Worth the Scandal (14 page)

She tensed, fear making words lodge in her throat. She should warn him, let him know she needed to take it slow but all the breath rushed out of her at feeling him slide into her body for the first time. He thrust deep and she cried out in agony, pressing her hands against his chest as if to push him off.

“Christ, did I hurt you?” His voice was rough, sweat covered his brow and he exhaled loudly, regret etched over his face.

“I—I’m fine. Really.” She breathed deep and blew it out slow and even, willing herself to relax. Even with the earlier orgasm loosening her muscles, she’d tensed quickly.

Such a burden, her virginity. At least she’d gotten rid of it once and for all. And with a man she feared she was falling in love with…

He remained still, watching her carefully, not moving so much as a muscle though she felt the throb of his shaft deep inside her. “I hurt you.”

She winced at the tone of his voice. “Only a little.”

“Damn it, Tessa.” He began to withdraw and she clutched at his shoulders, desperation filling her.

“Don’t leave me.” The moment had finally happened, she had him in her bed and he wanted to be noble and leave her?

“Never.” He kissed her, his lips warm and coaxing, his tongue wicked and alluring as it flicked against hers. “You should’ve told me,” he murmured against her lips.

“Told you what?” Funny how having his lips on hers wiped her mind clean of rational thought.

Carefully, so slow he barely moved, he withdrew from her, inch by excruciating inch before just as slowly he pushed inside her. “You should’ve told me you were a virgin.”

God, she really hadn’t wanted him to figure that out. Too late now. “Would it have mattered if I did?”

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t have been so careless.”

“And you probably wouldn’t have made love to me,” she added.

The look in his eyes told her she was right. “You don’t deserve being manhandled, especially your first time.”

“I happen to like being manhandled.” When his gaze darkened she giggled. Joy filled her heart full to bursting. “Only by you though.”

He chuckled. “My naughty little kitten.”

She slipped her hands into his hair and tugged so that his face was level with hers. “Make love to me, Alex. I want to know what it feels like to come when you’re inside me.”

Alex had no answer for her delicious words beyond an agonized groan that vibrated deep within his chest. She felt so good, so impossibly tight and hot clenched around his cock. It took everything within him not to just slam inside her again and again until he came with a wild burst.

He held it together, barely. His jaw ached from clenching his teeth, and the muscles in his legs and arms quivered with his restraint. His cock was like a throbbing beast, dying for the chance to ram inside her welcoming virginal body.

A virgin. He could scarcely believe it though Tessa always did have an innocent air about her he found impossibly alluring. That he was the first man to enjoy her, push inside her, become one with her, filled him with pride. Why had she chosen him to be her first?

If he thought about it too much he might not want to know the answer.

Ignoring his newfound reluctance, he focused on giving her pleasure. He wanted the glory of watching her fall apart in his arms again because the first time had been beautiful, a sight not to be missed. The expression on her face, the way her body shook against his, how her inner walls had clenched and throbbed around his invading finger.

Hot. Sexy. Sweet.

He wanted more. He wanted her again and again and again.

With the patience of a saint he took his time, encouraged by her whispery moans, the way she slipped her hands up and down his back. Her touch sent heat rocketing throughout his body, electrifying him from the inside out.

That this little sprite of a woman could reduce him to a quivering mass of flesh with just a simple touch overwhelmed him completely. Filled him with an emotion he didn’t quite recognize, didn’t really want to acknowledge.

It was best to focus on her. The two of them together.

Easier that way. Emotions only made everything stickier, more complicated. The very last thing he needed. His life was complicated enough.

Tessa ran her fingernails lightly over his buttocks, shocking him out of his thoughts. “You don’t have to be so careful with me, Alex. I won’t break. I promise,” she murmured.

He gazed down at her lovely face. The sultry glow in her eyes, the flushed cheeks, her lush mouth swollen from his kisses, she was a vision. His angelic seductress.

She reached out and touched him, her fingers feather light upon his cheek. Closing his eyes, he turned into her palm, kissing her there. “Please, Alex.” Her voice trembled, and the way she said his name completely undid him.

