Chapter Twenty Three
July
“Okay, maybe this is my new favorite hotel. It’s at least in the top five. No, make that top three. And I do understand why they call this place paradise.”
Tessa stretched luxuriously as she reclined in the padded chaise lounge. The warm Hawaiian sun beat down on her bikini-clad body, and she closed her eyes in bliss.
Ian chuckled. “It will be interesting to see how your pecking order changes as you see more of our properties. But you will be hard pressed to find too many places in the world as beautiful as these islands.”
They had flown to Hawaii a week ago, traveling first to the resorts on Oahu, Kona and Kauai. Ian had performed his usual inspection of the properties, held meetings and reviews with the managers and staffs, and tended to all the other matters that required his attention during visits like these. They had arrived here in Maui two days ago, and tomorrow nearly every hotel manager in the Americas Region would be arriving for a four day meeting.
The managers meeting was an annual event, and held at a different property each year. While this was obviously the first one Tessa would be in attendance at, she’d been involved the past two years with all the preparations – compiling reports, printing up name badges, coordinating with the hotel staff to ensure all the necessary A/V equipment was ready, etc. The entire management support team had been heavily involved with the preparation for what was arguably one of the most important events of the year. Andrew always attended the meeting, needing to be on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly, and he had in the past taken one of the support team along to help out. Tessa recalled listening to both Gina and Alicia in the past rave about the trip, how luxurious everything had been, what a fabulous time they’d had. Tessa hadn’t been able to help being more than a little envious, and had wondered wistfully at the time if she would ever get a turn.
She thought idly how much could change in a year’s time. Twelve months ago she’d still been married to Peter, clinging desperately to save a marriage that had really been over with for a long time. She’d been working for a boss who she admired and secretly crushed on from afar, but had never dreamed he’d even noticed her. Now, a year later, she was divorced, Peter was living halfway around the world, and her boss was now her lover, the man she idolized and longed to be with every minute of every day.
Ian’s phone rang and he scowled at it before reluctantly checking the screen. His phone seemed to have been ringing off the hook these past few days, and she knew he must be growing weary of all the calls.
“Damn it, I’ve got to take this unfortunately, “he told her. “It shouldn’t be long.”
She waved her fingers at him. “It’s okay. I’m not planning on moving from this spot for a good long while.”
He squeezed her shoulder as he answered the call, walking to the edge of their private patio as he did so. From behind the lenses of her oversized sunglasses, Tessa smiled in satisfaction at the truly awe inspiring sight of him clad in just a pair of swim trunks. His heavily muscled upper body was bared to her admiring gaze, and she noted with interest at how deeply tanned his skin had become in just a few days. She loved the raw, primitive beauty of his ripped biceps, broad chest and huge shoulders. She liked that he wasn’t overly hairy, just a wide strip of hair down the middle of his chest that tapered down past his waist and disappeared beneath his dark blue swim trunks. Tessa continued her unabashed inspection of his body, lusting at the sight of his long, muscular legs and taut buttocks. He was unshaven today, giving him that dark and dangerous look she loved, and his hazel eyes were covered by a pair of aviator sunglasses.
Beneath her red bandeau bikini top, her nipples peaked and her breasts felt achy as she continued to watch him. It had been over a week since they’d had sex, due to another of her heavy, painful periods. That hadn’t prevented them from enjoying each other in alternate ways, though the pleasure had been largely on Ian’s side. Despite his half-hearted protests that he could wait until she was over her cycle, in the end he hadn’t resisted when she’d taken him into her mouth, or stroked him with her hands, or guided his fully erect cock between her breasts. She had done the latter just last night, and could still picture the look on his face as he’d come all over her breasts, the thick streams of semen marking her in a different way as she’d rubbed his essence into her skin. He had groaned as he’d watched her, taking her mouth in a soul-stealing kiss, and then whispered to her urgently that he’d been keeping very careful tally all week of how many orgasms he owed her.
Tessa smiled as she recalled those heated words, and squirmed a bit as she realized how aroused she was. Her period had finally ended this morning, to her great relief, and she’d been this close to waking him up to give him the good news. But he’d been in a deep slumber, worn out from the demands of the last few days, and she’d let him continue sleeping while she took an early yoga class at the resort’s health club. But as stimulated as she was becoming now, she was beginning to regret her earlier decision.
As Ian’s phone conversation continued, she flipped onto her stomach, hoping that her arousal might ebb if she stopped watching him for a while. It didn’t take long at all for her to become pleasantly drowsy, loving the feel of the warm sun heating her skin while at the same time one of Hawaii’s famous tradewinds kept the temperature from feeling too unbearably hot.
Like almost all of the other owner’s suites she’d stayed in with Ian, this one was opulent and spacious, though decorated in a slightly more casual island motif. The real attraction of this particular suite, though, was its expansive outdoor space – the huge, partially covered patio, sunken hot tub and large private pool. The beach was mere steps away, and each night the sound of the surf had lulled her to sleep.
She felt a little guilty lazing the afternoon away, but consoled herself with the fact that she had certainly earned her keep these past few days and would be working even harder once the managers meeting began. Andrew had flown in late yesterday afternoon, and had eaten dinner with her and Ian last night. But even during dinner, Andrew had been all business, discussing all the things that still had to get done for the meeting, and Tessa had longed to tell him to chill out and just relax for once. Truthfully, though, she was still more than a little intimidated by him, even if she no longer officially worked for the company, and had kept her mouth shut.
Employee or not, Andrew hadn’t hesitated in bossing her around this morning, assigning her tasks just as he’d done for over two years. But Tessa hadn’t minded, for she liked to keep busy and feel useful, and was relieved that Andrew hadn’t gone soft on her just because she was the boss’ girlfriend. He had looked a little taken aback when she’d somewhat teasingly told him just that during dinner last night.
“You’re a bright girl, Tessa,” he’d told her. “I would never dream of insulting your intelligence by treating you like some brainless bimbo. No offense, Mr. Gregson. I know better than anyone that you’d never be interested in a – uh - ”
“Brainless bimbo?” finished Ian with an arched brow. “Yes, I appreciate your unwavering faith in me, Andrew. And you’re right – Tessa is exceptionally bright and you should continue to make use of her skills in whatever way you see fit.”
