A Very Corporate Affair Book 2 (The Corporate Series) (19 page)

 
      I gave him a 'don't be daft' look. "It doesn't take long. I only really have to press work tops. My suits go the cleaners, and gym gear doesn't need ironing. Next week is busy, so I like to be organised at the start, in case I don't get a chance." I hung the final blouse on a hanger, and switched off the iron, leaving it on the island to cool down. "I'm gonna need to go to bed in a minute, so I'm going to have to send you home."

 
     "Ok. Maybe we could have lunch in the week?"

 
     "Sure. I'll call you tomorrow when I know my schedule. I know Wednesdays out, because I'm meeting your mum, and Friday, I have the funeral."

  
    I saw him to the door, and said goodnight. When he'd gone, I wondered exactly what he'd wanted. Oscar didn't strike me as the type to want to just hang out, and watch telly. I also wondered why Ivan hadn't called.

 
     I hit the ground running next morning, getting into work by half seven. My schedule told me I had several meetings planned, so I needed to prepare. I also needed to bill Justine for my time and expenses in getting her the two authors signed up, and do some work on the factory purchase for the rotund businessman who had eaten the Italian restaurant out of house and home.

 
     I switched on my screen, and checked my emails, expecting to see one from Ivan. Instead, there were just a few work ones, one from the undertaker, and a load of internal memos, two of which, reminding me that I had to attend the annual law society awards dinner on the thirteenth of July. The night before my holiday. Not ideal when I was flying out at ten the next morning.

      I replied, asking for two tickets. I knew it was one of those events that I had to show my face at, and as I already had a choice of lovely dresses, it would only mean a nice appointment with Guiseppe and Andre. I made a note to ask Laura to book me a slot with them.

 
     I returned from my ten o'clock meeting with Mr Carey, to find an email from Ivan.

From: Ivan Porenski

Date: 24 June 2013

To: Elle Reynolds

Subject: Sorry

Darling Elle

 
   I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable yesterday afternoon, but I was shaken up by the events of that morning. Anything that reminds me of the fragility of the lives of those I love causes me intense pain. I'm sorry I took that out on you. Bella is now back to her normal, rather badly behaved self, and says thank you for saving her, even though it should have been me that saw the danger she was in. I feel bad about that, and I hope you don't think badly of me because of it.

   I have meetings today, and I have to fly out to Russia for a few days tomorrow, so can I see you tonight? I can organise dinner at my place.

Love

Ivan xx

     I read his email several times, and thought long and hard before replying.

From: Elle Reynolds

Date: 24 June 2013

To: Ivan Porenski

Subject: Re Sorry

Ivan

 
    Glad Bella is recovered, and as I said at the time, it was an accident, and I don't in any way think less of you just because you didn't see it. Tonight would be great, as I've not stopped so far today, and the thought of not having to shop and cook is lovely. Can Roger pick me up from my flat at around 7 please?

 
   Bit concerned about your trip. Make sure you have plenty of security. I will worry about you.

Lots of love

Elle xxx

     Within thirty seconds, a reply pinged into my inbox.

From: Ivan Porenski

Date: 24 June 2013

To: Elle Reynolds

Subject: Re
Re Sorry

Elle,

     I promise I worry more about you. I will have a full team with me, and there are no known or direct threats. I will make sure I'm back by Friday morning at the latest to accompany you to the funeral.

 
   I have to go, I have lots of meetings to get through today. Will tell you all about it tonight. Will see you at seven.

Love

Ivan xx

 
      I read his email, a bit concerned that he had assumed I'd want him at mum's funeral. In one way, I quite wanted the support, but in another, I didn't want to expose him to some of the less savoury people who inhabited my past. I decided to speak to him later about the subject, and went back to the rather tedious matter of the factory purchase.

