Madison

“Are you sleeping?” he whispers in my ear.

Smiling, I open my eyes to see the man who is slowly capturing my entire heart, body, and soul.

After our intense session, we had dinner on his balcony and enjoyed each other’s company. The salmon his chef made for us was delicious. I’m not a fan of lemon herb, but when I took my first bite of dinner, I couldn’t stop eating.

He told me about his work, and I felt so much pride for him. He’s taking over the world and wants me by his side.

“Call off today. Stay in my bed. Go relax at the spa and come back here. I want you here at all times.”

Groaning, I reach over for my cell phone. “Bryce, it’s five in the morning.”

“I know.”

“Why are you up?”

“Because for the first time, I’m waking up to a beautiful woman in my arms and in my bed.”

“You’re so fucking sweet.”

He grunts, taking off the cover and gently slapping my ass. “Language, Madison. I don’t like when you use vulgar language. It’s not attractive.”

Say what? “Bryce,” I say and clear my throat. “It’s only a word. And you can only spank me during sex.”

He spanks me again. “I’ll spank you as I please.” His voice is teasing, and I can’t hold back my laugher. “It’s one of the few words I don’t like you using.”

I roll my eyes, and he stills, narrowing his. “What?”

“You’re being very sassy. Shall I do something about it?” I wave him off, and he catches my wrist, bringing it to his lips and kisses it. “I’m addicted to the taste of your skin.”

“And I’m addicted to you.”

I push him onto his back and straddle him, leaning down so our noses touch. Our eyes are open, and we’re both looking at one another. I’m sure I have morning breath, but frankly, I don’t care.

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

His hands grip my hips, and he adjusts himself, so his rock-hard dick is pressing against me. “What do you want to know?”

“I still don’t know how old you are or anything about your family.”

“Well,” he replies and cocks his head to the side, “my father passed away when I was twenty. I have a younger sister and mother. Nothing more to tell.”

“Age?”

“Not important. I’m over twenty-one, so don’t worry.” He winks and moves so I’m back on my back and he’s over me. “No more talking. I’d like to ravish my beautiful girlfriend.”

“And I’d like to know more about my boyfriend.”

Bryce growls and takes both my hands, pinning them above my head. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is what’s going on now in the present,” he says calmly before plunging inside me, quickly filling me, and taking my body to another level of pain and incredible pleasure.

We both moan in unison at the depth of his captive penetration. I’m gripping his forearms, keeping my eyes on him like he wants, and only feeling what he’s doing to me.

When he stops, I cock my head and watch him. He leans down and brushes his lips on mine. Our breathing slows, and his motions are languid.

“Tell me now that you’ll quit working and be in my home for always.”

I shake my head. “I can’t. I have a career. What am I supposed to do all day?”

“Use anything of mine. What’s mine is yours. I have more money than I need. If you want to buy a plane, then go fucking buy one.”

I’m confused by his demands. There’s no way I’m quitting my job and spending his money. There’s a word for that type of woman, and that’s not me.

“Slow down, Bryce,” I whisper. “Baby steps into this relationship. You have a career, and I’m going to build mine. I’m not staying a stylist forever. My dream is to be in a corporate office. I want to head a marketing department. Call the shots. Have people come to me for guidance.”

“Then come work for me. I’ll make you a new fucking department and let you call all the shots.”

“No,” I confidently tell him. “Then people will find out we’re together and think you’re doing me special favors because I’m sleeping with the boss. I appreciate what you want to do for me, but I want to do this on my own. I need to hold onto who I am and allowing you to create a position for me or being a stay at home girlfriend isn’t me.”

“Who cares what they think. I want to do this for you.”

“Well, I don’t. I want to get ahead in life because of me. Not because of who I know. I didn’t take a position at my dad’s company, and I’m not going to take one at yours.”

He doesn’t like my answer, but instead of yelling at me and leaving the room, he lifts his gaze and rams straight into me. I’m screaming at the top of my lungs. The pain’s too much. I turn my head and close my eyes.

“Look at me! Don’t ever turn away!” His voice is animalistic, and I immediately turn back to look at him. “Whenever we fuck and make love, if my eyes are on you, then you need to look back at me. The only time you don’t is when I’m taking you from behind.” He rams harder into me again. “Do.” Ram. “I.” Ram. “Make.” Ram. “Myself.” Ram. “Clear?” Ram.

“Yes! Yes, you do!” I pant.

He slows his pace, and my body’s screaming for him to go faster. I love the pleasurable pain he gives me. “Repeat what I said.”

