Chapter Eighteen Lexie #2
Our eye contact is severed when a figure steps in front of me.
My focus shifts to the blonde-haired, blue-eyed man smiling at me.
The royal blue of his suit is a pop of color amongst the sea of black and gray covering the other men in attendance.
His grin is friendly, if not a little cocky, flashing straight white teeth that belong in a toothpaste commercial.
There’s something about him, a cheesiness to his charm, that feels almost cartoonish.
“I don’t think we’ve met, I’m Daniel Taylor,” he says, his eyes flickering to my generous cleavage none too discreetly. “I couldn’t go the entire night without learning your name.” He’s not exactly my usual type, but Daniel’s a good-looking man. So I give him a bright smile.
“We couldn’t have met, I’m new to New York.” Taking a sip of my champagne, I peer up at him through my lashes. “I’m Lexie.”
“Well, New York is lucky to have you, Lexie.” He knows how to play the game, and he’s decent at it. “Where are you from?”
“Astoria, Oregon. It’s a coastal town.”
“From one coast to the other, that’s a big change. What brings you all the way across the country to our fair city?”
“I’m a travel nurse, I came for a contract,” I answer.
“Although, from my experience, concrete jungle is a more accurate description than our fair city.” Daniel’s blinding smile widens and his head tilts back in a hearty laugh.
If he were a cartoon, he’d definitely be cast as the charming prince who gallantly comes charging in on his white horse to save the day whether you want his rescue or not.
“I can’t disagree with that description,” Daniel laughs.
“Who do you know in the governor’s office?
Did you come alone?” His tone is asking if I plan on leaving alone.
His eyes flicker over my shoulder, a look of recognition flashing across his face.
I can feel Callum’s presence behind me even before he speaks.
“Taylor, I see you’ve met Lexie.”
“Russo.” Daniel’s eyes move between me and the giant now pressing to my back. The heat of his body mixes with mine. “I suppose I can’t be surprised that this is your date.”
I’m tempted to argue that I’m not Callum’s date, but I guess it’s technically true. I did come as his plus-one. And with the competitive air between the two men, a statement like that would be striking a match while soaked in gasoline.
Not a good idea.
“How do you two know each other?” I ask, changing the subject. Or at least trying to. My question fails to ease the tension. Instead it supplies Callum with more ammo.
“Taylor is legal counsel for the governor.” There’s something taunting in Callum’s voice when he explains. “He deals with the less complicated matters.”
I nod in understanding when realization hits me, making Daniel’s eyes narrow ever so slightly.
Callum fixes the messes Daniel can’t; he’s the one burying the skeletons that pile in their closets to keep their noses clean.
Their relationship is based on respect built around fear and power.
Callum’s power. It seems like every relationship Callum has is very complex—a balancing act of nuance and intimidation.
They need him, but they resent him for it.
Daniel looks like he’s biting his tongue.
He catches the eye of another man not too far away, gesturing to him in greeting.
“Pleasure as always, Russo.” The flat, sarcastic edge in his voice melts into warmth when his focus shifts to me.
His hand reaches for mine, lifting it to his lips.
“It was so lovely to meet you, Lexie. I hope our paths cross again soon.” His lips are a whisper over my knuckles before he lets go, but not before Callum steps out from behind me to stand at my side.
“You too, Daniel,” I say simply with a soft smile. With that he’s moving on, his energetic charm reviving as he greets another man enthusiastically. Even as the blonde man is walking away, Callum’s presence doesn’t ease up.
“You go to one party and you’re already getting cozy with one of the biggest tools in the state,” Callum states roughly. “One with heavy baggage he’s never able to carry for himself. Maybe I should cut him loose and see if he drowns.” There’s destruction in his voice, a desire to cause ruin.
“Are you jealous?” I ask, baiting him. Surprisingly, this time he bites.
“What if I am?” he counters gruffly, his mouth at my ear sending a shiver down my spine and liquid fire pooling between my legs. Looking up at him, I meet his eyes and take a sip of my champagne. He’s so sexy I have a hard time pulling my eyes away.
“I’d be shocked half to death. Jealousy is an emotion.” My tone is half teasing as I feign a concerned expression through the desire building inside me. “Careful, Callum, your humanity is showing.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
“Haven’t I?” I counter, plastering on a fake smile so bright that it burns straight through his mask of calm. Callum’s jaw clenches, his expression darkening until he’s glaring at me. The thunder is back, his dark cloud dominating the space until it feels small.
