Passion and Surrender (The Billionaire's Temptation Book 6) (6 page)

Chapter Seven

“Sweet girl…that was so quick.” Marshall knew he’d pushed Harper to the edge and had left her there, teetering precariously, so it took very little to finally send her over that cliff, especially with the vibe and his cock stretching her tight. “What do you think of the vibrations?”

“I think they need to stop or I’m going to come again.” Her legs were all but trembling as her body braced against the building energy.

Gripping her hips tightly, he slowly pulled his cock out until just the head remained buried inside her, and then thrust back into her, forcing his full length into her sweet cunt. She was so slick and wet, and though the vibrations certainly heightened things for him, he also found the device a bit distracting, and not all that comfortable.

Her fingers fisted the comforter on his bed as he thrust into her, again and again, her needy moans refusing to be silenced even as she tried to bury them in the crook of her arm. This time, when he pulled back, he did so fully, though it was only long enough to remove the vibe, and bury himself once more. “That’s better, don’t you think?”

She nodded even as he thrust into her, taking her more fully and with greater ease now that the vibe wasn’t in the way. Despite her gorgeous plump ass, it wasn’t enough…he wanted more from her, especially when he was so close to coming, her tight body too delicious to not have him riding that edge.

He pulled out of her, ignoring her protests as he switched their positions, lying back so she could straddle him. “Come on, love. That’s it. This time I want to see your face when I make you come.”

She bit her lower lip as she eased herself down his thick shaft, bracing herself with her small hands on his chest, so he had the most perfect view of her. She was absolute perfection, with milky skin, dark mahogany hair that tumbled over her full breasts and tight nipples, with curvy hips that trailed to firm thighs and the sweetest cunt ever.

Her hips moved in an undulating rhythm up and down his cock as he thrust up into her, quickening their pace. Unable to resist, he sat up and caught her hard rosy nipple between his teeth and sucked it into his mouth with a firm arm around her waist so he could bury himself completely inside her, forcing her body to stretch around him, to take all of him as he claimed her, his head dizzy with how much he wanted her.

And then she was coming as he swallowed her cries with a kiss, his own release flooding through him as his cock pulsed deep inside her, already desperate to have her once again. They rode out the last tremors of their orgasm together, their heavy breathing now one as he continued to kiss her, until he was finally able to speak. “That was excellent work, Ms. Jones.”

She bit his bottom lip and gave him an easy smile. “You weren’t so bad yourself, Dr. Foley.”

***

Drowsy with sleep, Marshall reached over to pull Harper into his arms, desperately wanting her even if he’d spent half the night with her sweet body wrapped around his cock.

Except that the bed was empty, pulling him more fully from his slumber. There was no light on in the bathroom, and a quick glance at the time told him it was too early for her to be starting her day. Four seventeen in the morning. He forced himself to leave the warmth of his bed, and quickly realized that her clothes, tossed haphazardly on the floor the night before, were now gone.

“Fuck.” His gut roiled and his chest tightened, irritated, and hurt. She’d fucking pulled a runner.

She’d said she’d give him one night, but he hadn’t expected her to up and leave before the sun even dawned. He thought they’d had a good time—even thought he might be able to change her mind for a repeat performance, especially when he couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually enjoyed himself and let go of all his problems.

Harper had somehow done that for him.

Except that she’d slunk out of his bed and home like a thief in the night. And he may have had plenty of years under his belt as a bachelor, and would likely have several more to come, but he’d never been so rude as to leave in the middle of the night without even a note or explanation. The fact that Harper had done just that pissed him off.

By the time he got into the office, he was in a foul mood, his temper up—which was a damn rare thing—and ready to hunt down Ms. Harper Jones. She wasn’t in her office, nor was she waiting for him in his, though he immediately spotted the report on his desk. His eyes narrowed as his anger raced like poison in his veins. She’d fucking left his bed so she could type him up a complete and thorough report on all the products they’d used the night before.

If he wasn’t so pissed off, he’d probably find it amusing. But he didn’t. Not in the least bit. And where the fuck was she? Was she even at the office or had she dropped off the report and then left, knowing she’d have to face him?

