Chapter 4
I slept in Oliver’s embrace throughout the night. Our lovemaking was a perfect end to a perfect day. By the time I fell asleep, I was exhausted and now as dawn peeked into the uncovered slider, I could feel how sore my body was. Oliver pushed me to the edge again and again using his tongue, mouth and penis to give me pleasure I never thought I would experience.
I shifted against him, and he grumbled in his sleep, tightening his hold on me as if he thought I would disappear. I didn’t mind. I loved feeling his hard muscles against my body. I was glad it was Saturday, and we could sleep later. I dozed off again, waking to the sound of the shower.
The sun was fully up, warming the room with its golden rays. I snuggled deeper under the covers, my hands sliding beneath the pillow. A few minutes later, I opened my eyes to see Oliver exiting the bathroom, a thick ivory towel wrapped around his waist. It was the perfect vision for a lazy Saturday morning.
“You’re awake? Did I make too much noise?” he asked, noticing my gaze.
“Doing what? I only heard the shower,” I replied, stretching languidly.
“I worked out this morning,” he said, running a hand through his damp hair.
“When did you leave bed?” I asked, glancing at the clock on the bedside table. It was shortly after 9 a.m.
“Around 7:30,” he answered casually.
“Why did you get up so early?” I frowned, not understanding why he would leave our cozy bed.
“Because my gorgeous fiancée is corrupting me, and I’m missing my daily workouts. I might have to start going in the afternoons again,” he teased, his eyes twinkling.
“Maybe we should go together after work. I haven’t worked out much since we’ve been together. With all the food you feed me, I’m going to gain weight,” I said, poking at my belly playfully.
“You’re beautiful, and you could use a few more pounds,” he replied, smiling softly.
“Says you. So, can we work out together?” I asked, sitting up slightly.
“Sure. Do you have a gym you like to go to?” he asked, leaning against the closet door.
“I used to work out at the college and then a gym near it,” I said, thinking back.
“You can come to mine, but Bronson is out. Find another trainer,” he said firmly.
“I don’t need a trainer,” I protested.
“You should try Brad. He’s the owner of the gym,” Oliver suggested.
“Is he handsome?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.
“As a matter of fact, he is, but he’s also gay, so you’ll get nowhere,” Oliver retorted with a grin.
“As long as he’s nice to look at,” I quipped, winking.
“You are sounding quite superficial, Miss Stewart,” he said, crossing his arms and giving me a mock stern look.
“Well, if you must know, Mr. Fox, I only have eyes for your hard body,” I replied, my voice dripping with playful seduction.
Oliver whipped off his towel, revealing his gloriously naked body. “You just love to tease me,” he said, his tone challenging.
“You’re pretty good at it yourself,” I shot back.
He went to the closet, and I heard drawers opening and closing. I remained in bed, snuggled under the comfortable soft sheets and dark blue quilt. When Oliver finally emerged, he was dressed casually in a pair of gray sweatpants and a black short-sleeved t-shirt. The mattress dipped as he sat down next to me, and my eyes fluttered open.
“Did you have any plans for today?” he asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“Not really. I thought we could just relax,” I said, smiling up at him.
“That sounds perfect,” he said, leaning down to press a tender kiss to my lips before he got up and left the bedroom. I didn’t feel like getting up even though it was now close to 9:30. It was Saturday and I wanted to sleep some more. Often in college, we would stay up until 4:00 a.m. and sleep until the midafternoon, only to do it again the next night.
I turned over onto my side and curled the quilt around my body, falling back into a deep sleep. I was startled awake by Oliver’s loud voice. This time it was not only his that I heard. I jumped up and pulled on Oliver’s white terry cloth robe that was hanging on the back of the bathroom door. I cinched the waist as I hurried down the hall, my feet slapping against the wood floor.
I got there just as Jonah pushed Oliver in the chest, making him slide on the floor in his socks. If I didn’t stop them, there would be all out war. Both men’s faces were bright red and as soon as Oliver recovered, he charged Jonah, screaming curses at him.
