Bind (13 page)

Helene squeezed Lara’s hand. “What you’re trying to do is admirable, but sometimes walking away is for the best. You owe BHI nothing. You can start your own business or become CFO for another company. You’ve got mad talent, my girl. Don’t let it be buried.”

Though she appreciated what her mother was saying, Lara’s sense of duty wouldn’t let her walk away. All the days at BHI with her father, all the studying, years of schooling, all were to one end, helping her father succeed.

“You can only help people who want to be helped,” Helene added as if reading Lara’s mind.

Her mother had learned that lesson, Lara knew.

Lara moved the conversation away from work. “You have your ladies’ soirée today?” She suspected her mother realized it was a defensive tactic, but she didn’t argue.

“Today we’re having a mixer. We’ll be having men in attendance.”

“Oh?” The information startled her. “Anyone in particular?”

“We’re not particular. As long as they’re single and rich. Well, knowing how to dance is nice. Nice, but not necessary.”

Lara hadn’t ever considered that her mother might eventually want to date again. After leaving Pernell, she’d started traveling with friends, and she’d even taken the desired trip to Australia. “Mom? Is there something you’re not saying?”

“You’ll be the first to know, darling.” But she looked into the depths of her wine.

At least Lara was temporarily distracted from her own problems.

Her mother picked at her salad and skipped dessert, which told Lara plenty. But it also kept Helene from mentioning how little Lara ate.

Over coffee, Helene said, “You know, Erin’s mother, Angela, might like to join us in future. I should invite her.” She pulled out her phone and recorded a voice message to do just that. “Could be good to have her as a friend.”

Lara went still. From her mother’s standpoint that made a lot of sense, but she wasn’t sure she liked the idea of the two of them being friends.

“I’m sure one of the ladies has her number. If not, I’ll have you get it from Erin.”

Helene picked up the check, then they said their goodbyes.

By the time Lara arrived back at the office, she only had time to respond to a few emails before grabbing her briefcase and going back to the lobby to meet April.

The woman was already parked in front of the building, standing on the curb with the back door open.

There were parts of Connor’s need to control things that she could get accustomed to, maybe even appreciate, Lara realized. “Good afternoon, April.”

“A pleasure, Ms. Bertrand,” she replied before closing the door.

After asking to be sure the car’s interior was a comfortable temperature, April eased into traffic.

It took little more than five minutes to reach the building that housed Donovan Worldwide.

April said she was at Lara’s disposal. After thanking her, Lara went inside the building.

No matter how calm she pretended to be, nerves swarmed Lara as she rode the elevator. As she waited for it to stop and the doors to open, an odd feeling settled over her. She’d made this trip twice in two days. As Connor’s wife, his sub, it might not be that unusual. The idea of calling him husband seemed intimate, frightening, exhilarating, all in one.

Again with confidence she didn’t feel, she exited the elevator then walked toward Connor’s office. Unlike yesterday, Thompson stood to greet her when she arrived in the reception area.

“The biscotti was a nasty lie, something just to entice me, wasn’t it?” she asked him.

“Not at all. I baked it last night.”

“You…” She opened her mouth, stunned. This big, burly former military man brewed the best coffee on the planet, and he baked? But instead of finishing her sentence, she said, “Impressive.”

“I have many talents, Ms. Bertrand.”

“As I’m learning. But aren’t they complicated to make?”

“Time consuming,” he replied. “Helped that I had all the ingredients on hand.”

She was moved in a way she rarely was. That he’d gone out of his way for her, that he assumed—or knew—she’d be back, that he was giving his tacit approval to her, touched her. “I’m not quite sure how to thank you.”

“By eating them,” he said with a big grin.

“I shall. Ah… Is Mr. Donovan available?”

“He is. Said to send you right in.”

The anxiousness that had settled somewhat suddenly took flight. Yesterday, Thompson had walked with her. Today, it was as if she were a regular guest.

“Decaf or regular?” Thompson asked.

“Decaf, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all.”

She pulled back her shoulders and knocked before entering Connor’s office.

The sight of him all but stopped time.

