Holt's Holding (Part One)

chapter 2





Shit. I think that has become my word of the day.

I ran into the office building waving a hello to Peter at the security desk. He was a kind older man whom always made my day. He always offered some type of wisdom when he thought I needed it. This seemed to be a lot these days.

Ugh, I seriously hate elevators today…Perhaps they are all conspiring against me? I laughed to myself.

I kept hitting the button, and nothing…of course six elevators, and not one when you freakin need it.

I stood, and anxiously tapped my foot. Ok, patience was undeniably something I lacked. Looking down at the marble floor, the scent rocked me. I knew that cologne, familiar, not like the apartment but very familiar…I just didn’t know from where? It was mixed with Julie’s brother’s cologne, or maybe this was my lack of sex conjuring it.

I turned looking to my left then to my right. Pursing my lips and scrunching my brows, I wasn’t sure where it was coming from.

Finally, the elevator door opened. Pausing and biting my lower lip, I shook my head.

“Good morning Lil.” The voice, female and devious, with the charm of the Midwest. Willing myself to smile, and shake my head out of my stupidity, I sighed. Gathering my composure, I looked up at Sam from Hr. Sam had become both my friend, and happy hour partner for the better part of the past two years. She was roughly the same height as me; however, she was extremely slender. I envied her legs, which seemed to go on forever, and her perfect hair that held a more strawberry blonde tint. She looked like the prom queen from high school in some Midwest town. I had to admit she even carried the country girl charm.

“Good morning Sam.” I stepped in. And pressed the top floor.

“I hear there’s something big going down today.” She offered as if she was in the know.

“Hmm, I’m not sure.” Sighing, “I’ll be in meetings all day, but not sure why? Mr. Leiber had me change up his schedule only yesterday to fit these meetings in never saying what they were to entail.”

“I’m not actually supposed to comment, but word is we were taken over by some prodigious corporation based out of London.” She pursed her lips tight and raised her brows. I knew I could count on her to spill.

“Interesting, I hadn’t heard anything,” Biting down on my lip, I shuffled my stance nervously without realizing that I was even doing it.

“No-one one had. This was a hush, hush.” Sam shook her head, clearly missing my display of nerves. Which, I was grateful for. I never lacked control of my emotions, and I do mean never. Her presence though, I guess she pulled the need to trust her out of me. I use the term lightly, as I trust no one. Well, perhaps one person. Looking to her, I pulled my steal blanket over body and smiled with interest.

“Hopefully, they get rid of Mr. Leiber…that would make my day.” I laughed rolling my eyes.

“They can take Janet with him,” She laughed with as much enthusiasm. We both found ourselves laughing hard, like schoolgirls. Exchanging different insults of our bosses, we didn’t even notice the elevator came to a stop.

Very quickly, we composed ourselves, stepping back to give space to the gentleman entering. I didn’t bother to look at him as he entered. I needed to reel in my amusement.

We both nodded to the newest occupant.

Whoa, he was tall. I looked up to the backside of him. I think I was practically looking straight up he was so damn tall.

Turning to, Sam I noticed her eyes fixed ahead. The man now standing in front must be extremely attractive, and it was clear she was taken with him.

Appraising him from behind, he looked like he could be someone’s bodyguard; however; his suit, was too expensive to indicate such a profession. Lowering my gaze back down, I slighted my head appreciating his extremely likeable ass. His slacks, pulled a bit tight from his hands in his pockets, providing a particularly marvelous view of his firm ass.

Teasingly, I raised my gaze up to Sam.

Very interesting, in the two years, I have worked here, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her interested in anyone. She looked like she could possibly combust. Thank god, he was getting off a few floors before us.

He made his way out and as soon as the door shut, I puckered my lips and raised my eyes to her. She understood my gesture.

“Wholly shit, did you see him?” Her wide and appreciative eyes bore into me. “What I wouldn’t do to take that home with me.” She sounded like a schoolgirl in heat.

“You don’t say?” I tried not to laugh at her obvious confession. However, I found myself giggling, and tears of laughter pooling.

“Delicious…that’s what I will call him. And he can bend me over any time.” She laughed. Yes, she undoubtedly mimicked a schoolgirl in heat. I couldn’t help but grin in amusement. I kind of wished I took notice of the front of this stranger.

