My Russian Master (Service & Submission Book 3) (5 page)

“Okay, you may sit, Caroline.”

She sat down, unable to even make eye contact with him. She just knew he was aghast at the task set before him.

“Why do you think you need to lose twenty to thirty pounds?” She lifted her gaze to see his eyebrows furrowed. Was this a joke? He’d just completed a full body scan with his eyes.

“Maxim, do you need me to get you glasses, you know, reading spectacles?”

His eyebrows shot up. “Is that sarcasm, Caroline?”

God, his voice could be so firm.

What have you gotten yourself into?

“Uhm, yes, I guess.” She tugged at the skirt of her dress, pulling at it to cover more of her damn thighs. “It’s just you saw my body. You know why I called you, are you trying to humiliate me?”

His eyes narrowed and he stared at her quietly for a moment. “I would never humiliate you like that. From what I can see, you just need to tone up. Your body is fine. We’ll get you doing some cardio every day with some weight training and targeted exercises. You’ll be in prime condition again.”

She scowled at him. “You’ve got to be shitting me. I’ve been told, on more than one occasion, that I’d have more dates and men if I lost some weight. Did you see the ass I have?”

“Yes, I did. It’s a great ass. If women said this, it is because they are jealous. If men said that, it is because they are children. A man wants a woman, not some skinny girl built like a teenage boy.”

She’d never heard a guy say that. Ever. She was at a loss as to how to respond.

“When I’m with a woman, I want a bottom and body that pillows my large frame, a body that I can squeeze and plump in my hands. I like generous ass to pinch or paddle.” His right hand swiped the air like it was smacking a buttock. “Your body is a dream. You have some areas that need to be firmed up a little, but I don’t recommend losing more than ten pounds. Your frame isn’t made to be slight or petite.”

“I hate hearing that! I’ve
always
wanted to be thin. If I lose thirty pounds, I’ll be thin.” A hint of a whine crept into her voice. “I used to be that small.”

“When you were a young girl. Obviously, you are a woman now. Women have mature bodies which
should
match their mature personality, yes?”

“I guess. We’ll see what happens. With clean, healthy eating and exercise, I may lose that amount of weight anyway, right?” She
so
wanted him to agree with her. She needed to prove to Derek — and herself — that her body could be young and svelte again. Hearing that she had a ‘mature’ body didn’t make her feel any better about her situation.

“No, Lena. Not under my care and guidance. You won’t get to an unhealthy weight. I won’t allow it. If you want to be at an unhealthy weight, you’ll need to find another fitness chef. I’m not your man for that.”

“
Caroline
. You’ll call me Caroline. No, I want you. I’ve checked into your reputation and references. You’re who I want to employ, Max.” She felt resigned to the ignominious fate of possessing an ass that ate her shorts for the rest of her life, and breasts that fell out of shirts. Maybe firming up would help the situation somewhat?

“Oh, no. The name is Maxim. I am not Max.” He wagged a finger at her. “All right, Caroline, we will sign all the papers, and tonight we’ll do your measurements and weight so we can watch your progress. Are you having me cook you dinner tonight?”

“Oh, would you be able to?” She had planned on taking him to a restaurant later that evening. This would be a pleasant surprise.

“Definitely. I’ll see what you have in your cupboards and refrigerator and I’ll whip something up for you.” He stood slowly and gracefully from the sofa, buttoning his suit coat. His massive hand engulfed hers as he shook it.

Whip.

She’d love to see that large hand with a whip in it. What a delicious thought.

“Sounds like a deal. Let me get Jason to bring the car around, and we’ll go to the penthouse.” She leaned over her desk, pressing the intercom. “Jason, can you come around, please? We’re ready to go home.”

“Yes, Ma’am. On my way.” She flicked the intercom off, turning to find Maxim staring at her—and not at her face.

“Are you staring at my ass?” Her eyebrows flew so high she swore they touched her forehead.

Seriously?

He smiled and winked at her, that little dimple showing on his cheek.

“I’m telling you, Caroleena, your ass is perfect. There’s no need to change it. I was just reassessing my initial opinion.” He brushed past her, leaving her to follow in his wake, the scent of his cologne making her sex throb.

“It’s Caroline!” she snapped at him.

He didn’t even turn though, a deep chuckle his only reply as he continued toward the elevator.

“See you soon, Samantha. You be good girl.” He patted the counter in front of Sammi as he sauntered by her.

Clearly smitten by him, Samantha flushed and smiled back. “I will, Maxim. I look forward to seeing you too.”

Lord.

Somehow, the man had breezed into the room, and managed to get everyone practically falling at his feet — including her.

She needed to watch his technique, and learn from the master.

Chapter Four

H
is manners would have him holding a hand to the small of her back, guiding her to the elevator, but his cock made that task impossible. Staring at her ass was unavoidable when she’d leaned over her desk to speak into the intercom.

He visualized himself with a whip in his right hand, lashing that ample ass. He didn’t even have to see the pale, white skin striped with the pink lines to know how it would look. She had an ass made for the taking — be it fucking her from behind, anal, whipping, or just spanking it until it turned red. He’d be damned if he’d let her lose thirty pounds. That ass would dwindle before his eyes, not to mention what that weight loss would do to her breasts. Jesus, she’d been formed by the gods themselves. And now she wanted to single handedly destroy what had been made to worship!

His dick had hardened as he’d watched her nervously shift from foot to foot. He imagined her sighing and mewling in arousal — and in pain — bent over a bench, his belt beating out a rhythm upon her vulnerable flesh. Her ass would jiggle with each thud of the leather, her cheeks tightening with every blow. He had needed to move before she saw his erection outlined through his suit pants. And although it would more than likely be hidden by his suit coat, he didn’t want to chance ruining this job. She’d forego his employment if she thought he had an erection at the sight of her this quickly.

