When He Was Mine (Sly Fox #2)

Chapter 1

I woke from a deep, dreamless sleep, my arm instinctively reaching out to find the bed beside me empty. The last thing I remembered was Oliver’s voice, sharp and angry, carrying from the other room as he spoke on the phone. I had drifted off before I could grasp the details.

“Oliver?” I called out, my voice still groggy.

“Yes, sweetheart?” His response was immediate. My heart swelled as his handsome face appeared in the doorway, his sandy hair damp from a recent shower.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.

“You were exhausted,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “Probably from all the travel.”

“Or maybe because you keep me up,” I teased, a playful smirk tugging at my lips.

His eyes sparkled with mischief. “I keep you up? You’re not exactly innocent in that department. It’s not always me who starts things.”

“You know what I mean,” I replied, raising an eyebrow. “I might need to go back to sleeping at my apartment one night a week just to catch up on rest.”

“Why would you do that?” he asked, crossing the room to sit beside me. “We’re doing great together.”

“So I can sleep,” I said, poking his arm.

He chuckled softly. “Admit it, you sleep better with me next to you.”

I sighed, knowing he was right. Since my father’s murder, nightmares had haunted me, but with Oliver beside me, they had mostly subsided. “Yes, I do.”

“What's on the agenda today?” I asked, pushing the plush white quilt off me. The bed at Hotel SW Los Angeles was so comfortable it felt like sleeping on a cloud.

“We’re meeting one of the developers and touring the property. It’s a mess, so no heels today,” he instructed.

“That’s all I brought, except for my sneakers,” I protested.

“Then wear those,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“With a business suit?” I said with a raised aeyebrow.

Oliver rolled his eyes. “Ryleigh, lots of women wear sneakers with business wear. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in heels on a construction site.”

“If I wear heels, you’ll just have to carry me,” I teased.

He laughed, shaking his head. “That might be fun, but definitely unprofessional. Sneakers, please.”

I stuck my tongue out at him, and he chuckled. “Didn’t anyone tell you not to stick your tongue out unless you plan to use it?”

“Come here, and I will,” I purred.

“Tempting, but we’ve got an hour to get ready. Go shower. Breakfast is waiting.”

I grumbled as I stood up, opening the thick white terry robe Oliver had wrapped me in the night before. For good measure, I let it slip off my shoulders, hoping to entice him into joining me in the shower like he had the night before. But Oliver just smiled and turned away, leaving me to wash alone, my desire unquenched but the promise of a busy day ahead.

When I emerged from the bathroom, Oliver was already dressed, looking effortlessly dapper in a sharp graphite suit, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. As handsome as he was naked, clothed he was breathtaking. The tailored suit highlighted his muscular, lean frame, and his jacket sleeves strained slightly against his biceps as he moved, a sight I never grew tired of.

He sipped his coffee, engrossed in a report. On the table next to him was an almost empty plate, the remnants of his breakfast, and a small silver dome covering my meal. I lifted it to reveal a perfectly cooked cheddar cheese omelet, a side of fresh fruit salad, and crispy bacon. He knew me so well.

“Thank you,” I said, settling into the chair opposite him.

“For?” He glanced up, his eyes warm and curious.

“For breakfast. For the job. For you... just everything.”

God, I sounded like an idiot. I was gushing about him like a little girl with her first crush.

He smiled, a genuine, heart-melting smile. “You don’t have to thank me for any of it. You earned the job. As for me, you claimed my heart the minute I saw you in that graduation line. I love you, Ryleigh.”

“How did I get so lucky?” I murmured, marveling at the way he looked at me.

Oliver put down the report, his gaze intense. “It’s me who’s lucky. I waited thirty-six years for you. Honestly, I never thought I would marry.”

“I still can’t believe none of those gorgeous women you dated ever captured your heart,” I said, shaking my head.

“My heart was open, but it was waiting for you. None of those women ever meant anything compared to you,” he replied, his voice earnest and sincere.

