Jagged Edge (2 page)

"Well, I know you want me just as bad as I want you, I saw it in your eyes the first time you saw me, I don't need to know any more than that, just think about it..." he pulled a key chain out of his suit pocket, "here your apartment key, you can have the rest of the day off, I'm heading out, Eric will take you to your place"

"So no lunch?"

"Ha, Melissa, it is ...' he glanced at his Rolex watch "9.45am, of course we aren't having lunch" he got out the car and just before he closed the door, "tomorrow, I expect an answer" and he closed it.

The man Jared named as Eric pulled up and called to me.

"Your apartment block, Ms. Payne"

I thanked him and I left the SUV, the complex was vintage or Victorian, not at all like the pictures I was sent, I went to ask where I was but the car was gone, I looked at the keychain it read 'Luxury First Floor'.

I was already mad, he was flaunting his wealth over me, I didn't want it, but then I didn't have much choice, I inhaled, and walked up to the stone white terrace building, black railings, the door had stained glass, a red rose with fallen petals and a white ora around it, the path to it had Victorian mosaic tiles.

I entered the lobby and the place looked huge, it had magnolia walls and the mosaic tiles continued, the staircase was more spiral, with wooden handles and a red carpet, the ones that only fit the middle of the step, and had a gold bar across each dent where the step started. I looked for an elevator, didn't appear to be one and I wondered if the luxury first floor was worth all these stairs, I quickly removed my heels, knowing too well I would fall and break my neck, or into another millionaire who, and to use his own words, want to 'have' me. The thought excited me and I almost hated that it did, I reached the top step and jammed my key into the lock, I walked inside; the room was grand, an ornate ceiling rose, the ceiling was painted blue, pink, yellow, and white, so beautiful, it had an open plan style and for the age of the building was fairly modern, the kitchen had a slate counter top, and it looked expensive, red gloss cupboards and much too expensive appliances. The dinning room had a glass table, with brown leather seats, and the living area had a green sofa, with gold wheels, it looked expensive and elegant, the tv was built into the wall. I walked into the bedroom, on the bed was a card, I looked around, silk sheets, four poster bed, red walls, this rooms asked for sex. I could feel it. I picked up the note.

Melissa

Meet me at 7pm, wear something nice. Eric will pick you up.

DON'T BE LATE.

Jared Edge.

Chapter Three

I threw the card down and went back in the living room. I sat on my new sofa and looked around the space. My new salary couldn't afford this, I had seen some London flats and they were tragic. I pressed my head in my hands and wondered how I had got myself here. It was 6pm. I guess I should get ready and meet Mr. Bossy.

I took a box to my bedroom, He had me ship my stuff to the office so it was easier, I opened the one I had marked clothes, it had nothing in it, nothing at all. I panicked, what the hell was I going to wear? The words 'something nice' spewed at me, and I looked down at my poor excuse for a suit bought at the retail outlet, Peacocks. I looked around the room and I saw a bookcase in the far end, it had a book sticking out of the shelf, completely out of place. I walked over and pulled the book, just as I read the title 'John Cleland's Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure' the bookshelf moved. I laughed, without a thought, what was this? James Bond? The door opened wide, and I peered inside, I held onto the book and slowly walked through, it was dark but as my foot hit the floor the lights burst on, I looked around, dresses, shirts, jeans, trousers, shoes. I walked closer to the shoes, I looked at the inside label and gasped.

"Jimmy Choo?"

I backed away from the shoes and my hand clamped over my mouth, he did this, why? I was a little insulted, I could look after myself, I didn't want to wear any of it but I had nothing else. I walked to the dresses, so many, in every cut and colour. I chose a light green cocktail dress, it had a cut out design, with a corset around me, the skirt was made of lace, and gold. I couldn't believe what I was doing, I chose the Jimmy Choos and took a clutch handbag with what I feared was a real diamond clasp. I left my hair down, resting it over my shoulders, it was naturally wavey and it had some volume, I looked in the full length mirror and didn't recognise myself, I should appreciate this right?

I walked out of the mysterious walk in closet and I was about to close it and put the book back when I looked it over again, I flicked through the pages, my thumb hit on a picture, I dropped the book, and there it was a picture of a four person orgy, right there, two women and two men. I couldn't believe my eyes, he chose that book on purpose, I quickly shoved it back inside the book shelf and then I heard the buzz of the security system I didn't know I had. The day had gone so quickly, only this morning he asked me, if he could - and the buzzing woke my thoughts I walked to the door and saw the video intercom, I picked up the received and a picture of Eric appeared on screen.

