Breaking All the Rules (4 page)

              “Who is Grant, Mia?” Benson strained, his spare hand petting his cock through his trousers.

              “Business,” She barely squeaked.

              “Don’t lie to me, precious. I don’t like being lied to.”

              She glanced down; startled to see his blue eyes were dark with passion and possession. Her words jumbled together in her mind. Who was Grant? She wasn’t sure she could tell herself, let alone Benson Ward. Not like this, at least, with his fingers furiously pumping in and out of her. Grant was the last person on her mind, buried beneath vivid daydreams of Benson Ward pleasing her in any way possible.

              “Ex-lover,” She finally panted.

              Benson worked quicker, as if the words ignited a fire inside him. Mia watched as his stone jaw clenched and strained.

              “He never made you feel like this, did he, Mia?”

              Well, Grant had certainly given her more orgasms than she could count… but never like Benson did. The two were like night and day, both in and out of the bed.

              “No,” Her head thrashed. “No, sir.”

              Benson’s dark eyes flashed, “You’re
mine
now, Mia.”

              At that moment she was willing to give herself fully to Benson Ward. The stone god was beneath her, ignoring his own pleasure to ensure hers. She could see the outline of his glorious cock in his pants, begging to be touched with every swipe of his fingers. Aside from a few strangled strokes through his pants, he had focused fully on her. Mia had never experienced such dedication, such possession. She was at his mercy.

              He knew it, too. He could tell by the way her body accepted his fingers, the way she shook and muttered his name under her breath. Benson Ward didn’t deny himself of anything he wanted. He wanted Mia. He wanted to taste her-

              “Mr. Ward, your four o’clock is here.”

              Letting out a groan of frustration and anger, Benson slid his fingers out of Mia, sucking on the sweet juices as he walked behind his desk and pressed the intercom button.

              “Thank you, Thomas. Have them wait ten minutes.”

              “They’ve already been waiting ten minutes, sir,” The nervous voice said from the other end.

              Benson looked at the clock. How had time slipped from them so easily? He swore and spoke back, “Miss Barnes and I are finishing the contract.” He cast a lustful gaze at her. “It’ll just be a moment. Send them into Conference Room B, please. I spilled some coffee on my desk and would prefer not to have a meeting in a dirty room.”

              “Of course, Mr. Ward. Would you like me to get cleaning to your office while you’re out?”

              “No, no,” Benson grinned. “That won’t be necessary. Thank you, Thomas.”

              He was beside Mia before she had time to blink. His mouth covered hers, and she could taste herself on his lips. It made her crave more. She sunk into the kiss, but Benson could tell her mind wasn’t there. He’d gone for a brief moment, and Mia had regained herself. She stood in a haze, wet sex exposed; panting as she mentally kicked herself for allowing herself to get swept up in their attraction. She couldn’t… wouldn’t… let herself get hurt again by someone, and Benson Ward was a man who would break her heart. He wasn’t a forever kind of guy. It was obvious by the way he carried himself, the expertise with which he pleasured her. Mia was okay with not having a forever guy, but not when they captivated her as much as Benson. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever get him out of her system.

              “Where’d you go?” He whispered roughly in her ear.

              “Thank you, Benson,” She said quietly, shuffling backwards. She bent over to slide up her jeans, ignoring his hard cock inside his pants just inches away.

              He waited until she buttoned the pants before pulling her back in, looking at her with furrowed brows, repeating, “Mia, where’d you go?”

              “I didn’t go anywhere,” She breathed, detached. “I’ve spent too much time here. I’m going to be swamped when I get back to the office.”

              “Don’t go, then,” He offered simply as he smoothed her hair down, trying to make her look presentable.

              The corners of her mouth tugged slightly, “I didn’t know you were a comedian, Mr. Ward.”

              “Benson,” He corrected, slightly frustrated.

              She stepped away and smoothed over her outfit, knowing she still looked disheveled but not caring, “I will see you opening night,
Benson
.” His name sounded like a melody as it passed through her lips.

              Mia grabbed her purse from the tufted chair and turned on her heel to walk out, but Benson had already intercepted her, coolly sliding in front of her. He raised an eyebrow and glared down at her.

              “You aren’t getting away that easily, Mia.”

              “You’re wasting time here,” She struggled. “You’ve got a meeting to attend.”

              “I’ll get there quicker if you cooperate. I’m not waiting two weeks to see you again, Mia.”

              “I don’t think you have a choice.”

              Benson chuckled, “Don’t make this difficult, precious.”

              “I told you I don’t mix business and pleasure. It’s too messy.”

              “Is that what happened with Grant?” Benson pressed.

              Mia bit her lip, not knowing whether to cry or slap him, “Please stop talking, Benson.”

