Deciding to skip my morning jog, I arrived at the office earlier than usual Monday morning. I needed to talk to Amber before I spoke to Veronica.

Amber was already at her desk typing away as I walked in.

“Well, Ash, don’t you look nice this morning.” She grinned slyly.

I glanced down. I was wearing the usual style suit and tie I always did.

“I’m wearing a suit same as always, Amber.”

She chuckled.

“That’s not what I meant. You’re glowing. Either you had a great weekend or you got a facial. Somehow I don’t think it’s the latter.”

“A facial? Are you kidding me? That’s Jeremy who goes in for all that girly crap not me.”

Amber smiled. She handed me my coffee.

“It’s not so girly. Christian Bale did it in American Psycho.”

“That was a movie. No, I think I’ll obtain my glow the natural way, thank you.”

Laughing, she followed me into my office.

“So, how did you spend your celebratory weekend? You took off in a flash Friday. You must’ve had a hot date. Veronica?”

I sat my coffee down on the desk as I gestured for Amber to take a seat across from me.

“No. I went to Vegas to check out my club.”

Amber smoothed her pencil skirt over her shapely legs.

“So how’s it going out there?”

“Very well.”

Amber had accompanied me to my club once when I first bought it. I thought she may not be comfortable in a place like that, but she surprised me by getting a lap dance from Kyrie. That was one of the hottest things I’d ever seen.

“So that’s why you’re glowing! Kyrie!”

I shook my head.

“Actually, no.”

“You didn’t see her? Come on, Ash, you went to your club in Vegas for the weekend. That had to have been fun.”

“It was fine, Amber. But that’s not it.”

Amber looked at me puzzled. She sipped her coffee then set it down on the desk.

“Then what?”

I sighed deeply. That gnawing feeling had returned to my stomach.

“Veronica. She texted while I was there. Ever since then, I can’t stop thinking about her.”

Amber clapped her hands together and beamed.

“That’s it! Oh my God, Ash, you’re in love with her!”

I looked at her with a pained expression. So it was love. Ugh, was I going to feel this sick forever?

“I don’t know what it is, Amber, but I feel sick deep in the pit of my stomach. I can’t stop thinking about her. After she texted, I couldn’t even finish partying in the hot tub room. That’s not like me at all.”

Amber nodded still beaming.

“Face it, you love her.”

I sighed again.

“How do I tell her? What does this mean? I’m not getting married anytime soon that’s for sure.”

“Who said anything about marriage, Ash? This is wonderful! Just be in a relationship with her and see where it goes.”

“Do I tell her?”

Amber rolled her eyes.

“Of course. If she still loves you, she’ll be thrilled.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Then….” Amber trailed off.

I nodded.

“I’ll go to dinner tonight and talk to her.” I finished my coffee feeling a bit better. Amber always knew how to smooth things over with me.

Amber smacked her hands on her thighs.

“Okay. Now, what’s our next big project?”

I templed my fingers beneath my chin.

“I’m not sure, Amber. I think I might have an idea.”

“What is that?”

“I’m not sure Jeremy will go for it though.”

“Care to share?”

“Not just yet.” I winked at her.

Amber gaze me a quizzical look.

“What happens if he doesn’t?”

“Then we might have to start Blackthorne International after all.”

Amber’s face broke into a huge grin.

“I’m so ready for that.”

I nodded my head. Excitement was coursing through my veins. Popping open my crystal decanter, I poured myself a glass of scotch.

Amber grinned eyeing my glass.

“Scotch this early in the morning, Ash?”

“It’s gonna be that kind of day, Amber.”

* * *

Racing down the hall to Jeremy’s office, I had never felt better. I had a fantastic new project and I was going to have dinner with Veronica tonight. This was turning out to be a fabulous day.

That is until I told Jeremy about my proposal.

“Books, Ash? Are you serious?” He glared at me.

“Who the fuck reads books anymore? Don’t people just use apps to get their news?”

“Who said anything about the news, Jeremy? I’m talking about books—you know, books that people read for pleasure?”

Jeremy wrinkled his nose. As far as I knew, Jeremy hadn’t read anything since college other than the news and the Journal.

“Lots of people read, Jeremy. Book publishing is a multi-billion dollar a year industry!”

“What kind of books?” He sighed glancing at the documents I’d printed.

“Well, romance and thrillers are the hottest selling genres these days particularly those with an erotic element.”

“Like Fifty Shades? Ugh, that movie was awful. I mean the sex scenes! Give me something I can use!” Jeremy looked at me with disgust.

“Not Fifty Shades. I’m talking about indie authors. Undiscovered talent.”

