I push the button on the elevator and step inside. As it descends, my mind flits back to her again. When the ten lights up, my breathing stops and as the doors slide open, I see her. God, she’s beautiful! “Ms. Winters,” I take in her appearance, not missing the unmistakable blush on her cheeks. She’s so perfect, I imagine her on my plush carpet, kneeling with her wrists bound behind her. Does she realize I am the devil? She shouldn’t be here; I shouldn’t bring her along on this trip. Against my better judgment, I am allowing her to come with me. Who am I to deny a beautiful submissive girl to train?

Her smile intoxicates me. Already I am in way over my head and I know it. “Are you looking forward to the trip?” I glance at her and smile.

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Verán.” Her eyes peer up at me and I want to press her body against mine. To have her kneel in front of me, with those mocha eyes staring up while she swallows my cock. There’s an animalistic feeling coursing through me when she says my name. Oblivious to my discomfort, she rambles on. “I have only ever been to LA and New York. Well, the last time I was in LA was when I was a teenager, but that was only for a vacation.” She suddenly stops herself and my body is on fire. I rearrange myself, but her eyes cut down to my hand. Fuck, she noticed it. How the fuck am I meant to spend the weekend with her and I can’t even keep my erection down when she talks? Although, I realize she’s nervous, I can see her brain working overtime. She’s trying to think of something to say to fill the silence. “Mr Verán?”

I can’t help the agony on my face when she says my name, and she sees it. How can she not understand how sexy she is? Her soft murmur is like an aphrodisiac. All I want to do is pin her against the wall and… Stop it! Don’t freak her out! “Call me Lucien, please?”

She gives me a small nod. The innocence on her face makes me think twice about wanting to do deliciously dirty things to her. Things that she would never even dream of. My mind needs to stop this. I have to stop this. Work. Talk about work. How can she not have travelled? I want to give her that. To show her all the places my father took me, I want to take her to Spain. What? Luke, you’re losing it. You can’t take her there, she doesn’t even know you. Fuck, you don’t know her.

“It’s a shame you haven’t travelled. I will make sure this position gives you plenty of freedom to do just that.” Her sweet lavender perfume invades my senses again and I savor it. She turns a smile on me again and my heart rate spikes.

My phone interrupts the moment and I am frustrated beyond words. “Forgive me, Ms. Winters,” I give her a grin and swipe the screen. “Verán.” People don’t do what I tell them to and the shit hits the fucking fan. Why is it so difficult for people to obey orders? As the financial director rambles on, my mind goes to the beautiful Ms. Winters standing next to me. I want her to obey my orders so much. Her gaze on me, prickles my skin and it sends blood straight to my crotch. If this guy doesn’t stop going on about the numbers and do his fucking job, I will lose it. “I don’t care what it takes, you need to fix it.” The elevator doors slide open and we step out.

When she glances up at me, my fingers brush the small of her back and the electricity between us is unbelievable. A simple touch. Like we’re magnets meant to be locked together. Robert is waiting at the car and I need to end this call. “I am away this weekend you know that.” My eyes fall on her pert ass when she slides into the back seat and my cock strains against my zipper. I slip in next to her. “I do not care. I am sick of these excuses. Get it done.” When I hang up, I take a deep breath, needing to calm down. When I offer her a smile, I notice her eyes flit to my lips and dimples.

“Sorry about that. Business.” I shrug my phone back into my pocket and turn my attention to her. The pulse in her neck spikes and I can’t help smiling. I affect her as much as she does me. This is perfect because I want her. Fuck the consequences. I can deal with those when they crop up. Relaxing back in the seat. Her soft trembling hands are in her lap, and I want to place mine on them so she can calm. She’s so nervous. You better be scared of me darling. I reach over and press a small remote, Fall Out Boy wafts through the back of the SUV. Her face is a picture. Guess I have good taste in music. Somehow, the lyrics of the song are appropriate for how I am feeling about this girl. 

“So, have you been on a shoot before?” I wait for her to answer and she doesn’t disappoint with her innocent rambling. Goose bumps rise on her smooth skin and I wonder how else I can make her tremble. So many possibilities. I can’t believe how nervous she is, I haven’t even begun to play my games with her and she’s like a shaking leaf.

“No, I um… This is my first real job; I have… I just moved here.” She doesn’t meet my gaze, but the pink on her cheeks tells me she knows I am watching her.

