Bryce

The door opens, and I set my glass down, turning to meet Madison halfway. She’s playing hard to get. It’s only making my dick hard as a rock. This game of running away from me isn’t going to work. I don’t go down easily.

The idea of seeing her again, fuck, it’s doing things to me. I’m consumed by her presence. No other woman has done this to me.

Only Madison.

The only downside of this is I’m a controlled and composed man. I’m running a multibillion-dollar business, close high-priced deals, and never back down from the competition. She wants me to chase her and show her I’m not like other men. I’m not dangerous. One night with her isn’t enough, and I’m craving forever nights with her.

Today, in my office with her, I realized I’m in over my head. I’m not sure how to take this or how to process the situation. Everything I do is based on a plan, a very calculated plan. Rarely do I ever veer off my plan because then I lose control. I lose the upper hand.

A woman enters the living room, and I look at Peter in question. This isn’t what I had in mind. I didn’t think Madison would have it in her to go against my wishes. I’m not sure if I’m pissed off or turned on. Normally, the women I'm with do what they’re told without question. Those types of women attract me. No complications. No drama. Then there’s Madison. A spitfire and someone independent and doesn’t care to please a man.

“Hi, Mr. Hunter. I’m Kaylee Calkin. Madison’s not feeling well, so I’m here to drop off your outfits and help you with anything else you need.”

Touché, Ms. Smith.

“Well, this is unexpected.” I motion for Peter to take the garment bags. “Come and have a seat, Ms. Calkin.”

As she’s getting comfortable on the sofa in my living room, I pour myself another drink. Looking back over my shoulder, I ask if she’d like a drink.

“No, thank you.”

“Very well.” With the glass in my hand, I walk to the sofa and sit across from her. “So why did Ms. Smith send you?”

“As she said, she’s not feeling well.”

I nod, looking at her, and know full well she’s lying from the way she’s playing with her thumbs while resting her hands on her lap. “I see. I take it you and Madison are best friends? I remember seeing you at the bar that night as well.”

“We are.”

“Then you know about her and me?” I watch her nod before I continue. “She mentioned on several occasions being with me wasn’t a good idea. I have a feeling I know how she’s feeling, and I understand.”

“Of course I know about you and her. I was there, and then she told me all about it. There’s a reason why she’s trying to push you away. She’s not playing hard to get. Madison’s been through a lot.” She pauses before speaking again. “So, she’s guarded. If you are interested in her, and I’m talking about more than just one night, then show her you care.”

“Thank you for that insight, Kaylee.” I get up from the sofa, and she does the same. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You too.” She snaps her fingers and turns to look at me. “I’m not going to be your stylist. I’ll let Madison know you refuse to work with me and want her.”

I laugh and place my hand on her back to guide her out. “I like the way you think. Thank you for coming by tonight.”

“No problem.”

When Kaylee walks out the door, Peter emerges from the office. “Is she worth the trouble?”

“Very.”

Madison isn’t a conquest. If I only wanted to spend one night with her, I wouldn’t pursue her. I feel a pull to her, and I’m not close to being done with her.

“Is she part of ...?”

“She was. Initially, yes. Now, I’m taking matters into my own hands.”

“Is that wise?” Peter questions, and I appreciate his concern.

Peter was a Navy SEAL and served for twelve years before his honorable discharged. My friends and I were at a bar one night when a bunch of idiot frat boys thought it would be fun to start a fight. We took it outside, and I was a young hothead. I sucker punched one frat boy, and then knocked out another. This was around the time my father passed away. My anger was too much to handle, so I took it out on these assholes. Sirens were blaring. My friends and I bolted, but we were all beyond the legal limit. That’s when Peter pulled up and told us to get in. He became my personal guard and assistant that night.

“It has to be. There’s something about her, Peter. She’s more than I ever expected.”

Peter nods and leaves the room. Knowing I won’t be able to sleep tonight, I head to my home office and pull out the information I have on Madison, pouring over it for the millionth time. Everything about Madison is in these files thanks to Peter and his investigational skills. I know the woman on paper and in bed, and now, I want to know the woman. These lascivious thoughts won’t go away. I can easily make a phone call and have a willing woman satisfy me, but I don’t want another woman.

I’m recalling the way she fumbled with her bags and files, sorting through the papers to give me the correct ones, and the flush rose pink coloring in her cheeks whenever I was close.

My eyes flick to my cell phone and then the time. Putting the file back, I take my glass of bourbon and head to my bedroom. Walking outside on the balcony, I take in the night air, relishing in the feeling of now. The long days and nights aren’t exhausting enough. I need to do more to keep myself busy. My past comes back to haunt me in the quiet. To remind me I shouldn’t feel an ounce of happiness or love. Hanging my head low, I stare at the glass in my hand, putting into motion the plan to make Madison mine. There’s a pure light in her, and she’s the light I only can see.