Heineken toward her, and they hit the bottles together. "Most girls drink fruity drinks and stuff."

"I'm not most girls." She smiled, and he wagged his eyebrows before moving toward the dance floor.

The music was loud and fast, fun and energetic. She took another swallow of her beer and lifted her hand to drop it on his shoulder. He draped a hand on her hip and moved with her, their distance comfortable. Something about him helped her to relax and just enjoy herself. His eyes moved along her as they danced, the smile lifting his lips every so often, giving way to his thinking being less than professional.

He wasn't Damon, but that was a good thing. Stripping him naked and making an exhibitionist of herself on the dance floor wasn't at the front of her thoughts either, which was a relief. She had begun to worry about the depravity of her thoughts. It was nice to know it wasn't a shift in who she was but rather the undeniable heat between her and her boss. The song ended, and Philip spun her around, the two of them laughing and crashing into each other.

"I'm going to run to the restroom. I'll join you again in a minute." He leaned in and spoke loudly as Katy Perry's “Dark Horse” started. She nodded and handed him her beer to do away with, the song requiring both her arms in the air. It had been too long since she had let loose, the last time having been at her graduation party.

"What a fucking nightmare that was," she spoke out loud, the music swallowing the sound of her voice completely. The strong hands of a man sliding around her waist as he pulled her against him caused her to stop dancing for a moment. He rolled his fingers along her hips to move her again, the thick press of his strong body against hers giving way to the desire just to let him be a fantasy for a minute. It was most likely Philip, and if it wasn't, that would be even better.

Dancing with someone was the precursor to sex, their ability to move with fluidity on the dance floor leaving no question as to their talents in the bedroom. Good thing she was with her coworkers tonight and Damon was with his girlfriend, whoever the fuck that was. Anger burned through her as she reached back and let her hand slide down the back of the man's thigh, pulling him in tighter as she rocked against him.

His fingers spread out on her stomach, his other arm moving to wrap around her chest just under her breasts. She dropped her head back on his chest, knowing she was under cover of the dance floor. There were so many people around her it felt like a sea of heat she might drown in. He pressed his lips to the side of her neck, kissing his way to her ear. The soft whisper of his voice undid her, the immediate need to be his for the night fucking her hard.

"I thought I told you not to wear this dress. I think I might have to punish you for your insubordination."

Damon.

She tried to turn in his arms, but he locked her to him, pressing his face back down to her neck as he sucked on her heated skin. She groaned and rocked herself against him over and over, the smoldering heat of the bodies pressing against them doing nothing compared to the strong man behind her. He finally released her just enough for her to turn. She spun around, Damon moving back just a little before she slid down the front of his body, rolling slowly back up. From cheek to hip, every part of her brushed along his erection.

She stopped in front of him as he growled at her, the shiny white mask covering half of his face reminded her of Phantom of the Opera . He was beyond breathtaking, sin that would snuff out any goodness that might spark inside of the woman he wanted. His eyes spoke of long nights, screams and moans, pleasure beyond anything she could conceive.

"Why are you doing this?" she whispered, taking the final step to fill the gap between them. His hands rolled over her hips, sliding so painfully slow over the curve of her ass. His fingers tugged at the side of her dress, but he didn't pull it up. He leaned down, lining up their vision perfectly, the muscles in his cheeks locked down as if he were struggling to breathe.

"Because you want me to." He leaned forward, running his nose along the side of her jaw, Bethany closing her eyes in anticipation of a kiss. A loud moan left her, and Damon rolled his hips again, rubbing himself against her belly.

"I can't take much more, Damon. You have to stop."

"You sound convincing. I don't think we've even come close to pushing you toward the edge of what you truly want from me." He brushed a kiss across her lips as one hand released her. She pressed against the kiss, moving back in shock as the air became so hard to breathe.

The back of his fingers brushed across her sex, the dress a hindrance. He moved the other hand to hold her head still, his fingers softly petting her, the motion lost to the movement around them.

"Tell me you don't want to push to the edge with me. Tell me, Beth." He turned his hand and cupped her, pressing his fingertips hard against her. She yelped, rocking into him and hating herself for doing it. What was wrong with her?

Tell him to stop, and walk the fuck away.

"More," she whispered, her mind screaming to back away.

"Yeah, more, baby ... I need more of you." He tapped his fingers a few times as she panted against his mouth, the sound loud and drowning her in dark lust.

He moved his hand from her face and took her arm off his shoulder, pulling her hand down to stroke his arousal as he growled against her lips.

"More, God please, more," she whispered, a frantic throb destroying her ability to reason.

He rocked against her hand, moving his from her and holding her tightly to him as he made love to her mouth, his fingers lost in her hair as she forgot anything but him existed. The world faded fast, the music becoming her reality, the force of his tongue her lifeline. She sucked hard on his offering, moaning and panting until he broke the kiss.

"Fuck," he growled, turning and pulling her from the floor. They walked to the front of the club, Damon ripping the mask from his face. He dropped it in the trashcan beside the door and walked out into the night, breathing in deeply.

Bethany stopped beside him, pulling her hand from his. "No. I can't do this. It will change everything between us."

He turned toward her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her in tightly as he glared down at her. "You and I ... we're going to happen. You can choose if you want me to take you the first time in the comfort of my home or sprawled out, naked and shaking across your desk. Tell me now because I will decide for you if you don't speak up. Demand something of me, Bethany. Take charge of what's about to happen to you. Show me who you are."

She let her eyes move across his face, her vision swimming from the emotions pumping through her painfully. "Get the car, and take me to your place. No lies between us. No drama from you. No complaining when I give you exactly what you want."

He whispered softly before leaving, "Fuck me ..."

"I plan to." She ran her fingers through her hair and shivered, the night just having taken a drastic turn. No more cat and mouse. Time to let him have his way.

Chapter 16

The drive to his place was filled with tension. Sexual anxiety sat like a fog in the air above her. She glanced over at him. His jaw was locked into place, his knuckles white as he rolled his grip on the steering wheel. She reached over and slid her hand along his thigh, all her focus on breathing in a pattern that didn't leave her looking as needy as she was for him. He shifted his gaze to her, his tone sharp and unyielding.

"Not yet."

She reached farther, wanting to make him burn for her the way she was burning for him. He reached down and caught her hand, lifting it to his mouth and sucking a few fingers into the wet warmth of his mouth. Bethany groaned loudly, the sound airy and desperate.

Damn him.

He put her hand back in her lap, a smirk lifting his mouth. "Behave, or I'll tie you up and make you shiver with need before I perhaps, maybe, give you what you want."

"What you need ..." she whispered, sitting back in her seat, her words challenging and low in her throat. He chuckled and let the conversation die, both of them knowing that the night would mark not only their skin but something much deeper.

Parking the car, he turned off the lights and turned to look at her in the dark. She sat as still as possible, the air suddenly so hard to breathe.

"Tell me you want this. You're gonna have to convince me to break the rules of engagement that I live by," he whispered, his tongue brushing across his lips. Bethany stifled a groan and unbuckled her seatbelt.

"I don't know your rules, but I'm tired of conversation." She got out of the car and walked toward his house, the large bachelor pad sitting on the edge of a lake, beautiful like his father’s. He got out and locked the car as he walked toward her, looking like a lion on the prowl.

"Big words for a small girl." He brushed past her, unlocking the door and moving aside as she passed him.

The house was immaculate, everything in its place, the style very modern. He moved in behind her, his arms encircling her waist. One hand slid down to the bottom of dress, fingers brushing up her thighs as he dragged the material up. The other moved to a breast, his thumb flicking back and forth over her hardened nipple.

She pressed back against him, her head dropping to his shoulder as his mouth made contact with her neck. The wetness of his tongue jolted her senses, a whimper leaving her lips accompanied by his dark growl.

Strong fingers pressed against the front of her panties, her body already primed and ready for anything he might want of her.

"So wet, Beth. Someone should clean that up."

She smiled, arching her back to rub herself along his erection. His hands tightened on her, his fingers moving the material that held her captive as he stroked methodically.

"I think you owe me a confession."

"No," she whispered and pressed her hips forward, his finger dipping into her as her body screamed for more.

He pulled his hand away and released her, walking around her as she tried to catch herself. Her thighs trembled as he moved down the hall, his hands working to get his tie and shirt off. He turned as he reached the end of it and smiled at her, just before licking his fingers clean.

"Mmmm, I was hoping to have more of that, but if you aren't willing to be a good girl, I have nothing to offer you." He disappeared into what she imagined to be his bedroom. Bending over to press her hands to her knees, she focused on breathing in deeply, the room spinning slightly. What was it about him?

If she bent to him, would he lord it over her—or was that all part of his game?

In the pool, he had mentioned wanting a strong woman, one that wouldn't get on her knees until he had done so himself. She stood up and ran her fingers through her long hair. If he wanted to play, then she would meet him in the middle and break his resolve in half. He thought he knew how to tease a woman, to bend her, but he was in for a surprise.

Bethany stepped out of her dress, letting it drop to the floor. She walked toward the room, undoing her bra and slipping out of her panties just before walking in. Damon stood with his back to her, his shirt gone and the strong muscles of his back contracting as he undid his pants.

She crawled onto the large four-post bed and slid across the sheets onto her stomach, her feet coming up to slide along each other.

"I'm serious, Beth. I'm not like other men. I want to hear what I want to hear, when I want to hear it. You don't relent, and I'll either take it from you or make you beg for keeping it from me."

"What do you want to hear, Damon?" she whispered seductively, the cold sheets silky against her bare skin. He turned to face her, bending over and pulling his slacks from him before realization slipped across his handsome features.

He paused, his body hard and more than ready for a night of fucking. Tilting his head to the right a little, his eyes dragged down the length of her. He smiled and nodded, licking his lips again.

"I believe that your actions far outweigh your words." He moved toward her and stopped beside the bed. Reaching out, he slid his hands under her arms and pulled her face to the edge of the bed before kneeling down in front of her, his face just before hers.

"I'm not going to fuck you tonight. I want you to need me before I give in to you." He smiled, leaning in and pressing his lips against hers. The saltiness of her own taste on his tongue lit her on fire, her hands reaching up to lock onto him. She broke the kiss and moved to her knees. Damon stood. She pressed his shoulder down hard, a soft laugh leaving her.

"I don't need you to fuck me tonight. I just need you to eat until your heart’s content, and you’re shivering for something that you'll not be getting." She tilted her head to the side as he looked up at her; a subtle nod was all she got.

"Hush, woman."

He moved fast, his motions concentrated and sensual like nothing she had ever seen. He stood and pressed her chest softly. Bethany fell onto her back as Damon slid on the bed, his large arms wrapping around the underside of her legs and pulling up slightly. Shoulders pressed against the bottom of her ass, he buried his face against her need, Bethany breathing in sharply and arching her hips as shock rolled over her.

She hadn't expected him to beckon to her. It was a bold move, and one she figured would get her laughed out of his bed, but nothing of the sort happened. The sweet sounds of him lapping at her, his fingers and teeth carefully pushing and pulling, undid her over and over again. By the third time, she pushed against his shoulder, her words slurred, her body aching for something more—for him.

"No," she moaned. He moved her hand and pressed his tongue against her again. She pushed his head back and groaned louder. "No. No. I want you."

He sat up, a smile lifting on his wet lips. "You want me, or you need me?"

Her eyes narrowed, her game having blown up in her face. He knew what he was doing. It had been his plan all along. She was too lost to him to do anything but bow to his demands.

"I want you. I need you to fuck me all night, Damon. I want to fill this place with the sounds of my screams, with the smell of your lust. I want to be fucked." She moved to her elbows and growled at him, something deep inside of her coming unhinged. He smiled and ran his flat palm over her belly and down her sex before patting her like a kitten.

"Good ... that's where I need you to be."

He forced her onto her side and moved in to lie behind her, his large erection pressed to the curve of her rear. She snuggled into him and turned her face toward him in question. He kissed her softly and licked at her mouth, nipping at her once.

"What are you doing?"

He chuckled softly. "Feeding your need. Sleep with me, and perhaps when you're really ready to handle me, I'll fill you up completely. For hours. Just me and you fucking like animals."

"Now," she whispered, rolling her hips as he groaned. His hand locked on her hip as his teeth sank painfully into her shoulder. He tugged at the flesh a little, kissing and licking the soreness before relaxing behind her.

"Now." She arched against him, the sharp smack of his hand on her ass shocking her.

"No. You took control tonight, and for that, I drank your pleasure. We fuck when I say we fuck. Sleep with me, or go home if you don't want me to hold you."

Confused but too tired to deal with it, she relaxed in his arms. The dull ache between her thighs calmed finally, and she drifted off into sleep, questions beating her up from every angle.

What had she done wrong?

***

Bethany walked into the house, passing by the kitchen with her heels looped over her fingers. Her hair was a complete mess, and she looked like she'd sustained a long night of fucking and come out on the losing end. Funny enough, that's exactly how it felt too. Damon not finishing the job left her feeling empty and frustrated. Her mother called to her as she passed. Bethany stopped and sighed softly. No rest for the weary.

Turning on her bare heel, she walked into the kitchen and was grateful that it was just her mother.

"Where's Kent?"

"He had to fly to Seattle for a few days. Something about a surprise audit by the government." Her mother motioned for her to sit down with her. "Where were you last night?"

"I went to have drinks with some coworkers, and things got a little wild. We ended up at someone's house, and I just crashed. Probably not the best idea, but it's what happened."

"Well, I know you’re in college, but I was worried. When you're staying here with us, just make sure you text me and let me know that you'll not be coming home."

Bethany reached over and picked up the half-eaten pieces of buttered toast on her mother's plate, making quick work of it.

"I will, Mom. Sorry for making you worry."

"So ... who is he?"

"Who is who?" Bethany sat back, licking her fingers.

Her mother pointed to a spot on the side of her neck. Bethany tugged at her shirt, looking down to see a bite mark on her shoulder, the indention red and puffy. She stifled a sound of lust at the remembrance of Damon's mouth on her—all over her. He obviously enjoyed drinking her down; why had he stopped?

"Who bit you? The coworker have a dog that needs to be put down?" Her mother's eyebrow lifted as a smile tugged at her lips. Bethany chuckled and pulled her shirt up, shaking her head and moving to stand.

"His name is Philip. He's a new intern at work. He's handsome, smart and just my kind of guy, I guess. I shouldn't have stayed, but it's been a long two years of not dating anyone to focus on my grades." Bethany shrugged and reached for the last piece of toast as her mother lifted the plate toward her.

"I think it's great. You need to let your hair down and enjoy yourself some." Her mom laughed softly, the older woman's cheeks coloring a bit.

"I think my hair down is half the problem." Bethany took a bite, butter running down the side of her hand. She moved to lick it as her mother waved her off.

"No details. You and your tongue get out of here. I'm still your mother."

Bethany chuckled and turned, walking from the kitchen and rushing around to get ready for what was sure to be an awkward day at the office.

Chapter 17

The dull ache between her thighs pulled her back into the depravity of her night with Damon, every subtle movement causing it to revive. She pressed her back to the elevator, praying that no one she knew would get on. The door opened to her floor, and she walked off languidly, her eyes scanning the area to see who was in and who hadn't made it yet. It was late, and by then she would usually have been a couple of hours into a project. She would have to catch up with Ben later and see how the rest of the intern party had fared. That, and give him a good excuse why she rushed off without saying goodbye after having just arrived at the club.

The '“sick mom” card would work. It always did.

She dropped her purse on the empty seat in front of her desk before dropping down in her comfortable leather chair. Her stomach growled loudly, the rumble reminding her of a cat being mauled. She smiled at the thought and reached over to turn on her computer as a knock resounded at her open door.

Philip.

"Hey, Cinderella." He smiled and pointed to the chair across from her. "Mind if I come in?"

"Not at all." Bethany stood, reaching over the desk and grabbing her purse. She dropped it beside her desk and smoothed down the front of her gray suit, the light sapphire shirt accenting the pinstripes in the material. She felt like she owned the world when wearing a suit. Might as well act like it.

"So what happened last night? We got on the dance floor, and I had to run to the restroom. I come back, and you've disappeared." He laughed, his smile warm and safe. "I looked everywhere for you. Ben was worried too. No glass slipper. No breadcrumb trail or anything ..."

She laughed and reached over to type in her password, the need to get started on something and take her mind off of Damon pressing against her.

"My mother texted and said she wasn't feeling very well." Bethany glanced over at him. "My father left us a long time ago, so when she needs me, I usually overreact, which I did last night."

"Oh. Sadie said she thought you left with some guy. I figured that couldn't be right, but you know she's always trying to start something."

Bethany turned toward him, her smile dropping at the mention of the redheaded intern. It was only a matter of time before she had an ass-whooping headed her way.

"Well, she was wrong. Sorry to disappoint." Her tone changed, coldness that Philip didn't deserve sneaking into her words. He held up his hands and shook his head as if surrendering.

"Hey, no worries here. I was just telling you what she said. I'm just glad you're alive and well. How's your mom doing?"

"She's good. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that." She leaned back in her chair, letting out a soft sigh. Not sleeping more than a couple of hours, mixed with the torrential flood of questions the night caused, left her exhausted.

"It's no problem. So, was she sick?"

"Yeah, throwing up and stuff. I took care of her most of the night. I'm honestly beat from it."

"You should have stayed home."

"Maybe, but I don't get paid for staying home." She stood up and reached for her bank card. "I'm thinking I want to test fate. Want to join me?"

He stood as well, a soft chuckle leaving him as he nodded. "Always wanted to fuck fate, but testing her out first sounds like a more prudent way of doing things."

"I'm just talking about testing my new bank card. You sound like you have much bigger plans." Bethany walked around him and through the door, looking over her shoulder at the handsome boy. "You look nice today."

"And you look stunning, but I didn't want to be overbearing and tell you."

"I like that type of overbearing. Let's get something down in the cafeteria." She moved into the elevator, turning to watch him walk toward her. He was interested. By the look on his face, his smile reaching his eyes, he was ready to take the next step and ask her out. She would need to nip it in the bud but wanted to be careful. Not having too many friends in the office yet, it was nice to be around him. He would be a great work friend if he were willing to see her differently.

"I like the overbearing way you danced last night."

"Overbearing?"

"I guess overwhelming would be better. You a dancer? Take lessons as a kid or something?"

"Oh, I thought you meant pole dancer. I should have been one. It would have been an easier way to pay my classes in college." She reached up to push the button on the elevator panel, Philip having moved close to her side.

"I'll keep my thoughts to myself on this one."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around her chest. Philip reminded her of her ex-boyfriend, Jake, but a version she would consider dating if her stepbrother hadn't stolen her completely. His ways were unethical, using lust and his sex appeal to leave her panting after him. She needed to figure out how to return the favor.

"Hey ... did I lose you?" Philip waved in front of her as he held the elevator door open. Bethany moved toward him, shaking her head.

"Oh sorry. Got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

"Not thoughts of pole dancing, I hope." He laughed as she swatted at him.

They grabbed a coffee and a few donuts to share, Philip picking up the tab and not giving her a chance to pay. Bethany sighed, rolling her eyes at him.

"I thought you guys from Australia were domineering and made your women do everything."

"You considering yourself to be my woman?"

Heat rushed up her neck. She reached up and tugged at the top of her shirt to make sure the evidence of her night was fully covered. They sat down at a small table near the edge of the large white-walled cafeteria.

"No. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant women in general."

He grinned and reached for the only chocolate donut. He almost had it to his mouth as she gasped, reaching for it.

"Hey. I wanted the chocolate one."

He pulled it out of her reach and smiled so big it had to have hurt his face. She reached again, moving out of her chair as he laughed loudly.

"No fucking way. I get the chocolate one."

She put her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she eyed him and then the donut.

"I'm not playing with you. I'm eating the chocolate one." She reached again as he stood too, extending the donut behind him. He trapped her to the front of his lithe frame with a hug, his laugher contagious.

"Not even if you were my woman, Beth. I'll buy you another one."

Bethany moved away from him, the moment sweet and almost too precious.

"Well, isn't this a plot twist?" Sadie's voice grated on her like nails on a chalkboard.

"A plot twist? You read?" Bethany turned to face her nemesis, a sweet smile slithering across her face. It was time to mess with the girl a little.

"Of course I don't read. I'm far too busy riding the universe through the stars."

"So poetic. Just beautiful, don't you think, Philip? Ignorance can still birth creativity. Logic perhaps not, but creativity, yes."

Philip shoved the donut in his mouth, talking around it. Bethany popped him on the chest as he broke up in laughter, pointing to the dining hall and walking away. He was headed to get more chocolate donuts. Perfect timing. Ass.

"I saw you leave with that guy last night. You can try and play innocent with everyone around here, but I'm on to you."

"Because you think I left with someone from the bar you're on to me? What does that even mean? Bisexuality is accepted by most people, but I'm not interested." Bethany snorted softly. "I mean, I'd talk to your friend that walks around up your ass, but you're ... not my type at all."

"What are you talking about, oaf? You should hear yourself rambling on." She flipped her hair behind her shoulder, narrowing her eyes on Bethany. "I saw you with the guy. Period. I'll be telling Damon that his latest piece of ass is seeing someone else."

"What if it was Damon, Sadie? Then what?"

"It wasn't. He never comes to those things. Honestly, I don't know why he's bothering with you. Is your daddy rich?"

"It's none of your business who my daddy is and what he is or isn't." Bethany moved around the table, her heart racing in her chest as goosebumps rushed across her skin. How she hated this loud bitch.

"Oh ... we've hit a sensitive spot. Let me guess," Sadie pressed her finger to her pencil thin lips, "your mom had you out of wedlock, and her druggie boyfriend decided neither of you was worth staying for. You paid for college by working your ass off and loading up on debt, and Damon feels sorry for you. Did I get it right? Did Daddy leave you because you weren't worth sticking around for?"

The room twisted around her, a splash of red brushing across her vision as she took the last two steps between her and Sadie. Her fist connected hard with the side of the mouthy girl's face. Sadie screamed and fell to the ground, blood seeping out on the white tile floor around her.

Bethany came to and bent down, trying to help her as Sadie screamed at her.

"Back up, you vicious bitch. Don't come near me. I'm calling security, and my father is going to sue. Get back!"

Bethany moved, shock rushing over her. Had she really just fucked her chances of being someone at McKenzie and Bryant and even more so, having her master’s paid for?

Philip walked up, pulling her back and bending down to look at her.

"Hey ... Beth. Hey."

She shook her head, her vision still a little blurred as his voice penetrated the desire to finish the job by choking the redhead out completely.

"What?" she whispered, looking up at him.

"You need to go. Take these and get out of here. I'll work out things with Sadie for you. Make sure you talk to Mr. Bryant first. He seems to think highly of you. Get to him, and then go home. I'll deal with this."

Bethany turned, walking toward the elevator as numbness wrapped around her. It had to be a lack of sleep. She hadn't been in a fight since high school, the reason for that one no different than the one that just occurred. Would her father always be such a sore spot?

"How did she know about him?" Bethany whispered, reaching into the bag Philip had handed off to her and pulling out a chocolate donut. She bit into it deeply and got off on Damon's floor.

Linda looked up from her desk. Concern swept across her features. "Bethany, you okay?"

"Just long morning already," Bethany mumbled, her words monotone and running together. What was wrong with her? "Where's Damon?"

"Mr. Bryant is in Seattle. He left this morning. Should be back at the end of the weekend."

"He left this morning? When?"

"At nine."

"Did he leave a message for me?" Bethany dropped the donut in the bag, her stomach turning sour.

Linda's mouth lifted in a smirk as she chuckled softly, her tone berating.

"Why would he, dear? You're an intern, and he's the CFO of the company." She reached for the phone. "Excuse me."

Bethany turned and walked to the stairs, not wanting to run into anyone she knew. A quick stop by her office and she would be headed to Kent's to spend the afternoon in her bed. A long hard cry at the situation with Sadie would help, but would it soothe the ache in her chest over Damon?

Had the night just been a way to control her and he was on to his next girl? Maybe someone who wouldn’t break so easily under his demands?

Why wouldn't he at least tell her he was going out of town? Linda's words left her feeling stupid and childish. Tears welled in her eyes as she jogged the rest of the way down the stairs, stopping by her office and grabbing her purse before making her way to the street level.

Time to test fate.

Chapter 18

"Oh hell, no," Matt grumbled loudly. Bethany moved the pillow from her head and looked up, her tears having soaked the sheet beneath her.

"Go away. I'm not in the mood to be friendly."

He pounced on the bed, his large hand pressing against the upper part of her back again and again. She bounced with his efforts, growing angry and swatting at him.

"No need to be friendly. We're family. Get your ass up. I'm taking you out."

"No. I'm not interested in seeing people. I hate everyone."

"Liar. Get up. I'm going to inhale everything in the fridge. When I come back, you better be in the shower and getting ready. Jeans and a T-shirt. Get up, get dressed and let's go have fun together."

"No," she grumbled, sitting up and pushing her hair from her face in time to see Matt leave. She didn't want to go anywhere. The darkness of her room provided the perfect place to hide. Between the situation with Sadie and Damon's dismissal of her, as he left town without a damn word, she was done.

"Get up, or I'll drag your ass out of there." Matt's voice lost volume as he moved away.

She threw her pillow across the room toward the door. A temper tantrum would be welcomed, but childish. She denied herself the action. Getting up and walking languidly to the bathroom, Bethany stripped and got in the shower. The steam offered comfort, and her tears mixed with the water that hit her face.

Sleeping with Damon had been a mistake. One she was sure not to have the chance to live down. Was he going to come back from Seattle and pretend that nothing had happened between them? That things were business as usual?

"Why? You're so damn stupid." She tugged at her hair, anger rushing from the pit of her stomach to her chest. Was she so desperate to feel something, anything, that she would believe herself able to capture someone as powerful and sexy as her asshole stepbrother? And of course there was that: he was her stepbrother, or soon would be.

How had she figured that would play out? Their attraction to each other was tangible, the feeling of him taking her to heights unimaginable rolling over her in waves. She pressed her back against the cool shower wall and let her face drop into her waiting hands. Even if there had been something worth exploring in a relationship with him, how would that ever work out?

Hi, this is my husband and brother, Damon.

She growled loudly in the shower, hitting her balled-up fists against the slick tiles. She needed to separate herself from him entirely. To be intimate with him once was a mistake, just blatant horny ignorance. To do it again would be a clear indication that she was sick or a complete dumbass.

"Hurry up. I want chips and queso. Nothing else will do!" Matt yelled, his voice slipping through the crack under the locked door of the bathroom.

"I'm hurrying. Excuse the fact that I have to stop for a fucking meltdown every few minutes."

"It can't be that bad. Come on. We'll work through it together."

"You don't want to know this, Matt." She let her hands drop and turned to put her head under the spray of the water, not wanting to continue the conversation. She was horrified by the thought of Matt finding out that she had fallen in love with Damon.

"Love or lust?" she whispered before turning off the shower and stepping out into the chilly air of the bathroom.

Did it matter which?

***

A few minutes later Bethany was standing in the entry to the kitchen. Matt's back was to her as he shook his butt and danced in the light of the open fridge, a song being hummed from his lips softly. She cleared her throat, and he stood, hitting his head on the top door of the freezer.