“Ok then…clearly, you need to get laid and well.” Pausing, I sighed, “So do I.”

“Well, may I suggest happy hour after work? We can do a little hunting on our own…well; at least the tequila will be a guarantee.” She smiled at me.

“Yeah, I hear ya…oh tequila, how you always guarantee a good time and never disappoint.” I teased, but there was more truth to my statement then I wanted to accept. Contrary to what others believed of me, it had been at least six months if not longer, since I had a man between my legs. The thought alone made me shiver. Not for the lack of sex, but the last man.

The elevator finally came to a halt on the top floor. We both looked to each other and laughed.

“I’ll see you after work” Sam replied. Walking from the elevator, we went our own prospective ways.

I pursed my lips tight and smiled, knowing that this would probably be the last smile until five.

What seemed like hours later of, “I need this, and get me this”, five wasn’t coming quick enough. Settling for a very late lunch at my desk, I finally had a moment to breath. The day was indeed more demanding than I had anticipated, and my hangover was now rearing its head.

Sam was right, some London outfit bought us out; Vaihn Enterprises.

It was rumored that the new owner and his partner were only in the thirties, and extremely attractive. However, they were also rumored to be terribly shrewd businessmen.

I hadn’t had the privilege of running into them, let alone, an introduction. I supposed that wasn’t necessary, since I was pretty much an assistant.

Ugh …junior editor my ass.

Personal Bitch, seemed like a better title.

I was hungry and my salad wasn’t going to do much for me. I sat at my desk going thru emails.



HR sent out their memo addressing the owners …quick bio and such…I had no interest in their attempt to personify themselves as these glorious new boss.

Can you say DELETE?

Next email was apparently an internal sender. Subject COMPLIANCE…

Wow…kind of brassy. I suspected changes, but didn’t think it was necessary to label a subject title in all caps.

I’m sure we all got the importance without screaming at us in our inboxes.

I skimmed thru it and moved to my “Read later” folder.

Looking at my salad, I just picked away at. My internal IM popped up on my screen…

User: HR...Conference room flr 5.

Must be from Sam, she was on the fifth floor. She and I periodically through the work day would IM each other.



HR-how do you like the new compliance measures?

-Who cares…new outfit pushing their weight around? I’m too damn busy to even care at the moment.



HR-not happy with the new ownership?

-makes no difference.



HR-how so?

-They will flaunt their new acquisition like little boys with a new toy…then leave when they’re bored.



HR-what makes you think they wouldn’t stick around?

-Please, this is a small ad agency, what would the point be?



HR-ok I’ll give you that. Have you met the new owners yet?

-Seriously? No…and have no interest to. Someone has to actually work around here.



HR-perhaps, you should reconsider. You might think differently of them.

-that’s doubtful; I know their type, all too well. Ego centric and arrogant asses…yeah, no thank you.

-shit gotta run…have to head down to storage and pull the poster adds from the last campaign I headed.



HR-don’t judge too harshly; you might be in for a surprise.

-ugh…love, you know me …I’m the best judge out there…I can spot out peoples characters perfectly. See later…



I closed down the IM window and stood walking to the back cabinet, when that cologne hit me again.

For the life of me, I had no idea where it was coming from. The first vision in my head was of Julie’s brother and the way he looked at me. F*ck! I must be desperate. My damn panties were instantly soaked. Closing my eyes, I shook off the memory.

Grabbing the keys, I walked past the sea of cubicles and made my way to the Elevators.

Fiddling with the keys, the doors opened. The cologne, still so intensely present throughout the entire floor. Stepping in, I reached over to hit basement level.

Stepping back, shit…I wasn’t alone.

“Oh, dear lord, I’m so sorry.” I offered.

“No need.” He responded with a hint of amusement…wow, another English accent. Turning to him, he looked young, and dressed well. He reminded me of a bookworm. . It was his overall appearance, the red hair, glasses, tall and straggly build, that his suit, just couldn’t hide.

“Are you new?” I asked already knowing that by the accent.

“Yes. I suppose the accent gives me away?” He smiled acknowledging my politeness as the answer was a given.

“I suppose it does.” I smiled and turned to the doors.

“I’m Jeffery; I’ll be taking over in Accounting.”