Before I could respond, his phone rang. He excused himself and took the call in the bedroom. I picked up the report he had been reading, delving into the details of the real estate project as I ate breakfast. By the time he returned, I had finished my meal and had about half an hour to get dressed.

“Everything alright?” I asked, noticing a slight tension in his posture.

“Yes, fine. Just some loose ends at the office. It was Henri,” he replied, taking a seat.

“Why don’t I ever see the other two assistants?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“Because Henri is their boss. He handles everything directly with me and delegates the rest to them. They’re quite capable,” he explained.

“What are their names?”

“Anna and Melissa,” he answered, raising an eyebrow. “Why the sudden interest?”

“Just curious. Where do they sit?”

“In the cubicle area,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Is this what you want to discuss this morning? The assistants?”

“I’m just curious,” I repeated, shrugging.

He chuckled, reaching across the table to take my hand. “Let’s focus on getting ready. We have a big day ahead.”

I headed to the bedroom while Oliver answered the knock at the door. Our security team was here, stationed in rooms on either side of us. Vlad, the supervisor, was a man built like a brick wall with beady dark eyes. He rarely spoke to me, and I never engaged him in conversation when he drove me places without Oliver.

Quickly, I dressed in a black business suit and a sleeveless white blouse, opting for my sneakers instead of the matching black heels I preferred. I pulled my mahogany hair into a ponytail, applied a light layer of makeup, and finished with a soft pink lipstick. When I exited the bedroom, Oliver noticed my sneakers and smiled.

“Good girl.”

“Don’t patronize me,” I whispered, frowning.

“I’m sorry.”

The project site was near the ocean, a group of rotting buildings that needed to be torn down and redeveloped. The limo felt crowded despite its size. Our security team, consisting of Vlad, Trevor, Jamal, and Brenda—the only woman—sat on the two bench seats opposite each other. I’d never had a full conversation with any of them.

“Are you okay?” Oliver asked, his voice low and concerned.

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” I replied, trying to sound confident despite the knot of nerves tightening in my stomach. This project was huge, and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself by saying something stupid.

“You seemed a bit tense back at the hotel.”

“I’m not a child, Oliver. I might be fourteen years younger than you, but I’m an adult,” I snapped, my voice sharper than intended.

“I only commented on your sneakers.”

“You called me a girl.”

He pressed a firm kiss to my cheek and whispered in my ear. “I think you need some sex.”

“We had sex last night in the shower. That’s not the issue,” I whispered back, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement. The truth was, I was cranky this morning. My period was still two days from ending, and not having the freedom to make love wherever we wanted was adding to my irritation.

I turned to look out the window, watching the shoulder of the highway blur by. Oliver curled his hand around mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I smiled a little, though he couldn’t see it since I was facing the glass.

The ride continued in silence, punctuated only by the hum of the engine and the occasional murmur from the security team. As we neared the site, my anxiety began to ebb, replaced by a growing determination. This project was crucial, and I was ready to prove myself.

Oliver’s hand tightened around mine, pulling me back from my thoughts. “We’ve got this,” he said softly, his confidence steadying me.

I nodded, squeezing his hand back. Together, we were unstoppable.

A half-hour later, we arrived at the job site. The limo rolled into the cracked concrete parking lot, drawing the attention of a group of men. They waited as our security team exited first. I was the last to step out, following Oliver as he led me toward the men, all dressed in nearly identical navy-blue striped suits, white shirts, and various red ties.

Two of the men were young, probably a year or two younger than Finley’s age of twenty-seven. Their eyes lingered on me a bit too long, but Oliver, a few steps ahead, didn’t notice. When we reached the group, introductions were made, and handshakes exchanged.

The men were all related: James and Callan Ryder, the older men, were brothers, and Dillon and Rick, the younger ones, were their sons. Oliver took the lead with James and Callan, discussing business details, leaving me with Dillon and Rick. They quickly engaged me in conversation.

“Are you enjoying Los Angeles?” Rick asked, his eyes studying me.

“It’s nice. The weather’s cooler in New York, so I welcome the heat,” I replied, offering a polite smile.