Rolling his eyes, he stared at me. I glared back at him. I hadn’t anticipated such a struggle.

“By undiscovered you mean unpublished as in ‘couldn’t get published’?”

Rage began building inside me. How dare he question me?

“No, I don’t, Jeremy. There are many undiscovered self pubbed authors who are amazing. Just because you’re too fucking ignorant to read doesn’t mean that others don’t enjoy it. This is a multi-billion dollar industry!”

Jeremy sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“How so?”

“Ever hear the name Jay Banks? The owner of the biggest online retailer in the world? He makes a fortune off indie authors.”

Jeremy’s eyes widened.

“Really? Jay Banks? He owns Congo. They sell more than just books. They sell everything!”

“I know that. But take a look at these figures. Over two thirds of their revenue comes from books. I’m telling you the numbers don’t lie.”

Jeremy scanned the documents carefully.

“You want to buy Congo? Are you kidding? That would cost billions.”

I smirked at him. After all these years, Jeremy still underestimated me.

“Really, Jeremy, I think I know that. I want to start by buying S & G first.”

Jeremy’s mouth dropped open.

“S & G Publishing? They’re the biggest publisher in the world! How the hell do you expect to do that?”

“I just made this firm over $800 million dollars. I think you can back me on this one.”

“Ash, I don’t know what to say. I just don’t buy this. I don’t think my dad will either.” He sh0ook his head.

I gritted my teeth. What an asshole. God, I wanted to smack the smarmy look off of his face. Jeremy wouldn’t know a good investment if it came up and sucked his cock. I’d had enough of his shit for the day. I was ready to finish my afternoon meetings and shift my focus to Veronica.

“Think about it, Jeremy. This is a great investment.” I left the documents on his desk and walked out of his office.

“We’ll see, Ash.”

* * *

Sitting at the best table in the restaurant, I waited for Veronica to arrive. My palms were actually sweating. I wiped them several times on the cloth napkin. I’d ordered a bottle of the finest champagne but was sipping my usual scotch until she arrived.

“Can I get you anything else, Mr. Blackthorne?” The gorgeous waitress smiled at me. I looked up as her cleavage was on my eye level. While I admired her beauty, she didn’t interest me.

All I could think of was Veronica.

“I’m good right now, thank you. I’m waiting for my date to arrive.”

“Lucky lady.” The waitress winked at me as she walked away.

I glanced at my phone. It was 7:10. Veronica was never late. I started to worry about her when suddenly I caught a glimpse of her gleaming blonde hair as she walked into the restaurant.

Her dress was crimson red and fit her perfectly. Her deep cleavage was accentuated as well as her tiny waist. Her hair laid softly curled over her shoulders and her ruby and diamond earrings glittered in the light.

I stood up as she approached the table. I pulled her chair out for her.

“Hello, beautiful.” I pressed my lips to hers.

“How was your weekend?” Veronica sat down across from me her eyes sparkling.

“It was good. Vegas is Vegas. So what had you all hot and bothered that you had to text me in the middle of the night?”

She paused a moment as the waitress uncorked the champagne and poured us two glasses.

“You, of course. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

“Of course.” I finished my champagne quickly.

“Seriously, Ash, I was thinking about what you said to me. I know it took a lot for you to open up like that. Even if you say you don’t love me now...maybe the feelings will come later.”

I reached across the table to clasp her hand.

“I’m so glad you feel that way. To be honest, after you texted on Friday, I couldn’t stop thinking about you either.”

Downing the rest of her champagne, she gazed at me thoughtfully. The clank of silverware from the other diners surrounded us, but I couldn’t hear anything but her voice.

“So where does that leave us?”

* * *

Two hours later, Veronica and I burst through my apartment door shoving the books and papers on my dining room table to the floor. I couldn’t get enough of her! I buried my face in her perfumed, silky hair as I yanked her dress off. Her long earrings tickled my face as I kissed her all around her neck and down to her cleavage. Reaching behind her back, I popped the clasp on her black lace bra. Her tits popped into my face as I found her erect nipples and began sucking on them.

Veronica moaned and squirmed in my arms. Her hands gripped my back her long nails digging in deep. I slid my hand up her thighs feeling how wet she was between her legs. I wrapped her legs around my waist and carried her off to my dungeon.

Throwing open the door, I put her down as I quickly whipped off my shirt, tossing it to the floor. Veronica tugged down her panties and stood there in her red high heels waiting for my next move.

Grabbing her hand, I pulled her over to the St. Andrew’s cross.

“Ronnie, are you ready?”

