Chapter Twenty Two
Sometimes a girl had to take a chance in life, even if that chance was out of the ordinary or unconventional. There was a part of me that knew I was different to the mainstream woman. Elissa thrived in her day-to-day life. Being promiscuous was exciting enough for her and it met her own need for freedom. She scratched an itch that sat in the shallow part of her psyche and she'd admitted that she didn't want anything else for now.
I, on the other hand, needed more. Hence, why I'd kept my virginity until Mr Older Boss came along. Stereotypical in a lot of ways, until I'd gone further under the surface and discovered a whole new layer that had been hiding, waiting to be explored.
“Lola,” Joe greeted me at the entrance to an office block.
He'd told me that he wanted to show me everything about him and that his last secret was the huge office building towering above me. When he'd driven me across the city, I'd questioned him the whole way, only giving up when he'd refused to answer my fiftieth question.
“So, you just dropped me off at the main entrance.” I pointed at the obvious doors in front of us. “And then proceeded to park in the big boss car space.” I frowned as he led me through the revolving door without touching me.”I don’t understand, I thought you worked from home.”
When we were spewed into the plush lobby, he turned to look at me. His body was stiff, his suit pulled into perfection, sitting beautifully on his shoulders. “This is the office of Hunter Designs.”
Spluttering, I glanced around. “What?”
A small group of people milled by the reception desk while someone else drank from a coffee cup on one of the comfortable sofas that were dotted around the foyer. There were three elevators at the back of the room and a single one marked private to the left of the reception desk.
“Mr Hunter! Joe!” one of the men called, jogging over and offering his hand. “I'm so glad I caught you,” he said, giving me a smile and nod, “sorry, please excuse me, but I must thank my boss. ”
“Hunter,” Joe started, “there's no need, really.”
The American kid grinned at me, clearly enjoying the confusion on my face. “I know,” he said, “ironic that my name is Hunter and I have a scholarship at Hunter Design, the best design firm in the world.”
Coughing, Joe waved a hand in dismissal. Hunter calmed and grew serious, his persona changing as his boss grew agitated from the attention.
My hands were shaking as Hunter rambled some more. I couldn't tune in; I was too busy staring around the grand building where Joe had obviously worked for quite some time. So, why had I been locked away in a dungeon of an office, alone? Fuck me, the untold truth was never-ending.
“Bye,” Hunter called, rushing away before I could respond.
Joe pointed at the single elevator before marching towards it, not waiting for me to decide to follow him. As we approached the reception desk, everyone looked up and greeted Joe warmly. He barely glanced at them, but waved, and grunted as he came to a stand in front of the elevator.
I kept my head low, avoiding their gaze as I joined him, following him into the elevator when it pinged open. As the doors closed, I released my breath and turned to him, tempted to hit out. My fists rose without my consent as fire burned my veins.
“How dare you keep me locked away?” I spat, thrusting his chest as tears sprung into my eyes. “Was I not good enough to work here with you? Were you ashamed to have me work in the same building? Am I just a fucking joke to you?”
He grabbed my wrists, spun me and pushed my front against the mirror. My face squashed against the cool surface, making me cringe.
“I'm sorry,” he said, looking down at me in our reflection, “but I knew there was something different about you. I selfishly wanted to see if you would prove to be everything I needed. To do that, I had to keep you away from this life.”
My breath formed mist on the mirror, distorting the twist of my face. I closed my eyes, unable to look at his expression, which wasn't as sorry as I'd have hoped. Would the lies ever stop?
“This is it,” he said, “I promise. Everything you need to know about my superficial self. I'm mega-rich and you knew I was a famous designer. I just didn't tell you the whole truth about where I worked.” Taking my hair, he peeled it off my neck and stroked the skin there. “I have a protector kink, I'm even...” He paused. “...part of that society.”
His lips came down to my ear and I closed my eyes. “I promise that I'll never lie or bend the truth again. You know you mean more to me now, I'm ready to be real. As I hope you'll be real for me.”
Blinking my eyes open, I glanced at him. The softness of his gaze cooled the rage that had fired my insides. The tender way he pulled me away from the mirror and wrapped me into his arms calmed every nerve within my body.
“I don't want to be hurt,” I hiccupped, “it's happened too many times.”
He smoothed the hair back from my forehead as the doors pinged open. The noise jolted me and I went to step away, only to be grasped by the wrist and held tight.
“It's okay,” he muttered, “this is my private elevator. It leads straight into my office.”
Stepping out of the small space, I admired the view through the huge glass windows. The city of London sprawled away from us, small compared to the size of the building we currently stood in. I was drawn closer as I spotted the River Thames, snaking between the buildings, ancient and new. Who would've thought that such a place had been around for so very long? The beauty of it made me stare unashamedly.
“It's stunning, isn't it?” Joe asked, going over to his desk.