Turning to him, I extended my hand, “Lillian. I work for the Senior Editor Mr. Leiber.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Lillian, I’ve already heard a great deal of you. It’s my understanding that you are quite a talent here. Landing two new accounts a mist a takeover today. Impressive.”

Interesting…perhaps Mr. Leiber was actually giving me credit. Considering that past six marketing strategies were all me.

“Thank you for the compliment.” I offered, still surprised about his last comment. Take over’s shouldn’t hold up everyday business.” I grinned smugly.

The elevator stopped on the fifth floor. Stepping from the elevator, he turned. “It truly has been a pleasure meeting you.” He added.

I smiled and nodded as the doors closed, continuing my ride down.

Ugh, I hated the basement of this building. It was reminiscent of an old, creepy prison down here.

Beyond just having all the old prints stored, it also held all the serves, older computers and outdated equipment. It reminded me of a creepy cemetery.

The doors wouldn’t open to the basement without a key. I inserted my key waiting for the door to open. Walking down the grey corridors, my eyes searching above the doors each numbered.

Weaving around and finally making it to where I needed I entered the grey room housing rows of floor to ceiling shelving. I always hated coming down here.

Finally, F-6; 2010…making my way the soft sounds of voices echoed. Not unheard of for others to be down here, so I paid it no mind.

Trying to locate these prints was going to be a challenge, as I’m sure that the stock boy didn’t put them away properly…no, he was typically more concerned with hiding down here and getting high.

Shit, looking up there was a lot of posters to go thru. Knowing that I would need a ladder to reach the top, I looked around. Ah, spotting one, I reached for it opening it and positioning the ladder by the side of the shelves.

Shit, I realized I would need to lift my dress as it was excessively tight, falling below my knees. Thank god, no one was around to witness this.

I lifted it up high on my thighs, exposing the lace of my stockings. Placing my phone into my bra, I made my climb to the top of the ladder.

There must have been hundreds of tubes. After fifteen minutes of adjusting the ladder and double-checking, I finally found what I came for. Pulling it slowly out, not to disturb the tubes on top, I had to double my effort in steading myself.

I forgot how long they were, as I pulled it out.

F*ck…the lights went out.

“Really?” I yelled out, steadying myself atop the ladder. Truly, this wasn’t my day.

Dropping the tube down, I pulled my phone out for some light. Stepping slowly down, one-step to the other, I didn’t want to fall. Moving my foot, Shit! My heel jammed in the side of the ladder.

“Ugh…son of a bitch!” I yelled in frustration, not giving two shits, whom heard me.

I loved these shoes! “F*ck me; I swear he’s going to pay for a new pair if they’re ruined. Sending me down into this hell hole as if I’m nothing but he’s errand girl...” I yelled out knowing there was no one to hear me. Venting seemed like a good idea.

Wiggling my foot and trying to pull it free, nothing. The heel was jammed good. I took a deep breath and one last try…

“Oh, shit!” Wobbling hard, I knew my body was about to meet the hard floor below.

I fell straight into someone and hard, knocking both of us to the ground, me on top. Clearly whoever was behind me, wasn’t expecting me to crash into them.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry” I was perfectly on top of him. I could tell it was a man by how firm the body was under me. His very large hands were wrapped around me holding me tight to his body. Breathing hard, I wiggled in his hold adjusting my body. Hell, I even elbowed him by accident. His hands released me just enough to turn myself over, still in his hold and now chest to chest. I felt guilty but grateful there was someone to break my fall. The concrete floor would have certainly hurt.

“I’m so sorry; please tell me, you’re ok?” I asked franticly. I was both shocked and embarrassed, that I had knocked him fully to the ground. All that I could hope for is that I hadn’t injured him. My appraised what my eyes could not see. Running them against his chest, searching for his shoulders, damn this man was built.

He said nothing and sounded like perhaps he was laughing? Yup, definitely laughing.

Trying to get up, and adjust myself, I saw the small glow of my phone above what I could assume was his head. I pulled my hands above his and lost my grip…

Oh shit, he just got a face full of my breasts.

“Shit…I should just extend an open and standing apology.” Embarrassed was an understatement of how I felt.