Her words and sweet gesture all the encouragement he needed, he increased his pace, his orgasm already barreling down. She dropped her hand from his face and curled her fingers into his shoulders as she anchored herself to him. Her long, sexy legs wrapped around his hips, sending him deeper and he groaned her name.

He slid in and out of her, faster and faster, his grunts and groans met by her own high breathless moans. His skin tightened, he knew it wouldn’t take much more for him to fall over that particularly delicious edge and when she began to shudder and writhe beneath him, he let go.

And came so hard he saw stars.

Chapter Ten

 
“Have you talked to Tessa?”

Alex turned away from the thinning crowd of people that swarmed around him, lowering his voice as he spoke into his cell. “No. I haven’t had a chance yet.”

Hunter snorted. “I have a hard time believing that.”

Irritation filled him. Since when did he have to answer to his brother? “I haven’t been able to ask her about the computer usage but I will,” Alex said firmly, striding through the London store. “I swear it.”

He felt on top of the world today. Not only had the relaunch gone off without a hitch but he’d just gone over the initial paperwork for the new London acquisition. The location was prime, the square footage ample and it enabled Worth to open a flagship store solely focused on the younger generations by featuring their new accessories and limited clothing line.

After months of constant back and forth negotiations that had almost fallen through not once but twice, the relief, the absolute joy that filled him over the acquisition could hardly be contained.

And then there was Tessa.

Pride filled his chest. He felt like he’d conquered the enemy’s castle and won the princess.

Glancing over his shoulder, he caught her watching him. She dropped her gaze, a secret smile curling her lips, her cheeks a pretty shade of pink. He loved that he made her blush. Enjoyed it even more she acted the demure, professional woman by day and was a wicked wildcat in his bed by night. All for him.

Three nights of nonstop sex and little sleep, he still felt on top of the world. Nothing could bring him down.

Not even his nagging brother.

“You’ll be in the office Monday.” Hunter sighed, sounding resigned. “We’ll talk to her then.”

Alex frowned. “Who’s this we?”

“Well, I thought it would be best if not only I questioned her, but have the human resources manager in there as well.” Hunter paused. “Becky requested that I conduct all questioning regarding this matter by the book.”

“Of course.” Alex paused and glanced about the room before lowering his voice. “I want to be there.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

“Why the hell not?”

“You’re her direct boss. I don’t want you involved,” Hunter explained, sounding impatient. “Trust me on this, Alex. I wouldn’t screw you over or upset your sweet little piece about this.”

Alex ignored the rude comment. “You’re not going to question her too harshly are you?” He knew Hunter could be a real ruthless bastard when he set his mind to it. It was a strong family trait. “It’s not necessary you know. I trust her implicitly.”

“You do?” Hunter sounded surprised. “I didn’t realize you—knew her that well.”

Alex wasn’t about to fall into that trap. He knew what his brother was doing. “She’s been my assistant for almost seven months. I think I know her fairly well. Besides that, she worked at a few Worth store locations prior to her coming to us. Why do you insist she can’t be trusted?”

“I don’t. But just because you think you know someone doesn’t mean you can always trust them. Look at Rhett.”

Alex signed. He hadn’t heard any recent updates in regards to his troublesome brother. “How is he, by the way?”

“He went to court this morning. His lawyer got most of the charges dropped against him. Lucky bastard,” Hunter muttered, sarcasm heavy in his tone.

Relief flooded Alex. Hunter believed a little time in jail and a hefty fine would do wonders for Rhett’s reckless behavior, maybe even curing him instantly. Alex, on the other hand, could hardly stand the idea of Rhett being locked up, even for a month, two weeks, whatever. The guilt at letting his baby brother down would overwhelm him.

When it came to Rhett, he had an inexplicably soft heart.

“That’s good.” Alex watched a rush of people exit the store, Tessa lingering by the cash wrap counter speaking with the store manager. She looked amazing, clad in all black, ropes of silver chains dangling from her neck at intermittent lengths. Emphasizing the curve of her breasts, of which he’d caressed intimately only a few hours before.