“It can get pretty hot here during September. Have you had a chance to see the city?” Dillon inquired, his tone friendly.

“Not really. We just arrived yesterday evening.”

“You should come out with us, leave the old guys to handle the details,” Rick suggested with a playful grin.

“Oliver isn’t old,” I retorted, a touch defensively.

“He’s older than us and much older than you. He’s your boss. You don’t want to hang out with him. Come out with us tonight. We’ll show you a good time.”

Dillon chimed in, eager to back up Rick’s offer. “Yeah, you’ll have a blast with us.”

I could just imagine what kind of "good time" they had in mind—probably getting me drunk and trying to take me to bed.

“No, thank you,” I said politely even though I was seething.

Rick smirked. “What are you going to do, sit around your hotel room all night?”

“First off, I’m engaged,” I said, holding up my hand, the diamond ring glinting in the sunlight.

Dillion snorted. “So? Does that mean you’re strapped to your fiancé? You have a mind of your own, don’t you?”

“You didn’t let me finish. Second of all, that old guy talking with your fathers is my fiancé, and I’d rather spend my night in the hotel with him. Thank you for the offer.”

I left them standing there, jaws agape. What a couple of assholes. They reminded me of the entitled guys I’d encountered at Columbia, used to getting everything they wanted. I stuck close to Oliver, absorbing everything he said to James and Callan.

When it was time to leave, I gave a curt goodbye to the men and slipped into the limo, where our security team was already seated. As the limo pulled away, I stared out the window, trying to shake off my irritation.

“That was rude,” Oliver said, breaking the silence.

“Rude how?” I asked, genuinely puzzled.

“You could’ve offered your hand.”

“Not to those assholes,” I hissed.

His brow furrowed. “James and Callan? You know them?”

“No, their sons. They called you old and wanted to take me to a club, probably to get me drunk and have sex.”

“What exactly did they say to you?” Oliver’s tone darkened, his protective side surfacing.

“They said you were too old and that I shouldn’t want to hang out with you. They invited me out, implying I should ditch you for a good time.”

Oliver’s jaw clenched. “I’ll handle it.”

I shook my head. “No need. I shut them down pretty effectively.”

“I don’t like them disrespecting you—or me,” he said, his voice tight with anger.

I squeezed his hand. “I handled it. Let’s focus on the project. Those guys aren’t worth our time.”

Oliver nodded, his grip on my hand tightening. “You’re right. But if they bother you again, tell me immediately.”

“Of course,” I assured him. “But for now, let’s get back to the hotel. We have a lot to discuss about the project.”

As we rode back, the tension slowly ebbed away, replaced by a shared determination to make the project a success and to enjoy each other’s company, free from the distractions of entitled brats.

Upstairs in our room, I slipped into a pair of light pink shorts with "Columbia" stamped on the posterior in white block lettering and a matching short t-shirt without a bra. It was just us in the hotel room, and I didn’t feel the need for one.

Oliver paced around the living area, phone pressed to his ear. He had discarded his jacket but still wore his dress shirt and slacks. I grabbed a bottle of water from the small refrigerator and plopped onto the couch, picking green grapes from the complimentary gift basket.

“Don’t eat too many of those,” Oliver said, glancing my way as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his sleeves.

“Why? Are we going out?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not right away. I thought we’d order lunch soon. It’s almost twelve. We have a conference call at 1:30 and another at 2:30.” He paused, his eyes roaming over me. “You’re not wearing a bra, are you?”

I grinned. “No. Why do I need to wear a bra?”

“You don’t, though you’re very enticing without one.”

He sat down next to me, his fingers tracing the outline of my breast through the thin fabric. My nipples hardened instantly. Oliver’s mouth followed his fingers, sucking gently through my t-shirt. My belly clenched as I pushed his head away.

I let out a frustrated breath. “Don’t.”

“Why not?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

“Period, remember?”

Oliver’s brow furrowed. “I don’t give a shit. It doesn’t bother me.”

“It will make a mess,” I protested.