"Ms Payne, we are ready for you"

I took a deep breath and answered

"i'll be right down".

I got to the door, and I saw the Bentley I had seen in the parking lot, it was his. I held my breath and closed my eyes, my hands were shaking, I walked out and Eric got out the car

"Ms. Payne, Mr. Edge is already in the back seat"

He opened the passenger door for me and I reluctantly got in, I saw him, his thick, luscious blond hair. His eyes dark and penetrating, he was wearing an expensive suit, a green tie, somehow matching my dress perfectly, his shirt was a pristine white, and I could see the firmness of his chest and I felt my mouth water, I knew this magnetism to him was strong and I didn't know if I could stand it, I had to remind myself to be strong and that he just wanted to use me. As I sat next to him, the heat radiated around us.

"You look beautiful, Melissa. You found your clothes, that dress makes your eyes sparkle, stunning" his velvet voice bled through me, and I hated it, the control he had, I inhaled hard and took back my thoughts.

"Jar- Mr. Edge, where are we going? Where are my clothes? Why is - the apartment isn't what we agreed" he laughed lightly and I felt offended, he laughed like he knew every word that I was going to say, it made me angry.

"Melissa, can't you just be grateful, say thank you and get over it" his voice was sharp, nonchalant, smooth.

"You didn't answer my questions, Mr. Edge" I said it harsh, whipping my tongue at him. He chuckled, amused by everything.

"No I didn't, did I" he grabbed my hand, and brought it to his lips, it was romantic, sexual and possessive. My hand was still shaking. He made me furious. I pulled my hand away.

"That's it, pull over. I don't need this, whatever you want, it isn't me, find someone else who will be your fuck buddy, it isn't me!" I shouted with venom.

"Shut up, Ms. Payne. I want you. Not someone else. You" He sounded so calm.

"Why? I looked you up before I officially accepted the position, you have women dripping off you, a new woman every week. Surely not boning me isn't really much of an issue" I tried to sound strong but my racing heart and shaking hands betrayed me.

"Because I get what I want and I like a challenge. Now, what do you want?" he sounded curious, about me, who I was.

“l want to get out of this car!” I pulled on the door handle, it was locked. He pressed the button by his seat and yelled, brash, harsh - he was angry, in fact he was fucking angry.

"Eric, keep driving till I say otherwise!" Eric didn't answer but it was clear he heard, Jared let go of the button and stared at me, so intense, so angry.

"What is your problem? What do you want, no bullshit, you want me too. What is stopping you?" His voice hit me like a brick, I felt such pressure, constricted.

"I'm not a fuck toy, you are my boss, it isn't professional" I was lying a little but I wasn't going to tell him the whole truth.

"Melissa - I said no bullshit. Tell me" His words. He was ordering me and I couldn't defy it. I wanted to. Something in me couldn't

"I'm not what you want, trust me" my voice grew small, so insecure.

"I would like to be the judge of that, please let me" he sounded so compassionate, almost caring. My eyes burned.

"Please, Jared" I couldn't do it. I can't. He smiled, his smile so sweet and alluring, he was thinking of something deep.

"Please what, Melissa? Stop trying to have you? What?" He smirked, like a game to him.

"Please let me go, I need to, I can't be this close like this to you- I can't take it" I was honest and it scratched at my heart, I hated being vulnerable in anyway, especially to him.

"Okay Mel, but I need you to join me to this benefit, as my assistant. Nothing else" He watched my response and he went to caress my cheek but dropped his hands to his side.

"Please?" I felt an ache in his voice, like it hurt him to ask, and I looked into his eyes, the darkness gone, a lost little boy stare looking back and I couldn't help it.

"Okay"

He pressed the button by his seat again

"Thank you, Eric, we can stop now."

I took a deep intake of breath and knew that I had just agreed to something I shouldn't have. Eric stopped the car and walked around to open my door, I slowly escaped the Bentley and swiftly Jared was by my side. The building was a town house, it was grand, stone build and a large expanse of the front was taken up by the intimidating large red doors. The banner above read 'Those who have felt violence, never be alone' I looked up at Jared and he was already softly gazing at me, he reached his hand to the small of my back and directed me into the door, as we entered the threshold I felt myself want to run. Jared grabbed my hand and breathed into my ear.