Andrew had grimaced. “Well, I certainly miss her at the office, especially since both hers and Alicia’s replacements have proven something of a disappointment so far. I think I might be losing my touch after all this time.”
Tessa hadn’t been able to suppress a grin at his last statement. “Keep that up and pretty soon Shelby will be one of your top team members.”
Andrew had looked a little sheepish. “Actually, she’s flying over tomorrow to help out this year.”
Tessa had very nearly spewed out the mouthful of water she’d just sipped, and Ian had had to pat her vigorously on the back. With watery eyes, she’d gaped at Andrew in disbelief. “Shelby? The same Shelby you used to grouse about not having more than three functioning brain cells?”
Andrew had nodded reluctantly. “Believe it or not, she’s stepped up her game these past few months. When Alicia, ahem, left, Shelby volunteered to take over doing the travel arrangements. It turns out her aunt owns a travel agency and Shelby worked there part time during high school and college – who knew? And she’s actually done a decent job. I think – well, it seems that Alicia wasn’t very nice to Shelby over the years – would make fun of her and outright insult her on a regular basis. Since she’s left, Shelby seems happier and has more confidence.”
Tessa had grinned at her former supervisor. “So she doesn’t quake in her boots whenever you walk by?”
“I didn’t say that,” Andrew had replied dryly. “After all, I still have my reputation as a stick-up-his-ass bastard to maintain.” At Tessa’s expression of disbelief, he’d given her a scathing look. “You think I didn’t know? I know everything that goes on in that office, eyes in the back of my head and all that.”
Ian had nodded in agreement. “Can’t argue with that assessment. He knows far more than I do about what goes on.”
Andrew, who’d consumed a pre-dinner Mai Tai and several glasses of wine during the meal, had evidently been feeling bold as he’d smirked at his boss. “Well, I did learn from the very best, sir. Watching how you observed people without them being aware of it taught me a great deal. In fact, I was even able to turn the tables on you and use those exact same tactics.”
Ian had regarded his PA warily. “And what precisely does that mean?”
Andrew, who never smiled, had – wonder of wonders – actually given Ian a cheeky grin. “I knew the moment Tessa walked into your office that first day that you fell for her like a ton of bricks. No offense, sir, but you were a real open book that day.”
It had been Tessa’s turn to frown. “Well, I never noticed a thing. Of course, that’s probably because you’d already made me a nervous wreck about meeting him – all of your rules and instructions about what I could and couldn’t say. How did you know? I mean, Ian seemed as in control and professional that day as he always does.”
Andrew had shaken his head. “Oh, he didn’t give anything away when he met you. It was right after – when he called me back into his office to rip me a new one that he gave himself away. I’d worked for you three years already, sir, and had never once seen you actually pacing or using any form of sarcasm and there you were doing both at the same time. But the real giveaway was when I told you Tessa was married. You looked like the floor had given way beneath you.”
Ian had nodded at his PA’s observations. “You’re spot on, as usual. Especially about the latter issue. I’d never in my life felt helpless before, never been in a situation where I couldn’t make something happen if I tried hard enough.” He’d turned to Tessa at that point, taking her hand in his. “When I learned you already belonged to another man – that I’d have to keep what I felt for you under strict wraps – I swear that was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.”
When he and Tessa had continued to hold hands and stare dreamily into each other’s eyes, Andrew had cleared his throat until they had somewhat guiltily broken apart.
Andrew had seemed more than a bit hesitant to broach the next subject, a fact that had surprised Tessa since he never seemed uncertain about anything. But once he’d uttered that name, a sudden chill had traveled up her spine, despite the tropical climate, and Ian had scowled in annoyance.
“I hate to bring up such an unpleasant topic, Mr. Gregson, but both you and Tessa need to be aware that Jason Baldwin will be attending the meeting. Along with his wife – your cousin – of course.”
Tessa had glanced at Ian anxiously. “He wouldn’t do – or say – anything with your cousin along, would he?”
“He’d better not, if he knows what’s good for him,” Ian had muttered darkly. “I haven’t spoken to the bastard since I kicked him out of my office last fall. But gossip travels quickly, and between co-workers and our family I’m certain Jason has heard that Tessa and I are together.”
Tessa had shuddered. “All I know is that he gives me the creeps more than anyone I’ve ever met. How does your cousin put up with his – er, antics?”
Ian had shrugged. “Charlotte is a sweet, lovely woman but not especially bright. My aunt and uncle also coddled her well into adulthood, and she’s used to getting whatever she wants. And when she met Jason, she decided he was exactly what she wanted. I’m afraid she deliberately turns a blind eye to his antics so that she doesn’t have to admit to her parents – or to herself – that they were right about him.”
“So your aunt and uncle don’t like Jason?”
“That’s putting it mildly. Unlike Charlotte, Uncle Richard is a very wise man and he saw through Jason from the very first. But, as I mentioned, once Charlotte made up her mind she wanted something, her parents had a very difficult time ever saying no.”
“What I never quite understood, sir,” Andrew had interjected, “was why Jason wound up working for you. I would have assumed he and your cousin met and married in England.”
A look of disgust had crossed Ian’s features. “They did. But after three complaints about the bastard from female employees, Richard though a change of scenery would do him good. So he sent him my way.”
“You know there have been a couple of close calls with him down in Scotts Valley, don’t you?” Andrew had asked soberly. “One was a hotel guest who called our head of HR to complain that Jason made some very suggestive comments to her. And one of the office staff confided to the night manager that Jason has been getting a bit too touchy feely for her liking.”
Ian had shook his head. “Well, apparently this leopard hasn’t changed his spots, has he? Looks like I’ll have to pay him a visit when we return home. In the meanwhile,” he added sternly, “that little shit is not to get anywhere near Tessa over the next few days. I don’t want her left alone where he might be able to harass her.”
She’d patted his hand and tried to smile reassuringly. “Hey, I can take care of myself. You’ve been showing me some moves, after all.”