She shivered with excitement.

“Of course. I trust you.”

I took her wrists and bound them with the leather cuffs above her head. Then I moved her ankles to be bound as well. She stood there in all her beautiful nude glory awaiting my touch.

I knelt before her to run my hands over her magnificent body. I trailed my tongue up her long legs. As I gazed up at her, I met her eyes. She looked at me with a dreamy expression. Her entire body was shaking.

“What’s wrong, baby?” I asked her.

“I want you so much,” she whispered.

The salty vanilla taste of her flesh burned deliciously on my tongue. She was so soft so sweet. When I came to the apex of her legs I tasted her dripping wet pussy.

Her clit nearly vibrated as I flicked my tongue against it. Her juices bathed my face. My cock was so hard I could barely stand it. Sliding my tongue between her soft folds, I lapped at her core. She squirmed all over moaning loudly. I ran my hands up the length of her legs to her ass gripping it in my hands as I pulled her closer to my face.

Suddenly, she began jerking hard moaning and squealing as I felt her pussy contract against my tongue. Right before she came I withdrew my tongue.

“Ash!” Hearing her scream my name in frustration excited me even more.

“Not yet, baby.” I whispered as I left her side. My fingers curled around a leather riding crop and blindfold.

Strolling back over to her, my cock was so hard it stood straight up. Her eyes widened with fear as she noticed the items in my hand.

“Ash?” She questioned as I began to undo her restraints.

“Trust me, Ronnie. Can you do that?”

She nodded slowly.

“Face the wall.” I commanded. As she did so, I tied the black silk blindfold around her eyes.

“Hands up against the wall. Spread your legs.”

Veronica spread her arms out against the wall and stood with her legs apart. Still nude wearing nothing but her red stiletto heels with her ass perked up in the air her long blonde hair spilling down her back, she looked incredible.

She was mine to do with whatever I wanted.

To set the mood, I dimmed the lights even lower. I changed the music to something with a heavy industrial sound. Nine Inch Nails was perfect for what I was about to do.

There was a reason I named this room, “Blackthorne’s Dungeon”.

I traced the end of the leather crop slowly up her body starting from her ankles to her long legs. She shivered as the leather slapper tickled her. I ran it lightly over her ass. With one finger, I lightly brushed her pussy testing to see how wet she was.

She was sopping wet and I withdrew my drenched finger. I inhaled her scent before tasting her. Veronica had the sweetest little pussy I’d ever tasted. Staring between her legs, I could see how swollen her clit was. How much she wanted me. How she longed to come.

And come she would.

But only when I said it was time.

I stood directly behind her breathing heavily in her ear. She squirmed as I brought the crop up in front of her caressing the small of her stomach first then bringing it up to her huge tits. Lightly, I slapped each breast. I positioned the crop like a bar to rub each of her nipples at the same time. My cock, pressing between her legs, was drenched from her pussy. I moved my cock back and forth between her hot wet lips.

“Ash, please.” She moaned.

“Not yet.” I bit her ear gently.

Without warning, I pulled away from her. As the music pulsed in the background, I drew the crop back and with one swipe of my hand I brought it down striking her ass with it.

Swack!

“Oh my God!” She screamed in pain but soon the pleasure overwhelmed as I brought the crop back down on the firm flesh of her ass. She arched her back and thrust her ass out begging for more.

“Please, oh please, Ash!” She threw her head back. The blindfold was still firmly wrapped around her eyes. There in the dark she was experiencing an ecstasy she’d never known.

As I struck her again, I saw her slim thighs glisten with her juice. Her ass thrust out again. Her hands still against the wall she awaited my next move.

Tossing the crop aside, I then gently traced my fingers over the red marks on her ass. I fell to my knees and kissed her all over. Taking her ass cheeks in my hands, I spread her wide open. Her clit was so swollen and I could see her throbbing. I buried my face in her pussy licking and sucking her clit until she screamed.

“Ash! Oh, Ash, I’m coming! Oh God, I’m coming!”

Finally, her orgasms began crashing over her like thunderous waves. She drenched my face. I felt her clit vibrate beneath my tongue, her pussy contracting as she came and came. I kept licking her juices up.

Nectar of the gods…

My cock was dripping hard. I could scarcely stand it myself. No woman ever turned me on like she did. Feeling the crop strike her flesh and then seeing her body react was like nothing else.

My fingers found their way into her pulsating dripping pussy. I pumped my fingers in and out while my tongue teased her clit.

“Please, I want you to fuck me!” She moaned.

“Almost, darling, almost.”

I pulled her hands down from the wall.

