Chapter 8 #2
"If Whitney doesn't measure up, then yes, but if she can prove she's going to bring something valuable to our city, I'll support the decision. The Whitneys are known for big ass projects that are beautiful but also impersonal. That won't work here."
She stared at me for a minute longer, then relaxed. "I agree but behave, Christian, and this is our stage not yours."
"I'll be in the background. You don't have to worry about that."
She rolled her eyes and I flashed a smile. "Keep your damn smiles, Christian. I mean it, behave."
I chuckled as she dropped her purse on the table and moved to the coffee station.
If she only knew my true motivation, she would have thrown me up out of here.
Last night I had Scotlyn blindfolded, spread wide, and trembling under my touch.
Today I planned on reminding her of how responsive she was to me while she surrendered beautifully.
When the remaining members of the BWB attending today's meeting arrived- Samiya Jones’s, McKenna Reed, Cadence Barrett, Truce Goode, Oni Troy, and Jhorie- joined us, Zoree explained I would be sitting in before issuing her final warning.
"You're just observing, Christian."
"Understood." I offered a smile she damn sure didn't trust right before Scotlyn walked in.
My Angel was completely transformed from the woman I spent time with last night.
She wore a black pantsuit and her hair was loose and framing her face.
She had a portfolio tucked under one arm and her posture was confidently sexy… until she saw me.
Our eyes met across the room and a wave of satisfaction traveled through me when recognition shifted onto her face. My dick twitched at the way her steps faltered before she composed herself.
All night I wondered if she'd put it together. Had she known I was the one she submitted to and how did it make her feel to know I was the man she came apart for less than twelve hours ago? The blindfold kept my identity a secret but there was no way she wouldn’t recognize my voice.
The way she almost fell on her damn face as soon as she realized I was in the room was pretty much all the proof I needed.
My eyes locked on hers and I nodded in acknowledgment. Her pretty brown eyes narrowed but she didn't look away. Confident. Sexy. I fucking loved that she wouldn't back down, at least not in here.
We all took our seats around the conference table and the meeting was called to order by Zoree. She ran through introductions, maneuvered through some internal housekeeping, then handed things over to Scotlyn.
"Ms. Whitney is here to request our support in the development of waterfront property she's recently acquired.
Scotlyn is based in New York so she felt it necessary to build a relationship and have a local affiliation while navigating the business aspects.
I am inclined to agree. It works best to have a local alliance to facilitate smooth transitions.
Now whether or not we will be that local alliance solely depends on you, Scotlyn. "
She moved to the front of the room as if she owned it but my perception was in tune with her more so than the other ladies in the room.
I noticed the discreet inhale she took and the way her hands tensed when she cut her eyes in my direction.
The moment was temporary because she quickly shifted into a steady and professional demeanor.
"Thank you for allowing me to present today. I couldn't think of a better affiliation to have than Black Women Bosses. I've done my research and all of you have proven worthy of the name and the organization. You're damn sure bosses and running things in Crescent Falls."
I chuckled lightly at the ego stroke but she wasn't wrong. The women in this room made things happen.
She shifted so subtly to all business and damn if that shit wasn't sexy. I watched while she outlined the project, efficiently going over the projections, benefits to the city, and revenue that would be created from developing the waterfront.
I relaxed in my seat, keeping my eyes trained on Scotlyn, comparing her body language here to what I noticed of her last night.
She was so fucking confident, assured and in control, whereas when I had her strapped to the spanking bench and restrained, she was vulnerable, tense, and uncertain.
The parallels had me dropping my hand to my lap to adjust my throbbing dick.
My marriage to Aja proved several things to me. The most important was that I needed a woman who matched my drive both in the bedroom and life. Aja never aspired to be anything more than just my wife and not even that.
She wanted the privilege but without providing anything in return.
She barely fucked me, and when she did, it was lackluster and lazy.
The only place I craved submission was in the bedroom.
Outside of sexual gratification, I desired a woman who could stand next to me as an equal, who held her own and wanted to build with me.
Scotlyn's sexy ass damn sure knew how to hold her own. She was proving that now and I fucking loved every second of watching her in action. When she completed her presentation, Samiya opened the floor for questions. They didn't fucking play about attaching their names to just anything.
"Ms. Whitney, everything you've expressed looks impressive on paper but I can't help but point out, we don't only exist on paper.
We…" Jhorie motioned around the table. "…
exist in real time. This is our city, our home, and I more than anyone understand what it means to be a transplant under scrutiny for bringing value to the city.
So I have to ask, how can we trust that you won't just drop money on a project and walk away, expecting to collect a check?
It happens all the time. Businesses see an opportunity, move in, new construction goes up with little thought, and the city is left to deal with the positive but also negative effects after the jobs are complete.
It's not always pretty. How can we trust that you understand the needs of our city? "
Scotlyn nodded. "Very valid concern. Successful development requires community input. I plan on holding focus groups with local residents. Their voices matter. I'm not here to only impose my vision on your city, but to also facilitate yours."
