Chapter 18
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling and take the pen he left on top of the paper.
He laughs as he writes his next line.
“Good morning, team.” Damen barrels into the room; he's a ball of energy this morning. Placing his palms flat on the desk, he takes us all in, but his gaze pauses when he reaches me and Marcus. “These two are the reason we’re top of the ratings again this month.” A blush creeps up my neck at his comment.
“The sports world is buzzing and not just because the Premier League has started again. So…” He stands tall.
“You two are to be permanent hosts on the main events every weekend.” Cheers erupt around the room.
I’m completely lost for words, and Marcus’s jaw is hanging slack.
“And on top of that,” Damen brings his eyes back to us, quieting down the room with his powerful voice, “I need you both to dig out your passports as you’ll be our main reporters on the European tournament. You’re heading to Madrid.”
Turning to Marcus just as he turns toward me, he mirrors my shocked expression, just as the room erupts again, louder this time.
What the fuck is going on?
“Now settle down, everyone.” Damen waves his hands to calm the room. “This is big. You’ll have special guests from across Europe from both female and male teams. We have a lot to discuss, so if you both can join me in my office after today's meeting?”
“Yes.” We both chorus as we turn our gazes away from each other and back on the man who has literally given me the career break and step up I never saw coming.
“Now that little nugget is out of the way, we can get on to other matters. We’ve been asked to attend the Sunset Gala at the Winter Hotel in a few weeks.
I need you all to attend. There’ll be plenty of influential people there that we need to keep on the network's side, so this is an important event. I don’t think I need to expand on that except to say, be on your best behavior. ”
“No flashing then, Chambers,” Marcus mumbles out the corner of his mouth.
“Thinking of my tits again, Diaz?” I mutter back while tapping on my iPad, and he huffs out a laugh. “I wouldn’t blame you. They are spectacular.” Placing my iPad back down on the desk, I raise my hand. “Damen?”
“Yes, Chambers?”
“Do we get a plus one to this gala?”
“Of course. Any more questions?” The room falls silent. “Great, well, I’ll let you all get on. Chambers? Diaz? My office, five minutes.” Nodding, I go to stand, but Marcus clamps his hand around my wrist, pulling me back down.
“What are you doing?” I glare as I yank my hand out of his clutches.
He looks around the room and, after checking everyone but us has left, he turns his body toward me as his deep brown eyes assess me, making me shift a little in my seat. “You got someone to take to this gala?”
“Was thinking of asking Harris.” A satisfied grin graces my lips as his brow furrows.
“You like him?”
“What’s not to like? He’s funny, intelligent.
I can talk to him all night about sport, and he doesn’t roll his eyes, and have you seen the man?
There is a reason he was voted sexiest man of the year.
” I close my eyes and release a small moan to emphasize my point.
“Those thighs.” I open my eyes, bringing my face close to his and whisper, “Perfection.” A growl escapes Marcus, and before I know what is happening, he has his large, strong hand wrapped around my throat.
I should be petrified, but my body heats at his touch.
Jesus, what is wrong with me?
“You know what is perfection? The way your throat feels under my touch.” I resist the moan that is threatening to escape from his dominant grip.
“The way your eyes have come alight, begging me to tighten my hold.” As he moves towards the shell of my ear, I’m assaulted by his deep bergamot scent, a blush creeping up my chest. My eyes close on instinct.
“The way you’ll one day surrender to me.
” Nipping my earlobe, he whispers, “Perfection.” As quickly as it happened, he removes his hand, and my eyes fly back open.
He stands and buttons up his suit jacket as he walks towards the door.
“I’ll see you in Damen’s office.” I’m too stunned by what has happened and his quick change to say anything.
“Oh, and Chambers?” He holds the door handle in his hand as he turns towards me.
“Harris couldn’t handle a woman like you. ”
Finally, finding my words, I snap back. “And you could?” Crossing my arms over my chest, I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m not gentle. I scratch and I bite.”
The look in his eyes is challenging, as desire rushes through my veins. “You’d also crawl and beg for me, Petardo.” And with a wink, he disappears, leaving me frustrated, shocked, and a lot turned on.