Loving The Enemy Read online

  8

  Jason

  With my hands shoved into the pockets of my slacks I stared out the window into the dark night. The decision to bring her to my bed was already made, but I needed to do something about this shit in the meantime. I thought of giving her a job in her dad’s company, but wouldn’t that be tantamount to a slap in the face? When I asked myself how I would feel if the tables were turned, I knew we couldn’t go that route.

  Surely there were other things she could do for me, other than warm my cock. And if there wasn’t I could always invent something. I turned when I heard her making her way back down the stairs. She’d covered herself up with a robe more’s the pity. But I could still see her ass going up those stairs. Something I hope to enjoy a lot more of in the future.

  “She’s still asleep thankfully. I turned off her phone but that’s only prolonging the issue. She’s going to find out sooner or later.” I moved over to her, looking down at her bent head. “You still haven’t answered me about this other thing.” I wanted to ask her why she hadn’t come to me, even though I already knew the answer.

  I was nothing more to her than the man who’d bought her dad’s company. There would’ve been no reason for her to come to me with her troubles and from what I’ve seen of her so far she’s one of those independent types who likes to do things her way. I have no problem with that as long as the shit doesn’t get in my way. I never put much stock in false pride and doing shit the hard way when there was another ethical avenue opened to you.

  She sidestepped me and headed for the couch but I followed close on her heel. “There’s nothing to talk about other than to say I have not nor do I ever plan on selling my used underwear.” Shit I’d missed that part. ‘Used’ adds a whole new connotation to the story. She better not be selling her fucking used panties to the sick fucks I was sure really do exist.

  It was obvious she wasn’t comfortable discussing the fact that her life had become so hard that she was now relegated to selling off her clothes, so I let it drop for now. That decision I’d made not to go digging into her finances was null and void. With the decision that she was now mine, my responsibility set firmly in mind, of course I will take care of her every need. But for how long? Shut the fuck up. I scolded the annoying voice in my head.

  “Fair enough, but I’ve come to a decision. I well know your penchant for being a hard ass, but I hope you’re not one of those insipid fools who thinks pride is better than a full belly.” She had no idea what the hell I was talking about as was evident by the questioning look on her face. “I don’t know the particulars of your situation at the moment...” Something I plan to rectify before the night ended.

  “Look, I’ll like to offer you a job.”

  “I don’t need your pity.” She flung her snippy ass off the couch and all but posed up, as if she really thinks she could take me.

  “I thought we decided that you weren’t going to be an ass.” She bristled but I didn’t give her a chance to respond. I was sure that if I did she’d only annoy the shit out of me.

  “It’s obvious from that report that you’re in need. There’s no point in pretending and we’re already acquaintances of some sort. We’re already… aware of each other, and I dare say I might know a little bit more about your situation than most, so why wouldn’t you accept my help?” From her squint I surmised that she thought my offer came with certain stipulations. Smart girl, but I had no plans on trading a job for a piece of ass.

  Not that I wouldn’t have done that shady shit in the past. But I find that I think more of her. Yes, because I’ve obviously lost my fucking mind. This shit had wedding bells written all over it. Somehow the thought didn’t have me heading for the door like my ass was on fire. Which in itself was confusing as hell. Well, you’re here now and there’s no turning back.

  Unless she’s a complete dunce she has to be wondering at my coming here like this. Like a lovesick boy to the rescue. She hasn’t said anything but I’m very aware of when a woman is aware of me, and if I’m not mistaken Ms. Bronson is very well aware that I now have her scent. Poor girl. As if she didn’t have enough on her plate as it is, she now has a wolf on her ass.

  “Why would you offer me a job? You don’t owe us anything. I’m sorry if my coming to you like that gave you the idea that I was looking for a handout….

  “Don’t be an ass Emily. You don’t strike me as a simpleton.”

  “You expect me to accept a job from you when you speak to me like that?”

  “How the fuck am I talking to you? Honestly, straightforward? I look like one of those hangers-on you hang around with? I don’t have time sweetheart and I know you have more sense than to look a gift horse in the mouth.” This is who I am. She can either deal with that shit, get with the program, or I’ll drag her ass into the light.

  She got huffy but I let her know in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t in the mood; I’m sure she’s heard worst. “Do you want to know what kind of job it is? Or do you want to show up and just wing it?”

  “Who says I’m taking the job?”

  “I do. Now settle your ass down and tell me which one of those airheaded friends of yours you suspect of selling you out.”

  From her reaction it was obvious that she hadn’t given much thought to that. When would she have had the time? Seeing as I’d shown up here not long after the story broke.

  She took her seat again looking bemused as she left off giving me shit about the job and concentrated on her answer. “I don’t know. No one else knew but me and Simone, but I don’t see her for this.”

  “Who’s Simone?” I settled back and relaxed since she no longer seemed ready to bolt.

  “She’s my friend. It was her idea to sell some of my old things.” Smart of her, unless she’s the one who’d betrayed her.