Ian had been working with her at the gym to learn a few basic boxing techniques, and she also continued to take some kickboxing classes. He’d also arranged for her to work out with a personal trainer – a female one, of course – and she knew she was in the best physical shape of her life right now.
Ian had smiled at her rather indulgently. “And you’ve been a very apt pupil. But I still don’t want you having to confront Jason. The safest solution is just to keep you as far away from him as possible.”
Tessa couldn’t help the tiny shudder that rippled through her body as she thought of having to see Jason again. And there was no doubt she would have to at least acknowledge him. Tomorrow evening a lavish cocktail reception and buffet dinner had been planned for all the managers and their guests, and it went without saying that Ian’s cousin Charlotte would seek him out to say hello. There would be no polite way to avoid her for the entire duration of the meeting.
She must have dozed off a little, drowsy from the sun, and gave a little start when she felt Ian’s lips on the back of her neck.
“Mmm. Hi,’ she murmured, scooting over a bit as he sat down on the chaise next to her.
He ran his hand down her back, and she shivered as he slipped his palm beneath the band of her bikini bottoms to cup her buttocks. “Hi yourself, gorgeous girl,” he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear. “You should have been a swimsuit model as good as you look in this bikini. I can just see you splashed on the cover of Sports Illustrated with these beautiful long legs” – he traced his fingertips down the backs of her thighs – “and this sexy ass” – he squeezed her behind – “and of course these fabulous tits.” He slipped a hand beneath her and squeezed her breast.
Tessa groaned and clasped his hand, holding it in place against her breast. “Don’t stop. It feels so good.”
His fingers found her nipple and tweaked it. “Your wish is my command, love. Are you still on your cycle?”
She shook her head. “No, thank goodness. It’s, ah, been a long time.”
He chuckled, his hand slipping inside her low-cut bikini top to cup her bare, warm flesh. “Are you horny, darling?”
“God, yes,” she panted, trying to roll over onto her back. But his hand on her back held her in place, unable to move freely.
“Shh. I’m going to take very good care of you very soon, love. But first, you’re starting to get a little pink back here. You need some more sunscreen. Ah, there it is.”
Tessa gave a little squeal as he squirted the cool lotion on her sun-warmed skin, but then quickly began to purr in contentment as he rubbed it into her back and shoulder blades. As his hand dipped beneath the waistband of her bikini briefs, she gave a little wiggle, which earned her both a deep chuckle from Ian and a playful swat on the butt.
He squirted another blob of lotion on her back before deftly unhooking the bandeau top, letting the sides fall unheeded onto the chaise. He rubbed the lotion into her skin before sliding his hands beneath her to cup her breasts.
Tessa whimpered with need. “Please.”
He knew what she was pleading for as he pulled her to an upright position, her knees hanging over the side of the chaise. He knelt between her thighs, his dark head at eye level with her chest.
“I take it back,” he murmured hoarsely, his hands fondling her breasts. “There’s no way in hell I’d want a photo of this sexy body of yours being splayed all over a national magazine, letting every horny bastard in the country ogle you. “ He bent his head and licked at her nipple. “For my eyes only, darling.”
“Ohh, yes,” she breathed, clutching his head to her breast as he sucked her nipple into his mouth.
He lifted his head, then moved to the other breast while his thumb and forefinger pinched the other nipple. “Is this what you wanted, love? What you needed? God, your tits are so full right now, Tessa, so swollen. Let me, darling.”
She was groaning as he lavished attention on her breasts, arousing her to the point where she knew it would take very little to make her come. She grabbed one of his hands and dragged it down to the low-cut waistband of her bikini briefs. “Ian. Now, please.”
He took her mouth in a blistering kiss as his fingers slipped inside her briefs to find her clit. She came instantly, her body already primed for his touch and starving for release.
Tessa hadn’t even come back down to earth yet when Ian laid her back on the chaise and stripped off her briefs. His lips touched her navel as he slowly thrust two fingers deep inside of her body.
“You’re so ready for me,” he murmured in awe. “You are needy, aren’t you, darling?”
“God.” Her hips bucked up off the chaise as he continued sliding his fingers in and out of her drenched slit. “I – oh – wanted you. You looked so – ah, yes, just like that – so hot standing there. So gorgeous. I need - ”
He bent his head, his tongue fluttering over her clit. “What do you need, love?”
She cried out as his tongue licked at the moist folds of her labia. “I need to be fucked. Hard. Over and over until I can’t take anymore. And even then I’ll keep wanting more.”
“Jesus, Tessa.” His hands held her hips pinned to the chaise as he continued to eat her out with exquisite care. “Soon, darling. Soon I’ll slide my cock inside this hot, delicious cunt and fuck you until neither of us can think straight. But first.” He sucked hard on her clit, wringing another orgasm from her highly stimulated body.
When she could speak again, she clutched his shoulders, trying in vain to budge him, to pull his body to hers. “Do it now. Please.”
“Not yet.” His hand slid into the damp curls between her thighs, and he gave her a smile that was deeply carnal. “By my estimates, I owe you at least five more orgasms. I think I counted a total of seven that you very unselfishly gave me when you were – ah, indisposed.”
She laughed huskily, placing her hand over his and stilling its motion. “Hmm, I think your count is off. I distinctly remember it was a grand total of eight.”
“Eight it is then, love. After all, you’re very good with numbers, aren’t you?”
Tessa gave a sigh of utter bliss as he slipped three long fingers inside of her. “And you’re really, really good at this. An expert, actually. But as awesome as this feels, it’s you I want. I’ve missed you. Missed this.”
He cursed softly as her hand traced the outline of his erection where it tented his swim trunks. “Don’t, Tessa. Not now. Let me take care of you first.”
“No.” Her reply was insistent, her hand deliberate in its movements as she continued to stroke him. “No keeping score, that’s just silly. I want you, Ian. I want this.”
He hissed as she gave his cock a firm squeeze. Then, in one smooth motion, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her back inside the suite until they reached the master bedroom. Always a man of purpose, he didn’t disappoint as in quick succession he tore back the bedcovers, deposited her on the mattress, tossed off his swim trunks, and vaulted onto the bed. In the very next instant he was surging as deeply and fully inside of her as he could get, and her head fell back against the pillows in ecstasy.