"Ouch, dammit." He turned and smiled, shutting the door and walking toward her.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you." Bethany shrugged, leaning into the hug he offered. Why couldn't Damon be like Matt? Why couldn't there be no Damon at all?

"No apologies. Let's go. I'm taking you out. Shopping, dinner, and coffee. Sound good?"

Bethany pulled out of his grasp and shook her head.

"I guess, but I'm telling you that I'm not the best company tonight." She glanced around. "Where is my mother?"

"She said to tell you that she would see you later tonight. Something about her and her best friend going out to look for outfits for the wedding."

"Outfits for the wedding?" Bethany turned and followed Matt's lead as they walked through the expansive house and out into the warm summer night.

"It's a destination wedding, remember? So I guess flip-flops and togas? Who knows? You're the girl. You tell me." He pushed his shoulder into her before she moved around the car to get in. Matt's small Toyota Corolla gave off the image that he was a regular guy with a regular life. Exactly the way she knew he wanted it.

She got in the car and pulled on her seatbelt. He slipped in and turned the car on, revving the air conditioner up to high before pulling out into the quiet street of the neighborhood.

"I'm almost worried about making time for the wedding with school starting the week after we get back and my responsibilities at the firm." Bethany looked out her window, her teeth pressing down on her bottom lip.

"The wedding is going to be a great time and one you seem to need. Talk to me about what's going on with you today. You don't seem like the type to hide away in your bed and let anything get you down. What happened?"

She turned her head toward him, reaching out to turn the radio on for background music.

"I punched that redheaded girl at the office in the face. I'm sure I broke her nose and probably lost my job. I'm surprised Damon hasn't called and chewed me out. Actually, I'm not surprised. He left town without saying anything. Nothing at all. Nada." She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning her head back and closing her eyes as a shaky sigh left her.

"Okay, one thing at a time. Did it feel good to pop the skanky bitch in the face?"

Bethany snorted and glanced at Matt, his smile bright and full of mischievous intent.

"Yes, but that's beside the point. I'm not a college kid who can act like the world won't punish me for fucking up. I needed this job, and disappointing your dad ..."

Matt cut her off.

"Our dad. He's going to be your dad soon too. He's not going to be upset if the girl deserved it, Beth. He's very fair. He will just clean it up and warn you to make sure you think before you act."

"I shouldn't have done it. She just pushed the right buttons." Bethany opened her eyes and tugged on her seatbelt. The strap dug into her shoulder perfectly; the skin still tender from Damon's assault.

"Which buttons?"

Bethany shrugged, not wanting to bring up her sordid history in front of Matt just yet. She turned up the radio and shook her head.

"I don't want to talk about this if that's all right."

He reached over and squeezed her hand. "Of course. When you're ready. I'm always ready to listen."

"I appreciate it." She paused. "Why would Damon leave without saying anything?"

"Why would he say something? He didn't tell me he was going out of town until this morning when he left. Are sisters different? More sensitive, I guess, huh?"

They pulled into a long shopping center, a brightly colored Mexican restaurant sitting in the corner. Matt pointed to it and smiled.

"Best Mexican food in town."

"Girls are more sensitive, but Damon is my boss too, not just my brother." She reached for the handle, getting out and wishing she were still facedown in her sheets. Being with Matt was a horrible idea. She wanted to hear from Damon, wanted to know that last night meant something to him, and instead, she was going to have to work all night to placate Matthew.

"Are you and Damon working on a project together?"

"Yes." Bethany moved back as Matt opened the door, the sound of Hispanic music almost overwhelming. They found their seats, and she ordered a margarita with an extra shot of tequila.

Matt ordered a beer and sat back, his gaze heavy on her.

"What are you not telling me?"

She picked up her menu and scanned the items on the combo page, picking out something quickly, not caring much for food. She looked over to Matt and tried to shift the conversation.

"I'll explain later, but first, you tell me something."

"Okay, what?"

"Why is Damon with a hundred different women? I've seen him at work with probably five blondes in the last week."

"I'll answer, but then I get to ask a question in return."

"Fine."

They ordered and gave their menus to the server as Matt picked up the beer that sat before him. "He's a whore because he hates the idea of loving someone. He figures if there are lots of women, then he'll be too busy juggling them to love any of them."

"That's horrible. Why would you want to stop yourself from loving someone?"

"Protection, I guess." Matt shrugged. "The ones that get too close and are worth his time are usually put off by the fact that he is a whore, so he doesn't worry much about them. Love won't come find him. He's made sure of it."

"And you have no idea why he does this?"

"It's my turn to ask a question first."

"Fine. Ask away." She picked up her drink, the frosty mug cold to the touch. Dumping the extra shot of tequila in the glass, Bethany stirred it once and took a long drink.

"Why do you care about Damon leaving without saying he was? Why do you care if he dates or fucks ten girls?"

"Because he's soon to be my brother."

"Bullshit. Come clean and trust me. You're about to be my sister, and I've always wanted one. Talk to me."

She set her drink down and let out a long breath, sitting back in her chair. She should tell him, but he would judge her. How could he not?

"I'm attracted to him." She shrugged again, reaching for a chip and shoving it into her mouth in hopes of the conversation being stalled.

"Just attraction; nothing else?"

"That's more than one question. Why does he push women away? Was he hurt in the past? Old wounds causing him to lash out?"

"Yes, he was crushed in the past. He's not going to let anyone in that doesn't fit perfectly into his definition of what his woman should be. Even then, the girl who captures him will have to push past his defenses. I almost pity her."

"Who hurt him?"

Sadness brushed across Matt's features as he picked up a handful of chips, starting to pop one in his mouth. He paused and turned his gaze on her, his handsome face seeming to feel the effects of Damon's pain.

"Our mother."

Chapter 19

"What about your mother?" Bethany leaned back in her chair as the server deposited her enchiladas in front of her, the smell overwhelming.

"Damon caught her cheating on our dad several times before she got sick. He wanted to tell Dad, but Mom would beg him, plead with him, not to." Matt shrugged, sadness creeping across his handsome features. "He went to tell him one night, finally. That was the night that Dad broke the news that Mom was dying. I think Damon felt trapped. He hated her by the time she died."

Bethany lifted her napkin to her eyes, tears spilling onto her cheeks.

"He hated her because of the cheating?"

"Because he had suffered for several years holding her secrets so that Dad didn't have his heart torn from his chest."

"And then it happened anyway because of her getting sick?"

"Exactly." Matt reached for a chip, his eyes diverted from her. "I didn't know any of this until after Mom died. Damon kept all of it to himself."

"How did he keep catching your mom? Were they just close?"

"When we were younger they were real close. The first time he caught her we were in high school, and he just happened to stop by the house with his girlfriend at the time." Matt picked up his fork and nodded to her. "Eat. We can still talk and chew."

She smiled in response to his goofy grin, the conversation painful, and yet no tension sat between them.

"And after that, he just stopped by trying to catch her?"

"Exactly. She promised never to do it again, but he wasn't convinced. He almost failed his junior year of high school from missing too many of his classes. He was obsessed with making sure she kept to her word. It consumed him for a while."

"So he thinks all women are cheaters?"

Matt nodded and took a bite of his food, breathing in and fanning his mouth. "Hoooot."

Bethany laughed. That was the deal. He was dominant and beautifully sexy, but control was paramount. She took a couple of bites of her food before letting her guard down and confessing a few of her own demons.

"I punched Sadie in the face today because she got into my background records somehow. That or the girl is just wicked good at reading people. She mentioned my childhood and how pathetic I was because my dad was the piece of shit he was." She pulled the napkin up, embarrassment washing over her. "I'm sorry. I'm not usually so weepy."

Matt reached out and rubbed her shoulder, his hand strong and comforting.

"No apologies. Sharing the hurts from our pasts isn't easy, but it's going to build up our relationship. Cry all you want. I feel like my insides have turned inside out just thinking about how much my brother hurt. He didn't even go to Momma’s funeral. Dad's still pissed at him for it, and Damon just can't tell him why."

"That's horrible." Bethany picked up her drink, taking a long sip and licking at the salt on the rim. "My dad left when I was twelve. I guess it was in trying to protect us from the drug dealers that were coming after him, but the mess he left my mom in was unforgivable. She ended up two hundred thousand dollars in debt from his charges. We moved from a normal neighborhood to the ghetto overnight. Food stamps and two meals a day instead of three or four became the norm."

"Fuck, Beth ... I had no idea." He moved his hand back to his lap as a frown tugged at his mouth. "When did things get better?"

"They haven't, but I think your father is our saving grace. At least I hope." She shrugged and put her fork down, her appetite gone.

"How have you been paying for college?"

"I work two or three jobs on campus and tutor like crazy. I've gotten several scholarships and grants, but it's all dried up. Kent is willing to pay for my master’s if I work for him while I go through it, which is more than generous."

"Dad's good like that. He will be so good to your mom and you, Bethany. He's exactly the kind of man I want to be when I grow up." Matt smiled and shrugged, laughing softly.

"I think I'm falling in love with Damon." Bethany dropped the bomb, needing to get it off her chest. The air became hard to breathe, her admission more to herself than to Matt. It had only been a week. How ridiculous was that? It didn't matter. The truth gave way to clarity, and she realized how quickly she could get wrapped up in striving to make Damon happy, in loving him beyond anything he could imagine. She could restore his faith in women and wipe away his hurts. She could.

Matt sat back, the smile playing at the edge of his kind mouth.

"I think you would be perfect for him."

"Yes, well he might not feel the same, and there is the issue of us being family."

"I think he might feel the same. That's the problem. He's going to fight against it. I would be careful to play an evenly balanced game."

"What do you mean?"

"Damon is forever testing women. I told you he doesn't trust them at all. He wants to push you to your limits to see if you'll break. So push back. Don't break, but break him if you can. Just make sure when you do that you move from a power play to love. He needs love. He needs to remember how good it feels to trust someone fully." Matt waved the server over, their food barely touched.

"Something wrong with the meal, sir?" The server stopped by the table, confusion on his face.

"No, we're just full. We ate too many chips. Can you bring some to-go containers and the check?"

"Of course."

Bethany pulled her napkin from her lap and dropped it on the table next to her plate.

"He plays a hard game. I'm not used to playing games at all. I've rarely dated because my time has been focused on my grades, but I guess I'm willing to try."

"I hate the idea of either of you getting hurt by the other. We have a long life of being a family in one way or the other." Matt pulled out his card, offering it to the server as he approached.

"I agree. The issue of him being my stepbrother is a whole 'nother concern."

"One easily looked over. He's not your brother by blood, and no one would need to know that." Matt signed the bill and stood, reaching for her chair to pull it back. "You feel like shopping?"

"I feel like sleeping for a week. I'm depressed, confused and have a slight buzz."

"Then we're twins. Let's go home, and we'll pick up this date next week sometime."

Bethany slept like a rock, Saturday morning coming much too quickly. She lay in bed for an hour after waking, hoping like hell she would slip back into the restful darkness. No such luck.

Her phone buzzed on her nightstand, and she flipped across the bed like her ass was on fire, hoping it was Damon.

I'm headed back today. I'll be at Dad's before dinnertime. Be there.

She sent back a short message: Fuck you? No, fuck me?

He shot back a smiley face, and the world fell into place. Bethany flopped back on her bed, groaning loudly. He had her trapped into thinking about him and needing him without reservation. The slightest movement in his emotions sent her off one end of the spectrum or the other.

"Great ..." she muttered and got up, taking a quick shower and diving back into her sheets until her mom poked her head in the open door.

"You up?"

"No."

"You respond well in your sleep then." Her mom laughed and walked in. Bethany rolled over and curled up, smiling at the beautiful woman before her.

"I'm brilliant in all forms. What can I say?"

Her mom popped her butt and shook her head. "And filled with humility to boot."

"What's up? We missed you last night. Matt and I went to get Mexican food. Wish you would've come with us."

"I went to get some new outfits for our wedding trip. I'll show them to you later." Her mom yawned, covering her mouth. "Anyway. Kent called from Seattle and said to tell you to pack up. He wants you to come up on Sunday afternoon so you can see the audit firsthand."

"I have to be on campus Thursday and Friday. I can't miss the first week, Mom." Bethany moved to sit up, the news causing worry to sprout.

"I told him that, baby. He's aware. He just wants you there Monday through Wednesday. You can fly back Wednesday night."

"What about Damon?"

"He's flying home today and will fly back out with you tomorrow."

"Are you coming too?"

"No. Kent wants me to, but I have too much to do. We leave for the wedding in twelve days. I have to get a few packages shipped to the hotel for the decorations and stuff."

"I thought it was going to be a small wedding."

"It was, until Kent's sister, Allison, got ahold of the information. Now there are a good number of people joining us. I guess when your friends are wealthy they can drop everything and go to Jamaica in the middle of the week." Her mom chuckled and stood, reaching over to kiss the top of her head. Bethany leaned into it, emotion tugging at her.

"Mom ... would you love me if I did something terrible?"

Her mom moved back, tilting her head to the side. "I would love you with all my heart no matter what you did. I know you to be a girl that makes good choices, but if one day you don't ... I'll be there to help bury the body."

Bethany laughed and fell back in her bed. "I love you, Mom."

"Me more. Now get up, and I'll feed you. I know you love me only second to a good meal."

*

The morning turned to afternoon, Bethany padding around the house waiting on Damon most of the day. She changed into her bathing suit, the full-piece white suit making her feel beautiful. It cut in deep on her sides and pressed her breasts up. Damon would love it.

She walked out into the early afternoon heat and found a reclining chair. Sliding down in it, she pulled her sunglasses from her hair and sighed softly. Matt must have still been asleep or back at his place. They had stayed up until the wee hours of the morning watching movies together. He had helped her to bed, his actions brotherly and loving.

A smile brushed across her lips at the thought of how easy it was going to be to fall into familial love with him.

"What's the smile for?"

Damon's voice jolted her. She pulled her sunglasses off and sat up, squinting as she glanced up at him. The dark gray suit he wore brought out the tan of his skin. Long black eyelashes and full lips catching her attention next. She wanted more of him.

"Matt and I watched old movies all night. I was just feeling blessed to have him as a brother." She shrugged and stood, unsure of whether to approach him or not. Matt's confessions the night before left her on shaky ground, her actions sure to push Damon away or pull him close.

"Glad he's all you've ever wanted."

"In a brother," she finished his sentence, catching on quickly to the pinched tone of his voice. "What's wrong? Something happen?"

"Yes. It did." He turned and walked into the house, his movements stiff and unnatural.

Chapter 20

Sickness washed over her as she grabbed her towel and walked quickly to catch up to him.

"Damon. Talk to me." She pulled at his arm as they moved into the living room. The house was quiet, the only sound being their breathing.

He turned, his face a mask of anger. Bethany backed up a step, not sure how to respond to his glare. She had done something to set him off, and yet she hadn't seen him since they held each other all night on Thursday.

"I just got a call from our lawyers that one of my interns broke another intern’s nose. The intern that's in the hospital is looking to sue my firm because of it. Did you not want to mention that before I had to stand condemned for shitty management skills before the lawyers? Do you think that lying is the way to build a business relationship with me? What else haven't you told me? Care to confess now?" he barked at her, running his fingers through his dark hair and beginning to pace in front of her.

Bethany pulled the towel closer, suddenly feeling young, childish ... exposed.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you in person."

"How old are you? Do you think punching someone in the face is good business practice?" He stopped and pressed his hands to his hips, leaning toward her menacingly.

"No ... I'm sorry. I just lost control of my temper. She goaded me one too many times, and that was it for me."

"Yes, well, I'll send you the bill when she sues us. Oh, wait, you're broke. I guess I'll do with you what I do with everyone. I'll clean up your mess, and you just go have a good time being irresponsible and doing whatever the fuck you like."

He growled loudly, his fist clenched, his jaw set in a strong grimace.

"Fuck you." Bethany turned and walked to her room as tears filled her eyes. He had no idea the life she had lived. He was hurt from his past, and everyone who got close to him would be his punching bag. If he gave two shits about her, he would have asked how it all happened. She would beat herself up later over not telling him about it.

"I'm not done talking to you." He stormed after her, only to get a door in his face. He beat on it a few times. "Bethany, open the door."

"Go away. I'm not taking this shit from you. You aren't my father, and you're sure as fuck trying to act like it." She dropped the towel and pulled her suit off as his voice softened, but only slightly.

"I know that. I'm pissed that you didn't tell me. Why? Why wouldn't you call?"

"I didn't think you wanted to talk to me, Damon. You went down on me Thursday and left Friday without a word. I'm not interested in looking like you matter if you can't return the favor. Go away. I don't need this shit, and I don't need you."

She walked into the bathroom, the sound of him hitting the door hard shaking her to the core. She turned on the shower and got in, her sobs painful and redemptive. He was a mistake. He was damaged goods and her brother. She pressed her head against the cool shower wall, a flood of emotion dragging over her in waves.

The hot water held her attention for more than an hour, her skin properly wrinkled by the time her tears were flushed and her resolve set. She would pay for the lawsuit. She would pay for her schooling. Being broke was something that was part of her past. She could work at another firm and take care of her own shit. It would just take longer to get somewhere in life, but she would do it on her own.

*

Bethany pulled on a T-shirt and jeans before walking into the living room. Her mom held up her phone, a smile on her face.

"Looks like that cute boy from the office is calling. Tell him not to bite you again, hmmm?" Her mom laughed, tossing the phone to her, seemingly unaware of Damon sitting on the couch. He looked up at her, his head tilting to the side as if questioning her. She shrugged and took the phone in her room, no intention at all of calling Philip back until she read his text message.

Call when you can. Lost my job this morning. Hope you're okay.

"What?"

She dropped the phone on the bed and marched out to the living room, her blood on fire. Stopping in front of Damon, she reached to take the changer from him and turned the TV off.

"How dare you. Who do you think you are, fucking with people's lives? Philip is a great employee to you and insanely smart."

Damon stood, his motion causing her to stumble back.

"My company. I run it as I see fit. Your ass is next on the chopping block, so watch it."

"Why would you let him go? He was perfect for the firm. He's the one that stayed and cleaned up that mess I caused."

Her mother stuck her head in the room, her eyebrow lifted. "You guys okay?"

"Sibling fight. Stay out of it," Bethany barked. She turned her attention back to the delicious bastard before her. "Why?"

Damon took a few steps toward her, pressed himself against her and tilted her chin up to him as he whispered.

"I'm in charge. I make the rules. If you don't like them, then leave."

"He didn't deserve what you did, and you know it." She jerked her face from his soft hold, the faraway look in his eyes causing her heart to hurt. He was beyond damaged, lashing out at anyone and everyone. How could anyone help mend that? Why would they want to, only to be left bruised and beaten by his attacks?

"He needed to learn his place, Beth. You do, too. He wanted to swing his dick around my office and fuck around with my girl? You're lucky all I did was fire him. Beating his ass was next on my list." Damon moved back to the couch and sat, his motions heavy and filled with whatever battle he was fighting.

"Fucking around with your girl? What are you talking about?"

"Your mother told me you two had gotten together, Beth. She was going on and on about how great he sounded, about how much you seemed to like him ..." He paused and pressed his hand to his eyes, his teeth grinding together. "About how you spent the night with him. And then I get a text from Sadie saying the same damned thing. What the fuck, Beth?"

"I'm not your girl, and it wasn't him I spent the night with. It was you, asshole. I would never do that to you, but you, on the other hand, seem to be bumping into every blonde in the city. So let’s make this easy for both of us."

He stood up and walked toward her as she held her hand out, her voice low and commanding.

"No. Don't come near me. You're my boss. You're my brother. And that's all the fuck you are." She turned on her heel and walked to the bedroom. Stars danced along the side of her vision, her emotions far too painful to accept.

"Beth. I didn't know ... She said it was Philip." He walked after her, his tone changing but only slightly. Bethany turned just before walking into her room, her gaze blocked by the warm liquid of regret.

"No, you didn't know. You don't know anything about me. You don't know how much Sadie hurt me, or how much it stabbed my confidence that you left without a word. That you didn't make love to me Thursday. You don't know how much I want you and that I can't stop thinking about you. That I'm a good person and would never do anything to lose trust with someone I love."

"You love me?" He took another step and stopped, his face losing color.

"Loved. Past tense. A fleeting moment of maybes. Philip learned his place, and now you learn yours. Don't come near me."

"Beth ..."

"Oh, and fuck your internship. I quit."

She closed the door behind her and fell on her bed, the ache of loss drowning and damning.

Chapter 21

She half expected Damon to break the door down, the loud pounding of his fists dying off much too soon. Bethany lifted her head only for a moment before letting it drop back on her hands.

"Pathetic." What did she want from him? Why did she have to be so fucking childish?

I quit? A long sigh left her lips as she rolled on her back. Her phone buzzed beside her. It was Philip again. She answered it, stifling the pain and confusion that sat heavy on her.

"Hey."

"Hey. You doing okay?" His voice was much more chipper than she expected it should be.

"Yeah, just fighting with our boss."

"Your boss."

"Yeah, that guy." She groaned as she sat up. Philip snickered, the sound causing her lips to turn into a smile much to her displeasure.

"Enough about him. How about you come have dinner with me tonight? I meant to ask you out since we met last week."

A silence sat between them for a few moments, Bethany knowing quickly that having dinner or anything with Philip wasn't the answer. The fact that her emotions had unraveled so quickly in the living room had everything to do with her loving Damon and nothing less.

"I don't think dinner is a good idea, Philip. I'm trying to figure a few things out right now, and getting involved wouldn't be fair to you or me." She shrugged, rolling her eyes at herself. As if he could see her shrug.

"Okay. How about coffee between friends? I want a relationship with you. I'm willing to take a friendship over nothing."

Would coffee turn into something more? She scoffed internally at the thought. She wasn't boy crazy or a whore like some of the girls on campus. She had just turned into a nymph thanks to the right man stepping up and tugging hard at her strings. She stood up from the bed, wanting to go find Damon to see where they stood. He was probably over whatever was starting between them.

He had accused her with proper evidence as far as he was concerned. She knew his past and all he had been through, and yet her only response to him had been extremely defensive and rather childish. She pressed her hand to her head as Philip's voice filled up the line again.

"Hey, if you don't want to see me again, just tell me. I don't want to push at all. Just wanted to see you and check up on the Sadie event." A snicker from him had her smiling again.

"No, it's okay. I'm just trying to figure out what to do." She looked over at the clock. It wouldn't be time for dinner for another few hours. She could go with him and be back in time to try and smooth things over with Damon.

"Totally up to you."

"Yeah, let's do it."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'll meet you at the Starbucks by the office?"

"That sounds perfect. I'll see you in twenty minutes or so."

Bethany slipped her phone into her jeans pocket, wondering if she had just made yet another mistake. Slipping on her flip-flops, she paused to wonder what her next move with Damon should be. She had told him to take the job and the budding relationship and smoke it. A growl left her lips as she quietly opened her door and looked around into the living room. Empty.

A quick walk to the kitchen had her heart racing, and her stomach turned into knots. Why couldn't she have just responded like an adult to his accusations?

Simple. She wanted him to trust her without her having to put any effort into it. She was a trustworthy person and deserved the benefit of the doubt. Maybe someone who hadn't been crushed by lies and deceit as a kid wouldn't have a problem with that. Damon was different, and now he most likely thought she was seeing Philip too.

Were she and Damon seeing each other? No.

What about all of the other women in his life? Doubtful that they had been dismissed. Bethany felt anger burn in her chest again. She walked into the kitchen with her head held high. She hadn't reacted exactly the way she would have wanted to, but he’d reacted pretty shitty, too.

Her mother looked up from a magazine, a tall glass of tea sitting on the table in front of her.

"Well. You want to tell me what's going on?" Her mom set the magazine down and tilted her head to the side.

"Just a fight over a few things from work."

"You punched someone in the face?"

"Yes. They got into my records. The girl made sure to rub poverty and a druggie father in my face." Bethany crossed her arms over her chest, the desire to fight with her mom rolling over her too. "What would you have done?"

"Punched her in the face." Her mom stood and walked toward her.

Bethany's eyes filled with tears again. Concern over Damon mixed with spikes of anger left her raw and emotionally beat.

"What happened with Damon, Beth?" Her mom pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. Bethany wrapped her arms around her mom's small waist and rested her face on her shoulder.

"He's mad that I didn't call, which I understand. He's pissed about me acting inappropriately with Philip, who's a coworker."

"That's none of his business. I shouldn't have mentioned it in front of the ass. Forgive me." Her mom squeezed her again before moving back. "You don't have to go up to Seattle if you don't want to. I'll just tell Kent that you're not feeling well, that you've come down with something."

She patted her mom's hands before pulling out of her grasp. "It's okay, Mom. I'm going to go up there and show them how smart and mature I can be. It's an opportunity to make things right between all of us."

"Well, if you change your mind."

"I'll let you know, Mom. I'm going to go have coffee with Philip. I'll be home in time for dinner. I need to pack."

Her mom nodded and moved back to sit down at the table. "If you're going home with him, just let me know, so I don't worry."

"Nothing to be worried about. He and I are just friends." Bethany shrugged and turned, walking toward the door, her eyes scanning the house for Damon.

It wasn't until she reached her car parked in the front of the house that she realized he was gone. She pulled out her phone and texted him before getting into the car.

I'm going with you to Seattle. You were wrong about a lot of things you accused me of, but I'm sorry for overreacting.

She dropped the phone in her purse, praying silently that she would hear the subtle ding of it, letting her know that he had responded. No such luck.

***

The strong smell of coffee beans washed over her as she entered the coffee shop. The place was packed with people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. She found Philip quickly. He stood up and motioned for her to join him. His blue eyes were electrifying; the joy on his face was warm and welcoming.

"Hey. Don't you look like a sight for sore eyes?" He winked and pointed to the table in front of him. Three small chocolate donuts sat on a large white napkin.

She laughed and dropped her purse in the seat, picking one up and taking a bite before responding. He watched her closely. His attraction to her was nothing to guess about—he made it obvious—but not in an overbearing sense like Damon had. She was a person, not an object, so why was she so smitten with the idea of belonging to Damon?

"You look good." She nodded, reaching to catch a crumb that rolled down her chin.

"You look better. Go get you a coffee, and come tell me about the drama you've been dealing with. I want a full report." He winked again.

Bethany turned, a smile playing on her lips. Philip would be good for her—safe, but there wasn't any chance. Her heart contracted painfully at the thought of Damon. Her lust roared to life at the mere whisper of him being close, at the possibility of tasting his lips or feeling his hands on her. Their night of passion hadn't come close to all of the things she needed to do with him.

"Crazy ... fucking crazy," she whispered to herself as she approached the counter.

The teenage boy taking orders chuckled. "Am I crazy or are you?"

"Hmm? Oh me, for sure. I'll take a double espresso with milk and sugar."

He took her order as she moved toward Philip, the handsome guy finishing one of the donuts and licking at his fingers.

"How long do I have you?" His eyebrow lifted as he sat back, picking up his drink and taking a tentative sip.

"I have about an hour. I need to pack and get ready for a trip."

"Where are you going?" He pointed to the seat. "Take a load off. They'll call your name."

Bethany looked over her shoulder at the counter for a minute before dropping her purse on the floor and sitting down.

"Seattle. Mr. Bryant wants me there for an audit the location is going through."

"Damon?"

"No, Kent."

"Oh good. So how did they take the news about Sadie?"