  “And you don’t think that this Simone is the one who talked? You will know her better than I so I’ll reserve judgment. As to the other, the situation surrounding your dad’s death, I think I have a pretty good idea who leaked it. I don’t want you to worry about any of this, I’ll take care of it from here.”

  “And how do you plan to do that? The cat’s already out of the bag, no way to put it back in.” She had a point, but I could fuck some people’s shit up for the heartache they’d caused her. Now I’m a high school jock fighting for his girl’s honor. This is what happens when you spend your formative years with your head buried in a book, looking forward years ahead. You miss out on all the good stuff. Like making a complete and utter ass of yourself over the other sex. I’m too old for this shit.

  “Don’t worry about it. Now, to your new job. I need a personal assistant, someone not associated with the business, but to look after my personal calendar and shit like that.” Fuck if I did, but what else could I tell her? That I wanted her close, wanted to micromanage every aspect of her life and time for the foreseeable future? Or should I tell her the truth? That I was counting down the days ‘til I had her beneath me, with my cock buried to the hilt in her sweet young body.

  Yeah, she’d probably bite off my dick if I got anywhere near her now. I’d have to groom her, bring her along until she sees things my way, and then I’ll pounce. A bit underhanded I guess, but how else am I supposed to win over her prickly ass?

  “Your personal assistant huh. I don’t know. What would that entail?” At least she wasn’t dead set against it. Proof that I was right in my assessment that she’d have more sense than to turn me down. I relaxed and crossed one leg over the other as I turned to look at her seated beside me. “Why don’t you Google that shit if you don’t understand the meaning? I’ve never had one before so I’m guessing we’ll both be learning together.”

  “For now I imagine it would entail errands and shit like that. Making sure I keep after hours appointments, keeping track of my social obligations.” I shrugged and left the rest for her to think about. I wasn’t interested in whether she remembered to pick up my dry cleaning, as much as I wanted to help her out of
her present situation. And also keeping her close, two birds with one stone.

  EMILY

  There was something about his offer but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I know how much a personal assistant makes, mother has had one of those for as long as I can remember and the woman made a good living as far as I can tell. She drove a luxury car and was always adequately dressed for the neighborhood. I could always take a look at the books to see just how much she made. I’m sure it wouldn’t be close to what my allowance used to be, but it was better than nothing.

  It’s weird that his offer should come at this time on the heels of the disastrous expose. I’d only just accepted earlier in the evening that I would have to find another source of income once my closet was depleted. I could and will sell off some of mother’s old things, but those too wouldn’t last forever. With a job and a bit more downsizing I just might be able to pull this off.

  “How much will this job pay?” If his smirk had carried even a hint of ‘aha’ in it, I would’ve asked him to leave. But it was more a ‘good girl’ kind of look, or that’s what I choose to convince myself of.

  “We’ll start at a hundred and fifty grand per year for now.” I almost fell out of my chair. I was sure that some assistants made that much, but they usually had more experience.

  “You’ll start tomorrow.” He stood to leave and I stood up as well, not quite ready for him to go.

  “I don’t recall accepting the offer.”

  “I don’t recall asking. Don’t play games with me Emily, you’ll never win.” What a pompous… I’d read enough about him to know he hadn’t gotten to where he is by being soft, but did he have to be such a bastard?

  That’s not fair Emily. He’s offering to help when no one else has. None of daddy’s old friends were knocking down our door to offer assistance of any kind and here was this relative stranger going above and beyond. I’m sure there’s any number of women who’d give their eyeteeth for the position he’d just offered.

  I followed him to the door where he turned and looked down at me. The longer he stood there silently the more uncomfortable I became. “Don’t look so crestfallen pet. All will be well.” He lifted my face by my chin but I was too preoccupied by his nickname to pay much notice to the sudden heat in my face. The way he just stared down into my face didn’t help matters either.

  “I’ll see you at the office at nine in the morning. We’ll go over the particulars then. Don’t be late.” He tapped my nose like a little brat’s before turning and walking away. By the time he pulled out of the drive I’d all but forgotten what had brought him here in the first place. That lasted until I turned off the lights and headed to bed.

  Now I was faced with more questions than answers not the least of which being, who the hell had sold me out, and how had they known? The part about my dad I have no idea of. I’d told no one about the note he’d left and was sure mother hadn’t either. As to my selling my stuff though I’m sure some past acquaintances might find that as something to be ashamed of, I certainly didn’t.

  But I’m sure this would change things for me now in some circles, not that I cared. Storm was right, having food on the table and a roof over my head was way more important. With what I’d made thus far from the sale of my stuff and what he promised to pay, I might just be able to breathe easy for at least the next couple of months. As I snuggled down into the soft silk covered pillows I was sure of one thing. No way Simone did this. She was just not the type.

  9

  Jason

  I stayed awake half the night worrying about whether or not she’d show up the next day. I only found peace and rest once I assured myself that if she wasn’t there by quarter past I’d just have to go drag her ass out of that mausoleum she calls a home.

