“We weren’t inviting you,” Rachel spoke up, her eyes rounding in near panic.
“Tough. I’ll call Shane. We have a new hotel going in and we can check on its progress. ”
At the mention of Shane’s name, Lia perked right up and Ari knew she was done for. Her weekend with the girls had just turned into a family affair. She didn’t know whether to be excited or…OK, she’d say it to herself! — pissed off. At the fuming look in Rafe’s eyes, excitement was starting to win out.
“If you insist, I guess you can tag along. There are rules, though,” Lia warned.
At her words, Rafe’s lips quirked, and he lifted an eyebrow and waited. Ari knew he was thinking, This ought to be good.
“This is a girl trip, which means we get time alone. You don’t get to trail us everywhere we go, and you don’t get to rain on our parade for having a good time. That means no bodyguards tagging along, and no telling us we aren’t allowed out of the room unless you’re by our side. ”
“And if I don’t agree to your rules?”
“Then we’ll sneak Ari out of here right now and disappear to some unknown location where you’ll never be able to find us,” Rachel piped up with a confident smile.
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Rafe couldn’t help himself — he burst out laughing. Ari’s jaw dropped at the sound. The man was handsome when he was brooding, but with a smile on his face and laughter pouring from him, he was breathtaking.
His eyes caught hers; his laughter died and his pupils dilated. Ari knew that look well, and she expected to be feeling very satisfied not too long after Rafe’s sisters left the room.
“I’ll agree to let you go to a show on your own, but you have to keep your cell phones with you in case something happens. You also have to use my driver. I’m not agreeing to your…request for no bodyguards until I assess the situation. ”
“Fine. We’ll agree to that…for now. We’ll discuss the bodyguard issue later,” Lia conceded.
“Good. Now, get out. Ari and I have a lot of work to do. ”
“I’ll just bet you do,” Rachel snickered as she grabbed her sister’s arm and led her from the room.
Ari swallowed as Rafe steadily walked to the door and casually turned the lock. The sound of it latching seemed like a loud boom to her sensitive ears — her heart picked up speed.
As he turned around with a predator’s gleam in his eyes, she stood on trembling legs and automatically began backing away. She didn’t understand why, because she wanted him to take her. Her body was more than ready.
“You know, Ari, when this all started I was very generous in giving you one day a week to yourself. ”
He spoke as he advanced on her slowly but steadily, as if he had all the time in the world. And he did. Ari stopped in the middle of the room, refusing to retreat any further.
“I’ve decided I’ll take whatever time I want for myself,” she answered him bravely.
“That doesn’t work for me. You see, we have an agreement — and the deal we’ve made doesn’t have provisions to change the rules halfway through the game. ”
“You don’t own me, Rafe. I’ve played along with you, but I’m still my own person and I can do whatever makes me happy. If I want to take a weeklong vacation, then I will do just that!”
A gleam entered his eyes as if he was hearing exactly what he wanted. Excitement coursed through Ari. She should be furious with him, but their little dance was stirring feelings inside her that rivaled a volcanic explosion.
The closer his steps brought him to her, the stronger her cravings grew.
“I don’t think so. It just might be time for you to be reminded of our agreement. ”
“You can’t make me stay,” she called, though she didn’t want to leave. She should want to run screaming, but she was rooted to the spot.
“You’re right. I would never force you to do anything. I will certainly persuade you — I will demand obedience, but the bottom line is that you can walk out the door at any time. ”
Ari looked into his eyes as she tried to figure out what he was doing now. Was he releasing her from her duty — calling her debt paid in full? Did she want it to be over or would she be devastated? Confusion coursed through her.
“You don’t want to go. I think you’re very satisfied, but you don’t want to admit to that. You think that admitting to liking our arrangement makes you a bad person. There’s no shame in feeling excitement over what others find taboo. Leave the rest of the world out of this. It’s just you and me — right here — right now. ”
“I don’t know what you want!” she said in frustration.
“I want to remind you of who I am — I want to leave no doubt in your mind that I’m the one in charge. I choose to give you choices, but I can take them away when I’m unhappy. ”
“Do you want me to leave?”
He stopped with a genuine expression of puzzlement. His brow furrowed as if he needed to think about her statement. She held her breath as she awaited his response. This could be it. Maybe he was offering her freedom.
Ari’s heart sunk with the realization. She didn’t want to be free of him — not yet. She would, she convinced herself, just not at this moment.
“You have a decision to make, Ari. You can stay and take your punishment, or you’re free to walk out that door — all debts settled. ”
Ari couldn’t turn her gaze away from Rafe’s intense stare. He was offering her an out. It had only been a month since they’d made their deal. She’d agreed to three months. She expected to hate every minute of it, but she’d never felt more alive. Was he unhappy with her performance?
If she stayed, though, she’d be shifting the power to him. He’d know he owned her — know he could do whatever he wanted.
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Ripping her gaze from his, she looked toward the door. It was right there — all she had to do was walk through it and she could have her life back. Her mother was fine, back at work and oblivious to the difficulties her daughter had suffered in the past year. Ari’s life could return to normal.
She opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t get words to surface. Rafe didn’t move as he waited for her decision. When several uncomfortable moments had passed, Ari finally gazed into his eyes. When she saw a flicker of emotion cross his face, she knew she wasn’t leaving.
“I agreed to three months. I don’t go back on my word,” she said. There was no way she would admit to staying for any other reason. For a split second she thought she observed relief in his expression, but she had to be wrong. Rafe didn’t really care if she stayed or went — did he?
In the blink of an eye he crossed the room and walked her backward until he had her pinned to the desk.
“This is your choice, Ari. You had better be sure,” he commanded, his mouth an inch from her own, his scent surrounding her, stirring her appetite.
“I’ll stay, but I won’t ever be what you want. I’ll never submit to you, Rafe. ”
Staying strong was the only way she could justify her decision. If ever the day came that she gave herself fully over to him, she feared it would be too much — that she’d never be the same again.
“Ah, it will be my mission to change your mind — and, Ari — I’ll fully enjoy the challenge,” he said with a smile before his mouth crashed down on hers.
Ari grabbed his shoulders and held on. She could pretend this wasn’t what she wanted, but what would be the point. She was hungry and it had nothing to do with food.
Rafe punished her mouth, kissing her fervently until she could no longer breathe. His hands moved down her body, molding her curves and tugging her tight against him. She squirmed to get closer, gasping as she felt his hardness press against her belly.
Desire pooled in her core, waiting for him to enter her slick folds. It was always so good. He hadn’t touched her in two days and she was about to explod
e in his arms. He’d turned her into an insatiable animal, and she didn’t care.
Rafe pulled away and she whimpered. No! She needed him to finish what he’d started. She could later berate herself for wanting him so much, but right now, she needed him inside her, needed to feel the conjunction of their bodies.
Without a word, he turned her around and hiked her skirt just enough for her cheeky Victoria’s Secret panties to show. Oh, yes, they hadn’t done it on a desk yet. Oh, the places he’d taken her – the kitchen table, in front of the giant fireplace, against the front door – but not yet bent over her desk. Anticipation built as he slid her panties down her legs and bent her across her desk.
His hand pushed against her back before sliding down the curve of her bottom and into the V of her legs. He pushed against her thighs, spreading them wide, then slid two fingers deep inside her heat.
“Rafe!” she called, her desire so intense it was almost painful. She wanted him buried deep inside her.
His fingers pulled out and then nothing touched her but the warm air drifting through the room. She squirmed beneath him, but he held her tightly against the desk as he stood behind her, so close, but not nearly close enough.
“Now,” she demanded as she twisted beneath him.
Suddenly he pushed inside her, his hard staff plunging deeper than he’d gone before. He stopped when she was completely full, and then bent forward, his breath brushing across her neck.
“Tell me I’m in charge, Ari,” he whispered, as his body moved backward before he thrust inside her again.
“No. ”
“Tell me,” he demanded as he plunged in and out.
“No. ” She was so close, almost delirious from the building pressure.
Rafe pushed in and out of her several more times, his h*ps slapping against the softness of her backside as he gripped her h*ps tightly.
She was reaching the edge when he slammed against her, taking her breath away, and then his body began to shake as he groaned low in his throat. A few more strokes and he stopped. Ari pushed against him. She was on the edge, needing just a little more of a push to reach her goal.
He pulled from her and turned her in his arms. Satisfaction filled his features as he pulled her tightly against him.
“I like your defiance, Ari, but now you get to suffer the rest of the day. When you submit and follow my rules — I’ll reward you with more pleasure than you can image. ”
Ari gasped in frustration. Her eyes narrowed as she looked into his confident eyes. He was so sure she’d cave — that he held all the power. She could go into the bathroom and take matters into her own hands, but then he’d have a victory.
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Her victory would come by showing him that it didn’t matter. She pulled back and pushed her skirt down before holding out her hand.
“Do you want something?” he asked innocently.
“My panties, please?”
“No — I think I’ll hold onto them. You can think about what you’re missing out on as the air caresses your womanhood all day. ”
Rafe turned and walked to her door, unlocking it before turning around. “If you want me to relieve the ache, all you have to do is come to me, sit on my desk, and ask. ” His gaze held hers for several tense seconds as he smiled in victory.
Ari glared at him, feeling ready to scream as he walked through the door and left her standing there, nearly shaking in her frustration. If she wanted him to own her pride, she could go to him, but this was a game — one that she was determined to win.
With as much dignity as she could carry, Ari patted down her hair, then followed him, making a beeline for the women’s bathroom, where she could clean herself up. As she wiped away the evidence of their quick joining, her body shuddered.
It would be so easy to ease her ache, but he’d know and then he’d win. With a growl of frustration she washed her hands and walked back to her office. Not having her panties on intensified the throbbing. It was going to be a long afternoon.
As she sat at her desk, a smile appeared. Either she could sit there and pout, or she could plot revenge. He might think he held the power, but it was time she started turning things around. Yes, he was in possession of her panties, but that meant that he knew she was na**d beneath her skirt. She would see who cried uncle first.
