Ruthless Boss Page 5
“You put me through the most hellish few minutes of my life just so you could see me get angry?” I start getting worked up again.
“You’re hot when you’re angry,” he responds, completely unrepentant.
“And that’s my cue to leave.” Veronica stands, holding her arms out for a hug. “We’ll talk more later, my dear. Welcome to the family.”
Tears fill my eyes as I realize the full depth of what they’re doing for me. “Thank you so much,” I whisper, unable to articulate my gratitude any better than that.
Once she’s gone, I turn to face Drake. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“Of course I’ll always be here for you. You’re my woman.”
I guess that’s all that needs to be said, because seconds later I find myself in his arms with his lips on mine. As the heat grows between us, I give one last thought to how glad I am that this ruthless man is all mine.
Epilogue
Drake
My heart thunders as I watch Miriam walk down the aisle toward me. She’s wearing a white, floor length dress covered in lace, with a deep v neckline that showcases her generous curves. Her face glows with joy, her lips parted in a wide smile. Her hazel eyes sparkle, even from a distance. She’s never looked more beautiful.
And she’s all mine.
After today, the world will know it too.
She chose The Monolith ballroom for the wedding. “For sentimental reasons,” she tried to justify. I think she and Max collaborated to rile my temper. Though I have to admit, the space looks stunning.
Chandeliers twinkle from the ceiling, offering a golden light that softens everything it touches. Elaborate bouquets of red flowers decorate the room. They were the one thing I insisted on. They’re the exact same shade as the dress she wore that evening. If we’re going to be sentimental, may as well go all the way.
After what seems like forever, Miriam finally reaches me. She passes her bouquet to Amara, one of her three bridesmaids. My breath catches as I take her hands in mine.
The officiant begins the ceremony, but all I can do is stare in wonder at the beautiful woman in front of me. When it’s my turn to speak, the words spill out of me.
“Miriam, a year ago, I never imagined you would become such an integral part of my life. When I met you, I knew you were smart, professional, and ambitious; three things that are vital in an Executive Assistant. Clearly, I didn’t know what I was missing out on.
“You are so much more than your career. Though, this last year has been amazing. I’ve been so lucky to watch you blossom as you built your company.
“But more importantly, you are generous, fun, and sassy. You make my life brighter, just by being yourself. It’s an honor to be the person you turn to in moments of pain and in moments of celebration. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
Tears stream down her cheeks, but it’s the light of happiness in her eyes that holds my attention. The rest of the ceremony passes in a haze. She offers her own words of love, but I don’t need to remember the exact words she uses. I can see the love in her eyes every time she looks at me.
We seal our bond with a kiss, and I’m more than halfway tempted to skip the reception and make a run for it. I’d like nothing better than to show her my affection in a more physical manner.
It’s my Aunt Veronica’s knowing head shake from the audience that keeps me here. I’d rather scoop Miriam up and hide her away until we’re both naked, sweating, and screaming in pleasure.
Once we’ve greeted everyone at the reception, Miriam slips into an alcove with her friends Helena, Amara, and Quinn. She’d explained ahead of time that she wanted a few private moments with them. Apparently, they’ve all somehow ended up in romantic relationships with their bosses. Go figure. Oakwood City must have a plethora of bad bosses, though I suspect some are badder than others.
I smile as I watch my wife and her friends giggle with each other. With a quick glance around the room, I notice that I’m not the only one staring warmly at the group. Three other men seem just as transfixed by their happiness.
When their happy toasts turn into a group hug, I decide it’s time to steal my woman back. I’ve been polite all day, but now it’s time to go. She never gets tired of how ruthlessly I want her, and I never get tired of showing her.
Thank You
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading Shameless Boss! I’m honored that you gave my story the gift of your time and attention. I put a little of my heart into each of my books, and it’s amazing to me that you read (and hopefully enjoy) them.
Thank you to Brianne C. for the use of her furrbaby in the story. Dixon is a real cat and Brianne is the lovely woman who adopted him.
If you enjoyed the book, please leave a review. It doesn’t have to be long, just a line or two makes a big difference.
For more sweet and steaminess, keep reading for a sample of Sinful Boss, Max’s story.
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Hugs,
Liz
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Don’t miss Max’s story in Sinful Boss!
Turn the page for the first chapter.
Chapter 1
Max
I end the call and take a deep breath before turning to my companion, Liam. “It’s so hard to find good help these days.”
“What happened?” Liam asks.
“My personal assistant just quit. Now I have to find someone new I can trust in the next few days.” I take a sip of my aged whiskey. “Such a hassle.”