Morning sex. Another bonus of having Tessa in his bed, she’d ridden him hard, her enthusiasm contagious. Invigorating. How many orgasms had he experienced since that first amazing night with her?

He could hardly count fast enough to keep up with their numerous encounters.

“You’re not even listening to me.” Hunter chuckled though Alex caught a note of frustration. “We’ll talk first thing Monday. And I plan on interviewing your secretary by the end of the day but don’t tell her. I don’t want to give her an
 
advantage so she can prepare.”

“What the hell do you mean by that?”

“I mean that I don’t want her to prep her answers. This interview has to come as a complete surprise, and I want her to answer straight from the gut, versus a bunch of rote crap she memorized.”

His reasoning was sound but still Alex was protective of Tessa. “She’s done nothing wrong, Hunter. You’re like a dog with a bone over this, but I’m telling you she’s not the spy.”

“Your faith is all well and good but it doesn’t mean shit to me, bro. She needs to be questioned. Just think about this.” Hunter paused for effect before he launched back in with it. “There has been no suspect inquiries on any computers within this building since the two of you left. Not a single one.”

Dread slithered down Alex’s spine, and he fought to ignore it. “You could accuse me just as much as you accuse her. I’m out of the office as well.”

“Like you’d destroy and sabotage your own family’s company after you worked so hard to build it. Think about it, Alex. Consider what I just said. Maybe you’ll change your mind.” Hunter hung up, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Alex shoved his cell into his trouser pockets and slowly turned, watching Tessa unabashedly. She was beautiful, her hair down and slightly wild, cascading past her shoulders in loose waves. Giant silver hoop earrings hung from her ears, emphasizing her striking features and he found himself speechless for a brief moment, just…staring at her.

Had he ever felt this way about another woman? Ever? He didn’t believe so. Yet it was damn hard to think about wanting to be with her,
really
be with her, with the sabotage bullshit hanging over their heads.

Well, more like just over his head. He hadn’t let her in on much of what was happening. No need to worry her especially because she wasn’t involved.

Shit.
He hoped she wasn’t involved. How he hated that he even had a sliver of doubt. But there it was. The seed planted by his bastard brother, already taking root.

“Is everything all right?” The sound of her gentle voice coming from behind made him turn around.

Tessa stood before him, big brown eyes wide, concern written all over her pretty face. He smiled, wanted to reassure her, really wanting to yank her in his arms and kiss the worry right out of her but he restrained himself.

“Business call,” he said vaguely, dismissing it. “Are we ready to go?”

She nodded eagerly, casting her gaze first to the left, then the right before she stepped closer, a devilish smile curving her lips. “I’m ready to go back to the hotel room.”

“This is our last night in London. Wouldn’t you like to go out?” Not that he wanted to. Not when he had the opportunity to keep her in his room, naked in his bed, for the rest of the evening.

Yet he didn’t want her to miss the sights either.

“I’d rather be with you. Alone,” she confessed softly.

His cock stiffened and he tried to ignore it. “I should at least take you to dinner.”

She shrugged. “Room service works for me just as well.”

Christ, she was tempting. It would be easy to give in and agree, take her back to the hotel and make love to her continuously for the rest of the night.

She made him feel like a feral beast, ready to take her any way he could get her. So completely out of control he didn’t know if he was coming or going, she had him so tied up in knots.

Knots he’d gladly stayed wrapped up in as long as he had Tessa by his side.

“We’ve ate nothing but room service for the last two nights. I’m taking you out,” he said firmly, ignoring the flicker of disappointment in her gaze.

It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t be disappointed when he took her to one of the best restaurants in all of London. She wouldn’t be disappointed either when he finally did take her back to his suite and made excruciatingly slow love to her. He wanted to watch her fall apart, wanted to taste her, take her, lose himself in her…

“Where are you taking me to dinner then?”

“Ah, now that’s a surprise.” He tapped the tip of her nose with his index finger. “All I ask is that you dress nice.”