I blinked and turned back to the room, remembering that I was seeing a part of Joe that I'd never seen before. Although the office was clean, and the light green carpet soft under my shoes, it wasn't obtrusive like most. There was only one sofa, which had seen better days, and his desk was an antique dark wood, covered with a dark green leather top. A drawing table was on the right, sitting against the wall, which was decorated with several hundred pieces of pinned paper.
“The view, yes,” I said, smiling, “the office... I expected more, I'm not going to lie.”
Moving closer to the desk, he raised his eyebrows. “In what way?”
There were two doors that lead off the room, one was a double wooden door with silver handles. Clearly the way into and out of the office for the normal folk. “Well, it's what I would’ve expected from the old Joe. You know, before I knew you were a bloody billionaire; but now that I know that about you, why is it not more 50 Shades of modern?”
“Because the money is just a means to an end.” Clenching his jaw, he stared out of the window.
“And what is the end?” I muttered, barely above a whisper.
He looked at me and closed his eyes slowly. I went to him, entranced by the pain that tightened every muscle on his face. My hand reached up and smoothed his furrowed brow.
“The end,” he whispered, his hand snapping up to cup mine, “is peace from the wounds that seep. Before I die, preferably.”
“I don't know about design; you should've been a poet.” A grin split my face when his eyes widened and he glowered. “I'm only playing,” I went on, pulling out of his grip, “I understand exactly what you mean. Those thoughts can be all consuming.”
Walking to the double doors, I opened one a crack and looked out. There was a corridor with several doors coming off it, each with a name plaque. I recognised some of the names as designers whose work I'd admired when studying for my degree.
“Your office is next door,” he interrupted my snooping, “over here.”
Closing the world off, I turned and followed him to the other door. When he opened it, I gazed inside, pleased to see that I had the same view as him. Shit, after being shoved in a dark office for so long, I'd live at the office just for the view.
“I got you a gift,” he muttered, pulling me into the room and pointing at the drawing table that was tucked into the corner.
Stepping around my more modern desk, I went over and ran my hand over the fresh clean sheet of paper attached to the surface of the drawing table. Little pockets and drawers came off it, holding various pens, pencils, rulers and more. All the tools I'd need to design my own layouts.
“The bathroom is just outside.” He pointed at the door that led out from my office. “It's exclusively ours.”
Inclining my head, I went over to the desk and sat down, screwing my nose up when my gaze came face to face with the wall. No, no, no. A quick rejig had the desk turned so I could admire the view while I worked. I wasn't going to have my back to such beauty, I had to be inspired.
“Who worked here before?” I ventured, glancing over my shoulder as he approached from behind. “Someone who didn't quite fit your expectations?”
His chuckle made the hair on my arms stand on end and a rush of adrenaline clench my stomach. I didn't want to be jealous, but he hadn't proved himself to me, yet. I could've been another person in his long line of kink seeking.
“What will it take for you to trust me?” He stood behind me, his body just an inch from mine.
Turning, I reached up to link my arms around his neck. He took my elbows and slowly pulled them down, placing a quick kiss on my nose. “Not here,” he whispered, “I don't want others to think you have an advantage.”
Huh? What was he talking about? Hadn't all his affairs been with women who worked for him?
He stepped back and gestured for me to follow him. “Let's get out of here.”
I nodded, waving him on as he returned to his office. My insides quivered as I stood by the door that separated us and admired the place where I'd now be working, right beside my boss, my man. How was I supposed to keep things professional if he was within arm’s reach?
“Oh,” Joe called, drawing me away from the office I'd dreamed of, “my previous PA?”
“Yeah?” I went to him as he stepped into the elevator, his voice echoing back to me.
As soon as I was over the threshold, he grabbed me by the waist and walked me into the wall. The doors closed and the descent began. My heartbeat trebled as he lowered his mouth and captured my lips. The kiss was rough as he gripped the hair on the back of my head and pulled, forcing me to bend my neck back.
“She was old enough to be my grandmother and has retired now,” he said, breathing hard as he pulled away. “So no more jealousy. I order it. ”
“Order it?” I gasped when his hand ran up my thigh and under my skirt. “Oh.”
His chest vibrated with a hum of approval as his fingers found my underwear and moved them aside. “I'm the boss, remember? In all ways. Which means you do as I say.”
The swirl of his thumb as he pressed it into my folds made me squirm. The tingles shot out and I arched my hips towards him, desperate for more pressure. I didn't mind him ordering me about. At least he’d reassured me about his previous PA, which he shouldn’t have had to do. If I wanted to become his to own, like he'd said, I would have to work on my insecurities.
“Very well,” I murmured, clinging to his shoulders as he pinned me with his body, his arm trapped between us. “I'll let you be my master.”
His groan was loud as he stared down at me, biting his lip as my own mouth dropped open. My whole body trembled as he sped up, his gaze glued to mine to watch my reaction. I couldn't hold my composure as the tingles increased and the pleasure built. The edge of the precipice was near, approaching as I clung to him, my knees knocking so badly, I would've fallen if I'd had to stand alone.