“What kind of work would they do?” Liam sinks deeper into his high-back brown leather chair. Everything is top-notch at the Oakwood Club, including their drinks and their decor.
“Just help me with some personal projects. Why the interest?” I’m careful not to say too much. Even though Liam seems like a decent fellow, I know from experience that sharing too much can lead to betrayal later.
Everyone in my life wants something from me—it’s the bane of being the heir to the Hawthorne Group. At least Liam is straightforward about it, and not too overbearing. Sometime after he met his wife, Izzy, he shifted focus. He still has the drive and determination to make it as an investor, but he’s lost that edge of desperation. Like he’s okay with himse
lf and his life, whether I help him or not.
It’s somewhat refreshing, but years of cynicism keep me from fully relaxing with anyone. Even people that could be friends, not just allies in business. When I allow myself to, I miss my brother Grayson. But he’s in Fairview, apparently happily settled down.
“My sister has some time this summer. She’s staying with my parents until she finishes school. She’s quiet, but capable. Do you want me to talk to her?”
My mind races through the possibilities and implications. It’s not a bad idea. As Liam’s sister, she’s probably relatively competent. Plus, keeping her brother in my good graces should make her suitably malleable. It’s always beneficial to have multiple avenues of leverage over your employees.
“Sure. Have her call my assist—” Damn, I need to hire someone right away. “Liam, my good man. If your sister is interested, send me a text and tell her to show up at my estate on Monday at seven-thirty a.m. sharp. I don’t suffer tardiness.”
“You don’t want to meet her first?”
“I trust you to know that you don’t want to screw with me.” Finishing my drink, I set it on the polished wood side table. I stand, give Liam a sharp nod, and then exit the building.
◆◆◆
My first sip of coffee is interrupted by the ringing of my doorbell. Who the hell is at my door first thing on a Monday morning? I set down my mug and stalk to the front door, whipping it open and ready to unleash my temper.
A gorgeous woman stands on my front porch. Not what I was expecting. She has long, black hair pulled up into a simple ponytail. Long, thick lashes frame deep blue eyes. A belt at the waist of her simple black cardigan and white shirt emphasizes her hourglass figure. Her look is completed by a deep purple pencil skirt and classy heels.
“What are you doing here?” I practically bark at the woman, discombobulated by her unexpected presence and the rush of blood thickening my cock.
“You told me to be here.” Her head tilts as she looks at me consideringly. “Did you forget about me, Mr. Hawthorne?”
I scan through my memories of the last few days, coming up blank. I would remember sending for a delectable, snow white look-alike. “You must be mistaken. You’ll need to leave immediately.” I reach back to close the door.
“Shall I tell Liam you changed your mind?”
As soon as she says Liam’s name, everything clicks into place. This must be his sister. He neglected to mention she looks like someone I’d like to lick like a spoonful of creme brulee. Not that he’d think of her that way. Dammit.
I reverse the hold on the door, swinging it open. “I might recall such a conversation with your brother, after all. You may come in.”
“Thank you.” Her heels click on the white marble floor in the foyer.
I take her back to the kitchen and, most importantly, my coffee. “Normally, my assistant would have reminded me of our appointment. That’s what I need you for.”
She nods, still not saying much. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d think she was quietly judging me.
My eyes narrow, observing as she takes in the kitchen, including the stainless steel appliances, a professional dual gas stove and oven, two commercial quality double door refrigerators, and black marble countertops. I’m pretty sure she can tell that the only thing I’ve ever used in here is the coffee maker.
Her plump red lips purse, and my cock lengthens in response. Silk pajama pants hide nothing, even if they’re black. My impatience rises along with my arousal.
I don’t like this. I don’t like that I forgot she was coming. I don’t like my attraction to her. And I don’t like her silence.
“Today, you’ll be cleaning the bathrooms and ironing the sheets.” Giving her a once over, I make sure to disguise how much she appeals to me. “Maybe next time you will dress more appropriately.
“You should be able to find the cleaning supplies and other accoutrements in a closet somewhere. I’ll be leaving in thirty minutes and won’t be back until evening. You may clean the lavatory in my room, but leave everything else there alone.
“Tomorrow, I’ll have paperwork for you to fill out, including a non-disclosure agreement. Don’t be late.”
She turns on me, not smiling, her blue eyes flashing. “You don’t suffer tardiness.”
I clear my throat. “Quite right.”
I maneuver my way out of the kitchen so she doesn’t see my thick length urgently tenting my pajamas. I’ve never felt so out of control, especially in my own home. Tomorrow, I’ll be more prepared.
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About the Author
Liz Fox writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. They feature curvy women and the alpha men who fall in love with them. A curvy woman herself, she has a special place in her heart for happily ever afters.
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