              “This already is messy, Mia,” Benson stated, and then flashed a smile. “Now let me see you tonight so I can make you come more.”

              “I’m busy tonight.”

              “Tomorrow.”

              “I’m going out tomorrow night.”

              “With who?” He flared, possessive.

              Mia gritted out, “A friend. Lora.”

              “What about Saturday?” Benson was relentless.

              “Burnside is playing a gig Saturday, sorry,” She offered.

              “Damn it, Mia!” Benson’s hands balled into a fist and she flinched, trying not to make her reaction too noticeable. “I’m not going to stop until I have you.”

              He bent down and kissed her. Instead of the rough exchanges they were accustomed to, the kiss was warm and soft. Mia was surprised at the tenderness that seeped through his lips, through his hands that were now gingerly on her shoulders. Benson surprised himself with the action, as well.

              “Saturday night. 8 pm at Pluto Lounge on Houston Street. Burnside is playing, but I won’t be working, just there for support. You can find me there.”

              Benson slid back into his cocky smile, flashing a mouth of perfect teeth at her. Mia rolled her eyes and reached behind her to open the door, letting it click and fling open so they couldn’t hide, so he couldn’t get any more intimate.

              “Don’t come in a Prada suit,” She teased, her eyes dancing and a smile on her face.

              Benson followed her into the hallway, playfully admitting, “I own more than suits, Mia.”

              “What a shame. You look good in suits.”

              They reached the end of the short hall, and the room opened up. Benson could see a small group of men looking at them through the glass of the conference room and Thomas, with his curious eyes, trying hard to deny himself the pleasure of watching the two. Benson wasn’t sure if it was obvious he’d driven the woman to the brink of madness and then nursed her back to health from the comfort of his office, but he was sure it was visible that something had changed between the two.

              Mia gave a confident smile at Thomas, making his eyes dart back to his computer. Benson stifled his laugh as he followed her through the glass doors that led to the area that housed the elevator. She called the cab and turned to rest her back on the cool wall, hoping it would calm the fire that still lingered inside her. She could try all she wanted, but Benson Ward was pumping through her bloodstream.

              Despite being in the open, away from the comfort of his office, Benson pulled her in for another kiss. It was fiery and brief, and her tongue felt like was threatening to fall out onto the floor.

              “You’re under my skin, Mia Barnes,” He whispered harshly. “And I’m not sure I ever want you to leave.”

              “You say that like it’s not a bad thing,” She admitted with sad eyes.

              The elevator was waiting for her. It threatened to disappear. Mia swallowed hard and turned, keeping her eyes on the ground so she couldn’t see Benson. She waited until the cab was moving until she looked up. The modern cab didn’t offer her the warm embrace she wanted,
she needed
. She had played a dirty game and was slipping too far under. As she left the building, Mia wondered if she’d welcome the depths of the water or try to swim ashore.

              Mia could see Lora’s mouth, but she didn’t hear anything but the thumping in her own chest. She’d squirmed for two days, her stomach in knots over seeing Benson Ward. Not even her most powerful vibrator could erase his touch. The sound of her own name being repeated snapped Mia back to attention. It grounded her. She wasn’t in the clouds with Benson. She was in her apartment, a playlist of her favorite songs bouncing off the walls as Lora helped prepare her for her night out.

              “Jesus,” Lora shook her head and pushed her glasses up her nose. “I haven’t seen you so spacey since college.”

              Mia had been absent most of her life. She’d checked out at twelve when her father died in a motorcycle accident, barely making it through her mother’s desperate second marriage and the horrible things that man did to her… to her mother… to her brother. Mia ran fast and as often she could, landing herself in quite a few unfavorable situations. She arrived in New York with half a shard of decency and sanity. It didn’t take long for both of those things to disappear. Though Mia had worked hard for four years to get back to a stable place, she often found herself slipping.

              “Mia!” Lora snapped, waving her hands in front of Mia’s face. “I’m going to cancel dinner with my mom. I’m not going to leave you alone like this. It’s not safe.”

              “Your mom is here all the way from Pennsylvania, you aren’t going to leave her in your apartment alone so you can babysit me.”

              “Then come with me,” Lora begged.

              “I’m fine. I’m going to offer Burnside some support.” Mia rolled her eyes, pushing herself up off the edge of her bed and gazing at herself in the tall mirror leaned up against the wall. “Tell your mom I’m looking forward to having her cook me something delicious tomorrow.”