“So good,” she breathed as he began to stroke the long, thick length of his cock in and out of her body. Her legs lifted to wrap around his hips, her arms about his neck as she pulled his head down to hers for a kiss.
Ian groaned. “It’s fucking heaven to be inside of you again, love. The absolute best feeling in the world.”
“Yes, yes,” she cried, as he began to move faster, more forcefully. He unhooked her legs from around his waist and spread them wide, bending her knees up towards her shoulders. He rose to his knees, the position allowing him to thrust even more deeply inside of her. With each hard thrust, it felt like the head of his penis was butting up against her womb, and she whimpered with that particular sensation of half pain, half pleasure that he was such a master at calling forth from her body.
Her body already primed from the two orgasms he’d given her, Tessa came long and hard this time with his cock constantly rubbing against that super sensitive spot deep inside her. She was dimly aware of the tears that dampened her cheeks, the depth of emotion he was able to wring out of her almost too much to take at times like this. And when she stopped seeing stars after a time, she realize that he hadn’t come yet, that he was still moving inside of her pliant body with slow, deliberate thrusts.
“Why are you holding back?” she whispered.
He groaned, his head falling back as she trailed her fingers up his chest where his skin was drenched with sweat. “Feels so good, love. I don’t want this to end. I missed this, too.”
Tessa gasped as he deftly switched their positions, pulling her on top of him while he reclined against the pillows, their sweat-slicked bodies remaining co-joined the entire time. Ian’s hands gripped her hips as she found the rhythm he wanted.
His thumb brushed over the swollen nub of her clit. “Want to make you come again,” he rasped. “Over and over, until we both lose count.”
“No.” She shook her head, the last remaining strands of her hair still contained in a messy bun tumbling down her back. “Don’t hold back. Please. I need you wild, want to see you lose control. Like this.”
She ignored his attempts to slow her down as she began to buck frantically back and forth, riding him hard. She leaned forward until her breasts brushed his chest, her nipples raking over his hot skin. He gasped as she ran her tongue over his mouth, her teeth tugging on his lower lip.
And then, before he could stop her, she slipped a hand to where their bodies were joined and began to gently stimulate his prostate gland, in the exact way she knew would drive him over the edge.
He came instantly, cursing loudly as his back bowed off the mattress again and again, and she could feel the hot, sticky bursts of his cum flooding her pussy. Almost violently, Ian pulled her head down to his, kissing her savagely as he continued to empty himself into her warm, tight body.
Tessa collapsed on his chest when he was finally replete, his arms and legs splayed out limply. She could feel the rapid thud of his heartbeat beneath her cheek and caressed his arms soothingly.
When he was able to speak, his voice was hoarse and his words came out slowly. “The next time you use that little trick, give me some warning, eh? One of these times I might not survive the experience.”
She laughed softly, sliding off his body to curl up trustingly against his side. “Maybe instead of that oxygen tank you mentioned we ought to keep a defibrillator handy. Or,” she added teasingly, dropping a series of quick, sweet kisses on his mouth, “I could just learn mouth to mouth resuscitation.”
His chest rumbled with laughter. “I think all three are excellent precautions.” One big hand slid down her spine to cup her ass. “But I hope you realize that this only adds to the total number of orgasms I still owe you.”
“What?” She gave him a puzzled little frown.
Ian grinned wickedly. “Well, considering this last one was really like five regular orgasms combined, by my totals I now owe you at least ten.”
She shook her head. “Impossible. Because according to my much more accurate calculations, it’s an even dozen.”
“Well, then,” he murmured in amusement as his lips began to trail down between her breasts to her belly. “I’d better get busy, don’t you agree?”
Tessa’s laughs soon turned to moans as his head disappeared between her thighs. “I, ah, think that’s an excellent idea.”
***
Jason Baldwin was not a happy man these days, and hadn’t been for quite some time now. He hated – positively hated – his current job as the manager of the hotel in Silicon Valley. In addition to the nerve-wracking, time consuming commute he had to endure in both directions of the drive, he considered the position far beneath what should have been his far more elevated status in the company. Plus, he had little patience when it came to dealing with hotel guests – smoothing over complaints or problems someone had if they didn’t care for their particular room; schmoozing with high-profile guests and clients and pandering to their already oversized egos; handling the various personnel problems that cropped up far too often for his liking; and having to answer on a regular basis to the regional office on one matter or another – and to a manager who had up until recently been a subordinate of his.
And his miserable situation at work wasn’t helped even one bit by Charlotte’s almost constant whining as of late. She seemed to be checking up on him far more than she ever had in the past – frequent phone calls and texts, wanting to know exactly what time he’d be home from the office; packing their weekends full of events and activities so that he rarely had a free moment to himself.
Their three children were all of school age now, and more than a handful, especially their youngest, Aidan, who was always getting into one scrape or another. He reminded Jason of himself at that age, and he had no more patience with his son than his parents had had with him.
All of the many and varied demands on his schedule meant he had very few hours in the day to indulge in what he referred to as “recreational time”. Jason had always been a man of rather insatiable sexual appetites, dating back as far as his early teens, and he was also known to like more than his fair share of kink. He’d known from the day she’d happily agreed to marry him that Charlotte couldn’t even begin to satisfy either need. In fact, she was a bit of a prude when it came to the bedroom, and more often than not these days she’d claim fatigue or stress from dealing with the children all day as a way to cop out of sex. And Charlotte would have been shocked to the tips of her very proper Ferragmo pumps to fully realize many of the more – er, unconventional things he enjoyed in the bedroom.
He’d had a very satisfactory arrangement set up with the shapely Swedish law student he’d met at one of the kink bars he liked to frequent. Greta had been a dynamo in bed, even enjoyed taking charge when he’d been in the mood to allow it, and she’d been game for almost anything – especially after he’d set her up in a charming flat in the Marina District where he could pop in for a convenient visit during his lunch break or right after work.
