Bryce

Peter walks into my office and sits down before letting me know he gave Madison the present. I’m sure I’ll be seeing her shortly, so I pick up the telephone and let my assistant know to let Madison through without any questions.

“You bastard. You got her a car?”

“I did.”

I’ll do anything to get Madison’s attention. To make her realize how strong the attraction is between us. If only she’d give in, then I could give her the world.

My world.

“She’s not like the women you’re used to seeing. This one’s different. She doesn’t care about your money and what you can give her. If you want this with her, then you need to change the game. Remember, she’s not one of those socialites who want to tie you down with a baby.”

Moving from my desk to the window overlooking downtown Chicago, I lift my forearm over my head, pressing it against the cool glass. Leave it to my bodyguard to point out what I already know.

“I know all of this. It’s what’s drawing me to her,” I explain, growing impatient with this conversation. “It’s been thirty minutes. She should be on her way. Go outside and let me know what you see.”

He nods and excuses himself from my office. I check my watch again and turn to gaze out the window. There’s something about being this high from the ground that makes me appreciate where I came from and what I’ve done to be successful. In order for success to happen, sacrifices need to be made. Success doesn’t come easy. It takes blood and hard work. It takes dedication and resilience. That’s what I did. I took an idea, had people who believed in me, and fought through the naysayers. I proved the fuckers wrong, and now, I’m at the top. Business leaders want to learn from me. Colleges invite me to give commencement speeches. Magazines interview me, and I grace the cover with headlines like Bryce Hunter the future of business or Bryce Hunter – the man. The vision. The extraordinaire.

A click of the door makes me turn around. Madison Smith—my dream.

My fantasy.

My kryptonite.

She stares at me with venom in her eyes. I look at her hands and see the keys to her new Audi. I smirk, knowing exactly why she’s here.

“You cannot give me a car,” her sweet voice mixed with irritation declares. “I’m not some helpless woman looking for handouts. My father’s successful, and I’ll have access to my inheritance when I turn twenty-five, so I can afford an Audi. I don’t need one from you. This is why men like you are considerably aggravating. I am not helpless. I can manage on my own as I’ve been doing for the past four years.”

I move toward her, keeping my stare on her, and when we’re inches apart, I place my hand on hers. “You deserve it, sweetheart. When I look at you, I don’t see a helpless woman. I see a woman of courage, intelligence, strength, kindness, and beauty. The car’s a gift for you. No strings attached. If you don’t want the car, then I will be picking you up and dropping you off every day. I refuse to allow you to take a cab or risk getting hurt. I have plenty of cars, Madison. I’d like to think we’re friends, and friends help one another out. I don’t have any expectations or expect any favors in return. I only want to help you.”

“There are always strings attached to a gift, and that’s why I can’t accept it. We can continue going back and forth with this, but I’m standing my ground.”

Her breath hitches, and the hate she’s exhibiting simmers. It’s still there.

The rage.

The anger.

The defiance.

No matter what I do for her, she’ll resist. She’ll reject it. But it won’t stop me from making her see the connection we both feel.

“Stop fighting this.”

She leans into my touch, breathes in deeply, and drops her arms to her side. “I don’t want you to hurt me. I’m scared,” she honestly confesses. Her walls are cracking. I need to continue pushing her.

“Of what? You said you don’t want to be with a man like me. The men of your past are in your past for a reason. I’m here, Madison. I. Am. Here. Don’t compare me to those assholes. Give me the chance to prove you wrong. You gave those men a chance, so why can’t I get one?”

The shock registers in her eyes. This is the most honest I’ve been, and it’s not scaring me. What I said to her is exactly how I feel. It’s exactly what I want her to know. “You’ll use me.” She pauses and takes a moment before stepping back and looking at me. “You’ll use me and toss me aside. I’m not like other women, Bryce. When I’m with someone, I’m with them and only them. It’s exclusive. I’m selfish and needy.”