I gulp. “Whenever we’re fucking or making love, if you’re looking into my eyes, then I need to do the same. I won’t look away. If you’re taking me from behind, then you don’t care. Please,” I beg. “I need you to fuck me harder.”

He stills and narrows his eyes on mine.

“I need you to go harder. Faster. Deeper.”

This sits better with him, and he continues taking me. “You’re mine, Madison. No matter what. I’m going to be here for you always. Nothing will ever take you away from me.”

I shut my eyes from the beauty of his words. This is going so fast, it’s making me wonder what I’m doing. Then I push it all away. I want this. I want this man and everything he’s giving me even though it’ll take some time to get used to his demands and expectations. The man is controlling, and I doubt I can get away with displeasing him.

“Madison,” he slowly says my name. “I won’t say this again. Open. Your. Eyes.”

Having my eyes closed slipped my mind. I open them as he tells me to, and soon, our releases come at the same time.

* * *

Much to his dismay, I’m at work, trying to focus on what I need to do. Everything from last night to this morning is on my mind.

“My, my, don’t you look glowing?”

I turn around and see Kaylee smiling at me. “Good morning.”

“I’m sure it was for you. When you didn’t come home last night, I figured someone was keeping you busy.”

“He’s amazing, Kaylee. I don’t have the words.” I lean in closer and tell her about his dominant ways.

“Holy shit. Really?” I nod. “Damn. Now, I need someone. Does he have any brothers? Shit, even a best friend?”

Before I can answer, Galen calls my name, and I turn to see a deliveryman coming my way with an arrangement of lilies. My heart stops. This man is too sweet.

“Madison Smith?”

“Yes.” He hands me an electronic device, and I sign my name. “Have a good day.”

“You too.”

Kaylee pushes me out of the way and takes the arrangement to the counter, and Galen follows close behind. She snatches the card and opens it, while she and Galen read it to themselves.

“Holy fuck, I just came,” Galen says while panting and gripping the counter. “I fucking hate you.”

“Wow.”

Kaylee hands me the card, and I read his words.

Baby,

Thank you for a wonderful evening and morning. I want to do that every day with you for as long as we both live. I still taste your pussy on my lips. My dick’s hard and will be ready for you tonight when you come back home. And yes, my home is your home. No arguments or rolling your eyes. I want to fuck you again, and maybe I’ll take the last part of your body you don’t want me to have. Face it, Madison. It will happen.

Forever yours,

B

My heart flutters, and I hold the card to my chest and look at the flowers. Just when I think I’ve got this man figured out, he does something romantic like this. I take out my phone and send him a text.

Madison: Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.

Bryce: You’re welcome, baby. Did you read the card?

Madison: I did. And it’s not happening.

Bryce: Good, I’m glad you read the card. It will happen, Madison.

He keeps it simple, and I do the same. A client comes in, and he’s one of mine.

Nicholas Reimer. I won’t lie; he’s a very tall, handsome man with a shaved head, muscular build, deep green eyes, and a very prominent nose and cheekbones.

“Morning, Nicholas. How are you? I haven’t seen you in a while.”

He gives me a smile. “Very well, Madison. I’ve been away for business. You look pretty this morning.”

“Thank you. What’s up?”

“Just here to look at a tuxedo for an event I have this weekend. Anything new?”

I show him the newest designs from Dior. We choose a few, and he goes into the fitting room to try them on. After trying four different ones, he comes out dressed again and hands me the three he’s passing on.

“That’s the one?” I eye the tux he’s holding.

“It’s the one.”

We walk out on the floor, and I replace the three he’s not buying and take the one he wants. “Okay. Give me a few hours and I’ll have it ready.”

“Sounds good, Madison. Are you working all day?”

“I am.”

“Why don’t you meet me for lunch? Show me more designs you have. I need a few more outfits, and I’d love for you to deliver my tux. I’m busy with meetings until lunch, and I’d like to treat you.”

Well, he is my client. It’s not date or anything. I should be able to do this without feeling guilty.

“Sure. Let me know where and what time.”

“Trattoria No. 10. My limo will be here at noon. I’ll see you then, Madison”

“Okay.” I smile and hurry to get his tux ready since I have about two hours to prepare this and some other designs he may like. Similar to Bryce, Nicholas drops a ton of money on his clothes. Honestly, I’m not sure how many button-down shirts a man needs, but then again, how many pairs of shoes does a woman need?

By noon, I’m collecting everything I need and heading down to the lobby. When I reach the floor, I walk out and see Peter by the door.

“Hey!” I smile and walk to him. “What’s up?”

