Naughty or Nice(4)
“It’s time she grew up,” Mark says and shrugs. He’s acting as though he doesn't care, and maybe I would believe him if it wasn't for the fact that he won't meet my eyes. Though that might just be his pride.
“And she has grown up.” Slate gives me another creepy smile and a chill runs down my spine. Everything about him is cold, and I swear if I touched him he’d probably feel like ice. “You’ll be agreeable to everything he asks and you’ll make Mr. Carter a very happy man. Do you understand what I’m saying to you, Claudia?”
I clench my fists at my sides and nod again. The idea of sleeping with Brian doesn't disgust me and I hate myself for it. I already begin to wonder what it would be like for him to have his way with me. Would he be rough with me if I put up a fight, or would he be tender if I gave in easily? I don’t know what kind of man he is, yet my body craves his touch.
If I learned anything from Mark, it’s that men like him and Slate don’t take just a little. This is only the beginning of what he’s asking me to do. I know that each time he’s going to take a little more until there’s nothing left. I need to get out of here before that happens. It’s time for a new start anyway. This could be the push I need, because there won’t be any coming back if I agree to give my body to Brian Carter. What won’t they use me for if they’ll throw me to him?
“Let’s go.” Slate gives me one last warning before he goes to the door. He opens it and stops to looks back. “And Claudia…” The cold winter air blows in and I shiver. “Don’t get any ideas about running out on us. You wouldn't want something to happen to that shelter you love so much.” I suck in a breath and he smiles. “You’ve made your bed. Now you’ll lie in it.”
With that, he and Mark leave and the door closes behind them. The finality of his words rings in my ears.
Chapter 2
Brian
“Was there something wrong with her phone?” I ask as I pace the floor of my office.
“Yes, it looks like she dropped it in some water, but it’s been replaced,” Mark tells me on the other end of the phone. “Don’t worry. I personally went and replaced it so you won’t have any trouble getting a hold of her.”
I nod, but then realize he can't hear me. “Okay, perfect, thank you for checking on that for me. I appreciate it. And tell Aaron I’ll be in touch with him soon.”
“Yes, sir.” I hear him end the call, and then I immediately go into my text messages and start tapping at the keys on my phone.
I’ve been going insane since I met Claudia and haven’t been able to get in touch with her. I’ve sent dozens of messages and called more times than I care to admit, but I couldn’t give up. Finally, I decided to track down her boss and he was helpful. The area is owned by Aaron Slate, but Mark is the foreman I’ve been dealing with. Slate is anxious to bring us on board, but I’m hesitant. Although I wasn’t about to tell him that while I was trying to stalk one of his employees.
I was going nuts with needing to talk to her that I could hardly concentrate over the holiday. Finally, when I discovered Jensen was sleeping with my sister, I realized I’d missed everything that was right in front of my face. He had the good sense to tell me to get my head out of my ass and go after the woman who has me twisted in knots and I did exactly that. I ran straight to Mark and told him I needed to find the woman he sent to get the plans. He must have seen how desperate I was because he said he’d take care of it personally and get back to me. It didn’t stop me from texting her until then, but I’m happy to know that her phone is working.
My thumbs move across the keys as I send her a new message and hold my breath.
Me: So I hear your phone took a bath?
There’s a moment, but then I see a bubble indicate she’s typing a response.
Claudia: My phone did what?
Me: I heard you dropped your phone in water.
I know I heard Mark right, but now I’m wondering if what he said was true. Before my suspicion can run away from me, I see her typing again.
Claudia: Oh yeah, right. It’s working now.
I decide to just go for it because I have to see her again. It’s been too long already and I’m feeling anxious. I need to be near her to figure out if this crazy connection is all in my head of if what I felt that night was real.
Me: Have dinner with me.
Claudia: Okay.
I’m stunned by how easy she agrees and now I’m beginning to wonder if her boss put her up to this.
Me: Tonight.
Claudia: Okay.
My eyebrows furrow again. There isn’t any question, just an agreement.
Me: I’ll pick you up in an hour.
Claudia: Wait, it’s still lunch time.
I’m thankful she’s finally said something else and I can feel myself smile.
Me: Let’s call it an early dinner.
Claudia: I need to get dressed.
The thought of her naked body makes my cock swell and I want to text back that there’s no need, but I can’t scare her off again. I have a feeling there’s more to this story than she’s telling me, but I know once I look into her eyes I’ll be able to tell. One look was all it took for me to fall for her, so I have no doubt having her in my arms will convince her that this is right.