“Is that supposed to be a turnoff?” It used to be but not anymore. Not when it comes to Madison.

She shrugs then nods. “I don’t understand you.”

“Most don’t and you don’t need to either. All you need to know is how I feel about you. Don’t ask why or how. Just let it be. For the record, how you’ll feel isn’t a turnoff. Need me. Want me. I want you to do so. Don’t fear me.”

Madison steps closer to me and holds my forearms. “Who is Tiffany to you?”

“She’s an associate. She and I have a past. We’re friends, and she may still harbor feelings for me, but I do not. I have eyes for a beautiful, independent, and intelligent woman. She’s changing me. I never chase a woman for her attention or affection, and here I am, chasing you, and I won’t stop until you’re mine.”

Acceptance gleams in her eyes. “Tonight. I’ll see you at your penthouse. Then we can talk more.” She walks to me again, our bodies touching. I feel the heat she’s radiating. “Thank you for loaning me this car. Until my car’s found or I can get a new one, I’ll use the one you’re loaning me. Loaning, as in borrowing. I’m not going to keep it.”

“The car’s not a loan, Madison. It’s for you to keep. Let me take care of you.”

“I can’t let you. I’m sorry. If I won’t accept help from my dad, then I can’t accept help from you. I’ll find a car soon.”

I lean down and kiss her forehead. The kiss is gentle. Sweet.

I’m a composed man. At this moment, I’m in the presence of a woman who has captured my attention. My full attention. I know I’m in way over my head. It’s quite possible I’m losing my touch. There’s no reason for this woman to get under my skin.

I don’t want her to see me as a client or a friend. If only I can make her see this can be something more.

Something real.

Something worth it.

I need her to see me as a man.

A lover.

A protector.

Her ground to feel strong on.

“I need to go back to work. Thank you, Bryce. For the car.” She stops herself, her lips curving into a small smile. I know she wants to say more. “It means a lot to me.”

“Anything for you. I’ll see you this evening.”

With one last look, she turns away, and I watch Madison walk out of my office. There’s a sway to her hips, and the sweetest and perfect peach of an ass makes my dick surge against the zipper of my suit pants. I want her on her knees, looking up at me with those bewitching brown eyes as I cup her jaw and slide my cock between those tantalizing, plump soft pink lips.

She pauses, and I watch her foot curve to the side as if she’s going to turn around. But something stops her, and she refocuses and walks toward the elevator.

Long after she’s gone, her scent lingers in my office. The desire for her grows deep inside.

I want her again.

I need her again.

The last of my emails completed, I save a report, making a note to go back to it tomorrow. Before I leave my office, Tiffany walks in and leans against the doorframe, blocking me from leaving.

“What is it?” I don’t hide the exasperation in my tone.

“I saw her in your office. Then I heard you bought her a car. A car, Bryce. What the fuck is going on?”

My temper is teetering, and I won’t hesitate to fire her. I’ll fucking buy her shares and send her away. “That’s none of your business. You can tell your spies to leave her the fuck alone. If my suspicion is correct, which it always is, and I’ve confirmed you’ve done or said something to Madison, I will cut you out of this company. The board will agree with me. I’ll buy your shares. Whatever’s going on between us is none of your business.”

“Do it, Bryce. Take away everything I have. You’ve done it before. You’re the one who started this. You’re the one who gets to live without a care.”

“Stop.” I’m firm with my tone. “I’m leaving now. I’ll see you later.”

Once I’m home, I toss my bag onto the counter and strip out of my clothes to shower. It’s been a long day. The anticipation of Madison coming over keeps me awake. We haven’t truly spent time together, and I hope tonight changes all that.

I dress in jeans and a form-fitting shirt before walking out to put in an order for takeout from one of my favorite Thai restaurants. After disconnecting the call, Peter walks in and Madison’s behind him. She’s wearing a different outfit—a high waist gray skirt with a purple silk blouse.

