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  Luther spat out a laugh. “Not yet. You’re too innocent.”

  “So he want you to…” This was harder. I saw Luther as larger than life, strong and…and my hero. How else could I see him? I’d be talking to cops right now if not for him. I lowered my gaze and took a deep breath. “You have to get me ready for him?”

  “Yes and no.” Luther cocked his head, studying me for a moment. “You’ll always have a choice. I’m not asking you to whore yourself out for the things we’ll give you. Being Xavier’s secretary won’t be easy and you’ll more than earn your keep. You’ll be paid a salary as well, like every other employee.” He paused to take another gulp of beer. “We chose you for this specific task because, not only are you appealing, you have more reason than anyone to keep his secrets.”

  “And what secrets are those?”

  “He’ll let you know himself when he’s ready. The trust needs to be mutual.”

  “Fair enough.” I hadn’t expected Luther to be so forthcoming with me, but I was grateful for it. Even though I still wasn’t sure I got how this was gonna work. “So I’ll be his secretary, and if I’m into it, his…boy toy? And yours?”

  Luther let out a startled laugh. “‘Boy toy’? I wouldn’t put it quite that way.” His tone took on a deep, dark edge as he leaned in. He took my half full beer and set it aside, leaving nothing between us. “But if you’re willing, we will play with you.”

  Blood pulsed down to my dick and I swallowed hard against a spill of lust I couldn’t ignore. There was a reason Luther didn’t sound concerned that I wouldn’t be willing. He wasn’t even trying to seduce me yet and I was ready to say yes to whatever he wanted. If he actually turned on the heat?

  I was a goner. And I wasn’t even upset about it.

  But I still had questions. Or more…one. I licked my lips. “Together?”

  “At times. We enjoy sharing. Xavier has terrible taste in men—he’s been burned in the past, so now he trusts me to find lovers who might enjoy our lifestyle.” Luther’s tone had returned to the conversational one he’d used earlier, which made it easier to breathe. He shot me a knowing smile. “Don’t look so nervous. This won’t happen overnight. And not until you’re ready.”

  “What if I never am?” My dick throbbed as though protesting my words, but I had to know he meant it about me having a choice.

  Standing, Luther held out his hand, much like he had at the car. When I placed mine in his, he pulled me to my feet. Close to him, but not so close that my personal space felt invaded. Still holding my hand, he met my eyes.

  “I will do everything in my power to tempt you, Alec. Not with money, or safety. When you submit to me for the first time you will come to me. You will tell me what you’re ready for.” There was a soft, lulling edge to his voice, one that had me wanting to stay right where I was, feeling his hand around mine, his thumb stroking my knuckles in a way that was much more erotic that it should have been.

  His lips curved and I couldn’t help staring at them, wondering what they’d feel like on mine. Damn it, no one had ever been this gentle with me. This patient. Maybe that was why his touch felt so good. I was starved for any contact that didn’t end with pain.

  “So fucking desperate for it, aren’t you?” Luther shook his head and sighed. “I could have you tonight, but it’s much too soon. Make me work for it a little, pup.”

  “You’re making it very hard.” Heat covered the back of my neck and I pressed my eyes shut. I hadn’t meant to sound like I was talking about my dick, but I kinda was. He was right, it was too soon, but after everything he’d said, I didn’t want to walk away without a taste of what he was teasing me with.

  A big, strong, incredibly sexy guy telling me he wanted me was almost as much of a dream come true as having a full stomach and a roof over my head. Sure, in my fantasy the guy wouldn’t be sharing me with his boss. And the romantic side of me, I’d never given too much attention, imagined dates and sweet words and falling in love.

  But I hadn’t been holding on to my virginity until I found ‘The One’. I just hadn’t had any good opportunities.

  This one was pretty damn good.

  “You’re as precious as I knew you’d be.” Luther let out a soft laugh. “Look at me, Alec.”

  I opened my eyes. He hadn’t moved any closer, but I could tell he wanted to.

  The lust in his eyes gave me such a rush the room seemed to be swaying a little, like I’d stood up too fast and the ground was unsteady.