“Stop it!” I screamed as my fiancé barreled into the slightly smaller man. They both went sprawling to the floor with a loud thud. Oliver was on top of Jonah and getting ready to punch him when I dug my nails into his muscular forearm. That gave his brother the chance to spin his body, knocking Oliver off and sending him back into me. I was pushed to the floor as his body landed on mine.
My hand was bent and sandwiched between us causing me to howl in pain. The sparring men stopped to pay attention to me as I cradled my wrist in my other hand.
“Fuck, you see what you did?” Oliver screamed at Jonah.
“Me? Why can’t you just listen?”
“Stop fighting,” I cried out, tears rolling down my cheeks. The pain was intense, and I wondered if my wrist was broken.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
“Is she all right?” Jonah asked.
“You get the fuck away from her,” Oliver growled.
“Oliver….” I said, hoping he would turn his attention back to me. I felt him arranging his robe over my legs, not realizing I was exposed from the fall. My face began to heat that Jonah had seen my intimate parts. Oliver helped me up and took me into the kitchen, checking my wrist while his brother stood there with a worried look on his face. Oliver palpated my wrist, holding it in his hand and gently rotating it. I winced and he stopped.
“I don’t think it’s broken. Let me get you some ice.”
He got a bag from the pantry and filled it with ice, taking the dishtowel that was hanging on the stove handle and wrapping it inside. Jonah came and sat on the stool next to me even though Oliver gave him a hard look.
“I’m sorry, Ryleigh,” Jonah said.
“What were you two fighting about?” I asked.
“Jonah has gotten himself into a bunch of shit as usual. He wants me to bail him out,” Oliver growled.
“He’s your brother. You should help him.”
“Ryleigh,” Oliver cautioned.
“You should listen to your fiancée,” Jonah said.
Oliver pointed at his brother. “Shut the fuck up. You don’t tell me what to do.”
“What’s the problem?” I asked.
“I’m being hunted,” Jonah said.
“You don’t need to fill her ears with your bullshit. Haven’t you done enough?” Oliver yelled.
I bit my lip, worried that the last relation of the Fox bloodline to my husband would be gone if my fiancé didn’t offer his assistance.
“Help him,” I croaked.
“You’re going to Fox Island.” Oliver said.
“Why doesn’t it surprise me that you have an island?” Jonah sneered.
Oliver’s jaw ticked with tension. “It shouldn’t. You’ll help with the construction of the new house.”
Jonah raised his eyebrows. “How? I don’t have construction experience.”
Oliver placed his palms on the counter and leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “You need to get away from whatever crap you’re involved in. The company jet will take you to St. Croix and you’ll be brought to the island by boat. This is your last chance, Jonah. I’m not helping you again. You keep your nose clean for the duration.”
“What the fuck am I supposed to do for entertainment?” he yelled.
Oliver didn’t take the bait, keeping his voice steady.
“Go swimming and run on the beach. I own many acres. Plenty of outdoor stuff to do.”
“This sucks. Do I have to live in a cave?”
“No. There’s a couple of buildings that the construction crews are living in. I’m warning you, don’t start trouble. Maybe when you come back, I can find a spot for you back with society.”
“Don’t do me any favors,” Jonah mumbled. I shot him a dirty look and he gave me a weak smile.
“You can thank my fiancée for your reprieve.”
Oliver’s cell rang and he walked toward the hallway to answer the call, leaving me with Jonah. It gave me time to look the man over. He had the same sapphire blue eyes as Oliver but wasn’t quite as muscular. His hair was a shade darker than his brother’s, and he had a scar near his left ear.
“What kind of trouble are you in and why were you fighting with Oliver?”
He ducked his head. “You’ll have to ask him. I don’t think he wants you involved.”
Somehow, I felt that I was involved and that’s what the fight was about. Oliver rarely raised his voice except where I was concerned. He was highly protective of me, and I doubted that would change in the future. I moved the ice bag on my wrist and winced.
“I’m sorry,” Jonah said as he rubbed the back of his neck. It had taken me until now to notice the clothing he was wearing, a pair of dirty blue jeans and torn faded gray t-shirt which made him look like he was living on the street. I wondered if he really was. Oliver came back a few minutes later.
“Vlad will be here in a little while to take you to the airport.”