 
      My workload was so heavy, that I didn't even stop for lunch. Laura brought in a bagel and a latte, which I scoffed at my desk while working. With an afternoon off booked on Wednesday, and the day off on Friday, I was scrabbling to fit everything in. In some ways, Ivan being away would be helpful, as it meant I'd be able to work late without having to explain or justify myself.

 
      I had an afternoon of interruptions, people wanting information or direction on the work we were doing for the clients that I looked after. I finally managed to get away at half six, practically running home, to fling myself in the shower and get changed ready to be picked up.

 
    Ivan enveloped me in a hug as soon as I arrived at his apartment, kissing me deeply. I ran my fingers through his soft, rather messy, dark hair, pulling him to me, and prolonging our kiss. Eventually, I pulled away, needing to come up for air. Ivan looked serious.

 
   "Baby, I'm sorry about yesterday."

   "You already said that in your email. Really, don't worry. Nice to see that Bella's back to normal." She wagged her tail, clearly pleased to see me. We went through to the kitchen where I perched on a stool at the island, as Ivan poured two glasses of wine. "So how was your day?" I asked, as I made a fuss of the two dogs.

 
     "Busy, but productive. I met with your boss today to clear up some matters," he said rather cryptically.

 
     "Lewis?" I frowned. I had seen him around quite a bit that day, and he hadn't mentioned meeting Ivan.

 
     "No, Ms Pearson. I had some of my personal stuff to take care of, and I wanted to ask about putting you on the board as a non exec director."

 
    "Oh? What did she say to that?" I had meant to check my employment contract, but as Ivan hadn't mentioned it again, I hadn't bothered.

 
     "She thought it was a great idea, especially if it means you deliver Conde Nast as a client. It will mean attending one board meeting per month."

 
    "Ok. As long as she's in agreement, then that's fine."

 
    "Good, because I'm also making you a non exec at Retinski too. That one is probably a little more involved, but it's a great opportunity for you. It also made your boss a little more relaxed that the use of Pearson Hardwick would be a long term relationship."

 
   "I see. That makes me an employee of yours though."

 
   "Not really, in fact, it almost makes me an employee of yours as I'm managing director."

 
   "Hmm. How do you think the other directors will feel about this?"

 
   "Fine. Ranenkiov thinks you're great, and is happy to endorse you to the rest of the board, and we don't have a lawyer present at the moment, so it's a great opportunity to bring you in. Duchovy, retired in April, and he not only sat on the board, but also headed up the in house legal team. There was no natural successor until you, so it all fits. With Conde Nast, they don't get a say in it. You will be my representative. If they have any sense, they'll welcome you with open arms."

 
    "Will you have to pay my company for this?"

    "No. I made an agreement with Ms Pearson to pay you direct. From her perspective it brings in a new client, plus it's extremely prestigious for your company."

    "How much will I be paid? And how much work will be required of me?" I didn't have too many spare hours in a day to commit to another job.

 
     "Conde Nast one day per month, plus a few odd days here and there. You'll get 90 thousand a year for that one. Retinski will be nearer two days per month, plus a few odd days as well. You will be paid 250 thousand per year for it."

 
      I thought about it for a nanosecond. "Ok, where do I sign?" Ivan grinned and pulled out two, thankfully short, contracts. I read through them while he dished up salmon and new potatoes. By the time we had finished dinner, I'd read through both contracts, but spotted an issue I needed to clear up.

 
     "There's a clause here that states in the event of anything happening to you, that I assume the role of managing director of Retinski, and chairman of Conde Nast."

 
     "Yes, it’s one of those 'just in case' provisions. It's so that none of the companies are left in limbo while my estate is sorted out."

     "I see, well that makes sense, although I would have thought the other directors have far more experience than me."

  
    "They don't have your integrity, that's far more important. The others can guide you."

  
    I finished reading, and with Ivan's explanation, decided I was happy to sign. "So tell me about this trip to Russia? I mean, is it safe for you to go there?"