He laughed, and his hands…wow brawny hands landed around my hips…more like on my ass, which was pretty exposed. I felt his hands linger a bit longer before proceeding to moved down my thighs…shit my dress was around my waist. His touch was like tiny electrical shocks on my exposed flesh. His touch was smooth and heated. Oh, shit I could feel myself getting aroused. I could tell he was feeling every detail of my body as if his eyes were attached to his fingers.

Thank god, it was dark down here. If someone were to see this, it would look extremely bad, hell; I was pretty much straddling this poor man. Moreover, if his hands kept up this erotic movement against my skin, I would undoubtedly cum.

“No need,” he offered obviously amused “You’re pretty light,” he added. Adjusting slightly, the pooling ached at my center, as it was clear his arousal was now pressing directly into my *. Oh, lord, I could tell this man was more than endowed, blessed would be a better description. I needed to move myself off him and quickly!

I rolled off him and sat up. I was too afraid of trying to climb off him. Slowly, I pulled myself up to my feet; I could hear him wrestling himself up.

I turned and slammed myself up into his chest.

“Yeah, invoking my open apology.”

It was so dark that I couldn’t truly make him out. Again he laughed.

My body trembled as his hands dropped to my hips.

I was about to put him in his place when I realized he was pulling my dress down.

Shit, I had forgotten that my dress now rose to my waist.

My cheek still pressed to his chest; I sensed that he was much taller than I was. My hands rose up his forearms, and around his biceps…wow, he was built, and the material of his shirt was like heaven.

What thread count was it? Definitely expensive, his cologne…very nice!

Curiosity had me engaged; perhaps it was my now blossoming need. Sucking in a deep breath, taking more of his scent, I was more than just a bit curious, I was desperately aroused. Damn, I needed to get laid!

I wondered what he looked like. It was too dark to tell, but I suspected he must me somewhat attractive; he undoubtedly took exceptional care of himself. Most unattractive guys didn’t put a lot of effort into the details.

I felt his hands on me, holding me to him. His face leaned down, his lips grazed mine and paused. I could feel his breath on me. Panic, fear and anticipation caught me frozen in his hold. The unkown pulled at a longing in me. The feel of his body pressed to mine, his lips so close to claiming the one part of me I wouldn’t willingly give to anyone, yet I was tempted. In the darkness of a dingy storage room, I wanted to let go for the first time. The word circled my head like an alarm. No.

Finally, I moved my head slightly freeing both of us, from whatever it was that had us frozen.

“Shh,…do you hear that?” He whispered down into the side of my neck. I could make out an accent in his quiet tone…still standing up into his arms and chest, I stilled myself listening to hear what he heard. Any distraction would be a good one at the moment. His hands still pressed around me holding me with such care? This was weird. His touch against the lowest part of my back, reminded me of what it should feel to be held by a man whom cared for you. A man that owned you. Owned. The simple thought had my shudder in his, reminding me to listen.

“Oh shit,” I whispered. Did I just hear someone moan?

I silently laughed into his chest. Damn, he smelled good.

“I think I now understand why anyone would be down here,” he offered.

“Clearly…to get off.” I smirked then laughed once more.

“I’m Lillian,” I offered finding my invisible mask, pulling away from irrational desire.

“Sebastian” he whispered.

My phone buzzed. It was enough to give me a little light, but only on the floor. I pulled from him but still couldn’t see his face. The loss of his heat, his touch had my body needing his more than before.

“I need to get that as my purpose down here was simply to fetch something.”

“Please don’t let me keep you.” I needed to center myself as I was without question taken with a complete stranger, sight unseen.

Bending down, I picked up my phone; a missed call from Brady.

Noticing the original reason to my visit down here, I picked it up the long tube. Turning around to where my mystery man stood, I used the light from the phone to illuminate my stranger, and he was gone?

Where did he go?

Within a few seconds, the backup light now decided to come on. They only provided a little bit of light; however, it was enough to lead the way out.

The moaning seemed to increase causing me to shake my head.

I need not witness whatever was going on. It was obvious, two people were having sex, and I didn’t want to intrude. Walking from the storage room, I made my way back to the elevator doors.

Stepping into the bright elevator, my mind was clearly caught up with Sebastian.

Shit…I needed to get laid. Between over hearing it and the way his body felt…yes, I needed sex.