              Mia’s dark hair was arranged in a messy bun on the top of her head. She’d spent more time than she’d willingly admit making sure the hairs were perfectly misplaced. For her makeup, she settled on a smoky eye and a red lipstick. She opted out of one of her Burnside t-shirts, instead donning a fitting black v-neck tee that seamlessly dripped into a pair of tight black skinny jeans. Though she much preferred heels, Mia knew a venue was the last place to wear them. Instead, she reached into the back of her wardrobe and slid on a worn pair of Converse. The sight of them flooded her memories of her past, both good and bad. She made note to get a new pair of the shoes, knowing she never would.

              “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Lora admitted flatly. “But I know better than to stand in your way when you want something.”

              “What is it that I want? Enlighten me.”

              Mia was testy, on edge, and ready to sink her claws into something- anything. Lora knew the mood. She’d been on the other side of her fair share of Mia’s pointless fights. She wasn’t going to sit and subject herself to the abuse, so she stood and stifled out a goodbye before slamming the apartment door behind her. Trying to shake the fire from her eyes, Mia opened her refrigerator and popped open a beer, leaning against her counter as she choked down the drink. With bitter alcohol slowly seeping through her veins, Mia left for the venue.

              The Pluto Lounge was aptly named. The walls were lined with thick black velvet; spare a sprawling galaxy scene that spanned the entirety of one wall of the club. Upon entrance, guests are brought right up into the bar of rich woods and flavorful drinks. A few sparse tables were placed near the door. Mia had spent plenty nights nestled into the worn seats. Past the bar was a large open area that funneled into a stage, built up off the concrete floor. The same black velvet that lined the walls was tethered on the stage. On either side of the room were two V.I.P sections featuring tufted benches and large clothe tables, roped off with a bright purple rope.

              When Mia arrived, the venue was already alive with a Saturday night crowd. Though Burnside wasn’t set to play for another half hour, a health buzz of energy floated around the room as it filled with an eclectic bunch. Light music accompanied the chatter. A quick scanned didn’t reveal anyone she knew, so she approached the bar and ordered her Long Island Ice Tea. She slowly drank it, drifting around the room eager for conversation.

              “You didn’t text me when you got here.”

              Mia smiled and turned to look at Tyler. Dressed in a graphic tee and a black blazer that matched his dark jeans with a scowl on his face, he actually looked like a force to be reckoned with.
Good thing I know better than that
, Mia grinned. His foot tapped anxiously as he awaited a response.

              “I’m here off the clock, Tyler. I’m going to sit back and watch you guys do what you do best.”

              “That’s what I’m afraid of,” His face bunched up. He ran a hand through his messy locks. “Fuck, I didn’t expect this to be so stressful.”

              Mia reached out and placed a hand on his arm, unconsciously stepping closer, “You got into the business for the girls, booze and parties, right?”

              He tried fighting a smile, but it crept onto the corners of his face, “A little.”

              “Work hard and you’ll get that.”

              Tyler’s lips moved as if he was going to speak, but his face fell into a hard mask, “What the hell is he doing here?”

              Mia closed her eyes as the strong hand slipped around her waist possessively. She pulled away from Tyler and leaned into the gesture, her eyes fluttering upwards at Benson. She swallowed hard and glanced back at Tyler, now unable to read the boy’s expression.

              “I invited him.”

              “I see that, but
why
? Is it a date?” He spoke through gritted teeth.

              Mia was talking to Tyler, but her eyes were tilted up at Benson. “Mr. Ward is not the type of man to dabble in romance.” She looked back at Tyler. “He’s here because he graciously signed you guys on for his opening night without hearing a single song. I thought he might like a sample of what’s to come.”

              Benson’s words were hot on her ear, “I already had my sample. I want my full serving.”

              Tyler ignored the murmur and flush of Mia’s skin. He found Benson’s gaze and with a tight jaw nodded, “We’ll give you the best damn show of your life, sir.”

              “Save that for opening night, Mr. Abbott,” Benson flashed.

              Tyler stared at the two for a hot beat before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Mia slipped out of the hold Benson had on her and turned to look at him, not prepared for what stared back. For as good as the man looked in a suit, he looked absolutely tantalizing in his black tee that curved around the straining muscles in his neck and pulled tight on the muscles of his arm that she didn’t even know existed and relaxed jeans. The dark watch added to his assertion of power, even in a setting where he was wildly out of place. She licked her lips as her gaze drifted back up to his face. Benson returned the hungry gaze with a cocky grin.

              “I called and reserved one of the V.I.P tables for us,” He announced after a moment, his hand attaching to the small of her back.

              Mia loved the feel of his hand against her as he directed her through the crowd. The pair received stares from men and women alike, some puzzled looks and some laced with envy. Mia was sure Benson was shooting possessive stares at everyone in their path. It was comforting. She’d never been with anyone who exerted so much dominance over her. She had sought it out in partners, enjoying bringing out their deepest darkest fantasies as they had her bound in the bedroom, but they’d never carried it out into the real world. None had cleared paths for her with a possessive glance. In fact, when she was with Aaron, he had tried to lend her to his friends on the week days. He cast no more than a glance over his shoulder as his dirty friends attempted to lure her into their beds.