“Cassandra…” Her name rolls off my tongue, low and serious. “Do I make you uneasy?” She smiles and mumbles something about me being her boss. She licks her lips again, her little nervous tick. I like it, the way her tongue darts out slowly, the way her lips glisten. Fuck! Immediately I avert my gaze; I can’t do this in here. I am about ready to fucking pounce on her. The need to calm her down is coursing through my veins. She can’t spend a whole weekend with me like this. “I don’t want you to be nervous. I am just the person that goes jogging every morning.” Her reaction to my statement is priceless. I watch her thighs squeeze together and that is more than enough for me to take full advantage. She wants this as much as I do. Don’t worry darling once I have made you come hard over my tongue you won’t be so nervous anymore.

“Yea, I need this position, so I need to make a good impression.” She’s scared I would fire her? Why the fuck would I do that? I reach out to her and touch her shoulder. Fucking hell! The electricity surging through me when we touch is incredible. I need to run my fingers over her naked body right now! Verán, relax! The need to calm her is unbearable. I have to think about the next words out of my mouth.

“Trust me, that’s not something you need to concern yourself with. When I first saw you I realized you were perfect for…” I want to tell her for me, but it’s too soon. I can’t have her. There is no way I can keep her. She wouldn’t even give me a chance if she learned about what I want. Her instinct would be to run for the hills if I even mention it, so I opt for the next best thing. “… Verán Industries.” With a reassuring smile, I see her thighs squeeze together again and I am certain she knew the words I was too scared to say. Her mocha eyes fall to my mouth, her pupils dilate and I realize she’s as turned on as me.

“Thank you, Mr. Ve… Lucien.” When she replies it falters, but she remembers to call me by my first name only. As soon as my hand leaves her shoulder, I feel strange. The need I have to touch her is unbearable.

“Tell me, Cassandra, what appeals to you?” I steal a glance at her; the blush is permanently on her cheeks. Has she never had a man’s attention? Surely, she must have men falling over themselves to get to her. I realize Jayce will like her. The thought doesn’t sit well with me and I don’t know why. It’s not like she’s mine.

“I, I read and music. I mean I read books and like music. Um, I suppose I don’t have much that I do outside of work. Is that what you mean?” I nod. She’s obviously completely oblivious to the effect she has on men, keeping her nose buried in a book. I am sure they’re hot romance novels. Robert pulls up to the airfield and I get out. The sun was beating down; I am overdressed in my suit. I walk around the car as Robert opens her door. When she sees the plane, her reaction is exquisite as she breathes the word ‘wow’. Her lips form a perfect O and there is only one thing on my mind. I love when her voice is low and breathy. Jesus, Luke, sounds like you’ve been reading those fucking romance novels! Falling in love? No fucking way! I need to get into her panties. My black heart is on lockdown. Forever. No way some chick will get inside there.

“It seems I have impressed you today. Come on, Robert will pick up our suitcases.” We stroll together towards the plane; my hand once again finds the lower curve of her back, just above her pert little ass. Why do I want to impress her? I should just show her my cock that will leave her speechless. There’s something about her that makes me want to show her more, impress her, but I can’t. My heart suddenly constricts at the idea of just having her as a one-night stand, but with my demons, there’s no space for a sweet girl like her. I can’t give her anything more than that.

Once we board the plane, we slip into our seats. “I expect you are ready for an action packed weekend. No sleep and hard work. That’s what these shoots are typically like.”

“I can handle myself, I am not afraid of hard work.” Her response is easy and relaxed, and I smile. She’s sassy, I like that. The way she takes in every movement I make is adorable, it’s like she’s trying to assess me. Nothing here to see darling, you won’t find what you’re looking for.

“Mr. Verán, can I bring you both anything?” Miranda asks, she’s been my flight attendant for several years. She’s gorgeous, but she doesn’t hold a flame to Cassie. I don’t think any woman could.

I glance at Cassie. “Would you like something Ms. Winters?”

“A sparkling water would be good?” She asks and I nod.

“You heard the lady and please bring me the usual? Thank you.” As soon as Miranda disappears to the rear of the plane, I turn back to Cassie. “You are more than welcome to have whatever you like, on the flight and over the weekend. Everything is compensated for by Verán Industries.”

I wonder if she drinks alcohol. She can have anything, including me. Where the fuck did that come from?

“Thank you, Mr.… um, Lucien.” She falters with my name again, suddenly I am too aware of the way my name rolls off her tongue. When she murmurs my last name it sends erotic shivers down my spine and into my cock. Thoughts of her screaming it out as I pound her whirl in my head and the need for that drink is overwhelming.

I open my laptop and work as soon as we’re at cruising altitude. My eyes glance up while I work and I can’t help noticing how lovely she looks. It’s getting dark and I realize we will land quite late. She looks tired and I want to put her to bed, preferably my bed. I am certain she looks like an angel while she’s sleeping.