 
     He looked a little pensive, "it's fairly safe, well, as safe as a wealthy man can be. I need to visit a notary and claim Vlad's assets under his will, see the mines, and how they work, grease some palms, and hurry home to you."

 
    "Can't you send a representative?"

 
    "Not really. The notary wouldn't accept it. Plus I need to see the mining operations in person. I couldn't afford to show any weakness or nerves. As I said, I'll have a big team around me, so I'll be well protected."

 
    "Good. I'll be worrying about you all the time you're away." Ivan produced a biro, and we both signed two copies of each contract. I tucked my copies into my handbag. "Does this mean I shouldn't sleep with the staff?" I asked coquettishly.

 
     "I think it's positively encouraged," he flirted, that lovely lustful look in his eyes. He hopped off his stool, and came round the island to stand between my legs, and wrap his arms around my waist. "Stay the night? I won't see you till Friday."

 
     "I was hoping you'd ask," I replied, kissing him.

 
     "Pleasure room?"

 
     "Oh yes please."

         We raced up to the pleasure room, Ivan dragging me by the hand. I was eager to find out what he would come up with, and was already feeling hot and turned on. We barely made it into the room before he was dragging my vest top over my head, and unclipping my bra. He practically ripped off my jeans and knickers, then stood back to look at me, standing gloriously naked, while he quickly shed his T-shirt and shorts. "I want to fuck you really hard and fast against the wall first," he whispered, "then I'll be able to fuck you for three orgasms, in any way you like." I practically came on the spot, just from his phone sex voice, and the sight of his large erection. He slipped his hand between my legs, inserting a finger. "I think you're wet for me already." He pulled his finger out, and sucked my juices off it. "You taste so good, better than fine wine."

 
      He led me over to the wall, and lifted me up, bracing my back against the cool plaster. I wrapped my legs around his hips, and he guided his cock into me. Then he began to move. Oh god, did he move, drilling into me hard and fast, his pubic bone battered my clitoris repeatedly. It was hard, primal sex, his sheer physical power evident as he hammered into me, chasing his orgasm.

 
      I could feel the muscles in his back ripple and strain as he moved, his face determined and full of lust as his sapphire eyes glittered, gazing into mine. He gripped my thighs, hooking my legs over his arms to open my legs further apart. I looked down to see his cock sliding in and out, and it pushed me over the edge. I cried out as I came, my insides contracting viciously, making me want to close my legs to control the pleasure. He held me firm, as I shook and pulsed around him, while he drove into me relentlessly.

 
     Finally he let go, and I watched his face as he came, his beautiful features momentarily screwed up in concentration, then softened as I felt his cock twitch and throb inside me. He kissed me deeply, a needy, intrusive kiss, as though he wanted to be inside me in every way possible.

  
     He lifted me onto the bed, and flopped down beside me to catch his breath. "You weren't meant to come then," he said, smiling at me, "it was meant to get me ready for a longer session."

 
     "Sorry," I said sarcastically, "blame that big cock of yours, it was his fault." His grin got bigger.

 
     "You are so sexy, I just feel hornier for having fucked you. Once is never enough with you." His finger began to trace around my breast, leaving little trails of heat. I drank in the sight of him naked, his silky, golden skin, muscular, powerful body, and his cock, laying thick and heavy, even after an explosive orgasm.

 
     "So what would you like to do to me?"

     "I want to watch you fuck me," he purred, "I want to see you ride my cock until you come all over me, then I'm gonna take you from behind with the butt plug in, and then I'll finish you off with a vibrator on your clit while I fuck you again. How does that sound?"
Try tiring.

 
     "Interesting. Do you want a butt plug while I fuck you?"

 
     "Oh Elle, you're getting brave. I like them, if you're ok with that." He wandered over to the cabinet, and got out a selection of toys, and a bottle of lube. "This one is better for a man, as it vibrates," he said, showing me what looked like a tiny vibrator, "just make sure it's well lubed before you slide it in. Switch it on once it's in me."