The rest of the day seemed to fly by with me fantasizing about a complete stranger, oh and of course my roommates brother. I was seriously having a miserable day.

Focusing on work, I had few more emails to answer to, and then I could wrap up here and head for a long awaited and seriously needed happy hour.

Looking to my laptop, there were two Im’s, one from Sam, and the other from the conference room. Oh, shit. That means my earlier comments went to someone else.

Shit, I had no clue to whom.

Pulling open the window, a standing message showed from the conference room:



HRCFRM-how was the basement?

Do I reply or not?

Hmm …

I knew I shouldn’t, but curiosity had me peaked.



-interesting



HRCFRM: -how so?

-Lights went out, and I fell off the ladder.



HRCFRM:-bloody hells are you ok?

I knew immediately this wasn’t Sam.

-lucky for me, I had a very strong man to break my fall. Can I add that he was wow?



HRCFRM:-and who might this man be? This “wow”

-I think he said his name was Sebastian, who knows it was dark. I’m sure had someone walked in, the sight of me straddling him with my dress around my waist, wouldn’t have looked all too innocent.



HRCFRM:-is that all that happened?

-What are you implying?



HRCFRM:-well you were straddling him? And obviously he’s “wow” which leads to my question.

-Nothing happened beyond my breast landing in his face. It was dark and though I might need to get laid I don’t have sex with just anyone. Especially in the basement!



HRCFRM:-basements can be fun and having sex in the work place, it adds to the excitement.

-are you suggesting I should have slept with him? I mean he’s obviously built, he smells great. Perhaps, I should go back down and find my mystery man.



HRCFRM:-NO

-confused…. I thought that’s what you were implying?



HRCFRM:-I was talking in generalities; I don’t think this Sebastian is your type.

-Have you met him?



HRCFRM:-yes, he’s not for you.

-Really? I think he just might be. He definitely peaked my arousal.



I found myself sitting back and laughing to my last statement. Ok this could be fun, whoever this was, clearly, didn’t like this Sebastian character. However, who in the hell was this person on the other side of this conversation with me?



-ok fun has been had, who the hell are you?

HRCFRM:-who did you think I was?

-Honestly, I truly don’t care who you are, as I’m done with providing you entertainment.



HRCFRM:-Since you don’t know then I believe I might like it that way.

-you are clearly a man, that’s obvious, I’m guessing your part of the new ownership. And three, unless you want to be honest. This chat is done. I’m a busy woman and have no time to waste playing games useless games.



HRCFRM: - I would say I’m impressed, but You’re a smart woman, and I expected you to figure this out quickly; however, I did find this entire conversation amusing. Games are fun Lillian. Mutually beneficial.

-Glad to bring you some entertainment. I think you’re more like a scared little man, games are for children. On that note. Enjoy the rest of your day.



HRCFRM:-You definitely intrigue me Lillian. Feisty, I like that, before I let you out of this chat, had it been me you were on top of, I can promise you that your need would have been handled immediately. I’m skilled at knowing what a woman wants and how she wants it. Nor am I a little man.

-Well, obviously your ego is extraordinarily large. I doubt you’re my type. I’m more than capable of having my needs handled on my own.



HRCFRM: - doubtful Lillian, I think I’m you’re your type more than you realize. Perhaps, I’m too much for you to handle.

Wow, ego check! I can’t believe this man!

-ok you need an ego check. I’ve yet to come across a man to be true to that point. You clearly don’t know me very well as you wouldn’t be making such statements. I’m sure by tomorrow my needs will be handled to my satisfaction. Enjoy the rest of your day.



I closed down the computer fully noticing the time. Whoever this person was, they were certainly an ass.

Happy hour seemed like such a fabulous idea right now.

On time, my phone buzzed.

The test message from Sam:



“Pickles at the circle in about an hour?”



Reply:

“Sounds good. Leaving now.”



I gathered my belongings and headed for the elevators.

After a few minutes, the doors opened, and I walked in to be assaulted with that cologne again.

Hmm, someone around here had excellent taste in cologne.

Turning, I noticed the man that Sam seemed downright taken with race for the doors. I stuck my hand out to hold the elevator. Stepping in he nodded.

I offered a smiled to be polite.

