Defiant Company (Company Men Book 5) Read online

  “Seri.”

  “I’d like my job back. Please.”

  “Whatever you want. Anything you want.”

  “Just my job for now.”

  She looks pointedly at the woman sitting in her chair. That woman looks like she wants to argue, but X isn’t having it. “Get out of the damn chair.”

  Seri sighs, but there’s a smile on her face. “I see nothing’s changed while I was gone.”

  “Everything’s changed. No one can replace you. You have to know that.”

  “It’s definitely nice to hear.”

  “I’ll say it every day if you want.”

  “Let’s not get carried away.”

  “There’s more I need to say to you.”

  “Not yet. I’m not ready for anything but work right now.”

  You came back.”

  “I did. Don’t make me regret it.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Yes, you will, but we’ll deal with that later.”

  “Okay.”

  They’re staring at one another like they’re afraid of each other, and I take that as my cue to leave. I didn’t think things would go down like this today, but I’m happy they did. Now, I need to go see my own woman, and keep working on moving forward with her.

  CHAPTER 19

  VIV

  Rhys is currently sucking on my neck in a way that’s making my toes curl, but I know I need to stop him and talk to him about the party this weekend. I should’ve talked to him already, but things have been going well since we had that first date, and I didn’t want that to stop.

  “We have to go to a party on Saturday.”

  “Here? Is Caleb barbequing again?”

  “No. My parents are throwing a party, and I’m expected to attend. Your parents will be there too.”

  “Nope. Not a chance.”

  “We have to go.”

  “Give me one good reason why we should.”

  “The guy who had you beat up will be there. Reina thinks seeing us together will make him angry enough to bring them all down.”

  “All as in our lovely parents, and your ex?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re not going to dye your hair back are you?” he asks, running his hands through my brown locks.

  “Nope. I love my hair color, although I’ll need to wear it up with the dress I got from Stella.”

  “What’s it look like?”

  “That’s going to be a surprise, but I can tell you it’s more fun than anything I’ve worn in the past.”

  “Be right back,” he tells me, jumping off me, and heading for the door.

  “What?”

  “I have to grab something from my apartment, but I’ll be right back.”

  He’s back in minutes, a small shopping bag in his hands. He hands it to me, and I see a shoebox inside.

  “What’s this?”

  “I saw these in a shop window when I was in Norwich and I thought you’d like them. If you don’t that’s cool, but I wanted you to have them in case they match your dress.”

  I open the box to find beautiful and fanciful heels inside. They have a black and white flower pattern on them, and a sparkly black heart on the front. The back of the shoe also has some sparkle to it. They’re beautiful, and fun, and I love them.

  I hug one to my chest, and smile at him. “You really thought of me when you bought them?”

  “I’m pretty much always thinking of you, but yeah. I did okay, right? You’re hugging that one, which I think means you like them.”

  “I love them. My dress is black, so they’ll definitely match.”

  “Black? You’re really wearing black,” he asks, quirking his eyebrow in that way he’s so good at.

  I know why he’s surprised. My mother never allowed me to wear black when we were teens, and Christon didn’t approve of it either. Apparently, I was only supposed to wear various shades of blue, and it was easier not to fight them back then. Now, I’m going to wear whatever I want.

  “Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

  “No, but now I’m wondering if you’re wearing black right now.”

  I look down at my hot pink dress in confusion, and then I get it. He’s been touching me more, and letting me touch him, too. I know he’s not completely okay yet, but if he wants more than kissing, he can have it.

  “You’re welcome to find out for yourself.”

  “I’d like to try,” he tells me, swallowing hard.

  “We can stop at any time.”

  “You’re going to be taken care of, either way.”

  Oh, how I want him to take care of me in any way he wants, but I’m not coming alone. “If we start this, we’re both coming. I don’t care how it happens, but it’s going to happen.”

  “I came in my jeans last time I touched you, so I don’t think you need to worry about me, Vivs.”

  “I always worry about you. I wouldn’t be a good girlfriend if I didn’t.”

  “You’re the best girlfriend ever. Now, turn around so I can unzip this dress, and see what you’ve got for me underneath.”

  RHYS

  I see a moment of uncertainty flash in her eyes when I ask her to turn around. I hate seeing that, and knowing I put that fear there.

  “I’m not fucking you from behind tonight. If we get there, I’m going to make love to you while I look into your eyes.”

  The smile she gives me is bright and happy, and that’s all I want. For Viv to be happy with me. A few weeks of therapy haven’t fixed me, but I’m ready to try with her. I’m constantly aroused in her presence, and I want to make love to her. Maura told me to do what feels right, and I’m about to.

  I suck on the back of her neck as I pull the zipper down, leaving a mark. It’s going to be there on Saturday, and I love that. Everyone needs to know she’s mine. When the zipper’s down, I see the hints of the black lace I was hoping for. Pushing the material from her shoulders, I let the fabric slide over her body, and onto the floor.

  “You’re killing me with these little pieces of black lace,” I tell her as I slide my fingers over the waistband of her thong, and undo her bra.