"If I may?" I interjected. All eyes were on me but it was the honey-colored pair glaring from the corner of the room I focused on. "I've found Ms. Whitney has a practiced talent for listening to others instruction. She also appears to be remarkably responsive to guidance and leadership."
Scotlyn's eyes widened briefly but her professional mask was back in place immediately after.
The double meaning damn sure landed and it took everything in me to keep my expression neutral.
I sank back into the leather chair wishing my mind would stop with the damn theatrics.
Her scent drifted over the table and reminded me of how good it felt to have my mouth on her last night.
The way I sucked on her clit and had her moaning in pleasure while her pussy pulsed against my tongue.
I wanted that feeling again and so much fucking more.
"Thank you, Mr. Devereaux." She managed to keep her tone controlled. "And you're right. Being responsive to community needs is very much a priority."
Fuck community. You'll only be responsive to me.
Zoree broke the tension between us by asking another question. "There are existing communities near the waterfront. How can you assure us that this development won't price out current residents? That tends to happen."
"Forty percent of the new development will be equal to or affordably matched with the existing community. The goal is to have something luxurious that pairs well with its surroundings. I will also ensure the commercial leases prioritize existing local businesses."
Fucking brilliant. I hadn't even considered that. Scotlyn was on her shit and I wanted to be on and in her.
"If you weren't aware, Ms. Whitney outbid me for the property."
All eyes were on me again and I felt the realization as to why I was here.
Zoree glared at me then her eyes shifted to Scotlyn.
That was the exact moment I knew she had their full and unrelenting support.
I almost fucking laughed because they assumed I was trying to take advantage of Scotlyn.
I wasn't and truthfully I couldn't because she knew her shit.
"Her vision aligns with my own. It's not about imposing from the top down but more about…
" My eyes locked on Scotlyn's again. "Supports from below to allow for natural submission and growth of the community. "
Her throat tensed but that was the only sign that she was affected by my words.
"Agreed. Supporting the existing community to build upward is essential. Success is only guaranteed with alignment from the community by way of submission but only with the right leadership from The Whitney Corporation to ensure all parties are satisfied."
Gotdamn.
She looked me right in my eyes and the challenge in hers had me locked the fuck in. She wanted me too. The signs were subtle — the way her breathing was heavier, more labored, the way her fingers curled into her palms and the dilation of her pupils —she was thinking about last night.
"Let me also add that I've personally experienced Ms. Whitney's attention to detail.
She doesn't rush. She takes her time and allows for full exploration of all possibilities while handing over control when it suits the overall good of all involved.
I fully support her handling this development and think it would be a great idea for you as well. "
"Christian, don't nobody give a damn what you think in here," Samiya said, causing everyone around the table to laugh before she added, "Clearly, based on these double entendres going down between the two of you, there's some history there.
I don't know what that's about nor do I care.
What I will say is we'll support you if and only if you're not here to make a quick buck off the backs of those who live here.
If you truly plan on building something that will both flourish and thrive with the support and consideration of our city, then we're on board.
" Samiya looked around the table and everyone nodded to agree.
"That is my plan."
"Then you have our support and we'll be at your disposal to assist with acclimating yourself into the community and with any developmental issues you may face. Some will be out of our reach but apparently you have Christian's support. So what we can't help with, he can," Zoree added.
"Thank you."
"Are there any more questions?"
There were a few more but they focused mostly on Scotlyn.
By the time the meeting wrapped up, she looked professionally composed.
She was also flustered from my delicate attempt to rattle her but Scotlyn held her own with thoughtful responses about community concerns and business progression. I was impressed.
As intoxicating and beautiful as she had been submitting to me last night, watching her in this setting-confident and unyielding-was equally attractive.
I moved closer while the other women caught up to make sure I could have a private moment alone with Scotlyn, invading her space to speak lowly while she gathered her things.
"You were impressive. Almost as impressive as you were last night.
I don't know which version of you I like better but both are sexy as fuck. "
"You joining this meeting was completely inappropriate, Christian. Why the fuck are you here?"
"I had a vested interest in the property. I needed to be sure you would handle it properly, and based on last night, you and I have a mutually beneficial reason to ensure you receive the support you need to remain in Crescent Falls for the rest of your contract."
"I'm not agreeing to that damn contract. Especially not now."
"You are, because like Zoree stated, their support only extends so far. You need me, Scotlyn. But that's not why you're going to honor your commitment, is it?"
She narrowed her eyes and I moved closer.
"We're supposed to have lunch but I assume you're avoiding me because your assistant hasn't gotten back yet, so I'll meet you halfway. Dinner tonight. I'll send a car."
"I'm not having dinner with you, Christian."
"Fine, then let's discuss the way I made you cum and how once wasn't enough for either of us, right here, right now. I'm sure that conversation will be very damn uncomfortable for you with an audience of your peers listening."
There was no way in hell I would expose either of us in front of these women but she didn't know that, which was evident by the way she narrowed her eyes and gritted, "Fine. Dinner tonight."
"Enjoy the rest of your day, Angel."
She tensed and a small exhale pushed through her lips. I needed to get the fuck out of here before I dragged her into an empty room…