But that particular relationship was now a thing of the past, ever since his schedule – and his entire life – had been fucked over good with the transfer to Scotts Valley. Tired of his neglect, the hot-blooded Greta hadn’t wasted any time in finding herself a new boyfriend – a filthy rich Middle Eastern real estate magnate who had neither a wife, children, nor a fucking long commute to make demands on his time.
It hadn’t taken Jason long to find some new action, but he couldn’t afford to start up another long term arrangement right now. Not only was his free time severely limited but so were his finances. His salary had fortunately remained the same after the transfer, but there were newly added expenses with commuting, plus the private school where all three children were enrolled had raised their already exorbitant tuition even higher. Charlotte had never had much concept about money – one of the many reasons she’d never been considered for a position with her family’s own company – and spent it on frivolous items that they really couldn’t afford.
And everything – every single one of his woes – could be blamed entirely on that arrogant, ruthless bastard Ian. All of this was his fault, no question about it. It was solely because of him – and that treacherous, scheming bitch he was currently banging – that Jason’s life was such a miserable, fucked-up mess.
Out of Charlotte’s three male cousins, Jason had always disliked Ian the most – not that he’d been overly fond of Hugh or Colin, either. But at least Hugh was personable enough to shake his hand and make him feel welcome, while Colin had been a real hell raiser in his day until he’d finally settled down in recent years. Ian, though, had always been a stuck-up, cold-hearted prick, looking at Jason as though he wasn’t fit to be breathing the same air as the rest of the family.
And actually working for the bastard had been ten times worse. Ian had acted like a fucking king in the office, imposing rules and regulations that Jason had found unreasonable and often intolerable. Still, with Ian on the road almost half of each month, Jason had been able to shirk his duties with relatively little difficulty, largely by heaping work on his PA and the management support team, and by passing on assignments to lower level managers. He’d had a nice, comfortable arrangement going there, one that allowed him plenty of free time to indulge in his “recreational” pursuits.
But then everything had gone to hell overnight when that sanctimonious hard-ass Ian had caught him red-handed with the blonde bitch – literally speaking, given that he’d been very pleasurably groping the girl’s big tit at the time. To say that Ian had completely overreacted was putting it mildly, and Jason had remained convinced that the real reason he’d been banished to Scotts Valley was because his arrogant boss had lusted after the tart himself.
Not that he blamed Ian, of course. From the first time he’d laid eyes on the luscious Tessa, Jason had been determined to have her. She wasn’t his usual type – too young and innocent and shy – but with a body like hers – well, she was every man’s type. He’d lusted after her ripe, sexy body, her full, pillowy lips, and all that long, blonde hair, and had turned on every bit of charm he possessed to entice her into his bed. The thought of spanking her shapely ass until it was bright red, or cuffing her to a St. Andrew’s cross while he fucked her brutally had made him salivate at the thought of possessing her.
But she hadn’t wanted to play his little game of flirting and seduction, had scurried away from him like a frightened mouse each time he’d approached her. Given some of the really filthy, obscene things he’d murmured in her ear, even he had been surprised when she hadn’t turned him in to HR. But he’d also quite deliberately made sure to subtly remind her that he was her superior and, more importantly, a member of the Gregson family. The girl had evidently feared for her job security for she’d kept her mouth shut about his continued harassment.
And of course Ian’s little shadow – that pain-in-the-arse, by-the-book Andrew – had always seemed to be in the vicinity whenever Jason had tried to approach Tessa. Jason now knew without a doubt that Andrew had been intentionally tasked to do just that – a task handed down by the fucking king himself.
He’d heard about Ian’s new amour from Charlotte, and it hadn’t taken him very long at all to put two and two together. Jason’s reaction upon discovering that the beautiful blonde Ian was apparently quite taken with was Tessa had been a combination of amusement, anger, and an overwhelming need for vengeance. He blamed both of them equally for the unsatisfactory situation he found himself in, and grew more determined with each passing day to make them pay dearly.
Last evening had been the first time he’d seen either of them since Ian had effectively banished him from the regional office. His fists had clenched in fury to see the way Ian kept the gorgeous blonde tucked firmly against his side, refusing to release her even for a moment. He was too old for her, of course, and Jason had told Charlotte rather scathingly that Ian must need a boost to his ego after turning forty earlier in the year.
Charlotte had frowned at him disapprovingly. “Why would you say that? Ian looks marvelous for his age, a lot fitter than men ten years younger. He could have most any woman he wanted. No, according to Aunt Joanna he really loves this girl. And she’s crazy about him, too.”
“Probably crazy about his money,” Jason had muttered darkly.
That was yet another gripe he had against Ian – how much money the bloke had. It just wasn’t fair that he and Charlotte weren’t even a fraction as rich as Ian or his brothers were. While there was no possible way that scatterbrained Charlotte could have ever held a position of any significance in the family business, there was no reason at all why Jason shouldn’t be at an equal level with her three cousins.
Charlotte, of course, had insisted on saying hello to her cousin and had dragged a reluctant Jason over to greet Ian and his well-kept bitch. Tessa admittedly looked every inch the pampered and spoiled girlfriend of a very wealthy man, even in the more casual island style dress she’d been wearing. It had seemed that being Ian’s bedmate agreed with her.
And there was very little doubt that she was earning her keep on a regular basis. She’d had that just-fucked look about her, gazing up at Ian with almost sickening sweetness, and the looks that passed between the pair of them were nothing less than smoldering. Oh, no, Ian was enjoying her thoroughly and often, definitely getting his money’s worth from that hot, ripe body. The satisfied look on the prick’s face as he held Tessa tightly against him made Jason long to shove a fist into his jaw.
Charlotte had been predictably oblivious to the thick tension in the air when both Ian and Tessa had barely acknowledged him. It had been left to Charlotte to do most of the talking, and Jason had almost cringed when she’d happily babbled on about the four of them getting together for dinner soon, or inquiring if Tessa would be joining the family later in the year in England for the holidays. Ian had smoothly changed the subject each time Charlotte hit on something awkward, and the ninny had naively never even sensed there was anything wrong.