And then, just because the universe wanted to completely fuck with him, Claire stormed into his office, already crying her crocodile tears. Before she could even park her ass in a chair, he grabbed her arm and started marching her back out and towards the elevators. “If you have anything at all to say to me, you tell your lawyer to speak to my lawyer. Or I will file a restraining order against you, and then laugh my ass off when they throw you in jail for violating it—which I know you’d do.”

“You’re such a mean fucking bastard, Marshall. All I wanted was to try to work things out between us. And now our baby…” She choked back a sob, and pouted at him as he hit the elevator button.

“Until I see DNA evidence, I don’t believe that baby’s mine—
if
you’re even pregnant.” The doors opened and he shoved her onto the elevator, hitting the down button before stepping off. “I’m calling the cops, so if you know what’s good for you, you’ll be gone before they get here.”

With clenched fists, she stomped her feet like a two-year old having a tantrum. “I fucking hate you, Marshall.”

“Believe me, the feeling’s mutual.” Before she could get another word in, the doors slid shut, though her absence did little to ease his anger with the world that morning.
And where the fuck was his temp?

He stalked through the building, his pace brisk as his employees hurried out of his way with their morning cups of coffee, his eyes scanning the halls and offices for Harper.

There she was…at her old job, sitting at her desk, laughing and chatting with one of her coworkers—until she spotted him, the room going silent. “Ms. Jones…my office.
Now
—if you’d be so kind.”

He didn’t want to be an unreasonable ass, but he was fucking pissed off, and in no mood for niceties. Her coworker’s eyes went a little wide as she looked from him to Harper as if wondering what the hell was going on, and Marshall knew without a doubt that the rumor mill would be churning like crazy. Not that he gave a rat’s ass. Whatever was between him and Harper didn’t concern anyone else.

Somehow he found the strength to refrain from touching her as they walked down the hall and through the building, though he wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep his hands off her once they were behind closed doors. She was making him absolutely crazy.

Once in his office, she glared at him and paced the floor as he closed the door behind them. “I don’t understand what this is about.”

“What it’s about is you leaving in the middle of the night and not having the courtesy to wake me up to let me know you’re going or even bothering to leave me a note.” He shook his head as if to clear it. “You get that it’s not normal to go sneaking out of someone’s house in the middle of the night. Right?”

“You mean it’s not normal
for a woman
—’cause I do believe guys sneak out before morning all the time.” She gave him a shrug as if to say that they both knew she was right.

“Maybe other guys would, but that’s not me, and I guess I expected a bit of common courtesy, given the fact that I made you come so many times last night that I lost count.” He tossed his hands up in the air, his frustration getting the better of him.

“And it was amazing. I honestly had a great time. But I’d told you it was just the one night.” She let out a sigh and wrapped her arms around herself as if to ward off a chill. “I had…
things
I needed to take care of.”

“
Things?
And those things couldn’t wait another few hours until morning?” He half wondered if there’d been someone at home waiting for her... “Please do not fucking tell me you had to rush back to some boyfriend you didn’t tell me about.”

“The only one waiting for me was my cat—who, by the way, was none too happy with me. And just so we’re clear—I’m not like that, Marshall. I don’t lie, and I sure as hell don’t cheat. So if you think I’m anything like your ex, I’ll stop you right there. I’m loyal.” Closing the distance between them, she reached over and gave his hand a squeeze, his heart finally easing a little. “I get that she’s messed with your head, but…you clearly don’t know me—even if we’ve slept together.”

“That may very well be the case, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.” Needing to touch her, to feel her close, he cupped the back of her neck and pulled her to him, nuzzling her, her breath catching in response. His heart ached with the uncertainty between them, but in that moment, he swore he’d never wanted anyone more. “Fuck, Harper…I’d love to get to know you better. Hell, I’ve wanted nothing more since you started working here nine months ago, even if I tried to keep my distance. And this does
not
have to be anything complicated, but I’m not settling for just one night. It’s not fucking happening. One night is nowhere near enough.”