* * *

Once we were airborne I got a few emails done that required urgent attention but left the others for tomorrow. Our flight to Hawaii was five hours and by the time we reached Hanalei it was dark. There was a car waiting for us and Lucien let me slip in first. I was drained and leaned my head back against the seat as we pulled off. It was too dark to see anything anyway so I couldn't take in the view.

“We should be there shortly. You look tired,” his voice gentle, filled with concern.

“I am tired now. It’s been a long day.” My eyes cut to him, even in the dark, I see those vivid green eyes that draw me in. A smile curls his full lips and in my deliriously tired mind I wish I could kiss him. The idea vanishes as I turn to look out into the darkness. I can’t allow myself to think like that about him. He was my boss, and I was absolutely not ready for any romance, it didn’t matter what Kenna said. She wanted me to move on, that much was evident, but after the past two years, allowing myself the luxury is not an option. My heart couldn’t deal with losing someone I love again. That pain is indescribable. Lucien seems to be a good person, and I can’t tell him about the things I have done. There’s too much darkness in my past to even fathom sharing it with someone.

“Cassandra,” I open my eyes and blinked hard. It was still dark. I twist to see Lucien leaning over me, nudging me gently. “We’re here, you fell asleep,” he offered me a tender smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners and his dimples deepen. That smile would be the death of me. Emotions are running through me that I shouldn’t have.

“Oh, right? I was so tired.” I sat up and suddenly we were too close. His spicy scent, mixed with a clean manly smell enveloping me fully and I breathed him in. I licked my parched lips and his eyes focused on my mouth, his intense gaze was so fierce heat shot straight to my core. If I moved an inch further I would feel his lips on mine. The door opened abruptly, and he cleared his throat. Lucien moved back quickly, and the spell between us broke.

“Mr. Verán, I have put the luggage in the foyer.” The driver’s tone was sharp and rumbled through his chest. I am pulled from the dirty thoughts of Lucien’s lips against mine. Or any other part of my body.

“Thank you, Robert.” Lucien slipped out of the car, turning around he offered me his hand. As soon as I slid mine into his, the electric spark that coursed through my veins every time his skin was in contact with mine shot into my arm. “Let’s go, Cassandra. You’re in need of a bed.” The way my name rolled off his tongue caused me to tremble.

I stared up at the mansion and gasped, it was magnificent. A double-story home, white slats, with wooden window frames. There were fairy lights along the pathway. The house had enormous windows with what would have to be a sea view. Even though it was dark, you could tell that this was an incredible home. A dream house on an island.

“Did I impress you twice in one day?” Lucien asked pleased at my reaction to the house. All I could do was nod. “Well, I will give you a complete tour when you’re not falling asleep. Let me show you to your suite and you can rest.”

My suite, as Lucien suggested, was unbelievable. It was double the size of my apartment back in LA and as soon as I laid my head on the pillow, my dreams of Lucien’s lips, hands and every other part of him took over.

Hours later, I groan at the incessant ringing next to my head. When I reach out to find the source and swipe the screen. “What?”

“Jesus, Cass! What’s crept up your ass?” Kenna! I totally forgot to text her last night.

“Sorry babe, I am so tired. What's the time?”

“It’s 6 am…” I grunted into the phone and she giggled, “… but I needed to talk to you!”

“At 6 am?” I questioned her incredulously.

“Yes! My paperwork came through from LA; I should be there in about three weeks. My contract is confirmed. They’re giving me a minimum of 6 months with the opportunity to extend.” She was very excited, but I was groggy with sleep.

“And you assumed 6 am would be the right time to tell me?” She chuckled at my grumpiness. Yes, I am always this evil before I have had my morning coffee.

She giggled again, “Well, I was impatient. Wait a minute missy! Why are you still asleep? Don’t you typically go for your jog this early?”

“I do. Although I am not in LA. I am on location.” I sat up and opened my eyes fully. “OMG!”

“What? Wait, where are you?” I didn’t answer her, but rather took in the view from my bedroom. “What’s going on? Cassie, spill it!”

“I am in Hawaii with my boss, on a shoot and I have the most un-fucking-believable view from my bedroom!” I got out of bed and stood at the massive sliding doors. The sun wasn’t up yet but from where I stood I looked out at the clear blue ocean in the dawn light and the exquisite garden below.

“You’re where?! With who?! OMG! Cassie! Is he hot?” Kenna was shouting now, and I had to keep the phone away from my ear. “Cassie!!”