Jonah pursed his lips. “Huh? I’m leaving right now?”
“Yes. I’m not letting you get into any more trouble. Get your life together, Jonah. You’ll be thirty-four soon. Time to grow up.”
“What about my stuff?”
Oliver looked his brother up and down. “You can buy new clothes. It doesn’t look like you’re dressing too swanky these days.”
Jonah shrugged. “Yeah, well when you live in a fucking fleabag hotel. If you helped me before, I wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“Don’t worry about it. You’re done with your old life or I leave you on the side of the road. Promise me Jonah.”
“What about my problem?” He asked.
I sawed my teeth over my bottom lip. I think his problem was a problem that I was involved in but Oliver wouldn’t say. I hated when he kept me in the dark.
“It’s being handled.”
“And the other problem?”
“It’s not your concern. You disappear and the other problem goes away.”
Jonah frowned, which told me the second problem wasn’t going away with his disappearance. Oliver turned his attention to me.
“How is your wrist?”
“It hurts, but the ice makes it feel better.”
“I’m sorry you got hurt.”
“You have some making up to do.”
He nodded. “I know.”
Oliver’s phone chirped and he glanced at the message. “Vlad is here. Time to go, dear brother. Let this be a new start for you. Ryleigh, I’ll be right back.”
Jonah looked over his shoulder as he walked away. “Goodbye, Ryleigh. I wish this meeting was under better circumstances.”
“Maybe you can join us for our wedding,” I called.
“That would be nice.”
“We’ll see,” Oliver said tersely. “Let’s go.”
Oliver led Jonah out of the penthouse. I took the ice bag off my wrist and moved it around. It felt better but it was slightly black and blue. I hoped I didn’t break a bone. Oliver came back a few minutes later.
“Everything go all right?” I asked.
“As good as can be expected.”
“What was that all about?”
Oliver ran his knuckles gently over my cheek, his touch a mix of comfort and concern. “Nothing you should worry about. I have my security team looking into everything,” he said, his voice steady.
I looked up at him, searching for reassurance. “Vlad?”
“No,” he replied, shaking his head slightly. “This is my IT security team. They need to clear up a few things for Jonah.”
I bit my lip, a habit I hadn’t quite managed to break when I was nervous. “And the other problem?”
“Again, none of your concern,” he said firmly, but not unkindly. “Do you want to shower?”
I shook my head, needing more than just a quick rinse. “I’d rather take a bath.”
Oliver’s eyes softened. “Do you want me to join you?”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Would you?”
“Of course,” he said immediately. “I feel guilty about what happened.”
I brushed off his concern, though my wrist still throbbed. “I’m fine. My wrist will be okay.”
“It’s not just about today. I should have shipped Jonah off sooner. The island is remote. No one would know he was there,” he said, his voice tinged with regret.
“It’s not your fault. He’s been disappointing you forever,” I reminded him, hoping to ease his guilt.
“I know, but he’s still my brother. This situation has escalated, and I can’t let it go any longer. I needed to intervene,” he said, his tone resolute.
He kissed me on the cheek and gently tucked my hair behind my ear.
“I look horrible,” I murmured.
“You’re always beautiful. Jonah said I was very lucky,” he replied, his eyes locking onto mine.
“He looks like you,” I noted, trying to lighten the mood.
“Yes, he does. I wish he acted like me too,” he sighed.
“Maybe this will be his chance to get it together. I know you want a relationship with him,” I said softly.
“I have one,” he corrected me. “A volatile one.”
“It could change. Aren’t you worried he’ll head to St. Croix and get into trouble?”
“My staff has strict instructions not to transport him off the island without my permission. If he wants to go to St. Croix, he has a long swim ahead of him,” Oliver said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day’s events pressing down on me. “I want to take my bath now.”
Oliver took the ice bag from my hand and dropped it into the sink, placing the black checkered dish towel on the counter. He led me into the bathroom and sat me gently on the vanity, turning on the water.
“Which bath beads do you want?” he asked, already moving towards the closet.
“Lime basil if you have it,” I replied, craving the soothing scent.