He didn’t give her even a moment to think about it, nor a moment to protest, covering her mouth with a kiss and hauling her body to his, pinning her against his desk, taking, tasting, as his cock pressed against her heat. She softened against him, kissing him back as he lifted her onto his desk, her legs wrapping around his thighs and her hips grinding against his cock.

Fucking hell, he was ready to take her right then and there on his desk in the middle of the workday—until she broke off their kiss, though she didn’t pull away, lingering in his arms. “We can’t do this, Marshall. You’re my boss.”

“Did you sleep with me because I’m your boss?” He didn’t think so, but since they were discussing it, he might as well find out.

She rolled her eyes at him and let out an exasperated sigh. “I slept with you because you’re smoking hot, smart, and you turn me on. Though to be fair, some of that probably has to do with the fact that my sex life has been nonexistent. And if I do decide to sleep with you again, it still won’t be because you’re my boss—it’ll be because you have a magnificent cock and you know how to use it.
Not
that I’m saying I’m going to sleep with you again.”

Yet to Marshall, it sounded an awful lot like she was going to do just that. With her words rattling around in his head, he gave her a smile, some of the tension in his chest finally easing. “No…of course not, Ms. Jones.”

Chapter Eight

Harper double-checked that she had her passport packed in her handbag, still not quite believing she’d be off to London in just a few hours. She must be insane. And though she’d emailed her brother, Brian, to let him know she’d be gone, she still wanted to make sure he wouldn’t forget, especially since he hadn’t even bothered to write back. “Like I said, I’ll be gone on a business trip, so just make sure you check in on Dad. I did his grocery shopping for him, but you know how he gets if left alone for too long.”

Harper checked in on her dad nearly every day, and was worried about leaving him to go away with Marshall to this conference. Her mom’s death several years ago had left her dad in a funk, and losing himself in a bottle of whiskey seldom made his depression better. She’d tried to get him help, but her mom had been his everything, and he was lost without her.

“Yeah…I suppose I can manage it since it’s just a week, though…Harper…he’s a grown man. He can take care of himself.” Brian sounded frustrated, but she didn’t care. She seldom asked for his help.

The only other people she could depend on were her twin cousins, Archer and Hawke, who were dear friends of hers. The truth was, she’d always felt closer to them than her own brother, even if she didn’t see them as often as she’d like.

She knew they’d do anything they could to help her, but they lived out of the way on a small island in Maine, and it would be a haul for them, when her brother was just a few towns over. They’d even offered to get her dad into a rehab place that would not only address his addiction but his depression, though expensive as it was, she was trying to avoid taking their money, hoping to save enough to pay for it herself.

“He might be a grown man, but we’ve seen how well he’s managed in the past when left to his own devices. So unless you can convince him to get some real help, I need you to check in on him. It’s only a damn week, Brian.” It’s not as though she wasn’t also frustrated, but she couldn’t just abandon her father, even if he refused to do anything about his situation.

“I’ll see you when you get back then. Have a good time, Harper—and try not to work too hard.”

“I’ll try not to.” Relieved that her dad would be taken care of, she finished packing, left instructions for the pet sitter, and gave her cat one last hug, knowing Marshall would be there to pick her up at any moment. Working by his side the last few days while trying to resist him had been close to impossible—and yet she’d managed to focus on work, even if her body kept trying to talk her into just one more night in his arms, one more night as he claimed her time and again.

With her coworkers around, and the rumors already flying, it’d been just enough to get her to hold her ground and resist him. But a week away in London with just the two of them? She didn’t know if she could be that strong. Not when the mere sight of him walking into a room was enough to have her heart leaping inside her chest—among other things.

By the time Marshall knocked on her door, her nerves were getting the better of her, not just because she was always a hot mess when she had to fly, but because she was going away with him, and she knew the rules were about to change. It didn’t help that she still didn’t know what the hell they were doing. Part of her knew it could be a huge mistake to sleep with him again, especially when she was growing more attached to him with each passing day. But another part of her would happily jump into his bed in a heartbeat since sex with Marshall was amazing and unlike anything she’d experienced before.