  I rushed through breakfast, making my elderly housekeeper slash cook cluck at me like a mother hen. Celeste is an old friend of my mom’s who’d followed me out here because apparently I couldn’t be trusted to take care of myself. That’s the story mom had given her when she sicced her on me, but we both knew it was because her fuckhead of a bastard spawn had stolen all her money to get high, and what he didn’t spend, she did, trying to keep his dumb ass out of jail.

  “You hardly touched a thing. Are you ill? I’ve been meaning to ask because lately you haven’t been eating enough to keep a gnat full. Do I need to call Marjorie?” Oh hell no. The old sneak knows that threat usually gets me to straighten up and fly right, but this time I couldn’t give her what she wanted. “I promise that I’m fine, please don’t sic Cerberus on me.” I kissed her cheek and made my escape leaving her to snicker behind me.

  I barely restrained myself from having the driver speed, even though I was an hour earlier than usual. Once inside my office I didn’t know what to do with myself since trying to read through reports left me stymied. Words ran together forming a blur, and when I finally worked through that, I read the same line over and over until I just gave up.

  I couldn’t have handled this shit as a teen that’s for sure. I’m too damn high strung, as mom would say. I looked at the clock three times in five minutes, walked around my desk a time or two then ended up staring out the window.

  I should sit down and work out what it was I was hiring her to do but I couldn’t even concentrate on that. By the time the clock said five to, my heart picked up speed and I was twitchy as fuck. I didn’t like this feeling shit but there didn’t appear to be anything I could do about it.

  I felt her the second she came into my atmosphere. I was about to get up and go after her, but my phone beeped. It was my secretary announcing her arrival. I made myself sit still and look relaxed as she entered. She looked like a completely different person from the girl who’d blubbered all over me last night.

  If I were a lesser man she could probably talk me out of all I’d worked for in my life, that’s the kind of woman she was. That air of sophistication mixed with effortless beauty, her poise her demeanor. She was the whole package, and the fact that she didn’t play off of that only made her all the more appealing. She looked, smelt, and acted like money. I wonder how long she would survive in the ‘real world’.

  “Good morning Mr. Storm.” I was a little taken aback at first to realize that it was the first time she’d ever called me by name. I was about to tell her Jason would be fine, but I kinda liked the way that Mr. sounded coming from her.

  “Good morning Emily, I trust you had a good night.” No one looking at her now would guess the night she’d had. The red puffiness was gone from her eyes and they shone as though she didn’t have a care in the world. Her neat little skirt and blouse, though meant to show professionalism only worked to show off her assets. I could still imagine her legs and that fine ass that had been on full display last night. Maybe I should drop in on her unannounced after hours more often, see what other goodies she wears to bed. Then again…

  “Yes I did thank you.” She took a seat in the visitor’s chair in front of my desk and drew a sheaf of papers from her bag. I raised a brow at this because I knew she never worked a day in her life, but it turned out not be a resume. “I did some research to get an idea of what this job entails…”

  I sat back and let her rattle off all the things she ‘thought’ she would be called upon to do for me. All of which sounded pretty much like what my current secretary already had under control. “No.” She dropped the paper from her face and looked at me questioningly.

  “What do you mean no? You don’t want me for the job?” Oh I want you alright, but not for any of that bullshit.

  “I did not say that. Only that you won’t be doing any of those things. I already have someone to take care of my schedule and make reservations etc. Your job will be a little more…personal.” She twitched in her seat though she tried very hard to hide her unease.

  “I don’t think I understand. I spent hours poring over this stuff and this covers everything.”

  “And yet it’s not what I want. You may not know this, but I’m n
ew to this town, been here just a few months in fact. I haven’t really had time to set up house if you will, or meet the right people. I’m always invited places that require a plus one, and…”

  She interrupted before I could go any farther. “What happened to all those blondes you’re always rumored to be dating? No table etiquette?” Oh, my little pet has claws, how fun.

  “As I was saying. I sometimes find myself without a partner for these occasions. Beyond that, some women expect more than I’m willing to give once I’ve invited them. I kind of like the idea of a no strings attached arrangement such as the one I’m proposing to you.”

  “You want me to pretend to be your date? Well that’s gonna cost you a hell of a lot more buddy.” There was a look of disappointment mixed with consternation on her face. I read it to mean she didn’t think she’d get the job. Either because she wasn’t comfortable with the idea, or she didn’t think I’d pay her more. Neither was true, no matter what she asked for I’d give, and I’ll make damn sure she likes the idea.

  “Okay, how much do you think the job should pay?” Her eyes widened for a second before she lowered her head as if giving the question some thought. When she bit her lip and scrunched up her eyes in concentration my dick thumped behind my zipper. What the fuck is wrong with you Storm?

  I studied her while she was preoccupied, still trying to decipher what exactly it was about her that had caught my interest. Beauty is a passing thing and there’re beautiful women on every corner in this town. Even the damn barista at the coffee shop looks like a supermodel. Add to that the fact that I’ve never been one to fall for a pretty face, I was afraid there was something else going on here.