Jason had drank steadily during the evening, his fury building each time he happened to glance over in the direction of Ian’s table. It made him sick to his stomach to see the way that blonde whore fawned over Ian, touching his arm and gazing at him in adoration, like he was the fucking king and everyone else here in the room his doting subjects.
‘Fuck the pair of them,’ Jason had thought darkly. ‘He was probably screwing her the whole time she worked there. That’s why he shipped you off to bloody Scotts Valley – because you dared to poach on his territory.’
He’d thought often of filing a complaint against Ian, or at least blowing the whistle on his amorous activities with one of his staff. But every time he’d considered the idea, Jason knew it was virtually useless. Tessa had very conveniently resigned recently, removing any obstacle to having a relationship with Ian. And since Ian reported directly to his father and uncle – both of whom had been fully apprised of the situation – there wasn’t a chance in hell he’d be disciplined for any of his past activities.
‘No,’ Jason had told himself firmly. ‘You’ll have to figure out a different way to get back at them. And they will pay for what they’ve done to you.’
***
Tessa had just pulled on a sheer green cotton cover-up over her emerald green bikini when a knock sounded on the door of the suite. She frowned, for the butler was usually off duty at this time of the afternoon, and Ian would have used his card key. As the knocking persisted, however, she heaved a little sigh and walked over to the front door.
It had been an especially hectic morning today, the last full day of the managers meeting, and Ian had insisted she take the afternoon off and go relax on the beach. Even Andrew had shooed her off, confirming that he and Shelby could easily handle the rest of the afternoon’s scheduled events. Still feeling more than a little guilty, Tessa had nonetheless returned to the suite and changed into her beachwear.
“Who is it, please?” she asked, unable to see anyone through the peep hole.
The voice on the other side of the door was the familiar Australian accent of the private butler assigned to the owner’s suite. “It’s Geoffrey, Miss Lockwood. I have a delivery for you and Mr. Gregson.”
Tessa still thought it a bit odd that Geoffrey was on duty at this time of the day, but supposed the rest of the staff was busier than usual because of the managers meeting. She unlocked the door and opened it slowly.
And then gasped as Jason rushed past her into the room before she could stop him, grabbing her by the wrist and yanking her along with him as he kicked the door shut.
“What the hell are you doing here?” she demanded. “What’s happened to Geoffrey?”
Jason snickered. “Most likely enjoying his afternoon break, I assume. I happened to notice him leaving this suite the other day, chatted him up a bit. Did you know I lived in Australia for a time, picked up the accent in no time?”
Tessa tugged on her wrist but his grip was like steel. “Let go of me, Jason. You don’t scare me anymore. And Ian will kick your ass if he finds you here.”
“Oh, but he won’t, sweet thing. When I snuck out of that god-awful boring meeting, he was about to start droning on about some budget bullshit. He’ll be there for hours yet. More than enough time for you and I to have a little chat.”
Tessa forced down the sense of panic that threatened to overtake her. “We have nothing to say to each other.”
“Then fucking listen, you little bitch.” His voice was filled with venom, and he twisted her wrist hard enough to make her yelp in pain. “You and your lover screwed up my life big time. He banished me to that stinking hotel, demoted me, all because I dared to put my hands on you. And all the time the fucking hypocrite was banging you himself.”
Tessa shook her head vehemently. “No, no. You’re wrong. We weren’t together then. Ian didn’t know I was separated from my husband at the time and he wouldn’t have - ”
“Fucked a married woman? Oh, yes, noble, honorable Ian, never doing the wrong thing, always the perfect gentleman,” spat Jason. “Well, maybe he wasn’t tapping you then, sweet thing, but he sure as hell wanted to. So he sent me away like I was a naughty child who’d tried to play with his favorite toy.”
Tessa wished fervently that she wasn’t barefoot, wasn’t quite so scantily dressed. She gave another experimental tug on her wrist, which only made him tighten his grip and she knew her skin was already starting to bruise.
“What do you want, Jason?” she asked with a calm she certainly didn’t feel. “Your insults aren’t going to change anything. And your being here is only going to make things worse once Ian learns about it.”
“He can’t fire me, if that’s what you’re thinking, sweet thing,” replied Jason arrogantly. “My father-in-law won’t leave the father of his grandchildren without a steady income. Besides, you and your lover owe me big time. And now it’s time for me to start collecting on that debt.”
Jason shoved her up against the wall, pushing his leanly muscled – and very obviously aroused – body against hers. Tessa turned her head to the side in revulsion as he ground himself against her.
“Come on, you hot bitch. Don’t pretend you don’t want to get fucked. Look at you,” purred Jason. “Mmm, I’ll bet Ian likes to take you for a good, long ride every night. But it’s time for that greedy bastard to start sharing a little. I mean, he’s got it all, doesn’t he? Money, power, prestige, and the hottest, sweetest piece of ass I’ve ever seen. I might not get my fair share of all the rest, but I’m damned sure going to take my share of you.”
Tessa tried in vain to shove him off of her, wishing that she was wearing a pair of her stilettos so that she could drive a spiked heel through his foot. “Guess what, asshole? Ian doesn’t share. And there is no way in hell you’re putting your disgusting hands on me.”
Jason laughed, an ugly, menacing sound. “And exactly how are you going to prevent me from doing that, sweet thing?”
***
“Sir, we have a problem.”
Ian glanced up in irritation as Andrew approached him, an anxious look on his face. “Can it wait? The break is up in less than ten minutes and I’m really not looking forward to hearing all the grumbling from the troops when they listen to my budget talk.”
“Jason is unaccounted for. Shelby was supposed to be keeping track of him but, well – she does tend to get distracted easily.”
Ian swore beneath his breath. “How long?”
Andrew hesitated. “At least fifteen minutes, Mr. Gregson. We think he slipped out before the break started. Shall I go look for him?”
Ian shook his head and handed Andrew his stack of notes and reports. “No. I’ll go take care of the matter. For good this time.”
“Very good, sir. Should I delay the start of the meeting then?”
Ian clapped Andrew on the shoulder. “No. I want you to start the meeting. You know every damned fact and figure in those reports better than I do, not to mention exactly what I’m prepared to say about them. Now all you have to do is get up there and deliver.”
