Rush (Breathless #1)(43)

Hell, he’d all but mauled her. He’d raped her mouth, for God’s sake. He’d hurried her into his apartment, shoved her onto her knees and then forced himself down her throat. His self-loathing knew no bounds, and yet he couldn’t regret it. Worse, he knew he’d do it again. And again. He was already itching to get home later so he could have her in his bed, underneath him.

He’d been furious over the lack of respect shown to Mia in the office by the other employees, but he was a huge hypocrite. He’d shown her a far greater lack of respect by treating her like the whore she feared she was. Not that he ever, even once, considered her any such thing. But his actions hadn’t mimicked his thoughts so far. His dick was doing all his thinking for him and it didn’t give a f**k that he wanted to slow down and not overwhelm her from the start. His dick wanted more. His hands and mouth wanted more. His lust for her was all consuming and it hadn’t shown any sign of waning thus far. If anything, it increased every time he made love to her.

Made love. He wanted to laugh. That was a much softer term for what he’d done. Maybe he thought it in an attempt to make himself feel better. He’d f**ked her senseless. He’d danced a very thin line in brutalizing her, and yet for all the remorse he felt, he knew that next time wouldn’t be any different no matter his intentions. He could say one thing all he wanted, but he was a damn liar and he knew it.

“We’re here, Gabe,” Mia said, softly touching his arm.

He pulled himself from his thoughts to see they were parked at the corner by the club. Recovering quickly, he got out and then went around to open Mia’s door and helped her from the car.

She looked f**king amazing, and he had a sinking feeling that no matter the fact he’d chosen clothing for her that was purposely unrevealing, there would be no less attention than if she’d shown up in the dress she’d worn to the grand opening.

Mia was a beautiful woman, and there was something special about her that drew people to her. She’d even stand out in a crowd wearing a burlap sack.

Cupping her elbow in a casual manner, he guided her toward the entrance. It took every bit of his restraint not to haul her into his side and put his stamp of possession on her for the world to see, but he wouldn’t embarrass her, and he wouldn’t threaten her relationship—or his—with Jace. Knowing she was his behind closed doors was enough. But he’d be damned if he watched other men fawn over Mia tonight either.

As they reached the entrance to the room reserved for the cocktail party, Gabe put a respectable distance between himself and Mia. Every instinct screamed to have her close, to put the invisible hands off to any other man, but he forced himself to remain cool and distanced. She was here in a business capacity. Nothing else. She wasn’t here as his date, his lover, his woman. Even if they both knew differently.

As soon as they walked in, Mitch Johnson saw them through the crowd and nodded before making his way toward where Gabe and Mia stood.

“Showtime,” Gabe murmured.

Mia did a quick survey of the crowd and then focused in on Mitch, who was nearly to them. She put a genuine smile on her face and stood attentively at Gabe’s side as they waited.

“Gabe, glad you could make it on such short notice,” Mitch said, extending his hand.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Gabe said smoothly.

He turned to Mia. “Mitch, I’d like you to meet my personal assistant, Mia Crestwell. Mia, this is Mitch Johnson.”

She extended her hand with a warm, inviting smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Johnson. Thank you for having us.”

Mitch looked delighted with Mia, a fact that made Gabe want to scowl, but he forced his composure to remain intact. Mitch was happily married. He wasn’t the type to stray. But he was looking at Mia, and it pissed Gabe off.

“The pleasure is all mine, Mia. Please do call me Mitch. Can I get you two drinks? Gabe, there are several people I’d like you to meet.”

“Nothing for me,” Mia murmured.

Gabe shook his head. “I’ll get something later, perhaps.”

Mitch gestured toward the crowd. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll make the necessary introductions. I’ve been speaking with several business colleagues. They’re very interested in your California venture.”

“Excellent,” Gabe said in satisfaction.

He and Mia followed Mitch through the crowd and Mitch took them to meet various parties, made introductions. The entire time business was discussed, Mia stood at Gabe’s side, her expression one of interest. She was good. This had to be boring as hell for her, but she didn’t let on if she was.

She completely surprised him when, in one of the conversation lulls, she looked at Trenton Harcourt and said, “And how is your daughter doing at Harvard? Is she enjoying her studies so far?”

Trenton looked taken aback and then beamed. “She’s doing very well. My wife and I are very proud of her.”

“I’m sure business law is a tough curriculum, but think of how useful she’ll be to your own endeavors when she graduates. Always nice to have connections within the family,” Mia said, a twinkle in her eye.

The group laughed and Gabe felt a surge of pride. Apparently she had studied up.

Then he watched as she took over the gathering, addressing personalized comments to the other men present. She maintained a steady flow of conversation and had the men completely in her thrall. He watched closely, waiting for any inappropriate look or remark, but the men were courteous and seemed utterly charmed by Mia’s sweetness.