At His Word: The Billionaire's Beck and Call, Part 6 Read online

  At His Word: The Billionaire’s Beck and Call, Part 6

  By Delilah Fawkes

  The elevator doors slid shut, and I gasped for air as hot tears rolled down my cheeks. The car shuddered as it started moving, and for a moment, I felt like the floor dropped out from underneath me, that everything was slipping away. And maybe it was.

  I took a deep breath and wiped my face as the elevator slowed to a stop. Someone from the next floor down was getting on, and I didn’t want a stranger to see me crying. I worked here, after all. It would be no good for the whole company to know that Mr. Drake’s new assistant was weeping in the elevator.

  The doors slid open, and I shuffled back to make room, my eyes downcast. The doors slid shut, but instead of pushing the button for the floor he wanted, the man who entered slammed his hand onto the red “stop” button.

  “Don’t run from me like that again,” Mr. Drake said.

  My eyes snapped upward, meeting his. His hair was disheveled, his breathing catching up like he’d run down a flight of stairs. And I suppose he had.

  “You came after me.”

  I was in shock, standing there, staring at my boss, my eyes still full of tears threatening to spill over once again. He took two steps and pinned me against the mirrored wall of the elevator, his hands on either side of me, effectively trapping me.

  “You didn’t let me explain.”

  I looked down at my shoes, anything to escape that intense, green gaze. “What’s there to explain? She’s your fiancé, isn’t she? I understand perfectly.”

  I’m just a fling on the side. You went slumming for a while, but when push comes to shove, you’ll marry someone like you. Someone from your world.

  Someone you deserve.

  He tilted my chin up with a gentle hand. “Look at me.”

  “I don’t want to,” I whispered. Tears threatened to fall at any moment, and I didn’t want him to see me like this. Weak. Because of him.

  “Look at me, Isabeau.” His voice was harsh now, brooking no further argument.

  My eyes flicked upward, captured by his gaze. To my surprise, he didn’t look angry at all, but instead his eyes pleaded with me.

  “She’s just a friend of the family. My mother has been trying to set me up with her since prep school, but I never agreed to it. I’m with you, Isa. Not her. Never her.”

  I wanted to believe him. Wanted to fall into his arms right then and there, but it all seemed too easy. Too good to be true.

  “Then why are you going with her?”

  He stared down at me, his brow furrowing. “It’s a dinner party my family is throwing. I have to go, or it won’t look right. Business associates will be there.”

  He leaned in and kissed me slowly, his lips hot on mine. My head buzzed, my thoughts a hopeless jumble. His mouth found my neck, his hand winding in my hair and pulling it tight. My breath hitched, my body responding to his touch. His tongue flicked over my collar bone, and I moaned softly.

  “Come with me,” he said, his breath tickling my ear. “Let me introduce you to my family, Isa.”

  I sighed against him, my anxiety melting as his body pressed against mine. I squirmed against him, my needy clit finding his rock hard thigh.

  “You want me to go?”

  His low laugh sent shivers down my spine. His thigh rubbed against me, making me gasp.

  “You’re mine. I can show you off as I please, little slave.”

  He grabbed my ass, lifting my leg over his, grinding me harder. I was on fire for him, and still wet from our play in the office, before all of this doubt and fear. Mr. Drake nibbled at my neck as he rubbed me against him, my pussy throbbing with arousal even through the layers of clothing separating us.

  “Say you’ll join me. Be my date tonight.”

  He kissed me, and I opened beneath him, sighing as his tongue danced over mine. Jolts of pleasure raced through me as I rode him, my hips undulating as he moved against me. I gasped as he bit my lip.

  “I will,” I breathed.

  “Good,” he said, grinning. “Now cum for me, Isa.”

  He squeezed my ass, grinding me down harder, and I gave in, letting go right then and there, trembling in his arms as my orgasm crashed over me. I think I called out his name, my fingernails digging into his shoulders as I shuddered against him, my pussy clenching again and again.