“Yes, yes, hold your horses. I am in Hawaii. We’re here for a shoot.” I evaded her question about Lucien, but she wouldn’t let up. This is why she’s my best friend.

 “You didn’t answer my question!” She cried loudly, and I flinched.

“What Kenna?” I realized she wouldn’t give this up till I responded.

“If you don’t tell me I will Google him!” She warned, knowing I would give in and tell her. I shook my head, realizing I didn’t have a choice.

“Yes, he’s hot, okay!” I giggled. At that moment, I spun around and laid eyes on Lucien standing in my doorway with a mug of coffee and a wicked grin on his face. Fuck! He heard me. Shit! “I got to go!” I hung up before she could respond.

* * *

 

Once I am at her door, I hear her talking. She must be on the phone. I turn the doorknob and see her standing in a tight white tank top and a pair of boy shorts. Holy fuck! Her pert little ass looks good enough to eat. God, help me! Her words catch me off guard. “Yes, he’s hot, okay!” As she spins around, her startled gaze falls on me and I offer her a wicked grin. Her eyes roam over my body and I hope she doesn’t notice the bulge in my pants, I can’t help it, she looks so fucking good in those panties. “Hi…” Her voice is a low whisper and her body trembles with embarrassment. She stands in shock and stares at me. Her eyes drop to her attire and her cheeks pink. She reaches for her robe, pulling it on. I have already seen your tight panties, darling.

“Who’s hot?” I tease her, a blush spreads across her cheeks once again. It was one of the sexiest things I ever saw.

“Um… The…” I contain the laugh that is begging to be let out, but the amusement is clear on my face. “I was just asking… telling my friend about… this place. It’s hot, like nice… um…” She finally gives up and I let her off, just this one time.

“Mmmm, I guess it is hot.” I set down the coffee on her nightstand. “I brought you coffee. Brazilian blend no milk or sugar.” Her expression is worth everything, and I feel something tug at my cold heart. The thought of making her smile, has my heart filled with something. Affection? No!

“Thank you! How did you—”

“I know people.” Get out of this bedroom, now Luke! I step back. “We need to leave in an hour, breakfast is made. Just come through to the kitchen when you are ready.”

Without a backward glance I close the door behind me and make my way to my bedroom to get ready for work. A pair of faded jeans and a T-shirt would do. It’s too hot on the island so there’s no chance of my wearing a shirt. In the kitchen I set up the breakfast and put the bread in the toaster. Another pot of coffee is brewing. The image of Cassie in her panties is now engrained into my mind and I can’t even think straight. All I want to do is rip her panties from her body, bend her over and ram my cock inside her. I can’t offer her love, but I can offer her a good time. I hope that will be good enough because I want her. The ache in my chest is back and all I want is to make her smile.

* * *

I can’t believe he caught me! I swipe my screen calling Kenna back.

“What the fuck? You hung up on me for your hot boss?”

“He heard me Kenna!” I hissed into the phone. With a loud whoop, she giggled. She would consider this to be amusing. She’s been trying to set me up with guys for a few months, but I had never been interested. Until… I shook my head I couldn’t think of that now.

“Well, I am glad he overheard you, maybe he will take the initiative and ask you out!” I thought about it, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to go to dinner with Lucien. “Cassie!”

“Huh?”

“If he asks you to dinner, promise me you’ll go? Please?” She was serious now; the only time she got serious was when she wanted me to move on. It was just painful. After all the heartache, I wasn’t sure I was even up to trying to make it work with someone. I needed to focus on my job. Then I would be fine.

“I will consider it. I need to go. Call you later?”

“Yea, unless you’re out with Mr. Hot and Rich. Then you don’t need to call!” She snickered and hung up. Her last comment made me shake my head. I picked up the coffee and took a small sip. It was the same blend from the coffee shop. I smiled, the barista must have mentioned it to him, but why would he even care?

Once I was dressed, I wander through the house to the kitchen. Lucien was on the phone again and he sounded furious. “I do not care! Did I not explain that to you yesterday? I am not backing you if this is what’s going on!” He glanced up as I strolled in and smiled, his face softened a little. “I have to go, don’t call me until you’ve solved it!” He turned as he hung up and placed the mobile on the table. “Good morning, how did you sleep?”

“Excellent, I didn’t realize how tired I was. I missed my run.” I glance up and am met by his handsome smile. He had changed into a pair of ripped blue jeans that hugged his hips and thighs in ways that made me want to peel them off. His white T-shirt was tight and showed off his athletic arms. He is so delectable! I blushed and studied the breakfast on the counter. Would you settle down?