  “I won’t fuck you tonight. But I will give you one thing.” His lips curved slightly. “Just ask.”

  Shifting closer to him, I inhaled slowly. “I want you to touch me. To kiss me. And it’s fucking weird, but—”

  He pulled me against him, bringing his lips to mine and smiling. “That’s two things.”

  Before I could respond, his lips covered mine, the heat of them consuming me whole. I didn’t have a second to wonder if I was a good kisser, he guided me effortlessly, teasing the seam of my lips with his tongue, his hand in my hair tilting my head as my lips parted and he claimed my mouth. There was a sweetness as his tongue touched mine, then grazed a sensitive spot behind my teeth before drawing out, using the pressure of his lips to massage mine in a sensual way that had my whole body moving, as though I could feel him everywhere.

  And I could. Every nerve lit up, as the hardness of his body sent shivers of pleasure to the base of my spine. My dick was so hard, painfully confined pressed tight against my jeans, but the ache of it grinding his through the material was the most erotic thing I’d ever experienced.

  His free hand slipped under my shirt at the base of my spine, his fingers stroking lightly, just above the waist of my jeans. I let out a rough, desperate sound and lowered my head to his chest. Holding still so he wouldn’t stop. Too fucking turned on to manage getting any air into my lungs.

  “Soon.” He nudge my head with his chin and brought his lips to my throat. “Very soon.”

  He held me for a moment, kissing my neck gently before easing me away from him.

  I whispered an incoherent protest, but he shook his head.

  “Let me show you to your room. There’s a shower. Use it and then get some sleep.” He caught my elbow when I stumbled, his eyes warm, not laughter in them when I’d expected there to be. Just the same patience he’d shown all night. “If you’re still feeling this way tomorrow…”

  Chewing on my bottom lip, I stared up at him.

  “I’ll let you ask two things of me.” He brought me to his side and whispered in my ear. “And ask for one in return.”

  Chapter Three

  The next morning I expect to feel drained and disoriented, but everything about me was light and fresh and alive. Maybe being clean and surrounded by soft blankets and sleek sheets, my stomach not tight with pain forcing me to crawl out of whatever shelter I’d manage to find to hunt down anything even slightly edible…

  Yeah, that probably made a difference.

  I’d also jerked off in the shower thinking about Luther, and came so hard I’d almost passed out right there. And did pass out in the wonderful bed seconds later.

  Still naked.

  I looked around for the black silk pajamas Luther had left for me, guilt tainting my happy buzz a little when I spotted them on the floor. After pulling them on quickly, I headed to the bathroom to take a piss, then wash my hands and face and brush my teeth. I even used floss and mouthwash.

  Thinking of Luther’s kiss, the state of my mouth was embarrassing. Sure, I tried to brush my teeth at least once a day when I lived on the streets, but finding somewhere with a sink that would let me in wasn’t always easy. And I hadn’t been to a dentist since I was ten.

  But he hadn’t seemed to notice my teeth weren’t as perfectly white as his. Or that my hair wasn’t groomed and my clothes were grungy and worn.

  I looked in the mirror at the ‘pretty’ face I’d always hated, one that was too weak, too smooth, lacking the strength in my brothers�
�� hard jaws and even harder eyes.

  Aside from the shadows under my eyes and the slight gauntness of my cheeks, I looked…good. My hair had dried a little fluffy, with the overgrown light blond waves touching my collar, but it was a nice color, shiny now that it had been washed. My lips had more color to them, probably from the kisses that I could still feel whenever I closed my eyes.

  A soft knock at the door drew my attention away from staring at the new, less pathetic me. I hurried across the room, grinning when I saw Luther standing there, arms folded over his chest.

  He smiled back. “You look good, Alec. No regrets?”

  “Nope.” I pressed my tongue into my bottom lip. “Do you want to come in?”

  Laughing, he shook his head, unfolding his arms and stepping back. “No. You’re coming down to the kitchen to have breakfast with me. We can discuss your orientation so you can start work on Monday.”