  I was grinning when I finally came back down to earth. Mr. Drake cocked an eyebrow at me.

  “I think I’m going to need some fresh panties before I meet your mother.”

  He kissed my lips and smirked at me. “I’ll have the driver stop on the way.”

  ***

  Mr. Drake and I met Lex and Veronica in the lobby. I tried not to glare at the owner of the high, breathy voice I’d heard earlier from my position under the desk. The Future Mrs. Drake was a thin, icy blonde with a lip glossed smile glued onto her face. It faltered when she saw me step out of the elevator, but snapped back like rubber when she saw Mr. Drake. Lex was leaning against a marble column, looking positively bored. His black eyes twinkled when he saw me, his grin making me blush.

  “Chasey, about time! I was starting to think you forgot about me.” Veronica pouted, crossing her arms over her pink sheath dress, her diamond necklace shifting against her throat.

  “Veronica, I’d like you to meet my assistant, Isabeau. Isabeau, Veronica. Our families have known each other since we were children.”

  I shook her hand more firmly than I should have, forcing a smile. “Pleasure to meet you.”

  “Yes, well,” she said, looking me up and down. “When are we leaving, Chasey? Are you driving?”

  “Isabeau and I will be making a quick stop before we arrive. Lex, would you please take Ms. Chambers in your car?”

  “Before we arrive?” Veronica raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, her cool blue eyes narrowing.

  “Yes. Isa will be escorting me this evening. I hope my mother didn’t mislead you, Veronica. I said I would attend, but never made any definite arrangements.”

  I looked up at Mr. Drake. His face was a blank mask; his emotions unreadable. Veronica ran a hand over her coiffure, and stood a little straighter.

  “Of course. No problem at all. I’ll see you there.”

  Mr. Drake took my hand and placed it in the crook of his arm before leading me out to the parking lot. His hand closed over mine, and my skin tingled at the touch. The gesture was so gentlemanly... so protective. I felt my cheeks heating in the crisp night air.

  “Do you think she was disappointed?”

  I smiled at him as he opened the car door for me.

  “I can guarantee it,” he said, his lips twitching into a half grin.

  I slid into my seat and straightened my skirt against the leather, my heart fluttering at the fact that this man had just chosen me over someone like that. Maybe I had nothing to worry about. Maybe this mysterious man meant exactly what he said when he claimed I was his.

  ***

  The Bentley’s headlights shone on a large, wrought-iron gate, leading to the biggest house I’d ever seen in my life. It actually looked like Mr. Darcy’s manor from the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice--a sprawling construction that looked more like an ancient castle than anywhere an American family would live. We were at the top of a hill, the Drake estate tucked back away from the other wealthy residences, their window-covered walls glinting in the moonlight as we drove past.

  Mr. Drake rolled down his window and pressed the intercom button. “Chase Drake.”

  “Nice to see you again, Sir,” piped the voice through the speaker. There was a quick buzz, and then th
e gates rolled to the side, allowing entrance to the grounds.

  I sank into my seat, the enormity of what I was about to do overwhelming me. I was about to enter a party in Mr. Drake’s childhood home. I was about to meet his mother. Suddenly, it was too hot in the car, my body sweating beneath the designer clothing he’d chosen for me. Would she approve of me for her son? Or would she be able to tell with just one look that I was a nobody--just some temp he decided to sleep with this week?

  The car rolled forward, and I swallowed hard.

  By the time we were parked, nestled next to Mercedes, BMW's, and what looked like James Bond's Aston Martin, my mouth was bone dry. Mr. Drake's hand on my leg made me jump.

  "Are you okay, Isa? You look positively shaken."

  "I'm fine. Really."

  How could I tell a man like this that this kind of thing terrified me? That I knew I wasn't good enough? That just the sight of a house like this made me want to curl up into a ball and disappear? He would never understand. How could he, when he grew up here?

  "You're not fine, Isabeau. You're missing something." His voice was low, with a hint of humor in it.

  "Missing something?"