Andrew looked shell shocked. “Mr. Gregson – I don’t think - ”
“I do. Don’t let me down, Andrew. I’ll be back as soon as I kick that bastard’s arse. Which shouldn’t take very long at all.”
Before Andrew could protest further, Ian was striding out of the meeting room, nearly breaking into a jog as he headed towards his suite. He had no doubt whatsoever that Jason had gone in that direction. He only hoped Tessa hadn’t encountered the bastard, or that Jason hadn’t gone a little crazy and attempted to harass her in any way. Ian’s hands clenched and unclenched as he continued on his way, almost hoping for an opportunity to put his fist solidly in Jason’s mouth, to shatter his jaw as he’d vowed to do all those months ago.
But the very last thing he’d expected to find when he burst inside the suite was a trembling Tessa rubbing her right hand and grimacing in pain, while an astonished Jason was gingerly feeling his nose, blood pouring down between his fingers.
Ian slammed the door to the suite shut decisively, and held out an arm for his girl. She rushed to his side and he held her close against him. He grimaced as he noticed the dark bruise around her left wrist, but then couldn’t help grinning when he saw the reddened knuckles of her other hand.
“Got him good, did you, love?” he asked in amusement. “What was it – a right hook?”
Tessa shook her head, wrapping her arms around his waist and burrowing her face against his shoulder. “Upper cut,” she mumbled.
He stroked her hair tenderly. “Well, that is your best punch, after all.”
“Fucking bitch broke my nose,” muttered Jason. “I need to go have this looked at.”
Ian’s voice was like a whip crack. “You’ll stay where the hell you are. I don’t give a damn if you bleed to death. I’ll deal with you in a minute.” Turning to Tessa, his voice became warm and gentle. “Now, I’d like you to go wait for me down at the beach, all right? I’ll be along in just a moment. Jason and I need to have a little talk.”
She shook her head, touching his cheek in concern. “Don’t. He’s not worth it. Please.”
“Shh.” He pressed a kiss to her brow. “Let me deal with this, darling. I promise everything will be fine. Now go, please. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Slowly, reluctantly, Tessa grabbed her beach tote and exited the suite onto the patio. Once she was safely out of sight, Ian grabbed a dish towel from the wet bar and flung it at Jason.
“Here. Try not to bleed all over the furniture, will you? And quit sniveling. If she’d actually broken your nose, believe me, you’d know it.”
Jason glared at him. “So are you going to finish the job for her then?”
Ian smiled, a cold, calculating smile. “Are you challenging me, Jason? Think I won’t do it? I believe I made it very, very clear what I’d do to you if you ever touched Tessa again.”
Jason flinched as Ian grasped his jaw between powerful, capable fingers. With his other fist, Ian tapped Jason on the jaw almost playfully.
“Such a weak, almost fragile jaw you have. Never realized it before now. Hmm.” Ian pretended to study him more closely. “Really wouldn’t take much more than a tap or two to shatter this. Ouch. Now that would hurt.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” hissed Jason. “I’d sue your ass off, have you arrested for assault.”
Ian gave a hoot of laughter. “Is that right? It’s almost tempting to try. Don’t forget, this is my hotel, my employees. There’s not one person here who wouldn’t back up my story if I were to state that you were assaulting Tessa and I was simply trying to protect her. You wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, Jason.”
He released his grip on Jason’s jaw, satisfied to see the imprint of his fingers on the other man’s skin. “But not to worry. I realize you’re flying home to your children tomorrow, and it wouldn’t do for them to see their father beaten to a bloody pulp. Besides, I’ve decided that breaking a few of your bones isn’t a fitting punishment for you. After all, bones do heal after a time, don’t they? And I intend for your pain to continue for a long, long time.”
Jason eyed him warily. “I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about. I suppose you’ve gone soft, hmm? Your hot piece of ass has you good and pussy whipped, does she?”
Ian growled, shoving Jason up against the wall and holding him firmly in place with an elbow to the gut. “Shut your filthy fucking mouth. You don’t get to talk about Tessa – ever. How dare you speak about her like she’s one of your dirty whores? Just remember, Jason. I don’t actually have to break any bones to cause you pain – a great deal of it.”
Jason threw up his hands in surrender. “My apologies. So tell me, mate. Where are you shipping me off to this time? Wherever it is you won’t hear me complain because anything has to be better than where you’ve got me now.”
Ian released his grip on Jason, circling him in a calm, calculating manner, as though he were his prey. “You may want to reserve judgment on that, mate, until you’ve heard all the details. You’re quite right that your days at the Silicon Valley hotel are over. Apparently you’ve been up to your old ways again. Clearly, you don’t follow orders well and require much stricter supervision.”
Jason regarded him scornfully. “Orders? I should be the one giving orders, not having to take them. As Charlotte’s husband I ought to have equal authority as you and your brothers.”
Ian shook his head in disbelief. “My God, your stupidity is only exceeded by your arrogance. And your ego. You’re not family, despite your legal ties to my poor clueless cousin. But Uncle Richard tolerates you because Charlotte is still determined to have you. And speaking of my uncle, Charlotte will be overjoyed to learn she’ll be seeing a great deal more of him in the very near future. As will you.”
“What do you mean?” Jason’s tone was guarded.
Ian shrugged. “That’s where you’re being transferred, back to corporate headquarters in London. Oh, I know what you’re thinking – back to the big city, the head office, finally getting what you deserve. And you’re quite right on all three parts, especially the latter. You see, you’ll be working alongside your father-in-law. Very closely, I might add.”
Jason frowned. “How exactly do you mean?”
“I mean, you’ll be Richard’s fucking shadow,” replied Ian harshly. “Your office will be right across from his, where he or his staff can see exactly what you’re doing all day, every day. You’ll be accompanying him to every meeting, every appointment, every luncheon. You won’t have any free time of your own, every minute of your day accounted for. If you need to go take a piss in the loo you’ll have to clear it with him first.”