  She shrugs her shoulders, so her bra falls off, and I love her even more for it. “I wear something sexy every day, just in case.”

  She doesn’t elaborate, because we both know it’s just in case I’m ready. I am. At least I think I am. Regardless, I’m ready to try.

  I turn her to face me, my cock hardening even further at the sight of her full and heavy breasts. “Beautiful.”

  She blushes, and bites her lip as she reaches for the hem of my shirt. I help her pull it over my head, then stand still as her fingers go to my jeans. She hesitates, so I place my hand over hers, and guide her in her actions.

  Once my zipper’s down, and my jeans are pushed to the floor, I pick her up. She squeals in surprise, and I silence her protests with a kiss. I don’t stop kissing her until she’s laid out on her bed, her hair fanned out behind her. She’s perfect.

  “How wet are you, Beautiful?” I ask, slipping my fingers over her thong.

  “You tell me.”

  I slide my fingers under the soaked fabric, and into her wet pussy. She’s more than ready for me. “Perfectly wet.”

  “No condom please,” she says.

  “I’m clean.”

  “Me too.”

  “Birth control?”

  She shakes her head. “No.”

  Holy hell. “Viv?”

  “If you’re not interested, you can put a condom on.”

  “I’m fucking interested.”

  That’s not a lie. I want Viv to have my baby. We’ve never talked about it, but I want it. So much so, that I can’t wait any longer to be inside of her.

  I push my briefs off, and practically rip the thong from her body. “I’m going to make love to you all night, every night, until my baby’s growing inside of you. And then, I’m going to make love to you all day too.”

  “We have to work,” sh
e reminds me with a laugh.

  “Good thing we work at the same place, and you have an office with a lock on the door.”

  I say that as I slide inside of her slowly. She feels so good, and this is nothing like what I’ve done or had done to me. This is me and Viv, and nothing else.

  “You feel so good. Your cock feels so good.”

  “It’s where it belongs, and it knows it.”

  I’m not going to lie and pretend I’m not freaking out a little, but it’s not as bad as it was in Cardiff, and my need for Viv is stronger than the slight panic I’m keeping under control.

  My strokes are long and slow, as I savor the feel of her pussy welcoming me. I look her in the eyes, and see the concern there. Knowing she’s not letting herself fully succumb to her pleasure breaks something in me, and the panic recedes. It’s never going to be forced or wrong with Viv, and accepting that snaps the mental chains holding me back from giving us both what we want.

  “I’m okay. This is okay. Better than okay. Let go with me.”

  “Yes.”

  I lean down, and kiss her, increasing my pace. She wraps her legs around me, and runs her hands over my back as I take us both where we need to be. My body remembers what she likes, and as I move in her from different angles, she shatters around me, breaking our kiss to scream my name. My body shudders in release right after hers and I feel it all. Everything feels right.

  Bracing my forearms on the bed, I kiss her again, letting her know how good this was for me. I kiss her over and over again until my cock comes back to life. It slips so easily back inside of her, but I roll us, so she’s on top this time.

  “Rhys, oh God. I’m going to come again.”

  “Do it.”

  She comes hard as she begins to ride me, and I take one of her tits into my mouth and suck as she arches her back. She’s even more beautiful as she takes the pleasure she deserves, and I’m determined to make her keep coming until she can’t take any more.

  “How are you so hard again?”

  “You,” I answer truthfully, letting her nipple pop from my mouth before I move to the other one. “It’s all you.”

  “If you keep sucking me like that, I’m going to come again.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  She seats herself all the way down, and twists, driving me crazy. Just like my body remembers hers, hers is remembering mine. I hold her waist while I thrust up as far as I can go, and she moans. Looking at her tits thrust forward, and her head thrown back, I know this will always be right with her. I may be nervous every time, because that’s what I’m dealing with, but once I’m inside of Viv, I know it will be okay.

  CHAPTER 20

  VIV

  I don’t want a repeat of Cardiff, so I whisper in Rhys’ ear the morning after he made love to me for most of the night. I’m sore, and I want more. I’m loving how used my pussy feels, but my mouth is feeling neglected.

  “I want you in my mouth.”

  “What?” he asks, coming awake, and looking at me like I’m crazy.

  “Let me suck you off, and come down my throat.”

  “I-I can’t do that.”

  “Oh. Okay.” It’s not, but I promised to be patient with him.

  “Anything but that. I just can’t.”

  “I should get ready for work anyway.”

  “I left with those women from the club, because they blew me really good, and I wanted more with them. It’s my fault for leaving, and getting myself into that situation. I’ve let go of the blame for what happened to me in that warehouse, but I can’t let go of this. Of knowing I went there with them because they sucked my dick.”

  “I’m not them, but I know you need time to remember that.”

  “I don’t need to remember you’re not them, but the thought of you sucking on me freaks me out. It’s giving up complete control, and I’m just not there yet. You have no idea how badly I want it, but I know I’ll lose it if you do it right now.”

  “I’ll be here when you are ready,” I tell him, kissing his cheek.