  "Of course, little slave," he said, his hand caressing my throat. "Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

  I sucked in a breath, the touch of this thumb over my delicate skin making me shiver with longing.

  "I gave you that collar to wear, not to leave behind when you left this morning. A beautiful woman like you should always wear beautiful things."

  He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a velvet box. When he opened it, the diamonds on the platinum choker glittered in the moonlight. I looked down at my hands, clasped in my lap.

  "It feels like too much."

  "Isabeau." Mr. Drake tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. "It's not too much, and it makes me happy to give it to you. Please wear it. Let the world see that you are mine."

  Hesitantly, I ran a finger over the charm in the shape of a lock, caressing its edges. "Alright. But I feel silly wearing something so extravagant."

  "Trust me, Isa. No one will think twice seeing it around your neck."

  He brushed my hair off my shoulders and fastened it for me. His fingers trailed from the lock down the skin exposed by my blouse, before dipping beneath the silk and tracing the top of my cleavage. My body heated in response to his touch, and suddenly, I wished we didn't have to be here. That we could go straight back to his home and he could savage me in his dungeon. I moaned at the thought. Looking up into those green eyes of his, I knew he was thinking the same thing.

  He drew his hand back and sighed.

  "Let's go."

  ***

  I found myself touching the necklace for reassurance as I strolled at Mr. Drake's side through the crowd of dinner guests. As if the honest-to-God butler who showed us in wasn't enough, the house itself was covered in luxuries that made my eyes pop. A fabrige egg stood on a polished silver stand next to marble statuettes in an enormous glass case, and oil paintings of who I assumed were family members lined the walls. The place reeked of old money in a way that made the hair on my neck stand on end.

  What could I possibly have to say to someone who lived in a place like this? Would his family hate me right away, or would they wait until I inevitably made a fool of myself to shun me?

  I closed my eyes and balled my hands into fists. Just breathe...

  Mr. Drake's hand on my arm brought me back. "Relax, Isa. You're doing fine."

  He smiled, and my heart warmed at the way his eyes crinkled ever so slightly in the corners. I wanted to stand on my tip toes and kiss him then and there, but I settled for putting my hand in his and letting him lead me through the room.

  "Chase, darling. So glad you could make it after all, although I wouldn't know it from all those calls you ignored."

  "Hello, Mother. You look lovely, as always."

  Mr. Drake leaned over and kissed her papery cheek. She was in her sixties with silvery blonde hair swirled into an elegant up-do. Her hard, grey eyes assessed me, roaming from the top of my wavy hair down to the points of my heels, before coming back up to rest on the choker.

  "Yes, well. Some of us have to keep up appearances." She touched the strand of pearls at her throat and pursed her coral lips.

  Mr. Drake's hand on the small of my back was a reassuring presence.

  "Mother, let me introduce you to Isabeau Willcox. Isabeau, this is Madeline Drake."

  "Another one of your colleagues, Chase? Should I even bother remembering her name?" She extended her hand, and I took it out of habit, although I felt like my jaw had hit the floor at her words. "Nice to meet you, Miss Flavor-of-the-Week. Now, if you'll excuse me?'

  "Mother," he began, his voice low and dangerous, but she was already waving to a guest, smiling warmly.

  "Please ignore her," he growled. "She's... not easy to please."

  I swallowed hard. Even dressed like this, she saw me as a nobody. Just another one of Mr. Drake's girls. Not worth remembering.

  "I can see that."

  "Isa." He clasped my hand in his, before bringing it to his lips. "I've never brought a date to this house before."

  My eyes widened as I met his gaze. "Then, what did she-?"

  "I've brought a few women to fundraisers and the like when I needed someone on my arm, but never here. Never to my old home. Never to meet her."

  I grinned. "I can't imagine why not."

  Mr. Drake laughed, the sound making my heart beat faster. "It wasn't worth it for anyone else."