She opened the door and found him standing there, looking heart-stoppingly gorgeous in jeans, a cranberry tee, and a worn leather jacket to ward off the chill of the brisk spring day. He leaned in and kissed her cheek like they were old friends, filling her head with his masculine scent. “Are you ready, sunshine?”

Something about having him so close sent her into a near panic, making her second-guess going on this trip. Because one thing was certain—she now knew she’d never be able to resist him for a whole week, her resolve already weakening. “I am, but…I don’t know. Maybe you should go without me. I don’t do so well on planes, and just think of all the work I could get done without you around to distract me and drag me off to breakfast.”

His brows perked up as if not quite believing she was going to go down this road. “Harper…I need you with me. And this conference is exactly what we need for inspiration. It’ll help us narrow down what direction to take our next product line in, and at this point…you’re my muse and I need you by my side. If you’re scared of flying, I promise to do all I can to distract you.”

She let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding and glared at him. “That’s what I’m afraid of, Marshall. I know the sort of distraction you’re talking about and I’m telling you right now—I’m not sleeping with you again.
I can’t
. So if that’s what you’re thinking is going to happen, then you can guess again. Am I clear?”

“What’s clear, my sweet girl, is that I’m going to thoroughly enjoy myself during this trip.”

***

Harper tried to slow her breathing as Marshall’s private jet taxied the runway and the engines revved in preparation for taking off. Although this was a far cry from Josh’s little plane, she still couldn’t help the panic she felt inside, her pain and heartache coming to life once more. This might be a larger plane than the one Josh had been in when he crashed, but it could still fall out of the sky all the same. “I hate this part, Marshall. I never should have come with you. There was no need for it.”

“Look at me, Harper.” Marshall shifted in his seat and brushed her cheek, his brow furrowed with worry as her eyes burned with threatening tears. “It’ll be okay, love…you have my word. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Some things aren’t in your control.” She sounded as panicked as she felt, but then he was kissing her, slow and sweet, forcing her to focus on him, so that her fears and worries faded in his kisses.

He was making it so she could think of nothing but him, the memories of the time she spent naked in his arms playing out in her head. Her body craved him, ached for his touch, and left her desperately wanting him to take her again, even if she knew it would only complicate things further.

His tongue found hers as his kiss deepened, her fingers gripping the soft cotton of his tee as she held onto him. And though his kisses eventually slowed, he continued to hold her close, cradling her to him and enveloping her in the safety of his arms. “There you go, sweet girl… That wasn’t so bad, right? We’re up.”

And so they were. She let out a ragged breath, and though she knew she should sit back in her own seat, instead she nestled in deeper in his arms. “I know I shouldn’t be doing this—and I don’t want you reading more into it than what it actually is, which is me just being stupidly chicken shit about flying. But you’re warm and muscular, and you feel safe and smell good.”

“Whatever you need, I’m here for you, Harper. I mean it.” He ran his hand down her hair and kissed the top of her head as she settled deeper into his embrace, his steady and strong heartbeat soothing her.

A ragged breath escaped her lungs as the tension in her muscles slowly slipped free. “I don’t know your ex at all, Marshall, but…man, she must be an idiot to mess things up with you.”

He let out a small laugh and leaned his cheek against her head. “So then why do you keep fighting what’s between us, instead of giving in to it? Because there’s definitely something there, Harper—even if it’s nothing more than a bit of fun. You can’t deny it.”

She sat up out of his arms, just enough to be able to look up at him. “I’m not denying it—but you’re also my boss, you’re in the middle of a nasty divorce with a woman who’s a bitch, which means you’re likely on the rebound. And that’s not even counting all of
my
issues.” How could she let Josh go when he was still suffering, confined to a wheelchair, the pain unbearable? She already felt guilty enough about sleeping with Marshall. “Trust me when I tell you, I’m not a good bet either.”

“Harper…are you looking for something serious? Because those issues only matter if you are—and that would be fine if that’s what you need at this point in your life. I get that.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb, his touch gentle and his eyes kind. “But if you’re not, then why not enjoy ourselves? I can’t remember the last time I had such a fun night—and I really like you…in case you hadn’t noticed.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Believe it or not, I did actually notice.”