"I didn't tell them. I don't know why I didn't, I just hurried home and got lost in the problem. I spent the evening with my brother and just totally let the fact that I needed to call them slide." She broke the last donut in half, sitting back to take her time enjoying her portion.

"That's not good. Damon doesn't seem like the kind of guy who’s okay with having news sprung on him."

"Yep. He was rightly pissed. We had a big fight."

"Are you guys a couple? I mean, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

"Yes. We were. Not sure what we are now. It was ugly."

"My fault?" Philip leaned forward, pressing his elbows to the table.

"Not really. More my fault for not being clear with him about Sadie. I think you were just the cherry on the sundae."

"How so?"

"He thinks we're seeing each other behind his back." She popped the last of the donut in her mouth and stood as her name was called. She thanked the barista and walked back to the table. A quick sip of her drink burned her tongue. Curses slipped from her mouth.

"Did you tell him that we're not?"

"Yes, but he didn't hear me. I think I did." She took the top off of her drink and blew at the hot liquid, steam rolling off the top.

"Is there a chance that we might start anytime in the future?"

She smirked at his confidence. His voice was beautifully different, his features so handsome. Yet he wasn't a playboy. He didn't feel the need to lord over her sexually and make her crazy. Was he an option?

"No. As much as I wish it were a possibility, I'm crazy about Damon. I hate that I am. He sure as hell doesn't deserve it, but I am nevertheless. I want to break into the core of his heart and steal his breath like he steals mine." She set her coffee down, closing her eyes for a moment to stop the flood of emotion headed her way.

"If anyone can reach him, I bet it would be you."

She looked up as the tears rolled over onto her cheeks. Philip offered her a napkin, laughing as he shook the donut crumbs from it first.

"I think it's over between us. He's damaged goods, and I'm pretty close to it. He plays games with me and really every woman that he's with, from what I hear."

"Most guys that are hurt do. It's a way to test the girl and save yourself another heartbreak." Philip shrugged, breathing in deeply as he watched her closely.

"I don't know how to pass these tests."

"Sure you do. Just push and remain agile when he pushes back. Meet him in the middle and show him what he's up against. He doesn't want you to break, Beth. He wants to see how far you'll bend with him. It's natural."

"Why are we having this conversation?"

"Because I was honest when I said I wanted a friendship if nothing else." Philip laughed and nodded toward the pastry counter. "More donuts?"

"Yeah, I think we need them." She smiled as he got up. Her phone buzzed. Her mother letting her know that Kent had called and wanted to talk.

"Great ..."

Chapter 22

The conversation the night before had gone much better than she imagined it might. Where Damon had been accusatory, Kent was understanding and willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. How Damon had turned out to be so different from his father would be a mystery if she hadn't had a heart-to-heart with Matt.

She finished packing her things, the house quiet. Not having heard from Damon, Bethany walked to her small dresser and picked up her phone, growling softly. She would have to get in touch with him to see when the flight was, if nothing else. She dialed his number, her stomach flipping in circles and pushing against her chest.

The phone rang three times before he picked up. She almost assumed he was asleep or just unwilling to talk to her.

"Bethany." It wasn't a question of who was calling, but a declaration that he was all business with her.

"I need to know what time to be at the airport today."

"Change of heart?" His voice was deadpan, the lack of any emotion toward her stabbed hard at her. She let out a soft, shaky sigh.

"Yes. I spoke with Kent last night. We both feel it's a good thing that I continue with the firm."

"I agree. I'll be there in an hour to pick you up. Be ready. I don't like being late."

The phone went dead. Bethany pulled it from her face and growled. He was back to being an ass. Memories flooded her, one in particular: Damon had almost looked shocked the day before as he stood at the door, his face a mixture of emotions.

"You love me?"

Did he not think himself worthy of receiving love, or had it just scared the hell out of him? Was he willing to love her back, or was that proof that he was too self-absorbed to consider such a fallacy as love? She didn't know, and part of her didn't care. Emotions flying all over the place left her confused and feeling out of place in the middle of the large mansion, in the middle of this new life.

She focused on packing for the next bit and dressed in a comfortable but business-appropriate cream-colored dress. Damon would most likely be dressed to impress. Looking like a has-been next to him wasn't going to fly. Bethany dropped her small suitcase in front of the door before walking to the kitchen in search of food. She ran her fingers through her long chestnut locks, wanting him to notice how she had worked on her appearance to touch on the things he liked best about her.

The sound of the front door opening had her heart stilling in her chest. She reached up and brushed her fingers over her upper lip, a shaky breath lifting from her. Everything was fine. They were going on a business trip. He would treat her like an associate, and she would treat him like her insanely hot boss. She looked over her shoulder as her stomach tightened. No matter how much she wanted to hate him, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

His blue slacks hugged his thin waist. The white polo shirt that slipped in just above his belt brought out the tanned creaminess of his skin, the darkness of his gaze. He reached up and ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes never leaving her face.

"You ready?"

"Yes. Just hungry."

"We'll grab a coffee at the airport. Let's go." He turned and walked from the room as Bethany reached out and touched her hand to the counter. She needed something to ground her, to pull her back into reality. Should she apologize? It seemed trite, and honestly, he was as much at fault as she was for what happened between them the day before.

She grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator and walked into the hall in time to see him pick up her suitcase.

"I can get it."

He looked over his shoulder and chuckled, the sound not joyous at all. "I have it."

She shrugged as he walked out the front door, her eyes moving to the perfect curve of his ass. Remembrance flooded her. Watching him undress in the open door of his closet, his body the most beautiful she had ever seen. How badly she needed to connect with him physically even if they were miles apart emotionally.

Bethany walked to her side of the car, breathing in deeply as she passed him. He looked up and turned his head toward her as if questioning her actions. She chuckled and got in the car, rolling her eyes at herself when alone. Was she really going to use their physical attraction to heal whatever happened between them?

Yes.

Even if it didn't assist in creating a long-term relationship and fostering love. The sensually delicious man getting into the seat beside her was every painfully good fantasy she had ever had. If he was slipping away, she wanted to create a few more memories before he was gone.

Was she acting bipolar? Yes.

Did she care? Fuck no.

Damon got into the car and closed the door, started the car and pulled out without so much as a grunt toward her. She reached up and turned on the air conditioner before settling back. If he thought the silence between them was going to cause her to choke up an apology, he was wrong. She would surely give up eventually, but she wasn't near that breaking point just yet.

***

The drive to the airport should have been uncomfortable, but it wasn't. Sitting in silence and simply listening to the sound of him breathing had almost offered relief. She was lost to him, and no matter what stupidity she threw at him about the two of them being done , they weren’t. She couldn’t allow it. Her fingers ran along her thigh, her eyes closed as she contemplated reaching over and touching him.

His breathing pattern shifted slightly. Looking over at him subtly, she wished for a different situation altogether. Would it still contain explosive attraction if their relationship wasn't so taboo?

"What are you thinking?" He glanced over at her, the deep timbre of his voice sliding between her thighs and stroking. She bit her lip and shook her head.

"I don't want to say."

"Embarrassed?"

"By my thoughts, yes. By my actions yesterday, no."

He chuckled, the smile lifting the side of his mouth, lickable. He pulled up to the front of the airport and nodded toward her. "I'll get the bags; just wait inside."

She got out, grabbing her purse and walking toward the door. She glanced over her shoulder as Damon worked to get the bags out of the trunk. His eyes averted to her, dragging down the back of her as he breathed in deeply.

Good. His thoughts weren't far from her.

It wasn't but a few minutes later that they were checked in and headed through security, which was a pain as always. However, sitting in first class gave them a chance to arrive just before the plane took off, Damon having called in that they would be there just in time. She moved in front of him as they walked toward the opening of the airplane, his fingers brushing along her lower back as he moved up beside her.

"Are you embarrassed?" she whispered, looking over at him.

"Never. I say what I mean. Do what I want."

"That so?"

"I'm interested to hear your story about how I got everything wrong with Philip, as I'm sure you're going to work to save his ass, but I was in the right."

She reached over and pressed her palm to the top of his slacks, dragging her hand over the curve at the front of his pants, her thumb brushing over him and flicking softly. His breath caught as he reached for her hand. She moved it before he could move it for her.

Damon shifted her in front of him as they walked on the plane, the look on his gorgeous face a warning. They weren't on good terms. He hadn't relented yet, and it would seem that until he did, she was going to cave to his demands. He slid his hand around her waist and pulled her flush against him, the thickness of his center pressed against her. She stifled a groan. A quick glance over her shoulder to see him left her breathless, her body reacting violently to him.

"You didn't sleep with Philip, did you? I'd hate to kill the boy."

She pressed back against him, her hand extending behind her to run her fingers along the side of his thigh.

"No. There is nothing with Philip."

"Why is that, Beth?"

She turned and faced him, her hand coming to rest on his chest. "Because I want to belong to you. Simple, really."

"Find your seats, please." The chirpy voice of the flight attendant tried to interrupt the moment, but Damon reached out and held her to him as if they were beyond time and space, interruption and annoyance.

"Then earn that spot."

He nodded to their seats just behind them, motioning for her to sit down. The flight attendant sighed loudly, and Damon turned to her before taking his seat.

"Did you need to get something off your chest, ma'am?" he asked the woman.

Her cheeks burned as she seemed to lose her thoughts. "Um, no. It's nothing."

"Good," he responded and turned back to Bethany.

Bethany buckled her seatbelt, the leather chairs large and much more comfortable than anything she had experienced on a plane before. Damon sat down in the seat next to her and buckled his seatbelt as well. He leaned his head back, closing his eyes and letting out a long sigh. Reaching over to take his hand, Bethany slid her fingers into his and pulled their entwined hands into her lap. He rubbed his thumb over hers but kept his eyes closed and his demeanor serious.

"I'm sorry about overreacting yesterday." She hated that she was apologizing, but sitting next to him, staring at him, left her no choice. Her heart begged for reconciliation, her body for the long hard fuck she planned to get while in Seattle.

"Me too. I had evidence to justify my actions, but perhaps there is sometimes another side to the story." He glanced over at her. His dark eyes held her captive. A million questions seemed to rush across his face as she reached over and brushed her fingers over his lips.

"I'm not a cheater, but ... we're not together."

He reached up and took her hand, pressing his nose to the palm of it and kissing softly. His actions resurrected the feeling of his mouth on her, the passion on his face as he drank her pleasure over and over again. She whimpered softly, Damon's eyes adverting to her face.

"I don't date, Bethany. My body you can have. My heart isn't for sale. If that leaves us bankrupt, then it is what it is." He pressed his teeth against the thick part of her palm, tugging softly before licking at the same spot. Damon turned, his hand sliding into her hair as he pulled her toward him. Bethany closed her eyes, her mouth open and waiting for the warmth of his tongue. His kiss was angry and filled with the mixed emotions of spouting about not wanting love and yet desperate for it like the rest of humanity.

She breathed him in, her hand sliding along his as she mumbled “Mmhmm” against his mouth. He tightened his grip on her hair, his tongue rolling along hers. The sensuality of his motions left her dizzy, the ache in her chest only outdone by the one in her lower stomach. He broke the kiss, rubbing his nose along hers as he glared at her.

"Delicious ..." he whispered, closing his eyes and kissing her again. Every nerve ending came to life, hot desire sliding down from their kiss to touch every part of her. Needy and emotionally strained from the day before, it wouldn't take much for him to have her naked, wet and panting hard.

She broke the kiss, sliding her fingers over his lips to keep him from moving back in. Her eyes widened as his other hand slid up her thigh, his thumb brushing by the front of her panties.

"I can smell you. Divine." He growled softly, moving to pull her fingers into his mouth. He sucked them, his eyes locked on hers. She pulled her fingers from him, a soft growl leaving her. "I need to taste you again. So perfect, Beth. Most delicious thing I've ever had drench my tongue."

She moved from him and laid her head back, his fingers slipping under her panties and dipping into the mess he had made as she groaned softly.

Chapter 23

He released her from his hold. Bethany looked over at him as the flight attendant approached.

"Something to drink for the two of you?" The thin blonde smiled down at Damon, her hand pressed to his seat in front of him. The smile on the older woman's face was anything but professional. Beth sat up, her eyebrow lifting.

"I'll have a Jack and Coke." He glanced to Bethany. "Baby, what do you want? Get something strong. I want you pliable for later."

It took a moment for Beth to find her words. The flight attendant moved her hand from on top of the seat, Damon's words showing quickly that he was a taken man.

"Bloody Mary, please."

The woman nodded, her sensual smile falling as she walked away. Damon turned, his eyes rolling over Bethany. "Nothing happened with Philip?"

"Nothing. He wants a relationship. I told him no. He knows I have feelings for you."

"What are those feelings, Beth?" Damon ran his palm over his crotch before adjusting himself.

"I'll let you know when I figure that out myself." She leaned back and crossed her legs. Another pair of panties would be hitting the trash thanks to the sexy man beside her. He reached over and stretched his hand across her thigh, moving up to the middle of her leg and resting there.

"You have desires. I have demands." He leaned back and closed his eyes. Bethany turned to watch him, memorizing the perfect curve of his cheekbones and jawline, the thickness of his mouth.

"I have demands too," she whispered and slid her arm into his before reclining her chair a little.

"Oh yeah?" His voice was airy, as if he were drifting to sleep. "Tell them to me."

"You're going to fuck me tonight like I deserve to be fucked. No more games with you."

He glanced over at her, an eyebrow lifting. "We fuck when I say we fuck."

She chuckled and shrugged. "Perfect. Tonight I'll simply force you to say it's time."

"How so?"

"Wouldn't you love to know, pussycat?"

***

Damon shifted the conversation to more of a business overview after their drinks arrived. Beth was grateful for the change. The pulse ticking along the side of her throat was a dead giveaway to the torrent of desire pumping through her. She had imagined Damon taking her in every possible way ten times each since their flirting session ended.

The plane landed an hour later, Bethany sleepy from fitful dreams the night before. Life had shifted in so many ways, and yet normality was on its way to some degree. She would be on campus later that week, and maybe the change of atmosphere would give way to relief. Her insides were twisted over how to move forward with Damon, what to do to earn his trust.

He stood and moved back, offering her the space in front of him. She moved out and walked toward their gate. Damon moved in beside her, reaching over and taking her hand into his. Her eyes diverted to their locked fingers and then to his face. A mask of indifference sat on him, his concentration seemingly on their next steps.

"I got us a room together. If you want your own, I can change that, but I planned on working hard in the office and harder in the bedroom. I want you to be a fucking wet mess. I want to see you come unglued because of how much you need what I can give you, Beth." He glanced over as they moved through the sea of people. The topic of conversation was shocking and yet not. He was so beyond ballsy, the man leaving her breathless at a rate that hurt.

"One room is good," she whispered, reaching up to push her hair behind her ear. They stopped by the baggage claim, and Damon moved up, pulling off their two bags. She reached for hers as he interceded.

"I have this. Come on."

She walked beside him, her knees weak, stomach tight at the promise of what he was capable of. One touch might send her over the edge. She groaned softly as they moved out to the row of limousines, her eyes moving along the thick muscles of his back that bunched beneath his shirt. She stopped behind him as he spoke to the driver, her hands sliding along his waist as she pressed her breasts to his back and kissed the skin just above his collar. He growled softly, pulling her arms off of him and moving to the car.

"We're going to the Omni Hotel downtown. How long is the drive?"

"About thirty minutes, sir." The driver looked between Damon and Bethany, a smile tugging at his mouth.

"Good. Roll the window between us up. I need time with my girl."

He nodded, getting in the car as Damon opened the back door to the large vehicle. "Get in. Now."

Bethany walked past him languidly, as if his demands weren't anything to be concerned with. She played a pretty good game, but if he had any clue about how much she needed him, he might run hard and fast. Bordering obsession was the concern; demanding carnality was the plan. He popped her butt as she climbed in, her body jolting at his hard touch.

Sitting down in her seat, she turned to watch him as the driver rolled up the privacy window. Damon's eyes held as much need as she felt sliding through her, burning her from the inside out. He slid to his knees in front of her, his hands palming her thighs as he pushed her dress up with his fingers. He stopped just before reaching her panties, his eyes moving from her thighs to her gaze. She felt frantic, her heart surely working to beat from her chest.

"Do you have any idea how much you turn me on? My body aches for release inside of you, Beth. I don't remember feeling so much in my long life." He leaned down and brushed his cheek along the inside of her thigh, a long kiss pressed to her soft flesh. "Fuck, I need you ..."

She ran her fingers through his hair, her heart bursting at the sight of him before her again. Willing to give pleasure to her and deny his own again. He spoke a big game, but the man who stole her heart wasn't at all the jerk who would deny her love. She pulled up on his hair, his head jerking back from the front of her panties as he moved to press his mouth against the wet cotton.

"No ... my turn." She pushed at him, crawling onto the large floor and nodding toward the seat with a smile on her lips. "Sit down, and let me love you."

"Yeah. I'd like that a lot." He moved to the seat, sitting back and letting his hands drop beside him. Ropes of muscles contracted as she slid her hands along his thighs, his legs not too large but strong and sexy as hell. She leaned over and pressed her lips to the softness at the base of his erection, his clothes still very much in the way. Opening her mouth, she pulled in firmly, his groan telling her what she needed to know.

He worked to get his pants undone, pushing at her a little to move her back. "Come here, baby. Take what you can."

"I want it all," she whispered, her mouth watering at the sight of him. His slacks lay flayed open, his large erection bobbing softly as he watched her closely.

"I want you to have it all. As much as you want, Beth. It's all yours." He stroked it once, holding it up as if offering it to her.

Bethany reached out and slid her hand down the length of him, her fingers barely touching around his girth. She panted softly, air seeming to flee from her lungs. Nothing in her time of being with men had been more appealing, more desirable. She glanced from his offering up to his eyes. Hooded and filled with lust, he stared down at her as he sucked his bottom lip into his mouth.

She stroked him once again before moving to hover over the top of him. Her lips pressed a soft kiss to the thick meaty top of him before opening her mouth and taking him into her wetness. He groaned, the fingers of one of his hands sliding into her hair and holding tight. She moaned against him, the soft bucking of his hips driving her mad. He wasn't willing to let control go, and for now, she was good with that.

She worked to cover him in wetness, licking and sucking in various rhythms over and over again. Her hands played games with the most sensitive parts of him as she waged war against his lust. His fingers gripped the seat behind him, his hips arching hard as she choked on him. She pulled back, her eyes watering at the action. Damon reached down and slid his hands along her face, pressing his lips to hers and licking at the wetness around her mouth.

"Enough," he whispered as she moved back.

"No. I want to drink you dry."

"Fuck, Beth." He stroked himself once, his breathing labored. "I'm so close. Let's just wait."

"No." She leaned forward, pushing his hand away and taking charge of him. He groaned loudly as she began to work him. Her eyes diverted to the ecstasy on his face. Beautiful. Intriguing. A god in his own right. His eyes opened as he looked down at her, his features softening a little. He touched her cheek softly, love filling his gaze.

"Move back, baby. I'm going to come. Let me finish it." He groaned as she took more of him into her mouth, her hands working to touch every part of him that her mouth didn't. She moaned against him, her body throbbing as she picked up the pace.

"Beth, please. Move back, baby. I can't hold it much longer." His head dropped back as his hips bucked. Beth sucked harder, taking everything he gave and wanting more. He thrust a few more times before collapsing on the seat. Beth released him, licking softly along the length of him as he shivered.

"Fuck ... " His eyes opened, his fingers coming to stroke the side of her face softly. "Don't make me fall in love with you, Beth. I'm damaged goods."

"Hush," she whispered and moved back to sit beside him. He worked to get his pants together as the driver stopped the car and opened the door.

"Everything go okay?" The older man smiled and held the door open. Beth got out and reached for him, her knees almost giving out under her. The gentleman chuckled. "You okay, young one?"

"Yes, just feeling a little woozy." Beth smiled, her fingers gripping the man's arm.

"Love will do that to you."

"Damn right, it will," Damon choked out, reaching for the edge of the door and pulling himself out. He reached for Beth. "Come on ... We're not done."

Chapter 24

Bethany reached out and took his hand, pulling herself close to his side as the wind picked up. The smell of salt and sea washed over her. She pulled him to a stop for a minute so she could take in the beauty of Seattle. Small shops lined the streets, the decorations eclectic, the sound of music taking her attention.

"There you two are. I was beginning to worry."

Bethany turned to see Kent moving toward them, a warm smile on his face. She released Damon's hand and moved in behind him as he greeted his father. Damon nodded to the counter, his face pale, lips wet and brilliantly pink.

"I'll get the rooms."

"Was the flight good, Bethany?" Kent moved in front of her. He reached out and squeezed her shoulder softly, a fatherly smile on his face.

"It was great. No turbulence at all." Bethany moved into the hotel with him, her eyes averting to find Damon. Her heart had yet to slow down, the thumping pulse still racing down her nerve endings.

"That's great news. I'm going to steal Damon for a couple of hours, but we'll meet you for dinner tonight." He winked at her and looked at Damon.

"What's the plan?" Damon handed her a card to the room.

"I need you to help me on a presentation for a few hours. I told Bethany to enjoy her afternoon. We can just meet her for dinner. Sound good?"

"Perfect," Bethany finished the thought for them. Damon looked at her, an eyebrow lifting slightly. She moved to pick up her bag. "I can take these to the room."

"No. I'll take them up with her and meet you back here in five minutes, Dad."

"Sounds good. Enjoy yourself, Bethany. Get anything you want."

She smiled and walked toward the elevator. Damon moved in beside her and growled softly.

"What the fuck?" He slipped in behind her and pressed the button to their floor, setting down his luggage and turning to her. He closed the distance between them, his fingers sliding into her hair again as he massaged the back of her head.

"I'll take a nap." She smiled and pulled him down for a short kiss.

He pressed himself against her, his body still hard and seemingly ready for so much more.

"I want you," he whispered against her lips. The door opened behind them, and he moved out of the elevator, holding it for her.

"Yeah, well, I want you too, but I'm not allowed to have you until I need you, and even then I can only have you when you say I can." She gave him a sassy look as she passed him.

His fingers caressed the curve of her butt as he moved in beside her. "You're catching on quickly. Good girl."

She scoffed and popped him in the chest, but a wicked smile was all she got in return. He opened the door and slipped his luggage in. Bethany walked past him into the expansive room, the cream-colored walls and crimson sheets luxurious.

She turned as the door closed, half expecting him to be gone. He pressed his back to the door and smiled.

"Undress for me. I have to go, but give me something to be tortured by." He nodded as if she were allowed to start.

"No." She shrugged and walked toward the windows, pulling back the curtains and looking over her shoulder to smile at him.

"I'll rip that pretty dress off your sexy body, woman." He smiled.

"I love this dress." She turned to face him, a hand on her hip.

"I love what's under that dress. Make me ache for you, Beth. Show me what I want to see."

Bethany reached up and unzipped the back of the dress. Her motions were slow and methodical; the sense of calm that had settled over her was almost concerning. Internally she was losing her mind. Her heart was beating too fast, her stomach in tight knots all over again.

He nodded toward her, his lip rising in a sexy smile. "You're going to need that nap, beautiful."

She tugged at the dress, the material silky as it slid down her skin. Her white panties and bra barely covered her body; the undies no doubt wet along the front.

Damon's head hit the door behind him, a soft groan lifting from him as his hand reached for the door handle. "Enough ... that's enough."

"Oh no ... We’re just getting started." Bethany reached behind her, undoing her bra and letting it drop. She slid her hands up her thin waist and cupped herself, tugging at her nipples and groaning as she watched him.

His hand slid over the front of his slacks, his breathing heavy and insanely hot. Damon's dark eyes slid down her body, his tongue wetting his lips as he whispered, "Take them off."

Bethany turned and slid her fingers into the top of her panties, slowly sliding them down her legs and bending over to let them drop onto the floor. Damon's movement toward her caused her to stand and turn, her hand extended to stop him. He pressed against it before pushing it out of the way.

The force of him crashing into her took her breath away. His arms wrapped around her tightly, his momentum spinning them toward the bed. He pushed forward and caught them as she dropped to the softness beneath them. He lay on top of her, his lips dragging down her neck to her breasts. Bethany arched her back, a cry leaving her lips as he took her into his mouth, his other hand softly caressing the other breast. He carefully nibbled at her, his tongue lapping the space between her breasts.

She pushed up, rubbing herself against him, her legs wrapping tightly around him. He leaned up and kissed her lips softly, his eyes dark and ominous.

He stood, grabbing her thighs and pulling her to the end of the bed, her ass almost hanging off. Damon urged her legs around him, his palm flat on her lower stomach, his thumb reaching down to rub softly at her.

"So beautiful," he whispered, his eyes roaming all over her. "Rest now, ’cause when I get back, we fuck."

"It's time ..." she whispered, the room growing hazy from the onslaught of emotion rolling through her.

"It's past time." He slid his thumb into her, pulling a little and leaving a sound of satisfaction. "I'm going to devour you over and over."

Bethany pressed against his fingers, her sense of modesty long gone. He leaned over and kissed the top of her stomach, his lips feather light. Her breath caught in her chest as he looked up at her.

"I'm sorry for yesterday. I'll explain when I can. Rest so I can make love to you until you can't walk." He kissed her again and carefully released her, walking to the door and pausing to look over his shoulder at her. "Fuck me ..."

Bethany waited to respond until he disappeared from the room. "No, fuck me ... please."

***

The late afternoon turned into evening as Bethany rested. Her nap had lasted until a little after eight. Bethany checked her phone and found nothing from Damon or Kent. Getting up, she slipped on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. She stopped by the bathroom to make sure she didn't look like the hot mess she felt like. He should have been back by then.

She picked up the phone and called him after brushing her teeth and pulling her hair into a ponytail.

"Hey." His voice was strained. Something was wrong.

"Hey. You okay?"

"Yeah, this is just a lot more than I expected."

"You need my help?"

"No, but I'm not going to be back anytime soon. Dad just ran to pick up sandwiches and leave you a message."

"Where are you guys? I can get food and bring it to you."

"No, he's already been gone ten minutes. We're at the downtown office. Just grab something good to eat, and enjoy the room. Get the valet to take you somewhere if you get stir crazy. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. We'll put you to work tomorrow."

She hung up, a sense of disappointment settling over her. The promise of their night of hot sex and deep groans seemed to be dissipating fast. Might be for the better. She sat down on the bed and reached for the hotel phone. Ordering room service wasn't her first choice, but it would be better than going hungry for the night. Too many hard memories attached to hunger.

She ordered a chicken sandwich and fries before slipping out of her jeans and into a pair of pajama pants. She texted Matt to see how he was doing and got a phone call in return.

"Hey. I didn't mean for you to call."

He laughed, the sound brightening her mood immediately. "I like talking more than texting. My fingers are too fat for all that jazz. Besides, I can't read emotion. I can hear it."

"Well, I'm glad you called then."

"How are you?"

"I'm good. Damon and I had a bad fight yesterday, but today is better."

"Have you guys talked through whatever you were fighting over?"

"Yes and no. I apologized. He did too."

"Damon apologized? Whoa. Hold the phone."

Bethany laughed, lying back on the bed and letting her mind drift back to the various ways he had apologized. "Yeah, he did."

"That's big, Beth. Have you told him?"

"Told him what?"

"That you're in love with him."