“Welcome to my home, Madison. You look beautiful as always.” I walk around the counter, place my cell phone in my pocket, and greet her. “Come inside. Please make yourself comfortable.” She smiles shyly and walks toward the living room. “I’m okay, Peter. If I need you, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay.” Peter walks out of the living area and toward his office.

Once we’re alone, I sit down with her, my hand brushing against hers. The warmth of the slight contact makes me eager for more. She moves to pull away, but I don’t let her and grasp her hand. The sharp intake of breath when I stroke my thumb along the back of her hand makes me grin. I’m getting to her. This is exactly what I want. Our eyes lock, and I notice her pupils widen. From the look on her expression, there’s no doubt her hesitation about being with me are crumbling.

I’m wearing her down. This is good.

I realize how nice this is, us touching and sitting near one another. Before I can say something, there’s a knock on my door.

“Excuse me.” I let her hand go and instantly miss the connection. Walking to the door, I open it, and my doorman, Vanya, hands me my takeout order. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sir. Have a good night.”

“You do the same, Vanya.”

We’re alone again, and the idea of having dinner isn’t as appealing. Yet I need to know more about her. I need her to see I want this chance to change her mind and make her see the strength of our connection. The pull we have for one another.

“Let’s cut right to the chase. You have an agenda, Bryce, and I’m trying to understand this...all of this. Between Tiffany’s warning and the need to stay away from you, I’m not sure why you’re pushing so hard for this.”

Tiffany’s warning?

“You’re right, Madison. I do have an agenda, but it’s not what you’re thinking. I can see your hesitation, and whatever Tiffany has said, please, spare her no mind. Can’t you see my desire for you? The thought of that one night with you drives me crazy. Every time I see you, all I can think about is you beneath me.”

The fluster is all over her face. “I’m ... wait, what? Why?”

“Is this new to you, Madison?”

She fidgets in her seat and looks away before answering. “I’m not used to this type of attention. I’ve had a few boyfriends and my last relationship didn’t end well. He ruined my self-confidence. He took what he wanted, then pushed me out into the cold. It broke me. My heart can’t take another letdown. I need to protect it since no one else will.”

“Give me your heart, and I’ll protect it with my life. Surely, you must see how beautiful you are. It’s intoxicating. When I see you, I feel drunk off your presence. You have a natural aura. It’s invigorating.”

She fumbles with her words. “This is a little overwhelming. I’m not used to this kind of attention.”

“You need to get used to it.” I smile and move closer to her until my hands are on her face, urging her to see my sincerity. How no one has made her feel special and wanted is disappointing. I’m not the type to care how a woman feels. Yet with Madison, I want to try. I want to try to open myself to her and give her what she craves. What she desires. “Because I plan to tell you every chance I get. Tonight, I’m going to change your mind. I’m going to make you see this will work between us.”

There’s a look in her eyes. A look showing her desire for me.

“I, uh, wow. Bryce, this is all new to me. I want this. And I want you. How do I know you’re being honest?”

“You don’t. Not until you try. Take this leap of faith with me. We’ll land together, and you’ll finally see the truth behind my words. Behind my actions. Just give me a chance to show you. You’re fierce, and there’s a fire in you I don’t ever want to see burn out. I don’t want tame and obedient. I never want to diminish who you are. All I want to do is make you happy and take away all your burdens. Whatever worry or concern you have that’s weighing you down, I’m going to take it and make it mine.”

“You said you and Tiffany have a past. Is there something I need to know? I don’t want to start something if lies and deceit will be involved.”

The longing in her voice for wanting more stings me. There’s only so much I can tell her at this point. “Tiffany and I are over. We used to be a couple for a few years in college and drifted apart. She founded this company with me and owns a twenty-five percent share. Her role is to handle business law and ensure we comply with the law. While I run the company, she has a team looking into all the contracts and focusing on any loopholes that could arise.”

“So I don’t need to worry about her?”

“No. Not at all.”