He found the container and added some to the water. Within moments, the fragrance filled the bathroom, a welcome distraction. Oliver planted soft kisses on my face, whispering apologies about my wrist. When the tub was filled, he undressed quickly and helped me in first, then slipped in behind me, holding me close.
"Sweetheart, how are you feeling?" Oliver's voice was tender, filled with concern.
"Oliver, stop feeling guilty. It happened. I’m more worried that I was exposed to your brother," I replied, trying to make him understand that my embarrassment was the real issue.
"Exposed?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"My robe opened. I’m sure he got a good eyeful," I explained, feeling a flush of humiliation creep up my neck.
Oliver's expression hardened slightly. "If he did, he’ll be the last man to see you naked."
"That’s not funny. It’s embarrassing," I said, wishing I could forget the whole ordeal.
“That should be the least of your worries," he said, trying to downplay the incident.
I turned to my side, curling up and placing my head on Oliver’s chest. He wrapped his arms around me, his fingers tracing soothing patterns along my spine. A minute later, he began to sing softly.
"You sing?" I asked, surprised.
"Sometimes," he admitted with a small smile.
"You have a nice voice," I told him, genuinely impressed.
"Thank you. Not too many people know I can sing."
"Do your friends?" I asked, curious about this hidden talent.
"Of course. We used to go to karaoke bars as a joke when we were younger," he said, chuckling at the memory.
"I guess the joke was on them," I teased.
"They’re all horrible. Dax is tone-deaf and Wilmer always tries to sing songs that his voice isn’t suited for," he said, shaking his head.
"Sing some more," I requested, closing my eyes to better absorb the richness of his voice as he sang a love ballad. His voice was smooth and rich, a balm to my frazzled nerves.
We stayed in the tub until the water started to cool. Oliver slipped out first, quickly wiping away the leftover bubbles and excess water. He lifted me out and wrapped me in his robe, the warmth and scent of him enveloping me.
It was well after 3 p.m. by the time we emerged from the bathroom, and my stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since the night before. The container of crab salad that was almost a constant in Oliver’s refrigerator was calling my name. I pulled on a pair of socks and padded down the hall to the kitchen, leaving Oliver as he got dressed.
I opened the refrigerator, located the crab salad, grabbed a fork, and struggled with the top. Oliver came to my rescue, popping it off with ease so I could dig into the delicious seafood.
"I guess the day kind of got away from us," he remarked, watching me with amusement.
"I only woke up a few hours ago—abruptly, might I add," I said, reminding him of the chaotic morning.
Oliver sheepishly grinned. "I can’t apologize enough."
"Don’t sweat it, babe," I said with a grin.
He returned my smile and busied himself making a thick roast beef sandwich on rye bread, then we headed to the living room to watch television. It was just another lazy Saturday, aside from the earlier drama.
I started the work week with an ace bandage wrapped around my wrist. It had stiffened up when I went to sleep on Saturday evening, which hampered our lovemaking. Oliver insisted we pass for the night and did the same on Sunday, making me grouchy. Sex with him was like a drug to me—the more we had it, the more I craved it.
Monday brought a cascade of problems. First, there was an issue with the permits for the project in Los Angeles with the Ryders. If they were delayed, money would be wasted. Oliver placed a few calls and managed to get them pulled, keeping the project on schedule.
Next, a shipment of parts from an overseas factory was held at customs. These parts were crucial for completing machinery at one of his plants. Again, a phone call from Oliver seemed to smooth things over. His influence extended far and wide and watching him navigate these challenges was a turn-on.
By late afternoon, my core was swollen and wanting. My clit ached and throbbed. I tried to think of other things, but two days without sex and watching Oliver conduct business was just too much to bear. I felt like a bitch in heat, and I wanted him. I had been sitting in my office, reading through some reports, when I decided I couldn’t take it any longer.
I went to Oliver’s office, finding him pacing with his earpiece attached as he conducted a conference call. I quietly closed the door and began to disrobe. He glanced up at me, frowned, but kept talking as if nothing unusual was happening.
I watched his smooth hands move through the air as he spoke, his sapphire eyes locked onto me as I removed my ivory blouse, then my black skirt. I was down to my powder blue bra and thong when he concluded his call.