“There’s one more thing I want you to do, Ronnie.” Keeping the blindfold on her, she allowed me to lead her.

My cock was aching as I knew what I was about to do to her. It was something I’d fantasized about seeing her do for a long time.

I positioned her on the floor exactly the way I wanted her.

“Squat down. Just like that. Spread your legs wide.”

She did as I commanded no doubt curious as to what I was going to have her do. Still wearing her high heels and the blindfold, she squatted several inches above the floor.

“Now when I remove the blindfold I want you to look directly below you. Not at me.”

With that, I untied the blindfold and let it fall away from her face.

Veronica looked down seeing that she was squatting atop a mirror. Directly below her was a huge suction cup dildo.

“Ash, oh my God!” She then looked up at me.

“That’s right, baby. I want to see you stuff that big dildo up inside your pussy. I want you to fuck it like you’re fucking me. Watch yourself in the mirror. Watch your sweet pussy get pounded.”

She smiled wickedly as she pulled her pussy open.

“It’s big…like you, Ash.” She winked.

“Don’t flatter me now, Ronnie. Do it. I want to see your lips open up and take that huge cock inside you. I want to see your wet pussy slide up and down it.”

Gently, she began to ease the dildo inside her pussy.

“It hurts. It’s too big.”

“You can take it. You’re so fucking wet right now. Spread your legs more.”

As she did, I watched her take it up inside her inch by inch. As the dildo disappeared inside her, my cock grew harder. I was about to explode. As she struggled to take the last few inches, she groaned as it sank deep inside her.

“Feel good, baby?”

“Oh yes.”

“Now ride it.”

With that, she slowly began to ride up and down the long length of the dildo. She watched herself in the mirror becoming more and more turned on. I watched intently, as every inch went up inside her and then her lips stretched wide she slid back up. The dildo soon became shining wet with her juices as she bounced up and down on it. She moved faster and faster, grinding her pussy down on it.

Veronica balanced on her feet as she stroked her as she continued bouncing up and down. Her juices were oozing all over the place soaking the mirror beneath her.

“Watch, baby. Are you seeing your sweet little pussy get fucked? See how it stretches out over that huge cock.” I commanded as my own cock throbbed with need. I was going to fuck the hell out of her.

She nodded as she rode harder and harder. Her big tits jiggled as she moved up and down, her long fingernails spreading her lips open wide. I couldn’t get enough of seeing her like that!

Suddenly, she cried out. I hurried over to wrap my arms about her. I cupped her tits in my hands, staring down to watch her come. I tugged on her nipples as she climaxed. Her clit swelled even more and I could see her pussy contract tightly on the dildo as she came.

“Oh God, Ash!” She screamed leaning back against me. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from watching her pussy cream all over the dildo.

“I can’t, I can’t do it anymore, Ash.” Shaking all over, she fell against me. I took her into my arms, threw her over my shoulder and carried her to my bedroom.

I hit the dimmer on the light switch and threw her down on my bed.

“My turn, baby.” I whispered. I couldn’t wait to be inside her.

Veronica laid back as I spread her legs. I rubbed the tip of my cock against her welcoming pussy. I sank deep inside her and groaned as I thrust in and out. She was still so tight even after fucking that huge dildo!

Her tits pressed against my chest as I dropped onto her. I caressed her hair back from her face and our lips met. We shared kisses as I pounded in and out of her delicious pussy.

Finally, I felt sweet release come over me. I thrust deep inside her coming harder than I’d ever come before. I buried my face in the sweet scent of her hair.

“Oh my God, that was amazing. I’ve never felt anything like that before not even with you.” Veronica curled up next to me.

I stroked her hair gently looking into her blue eyes.

“I think that’s because I…”

“Because what?”

“I’ve fallen in love with you.”

Veronica’s eyes shone with unshed tears of joy. The hole I’d felt inside me my entire life was closing. The pain was being replaced by something else.

Was it love?

Could I really love just one woman?

Veronica smiled and kissed me quickly running her hands over my chest.

“Oh, Ash, I love you, too.”

Laying there together with her nestled against me, sleep came to claim me. Falling into dreams I felt complete for the very first time.

* * *

After a quick, but satisfying breakfast with Veronica, I headed out to my office. The day was windy and cold which was not unusual for this time of year, but today somehow was different.

Veronica.

As I drove, I found myself thinking of her and of our future.

Together.

The very thought of including someone else in my future was startling. I nearly slammed into the car stopped in front of me at the light. I shook my head to clear it.

Things were different. And as much as that frightened me, it also elated me. Perhaps it was time to feel again, to open myself to someone else.