Everything he’d said was true. All their issues only mattered if there was more to their relationship than sex. And at this point, she didn’t think she was capable of giving her heart to anyone, even if her body was desperate for some attention. And that meant that this thing with Marshall could be perfect.

Yet, something told her she’d be playing a dangerous game, and she knew, as sweet and sexy and smart as Marshall was, she could easily end up with a confusing mess on her hands. And that was a problem, which certainly meant all those other issues suddenly became major concerns.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, sunshine?” His thumb brushed her lips, making her breath catch and her heart race. She’d always found it such an erotic thing…as if he was claiming her mouth as his, as if he was reminding her of the things that mouth had done.

Yet she couldn’t tell him what she was thinking, couldn’t tell him that it’d be so easy to want more between them, so easy to fall for him. It was ridiculous to even go down that road when she was still so broken over Josh, and she and Marshall had only just started this thing between them. But she found herself suddenly wanting so much more for her life.

Josh had pushed her away, wanted no one around so he could mourn the life he’d once had—and she was nothing but a reminder of all he’d lost. But those three years alone to mourn her relationship with Josh had taken their toll, and now…Marshall had reminded her that she had a life to live.

But falling for him would be stupid when he was in no position to let this be anything but casual sex. And one thing was quickly becoming clear—she hadn’t really ever been a casual kind of girl when it came to matters of the heart, and that seemed to be holding true when it came to Marshall. Not to mention the tiny little fact that
he was her boss
.

“What’s going on in my head is that this is still a bad idea. I’ve worked too damn hard to build my reputation as an engineer who knows her shit, just to have it all ruined because I’m sleeping with the boss.” There might be more to it than what she was saying, but it was still true. She knew the rumors were already flying around the company…and she’d seen the looks they were giving her. Even Todd was looking at her like she’d stolen a position he was entitled to—and she’d always had a great working relationship with him. “People are already whispering to one another and looking at me like I’m the Whore of Babylon, especially after you promoted me to a position half of them would murder for, when I haven’t even been with Clio a year. They think I’m trying to sleep my way to the top—and let’s face it, that’s exactly what it looks like from the outside looking in.”

His brow furrowed with anger and his eyes blazed fierce. “That was my decision, and mine alone, Harper. You’ve more than proved yourself and your skills on other projects, not to mention your latest design. So if anyone gives you any problems, you tell me. Am I clear?”

She loved that he was so protective of her, but she knew that having him fight her battles would only make things worse. “No one’s said anything to my face, but you know what it’s like—and the last thing I need is for you to come to my defense. But…it’s why this thing between us is a mistake.” Among other things.

“It’s one thing for you to not be interested in me, but if you’re saying no because you’re worried about what other people are going to say, then that’s not fucking acceptable.” He shook his head, and let out a deep breath between clenched teeth. “And you should know better than to let other people dictate how you live your life.”

“This is my career, Marshall. What the hell am I supposed to do when you lose interest? Just go back to my cubby and pretend that nothing happened? How the hell can I even continue to work for Clio?” She knew he understood the problem, but was just choosing to ignore the reality, because he wanted to continue what they’d started.

“You can—and you will, Harper. People know you’re good at what you do, and what you do in your personal life doesn’t change that.” He let out a frustrated sigh and stole another kiss, his lips lingering on hers. “I know this isn’t easy for you, but fuck…it’s been days since you were in my bed, and I haven’t been able to think about anything else. That one night wasn’t anywhere near enough.”

“Well, it’s going to have to be. You knew from the start that it was only a one-time thing.” If she gave in, she’d only want more—a lot more than he was currently able to give her. And she knew that would be the case because the truth of the matter was that the mere thought of him sent her heart tripping over itself, and their night together had been running on an endless loop in her head, no matter how hard she tried to push it out of her head.

“I want this one week with you, Harper. Just you and me, naked in my bed, and I’m not taking no for an answer. I know you want this as bad as I do, so I’m not going to let you talk yourself out of it.” His eyes blazed with a determination that sent her pulse skittering straight through to her core. “There won’t be anyone else from Clio at this conference, and then once we get back, I promise not to ask you for anything more if you decide you want to put an end to it.”