“Want to take a shower together?”

“I wanted you this morning,” I admitted, my voice tinged with desire.

Oliver raised his head, his sapphire blue eyes locking onto mine. “You didn’t say anything.”

“I didn’t think I had to. I practically pranced around the bedroom naked.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “That’s what that was?”

Oliver removed his tie, seductively slipping it through his collar before he started to unbutton his shirt.

“Oliver, sometimes you are so unaware.”

He chuckled, his fingers brushing a stray hair from my face. “I hope you know once the house on our island is built, I’ll want you naked the entire time we’re there.”

My brow furrowed. “What about the security staff? It would be embarrassing if they saw me.”

“I’m having a secondary residence built for them. They won’t be with us.”

I wrinkled my nose. “But I can’t walk around naked outside. They’ll see me.”

Oliver smirked. “Let me figure out the details. I want you in as little clothing as possible. Maybe we can take our honeymoon there.”

“Honeymoon? We haven’t even picked a date,” I protested.

He leaned back. “I spoke to Sebastian Wyatt, and the garden room at the SW in New York is ours.”

“What if there’s another event on the date we want? He can’t just bump them.”

Oliver smirked, stretching his arms on the back of the couch. “Sebastian owes me a favor. If we pick a date, that garden room is ours, no questions asked.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “How do you have that kind of pull?”

“Let’s just say it’s good to have powerful friends. So, when do you want to get married?”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that arrangement. I wouldn’t want to be bumped from my dream venue. Can’t we just find a date they have an opening?” I asked, a hint of worry in my voice.

“They have nothing for the next two years, and I’m not waiting that long to make you my wife,” Oliver said firmly.

“At this point, why don’t we just elope? Find some little chapel and get married right away.”

“Ryleigh, don’t give me that option,” he warned, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and sincerity.

“Why?” I asked innocently.

“Because I’ll take you right now to get married.”

“Even braless?” I teased, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

“Even braless,” he replied, without missing a beat. “Pick a date for our wedding and Sebastian will see that it’s taken care of.”

“It has to be next year. I have so much to do. I have no idea what type of wedding dress I want or cake flavor to choose.”

“We’ll hire someone to handle decorations and schedules. We just need to choose food, cake, music, and a few other items. The wedding planner can help us with all that. As for your dress, Rachel and Rigo Vicaria are friends of mine. I’m sure they would be happy to make you the dress of your dreams.”

I squealed, “You know Rachel Vicaria? I just read an article about her in the New York Times. She’s probably booked solid.”

“They’ll make room for your dress,” Oliver said with a confident smile.

I stared at him, amazed. “You really have connections everywhere, don’t you?”

“It’s all for you, Ryleigh. I want you to have everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”

I threw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. “I don’t need a fancy dress or a perfect venue. I just need you.”

Oliver kissed the top of my head. “And you have me, now and forever. But I want you to have the wedding of your dreams too.”

I looked up at him, my eyes shimmering with tears. “Thank you, Oliver. For everything.”

“Anything for you, my love. Now, let’s figure out a date so we can start planning our perfect day.”

“I want the summer, but we can’t go to the island during that season,” I said, contemplating.

“Why not?” Oliver asked, curious.

“Hurricanes. I’m afraid,” I admitted, a hint of anxiety in my voice.

“Don’t worry. If there’s one approaching, we get out of there. I have my own jet, remember?” Oliver reassured me.

“What about getting off the island?” I asked, wanting to cover all my bases.

“We’ll have a boat at our disposal. I can navigate one. I prefer not to.”

I was satisfied with his explanation and had to decide on a date.

“How about July thirtieth?”

“The day before your birthday?” Oliver raised an eyebrow.

“It’s a Saturday next year.”

“Then that will allow me to celebrate you twice in a row,” he said with a smile.

I laughed. “Yes, it will. Can we eat lunch?”

“You sure you don’t want to take a shower with me?” Oliver teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“If I take a shower with you, we won’t be eating lunch.”

“Hmm, maybe later then. Let me change—you look at the menu.”

