Once Upon A Time(34)
“Like I said, you in my office on Monday.”
“I'll call your secretary when I get back to the office," I replied dryly, standing from my seat. "Will that be all, Mr. Black?”
“No.” He growled. “Sit.”
I dropped to my seat without protest.
“I want your pussy, Payton. We need to discuss that.”
My eyes widened at his brashness. Who says that over coffee?
“I’m not a business transaction, Gabriel.” I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “If we’re going to work together, we need to be professional at all times. I could lose my job if my boss ever found out about what happened at Omega. We'll work on the account, ensuring all your businesses get the attention they need but I will not be sleeping with you.”
“You're stubborn.”
“Very. Don’t test me Mr. Black,” I fired back.
“And if I do?”
“Then you’ll find out just how damn stubborn I am.” I stood, pushing my purse up on my shoulder again. “I won’t be sleeping with you. I suggest you find pussy elsewhere, I’m not a whore.”
He raised his eyebrow. “I think you’re quite the opposite, Miss Miller. But I’m up for a challenge when it comes to the scent of you.”
“And I’m quite willing to fight you at every turn. Good day, Mr. Black.”
I MADE A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL.
The weekend came and went and I found my thoughts drifting to Gabriel. I scolded myself again and again, wondering if the threats I made were a good idea.
Monday morning rolled around quicker than I would've liked, the nerves fluttering in my stomach making me uneasy as I stepped into Black Enterprises for a second time. I went through the usual security at the doors before moving from the foyer to the main reception, finding the most ignorant woman alive.
“Good morning, I’m here to see Mr. Black.”
The woman, who clearly recognized me from my first visit, scoffed and pointed to the elevators.
“Twenty-third floor.”
I rolled my eyes and made my way over to the elevators. The doors quickly opened and I pressed the button of Gabriel’s floor. Sighing, I leaned against the wall of the elevator as the doors began to close but out of nowhere, a large hand stopped them in their tracks.
Standing up straight, I pressed myself further into the elevator, hoping the stranger would hurry up and just get in the damn thing. The stranger straightened his tie and walked in, pulling a gasp from my lips.
It was Gabriel… but it wasn't.
His face, his jaw line, his lips. All were the same as Gabriel’s, except for his eyes; instead of that deep unique grey, his were blue, so blue like sapphires. This guy had to be related to Gabriel; if not, he really should look into his family history.
“Ah, you've noticed. I wondered how long it would take you.” He smiled and pressed the button for floor twenty-three. Oh, I was a complete puddle on the floor, his strong British accent pretty much made me weak at the knees.
“Uh, I’m confused. Are you talking to me?” I pointed at my chest, which in hindsight was pretty idiotic, considering his eyes drifted to my exposed cleavage. “Hey! Eyes, they’re up here.”
“And what pretty ones they are.” He smiled, his eyes still attached to my chest. “I can see why my brother is so taken with you.”
“Yep, still confused and eyes still on my tits.” I crossed my arms over my chest which, to my dismay, didn't really help the situation much.
He laughed softly, the sound filling the elevator as he gaze finally met mine.
“I’m Luca Black, Gabriel’s brother, and I’m presuming you’re Payton?”
“Brother?” I asked.
“Didn't he tell you? He’s a pain in the arse but yes, he is my brother.” He chuckled, leaning towards me. “But I’m the more handsome one, if you hadn't noticed.”
Oh hell, he was Gabriel’s brother alright. If you couldn't tell from the looks, you’d certainly know after he opened his mouth.
“I had no idea,” I admitted.
“Of course you didn't. Gabriel isn't forthcoming when it comes to family.”
“Why would he be? We just work together.” I shrugged. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened to Gabriel’s floor.
“Whatever you say, beautiful.” He stepped out, leaving me utterly confused.
Shaking my head, I stepped out of the elevator and made my way over to the reception area which, thankfully, had the polite, blonde woman waiting.
“Ms. Miller?” She smiled, standing from her chair and walking around her desk to greet me.
“Hi. Sorry, I didn't get your name the first time we met.”