Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
I reached for my glass and took a big gulp. I suddenly felt nervous. This interrogation, no matter how gentle it was, I didn’t know how to handle it. “She works as an assistant at a dentist.”
He nodded slowly. “I see. Basically, you’re saddled with paying her mortgage.”
I swallowed hard. I really didn’t want to make my mother look bad, but I couldn’t lie outright. “For the moment.”
He looked grim. “What about your sister? Can’t she help?”
“She’s a stay-at-home mom,” I explained quickly. “She decided to raise her kids herself rather than send them to day care. I think it was the right decision.” Max had not criticized my sister’s decision, but I couldn’t stop defending her. Old habits, I guess.
“Is your salary enough to pay both your bills?” He looked so concerned I was touched.
I nodded and reached again for the wine. “Yes, I think I’ll be able to manage.”
“Good, good. It’s rather lucky then, that you found this job. How did you come across it, Lillian?”
“Maggie, my best friend, is the owner of the recruitment agency your company is using.”
“I see. I’ve never met Maggie, but I believe we have a long history of her agency sending me PAs that never work out… until you.” His eyes narrowed. “What did she tell you about me?”
The wine on an empty stomach had gone straight to my head and I was feeling quite light-headed. I answered without caution. “That you’re a tyrant and I wouldn’t last a month,” I babbled.
Suddenly, he looked forbidding and distant, reminding me of the way he usually was, but I couldn’t stop my tongue from wagging on.
“We actually took a bet about it. She believed I couldn’t last a whole month and I thought I could.” I covered my mouth with my hand as soon as the words were out. Shit. Was I going to get Maggie’s agency in trouble with my drunken confessions?
“You won’t get angry with her, will you?”
He laughed indulgently. “Of course not. To be honest I have a feeling you’ll win that bet.” He was silent for a few seconds. “So, you really need this job, huh?”
I was honest. “Yes.”
“And you thought sleeping with the boss would help you keep it?”
I felt as if the rug had been pulled out from under me. I decided to be honest. I’d come this far I might as well jump in with both feet.
“No,” I said clearly. “I slept with you because I couldn’t not. Every cell in my body was begging me to do it. You are my drug.”
Chapter 23
Lillian
Ididn’t know whether he believed me or not, because the food arrived. He looked annoyed as if the delicious food was an interruption. I dug my fork into my West Australian rock lobster topped with winter black truffles and imported white stilton cheese, and seasoned with Laeso salt, and was stunned by how mouthwateringly opulent it was.
The meal passed in a haze of alcohol and indescribably delicious food. When the meal was finished, I stood and began walking towards the entrance. Three tables away I could see the fat salesman. He was watching me avidly. I lifted my chin and walked on. Max was just behind me.
Suddenly, I heard a pig-like squeal of horror. I turned around and saw Max standing over the man. He had poured a glass of red wine over the man’s head. The shocked man was spluttering with impotent rage.
“Send me the dry-cleaning bill,” Max sneered, dropping the empty glass into his plate of half-eaten food. Then he walked on and hooked my hand through his elbow.
“Good show. Thanks,” I said, looking straight ahead.
“My pleasure,” he said coolly.
We had to share the elevator with another couple and neither of us said anything. On our floor we got out and walked silently to our suite. He opened the door, walked straight to the master bedroom, and shut the curtains. Then he turned to look at me.
“Sorry,” he said softly.
I couldn’t believe my ears. He was apologizing to me. “Don’t be. I wanted to do it.”
“Why?”
I shrugged. “I’ve only ever been with one man and he was a nice guy with a deep and wonderful knowledge of art, history, and literature, but he was not too much into sex. Twice a week with him on top if I was lucky. Nobody had ever sucked my pussy, spanked me, or asked me to stand at a window until you came along. I’m here to tell you that I’m up for it all. Everything. I want to do it all with you.”
“Are you on the pill?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm…” He walked over to me, and I couldn’t understand why it would be, but I thought I saw sadness in his eyes. He whispered something, but I didn’t catch the entire sentence except the words, ‘if only.’ Then he dropped to his knees and through my dress kissed the mound of my sex. He inhaled my scent as if it was life-giving oxygen.