“You could run tomorrow? With me?” He passed me a plate, and I grabbed toast. The prospect of running with him sounded incredible. I didn’t think it would hurt going, so I nodded.

“Sure, sounds perfect.”

“Fantastic! There’s juice, or coffee. I can get you a refill?” It was weird seeing my boss waiting on me, but I needed more caffeine in my system if I had to make it through today.

“Please?” He busied himself with the coffee machine and grabbed two mugs. “So, is this your place?”

“Yea, my dad’s actually, he owns Verán Industries. I am just taking over the publishing house from him. I always wanted to work in the field, so when he asked me if I would like the opportunity to be his successor, I jumped at it.” I watched the muscles tense in his arms as he moved. Mesmerized. I took in all the tattoos that adorned his skin. The one on his bicep flexed when he moved, it looked like the tail end of a dragon. I would love the opportunity to trace the intricate design with my tongue. The slice of toast crunched as I bit into it and I imagined biting his shoulder… “Cassandra?” Lucien pulled me from my dirty thoughts and I glanced at him. He had spun around and was staring me. “You okay?”

“Uh yea, sorry! I… The toast is great!” You need to calm down Cass! But it’s been so long since… Well you know! This is the conversation I would have with myself every day if I was working with Lucien. He set my coffee down, and I clutched the mug. It was a welcome interruption, inhaling the incredible aroma. “Thank you.”

“Glad you enjoyed the toast. It’s from a local bakery, the bread is, and I made the toast.” Those sexy dimples deepened when he smiled. “We can stop by tomorrow morning after our jog.” He seemed to look forward to it and I found myself eager as well.

“Yes! I am sure the views are stunning!” I gestured to the window.

His gaze intensified as it wandered over my white tank top, up to my eyes, and then settled on my mouth as I sipped on my coffee. “Oh, the view is unbelievable.” The devilish smirk that I have become accustomed to appeared on his face. Unsure that we were even talking about the same thing anymore. A serious expression passed over his features suddenly. “We should leave in 15 minutes, is that okay?”

“Yes, I am ready. Is there anything specific I need to bring?”

“Just your phone, if you want to take your laptop you can. You might find time for writing. Although I highly doubt it,” he walked past me towards the bedrooms. His cologne washing over me causing my stomach to flutter. He was so intoxicating.

* * *

 

As soon as I walk into my bedroom I close the door behind me. The barrier between us now calms me somewhat. Being so close to her is becoming more difficult. There’s something about this girl and I am not sure it’s a good idea that we’re here together. I want her. There’s a fucking ache in me for her and I can’t stop it. Why does she affect me like this? It makes little sense.

I am a fucking playboy; I don’t care about girls. A relationship is out of the question. I can’t go down that road again. If she knew what I wanted, needed, she wouldn’t be so willing. Her flirty smile, those tight panties. That fucking tank top that hugged her tits was driving me insane. My mind is swirling with thoughts of her. The need to have her, mark her, is driving me crazy. When she walked into the kitchen, she knocked me breathless. She is beautiful, but so fucking innocent. She would be perfect to train.

The idea for a run is perfect, to see how she handles me. I would love to get her sweaty. Since I first saw her at the coffee shop, I thought about running with her, then making her even more sweaty when we got home. Yes, darling, I can’t wait to get you sweaty.

I realize I shared more about myself than I meant to. She doesn’t need to know who I am; it’s not like we’re dating. For some inexplicable reason I want her to know who I am. This is such a bad idea. I will walk away from this, with my heart where it is, locked away.

My new hobby, teasing her, is something I want to do all day. When those cheeks turn pink it makes me want to grab her and kiss her. Bend her over and spank her ass until she’s begging me to let her come. That tight white tank top she’s wearing is so flimsy, I could shred it from her body and feast on her beautiful tits. God knows, I am dying to suck those nipples into my mouth and tug on them with my teeth. Lucien, you need to go to work! I need to reign myself in, I don’t know if she would say yes to being with me.

My cock is rock hard again. I need to find some release or I will never get through the day. With a quick glance at the time, I realize there’s still another twenty minutes. Perfect. I free myself from my jeans and fist it with the image of her soft hands gripping me spurs me on. When I picture her beautiful pink lips swallowing my dick, I come all over my stomach. Fuck this. I will fuck it up, like I always do.

Once I clean up the mess, I tug my briefs and jeans back up. She’s too pure, too innocent. My soul and heart are too dark for her. I need to get hold of myself because there’s no way I can be what she needs. As I make my way out of the bedroom I shut my door. With a deep breath, I steady myself for the day, because I will need the strength to get through this.