  “Right. Work.” I tried not to sound disappointed. Work was good. Needed. I wasn’t some charity case they’d taken off the streets. I was a thief who’d been handed a damn golden ticket. One with terms and conditions, all of which I’d agreed to.

  But part of my mind was still stuck in the fantasy Luther had given me. One where desire meant not having to think too hard that this was all too good to be true.

  There had to be a catch.

  “You are going to be very easy to spoil.” Luther reached out and took my hand. “I have you to myself for the next two days. Behave and you will enjoy every minute. I’m generous with my rewards.”

  “Yeah?” I glanced down at our hands, loving how easy it was to be touched by him. That contact was so natural, maybe because he did it as though there was no reason not to. As if it wasn’t a big deal.

  Which it might not be to him, but his hold anchored me. Made this all seem real.

  Real enough not to think too hard about what I was getting myself into.

  The kitchen smelled like absolute heaven. Syrup and coffee and blueberry muffins. Two plates stacked with pancakes sat on the table, along with fresh strawberries, oranges, a pitcher of orange juice, another of milk, and a carafe of coffee. There was a slab of butter, a tray piled high with muffins, and two covered, silver dishes.

  Luther lifted the tops of the trays, revealing bacon in one, and scrambled eggs in the other. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”

  “Everything.” My mouth watered as I approached the table. “Did you make all this?”

  “All but the muffins. The cook, Ms. Lacey, heard we had a new guest and brought them over from the main kitchen.” He pulled out a chair and waited for me to join him before handing me a muffin. “They’re her specialty. And Xavier’s favorite.”

  I nodded, opening the muffin, groaning at the steam that rose and taking a second just to breathe it in. I placed it on the white and blue trimmed plate in front of me and reached for the butter. “Does Mr. Ashburne eat alone?”

  Brow furrowing slightly, Luther inclined his head. “More often than not, in his office while he’s working. He’s always been a bit of a workaholic—you don’t make your first million before twenty-five without some insane dedication.”

  Damn, I couldn’t manage enough money to feed myself, never mind even imagine somehow making millions. I’d heard enough about Xavier to know he hadn’t come from a wealthy family. He’d gotten scholarships to one of the best art schools in the world and used his talents to design dresses that ended up on runways when he was just a bit older than I was now.

  Then he’d invested every cent and watched his money grow. He owned his own fashion line and magazine and he couldn’t be more than thirty. In his place, I’d probably be chilling, just enjoying all the hard work that got me rich and famous.

  Which was probably why I’d never be in his place.

  But I would get somewhere. I’d be the best damn secretary he’d ever had.

  Maybe start with letting Luther teach you and not obsessing over how much you want to kiss him again.

  I cleared my throat as I buttered my muffin. “Maybe when I’m working for him, he won’t have to do that so often.”

  Luther shot me an amused look. “It’s cute that you think that.”

  Wrinkling my nose, I took a big bite of muffin before I could say something regrettable. Like ‘I’m not cute’ or ‘Isn’t that the point of me doing the damn job?’

  “What was that thought?” Luther grabbed my wrist before I could take another bite. “You’ll have to get used to me thinking you’re adorable. You’re not used to this world and you have an idealized outlook. I appreciate that. It’s refreshing.”

  “I won’t always be. Aren’t I supposed to become part of this world?”

  “Yes, but I think you’ll keep the best qualities that you’ve earned through survival.” He released my wrist. “Xavier’s survival turned into obsession. He’s a good man, but he rarely sees beyond how dark the world could be again if he loses control of the power he’s gained. Remember that when you’re with him. He’ll fill every free moment you give him with work he doesn’t trust anyone else to do. And there’s always plenty of that. If you can offer him some distraction, it’ll help, but don’t count on it.”

  “What if he wants to be distracted?” I couldn’t forget where this might lead if Xavier was interested in me. It wasn’t a hardship to imagine myself on my knees under his desk, the man was fucking gorgeous.

  But I didn’t see him taking his time like Luther was. He probably wouldn’t seduce me.

  Maybe that was part of my job. The part that remained unsaid.

  It would be up to me to seduce him.