 
     I took the bottle of lube, and carefully squirted some on the plug, before Ivan lay on his back, and lifted his legs to allow me access. It felt incredibly intimate, doing that to him. Once it was inserted, I clicked the end round, to hear a faint buzzing. "Ahh, that feels so good," purred Ivan, pulling me to him. I licked my way up his balls, and the shaft of his cock, before lightly sucking the tip, prompting a soft groan.

 
     He cupped my face, to pull me off, and I straddled him, sinking slowly onto his cock, impaling myself on him. I moved slowly at first, trying to make it last, but his dick was iron hard, and the crest was rubbing my spot mercilessly. His warm hands caressed my breasts, rolling and pinching my nipples, sending waves of sensations through my body. I had to speed up, until I was almost bouncing up and down on him, fierce in my need to climax. With no pressure on my clit, my orgasm was going to be a deep, soul shaking one. I leaned back slightly to increase the pressure, at the same time that he pinched my nipples, and I fell into the deepest, most intense orgasm of my life.

 
     I practically blacked out with the intensity. It felt as though my entire body was coming. Wave after wave running through me, focused on the connection between us.

 
    "Oh baby I can feel you coming so hard," Ivan purred, watching me as I shuddered and shook, soaking him.

 
     As my orgasm subsided, Ivan moved me off him, and onto my front, pulling my hips up. In my orgasmic stupor, I barely felt him insert the butt plug, before his iron cock plunged inside me again. He moved slowly at first, wringing the last of my orgasm out of me, before reaching round to press a vibrator to my clit.

 
      He tweaked at the plug, pulling it out, and sliding it back in, as he fucked me. The alien, but erotic sensation taking over my senses, promising an orgasm that would tear me apart. 

  "Come on baby, let go, I need you to come," he gasped, as he began to thrust into me hard and fast.

        I screamed as I came. It was one of those orgasms that rips through your body like a wildfire, consuming every nerve ending in its path. Ivan came at the same time, shouting 'oh god, oh god', as he stilled and pressed into me. I could feel his body shaking, as he slumped slightly onto my back, pushing me flat onto the mattress. I could feel his heart hammering in his chest, and heard the faint buzzing of his butt plug, before he pulled it out and switched it off.

 
      He rolled off me, and flopped onto his back, pulling me into an embrace. I snuggled into his warm arms, and breathed in the heady scent of Ivan and sex. My post orgasmic haze was broken by Ivan yelling "how the hell did you get in here?" I looked over to see the two spaniels sitting about two feet away from the end of the bed, gazing at us.

 
    "You are the nosiest, most disobedient little girls in the world." He turned to me, "I wonder how long they've been watching, the little pair of perverts."

 
     I giggled, "I'm glad we didn't notice them at the crucial point. That would've put you off your stroke." He smiled, and pulled me back into his arms for another kiss.

 
     The moment was broken by the dogs jumping on the pleasure bed, Tania checking Ivan possessively, while Bella, rather disgustingly, began to lick the damp patch on the bed. "Bella, where are your manners?" Ivan said, looking embarrassed. 

 
     We decided to go and get into Ivan's bed, as we were both undressed, and it was already half nine. He switched the telly on, and the two dogs snuggled down. I nuzzled into his chest as we watched TV in companionable silence for a while. "What time are you leaving tomorrow?" I asked.

 
   "Around eleven."

   "I'm going to be nervous until you get back."

 
   "I go every couple of months. There's nothing to worry about."

 
   "What if something happens to you?"

 
   "Then you'll look after the companies just fine. I know you will."

 
   "Can't you have a tracking device implanted, just in case?"

  
  He laughed, "you really are nervous aren't you? I'll be back before you know it, all grouchy with jet lag, and you'll wish I'd stayed there a bit longer."

   "I doubt that very much. I'll be a bag of nerves until you get back."

   "What time's the funeral Friday?"

 
   "Midday. You don't have to come if you've only just arrived back."