"What?" She sat up, hugging the phone closer to her ear as if someone might hear their private conversation.

"I'm not saying anything you don't know already. Does he know?"

She sighed. "I think so. I don't know. That's a lot to spring on him. We've barely known each other a week. I'm not putting that out there yet. It would scare him to death."

"I think you'd be surprised."

"Yes, well, no. Just no."

Matt laughed again. "When are you coming home?"

"Wednesday night. Come to your dad's that night so we can catch up."

"I'll be there. You should tell him."

"No."

"Okay, but I think it would be a good thing."

"You also pretend to be crazy, so people leave you alone."

"True, and it works, right?"

They laughed, and Bethany hung up, Matt's words washing over her. Should she express herself to Damon? What was the look on his face the night before when she had slipped up a bit? Horror? Fear? Loss of words at being accepted? She glanced at the clock and pulled herself into the bed, waiting for her food and wishing like hell he were there.

"I love you, Damon," she whispered into the empty room, the words sounding right but sprouting fear. What if he couldn't return them? What if he could but wouldn't?

Chapter 25

Bethany woke to an empty room Monday morning. Damon's suitcase still sat by the door, nothing in the room having been touched or moved. She sat up and reached for her phone. The message from him was at two in the morning. Just a note that they wouldn't be back until breakfast. Worry tugged at her. What if it wasn't about business? What if he had someone here and went to stay with her?

She growled at herself and climbed out of bed before stripping and heading to the shower. He would be who he was, and until they locked down their relationship, she didn't have much say over any of that. She stepped into the steamy hot water. The mesmerizing pressure of the liquid caused her to groan in relief. Sleep had been welcome after the long night before of worrying all night.

The bathroom door opened and closed. Bethany stuck her head out, her hair partially wet, eyes wide. Damon looked over at her, pulling his shirt off.

"Sorry about last night. Such a fucking mess. I don't know what happened with the office manager, but he dicked up everything for this audit today."

He wasn't himself at all, nor did he look healthy. Dark circles sat under his eyes, his skin peaked. She moved back and opened the shower, hiding behind the curtain.

"I wish you would have come and picked me up. I could have helped. Come in here with me."

"I should have. You're right. I just got into trying to fix it, and before I knew it, the sun was coming up." He dropped his slacks and boxers before sliding into the small space with her. She released the curtain and turned to face him. Damon reached for her, closing the small step that stood between them. His hands slid around her waist, the water making his fingers glide with ease.

Bethany lifted on her toes and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down for a long, soft kiss. He leaned into her, the heaviness of exhaustion almost palpable. She turned them slowly in the water until his back was to the spray. His groan broke the kiss. She moved from him, her eyes taking all of him in as water dripped down his chiseled chest and firm abs.

She reached for the soap, rubbing it between her hands before moving back to stand in front of him. Reaching up, Bethany pressed deep circles into his pecs and down his stomach. Her fingernails scratched lightly along the dark hair above his sex, his body coming to life within moments of her touching him.

"God, that feels good. I don't know if I've ever let anyone wash me," he mumbled, his head tilting back as water ran over his hair and the top of his face.

"Turn and let me get your back." She moved back, picking up the soap again as desire slammed into her. His back was well defined, his butt the sexiest thing she had ever seen. She reached for it first, rolling her soapy hands over the curves of it as he flexed. His hands slid up the shower wall, body sagging forward slightly. Bethany pressed both of her hands into the muscles of his back and worked to pull the tension from them. Soft sounds of appreciation slipped from him as he pressed his forehead to the shower wall.

Bethany finished washing his beautiful body and slid her arms around his torso, pressing herself to the back of him. He reached back and rubbed his fingers along the curve of her hip.

"I have to get back up there. Dad left at three or so. I know he's going to need me." Damon yawned loudly, his body shivering at the effort. He turned, wrapping his arms around her and sliding his hands down her back. He leaned into her, his mouth finding her neck. He buried his face against her throat, his erection thick and hard as it pressed against her stomach.

"I'll go. I'm smarter than both of you put together. I'll help this morning while you get a nap. Come after you've rested."

"I want to come now." He smiled against the side of her neck, his breath hot against her ear.

"You're tired. We'll enjoy each other tonight after the audit is underway and you've slept."

He nipped at her ear, his hands sliding down to the bottom of her ass. He pulled her in tightly, her body molded to his. "Does it feel like I'm going to be able to sleep?"

Bethany laughed and pulled from his grasp. Holding his hips, she turned them again, the hot water splashing over her chilled skin. A smile crept up her face, Damon's eyes growing wide as she turned to face the wall. She slid her hands up the cold tiles, her back arching, her body on display for the good-looking man behind her.

"All I've wanted ..." He slid his hands over her hips, up her ribs to hold onto her breasts. His body pressed into hers, a loud groan leaving her lips as she exhaled in what seemed to be relief. His motions were rhythmic and slow, his body almost too much for her to handle. She pressed back against him as he leaned over her, his teeth and tongue dragging across her back and shoulder.

She moaned and rocked forward, giving him more traction to enjoy himself.

"Oh fuck, Beth. I need you, baby." His hands moved to her hips, the deep thrusting picking up the pace after they had enjoyed the slow sensual pattern for a while. The sound of panting caused her hormones to jolt again, her breath coming out in short spurts.

"It's been too long," he whispered as she moaned loudly, her body exploding into a fiery bliss as he worked her from behind. "Take it, baby. Take whatever you need from me."

She moaned louder, his body pressing against the center of her and pulling her apart as if nothing more than a string held her together. She jerked her hips as his fingers tightened on her. He jerked her up, pressing his hand to her stomach and lifting her leg with the other hand. Driving into her over and over as his face slipped into the side of her hair, his teeth digging into the soft flesh of her neck.

The sound of him losing himself, the feel of the wicked devil behind her melting inside of her left her spinning, the room suddenly too hot. The sex too good. The soft sound of his body connecting with hers filled the air as his grip tightened.

He tensed, his hips losing rhythm as he moaned deep in his chest and let himself go. Bethany reached back and held onto his thigh, forcing herself to take the lead on their movements as he was lost in ecstasy. She jerked her hips over and over until he locked his hands on her thighs, his voice nothing more than a whisper.

"Fuck ... stop, baby. Killing me ..." He moved back, his footing unstable. Bethany turned toward him, moving in to wrap her arms around his chest. He pressed his back to the shower wall before looking down at her.

She reached up and touched the side of his face, a smile on her lips. "You're so perfect, Damon. So fucking hot."

He leaned down and kissed her softly. The smirk on his face made her chuckle. He was so beyond sensual, and he knew it. It was almost nice to see him too exhausted to tout his own greatness. She reached for a towel, handing it to him and making sure he was steady before getting her own.

She stepped out of the shower as he turned the water off. She would need to go into the office, but first, she wanted to get him in bed. He didn't seem like the kind to succumb to exhaustion, but with the right amount of pressure and lack of sleep, anyone would be weary of his situation. She helped towel dry him as he brushed his fingers down her hair and rubbed her arm.

"Come on. Let's get you in bed."

"More already, Beth? I knew I had met my match. You’re on top this time. I want to watch you fuck me." His words were slightly slurred, his eyes a little glossy.

She laughed and wrapped the towel around herself before wrapping his around his waist.

"Yes. Come lie in bed, and I'll take good care of you."

"That's all I've wanted since we met." He reached up and rubbed at his eyes as she pulled him from the bathroom. She fixed the bed, leaning over to move pillows around.

His hands took her hips, the pressure of him pressing against her causing her to stand.

"Damon. Get in the bed. Stop dicking around. Your dad is waiting on me."

He moved past her and got in the bed, tugging the towel off and stroking himself as he sucked his lip into his mouth. "Hush, woman. Get over here and ride me."

"No. I need to go." She covered him up, leaning down to kiss him softly. "Hey, tell me something."

"What?" His eyes closed, his breathing deepening quickly. He was exhausted. How he had even stood in the shower was beyond her, much less put a hurting on her libido.

"In the shower, you said it had been too long."

"Mmhmm," he mumbled, reaching out and pulling her down for another kiss. She kissed him a few times before moving back.

"It had been too long since we'd touched or since you've fucked a woman?"

"Second part." He yawned and turned onto his side, tugging the covers closer. "I haven't found one I was willing to make love to in ... longer than I can remember."

Make love to?

She touched his back, rubbing softly as he fell asleep. Tears filled her eyes as realization dawned on her.

Maybe he wasn't at all who he pretended to be. Maybe her desires mixed beautifully with his demands. Lust was the fuel that would forge them closer, but it felt like love might be the coating that protected the possibility of forever.

Chapter 26

Bethany looked up from the pile of papers in front of her as Kent spoke. Her soon-to-be stepfather stood at the head of a long cherrywood executive-length table, his brow contorted.

"I'm not sure how this happened. Why the hell aren't the numbers tying out? Zarpeth is one of our largest clients, and I know we sent a really strong senior associate to count their inventory." He sighed and pulled the chair back, slumping down in it.

Something inside of her wanted to do anything to make things right. She simply didn't have the experience. Just being out of school and headed back for her master’s soon, she lacked on-the-job experience.

"What can I do?" Bethany leaned back in her chair and slipped her hands into her lap as her phone buzzed.

"Call your brother, and tell him to get here." Kent sighed again and ran his fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair.

His word stung without him knowing it. His reference to Damon being her brother left a mark on her. The reality that she had just fucked him in the shower flooded her subconscious with shame. How would they ever work? Her mother was marrying his father, and they were going to what? Fall happily ever after in love?

She picked up her phone and answered it; Damon's name popping up and causing her heart to almost stop in her chest.

"Hey."

"How is it going?" His voice was so deep and sexy, scratchy from obviously just waking up.

It was after two in the afternoon, but he and Kent had pulled an all-nighter the night before. He had stumbled into the shower with her, taking her fast and hard and falling asleep in the bed like a little boy, so worn out.

"It's not going too great. Kent is asking for you." Bethany breathed in sharply, sitting up and moving some of the papers in front of her. "I've recounted the inventory a few times, and it's more than obvious the issue isn't with the calculation but with the count that was taken."

Damon let out a sigh that set her on edge. Was he put off by the fact that she couldn't figure the mammoth problem out on her own?

"All right. Tell my father to hang tight, and I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Ask him if he needs a coffee." His voice was tight and all business. The sound of it caused her stomach to hurt. Where was the man that had whispered his pleasure against her wet skin in the steamy shower?

"Damon wants to know if you need a coffee." Bethany moved the phone from her mouth and looked up at Kent.

"No. I just need him to stop napping and get his ass here." Kent leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and pressing his palms to his face.

"He needs ..." Bethany started but was cut off by the sharp agitation in Damon's voice.

"I heard him. I'm on my way." He hung up without another word. No asking if she wanted a coffee or if she was doing okay. No “See you soon” or “Missed you when I woke up.”

Asshole.

Kent got up a few minutes later and walked out of the small conference room as Bethany stood and moved to the window, pressing her hand against it and fighting back tears.

Had she imagined the softness of their morning after the sex? Had she made Damon into someone he wasn't? Memories assaulted her.

"Come lie in bed, and I'll take good care of you."

"That's all I've wanted since we met." He smiled and reached for her.

He had admitted to not having sex in a long time. Not because he was too busy or because he didn't physically need the release.

"I haven't found one I was willing to make love to in ... longer than I can remember."

Tears threatened to roll over onto her cheeks, leaving her looking like the lovesick child she was. She wiped at them angrily, trying hard to push away her feelings of inadequacy. He was tired, and the proverbial shit was hitting the fan. Of course, he was coarse and rough with her. He wasn't being unreasonable; she just realized that she needed more—no, expected more—from him.

"See something of interest?" His voice caught her off guard. She smoothed down the front of her black jacket, the dress under it striped with black and white. His eyes remained on her face, his mood sour, his expression pinched. He was tired, but damn him for not giving her anything to show that he felt something from their earlier interactions.

"Just trying to figure this out and be helpful." She gave him a slight smile and walked back toward the table.

"Yes, well, you're just out of college. I didn't expect you to offer assistance. You're here to learn, so watch as I figure this out." His voice was deadpan, as if she were as interesting as watching the clock on the wall tick second by second.

She swallowed her emotions and simply nodded, moving to stand beside him.

"The inventory was taken in April, and again in July, which are around the times it should be taken, but one was taken before the early morning shipments they receive and one after. They need to be consistent. Simply call the warehouse in Tampa and have them email you the receipts for the July early morning shipment. Reconcile the numbers, and this problem should be solved." He looked up and touched his finger to the side of his temple. "You have to actually use common sense if you plan to get anywhere in this big world. It isn't genius we're looking for."

"Are you saying I should have been able to figure that out?" Bethany took a step back, his reaction to her ignorance astounding and hateful.

He looked up and lifted his eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the side of his mouth. "Are you getting offended at me trying to make you a better accountant?"

"You're not trying to make me better. You're pinpointing my lack of common sense. That's not something you learn in accounting classes." She put her hands on her hips as heat rose up her chest and coated her throat. "And your tone is starting to get on my nerves. If you want to coach me to understand the details of shipment times at the client's warehouse, that's fine, but talking to me like I'm a dumbass because you know how things run at the Tampa plant and I don't isn't coaching."

He let out a long breath. "I understand that you think we should be holding hands and smiling at each other after this morning, but I'm not interested in a relationship. If you're not willing to be a woman who’s worth my time, then you probably need to let me know that now. Save us some time."

Bethany took another step back as a large ball of regret pressed into her throat, the room seeming hot all of a sudden. She wasn't even sure how to react, so she didn't. She dropped the paper she had picked up and walked toward the door. Damon's hand on her wrist stopped her. She turned back and pinned him with expressionless resolve.

"I'm not like every other man, Bethany. You're not allowed to leave your mark on me. I'm here for sex, and if you are too, great, but if not ..."

"Fuck you," she whispered and smiled as if he didn't matter. She needed him not to, but he did far too much.

Pulling from his grasp, she walked through the small door, the hall seeming to close in on her. She didn't stop until she got back to the hotel, the room ice cold from leaving the AC on too long. She lay down on her bed, rolling up in the covers and regretting it immediately. It smelled like Damon, the deep musky tones rushing into her nose and over her tongue as she groaned.

They couldn't be a couple anyway, could they?

He was her fucking brother. No way would they be able to figure things out. It was too complicated.

So was sex enough? Could she just enjoy the feel of his hands on her, the taste of his tongue, the deep thrust of his body into hers? She groaned again, her nipples budding at the very thought.

She was lost to the idea of being beneath him as much as possible, but was that simply because she loved him? If there was no love there, how could the emotion be so damned strong?

Her phone buzzed.

Damon.

"Bethany." She answered it very professionally, hating herself, hating him ... hating every-fucking-thing.

"Kent and I are headed out of the office. Feel free to do whatever it is that you women do when you're pissed. I should be back later tonight, but if not, I'll be in the lobby at ten tomorrow morning, and we'll head home."

"Is there something you guys need me to do while you're out?" she asked, her heart breaking over and over at his dismissal of her. She was smart and brilliant, and this cock of a man was trying to tear her down.

"Nope. Just enjoy yourself. I'll take notes today, and you can read them tomorrow on the plane while I sleep. I'm sure I have another all-nighter."

"Let me know if you change your mind." She hung up this time as a hopeful “Fuck you” through the phone.

Tossing the thing halfway across the room, she let herself cry into the soft white pillow beneath her. She wasn't going to win the battle by being bitchy and fighting him with her own ammo. Having not been in more than one real relationship her adult life, she was way out of her league. The one thing she did have that he wanted, and he had admitted it, was her body.

If he were willing to use his as a weapon against her, perhaps it was time for her to return the favor.

Bethany turned over in the bed, her long hair splayed out all over the place, her makeup running into her eyes as they burned. He was a bastard, and yet she knew so much more sat just underneath the perfectly constructed facade that was Damon Bryant.

Sex would be the tool, the only means she had of breaking him down. She wanted to know the man underneath, yearned for his time and attention. She would use herself and stick to the rule he had laid down for her a few minutes ago. She was most certainly going to brand herself all over him, but he wasn't going to get any further into her heart.

She would wedge herself so far into his thoughts, into his desires, that he begged for her time, for her attention, for her sex.

She wiped at her tears once more, her resolve setting into place. She hated to be a bitch and play dirty, but Damon left her no choice.

Getting up, she walked to the small lounge chair in the room and texted Philip.

Bethany: I enjoyed coffee the other day. We should do it again.

Philip: Me too. How about today? Lunch or dinner with me?

Bethany: How about on Wednesday you come up and have lunch with me at work.

Philip: Not sure that would be okay with them.

Bethany: They can't tell me who I can eat with, right?

Philip: This is true, and the dick can't fire me... he already did. LOL

She smiled, unable to help herself. Hurting Philip wasn't on her laundry list of things to do, but getting him to help her break Damon in half, now that very much was, and it reigned supreme.

Chapter 27

Tuesday morning came fast, Bethany having ordered room service the night before and stayed in her pj's all evening. A few sappy chick flicks later, and she was a ball of tears, wishing that something besides her new plan would work. She knew a different Damon existed. He was the one that Matt worshiped. The one that was shocked to find out that maybe she loved him. The one that held her the first night they were together, not kicking her out but tucking her against him as they slept.

Where was that guy? To what extreme would she have to go to dig through all of his protection to reach him? Was it worth it?

"What the fuck am I going to do when I get there?"

Because the truth of the matter was plain and simple. She was going to get there. It didn't matter what it took. Needing to know if anything could exist between them beyond the fiery physical attraction was paramount.

Bethany finished packing up the room, throwing Damon's stuff in his suitcase as well. A soft knock on the door caught her attention. She tucked her pink silk blouse into a black skirt that hugged her hips but fanned out on her legs. It wasn't meant for the office but perhaps a night on the town.

She opened the door as Damon leaned against the frame, his hair a mess, his eyes bloodshot.

"I came to get my bag. Didn't want you to have to deal with it." He yawned and walked in as she moved back. His eyes shifted down her body, stopping on her legs. "You look good."

So one night of sleep left him acting like an ass, but two opened him up to be the guy she was in search of. His voice was soft and kind, his expression showing interest. She almost laughed but caught herself. Making fun of him wouldn't get them anywhere. He might be kind for a few hours, but his anal-retentive side would rear its ugly head soon.

Better to play her game starting now.

"I packed it up for you, but I figured I would leave it. The bellman could come get it, or you could." She shrugged and walked toward her suitcase, popping the handle and pulling it toward the door without paying him much attention.

"I'll get yours too. Just leave it there." He walked toward her, but she side-stepped him, her eyes brushing past him as if he were nothing more than a silly boy who thought to gain her attention.

"I'm good. Take care of your own. I can take care of myself." She opened the door without looking back. "See you downstairs."

Bethany walked into the hall, letting the door close before she let out her shaky breath. What if he took her rejection to heart and completely turned from her? What if her plan blew up in her face like most things had over the last few years? Nothing ever turned out right when she acted outside of her consciousness. Asking her mom to marry Kent to help her with her college funding had been a prime example. Yeah, college was paid for, but at what cost?

She had fallen in love with her fucking soon-to-be brother.

Riding the elevator down to the bottom floor, she coached herself. She could do this. She could be this girl. He was aloof and quite an ass seemingly without effort. She could play that same game. If he pulled too far away, then she would stop playing and try something else.

Why did she have to feel so damn desperate to make him hers? The thought was consuming. The need to belong to him was far more than a casual fuck, which scared her and broke her heart.

She walked toward Kent in the lobby and smiled as she stopped beside him. "How did things work out for you guys?"

"Oh, Bethany, great." He reached out and pulled her into a side hug, looking behind her as if trying to find Damon. "It was all good. Damon figured it out, and we should be set. That boy is brilliant. I'm glad you're learning from him and not me."

Damon's voice surprised her as he spoke behind her. "I'm not all that, Dad. I'm sure Bethany could have figured it out had I given her a chance."

"You never give anyone a chance. You're a glory stealer." Kent laughed and moved toward the front desk, pulling his wallet from his back pocket.

Damon moved to stand in front of her, slipping his hands into his slacks. "Hey ... about what I said ..."

"You were right." She shrugged and turned her attention to Kent's back.

"Beth. It's complicated."

"No, it's really not." She smiled and turned back to him, letting her eyes move over the perfect planes of his handsome face, his dark eyes holding deep emotion. She ignored them completely, having sold out to pushing this speeding train off the tracks in hopes of making a lasting impact on him.

"Yes, it is. I shouldn't have said tho—"

She cut him off by lifting her hand.

"I'm not interested in this. Your cock is big, and you're as sexy as sin. I want our relationship to remain uncomplicated. You and me, we're never going to be anything other than family, so until we are, let's enjoy the only thing we have in common. A love for fucking."

She walked toward the front door, the anger in his gaze scorching her. If he wanted to apologize, it was far too late. He hadn't acted like an ass once or twice but on regularly, habitually. Only one way to break him down: the same fucking way he was obliterating her control—take it from him completely.

***

She smiled as the flight attendant stopped beside her, the boy metro for sure but handsome. His smile widened a little as he looked down at her. Bethany smiled back, letting the gesture reach her eyes.

"Something to drink for you?"

"What do you suggest?" She leaned toward him a little, her tongue touching the edge of her mouth. "I'm not in the mood for liquor, but I am so thirsty."

The boy's smile lifted a little until Damon cleared his throat. Bethany glanced over at him. His stare pinned her with accusation, but she ignored it, chuckling a little.

"It would seem my boss is thirsty as well."

"Boss?" the boy asked.

"And my brother, actually." Bethany stared at Damon for a minute more, the light in his gaze dimming a little. Was he hurting from the way she was? She wanted to be glad of it, and yet it tore at her resolve. She couldn't do this for long. It wasn't who she was at all.

"Gin and Sprite," Damon responded before leaning back and closing his eyes.

"I'll just have the Sprite." Bethany smiled again as the boy nodded and winked at her.

"He's not your type." Damon's words surprised her, the lack of emotion driving her forward in her own form of attack.

"You're right. I like assholes."

He opened his eyes and turned his face a little. "I tried to apologize."

"You didn't mean it, but it’s okay."

"You play games, Beth. Good luck with it. You’re not going to last long."

"Why is that?"

"Because we both know that where I prefer lust, you prefer love."

"Is that because I'm a woman?"

"That, and you like to play it safe. If you love, and the guy returns the emotion, then forever might be locked in. If lust is all there is, then you stand a chance of losing someone that makes you feel alive." His eyes moved to her mouth as he pulled his bottom lip into his mouth briefly.

She couldn't help but watch his every move, everything about him so sensual and right. How could she not love him? He was damaged, and damn if she didn't want to repair him.

"You're wrong." She shrugged and turned toward the seat in front of her.

"Am I?"

"Yep."

"Let me prove it to you." He unbuckled his seat belt and slipped into the aisle; the fasten seatbelt sign still on. He stopped and hovered over her as she glanced up at him.

"Lust takes courage. Love is for pussies." He leaned down and touched the side of her face. "If all you feel is lust, meet me in the bathroom in the back. Prove it."

"I don't have to prove anything to you." She pulled back, the idea of having him take her in the small space of the restroom so fucking hot it caused her body to ache immediately.

"Oh, I wasn't talking about proving it to me. Come prove it to yourself. You wanna play with the big boys, you have to believe the truth in your own game. Come earn your stripes, little girl." He turned and walked to the back of the plane.

Turning back around in her seat, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back, not at all ready for something so raunchy. No matter how much of a deep, dark fantasy it was, there was no way she was giving control back. That's all he wanted by making the claim.

She sat there for a few more minutes as her body woke up to the idea of him all over her. The deep throb between her thighs was a quick reminder that Damon's body was more than worth rendering control to him and allowing him to take advantage of her. The shower scene washed over her, and she stifled a moan, getting up before she lost her courage.

Her fingers gripped the seats as she moved quickly, the door to the bathroom opening as she approached. She pushed her fingers into his chest and moved into the small space with him. His brow lifted as he chuckled.

"Never in a million years would I have expected you to get up."

"I don't care what you expected." She pushed at his chest slightly. He sat down, his fingers brushing the back of her knees.

"Love is messy, Beth. Stay with me in lust, and we can drown in each other over and over again." He slid his hands up her thighs, into her skirt, fingers running along the edge of her panties. He brushed by her sex as she closed her eyes, tugging away from him.

Bethany turned and looked over her shoulder as she let her eyes drag across him. "Take my panties off, and stop talking your bullshit nonsense."

"Yes, ma'am." He smirked and reached up, his large hands palming her ass before he dragged her panties down. His wet tongue slid up the back of her thigh, his lips soft and sucking at her skin as he moved. She leaned forward, her back arching slightly as he moved her skirt up her back, his tongue licking at the swollen wetness of her lips. She pushed back as he groaned, the sensual connection with him enough to undo her.

He licked a few times, his tongue lapping at the wetness he caused. She felt the loss of contact with him and almost started to move before he locked her into place with his hand on her thigh. The sound of his pants being unzipped caused her heart to flutter, her breath to catch.

"Come here, baby. Sit back on me, and let me fuck you." He reached up and tugged her down, Bethany more than willing to be pliable for his needs. He guided her carefully to rest on top of him, her hands pressing into the soft material of his slacks, his thick thigh muscles underneath.

She groaned and lowered herself onto him, the width of his cock opening her up further than she remembered from the day before. He sucked in a breath between his teeth, his hands under her thighs as he lifted her off the ground. The motion made the rest of his erection disappear inside of her, Bethany moaning his name as bliss rushed through her veins.

He spread her legs over his and slid one hand up to cup a breast over her clothes, the other rubbing softly at the bundle of nerves at the top of her sex. He used his hold on her to lift her slightly, the firm press of his hips against her rear making a soft slapping sound as he worked himself in and out of her.

"Feel good, Beth? Taking all that dick inside of you?" he whispered against her hair before Bethany reached back and pulled her locks into a bun. She wanted more of his skin on hers.

"So good. Don't stop, okay?" Her words were airy and filled with the dark lust that tore her willingness to stand strong against him apart entirely.

"Never. Just hold on to my legs, and take what I'm giving you. You want what I have, don't you, Beth?" He pressed his lips to her neck, Bethany's back arching to take more of him in. He pinched the softness of her clit between two of his fingers and tugged a little. "You want me all over you, deep inside of you, marking your sexy little body with my teeth and fingers. Tell me you want it as bad as I do."

He lifted her with his thrust, every movement sending deep tremors of pleasure into her. She leaned back against him, rocking her hips forward to increase the friction of his fingers, his pinches hurting so good.

"I want it as bad as you want the smell of me on your sheets, the sticky wetness of my come on your fingers ..." she panted, almost unable to speak past her own want for all of those things.

"You’re damn right, I do." He pressed his fingers in tighter, jerking them as she buckled, the orgasm ripping through her like none before.

"Oh fuck, Damon ... no, no, no," she murmured over and over, rocking herself against the thickness of his cock, the soft pads of his fingers.

"Yeah ... yeah take it, Beth. Such a good girl. I'm going to destroy your desire for any other man. So it's my body you need, my cock you can’t get enough of ..."

She nodded as he continued to assault her with the truth of where she already was. He moved his hands to her hips, pulling hard and slamming her back down on him as he groaned softly over and over.