The ding of the elevator doors made Joe step back, an evil grin on his face. My underwear fell back in place and the heat that flushed through my pussy died down. My cheeks were pink and my breath heavy as he stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby, looking as calm as the Mediterranean Sea. How could he just switch it off like that? A professional, that one.
Taking a quick deep breath, I straightened my skirt and stepped into the lobby, holding my head high in case anyone was watching me. I didn't want them to see that my heart was pounding and my lip was slick with perspiration from the almost orgasm Joe had just given me.
“Joe!” a lady called as she exited one of the other elevators, “How are you?”
She walked over, her gait confident and her floaty skirt swirling around her long legs. Joe smiled as he pulled me next to him and bowed his head slightly.
“Evelyn,” he greeted, holding out his hand, “I'm good. Yourself? How is the project coming along?”
Smiling in return, she gripped his hand and shook it firmly. Their ease was apparent in the way she put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows, staring pointedly at me.
“This is my new PA, Lola.” Joe held his hand out in my general direction. “She's a very talented nursery designer and I'm looking forward to having her organise my work life. ”
Evelyn's curiosity dropped and she offered her hand, her expression warming when I took it and shook hard. “That's amazing. I love when you take on proteges, you always push them to be their best.”
“She's talented already.” Joe cleared his throat and played with his tie. “I need her help to organise me more than anything.”
I smiled when Evelyn chuckled. “I agree. He's a great businessman but he does need someone to keep him in hand or he gets carried away, working for hours on end.”
A warm ember burned in the pit of my stomach. Joe had praised me instead of claiming an ego boost. That showed integrity greater than most men I'd come across in the interview process six months ago.
“You design nurseries?” Evelyn said, ignoring Joe as he fiddled with the cuff on his jacket. “How sweet. I bet you had a gorgeous one to inspire you when you were a baby.”
My smile froze as I nodded my head, unable to think of the words to reply. How did I tell Mrs Lovely Sunshine that I was left outside a hospital in a box? And passed from foster home to foster home, without ever having my own bedroom, let alone a nursery? The simple assumption made my chest tight, but I stayed poised and ready to lift my wall high above my head. Should I lie?
“Actually,” Joe interrupted, “I hope you don't mind me saying…” He waited for me to nod, “…But Lola had a horrendous childhood, which has pushed her to become excellent at her job. I'm hoping with some guidance, she'll be in one of the offices near yours in time to come.”
The thundering rush of blood in my ears almost drowned out his reply. He thought I was excellent at my job? Or was it that he wanted to flatter me in front of his work colleagues?
“Wait,” I murmured, “are you Evelyn Hughes?”
My stupid brain was slow to catch up as the lady in front of me laughed. “Yes. Why? Has Joe told you horrid things about me?”
Shaking my head, I gripped her hand and drew her closer. “No, not at all. I studied your pool designs as an add-on when I did my degree. I was always so inspired by you, but I couldn't emulate anything as beautiful. Then I saw your paintings online, too. The technique in your brush strokes when painting water is incredible.”
Her mouth formed a small o as she blinked and stared. Joe tried to hide the amused quirk of his lip, but a small chuckle still managed to escape.
“Thank you,” Evelyn stuttered, “it's very rare to meet someone who appreciates my work before they've collaborated with me. I like you.”
Releasing her hand, I stepped back. “Sorry, I know I'm fan-girling. I've always wished I could paint, but I've never had the skill.”
Her cheeks turned pink as she stood straight and glanced at Joe. “Maybe you could teach her? And maybe,” she said, turning to me, “we could get together for coffee one lunchtime. Just knock on my door when you're settled.”
With that, she bid farewell and left us, glancing over her shoulder as she made her way to a corridor just right of the elevators. The people around us went on with their day, not paying attention to us.
“That's where the cafeteria is,” Joe said, drawing my attention away from my boss's other employees.
Licking my lips, I turned to him. “You paint?” I asked, narrowing my gaze on him.
Puffing his cheeks, he shook his head. “Not for a very long time. Come, let's go.”
His expensive leather loafers were moving before I could press him further. I had to jog to catch up with him as he whizzed through the automatic door. I liked the classic building with its swirling entrance. It would take time getting used to working in a new office .
“Where to...?” I asked, jogging to his car and climbing in beside him.
He glanced at me sideways, a heat crossing his eyes. “I'd quite like to finish what we just started. Shall we go to my place?”
An image of his club office came into my mindand a sizzle of excitement made my nipples hard and dared me to be brave.
“While you’re in the process of showing me you,” I said, “why don’t you introduce me to the sex club?”
His eyes bulged, just slightly, before a cheeky grin crossed his lips and he fired up the engine. “Very well, my love,” he murmured, his jaw tensing slightly. “I shall show you the sex club and in return, you can surrender to me.”