Samantha seemed like a nice girl. He’d have to grill her with questions, find out what Miss Caroleena did during the day, her eating habits, manners in general, demeanor, weaknesses, and strengths. Administrative assistants were a wealth of information and knew the ins and outs of their boss’ ways. He’d find out the information he needed to help her — in all areas of her life.

He held the door open to the elevator, letting her pass him. She smelled of vanilla, amber and... something sweet. Orange, maybe. “That perfume is amazing. What are you wearing?”

The door shut and she turned toward him, her gaze keen, assessing. “It’s Opium. It’s powerful, with a hint of feminine. I like it.”

“I bet you do. That’s you wrapped up into essential oils.” He watched her reaction. Guarded. But she seemed to melt into the compliment. He’d work on her self-esteem. Odd that a woman that powerful with that much money would still be so insecure about herself.

“Thank you, Maxim.” She paused at the door, then turned looked at him again. “You meant that as a compliment, right?”

I’ll be damned.

Why would she misinterpret something so simple? “Of course. What else would it be? Wait for me before going into the lobby.” The doors opened, and she stepped forward before he could grasp her elbow. He gently stopped her. “You need to learn how to accept compliments, follow directions, and be careful about your own safety.” He looked around the foyer, then saw Jason standing by her vehicle. “Come. Let’s go.” He guided her, his hand at the small of her back. Her very stiff back. She wasn’t pleased with him restraining her in even the smallest of ways, nor his mild censure.

The nice sunny day had turned to a dreary, drizzly rain, typical for spring in New York. The weather was so variable in the fall and spring. You had to carry an umbrella with you most days, and you never went to lunch or dinner without it. It could change easily in an hour, all the local lakes and the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean making the weather unpredictable indeed.

“I walk to my car every night. I know how to exit an elevator and make my way around the city. Trust me.” Gritting her teeth, she stalked ahead of him to the car.

Jason opened the door for them as they approached. “Maxim, Caroline.”

“Whatever.” She muttered under her breath, sliding into the vehicle. Jason rolled his eyes at Maxim.

After Jason climbed in behind the steering wheel, and looking in his mirrors, he pulled into traffic at breakneck speed. Maxim pressed the privacy button on the panel, the glass partition between the backseat and the driver sliding down and out of sight. “I believe you have something to say to Jason, don’t you Carolee — Caroline?”

She shot Maxim an angry glare, Jason’s eyebrows shooting up as he looked through the rearview mirror at her.

“Jason, I’m sorry that I didn’t talk to you about Maxim staying at the penthouse. I put my safety at risk. I pay you to protect me and you can only do that if I keep you apprised of my schedule, and of invited guests to the house.”

The lack of sincerity and flat affect bothered Maxim, and usually he’d push for a genuine apology. For today though, he’d let it slide.

Jason smiled at both of them. “I think I like having you around already, Maxim. You’re forgiven, Caroline. And, yes, it
is
very important that I know the comings and goings in your life. I need to check people and places out ahead of time, not on the spur-of-the-moment. I appreciate it.”

“Good girl,” Maxim whispered to her. “It’ll make his job easier. You understand that, right? It’s about keeping you safe. The most important part of having a healthy lifestyle staying being alive and unharmed, no?”

“Yes. But I want to make it clear that I’m in charge around here. I make schedules and do things without having to seek permission.” She turned in her seat, her back stiffening. “Is
that
clear?”

Maxim nodded at her. “I do understand. Again, we aren’t asking that you receive permission. It’s more like giving Jason, or I, the ability to see if anyone dangerous is around before you invite them to your office or penthouse. Does the difference make sense?”

She relaxed a little and averted her eyes.

Uncomfortable. Good.

“Yes, it does make sense. I’ll do my best.”

“See that you do.” He turned to look out his window. “I missed the spring rains in New York. They’re cleansing and relaxing. I know you New Yorkers see them as annoying, but they’re actually very nice.”

The rest of the ride was quiet, with Maxim listening to the rain, horns blowing in the traffic, and watching all the busy people rushing and walking fast to go God knows where in their normal New York bustle.

* * *

A
fter they pulled into their reserved space in the parking garage, Jason turned the engine off and came around to open the door. “I’m coming upstairs with you.”

It was a statement, not a question. He wasn’t looking for permission, and then before she could answer, Maxim responded for her. “Of course, I’d expect no less. As a matter of fact, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

Caroline rolled her eyes until they hurt. “Are you kidding me? Doesn’t anyone care what I think? You men need to settle down and remember who’s in charge here before I pull rank.” She rose to her full high-heeled height of six feet, and did her best to not be intimidated by all the testosterone of the two men still towering over her.

Both men glared at her. Jason was the first to speak. “Do we need to discuss
again
, that you didn’t give me time to fully check into his background? Your safety
is
my job and your approval, or even liking my statement, doesn’t come into play right now.” He put a hand on her elbow. “Let’s go. I’m kinda anxious to see what’s for dinner.”

Walking on her other side, Maxim stated, “Hopefully Caroline has enough food in pantry and freezer for me to impress you both.”

She looked over at Maxim. Would he be upset if she didn’t have the food he needed? She hoped he didn’t write her off as a lost cause. She didn’t have very much in terms of groceries in her house, especially anything healthy or ingredients for fancy dishes.

“Lena, don’t worry. I’m sure there is something in your kitchen. I can make dish out of anything. Trust me.” His hand brushed her back, the stroke of his palm oddly comforting.

“
Caroline
. Yes, I’m sure there’s something you can use in there. If not, we’ll order out.” She laughed weakly, the sound even less confident than she felt.