Chapter 24 #3
“Every boyfriend I ever brought home or introduced her to. You’re the first one who didn’t take her up on it. Most of the guys I met didn’t seem to care which sister got them into the family.”
“Fuck. That’s messed up.”
“It is.”
Once we were merged and up to speed, he caressed my shoulder. I laid my head on his hand and caressed his hand between my cheek and shoulder. I lifted my head, took hold of his hand, and dropped a quick kiss on his palm before lacing my fingers with his and resting our clasped hands on the console.
“Asher…”
He glanced at me and smiled. I’ve got to know... My curiosity was going to drive me nuts.
“What would you have done if Magnolia hadn’t removed her hand?”
Asher laughed. “I wondered how long it was going to take before you asked.” He chuckled and gave me the side-eye.
“I would’ve grasped her hand and removed it, using just enough force to make her uncomfortable and that was necessary to make my point.
” He squeezed my hand, then lifted it and dropped a kiss on the inside of my wrist. There were those crazy butterflies again.
It’s pretty warm in here…
Then came the cool-down.
“Your father is a real piece of work. I couldn’t believe he demanded you quit your job, and then thought you’d just walk out after signing a contract.”
“He expected obedience. Did you see his expression when I said no?” It had felt so right.
“He looked like he’d eaten something sour.”
I had to laugh. Now that I was away from them and had time to decompress, it really was kind of funny. “It got even worse when you pointed out that Fantasies, Inc. is an ethical, completely legit company.”
Asher’s demeanor took a serious turn. “Your father’s isn’t.”
“No. I’ve heard the rumors about his company, and I’ve witnessed him breaking contracts without a second thought about lawsuits or the impact on the contracted businesses.”
“I’m surprised people will still work with him.”
“He pays top dollar to those who will do what he says.” I sighed. “Thank you for standing up for me.”
“Meeting them validates what you told me.”
“I’m sorry it went down the way it did. I thought they might be on good behavior. I should have known better.”
“Well, they might have some explaining to do.”
“Why is that?”
“One of the very major players in the entire country was close enough to overhear our little get-together, and he didn’t look pleased at all.”
I sort of snort-giggled then slapped my free hand over my mouth. “My family wasn’t exactly being quiet.”
“It was more than that. In addition to being the CEO of one of the largest hedge funds in the U.S., Gerald Woodall is a friend of Fantasies, Inc.’s president. I met him once at the office.”
I straightened. “Are you talking about the Gerald Woodall?” Whoa! That man had control of more money than God, never mind what he had personally. Looks like Dad stepped into some very deep sh…
“Yeah, I don’t think your family is going to be welcome in that grand circle again.”
“It’s going to be worse than that,” I said. A part of me felt vindicated, like Karma had finally taken care of business, and then came the guilt for feeling that way. “Remember, my father is in computer chip manufacturing and applied technologies. If word spreads…”
Asher’s laughter filled the car. “Serves him right.”
I moved our clasped hands into my lap and relaxed against the seat for the rest of the drive. I think I dozed off more than once. When we arrived at my cottage, Asher escorted me to the door. After I opened it and turned on the lights, he drew me into his arms. “Thank you for a fun night.”
“That was fun for you?”
“It was.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over mine.
I deepened the kiss. I didn’t want Asher to leave, but I didn’t know how to ask him to stay. Instead, we stood there in the doorway, making out like teenagers. Finally, Asher lifted his head and stroked my cheek.
“Go inside, my Cinderella.”
“What if I don’t want to?” I was tempting fate, and I didn’t care.
“Go.” He turned me around until my back was to him and I was facing my front doorway, then he swatted my butt.
Heat spread through my body from the spot where his hand landed. “Again,” I said softly.
I heard him gasp, then felt another swat, this one with a bit more force.
“Inside now or I’ll forget I’m a gentleman.”
Before I could retort, he gently pushed me inside and pulled the door shut. He spoke through the closed door. “Dream of me.”
I leaned against the door and slid down it until I was sitting on the floor. Bank the fire, girl, or you’re gonna be a pile of ash on this floor. I didn’t try to get up until I heard his car engine start followed by the sound of him driving away.
I made my way into my bedroom and undressed. Luckily, the ties on the bodice were at the bottom where I could reach them.
Dream of him, he said. He didn’t have to know I was already doing that. My skin still tingled from the swats he’d given me. Maybe if I was a good girl next week, I could get him to give me more. A giggle escaped. Was working for Fantasies, Inc. corrupting me?
Nope. I’d wanted to explore the kinkier side of sex for a while now, and I trusted Asher more than any man in my life. Could I get him on the same page?