“Stop.” His low demand is all bite and no bark, sending a shiver down my spine and drenching my panties.
“Stop what?” My brows raise in feigned innocence.
“You don’t want to play this game with me, Lexie. I don’t lose.” He steps closer until we’re practically chest to chest. I look up at him, meeting his gaze evenly.
“I would never play games with you, Callum.” I tilt my head slightly to one side. “You’re far too serious to waste your time on something ridiculous like having fun.”
“I’d like to pull you into the other room and have some fun. I can think of a few activities I’d enjoy doing with you.”
“Wow, do you really only ever think with your dick?” My voice comes out more breathy than confident, the sass draining out as desire hits me fast and hard. He’s so close, and my eyes can’t help but catch on his lips.
“Two heads are better than one.” Callum’s voice is deep, his eyes hungry.
“Mmm, so far I’m not impressed with either of them.” My gaze slowly slides from his lips back to his hazel eyes in invitation. “I guess you’ll just have to take me into the other room and prove it.”
The moment my words register, we’re moving.
Callum’s strong grip on my waist doesn’t falter as he leads us out of the ballroom.
We pause briefly in the doorway for Callum to find someone in the crowd.
I follow his gaze in time to see his silent conversation with Roscoe, before I’m being pulled into the hallway.
Anticipation thrums inside me as we move through the house, his pace purposeful. He clearly knows where we’re going, leading me down a darkened hallway meant to be off-limits for the party. Stopping at the end of the corridor, Callum opens a door and pulls me inside.
It’s a home office, most likely belonging to the governor.
I’m briefly able to see the built-in bookshelves that line the walls, completely filled with uniform books with decorative spines.
The ornate furniture matches the rest of the historic house—wing chairs facing a brick fireplace, a carved coffee table, heavy drapes.
A large desk sits opposite the door, framed by two tall, arched windows trimmed in crown molding.
As soon as I’m in the room, Callum’s closing the door and pressing me against it. His hand reaches over to flick on the lights as his lips descend on mine. There’s no preamble, the time for teasing is over. All that’s left is domination and desire, his thick frame taking over mine.
Large hands are on me, fisting in my hair and sinking into the ample flesh of my ass. A sigh escapes my lips, lighting a fire to Callum’s short fuse. The hand in my hair untangles to reach down and grab hold of my thighs, forcing my legs to wrap around him as I’m being lifted.
My sound of surprise as Callum pulls me off the door and carries me across the office is met by a grunt of approval, his mouth never leaving mine. He places me down on the edge of the desk, pulling back to remove his suit coat and toss it over the back of a chair.
Like a predator stalking prey, his eyes never leave me as he unbuttons each cuff of his crisp white shirt and impatiently rolls the sleeves up to his elbows, revealing the intricate artwork decorating his strong forearms. Just the sight of him like this is almost enough to unravel me, beard, tattoos, and the consuming desire in his piercing gaze.
His dangerous intensity is like a pheromone, leaving me intoxicated.
I watch with bated breath, the hunger growing inside me with each beat of my racing heart until it’s almost unbearable. The separation only lasts seconds, but it’s far too long and does nothing to dampen the potent chemistry charged between us. And then he’s kissing me again, touching me.
Strong hands are pulling my dress straps down my arms. His lips on mine are demanding, tasting and exploring in long, deep pulls. It’s all fire, hunger, and need. As soon as the dress is down far enough, my bra cups are being pulled down next.
Callum’s large hands touch every inch of my skin as soon as it’s exposed, groaning against my lips.
Electricity spreads through me under his touch, and I gasp as his fingers explore.
His lips leave mine when he leans back to look at me, ravenous eyes taking in my bare breasts—rosy, giant, and heavy.
My skin flushes under his gaze, lust licking through my veins as my heart hammers with anticipation.
“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he murmurs deeply, his hands returning to my breasts like he can’t help himself.
I sigh as his lips join his hands in worship, arching into his touch.
The scrape of his beard against my delicate flesh heightens every sensation.
His breath is hot against my skin. “I’ve thought about getting my hands on these incredible tits so many fucking times.
They’re even better than I dreamed they’d be. ”