Even after all she’d done, she hadn’t killed my ability to love, to trust.

My mother.

As I walked into my office, Amber was standing beside my desk waiting for me. Her green dress clung to her body accentuating every curve. Her full lips curled into a smile as soon as she saw me.

“Good morning, Ash! Beautiful day, isn’t it?” She handed me my coffee cup.

“If you like the cold.” I took the cup and sipped. She always knew exactly how I enjoyed my coffee.

Amber lingered in my office with a Cheshire cat grin on her face.

“What?”

“I’ve been up all night, Ash!” She clapped her hands.

“Okay…” I was confused. She looked so refreshed. How or more importantly why?

She spun around to grab a blue file folder filled with documents.

“I was researching S & G Publications! Look, Ash, just look!”

My eyebrows raised quizzically as I flipped through the folder.

“Oh my God, Amber! I can’t believe you did all this! I have to show this to Jeremy!” I bolted out of my chair.

Amber grabbed my arm.

“Ash, do you think Jeremy will go for this? What if he doesn’t?”

I shrugged.

“Then I’m ready to start Blackthorne International.”

“Really?” She squealed excitedly bouncing up and down.

“Absolutely.”

* * *

“No way, Ash.” Jeremy glanced at the documents with his reading glasses perched on the end of his nose.

“What?” I sat on the edge of my seat across from his desk. I don’t know why I was surprised at his negativity. He was like this when I proposed we purchase Vitalife.

“It’s not doable, Ash. These figures, where did you come up with them?”

“Amber researched the company all night.”

Jeremy nodded.

“I could tell this wasn’t your work, Ash. Have you read over this thoroughly?”

“Of course. What the hell are trying to say?”

Jeremy sighed and tossed the folder aside on his desk. He removed his glasses and sat them down.

“The return on investment isn’t high enough, Ash. I’d thought about your proposal yesterday even before you brought this into me. I can’t get behind this.”

Fuming, I smashed my hand on his desk.

“Then I guess I’ll go talk to your father. He knows a sound investment when he sees it.”

Jeremy shook his head.

“Already talked to him. He’s the one who made the decision. We can’t support this. Now drop it.”

Startled by the stern tone in his voice, I leaned back in my chair for a moment.

“Then I am handing in my resignation. Effective today.”

Jeremy’s mouth fell open.

“What the hell are you talking about? It’s no big deal. We’ll find another company to buy.”

I stood up and grabbed the folder from his desk.

“No. This is the company I want to buy.”

“Ash, leaving Goldstein and Blackthorne is career suicide. You’ve been in the business for less than ten years! My father only took you on as a name partner due to his relationship with your father. Ash, you’ll be done in a matter of months if you go out on your own.”

I smirked at him. Jeremy could be counted on for one thing-his underestimation of me.

“Jeremy, you never cease to amaze me. We’ve been partners for nearly ten years. I’ve known you since business school. I’ve made this firm over a billion dollars. I brought you Vitalife when no one else could. I’ve accomplished more in less than ten years than you will in your ENTIRE career! So if you and your father won’t take my advice about buying S & G I will go out on my own and do it. I don’t need you. I don’t need your father. I appreciate the opportunity he gave me, but as of today I am no longer associated with this firm. I will have my attorney contact the legal department to dissolve the partnership.”

Jeremy nearly fell over. His face went white.

“Ash, think about what you’re doing. Take the day off. Go get laid.”

I laughed and shook my head. Go get laid?

“Thanks, Jeremy, but I’m fine. In fact, I’m better than fine. I’m thinking clearer than I have in a long time. It’s been fun, but our time together is over. I’m starting a new chapter in my life. Like I said, my attorney will be in touch. I’m cleaning out my office.”

Jeremy bolted out of his chair.

“Ash, think about what you’re doing. Please.”

I pushed him aside.

“I have. And by the way, Amber is coming with me. She’s my assistant.”

Jeremy stood in the doorway of his office watching me walk away.

As I walked back into my office, Amber raced in to catch me taking books off the shelves.

“Ash! What happened?”

“We’re done here. Blackthorne International here we come!”

Amber beamed and threw her arms around me. I spun her around.

“Can you get our stuff packed? I’ll have a car pick you and our stuff up later. I’m taking the afternoon off.”

“Where will the new office be?”

“Down the street in the Enterprise Office building. I already own an office suite there. I will call you tomorrow and let you know when to come in.”

She nodded and went to retrieve more boxes from the storage room.

Before I walked out of my office at Goldstein and Blackthorne for the last time, I gazed around the office smiling.

Time to start a new chapter.