He ripped out the earpiece, throwing it onto the desk. It skidded underneath some papers. “What are you doing?” he demanded, his voice low and strained.
“You’re going to fuck me right now. I can’t take it anymore,” I said, my voice shaking with need.
He crossed his arms, muscles straining against the blue oxford cloth. “Take what?”
“We haven’t had sex in two days, and watching you all day is just too much,” I confessed, my eyes pleading with his.
“What you’re asking for is very inappropriate for the office,” he said, his tone stern.
I reached back and unclasped my bra, yanking it off my arms. My breasts tumbled out of the lace, and my nipples hardened to peaked rosebuds. Oliver’s eyes traveled up my body, settling there.
“Take it all off. I want you naked,” he commanded, his voice thick with desire.
“I thought this was inappropriate for the office,” I teased, a smirk playing at my lips.
“It is, but you started it,” he growled, striding to the door. He flicked the lock and then opened his black leather belt. The bulge in his pants was begging for release. I slid my panties down my legs, kicking them toward him. Oliver caught them in his hand, put them to his nose, then shoved them in the back pocket of his gray slacks.
The air between us crackled with tension as he closed the distance, his hands moving to my hips, lifting me onto the edge of his desk. Finally, we would satisfy this burning need.
“I’m naked, now what?”
He didn’t say anything as he opened his slacks, revealing his black boxers. His cock was pressing against the fabric. I held my breath until he tugged them down, letting his shaft spring free. We stood there looking at each other. I wanted him so badly, but I didn’t want to be the one to make the first move. As if reading my mind, Oliver came to me, took my good hand and placed it on the hot velvet skin of his penis.
“Stoke.”
I wrapped my hand around him and gently moved my hand up and down while he fondled and kissed my breasts.
“I need you,” I whispered.
His blue eyes darkened. “And you’ll have me but on my terms.”
“My wrist hurts,” I whined.
Olive smiled wickedly. “Trying to manipulate me, Miss Stewart?”
“Is it working?” I asked with hope.
“Not in the least.”
I knew he was full of shit because I could hear his respiration pick up as I stroked him. I bent my head down to lick the head of his cock, but he stopped me.
“Do that and we won’t be having sex.”
“What? Why?”
“I have exactly twenty minutes before my next call.”
I smirked. “Wouldn’t it be fun for me to suck you off while you’re on it?”
“No, it wouldn’t be fun since I need to concentrate.”
I raised my eyebrows. “You seemed to do fine while I was undressing.”
“That’s a bit different than my dick in your mouth.”
“Then fuck me before I get myself off.”
Oliver smirked and crossed his arms. I kept stroking him and it was a battle of wills. When he made no moves, I let him go, moved to the couch and lifted my legs so my heels were balanced on the edge. I could see Oliver’s eyes widen as his pupils dilated. I was open and exposed when I placed my fingers on my clit and began to rub.
He just stood there as if frozen to where he stood. His cock bobbed when he shifted his hips, and it made me wonder if he was experiencing the same ache in his balls that I had in my core. I closed my eyes as I grew close to release. Oliver had other ideas and just before I came, he approached, pushing my hand away causing me to mewl in protest.
“Fuck. I was ready to come.”
“You’re not coming unless my cock is inside you,” he growled.
He knelt, placed his shaft at my entrance and thrust into me. I let out a loud groan as he filled me, stretching my walls with his organ. Oliver grabbed my knees with his hands and fucked me hard, slapping his balls against my ass. It felt so good, especially when he latched onto my left nipple and sucked.
“Oliver,” I moaned.
“That’s it. Come for me.”
He didn’t need to ask because I was there and a few seconds later, I let out a squeal as I began to come. He didn’t stop, hammering me like I was the head of a nail.
“You just keep pushing me until you get what you want,” he hissed.
“You don’t have to give in,” I said, panting loudly.
“I do because I love you so much.”
Oliver ground his teeth, grunting as the first spurt of hot semen hit deep inside me followed by several others. He continued to move even after he completed, gently rubbing my clit.
“You don’t have to.”
“Shut up, Ryleigh. I want to.”
