“Angry?” he finally finishes. “He didn't hurt you, did he?”
His eyes leave my chest and come to my face, but he doesn't actually look concerned. I can’t read his expression, but I’m sure mine has to show anger.
“No,” I snap at the ridiculous question. Hurt me? Well, he does like to hand out a spanking from time to time, but that’s none of this guy’s business. Plus, I’m not sure that really counts as hurting me. “He’s intense,” I defend. I don’t want to talk to this guy about my husband. Nor do I like that he asked me that. I turn away from him, going back to my work. He stands there for a few moments before he finally gets the message and strolls back to his desk. I hear him typing away on his computer, and it’s blessedly quiet for the first time today.
I’m actually a little mad that he didn't apologize for the question. But I push all my thoughts away and jump into getting my stuff done. I don’t want to get asked to work late again tomorrow. In fact, if I am, I’m going to say no. I miss my nights at home with my family. Heck, I miss more than that.
I get lost in my work until I hear my phone vibrate. I see a message from Dylan telling me he loves me. I type a quick response, wanting to tease him. A little payback for whatever it is he’s up to.
Husband: I love you
Me: How come I never get a turn on my knees to pleasure you?
Husband: Button
I hide a giggle because I can hear the warning tone of his voice even through the text.
Me: I miss your cock in my mouth. I miss when you grip my hair and make me take you as far as I can.
I clench my legs together thinking about it. I’ve always loved giving Dylan head when he actually lets me. It’s rare that he actually cums down my throat though. He’s always quick to pull me off of him, wanting inside me. I think he’s a little scared he might hurt me when I suck him off. That’s when his control always seems to be at its weakest.
Husband: Emily, I swear to Christ I’ll come back in there and pull you out of that office.
Mark clears his throat, pulling my attention away from my phone. He’s irritated I’m on the phone. I ignore him and check in with the babysitter next. What is he going to do? Fire me?
I still don’t know what is going on with Dylan, but with a little more work I’ll get him to crack. If he doesn't soon, I have a few tricks of my own. It’s fun playing this little game with him. I wonder what he’s doing right now. I remember we have tracking on our phones and I pull his up. When it doesn’t work right away I mess with it for a second, but still nothing.
“We’ll leave in a few minutes,” Mark says, and I glance at the clock. Dang, that went by fast, but I got a lot done. I organize my desk before grabbing my purse. I pull out my lipstick quickly and swipe it on. I text Dylan to let him know I’m leaving work and I’m going to try and be home as soon as I can. I know this is probably driving him crazy, and I know the feeling. If I could go back in time I wouldn't have taken this job.
I didn't want something that’s so time consuming. I already made a fuss about taking this job to start with and now I want to quit after only a few days into it. I know Dylan will be on board with me quitting, but should I really just give up so fast?
I stand, knowing Mark is waiting on me. He’s been staring at me while I get my stuff together. I pretend not to notice, but he’s the main reason I want to quit. He rubs me the wrong way. His personality switches from moment to moment, and I don’t like how he makes me feel.
“Ready when you are,” I say and paste a smile on my face.
Being rude isn't in my nature. Dylan always jokes that I got him as a husband because he was made to be my protector. That I only ever had to worry about being sweet because he could be an asshole enough for the both of us.
“Let’s go.” Mark starts to put his hand on my back, but I dodge it.
I might like to play with my caveman husband by leaving my panties on his desk, but letting another man touch me is a solid no freaking way.
I wave to Nancy on my way out. She mouths “sorry” to me, clearly feeling my pain. We both talked this morning about how much we don't like Mark. He gives her a creepy feeling, too. She also mentioned that she thinks he stares at me a little too long. She said she’s going to say something to a higher-up about him. I don't know who’s above Mark. I thought he was the boss, but Nancy has been here a while and she would know.