  Before I could wrap my head around that sentiment, a man with a tray of wine glasses approached, and then another with h'ors d'oeuvres. I sipped the wine, letting the taste roll over my tongue. It was by far the best sauvignon blanc I’d ever tasted. How did I get here, eating and drinking in a veritable castle, with people who never would have given me the time of day if I weren’t on the arm of their billionaire golden boy? It was more than overwhelming. It was surreal.

  Madeline tapped on her glass with a spoon, drawing everyone’s attention.

  “Dinner will now be served, if you’ll please follow me to the banquet room.”

  Her intricately-beaded dress rustled as she walked, her rings clinking together as she gestured for everyone to follow. I felt underdressed in my work clothing, despite the Gucci label caressing the base of my spine, but I placed my hand on Mr. Drake’s offered arm and let him lead me through the crowd. I noticed Veronica scowling at me as we passed, and suppressed a smile.

  The food was exquisite. I managed to not embarrass myself with the myriad of forks and plates by keeping a close eye on what my boss was doing next to me. When he reached for the smallest fork, I reached for mine. When he placed his plate to the side, I followed suit. I made it through seven small and equally delicious courses without so much as a raised eyebrow from anyone around us, and the thought made me relax a bit.

  Maybe I was almost blending in. Maybe I could traverse this strange new world after all.

  After dinner, there were drinks, and after drinks, there was dancing. I thrilled when Mr. Drake extended his hand and led me out to the floor, holding me tight when the music began. It was a waltz, and I followed his lead, smiling like a schoolgirl as he twirled me in his arms. Couples surrounded us, young and old, their cocktail dresses glittering in the low light, cufflinks gleaming.

  “You dance beautifully, Isa,” Mr. Drake said, drawing me closer as the music changed.

  Instead of the crisp waltz, sultry piano jazz now filled the space, slowing the tempo of the dancers around us.

  “It’s easy when I can follow your lead,” I said, meeting his eyes with a smile.

  His pupils darkened as he gazed down at me, his grip tightening on my waist. “I wish I could take you away from here right now. I would lead you in so much more.”

  He moved closer, pressing his cheek to mine, his breath tickling my neck.

  “Would you like that, little slave?” />
  He kissed my ear softly, the warmth of his lips on my skin momentarily taking my breath away.

  “Yes,” I said, leaning into him. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Don’t you two look cozy?”

  I looked up to see Alexander Smith smirking at me, his eyes traveling over my body pressed up against Mr. Drake’s.

  “Your mother is asking for you, Chase. But don’t worry, I’ll look after Miss Willcox while you’re gone.” He winked at me, and I frowned back. “May I cut in?”

  Mr. Drake sighed and pulled back. “Duty calls,” he said, giving me an apologetic look. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, and then we can get out of here.”

  I nodded, my body feeling cold without him holding me tight. Lex held out his hand.

  “Well? How about it? I haven’t gotten to dance with a single beautiful woman tonight, so it would mean a lot to me.”

  I placed my hand in his and let him draw me close, swaying to the music. Something about his tone of voice made me wonder if he was making a joke at my expense, but I smiled up at him, not wanting to offend Mr. Drake’s partner.

  “I don’t know if I fit the bill, but I’m happy to let you cut in.”

  He laughed, his black eyes full of humor. “Very good, Miss Willcox.”

  I couldn’t help but notice how his face changed when he smiled; how his entire demeanor lightened, his white teeth dazzling against his tan complexion.

  “I hope you don’t think I’m forward for asking,” he said, his voice low, “but are you and Chase...? Are you seeing one another?”

  I felt the necklace, cool against my throat, and swallowed hard, not sure what to say. What were we, after all? Slave and master? Boyfriend and girlfriend? Lovers?

  This wasn’t exactly the kind of relationship I was used to.

  “Why do you ask?”

  I chewed my lips and met his gaze, not wanting to give too much away. What was Mr. Drake comfortable with me talking about? Hell, what was I comfortable talking about?

  Lex’s hand moved lower on my back, and I flinched in his arms. He stopped, his fingers dangerously close to the curve of my ass.