With that thought, Ari got back to work, feeling a lot better about the way things would go over the next day — week — even month.
Chapter Nineteen
“Ari, report to my office immediately. ”
Well, that was rude. Hesitating for a moment so she wouldn’t snap, Ari took a calming breath before hitting the reply button on her speaker.
“Do I need to bring anything?”
“Yes. Your laptop. My secretary became ill and had to leave for the day, and I have an important meeting in fifteen minutes. I need you to take notes. ”
“I’ll be right there, Mr. Palazzo. ” It seemed only fitting to use his last name when he was acting the way he was.
“Ari…” Her name came out on an exasperated breath. She chose not to reply.
Sitting for a few moments, Ari glared at her phone. First, he had the gall to take her in his office without offering her any satisfaction, then he took her panties with him, and now he was demanding she take notes for him. Take, take, take. Who did he think he was?
She thought briefly about ignoring his summons and staying right where she was. But after her initial impulse to defy him had simmered down, Ari smiled. He was giving her a great opportunity for retaliation.
They both knew she had nothing on beneath her skirt. Maybe it was time for her to remind him of that fact, which would be especially fun in a room full of people where he could do nothing about her taunts.
With a determined set to her shoulders, Ari stood, grabbing her laptop. She stopped by the bathroom, applying shiny red lipstick and unbuttoning her top button. With a gleam in her eyes, she made her way to Rafe’s office.
Since his door was open, she sauntered in, wondering what her next move should be. She’d never been a seductress before and didn’t know where to start.
“The meeting is in the formal conference room. Follow me. ”
He didn’t even bother glancing up as he delivered another curt order. This must be something important — even better!
Ari trailed behind Rafe down the hallway and they entered a large room with a massive table surrounded by twenty chairs. She hadn’t been there before and had to admit that the décor impressed her.
Elegant snacks and beverages sat atop the table, and the chairs, though suitably businesslike, looked plush and comfortable This room was clearly designed to welcome superstar investors and clients.
A smidgen of fear slithered down her spine at the thought of playing games with him in such an environment. When she was just about to talk herself out of antagonizing him, she stiffened her shoulders and reminded herself that he always managed to get the upper hand. It was time he lost a bout.
“Sit in the chair on the end next to mine. Type up everything we speak about; there’s no need for you to contribute. I’ve been working with these men for two years now on a deal that is invaluable to the Palazzo Corporation. ”
“I understand,” she said through gritted teeth.
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Rafe took his seat, and Ari slowly moved toward her chair. Just before sitting down, she stumbled, making sure she fell against him. Rafe caught her with quick reflexes, leaving her face inches from his own.
Pressing her body in more tightly against his, and breathing against his neck, she remained there for a few seconds longer than necessary before trailing her hand along his thigh and whispering in his ear. “I’m so sorry about that, Rafe. What a klutz I’m being. ”
His short intake of breath gave her a measure of satisfaction. Using his thigh to help herself back up
, she made sure he had ample opportunity to see her cle**age, then she stood up and went to her chair.
She could have called him on being a Neanderthal and not holding her chair out for her, but they were working — this wasn’t a date.
“Try to be more careful,” he finally said, his normally tight control just the tiniest bit unraveled.
“Oh, I will,” she purred at him as she leaned forward with her elbow on the table, squeezing her arms together. When his eyes shot down to her chest, she fought back the smile wanting to burst forth as she leaned back while rubbing her painted fingernail against her thigh, raising her skirt, reminding him she was pantyless. His sharp intake of air was a well-earned reward.
“Mr. Palazzo, your visitors have arrived. ”
The two of them looked up to see one of his employees standing in the doorway with a clipboard.
“Send them in. We’re ready,” Rafe responded, instantly back to businessman mode. Ari would just have to shake him right back out of that.
Rafe stood as several men walked into the room. Ari was unsure whether she should stand or not, so she did the safe thing and rose from her seat. When the final visitor walked in, her mouth dropped open for an instant.
The man had to be several inches over six feet tall, and his olive skin and sparkling near-black eyes fit his masculine features perfectly. The bold red sash over the front of his dark suit made the man stand out even more.
Ari had no doubt he was the one in charge. His eyes scanned the room and honed in on hers, his lips turning up in a smile as he moved forward.
“Prince Adrian, I hope your travels went well,” Rafe said as he offered his hand.
“Yes, I have had quite the pleasant journey. Thank you, Rafe. Now, who is this divine creature?”
Both men turned to stare at Ari, and she had to fight not to melt to the ground. With Rafe’s intense purple eyes gazing at her, and Prince Adrian’s dynamic black ones doing the same, she was rooted to the spot.
Holy hell, the two of them could start a war with a single word as long as they stood side by side. She felt as if she should pull out her camera and start snapping pictures for a magazine spread.
“My secretary became ill, so Arianna is filling in for her today,” Rafe finally answered. Ari barely managed to hide her irritation at his words. Yet that was exactly what she was doing. She didn’t expect him say, This is my mistress, whom I screwed in her office a few minutes ago. She thought maybe he might have been a bit warmer with the introduction, though — to let the men know she wasn’t available.