“Appreciated” he replied as he straightened his suit.

He had an English accent…Shit, I bet he’s one of the new owners. But then again, there were many new staff members with accents.

“You’re welcome. I know from experience that the wait can be frustrating.” Smiling I looked away quickly. The deeper meaning, laced my statement, more of a vocal frustration I was currently trapped in. My nervous were peaked. Crap!

He turned to me and cocked his head.

“You’re Lillian…Foster’s Junior Editor?” His voice sound amused?

Hmmm, he knew my name…I wasn’t sure how or why he would know it, but he did. Oddly, I don’t think I had ever heard anyone call Mr. Leiber by his first name.

“Sure, we can say that.” Pausing I faked a clearing of my throat and whispered “More like his assistant with a nice title”

He scrunched his brows tight in thought and pulled his lips tight.

Oh shit…I shook my head. I think he heard me. Hold up…his voice…oh double shit, recognition had my turning red, the basement?

“Are you not satisfied with your current position?” He grinned like there was something hidden in his question.

Turning to face him, I slighted my head “Is anyone ever satisfied with their position?” I pulled a croaked grin, my memory of straddling his body flashed before me and my body responded, f*ck the ached between my legs roared through my body.

“Well played, and a particularly compelling point if I may add”, he grinned once more.

“The question was rhetorical and not actually a point to be made. That’s more of a fact of life” smiling I turned back to the elevator doors.

Where in the world did this brassiness come from on my part? Shit…Shit…Shit! Not good potential new owner and I just insulted my title and possibly my boss. I was f*cked no recovery from that.

“Well, he had nothing but strong opinions to your ability, and I certainly see where his opinions are founded, closing two high profile accounts today of all days.”

“Yeah, and I make a fantastic cup of coffee!” I smirked.

Again, shaking my head brain to mouth filter! Oh lord I’m going to lose my job.

He laughed. Ok maybe a good sign.

“Somehow, I’m certain all that you do is beyond great Lillian.” He voice was dark and laced in hunger. The implications of his statement had my breath hitch. Yet my mind still had me in the reality of what I had said. I felt the need to recover from my lack of filter and brassiness…but shit, I didn’t know why he was making me feel agitated.

“I’m sorry, I had a long day, and my brain doesn’t seem to be functioning. I mean no disrespect to Mr. Leiber. None at all.” I finally looked up at him and genuinely looked at him.

Whoa, now I understood Sam’s earlier display.

Tall dark and deliciously handsome.

His eyes were breath taking. The most aqua blue I had ever seen.

Shit my knees felt a bit weak. I was tall, but he towered over my 5’8”. Even in my 4-inch heel.

He smiled at me. Wow and what a smile that was.

“Where are my manors? Here, I know your name and yet I suppose you know not mine.” He pulled his hand out of his pocket and extended to me.

Like a nervous ass, I pulled mine out slowly.my breath hitched…it was the oddest experience…in part that I didn’t want to put my hand in his…he intimidated me and not for the obvious reasons.

I stared into his eyes.

“Sebastian” he took my hand slowly and tenderly. “Sebastian Vaihn”

“Lillian Holt…But you knew that already. It was you in the basement.” My response was low and cautious.

“Yes it was, and of course,” his grin, was one of a satisfied man. “I did know your name prior. I like to know everyone whom works for me.” He held my hand now tighter, maintaining eye contact. Oh, f*ck me! Sebastian from the basement, shit! I’ve been fantasizing about my boss. I needed to pull myself together. My eyes slowly lowered down the length of him. In a heated frustration I found myself landing to his waist biting my lip hard. F*ck, I raised my eyes quickly as he clearly didn’t hide the fact that he knew where my mind and eyes just went.

Finding my voice, suddenly I felt irritated with his arrogance, or perhaps it was that damn grin on his face. “I suppose that would be a rare thing for one whom acquires many companies.”

“You are familiar with all my holdings?” He raised an eyebrow.

“No, I apologize for my ignorance, but I do not. I’ve only heard rumors. Please forgive me but I wasn’t even aware that your company had purchased this firm.” Looking away from him, for a moment my mind added, nor do I f*cking care.

Still holding my hand in his he looked down to our hands then slowly back to my eyes…“I accept the apology Lillian, however since you’ve already left it as an open gesture I suppose you don’t need to. Not many knew of our acquisition.”