  “Can I shower with you?”

  “Only if you promise to help me wash up. All over,” I tell him, slipping out of bed. “After you bend me over one of the big benches inside the shower, of course.”

  “I don’t need it from behind, Viv,” he says, holding my gaze so I know he means it.

  “Which is why I want you to do it. I hated it before, because you weren’t there with me. It’s going to be different this time.”

  “Yeah, it is. I promise.”

  He keeps his word, pulling my hair, pinching my nipples, and sucking more hickeys onto the back of my neck as I brace myself on the wall. My knees are on the bench, and he says my name frequently as he works us both into a frenzy.

  After, he washes every inch of me, dropping to his knees when he gets to my legs. He gives me one of his patented smirks with a hint of dimple, before licking me to another orgasm while soaping up my legs. I wish I could give him the same, but that’s not my decision to make, and I have to honor his wishes.

  “I’m not sure how I’m going to function at work today.” I tell him honestly, pulling on a pair of dark jeans, and a black and white top that drapes low on my back.

  “You? I had to stand here and watch you put little sticky things on your nipples, because you’re going braless today. I’m going to be accidentally coding ‘tits’ all day.”

  “No one forced you to watch.”

  “And no one told you you couldn’t,” he says, turning my face to his. “You can look, and touch. You have permission to do anything, except what we talked about. I might get a little startled if you climb onto my cock while I’m sleeping, but you’re allowed.”

  “Same. I mean, I don’t have a cock, but you can slide yours inside my pussy whenever you want.”

  “And now, I have to have you again,” he says, unbuckling his belt.

  “You’re insatiable.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “Definitely not,” I tell him, as he pushes me against the wall. “I’m just thinking I should switch to a skirt today.”

  “Good idea.”

  RHYS

  Things are back to normal at the office, or as normal as they can be when two people who are in love with each other are pointedly ignoring one another. I’ve never seen two people function so well together, while also keeping their distance. X and Seri have it down to a science, and I’m honestly impressed.

  My C&C tablet buzzes, and I look down to see a message from the Security desk, telling me my father is here to see me. I have no desire to see him, but I know he’ll cause a scene if I don’t, so I message them that I’m on my way down. Grabbing my jacket from my chair, I button it, straighten my tie, and step into the elevator.

  “There you are, Rhys. This woman wouldn’t let me go up to your office.”

  “We have security procedures for a reason, Father. You should’ve told me you’d be stopping by.”

  “Can’t I surprise you?”

  “No.”

  “You need to watch your tone with me, young man.”

  I roll my eyes, and move us towards one of the empty seating areas in the main lobby. “What do you want?”

  “You listen here, Rhys. I’m done protecting you, so you better fall in line.”

  “Protecting me? You’ve never protected me. Or Rhieve.”

  “Your sister is another matter, and one I’m not in the mood to discuss with you right now.”

  “Well, please tell me what it is you want to discuss, so I can get back to work.”

  “Playing your little computer games isn’t work,” he scoffs. I refrain from reminding him that our entire family business depends on computers, because I just want him gone. When I don’t speak up, he continues. “The Sloans are throwing a party on Saturday, and I’m told you haven’t RSVP’d yet. You will be there, with a suitable date on your arm.”

  “Yes, I will.”

  “Who?”

  “You�
��ll see when I get there.”

  “Why must you always be so difficult?”

  “Because it’s more fun.”

  “This isn’t a game, Rhys.”

  “No, it’s not. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. I believe you know where the door out is.”

  He’s still sputtering when I swipe my badge to go through security, winking at Jyn on my way to the elevator. That felt better than it probably should’ve, but I’m not sorry for finally standing up for myself. It’s been a long time coming.

  I have a session with Maura soon, so I head there instead of back to my desk. It’s comforting on this floor, which is the point of it, but it still amazes me every time I’m sitting on one of the comfy couches. How can I feel comforted when I’m about to bare my soul, and spill my darkest secrets? I’ll have to ask Rhieve one day, because it’s got to be Society magic.

  “Come on in, Rhys,” Maura says, right on time, as she always is.

  I stand, and follow her, but can’t contain myself long enough to sit down. “I made love to Viv last night,” I blurt out as soon as the door closes.

  “And?” she asks, gesturing to the chair I ignore, as I pace.

  “It was perfect.”

  “No panic attacks?”

  “Not last night, but I almost had one this morning,” I admit.

  “Go on.”

  “She woke me up, and told me she wanted to um…you know.”

  She smiles. “Yes, I think I do.” She would, since we’ve talked about it before.

  “I turned her down, and I know she was disappointed, but she still had sex with me again in the shower. And I did—you know—to her.”

  “You did it to her, yet told her she couldn’t do it to you? Do you think that’s okay?”

  “No, but I just can’t.”

  “We’ve already talked about you being blameless at the warehouse, but I know you’re still stuck on the club.”

  “Yes.”

  “Have you talked to Viv about going there with you? You told me before you thought you needed to have that act happen there to let you know it was okay again.”