At His Desire: The Billionaire's Beck and Call, Part 7 Read online

  At His Desire: The Billionaire’s Beck and Call, Part 7

  By Delilah Fawkes

  I awoke from dreams of rough lovemaking in Mr. Drake’s dungeon and stretched my arms over my head, yawning peacefully. I could still feel where his hands had gripped my hips the night before, and traced the skin he’d touched with relish. The sun was just coming up over the hill, the floor-to-ceiling windows tinting themselves to keep out the unwelcome light.

  I sat up, realizing the other side of the bed was empty, the red sheets crumpled and cold. Where was Mr. Drake? I’d hoped to catch him sleeping just this once... to get a glimpse of him beside me, vulnerable and completely mine. To see him, just once, when he wasn’t in total control.

  No such luck.

  I should have known that a man like him always rises early.

  I slipped a silk robe over my shoulders and padded down the hall to the stairway, hoping to find him at breakfast, but as I neared the second floor landing, raised voices met my ears. I stopped just shy of Mr. Drake’s study, hesitating in the shadows. The door was open just a crack, but the male voice floating through the doorway was all too familiar. Lex Smith was here, his sharp voice echoing through the hallway.

  “We’ve got no other choice, Chase! Honestly, what else do you think we should do? We’ve got to make an impression on these people, or we’ll lose them.”

  “I thought you said it wasn’t anything to worry about? That the losses were minimal?”

  “So, I understated the issue a bit. That’s not the point. We’ve got to build investor confidence.”

  “We can’t afford-”

  “We can’t afford not to!”

  I heard Mr. Drake sigh, and imagined him running a hand through his hair. I felt like I was intruding on a private moment, an eavesdropper who had no business listening in. I debated with myself for a moment, then turned and snuck downstairs toward the kitchen. If Mr. Drake wanted me to know what was going on, he’d tell me himself. I wasn’t about to break his trust.

  After a hot cup of coffee and one of the chef’s delicious omelets, Mr. Drake appeared around the corner. For the briefest of moments, he looked exhausted, his green eyes dulled with worry. Then he saw me, and smiled.

  “So, you’re up after all. Excellent. I need you to go back to your apartment and pack your things.”

  I lowered my fork. “Good morning to you, too.”

  He leaned over and kissed my hair, his expression softening. “Good morning, Isa. I wish I weren’t in such a hurry, but I have work to do. Quickly. We need to put together a weekend getaway for the investors and members of the board, and we need to do it now.”

  He grabbed a fresh baked croissant from a basket on the counter and toyed with it absentmindedly. “Hopefully they haven’t already gotten wind...”

  I put my hand on his arm, and he looked at me, as if startled that I was still there.

  “What can I do to help?”

  He frowned, his eyes appraising me. “I need to call everyone on the investor list, and set up three days and two nights of entertainment to occupy them all. Mr. Smith offered his parents’ hotel and casino as a possible location.”

  I took a deep swig of coffee, and stood up. “No problem. Give me the names, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

  His lips twisted into a half smile, his eyes twinkling incredulously. “Isa, are you sure--”

  “I used to put together events for my grandmother’s charity all the time. I’ve got this.”

  He raised an eyebrow, obviously needing more.

  “She built a halfway house for problem teens, but could no longer handle running it when she fell ill. I was the only one who could help out, so I guess you could say I learned on the job. I know a thing or two about organizing events for wealthy benefactors.” I smiled up at him. “Trust me. I can help you, if you let me.”

  He ran a hand over his chin, as if absorbing my words. “Well, aren’t you just full of surprises?”

  I put a hand on my hip. “Are you going to let me take care of this, or are we going to stand here all day?”

  He laughed then, the sound making my heart do a back flip.

  “Get ready, and I’ll drive you.” He pulled me close, kissing me hard. “And if we finish early, maybe you can get tied up at the office...”

  I laughed with him, and he smacked me playfully on the rear. I’d definitely have to work quickly.