As realization began to dawn on Jason, his features took on a panicked expression. “You can’t do that. Come on, Ian, be a sport. You know the old bastard can barely tolerate me. He’s going to make my life a living hell.”
Ian smiled with great satisfaction. “Exactly, Jason. That’s why this solution is so much more satisfying than simply shattering your jaw. Your pain will go on for a long time. And don’t be hoping Uncle Richard will be retiring any time soon. He may be sixty-five but he’s fit and sharp and will probably go on working for at least another decade.”
Jason visibly paled, his eyes narrowing. “He can’t control me round the clock.”
“Ah, but then you haven’t heard all the good news, have you?” Ian leaned against the wall, crossing his arms leisurely, as though he were discussing the latest soccer scores. “Well, you know how expensive housing is in London, even more so than in San Francisco. And since Uncle Richard and Aunt Helen want only the best for Charlotte and your children, they’re insisting that all of you move in with them. After all, they’ve got that huge old place out in Surrey and it’s been a bit lonesome with just the two of them. So Aunt Helen is at present having the entire west wing readied for your arrival, and she’s probably the happiest woman in all of England right now.”
Jason looked as though someone had punched him in the gut – hard – and stared at Ian in horror. “You wouldn’t. I won’t stand for it, do you hear me?”
Ian chuckled. “Well, considering that even as we speak Richard is calling Charlotte to tell her all the good news, I’d say you have no choice in the matter at all. Done deal and all that. Oh, and Uncle Richard also said to tell you that you’ll be commuting with him to and from the office every day. Plenty of room in the Bentley for one more.”
Jason was seething. “This is an insult. I don’t need a fucking keeper. And you know what Richard is like.”
“I do, yes. Especially when it comes to making Charlotte happy. There’s really nothing he won’t do for his daughter or grandchildren. And that includes keeping you on a very short leash.” Ian grasped Jason’s face between his fingers, squeezing tight enough to cause pain. “You sure as hell will have a great deal of trouble whoring around as you’ve been used to doing all these years. Maybe you’ll finally learn to appreciate the very posh life you’ve been lucky enough to have.”
Jason snorted. “I think I’d prefer the broken bones to everything you’ve just described.”
“Tough. The choice isn’t yours to make. Uncle Richard has finally realized what a liability you are to this company, to this family, and he’s prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep you in line.” Ian released his grip on Jason’s cheeks, shoving him away. “Now, I’ve got a meeting to get back to. Don’t bother returning yourself. In fact, perhaps you and Charlotte ought to catch an earlier flight home, given that you’ll have a great deal of packing to do. Now get the hell out of my sight before I change my mind about breaking your jaw.”
Jason had his hand on the door handle but couldn’t resist taking one final parting shot. “Aren’t you going to go check on your slut? After all, she looked awfully delicious in that bikini. I never knew you favored blondes, Ian, especially ones with nice big - ”
But before the rest of his obscene words could leave his mouth, Jason was gasping for breath, bent over at the waist and unable to make a sound after Ian had given him a hard, vicious kick to the groin.
Ian opened the door and shoved him out into the hallway, a look of pure loathing on his face. “See if you can make it back to your room without vomiting, hmm? I understand they just had the carpets cleaned recently.”
Ian slammed the door shut, forcing himself to take several deep breaths. He glanced quickly at his watch, realizing he’d need to make this next part quick so he could return to the meeting. At the wet bar he grabbed one of the plastic ice bucket liners and filled it with ice.
He found Tessa pacing anxiously to and fro on the stretch of sand not far from their patio. She was still wearing the sheer swimsuit cover up over her bikini, her beach tote all but forgotten on the sand. When she saw him approach, she ran towards him a bit clumsily, her bare feet sinking into the loose sand.
“What happened?” she asked worriedly. “Are you all right? He didn’t try - ”
Ian chuckled, pulling her close against him. “Darling, I’ll try very hard not to be insulted that you thought for one moment that little shit could possibly hurt me. The real question is – are you all right?”
Tessa shrugged. “Just a little shook up. I can’t believe I actually opened the door for him, that I didn’t realize he wasn’t Geoffrey. He just sounded so much like him. I’m sorry.”
“Shush. It’s all right. And Jason won’t be bothering you ever again.”
He quickly told her about the arrangement he’d made a couple of days ago with his uncle after discovering that Jason was up to his old tricks down at the Silicon Valley hotel. Richard had somewhat reluctantly agreed to have Jason return to London, albeit under extremely tight controls.
Tessa sighed in relief. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. And especially for your cousin. She seems like such a sweet woman, not at all deserving of how that jerk treats her.”
“I agree. Now, let me see your knuckles, hmm? If you don’t get some ice on them, they’re going to bruise. Just how hard did you wallop him, love?”
She grinned. “He has a weak nose. It didn’t take much effort actually.”
Ian guffawed in delight as Tessa applied the ice pack. “You’re a natural. When we get home it will be time to up your training. But not,” he added sternly, “with that randy bastard Jesse. You’ll train with me, got it?”
She reached up and gave him a kiss. “Got it.” She looked down at her bare feet and shuffled uncertainly. “You do realize what day this is, don’t you?”
Ian sighed. “Are we on this again? Yes, I know it’s a Wednesday, Tessa, but once again it’s just a coincidence. You really need to stop this silly superstition you have about this particular day of the week.”
She shook her head. “Bad things always happen on Wednesdays, it never fails. But at least this time it’s ending well.”
“Well, forget about it, all right? Now, I’d better get back to the meeting, especially since I left Andrew in charge of delivering my budget talk. I don’t know whether he’ll have completely bungled the whole thing, or if the entire room full of managers will be pissed off.”
Tessa grinned. “I’d be willing to bet on the latter. Go, finish your meeting. I’ll be waiting on the beach for you when you’re done.”
“Good.” He gave her a quick kiss, squeezing her ass cheeks through the cover up. “I’ll be counting the minutes until I can take this off of you.”
“Me, too.” She sighed against his kiss. “Ian, you didn’t actually – with Jason – did you- ”
He winked at her mysteriously. “No blood or broken bones, I assure you. But he’ll definitely have trouble walking for a few days.”