"Fuck, you’re perfect. Squeeze your ass, and whisper my name. I'm so close, Beth. Take me over." He pressed his lips to her ear, jerking himself in and out of her as she quickly obeyed him.

He growled loudly as his teeth sank into the soft skin of her neck, just behind her ear. Bethany yelped but let the pain fuel the pleasure of knowing that he was going to explode any minute. He released his bite and groaned against her hair as he filled her, his hands digging in tightly to her bare hips as he moaned.

"Oh fuck, Beth. Oh shit. So perfect, baby. Delicious, tight little pussy that’s so wet for me." He groaned again and slammed her down once more. He shivered, moving to wrap his arms around her. The soft sound of knocking at the door scared the shit out of her.

"Occupied. Be out in a minute," Damon spoke loudly against her neck. His tongue pressed to the throbbing skin at the back of her neck, soft licks and kisses not dimming the fire of his bite.

"You bit me, you ass," she whispered, turning her face a little.

He reached up and pulled her closer, brushing his lips past hers as his gaze burned into her.

"As a reminder."

"Of what?"

"That I'm in control, and you, little pussycat, are mine."

Chapter 28

Every move she made reminded her of the way he touched her in the airplane restroom. The warmth between her thighs was a constant pleasure that caused her mind to be distracted. She had planned to own him, but once again he had pulled her strings and assumed control.

They walked off the plane in silence, Damon having fallen asleep pretty quickly when they got back to their seats. The look from the male attendant when he finally delivered their drinks after trying forever was pensive at best. Damon's hand rested in her lap, his fingers tightly wrapped around her upper thigh.

She just smiled sheepishly at the attendant and decided not to worry too much about it. She’d never see the guy again anyway. He could think all he wanted to about her brother manhandling her thigh.

The bite mark behind her ear was safely covered by her thick hair, but her fingers kept brushing by the swollen flesh, the pain almost unbearable. Why Damon would think he needed to bite her so hard was questionable. Maybe he just got lost in the moment.

Bethany tried hard not to focus on the fact that he had blamed it on the need to mark her, to call her his. So many things lay between them, still unanswered. They were all about lust, and no matter how she felt about it, she was his. Too bad her body and mind were in a deep battle over what that truly meant.

Kent joined them as they walked down the long corridor of the airport, dark circles under his eyes.

"I'm going to get a cab to take us home. Damon, are you coming to the house or what?"

"Bethany and I are going to grab something to eat and talk about the audit. You go home and rest. I'll get her over there later, or she can always crash at my place."

She simply nodded, a little shocked at Damon's plan. Talking about the audit was honestly the last thing she wanted to do, and she knew he was beyond worn out too. The thought rushed across her mind to refuse him, but the look on his face shut her down. He was demanding for her to come with him. It wasn't a question.

"You sure? You look beat too." Kent moved toward the taxi line as Damon nodded.

"Beth, you good with that?"

"Yeah, it's whatever. I slept last night. You guys didn't."

"We'll see you later, Dad." Damon waved to Kent and turned to walk next to Bethany toward the valet area. "You're staying the night with me. Text your mother later, and let her know you're too tired to leave and are sleeping in the extra bedroom at my place."

"She knows we don't get along, Damon." Bethany smirked and turned her attention to the paving tiles a few feet in front of her. The idea of staying at his place again caused fear to rise in her stomach. Fucking was one thing, but holding each other, or talking intimately, or sharing a meal at his kitchen table... too much. She was already in love, and he wasn't.

"I think we get along really well. You don't?" He smirked and reached for her hand, slipping his into hers as they moved into the busy drop-off zone of the airport.

They rode in silence to his house, Bethany closing her eyes and trying like hell to come up with a plausible reason that she needed to leave. The sex in Seattle had been good, but almost too intimate. If they were just going to hold tight to lust, then sex would need to be carnal and unloving ... much like being bitten in a bathroom stall.

She laughed out loud, clamping her hand over her mouth.

"What's so funny, beautiful girl?" He smiled over at her.

"Who are you?" She laughed again, turning to watch him while he drove.

"You know who I am. What do you mean?"

"You're bossy and domineering, promising carnality and nothing more, and yet you held me the first night we had sex. You talk about making love to me in the shower and treat me like shit when you get to the office. You fuck me in a bathroom and want more. That’s far more intimate than lust would allow."

"How so?"

"Sex at your house is intimate, Damon. It's around your stuff and in your bed."

"I'm complicated." He shrugged, looking over as he slipped his fingers into her hair and brushed them by the painful skin on her neck.

She yelped and slapped at him. "Don't touch that. It hurts."

He brushed his fingers over it again, a smile lifting his lips. "Good. It's a reminder."

"Yes, that I'm yours, but you aren't mine." She moved from him and leaned back, closing her eyes and hating like hell how much her voice let on that she was displeased with their situation.

"No. It's a reminder that you're mine. I don't know what the fuck that means. I've never wanted someone exclusively, but I want that with you."

"Oh ... so I don't see anyone who could potentially love me because you're going to lust me." Bethany turned to look out the window as the early afternoon sun sat high in the sky, blinding her.

"I don't know what it means, Beth. I'm tired. I don't want to have a deep conversation right now."

"I know, just a deep fuck." She kept her gaze on the road just beyond them but reached over and took his hand, wrapping her fingers around his.

"For now? Yes."

***

Bethany followed him closely as they walked into the house, his shoulders slightly slumped, which was cause for concern. He looked over his shoulder, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"You hungry?"

"No. Let's take a nap, and then we'll get something to eat."

"Yeah. That sounds good." He moved toward his bedroom, stopping to lean against the wall as he pulled his foot up and tried to get his shoes off.

Bethany moved in front of him and knelt before him, working to untie his shoes as his fingers slipped into her hair.

"Don't lie to me again, okay?"

She looked up as she tugged a sock off his foot. "Lie about what?"

"Anything. I guess I understand the Sadie thing but don't lie to me again. One more time and I've nothing left to give you. Got it?"

"Don't treat me like I'm not intelligent again." Bethany stood, dropping the sock and looking up at him, her voice strong and steady. "I'm fucking brilliant, and you tore me down yesterday because you have the sensitivity of a grizzly bear."

He smirked.

"Do it again, and I'm serious. I'll quit and start dating someone like Philip who recognizes how brilliant, sensual and beautiful I am. How badly I want to explore the depths of my sexuality, but how very important it is to a girl like me to only give that gift to a man who loves me. A man who treasures me, Damon."

He reached out and slid his fingers into her hair, leaning down and brushing his lips over hers. "What if we're wasting our time with these games? I don't know if I can be that man, or if I want to, Beth."

She smiled and pulled back from him, walking toward his bedroom as she pulled her silky top from her and dropped it behind her. "I don't know if I want you to either."

***

Crawling into his bed, she swallowed the lie, grateful that he was being open, and yet his truth hurt more than a lie might. He was too scared to reach out beyond himself, and though she knew that, she wanted so badly to heal him. Would the cost of doing it leave her barren and alone?

He stopped by the edge of the bed and slipped out of his slacks, unbuttoning his shirt and sighing softly as he crawled in the bed. She had pulled off her skirt but left her panties and bra on. Damon slipped in behind her, sliding an arm under her head and pulling her back to his front as he spooned her. His naked body felt so right against hers, his arms tight as if he were scared to lose her.

"Does your neck hurt, baby?" he whispered in the darkness of his room, his voice so good it ran across her nerve endings and caused her to moan. She arched her back a little, rubbing her rear against the consistent throb of his erection.

"Yes, but I'll be fine." She wrapped her arm around his, locking him to her. His hold on her was a clear indication of the battle that raged within him.

"I'll put something on it when we get up. I shouldn't have bitten you that hard. Just felt so fucking good to think about marking you."

"Do you mark all the girls you're with?" she whispered, fear tugging at her at what his answer might be.

"Never. You're erasing lines I have set up for myself, Beth." He turned slightly and yawned loudly before snuggling back into her. His breathing deepened as he slid his hand down her side, running his fingers over the wet mound of her sex beneath her panties.

He kissed her back and slid his fingers up slowly, pressing into the tightness of her ass. His words tore her open, her soft gasp the only sound in the room.

"I want in here. You're going to open up for me soon."

"I don't know," she whispered softly, never having done anything outside of normal missionary sex, and to be honest, not much of that.

"It will hurt a little, but I'm going to take you there, Beth. You'll beg for more when I'm done with you, baby." He kissed her neck again, his fingers rubbing back and forth between her entrances. "Tell me you want it."

"Go to sleep." She reached down and pulled his hand from her as he growled softly. A smile lifted her lips, the notion that he was willing to help her explore pleasure leaving her breathless.

"I will, but don't be scared to explore your body with me. I want you to feel so much pleasure, baby." He kissed her neck again, the coldness of his nose pressing against her as he tugged her even closer still.

"I want you to feel with your heart. Sex is so much more than physical emotion."

"Shhhh. Don't complicate what we have."

She nodded, knowing good and damn well that he had already done that, the day she caught him at his desk, lost in ecstasy as he watched her spy on him. It could have ended there, but he had taken that first step. His rules were laid out, his demands explored and now his mark lay on her body.

Something told her that without too much more effort she would be returning the favor, but his body was too beautiful to mark.

It was his heart she was after.

Chapter 29

He slept late into the afternoon, and as much as she wanted to stay with him, she needed to clear her head. Bethany left Damon a note, blaming her stomach for her departure, and said that she would see him on Wednesday in the office. She called her mother to come and pick her up around three that afternoon. Nibbling at her lip with worry over her decision, Bethany let out a long sigh of relief as her mother showed up.

She got in the car quickly and flashed a smile at her mom.

"Thank you. Damon's asleep, and it almost felt creepy sitting there watching him." She gave off a nervous laugh as her mom eyed her.

"I'm surprised you just didn't let Kent bring you home. I thought you and Damon didn't get along at all."

"We don't really." Bethany shrugged and fidgeted with the air conditioner, trying to find something to do. "He just wanted to go over the audit and pinpoint areas that I should learn to focus on."

"Bethany ... I know he's a really good-looking guy, but you know he's about to be your brother, right?"

The tone of her mother's voice shifted. There was some hint of understanding in her words. Bethany's stomach contracted painfully as she glanced at her mom.

"There's nothing going on with Damon and me."

"Maybe not, but one of you, or perhaps both, wants there to be something. I heard how passionately you were fighting at the house before the trip, Bethany. No one uses that much energy and emotion unless something lies behind it."

"I'm not having this conversation." Bethany turned and looked out the window, feeling all of ten years old again. Going back to Kent's was a mistake. She needed to pack her shit and get back to campus. She would go into the office the next day, wrap up a few things, and then have lunch with Philip. After that, she was headed to meet with the professor she would be spending the rest of her semester trying to impress. Being a teaching assistant wasn't at all her idea of a good time, but it wasn't up for discussion. Master’s degree students were required to spend two semesters giving back for a reduced rate.

"Okay, but I'm here when you need to."

"I won't," she barked out, wanting to crawl into a hole and disappear. It wasn't so much that her mother was aware of something brewing between her and Damon, or that she had called her out on it. It was that she was right. He was going to be her brother soon. Why did she keep pushing that to the back of her mind as if it didn't matter?

It was all that mattered.

***

Damon hadn't called the night before, which was probably for the better. Bethany walked into her office Wednesday morning with a heaviness that didn't sit well with her. She needed to talk to someone about everything, but who? Maybe getting back to her friends that evening would help some. She could spend the night talking everything out with her best friend, Krista. It would be good to see Jake again too. The awkwardness had all but dissipated between the two of them for sure.

"So they let you in the building?" Sadie's voice pulled Bethany from her thoughts.

"Make whatever you're here to say quick. I'm not in the mood for you this morning." Bethany let out a shallow sigh and sat down in her chair. Black slacks and a silky black blouse was her choice of attire that morning, dark colors for a shitty mood.

"I actually wanted to thank you." Sadie reached up and ran her fingertips down the perfect bridge of her nose. "I had to get a nose job thanks to you being psychotic. The surgeon did a really good job. I didn't realize how much I hated my old nose."

Bethany lifted an eyebrow; her sense of hearing must have been off. "Come again?"

"It's true." Sadie laughed, a smile touching the fiery bitch’s mouth. It was the most genuine thing Bethany had seen from the girl since they met. "I'm sorry for being a bitch. I hate making new friends, but ... well, we're all going out tonight if you want to come."

"All I had to do was punch you in the face to get you to lay off?"

"I guess so. I feel much better about myself. The nose is good, right?" Sadie turned and wagged her eyebrows.

Bethany laughed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Maybe things would start to look up from here. She and Damon and were on the fritz, sort of, but maybe other parts of Bethany's life could start coming together. The tension between her and Sadie had begun to affect everyone in the last week, so maybe the fight was a good thing.

"The nose is good."

"You coming tonight?"

"I'll see what the day looks like. I need to go back to campus this afternoon to start working on my master’s pre-work." Bethany reached over and started her computer, working to keep her voice neutral. She was still in shock that the conversation was even happening but wanted to hold her cards tightly to her chest. Could be a setup. Sadie wasn't beyond it.

"Are you two having a normal conversation?" Ben stopped at the door by Sadie as Bethany smirked toward them.

"I think we are," Sadie replied and moved back out into the hall. "All right, well, we're meeting downstairs at six. Feel free to invite Philip or whoever you're seeing now."

"Thanks." Bethany motioned for Ben to come into her office.

"How was Seattle?" he asked, taking a seat and repositioning his bright blue tie.

"It was okay. I wasn't much help, but I don't suppose they expected me to be."

"You guys get everything sorted out?"

"They did." She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. "Are you going to this outing tonight?"

"Yeah. It's just to a local bar."

"Another club?" Bethany mumbled, rolling her eyes.

"No. Just a bar. We're going to have a few drinks. I'm going. You should come with us."

"I'll see. I was hoping to catch up with some old friends back on campus."

"Damon an ass while you guys were there?"

"He was pretty stressed out. He had his moments."

"I hear he and his girlfriend are having issues. I would just steer clear of him. He always acts like this when he's upset about stuff." Ben smoothed his hand down his chest, flattening the tie before standing. "Anyways, keep that on the down-low, but I know you have to interact with him a lot, so don't take anything personal."

His girlfriend? Was Ben referring to her and he didn't know? Bethany was aware that she was far from his girlfriend, but surely the senior associate in front of her wasn't talking about a different woman that Damon was seeing. Was he?

"Will do. I didn't know he was seeing anyone." She stood, unable to remain comfortable while Ben looked down at her.

"Yeah, some girl that's had him wrapped around her finger for a while. He won't give up the goods. He never does." Ben laughed and walked out, calling over his shoulder. "Call if you need me."

"I will," Bethany muttered before sitting back down. She would have to drown herself in work until lunchtime, or the idea of Ben talking about another woman in Damon's life was sure to undo her.

***

Her phone buzzed just before twelve. She picked it up and smiled, grateful for the distraction of having lunch with Philip. Her intent had been to use the poor guy to make Damon jealous, but that had changed. She couldn't do it, and honestly, Damon had shifted recently back more into the guy she wanted to know than the one she saw in the office the day before.

"Guess sex on a plane changes things." She slipped to the back of the elevator, their intimate conversation the day before washing over her. His arms had been so tight around her, his strong body curved against hers. He was everything she wanted, and yet with every subtle step she took forward, he seemed to leap back. It wasn't meant to be,. but could she stop pressing forward in hopes that it would become something great regardless?

She slipped off the elevator with a large group of people; her body warmed at the idea of exploring everything Damon wanted to do to her. She wanted the opportunity to be a bad girl in front of him—for him—only him.

"There you are." Philip walked up and reached out, his fingers grazing her arm.

"Sorry. I got wrapped up in an assignment. How are you?"

"I'm really good. I grabbed sandwiches and chips for us. That okay?"

"Sounds great. How do you know what I like on my sandwich?" Bethany moved to the small table and took a seat, reaching to pick up the dark drink he moved toward her.

"I made a few assumptions. I figured if you didn't like any of this, I'd just go get you a damned chocolate donut."

She laughed and picked up the bag of Doritos between them, three different bags still sitting on the table. "I hate that you spent all this money."

"It's no big deal. I got an internship at another big firm. I start next Monday."

"Oh, that's great news." Bethany sat back, letting the lovely sound of his voice wash over her. He was handsome and kind. That he was her age, and not looking to make her feel like an idiot or bend her over a desk, sat in his favor.

She wanted so badly to like him, to invite him into her world and let it be the two of them that worked toward creating a relationship, but she couldn't.

"Philip. What a surprise." Damon.

Bethany glanced up as she slipped another chip into her mouth. Damon's gaze was light and almost friendly as he extended his hand toward Philip.

Philip shook it, his lip quivering slightly as Bethany watched him. "Yes, sir. Just having lunch with Bethany. I mean no disrespect."

"No, it's me who owes the apology. I read over the files after everything calmed down and realized the error of my ways. Your job is yours if you want it back."

Damon almost sounded sincere, but something about his expression begged the question.

"I appreciate that, sir, but I've accepted a position elsewhere."

"Our loss then." Damon's eyes moved across the table, stopping on Bethany for only a moment. "Enjoy your lunch date then."

"How can I not?" Philip laughed as Damon's smirk slid into a smile.

"I agree. An intelligent woman, great roast beef and the world at your fingertips." Damon started to move, stopping only to glance back at Bethany for a moment.

"Good job this weekend. Nice reminder of what you're capable of. I almost underestimated you." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.

Bethany turned back to Philip as Damon walked off, his comment a sucker punch directly to her stomach. She hadn't done anything but slut herself out to the sexy man walking away from her. His cryptic message hurt. He was poking at her hard. The lust versus love conversation wasn't going to die anytime soon between them.

She tried hard to focus on the handsome boy before her, but the minute they wrapped up lunch, she headed to visit with her boss. They needed to discuss a few things, and none of them could wait any longer.

Chapter 30

She didn't think to stop by her office before going to his, her focus simply on setting things straight between them. She needed to know if she was the girl Ben mentioned or if Damon was playing a bigger game than even she had even imagined.

Bethany walked off the elevator as Linda, his receptionist, looked up and smiled. Bethany's eyes averted toward Damon's office as the door opened and a pretty blonde she had seen before walked out. The girl waved and smiled to Linda as she fixed the smudge of her lipstick on her bottom lip. Her clothes were a little disheveled or appeared to be.

Stopping cold in her tracks, Bethany's eyes followed the woman, who seemed out of place in the middle of their office. Her heels were a little too high, her dress a little too red.

This had to be the other woman.

Linda said something, but Bethany didn't hear her as she turned and walked to Damon's office. She reached out and pushed the door open, slamming it behind her.

Damon turned around, his hands on his tie as if he were just putting it back on.

"Need something, Beth?" He tilted his head as he moved toward her.

"Who was that?" She hated the accusation in her voice, the sadness that permeated the edges of her words.

"Who was who?" He stopped in front of her and pinned her with the dominance of his stare. "Who was that woman?"

"Yes."

"First, you tell me who that boy was that you were having lunch with." He took a step toward her, his demeanor shifting from very professional to aggressive. Bethany took a step back, reaching out and pressing her fingers to his chest as he continued to stalk toward her, his face shaded a light pink.

"You know who that was. I'm not here to play your fucked-up games."

"Oh, but aren't you? You brought that boy up here to my cafeteria for a reason, right? Who is he?"

"I'm not answering that." She hit the wall behind her, a soft sound of surprise leaving her lips. He leaned menacingly over the top of her.

"Who the fuck is he to you? I know who the punk ass is. What does he mean to you? I'm starting to think you're right ... you are playing a game, but I'm not."

"Bullshit. He's nothing more than a friend."

"Why here? What purpose did you have in bringing him here? Did you want me to see you two together? Is that what you wanted?"

"No. I mean yes ... Fuck, I don't know." She pushed at his chest, but he only crowded her more. The heat rolling off of him was almost stifling, the dark press of his gaze making her want to pant for air. This was too much. He was overwhelming.

"Get out of my office, and when you grow up, come back." He started to move as she reached out and grabbed tightly onto his jacket, pulling him back flush against her. His hand slid up the wall behind her as he pressed his hips forward, reminding her quickly how well they fit together.

"No. Who was the woman? I'm not leaving here until you tell me."

"She's a client, Beth. I don't fuck our clients."

"Just your interns?" Beth pushed at him as she moved from the wall.

"I gave you what you wanted. I can't help that your feelings have changed." He shrugged, his face expressionless.

"And yours haven't?" she asked as tears slipped against her gaze. The world blurred, and she hated him for making her feel two inches tall again.

"Wait, let me make sure I have the facts straight." His voice rose another octave as she wiped at her tears. The woman who left the office was far more than a client. By the shifting of her clothes and the adjusting of her lipstick that much was apparent.

"Stop." Bethany moved toward the door, not wanting him to leave her with the guilt that belonged to him. "If you were seeing someone, you should have said something. I know you're good being a whore, but I'm not."

"You fuck me on a plane yesterday, leave me a note when I ask you to spend time with me. You bring Philip to my place of business and rub him in my face, and then you come into my office accusing me of what? Sleeping with Mrs. Finnegan? Is that what you're accusing me of?"

Bethany took a shallow breath and closed her eyes. "I'm leaving. I have to be at school."

"Yeah, you do that." The side of his beautiful mouth lifted as Bethany opened her eyes. His expression was filled with hurt, something not quite right about the conversation.

"Damon."

"No. You've said your piece. Go about your business, and keep wondering if the color of her lips is pressed on my skin, Beth. I know what you're thinking, but you know what? You. Don't. Know. Shit. About. Me." He walked to his desk and picked up the phone, turning his back to her and barking out instructions to someone, most likely Linda.

Bethany stood there for a few minutes, her heart shattering over and over again in her chest. He was right. She didn't know much about him, but what she did know she didn't like very much at all.

She walked quickly out of his office, holding back the torrential flood of tears until she slipped into her office. She closed the door, turning and gasping at the enormous vase of red roses. There had to be close to fifty squeezed tightly together. The office smelled blissful.

Walking toward the flowers, she let her tears fall. Most likely from Kent or Philip. Someone who understood that she was a good person, an intelligent woman and a force to be reckoned with. She plucked the card and sat down at her desk, the need for them to be from Damon crashing into her.

She couldn't open the card just yet. She let her head drop, her chin pressing against her chest as she lifted her free hand to her face to catch some of the wetness that fell from her eyes.

How painful his continued rejection of her was. He was confident and assured, mature and locked into a successful life. She was a simple girl looking for the next exit on the road from adolescence. He didn't get it. He didn't understand her and the need she had to be loved, to be adored and treasured.

It was over between them. Simple, and yet so damn hard to convince herself of.

She opened the card and let her eyes scan over the words, the world stopping for a moment.

Beth,

You're right. I'm scared. I've not let anyone in my heart, in my life—ever. I have a lot to work through, but if you're willing to be patient with me, to be true to me ... I'll try. I want you to be mine first, and then we will work on me being yours.

Take a chance with me?

~ D

"Fuck," she whispered, another round of tears dropping from her eyes. If she hadn’t been branded his before, she was now. She reached for her phone and called his office, the call shifting her to Linda.

"Is he there?" Bethany asked.

"No, he left and said not to bother him for the rest of the day. Sorry, kiddo."

Bethany hung up and texted him.

Bethany: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have invited Philip. I shouldn't have accused you of sleeping with the client. I'm just lost in this, Damon. I'm lost in you, and I feel like I'm the only one waiting to be left with nothing, to be made a fool of.

His text took a few minutes, but relief flooded her when she received it.

Damon : I don't want your apologies. Save them for someone else. I'll make my offer once, and if you don't want it, then we're done. Tonight. My place. Leave your fears, your accusations and your panties somewhere else. They aren't welcome here. Brave enough, Beth?

She texted back one word, her world crashing in around her with need for the man that left her breathless, the one that dragged her into depravity and could possibly be the most important thing in her life at present.

Bethany: Yes.

Chapter 31

Being back on campus felt good, felt right. Bethany breathed in deeply, the heat in Texas stifling, but the smell of fresh-cut grass and honeysuckle made it worth dealing with. She wasn't looking forward to working for one of the business professors for the next semester, but it was a requirement of the master's program. She would just buckle down and get through it and keep her eyes on the future.

The future.

It seemed as though Damon was willing to be a part of that plan. She honestly couldn't fathom it without him in it, and yet they still had so many obstacles to jump over to get there. The fact that they were about to be family was the largest, but working together and both being so damn bullheaded were competing for a close second.

Bethany moved back as a large group of girls piled out of the business building, one of them turning to give her a once-over. She chuckled and slipped into the coolness. Wanting anything other than a man had not occurred to her, but it was becoming more and more the norm to consider both men and women as partners. She shrugged the thought away, not needing more than Damon. She could barely handle him. The thought of another woman with them, touching her man, caused possessiveness to rise inside of her.

"Just no ..." she muttered and jogged up the stairs to the second floor. She still wore her work clothes and was glad of it. Her destination was a vast auditorium. Cost accounting was required for anyone who wanted to be a business major, regardless of whether they were going into accounting or not.

A handsome, distinguished-looking man glanced up and smiled kindly. "You must be Bethany?"

"Yes, sir. Bethany Miller. Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure is all mine. Kendal Tarrington." He extended his hand, his gaze professional and remaining on her face. She let out an internal sigh as she relaxed.

The guy wasn't a douche or a perv from what she could tell. She could totally do this.

"I have to admit up front that cost accounting was not my favorite undergrad class." She smiled, and he chuckled, taking his hand back and pulling a pair of glasses from his pocket. He looked up.

"I'm not thinking too many people would say that it was." He shuffled through a few papers on the desk in front of him as Bethany stood quietly. He was probably in his mid-thirties, in great shape and smelled like heaven. He probably struggled a lot with beating back the hordes of college girls that took his classes and worked to grab his attention. She tilted her head a little, noticing no ring and feeling even worse for the good-looking man.

"Most people like financial accounting better?" She tried to make conversation as she walked toward the front row of the auditorium. Taking a seat, she dropped her purse beside her and laid the small notebook she'd brought with her on the makeshift desk before her.

"Oh yeah. The rules in financial are clear cut, and you can simply push forward. With cost, the rules change a little depending on the various scenarios you might find yourself in." He glanced up as he pulled a notebook from the pile. "Here we go."

She turned as he took a seat to her left, leaving a few between them. His light blue button-up shirt and dark blue slacks were perfectly matched to his tie. She couldn't help but smile. His messy brown hair and dark green eyes only added to the complete package of his persona and appearance. He was the typical accounting type, and yet his looks could allow for a modeling career if he were up for it.

"So I'm thinking I'd like for you to be here on Tuesdays and Thursdays." He opened the notebook and adjusted the Metro-styled glasses on his regally shaped nose. "That good, or does it interfere with your master’s classes?"

"That's fine. How old are you?" Bethany asked, suddenly realizing that she wanted to know, more than having to bear the burden of the awkwardness it might create.

He chuckled and sat back in the chair, pulling the glasses off and pinning her with a hard stare. "Let me give you the spiel I give everyone. I'm thirty-one. I'm not a model, nor do I care to be. I'm a guy that loves math and football, and I'm an extreme stickler for the rules. I don't date students or TAs, so keep things staunchly professional between us, or I'll dismiss you."

"Wow. You've practiced that." Bethany chuckled.