"Calm down, I won't let you go" how could a man who was so direct suddenly go from ordering me to soothing my panicked mind. He whisked me across the tiled white floor and introduced me to many Directors and Partners of companies that I had never heard of. After some time Jared pulled me to him, behind one of the dark columns that were scattered around the large ball room, he looked into my eyes, and I felt lost, melting in his stare, I could feel the intense magnetism, he spoke softly and sincerely.

"I don't know if this is over the line but I can't stop looking at you, so incredibly beautiful, I'm sorry I should have kept quiet"

My cheeks were painted crimson and his eyes smiled in delight, he went to touch my reddened cheek but he read the discomfort of it from my face, he backed away and the sad look he wore in the car re appeared. I needed to talk to him but not here, he sighed and let me go, he didn't touch me again and I almost felt a twinge of hurt that he was no longer trying to. I started speaking to a Canadian man, he explained the purpose of the event, how men and women have violence impact their lives and how his sister had been in a destructive relationship and how she became morose when her partner wouldn't call or when he would tell her she was worthless, I said to him how it always amazed me that these people could say they love someone they could treat so badly, how it wasn't real love. We spoke of more pleasant things and he asked about my career, I kept it light not knowing if I even had one anymore. As he spoke I looked over him, he was roughly my age, dark hair and brown eyes. It occurred to me that Jared was not my usual type at all, Michael, the Canadian was. So why did I feel so transfixed by him? As Michael was wrapping up our conversation he started to flirt a little, he commented on my 'emerald' eyes and my beautifully blushing cheeks, he asked if I came here with someone, before I could open my mouth, I felt his arms squeeze my waist and Jareds sultry voice hit hard

"She is with me. Micheal, always a pleasure" the words came out but the feeling of tension was palpable, I wanted to get him off me and tell him I wasn't with him at all, but I liked it, the desperate need I had for being wanted and needed made me crave this feeling of possession. Michael stared at Jared with a hooded gaze and a dark expression, his whole body felt different to me, menacing. Suddenly Michael looked angry and he gracefully took my hand and kissed it, he said he would call me, even though I hadn't given him my number, I had a feeling it was more to enrage Jared than to bring me any hope. The night continued and then Jared escorted me to the car, when we got in we both had a lot to say.

"You were very quiet, Melissa"

"I didn't want to discuss "- I struggled for the words to meet my lips - "us"

He stared at me curiously, "Want to talk about it now?" he placed his hand over my thigh and the car began to move

"Mr. Edge, what is it about me that enthralls you?" a smile spread over him mouth

"I have to be honest, I have no idea the exact thing. The way you move, the way you say my name, the way you blush every time I mention just how stunning you are and how every time your cheeks glow red, I want to touch them, kiss them" his smile never left his face, it felt genuine.

"I don't understand" I choked out.

"Why are you thinking so hard about it..." he finally caressed my cheek like he had been wanting to "you like me touching you, why deny what you want?”

I hated myself in that minute as I let out a low moan and his grin turned devilish, he closed his eyes and soaking in the strength of the sound that had escaped my lips.

"You shouldn't moan like that if you want to remain innocent" he opened his eyes as if he could barely control himself and I moved my hands over to his chest, I hadn't meant to, but my body needed him, more than I could control; his eyes turned fiery and he breathed out

"Why were you talking to Michael?" I was a little shocked, he sounded... hurt.

"He was being nice, I was being polite" the fire in his eyes left as he was realising something.

"Melissa, I could tell you liked it when I stopped it from happening" I shook my head, not because I didn't enjoy it but because I wish I hadn't. He firmly placed his lips on mine and I kissed hard back, I was suddenly desperate for him, I threw my hands roughly through his hair, it was soft and just long enough to lightly tug. He made gentle licks inside my mouth, sweet and precise and I groaned in his, I pushed my tongue so I could trace the tip over his, his hands were exploring the curves in my hips. He sucked gently on my tongue and I felt the wetness between my thighs, I knew I should stop but I couldn't, I had his scent dripping off me and then he slowly pulled away, I caught my breath and he looked like he had just won the lottery, so gleeful and yet still dark and sexy. I shot my eyes over his body and noticed the heightened part of his trousers, he was just as into it as I was, he had some control over my body and I didn't want to relinquish it, not yet.