I sagged against the back of the couch until my second orgasm went off like fireworks. When I finished, Oliver leaned over to kiss me before he pulled out. He once again became the CEO of Fox Asset Corporation, washing himself in the bathroom and closing his pants. Five minutes later he was sitting at his desk preparing for his conference call while I was like a boneless bowl of jelly.
“Sweetheart, get dressed,” Oliver prodded.
“I’m numb.”
He chuckled. “I can’t have you distracting me, and I need you to listen in on this call.”
I reluctantly rose, gathering my clothes from the floor and heading into the bathroom to right myself. I would have loved to take a shower, but there was no time, so I settled for cleaning myself with a washcloth. As I looked in the mirror, I tried to straighten my hair back into a tight ponytail, wishing I had more time to freshen up.
When I emerged, Oliver was already dialing the phone. He gestured for me to sit in one of the gray cushioned chairs in front of his desk. I smoothed my skirt and sat down, listening intently to the conversation.
The discussion was about the software company Oliver had purchased a few months back. Employees were threatening to quit due to unbearable working conditions. He was speaking with the plant manager, Gabe Locke.
“What exactly is the issue?” Oliver asked, his voice steady, but I could see the muscle in his jaw tighten.
“They want higher wages and a better working environment,” Gabe replied, his tone fraught with tension.
“And what did you say?” Oliver pressed.
“I told them I would have to speak with you.”
Oliver exhaled loudly. “Gabe, I put you in charge to handle situations like this.”
“I understand, but I can’t authorize wage increases without your say so.”
Oliver's frustration was palpable. “I’d like to see the books.”
“Everything is under control as far as capital expenditures,” Gabe stammered.
“I still want to review the books. I can have my audit team there tomorrow.”
“It will take some time to get the accounting together.”
“It shouldn’t. That’s what Accountware is for.”
Gabe stumbled over his words, but Oliver kept pressing until he reluctantly agreed. Oliver's face reddened with anger as he curtly disconnected the call, jabbing his finger on the button to end it.
“Fucker,” he muttered under his breath.
“Oliver?” I ventured, sensing the storm brewing within him.
He looked up at me, his deep frown darkening his features. “I already know the irregularities with the plant. I’ve had my auditors keeping an eye on the situation for a few weeks now. The books aren’t balanced as they should be. I had our IT team log into the system so my accountants could figure out the issue. Nearest I can tell, Mr. Locke is embezzling.”
I put my hand over my mouth in shock. “Why are you letting it go on?”
“Evidence,” he said simply. “Are you up for a trip to Seattle this evening?”
“We’re flying out tonight?” I asked, surprised.
“I’d like to give Gabe a surprise when he comes in tomorrow,” Oliver explained, his eyes hard with determination.
“Suppose he takes off tonight?” I questioned, worried about the potential escape.
“That won’t happen. I have a security team out there watching him. He hasn’t been running the plant very well. The employees dislike him, but it’s only based on his recent behavior. I have two employees funneling me information. Something is off. Mr. Locke has two choices: either he pays back the money he’s stolen, or I have him arrested and jailed for his crimes.”
I nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This trip was going to be more than just a business visit—it was a mission to bring justice.
“Who will you put in his place?” I asked.
“A long-time employee. The man knows the company well and is quite capable of handling Mr. Locke’s job. I guess he thought I was far across the country and wouldn’t find out. I always find out or I wouldn’t be where I am.”
I licked my lips. “I’m impressed and a little aroused.”
Oliver leaned back in his chair. “You’ll have to hold that thought until we’re in the air.”
“We’re taking the jet with the bedroom?”
“Yes. Would you like to join the six mile high club? You couldn’t last time we flew.”
“I might be convinced,” I said with a smirk.
He quirked an eyebrow. “You’ve become insatiable lately.”
“Because of you. You make me crazy.”
Oliver chuckled. “No, I make you horny, Miss Stewart. You’ll need to learn to control that fire. I can’t interrupt my day to service you all the time.”
I snorted. “You make it seem as if I’m a nymphomaniac.”
“Close to it. Eventually, I’ll have to hide from you.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Is that a joke?”
“Of course it is.”
I laughed and rose from the chair to head back to my office. I wanted to check my emails even though most of what I got was from Oliver.