   "I want to support you that day. You'll need it."

   "I'll be leaving home around ten. I have to get to Welling, and greet people at the flat, before the hearses leave for the crematorium."

  
  "No problem. I will be back here by seven. I'm flying overnight," he paused, "I have Dascha and Vlad's funerals next week. I don't expect you to attend with me."

 
    "Probably not wise for me to go. There's bound to be press around." I replied, just before I drifted off to sleep, safe and secure in his arms.

 
     I skipped the gym, wanting to spend as much time as possible with Ivan before I had to leave for work. We showered together, and had some breakfast, before it was time for me to go. "Come home safely," I said, not wanting to let him go. For some reason, the thought of not seeing him for a few days was making me feel bereft.

 
     "I'll be back before you know it," he replied, as he pulled me into his arms for a passionate kiss. Roger took me home to get changed, and then dropped me at work. I switched on my screen, and buried myself in the tasks at hand, determined not to spend the next three days moping. 

 
      I worked right through till ten that night, pausing only to eat at my desk. I did a phenomenal amount of work, and felt better about taking the afternoon off the next day with my paperwork up to date. I headed back to the flat, and pretty much went straight to bed, exhausted.

 
      The following morning, I hit the gym with a vengeance, getting there the moment it opened. After a fast paced, and gruelling hour, I showered, and did my hair and makeup carefully, knowing that Lady Golding would, of course, be immaculate. I had decided on one of the Roland Mouret dresses, and teamed it with matching heels and my Chloe bag. As I looked in the mirror, I decided that I looked polished enough for her world, even if I didn't feel it. I threw my workout gear into my gym bag, and headed up to my office.

 
     I made a cup of tea, and settled into my chair, switching on my screen. As I waited for it to boot up, I wondered how Ivan was getting on. My tummy flipped, as I saw an email from him in my inbox.

From: Ivan Porenski

Date: 26 June 2013

To: Elle Reynolds

Subject: Missing you already

Darling Elle

 
    Have arrived ok, although the flight was horrific due to turbulence. Have dealt with the notary, and everything is in order, so tomorrow I will briefly visit all three mines, which will be a nightmare with the amount of flights involved. I’m about to leave now, as all three are in the Urals, which is a fairly long way from Moscow. You would be horrified at how quickly and easily ownership is transferred in Russia, especially as Vlad had no family. There's no messing about with detailed contracts here, it's all handshakes and kickbacks. I would have loved you to have seen it, in fact, I'd love to show you Moscow, it's changed a huge amount over the years, and is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city now.

  I hope you don't work too hard while I'm away, and you allow Roger to look after you. Try not to live on toast and sandwiches. I thought we could spend a lazy weekend in Sussex, travelling down after the wake. Some quiet, peaceful time together would be lovely.

     I'm missing you like crazy.

Love you

Ivan xx

 
   I read it a couple of times before replying.

From: Elle Reynolds

Date: 26 June 2013

To: Ivan Porenski

Subject: Missing you too

 
    Sorry to hear about all the flights. Glad the meeting with the notary went well, although I'm surprised that companies of that value are transferred so easily. Do they not use lawyers in Russia? I would love to see Moscow one day, and visit  St Basil's cathedral, built by your namesake ;)

     Please don't worry about me, I'm just working as normal, but have afternoon tea with Lady Golding booked for this afternoon, so at least I'll eat well. That only leaves tomorrow to get through, before you're home, and in my waiting arms. I'm missing you too. Please stay safe, and hurry back.

  Sussex sounds like a great idea. I'd love some lazy time with you and the girls.

  Love you too

Elle xxx

     I pressed send, and began to work my way through the remainder of my emails. At half eight, Lewis came in. "Hi Elle, how's it going?"

 
     I smiled. "All good. The flotation’s on schedule, the factory purchase should complete next week as planned, the funds are already in our client account, and Paul Lassiter just paid his bill, so all's right with the world today."