Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)(34)

Carefully I pry the envelope from the box and turn it over, pulling the tiny card out of it. It’s covered in the most beautiful handwriting I’ve ever seen and I stare at it for a moment, recognizing that writing before I even see who signed it.

To replace the one I ruined last evening.

Yours,

V

My lips curl into a tiny smile, and I pop the lid off the box and push the layers of tissue away to find a gorgeous red tie nestled within. I run my fingers over the fabric, impressed with the quality but not surprised.

Violet Fowler never does anything half-assed or cheap. That includes asking someone to indulge in a secret affair.

I pull the tie out of the box and admire it, the subtle pattern that runs through the fabric, the brutally red color. It’s the shade of victory, of blood, of death and triumph and sex and lust.

I’m feeling all of those things. I can imagine taking this tie and wrapping it around Violet’s wrists, binding them tight. So she can’t touch me, can’t do anything but let me pleasure her.

My cock comes to full attention at the image.

Should I wait to thank her properly when she finally makes her way to my office in less than two hours? Or should I thank her now?

Reaching for the phone, I dial her extension and wait for her to answer, my fingers never straying from the tie.

“Good morning, this is Violet.”

She sounds cheerful but brisk and efficient. A contradiction as usual. “Good morning,” I say in reply, not bothering to identify myself.

There’s a moment of silence before she finally speaks. “Hello.” Her voice warms. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. Better since I received my gift.” I pause, wondering what I can say to her without sounding like a lecherous ass. May I tie you up so I can go down on you and bring you to orgasm with my tongue? Better yet, Let me bind your wrists behind your back and push you to your knees while I push my cock into your mouth …

“Do you like it?” she asks shyly.

“I love it. Thank you.”

“I felt bad. For what I-I did to your tie last night.” She sounds so unsure of herself, it just about kills me. Does she have any idea how sexy she is? All that innocent vulnerability is an incredible turn-on.

Most would say because I’m going to take advantage of her. That’s why I find her naivety so freaking sexy. She’s easy pickings.

They would be right.

“I didn’t mind,” I reassure her. And it’s no lie. The crumpled tie can be fixed. Nothing a good dry cleaner can’t tackle. “But I like this one, too.”

“I’m glad.” She lowers her voice. “We’re still on for noon?”

She sounds excited. And I feel victorious. This is just too easy. “Yes.” I don’t say another word. I’m in the mood to hear her squirm.

“Are we going to have … a heavy lunch?”

Is she speaking in code? “I was thinking more along the lines of an … appetizer.”

“Oh.” She takes a deep, shaky breath. She’s already aroused. By the time noon rolls around and she shows up, she’ll be primed. “That sounds … good.”

“It’ll be more than good.” I glance up at the sound of a knock on my door, dropping the box under my desk and the tie into my lap when I see Pilar standing in the doorway. “Sorry to cut this short, but someone’s at my door.”

“I’ll see you soon.” Violet hangs up before I can say another word and I settle the phone back in the receiver, offering Pilar a polite smile.

“What brings you here?”

“What sort of greeting is that?” She strides into the room, the scent of her strong perfume following her like a cloud. Her bold choice in dress, in hair and makeup and scent, fits her. It’s all a part of her personality, her own brand, she’s told me more than once. She wants to be memorable, and she most definitely is.

I sometimes wonder, though, where the realness is. Who is Pilar really?

“I figured you’d be off toying with Lawrence’s affections,” I say, regretting it immediately. I sound like a sullen, jealous idiot.

“Oh please. I can play with both of my boys.” She smiles winningly and settles herself in one of the chairs across from my desk. “I wanted to talk to you. I’ve heard rumors.”

I’m instantly wary. “What sort of rumors?”

“That you went to dinner with Violet last night.” She makes a tsking noise, shaking her head. “I thought you were giving up that part of the game.”

“You wanted me to give it up,” I point out. “I never agreed.”

“You should. It’s pointless, what you’re doing. She’s a little nothing.” She flicks her fingers, as if she could dismiss Violet from the room, from my thoughts. “You’re wasting your time.”

“You already told me that. Numerous times.” I level her with my most intense stare. “But I’m going to do what I want.”

“And what is that? Violet?”

“Does it really matter? You’ve changed the rules of the original game. I’m going to do my own thing and you’ll do yours.” We each want a different outcome. She, for whatever twisted reason, wants to take Violet out and I want to take Violet to bed.