After we ate lunch, we got busy with phone calls and a few emails that needed Oliver’s attention. Any chance of my plan to head to the pool was slipping away as the sun got lower in the sky, heading toward early evening.

Feeling bored waiting for him to finish, I decided to stretch out on the comfortable champagne-colored couch and take a nap. I must have dozed off, as I woke later to the sensation of Oliver’s kisses. My eyes fluttered open as he knelt next to me, his lips leaving a searing trail down my neck. I moaned softly, feeling my nipples once again harden under his touch.

“Do you want to go to the pool?” Oliver whispered against my skin.

“No. I just want you to keep doing what you’re doing,” I murmured, lost in the sensation of his touch.

He continued to lavish attention on me, his lips trailing down to my breasts, his thumb teasing my nipples. My body responded eagerly, but then a sudden realization hit me—I couldn’t.

“I… I can’t,” I whispered, feeling a pang of disappointment.

“Stop it,” I whispered.

“Stop what?” he asked.

“Seducing me. I can’t have sex.”

His brows knitted together. “I told you I don’t give a shit. It doesn’t bother me.”

“The shower is the only place we can do it.”

“Then let’s go because I can’t wait until you’re finished.”

"Oliver," I moaned, the sound muffled by the steam-filled shower.

He was fucking me so hard, my body pressed against the condensation coated glass as he pounded into me from behind. It felt incredible, each thrust sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. When he reached around and started rubbing my clit, it sent me over the edge.

"You're so snug, I love it," he grunted, his voice rough with desire.

"I'm gonna come," I gasped, my breath hitching with anticipation.

"Come on, baby, come for me," Oliver groaned, his movements becoming more urgent.

With a guttural moan, I surrendered to the ecstasy, my orgasm crashing over me like a tidal wave. I clung to the cool glass, my body trembling with pleasure as Oliver continued to thrust, his own release imminent.

As my climax subsided, Oliver pulled out and guided me to the bench seat, his strong arms supporting me. Despite my initial reluctance, I couldn't deny how much I needed this release.

Leaning against the tiled wall, I caught my breath, the steam swirling around us like a veil. Oliver stroked my wet hair away from my face, planting tender kisses on my cheeks as we basked in the aftermath of our passion.

“I love you so much, Ryleigh.” His voice was soft, filled with warmth.

Oliver was unlike any man I’d dated before and it wasn’t his financial means, it was how he looked at me when he said he loved me. It was genuine and when I heard the words, it felt like a comforting embrace.

“I love you, too,” I replied with a yawn, stretching my arms above my head.

He smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Am I boring you?”

I stifled another yawn. “Not in the least,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m just so tired lately.”

Concern flashed across his face. “Are you feeling okay?”

“It’s just from my period. I always get tired during it. Nothing to worry about.”

Relief relaxed his features. “I’m glad to hear it. I guess it’s too late to go to the pool.”

I glanced at the clock on the wall and nodded. “I would think so. Maybe tomorrow?”

“It’s a lighter day, though we have to speak with another developer,” he reminded me, leaning back against the wall.

“For the same project?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

“No, this is another building,” he clarified, running a hand through his hair.

“Why don’t you just handle the project yourself? You certainly can afford it,” I pointed out, giving him a puzzled look.

He sighed, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I want the projects, but I don’t want the financial burden. It wouldn’t be prudent to devote a good chunk of funds to two projects. Working with other developers allows me to diversify in other areas.”

I nodded slowly in understanding. “That makes sense.”

“Yes, it does,” he agreed, a hint of pride in his voice. “I’ve done this for years. It helps to develop positive relationships with those in the same field. I don’t want to be hated or deemed greedy.”

“Does that worry you?” I asked, tilting my head slightly.

“That I’ll be hated?” He paused, considering. “Yes. I thought someone with your wealth wouldn’t care.”

“Some of the companies I’ve worked with have needed a helping hand. I don’t mind offering it. I had help when I was coming up, and I’m simply paying it forward. I’m respected as a businessman. There are others whose business practices are despicable. I don’t want to be grouped in that category,” he explained, his tone serious.