He was back in professional dress, wearing a charcoal suit that was so dark it was nearly black. His white shirt was starched, and his tie was a contrasting silver. His eyes were a shade lighter than his suit, and his smile was as broad as it was welcoming. How could she resist him?

It took her a moment to realize he wasn’t alone.

Connor stood, and so did his guest. Even if she hadn’t seen a picture of Nathan, she would have recognized him.

“Lara,” Connor said, coming around his desk. “Welcome.”

She hadn’t been sure of her reception, but he took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. Stress and anxiety faded as she leaned into him. How did he manage to simultaneously make things so difficult and yet so easy for her?

“People will believe this is real if you keep that up,” Nathan said.

Connor stepped back. With a slight frown, he said, “Lara, I apologize for this ill-mannered lout. My younger brother, Nathan.”

Nathan’s grin was relaxed, making it impossible to take offense at his words.

“I kicked him out five minutes ago, but he’s used every stall tactic available so that he could drag out the meeting long enough to run into you.”

Unapologetically, he shrugged. “Erin speaks highly of you, and so does Connor. I had to meet you.” He extended his hand.

She put down the bag and took it—his grip was strong, but not overly so…welcoming.

Conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Thompson.

He put down the tray on the small table. After pouring a cup for Lara, he carried it and a biscotti to her.

“No cream and sugar?” Nathan asked.

“The lady is tough,” Thompson replied.

Nathan and Connor exchanged shrugs.

“Cup for you, Mr. Nathan? I did bring cream.”

“My brother was just leaving,” Connor said.

“Can I have one of those cookies?” Nathan asked.

“It’s a biscotti,” Thompson corrected. “Chocolate chip or almond?”

“Both.”

Connor sighed and took his seat behind the desk. Nathan sat back. Enjoying the exchange, Lara hid her grin behind the cup. It appeared that Nathan was just as stubborn as his brother, and she liked that.

“Are you still jittery from earlier, sir?” Thompson asked as he gave Nathan a cup, saucer and a small pile of biscuits.

“I’m switching to Scotch,” Connor said. “And that doesn’t go with cookies.”

His annoyance was charming, showing her the dynamic with his family and employee. He might be a bit sarcastic, but he wasn’t short or unkind.

Lara dunked her biscotti in the coffee and savored the bite. “I was serious yesterday. If you’re ever looking for a new job, please call me. Name your price.”

“Thompson, contact Erin. In fact, bring the lawyers in. I need to amend your employment contract. I want the option to match any other offer you receive.”

Thompson grinned before leaving, closing the door behind him.

“And as for you, future wife, we can change our agreement, as well. There shall be no stealing my employees.”

“What’s yours is ours, I thought?” she replied cheekily.

“You’re fortunate we have company.”

“Oh, go ahead,” Nathan encouraged. “I’ll enjoy the show.”

“Why are you still here?” Connor asked. “Other than eating my cookies and drinking my coffee?”

Unapologetically, Nathan took a bite from his second biscotti.

“When you arrived, Nathan was reminding me that we have a family get-together on Sunday morning for my mother’s birthday. We think it’s a good idea for you to accompany me.”

She put down her cup and saucer and glanced between the brothers. As much as she might have preferred to keep the discussion between them, she realized there were very real strategic considerations. No matter how much she’d thought she’d prepared for this, she couldn’t have thought through everything. “We have some details we need to work through,” she replied, making no promises.

“There’s my cue to leave,” Nathan said.

“There’ve been many that you’ve missed,” Connor replied.

“Oh. You wanted to be alone? Why didn’t you say so?” After shooting her a disarming grin, he finished his coffee. “Hope to see you Sunday, Lara.” Any further conversation was cut off when Connor showed Nathan out.

This time, the door was closed and locked with a decisive click.

He returned and moved aside the chair Nathan had been sitting in. Connor propped his hips on the edge of the desk with his legs spread. “Now, come here.” He pointed to a spot directly in front of him. “Let me greet you properly.”

She wanted to object. They hadn’t hammered out their agreement. Getting ensnared by him put her in a worse bargaining position. Then she told herself that it was too late. She was already captivated by him.