  Luther was watching me, a sly smile on his lips. “Him wanting to be distracted would be very good. But it won’t be easy to get him there.”

  “Which is why you’re going to teach me how.” I licked a crumb off my thumb, grinning around it as Luther’s gaze dropped to my mouth. “You must be good at it.”

  “I like to think so.” He inhaled slowly. “But he keeps me too busy to tempt him as often as I’d like.”

  I sucked on my finger. “Is that why you found him a new toy?”

  Shaking his head, Luther laughed. “You’re cheeky when you’re well fed. I like that. Now finish eating and stop teasing me. Unless you want the one thing I ask of you is to bend over my knee?”

  My lips part. I gulped. “You’d do that?”

  “I will, eventually.” He lifted his shoulders. “Pass me the syrup, please?”

  The rest of the meal was spent discussing my duties, which didn’t sound too difficult—except for the repeated warnings about how specific Xavier was about his files, how many times the phone was allowed to ring, and under which conditions I was allowed to enter the office.

  We spent the most time on the latter. Luther seemed to want me to find plenty of reasons to be around Xavier. To ‘get to know him’, of course.

  He frowned for the first time when I repeated the words with air quotes. “Yes, you actually do need to get to know him, Alec. If he doesn’t feel close to you, no amount of flirting will draw his interest. He may find you attractive, but he’s indulging me by having you around. The job, the contract…he will give you a chance, but he’s not convinced you’re any different than the last boy.”

  “Oh…” I looked down at my empty plate. “What did he do wrong?”

  “He was fake. A very good actor, but once we started getting deeper into our favorite…games, the act slipped.” Luther glared at his plate. “He’d been playing along, trying to get close to Xavier for his money. Xavier got attached to him before I did. I was happy to see him relax again, so I wasn’t as careful as I should have been. It created issues between us. We’ve spent the last year rebuilding what we once had.”

  “Then why involve me? Why risk ruining your relationship again?” I wrapped my arms across my chest, feeling a little sick. Here I was, lusting after a man who was with someone else. Beginning what had almost destroyed their relationship before. “Are these ‘gam
es’ really that important?”

  Lifting his head, Luther smiled. “Damn it, Alec, you’re something else. I told you that so you’d understand why Xavier will have a hard time trusting you. Don’t feel guilty, this is something we both need.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You don’t have to. Not yet.” Luther took my hand. “Come here.”

  Inhaling roughly, I slipped out of my chair.

  Turning his, he pulled me down to straddle him. His big, muscular thighs spread my legs wide and my heart pounded as he framed my jaw with his warm, calloused hand. “Two things.”

  There were so many things I wanted. Being in this position, I wondered if ‘Do whatever you want’ would be considered one thing. His body was hard everywhere. The musky aroma, mixed with a hint of coconut oil and shea butter made me hungrier than the food had. He grazed his thumb over my bottom lip and it took every ounce I had not to suck it into my mouth.

  “I can’t.” The words were little more than a whisper, but I could tell he’d heard me. I couldn’t relax like I had last night. Not knowing what I did. “Maybe once I’ve been doing my job for a bit and I’m sure he’s okay with this.”

  Nodding slowly, Luther rubbed my thighs. “That’s fair. This is a very…different kind of arrangement. I won’t have you feeling uncomfortable.” He placed his hands on my hips. “Do you want to get up?”

  No. I bit into my cheek as I nodded and he closed his thighs so I could regain my balance and stand.

  Slow clapping came from behind us and I jumped.

  Xavier spared me a glance when I spun around, then turned his focus to Luther, his tone dry. “I’m impressed. You already have such a soft spot for the boy, I expected to find him in your bed.”

  “I won’t rush him.” Luther rose from the chair, moving to my side and folding his arms over his chest. “You know that.”

  “He’s willing.” Xavier lifted his shoulders and leaned against the doorframe, hands in the pockets of his black slacks, looking much more relaxed than he had at the office, but no less intimidating. “In any case, his proposal is intriguing. He wants to prove he’s fit for the job and that I can trust him before you fuck him? This should be entertaining, at the very least.”