I reached out, taking his hand in mine. “That’s why I love you. You’re not just a businessman. You’re a good man.”

Oliver grinned wickedly. “Am I?”

“A pervert in bed but a decent man in the office.”

“Pervert? Take that back.”

“What will you do? I’m already wet and naked.”

“I’ll think of something. Let’s get finished so we can rest.”

We washed each other and a few minutes later, we were wrapped in the thick white terry cloth robes supplied by the hotel. We went over a few things for tomorrow before Oliver called it quits.

“Do you want to get dressed and have dinner out?” he asked.

I yawned again, not interested in getting dressed to go out. “No. I prefer to stay inside if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind. We can order dinner whenever you want.”

I reclined on the couch. “In a little while.”

“Fine. I want to call Sebastian about the date.”

Oliver went into the bedroom, closing the door while I sat on the couch and turned on the television. I must have fallen asleep because Oliver woke me as he stroked my cheek with his knuckles.

“How did it go?” I asked sleepily.

“We have our date without bumping anyone, as long as you don’t mind having a night wedding.”

“I don’t mind… But how late are we talking?”

“Five to whenever.”

“Oh, it’ll still be light out in July at that hour. I’m fine with that.”

Excitement curled in my belly. This was becoming real. We had a date and a venue. Everything was happening so quickly.

“I’m glad. Sebastian has a wedding planner you can work with. I’ll call Rachel and Rigo when we get back to New York.”

My fiancé was making this easy. When I was a girl, I always thought of how my wedding would be and all the work it would take to create the perfect day. But with Oliver, it was coming together with little effort at all.

“Now we just need to decide on the honeymoon,” I said, looking over the wedding plans.

“I said the island,” he replied, a determined glint in his eyes.

“You only have ten months to build an entire place,” I reminded him, eyebrows raised.

“Do you underestimate me?” He crossed his arms, a playful challenge in his tone.

“No, but it’s pretty tight,” I admitted, leaning back in my chair.

He leaned in closer, confidence radiating from him. “I can do anything with the right amount of motivation and employees. It will be done.”

Before I could respond, he plopped down next to me and pulled me onto his lap, cupping my breast through the terry cloth of my robe.

“Hey, unhand me,” I protested, swatting at his hand.

“It’s hard to concentrate knowing you’re naked under this robe,” he said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Control yourself,” I said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

“I’ll try, but it’s never easy with you around,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

“I’m glad I’m so irresistible,” I teased, a smile tugging at my lips.

“I’m glad no one else finds you as irresistible,” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

“Maybe they do,” I replied, my voice light but my heart pounding.

“Who?” he demanded, eyes narrowing.

“I don’t know,” I lied, avoiding his gaze. I did know. Ty was in love with me and wanted what I had with Oliver, but I would never tell my fiancé that piece of information.

“Whoever is out there can’t have you. You’re mine,” he declared, his grip tightening slightly.

“Possessive asshole,” I murmured under my breath.

“You seriously did not just call me that,” he said with a smirk, eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Maybe I did,” I said, challenging him with a grin of my own.

Oliver chuckled and put me back on the couch next to him.

We spent the next few days bouncing between meetings and lunches, never quite making it to the pool. By the time we returned to New York, I was relieved to be back home. We had one more day of work before we could finally rest for the weekend.

Oliver decided to work with both developers we had met, each for different projects. It was a smart move, diversifying our efforts and resources.

I was especially glad we never saw the younger Ryder men again. Their presence had made me uneasy, and I was worried they might do something in front of Oliver that would create a problem. Their behavior had been borderline inappropriate, and I knew I would need to develop a tougher skin and become more assertive if I wanted to succeed in a business dominated by men.

As I reflected on the past week, I realized how important it was for me to assert myself and stand my ground. The world of business was challenging, and I couldn't afford to be seen as weak or easily intimidated. I would have to learn to navigate these situations with confidence and poise if I wanted to make my mark.