  ***

  I sat on the floor of Mr. Drake’s office, surrounded by a fan of index cards, his laptop, and a fistful of hotel brochures. My ear was aching around my blue tooth headset from the day’s worth of phone calls, but I grinned as I surveyed all that I’d accomplished.

  I looked up as Mr. Drake entered, closing the door behind him.

  “Is there anything you need? How’s it going?”

  There was a wrinkle above the bridge of his nose that only showed when he was anxious. I wanted to jump up and kiss it away, but instead, I pulled up the page of notes I had on the computer.

  “Everything’s booked, and 20 out of 22 guests have RSVP’d in the positive, along with their spouses. This weekend is going to be a huge success. No one can pass up an all-expenses paid corporate bash thrown by The Chase Drake.” I grinned up at him, and blew a piece of hair out of my face where it had fallen out of my bun.

  He shook his head, a smile replacing the pinched look of almost-panic he had been wearing. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. How did you manage to pull all this off?”

  He gave me a hand, pulling me to my feet.

  “Didn’t you know I’m a genius?”

  “I always suspected as much.”

  We stared at one another, the laughter fading, replaced by something else entirely. He grabbed my hair, tilting my head back, and I let my breath out slowly, my whole body suddenly very aware that we were alone. His mouth met mine, hot and urgent. I moaned softly as he deepened the kiss, teasing my tongue with his.

  “I’m going to need you, Isabeau. With me. This weekend.”

  He kissed me again, slowly, his lips on mine making me quake with longing. He pulled away and looked into my eyes.

  “Please say you’ll come?”

  I smiled up at him. “I’d love to. As long as you promise not to work me too hard.”

  His hand slipped up under my skirt. He ran a finger over the crotch of my panties, tracing my lips through the lace. “I will promise no such thing.”

  I shivered beneath his touch. “I’m all yours, Sir.”

  ***

  The next couple of days passed in a whirlwind of activity. I finally went home to my lonely little apartment to see that my mail was piling up and my one houseplant was getting crispy around the edges. I watered it, marveling at how quickly my life had changed in such a short period of time.

  I changed out of my new clothes and stepped into the bathroom for a shower. The diamonds on my choker winked at me in the mirror. I’d become so used to wearing Mr. Drake’s collar, I’d almost forgotten to take it off. I ran my fingertip over the tiny lock charm nestled in the hollow of my throat. I could practically feel his hands in my hair as he fastened it on...

  I stepped into the shower with the choker still in place and sighed as the water poured over me.

  ***

  Later, Mr. Drake sent a car and a note insisting I go shopping for the weekend ahead, and although I grumbled at the expense, I had to admit, I had nothing to wear. The clothing in my closet wouldn’t impress a J.C. Penney executive, much less the investors of Drake & Smith. I let myself be driven about, packages piling up in the trunk of the Rolls Royce and tried to tamp down
the feeling of unease rising inside of me with each stop.

  Was I ever going to get used to this? I imagined guilt bubbling up inside of me like hot lava.

  Just breathe, Isabeau. So what if that dress is worth more than all the furniture in your apartment? I giggled nervously in the back of the car, and put a hand over my mouth when the driver cocked an eyebrow at me in the rearview mirror.

  I’d been in the office several times arranging last minute details, but hadn’t seen Mr. Drake for more than a moment or two. He’d been locked away pouring over the books with the accounting staff behind the CFO’s back, hoping to find God-knows-what before the big event.

  He entered his office just long enough to change his shirt and steal a kiss from me before heading back downstairs, but I felt the stress pouring off him like steam from a radiator.

  I recalled the words I’d overheard between him and Lex days before, and wondered... What exactly was going on? How bad were these losses he’d mentioned? Was Mr. Drake in serious trouble?

  I chewed the cap of my pen. If I could make his problems disappear, I would in a minute. But for now, I was glad I could at least take the detail work of this weekend off his plate. I had to admit, it felt good to be needed. To be trusted with something so important.