"More times than I care to admit to." He swung his glasses around as he lifted his eyebrow. "We good? You good with all of that?"

"Yep. I'm taken by the best-looking man in all of Dallas. You're safe. Just wondering how much you must struggle with all of these silly girls that take your classes."

He rolled his eyes and looked back down at the notebook. "Enough to have to memorize a damned speech about why it's inappropriate for them to behave the way they do."

Bethany couldn't help but laugh. She could see the two of them becoming quick friends. It was going to be a good semester where school was concerned. Getting back to the books and seeing her friends would help to ease the incessant need that hovered just above her where Damon was concerned. She couldn't spend her days on her back with him between her legs, or could she?

***

"There's the girl of the hour!" Krista walked toward the car as Bethany got out, a smile lifting her mouth at the sight of her best friend.

"Has it only been a couple of weeks? Feels like for-fucking-ever." Bethany wrapped her arms around the other girl and sank into the hug.

"Can't text or call nobody? Too busy being important?" Krista moved back and tugged at a strand of Bethany's long hair.

"You too, butt nugget." She winked and walked toward the apartment. She would be staying with Krista most days of the week, some at Kent's place and hopefully some in the arms of her handsome stepbrother. Bethany reached over and ran her hand down the back of Krista's hair.

"You totally got some low-lights put in your hair."

Krista opened the apartment and moved back. "I did. I just felt like it was too blonde. With it being so short and gold, everyone kept calling me Tinker Bell."

Bethany laughed and let her eyes scan the living room before sinking into the old beat up green couch she had come to love.

"Tinker Bell is beautiful."

"And thin. I'm not." Krista grabbed a handful of her stomach and shook it. Bethany rolled her eyes.

"Where's Jake?"

"He'll be here soon. He had to meet with the new professor he's going to be TA'ing for."

"You guys still together?" Bethany asked, wishing like hell she would have kept in better contact with her friend. Why had she let her new life completely suffocate her old one? Didn't seem right.

"Um ... no. We didn't really get together. He was confused I guess." Krista shrugged, her smile sliding to a frown.

Bethany patted the seat next to her on the couch. "What do you mean? I thought you guys just decided after graduation that you liked each other."

"I've always liked Jake, but I knew the two of you had something going on, so I backed off." She shrugged before sitting down and kicking her feet up. "He thought he wanted to give things a try too, but he just up and changed his mind last week."

"Why?"

"I don't know. He didn't explain it."

"Are you upset?" Bethany reached over and ran her fingers along her friend’s arm.

"Yes and no."

"Explain."

"I wanted something to happen between us, but it was so weird. He's been one of my best friends for four years." She leaned back and closed her eyes. "I'm good with us just being friends. It's better that way. Every time I think about us making out, I keep wondering if he's wishing I'm you."

"What? He wasn't interested in me, Kris ... I tried, remember?"

"Yeah, but I think he was just overwhelmed or shocked. He's asked about you, like, every day since you left."

There was a slight twinge of bitterness in her voice. The hint of it stung, but there wasn't anything Bethany could say to make things better. Jake had completely rejected her the night of the graduation party. Hell, she had stripped naked and walked toward her bedroom, beckoning him to come with her.

Damon would have taken her in the hall before she could make it to the privacy of the room. The thought caused her body to tighten, her hormones to flutter.

"I'm in love," Bethany blurted out, knowing that she couldn't say anything in response to Jake, but she could most certainly share her own situation that would make anything Jake might be thinking moot.

Krista opened her eyes and sat up, shock registering on her face.

"Really? Who?"

"One of the guys at the firm I'm doing my internship with." Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, the idea of blurting out the fact that Damon was her stepbrother just wasn't going to happen. No way could she share that. Anyone with half a sense of morals would slam her to the ground.

A knock at the door surprised both of them. Bethany got up as Krista laughed at their silliness. Jake stood on the other side as she opened it, his smile warm and reminding her of so many good times.

"Hey, you." He stepped into the apartment and pulled Bethany into a hug, nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck. How many times had she wanted this very thing over the last few years? She didn't now, and even if some part of her did, there was no way in hell that she could hurt Krista or imagine life without Damon.

"Good to see you, buddy." Bethany squeezed Jake in a bear-hug manner and moved back. His eyes moved across her as he smiled. She reached out and brushed his long blond hair from his eyes. "You need a haircut."

"Well, you don't. You look great." He stared for another moment. Bethany shut the door behind him and walked back to the couch.

"Thanks. I was just telling Krista that I met the man I'm going to marry." She laughed, trying like hell to bring the room into a more comfortable state while still putting it out there that she was officially taken.

"Oh yeah? Tell us about him." Jake walked to the couch, his smile fading as he moved to sit on the other side of Bethany. The tension between him and Krista was palpable.

"Wait. Are we going to dinner?" Krista asked.

"I can't. I need to do a few more things for work tonight." Bethany gave an apologetic look before turning back to Jake. "He's tall like you, but dark hair and dark eyes. He's bossy and domineering. Quite a dick sometimes, but he's going to be really good for me."

"Wow. He's like the total opposite of me." Jake laughed as Krista stood up.

"I'm getting something to drink. You guys want anything?"

"I'm good," Bethany responded, turning her attention back to Jake.

"Me too. Thanks, though." He watched Krista go and then turned back to Bethany. "You have to help me."

"What? Why?"

His sudden change of expression left Bethany concerned. A frantic look sat on his handsome face.

"She's fucking obsessed with me. She's been my shadow for the last two weeks. I need you home. You have to pretend like we're together or something. I need your help." He reached out and took Bethany's hand.

"That's ridiculous. That doesn't sound like Krista at all."

He lowered his voice and leaned in. "She's going to bring me a drink because she has to be doing something for me all the time."

"But you're not thirsty."

"I fucking know that. I'm serious about you helping me."

Bethany turned as Krista walked in with two drinks. "Here, handsome. Thought you could use something."

Jake gave Bethany a knowing look. Something was a little off, but what could she do to help? Had things shifted that much after just two weeks?

She thought about her life and how she felt about Damon now. Yeah, things could shift dramatically in the space of a couple of days.

Chapter 32

Worry clouded her thoughts as she drove to Damon's house. The situation with Krista and Jake was so odd. It was hard to imagine it happening, and yet it seemed to be. Maybe Krista had been obsessed with Jake for much longer than either of them imagined?

Her phone buzzed in the seat next to her, and she pulled it out as she parked the car in front of Damon's place.

Damon: Where are you? I'm getting impatient.

Bethany: Here. Why does that not surprise me?

He opened the car door as she yelped and hit her knee on the steering column.

"Because you know me so well after only a week and a half?" He lifted his eyebrow and moved back. His white button-down shirt was open, the swell of his beautiful chest and abdomen muscles on full display.

She got out, not able to wait another second to touch him. Sliding her hands around his waist inside his shirt, she lifted to her toes and pressed her lips to his with a soft moan. He wrapped his arms around her and tilted his head, deepening the kiss as he took dominion over her mouth.

His strong hands pressed into her back, the sensation sending tendrils of pleasure shooting all over her. He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers.

"No more accusing me of shit. Things are quite rarely what they seem to be in my world." He nipped at her mouth, his eyes dark and filled with warning.

"I understand," she whispered, wanting so badly to apologize but knowing that he wasn't interested in her words as he noted earlier.

"Come inside and tell me about the campus visit." He moved back, taking her hand and closing the car door with his other one. "We need to get you a new car, by the way. This one is on its last leg."

Bethany swallowed the excitement of knowing that he wasn't furious with her. How close had she come to blowing the best thing that had ever happened to her? He was rough around the edges for sure, but that was one of the main reasons she wanted to melt into a puddle each and every time he came near. To tame a lion would be a great feat.

"I like my college car. It has character." She laughed as they moved into the house. He glanced back at her, the upturned corner of his mouth so incredibly sexy.

"You have character ... you ballsy girl." He released her hand and moved into the kitchen, all sorts of cold cuts and bread out on the counter.

"What's all this?"

"Dinner. I figured something fast and filling would work. I'll cook for you another night." He started pulling together a large sandwich and nodded toward the two plates sitting out. "Hand me one, and get yours. Get whatever you want, just make yourself at home here."

He had two plates out, and he wanted to cook for her? She swallowed the hot burn of tears, almost too afraid to let herself believe that he was letting her in bit by bit. She handed him a plate and nibbled on a pickle as she watched him. Nothing in all of her life was more enticing than seeing him in the kitchen. His dark hair curled a little at the top, his playboy persona only elevated thanks to the need for a haircut.

She reached out and brushed her fingers through it. Damon looked up and caught her hand, kissing the inside of her wrist softly a few times.

"Stop being sentimental, and get your sandwich. You're wrecking my world. Stop looking happy about it." He pressed his teeth to her wrist and released her, winking and looking back toward his masterpiece.

"No way you fit that in your mouth." Bethany laughed and moved to stand behind him. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned forward, needing contact so badly with him. He rubbed her hands as they clasped around his midsection, and she knew—he was softening toward her. She needed to tread lightly here if things were to go the way she wanted them to.

"You'd be surprised what I can fit in my mouth. Want me to show you tonight?" He chuckled, the sound warming her fully.

"You going to choke on that huge sandwich for me just to prove a point?"

"No. I'm going to eat the hell out of this sandwich. I plan to choke on desire and fit as much of you in my mouth as you can handle. Plain and simple, sweet girl."

She stiffened, his words driving a stake into her core and exploding heat along her nerve endings. "How do you do that?"

He lifted his arms and turned in her grasp, wrapping her in a hug. "Do what? I want to hear you say it. Tell me what my words, my plans, my desires do to you."

Bethany lowered her head a little. The weight of his stare was almost too much.

"Look at me, and tell me." He spoke with authority as he bent down a little, putting himself back into her line of sight. She straightened her shoulders and nodded, telling herself over and over that she could do this.

"You make my body ache. It comes alive with your words."

"My promises."

"Yeah. I want all of them."

"How does it ache? How does it come alive, Beth? Tell me. Describe it for me. Make me tremble with need to fulfill that wicked ache you have because of me."

She swallowed hard. It was overwhelming to have him hovering over her, his words so sensual. The timbre of his voice was methodical, deep and tugging at her good-girl appeal. She wanted to strip naked and offer him anything—anytime—anywhere.

"Tell me, baby. Talk to me." He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. She leaned into the kiss, but he pressed his forehead to hers again, stopping the connection. Bethany growled softly as he chuckled.

"You don't get another kiss until you respond to my questions."

"Fine." She tried to pull back, but his strong arms locked her into place.

"What are you afraid of?"

"Sounding like an idiot. I'm the one trying to impress you, remember? You have all your shit together. You're successful and extremely good looking. I'm just ... I'm just a college girl trying to figure everything out." She pulled against him again.

Damon tightened his hold on her, picking her up and moving them toward the kitchen table as he let her go. He reached down and wrapped his strong hands around her waist, lifting her and forcing her to sit on the table. He pressed forward, pulling her hips until she was pressed against him. His hands slid into her hair as he looked down at her.

"Every time I see you, my cock hardens to the point of pain. I want to rip your fucking clothes off and teach you a lesson for what you do to me, but something inside me stops that violence. That something is the warmth that rushes through me, Beth. It coats my insides and yet still burns along the trail of my pleasure points. My heart races, my palms sweat, and the lust, burns brighter—but differently. It's a need, a desire, a demand that forces me forward toward you." He pressed his hips forward, the thickness of his erection brushing against the junction of her thighs as she let out a soft yelp.

"You're not a girl." He leaned down and dragged his nose along her jawline as he inhaled deeply. "You're a woman. You're my woman. Stop acting like that girl. I don't like her. Be who you are, and tell me what I do to you. I need to hear it from your lips. Demand it from me."

"It's like a fire," she started as she reached up and pushed his shirt from his shoulders, reveling in the beauty of the beast before her. "A sharp, stabbing jolt of electricity. It starts in my stomach and races along my skin, leaving me hot and wet, needy and willing to do anything just to feel your hands on me."

"Good, baby. Keep going." He bent over her, pressing his body to hers. The soft brush of his lips along her throat almost undid her, the strong tick of her pulse in her neck only getting worse as he whispered along her skin.

"It's not just your words but seeing or even thinking about you. I want you to explore me, to teach me and open me up. I need to be beneath you, bent over for you, on my knees for you."

"You do, baby. I need you too," he whispered against her ear as his fingers slid between them, pressing softly into her wetness above her slacks as he growled against her throat.

"I want to drown in your scent and bathe in your depravity. I don't know why you chose me, but every word, every look, every touch breaks me in half. I can't imagine my life without you ..." she whispered. Her body tensed and shook slightly as he pressed his tongue to her collarbone and dragged it slowly up her neck, his lips and teeth pressing to her chin as he groaned.

He moved back and pushed softly at her chest to force her back. Bethany descended, leaving her elbows behind her, unwilling to watch the ceiling. She needed to see him. He ran his hand from her neck through the valley between her breasts to the top of her slacks, tugging a little as his dark brown eyes moved back to meet her gaze head on.

"Tonight is about us. I want you to know me a little better, and I want to explore the deepest parts of your body. You want my heart? You're going to have to come after it . I keep it on lockdown and have for so long that I'm not sure it's truly available anymore. I want you to have it though."

He undid her slacks as she kicked off her shoes. Lifting her hips, he pulled the silky material from her legs, his hands rubbing her thighs firmly as he watched her. Bethany panted, the room shrinking to nothing more than him. His hunger was overwhelming, the sensation of being swallowed whole very much where she was.

He reached up and wrapped his fingers around the small string of her panties on each hip, pulling down and chuckling deep in his chest as he chucked them behind him. Taking a knee in each hand, Damon opened her legs to leave her on full display for him.

His finger ran down the length of her swollen sex, the slick pink skin throbbing painfully as he glanced up at her. "Relax and let me touch you a little. We'll eat soon, but I need this. I need to watch you come for me. When I tell you to come, you do. Not before that. Got it, sexy girl?"

Bethany nodded slowly, her tongue pressed between her teeth as she struggled to breathe. He ran his finger along her sex again as she groaned loudly and lifted her hips, the top of his digit slipping into her.

"Needy, baby?" he asked, his voice so deep and sensual as it skittered across her exposed flesh.

"Fuck yes." Bethany lay back, her heart trying to beat its way out of her chest. She moaned loudly, the sound animalistic and emotional as he slid two fingers into her and pressed his other hand against the top of her sex, his palm rolling in slow circles as he worked his fingers in and out of her.

"So beautiful. Tight little body taking what I give you and wanting more. You want more don't you, Beth." It was almost a command, not a question. He glanced up at her as she lifted her hips in rhythm with his assault.

"Yes," she groaned, not caring what kind of needy whore she must look like to him as she forced him to work her hard and fast. His soft panting shot her over the edge, and she gripped the tablecloth as her ass came up off the solid structure.

"I feel it. You’re swelling on the inside, but I'm not ready for that yet." He pulled his finger out and patted her pussy softly. His eyes narrowed as she looked up at him and let a long, angry sound rise from her.

"More," she whispered.

"Wait. I want you to hear me when I say I'm going to be in charge of this relationship." He patted her wetness again as she writhed beneath his touch. "Tell me you hear me. I'm in charge of your body. I'm the only one that makes you come—ever again. Tell me, Beth."

"Yes. You're the only one that can make me come. I'm only yours, Damon. Please ... stop fucking around with your games, and give me more."

"These aren't games ... they're a training ground." He slid his fingers deep inside of her and pressed deep against the part of her that caused the world to explode. "Come for me, baby. Come hard, Beth."

A long sound left her as her body contorted, hips pumping against him as he bent over and pressed his lips over her clit, sucking it deep into his mouth.

The world shattered, and she let herself dive into the deep end of the pool—no air needed; she wasn't ever willing to come up again anyway.

Chapter 33

"What did you mean by 'a training ground'?" Bethany asked before lifting her sandwich to her lips. She sat in one of his T-shirts, her body bare beneath it. Soft music played from the TV as they snuggled into the couch together.

"Exactly what it sounded like. You're not used to a man wanting to take pleasure from you, both his own and yours." Damon licked mustard from his finger before glancing over at her. "If I'm going to settle down with one woman, I want her to get used to me taking what I want."

"Sounds greedy to me." She shrugged, not minding it at all. The idea of him settling down with one woman and her being that woman left her heart racing. What she wouldn't give for that to be the future.

"It is. Life's too short not to be though." He moved her legs off of him and stood, his slacks the only thing he wore. "Plus, it's not like I'm taking something from you that you don't want to give. I'm talking about opening you up to the possibility that as your man I know what you need, and if I ever don't, well, you just speak up, and it will be yours."

Not able to respond, Bethany watched him pick up her plate and walk back toward the kitchen. He was devastatingly gorgeous, his ass flexing in his pants perfectly as he moved. The thick swell of muscles running along his spine and rolling over his shoulders left her dizzy. How in the world had she ever ended up so lucky? When was the rug going to be pulled out from under her? Surely it was coming.

"You want anything else, baby?" he yelled from the kitchen as she turned and curled up on her side on the couch.

"Just you."

He walked back in, lifting a beer to his lips and taking a deep drink. "Tell me about your afternoon. The part after you almost dicked up our relationship again."

She kicked at him playfully as he smiled, sitting down and pulling her legs back into his lap. He pressed his thumb into the bottom of her foot, rubbing softly back and forth as she felt herself begin to melt.

"I just met the accounting prof I would be working with for the fall. He reminded me of a proper version of you." She laughed.

The side of Damon's mouth lifted in a smirk. "The proper version? Poor guy."

"No, it’s just that he was good looking and really well dressed, but he was very standoffish. He told me his age and the fact that I would be ejected from the program if I so much as looked at him in a sensual manner."

Damon stopped rubbing and turned his attention to her, his eyebrow lifting. "Did you hit on him?"

"What? Fuck no. I'm ruined for life thanks to you. He was just really apprehensive about me being there I guess."

"Did he hit on you?"

"No, Damon. He was just straightforward, making the rules clear." Bethany shrugged and ran her finger over her lips, enjoying the view of the sensual man of her dreams rubbing her feet.

"What's his name? You know I went to school at UT as well, for my undergrad at least."

"Dr. Kendal Tarrington. He teaches cost accounting."

A smile lifted Damon's mouth, and Bethany sat up, pulling her legs from him. "You know him?"

"Fuck yes, I know Kendal. We were in our frat together. Biggest prick in the universe." He laughed loudly, the sound of it wrapping around her and making chill bumps break out on her skin.

"He seems like a great guy."

"Oh, he is. He's one of my best friends actually, just very uptight."

"Why isn't he married? Seems so weird."

"Same reason I'm not, I guess."

"Why is that?" She pulled her legs toward her, stretching his shirt over her knees to cover her nakedness beneath.

"He hasn't found the right woman, but he's not looking. His girlfriend from college dicked him over royally. He doesn't trust a woman as far as he can throw her." Damon moved closer, shifting to slide in behind her. Bethany straightened her legs out, scooting forward as he took over most of the couch, his arm sliding under her head. The other arm wrapped around her and his hand moved up to play with her breast.

"What about you?" She had to ask. "Do you trust me?"

"I want to. I think I do, but I have a lot of demons in my past." He leaned forward, pressing his lips to the side of her neck as he breathed in deeply. She shivered, and he moved his hand to the bottom of the T-shirt, tugging it up and slipping his hand back up to cup her bare breast.

"Why are you such an ass to me sometimes? One night we're making love, and the next day you're tearing me apart with your words. Do you need meds?" She turned her face, a smile on her lips as she teased him, the derivative truth still very much there.

"I don't know. I'm going to work on that. I think I have a hard time not separating work from pleasure. I don't see you as my girl at work. I see us as colleagues, at least I try to."

"Why? Am I not good enough to be yours in front of our peers?" Anger slipped into her voice, and she hated to ruin the mood, but she needed resolution.

"Hush, woman. That's silly. I would show you off to everyone, and I will when the time is right. You're breathtaking and have me panting like a high school boy with a hard-on."

"Then why not let me be yours everywhere?"

"Because I'm not sure how to do that, Beth. I've worked to protect myself so long that undoing that isn't an easy feat. That and the fact I can't seem to get my fucking hormones under lock and key when you're around. You can hide your wetness from peering eyes, but I can't exactly hide my erection."

"True. I just don't like it. I don't want there to be a separation anymore, and the next time you bark at me, I'm going to drop kick you."

He groaned and shifted his hips forward, grinding himself against her rear.

"I need to tell you something else. I spoke with Matt a little about your mother and that whole situation a while back. He brought it up, and I just listened."

Damon stiffened behind her, his body going still. She continued to explain, hoping that it wasn't wrong to tell him.

"I wasn't going to say anything, but I know being transparent and open is important to you, so I promise you one thing ... no secrets between us, at least not from my side of the relationship."

He pressed another kiss to her neck and slid his hand to her stomach, pulling her back toward him as he slipped one of his legs through hers and wrapped himself around her tightly. He didn't have to say anything. His action spoke volumes. He wanted love as much as everyone else did, and like half the population walking around lonely, he was scared. How could he not be?

"I still hate her, Beth."

"I can imagine so." Bethany reached back and ran her fingers along his thigh before pulling from his hold and turning to face him. She lay down on her side, snuggling into him as she nuzzled her face into the sexy smell of his chest.

"I wish I could just tell Dad, but what good would it do?"

She looked up as he reached down and brushed her long hair back, his eyes on her but looking far away from the present. She rose up a little and brushed her lips against his. He blinked and leaned down, deepening the kiss, his tongue rolling over hers as his hands tightened on her back.

Moving back from his oncoming assault, Bethany licked her lips and reached up to touch his with her fingers, committing the softness of them to memory. "Not telling him makes you feel like a liar, which is what she was. I don't understand it fully, but I think you need to get this off your chest."

He kissed her fingers before sliding his hand back under the T-shirt, his fingers rubbing softly over the curves of her rear. He pressed his hips forward, grinding his hardness against her softness once again.

"Maybe. I don't know. I don't want to think about it right now. I want to make love to you until you drag me deeper into the depravity that your sexy little body begs me for." He shifted them again, moving her to sit on top of him. "Take the shirt off for me."

He extended his hands above him, tucking them behind his head as his eyes narrowed slightly. Bethany pulled the T-shirt over her head and dropped it on the floor next to her, her body bare and on display for him.

"Mmmm ... everything I want, right here. Do I trust that it won't be gone soon?" He reached up and rolled the tip of his index finger around her nipple as she rocked against the thick press of his arousal, his pants still in their way.

"I'm not going anywhere unless you force me to." Bethany moved back, working to get him out of his slacks.

"I want you with me. I'll work on that other shit if that means keeping you by my side."

"Good," she whispered, her heart beating so hard in her chest.

He lifted his hips as she pulled his pants down. He wasn't wearing underwear, which honestly didn't surprise her at all. She chuckled, and his brow lifted.

"Where are your underwear?" She moved toward him, and he reached for her, forcing her to move faster.

"I told you not to wear any, but you did. I, on the other hand, followed the rules."

"You wear panties?" she asked, sliding herself along the firm length of him as her expression changed. Nothing seemed funny all of a sudden as need rose in the center of her body.

"Hush, woman. Arch your hips, and take me inside of you. I want to watch and enjoy every moment of this." He took her face with one hand and lifted it a little; her chin extended toward the ceiling.

Bethany arched her hips, his body pressed against hers as he lifted her a little. The position was almost uncomfortable, but knowing that he wanted to savor the moment and force her to remember he was in charge somehow overwhelmed her system. She groaned as he rolled his hips, his cock barely inside of her but pushing in a firm circle against her opening.

She moaned again and reached up, pushing his arms from her face. She didn't realize the movement would cause her to lose balance and slam down on him, his body stretching hers in all the right ways.

"Oh fuck, Beth." He slapped her thighs hard before pushing on the couch to move back and sit up. He pressed his lips to her breast, opening his mouth slowly and tonguing her nipple rhythmically as he took hold of her ass, rolling his wrists and causing her to work him.

"Almost too much," she whispered, burying her hands in his hair and wrapping her arms around his head as she lifted up and arched her back. He tightened his grip on her as she rode him hard.

"No, you've got this, baby. You know how to work me. Stop thinking about it, and let yourself sink into me. I'm all yours. That's what you want, isn't it?" He looked up from below her, his eyes filled with a softness she didn't know existed in him.

She jerked faster as she watched him, her eyes rolling back into her head slowly as she came. He lifted up off the couch with his thrusts, his body so hard and strong, everything a man should be and then some.

"I want you so bad. I need you." She rocked against him as he growled softly. "Only you. Please don't make me go to anyone else. I just want you."

"I'm all you're getting ... forever." He tucked his forearms under her knees and moved quick, standing up as her body was still spazzing. "Hold onto my neck tightly. I want in deeper."

"Yeah ..." She tightened her grip as he slid his open palms against the bottom of her ass and dug his nails in. She screamed at the pleasure-pain and tried to focus on what he wanted—what he needed. Somehow it always married beautifully with her fantasies.

The sound of him coming slammed into her, and she joined him.

Chapter 34

Bethany lay in Damon's bed as he slept. Their sex was delicious and so fulfilling. He hadn't taken her much longer after they stood up, the pressure overwhelming them both. After a quick shower, they had slipped into bed. She couldn't sleep, her heart far too full to let her mind rest. Various scenarios of where they might be headed ran through her, none of them ending with a happily ever after.

She growled softly and slipped out of the sheets around three in the morning. Damon's soft snoring was stupid levels of precious; his big strong body laid out across most of the queen-sized bed. She picked up the towel she had been wearing earlier, wrapped it around her and walked to the couch. She turned on the TV and muted the sound as she nibbled at her lip.

How badly she wanted to tell him that she loved him, but the last time she did he had taken it poorly or had he? Shock sat on his handsome features, his voice losing strength as he whispered his response to her confession.

You love me?

She knew that Kent and Matthew loved Damon, but had his mother not been forthcoming with her love for him? There was no way he hadn't been told by a multitude of women. Why was the moment so surreal? Why did it haunt her so badly?

The idea of him moving beyond his past sounded doable, but she knew quite well that hers still clung to her like a well-worn coat. Living in poverty and fear never seemed to lose its grip on her. It left her wanting love and acceptance. Was her willingness to compromise with some of Damon's anger issues part of that?

He hadn't at all been angry that night. He had been loving and seemed to be shifting in his rules and standards. Anyone who had been hurt as badly as he had was forced to create a tight wall—a fortress of sorts that everyone would be forced to contend with.

He would be hers. It was only a matter of time.

The sound of her phone buzzing caused her stomach to tighten, worry sprouting inside of her. Who in the world would be calling at three in the morning?

Twelve unanswered text messages registered on her phone, all from Jake.

Jake: Bethany, I need you to call me. I was serious today, and Krista isn't acting like herself. Did she take meds when you guys were together? Maybe something for bipolar disorder? Just call, please.

The messages got increasingly worse, the intensity in his words driving Bethany to move from the couch in search of her keys. Was he overreacting? Probably? But the messages screamed of panic, and from what she could tell, Krista was beating at Jake's door, waking up the neighbors and shit.

That didn't sound like Krista at all. Bethany hit the call button on her phone and picked at her lip, pacing in front of the couch as she tried to think of what to do.

No answer. She growled in frustration and tried Krista.