Cocking my head to the side, I pursed my lips only to bite down on my lower.

“I suppose that was the point was it not?” Two words rang clear, “hostile takeover”.

I could tell his eyes, fixed to my lips; interesting.

“You are correct. It was the point.” His eyes still locked at my lips.

My phone, rung with an alert of a text message. Frozen as he still held my hand; I wasn’t sure what was going thru his mind.

Hesitantly, he let my hand go.

Trying to regain a bit of my composure, I reached into my bag for my cell phone.



Looking down it was from Sam.

Sam: “Left yet?”

ME: “In elevator, leaving now.” I replied

Sam: “Good, I need tequila.”

ME: “LoL…ditto”

Sam: “Actually, I need sex, but Tequila will do the trick with some double A’s LOL” she responded

ME: “I’m with U there!”



I hit send and turned the screen off. I had the sense he had been looking at my phone.

I looked up at him as the elevator doors opened.

The grin on his face was telling. He read my messages. He even possibly looked intrigued. The experience in the basement seemed to flash before me, again. Finding some sense of power in that knowledge and remembering that I wasn’t the only one aroused, I found myself inwardly laughing.

“It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Vaihn.” I smiled.

He gestured his hand allowing me to walk out ahead of him, yet his strides had him to my side. Sebastian place a hand on my back freezing me in place, as he stepped to the front of me and leaned down.

“Lillian, Call me Sebastian, please, and I do hope that you and Tequila have an enjoyable evening Lillian” His smile was dangerous, and his eyes luring me to somewhere I was sure I didn’t want to go. His breath on my skin had me closing my eyes briefly to reign in this crazy effect that he had. Swallowing hard, I didn’t know how to respond. I was caught up in his scent and his heated breath on my neck. I could swear my heart skipped a beat.

I certainly now needed a generous dose of tequila. I needed to remind myself this was now my head boss. This translated to one thing, Off Limits.

He moved slowly up away from me and I felt trapped in his stare. His grin was seductive and hard to resist.

Clearing my throat and trying to maintain some level of control, I responded. “Well Mr. Vain, which I will maintain …I do now work for you. So I do insist on the formality,” pausing I added, “I suppose me and Tequila will be having a date this evening. But please note that one could be of the opinion that reading someone’s text messages is both intrusive and rude.”

I pursed my lips tight and cocked my head waiting for a reaction. It was clear that this man needed to be brought down a few notches. Even if it meant losing my job….hell, I hated my job anyway and after all that I had said, I wasn’t too sure if I would have one tomorrow.

“It seems now it is I whom owes you an apology. Nevertheless, I do insist on you calling me by my name. And I sincerely hope that you enjoy your evening, but within reason.” Listening shrewdly, he sounded a bit possessive?

“Mr. Vaihn; as for my plans this evening I believe it is I whom control what or how I conduct myself. Furthermore, since my brain clearly has malfunctioned with its filter and I believe I may be without my job in the near future, I don’t believe it is of anyone’s concern what reason I chose or chose not to use this evening.”

“Hmm”, he pursed his lips, cocking his head. “Feisty, I see. I meant no disrespect. I simply care for those whom are employed by me and it saddens me that you believe not have a future here.” Dude this guy had me confused, his expression shifted like the tides, his eyes actually looked apologetic for a moment.

Shit how was I to respond to that? I shook my head, breaking my stare and looked to the floor.

“No, it is I whom owe the apology for my lack of filter and quick defensiveness. I’m sorry”

“No need for an apology Lillian.”

He smiled genuinely, and then walked away. I watched him intently not understanding what just happened between us. He definitely ruffled my feathers’, I just couldn’t tell, if it was in a good way or not.

I was now truly ready for a drink.

I walked to the parking lot and to my car. From the side of my vision, he was leaning down into the driver’s side of a car that was extremely tinted. Sebastian appeared to be talking to someone.

The car a bit much, Bentley, I think? I could sense he looked up at me, and then quickly back to the driver of the car. Was he talking about me?

I had an eerie feeling that he was.

I quickly made it to my car and jumped in. Looking thru the side mirrors, I could tell he was watching me. Shaking it off, I started the car and pulled out.