Chapter 22 Harass #2
I’m about to take him up on that, but the receptionist at the main desk answers. “Stonebridge Capital, how may I help you?”
I put a finger up to tell Devon to hold that thought. “Hello, this is Harlow Madison.”
“Oh, Ms. Madison. What can I do for you?”
“Could you please put me through to the head of human resources? I don’t have his number on me.”
“Absolutely. One moment.”
“HR,” Devon mutters. “That’s never good.”
I bite back a smirk when the line picks up again. “Ms. Madison, this is a surprise. How are you?”
“I’m good, thank you. I do need some help on a delicate issue.”
“Of course. What can I do?”
“Allen Foster will be taking leave for the time being. This wasn’t his decision, but my father and I feel it’s best for the short term. If you could help make some arrangements, I’d appreciate it.”
“Mr. Foster is taking leave?” There’s a long pause. “Of course. What can I do?”
“Please freeze Allen’s access to the global network. That includes access to all company email—his and my father’s. Access to all Stonebridge buildings will need to be cut off as well.”
“I ... ah ...” he stammers. “Did something happen that I’m not aware of?”
I ignore that and continue to give orders.
“His compensation and benefits will continue. If you could please give Christine Hamilton and myself access to my father’s and Allen Foster’s email accounts, we will monitor their communication for the time being so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Do you have any questions?”
From the stagnant sound of fear on the other end, I assume he has two million questions.
I don’t give him a chance to ask any of them. “I appreciate your help and your confidentiality. If you could make this a priority, even better.”
“A priority...” He stammers but finally gets with the program. “Of course. I’ll get this done right away.”
Devon’s blue eyes warm when they take in my relieved expression.
“Please email me once it’s done,” I add.
The HR director does not sound relieved. “Absolutely.”
I thank him, say goodbye, and flip over to my texts.
Me – In the next hour, we should both have full access to my father’s email, as well as Allen’s. For now, you and I are in charge.
Chrissie – (Wide-eyed emoji)
Chrissie – (Head-exploding emoji)
Chrissie – Fuck me, what have you done?! Can’t I just kidnap someone else for you? It’s way easier!
Me – Roll with it. I’ll be there soon.
Chrissie – (Hand-in-face emoji)
“There.” I toss my phone farther on the sofa from Devon’s laptop.
I have a feeling the thing will blow up once Allen realizes what I’ve done.
“I’ve never liked Allen Foster, but trusting was never an issue.
That was on Dad. But the fact that he mentioned Janie is odd.
Poor Chrissie is freaking out. I need to get there so she doesn’t take the brunt of my decision. ”
Devon’s gaze never wavers from mine. “I don’t know whether you’re a damsel in distress or a badass.”
“I’m neither.” I lean down and press my lips to his until he takes over.
His tongue laps mine before he releases my mouth. “I disagree. You’re everything.”
I shake my head. “I’m just me doing everything I can to be better—stronger.”
His thumb brushes my cheek. “You’re perfect the way you are, Harlow. Don’t ever change.”
He takes my mouth again, but this time in a searing kiss that might as well brand me.
The last twenty-four hours have been too much.
Who am I kidding?
My entire year has been too much.
Gun shots, a visit from Janie, and my dad waking up for the first time in months means my brain is on overload.
I can’t even think about how my conversation with Allen Foster felt off.
Not liking someone because they don’t do business the way I do is one thing.
But assuming he doesn’t want the best for my father is not something I could have imagined.
If I’m overreacting, I’ll take my lumps and reinstate every bit of access he had. But I’m done assuming everyone around me wants the best for me and my family.
Money makes people do scary, ugly things.
I’m exhausted but also wired and all I want is to forget the rest of the world.
Especially when there’s nothing in front of me but broody and sexy blue eyes.
I rock forward and press into his cock that’s not a bulge anymore. I feel it. Devon’s want and need matches mine. He’s long and rock hard, and I rub my clit up and down his length through his trousers.
He slides his fingers into the straps of my thong over my ass. I lose his blue eyes when he presses his lips to the skin below my ear. I feel every word he utters down to the tips of my toes. “I want you so fucking bad, baby.”
I glance toward the cockpit. The door is shut, and the pilots rarely enter the cabin. I turn back to Devon and run my fingertips down his skin where his collar is open at the neck. “I’ve never had sex on a plane.”
His eyes flare. “Not gonna lie. I’m happy about that.”
“Have you?” I demand.
The corners of his lips pull into a smirk. “No. But I’m still glad you haven’t.”
“Oh.” I relax until his fingers start to work the buttons on my dress.
One by one, he makes quick work of them until it hangs completely open.
His eyes rake down my body, his gaze tangible on my heated skin.
When he starts to touch me, he doesn’t waste any time.
One flick of his fingers, and the clasp between my breasts goes slack.
He pushes the lace away at the same time the pads of his thumbs drag across my hardened nipples.
My eyes fall shut, and I rock onto his cock again.
I open my eyes when I feel the delicious pinch of each nipple. “Are we doing this, baby?”