              “You’re lost again, precious,” Benson said, his voice showing concern as they slid into the booth and nestled into the farthest corner. “Don’t leave me so soon.”

              Mia took a long sip of her drink and set it on the table, “It’s been a weird afternoon.”

              “Oh?” Benson questioned lightly as his arm snaked around her shoulder, bringing her tight against his body. His fingertips were poison. “Let me make your worries disappear, Mia.”

              “Hold on,” She grinned with excitement as Colin Andrews, Burnside’s vocalist, slid onto the stage like it was second nature. His long blonde hair was tied back into a knot and an oversized flannel hung off his body. With one hand firmly grasping a guitar and the other on the microphone, Colin exuded pure rock appeal. That magnetic force is what drew Mia to the band in the first place. Working in the PR department at Monarch Records, she didn’t have much say (if any) in signing bands, but when she saw the band in a tiny venue deep inside the heart of New York while they were touring, she knew they had the magic ‘IT’ factor.

              “Don’t look at him like that,” Benson growled in her ear, his voice silk despite the roar of the band around them.

              “Like what?” She mused, her eyes not leaving the stage as the group played their first song.

              Benson’s strong hand grazed her jaw and directed her eyes to his face, pulled tight with jealousy, “Like you want to fuck him. You haven’t fucked him, have you, Mia?”

              “Business and pleasure,” She reminded him with a cool smile.

              An employee dipped by, dropping off a tall glass full of Jack and Coke. Benson took a drink, and Mia’s eyes watched in amazement as his neck bobbed with a swallow. She wondered how he made her attracted to the simplest things. The man took a drink and she started to get wet. What would she do the next time he touched her?

              She’d soon find out. Benson’s hand moved from her shoulder to her lap. When he rested it on her and felt the heat rising from her throbbing sex, he inhaled sharply, his cock twitching. He pressed through her jeans, welcoming the dampness that seeped through.

              “You look quite handsome tonight,” Mia gasped, her heavy eyes drifting up to catch his gaze. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you frequented these places often.”

              “I told you I own more than suits,” He said, not letting up his deep grind at her clit through her pants.

              “I didn’t know you’d look
this
good,” She admitted.

              “Would you expect anything less of me, love?”

              Benson Ward was a cocky man, and she was at his will. With his fingers teasing at her she let a simple, “Never” slip through her lips. Mia didn’t flinch as he coyly unbuttoned her jeans and slipped his hand under, expertly finding her slick sex. He inched closer and rested his head against her collarbone, his fingers slowly plunging in and out of her, stopping when he felt her teeter on an orgasm.

              “What do you want from me?” Mia finally managed to ask, her breath hard against him.

              “To touch you like you’ve never been touched. To fuck you like you’ve never been fucked. I want ravage you, and then take you some more. You’re an illness I’m not sure I want to rid myself of, sweet Mia,” Benson admitted honestly.

              “Until you grow tired of me,” She strained.

              His fingers did not stop inside her, “You said yourself earlier, I’m not a man who indulges in romance. I want you, Mia, and I will have you. Over and over again.”

              “What if I want more than an orgasm?”

              “I’ll give you twenty and then we’ll reconsider,” He spoke through his teeth. There was no time like the moment to press against her g-spot, flicking his fingers only a few times before she bit her lip and shuttered into an orgasm. “You know there is something wonderful between us. Don’t think about anything other than letting me please you.”

              She shook with another orgasm, cursing the man for being so skilled with his fingers. Benson nibbled on her ear and continued to speak, his voice hoarse, “We’re in a crowded room, and I’m making you come. Mia, do you know how hard that makes me?”

              Without asking permission, Mia extended a hand and stroked his pulsating cock through his jeans. Benson strained against her, a rough groan tumbling out of his mouth and into the depths of her soul. She couldn’t deny the wonderful whirl of electric sex that coated them. She couldn’t deny the fact that she thought about Benson Ward nearly every second of every day. She couldn’t deny how he gave her orgasms that made her head explode into a thousand colorful pieces of confetti.

              “I need to have you, Mia,” He confessed. “I need to have you, now.”

              She shook her head and sunk into another orgasm, “I’m not leaving until they’re done with their set.”

              Benson shot a look at the stage, then back at Mia. She was flush with passion. Her plump lips were beckoning for his kiss, “I don’t think you understand. I need you now.”

              Defiant, she squeezed his member through his pants, “It’ll be better later. Delayed gratification.”

              Benson’s muscles tightened, “You don’t give the orders.”