Damon walked out, rubbing his eyes and stopping by the large ornate fireplace that most likely never got used. Too damn hot in Texas.

"Can't sleep?" He moved closer, and realization moved across his beautiful features.

Bethany walked to him and reached out, brushing her fingers along his chest as she tried to ground herself in the present.

No answer.

"Fuck," she whispered and turned from him. His hands pressed into her shoulders, but he didn't speak. The fact that he was there with her, his arms moving around her to offer comfort, was overwhelming. Tears blurred her vision as she left a message.

"Kris, it's me. Please call me back. Jake has been texting me, and I'm not sure what's going on, but I need you to call me. I'm really, really, really worried about you. If I don't hear from you in, like, ten minutes, I'm coming over."

She hung up and turned as a tear dripped onto her cheek. The last thing she wanted to do was remind Damon that maybe she wasn't the woman he needed her to be. She was stuck in the middle of some weird college bullshit and was simply still a stupid, childish girl.

"Baby, what's the matter?" He pulled her in tightly, his grasp reminding her that if they were going to move forward, they were going to have to do so together. Would he laugh at her or chide her for being an idiot?

"Just college drama shit." She pulled back as her dinner rose in her chest.

"Obviously whatever it is, it's upsetting you." He reached up and wiped away her tears, leaning over and kissing her nose. "I'm not one-dimensional. I try to be, but believe me, it takes effort, baby. Tell me what's going on. Who are these guys?"

"What guys?" Bethany sniffled, anxiety wrapping around her. Something was wrong.

Krista or Jake should have called by now.

"Chris and Jake."

"No, Krista and Jake. My two best friends in college. Krista is my roommate, and Jake has been a good friend of mine since my freshman year."

"They dating?"

"She wanted to, but he didn't. I don't know." Bethany pulled back and ran her fingers through her hair. "It's complicated."

"You need to go over there? Sounded serious by the message you left."

"Yeah. I need to go. I'll see you tomorrow."

He reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close and looking down at her. The seriousness in his features left her concerned. Surely he wasn't going to pull the selfish card and not let her go without making her feel like shit for leaving him.

"I'm going with you then. You're not driving yourself in the middle of the night."

"No. I'm good. Really. I'm sure I'm just overreacting, and there is nothing to be worried about."

"Well, let's go check it out then. Get dressed, and I'll drive."

Bethany leaned in and kissed him softly. "Thank you."

"Of course." He released her as she jogged toward the bedroom. Fear tore up her insides, but having Damon willing to go with her made it seem like the world was finally righting itself.

***

"Does your friend Krista have a history of being a violent person?" Damon asked, reaching over and taking Bethany's hand.

"No. I mean, I don't know. We've been friends and roommates throughout college, but I didn't know her before then."

"Are we headed to her place or this guy Jake’s?"

"Jake's. He was the one that seemed panicked." She reached for her phone and plugged in the address before linking it to his Bluetooth. "This should keep us on track."

"Good. I think when this is all cleared up we need to go by your place too."

"Why? To see if Krista is okay?"

"We can do that, but I was more thinking of christening your bed." He smirked, and she relaxed slightly, thankful for his mood being spot on with what she needed.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, unless it's about my mother. I'm not ready to go there just yet."

"No, I'll let you start that conversation when you are ready." She rubbed his fingers with her own, wanting to crawl up into his lap. "Do you think our relationship can develop past the fact that we're about to be siblings?"

"Of course. We're siblings by marriage. My father's choices aren't going to tell me who I can and can't be with. You and I have every right to be together."

"Do you think they will see it like that?" She hated to have the conversation, but honestly, it was the last barrier to the idea of them actually making something of the future. Plus, she seriously needed to get her mind off of the situation with Krista and Jake. She might go crazy if she let herself ponder it too much. Outside of Damon and her mother, Krista and Jake were closer to her heart than anyone else.

"I don't give a damn how they see it. If things crumble with my father because of this, then we'll pick up and start somewhere else."

"So you're seriously considering giving us a try?"

"You and me?" He glanced over at her, his gaze kind and thoughtful.

"Yes. Us."

"I'm not giving it consideration, no. I'm telling you that I'm a challenge and that it's not going to be easy to push past the fortress I've set up, but I'm your number one fan, baby. If you want to persevere with me, then I'm willing to do more than try." He shrugged and turned his attention back to the road.

Bethany watched him as sleep tugged hard on her resolve to stay awake. "I'm sleepy."

"I like you sleepy. It transforms you from beautiful to ridiculously cute. Makes me almost feel bad for wanting to lick every inch of you." He glanced over and smiled.

"Don't feel bad; just do it."

"What? Lick you to death?"

"Please?" She whispered her response before her eyelids fluttered, the world going dark in the comfort of Damon's fancy car.

Chapter 35

"Bethany, wake up." Damon's voice pulled her from her nap, her eyes opening as she gulped for air. "Hey ... it's okay. We're here."

She sat forward, brushing her fingers through her hair and trying to make sense of the scene. Several cop cars sat around the parking lot. People milled about everywhere.

"Oh my God. You don't think something has happened to Jake, do you?" She pointed to a spot nearest the action, not really wanting an answer from Damon. "Park over there."

"I don't know what's going on, but don't rush into it, please. I don't want anyone manhandling you. I'm possessive if you haven't noticed, and I've had very little sleep. This wouldn't be good for anyone if a cop thought to overstep his boundaries."

She didn't pay him any attention but reached for her phone that sat silent between the two of them.

"How can I have a zillion text messages from Jake and now nothing? He and Krista both know that I'm worried." Her voice was pinched as fear worked to consume her.

Damon parked the car and got out, moving to her side. Opening the door, she reached for his hand, and he helped her out. He wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked toward the commotion. There had to be at least four hundred or more students loitering around Jake's apartment, the complex one of the largest on campus.

"What are the odds that this is all related to Jake? I mean it could easily have been someone else. People overdose on drugs and shit all the time," she mumbled to herself.

"Excuse me, guys. You can't go any farther than this." A cop stepped toward them, holding up his hand and speaking loudly as if they weren't right in front of him.

"What's going on? My girlfriend has a good friend of hers that lives in this building."

Damon's reference to her being his girlfriend wasn't lost on her, but she tucked away for a celebration later when it was more appropriate. She looked around to see if she could spot anyone she knew. Someone had to know what was going on, and it wasn't like the cop was going to give them any information.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss it." He glanced at Bethany as she turned back to pull Damon away. "Just text your buddy. I'm sure he or she's fine."

"Yeah, thanks." She rolled her eyes, unable to help the wave of sarcasm that rushed from her lips.

Damon slipped his hand into hers as they walked along the edge of the police tape. He stopped quickly, releasing her hand and moving forward as she looked up from her phone.

"Kendal. What the hell are you up to, man?" Damon's voice was filled with warmth. The two men hugged and patted each other on the back, the scene before Bethany a little shocking.

"Man ... this fucking life won't give me a break." Kendal turned his back to her and pointed to the building. "I'm the campus adviser for these boys, and damn if they aren't always getting into trouble."

"Yeah. We need to know what's going on, but first." Damon pulled at Kendal's arm to force him to turn. "This is my girlfriend, Bethany. I hear you've already met."

Kendal turned, his face showing plainly the shock he was in. He extended his hand as a smile lifted his lips. "This is the best-looking guy in Dallas? Quite the plot twist if I say so myself."

Bethany let out a forced laugh as Damon put a tight arm around her shoulders. "I guess you could say so, Dr. Tarrington."

"Please, Kendal outside of class." He glanced at Damon. "This girl is half your age, you dirty old bastard. What are you thinking?"

"She keeps me on my toes, and she's only a few years younger than me." Damon laughed before glancing down at Bethany, his smile fading. "We'll catch up another time. She's worried about a good friend of hers. What's going on?"

"I honestly don't know yet. I was told to wait here, and the minute they finished swabbing the place I would be brought forward to answer questions."

"Who was hurt? Was it an overdose or what?"

"I don't know, but I'll be the one to call the boy’s parents. I know the police were called about an hour ago, so whatever happened most likely just happened."

"Is someone dead?"

"No. They would have mentioned that. I know one of our students has been taken to the hospital via the ambulance, but who or why ... no clue." Kendal shrugged and ran his fingers through his brown hair as he looked back toward the complex.

"I'm almost surprised you’re teaching still." Damon reached out and squeezed the other man's shoulder, Bethany a little shocked by the warmth between them. When Damon had referred to Kendal as a good friend, she thought he was using the term loosely.

"Yeah, well, I love it. Can't let a couple of scandals rip your dreams from you." Kendal shrugged and kept his gaze on Damon.

"They ever prove your innocence?"

"Yeah. The girls finally relented, but you know how that goes. They watch me like a fucking hawk now. I had to give Bethany here the same speech I give everyone. I would never date a student, and yet ...” He shrugged and let out a long sigh.

She wanted to ask questions, but it wasn't her business, and honestly, it would just leave things too familiar between them. She liked knowing that she would be working for someone on campus that respected Damon, but being friends with him herself didn't seem like a good idea. They needed to keep things very professional to make sure no one in administration questioned him where she was concerned. She would never want that.

"Fuck them. I'd be shocked if there was ever a girl that could melt your resolve where the rules are concerned." Damon scowled.

"I've not found one yet, that's for sure."

A cop walked toward them, and Kendal moved forward.

"Which of you is Dr. Tarrington?"

"That would be me." Kendal raised his hand as the cop motioned him forward. "If you could come with us. We've got a few questions for you and needed to fill you in on what to tell the boy's parents."

"Good guy," Damon spoke, his eyes moving along the crowd. He turned and pulled Bethany into a warm hug, kissing the top of her head. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just too much lately. I pray nothing happened to Jake. I should have turned my phone up louder or something. If anything happened to him ..."

"I doubt it's him, Beth. Let's just wait until we find out before we move into full-blown panic." He kissed her hair as she looked around the crowd.

"I just wish I could find someone I know that we could talk to. Someone that could give us information quickly. Like now." She pulled from Damon's hold, her stomach in knots. Surely if it wasn't Jake, he would either be walking around or would have responded to seeing the missed calls from her on his phone.

***

The sun was barely breaking over the edge of the sky when Kendal walked back with the cop, stopping in front of Bethany.

"Hey. They have Jake's phone, and they're saying that for some reason, he was texting you before the accident."

"Oh shit." She clasped her hand over her mouth, her knees going weak at the fact that it was Jake. "What happened? Is he okay? Shit. I knew something was wrong."

Damon moved in, offering his arms to keep her standing. Bethany choked on a sob as tears began rolling down her face. She tried to rein them in, not wanting to appear weak or become useless to them in any way.

"Yeah, they aren't letting us talk about it, but I will tell you that he's in critical condition in the hospital. It's looking good, but anything more than that is off limits. I need to call his parents, but the cop is going to want to question you and what your relationship is with him."

"I got her," Damon spoke, taking Kendal's attention and assuring both him and the cop that they would do whatever necessary to help.

"I'll be back in a few minutes. Don't go anywhere, okay, kiddo?" The cop nodded, turning his attention to Damon. "Keep the phone with you too. We're going to want to look over her text messages."

Damon nodded as Bethany turned toward him, her lip trembling as she tried to pull herself together. "I hate it when people call me kiddo. Do I look like a kid?"

"No, baby, but he's an old man. We're both kids to him." He reached out and ran his fingers down her hair. "It's going to be okay. Let's finish this shit, and we'll go find where your friend is at the hospital."

Bethany nodded as her phone buzzed in her hand, scaring her. She lifted it toward her face, the number a private one.

"I need to take this." She moved from Damon as he let her go. The sun busted through the dense fog of early morning and warmed her skin. She let out a long breath and answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Bethany. It's Krista."

"Oh my God. Where the fuck have you been? Jake has been in an accident, and I have messages on my fucking phone that implicate you in whate—" Krista cut her off.

"Shut up. I need your help. I'm at the police station, and you're my one call. I need you to call my dad and tell him I need his lawyer."

"What? Why? What the fuck is going on?"

"Look, you're my only friend. Just make the damned call, please?"

"Why didn't you call him?"

"He won't talk to me. My number is blocked from his phone."

"What the fuck am I supposed to say?"

"Tell him to send his lawyer to the Dallas police station downtown. Tell him I'm being charged with either attempted murder or first-degree manslaughter. It depends on whether Jake pulls through or not."

"Oh my God. Did you... Did you..."

Damon's arms wrapped around her from behind as the earth shifted beneath her. Was this shit for real? Krista tried to kill Jake? Why? No way this was happening.

"I'm on a tapped line. Just call my father."

The phone went dead, and Bethany turned, her senses dulled, her body numbed to all external factors. She glanced up at Damon, his mouth moving, but she couldn't make out a word he said.

Was love so powerful that when denied it could rear its ugly head and leave violence as its only outlet?

What kind of person was capable of that type of malevolence?

The kind of person that loves for the very first time and loses that light; the darkness their last reprieve, their only option.

Chapter 36

One Week Later

"You look like you've had a long week." Linda, Damon's secretary, spoke from the open door of Bethany's office.

"You could say that. Just wondering how the hell life got so complicated all of a sudden." Bethany shrugged, leaning back in her large leather chair and crossing her legs.

It had been a week since the night in front of Jake's apartment complex. Krista's lawyers hadn't been able to get her bail posted due to the knife Jake was stabbed with being found without much effort. Her fingerprints were all over it, and she wasn't even trying to deny her guilt. But she wasn't confessing either.

Bethany had gone to both the police station and the hospital several times over the last week. Damon had been beside her for most of it. Matt had taken a turn, taking her to the hospital, but Jake had yet to wake up from the medically induced coma. The doctors said he would make a full recovery, but it would take some time to get back to being himself.

"Well, I have some good news, or at least I think it's pretty cool." Linda leaned against the frame of the door, her long blonde hair in a high bun. She had twenty years on Bethany, but she was beautiful, in a professional way.

"I could use something to brighten the day."

"Damon got your new office together. I just kicked the contractor out because it's all done." She smiled and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I think it's going to look weird having an intern on the executive floor." Bethany shook her head and stood. "But ... I'm excited."

"You’re only an intern until you get out of school, I'm sure. You could push that and be an associate without much effort. Kent is soon to be your father."

"Yeah ..." Bethany sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and slipped down into her thoughts as she stared at the multitude of papers on her desk. No one was going to accept her and Damon being together. They had kept it completely on the down low because she wanted him to. Why it didn't seem to upset him was beyond her. Was it enough that he was good with it?

"Okay, well ... When you're ready come on up with your personal effects. I've scheduled the guys to come by later this afternoon when you're on campus and move everything else. If you want things done in a certain way, make sure you leave instructions on your chair for them."

"I can do that. Thanks for your help." Bethany came to and watched Linda leave. She had come to like the feisty secretary a little more than when she had first started a few weeks back.

Something about being so close to Damon during the workday seemed wrong, taboo. It was hard enough to concentrate with him stopping by several times a day, but knowing that he was just down the hall made it more difficult. Bethany groaned softly before collecting her purse and packing up her laptop.

"Might as well get this over with ..."

***

"Bethany, come this way. Your timing couldn't be better." Kent walked toward her as she exited the elevator on the executive floor.

"Hi, Kent. Can I drop this stuff off in the new office first?"

"You bet. We'll swing by there, and then I'll introduce you to Erica."

"Erica?"

"Yes. She's the chief advertising officer for the firm." Kent stopped outside the door of the new office and moved back a little as Bethany walked in. The room was large like Damon's, the desk sitting on the far end with a small table and several chairs around it in the center of the room. The windows were floor to ceiling, the view of the clouds breathtaking.

"Advertising? I'm surprised that an accounting firm would need an advertising officer." Bethany put her stuff in one of the chairs around the small meeting table and turned.

"Most of our clientele is obtained by word of mouth, but we have logos and ads just like everyone else. Erica does a great job of keeping us straight, but she's a little much, if you catch my drift."

Bethany chuckled as she nodded. Artsy types always got on her nerves, but somehow Matt was managing to change her perception little by little.

"Are you sure you want me to have this office? I'm just an intern. This feels incestuous."

Bethany flinched at her own choice of words, the phrase slipping out before she could pull it back. The truth of the matter pressed against her again. Why couldn't she just be comfortable with it like Damon was? They weren't blood. It wasn't that big of a deal.

Why the hell did it feel like it was?

"About that. Let's go ahead and move you up to a senior associate, and I'll take the heat from the board should we get any. Your GPA from UT is enough to support the promotion, and the fact that we have plans for you going forward will be part of our support." He moved into the office, crossing his arms over his chest as he tilted his head. "You did tell your professors that you were going out of town this upcoming weekend with us for the wedding, right?"

"No, but I figured I would just push hard today and tomorrow. School doesn't officially start until next week. I'll get all of my final preparations for them done and be on the plane Friday morning."

"Good. Jamaica wouldn't be right without you there. Your mother wouldn't be happy at all." He chuckled and nodded toward the window. "That view is so beyond heavenly as the sun rises or sets, especially when you're here."

"I'm thinking with the profession that I chose that seeing both might be a possibility." Bethany smiled and moved to the window, looking out at the city.

"What might be a possibility?" Damon's voice caught her attention, his presence sending a thrill of anticipation through her. Would he forever be able to do that? He was captivating no matter how hard she tried to deny it. She continued to look out the window as if he didn't matter. A smile touched her lips as he spoke with his father for a few minutes. The window reflected the two men, and the likeness between father and son was obvious.

Damon's dark gray suit fit him like a glove, the white button-down beneath his jacket only bringing out his tanned skin and dark features.

"Being here morning, noon and night." Kent chuckled.

"Nawwww ... We're hiring more people this year, remember? That's our initiative. Give these brilliant young minds who work for us some family time."

"And what about you, Son? You need some too."

"I'm working on that. I'll bring Beth to your office shortly. I want to talk with her about the new Kissinger tax files." Damon turned his back to her, the jacket blocking the view of his perfect rear.

"Already making the poor girl work on taxes?" Kent laughed again as Bethany turned around and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I actually like taxes. Don't tell anyone?" She smiled.

"Yes, you don't either. Scary." Kent shivered and walked out into the hall. "Make it soon. I have Erica in my office, and the sooner she meets Bethany, the sooner I can stop looking at ads."

"Better you than me," Damon muttered and reached out, closing the door to the office. He turned and lifted an eyebrow. "I honestly thought you might consider telling me to fuck off with this request."

"What request?" she asked before taking a step back, her back pressed to the glass wall behind her. The fitted black skirt and pink shirt left her feeling feminine but professional.

"The request that you move up here to my floor." He walked toward her, his movement languid, but the look in his eyes said that he was anything but relaxed.

"I do think it's a little ridiculous. People are going to talk." Bethany pressed her hands to the glass to keep from reaching out for him. They would forever play games with one another. It was too much of a turn-on not to.

He stopped in front of her, his eyes moving over her face as if he were studying her. "I hope they do. I plan on making sure we break your office in good. If you moan loudly enough, then the talk won't be cheap, but well seeded."

"You're corrupt." She reached out and pulled him close, losing the battle but winning the war as he pressed her against the window. His hands slid up the glass on either side of her face as he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers. His hips shifted as his body pressed in tight.

"You like it." He dragged his nose along the curve of her jawline until he pressed a soft kiss against her ear. "You’re staying with me on this trip."

It was so hard to breathe all of a sudden. "We're all staying in the same hotel. Is that what you mean?"

"No, and you know it." He groaned softly against the side of her neck, his hand getting lost in her hair before he turned and pressed his lips to hers, hard.

His tongue was so wet and thick. The press of it against hers left her panting, the sexy bastard against her turning her into nothing more than a needy whore within minutes of him walking in.

What a great day it would be to finally return the favor.

She slid her hands into his jacket, over his hips and gripped his ass. He pulled back from the kiss, his eyes glossy as he pressed his forehead to hers.

"My father's waiting on us, but all I can think about is what color your panties are." He nipped at her mouth as she gasped, stiffening at his sensual attack.

Bethany blinked slowly, tilting her head as he moved back a little. She licked her lips; his eyes followed her every move.

"You assume I'm wearing panties." She smirked and ducked under his arm, unwrapping herself from him and walking toward the door. "You coming?"

"As soon as my cock stops throbbing." He leaned against the glass, his attention seemingly on the scene before him. "Wicked bitch."

"You would have me no other way." Bethany opened the door and glanced over her shoulder. "I have to meet this Erica chick and then pack my old office. Did you really want to show me a tax file or were you bullshitting?"

He turned and pressed his palm to the front of his slacks. "I'll bring the file to your office in an hour or so. Good luck with Erica. She's a tiger. You guys should get along beautifully."

"Is that sarcasm?" Bethany laughed.

"It very much is. Get out of here before I check your claims."

"Is that a threat, Mr. Bryant?"

"It's a promise, baby ... A promise I know you'll be thinking about until I make good on it."

She had no words. He had once again sucked the air from the room. Bethany turned and walked into the hall, working hard not to fan herself as her skin burned as if on fire.

Yes ... Being down the hall from him was going to be the death of her.

Chapter 37

Bethany paused outside of Kent's office. Her heart was racing, pumping excitement down every open vein. It had been a few days since she had found herself wrapped up in her new obsession. The situation with Krista and Jake had taken all of her extra time outside of work and school, and honestly left her emotionally spent.

Damon was getting impatient with his needs, and more than anything, she had to have a night of him reminding her of what it was to live. She let out a long breath before walking into Kent's office. Now wasn't the time to imagine all of the things Damon would do to her if she would just make a few minutes and invite him in.

"There you are." Kent stood and extended his hand toward the well-dressed woman beside him. Her hair was shoulder length and sandy blonde. The red suit she wore fit her athletic frame well, the color screaming that the woman was a creative type. Her blue eyes pinned Bethany in place as she extended her hand.

"I'm Erica Hall. I assume you're Bethany, Kent's new protégée?"

Bethany chuckled uncomfortably as she shook the other woman's hand. "Not sure about all of that, but I'm looking forward to a future here at the firm."

"Bethany, Erica is going to be spending more time down here in Dallas, so you'll be seeing her at the house from time to time as well." Kent moved toward Bethany and Erica.

"Where are you living now?" Bethany asked, clasping her hands behind her back as the other woman's eyes moved over her in an analyzing fashion.

"I'm in Seattle. I lost my father recently, and we were in the middle of the funeral preparations when you visited. I was hoping to break away, but my mother was being uncooperative as she always is." Erica shrugged as if the event were no big deal.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Bethany turned her attention back to Kent.

Erica was breathtaking up close. She had a classy California-girl look to her.

A jolt of fear rushed through Bethany. Had Erica and Damon been an item before?

"Thank you," Erica said before moving back to the small table behind them. "I'm going to head down the hall for a little while, Kent. We can meet next week when you're back from your wedding and vacation. I have some new ideas, and I know you can only handle so much creativity ... I'm thinking you're at your max."

"You know me too well." Kent chuckled. "Come to the house for dinner tonight. I want to show Damon and Bethany a few of the new ads you've created and get their opinions."

"I don't want to take up any of your family time." Erica turned and tilted her head. Bethany tried not to stare. She wanted to ask the burning question that pressed across her thoughts but refused to look like a silly child.

"I won't take no for an answer." Kent looked over toward Bethany. "Did you have plans tonight, or are you good with us talking over dinner?"

"I'm great with it." Bethany forced a smile, hating the idea of having to sit between Erica and Damon at dinner. She had almost convinced herself that they had been involved on some level. How could they not?

"Is Matthew going to be there?" Erica asked, her voice softening a little.

"Did you want me to have him there?" Kent moved back as Erica walked in between them, her attention on Kent.

"Yes. I've not given up on convincing him to come join me. The man has talent."

"So you say, but I've seen nothing other than him remaining locked in his college days. I swear that boy’s going to be the death of me." Kent shook his head, his smile telling a different story.

"Not everyone can be Damon, boss." Erica walked out into the hall as Bethany turned to Kent.

"Erica wants Matt to work for her or ..."

"Yeah. Matt's always been very artistic, and a few months ago Erica had me send him up to Seattle to spend time helping her develop a new advertisement for us. She seems to be quite taken with his talent."

"Have you seen the ad?" Bethany asked, surprise rolling over her at the new information.

"Nope. He's tight-lipped about it. He thinks he has us all bamboozled, but we know he's brilliant. Just because he's not an accountant like Damon and me, he thinks he has to act like an idiot to stay under my radar. What he fails to understand is that I would never force him into a mold that he doesn't fit into."

***

Bethany walked back to her office in sensory overload. Between the heated encounter with Damon and the run-in with yet another beautiful woman that had been in his life far before her, she was spent. She walked into her office and stopped short as her chair turned.

"That took too long." Damon smiled and nodded to her door. "Close that."

She stood frozen in place, his voice low and commanding. Desire rolled over her in waves as she tried to remember how to speak.

"I'm not going to ask you again, baby." He licked his lips and stood.

Bethany turned and closed the door, moving to face him as she pressed her back to it. "There are a ton of people around here. No way we're doing anything in this office. Let's go to the big one upstairs if you're feeling ..."

"Turned on by you?" he asked and stopped a few feet from her, extending his hand to her. "Did you like Erica?"

"Were you two together before us?"

Damn. She hadn't wanted to ask and honestly didn't want to know. She put her hands in Damon's and yelped softly as he pulled her flush against him, her heel almost catching on the carpet. He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and looked down at her, heat filling his gaze.

"And if I said yes?"

"I don't know. She's far more beautiful than me."

"I wish you could see what I see." He kissed her nose before releasing her. He turned and pushed the papers off her desk, the heaps of files flying to the floor on both sides of the cherrywood structure. "No. We weren't together. She's into Matt, and I've never found her remotely attractive. She likes art for God’s sakes."

Bethany took a step back before forcing a laugh. "Art isn't all bad."

"Hush." He moved back toward her, pulling her close and leaning down to consume her mouth. He groaned softly, his arms so tight around her that it was hard to breathe. She pulled back a little as he licked and kissed her mouth before moving down to her neck.

"We are not doing this in here."

"Yes, we are. I told you that night at the club that you had a choice."

"Yes, and I went home with you. Being naked and shaking on my desk at work is not on my to-do list."

"That's okay. It's on mine." He pulled back and smiled. "You're beyond beautiful to me. Don't forget that."

She pressed up on her toes, capturing his lips again, needing his words to be made manifest. So many changes as of late had left her barren and questioning everything. He pulled back and slipped out of his jacket before walking to the door and locking it.

"No moaning loudly. I don't want to have to reprimand you in front of our CEO for schlepping it up in your office with some poor unsuspecting male." He laughed as her mouth dropped open. "What? It could happen."

She pressed her rear against the desk and lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? You're good with me schlepping it up with some other guy?"

"Fuck no," he growled and moved toward her, wrapping his hands around her waist and lifting her to sit on the desk. He glanced down as his fingers pressed into the flesh of her lower thigh before dragging her skirt up as he pushed. "I'm the unsuspecting male."

"No one will believe that." Bethany reached up and ran her fingers through his hair before pulling him down for another kiss. Hunger pulsed through her as the smell of his skin and cologne filled her senses. "God, you smell good."

He licked at her mouth before lowering her back on the desk. He ran his hand over her breast, squeezing softly and tugging her down toward him. "I want these fucking clothes off of you, and yet there’s something so desperate about fucking you while you're still dressed, like I can't bother with taking the time to strip you bare."