  I closed the lap top and stood up. I’d done all I could for now. The rest was up to him.

  ***

  The driver held the car door open, and I stepped out, fidgeting in my red satin dress. I thanked the man, and walked to the gilded double-doors of the Titan Hotel, feeling naked in my sleeveless little number. Two men in full livery swept the doors open for me with a bow, and I nodded to them nervously as I walked through.

  I’d heard of this hotel before, but had never even been to this part of the city, much less set foot inside the gleaming, modern structure. The Smith family had built this hotel and casino to cater to the super rich, a place where luxury and exclusivity were guaranteed. I blew out a shaky breath, and stood up a little straighter. Just because I couldn’t afford a snow globe in the gift shop didn’t mean I didn’t belong.

  Sure, Isabeau. Just keep telling yourself that. Maybe one day, you’ll even believe it.

  The choker shifted around my neck, and I sighed. I wasn’t in this alone.

  I moved through the lobby, my heels click-clacking on the veined marble. Water sculptures framed the check in and concierge desks, while the entire back wall housed an enormous aquarium. I moved toward it, marveling at the way the light from the water danced across the floor, mirroring the movement of the colorful fish housed within. The light dimmed for a moment as a shark swam by. I jumped and backed away. My back collided with something hard, but before I could turn around, strong hands clamped down on my arms.

  “You look breathtaking this evening, Miss Willcox.”

  The sound of Lex Smith’s oily voice made goosebumps rise on my flesh. I pulled out of his grasp, and heard him chuckle.

  “Thank you.”

  He grinned at me like a wolf, his eyes wandering over the drape of my satin dress all the way down to my exposed legs. I wanted to cover up under that stare, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

  “I’m glad you came to this little get together. I’ve been thinking about you.” He brushed back his dark hair, his silver cufflink gleaming in the light from the aquarium.

  “Oh?” I didn’t like where this was going, but I didn’t want to be rude.

  “Absolutely,” he said, his voice lowering to a purr. “I hope we’ll get another chance to dance, you and I.”

  I didn’t know what to say. The last thing I wanted were his hands on me, but I didn’t want to cause a scene by telling him what I really thought about him. Not when this weekend was so important to the company. I backed away just as the elevator doors slid open on the other side of the lobby.

  “Lex,” Mr. Drake said. “I hope I’m not interrupting. Mind if I steal Isabeau away?”

  If I could have leapt into his arms at that moment, I would, but instead settled for beaming at him.

  Lex shot me another look, dark and full of promises. His lips twitching into a lopsided grin. “See you later, then.”

  I repressed a shudder. What did he want from me, anyway?

  Mr. Drake’s hand clasped mine, and I tore my eyes away. He led me into the elevator, his thumb caressing me. When the doors closed, he turned to me, looking me over with appreciation.

  “You’re so beautiful, Isa... That dress is simply stunning on you.”

  He held my hand to his lips and kissed my palm, his green eyes capturing me. I licked my lips, my body heating at his touch. I wished we could be alone now, instead of going to this party. I wanted the magnetic Mr. Drake all to myself.

  “You’re not so bad yourself. Sir.”

  His sharp intake of breath told me the word had its desired effect. His eyes burned with hunger, and, standing there in a James Bond tuxedo, his wavy hair falling perfectly around his face, I wanted nothing more than to rip off those clothes and make love to him here and now.

  “Watch out, Isa. I may just take you over my knee in front of all the investors and give you the spanking you deserve.”

  I laughed, but his look told me he might not be joking. The doors slid open.

  “Come.”

  He slipped my arm through his and led me out into the hotel’s opulent banquet room. My eyes widened as I took in the scene before me. Men and women draped in finery mingled among trays of delicacies and champagne, diamonds and pearls shining in the firelight from a wall-to-wall fireplace on the far side of the room. The walls were covered in sprawling murals depicting the Greek gods, and I stifled a grin. How appropriate to place the richest of the rich among the gods.