“Mr. Hunter would like to have lunch with you. He’s been in meetings all day and apologizes for not asking you himself.”

“Oh.” Shit. “I have lunch plans with a client. Can you let him know I’ll stop by his office and we can go back to his place together?”

Peter’s eyes go wide and go to what I’m holding. “He won’t be pleased, Ms. Smith.”

“I know.” I sigh in exasperation. “I can’t get out of this lunch. It’s an important client, and this is my job too. Make sure he accepts how sorry I am.”

Peter nods and opens the door for me. Nicholas is outside his limo waiting, and I don’t dare look at Peter to see if he’s watching me.

“Hello again, Madison.” He takes the bag from my hand and gives it to his driver. “Shall we?”

“Sure.” He places his hand on the small of my back as he guides me into his limo. I’m sure I’m going to get a text soon from Bryce, and I’m not looking forward to it.

Nicholas and I get to the restaurant, and he orders a bottle of wine to start.

“I can’t have any. I’m working,” I remind him.

“Nonsense. One glass will be fine,” he says with a demanding tone. “Show me what you have.”

I go through the designs and show him a few watches I saw in a magazine. A man of his status should wear one. I noticed he doesn’t, and a watch can speak volumes about a person’s status.

“These look great. I’ll take whatever you suggest. Can you get it to me by the end of this week?”

I cringe. “I'll try my best. One of the suits hasn’t arrived. I’ll speak to Glenn and see what we can do.”

“I trust you, Madison. Now, what shall we have?”

After lunch, Nicholas drops me off, and I look at my cell phone. There’s nothing from Bryce. It’s nearing two thirty, so I rush inside and text Kaylee to see if I’m missing anything. The elevator reaches my floor, and I step out. Glenn’s helping Galen with a client, and Kaylee’s at the computer.

Something feels off.

“Hey,” I say to Kaylee and put my things down. “Everything good?”

She turns to look at me, and then lifts her head to the sitting area. I look up and see Bryce.

An immensely pissed off Bryce.

I hurry over, and he stands, waiting for me.

“Let’s talk.” There’s no smile or warmth to his tone.

“Where?”

“I don’t give a shit. Pick.” His voice is clipped.

His tone’s telling me not to mess around, so I pull him into the back room. Since he’s a VIP client, I know Glenn won’t say anything.

“So I guess you know where I was.” I sound guilty even though I have no reason to be. Bryce needs to understand my job’s just as important as his.

He shoves his hands in his pocket, narrowing his eyes again. “It’s interesting how I had to find out from Peter and not my girlfriend.”

“I didn’t tell you because there’s nothing to tell. Nicholas is my client.”

“You are solely to work for me. Is there confusion to that?”

“Well, I mean, you were working with Kaylee, then Tiffany got involved. Since I had some free time, I contacted a few prospective clients and now have three. Four, including you. This is my job, Bryce. If I want more to my life, then I need to do this kind of work. I can’t skyrocket to the top.”

“You can. Quit here and work for me. You’ll work beside me.”

Stepping back, I cross my arms over my chest. “This is too much. Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?” he asks confused. “Tell me what you think I’m doing now.”

“Trying to control my life. I don’t like that. You’re my boyfriend, and I’m your girlfriend. In the bedroom, fine, control me. Dominate me. But other than that, you can’t push me around. I’d love to hear your advice or suggestions. It doesn’t mean I’ll follow whatever you want.”

Bryce leans closer to me. Oh no, I’m keeping the upper hand. He’s not going to change my mind.

“We’ll speak about this later.” He pulls out a box from his pocket and hands it to me. Then he walks away and doesn’t say bye or wait for me to open my box. My shoulders slump, and I hear the door close. I hold the box at eye level and prudently tear the silver wrapping paper. Inside the box is a beautiful silver diamond floral bracelet.

“What the hell is going on?” Kaylee storms inside, and I look up and hand her the box. She gasps at me.

“Girl. Did you see where this is from?”

“Yes.” My eyes sparkle as much as the diamonds.

“Harry Winston! This man dropped almost twenty thousand on you. This bracelet is beautiful. Holy crap. Yikes! He’s in deep.”

“I know. It makes me nervous, but I feel like I’m on cloud nine with him.”

“He makes you happy. I haven’t seen you this happy in forever. You weren’t this happy and head over heels for Kent the way you are for Bryce. Remind him to take it slow.”

I sigh, not answering, but instead give her a perplexed look. Kaylee doesn’t say anything, and I’m nervous to admit maybe I might need to take a step back.