"Stop talking, and take me. I need you inside of me," she whispered.

He made her bold, his confidence becoming hers quickly. He would fill any need she had, and it was damned time she started taking advantage of that.

"Yeah ... Lift your ass."

She did, and he pushed her skirt the rest of the way up as he let out a sound of appreciation as the skirt ripped down the side. "You should be punished for lying."

Bethany laughed and reached up, pulling on his tie hard as he bent over her. "I couldn't agree more."

Damon's gaze locked onto hers as he freed himself from his slacks, the sound of the material hitting the ground sending a rush through her. He buried his face into the soft skin between her breasts, his tongue lapping at her as his fingers pushed the panties aside.

"So wet, Beth. You need this?"

"I've been thinking about you all morning. I'll always need you." She groaned and wrapped her legs around him, pulling herself down the desk farther as he nipped at her chin and stood.

"Good girl." He pulled hard on her hips, filling her with his large cock. She arched and groaned, bucking once against him. "If you make another loud noise, I'm going to be forced to put something over that pretty mouth of yours. I don't wanna do that, but something tells me you might like it if I did."

He rolled his hips as she closed her eyes, the sound of his voice and the weight of his threats pulling her to the edge of ecstasy so fast. He held on tightly to her, his body working in deep rhythms as he panted softly.

Beth glanced up at him, the look on his handsome face throwing her over the edge. She arched hard again, a deep moan ripping from her. Damon pressed himself to the top of her, his palm covering her mouth as he picked up his pace.

"Your naughty little moans are going to get us caught, pussycat." He rocked into her faster, the friction delicious, the sound of their fucking overwhelming her. She moaned against his fingers before licking and sucking on them. His eyes rolled back as he groaned. She bit his fingers hard, and he groaned loudly as he moved his hand from her mouth.

"Hush before you get us caught." She leaned up and kissed him hard, her feet pressing to the edge of the desk as she lifted her hips and tugged hard on his sex with her body.

"Oh fuck. I'm gonna come if you keep that shit up."

She jerked harder as he growled and stood back up. His fingers slipped between them, his thumb pressing tightly against her clit.

"Work yourself against me. I want to hear you once more."

"I thought you ... said to ... to hush," she panted softly before coming again.

"Mmmm, I changed my mind. Those little needy sounds pouring from you drive me mad, Beth." He moved back and pulled her legs up, closing them and lifting them in front of her before pressing back inside of her as she whimpered. He kissed her legs and licked at her ankle as he worked his hips. A moment later his eyes closed, the last inch of him being forced inside of her as the world dissolved into an inferno of lust.

"More," she moaned and gripped the desk to press against his assault.

"Take it then. It's yours. Own it, baby." He jerked his hips, the sweet slap of him against her, mixed with his words, left her in mindless shivers.

He was hers, and owning him sounded too good to be true.

Chapter 38

The sun pressed against her exposed shoulders as she walked to class. The world somehow righted because of Damon's hands having been all over her. How the man made her feel so good in so many ways was still mind-blowing. She’d left holding her skirt as he walked closely beside her. The rip wasn't horrible but enough to where she was more than mortified by the idea of walking out with it. They were both laughing by the time they reached her car.

He had leaned over as she rolled the window down, the look in his eyes leaving her breathless. He was going to tell her. He had almost said it. It was on the tip of his tongue surely. She shouldn't have saved him from the heaviness of the moment, but the truth was she loved him. He would express himself when he was ready. She was more than sure of his feelings for her.

Bethany reached up to ensure her sleeveless white top was positioned properly. The last thing she would want is for Kendal to think she was trying to dress seductively. Her black slacks worked well with the shirt, giving her a business casual appeal while still allowing her to be comfortable. She walked into the business building and removed her sunglasses, blinking a few times to let her eyes adjust. A warmth pressed between her legs, the soreness of Damon taking his pleasure at such a deep angle resonating with her.

So fucking hot.

She walked into the large auditorium as Kendal looked up from the podium at the front. He pulled his glasses off and looked around as if confused. "Is it Thursday? I've thought it was Wednesday all day. Weren't you just here yesterday?"

Bethany laughed and dropped her purse and notepad in one of the chairs in the front row before sitting down in another one. "I need to work today and tomorrow if you're okay with that. I'll be out of town until mid-next week because of my parents getting married."

"Your parents are getting married?" He lifted his eyebrow, the smirk on the side of his mouth endearing.

"My mom is marrying Damon's dad."

"Wow. That's a plot twist." Kendal laughed and moved around the podium before hopping off the stage. His corduroy pants fit him well, and he was one of the only men she had ever seen pull them off well.

"Right? That's part of the struggle I guess."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really. I'm not sure what to say other than the fact that it depresses the hell out of me." She shrugged and looked up at him as he stopped a comfortable distance from her, leaning back against the stage.

"I understand that, but it's not like you're blood-related, Bethany." He shrugged as if it wasn't that big of a deal.

"It's no different than you falling for one of your students, but you're hell bent on not letting that happen." She tilted her head, letting her lip lift as he shook his head in denial.

"Not even close. I'm bound by my agreement with the university, and I'm in my thirties. I'm not interested in a college-aged tart." He blushed as he held up his hands. "Not that you're a college-aged ..."

She cut him off with a loud laugh that felt good. "I get it, but most of the students here are far old enough for a relationship, Dr. Tarrington."

"It's different, and this is your counseling session, not mine."

"It is, you're right. Mine is way worse. It will look like incest." She stood up and stretched. "Enough of this ... Besides, you don't even come close to having the degree to counsel anyone."

"True ... Sort of. You got tax problems?" He smiled, and she couldn't help but chuckle. If Damon hadn't swept her into a world where only he existed, she would be in line with the other thousand girls to try and snag Kendal. He seemed too good to be true, but Damon did too.

"No, but I'll know where to come if I do." She pointed toward the large white board, his scribbles everywhere. "You want me to work up some lecture notes for your classes starting next week?"

"Yep. Just like yesterday. Let's look at the syllabus as well."

"Will do."

She walked around the stage and jogged up the stairs as he hoisted himself back up with ease.

"Impressive. Ever been in a rock band?" She teased.

"Yep. I'm a guitar player through and through." He wagged his eyebrows playfully.

"Wow. As if you weren't attractive enough. Yeah, don't go around bragging about that."

"No shit, right?" He shrugged and pulled out a few papers from the lectern, handing them to Bethany. "Hey, any news on your friend?"

"Jake?"

"Yes. I haven't heard anything since talking to his parents last week."

"He's still not woken up, but I'm going to visit today. I'll let you know if anything changes."

"Man, I thought my college days were hard with all the crazy girls that just acted bizarre."

"What's the worst thing that happened?"

"Um, no. When you're not my TA, we'll talk."

"How about me, you and Damon over beers? Story time?"

"Corona?"

"You bet."

"Sign me up." He laughed and pointed to something on the page, extending it toward her. "I'll be starting here, but it jumps around a bit. Just do what you can."

"No problem." She took it and walked back down to one of the small desks.

"Did they convict the girl who stabbed Jake?"

"Not yet, but there's too much evidence to believe it might have been anyone else." Bethany let out a long sigh, her heart heavy. "Krista was my roommate for the last four years. Her mother said that she has bipolar disorder, but it's never been this bad. I know it's silly, but I can't help but think that falling in love with Jake and being rejected is what pushed her over."

"Could be a possibility. Most people with the illness take medication."

"I'm sure she does too, but love has a way of rooting itself in deeply and jacking you up." Bethany shook her head, still in a bit of shock over having the situation happen. "Just scary."

"I think it's a predisposition too, though, Beth. Can I call you Beth?"

"Bethany please." She tapped her pencil on the desk in front of her. Only Damon called her Beth, and she wanted to keep it that way. Made it somehow more special. "So because she had been hurt before, you think it opened her up to being violent about it?"

"I think that someone who's wanted love for a long time, and finally gets it, feels a sense of ownership over it. Sometimes to the point of it being unhealthy. It becomes more like an obsession."

"And when that love is denied or taken away, they snap?" Bethany sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, her thoughts sliding from Krista to Damon. How long had he been opposed to loving someone?

"Sometimes, but I think it depends on the person." Kendal moved to the edge of the stage again, squatting. "Take Damon for instance. He's had plenty of shallow relationships, but he's never, in all our years together, introduced me to anyone he called his girlfriend."

"But what if something happened and he lost me? Would you think he would be violent?"

"Are you worried?" Kendal tilted his head to the side a little, his gaze inquisitive.

"No. I love him too much to think about a future without him. I don't think it's the situation with us, but I can't help but wonder."

"That's natural. He loves you too. I can tell. Has he told you yet?"

"That's none of your business."

"I fell in love with a sophomore student of mine about six years ago, and nothing happened, but my life fell apart because of it. Her parents sued the school and me for inappropriate behavior. That's why I give my speech. I'm not interested in fucking up my life again. Love can kiss my ass for what it's worth."

Bethany sat in silence as if she'd been slapped. Never in a million years had she expected Kendal to share his story. She, of course, wanted to know more, but there was no way she was pushing him. They were destined to have a friendship whether she felt like it was a good idea or not. From what she could tell, he was loyal to Damon, and she knew she was, so maybe it wasn't such a bad idea.

"Damn." She glanced down at the papers in front of her as the image of Damon's expression when she mentioned loving him rolled across her vision. "I told him that I loved him, and he looked like he had seen a ghost."

"He's got a lot of demons in his past. Give him time, Bethany. He's a really good man, but he'll force you to push past a load of bullshit before you get to see that guy."

"I know. Defense mechanism, right?"

"Yep. We all have them, and for a good reason."

"He's letting me in slowly; I just have to stick to the course."

"You'll be glad you did."

***

She headed to the hospital after wrapping up her job assignments with Kendal. Damon texted that he would meet her there, but she told him to hold off. She needed time alone with Jake. Hopefully, Damon would understand that, but maybe not. The fact that Jake had been texting her, begging for help the night of the accident, left her raw and scarred.

She should have been there for him, and yet she was getting laid on a couch, only concerned with her drive toward lusting Damon into loving her.

"Let it go. Fuck," Bethany grumbled under her breath as she walked down the stark-white hospital corridor. Jake's room was on the left at the end of the hall, his name on the door making things easier. The loud beeping of machines could be heard as she approached, and she paused outside the door with her hand on it, letting out a long breath before walking in.

Jake was sitting up in the bed, his skin pasty and pale, but he was alive.

"Oh my God." She rushed toward the bed as a nurse held up her hand.

"No touching him. He's not healed up just yet, and I'm not putting him through another thing. Boy’s been through enough!"

Bethany stilled near the edge of the bed and reached out, taking his hand as tears filled her eyes. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me ..."

His voice was weak, his smile barely lifting his mouth. "It's not your fault, Bethany. I'm just glad I was able to fight her off some."

"I'm still in shock that any of this happened."

"Me too." Jake squeezed her hand before laying back and closing his eyes. "This new guy... Is he good for you? He's a solid dude?"

"Yes. He's a good man. He's got some hang-ups, but nothing any worse than one of us."

Jake opened his eyes and tilted his head, the worry in his gaze so familiar it pushed her to move closer as her tears spilled onto her cheeks.

"Be careful. I know we can't base everything on this situation with Krista, and I don't want us to, but be careful. It's hard to know someone if they don't want you to, or at least parts of them."

She reached out and brushed his blond hair from his eyes. "Don't worry about me. Just rest. Damon has been here with me to visit you every day for the last week. I will be careful, but I'm learning more and more about him every day."

"And you love him?"

"Very much so."

"Does he love you?" Jake winced as the nurse poked at him under the covers from the opposite side of the bed.

"I think so. He's scared to say it though."

"But he shows it? Words mean nothing without the backing of action and affirmation."

"He does."

"Good. Tell him if he hurts you that I'll kick his ass."

Bethany laughed, not having the heart to tell Jake that there was no way he would take Damon in a fight. Her best friend was too beat up, too broken and scarred to do anything but lift him up.

"I will tell him, and I wouldn't put it past you." She leaned over and kissed his forehead as he slipped into sleep, his breathing deep and peaceful.

Chapter 39

Bethany got home around four and decided on a quick nap before everyone was scheduled to arrive for dinner. She wasn't much in the mood for company after seeing Jake bruised and laid up in the hospital, but they had advertisements to review and final plans for the wedding trip to make. Lying in the comfort of her bed, she finally gave herself over to the need for rest and slipped into the welcoming arms of darkness.

***

"Beth, baby ..." Damon's voice pulled at her. She tried to sit up, but he tightened his arms around her, the handsome thing lying behind her in the bed and spooning her. He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck and brushed his hand down her outer thigh. "You awake?"

"Yeah. I didn't mean to fall asleep, or maybe I did. What time is it?" She curled up farther and snuggled back against him.

"It's almost seven."

"Seven? Shit." She pulled from him and slid off the side of the bed. "I need to get ready. I was hoping to take a shower."

"There is no reason to hurry, baby. Just get ready and come out when you can. We're just putting out snacks to hold us over until dinner is ready."

Bethany pulled her shirt over her head quickly and slipped out of her slacks, walking toward her closet as she spoke over her shoulder. "Is everyone already here?"

Damon moved into the closet behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning down to kiss her shoulder. "Yeah, but they can wait."

She swatted at him playfully. "You had me earlier today. Don't make us late and have this Erica chick thinking I have no respect for other people's time."

"She's not going to think that. She's a bitch at the office, but when you get her alone, she's just like the rest of us."

"Get her alone?" Bethany turned and slid her arms around his waist as her lip turned up in a smirk. "Have you had her alone a lot?"

"That you're jealous is almost cute." He leaned down and brushed his lips past hers as he ran his hands down her back to cup her butt. "I want more of you. Let's fuck first and then join them later."

She laughed and pushed him back softly. "Love how you avoided the getting Erica alone question."

He popped her butt and walked out of the closet, messing with himself from what she could tell. It was nice to know that she could turn him on without even trying.

"There is nothing to talk about. She's nothing but a business partner to me. She has a thing for Matt, which I think I mentioned."

"A thing?" Bethany called out as she tugged a cream-colored blouse from a hanger and pulled it over her head. She slipped into a nicer pair of jeans and left her feet bare. Her mother must have been shopping on Kent's dime by the look of a few new things hanging in her closet.

"Yeah. She's a creative-type person, remember? Matthew is too. I think she would move in quickly if he even remotely showed interest in her."

"He's not interested?"

"Nope. He's scared to death of her."

"Why?" Bethany walked out as Damon bit his lip and shook his head.

"Not sure. Ask him." He moved toward her and wrapped his arms back around her. "Fuck woman, you turn me on no matter what you're wearing."

"That's because you know what's beneath my clothes and that it all belongs to you."

"Damn straight." He slid his hand into her hair, his fingers pressing gently to the base of her head as he tilted her face toward him. "I'm looking forward to this trip. It's been a long time since I've wanted to go somewhere. It's lonely going without someone to share it with."

"I find it hard to believe someone as gorgeous as you would have to do anything alone."

"It's not about looks, Beth. It's about trusting someone enough to let them into your world."

"Are you letting me in?"

"I'm not sure I have any other option but to."

She lifted up and pressed her lips to his, tilting her head to the side and opening her mouth as his tongue slid against hers. She groaned and tightened her arms around him as she sucked at his offering, something deep inside of her waking up. She wanted to drop to her knees in front of him, to feel his hands tighten in her hair, to taste his pleasure on her tongue. She broke the kiss, breathing a little harder thanks to the depravity of her thoughts.

His eyes sparkled with desire. It took her breath away.

"What are you thinking, you bad girl?"

"I was thinking how badly I want to lick your balls, suck your cock ... press my face against the most intimate parts of you and let the scent that belongs only to you etch across my senses." She leaned up and kissed him softly as he stared deadpan at her. "Just a desire that keeps haunting me."

"We should explore this." He reached for her as she turned and ran to the door. A soft yelp left her as he charged after her. "Beth ... Now. Now!"

***

Bethany slowed just before walking into the kitchen, heat burning her cheeks from her forward response. A smile lifted her lips, leaving her feeling fulfilled, happy. Her mother turned as she stood with Erica, Matt, and Kent.

"There you are. We were starting to worry." Her mother smiled.

Matt walked toward her and pulled her into a big bear hug as Damon rounded the corner and moved to open a bottle of wine. "There's Sleeping Beauty. Damon and Dad working you too hard at the office?"

"They are slave drivers." Bethany laughed and walked toward the large platter of crudité. She picked up a carrot and dipped it in the creamy ranch sauce as Erica responded.

"Man, I remember when I started working for these two years ago. I took more naps than I care to remember." She smiled, and Bethany returned the gesture. "I would honestly go home feeling like my brain was bruised."

"That's because you're creative, and they aren't. Like trying to teach calculus to Michelangelo." Matt joined in and moved to take the bottle of wine from Damon. "Give me that. Check on the steaks."

"Are you guys cooking tonight?" Bethany asked, looking at Damon.

"We are. Be very scared. Dad gave everyone the night off. He does that from time to time. It's healthy for them and us." Damon nodded toward Kent, who had remained quiet until then.

"Yeah ... That's great. Let's talk about the trip. The planner in me is crawling up the walls. I know we have the hotels and airlines booked, but are you guys wanting to have the ceremony at night on the beach or during the day in the hotel or what?"

"Let's get the platter and wine and go out on the porch and talk. I'll turn on the fans and bring the booze. You guys get the food." Damon nodded toward them, winking at Bethany.

She grabbed the veggie tray and followed behind him, her eyes moving across his back and rear. The dark blue shirt he wore looked good on him, and his slacks hugged the beautiful swell of his ass. He was beyond gorgeous. Why he would waste his time with someone like her was still a mystery. His response in the bedroom about wanting to trust someone left her lost in thought. He was letting her in, of that she was sure. He didn't have a choice from what he had said. Did that mean that he loved her too? Had to. Then why not tell her?

"I called the hotel last week, and the ceremony is on Saturday afternoon at five or so. It's when the sun is setting, so they will set everything up and have us in the hotel about an hour before sunset. As it begins, they'll usher us out there," Matt spoke up, moving back to hold the door for everyone.

"You're so good, Matt," Erica responded as she moved just behind Bethany.

"I try." Matt walked toward Bethany and reached for the tray as everyone started to set up the table, his cheeks colored pink. "Give me that, Sis."

"She's cute," Bethany whispered and motioned toward Erica.

"She's scary as fuck." He laughed, his voice nothing more than a whisper as well.

"You and I are talking more about this in Jamaica."

"Yeah, well, Dad invited her to come with us."

Bethany turned toward everyone, a little surprised by Matt's words. "Who all is going with us to Jamaica?"

"All of us here." Kent smiled and pulled Bethany's mother in for a side hug, leaning down and kissing the top of her hair.

"Oh, nice. Erica, you're coming with us? I wasn't sure Dad could convince you." Damon moved toward Bethany, stopping just beside her.

"It was Matt who convinced me. You know, I've been after him to come and join me at the firm. We thought this would be a good time to go over his portfolio and for me to liquor him up enough to get him to say yes." Erica smiled, shifting her eyes toward Matt. Bethany glanced at her almost stepbrother as he shrugged bashfully.

"I'll watch the steaks." He walked toward the grill as everyone chuckled. Matt was so different from Kent and Damon, and yet was every bit as handsome and attention grabbing. Bethany looked forward to getting him alone on the trip to find out more about the situation between him and Erica. The beginning of something was there, but what she didn't know.

"Well, before we get further into the night ... I have an announcement to make." Damon spoke up, and everyone turned toward him. Butterflies began to move in Bethany's stomach at the authority in his voice. He glanced at her and winked, confusing her a bit, but she was too intrigued by him to be concerned with it.

"I know this might not go over well, but I don't care. You guys know me, and the one thing I hate is secrets or lies." He paused, and everyone's expression softened. Bethany let her eyes move around the crowd as she crossed her arms over her chest.

What was he doing?

Damon moved toward Bethany, pulling her into a side hug and smiling down at her before looking toward his father and her mother. "I know the two of you have found something special in each other, and I'm thrilled. My father deserves a good woman, and I have no doubt that he's found the best one for him. We will be a family at the end of this weekend, but I need to be very transparent with both of you, and with you, Matt. Bethany and I have been seeing each other for the last little while, and I'm in love with her. I haven't ever been in love before, and I know this is a bit of an off situation, but I'm asking you, as my family, to accept it. If you're not willing to, then count me out of whatever the future holds."

Damon looked down at Bethany as she choked on both fear and pride that he would step up in front of their family and claim her as his. "I'm not willing to choose a future that she's not my better half in."

He turned back to look at his father. "Do you understand?"

Chapter 40

"We already knew," Bethany's mom responded softly. "We fully support what's happening between the two of you and have seen changes in each of you that leave us breathless. We can't speak for Matt, but we knew this moment was coming."

Bethany tucked herself into Damon's side, some part of her wanting to disappear as tears began to streak down her face.

"I love you both, and you know that. I figured something was up the night you treated me like the fucking pool boy and sent me to fetch shit left and right so you could make out while I was gone." Matt laughed loudly, everyone else joining in but Bethany.

"Are you sure you're not disappointed?" Bethany spoke up, her voice broken with emotion.

"No, baby. I couldn't be more proud of the woman you're becoming. Damon is family by marriage, and the way you two look at each other thrills me as your mom."

Bethany moved away from Damon and walked to her mom, slipping into the warmth of her hug and letting herself cry a little. Kent patted her back and pulled her into a warm hug too.

"We are going to have to change your title from intern though. The uprising has begun at work thanks to the lovely upgrade you got." Kent laughed, and Bethany joined him.

"There has been an uprising since day one. Damon has every female in that place in fits, especially the interns." Bethany moved back to Damon's side, slipping back into his arms as Erica spoke up.

"Yeah, but it doesn't matter who wants his attention. It's you who has it."

"You're the only woman that has it, now and forever." He kissed the tip of her nose and looked back toward the crowd. "Okay ... Let's plan this trip out and get to looking at ads. I love all this sharing shit, but making money and drinking mai tais is a close second."

***

"Did you mean what you said tonight?" Bethany moved through the water to stand in front of Damon, her fingers sliding across the silky skin of his chest. His eyes captivated her, the hunger and need, the lust and desire burning her.

"Come here." He reached out and pulled her flush against him. "I know you've been through a lot lately, and I'm proud of you. At your age, I would have put my hand through a wall and given up on everything."

"No, you wouldn't have." Bethany smiled, but the expression faded as Damon pinned her with truth.

"I have a lot of healing to do because of what happened with my mother. I'll share all of it with you on the trip, when we're away from all these familiar things." He glanced back at the house. The strong muscles of his chest and neck flexed, the reminder of his strength sending tendrils of pleasure through the center of her. "I grew up in this house. I found her cheating on Dad here."

"I know, baby." Bethany reached up and touched his cheek, turning him back toward her. "We can talk about it when you're ready. I'm here no matter how long it takes you to heal."

He took her hand in his, turning to kiss her palm sensually. "I know you are. I can feel it for the first time in my life. Scares the shit out of me, but I'm ready."

She moved closer, lifting her legs and wrapping them around his waist. "We'll take it slow."

"No ... Let’s dive in deep. It's not our style to tiptoe into anything. Let's lay ourselves bare and trust without reservation. Jump off that cliff with me, and let's work together to hold each other above the waves as they come. I'll support you in anything you want to do, just don't ever lie to me. If you get tired of me or need something emotionally or sexually that I'm not giving you ... You come to me. I'm your man, and I want to know what you need. Promise me that you'll talk to me if something comes up."

"Nothing is going to come up. You leave me feeling like my soul is on fire and my panties are a torrential waste." She laughed and pulled up, brushing her lips across his.

"That's today, baby. I'm asking for forever. Ten years from now you might not feel that way. I want you to promise me here, tonight, that you'll speak up. I don't want to invest my whole heart and be left broken years from now." He touched the side of her face softly, the man staring at her revealing a new layer to her.

"I promise you that I will always be straightforward and honest. If something comes up or I'm feeling lonely, angry, upset ... Whatever, I'll talk to you. I want us to work. I know that without a doubt. I need you in my life, Damon." She rolled her hips, the thick press of his erection sparking to life just how much she needed him. "I want you inside of me."

"I need to be inside of you, baby." He pressed his lips to the side of her neck, his teeth digging in slightly as she groaned. Everyone had left or gone to bed, and it was just the two of them. The moonlight cast a blue shadow across the pool, making everything feel so much more dramatic.

Damon tugged at her bottoms, forcing Bethany to move back a little until he pulled them off. He worked his shorts over his hips, letting them float to the surface behind him as he pulled her against him again. His fingers gripped tightly onto her ass, and he tugged her down, his body filling hers with a few hard thrusts.

"Oh God," she groaned, her lips finding his as he pressed himself deeper inside of her warmth. He kissed and licked at her mouth as he rolled his hips, his rhythm slow and deep. She dug her fingers into the strong muscles of his back and lifted up to foster the delicious friction he worked into her. He broke the kiss and pulled her hair back a little with one hand as he forced her to look up at him.

"I need you too. I want you more than I imagined possible. Tell me you'll be mine, Beth. Tell me forever sounds good to you, baby." He drove back into her, tightening his hand in her hair. The pleasure-pain forced her near the edge of exploding as she panted softly.

"Forever. Anything less isn't enough."

"Forever isn't enough for me." He licked her throat, sucking softly on the curve of her chin as he slid his hand from cupping her ass to press against the tightness of her opening. "I want to taste you and touch you everywhere. I want to take you to new heights mentally, emotionally, physically. I don't want there to be a place on you that isn't branded by me."

"Yes ... Fuck yes, I need that, Damon." She pressed back, letting his finger slip into her as he began to fuck her faster. She screamed as the orgasm rolled through her, arching her back and taking in every sweet sensation he caused to pulse through her.

"That's it, baby girl. Ride all of it. Fuck yourself against me. Anything you want, Beth. All yours, baby." He worked her fast and hard, his own orgasm lifting a loud, sexy sound off his lips as he pumped into her a few more times.

"God, you're so good ... So fucking sexy." Bethany reached up and touched his face as he slid his finger out of her, but kept her locked around his waist, still buried deep inside of her.

"You haven't seen anything yet." He winked and chuckled.

"Keeping the goods hidden?"

"Yep. Making sure you were the one." He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers, nipping at her mouth carefully.

"I assume you've come to that conclusion?" She smiled and held onto the sexy man in front of her tightly.

"I love you. I'm sorry I couldn't say it before. It scared me, and I'm not used to feeling so fucking exposed, but I won't deny you the words that I hope my actions scream. I love you, baby." He leaned in and kissed her with a fiery passion. She matched it, rolling her hips and bleeding into the kiss all of the worry and fear, the need and desire that he caused over the last few weeks. He pulled back. His soft panting was so far beyond hot that she moaned at the sound of it, tightening her body around his.

"You want more, sexy girl?" He wagged his eyebrows and rolled his hips, pressing deeper into her.

"Always ... I need more of you."

"You love me?" he asked and squeezed her ass tightly before beginning his next assault.

"Forever. Jamaica is going to be fun."

“You think so, hmm?”

“Will you be there?” She smiled and pulled him down for another kiss.

There was no need to respond. He’d be wherever she was or so she hoped.