  I’m sure the guests loved this place the Smith family built just for them.

  I snagged a glass of champagne and took a sip.

  Mr. Drake squeezed my hand. “I have to make the rounds before dinner. Thank God I have you here, or I don’t think I could make it. Smiling at these people for three hours straight when all I want is to take you back to the room and do unspeakable things...”

  I choked, trying not to spit my drink.

  “Look alive, Miss Willcox,” Mr. Drake said, chuckling softly.

  He steered me over to a balding man and his plump wife and smoothly made his introductions. I took another swig and smiled politely.

  It was going to be a long night.

  ***

  “I have a surprise for you,” he whispered to me, nuzzling my neck as we rode the elevator to the penthouse suite.

  “Mmm?” I wrapped my hands in his hair as he nibbled my ear, my heartbeat pounding with each touch of his lips.

  We’d wined and dined the night away, and now relief flooded through me knowing that at least this night had gone as planned. Everything had been organized to perfection, and the board members and investors seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  The elevator shuddered to a halt, and I squealed as Mr. Drake scooped me up into his arms.

  “I think you’re going to enjoy it, little slave,” he said. “Do you trust me?”

  He set me down just long enough to unlock the door at the end of the hall, then threw me over his shoulder again. I giggled against his tuxedo jacket, the wine and the intoxicating smell of his cologne making me feel giddy.

  He kicked the door shut and tossed me onto the bed so hard that I bounced. I glanced around, my breath catching at the view, visible from the huge marble balcony attached to the suite. Stars winked at me from the clear night sky, and I grinned. Even when he traveled, Mr. Drake had to be on top of the world.

  “You didn’t answer me. Do you trust me, Isa?”

  He towered over me at the foot of the bed, looking sexy as hell with his tuxedo shirt half unbuttoned, bow tie hanging askew where I’d tugged it open.

  “Of course I do.”

  He leaned down under the bed and reemerged holding a small travel bag. “Then put this on.”

  I took it f
rom him, and opened it, not sure what to expect. Part of me feared it would be another expensive dress, but I smiled at what I saw. A black, padded blindfold. It was perfect.

  My body tingled all over as I slid it down over my eyes, securing it around the back of my head.

  “Can you see anything?”

  “No, Sir.”

  I felt him near me, but my world was now as black as pitch. The blindfold molded itself to the contours of my face, sealing out all light. He snapped his fingers an inch away from my ear, and I jumped with a little shriek.

  “Good girl. I think you’ll agree, it’s more fun if you’re honest with me...”

  Hands caressed me through my dress, teasing as they ran down my ribcage, stopping just before squeezing my breasts.

  “Hold your arms out at your sides and lie back, little slave.”

  I let him gently push me down until my head hit the pillow and both arms were stretched out like a cross. I heard a rustling near my head, but held still, waiting with bated breath to discover what my master had planned for me. Something silky wrapped around my wrist, then tightened, stretching my arm out. I heard soft footfalls on the carpet, and then my other wrist was being bound, tied in place with something strong but soft. One of his neckties, maybe? I gave an inquisitive yank, but I was held firm to the bedposts, helpless to escape.

  “Now, you’re mine to do with as I please. The question is... what am I going to do first?”

  His low chuckle sent shivers down my spine.

  There was silence for a few endless moments, stretching out until I couldn’t stand it. I strained to hear him, to figure out where he was. I pictured him staring at me, bound beneath him, plotting how he could drive me crazy.

  I heard a rasping noise from the edge of the bed, like metal sliding over metal, and my body tensed.

  “Let’s get these clothes off you. I want to see that beautiful body of yours.”

  Something cool and hard grazed the inside of my thigh, and I sucked in a breath, pulling at my bonds. Fear sliced through me, irrational but so real it was palpable. What was he doing?