“Come here, sub.”

“I’m not your submissive.”

“Yet.”

Letting the objections die unspoken, she did as he requested.

“Good,” he approved. He put his hands on her hips and drew her a bit closer. “Kiss me.”

Lara wondered if she was capable of denying him anything.

He claimed her lips.

His first touch was a soft, sensual joining that demolished her resistance. It was sweet with the promise of tenderness.

Then, that accomplished, he threaded a hand through her hair so he could cradle her head while holding her captive. He plunged his tongue into her mouth, tasting, exploring, demanding her surrender.

Even if she wanted to withhold it, her body would betray her. She
wanted
him.

He tasted of determination as he all but fucked her with his tongue. Her knees weakened and she leaned into him for support. Since he hadn’t told her otherwise, she held onto him, grabbing handfuls of his silk suit. As always his support was absolute.

She was unable to breathe, unable to think. The only thing she recognized was her total capitulation to him. The more he gave, the more she wanted.

When he finally ended the kiss and drew away, she released him. She pressed her fingers to her mouth, not because he’d been too rough but because she wanted to remember the exquisite sensations.

“How’s your ass?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Any pain from yesterday’s spanking?”

The only thing she’d received from that was a restless night as the memories had tormented her. It had hurt, but in a way that had left her woozy for more. He was brilliant, she conceded. He only gave her enough to keep her curious. “I’m fine.”

“Show me.”

She knew it would be useless to ask him to repeat what he’d said or to question the order. Connor Donovan always meant what he said. She could argue with him, insisting that she wouldn’t do anything until they’d sorted out things between them. But what would that gain her?

A newly found devilish part of her personality drove her on. Each experience she’d had with him was hot.

“I’m waiting,” he prompted her.

Slowly, she turned. She pulled her hem up around her waist.

“Fuck me.”
He sucked in a breath. “Panties over the garter straps. You dressed that way on purpose.”

Yes, she had.

On that long-ago trip to the lingerie store, she’d bought a black bra, garter belt and matching panties set. She’d added several pairs of stockings. Until this morning, they’d remained at the bottom of her lingerie drawer.

Connor’s reaction to her unusual boldness made her giddy.

He stroked her buttocks then skimmed the insides of her thighs, stopping just millimeters from her pussy.

Her breath caught.

“There’s not even a single mark. No reminders.”

“No physical marks.” She looked at him over her shoulder. “But I have plenty of memories.”

“Do you?”

His eyes were narrowed, and she felt the sensuality simmer between them.

“Shall I give you some more?”

When he’d said that he’d make her beg, she’d scoffed at the idea. But need was becoming its own, clawing thing. “Yes,” she whispered.

“Ask.”

“Mark me.”

In response, he growled then pulled down the bikini panties. His gruffness caught her off guard, turned her on.

She stepped out of the silk and lace underwear, and he wadded them into a ball which he stuffed into his pocket. “I may need to go shopping if you keep confiscating my underwear.”

“Feel free to bill any lingerie to me.”

With his thumb, he outlined the straps of her garter belt, igniting her skin, arousing her. In unspoken plea, she spread her legs.

Accepting her invitation, he pressed a finger to her clit then gently began to move back and forth.

She clenched her hands on the top of the desk.

“You’re so very responsive, little Lara.”

Until him, it had never been like this.

Deep inside, an orgasm took form. But before she could climax, he pulled back and slapped her right ass cheek, striking from the bottom up. There was pain, but so much more pleasure, and it heated her pussy. “Please…”

Connor leaned forward and bit the side of her neck.

“My God,” she cried out.

He put a hand across her mouth before slapping her left buttock. That one would leave a mark, she was sure.

By slow measures, the man was driving her mad. “Now, now, now…”

“Yes.” He plunged two fingers inside her, and he pumped them hard and fast.

Thrusting backward and grinding against him, she sought more. The combination of her scalding ass and the way he tormented her pushed her over the edge. She came, the explosion ripping through her. She screamed, but the sound was muffled by his palm.