“I don't want you to get flustered. These people might have money, but they’re just people, too. Trust me. I know.” I glance over at him and he adjusts his tie. Again, he’s reminding me that he comes from a well-to-do family. I get it, Mark. You’ve got money. “Your dress is something else,” he says as his eyes roam over me as we make our way across the street. He licks his lips and I have to turn away from him, feeling embarrassed and sick to my stomach. I’m second-guessing my outfit…and even coming here to begin with.
He opens the door and we enter the lounge. The place doesn't look busy at all. “Let's get a drink and loosen you up.” He motions towards the bar and I take a seat. Mark slides in next to me, not sitting down. I can feel his body heat and try my best to lean away from him. The smell of his cologne is overpowering.
“What can I get you two?” the pretty bartender asks us.
“I’ll have a whiskey; she’ll take a merlot,” he tells her, ordering for me.
Gross. I hate wine. I don’t correct him or change my order. I wasn't planning on drinking anyway.
“Maybe the wine will do more than loosen you up,” Mark whispers against my ear, making me jump. His finger trails down my arm and I freeze.
I need to get out of here. Now. For some reason I’m starting to think there isn't an event here tonight at all from the looks of this place. There are people here, but not many. A chill runs up my spine and a sense of dread bears down on me. This isn't right, and Dylan told me to always trust my instincts. If it seems like something is off, it likely is.
“Emily?”
I turn my head at the sound of my name being called to see William Black standing there smiling at me. I slide off my seat, and relief floods me that I have a reason to get away from Mark for a moment. I have to get myself together before I give him a piece of my mind. He should be thankful I’m the one who’s going to give it to him and not Dylan.
“Will! It’s been too long.” I take a step towards him and he gives me a quick hug. Dylan built a home for Will and his wife years ago. They’re both so sweet. They wanted something bigger after their grown children started having kids of their own and their home was overrun with grandbabies. Dylan and I helped them come up with the perfect design and brought that vision to fruition. It makes me miss working beside him like I used to. Or maybe it’s that I just miss being beside him.
“It really has been. How are the boys?” His eyes soften.
“Started kindergarten.” I still get a little choked up thinking about it.
“They grow fast, don’t they?” He shakes his head.
I nod. “How’s Amanda?” Will glances down at his watch. “I’m meeting her for dinner in a few. I stopped in for a drink while I waited for her. She’s been out shopping with our oldest daughter.”
“Senator Black.” Mark reaches his hand out towards Will, interrupting us. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Will’s eyes go back and forth between us before he takes Mark’s hand. “I’m Mark Starns.” Mark says it as if Will should know who he is. All Will does is give him a hard look and I almost snort.
I didn’t know there was another husband out there just as crazy about his wife as my own until I met Amanda and Will. Their house was actually the one that really landed Dylan on the map and put him in such high demand. They host a lot of parties and are constantly giving Dylan’s name out.
We used to have a couples’ dinner from time to time with them, but it can be hard with the boys and their busy schedule.
“Where’s Dylan?” Will asks. His eyes come back to mine, dismissing Mark.
“She’s here with me tonight,” Mark cuts in. He grips my arm, taking me by surprise. Will takes a step towards us, looking pissed.
“Will, if you’ll excuse us for a moment please.” I can tell Will doesn’t want to, but I also don’t want Will to get himself in any trouble. He’s a freaking senator and doesn’t need to be in some fight in the middle of the lounge. I want to have a word of my own with Mark.
Will gives me a nod and I know not to leave his line of sight or he’ll follow us. Not that I want to be alone with Mark to begin with. I just want a private word with him. Mark starts to pull me with him towards the other side of the bar and I have to fight myself to keep from making a scene. I yank my arm from his hold, and he stops when he gets me backed into a corner.
I see Will pull his cell phone out of his pocket and I know without a doubt who he’s calling. This is going to get bad. I need to put an end to this, but before I can, I realize my time has just run out.
Chapter 9
Dylan
I’m sitting in my truck trying to figure out why Emily’s tracker just suddenly stopped working. One second we’re texting and I can see exactly where she’s at, and then the next, it’s gone.